Moose Jaw Express, August 20, 2025

sale dates: august 7 - september 3, 2025

MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER

The Midwest Shrine Association (MSA) summer conference will wrap up with a burst of colour, music, and community spirit you don’t want to miss as more than 400 Shriners parade down Main Street North from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The procession — the largest of its kind ever held in Moose Jaw and the first of its kind in Saskatchewan — will feature 48 units of Shriners from across Canada and the United States, capping a four-day celebration of fellowship, philanthropy, and fun.

“After an exciting weekend of events from Wednesday, Aug. 20, right through until the night of Friday, Aug. 22, we’re winding it all up with a big parade on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 23,” said Aaron Ruston, director general of the MSA 2025 event.

The lineup begins at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall before the parade heads south on Main Street from Saskatchewan Drive to Manitoba Street. Ruston said residents are welcome to arrive early to see the units getting organized.

“Now a unit (represents) each (individual) club, and the Shriners have different cars, motorcycles, horses … we have 48 units coming. In there, there’s

largest Shriners parade in Sask. history

often six, seven, eight, or even 10 Shriners on (each separate float), so there’s going to be a lot of people,” Ruston said.

True to the Shriners’ core mission, the parade will offer plenty of excitement for children.

“Of course, the clowns are going to be there, (and there will be) lots of colours and excitement (as we do) what the Shriners do — entertain children and families while taking care of their special health needs.”

Ruston stressed the importance of keeping Main Street clear of vehicles to ensure safety for both participants and spectators ahead of the parade.

“Parking will be blocked from 10 a.m. right through until noon,” he said. “We’re going to have people out there making sure that (motorists) don’t park (along the parade route), just to keep it safe for everyone.”

The parade is just one of several public opportunities to connect with the Shriners during the upcoming conference. On Thursday, Aug. 21, a community meet-and-greet will take place at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds from 5:30 to 8 p.m., featuring vendors, special guests, and plenty of photo opportunities.

“It’s going to be a real connection with the community,” Ruston said. “It’s really about connecting with people, reminding them what the Shriners do, but also having fun at the same time.”

Ruston encouraged residents to reach out and show their hospitality throughout the weekend.

“If you see a stranger in town or somebody new, welcome them and just say, ‘Hey, it’s so good to have you here.’ Just make them feel really welcome.”

For more information, including a full event schedule, visit MSA2025.com or search “Midwest Shrine Association MSA 2025” on Facebook.

Dairy Queen’s 23rd annual Miracle Treat Day another great success

Cool Blizzard Treats were hot sellers at the two Dairy Queen locations in Moose Jaw on Aug. 14, as hundreds of people visited to support the 23rd annual DQ Miracle Treat Day.

At the Main Street North location, manager Ann Angeles said the outlet was packed throughout the day and more than doubled its business compared to last year’s event.

The manager partly attributed the busyness to Kortni, the youth ambassador for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, who required support from the health-care venue in December. Angeles joked that half of Central Butte visited to support the young girl.

“She was ecstatic (to help) and did the drive-thru,” Angeles remarked.

All the money raised in The Friendly City will stay in Saskatchewan and will support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, one of 12 such foundations in Canada.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

In 2024, both DQ locations — the other on Caribou Street West — together sold over 1,600 Blizzards and raised more than $11,000. The company also donated $2,000 to the pediatric ward at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital to give hope to sick children.

“This is a fantastic event for us. We are so thrilled to host again,” said Angeles. “It’s been a pleasure to do fundraising for sick kids in Saskatchewan.”

Businessman Jim Braun has owned the Dairy Queen outlets in Moose Jaw since 1997, while Angeles has been manager since 2017 and her husband has been managing since 2015.

On Miracle Treat Day, the Main Street North location had an inflatable bouncy castle outside, while inside, there were balloons, face painting, Morty the Moose from the WHL Moose Jaw Warriors and a DQ mascot.

Angeles said she enjoyed helping make thousands of blizzards, noting that

staff prepared hundreds ahead of time — 511 at last check — since the business accepted pre-orders from companies in Moose Jaw and the area.

Continuing, she said the number of Blizzard Treats that staff have made on Miracle Treat Day continues to increase every year. She attributed this to more businesses becoming familiar with the province-wide fundraiser and wanting to contribute. Moreover, Dairy Queen is engaging more people through posts on social media.

A news release from International Dairy Queen said the company has donated over $54 million to children’s hospital foundations through the Children’s Miracle Network over the past two decades.

Last year, the tasty treat day raised $249,000 in Saskatchewan, with those funds supporting the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and the more than 83,000 kids who receive help and thousands of moms-to-be who require prenatal care. Those children and mothers represent

575 communities across the province.

“Thanks to the dedicated support of partners like Dairy Queen and Children’s Miracle Network in Canada, we are excited (about) everyone’s favourite fundraiser (that happened) across the province on Aug. 14,” said Jada Kook, community engagement manager at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“When you (treated) your employees, your family or yourself to a Blizzard Treat at Dairy Queen on Miracle Treat Day, your support (helped) children and families stay in our province to receive the critical care they require.”

The Children’s Miracle Network raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada.

Members of Dairy Queen’s Main Street North location and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital pose with Kortni (front middle), the hospital’s ambassador. Photo courtesy DQ North

Managers George and Ann Angeles (middle) pose with representatives from the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy DQ North

Dairy Queen’s mascot and Morty the Moose Jaw from the Warriors meet with customers. Photo courtesy DQ North

How may I help you? Kortni, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital ambassador, greets customers at the window, during Miracle Treat Day. Photo courtesy DQ North

NDP, Sask. Party talk post-secondary funding amid Sask. Polytech layoffs

Recent layoffs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic have sparked a wider conversation about the future of postsecondary education in the province — and both the Official Opposition and the Saskatchewan Party government say they are committed to finding solutions.

The Sask. NDP first raised concerns after the institution announced another 14 out-of-scope job cuts last month, citing a $14 to $15 million budget shortfall. The school has already laid off 27 staff earlier this year — with at least one employee from Moose Jaw let go.

Tajinder Grewal, MLA for Saskatoon University–Sutherland and Opposition shadow minister for advanced education, said the cuts come at a time when the demand for skilled workers in industries such as health care, mining, agriculture, and technology is high.

“This is basically due … to insufficient levels of provincial funding,” Grewal said. “For a strong Saskatchewan, we need a strong Polytechnic.”

Grewal said the province’s share of Sask. Polytech’s operating budget has fallen from about 60 per cent two decades ago to 50 per cent or less today.

“When I was talking to (Sask. Polytech management, faculty, and staff), they were very innovative (in finding) solutions … we (just) need to consult with the right people,” he said, pointing to current program waitlists in trades and health care training. “If you have a 95 per cent success rate, why are you not investing in that success?” he added, referring to the success rate of Sask. Polytech grad students in finding work in their field.

He further added that many Sask. Polytech graduates remain in their communities, strengthening local economies and filling high-demand roles such as health care.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw

Express

Whereas Grewal acknowledged that international student enrolment numbers are down, he does not attribute recent layoffs and potential program cuts solely to this development. Instead, he contends that the institution has been forced to rely on these student fees to compensate for ongoing budget cuts, saying the root of the issue is a consistent decrease in government funding.

The Sask. Party government said the challenges are not unique to the province and are being felt nationwide due to recent changes to the federal International Student Program. Those changes, including a permit cap, have reduced enrolment and in turn, revenue from

“Sask. Polytechnic, along with other post-second-

ary institutions across Canada, are making difficult decisions because of the changes to the International Student Program the federal government has made which have reduced student enrolment,” said Megan Patterson, MLA for Moose Jaw-Wakamow, in a written statement.

Patterson said the province is advocating with Ottawa to address the permit cap’s impact on recruitment and on international students’ perception of Canada. She also noted that the province has extended its multiyear funding agreement with post-secondary institutions by one year, increasing operational funding by $6 million across the sector.

“Our government supports post-secondary institutions through regular grant funding … We continue to be committed to a strong post-secondary sector in our province ensuring exceptional training opportunities for our students to help provide them a bright future right here in Saskatchewan,” Patterson said.

In response to the extended one-year funding agreement, Grewal called for longer-term, multi-year funding agreements to give institutions stability and allow them to confidently plan programs years in advance. By contrast, Patterson said the Sask. Party government remains confident in the institution to manage its finances appropriately.

Sask. Polytech has said the layoffs represent about 10 per cent of its out-of-scope workforce, with further cost-saving measures likely in the months ahead. The institution’s “Leading the Rise” strategic plan for 2026–2030 emphasizes maintaining high graduate employment rates — currently about 90 per cent — and aligning programming with industry needs.

layoffs

funding debates have placed Sask. Polytech at the centre of provincial discussions on the future of post-secondary education. Pictured is the front of Sask. Polytech’s Moose Jaw campus. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Editor’s Note

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

As parents raising our sons during their education years, we tried hard to be involved as much as a parent could be during a busy life of comings and goings, work and responsibilities. Nothing has changed many years later as our sons are parents trying to keep on top of what their kids are learning nowadays and making sure they are getting a good education in their early years so they can build a foundation for future learning.

I can’t say that I am a guru in much education-wise in this decade so I asked ai for some tips and information that possibly may be of interest to parents who will soon be monitoring their kids’ education during their up-

coming learning year. The information looks like it may be of benefit to those who are really trying hard to be on top of what their kids are being taught in 2025. This is the information obtained:

“As a parent of school-age children in Saskatchewan or western Canada, staying informed about your child’s education requires proactive steps. Start by regularly communicating with teachers via emails, apps like Seesaw or Google Classroom, and attending parent-teacher conferences or school council meetings. Review homework, report cards, and school newsletters for insights into daily lessons. To ensure alignment with educational requirements, access the official Saskatchewan curriculum online through the Ministry of Education’s website (curriculum.gov.sk.ca), which outlines grade-specific outcomes in subjects like math, language arts, and health. This helps verify if teaching matches provincial standards. In western prov-

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

inces like Alberta or British Columbia, similar resources are available via their education ministries’ sites.

If you disagree with content, such as aspects of sex education, approach it diplomatically. Saskatchewan’s policies, updated in 2023, require schools to inform parents about sexual health curriculum and allow opting out of participation. Begin by calmly discussing concerns with the teacher, citing specific examples and your values. If unresolved, escalate to the principal or school division superintendent, referencing the Parents’ Bill of Rights, which emphasizes parental involvement in education decisions. Frame it as collaborative: “I appreciate the curriculum’s intent, but I’d like to opt out and provide alternative learning at home.” Avoid confrontation; focus on your child’s well-being. In other western provinces, opt-out options exist but vary—check local policies.

For supporting your child in the

2025 school year with limited time, be efficient and hands-on. Establish a consistent routine: designate a quiet, distraction-free study space and schedule 20-30 minutes daily for homework right after school or dinner. Use timers for focus bursts and breaks (e.g., Pomodoro technique). Help plan by breaking tasks into steps—review agendas together briefly each evening. Encourage independence: teach note-taking, active reading, and self-quizzing with apps like Quizlet. Limit screens during study time, but leverage educational tools like Khan Academy for quick reinforcements. Praise effort over grades to build motivation. If time is tight, involve siblings in peer teaching or use weekends for family review sessions. These habits foster resilience and academic grasp without overwhelming your schedule.”

Hope this helps.

‘Touch A Truck’ rolling back into Moose Jaw for fourth annual event

Families will once again have the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the city’s biggest vehicles when the fourth annual Touch A Truck event returns on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Temple Gardens Centre curling rink and adjacent parking lot, the free event invites children and families to explore a wide range of emergency, commercial, and specialty vehicles. The afternoon will wrap up with a sensoryfriendly “quiet time” from 2:30 to 3 p.m., when sirens and horns will be paused to provide a calmer environment for visitors who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

The hands-on showcase is hosted by the Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre in partnership with the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, Temple Gardens Centre, the South Central Literacy Network, SaskEnergy, and the Moose Jaw Public Library. Since its inaugural run in 2022, the event has quickly grown into a late-summer favourite, drawing hundreds of attendees eager to climb aboard and experience vehicles up close.

This year’s confirmed lineup includes fire engines, an ambulance, a police cruiser, a tow truck, a school bus, the Search and Rescue command post, and even a vintage 1950 Ford courtesy of the Western

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Development Museum. Organizers expect additional vehicles to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

Unlike a static car show, Touch A Truck is designed as an interactive experience. Children are encouraged to honk horns, try out switches, and talk directly with the operators who use the vehicles every

day. Alongside the outdoor displays, the curling rink will host indoor activities, including play stations, a chance to see the Zamboni up close, book giveaways, and a concession.

The event also carries a strong literacy focus. Since the beginning, organizers have tied the showcase to National and International Literacy Day, highlighting how new experiences spark language and learning opportunities for children. At past events, families have received free books to take home as part of the effort to support early childhood literacy in the community.

Touch A Truck has built a reputation for connecting children with both vehicles and the people behind them, from firefighters and paramedics to construction operators and tow truck drivers. The goal is to give children a rare opportunity to see how these machines work and to meet the everyday heroes who use them. Admission is free, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, residents can contact the Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre at 1250 Eleventh Avenue Northwest or by calling 306-691-0202.

The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest

Inaugural banquet to highlight Hope Ministries’ work feeding the community

Hope Ministries has been supporting the community’s less fortunate for almost a year and has decided to hold an inaugural banquet and dessert auction to thank residents and raise some extra funds.

“A Place at the Table” takes place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Church of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church at 566 Vaughn Street on South Hill. The doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is a 5:30, and that is followed by a guest speaker, remarks from the executive director and a dessert auction.

The event is free, although tickets — 200 are available — must still be purchased, either as a single seat or a table of eight. To acquire tickets, visit www. zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/a-place-atthe-table.

Rachel Mullens, executive director and founder of the non-profit, faithbased organization, said the banquet will raise awareness about what Hope Ministries does, its needs and the needs of the community, and its goal of finding a permanent home.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

An update about the quest to find a location will likely be provided, she noted, while the board will also provide information about its vision for the organization’s future.

Mullens said the banquet is free because the board did not want the cost of tickets to prevent people from attending. However, since the event is a fundraiser, the organization will generate money through the dessert auction and from those who make donations.

“The more people that know about what we’re doing, hopefully it will spread through the community,” she remarked.

Hosting this banquet is a good way to “clear up some misconceptions” in the community about the organization and to thank people who have offered support, Mullens said. The event is also a great way to celebrate one year of operations; Hope Ministries began feeding people in October 2024.

“For me, I’ve never started a notfor-profit (organization), so this has been

quite the journey and learning curve for me,” she continued. “And it’s a way just to be thankful for where we’re at … .”

The guest speaker will be author Alex Allen, who has written a devotional book for people looking to learn more about the Bible and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, Mullens added. She has read the book and thought it was excellent.

According to a presentation that Hope Ministries gave to city council in January, the organization’s mission is to share the love and compassion of Jesus

Christ by ensuring people can access nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment that offers support, resources and a sense of belonging.

It also aims to create a stronger, healthier community by tackling the issues of hunger and housing insecurity with compassion and action.

Hope Ministries — comprised of a coalition of churches and organizations — is serving suppers Monday to Friday from the parking lot of St. Aidan Anglican Church, from 5 to 6 p.m. Mullens uses the church’s kitchen to prepare and cook the food.

The charity also provides a warming space and lunches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; the John Howard Society provides lunches at Zion United Church on Mondays.

Questions and comments about Hope Ministries can be directed to Rachel Mullens at hopeministriesmj@ gmail.com.

Monday, August 25 th

~ Houston Pizza

117 Main Street North, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

Tuesday, September 2 nd

~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room

9th Avenue South & Grandview Street, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

please join us for this 90 minute seminar over a free meal

~ invite a friend or family member as well ~

people make it a priority to look after their own arrangements. Find out how to control costs, provide peace of mind to your family and executor, and fund costs in advance (with a monthly payment or lump sum). Purple Shield Plans are customized to your wishes.

Since a complimentary meal will be provided, we would request hearing of your plans to attend by calling Moose Jaw Funeral Home 306.693.4550

Tuesday, September 9 th

~ Houston Pizza

117 Main Street North, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

Tuesday, September 16 th

~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room

9th Avenue South & Grandview Street, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

Young schoolchildren learn tips to ride the bus safely

Dozens of children who will attend their first day of school this September had the opportunity recently to ride the bus and learn how the big yellow vehicle works.

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and Prairie South School Division teamed up to offer the First Rider Program on Aug. 14, with kids and parents attending an event at either Lindale or St. Margaret schools.

The program is a fun learning experience that introduces children to school bus safety, including crossing the street and proper ways to get on and off the bus.

Entering kindergarten at Sunningdale School this fall is Peter Hill, 5, who attended the event at Lindale with his mom and little brother. Although a little shy, Hill — with help from his mom —

this was his first time riding the bus, and he was excited for school.

Continuing, he said he had played at Sunningdale School’s playground over the summer and enjoyed the new equipment.

The five-year-old added that he was uncertain how buses operated but was most interested in learning how the doors worked.

Before kids and their parents walked onto the buses to take a short ride, several dignitaries spoke during a brief ceremony.

Mayor James Murdock said that everyone needed to remember that every day, as children rode the bus, it was a new “learning adventure.” He then encouraged the kids to listen to their bus drivers and remain seated until the vehicle arrived safely at school — and back home again.

“You’re very fortunate. I’ll tell you that I’m so old, we didn’t have school

forehand and show the parents what was expected of their children.

Continuing, he said the buses are “pretty big” and they’re sometimes difficult to see around, so there were proper ways for the kids to enter and exit safely. He added that students should also say hello to the resource officers when they see them at school.

Todd Johnson, PSSD’s transportation manager, said that daily, the division transports roughly 2,700 students, and the buses travel over 19,000 kilometres.

buses when I went to school,” the mayor joked, prompting much laughter from the adults. “So I had to walk; can you imagine that?”

Salena Marceau, the transportation manager with Holy Trinity, engaged with the students energetically while discussing safety tips. She told them to cross the street at the corners, to stay back from the bus doors, to not enter the vehicle without a driver, to hold onto the stair rail, to keep their body parts inside and to not eat or drink.

Marceau then told the parents that they should ask their kids daily how the bus ride was, since that experience can be different from their class. She added that the divisions also conduct bus evacuations and drills when the driver passes out twice a year.

Supt. Rick McKenna, with the Moose Jaw Police Service, said the first day of school would likely be exciting for most students, and there would be many things happening. So, he thought the First Rider program was a great opportunity to review the safety rules be-

Continuing, he said Prairie South is ready to transport children to the new joint-use school since all six routes are mapped out, while parents will soon learn when their children’s pickup and drop-off times are and the locations. Bus drivers will also soon become familiar with the routes.

He noted that buses will transport the Catholic students first and then the public students second, based on the start times at each building.

“The school is beautiful. It’s going to be a change, but … it’s fantastic for City of Moose Jaw and for Prairie South and … Holy Trinity as well,” Johnson added.

Koda the Coyote from Coteau Hills Elementary School hangs out with families.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Salina Marceau, transportation manager with Holy Trinity (right), speaks to the children about how to ride the bus safely. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Youngsters and their parents board the bus for a quick drive around Moose Jaw.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Backyard gardens produce homemade goodness

An abundance of sour cherries on the tree this year prompted a time spent in the kitchen producing a sauce from the cherries.

And while most tomatoes are still green on the vine, use some of those green tomatoes to produce fried green tomatoes or green tomato mincemeat.

•

SOUR CHERRY SAUCE

ice cream pail of ripe sour cherries water to cover 6-7 cups of cherry juice

2 tbsps. lemon juice

1 1/2 cups sugar (or more to taste)

3 tbsps. cornstarch

3 tbsps. water

Place sorted cherries in a large pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil slowly for 5-10 minutes. Use a potato masher to mash the cherries to extract as much juice as possible.

Pour juice and pulp through a large strainer. Set juice aside. Press pulp of skins and pits into a cheese cloth bag and twist to remove as much juice as possible.

Measure 6-7 cups of juice into another large pot. Bring to a slow boil. Stir in lemon juice and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add water to cornstarch and mix to remove lumps. Add to sugar and juice and then stir constantly as juice thickens. Strain mixture to remove any cornstarch clots.

Pour juice into freezer containers or sterilized jars. Juice in jars will keep in refrigerator for about a month. Serve over vanilla ice cream, or angel food cake topped with ice cream.

Another option is to semi-thaw a block of vanilla ice cream and mix in some of the sauce. Stir, then return to freezer to freeze. Serve in bowls or in glasses to which ginger ale is added.

Prepared juice may also be added to a glass of Coke-a-Cola to produce homemade cherry cola.

And why not spread thinly on bread before adding the cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches. Mmmm good!

• • •

GREEN TOMATO MINCEMEAT

5 lbs. green tomatoes

2 lbs. seedless raisins

2 lbs. currants

3/4 lb. beef suet

2 tbsps. cinnamon

1 tbsp. each of mace, cloves, nutmeg and allspice

5 lbs. apples

1 lb. sultana raisins

1 lb. mixed fruit peel

2 lbs. brown sugar

2 tbsps. salt

1 cup grape juice

1 1/2 cups vinegar

1 cup water

Wash tomatoes and remove stems and any spots. Put through a meat chopper then cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Drain through a strainer and set aside in a large saucepan. Wash, peel and core apples then put through a meat chopper. Add to tomatoes. Wash and dry raisins. Add to tomatoes and apples.

Add all other ingredients. Slowly simmer until clear and thick but be careful mixture does not burn.

Spoon into sterilized quart jars and store in a cool place. Alternatively, spoon into freezer dishes and freeze immediately. Makes about seven quarts.

Use in pies or heat and serve over ice cream.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Food bank supports more than 2,300 individuals over July and early August

The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank continues to play a crucial role in supporting local residents, with more than 2,300 people receiving assistance over July and the first week of August.

According to the organization’s weekly impact reports, July saw 755 families receive help, including 1,179 adults and 639 children — for a total of 1,811 people. Over the course of the month, 26,100 pounds (11,838 kilograms) of food were distributed, with 2,259 pounds (1,025 kilograms) going out in the final week alone.

Breaking down the month of July, the food bank’s July 7 to 11 report showed 186 families supported, including 297 adults and 208 children, with 6,744 pounds (3,060 kilograms) of food distributed. The following week, July 14

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Between Aug. 1 and Aug.

to 18, saw 201 families served, including 312 adults and 163 children, with 6,982 pounds (3,168 kilograms) distrib-

uted. From July 21 to 25, 195 families received assistance, including 294 adults and 138 children, with 6,135 pounds (2,782 kilograms) distributed.

Executive director Jason Moore said the numbers highlight the continued high demand for food bank services.

“Every visit, every item, and every act of support brings hope to a neighbour in need,” Moore wrote. “Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and community for standing with us.”

The first week of August showed that demand remained strong. Between Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, the food bank filled 230 orders, serving 341 adults and 224 children — for a total of 565 people. That week alone, 8,526 pounds (3,868 kilograms) of food were distributed.

Moore said each statistic represents

more than just a number.

“Behind every number is a neighbour who had one less worry because of your generosity,” he said.

The food bank encourages residents to help maintain this momentum by donating food, contributing financially, or volunteering their time. Donations can be made online at MJFoodBank.org/ Donate, while volunteer applications are available at MJFoodBank.org/Volunteer.

“This work is only possible because of you,” Moore wrote. “Your continued support means we can keep helping families in need across our community.”

The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is located at 270 Fairford Street West. For more information, visit MJFoodBank.org, email EndHunger@MJFoodBank.org, or call 306-692-2911.

8, the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank filled 230 orders, serving 341 adults and 224 children — for a total of 565 people Photo by: Moose Jaw and District Food Bank

By

Espalier

Espalier is a unique and satisfying way to grow fruit trees in a small space. There are many styles of espalier - the T-shape, the cordon, the diamond motif, the basket weave and the fan. The T-shape has a strong centre stem with a series of cross arms and is rather formal in design. This is a great design for apple trees which bear fruit on long-lived spurs. Both the cordon and fan are more or less fan-like in appearance with the cordon displaying distinct similarities to a Jewish menorah. Fan-like shapes are best for plums and cherries as they bear fruit on shoots produced in the pre-

vious year. Renewal pruning is necessary for consistent fruit production. Regardless of the style you choose, draw it out on graph paper to help you to design the necessary support framework.

Once you have chosen the tree of choice, the framework will need to be created. Heavy wire (12 or 15 gauge) is the traditional support which will need to be supported by the wall or fence. The first wire should be at least a couple of feet (.5m) above the ground and can be followed with upper wires a similar distance apart. Traditionally, three wires are used but more levels are completely acceptable.

It is easiest to use a whip to espalier but many gardeners I know would rather start with a larger tree. If your choice is

to use a larger tree, choose one that will fit your framework with branches that are evenly spaced. Plant the tree about 6 inches in front of the frame paying attention that the graft union is a couple inches above the soil level.

For larger trees, it is necessary to gradually tease the branches into the desired framework. It is amazing how flexible branches are in spring and how they lend themselves to a less natural position. Waiting to entice larger, woody branches is a lot more work. Branches that do not fit the design are simply removed.

If you are beginning your apple espalier with a whip, then in early spring snip the stem at the height of the first wire. Ensure there are at least three buds below the cut that over the first season will develop into shoots. Tie these new shoots to the lowest wire leaving one shoot vertical. Next spring, prune this vertical to the height of the second wire and follow the same process. This prune and tie system forms the espalier pattern. It is best during this establishment

time to prune off any fruit buds so the tree spends all its energy on vegetative growth.

Once your espalier form is set, then pruning is simplified but necessary in order to keep the form. Apples simply need to be kept in check but plums and cherries will need to have new branches trained into position each spring in order for fruit to be produced. Those branches that fruited the previous year are simply removed.

Espalier is not difficult and is attractive and satisfying. Perhaps this spring is the time to try your hand at it!

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.

Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW… https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw health provider files lawsuit against CBC over article

By MooseJawToday.com staff

A Moose Jaw health provider has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and one of its reporters over an article the news outlet ran about the provider’s services.

Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, founder of the Restorative Health Centre, entered his lawsuit in Court of King’s Bench Judicial Centre in Regina, alleging that CBC and reporter Geoff Leo harmed his reputation and caused the community to view him negatively.

Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that CBC’s reporting contained “blatantly false statements” and failed to “independently provide” Goodenowe with an opportunity to rebut the allegations, according to a news release that the health provider distributed. Goodenowe also alleged that CBC and Leo “acted with reckless disregard for the truth.”

In June, the public broadcaster released “Hard to Swallow,” which criticized Goodenowe’s work helping patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a rare, terminal neurodegenerative disorder that results in the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons that control voluntary muscle contraction.

Goodenowe’s website says he is a world-renowned neuroscientist whose supplements and treatment programs can halt the progression of ALS symptoms and put patients on the path to recovery.

His research also focuses on reversing the effects of autism.

The feature-length article highlighted the experiences of several American patients and the concerns they — or their loved ones — had about their outcomes. Furthermore, it featured comments from a University of Alberta professor and the chief scientific officer at the ALS Society of Canada, while it questioned his medical credentials.

Goodenowe spoke to MooseJawToday.com about the article, saying it was “quite disturbing” because he gave CBC plenty of information about his clinics’ work and clients’ success stories, but the broadcaster used none of it.

Goodenowe said in the news release that throughout his career, he has worked to advance science and serve cli-

ents with integrity.

“I welcome fair, rigorous journalism. But when reporting crosses the line into defamation to satisfy a reporter’s personal pre-determined false narrative, it undermines public trust and damages years of dedicated work,” the health practitioner said.

Continuing, Goodenowe said that large news organizations like CBC “wield great power,” but with such power “comes the responsibility to not abuse it” or allow reporters to use it for oppression.

“This legal action is about ensuring accuracy and accountability, not just for myself, but for others (who) are less able to defend themselves against such abuses of power,” Goodenowe added.

The health practitioner’s centre operates a self-directed research program that offers education, nutritional support and advanced biochemical testing to participants from around the world. Goodenowe pointed out that the Restorative Health Centre is not a medical venue and does not replace conventional care, but operates in compliance with provincial and federal laws.

The news release stated that Goodenowe’s legal filing seeks monetary damages, a public retraction of the article, and for CBC to update its coverage to include the complete statements, patient consents, and program data that the health practitioner provided to Leo before publication.

Goodenowe added that his case would “vigorously defend against falsehoods” and “restore public confidence in accurate reporting about innovative health research.”

Goodenowe has a community health centre in the Town ‘n’ Country Mall, the Prodrome Health Centre at 1350 Lakeview Road, and three other venues under construction. All are supporting The Moose Jaw Vitality Project (MVP), which offers patients no-cost access to modern restorative health services and advanced health-monitoring technology.

Meanwhile, Goodenowe is hosting an in-person and online community health summit on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. More info can be found at moosejaw.drgoodenowe.org.

By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Gas pumping experience used at non-service stations Reflective Moments

The lessons learned at the parent’s gasoline and bulk oil business are serving me quite well in the decades that have seen the “service” removed from the service stations.

I was a tomboy in a small community where no restrictions were placed on me for what tasks I should be undertaking as a girl. When I wasn’t frustrating my mother in my inability to learn how to knit and sew, I was happily tagging along with my dad as he sold white, purple and amber gasoline plus cans of grease products.

I was a frequent passenger with him as he made farm-to-farm deliveries, filling the customers’ on-farm tanks from orders phoned in, or based on regular standing weekly orders in the busy farm season.

But I was also trained in how to pump gas for customers who dropped

by to have their cars filled with amber gasoline. Sometimes I even got to run the pump when a farmer arrived with a small barrel to be filled with purple gas. It was important to carefully drain the pump hose of purple gas before filling a car’s tank with amber — police stops were common in search of urban drivers using purple gas meant for farm trucks and equipment.

Fast forward to the present day in which self-serve has become a regular duty of the travelling public.

We first noticed a proliferation of self-serve gas bars when we visited the East Coast provinces in 2008, 2010 and 2013. Ditto for British Columbia in 2015 and Ontario in 2016. Here at home our favourite gas bar still provides full service which means an attendant will fill the gas tank and even wash the front window. (A special request will some-

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, AUG. 25

Facing inflationary pressures of minimum wage hikes and higher operational costs, city council has agreed to give the Moose Jaw Humane Society an increase in operational funding of almost six per cent.

During its Aug. 11 regular meeting, council voted unanimously to approve amendments to the animal services agreement between the two parties for the operation of animal control services.

Furthermore, council agreed to give the animal organization an extra $14,750.95 from this year’s unallocated investment earnings in the long-term investment portfolio to support the funding increase. As of July, roughly $25,800 in that investment earnings folder remained unallocated.

Also, council authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the amended agreement for the municipality.

The City of Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw Humane Society signed a 20-year agreement on April 10, 2017, which outlined the provision of animal control and pound-keeping services, a council report said. The agreement included a clause allowing annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments to the base funding amount.

times have the back window washed as well.)

At first I was annoyed that most gas companies were going to self-serve without reducing the price of gas in relation to the savings on labour. But now I am resigned to the fact that when we travel, we will most likely have to pump our own gas.

That means I pump the gas based on my previous experience and training, and Housemate becomes the window washer and he goes inside to pay the bill — a satisfactory division of labour. I have become somewhat adept at judging the number of litres the tank will take, based on the kilometres travelled and the litres previously required to fill the tank. The automatic shut-off is quite advanced technology — unlike the washer I learned to place on the pump handle back in my learning days.

There is still an element of excitement when we do come across a fullservice outlet somewhere during the journey. But sometimes that full service doesn’t come with a smile or a thank you or an offer to wash the windows. At such a stop earlier in out travels, the grumpy attendant did not wash the windows nor did he put the gas cap back on properly — resulting in a warning light coming on to alert us we’d better stop and tend to the problem.

So I’m happy to have gas pumping training, but I will continue to look for full-service signs and when I don’t hear the three clicks of the cap being turned, I will get out and give it my own selfserve twist of the wrist.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Humane Society receives funding boost of almost 6%

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

During last fall’s 2025 budget deliberations, the animal organization asked council for an increase in annual funding of 5.92 per cent to address rising operational costs — and to close the funding gap — due to minimum wage hikes, which had increased by 36.86 per cent since 2017, the document continued.

Council did not approve the request but directed administration to bring forward an updated agreement for consideration in 2025.

City hall met with Human Society officials and proposed several updates to the agreement, the report said. Those updates included:

• Annual fee increase: The city will increase the Humane Society’s 2025 funding allotment to $267,909.05, which reflects the original 1.6 per cent CPI adjustment plus the extra $14,750.95 to help offset wage-related increases

• Department references: All references in the agreement to the planning and development service department will now refer to the community services department for clarity and “operational alignment”

• Fleet vehicle: Instead of reimbursing costs, the city will provide the Humane Society with a fleet

vehicle for animal control use and look after registration, insurance, maintenance and replacement, while the Humane Society will pay for fuel costs; this change reflects current practices

• Contact person: The director of community services will now serve as the city’s contact for all agreement-related notices

Coun. Jamey Logan said the use of a fleet vehicle was not included in the financial implications section of the report. He wondered why that was and whether there were concerns in handing over a vehicle to the organization.

Derek Blais, director of community services, said the update to the agreement affected only words in the document but did not change the current practice. Specifically, the municipality was already providing the animal organization with a vehicle and covering the automobile’s insurance.

“Previously, they provided the insurance. (But) as the owner of the vehicle, we’re the ones who need to insure it,” he added. “So it created a lot of administrative (hassles). So it’s covered under the city’s policy now and reduces the cost to them.”

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, AUG. 25

Coun. Patrick Boyle says an existing “loophole” in the zoning bylaw that allows some projects to proceed without public consultation should be eliminated — even if it means facing legal action.

Boyle introduced a motion during the Aug. 11 regular city council meeting that directed city administration to update the bylaw to move “supportive housing” uses from permitted to discretionary for R3 high-density residential district, R4 core residential mixed and C2 high-density commercial district.

This motion was in response to Ranch Ehrlo’s proposed supportive housing/treatment centre in the former Chez Nous Care Home on 1101 Grafton Avenue. Supportive housing is considered a permitted use in the zoning bylaw, which means public consultations are not mandatory.

After a lengthy discussion, council voted 4-3 to support the motion. In favour were Mayor James Murdock and councillors Carla Delaurier, Boyle and Jamey Logan. Opposed were councillors Heather Eby, Chris Warren and Dawn Luhning.

A ‘simple change’

Boyle said his motion would create a “very simple change” in the zoning bylaw that would order public engagement sessions, while permitted and discretionary use projects would result in the same outcome if the consultation process were followed correctly.

Continuing, he said administration produced a report connected to his motion discussing human rights, which he thought was interesting — and ironic — since such logic could apply to every bylaw and anyone could sue the city at any time.

Meanwhile, Boyle said the recent uproar over Ranch Ehrlo’s project showed that residents care since they understood its implications in their neighbourhoods. He thought the community would be having a different conversation if public consultation had happened months ago.

Conversely, he pointed to the Wakamow Detox Centre on South Hill, which faced similar opposition when it opened over a decade ago. The councillor noted that he spoke with centre staff, who said the venue consulted with residents to assuage their concerns.

“Fast forward 13 years and it operates in a residential neighbourhood and was done in the right way,” Boyle remarked.

Boyle pointed out that a small business owner must appear before council to acquire permission to move a shed, while a homeowner must acquire approval from neighbours to build a tall garage. However, Ranch Ehrlo didn’t have to take either of those actions, which was “wrong.”

Closing zoning ‘loophole’ could lead to more public dialogue: Boyle

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Boyle added that this issue showed how a “loophole” in the zoning bylaw needed to be closed to ensure harmony in the community.

Unintended consequences

Eby said she understood Boyle’s intention and how people in the gallery were feeling, but pointed out that shelters like Transition House could be negatively affected by this change.

No one is supposed to know where that venue is since it’s for women fleeing domestic violence, she continued. However, if this motion passed and the non-profit organization needed to construct a new safe house, then everyone would know where it is because public consultations would be required.

Slowing the process

Delaurier said more community involvement is required with projects like Ranch Ehrlo’s, while she thought city hall could make “workarounds” for organizations like the Transition House since that’s a “oneoff” project. Conversely, there are many places that already exist in Moose Jaw that offer supportive housing, group homes or treatment centres.

Boyle’s motion would slow down the approval process, bring in the community for consultations, and ensure project proponents “have their ducks in a row,” she continued. Also, proponents would be forced to provide timely information, which wouldn’t leave residents scrambling to learn more about a project.

Legal cases

Warren acknowledged that this issue was “sensitive and complex,” but pointed to the case law examples in administration’s report and how courts look unfavourably on cities — and rule against them — that define what a family is.

Moreover, those legal examples show that municipalities must avoid “people zoning” or using characteristics when crafting bylaws, he continued. He then asked administration how many supportive housing applications city hall had received recently.

Administration replied that in the past three years, it had received one application in the R3 district; two projects are in the planning stages in the R4 district; and two applications were received last year in the C2 district, while staff are meeting with a developer this week about a project.

These projects are becoming more prevalent because of recent funding announcements by the provincial and federal governments, so it’s important that the municipality review its zoning regulations and focus on

land use since more applications are likely, administration added.

Warren added that he wanted to wait for administration to produce a comprehensive review in 2026 of potential bylaw changes, which would allow council to understand the effects and let the community offer input.

Free enterprise ‘the right way’

In response, Boyle said it’s no surprise that more supportive housing-type applications are being presented, considering Ottawa is incentivizing developers to build huge housing units in residential neighbourhoods.

Boyle then asked administration how long it had used the current definition of supportive housing and how many lawsuits the municipality had faced. Administration replied that it had used the current definition of supportive housing as a permitted use since roughly 2018 and had faced zero lawsuits or human rights complaints.

Boyle added that he was open to any businesses — like oil and gas, agriculture or transportation — operating here, but he was not interested in proponents forcing projects onto residents without consulting with them. This prompted the loudest applause of the night from the crowded gallery.

‘Through and through’ discrimination

Luhning said this motion bothered her since it was “through and through” discrimination against people who required support. Moreover, she was unwilling to have the city face legal consequences because it wanted to engage in “people zoning.”

Continuing, she said if council approved the motion and made such projects discretionary, then it would be forced to decide whether to approve such initiatives and residents opposed to them in their neighbourhoods would regularly fill the gallery.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the estate of Dale (Jack) Wakeford, late of Chaplin, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claim against the above estate, duly veri ed by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before September 24, 2025.

Chow McLeod

48 High St W

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, S6H 1S3

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, AUG. 25

City council’s decision to renew an agreement with a contractor for property assessment services has frustrated the business community and prompted calls for more audits and quality control measures.

During the closed portion of its July 28 executive committee meeting, council discussed signing a new contract with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) for Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2030. It then approved a recommendation in the meeting’s open portion to accept the contract.

For 2026, the gross fee the city will pay SAMA is $808,238. However, after giving the agency a “rent credit” of $49,238 — its office is in city hall — the net fee is $759,000, while including legal fees of $60,000 increases the total payable contract to $819,000.

If the rent expenses were included, then the city would be paying $868,238 to SAMA next year.

The contract notes that from 2027 to 2030, the annual cost escalation for services provided will be based upon the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Regina from the previous year.

If the CPI increases are not considered, then the amount of money Moose

Council renews contract with SAMA despite protest from business owner

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Jaw could pay SAMA during the fiveyear contract ranges from $4,095,000 to $4,341,190 — based on annual fees of $819,000 or $868,238, respectively.

Meanwhile, based on the city’s public accounts, city hall paid SAMA $386,500 in 2007, $422,000 in 2010, $487,490 in 2015, $579,070 in 2020 and $687,648 last year.

The contract came to council’s Aug. 11 regular meeting as part of the executive committee minutes. Council voted 4-3 to accept the contract, with Mayor James Murdock and councillors Heather Eby, Patrick Boyle and Dawn Luhning in favour and councillors Jamey Logan, Chris Warren and Carla Delaurier opposed.

Presentation

Before the vote, council heard from businesswoman Kristy Van Slyck about the contract renewal.

“As you are aware, myself and other concerned citizens are not in favour of keeping SAMA and their poor track record. However, it’s apparent that council does not hear our concerns and grievances,” she said.

Van Slyck said the contract gives the agency “full control” over Moose Jaw’s assessment system, while there

was no cost-benefit analysis or quality control that would allow the city to have oversight of the organization.

Continuing, she said the city has agreed to give SAMA $60,000 for legal fees, while the municipality would pay any additional money the agency racks up. This means, she noted, that Moose Jaw has no control over when SAMA uses a lawyer or how often — equivalent to giving it a blank cheque.

“I don’t believe that’s the best way to spend our money,” she remarked.

Van Slyck then asked council to add an amendment to the recommendation that would see an “independent, third-party audit” or “quality-control measure” included in the contract. The audit would happen every revaluation cycle — every four years — and the independent agency hired would have to be approved by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

“This provides ratepayers with confidence in the system as well as the assessed values produced,” she said.

Van Slyck said she asked council in 2023 to have SAMA take these steps, but the latter denied the request. She also urged council to approach the province, but members inquired with SAMA instead and were told to drop it.

The businesswoman said any contract with SAMA needs to protect ratepayers and ensure the agency does a “proper job,” because it is paid more

money to do a “bad job” and never faces consequences for its poor performance. Moreover, the city gives it money to appeal residents’ appeals.

“… over the last four years, we have made it obvious that there are flaws (in the assessment services),” Van Slyck said.

Continuing, Van Slyck said SAMA must — as the contract stipulates — provide city hall with the assessments by Jan. 31 of every year. However, her research showed that the agency had never met that deadline over the last 12 years, making her wonder whether the clauses in the contract mattered.

The businesswoman also noted that, based on SAMA’s control of the property assessment system, it’s no surprise that Moose Jaw has almost the same number of appeals as Saskatoon.

Van Slyck said that, similar to Saskatoon, Moose Jaw should create a governance committee to help make the process fairer for citizens, to reduce SAMA’s lawyer fees and to reduce the money council pays during the appeal process.

“Currently, SAMA has it all and you have no say,” she added. “And I would be really disappointed and really shocked if you did not realize that and … just signed (the contract).”

Council’s discussion about SAMA will be featured in a separate article.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, AUG. 25

Having heard the business community’s frustrations with the city’s property assessment contractor, Coun. Chris Warren wants to force the contractor to provide more educational sessions for city council and residents.

A motion to renew the contract with the Saskatchewan Management Assessment Agency (SAMA) was presented during the Aug. 11 regular council meeting, which prompted Warren to introduce an amendment.

He wanted city administration to create an operational guideline for the finance department that formalized two main expectations under the assessment services agreement with SAMA. Those expectations included:

• That SAMA provide a formal public presentation to council by Nov. 30 of each year, including an overview of assessment changes and trends; a summary of the cap rate model changes, including comparative tables; identifying legislative changes that affect assessments; summarizing appeals and outcomes of appeals; and the legal fees the agency incurred or is forecasted to incur

• That SAMA deliver, at a minimum, one public open house annually to provide residents with access to assessment information and support, and, one educational session annually to enhance council’s understanding of assessment practices and changes

Warren said he thought he could amend the original motion, based on a

Proposed changes to new SAMA contract generate tense debate on council

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

ever, the committee chairman ruled his amendment out of order, which forced the councillor to introduce it as a notice of motion later in the meeting.

Council will debate the motion at its Aug. 25 meeting.

Initial discussion

Warren asked administration many questions about the motion to approve the SAMA contract.

Administration told him the contract’s projected cost next year was $819,000, while performing the assessment work in-house could cost over $1 million annually. Moreover, the onetime cost to launch the program would be almost $300,000.

Furthermore, administration said there is a shortage of property assessors in Saskatchewan and Canada, while Swift Current recently had issues with its in-house assessors. Yet, the benefit of SAMA is it can access provincial resources virtually to support the city.

“For city administration to hire an assessor for the City of Moose Jaw would be a real challenge,” said city manager Maryse Carmichael.

Carmichael noted that not having an assessment provider would delay city hall in issuing the tax roll or producing the annual tax assessments, thus delaying the city’s ability to collect revenue.

The city manager also said administration thought it was important for council to speak with SAMA annually, which is why the new contract forces the latter to provide a presentation by Nov. 30 of each year. Also, council can dis

ings.

Warren said the previous contract lacked an educational or awareness piece about the assessment process, which was important for people to understand since the system was “foundational for the viability of a city.”

Meanwhile, Carmichael said residents with questions can discuss them with administration, and if administration can’t answer the queries, residents can meet with SAMA, which has an office at city hall.

Carmichael added that the agency can also provide formal education sessions to residents, either one-on-one or in small groups.

Hands off SAMA!

Coun. Dawn Luhning — who is a SAMA board member — said she favoured the extra educational sessions, but took issue with comments people had allegedly made during the meeting about wanting the city to have “full control” of assessment services.

“Let me make something very clear: Nobody in this city wants the (municipality) to have a conflict of interest with how your assessment is completed … ,” she said agitatedly. “You do not want your elected officials and your administration telling you what your assessment should be because we want as much money as possible … .

“I’m not going to have any part of that because that’s a conflict of interest for me as an elected official … . It is 100-per-cent wrong.”

Continuing, she said some residents who are upset with their assessments want council to have a secondary audit conducted on SAMA. However, that only happens when the agency fails to comply with provincial legislation. Moreover, assessments are “highly legislated” and cities can’t “just willy-nilly” change them.

She added that Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert have in-house assessors and other municipalities use SAMA — but everyone follows the legislation.

In response, Warren said there was nothing in his amendment about wanting to control SAMA, but only language about “quality control.” Furthermore, he noted the amendment was based “entirely on contract language” and comments from administration and he wanted to formalize that as part of the renewed agreement.

“It’s not changing the contract, it’s just adding a little bit of clarity,” he added.

Council later paused the meeting and went in-camera to receive legal advice from administration. After returning, Warren’s motion was ruled out of order.

Council then voted 4-3 to approve the five-year agreement with SAMA, with Mayor James Murdock and councillors Heather Eby, Patrick Boyle and Luhning in favour and councillors Jamey Logan, Carla Delaurier and Warren opposed.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, AUG. 25

City hall’s approval of a supportive housing project frustrated some residents, but a new report suggests changing the bylaw to address similar initiatives could violate the Charter and lead to legal issues.

The Ranch Ehrlo Society plans to transform the former Chez Nous Care Home at 1101 Grafton Avenue — in the R3 high-density residential district — into a venue that offers programming to families and individuals. It wants to change the 50 single-room suites into 23 multi-room suites, with 16 three-bedroom suites, five two-bedroom suites and two treatment/support suites.

The project angered some area residents, who felt that neither the city nor Ranch Ehrlo had consulted with them sufficiently. This prompted a crowd to fill council chambers on July 14 to hear resident Kirsten Downey discuss her opposition to the project.

Afterward, Coun. Patrick Boyle submitted a notice of motion that asked city administration to update the zoning bylaw to move supportive housing uses from permitted to discretionary for R3, R4 and C2 districts. He also wanted administration to provide a proposed bylaw amendment by Sept. 22.

Instead, administration provided a report during the Aug. 11 meeting that discussed what would happen if city hall changed the bylaw.

Council’s discussion about the issue will be featured in another article.

Administration noted that the report drew upon information from an internal working document entitled “Supportive Housing, Care Homes and Emergency Shelters in Zoning: Current and Future Challenges.”

Boyle’s proposed amendment would expand the use of council’s discretionary powers for such applications and would introduce extra administration processes like mandatory public notification and council

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Changing zoning bylaw to address supportive housing could cause legal issues, city says

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

review, the report said. This could cause delays for applicants seeking to establish supportive housing developments.

Legal issues and Charter risks

The internal working document outlined case law showing that municipal regulations cannot discriminate based on people’s characteristics such as mental health status, disability or socio-economic status, the council report said.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in several cases that such distinctions are beyond the legal authority of municipalities, the document noted.

The definition of supportive housing in the zoning bylaw references personal characteristics such as mental illness and addiction, which section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes as protected grounds, the report continued.

“By requiring these uses to undergo additional scrutiny not applied to other residential uses, the city could face a legal challenge on the grounds of discrimination,” the document noted.

Land use regulations that distinguish uses based on occupants’ characteristics — instead of the physical form or function of the use — have faced legal scrutiny elsewhere, the report added.

Best practices

Provincial planning policy emphasizes that zoning decisions should focus on land use effects — such as traffic, building form, parking and safety — and not on the residents’ circumstances or characteristics, the council report said.

Furthermore, provincial policy requires municipalities to provide various housing options that promote independence and dignity for everyone, the document added. Restricting supportive housing “could be interpreted as being in conflict with this directive.”

In the estate of Orris William Mikuliak, late of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly veri ed by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before September 17, 2025.

Brian Mikuliak Executor

1402 Normandy Dr. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, S6H 7X8

Implications

If the city reclassified supportive housing as a discretionary use, that could result in mandatory public notifications, potential delays for applicants, increased administrative workload and the risk that public hearings could focus on the occupants rather than the land use itself, the report said.

Meanwhile, the city’s existing definitions for residential care homes, supportive housing and community service institutions overlap and are not mutually exclusive, the document continued. If council proceeded with the amendment, administration may have to conduct a review of the land use categories to ensure there is internal consistency and clarity in the bylaw.

Past precedent

A similar issue arose in Weyburn in 2019 after that council denied a care home application “based on misinformation and resident opposition,” the report said. The decision attracted national attention — and criticism — and “highlighted the risk of public sentiment overriding factual, policy-driven planning.”

Continuing, the document said this case was an example of discriminatory zoning practices, as certain comments from Weyburn’s council about property values and stigma drew criticism and prompted a formal public apology.

That council later reversed its decision and approved the group home in the upscale neighbourhood. The report noted that the reversal was due to political and public pressure rather than judicial intervention.

Related costs

If council proceeded with the proposed zoning amendment, city hall would have to mail out roughly 1,500 letters to affected property owners for roughly $2,000, which would come from the planning and development operating budget, the report said.

As of Aug. 1, the public notification category was $8,800 over budget because of previous council-directed mailouts related to the “four units as-of-right” situation, the document

“In addition, the city may incur legal costs in the event of a Charterbased challenge, and staff time and resources required to process discretionary use applications would also increase,” the

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, AUG. 25

City council is pleased with the suggested changes to the winter maintenance policy, while members are thrilled that city administration expects to have sufficient manpower to pursue the ambitious snow-clearing schedule.

During the administration’s presentation on Aug. 11, Coun. Dawn Luhning said she hoped the municipality had enough trained grader operators to implement the new policy, especially since — as a new feature — the city plans to fully remove snow from downtown streets and bus routes.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, said city hall has hired a new crew lead for the third snow-clearing grader team. This means one team will work overnight four times a week, one team will work during the day four times a week and a third team will be daytimefocused, for nine total certified grader operators.

Continuing, the operations director acknowledged that turnover in those positions is likely, but administration’s goal is to maintain a minimum of nine operators. That will ensure the city can perform the necessary work compared to last year.

“We are very ambitious with what we want to get done in the downtown core,” Harlton remarked.

Meanwhile, his department will enhance the city’s plowing and hauling abilities by hiring contractors, with one group to support grader operators and another group to remove and haul snow.

Luhning then asked whether there would be delays in plowing and clearing snow because of shift changes

Extra snow-plow team to support operations in Moose Jaw this winter

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

or from moving employees from day to night.

Administration replied that employees will remain on their respective shifts — day or night — all winter, so there should be few effects. Also, crews will be out when snow is falling to prevent roads and alleys from becoming impassable.

Coun. Chris Warren said he liked how the city would use contractors and was changing how it approached those agreements. However, he noted that he received feedback from contractors about how Moose Jaw does not offer incentives. This has led private companies to prioritize parking lots since it’s guaranteed work.

Administration replied that it is reworking its tender process and could consider adding incentives, since it has also received similar feedback.

Meanwhile, administration said it plans to remove snow from on-street parking spaces. This is positive because feedback from a survey showed Moose Javians disapproved of eliminating that service, while they opposed blocking driveways with windrows.

Crews usually store snow on the street when there’s space, but the general practice is to remove the fluffy stuff to maintain parking spaces, administration continued. However, the updated policy gives the city more discretion to potentially leave snow in front of driveways that are double- or triple-wide.

Administration noted that grader operators’ biggest frustration was working with 19-year-old snowtraps that didn’t capture all the snow. However, the city

purchased three new traps this year, which puts plowing operations “in a totally different world.”

Administration added that crews could potentially save time and plow more roads if they left 15-centimetre-high windrows in front of driveways.

Warren said vehicles could easily drive through snow that’s 10 to 15 centimetres high, while he thought they could also manage 30 centimetres. He noted that leaving behind small windrows on the street would reflect the amount of snow that fell.

Meanwhile, Warren inquired about how the city would handle clearing alleys, while he also asked whether administration would update a bylaw to force homeowners to clear their sidewalks just as commercial and industrial owners must do.

Administration said the city would keep alleys clear to support garbage collection efforts and would do that based on employees’ advice. However, public works would plow alleys unconnected to garbage collection if enough residents called about certain ones.

Meanwhile, city hall has not discussed increasing the budget to plow all alleys, considering graders would leave behind windrows that would lean against fences, SaskPower poles and electrical boxes, administration added.

With clearing residential sidewalks, administration said that’s an ongoing discussion, although it is focused on improving service levels. Adding that service could be a question for a future survey.

Louisiana Hayride Show returning for one last stop on farewell tour

The curtain is about to close on one of Western Canada’s beloved tribute concert tours, and fans will have one last chance to sing along when the Louisiana Hayride Farewell Tour returns to the Mae Wilson Theatre for one last visit this fall.

After 15 years of bringing the golden era of country and rockabilly to life, the show’s final Moose Jaw performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

This means the upcoming stop in Moose Jaw — one of the tour’s regular and consistently supportive host cities — will be the last time local audiences can enjoy the nostalgia-filled showcase, complete with world-class tribute performances to music legends such as Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Shania Twain, Willie Nelson, and Elvis Presley.

“It’ll be bittersweet, that’s for sure,” said Lori Risling, co-producer and performer with the Louisiana Hayride Show. “We’ve had (so) many sold-out shows in Moose Jaw. It’s just so gratifying; it warms our hearts.”

The upcoming show promises a few surprises for the farewell tour.

“Our drummer is going to sing a song — he’s never sung in the show before — and … our original keyboard player will be with us, as well as the one that we got after him,” Risling said.

The two musicians, both multi-instrumentalists, will switch off between guitar and keyboard throughout the performance and are each slated to take on a

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Jerry Lee Lewis song on the piano. This will be the first time the two will have performed together onstage.

“We’ve never had anything quite like that before, but the basics of the show will still be the same,” she said.

Risling said ending the tour was a difficult choice, but the workload behind the scenes and the demands of constant travel ultimately made it necessary.

“My husband and I are long past retirement age, and it’s catching up with us,” she said. “Behind the scenes, it’s a lot of work. If somebody could just pick us up and set us on the stage and we could do our thing, that would be awesome.”

In addition to producing and performing, Risling handles everything from radio ads and graphic design to stage direction and scheduling along with her husband, Gil. The couple also hauls the cargo trailer full of musical equipment between provinces — a task that’s

become more daunting in recent years.

“We actually had an accident on the way to a show in December and we totaled our vehicle and our cargo trailer,” she said. “That kind of shook us up.”

After this fall’s stops in B.C. and Saskatchewan and a few Alberta venues in early 2026, the show will take its final bow. Risling said this milestone makes her proud given the show’s humble beginnings.

“When we started, we had no idea (how well the show would do),” she said. “We were just doing a local show, and then it sold out. We thought, ‘Okay, well, let’s just go.’” From there, the show caught on and performed in Vernon, B.C., then Kamloops, B.C., and then across Alberta and Saskatchewan. “It just kept doing better and better,” she reflected.

If there was one highlight over the years, Risling pointed to the show’s unexpected success. “We had no idea that the genre was so lacking, and people just gravitated to it.”

Above all, Risling said she hopes Moose Jaw knows how much its support has meant.

“We absolutely love the Mae Wilson Theatre. We love performing there, and we love working with all the crew. The people in Moose Jaw are just amazing — they’re so welcoming. They’ve supported us for 15 years, and we do appreciate it.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture box office and online at Tickets.MooseJawCulture.ca. To learn more about the show, visit HayrideShow.com.

South Hill set to rock with first-ever ‘Over the Bridge Summerfest’ concert

A new outdoor music festival is coming to South Hill this summer, bringing big sounds, cold drinks and a community cause to Urban Cellars’ parking lot.

Over the Bridge Summerfest will run Saturday, Aug. 23 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Urban Cellars Liquor Store, located on Home Street. The 19-plus event will feature three live acts, a licensed beer garden, local food vendors, and prize giveaways, all in support of Running Wild Rescue.

“We’re excited to invite everyone over to the parking lot of Urban Cellars … we’ve got a full day of live music … and we’re featuring three bands,” said Stacie Loch, marketing and promotions lead for the festival.

The lineup includes Regina’s Amy Nelson, a pop-country singer known for her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, who will headline the event, as well as local bands Brandon &

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Company and Ray Rawlyk. Brandon & Company is known for their high-energy performances, and Ray Rawlyk is commonly referred to as “Moose Jaw’s own 12-string acoustic master,” specializing in the AM gold sound.

Loch said the idea for the festival has been in the works for some time.

“It’s something the ownership (of Urban Cellars) has always wanted to do.

We have a huge parking lot, and we’re just wanting to bring some awareness to the fact that we’re on South Hill. South Hill does tend to get forgotten,” she said. “We’re trying to get people over the bridge and over to Summerfest.”

Festivalgoers will be entered into a draw to win a stay at Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa, with the winner announced at the end of the night.

Loch said the festival has kept pricing in mind to make the day more accessible.

“Snowbird lager, which is made by District Brewing, is sponsoring the event as well. We’re going to have $5 beers all night, which is pretty cheap,” she said. The lager will be joined by a line of locally produced spirits, including Lucky Bastard vodka and cocktails priced at $6 each.

“We wanted to keep the price low. Once you’re through the gate, it’s going

to be a fun time for everyone,” she said.

Loch added that the event will run rain or shine and will include free onsite parking. Attendees must present valid government-issued ID at the gate.

The hope is for the community to embrace the festival and help make it a South Hill summer tradition, with the goal of driving more attention south of the bridge.

“We invite Moose Jaw to come over the bridge to check out Summerfest 2025, (and help make it) the event of the year (on) Saturday, Aug. 23,” she said.

General admission tickets are $30 apiece and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.ca or in person at Urban Cellars, Bugsy’s Irish Pub at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, and Running Wild Rescue, located at 290 Ninth Avenue Northwest.

Urban Cellars Moose Jaw is located at 510 Home Street West.

Student-led Back to School Supplies Fundraiser returns to help families in need

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

As the cost of living continues to strain household budgets, a University of Regina student is once again rallying the community to help elementary and high school students start the school year prepared.

Austin Harvey has relaunched his Back to School Supplies Fundraiser for a second year, collecting donations of supplies and funds to purchase needed items with a plan to distribute them to local families in need this fall.

“The fundraiser is the same as last year, where I’m taking donations — whether that’s e-transfer money or mainly school supplies — and then getting in contact with families,” Harvey said. “I started by posting a Facebook post, and then families get in contact with me to then set (everything up) ….”

Harvey is accepting all school supply items, but some are in higher demand than others: wax crayons, pencil crayons, markers, and backpacks top this year’s wish list.

While the concept remains the same, there are some minor changes to logistics. Rather than offering a consistent pickup and drop off system, Harvey said it’ll be limited to a pickup-only basis this time around.

“We had to move … so it’s a slightly different situation this year,” he explained.

Harvey noted that in extreme cases, he will still find a way to get supplies to a family even if they can’t arrange a pickup.

Last year’s effort started off the new fundraising idea, but Harvey admitted that it came together rather last minute. “The first one was put together fairly quickly, but I was really happy with the outcome,” he said. In its inaugural year, the fundraiser reached 19 families and 42 individual children — creating a meaningful impact.

“It seemed like the community really came together to support it,” he said. “I’m hoping for it to be the same this year. The goal is to make it an annual thing and go from there.”

While Harvey doesn’t have a specif-

A graphic for Austin Harvey’s Back to School Supplies Fundraiser lists the most in-demand items for 2025, including wax crayons, pencil crayons, markers, and backpacks. Photo by: Austin Harvey/Facebook

ic fundraising goal in mind, he said his focus is on ensuring supplies get to those who need them the most. “Any supplies that I have left over I’ll keep posting on Facebook … or (otherwise) find people who need it,” he added. One surplus recipient he’s considering is the new jointuse school set to open on South Hill this September.

This year’s main donation drive will run for about two weeks, but Harvey will continue to help families throughout the school year if a few sporadic donations continue to trickle in. “(I’ll still be there) in the background, off social media, finding a school that would need them,” he said.

“If I could leave any message, it would be a thank you to the Moose Jaw community for helping me out on such short notice in the first year, and I’m hoping to continue forward,” he said.

“Even if it doesn’t gain as much traction as the first year, I’m still planning to do it every year and let it snowball and grow, hopefully to the point where maybe it’s no longer needed.”

To contact Harvey to ask for more information, make an e-transfer donation, or arrange a donation or school supply pickup, message him on Facebook under “Austin Harvey,” email Harvey.Austin2004@gmail.com, or text or call 306-631-4419.

Panoramic views, wildlife in Grasslands west bloc

NOTE: This is another in a series on Staycation spots in Saskatchewan. A drive into the west bloc of Grasslands National Park is like driving into another world.

Located south of Swift Current near Val Marie the park is the largest piece of grasslands not being ranched — except for a bison herd.

Assembled since the 1980s, two large ranches have been added in recent years.

Panoramic vistas of rolling grass-

OPINION EDITORIAL:

TRADING THOUGHTS

By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express

lands, huge buttes and coulees greet visitors in the park around the Frenchman River Valley.

An ecotour drive through the heart of the park from south to north and crossing the Frenchman River allows visitors a glimpse of the terrain.

One of the interesting sights along the drive is three colonies of black tailed prairie dogs.

THIS WEEKS FLYERS

The curious critters whistle and bark at newcomers. One always stands guard.

They keep the grass in the colony cropped close to the ground to see danger approaching. The short grass is great territory for the endangered burrowing owls.

Telescopes at one colony give one a better close-up view of colonies.

On the ecotour one may also see golden eagles, hawks, long billed curlews, songbirds, antelope and deer. The park is also home to the greater sage grouse and swift fox – both endangered.

Numerous hiking trails have been developed to better experience the grasslands and wildlife.

In the middle of the park a corralfenced campground sports some TENTik cabins and campsites. All sites were booked on our recent visit.

Unique features include 70 Mile Butte, so called as it was 70 miles from the nearest Royal North West Mounted Police detachment.

One hike leads to the Three Sisters Buttes.

Last time we visited, 10 years ago, the base of the hills looked like a canola field from the yellow clover forage crop taking over.

And the historic Turkey Track

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Ranch corrals near the river were blanketed with yellow clover. Some was five feet high.

Much of the intrusive clover is gone with patches here and there.

The west bloc is open year-round but some facilities are seasonal. An admission fee between $5.50 and $13.50 is charged.

Check out the Village of Val Marie where the park headquarters are located. If hiking, please register there.

The well-kept village has a museum in an old schoolhouse with a snack bar.

The village has an operating theatre and has converted a wood crib elevator into a community centre for meetings and concerts.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@saskel.net

South

*Full Circulation means every home & paper should have this yer. If you are missing call us @306-694-1322. *Selected Areas means only selected areas were chosen by the business or agency (please call the business).

Folk Singer of 2024 Jeffery

and a fan take a selfie during the last of this year’s grain elevator concerts at the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village. About 80 persons heard him sing his songs about Prairie life, love and dreams. (Ron Walter photo)

79 Mile Butte

Prairie dog

Colony burrows

Canadian

Straker

Humane Society rolls out busy late-summer lineup

The Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS) has a full calendar of community appearances, contests, and fundraisers lined up for the rest of August and into September — all aimed at helping pets find homes and raising money for their care.

Visit to Capilano

Court

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, shelter staff will visit Capilano Court with a few four-legged friends as part of an ongoing outreach program.

“Some of the staff here … go out to different places in Moose Jaw and take shelter pets to visit residents — just to brighten the residents’ day, and also to get our shelter pets more familiarized with being out, being with different people, and behaving in public,” explained Kelsey Leschasin, fundraising co-ordinator at the MJHS.

The ongoing program also includes regular visits to Atria Mulberry Estates, Venvi The Bentley, and others.

Majestics Car Show

On Saturday, Aug. 23, MJHS staff and a few furry friends will attend the Majestics Car Show at Murray GM.

“We’re going to have our van parked there and we’ll have a couple dogs walking around. Every year, (the Majestics Car Club) makes a donation back to the shelter to support us,” she said.

The show will take place throughout the day at Murray GM, located at 15 Chester Road.

Show off your MJHS gear

All month long, the shelter is encouraging supporters to snap and share photos of themselves wearing MJHS gear while they’re out enjoying the summer.

“Basically … when you’re wearing your MJHS shirt, tag us in the picture and say where you are. Everybody who does that will be entered into a draw … and the winner gets to pick a new item of clothing, whether that be a T-shirt, crewneck, or a hoodie,” she said.

There are no specific guidelines for the contest submissions, and participants don’t have to travel far — even a day on the lake at Buffalo Pound is a winning idea. For those who do happen to be travelling, the op-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

portunity is a great way to showcase the shelter’s reach and recent entries have been submitted from Lake Diefenbaker, Flin Flon, Man., and Kimberley, B.C.

The contest runs until Sunday, Aug. 31.

Touch a Truck

The MJHS will take part in this year’s Touch a Truck event on Saturday, Sept. 6, bringing along its city vehicle to give families a closer look at what staff do in the community.

Shelter staff will demonstrate equipment such as the pole catcher used to safely secure stray dogs and cats, and explain the process for responding to animal control calls. The goal, Leschasin said, is to educate children and families about the Humane Society’s role beyond the shelter walls.

During the event’s “quiet hour,” when sirens and horns are paused, the shelter plans to bring a couple of adoptable dogs — provided the weather isn’t too hot — giving visitors a chance to meet them in a calm, low-

stress environment.

Touch a Truck will take place at the Temple Gardens Centre, located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

Paws for Pledges

The Paws for Pledges Radiothon, the shelter’s largest annual fundraiser, returns in November, with fundraising efforts kicking off in early September through its returning Facebook auction.

“Right now we’re collecting donations,” Leschasin said, noting the auction will run for six to eight weeks. “We’ll post a certain amount of items each week … and then at the end of the week, we close the auction, and the highest bidder takes the item.”

This year’s auction will feature a notable big ticket prize in its final week — a round-trip package for two to any destination WestJet flies, donated by the airline. The auction dates haven’t been announced yet, so stay tuned to the shelter’s Facebook page, “Moose Jaw Humane Society,” for further updates.

Other ways to help

While the MJHS is busy planning an exciting event lineup, Leschasin also reminded residents of several ongoing ways to support the shelter.

Kitten season is here, and the shelter is full of kittens in need of adoption or foster homes. Leschasin encouraged anyone considering adding a furry family member to visit MJHS.ca for details. The MJHS provides all supplies needed for foster care, made possible through the support of its monthly donors.

The shelter’s bookstore offers affordable books, puzzles and games, with all proceeds going directly to animal care. Selections are available on-site at the shelter as well as satellite bookstores at Tourism Moose Jaw, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, and The Wandering Market.

Supporters can also help out by donating their recycling or volunteering. Contact the shelter for more information.

The Moose Jaw Humane Society is located at 1755 Stadacona Street West. For more information, call 306-692-1575, visit “Moose Jaw Humane Society” on Facebook, or visit MJHS.ca.

GATX expansion drives building

A $16.2 million permit for an industrial building by GATX led local building permit values in July.

The structure is being built on the current GATX property at 2200 Caribou Street West.

GATX does repair, upgrading, blasting, lining and painting of rail freight cars and tank cars.

The permit from city hall brought July values to $20.1 million. Last July’s permits were worth $494,000.

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Other major permits for the month were $700,000 for an industrial building at 1453-24th Avenue southeast; $1.5 million for an industrial building at the Moose Jaw Co-op chemical/fertilizer store at 551-13th Avenue northeast; and $300,000 for improvements to the Hillcrest Apostolic Church on Main Street North. Two homes worth $995,000 were issued permits, one in Iron Bridge, one in West Park. Value of a third

home was not provided.

Home building is lower this year with only five buildings with 24 units valued at $5.4 million.That compares with 14 buildings and 41 units worth $9.8 million last year.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Tang, a former MJHS cat now living in Edmonton after being recently adopted, enjoys the good life with his adopter, who describes him as an avid traveller, devoted snuggler, and “big boss of the house.” Photo by: Moose Jaw Humane Society

Two Moose Jaw sprint kayakers set to race at national championships in Regina

Two athletes from the Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club will put their skills to the test against the best in the country later this month at the 2025 Canoe Kayak Canada Sprint National Championships.

Calvin Schaaf and Jessie Halvorsen will compete in the Paddle All division at the five-day event, which runs Aug. 26 to 30 on Wascana Lake in Regina. The championships are hosted by the Wascana Racing Canoe Club (WRCC) and are expected to attract hundreds of paddlers from across Canada.

For Schaaf and Halvorsen, the racing begins Friday, Aug. 29, and continues Saturday, Aug. 30 when they line up in the K2 (two-person kayak) 200-metre races. Both are part of the WRCC Paddle All team — a blended roster featuring athletes from Moose Jaw, Regina and beyond — while continuing to train at their home club in Moose Jaw.

“The boys should do well. They’re strong. We continue to refine their me-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

ance. Schaaf joined the team earlier this year. This is the first time either athlete will have competed at the national level.

Gilliland believes the experience will be a valuable learning opportunity and a strong test of their abilities.

“I think they’re going to do well. Locally they’re pretty strong … but we’re going to find out how strong they are when they compete at the national level. I think their biggest competition is going to come from the east, from Quebec and Ontario,” he said. “Their crews aren’t going to be lacking any power; it’s going to come down to their mechanics, focus, and concentration during the races.”

Races at this level are often decided by the narrowest of margins.

of boat classes — from single kayaks to four-person crews — along with sprint canoe races over distances from 200 metres up to several kilometres. For spectators, Wascana Lake’s 10-lane course offers excellent viewing, set against the backdrop of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in the heart of Regina’s Wascana Centre.

Gilliland expects the atmosphere to be electric.

“It’s going to be massive; it’s going to be crazy. There’s going to be wall to wall boats and canoes everywhere … it’s a big event for Regina, and it’s a big event for the province.”

chanics with K2 boats,” said Mark Gilliland, head coach for the Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club.

Halvorsen is a long-time member of the Moose Jaw club, having paddled for about 10 years under Gilliland’s guid-

“They’ll be very close races — within tenths of seconds — but they’re working pretty hard to set themselves up for potential success, for sure,” Gilliland said.

The nationals will feature a range

Races will take place at the Wascana Racing Canoe Club, at 3000 Wascana Drive in Regina, with spectators welcome to take in the action from the scenic lakeside venue.

To learn more about the Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club, visit “Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club” on Facebook or email MNSask22@gmail.com.

In photos: Moose Jaw & District Soapbox Derby returns to Alder Avenue

Homemade soapbox derby cars and cheering spectators once again lined Alder Avenue on Aug. 17, as the Moose Jaw & District Soapbox Derby made its summer return.

Hosted by the Moose Jaw Soapbox Derby Club, the event transformed the quiet stretch between Saskatchewan and Ross streets into a downhill racecourse. Young drivers from seven to 15 guided their soapbox cars toward the finish line, while volunteers and parents worked behind the scenes to keep the day running

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express, Photo by: Aaron Walker

smoothly.

For some racers, the derby is a family tradition. Nine-year-old Izabella

Carle, racing for her third year in a club car that has been passed down since 2009, said her favourite part of the day is meeting new participants and helping others along the way.

The weekend kicked off with a prerace barbecue and vehicle inspection at the D.V. Currie VC Armoury. By race day, families, volunteers, and sponsors came together to support an event that has become a unique summer tradition

in Moose Jaw.

The event was supported by a growing list of sponsors, including Golden West Trailer, Superstore, Devo’s Car Wash, JGL, Family Pizza, Moose Jaw Police Service, LB Beattie Autobody, and many others. Proceeds support future races and club activities.

To learn more about the club, message “Moose Jaw & District Soap Box Racing Club” on Facebook or email MooseJaw.Soapbox@hotmail.com.

Coach Mark Gilliland, left, stands with his sprint kayak athletes Calvin Schaaf, centre, and Jessie Halvorsen, right, at the Wascana Racing Canoe Club in Regina earlier this year. Photo by: Submitted photo

Leo Zheng’s gold medal highlights Moose Jaw athletes in Week 1 at the 2025 Canada Summer Games

Local competitors see action in swimming, box lacrosse, cycling and softball through first week of Games in St. John’s Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

There isn’t much question as to who the top performer was for Team Saskatchewan through the first week of the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

And it was one of Moose Jaw’s own.

Moose Jaw Kinsmen Flying Fins competitor Leo Zheng had the highlight of Week 1 for Saskatchewan, winning a gold medal in the pool on Day 2 of the massive multi-sport competition currently underway in St. John’s.

Zheng -- one of the top para swimmers in Canada -- claimed his gold medal in the 50m (S1-5) / 100m (S6-14) backstroke during competition on Tuesday, and didn’t leave much doubt in the process.

He took first place in the heat races with a total of 806 points and then put up 823 in the final to edge B.C.’s Ken Stroud by six points.

The 18-year-old was also sixth in the 100m freestyle, seventh in the 200m (S1-5, S14) / 400m (S6-13) Freestyle, eighth in the 50m freestyle, 11th in the 150m (SM1-4) / 200m (SM5-14) individual medley and 13th in the 50m (SB1-3) / 100m (SB4-9,11-14) breaststroke.

Zheng was one of seven athletes from Moose Jaw and area in action at the Games this past week:

Women’s box lacrosse

Moose Jaw’s Kyler Pladson and Rouleau’s Savannah Beitel put together a seventh-place finish with Team Sask in women’s box lacrosse.

Saskatchewan got off to a solid start in round robin action defeating Prince Edward Island 8-5 and New Brunswick 5-1 before tying Manitoba 3-3 and rolling to a 10-1 win over Newfoundland.

That 3-0-1 record was good enough for second place in Pool B and would send Saskatchewan to the quarter-final, where they’d drop an 8-1 decision to Alberta to fall out of medal contention.

A 3-2 loss to Manitoba in their first consolation game would send Team Sask to the seventh-eighth place game, where they’d take a 4-0 win over New Brunswick.

Cycling

Moose Jaw’s Marcus Capili represented Team Sask in men’s road cycling and posted his top finish in the road race on Wednesday, crossing the line in 27th position.

Capilil was also 32nd overall in the

criterium on Saturday and posted a time of 37.27.99 to finish 37th overall in the individual time trial on Monday.

Women’s Softball

Moose Jaw’s Aubrey Clarke, Ava Unser and Blake Maltais took the field with Team Sask and finished eighth overall in women’s softball.

The round robin was an up-anddown affair for Saskatchewan as they lost 1-0 to Alberta in their opener before rebounding with an 8-3 win over Nova Scotia. They’d then fall 3-0 to B.C. in their next contest before closing out the

preliminary round with an 11-4 win over Prince Albert to finish third in Pool A at 2-2.

Team Sask’s first qualification game was against Quebec, where they’d drop a 12-6 decision and move into the seventh-eighth place game. There, they’d be unable to score a run against Prince Albert and fall 4-0.

Moose Jaw’s Marcus Capili took to the roads in St. John’s in a trio of cycling events during the first week of the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Michael Scraper

The second week of the 2025 Canada Summer Games, and be sure to keep an eye on SportsCage.com for comprehensive daily coverage as Saskatchewan aims to move up the medal table.

Moose Jaw’s Leo Zheng was Saskatchewan’s hero in the pool during the first week of the 2025 Canada Summer Games, winning the province’s only gold medal in the first week. Michael Scraper

Moose Jaw’s Kyler Pladson and Rouleau’s Savannah Beitel saw action with Team Sask in women’s box lacrosse during the first week of the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Michael Scraper

Moose Jaw’s Aubrey Clarke, Ava Unser and Blake Maltais took the field in women’s softball during the first week of the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Michael Scraper

Moose Jaw Canucks come home with sixth place finish from 13U AAA baseball Western Canadians

Canucks drop 10-0 decision in fifth-sixth place game to close out tournament in Chilliwack

The Moose Jaw Canucks are coming home with a sixth-place finish from the Western Canadian Baseball Association 13U AAA championship.

The Canucks dropped a 10-0 decision to the Alberta representative Parkland Twins in the fifth-sixth place game on Sunday, not long after a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to host Chilliwack in a threeinning playoff game earlier in the day.

Moose Jaw had forced the playoff after putting together a 2-1 record in the round robin, defeating Chilliwack 8-7 in their opener before falling 16-0 to Manitoba’s South Central Cubs and defeating Alberta’s YAL Sluggers 7-3.

Canucks 8, Chilliwack 7

The Canucks fell behind 4-0 in the first inning but rallied with three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to take the lead. They padded their edge with two more runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, and ended up needing all of them when the Cougars rallied with three in their half of the final inning.

Beckett Bauck went 2-for-4 with a run scored and RBI, Kaleb Friesen knocked in a pair. Evan Audette had a single hit, but it was a big one, a solo home run in the sixth.

Kallen Berner, Lennon Kleisinger and Griffin Audette all saw action on the mound, with Blake Harris earning the

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

win.

South Central 16, Canucks 0

South Central blew open a one-run game with five runs in the second inning and another seven in the third, eventually ending the game by mercy rule after the fourth inning.

Moose Jaw had only four hits, with Kleisinger getting a pair of knocks, Harris and Daxon Mackow each reaching base twice.

The Canucks defence didn’t help starter Evan Audette much, as only eight of the 13 runs he allowed over three innings were earned. Weston Ermel pitched the fourth to close things out.

‘Women Fore Women’ golf tournament

The Hillcrest Golf Club’s annual “Women Fore Women” Golf Tournament returned on Aug. 9, bringing golfers together for a day of friendly competition, community camaraderie, and scholarship fundraising for local female student-athletes.

Despite some off-and-on rain that hit the greens for one final downpour near the final stretch, the event proceeded “rain or shine” as planned, with 97

Chilliwack 5, Moose Jaw 4 (three innings)

Things looked good for the Canucks to start the micro-game, as they took a 4-1 lead out of the first inning. Chilliwack would respond with four runs in the second, though, and would hold Moose Jaw off the board in the third to take the win and advance to the semifinal.

Harris led the offence, going 2-for-2 with a double, run scored and RBI.

Griffin Audette allowed four runs, three earned on three hits over 1 ⅔ innings. Berner surrendered a single run in the third.

Moose Jaw 7, YQL 3

YQL took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth when Moose Jaw’s bats came alive, scoring three to tie things up. The Canucks would then take the lead and then some with three more in the sixth and would hold on for the win.

Harris turned in a solid effort on the mound, allowing three runs on three hits over 4 ⅔ innings and striking out six. J.J. Herauf pitched the final 2 ⅓ and gave up only two hits while striking out three.

Herauf also hit a solo home run in the second inning while Tanner Usher scored a pair of runs and had two RBI. Griffin Audette crossed the plate twice.

Parkland 10, Moose Jaw 0 Parkland scored one in the first inning and that’s where the game would stand until the fifth, when the Alberta reps poured eight runs across the plate. They’d add another in the sixth to invoke the mercy rule and claim fifth place.

The Canucks had only three hits, with Evan Audette, Friesen and Quentin Vanbocquestal reaching base.

Vanbocquestal had a great start for Moose Jaw, giving up a single run on four hits through four innings. Kleisinger and Ermel each allowed four runs in the fifth, Bauck gave up a single run in the sixth.

raises over $20K for

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

participants completing the full 18-hole round.

“This year we had room for 100 participants … we ended up with 97 players, and they all showed up,” said Cheryl Templeton, chairperson of the Women Fore Women committee. “It started out with a little sprinkle early in the day, but after that it was a beautiful day … we really lucked out with the weather.”

The tournament, hosted by the Hill-

crest Ladies Golf League, raised money for the Women Fore Women scholarship program, which supports high-performance female athletes from Moose Jaw as they transition to post-secondary studies.

Funds raised during the event came from basket draws, 50/50 draws, and $10 “rescue bag” sales, all of which support future scholarship awards. Templeton said the exact total raised this sum-

student-athletes

mer isn’t finalized yet, but “it’s in excess of $20,000.”

Awards were handed out to the top five finishers, with first-place winners Lorie Boyle and Crystal Piero recognized for their strong performances. Second place went to Shelley Ruecker and Dawn Bender, while Mary LaRocque and Jennifer Johnson rounded out the top three.

Continued on next page

The Moose Jaw Canucks finished in sixth place at the Western Canadian Baseball Association 13U AAA championship this past weekend. Moose Jaw Canucks

Share your team’s news, pictures and results with us! email: editor@mjvexpress.com

‘Women Fore Women’ golf tournament raises over $20K for student-athletes, continued

Beyond the top finishers, all participants received prizes, including recognition for the best costume of the day — awarded to Lori Johnstone, Nicole Marcyniuk, Caralie Wait, and Anna Kwasnica.

Templeton noted that the tournament continues to attract participants from across Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, Regina, and Swift Current. Many players return year after year, reflecting the event’s growing reputation.

“In fact, we’ve had comments (stating) that this was one of the best tournaments they’ve ever been to,” she said.

The tournament’s main focus, of course, was supporting Moose Jaw’s student-athletes. Five young women were awarded $5,000 scholarships each this year — the largest total awarded since the program’s inception. Recipients included Katie Rogers, Mykenzie Shymko, Ellah Flanagan, Leoncia White, and Makaya Arnott, all highperformance athletes now moving into post-secondary studies with sports ranging from track and field to lacrosse, bas-

Members of the Hillcrest Ladies Golf League ahead of this year’s Women Fore Women Golf Tournament. Photo by: Hillcrest Golf Club

ketball, archery, and swimming.

“We started with one $500 scholarship,” said Deb Negraiff, chair of the Women Fore Women scholarship committee. “To date, we’ve given out just over $50,000 in scholarships.”

Templeton emphasized the importance of community support in making the program successful.

“We really appreciate our local business community as well as individuals who have contributed over a number

of years. Every time they’re approached, they say, ‘Oh yes, we’re definitely going to donate again this year,’ because they feel it’s a worthy cause.”

For more information about the Women Fore Women scholarship program and the Hillcrest Golf Club, visit HillcrestGolf.ca or call 306-693-1921.

The award for best dressed golfers at the ’25 Women Fore Women Golf Tournament went to Lori Johnstone, Nicole Marcyniuk, Caralie Wait, and Anna Kwasnica. Photo by: Submitted photo

Thank you to our Sponsors who help make this golf tournament a huge success. Partner: Moose Jaw Kinsmen

IMPACT

BOB NELSON/PAICE CONSTRUCTION

FIFTH AVENUE COLLECTION LTD.

G.R.I.T.

HAWKS AGRO INC.

JGL COMMODITIES

JGL LIVESTOCK

MARY AND MARK LAROCQUE

MJ KINSMEN

MURRAY GM MOOSE JAW

PNC CUSTOM BUILDING INC./PHIL NEGRAIFF

REMPEL & DUSYK FINANCIAL

ROBIN & WENDY GILROY

SAHARA SPA INC.

TRI-TOWN FARMS

PLATINUM

BYRON BABICH FARMS LTD,

HARTELL HOMES & RENOVATIONS

HUDSON CATTLE CO. (TODD & KAREN)

KURT & DONNA HUDSON

GOLD

ATHABASCA INSURANCE

BTN CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

COWAN FARMS LTD.

ROB AND LESLIE DONNELLY

DONN & MAE FARRER

HUB MEAT MARKET

I.C.E. CONTRACTING INC.

J. WILK LANDSCAPING LTD.

LEIPERT FINANCIAL GROUP

M & T FEEDLOT LTD.

MURRAY’S SIGNS

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE

ROBERGE TRANSPORT INC.

SHARON BINETRUY

SPURR COMMODITY CARRIERS INC.

STUDIO S FASHION HOUSE

TIM HORTONS

VELOCITY FORD

YVETTE MOORE FINE ART INC.

SILVER

AGGROW CONSULTING LTD.

APEX ELECTRIC LIMITED

AZTEX CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT LTD.

BLUESKY FINANCIAL PLANNING LTD.

CAA

CANADIAN TIRE

CHOW MCLEOD

CLAUDE DUKE

CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING

DEVO'S CAR WASH

GREG DUCHAK TD WEALTH

DUZAN CONSTRUCTION

LAURA HAMILTON

HARBOR GOLF

KNIGHT HONDA

MNP - DNR BYERS CPA PROF GROUP

PRIMARY EYE CARE CENTRE

SOUTH COUNTRY EQUIPMENT

TAX TEAM

VAL MICHAUD

VIRIDIAN PROPERTY CORP.

WESTRUM LUMBER

WINE CRAFT REGINA

BRONZE G3

ADVANCED ROOFING

B DUSYK SERVICES LTD.

BLUE WHALE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS INC.

BUB & BOO SOAPS

COMFORT INN

CRESCENT PARK CHIROPRACTIC

D. B. ACCOUNTING

DAWN LUHNING

DEREK GREKE - A & W

EVAN'S FLORIST

FESTIVAL OF WORDS

HENDERSON INSURANCE

HILLCREST GOLF CLUB

JULIE NELSON

MAURICES

MJ WARRIORS

MOOSE JAW CARPET ONE

MOOSE JAW CO-OP

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS

PRIORITY WATER CLEANERS

(NORTHERN WATER)

ROCKPORT CARRIER CO. LTD.

SHERRY HETHERINGTON

SHOPPER'S DRUG MART CARIBOU

SKYLINE DISTILLERY

STRICTLY FENCES LTD.

THE PERFECT FIND

URBAN CELLARS

FRIENDS

BUGSY'S

CELTIC HEART DAY SPA

FITZPATRICK FARMS

JANE MURDOCK

PAM LUDWAR

THE MAD GREEK

WESMOR PLUMBING & HEATING

Disputed Property Once Again Shows Steady Decrease In Assessed Value

By Robert Thomas

A Downtown property - subject of a high profile lawsuit - has once again seen a property tax assessment drop after being taken over by the City of Moose Jaw for non-payment of property taxes.

According to documents obtained by MJ Independent through the Freedom of Information Act the property’s assessed value - located at 134 Manitoba Street West - fell from a high of $1.724 million in 2017 (when privately owned) to the present commercial assessment of $485,000 (after the City acquired the property through a tax title action). See photo below.

2017 NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT SHOWING THE ASSESSMENT INCREASE FROM $542,300 IN 2016 TO AN ASSESSMENT OF $1.724100 MILLION

IN 2018 THE NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT FELL TO $1,473,400 (SEE BELOW).

Former property owner Vernon “Vern” Anderson was unavailable for comment but in a report by the website moosejawtoday.com Anderson said he was willing to pay his fair share of taxes but only after a fair property assessment was issued.

Anderson continued his fight against City Hall and after a mistake by a clerkwho allowed Anderson to pay his back taxes - the case moved to the Courts to decide ownership. The City ultimately won the decision.

At the present time Anderson is appealing the decision.

IN 2021 THE ASSESSMENT FOR PROPERTY TAXES TOOK OVER A 50 PERCENT DROP FROM $1.473 MILLION TO $680,680 (SEE ABOVE).

Assessment Management Agency (SAMA).

The major drop in assessment is from 2020 to 2021.

The assessment documents, nor do other documents obtained by MJ Independent, give any reason or indicate why what could be described as “wild fluctuation” in assessment values for the property occurred.

The assessment was prepared by the Saskatchewan

In the latest assessment the assessed value has once again fallen from $627,300 in 2024 to $485,000 while ownership of the property is tied to the City.

The latest Notice of Assessment was sent to the City of Moose Jaw - who are the present registered owners.

THE 2025 NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT SENT TO CITY HALL. https://www.mjindependent.com/new-blog/2025/8/10/1tqzmvww2pzugsb0awsaie95 ap6sta

Living Sky Art Collective outgrows expectations with 27 members and counting

A grassroots art group that moved into the Town ‘N’ Country Mall this spring has quickly turned a vacant storefront into a lively studio where artists connect and creativity thrives.

Just three months after its launch on May 1, the Living Sky Art Collective has expanded from 10 founding members to 27 artists working in a range of artistic media that includes pottery, photography, fibre arts, acrylics, and watercolours.

The studio is now open to the public Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some days beginning earlier.

“We had our original meeting back on April 13 with 10 interested artists,” said Cheryl Forsberg Holden, managing director of the collective and a contributing artist. “Since then, we’ve grown to 27 artists and (many) different types of art. … It’s just a beautiful arrangement

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

of different styles and techniques of art.”

Forsberg Holden and her partner Gary Holden, the collective’s vice-president, co-founded the initiative alongside Patrick Hall, the current president. The co-founders said the response from local artists and the public has far surpassed their expectations.

“We had no idea how many artists were out there and looking (to) … be part of a group,” Holden said. “What we’re really surprised at is … (how) we’re filling the void for artists. We found a home for them to create with fellow artists, get support, and help them with their creations.”

The group describes itself as a working art studio where artists can paint, create, and support one another — with finished pieces available to view and purchase on-site.

“When they’re done their creations, (members) can hang them (directly) on the walls. Hopefully people will appreciate them as much as the artists do and come by, take a look, and maybe even buy a piece of art for their home or office,” said Holden. All pieces on display — representing a wide range of styles — are available for purchase, offering

a unique, local alternative to mass-produced prints found in big box stores.

The visibility of the space — located near the mall’s north end — has helped attract new artists and casual visitors alike. Some people simply stumble across the gallery while running errands.

“A lot of people (who stopped by the studio) were just going to the telephone kiosk (adjacent to the store),” Holden said. “While they’re waiting in line to get their phones, they (often) come in and take a peek around … everybody is

commenting on what beautiful artwork there is in here.”

The group has continued to grow steadily throughout the summer, welcoming new members including Charlene Douglas, Janine Rivard, Karie Kazakoff, Dave Woolacott, Keith Young, Gord Florness, and Deb Sandbeck. Their creative backgrounds span a range of disciplines, from pottery and fibre art to photography and painting. The collective also received a donation of signage from Saskatoon artist and printer Sheldon Wolfe, who generously provided banners and posters to help promote the space.

The Living Sky Art Collective is now planning a September “meet and greet” event to introduce the public to its members, with hands-on workshops and further details to follow in the coming weeks.

“We hope to have a pottery workshop in October where the public can register, build a coffee mug, and paint it,” said Forsberg Holden. “Hopefully, maybe at the end of the year or early next year, we’re also going to add some painting workshops.”

Several members have expressed interest in offering workshops within their preferred disciplines, such as beading, watercolour painting, and more. Forsberg Holden is also exploring future collaborations with high school art classes to engage students in the studio space.

For further updates, visit “Living Sky Art Collective” on Facebook or stop by the studio in the Town ‘N’ Country Mall at 1235 Main Street North.

The Living Sky Art Collective studio at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall has become a welcoming space where local artists gather to create, connect, and showcase th eir work to the community. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“Caesar,” an oil painting of a gorilla by Gary Holden, is a recent addition to the Living Sky Art Collective gallery. The popular piece has drawn attention from visitors, while Holden said he may take on a zebra next at his wife’s request. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“Spirit of the Trees,” an acrylic painting by Karie Kazakoff, is among the works on display at the Living Sky Art Collective. Kazakoff plans to lead an upcoming workshop at the studio, where she will guide guests through the process of creating a similar forest scene. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“Chairman of the Board,” an acrylic painting of a rooster by Patrick Hall, president of the Living Sky Art Collective, is among the many works available to view and purchase at the mall-based studio gallery. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“Lonely Heron,” a fibre art piece by new member Janine Rivard, was created entirely by hand using textiles over nearly two years. Rivard also produces handmade greeting cards featuring textile art in a similar style. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Mulberry Giants back on top, chase trophy lock for 2026

It was an exciting display of sportsmanship at Atria Mulberry Estates earlier this month, as the Mulberry Giants reclaimed their coveted beanbag baseball crown with a decisive victory over their Regina rivals from Queen Victoria Estates — and now there’s one final match to determine who holds the trophy until 2026.

After several close matches and near misses, the Giants finally hoisted the travelling trophy back into Moose Jaw, transforming the dining room fireplace back into a miniature Hall of Fame.

Their opponents, Queen Victoria Estates, have had the upper hand in recent matches, but this summer’s showdown flipped the script. In a good-natured rivalry that has become an annual highlight, the Giants left no doubt that they were back on top.

“We actually haven’t won the trophy for a few (seasons) now, so we finally got that trophy back …,” said Sydney Azure, engage life co-ordinator at Atria Mulberry Estates. “We’re going to (Regina) on the 27th to play them again, so hopefully we can keep it this time.”

This isn’t your average ball game. Beanbag baseball swaps out bats, gloves, and dirt diamonds for a wooden board marked with bases, outs, and foul zones. Players take turns tossing beanbags at the board, aiming for the sweet spots that send runners around the bases, with a perfect toss meaning a home run.

Rain and wind hasn’t helped with harvest.

Harvest has been delayed by general rains with only two per cent in the bin, according to the weekly crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Rains assisted filling kernels and pods in late seeded crops, but could cut quality for early seeded fields. Some regrowth in crops will complicate harvest.

Rainfall in this region left 2.5 inches at Mortlach, much falling in 45 minutes and washing roads.

The Central Butte-HodgevilleMoose Jaw areas received an inch.

Aaron

The long-running rivalry between the two retirement communities has grown into a highlight of the summer calendar. At Atria Mulberry Estates, the game has become a full-blown sensation. Teams form lineups, cheerleaders rally from the sidelines, and every inning brings shouts, laughter, and a little friendly ribbing — just like the big leagues, only with beanbags instead of fastballs.

“It’s always a lot of fun, because (everyone in the home) can come (down to watch the games). They usually come before lunch, and then residents can visit and chat over lunch with the other residents from Regina,” Azure said. “Then we have our big game afterwards.”

Make no mistake — this year’s win was decisive, and the Giants left little

doubt about their dominant return.

“We crushed them this time … it was something like 22-8,” Azure said, expressing her excitement for the team’s hard-earned comeback.

The silverware itself might not be the Stanley Cup or Commissioner’s Trophy, but it’s starting to take on a similar aura in the world of senior beanbag baseball.

“We actually have (the trophy) sitting on our fireplace in the dining room right now,” she said.

The friendly rivalry has grown into a tradition. Each summer, residents from the two Atria-affiliated homes trade home-and-away contests, with the winner claiming well-deserved bragging rights and holding the travelling trophy until the next match.

Rain hampered harvest operations

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

The added moisture improved moisture ratings

Across the province crop land soil moisture at Aug. 12 was 11 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, eleven per cent poor and three per cent very poor.

By contrast the week before only five per cent was surplus and 45 per cent was poor or very poor.

In the southwest, 27 per cent was surplus with six per cent poor or very poor.

Pasture land was six per cent surplus provincially, 67 per cent adequate, 19 per cent poor and eight per cent very poor.

Beyond the scoreboard, Azure noted that the game is about more than just winning. Weekly practices keep players sharp and residents active, while the community rallies around the growing atmosphere of camaraderie.

“It’s a really good game, and it’s good exercise for our residents,” she said. “It lets other residents get involved by cheering the team on … and it’s really fun. It’s a big community event.”

The Giants will travel to Regina on Aug. 27 for the season finale. Win or lose, the team has already secured bragging rights — and plenty of memories — in a summer of sport and camaraderie.

Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and can be reached at 306-694-5020 for more information.

Surplus pasture moisture was 17 per cent in the southwest.

Peas and lentils were three per cent complete, with five per cent of barley, four per cent of oats and one per cent of durum off.

Three per cent of the crop was harvested in the in the southwest, one per cent in the east central and southeast regions.

Hay yields ran .63 tonnes per acre for dryland alfalfa, 1.99 tonnes for irrigated alfalfa, .46 tonnes for tame hay. Irrigated tame hay went 1.22 tonnes Greenfield hay was 1.19 tonnes. Silage yields were 5.9 tonnes an acre.

Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The Mulberry Giants, beanbag baseball champions of Atria Mulberry Estates, show off the travelling trophy after their victory against Queen Victoria Estates. Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates

Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates

A Moose Jaw charity that trains people with neurodiverse conditions like autism or anxiety to better handle social situations is hoping to acquire more funding to expand its operations.

Founder LeeAnn Rose launched The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) in 2022, where she worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association to support young adults over five months.

According to the Semel Institute website, PEERS — established over 20 years ago — is world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills treatment to pre-schoolers, adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional problems.

Also, according to UCLA PEERS, the program helps people who — among other things — struggle to form and maintain friendships, avoid social situations due to anxiety, want to escape isolation, have difficulty understanding unspoken social rules, or want to enhance their conversational and active listening skills.

Rose has worked to establish the program in Moose Jaw, and, in July 2024, created PEERS Relational Skills Program Moose Jaw Inc. (PEERS MJ) as a registered non-profit. However, it was only this May when Ottawa gave her organization its charitable status.

“I’m looking for funding because the people who would benefit most from my programs can’t afford to pay for the services … ,” she said. “The process (to become a charity) has been a while, but

PEERS MJ charity

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

now I’m at the point where I can raise the funds and provide my programs for free.”

PEERS MJ offers 16-week programs for children ages eight to 17. Participants, along with their “social coach” — typically a parent, family member, caregiver or mentor — meet weekly in the evenings for 90-minute sessions. They then receive a certificate of completion afterward.

It’s been difficult for Rose to promote her organization’s services since she doesn’t have a physical location or employees to help deliver the programs. These are concerns she must address before she can adequately achieve her vision.

Each class has a minimum capacity of six people and a maximum of 10 people, although eight is the “sweet spot.”

In the meantime, Rose has been working one-on-one with people to improve their social skills.

“The program really takes off when you have a group together because they learn with each other,” she said.

“It’s hard to explain some of the (program) concepts unless you actually physically do them,” she continued. “And that’s why the program has a lot of practice opportunities and why it’s developed the way it (is) … .”

One program highlight is the social coach, who supports the participant for the rest of his or her life, Rose pointed out. After graduating, most participants who enter the real world thrive, but some still require support. The social coach can remind the person to remember the training they received.

Meanwhile, Rose — also known

as Grannie Lannie — said the training is not just for neurodiverse people, but also for working professionals. Those professionals can volunteer, learn, and take that knowledge back to their workplaces.

“Those skills are wonderful,” she continued, noting that they have helped her as an educational assistant and mentor. “These strategies are awesome. Everybody should learn them.”

One training session the charity of-

fers focuses on using humour in social settings, since jokes can be a barrier to social acceptance.

Rose explained that participants who tell jokes should pay attention to their audience’s reaction to determine whether the wisecrack was well received or not. If people enjoyed it, the quip is OK to tell again; if not, they should figure out how to tell the joke differently.

“We’re not saying you can’t tell jokes, we’re just saying make sure you tell the right kind of joke,” she remarked.

Another program feature is that participants must join a social club or group and interact with people regularly, have conversations and determine whether they have any common interests.

“If people do the work, they will find success,” Rose stated.

Rose added that anyone interested in learning more about PEERS should watch the Netflix show “Love on the Spectrum.”

Visit www.peersmj.com for more information.

Newspaper Delivery Update

The paper now arrives Tuesday afternoon and is available after 4:00 pm

Papers will be delivered any time Tuesday or Wednesday, up until 8:00 pm

Concert in Park

The Justntyme band performed at the Aug. 13 Concert in the Park to a large crowd. Last in the concerts is Wednesday Aug. 20 at 6:30 pm with Elvis tribute artist Rory Allen. (Ron Walter photo)

If you haven’t received your copy by Thursday morning, please call 306-694-1322.

Delivery will shift by one day, moving to Wednesday and Thursday.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We hope this clears up any confusion going further.

Daily Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, August 13, 2025

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

8 7 9 1 8 5 9 3 1 2 9 2 5 3 2 9 7 8 1 5 4 3 4 9 2 2 8 4

© 2025 KrazyDad.com

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

BUDDY, CIRCUIT, CLOSET, DIPLOMATIC, DISPATCH, ELEMENT ESCAPE, FATAL, FILTHY, FRESH, FUTURE, GUILTY, HAPPENS HARBOR, HEED, HEROES, NEGATIVE, PAINT, PATH, PEANUT PEARL, PEEL, PEOPLE, PERK, PITIFUL, PRECAUTIONS, SEETHE SIMULTANEOUS, TINE, TOURIST, TRAVEL, VIRTUAL

ACROSS

1. Information

5. Stage

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

10. A speech defect

14. Black, in poetry

15. Undue speed

16. Concept

17. Twist

19. Require

20. Flowery verse

21. Colorful parrot

22. Loans

23. Ruddy

25. Give or take 27. Consumed

28. Trading 31. Awry

34. Divvy up 35. C 36. Chop finely

37. Approves 38. Flower holder

39. Bigheadedness

40. Sleighs 41. Lightning units

42. Lead the wrong way 44. Church bench

45. Chocolate

46. French for “Fish”

50. Hearty entree

52. Salami shops

54. Amazement

55. Stop

56. Epinephrine

58. Curved molding

59. Levitate

60. Ancient 61. Being 62. Quizzes

63. Cautious DOWN

1. Interior layout and furnishings 2. House 3. In shape

Picnic insect

Sentence 6. Emerge from the egg 7. Largest continent 8. Hidden passengers 9. Evening (poetic) 10. Batting order in baseball

Indistinguishable

Sow 13. Flat masses of soft material

18. Leaves out

22. Easy gait

24. Short run

26. Taverns

28. Protective covering from sunlight

29. Bird home

30. G G G

31. Interruption

32. Wise men

33. Kind of triangle

34. Scoot

37. Mishmash

38. Solemn commitments

40. Use a straw

41. Breed of large antelope

43. A small chin beard

44. Sharp ends

46. Skirt fold

47. Siberian antelope

48. Proprietor

49. Destitute

50. Footwear

51. Labels

53. Anagram of “Sore”

56. Astern

57. The collection of rules

CLASSIFIED ADS

205 WANTED

Looking To Rent - Garage/warehouse/ or unused semi-trailer unit. Prefer downtown area. Will consider other options. Can be reached at 306-313-3439.

Looking for a handyman for small jobs around my home. Please call 306-972-8855.

210 SERVICES

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268 . Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Cleaner with 20 years experience available for move out cleans. Please call Rebecca at 306-9900387.

Junk to the dump in and around

Moose Jaw, $60 and up. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. 45-gallon metal barrels, $15 each. 306-681-8749

140 FOR RENT

Senior Living Condo for Rent

- Points West Retirement Centre, 917 Bradley Street, Moose Jaw, SK. Friendly, warm, home like atmosphere, open floor plan with large living room, full selfcontained kitchen, 2 bedrooms with walk-in closet, balcony, corner unit with beautiful view in 3 directions, ensuite washer and dryer, individual thermostat for

heating or cooling, garage available, large and bright dining and common area floor plan, entertainment and bistro facilities, monthly or individual meals available, shuttle service available. For more information or viewing call: Dan 306 631-1669, Judi 306 631-0742

220 HELP WANTED HELP WANTED - P/T or Casual secretary/typist/internet research assistant for Christian Bible topics. Must be compatible with salvation, healing, deliverance, and ministry outreach. Call 306-3133439.

235 PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Looking for the class of ‘66 from Sion Academy. Where are you? Deborah Dowdon 612-968-5625.

165 HOUSEHOLD

Senior man needs to move and is looking for someone to take all the misc. for $200.00 tor viewing call 306-690-8018

For Sale - Table and Chairs (5) w/ leaf (2), Sofa - 87” long, 88” deep, other household items. Downsizing and open to offers. Please call

SNAPSHOT: A heap of trouble

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: It was a smelly, smoky scene on Saturday night as Moose Jaw firefighters battled a massive blaze at the city landfill, responding around 9 p.m. on Aug. 16 and spending roughly five hours knocking down the stubborn garbage fire. The Moose Jaw Fire Department later thanked city workers who pitched in with bulldozers and dump trucks to smother the flames, along with HF Environmental, which supplied much-needed water on site. The photo captures the stark reality of the call — a firefighter silhouetted against heaps of burning trash, an unusual but all-too-real reminder that even the dump isn’t immune to fire hazards. Photo by: Moose Jaw Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 553

188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES

For Sale - Legend Scooter, like new, asking $2500

Katharina & Ben Wipf

Rockglen, SK

July 30, 2025

10:27 am

Female 6lbs, 8oz

Reshma Kakamanu & Yeswanth Vasireddy

Moose Jaw, SK July 30, 2025 10:48 pm

Male 7lbs, 3oz

Melissa Penny & Dan Penny Moose Jaw, SK

Aug 12, 2025

7:24 pm

Female 8lbs, 12oz

Laura Curtis & Javen Daradich

Moose Jaw, SK Aug 13, 2025 8:36 am

Male 8lbs, 6oz

Kristy Binkley & Jesse Eamon

Moose Jaw, SK July 31, 2025 9:04 pm

Male 8lbs, 12oz

Rana Mirza

Moose Jaw, SK Aug 13, 2025

6:16 pm

Female 7lbs, 2oz

Edna Entz & Dennis Entz Brownlee, SK

Aug 3, 2025 2:45 pm

Female 7lbs, 6oz

Meghan & Justin Rosso

Moose Jaw, SK Aug 14, 2025 12:45 am

Male 8lbs, 6oz

Kathleen Stonechild & Joshawa Waite

Moose Jaw, SK Aug 7, 2025 A 8:42 am / B 8:54 am

Twin Females A 4lbs B 5lbs

Kirsten Hunter & Brandon Melnyk

Moose Jaw, SK

Aug 15, 2025

1:49 pm

Male 5lbs, 9oz

Obituaries / Memorials

IRENE EHLIE

Irene Ehlie passed away suddenly on August 8, 2025, at the age of 98. Irene is predeceased by her parents Lorna and Ernest Gray, her husband Joe, sisters Marg, Clara (Walt), Yvone (Stan) and Lill (Ed), brothers Ab (Gwen), John (Sharon) and Earl (Vi), mother-in-law Euginie, sister-in-law Marjorie (Ken). She is survived by her son Dale, sister Pat (Rick), brother-in-law Dave as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the staff at Dr. F. H Wigmore Hospital for your help. Thank you to all the home care providers who helped her in the mornings. A very special thank you to Bev for all her Sunday visits and to Lenise for her help in the past. In keeping with Irene’s wishes, there will be no service.

Remembering

Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned. Let’s comfort one another with favourite memories of sharing times when we were together. Let us celebrate the spirit of a special life, so in our hearts the flame will burn forever

Edward Murphy

Tiffany Keller & Kayren Schentag

Moose Jaw, SK Aug 16, 2025

3:30 pm

Female 8lbs, 4oz

Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.ca (Obituaries).

Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director

Gone but not forgotten.

Having enough faith will ensure anything will work.

Going ABOVE and BEYOND expectations is what sets us apart

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Capitulate

When we were discussing home repair and renovation projects to accomplish this summer Patti mentioned the windows in the computer room. These windows are the only original ones on the main floor of our house. They are wood and needed to be repainted as the paint on the bottom half was cracked and even peeled off in some spots. I neglected to do anything until last week. After the gentle reminder that the summer season was fleeting and the project needed to be done, I capitulated and began the scraping and painting.

Capitulate means to cease resisting or acquiesce. I complied with her request and accepted the task passively.

Capitulate was derived from the Medieval Latin capitulare meaning to distinguish text by chapter or headings. The Latin capitulum referred to chapters or sections. A capitulare signified a document broken down into smaller, numbered or titled parts, like articles in a law. A capitulary was a series of laws or administrative acts from the

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties, particularly Charlemagne (748-814 AD).

When capitulate first entered the English language in the 1500s, it meant to discuss terms with an enemy, to negotiate and draw up sections of a deal. That sense of capitulate is seldom used in English anymore.

Eventually capitulate came to imply surrender. Capitulation happened with agreed upon terms or in hopelessness before strong opposing forces. The government was forced to capitulate unconditionally to the invading army.

Ultimately capitulate was used to indicate to cease resisting. The company capitulated to the union’s demands and avoided a strike. For the sake of their fans and to save the season, the players’ union capitulated to the owners’ pressures.

Yield, submit, succumb, relent, defer, and capitulate all denote to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist.

Yield applies to giving way before force, argument, or persuasion. Whenever they get into a discussion about finances he yields too easily to his partner.

Submit suggests surrendering after resistance to the will or control of another. A repentant sinner often vows to submit to God’s will in the future. Succumb implies weakness and helplessness in the one who gives way to an opposing force. After many years of success in stage theatre the actor succumbed to the lure of Hollywood.

Relent means backing down through pity or mercy by the one who holds the upper hand. The parents finally relented to the children’s unending pleas for a puppy.

Defer signifies a voluntary yielding out of respect or reverence or affection toward another. I defer to your expertise in these matters.

Capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance by a coming to terms or acknowledging the futility of the situation and giving in. The school officials capitulated to the students’ demands for a more lenient dress code. The government refused to capitulate despite the dwindling resources necessary to complete the project.

When the granddaughters were scheduled to arrive for a few days we decided to enforce a strict bedtime routine and hour. After the first night we capitulated far too easily in the face of a united front opposing us. For the sake of peace and quiet it is sometimes better to capitulate. Grandparents are allowed that option.

Please contact us for more information.

Jaw Health Foundation

S6J 0C2

Cassie Lewchak

Sunday, August 31, 2025 Sportsman Centre, 276 Home St. E. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@moosejawexpress. com

Town N’ Country Mall events

August 20 to 23 indoor Back to School Sidewalk Sale

August 23 Kid’s Funday Variety of games, crafts, coloring and facepainting. Saskatchewan 55+ Provincial Games will be held in Swift Current between August 2628.

Moose Jaw Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan: HELL With The BELL BREAKFAST will be held at the MJ WILDLIFE FEDERATION 1396 - 3rd Ave. NE on Wednesday, September 3 at 10am.

New and Current STS members are invited to celebrate the start of the school year with the HELL with the BELL Breakfast. Program: Introduction and Welcome to our new members. Eating and Visiting.day. Cost: $5 (Complimentary for our newly Superannuated Teachers and partners).

Please Register: by Sunday, August 31, 2025. There are 3 ways to Register for our events: Email stsmoosejaw@gmail.com, phone: R. Marcil: 306-691-0696, or click Events on our website www.stsmoosejaw.com

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars! LUNCHEON Meetings: All Meetings are at Masonic Hall, Main Street @ 10:30 AM

Wed. Sept 17, 2025

Wed. Nov 19, 2025

Wed. Jan 21, 2026

Wed. March 18, 2026

Wed. May 20, 2026

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club has returned to their GREENS in Crescent Park. Regular hours will be Tues & Thur @10:00am and 6:30pm M-Tu-W-Th. Everyone welcome. This is a sport for all abilities, for both recreation and competition, for youth and seniors. Text 306630-8160 for info about other opportunities to participate. Drop in bowls will be Tues &Thurs@10am; also, M-T-W-Th @7. In Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: April and May. Call or text 306 756 2819.

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm at St Andrews Church until May. Learning, comradery, fun challenges, quilting and Community Projects. New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw “The White Heather” for youth aged 8 to 12. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@ hotmail.com

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club will not be meeting this summer and will resume meetings in September.

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. Winter 2024 Program on Monday nights from 7-9pm at St. Mary’s School, 720 – 5th Ave. SW. Dance in a square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles or doubles welcome!

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month status to take place on the third Friday of each month Church of Our Lady Bingo takes place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to

overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com. Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well: -Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord. Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss Support Group Meets at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave. N.E. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8-8:45 am. Meeting to follow. . scale weighs up to 350 pounds. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to www.tops.

org

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) offers meetings every Wednesday evening too in the Alliance Church located at the corner of 9th Ave NE and Thatcher Dr. Use the West side entrance and you’ll find us down the hall in room 107. Weigh ins are 6:30-7 followed by a half hour meeting. Scale weighs up to 500lbs. Join us as we support each other on our weight loss journeys. Visit www.tops.org for more information.

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA

Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@ moosejawlibrary.ca

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING: STORYTIME IN THE PARK Wednesdays until August 27 @10:30am in Crescent Park in Front of the Library for ages 2 and up and their caring adults! Drop-In Program COME AND GO PLAY Thursdays until August 28 @ 9:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 0 to 5 and their caring adults! Drop-In Program

L’HEURE DU CONTE (FRENCH STORYTIME) Saturday, August 30 10h30 à la chambre des enfants pour les 0-5 ans et leurs soignants All levels of French language are welcom

MAKER SATURDAYS Saturdays, August 30 @ 2pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 8-12. Registration required: August 30 - LEGO

Spike Prime

AROUND THE WORLD Tuesdays, August 19 & 26 @2pm in Children’s Program Room for ages 6-8. Drop-in program

OCEAN DISCOVERY BOTTLES Saturday, August 23 @ 10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2+. Registration required.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING:

MOVIE MATINEE Saturday, August 23 @ 2:30 pm in MJPL Theatre for all ages. Drop-in program Movie: Batman & Robin (1997) (PG)

TEEN D&D: INSECTOPIA Group A: Tuesdays

Aug 19 to Sep 23/Group B: Thursdays Aug 21 to Sep 25 Time: 6:30 pm Location: TuesdaysHerb Taylor Room Thursdays - Reading Room Ages: 12 to 16 Registration required visit mjlibrary.ca/events to register

TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday, August 20 @ 6:30 pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Drop-in program Project: Flextangle / Hexaflexagon

TEEN ANIME+ CLUB Wednesday, August 27 @ 6:30 pm in MJPL Theatrefor ages 12-19

Drop-in program Show: The Demon Prince of Momochi House

MOVIE MATINEE Saturday, August 23 @2:30 pm in MJPL Theatre for all ages. Drop-in program Movie: Batman & Robin (1997) (PG)

TEEN D&D: INSECTOPIA Group A: Tuesdays

Aug 19 to Sep 23 Group B: Thursdays

Aug 21 to Sep 25 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Tuesdays - Herb Taylor Room ThursdaysReading Room for ages 12-16. Registration required visit mjlibrary.ca/events to register Comics on Hoopla Get lost in the pages of Hoopla’s comics! Whether you’re into epic battles, superheroes, or quirky stories, there’s something for every comic lover.

ADULT PROGRAMMING:

DOCUMENTARY NIGHT Thursday, August 28 @6pm in MJPL Theatre for adults. Drop-in program Movie: Grizzly Man

TECH TIME Available by appointment during Open hours in Main Library for Adults By appointment only - please call the Library at 306-692-2787 to schedule an appointment.

MAGIC THE GATHERING Saturdays, August 23 & 30 @2 pm in Reading Room for Ages 13+ Drop-in program

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw is making it’s move to their new location – 693 Fairford Street W. Please call to see when opening day is. Contact: 306692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw Instagram: @ Royalcanadianlegion59

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday 9:30am4:00pm

SUMMER LOUNGE HOURS: Monday 10am-8pm; Tuesday-Thursday 10am5pm; Friday 10am-9pm; Saturday 11am6pm; Closed Sundays

VETERANS MORNING COFFEE – Monday–Friday @ 10am; Saturday @ 11am BINGO – Monday @ 6pm MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca . The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm. For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca

The centre is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm. Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday’s 8am4pm

Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday Thursday mornings @ 9 a.m.

- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m.

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday pickleball @ Cancelled for summer

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Whist – Cancelled

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners –Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners

is Monday @1pm

500 Cards – Cancelled

Full Body work out – Cancelled

Scrabble – Cancelled

Spades – Cancelled

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Circle Dancing – ON HOLD

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm, Every Tuesday 9am -4pm starting September

Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Teaxas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @ ONHOLD for summer

Bingo – Monday afternoons 1:30pm -3:30pm and NEW Wednesday evenings 6:30pm8:30pm

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel.net

Check them out on Facebook.

Monday: Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am/Pickleball 9am/Shuffleboard 1pm/ Pickleball 3:45

Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pmBeginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am
Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/ Indoor Walking - 11:30am/ Art Drop In - 1:00pm/Pickleball 3:45pm and Beginner Pickleball 7:00pm
Thursday: 10amLine Dance/1pm-Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 12:00pm/ Hand/Foot Canasta - 1:30pm/Beginner Pickleball - 3:15pm and Advanced Pickleball - 6:30pm
Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am

Saturday: Advanced Pickleball - 9:30am and Pickleball - 1:00pm Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@ sasktel.net

Monday/Tuesday – Open 12 to 7 pm Wednesday – 12 – 6 pm 10 card Crib and Smear Thursday – 12 – 7 pm Regular Crib and Smear Friday – 1 - 10 pm Pool and Darts (7 pm) Saturday – 1 – 7pm Meat Draw at 4:30 pm, 50/50 and gift cards. Everyone welcome. FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395 EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

306-694-4747

324 Main Street N. Moose Jaw, SK

Derek McRitchie REALTOR® (306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill REALTOR® (306) 631-9966

Tanya Minchin REALTOR® (306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol REALTOR® (306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer REALTOR® (306)684-4266

Crop

area, full bathroom, utility room, fully fenced yard, shed for outdoor storage.

Well cared for three bedroom home, walking distance from downtown, dining room and living room have Hardwood ooring and new vinyl plank ooring in the kitchen. Two of the bedrooms have had new carpet installed. Some of the doors are original and still have the original skeleton key locks. Everything in the house stays, including the antique cabinet in the porch. The house has been professionally cleaned and is move-in ready.

Report: Rain delays harvest, boosts moisture in Moose Jaw region

Farmers in and around Moose Jaw are cautiously optimistic following another week of heavy rainfall that both delayed harvest progress and improved soil moisture, according to the latest Saskatchewan Crop Report for the period of Aug. 5 to 11.

While producers welcomed the timely rain for later-seeded crops, the report noted concerns remain about crop quality and the pace of fieldwork in parts of the southwest, which includes Moose Jaw and surrounding rural municipalities.

“Widespread rainfall in the province last week had varying impacts on crops. The rain was timely for laterseeded crops as they continue to fill, but some producers are concerned about the potential impact on quality for earlyseeded crops,” the report stated.

Rainfall in Moose Jaw and southwest

Moose Jaw recorded 19 millimetres of rain during the week, bringing cumulative totals since April 1 to about 180 mm. By comparison, the Webb area saw the region’s heaviest rainfall at 79 mm, while nearby Kincaid and Morse recorded 76 mm and 63 mm, respectively.

Provincewide, the highest total was in the Beatty area with 105 mm, followed by Calder with 103 mm and Star City with 102 mm. At the low end, some municipalities in west-central Saskatchewan, including Mayfield and Frenchman Butte, reported almost no measurable rainfall.

Soil moisture

The report highlighted a signifi-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

cant improvement in topsoil moisture across much of Saskatchewan, including Moose Jaw’s surrounding farmland.

In the southwest, cropland topsoil moisture was rated at 27 per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, four per cent short, and two per cent very short. For hayland, 19 per cent was surplus, 71 per cent adequate, nine per cent short, and one per cent very short. Pasture conditions were similar, with 17 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short, and one per cent very short.

Locally, cropland around Moose Jaw ranged from short to adequate moisture. Hay and pasture fields remained on the drier side, with short conditions reported in most areas immediately surrounding the city.

Harvest progress in the southwest

Harvest in Saskatchewan is slightly behind schedule, with just two per cent of crops combined across the province compared to the five- and 10-year averages of six per cent.

The southwest, including Moose Jaw, has made the most progress so far, though wet weather kept combines out of fields for much of the week. Three per cent of crops in the region have been harvested, led by winter cereals.

By Aug. 11, 24 per cent of winter wheat and 21 per cent of fall rye had been combined in the southwest. Early harvest of spring crops also began, with five per cent of barley, four per cent of oats, and one per cent of durum taken off. Pulse crops showed modest progress, with five per cent of field peas and two per cent of lentils combined.

Yields and forage

Persistent dry conditions earlier in the season weighed on hay yields, particularly on dryland acres. In the southwest, dryland alfalfa yielded just 0.63 tonnes per acre, tame hay 0.46 tonnes, and greenfeed 1.19 tonnes.

Irrigated fields fared better, with alfalfa averaging 1.99 tonnes per acre and tame hay 1.22 tonnes. Silage crops produced stronger results, averaging 5.90 tonnes per acre in the region, slightly above the provincial average of 5.25 tonnes.

Crop damage and pests

Weather remained the leading factor in crop damage during the report period. Excess rainfall caused regrowth in some fields, complicating harvest plans. Strong winds paired with heavy downpours also caused lodging in certain areas, while isolated pockets of hail added to crop stress.

Grasshopper and bertha armyworm activity were reported in parts of the province, forcing some producers to spray.

Temperatures

Temperatures in the Moose Jaw region held steady during the week, with a minimum of 11.5 C and a maximum of 27.9 C. Nearby Assiniboia recorded a high of 28.7 C, while the provincial peak was 30.1 C east of Coronach.

Safety reminder

With harvest season ramping up, the Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers and the public to keep safety top of mind.

“Harvest is a busy time in Saskatchewan, and everyone is reminded to prioritize safety this fall,” the report said.

Producers are encouraged to watch for hazards such as fire and power lines, while motorists are reminded to be patient with heavy farm equipment on rural roads.

The Farm Stress Line remains available at 1-800-667-4442 for producers needing support during the busy season.

A full version of the Crop Report is available online at Saskatchewan.ca/ Crop-Report.