Moose Jaw Express, May 14th, 2025

Rear Camera, BlueTooth

MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER

Award-winning theatrical production ‘Oopsie’ to visit Sunningdale School

Students in Moose Jaw are in for a treat as the acclaimed theatrical production “Oopsie” makes its way to Sunningdale Elementary School this spring. Presented by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) through its Performing Arts in Schools Program, the show is set to tour 22 schools across the province from May 20 to June 6, with a stop in Moose Jaw scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20.

“Oopsie” is the brainchild of Candice Roberts, a fifth-generation settler and artist based on the ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. Roberts, known for her work with the Myrtle Sisters and the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society, brings a unique blend of physical theatre, music, mask, movement, and clowning around to her performances.

The show is centered around Dr. Professor — a character on a quest to answer the question, “Is it OK to make mistakes?” Through a series of humorous misadventures and with help from student audiences, Dr. Professor discovers that mistakes can lead to new discoveries.

“I want to tell you that I have just returned from a 43-show tour and the

response was overwhelmingly positive,” Roberts shared. “I heard many times that this was the best show to come to their school. What seems very ‘primary’ soon becomes very engaging for grades 6 to 8 as they come on stage to share their latest dance craze and participate in the funny creative experiments that test their brains.”

The 60-minute performance will combine shadow puppetry, original music, tap dance, and physical comedy to explore themes of creativity, a growth mindset, and personal well-being. Designed for Kindergarten to Grade 8 audiences, the show includes interactive ele-

ments such as questions for the audience and hands-on demonstrations.

A teacher from Maple Bay Elementary in Duncan, BC, praised the performance: “Never in my 20-plus years of teaching have I seen a group of children so enraptured with a performance. The joy on their faces was so uplifting! Candy’s one-human show was informative, hilarious, and so highly engaging that I could have watched it for hours. Even as an adult, I was belly laughing and tearing up.”

Since celebrating 50 years as an organization in 2018, OSAC has continued to bring the arts to communities across the province, presenting more than 300 live performances in schools and public venues each year. These events, which engage an estimated 75,000 audience members annually, are made possible thanks to the commitment of local volunteers and vital support from Saskatchewan Lotteries and Canadian Heritage.

For more information about the “Oopsie” tour, contact Marianne Woods at 1-306-586-1258 or by email at Marianne@osac.ca. To learn more about OSAC, visit OSAC.ca.

Additional information can be found online at CandyBonesTheatre.com.

“Oopsie” by Candy Bones Theatre and presented by OSAC is set to perform at Sunningdale Elementary School on Tuesday, May 20. Photo by: Candy Bones Theatre

Gale Toews

Small change, big impact: Project Shine ’25 kicks off at the Moose Jaw Co-op

Shoppers at the Moose Jaw Co-op had some extra help packing their groceries on May 6 as volunteer members of the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association (MJDSCA) joined staff to kick off Project Shine 2025, a monthlong fundraising initiative aimed at revitalizing the kitchen at the Timothy Eaton Centre.

Between 3 and 5 p.m., MJDSCA volunteers assisted shoppers by bagging groceries and encouraging $2 donations at the tills. Each voluntary donation was then matched by both Moose Jaw Co-op and SaskWater — the two organizations behind Project Shine — up to $2,500

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each, amplifying the community’s impact.

All donations will go toward a significant kitchen upgrade at the Timothy Eaton Centre, which is home to the MJDSCA. The renovation aims to enhance the centre’s ability to provide nutritious meals and expand its services.

“This is going to open a lot more doors for our center to be able to make more nutritious meals and to get out into the community,” said Tanya Legare, executive director of the MJDSCA. “We might even look into (staying open on) weekends to offer more meals for the community.”

The initiative not only raised funds

but also spread awareness of the MJDSCA’s role in the community.

Project Shine 2025 runs throughout May at all participating Moose Jaw Coop locations, including the Food Store, gas bars, Agro Centre, and branches in Avonlea and Liberty — although these two out-of-town locations will support separate causes within their respective communities. In Moose Jaw, the campaign will feature a second volunteer event on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The MJDSCA’s kitchen is open to the public — not just seniors — providing a space for everyone to enjoy a meal.

“Anyone can come in, have cof-

fee, and enjoy breakfast (or any other) good meal,” said Dave Pelletier, president and chair of the MJDSCA. “We’ve got a great cook,” he added, referring to kitchen manager Tina. “I’d say, come on down.”

The MJDSCA, founded in 1989, offers an active, inclusive space for residents over the age of 50. Through a wide range of programs and activities, the association is dedicated to reducing social isolation and fostering meaningful connections within the community.

The Timothy Eaton Centre is located at 510 Main Street North. For more information about the MJDSCA, visit MooseJawSeniors.ca or call 306-6944223.

As Project Shine continues, the community’s support remains vital.

“We just invite people to get a hold of us if they want to be a part of (the Project Shine initiative), and just thanks to everybody who’s given us support so far,” MichaelaTurner community and employee engagement manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op expressed.

For more information on Project Shine 2025 and how to contribute, visit MooseJawCo-op.crs or follow “Moose Jaw Co-op” on Facebook. For more information about SaskWater, visit SaskWater.com.

Representatives of the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens’ Association pause for a quick break on the afternoon of May 6. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Michaela Turner (left), community and employee engagement manger at the Moose Jaw Co-op, and Courtney Mihalicz (right), manager of corporate communications at SaskWater, pause for a photo during the Project Shine ’25 event at the Moose Jaw Co-op on May 6. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Mayor proclaims NF Awareness Day as walk shines spotlight on rare disorder

A Moose Jaw mother is bringing attention to a rare and little-known medical condition by organizing a local walk and rallying the community for awareness and support.

On Saturday, May 17, residents are invited to Wakamow Valley for the inaugural Walk for Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness, an event inspired by Hazel, the young daughter of Moose Jaw resident Catelyn Gadd. Hazel was recently diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to form on nerve tissue.

“This is the first time we’re doing the walk,” Gadd said. “We’re hoping to bring the community together and shine a light on what families like ours are going through.”

The walk will be held at Kiwanis River Park in Wakamow Valley, starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $20 per person and can be paid with cash on-site.

Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends, with a short loop around the park planned for the walk, followed by a gathering and opportunity to learn more about the condition. All proceeds will go toward initiatives aimed at accelerating treatment options for Canadian families.

“We just want people to learn about it, share it, and support it however they can,” said Gadd. “There are

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kids like Hazel all across the country, and right now, there aren’t enough resources for them.”

As part of the push for awareness, Mayor James Murdock signed an official proclamation declaring May 17 as Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day in the city. Gadd said the recognition is a powerful step in raising the profile of the disorder and the impact it has on families.

“It means so much to have the city recognize what

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we’re trying to do,” she said. “Being seen and being supported — it’s a huge part of why we’re doing this.”

Neurofibromatosis encompasses three types: NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. NF1, the most common, affects approximately one in 3,000 individuals and is characterized by skin changes, bone deformities, and tumor growth along nerves. NF2 and schwannomatosis are rarer and often involve tumors that can lead to hearing loss and chronic pain.

“In Canada, there’s currently no dedicated clinic for Neurofibromatosis,” Gadd noted. “(Families must) travel to the U.S. for treatment. That’s why raising funds and awareness is so important.”

The event is also part of a broader grassroots movement across Canada to establish the country’s first dedicated Neurofibromatosis clinic in Ontario.

“This is just the beginning,” said Gadd. “With more awareness, we hope to build support for a clinic here in Canada. And every step, every dollar raised, helps make that vision more real.”

Those unable to attend in person can still donate to the Children’s Tumor Foundation online at CTF.org.

“It’s not just about one day,” said Gadd. “It’s about building a future where families don’t feel alone, where they have somewhere to go for help, and where kids like Hazel can thrive.”

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Catelyn Gadd (left) and her daughter, Hazel, attend the official signing of a proclamation by Mayor James Murdock (right) declaring May 17 as Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day in Moose Jaw. Photo by: Submitted photo

Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation hatches conservation boost with new batch of walleye eggs

A new generation of walleye is on its way to southern Saskatchewan waters, thanks to the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation’s (MJWF) mobile hatchery, which has just received its first batch of fish eggs for the season.

The eggs, harvested from Buffalo Pound Lake by Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment during its annual spawn camp, are now incubating at the provincial hatchery in Echo Lake and in the MJWF’s mobile hatchery positioned at the north shore of Buffalo Pound Lake.

“We are in the process of incubating… millions of eggs,” said Todd Smith, president of the MJWF. “Once the fry hatch, they (will be released to restock) all the reservoirs in the southern part of the province.”

The mobile hatchery has been in operation for over two decades and plays a critical role in restocking Saskatchewan’s lakes and reservoirs. Although walleye populations are not facing endangered species status, this year’s young walleye fish, known as “fry,” are expected to help maintain sport fishing populations in Thompson Lake and other reservoirs around Gravelbourg and beyond.

Thompson Lake, for example, supports a healthy and actively managed walleye population that was bolstered by stocking 500,000 walleye fry in 2022. The lake is a popular angling destination and its diverse aquatic habitat makes it suitable for the species.

The number of eggs the Ministry of the Environment collects each year depends on the province’s stocking needs and the success of each harvest.

“It varies year over year, depending on what the ministry needs for stocking purposes, as well as how many eggs they harvest out of Buffalo Pound,” Smith explained. “From there, they hope to produce sufficient fry to be able to stock the lakes both in the northern (and)… central part (of the province), (including) all the reservoirs in the southern area.”

Walleye are a popular sport and table fish in Saskatchewan, but not all lakes can support sustainable natural reproduction. In particular, reservoirs in the south often face environmental challenges.

“Some (southern reservoirs) will winter kill (fish populations if) they don’t get enough oxygen. You may end up with a lack of oxygen and starvation, (leading to) a significant die-off,” Smith said. “These (conservation efforts) are ways that you can restock the lake and still provide a sport fishery.”

The incubation process typically takes around three weeks — though it can vary with water temperature. Warmer water accelerates development, meaning fry could be ready for release earlier.

Adding to the excitement is a visual upgrade to the mobile hatchery itself, including new signage and

a polished look.

The Federation also held its primary annual fundraiser on May 3, where it auctioned off 10 beakers used in the hatchery process among other highlights. Proceeds from the largest annual fundraising event will help sustain the hatchery and its operations.

As the fry grow and begin a new life in Saskatchewan’s waters, the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation is reaffirming its place at the heart of grassroots conservation — ensuring that anglers and future generations can continue to enjoy a vibrant, healthy fishery.

For more information about the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation and its conservation efforts, visit “Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation” on Facebook or its website at MJWildlife.ca.

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A look at the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation’s newly spruced up mobile fish hatchery, currently situated at Buffalo Pound Lake. Photo by: Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation

Millions of walleye eggs incubate inside the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation’s mobile hatchery this spring. Photo by: Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

4-H cookbook puts brownies in cooking spotlight

How many recipes for brownies could one cookbook offer?

Judging from the count in the 80th anniversary cookbook of Saskatchewan 4-H, the number would be 19, making brownies the most popular recipe of the 4-H families who contributed to the cookbook project.

Some of those recipes are featured in this week’s column.

•

• BROWNIES

1/2 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

4 tbsps. cocoa

1 cup flour

2 tbsps. baking powder

2 beaten eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts

pinch of salt

Melt butter and mix everything together. Put in a greased pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.

•

FUDGE BROWNIES

Cake:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tsps. vanilla

2 tsps. cocoa

1/2 cup flour

Topping:

1/2 can Eagle Brand milk

1 cup coconut

To make the cake portion, melt butter and add other ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.

For the topping, combine the milk and coconut and spread on top of brownies after they are cooked. Return to oven and bake until topping is browned. Cool before slicing. •

FARMER BROWNIES

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup hot water

3/4 cup margarine or butter

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup sour milk or buttermilk

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup walnuts

1 tsp. baking powder

2 eggs, beaten

Dissolve cocoa in hot water. Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs and then cocoa and water. Add milk, flour, baking powder, salt and nuts. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 de-

grees F for 25 minutes.

CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES

4 squares semi-sweet baker’s chocolate

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 tbsp. milk

1 cup flour

1 cup chopped nuts

Filling:

1-250 g pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tsps. flour

Heat chocolate and butter until butter melts. Stir in sugar. Mix in eggs and milk until blended. Stir in flour and nuts.

Spread half the dough in a greased 9 inch baking pan.

Mix the ingredients for the filling and spread over half the dough in the pan. Spread remaining dough over the top and swirl with a knife. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F. Cool before slicing.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Free yard waste weekend at landfill set for May 17 to 19

The City of Moose Jaw has scheduled May 17-19 as a free yard waste weekend.

During the Victoria Day weekend, the city will waive the $14 tipping fee for all organic waste including leaves, grass clipping and branches no larger than one inch in diameter. The city requests that residents put the material in clear or orange bags for easy inspection.

Residents may transport their organic yard waste in trailers behind light vehicles; however, dual-axle and commercial trucks are ineligible for the fee waiver. Those disposing of non-organic household waste, construction materials and other items such as furniture, mat-

By MooseJawToday.com staff

tresses and appliances will be subject to regular landfill fees based on material and weight.

To increase efficiency, the city will create a designated yard waste zone, have staff inspect loads at the entrance and direct vehicles to the appropriate area. The city reminds residents that they must use tarps to haul their loads since tarps are not optional.

According to city bylaw No. 5156, section 23, tarps are required to secure loads, while the city will issue violations for loads not secured by a tarp. This will keep roads and streets safe and free of debris.

Other directions residents must fol-

low at the dump include:

· All vehicles must stop and report to the weigh scale house attendant before entering and leaving the disposal area, while proof of residency is required

· Residents must follow directions to the proper dumping area at the site

· Dumping solid wastes anywhere else in or around the city is illegal with fines of up to $100 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations

· Keep children in vehicles while at the landfill site

· Smoking is prohibited at the dump If information or assistance is required on proper packaging and disposal

of special wastes, such as asbestos, hydrocarbon products, chemicals, hazardous and infectious materials, call the public works and utilities department at 694-4448 or the landfill scale house at 692-9383

The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council offers useful information about how to recycle certain items. That information can be found at www.saskwastereduction.ca/recycle

The landfill is located along the northeastern edge of the city limits at 1802 Caribou Street East. More information can also be found at https:// moosejaw.ca/sanitary-landfill.

Dr. Clinton: Strong relationships and play-based learning build strong minds in children

Renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton delivered an impassioned speech to a packed room at the International Early Learning Conference, calling for a renewed focus on relationships, emotional development and the importance of play in early childhood education on May 8.

The conference, held May 7 to 9 at the Temple Gardens Centre, welcomed educators, caregivers and child development experts from across the province. Clinton, a clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences at McMaster University, delivered a message rooted in compassion, science, and Indigenous wisdom.

“The power of relationship and connection is what we’re going to talk about and hear about today,” said Clinton, whose work focuses on how early experiences shape a child’s brain development and long-term well-being.

She opened her talk by honouring Indigenous teachings, emphasizing how

important it is to consider how today’s decisions affect future generations.

“Consider the interests of the next seven generations when decisions are being made,” she said. “Parenting gets

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passed down through generations and is modified by conditions.”

Clinton’s reference to “conditions” speaks to the complex interplay between inherited parenting practices and the broader social, economic, and cultural environments in which they unfold. From shifting societal expectations to the impacts felt by trauma, poverty, or available community supports, these contextual factors reshape how caregiving is expressed and experienced across generations.

Clinton stressed the need for adults to understand the reasons behind a child’s behaviour. “Every behaviour has a reason; it’s communication,” she explained. “First, you have to connect before you correct.”

A central theme of Clinton’s presentation was the critical role of play — a component of Saskatchewan’s provincial curriculum that she was pleased to see included.

“Play is the way that children grow. Play is the brain’s favourite way of learning,” she said. Clinton then warned against what she described as “cognitive seduction,” or the premature focus on academic skills at the expense of emotional and social development.

she said. “The best predictor of how a child will do in school is not whether they can read or write — it’s whether they can get along, regulate themselves, and be part of a group.”

Clinton outlined several evidencebased strategies for parents and educators, emphasizing the importance of validating emotional expression, cultivating a strong sense of belonging, and engaging regularly in reflective practice.

“Belonging is an absolute need for humans; we have a drive to belong,” she shared.

For clarity, reflective practice involves pausing to examine one’s own responses and assumptions in order to better understand and meet a child’s emotional needs. If adults act with greater self-awareness and intention, they can create a more supportive and responsive learning environment.

She also urged educators to shift their perspective from “filling the bucket” to “igniting the flame.” “You don’t learn a thing of importance if you don’t have an emotional connection to it,” she said, pointing to the powerful emotional connection behind the analogy.

Throughout her talk, Clinton shared personal stories — including anecdotes about her nine grandchildren — and drew laughter and nods of agreement from the crowd. Her message, however, was clear and urgent: children thrive when adults are emotionally present, consistent and supportive.

“What might happen if children saw our eyes light up every time we look at them?” she asked. “We need to change the narrative. Every child needs at least one adult whose eyes light up when they walk into the room.”

Clinton encouraged attendees to see themselves as co-learners and coresearchers with children.

“When you see each child as capable and brilliant, everything changes,” she said.

“When we’re focusing on school readiness, which to many people means kids can read and write, we’re not using science and the evidence that we know,”

The International Early Learning Conference was held at the Temple Gardens Centre, located at 110 First Avenue Northeast. For more information, visit MooseJawECC.ca or reach out to Dr. Clinton on LinkedIn.

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Dr. Jean Clinton speaks at the Temple Gardens Centre on May 8. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Square One honoured at Sask. legislature, seeks provincial partnership

Square One Community Inc., a grassroots organization tackling homelessness in Moose Jaw, was recognized in the Saskatchewan Legislature last week for its groundbreaking work in supportive housing.

On May 7, representatives from the organization attended the provincial legislative session in Regina as invited guests of Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Megan Patterson. The visit served not only as a moment of recognition but also as an opportunity to advocate for longterm provincial support.

Square One’s General Manager

Maxton Eckstein, Board Chair Della Ferguson, and Intensive Case Managers Tori Gibson and Tiara Wolff received warm welcomes during the sitting. Premier Scott Moe, Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson, and MLA Patterson all commended the team’s dedication to serving Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable individuals.

“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our friends from Square One,” said Patterson on the legislative floor. “They’ve made an immense impact in my home riding of Moose Jaw Wakamow.”

Square One’s Supportive Housing Program, launched at William Milne Place in December 2024, is currently

housing 11 individuals coming out of chronic homelessness, with projections to reach 30 by March 2026. The program, which provides intensive wraparound support including mental health and addictions services, was the focal point of both the formal recognition and behind-the-scenes advocacy.

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OF CHAMBERLAIN PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before July 14, 2025, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

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Description of Property

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Donna Flavel, Administrator

He emphasized that supportive housing doesn’t just benefit the clients — it also makes economic sense. “There are significant cost savings to the province in the short, medium, and long term by reducing reliance on emergency services,” he said.

Currently, Square One is funded through a one-year grant from the federal Reaching Home program. The organization is calling for a core partnership with the provincial government to secure the long-term viability of the program and potentially double its intake capacity.

“There is an exceptional opportunity here,” Eckstein said. “With provincial funding and the infrastructure we already have, we could realistically end homelessness in Moose Jaw within 10 years.”

“Prior to the sitting in the legislature, Della (Ferguson) and I sat down for a successful meeting with MLA Lee Guse, chief of staff to the Hon. Terry Jenson; MLA Terri Bromm; and our local MLA, Megan Patterson,” said Eckstein. “We continued ongoing conversations regarding a potential partnership between Square One and the province.”

According to Eckstein, the discussions were constructive and focused on the program’s early success and future potential.

“We had some very honest conversations about the growing needs in Moose Jaw,” he said. “Our program participants are showing incredible progress after just a month of services. We’re not just reducing homelessness — we’re helping individuals gain the capacity to live independently.”

Data shared by Square One suggests the program is already yielding measurable impacts. “Prior to housing, our clients were facing dozens of interactions with emergency services per month,” Eckstein said. “After just a month in our program, that number is down to nearly zero across the board.”

The team also shared how the program is collaborating closely with other services, including the provincially funded Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter and regional Mental Health and Addictions programs.

“Working so closely with the province already on intakes and service delivery, they are simply the natural partner we need (in order to) continue the work we are doing,” Eckstein added.

MLAs Guse, Bromm and Patterson expressed interest in further exploring the partnership and accepted a detailed proposal package from the Square One team. A tentative site visit to Moose Jaw is planned for June.

The issue of homelessness has also been raised by Moose Jaw city councillor Chris Warren through a resolution at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), highlighting growing municipal support for the initiative.

“As the largest rural and remote community in the province, Moose Jaw could be the model for how smaller communities across Saskatchewan tackle homelessness,” said Eckstein.

To learn more, visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com, follow ‘Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw’ on Facebook, or email CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com.

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From left to right: Della Ferguson, Tiara Wolff, Tori Gibson, Max Eckstein, and MLA Megan Patterson at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina. Photo by: Square One Community Inc.

Square One’s 2024 point-in-time count indicates rising homelessness in Moose Jaw

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count conducted by Square One Community Inc. has revealed a significant increase in homelessness within Moose Jaw, drawing attention to urgent concerns for the community.

On Oct. 1, 2024, Square One, in collaboration with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, conducted the PiT Count as part of a broader initiative to assess homelessness across rural and remote communities in Saskatchewan. This marked Moose Jaw’s first official participation in the federally co-ordinated Reaching Home program.

The count identified 76 individuals who were surveyed and confirmed as experiencing homelessness — a 192.3 per cent increase from the 26 individuals recorded in the 2023 independent count.

Additionally, 44 individuals were observed by trained surveyors to exhibit signs of homelessness but either declined participation, were incapacitated, or asleep during the survey. When accounting for an estimated 25 per cent of individuals who may have been missed, the total number of people experiencing homelessness in Moose Jaw could now range between 76 and 150.

“There are some really interesting details in here that are very revealing and useful to guide us in the services we provide to the community,” said Maxton Eckstein, general manager of Square One Community Inc.

Key survey findings

Demographics: Of those surveyed, 62 per cent identified as male, 32 per cent as female, and 13 per cent as youth aged 13 to 24. Adults aged 25 to 64 represented 78 per cent, and adults over 65 represented seven per cent of respondents. Five individuals identified as a veteran of either the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP. A total of 34 per cent reported that they were in the foster care program at some point.

Indigenous identity: Of those surveyed, 20 per cent identified as First Nations, 11 per cent as Métis, and 53 per cent reported no Indigenous ancestry.

Sleeping arrangements: Of those surveyed, 41 per cent were unsure of where they would sleep, 25 per cent were staying at a homeless shelter, and 20 per cent were

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A

staying at someone else’s place.

Length of time in Moose Jaw: Of those surveyed, 17 per cent reported living in Moose Jaw for less than one year. Around one quarter — 26 per cent — said they have always been here, 34 per cent have been here 10 or more years, and 18 per cent have been here more than one but less than 10 years.

Chronic homelessness: Of all individuals counted, 21 per cent were experiencing chronic homelessness, defined as being homeless for six months or more in the past year. Over the past three years, 38 per cent reported being homeless more than half the time, with 47 per cent stating that they were homeless less than half the time.

Age of first homelessness: Approximately 53 per cent of respondents first experienced homelessness between the ages of 11 and 30, indicating early onset of housing instability. Of all respondents, 18 per cent declined to answer.

Dependents: Of those surveyed, 26 per cent had dependents, including children (eight per cent), partners, or other adults, highlighting the impact of homelessness on families.

Income sources: The primary source of income for respondents was social assistance at 53 per cent, with 11 per cent indicating they had no income. Among the remaining 36 per cent, 17 per cent reported income from

disability benefits, seven per cent from senior’s benefits, four per cent from employment insurance, and three per cent claimed to have full-time employment.

Eckstein emphasized the importance of these findings in shaping future services: “Clearly homelessness in Moose Jaw is disproportionately affecting our youth, and in many cases family units as a whole,” he said.

Square One will use this data to guide policy decisions and future funding allocations as the nonprofit continues its mission to end homelessness.

“I am very hopeful that with all of the hard work we are all putting in to change this trajectory, we will see a downward trend in future years,” he said.

For more information, visit SquareOneHousing MooseJaw.com, follow “Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw” on Facebook, or email Community SquareOne@gmail.com.

To view the full report, visit SquareOneHousing MooseJaw.com/Pit-Count-2024.

Aaron

total of 76 individuals were confirmed as homeless in the 2024 Point-in-Time count — nearly triple the number reported one year prior. Photo by: Métis Nation–Saskatchewan

Hot Pressure Washers!!

Reflective Moments

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.

Friendship began in stinky hockey dressing room

The e-mail address was unknown to us, yet there was something familiar about it and so with trepidation we opened the message and rejoiced that it wasn’t someone trying to take over the controls of my laptop.

Instead of bad news, it was a moment of unexpected joy. The sender was a friend made many years ago while we were immersed in the every-day events of an inter-provincial organization related to fairs and exhibitions.

It had been several years since we last connected with our friend Dianne, but when we found out she and some of her family members were planning to visit Moose Jaw, we did not hesitate when she invited us to meet her for coffee the following week.

Over the years we’ve driven through Virden, Man. while enroute to somewhere else and we always said

to each other: “We should give Dianne a call.” To our shame, we stopped only for gasoline and a snack or two to keep Housemate engaged in the trip until we arrived at our destination.

A Christmas card and letter always made its way here from Virden and we reciprocated and kept in touch that way — until the most recent Canada Post strike when I thought about sending Easter greetings in lieu of Christmas cards. It turns out Dianne had the same thought, but we both failed in our plan.

I remember well the first time we met Dianne. She was the secretary-treasurer of the Virden Agricultural Society and I was employed by Western Canada Fairs and during the summer visited as many member fairs as we could work into our summer schedule.

Upon reading about her fair, we were impressed by the number of heavy horse entries that were anticipated. We exchanged fax messages to arrange to meet on the second evening of her fair. We were to go to the locker room area of the hockey arena.

We suspected she might be in one of the coaches’ offices or maybe the referee and linesmen’s dressing room.

in front of some lockers. She was surrounded by file folders and banker’s boxes. A telephone, I believe, had been connected for her. One look and I knew we would be friends forever, she in her controlled chaos, and I operating in the same way back at home.

I eventually convinced her that Virden should take its turn at being on the Western Canada Fairs executive and eventually being president for a year. She had excuses for not getting that involved but she was pleasantly over-ruled by other WCF’s delegates from Manitoba.

Dianne managed the presidency with dignity and a lot of fun. That year the Canadian conference was held in London, Ont. and the three of us headed east to mix and mingle.

That trip was one of the first memories we dredged up while sitting at a corner table in the Casino Moose Jaw cafe. We talked about the jousting competition we watched one evening, and then she asked Housemate the pertinent question: “Do you still take the silverware home in your pocket?”

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act, 2015 for the office of:

Board Members: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 22, Moose Jaw Subdivision Number to be elected: 1 (one)

I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclamation:

Lee Moyse.

Dated at Moose Jaw, this 9 th day of May 2024.

Curt Van Parys, Returning Officer

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 22

Nope, there sat a woman on a bench

Inc.

We laughed at that memory but Housemate assured her he tried not to do that any more, that his guilt in London was a one-time set of circumstances. Our visit was over much too soon, but we promised to stay in touch, she made sure we had her present address and her phone. I had already put her mobile phone number into my device.

Will be held May 27th, 2025 at 6:15pm

Rodo’s Restaurant

855 Grandview Street W.

General Public Welcome

Who knows when we will visit again, but it is so much fun to have friends who can pick up a conversation after being apart for so many years. Thanks for not forgetting us Dianne.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Gamin Abet Association

Hundreds pitch in to clean up litter across Moose Jaw

Nearly 200 residents rolled up their sleeves Saturday morning to take part in Moose Jaw’s citywide community cleanup, with volunteers fanning out across parks, pathways, and neighbourhoods to help prepare the city for summer on May 10.

Organized jointly by the City of Moose Jaw and the Beautification Committee, the event drew more than 150 registered participants at the downtown staging site, with many more joining in from various neighbourhoods across the city.

“We started setting up early this morning, and people were arriving right before 10 a.m. to get their bags and gloves,” said Heather Eby, a city councillor and spokesperson for the event. “We’ve had almost 150 people register and we know there are a few other groups out doing their thing.”

Eby noted that turnout was one of the strongest they’ve seen in recent years.

“Sometimes we’ve only had maybe 50 or 80 people. One year we hit 120. So to see around 200 people taking part today is just fantastic,” she said.

Volunteers chose sites from a city map and spread out across Moose Jaw, cleaning areas from Happy Valley to Spring Creek, thanks to co-ordinated efforts with the Wakamow Valley Authority and other local groups. City staff were

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

also out in force, not only supporting the logistics at the event hub but joining the cleanup efforts across town.

“This location is just for signing up; it’s really a citywide effort,” Eby said about the temporary meeting place at Purposed Financial Corporation at 81 Athabasca Street West. Here, participants were able to enjoy a barbecue sponsored by the Moose Jaw Co-op.

“We had really good representation today. Teams from the City of Moose Jaw were out cleaning, too, and I think that’s excellent.”

Nature Moose Jaw, a local envi-

sign.”

All collected waste was bagged and left in designated piles around the city to be picked up by a city crew and taken to the landfill. While a final tally of the total litter collected wasn’t yet available, Eby said she hopes to have those figures by the following week.

The city now plans to expand the cleanup initiative with a second event already scheduled for the fall.

“We’ve already planned a fall cleanup for Saturday, Sept. 20,” Eby said. “We’ll do this all over again and get things cleaned up before the next season comes along.”

She also emphasized the importance of making litter pickup a habit, not just a once- or twice-a-year activity.

ronmental group, also joined the effort.

“We picked up about 20 pounds (approximately nine kilograms) of trash — everything from cigarette butts to coffee cups,” said Rich Pickering, president of the group. “It’s just nice to be collaborating with the Wakamow Valley Authority and the other groups involved. It’s our way of giving back to the community.”

Pickering said he was pleasantly surprised by the relatively low amount of trash in some areas, indicating that community awareness may already be on the rise.

“I think we expected more,” he said. “There wasn’t as much as we thought there would be. Hopefully, that’s a good

“I hope people who helped today will think twice about walking past litter tomorrow,” she said. “If everyone picked up three pieces every time they went out the door, there wouldn’t be any left.”

Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, MAY 12

City hall estimates it could cost more than $15 million to upgrade parts of the 111-year-old Spring Creek infrastructure that supplies water to the Hillcrest and Lynbrook golf courses.

In the short term, though, it believes on-site retention ponds could address the sporting venues’ water needs.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, provided an update about the water-related infrastructure during city council’s recent executive committee meeting.

The Spring Creek infrastructure, most of which the municipality built around June 1914, consists of five components, Harlton’s report said.

These components include Snowdy Dam, which could cost a minimum of $225,000 to replace; the Snowdy pumphouse, which includes a motor and electrical wiring from the 1950s; the Brittania pumphouse, with the pump, motor and electrical items from the 1950s; a water outlet; and 12 kilometres of 1914-era cast iron water mains.

It could cost $5.7 million to replace the cast iron pipes, while additional factors — like pipe cleaning, excava-

Retention ponds best short-term irrigation option for two golf courses, city says

tions, contingency costs and inflation — could push that cost to $10 million to $15 million, the document said.

Continuing, the report said the operations department has worked with the golf courses to replace the pump at Snowdy Springs and assess the dam, while staff also discussed the existing water mains’ replacement costs.

“It was acknowledged that the capital costs to replace or line the water mains are beyond the financial limits of the city. The ever-increasing risk of costly or irreparable breaks was (also) discussed,” the report noted.

The city also told the golf courses that its priorities include conducting a hydraulic assessment of the creek, confirming that the dike system elevations are appropriate to handle major storms, improving the channel near Fourth Avenue and Laurier, and increasing the capacity or resiliency of the creek.

The city would pay for the channel-related work, while the three parties would cost-share everything else.

Harlton told council that the city could provide the sports venues with improved retention ponds for irrigation

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

efforts. Moreover, administration plans to maintain the Spring Creek infrastructure, although it may take three to five years to improve those pieces.

However, the issue with retention ponds is that storms would replenish them, which would not provide consistency for irrigation, he continued. Administration will work with the organizations to find a way to connect them with water and provide baseline irrigation methods.

The worst-case scenario is that a water main breaks and the city can’t fix it, or it takes weeks to fix, or the cost is so prohibitive that it prevents work from happening, the director added.

Coun. Patrick Boyle wondered if the municipality could start a reserve account for each golf course, start “tucking away” money to offset these expected costs, or access another reserve account. He also thought it was time to discuss a capital replacement plan to which all parties could contribute.

“Obviously … these (golf courses) are not large-scale operations,” he continued. “There’s a reason why we just

Councillor criticizes permanent

spray

One city councillor is frustrated that contractors have spray-painted infrastructure throughout the downtown to indicate upcoming construction projects, considering those markings — some on brickwork — appear to be permanent.

During city council’s recent regular meeting, Coun. Heather Eby said she noticed last year and this year that streets and sidewalks near work areas had been spray-painted. She particularly noticed this paint on brickwork in the downtown and near First Avenue Northwest and Fairford Street.

“Once we spray paint that … it’s

had the tax (policy) report and they have to be in their own subclass, because if you tax them like a private-sector golf course … they crumble instantly.”

Harlton replied that he didn’t know how much it would cost to connect new piping infrastructure to the city’s water supply or wells. However, he pointed out that it would cost tens of millions of dollars to replace the 12 kilometres of related cast iron pipes — the equivalent of four years of regular cast iron replacement.

Meanwhile, he recommended against creating a reserve account but acknowledged that council should provide direction about this for the future. Also, the golf courses should focus on determining alternative irrigation methods and related costs.

In response, Boyle acknowledged that the city may “have to patchwork” this infrastructure for a while, and while the pipes may be working today, a future break could see the golf courses asking for support to stave off collapse.

Council then voted to receive and file the report.

paint markings on downtown infrastructure

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

like we’ve graffitied something and then that spray paint is there forever,” she said. “Is there not a better way to do that?”

Eby added that she has 10 photos on her smartphone of spray paint on brickwork and firmly believes it resembles graffiti.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, replied that third parties have made those markings, with specific colours used to indicate the type of underground infrastructure. Moreover, those contractors mark roads and sidewalks “in a way that is substantive” and longlasting instead of using sprays that fade

over time.

Most third parties are marking Crown utilities, while city staff spraypainted Fairford Street ahead of planned infrastructure renewal efforts, he added.

Eby said she was OK with streets and sidewalks being marked for upcoming work, but didn’t like how the paint would remain forever. She wondered if city hall could clean up those markings considering it’s also focused on beautifying the community.

Harlton said that he would find an answer and report back.

Meanwhile, Coun. Dawn Luhning said a resident sent her photos of broken

grates on River Street where trees used to be, while there were some spots with no grates and large holes. She wondered if this issue was on city hall’s radar and whether it would fill in those holes to reduce safety hazards.

Derek Blais, director of community services, said this issue has been on his department’s capital replacement plan for years but has been deferred annually because of other priorities. Meanwhile, for any safety hazards, he suggested that people submit their concerns using the city’s app.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, MAY 12

Having updated school signs last year to 30 kilometres per hour during its Safe Routes to Schools program, city hall now plans to replace signs near playgrounds and other public venues.

the city’s goals this year include installing updated parking signs around school perimeters, adopting similar speed limits and times — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week — for playground zones and conducting an information campaign.

Tyler Erickson, manager of engineering services, presented the proposed changes during city council’s recent executive committee meeting.

“We wanted to do this information campaign sooner, but as you know, signs are made of aluminum and posts are made of steel, and both of those are affected by tariffs … ,” he said.

However, engineering services will proceed with this project since it tendered the initiative early enough and will use contractors’ existing materials, so the tax penalties should be minimal, he continued.

Engineering services used the Transportation Association of Canada

City to reduce speed limit to 30 km/h in 18 playground zones

(TAC) manual to determine which school and playground locations should have new signs to be consistent across the city, Erickson said.

Specifically, the manual’s worksheet helped staff determine whether a playground was an area or a zone since the latter would be reduced to 30 km/h based on how many children used that green space, the presence of play structures and the park’s size.

Department staff reviewed 30 sites and found that 21 were 40 km/h, but following the TAC worksheet, only 14 locations require lower speed limits, said Erickson. However, by applying “additional reasoning,” 18 total sites will see reduced speeds.

Changes for motorists

Three playground areas that are 40 km/h — Wood Lily Park on Wood Lily Drive, Regal Heights Park on 13th Avenue Northwest and Optimist Park on Lillooet Street — will return to 50 km/h because they are a collector road, have good sightlines, are a sports field, are fully fenced or use a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), he continued. There will also be other additions,

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

such as more painted lines, stop signs, RRFBs and concrete ramps.

Furthermore, Elgin Park on Oxford Street West and West End Park on Athabasca Street West will increase to 50 km/h from 40 km/h, with the adjacent collector roads having playground area signs and the actual park having playground zone signs.

Also, the areas around Westmount, St. Mary, Sacred Heart and Empire schools will transition from school zone signs to playground area signs once they close. However, Parkhill Park east of Westmount will retain 30 km/h signs.

Unique areas

There are some “unique areas” with speed limits that will remain the same since changing them could create an “awkward transition” for motorists, said Erickson.

The Kinsmen Sportsplex — which has a fenced parking area with an RRFB crossing — will remain at 40 km/h, while the nearby Bullet Adams ball diamond does not warrant a playground zone speed limit sign, he continued. Also, McDonald Street from Ninth to Seven Avenue Northwest will remain at 40 km/h.

Furthermore, near Crescent Park, the 40 km/h limit on Fairford Street East will remain from First to Third Avenue Northeast, although the city will install extra pedestrian crosswalk signs and paint lines around the park’s perimeter, the engineering services manager said.

Also, the 40 km/h signs on Grace Street near 13th Avenue Northwest will remain, although the city will install two RRFB crossings on Grace Street, while on 13th Avenue Northwest, it will add an RRFB crossing and remove the 40 km/h speed limit, Erickson added.

City hall will convert the “majority of playgrounds” to 30 km/h zones, although some “anomalies” exist where that’s not the case, Erickson replied. Furthermore, while keeping traffic moving is important, children use school zones almost daily, so it was imperative to reduce the speeds in those areas. The city also wants to maintain safe areas around playgrounds with structures.

Council voted to receive and file the report.

Alcohol service OKed during Junior lacrosse games at Sportsplex

Lacrosse continues to be a popular sport across Saskatchewan, so to encourage more attendance in Moose Jaw, the local association plans to sell alcohol at the Kinsmen Sportsplex Arena again this season.

During its recent regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to let the Moose Jaw Lacrosse Association operate licensed events in the arena’s southwest corner over the next few months during Junior — under age 22 — games. This approval is subject to the organization obeying the conditions outlined in the City of Moose Jaw’s alcohol use events policy.

This is the third year that council has given the association approval for

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

a special occasion permit for the Junior games, with city hall receiving zero calls from anyone concerned about these events at the sports venue, a council report said.

The team will use the money from the home games for buses, hotels and meals when on the road. It expects about 40 people to attend the home games and access the licensed areas.

Since the team’s regular season and playoff schedules change annually, administration suggested that the proposed approval period range from May 1 to July 31, which gives the association adequate time to plan and secure all necessary permits, the report said.

The association will submit the

Junior team’s final schedule when it becomes available, with those dates reflected in the licensing and insurance documents.

The alcohol use events policy says the Kinsmen Arena is a discretionary use site for alcohol-related activities, so the event operator must submit a written request to city hall, which reviews the application and sends it to council for approval, the document says.

The community services department recommended that alcohol sales and consumption be limited to the Kinsmen Arena’s southwest corner so patrons and young families using the pool, pickleball courts, ball diamonds, skate park and other building amenities don’t see those

adult activities, the report said.

However, users of the building and fans at the licensed event will share washrooms, while the association will work with the Sportsplex concession operator to provide food services.

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Association (SLGA) will also evaluate the request as part of the permitting process to determine whether the event is appropriate and can have a permit.

The lacrosse association informed city hall that it is prepared to meet or exceed all conditions that the city and SLGA have, the report added. Moreover, all volunteers will complete responsible alcohol service training for special occasions, as SLGA requires.

From local spark to powerhouse: EECOL Electric proudly calls Moose Jaw home

A nationally recognized business with more than a century of history quietly calls Moose Jaw its hometown — and many residents may not realize it’s open to serve the general public.

EECOL Electric, a trusted name in electrical supplies, was founded in Moose Jaw back in 1919 and has since grown into one of Canada’s leading electrical distributors, with 65 branches across the country and employing more than 1,000 workers.

Now, more than 100 years later, EECOL Electric continues to operate in the city where it all began.

The branch is managed by Derek Tribier, a Moose Jaw resident and longtime employee with nearly two decades of service.

“I’ve been working here for 18 years,” Tribier said. “EECOL started in 1919 in Moose Jaw, and the original location is still standing on the zero block of High Street West.”

Although the original location closed in the 1930s, it reopened in 2000 because of renewed demand. In August 2024, the branch moved into a brand-new facility to better serve its growing customer base.

“We were at a different location for the past 15 years,” Tribier explained, referencing 2007 Caribou Street West. “Before that, we had a smaller spot in town — right where the Temple Gardens Centre sits today.”

The new building not only offers more space and upgraded facilities but also a more welcoming and accessible experience for contractors and walk-in customers.

“A lot of people think that you need to be a contractor to shop here, but that’s not the case,” Tribier

Aaron Walker -

clarified. “You can come into our branch and purchase tools… and general products for any home project. You don’t need an account to shop with us.”

EECOL Electric supplies everything from electrical components to specialty tools. The branch is also one of a few authorized Milwaukee Tool distributors in the city.

“If something happens to a tool, just bring it in,” Tribier said. “We look after sending it away and bringing it back, saving you the hassle of going to Regina (or elsewhere). It’s a more personal experience here.”

That personal touch is part of what sets EECOL Electric apart.

“We’re very customer-oriented,” he said. “We

want to make sure it’s a memorable experience for everyone who comes in. We want them to be looked after efficiently and in the (best way possible).”

Despite its growth into a nationwide distributor, EECOL Electric remains true to its roots, both in terms of community focus and company culture. Founded as Bruce Robinson Supplies Ltd. in 1919, it was later renamed Electric Equipment Co. Ltd. and ultimately adopted the name EECOL Electric in 1972. The company has steadily expanded since then, reaching its first $1 million annual sales milestone by 1948.

Today, EECOL Electric continues to invest in the communities it serves. In Moose Jaw, the company supports the Kinsmen Club and the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, as well as regularly donating to other non-profits. The company was one of the three founders of the First Nations Capacity Fund, aiming to enhance opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Looking to the future, EECOL Electric remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and community involvement.

“We appreciate the community’s support in coming in and checking out our store,” Tribier said. “It means a lot to be able to help people find solutions or to offer the best advice that we can.”

As the company celebrates 106 years of business, residents of Moose Jaw can take pride in knowing that a company with humble beginnings on High Street West has grown into a national leader, all while keeping its heart close to home.

EECOL Electric is located at 663 Ominica Street West and can be reached at 306-694-1000. To learn more, visit Eecol.com.

Seeding process ahead of most years

Warm weather allowed farmers an early start to seeding in the province this year.

Twenty-eight per cent of crops had been planted by May 5 — well ahead of the 10 per cent five year average.

Furthest ahead was the southwest with 43 per cent complete while some crops have already emerged.

In the northwest, 15 per cent was in. In the southeast, 14 per cent was seeded.

Eleven per cent of the west-central region was in with nine per cent of the east central and northeast.

Despite multiple storms farmers have “made rapid progress.’’ according to the weekly Ministry of Saskatchewan Agriculture report.

Just under half an inch of rain fell in the Lafleche, Limerick, Mossbank and Moose Jaw districts.

Pulse crops were most seeded with 34 per cent of

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

lentils done, followed by peas at 31 per cent and chickpeas at 28 per cent.

Thirty-one per cent of triticale was in with 19 per cent of barley, 33 per cent of durum,13 per cent of spring wheat and four per cent of oats and canary seed. Mustard plants led oilseeds at 21 per cent with 10 per cent of canola and six per cent of flax.

Cropland topsoil moisture was rated three per cent surplus with 78 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and three per5 cent very short.

Pastureland was rated one per cent short, 68 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and eight per cent very short.

Hayland was one per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate and 28 per cent short or very short.

Some regions need water for livestock watering as runoff was below normal.

Moose Jaw Express

Branch manager Derek Tribier (third from left) joins staff in front of EECOL Electric’s new Moose Jaw facility at 663 Ominica Street West. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Saskatchewan teams fall short of medal round at Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship

Gil Dash reaches quarter-final before losing heartbreaker to Quebec, Pete Andrews to play in qualification game on Saturday Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

For the first time in three years, there will be a new champion at the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship.

Gil Dash and his Moose Jaw Curling Centre foursome of third Marie Wright, second Moose Gibson, lead Darwin Bender and coach Ben Gamble dropped a heartbreaking 5-4 decision to Quebec’s Carl Marquis in the tournament quarter-final in Boucherville, Que. on Friday afternoon.

As a result, Saskatchewan has been eliminated from medal contention after winning the title the previous two seasons when the event was held in Moose Jaw.

That doesn’t little to taint the legacy

of the winningest players in nationals history, with Dash and Wright having won five championships previously, while Bender and Gibson each having claimed four.

It was an up-and-down week for the Dash foursome, as they finished the round robin with a 3-2 record and needed wins in their final two games to lock down a playoff spot.

Saskatchewan 1 started the tournament with a 7-5 win over New Brunswick’s Michael Fitzgerald before losing a couple of close contests by 5-4 scores to British Columbia’s Marney Smithies and Alberta’s Martin Purvis.

That put Dash in a must win situa-

THIS WEEKS FLYERS

tion and he’d get the job done in the final two games, downing Quebec’s Luc Hamel 7-3 and Ontario’s Shauna Petrie 10-5 to finish with a 3-2 record and in fourth place in Pool A.

That sent Saskatchewan into the quarter-final against Marquis, who was coming off a solid week to top Pool B with a 4-1 record.

would fall by one.

The Saskatchewan 2 team out of the Saskatoon Sutherland didn’t have as much luck, as Pete Andrews, third Mark Kennedy, second Stephen Draude, lead Ashley Baerg and coach Peter Kennedy finished with a 1-4 record and in sixth place in Pool B.

The Brick

Mulberry Estates

*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).

Things were back and forth in that contest, with Quebec scoring one in the second and stealing another in the third for a 2-0 edge before Dash took the lead with three in the fourth. The teams then exchanged deuces the next two ends to give Saskatchewan a 5-4 lead heading into the final two ends.

There, Dash would successfully hold Marquis to one in the seventh, but would be unable to use the hammer to pick up a point in the final end and

Andrews opened the tournament with a couple of close games, falling 9-8 to Newfoundland’s Dennis Thiessen before taking a 7-6 win over perennial title contender Doug Dean out of Northern Ontario. Things didn’t go as well the rest of the way for Sask 2, though, as they fell 9-4 to Marquis, 8-4 to Nova Scotia’s Laughlin Rutt and 9-6 to B.C.’s Rick Robinson to close out the round robin. Andrews closed out the tournament when they faced New Brunswick in the 11-12th placement game.

Team Saskatchewan -- including Moose Jaw’s Moose Gibson and Marie Wright -- fell in the quarter-final at the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship on Friday afternoon. Randy Palmer file

Pick-by-pick:

A look at the Moose Jaw Warriors selections in the WHL Prospects Draft

Warriors select 10 players, including Humboldt forward Kash Elke in the first round

It was a busy couple of days for Moose Jaw Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger and his scouting staff as they took part in the Western Hockey League U.S. Priority (see related story) and Prospects Draft.

Here’s a look at each of the Warriors’ 10 picks during the Prospects Draft last week.

1st round 18th overall (from Lethbridge) -- Kash Elke -- forward, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds from Lanigan. Had 33 goals and 66 points in 29 games with the Humboldt 15 AA Broncos in the Sask U15 AA League. Led Humboldt in scoring by 12 points and finished eighth in league scoring. Recorded three hat tricks, including a four-goal game on Dec. 13 against North West Stars. Had two goals and seven points against Saskatoon Generals on Jan. 7. FInished season on 12 game point streak, where he had 16 goals and 35 points. Also played six games for Tisdale Trojans in the Sask Male AAA Hockey League, recording two goals and four points. Had 12 goals and 22 points in 28 games as a 13-year-old playing U15 previous season.

2nd round, 41st overall (from Lethbridge) -- Dylan Mingo -goaltender, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds from Peachland, B.C. Posted 4.05 goals against average and .899 save percentage in 21 games with Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep. Also had a 4.08

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

GAA and .906 SP in four games at John Reid Memorial.

3rd round, 57th overall (from Vancouver) -- Miller Watkins -- rightshot defence, 5-foot-11, 137 pounds from Kelowna. Had three goals and 27 points in 33 games with Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. Added a goal and three points in five games at John Reid Memorial.

3rd round, 60th overall (from Saskatoon) -- James Stanton -- leftshot defence, 6-foot-1, 150 pounds from Winnipeg. Had five goals and 19 points in 29 games for the Winnipeg Bruins Gold in the Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League. Added a goal and three points in 12 playoff games.

4th round, 71st overall -- Isaac Rimmer -- right-shot defence, 6-foot1, 165 pounds from Calgary. Had two goals and 17 points in 34 games with Calgary Northstars U15 AAA in the Alberta Elite Hockey League. Played for tournament champion Alberta Red in the Alberta Cup and had three assists in five games, also two assists in six games at John Reid Memorial.

4th round, 80th overall (from Vancouver) -- Owen Grassick -- centre, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds from Cochrane, Alta. Had 18 goals and 50 points in 34 games with the Airdrie Xtreme U15 AAA in the Alberta Elite Hockey League. Also scored a goal in two games

The

the WHL Prospects Draft on Wednesday. Dan Hickling photo

with the AC Avalanche U17 AAA team. Played for Alberta Blue in the Alberta Cup and had three goals in five games. 4th round, 90th overall (from Calgary) -- Linden Abercrombie -left wing, 6-foot-1, 168 pounds from Saskatoon. Had 25 goals and 45 points in 28 games to go along with 75 penalty minutes for Saskatoon Stallions in the Sask U15 AA Hockey League. Added

five goals and nine points in five playoff games. Also played seven games for Saskatoon Contacts in SMAAAHL and had one assist.

5th round, 94th overall -- Jett Prpich -- left-shot defence, 5-foot-10, 150 pounds from Kenaston. Had two goals and nine points in 14 games with Warman Wildcats in the Sask U15 AA Hockey League. Also played one game with Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors in SMAAAHL. Played 29 games for Martensville U15 Marauders in 2023-24 and had one goal and 14 points.

5th round, 111th overall (from Victoria) -- Charlie Tobin -- left wing, 5-foot-8, 145 pounds from Calgary. Had 13 goals and 35 points in 35 games with Calgary Edge U15 Prep of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. Added four goals and five points in three playoff games. Also played nine games with the Edge U17 Prep team and had two goals and three points. Played five games at the John Reid Memorial and had two goals and three points. Played for Alberta Green in the Alberta Cup and two goals and four points in five games.

6th round, 117th overall -- Nash Bullman -- forward, 5-foot-6, 147 pounds from Regina. Had 23 goals and 44 points in 27 games for the Regina Pat Blues in the Sask U15 AA Hockey League. Also had 78 penalty minutes. Played five playoff games and had a goal and four points.

Moose Jaw Warriors selected Humboldt Broncos U15 AA forward Kash Elke with the 18th overall pick in

Moose Jaw Warriors select R.J. Thompson, Derek Langkow in U.S. Priority Draft

Minneapolis product Thompson selected with second pick, Phoenix Jr. Coyotes forward Langkow added with 45th selection Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Warriors have added a pair of players in the 2025 Canadian Hockey League U.S. Priority Draft.

Thanks to some luck in the draft lottery last month, the Warriors had the second overall pick. They used that high selection to take Minneapolis product R.J. Thompson from the storied Detroit Little Caesars 14U program.

A 5-foot-10, 150-pound rightshooting forward, the 2010-born Thompson had an outstanding season in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association U14 league, putting up 28 goals and 52 points in only 20 games.

Thompson consistently produced at or near a two-point-a-game pace throughout the season. He also had six goals and eight points in five games at the U.S. U14 Nationals, and while playing with the Western Canada Prime U15 team at the World Selects International

tournament added a further three goals and 13 points in six games.

With the changing hockey landscape and CHL players now able to

attend NCAA schools, it’s hoped that the Warriors will be an enticing team to play for their newest young top prospects.

“We’re getting a real high-octane

offensive player that can bring skill and shoot,” said Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger on the team website. “Hopefully… he’ll be in our lineup to produce a lot of offense for us.”

The Warriors also had the 45th overall pick and selected Scottsdale, Ariz. product Derek Langkow, who played last season with the Phoenix Junior Coyotes 14U AAA team.

A 2010-born forward, Langkow already has a lot of size at 6-foot-1 and 178 pounds. He had an assist in four games in the Tier 1 14U Elite Hockey League and had a goal and assist in five games in the John Reid Memorial tournament.

“He’s a big strong power forward who plays really physical,” said Ripplinger. “As we move into the future he’ll bring us some size and grit.”

Moose Jaw Warriors to have first overall selection in 2025 CHL Import Draft

Top NHL prospect could be heading to Moose Jaw when draft takes place on July 2

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Warriors will have the opportunity to land an elite player, and possibly a high National Hockey League Draft pick, when the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft takes place in a couple months’ time.

The CHL announced last Wednesday that the Warriors will have the first overall selection during the draft, which takes place Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m.

As a result, Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger and his scouting crew will have a chance to pick a player who could have an immediate impact on the team’s fortunes in the coming campaign -- especially if things turn out like they have with players selected first overall the last couple years.

The 2024 Import Draft saw the QMJHL’s Val D’Or Foreurs select Russia forward Matvei Gridin with the top pick, and after a trade to Shawinigan Frontenacs, the Calgary Flames first round selection went on to put up 35 goals and 79 points in 56 games.

It was a similar good result for the Erie Otters in the 2023 Draft, as they landed Slovakia’s Martin Misiak, a Chicago Blackhawks second rounder who went on to score 23 goals and 59 points in 60 games last season.

The Warriors currently have one import player on their roster, Czechia forward Dominik Pavlik. The 53rd overall selection in the 2024 Draft, Pavlik signed with the team in December

but was limited to only 13 games due to injury, putting up a goal and two points.

The just-turned 18-year-old also suited up at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World U18 Championships this past season, scoring a goal and three points across nine games at the two events.

Thanks to the recent decision by the CHL to allow three import players per team, the Warriors will have two selections in the draft, also picking fourth, 65th overall, in the second round.

The Warriors have seen major contributions from their import picks in recent years, including key performances from forward Martin Rysavy and defenceman Voytech Port in their run to the WHL Championship in 2024.

The Moose Jaw Warriors added R.J. Thompson and Derek Langkow in the U.S. Priority Draft on Thursday morning. Moose Jaw Warriors

Martin Rysavy was the Moose Jaw Warriors’ first round selection in the 2021 CHL Import Draft and went on to have a major impact on the team’s championship playoff run in his final season with the team.

Nick Pettigrew

Warriors’ Ethan Hughes among Saskatchewan players headed west as Penticton Vees expansion draft announced

Eight players from Sask-based teams selected in draft or acquired by trades as Penticton builds first roster for 2025-26 campaign

The Penticton Vees made liberal use of the rosters from Saskatchewan-based Western Hockey League teams during their expansion draft last Wednesday afternoon.

Eight players from the East Division clubs will be headed west now that everything is said and done.

The Moose Jaw Warriors, Regina Pats and Prince Albert Raiders all had one player selected, with 2006-born forward Ethan Hughes joining the Vees from the Warriors, 2007-born forward Liam Bursaw from the Raiders and 2007-board forward Corban Almen from the Pats.

Penticton will be able to carry three overagers in their inaugural season, and landed two of them in a trade with the Swift Current Broncos, with forward Brady Birnie and defenceman Nolan Stevenson heading west. They’ll be

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

joined by 2009-born forward Brooks DeMars.

In return, the Broncos received a package of draft picks, including a 2025 fourth-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, 2027 fifthround pick and a conditional 2028 firstround pick.

Prince George Cougars forward Matteo Danis will serve as Penticton’s other 20-year-old heading into training camp.

The Saskatoon Blades traded a pair of 2006-born defenceman in Morgan Tastad and Ethan Weber along with their 2025 second-round pick (31st overall) in exchange for Penticton’s second-round pick (24th overall).

All told, Penticton selected or traded for 22 players, including four goaltenders, seven defenceman and 11 forwards.

Moose Jaw Warriors GM Jason Ripplinger talks draft selections and what’s ahead for team

Busy week saw 12 new players added through U.S. Priority and Prospects Draft

It was a busy week for Moose Jaw Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger, and while it might be a couple years before we know for absolute sure, ideally an extremely successful one.

The Warriors added 12 new players through the U.S. Priority and Prospects Drafts on Wednesday and Thursday, stocking the roster with talent the team hopes will bring plenty of success to the Western Hockey League club in the near future.

It started on Wednesday morning when the Warriors picked R.J. Thompson with the second overall selection in the U.S. Priority Draft.

son on Moose Jaw. Thompson played on Western Canada Prime at the World Selects International U15 tournament this past spring and happened to take the ice alongside the younger brother of a rather well-known former Warrior.

“He happened to play with Denton Mateychuk’s younger brother Crosby during the Philadelphia tournament here just this past spring,” Ripplinger said. “And obviously, Crosby had nothing but good things to say about Moose Jaw.”

the draft.

The idea is that once Elke is surrounded with WHL talent, his production will go through the roof.

The remainder of the draft saw a bit of a theme for the higher picks as Ripplinger and crew looked to bring in more size to the team while also filling a few needs on defence.

On a whole, Ripplinger was more than happy with how the Drafts turned out, adding that now the real hard work begins.

Interestingly enough, Ripplinger had a small bit of help selling Thomp-

The Warriors scouting staff had seen Thompson in action a few times during the season and based on the Detroit Little Caesars prospect’s body of work, Ripplinger felt the decision was clear. The biggest question now is if a player of Thompson’s calibre will be willing to make the jump across the border to the WHL.

That all led into the first round of the WHL Prospects Draft, and one of the most trade filled examples of that event in recent history.

The Warriors kept to their own, though and ended up selecting Humboldt U15 AA forward Kash Elke with the 18th overall pick, a player the team was naturally very high on heading into

Things calm down for a while leading up to the CHL Import Draft on Wednesday, July 2, and it will be a historic one, as the Warriors have a chance to select an immediate impact player with the first overall pick. The key will be finding a player where all the circumstances work in Moose Jaw’s favour.

Warriors forward Ethan Hughes was selected by the Penticton Vees in the WHL Expansion Draft on Tuesday.

Warriors logo

Moose Jaw-born Ator grabs silver at Canadian Ninja Nationals

A Moose Jaw-born athlete is making waves on the national stage, bringing home a silver medal on April 27 from the three-day 2025 Canadian Ninja League National Finals held in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Kristin Ator, daughter of Glenn and Karen Hagel, mother of three proud children, and practicing lawyer, secured second place in the Women’s Masters division, representing Fitset Ninja Calgary where she trains. This marks her third national podium finish, adding to her previous silver and bronze medals.

“I’m a proud prairie girl,” Ator said. “I’m proud to be from Saskatchewan, and to represent (my hometown of Moose Jaw) on the ninja stage.”

The Canadian Ninja League (CNL) is a competitive circuit inspired by the popular television show American Ninja Warrior. Athletes navigate challenging obstacle courses that test strength, agility, and balance. The 2025 National Finals featured top competitors from across the country, with the top ten in each division qualifying for the World Championships.

In a fiercely contested Women’s Masters final, Ator powered through five grueling obstacles in just 3:32.62 to clinch the silver. Despite her dominant run, she was narrowly edged out by Sha-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

ron Brown-John of Momentum Movement Academy, who managed a longer course time of 4:02.33 but secured gold. Under league rules, the gold went to Brown-John because she used fewer retries, the first tiebreaker when completed obstacle counts are equal.

Ator’s journey into ninja competitions began in 2019 after discovering American Ninja Warrior.

“I just thought it looked like so much fun,” she recalled. “So I just Googled ‘Where can I do ninja (training),’ and I found a gym that had obstacles. I signed up for my first competition that fall.”

Ator’s athletic roots run deep — she spent her early years flipping and tumbling through gymnastics from ages eight to 15 before soaring into track and field, where she found her stride in pole vaulting. That strong foundation in body control, strength, and precision now powers her performance on the ninja course.

“It just reminds me of an adult form of the playground when we were kids,” Ator said. “All the creative things and obstacles that come up on a playground... transfer onto the big stage for (CNL).”

Currently residing in Calgary, Ator balances her professional career, family life, and rigorous training schedule.

National Finals in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, on April 27. Photo by: @kristin. ator/Instagram

Her 10-year-old son, Dexter, has also taken up the sport, finishing sixth at the National Championships in his age category.

Next up for Ator is the global stage — she’s gearing up for the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association World Championships this July in Dallas, Texas.

Central’s Micah Salido-Porter and

Tara Nguyen

win gold at high school badminton provincials

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

Central’s Micah Salido-Porter and Tara Nguyen win gold at high school badminton provincials. They reached the gold medal game at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association provincial championship on Saturday afternoon in Estevan and would win it all, battling to a three-set victory over Saskatoon Walter

Murray’s Danny Han and Jenna Xu.

The Moose Jaw duo got off to a great start with back-to-back commanding wins to open the tournament but ran into Xu and Han in their final round robin game, falling in two close sets. Their 2-1 record was still enough to move on to the medal

round, where they’d face Saskatoon Centennial’s Daniel Xiang and Annie Wang and take a 21-16, 21-19 victory.

As a result, the gold medal game was up next, and it would be a barnburner, with Xu and Han winning the first set 21-19 before Porter and Nguyen rallied for 2113 and 21-16 victories the next

Off the course, she’s championing the sport’s growth back home, calling for dedicated ninja training facilities in Saskatchewan where it still hasn’t taken root. Although athletes from the province are still eligible to compete, they must travel to gyms in Alberta or Manitoba to access proper training and attend competitions.

The Canadian Ninja League (CNL) was founded in 2018 as the country’s first dedicated ninja sport organization, providing structured competition and training opportunities for athletes nationwide. While the sport continues to grow in popularity, it has yet to achieve full official recognition — though organizations like the CNL and World Ninja League are pushing for broader legitimacy and even Olympic consideration. Ator’s rise is a testament to what’s possible for aspiring small-town athletes filled with passion and perseverance, proving that they can still make an impact on the national stage.

“I’m a proud Moose Jaw girl,” she said. “Sometimes (opportunities like this) aren’t (available) there, but my roots are there in Moose Jaw.”

For more information on the Canadian Ninja League and to view the full competition results, visit CanadianNinjaLeague.org.

Former Moose Jaw resident Kristin Ator wins silver at the 2025 Canadian Ninja League

The 2025 SHSAA mixed doubles provincial medalists are Central’s Micah Salido-Porter and Tara Nguyen (gold, centre), Saskatoon Walter Murray’s Danny Han and Jenna Xu (silver, right) and Saskatoon Centennial’s Daniel Xiang and Annie Wang (left). SHSAA Facebook

Managing MJMAG’s massive collection an honour for MJMAG curator

Deep in the bowels of the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, where few visitors ever go, are two rooms overflowing with thousands of artworks that are rarely shown.

There are over 11,000 items in the collection, with more than 7,000 physical artifacts — some dating to Moose Jaw’s founding in the 1880s — in one vault and over 4,000 art pieces — from paintings to metal sculptures — in a second vault.

And managing this organized chaos is Jennifer McRorie, the MJMAG’s curator/executive director.

“It’s a big responsibility, but it’s an honour,” she said. “I love working with the collection and being able to create exhibitions (and) tell (endless) stories by putting different works together.

“We’re really fortunate that it’s such a diverse collection of work that really represents Saskatchewan art history and Moose Jaw art history,” she continued, noting it’s important to preserve these pieces for the future.

McRorie has worked for other arts organizations, including SaskArts, the provincial funding body, and while it has an impressive collection, it doesn’t have a venue like the MJMAG. In fact, she believes the provincial organization “would be envious” of what’s here.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

“It’s pretty amazing for a city of this size to have a state-of-the-art facility like this … ,” she remarked.

McRorie acknowledged that the two vaults are “busting at the seams a little bit,” evident by many donations sitting on tables waiting to be catalogued. However, the MJMAG hopes a federal grant will help it install more racks and shelves.

McRorie gave a tour of the vault and discussed many pieces and the artists who created them.

This is part one of two.

First Nations works

Of the over 7,000 artifacts, McRorie is most fond of the First Nations items, especially the glass-beaded pieces that Dakota, Cree, Dene and Lakota peoples made.

There are many Lakota pieces because those members worked in the 1890s and early 1900s either with the Ostrander family — who donated a large collection — or Annie Wallis. Wallis befriended the Lakotas, who eventually gave her a cultural name and adopted her into their community.

The art gallery featured an exhibition last year of Lakota beadwork — or wakšúpi — from its permanent collection, including what organizers thought was an elk teeth-decorated shirt, McRorie recalled. However, Claire Thompson,

unknown. However, Lita Ferguson, another advisory member, said her greatgrandmother, Catherine, created it. Moreover, the organization had a headdress that belonged to Lita’s great-greatgrandfather, “Big Joe” Ferguson.

McRorie said the art museum is speaking with the Wood Mountain First Nation about repatriating the sacred headdress. She noted that the MJMAG invited members of the reserve to the exhibition’s opening, gave them a tour of the vault, and held a feast.

Dave Ogle, a band councillor, told the curator that the reserve wants its youths to grow up with its sacred objects, something she understands. That’s why the art museum won’t exhibit any artifacts unless the Ferguson family says it’s OK.

an advisor who did her PhD on Lakota history, said the “shirt” was actually the top of a dress that had been “crudely cut” since the outfit may have been damaged.

“So that was one of the great things about the wakšúpi exhibit is that we had indigenous people that are part of our advisory committee that have been doing research,” said McRorie, “and they’re continuing to do research on the collection.”

The exhibition also featured a beaded vest, although its creator was

McRorie also highlighted another headdress that the MJMAG received from the family of Dr. Regan, who loaned the artifact for 50 years and allowed it to be displayed. She noted that the dentist’s grandfather acquired the headdress from the Standing Buffalo First Nation near Fort Qu’Appelle because he was a community physician.

One mystery the curator faces with the headdress is figuring out what feathers were used since “they’re really unusual” and not visibly from an eagle. She has spoken with elders and knowl-

An Aboriginal artwork that was part of the Lakota beadwork exhibition. Photo courtesy Jennifer McRori

A First Nation artwork that was part of the Lakota beadwork exhibition. Photo courtesy Jennifer McRorie

An Aboriginal artwork that was part of the Lakota beadwork exhibition. Photo courtesy Jennifer McRorie

Managing MJMAG’s massive collection an honour for MJMAG curator, con’t

edge keepers, while a consultant from the Museum Association of Saskatchewan plans to view it.

“… it’s actually illegal for nonindigenous people to have eagle feathers because (they’re protected under) a federal act, so that’s why we’re really looking at repatriation (of this and other items),” McRorie said, noting there are other sacred items museum personnel cannot handle unless an elder is present.

The curator added that the MJMAG’s oldest artifacts are 2,000-yearold Aboriginal pottery shards.

Frauds, fakes, forgeries

The MJMAG has around 130 paintings — with a total value over $805,000 — that it obtained from the province through the “government extended loan (GEL)” program, with many of those artworks — some from the late 19th century — from European artists.

were of a certain brand, appraised them and distributed them, and the collectors donated the artworks to the province.

However, the dealer was appraising the artworks at inflated prices, which meant the collectors received big tax breaks, McRorie said. So, the RCMP took all the pieces, investigated the situation, and jailed many people.

The curator added that her predecessor, Heather Smith, exhibited many of the fraudulent GEL pieces, while she is considering doing the same.

For more information about the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, visit www.mjmag.ca.

McRorie noted that it’s easy to tell the age of some GEL paintings by the old frames and the yellowing of the varnish.

“So the interesting thing about a lot of these historic pieces in the GEL collection is a lot of them are frauds,” she continued. “So you can tell, especially (with) the ones that have these little brass plaques that (have) the artist’s name on it.”

The curator explained that there

Did You Know – Canola is a VERY Important Export Crop

By Richard Dowson

Canola is also used in; “biofuel feedstock, cosmetics, sunscreen, toothpaste, and industrial lubricants.”

Before the Trump – China Tariff chaos, Canada was a major exporter of canola.

According to the Western Producer, Canada had “… a dominant market share in China (91pc), and Japan (93pc), as well as Mexico and the US where their share is close to 100pc.” What now?

According to Parrish & Heimbecker, Australia is becoming a serious competitor to Canada in the Canola markets. Brazil has started exporting Canola. Argentina does not export Canola at this time.

Canada put a 100% Tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. China retaliated with a 100% Tariff on Canola. How to solve? No Brainer! Remove our Tariff off Chinese EVs. Maybe they will replace Tesla sales.

was an art dealer in the 1970s who sold fraudulent European pieces in Saskatchewan. He told collectors that the pieces

A painting from the province’s government extended loan (GEL) collection. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

\“Mirror Lake,” by Vaughan Grayson, a painting from the province’s government extended loan (GEL) collection. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

“Venice canal scene,” painter unknown, from the province’s government extended loan (GEL) collection. Photo by Jason G. Antonio \“The Shoemaker,” part of the GEL collection. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A painting from the province’s government extended loan (GEL) collection. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Moose Jaw honours missing and murdered Indigenous women with tributes, calls for justice

Red dresses hung in windows, libraries, and community spaces across Moose Jaw as residents marked Red Dress Day — a national day of remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+).

Observed annually on May 5, the day encourages reflection, awareness, and action on the ongoing crisis disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. In Moose Jaw, individuals, local organizations, and city officials joined voices to honour lives lost and demand justice.

“Today, the City of Moose Jaw honours and remembers the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people,” read a statement posted by the city. “Join us in wearing red to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. Get involved and advocate for justice to create a safer future for all.”

Red dresses — inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project — served as a visual and symbolic tribute. The installations across Canada aim to represent the absence of those who are

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Photo by: Moose Jaw Transition House

missing and murdered, and the hope that justice may one day be found.

At the Moose Jaw Public Library, staff marked the day by sharing resources to help educate the public about the significance of Red Dress Day. The library promoted readings and online materials to inform residents about the National Inquiry into MMIWG and Canada’s colonial legacy.

The Moose Jaw Transition House echoed the day’s message on its social media platforms.

“Red Dress Day serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the lives lost and the urgency of creating change,” the post read. “Let’s continue to raise our voices, support survivors, and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against violence.”

For many local residents, the day is deeply personal.

“Today is MMIWG day, one day of the year that many will acknowledge,” wrote Moose Jaw resident Jody Oakes, “but as a mom to Indigenous daughters, it’s something I think of each day.”

Oakes paid tribute to families still searching for their loved ones, including those of Happy Charles and Ashley Morin, whose disappearances remain unsolved.

“Our beautiful daughters are more than statistics, they are loved, they matter,” Oakes added. “We leave our red dress hanging in our window all year with a candle we hope some beautiful spirit can see.”

Oakes also shared lyrics from Mitch Daigneault’s song, a personal anthem of grief and resilience: “Leave a red dress in the window, and a candle I can see.”

Across Saskatchewan, the provincial government reaffirmed its support for grassroots initiatives through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund, which helps fund safety

initiatives and public awareness campaigns.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) notes that over 60 per cent of Indigenous women in Canada have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime — a legacy of violence that continues to impact health, safety, and well-being.

Red Dress Day aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice, which urge Canadians and governments to address the systemic factors contributing to MMIWG2S+.

“On Red Dress Day, and every day, we honour the lives and legacies of MMIWG2S by listening to their stories and commemorating their strength and spirits,” the CIHR said in a statement. “We stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue in the pursuit of justice, healing, and change.”

Resources for those impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis include the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, and the National Family and Survivors Circle at 1-844-413-6649, which offer 24/7 support.

Teaching with heart: How movement, play, and connection help kids learn

Practical strategies to understand and support children with autism and ADHD took centre stage during a presentation by Dr. Layne Pethick at the International Early Learning Conference on May 8.

Dr. Pethick, a behavioural and autism spectrum disorders consultant from Texas, brought decades of research and real-world experience to his session, The Brain and Behaviour: The Early Years. With an engaging style and personal storytelling, he encouraged educators and caregivers to rethink how they approach behaviour and neurodiversity in early childhood.

“One of the best interventions for autism isn’t medication or therapy — it’s movement,” Pethick said. “Exercise regulates the nervous system, calms the

body, and reduces stress and stereotypical behaviours.”

He highlighted the benefits of structured physical activities like martial arts, yoga, climbing, and those with repetitive movements for children with autism and ADHD. According to Pethick, these activities help develop focus, discipline, and self-regulation — essential skills for navigating life’s daily challenges.

Importantly, he stressed that these activities are most effective when they’re part of a child’s daily routine, ideally carried out with the support of family and peers rather than in clinical settings exclusively.

“Therapies are important, but nothing replaces family involvement,” he

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Dr. Layne Pethick speaks during the International Early Learning Conference at the Temple Gardens Centre on May 8. Photo by: Aaron Walker Con’t on next page

Teaching with heart: How movement, play, and connection help kids learn, continued

said. “A walk, a game, or a moment of connection — they all count.”

In addition to physical regulation, Pethick delved into the importance of emotional and social development through play. He cited research showing that shared play experiences can boost communication, foster social bonds, and improve behaviour — especially when adults are actively engaged in the process.

“Play is powerful,” he told attendees. “It’s how children process the world. When adults join them in that space, they’re doing more than just playing — they’re helping those children heal and grow.”

A significant part of Pethick’s talk also addressed the impact of trauma in

early childhood. He explained how adverse experiences including neglect, instability, or abuse can shape a child’s emotional and neurological development in lasting ways. Recognizing and responding to those effects, he said, is essential to foster resilience and longterm well-being.

Dr. Pethick concluded his talk with a moving story about a former student named Vanessa, who had experienced significant hardship in her early years. Through consistent support and connection, Vanessa not only overcame her challenges but was inspired by him to become a kindergarten teacher herself.

“She used to raise her hand in class when she needed help, and that hand became a symbol of connection and trust,”

he recalled. “Years later, she was raising her hand at my office door in university, and now she’s raising up her own students.”

For educators and families, the message was clear: small, intentional actions — like regular physical activity, shared play, and consistent emotional support — can have a transformative impact on children navigating behavioural and developmental challenges. Pethick emphasized that incorporating movementbased activities such as martial arts or yoga into daily routines improves both focus and emotional regulation, while shared play fosters connection and communication.

He also urged caregivers to understand the lasting effects of early trauma,

encouraging early recognition and compassionate, evidence-based responses. Stable support systems at home and in the classroom, he noted, are critical to helping children heal, build resilience, and thrive long-term.

“Behaviour is communication,” Pethick reminded the audience. “And the child who needs the most love will often ask for it in the most unloving ways.”

The International Early Learning Conference was held at the Temple Gardens Centre, located at 110 First Avenue Northeast. For more information, visit MooseJawECC.ca or reach out to Dr. Pethick on LinkedIn.

Heater & Fan

Alarm System with Remote Fob

Backup Camera

LCD Display & Media Center

(Radio, MP3/MP4, Bluetooth)

Headlight, Signals Lights, Horn

Adjustable Position Driver Seat with Seatbelt

Rear bench for

or passenger

Opening Side, Rear & Roof Windows

Locking Doors

Windshield Wiper

Stylish Beige Interior with Leather Seat

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose

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.

Translucent

A number of years ago we were on a church tour in Montreal that highlighted stained glass windows. The translucent window panes allowed the brightness of the day to fill the sanctuaries and provide amazing colour and spiritual thoughts.

There was a church in Homer, Alaska, where I preached a few times many years ago, that had a large clear glass window behind the altar. I wished it would have been translucent rather than clear, as people would get distracted by the boats and jet skis on Kachemak Bay during the service. The intention was noble to allow the beauty of nature, mountains and water, to be visible from inside the building but there were times when I knew people were looking past me at the action while I led the service.

Translucent things permit the passage of light yet transmitting and diffusing the light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly. Translucent has been used in the English language since 1568, coming from

the Latin word lucere, meaning to shine, plus trans, which means ‘through’.

Related to translucent are elucidate and lucid, also derived from the Latin lucere. To elucidate something is to metaphorically shine a light on it by explaining it clearly. A lucid person is able to think clearly. According to law, a person must be lucid in order to draw up and sign a will. Writing something that is easy to understand can be considered lucid.

Water is translucent because it allows light to shine through but scattering the light so that things may not appear distinctly. Translucent can also be used to imply that a person is free from disguise or falseness, whose character is clear and easily understood. A translucent speaker can be someone whose ideas and feelings are open and undoubtedly seen.

Clear, transparent, limpid, and translucent all mean capable of being seen through.

Clear means the absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness. It was such an amazingly clear day that I could follow the golf ball, even the well hit ones, miles down the fairway. Blue sky is magnificent on a clear day.

Transparent, sometimes confused with translucent, implies something that is so clear that objects are seen distinctly, as if nothing was in the way. Every time I get a new windshield installed in one of our vehicles, I remark how transparent the replacement is compared to the old, pitted windshield.

Limpid suggests the soft clearness of a pure water. She was breath-taking with eyes like limpid pools of blue. In the far north the rivers are limpid streams of water.

Translucent means the passage of light is allowed but not a clear view of what lies beyond. The new frosted doors we had installed in our walk-in shower are translucent, not clear.

Translucent silicone is used in various applications

where visibility is needed but a high degree of clarity is not essential. Translucent silicone allows some light to pass through, but it’s not a perfect mirror of a clear material. The light is scattered within the material, preventing a sharp, undistorted view through it.

Cars may have tinted windows, but they must remain transparent not translucent. A single sheet of tissue paper is translucent, but a couple of them together is opaque. Food items that are translucent include maple syrup, gelatin-based foods, custards, honey, and jams. Gemstones, the petals of some flowers, and many insect wings are translucent.

Translucent objects can either absorb or transmit light waves. If an object allows some frequencies of visible light to pass through, but not others, it is translucent. If an object allows the frequencies of visible light to pass through, but they bend and scatter in the process, the object is translucent

Churches and buildings have made use of stained glass windows for ages to provide a translucent substance to enable light to enter yet provide artistic and meaningful images to tell stories and convey symbolism. Next time you enter a building with stained glass consider how the translucent windows give extra beauty without the distraction of outside movement or action.

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.

Jaw,

Daily Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, May 7, 2025

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

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

9 3 2 8 5 5 1 7 1 9 4 2 7 5 4 3 2 8 9 2 8 6 7 2 9 1

© 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.

AFFABLE, ALONE, ALWAYS, BENCH, BONE, BRAVE, BRIDE, BRIGHT, BROKE, CURSE, DEDICATION, DEMON, DOLLAR, EXIST, FAMOUS, FINALLY, FLOOD, GREEN, HARBOR, HIRES, MEAL, MISER, PRUNE REAR, REGULAR, SATISFY, SERFDOM, SHRED, SMOKE, SOBER, SORRY, SPOOR, STRUCTURE, THEREFORE, THRALL, THROUGH, TWICE

ACROSS

1. Wimp

5. Throw

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. Didn’t dillydally

14. District

15. Bless with oil

16. Heap

17. Spicy cookie

19. Thorny flower

20. Finish

21. Requires

22. Mineral excavator

23. Comment at length

25. British biscuit

27. Play a role

28. Blathers

31. Refine

34. End of life

35. Fish eggs

36. Steer

37. Defeats

38. Whip mark

39. Chapter in history

40. Undue speed

41. Hell

42. Removes surgically

44. Boozer

45. Not inner

46. Depict

50. Fixes socks

52. Legitimate

54. How old you are

55. Distinctive flair

56. Slangily called “cancer sticks”

58. Mark down

59. Fatuous

60. One less than 10

61. Fortune teller

62. Concur

63. Kiddies DOWN

1. Engaged

2. Liquid bodily waste

3. Dispatches

4. Droop

5. Mother or father

6. A picture-in-picture

7. Be inclined

8. Fellow student 9. Informed about the latest trends

10. Run very fast

11. Blazed a trail

12. Otherwise

13. Elk or caribou

18. Legislate

22. Sweater eater

24. Peaceful

26. Felines

28. Chairs

29. Part portrayed

30. Adjusts

31. Outbuilding

32. Nothing more than

33. Detailed

34. Meriting

37. Commanded

38. Unit of power

40. Strikes

41. Multitude

43. Jogger

44. Evening event

46. Aircraft 47. Relative magnitudes

48. Go-between 49. Affirmatives 50. Lairs 51. Balm ingredient

53. Food thickener

56. US spy agency 57. Explosive

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 306-684-1084.

I pay cash for unwanted firearms, ammunition, and other firearm related items. Also, free pick up of unwanted yard, garden, and acreage equipment, chainsaws, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. Call of text 306-641-4447.

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 spring cleaning and

move out cleans. Please call Rebecca at 306-990-0387.

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. 306-681-8749

Carley’s Cleaning Services for residential, commercial, move outs/ins, insured and bonded, affordable rates, reliable services, discounts for seniors, free quotes call 306-513-9999

135 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

6 metal poles 14’ x 3” heavy wall steel only $100. each, it’s a steal of a deal. Call 306-694-1322.

115 MOTORBIKES & SNOWMOBILES

ATV Quad for sale: 2024 CanAm Outlander Max XT 700. 450 miles, comes with winch and windshield. $11,900. Warranty until December of 2025. Please call 306-250-5271. Located in Moose Jaw.

145 REAL ESTATE

House For Sale: 919 Stadacona St. W. Smaller home, 750 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

and many updates. Close to schools. Priced to sell. Please call the homeowner at 306-6908665.

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

FOR SALE BY OWNER - Buffalo Pound Lake cottage, 775 Lakeside Dr. Completely renovated, 2

bedrooms, turnkey, screened sunroom, fully landscaped. Please call 306-693-2255 or 306630-7771.

165 HOUSEHOLD

NEW Airbed $100. NEW queen size memory foam mattress topper $100. Card Sets. Please call 306-693-9023.

225 GARAGE SALES  GARAGE SALE - 286 Wellington

Dr. Thursday May 22, Friday May 23, Saturday May 24 from 9am to 2pm. Featured items: sports cards, household items, tools, toys, jewellery, books, and so much more!

105 AUTOS

Tomato Plants for Sale - Locally grown, 9 varieties, $4 each. Can pot for an additional charge. Please call 306-526-0016.

105 AUTOS

LOST CONTACT with 1970 Volkswagen Beetle owner, west of Moose Jaw, down Caribou W. Please call 306-526-0016

Obituaries / Memorials

BUCKMASTER

Moose Jaw’s April home sales dropped almost 10% versus 2024, data show

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Glenna Grace Buckmaster (née: Campbell), wife, mom, grammie, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, in Moose Jaw, SK, at the age of 73 years.

Glenna was born in Moose Jaw on November 25th, 1951, to James (Jim) Stewart Campbell and Blanche Isabel Campbell (née: Pottruff). She grew up on the family farm near Lake Valley, SK, with sister Bonnie Mullin.

Glenna began dating Currie Buckmaster during high school and after graduating from Brownlee School, she moved to Regina, SK, becoming a dental assistant. During her time in Regina, she lived with her cousin Betty Ann Pottruff.

On August 5th, 1972, Glenna married her lifelong love Currie and moved to Calgary, AB.

In 1973, they returned to the family farm and welcomed their daughter, Crystal Marie (1975) and son Grant David (1978), where they lived until 1992 before moving to Kelowna, BC. While in Kelowna, Glenna delved into her love of interior decorating, and she decorated many homes.

Glenna loved the family farm! She and Currie returned there in 1998 and have remained until today. While back at their home Glenna began working at Yvette Moore’s Art Gallery, where she used more of her design expertise.

In 2001, Glenna and Currie’s beloved son Grant tragically passed away, and his laughter has been missed for decades.

Currie and Glenna enjoyed many vacations over the years and especially loved their time in Puerto Vallarta, MX, where they spent time with good friends and family, and especially the summers they spent at Riverhurst, SK with special friends, Brian and Brenda Rosenau.

Her daughter, Crystal (Grady), welcomed a son, Lauchlin (2010), and daughter, Naomi (2013). Glenna’s grandchildren were a source of joy. The kids are grateful to have made precious memories with their Grammie but mourn the loss of making more.

During the last years Glenna put up a most courageous fight against kidney disease. She battled to the bitter end, never complaining, just doing everything requested of her. While mom was here with us, she provided unconditional love to her family and friends. She was a constant support to everyone she met. Her hope and love will be everlasting. We will miss her earthly presence immensely but know she is now in milele – the forever, a place of abundance and safety, with her beloved son Grant, her mom and dad, and all those who passed before her.

Glenna was laid to rest on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, in Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw, SK. A Funeral Service will be held at a later date at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming a Living Organ Donor, more information can be found here Living Organ Donation | SaskHealthAuthority. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Home sales in Moose Jaw in April dropped nearly 10 per cent year-overyear, data show, while sales also declined by almost 20 per cent compared to March.

There were 58 home sales in The Friendly City last month, compared to 63 units — a drop of nine per cent — in April 2024, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association (SRA) said.

Furthermore, there were 75 new listings, which was a drop of 17 per cent compared to last April; 118 units were in inventory, a drop of 16 per cent; there were 2.03 months of supply, which was a seven-per-cent decrease; homes spent 48 days on the market; the benchmark price was $270,900, an 11-per-cent increase; and the average price was $264,479, a decrease of three per cent.

“Benchmark price reflects the price of a typical or average home for a specific location. Average and median prices are easily swayed by what is sold in that time frame,” the SRA explained.

“As a benchmark price is based on a typical home, price changes more accurately represent true price changes in the market as it is an apples-to-apples comparison.”

The 10-year averages for April show there are usually 51 home sales, 111 new listings, 265 units in inventory, 5.91 months of supply, 53 days of homes on the markets, a benchmark price of $218,080 and an average price of $255,033.

Furthermore, the year-to-date data — from Jan. 1 to April 30 — shows there have been 159 home sales, 225 new listings, 113 units in inventory, 2.84 months of supply, 54 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $261,400 and an average price of $247,826.

“Care and

Meanwhile, the 10-year averages for year-to-date data show there are usually 149 home sales, 337 new listings, 226 units in inventory, 6.48 months of supply, 61 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $211,958 and an average price of $240,851.

Of note, there were 48 home sales in Moose Jaw in March, which means sales

dropped by 10 units, or roughly 17.3 per cent, from month to month, data show.

Provincial data

Saskatchewan sold 1,470 homes in April, marking a 10-per-cent decline compared to April 2024, but also the second-strongest April on record, the SRA said. Sales also remained significantly above the 10-year average for the 22nd consecutive month — a clear sign of continued market strength.

New listings were also down, falling over seven per cent year-over-year and sitting 17 per cent below the 10-year average. These persistent supply shortages continued to limit inventory recovery.

“Our market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with 22 straight months of sales outperforming long-term trends,” said CEO Chris Guérette. “Although sales decreased in April compared to last year, this isn’t a demand issue — it’s an inventory issue. The current inventory situation directly impacts our market’s ability to sustain even higher sales.”

By April 30, there were 4,371 active listings — up slightly from 3,851 in March. Despite this monthly increase, inventory was still down 18 per cent year-over-year and remains nearly 50 per cent below the 10-year average, the SRA said.

Tight market conditions continued to drive higher home prices, as Saskatchewan’s residential benchmark price rose to a record-high $360,500 in April — up from $353,600 in March and more than six-per-cent higher than April 2024.

“We’re pleased to see our market weathering both economic uncertainty and ongoing supply challenges,” Guérette added. “It remains a challenging time for prospective buyers, but we’re cautiously optimistic that the slight rise in inventory this month is a step in the right direction.”

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

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

The Moose Jaw Art Guild will hold a business meeting on Thursday, May 15, at 3:00 pm, at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery. For information call 306-692-6667. STS Moose Jaw Superannuated Teachers Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. LUNCHEON: 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Chat – circulate and connect with past colleagues/11:00 – 11:30 Program: Cindy Divine – Qi Gong/11:40 – 12:30 Dinner: Roast Beef, Caterer: Charlotte’s/12:35 -1:15 Meeting, and Election for those of you who wish to stay. Cost: $15.00 per STS member and spouse. $25.00 for non-members. Please RSVP to Rosalie by Saturday, May 17, 2025, @ 306-6910696, email stsmoosejaw@gmail.com, or click on the link in your latest STSMJ Newsletter. (If you haven’t received your newsletter, please check your junk/spam mail or follow the directions on www.stsmoosejaw.com. Come and Enjoy! Watch for information on our Spring Social.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FEDERAL RETIREES BRANCH 23 MEETING

May 22nd (Thursday), 2025 at 2 pm in card room, Tim Eaton’s, 510 Main St. N. All members please attend. Guest speaker from Age Friendly Moose Jaw.

N.A.F.R. needs volunteers for Sidewalk Days, July 3rd, 4th, 5th. Call Sharon: 306-631-4236 for info.

GARAGE SALE: May 30 from 1-6 p.m. and the 31st from 10 a.m.-3 pm in the Zion social hall at 423 Main Street North. Clean, good quality items are being accepted between May 13 to the 27th Whether you are moving, cleaning , or downsizing, please consider donating. Note that no large appliances, furniture, nor mattresses can be accepted. For details, please call the office at 306-692-3842.

1975 AE Peacock High School 50th Reunion

June 13 &14, 2025 – 1975 AE Peacock 50th Reunion: Alumni and Friends. We are looking for former classmates and friends from 1975, and the years surrounding our time at Peacock High School. Email our celebration committee for more information, peacock1975reunion@ gmail.com Please include your name and email address.

Lawn Bowling is a sport for all levels of ability. For more info for spring/summer and fall information please phone or text 306-630-8160 or visit www.moosejawlawnbowling.com

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 resume meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The first meeting will be at 6:30pm, in Lindale School staff room, 1322 11th Avenue NW (north entrance). Phone 306-693-5705 for information.

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!

Scottish Country Dance Classes for all ages on Thursdays at 7pm at 510 Main St. N (T. Eaton Bldg). No partner required. Call Val 306.630.5790.

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis 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 306-6841464 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. Toastmasters is an internationally recognized (non-profit) communication and leadership training provider. The Toastmasters self directed training in a supportive environment builds participants confidence in addition to the skill sets.

Big Country Club meet at Saskpolytech on Wednesday evenings @7CST. Virtual attendance is available on zoom. This spring we additionally are offering a condensed version of the training “Speechcraft”. For more info phone 306-630-7015 or Email. contact-3418@toastmastersclubs.org

Green Horizons Club meets Tuesdays @7pmCST on zoom. The recently renaming of TAP club reflects an addition to their missionto empower members to advocate for any of the UN’s 17 sustainability goals. For info & the link email contact-1422@toastmastersclubs.org

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 PRGRAMMING: DAYCARE STORYTIME Thursdays @10:30 am

in Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their caring daycare providers! Drop-in Program

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Wednesdays @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their caring adults! Drop-in Program

BABY STORYTIME Tuesdays @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 0-2 and their caring adults!

LEGO WEEKENDS! Every Saturday and Sunday during open hours in Children’s Department for ages 4-12. This is a self-guided activity

MINECRAFT ON HOOPLA Build your next adventure! The Minecraft movie is out April 4th! Join a community of creative builders and explore the world of Minecraft with this collection of books, comics, music, and more on Hoopla.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING:

TEEN D&D: BUGBEAR COVE Group A Tuesdays, until May 27 at 6:30 pm/ Group B Thursdays, until May 29 at 6:30 pm for ages 12-16. Registration required

ADULT PROGRAMMING:

TECH TIME Available by appointment during open hours in Main Library for adults by appointment only - please call the library at 306692-2787 to schedule an appointment.

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: 306-6925453

Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONBranch 59 Moose Jaw Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59 BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

CRIBBAGE –Tuesday @ 1:30 pm - Please sign-in by 1pm

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.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open M-Thurs 8am-8pm and on Fri 8am-4pm Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards daily 8a.m. – 4p.m.; Monday & Thursday evenings 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 9a.m/Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m./Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m./ Weds pickleball @5pm Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.; Whist –Tuesday @ 9:30am; Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.; Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm; 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m; Spades – Tuesday and Fridays 1pm ON HOLD

Full Body work out – Monday’s 10am

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

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 – Thursday 2:15pm

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm

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

Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @1pm

Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @1pm

New to the Centre is BINGO every Monday at 1:30pm

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/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am

Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30amPickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/ Indoor Walking - 11:30am/Art Drop In - 1:00pm/Pickleball 3:45pm and Beginner Pickleball 7:00pm Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 12:00pm/ Hand/ Foot Canasta - 1:30pm/Beginner Pickleball3:15pm and Advanced Pickleball - 6:30pm Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pmRegular Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am

Saturday: Advanced Pickleball - 9:30am and Pickleball - 1:00pm May 22nd Cosmo Barbeque Fundraiser from 5-6pm. Hamburgers, hotdogs, beans, salad, coffee & tea. Cost $15

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. Get your dancing shoes out! Brandon and Company hit the stage Saturday, May 17th at 7 pm.

May 31st – Golf Tournament at the Lynbrook. Please contact Marg, 306-630-7266 for more information. Cut off for entry is May 28th . Everybody is welcome. More information to follow.

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

DROP IN DARTS - Every Wednesday evening and continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, draw for partners, starts at 7:00 pm. DROP IN CRIBBAGE - Every Monday evening and continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, registration between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm – play starts at 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

(306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill

(306) 631-9966

Bill McLean

(306) 630-5409

Tanya Minchin

(306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol

(306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer

(306)684-4266

Inclusion Moose Jaw welcomes golfers to tee off and support the community this June

Inclusion Moose Jaw is calling on local golfers to grab their clubs and hit the greens for a good cause at the second annual “Golf for a Purpose” tournament, set to tee off at noon at the Deer Ridge Golf Course on June 13.

The non-profit organization aims to sign up 100 players for the tournament, which will blend a little friendly competition with a powerful purpose: to raise funds for programs that support individuals with disabilities in and around Moose Jaw.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Laurie Bender, executive director of Inclusion Moose Jaw. “We’re hoping to sign up (at least) 100 players.”

The tournament is open to all members of the public, regardless of golfing proficiency. Bender described it as a light-hearted, inclusive day designed to bring people together in support of a meaningful cause.

“It’s just a fun day,” she said. “All experience (levels) are welcome.”

Proceeds will directly benefit Inclusion Moose Jaw’s year-round services, which include seasonal summer camps for children and youth, regular programs for youth with autism, and individualized support for residents with cognitive disabilities from ages three to 65.

“We offer a program pretty much for everybody,” Bender said, adding that Inclusion Moose Jaw is proud to support the broader community. “Everything that we do is local; all our supplies and groceries… everything is bought lo-

cally.”

Founded in 1966, Inclusion Moose Jaw is a charitable non-profit organization with a long-standing commitment to advocacy and direct service. Funds raised through the tournament will help participants build valuable life skills, form new and lasting friendships, and actively engage in their community.

“There’s a lot of need in our community, and this is a great way to support that,” Bender said. “Your support will help us continue to make a difference in the lives of our participants and their families.”

In addition to welcoming new golfers to the tournament, Inclusion Moose Jaw is seeking sponsors and donors to further enhance the impact of the event.

Sponsorship packages range from $250 to $2,000, with benefits including signage and social media recognition to promote your organization, as well as free registration for elite-level sponsors.

All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt as Inclusion Moose Jaw is a registered charitable organization. Previous sponsors will have their signage reused this year and new sponsors will be represented again in 2026 for some additional publicity.

Each ticket sells for $90 and includes a meal catered by Charlotte’s Catering, promising its familiar taste and quality, and featuring sausage, perogies, salads, and dessert. Teams of four players can purchase their ticket for the discounted rate of $350. Additionally,

prizes and a 50/50 raffle are available to be won during the tournament.

“We’re looking forward to building the type of inclusive community we all deserve and having fun doing it,” Bender concluded.

“Golf for a Purpose” is made possible thanks to the generous support from title sponsor Rosemont Hardware and the $20,000 hole-in-one sponsor McCauley Agencies.

Registration is now open and golfers can sign up in advance by emailing Golf@InclusionMooseJaw.org or by calling Inclusion Moose Jaw at 306-6926943. E-transfers will also be accepted at this email address. Although advance registration is preferred, walk-up entries will be accepted up to the day of the tournament.

Inclusion Moose Jaw is located at 75 Ross Street West. To learn more, visit InclusionSK.com.

The Deer Ridge Par 3 Golf Course is located at 1375 Manitoba Street East and can be reached at 306-693-4653.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

All aboard! Western Development Museum’s historic steam train returns to the rails

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) proudly announced the return of its iconic K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam locomotive, which embarked on its first run of the 2025 season on May 7.

The successful run marks the beginning of another exciting season for Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive, housed exclusively at the WDM.

The inaugural run was a special occasion featuring dignitaries from all four WDM branches across the province. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort in preserving and celebrating the rich railroading history of Saskatchewan.

Operating this century-old Vulcan locomotive is no small feat. It requires a dedicated crew of at least four trained and specialized volunteers, including two conductors and additional personnel to ensure safe and smooth operations. Given the locomotive’s age, its maintenance is a meticulous process, often necessitating custom-built parts as original components are no longer manufactured. With rides opening soon to the general public, the K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 provides a unique oppor-

tunity to experience a ride on an historic steam locomotive and take a nostalgic journey through Saskatchewan’s past.

While the exact dates for public rides are yet to be confirmed, they traditionally commence during the May long weekend. Once operational, the train typically runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., subject to weather conditions, volunteer availability, and ongoing maintenance. Tickets cost $7 for individuals and $20 for families or other small groups, plus tax, and can be purchased at the front desk.

It’s advisable to check the WDM’s official website or contact the museum directly for the most current schedule and to confirm availability in the event of possible delays.

For more information on ride schedules, volunteer opportunities, and how to purchase a ticket, visit WDM.ca. Alexis Jones, the museum’s programs and volunteer co-ordinator, can be reached at 306-693-5989 or by email at AJones@ wdm.ca to answer any additional questions.

The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.

Peacock Collegiate’s class of ’75 preparing for 50-year reunion

The year was 1975 and Pierre Trudeau was prime minister, the beaver became Canada’s official symbol, fiddler Ashley MacIsaac was born and the Edmonton Eskimos won the Grey Cup.

That was also when Patrick French and other students from A.E. Peacock Collegiate graduated and headed out into the world. Now, five decades later, many of those students are returning to celebrate their graduating class’s 50th reunion, slated for June 13 and 14.

French joined the organizing committee last September and has been meeting monthly with eight others to plan the weekend get-together. Planning is going well, he said, with the group meeting at chairwoman Sandi Hutchinson’s home for formal meetings and sending dozens of texts nightly with ideas.

French said he joined because he’s friends with Hutchinson, while he lives here in retirement. In fact, he taught at Peacock for many years after graduating from high school.

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So far about 75 people have committed to come, although that number could jump to 100 once undecided alumni commit to attending. Even with that many people, French says the hall they’ve rented at the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation can hold that many people comfortably.

It likely won’t be just graduates from 1975 attending the reunion, but anyone who was in school between 1972 and 1978, French said. Committee members realized that they had met and made friends with many people in other grades after they started Grade 9 in 1971, so they decided to invite people who attended during those seven years.

“… although the focus of our reunion is 1975, a lot of folks were part of the school fabric even though maybe they didn’t graduate until 1977 or ’78, so they’re welcome to come along too,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, French pointed out that a person can’t go through high school

without mixing with other grades. For example, he was heavily involved in theatre, drama, choir, musicals and student council, which allowed him to make friends with students in grades 11 and 12.

“So re-connecting with them 50 years later is a fun thing (and) it’s kind of interesting,” he added.

The reunion kicks off on Friday, June 13 with registrations at Peacock, followed by past and present teachers giving tours of the building. In the evening, there will be a bonfire and live music at an alumna’s farm.

On Saturday, June 14, the Wildlife Federation building will host a brunch, trivia from the 1970s, time for alumni to mingle and renew friendships, a lunch, class photos, a catered supper, and “light entertainment” — solos and duets and dancing — in the evening since the ’70s were “a very artistic time at Peacock” with choirs and musicals.

The school’s football team won sev-

eral championships during that decade, and since some players were also in musicals, they formed a group called “The Singing Tornadoes” that sang on special occasions, French said. The committee is hoping to convince some of those golden-voiced athletes to perform at the reunion.

The 1970s also celebrated the 1950s with movies, TV shows and songs, so the reunion could also see a group called “The Teen Tones” singing tunes from that decade, he continued.

Another highlight of the reunion is that Bruce Fraser, the class valedictorian, will be returning to Moose Jaw for the first time in 50 years, French added. The organizing committee has asked him to reflect on the address he gave at graduation and what he thinks five decades later.

Anyone interested in attending Peacock’s 50th reunion can find the organizing committee on Facebook.

Representatives of the Western Development Museum from across the province attend the inaugural run of the K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 locomotive in Moose Jaw on May 7. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

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