Moose Jaw Express, October 29, 2025

Legion members, volunteers launch Moose Jaw’s annual poppy campaign

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 has officially launched this year’s annual Poppy Campaign, a long-standing effort to honour Canada’s veterans and support those in need across the community.

Poppy chairperson Sue Knox said the campaign is already underway, with volunteers visiting local businesses to sell wreaths and collect donations ahead of Remembrance Day.

“As we speak, I have 10 teams going door to door to the businesses in Moose Jaw to sell wreaths for their window displays or to request donations for the veterans,” Knox said.

The next phase begins Oct. 30 and 31, when four delivery teams will distribute trays of poppies around the city. Each participating business will then display a tray for public donations at no cost through to Nov. 11.

“(Our four teams) drop off the poppy trays with poppies so that the businesses can collect donations and hand out poppies for the remembrance period,” she explained.

The campaign’s formal launch will include a presentation of the first poppy to the mayor on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, followed by a poppy drive that evening at the Temple Gardens Centre as the Moose Jaw Warriors face the Regina Pats. This will set the stage for Poppy Day, following on Nov. 1, when volunteers including local cadets will be stationed at busy intersections and participating storefronts across the city from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We also have all four cadet units assist-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Poppies are distributed across Canada each year as part of the Royal Canadian Legion’s campaign supporting veterans and their families. Photo by: The Royal Canadian Legion - National Headquarters/Facebook

ing us with the poppy drive. They do it every year,” Knox said. “So some of (the poppy team) will be military volunteers, some civilian, and some of them will be cadets.”

Funds raised through the annual campaign are used to support veterans in a variety of ways, Knox noted, including assistance with food, housing, transportation, and emergency expenses.

“We support veterans by helping with food and lodging at times. If they’re unhoused, we can assist in paying (any of their) bills. If they find themselves short of funding at any given time and they have bills to pay, or if, in the middle of the winter, they have a furnace that goes on the fritz and has to be replaced, we can help with that — things of that nature,” she explained. “We’ve put (veterans) in hotels through the winter to get them off the streets in the past, and provided

(pre-paid gift cards) so they can get groceries and cook their own meals.”

She added that Branch 59 also contributes to provincial programs such as Saskatchewan Command’s PAWS for Veterans, which provides service dogs and training to veterans living with PTSD, and to emergency funds that help cover essential costs.

With more than 500 members locally but only around 60 regular volunteers, the Legion continues to rely on community involvement to keep the campaign running strong.

“If anybody wants to volunteer to assist with our Poppy Day on the first of November, I’m still taking names,” Knox said. “It’d be nice if they came out this year to learn the process, because I’m only (volunteering to organize) it for one more year.”

Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Knox said Branch 59 hopes to make the milestone campaign extra special with more details to follow.

To get your poppy in honour of Canada’s military veterans, stop by the Royal Canadian Legion at 693 Fairford Street West or look for poppy sale boxes at participating local businesses. For further information or to inquire about membership or volunteer opportunities, call the Legion at 306-692-5453 or Sue Knox at 306-684-5593.

To learn more, visit Legion.ca/Remembrance/The-Poppy-Campaign.

The Poppy Campaign will continue until Nov. 11.

Moose Jaw tech company thrilled

A Moose Jaw tech company is thrilled that its software program is helping communicate Moose Jaw’s history to residents and tourists in a visually appealing and inspiring way.

MemoryKPR, a digital asset management solution that helps individuals, businesses and communities save, store, protect and tell their stories through pictures, videos and audio, similar to a digital time capsule, has been working with the city’s heritage advisory committee for more than two years on a project called “Moose Jaw Memories.”

The initiative sees QR codes attached to heritage plaques, with people scanning the codes with their phones and visiting a website to learn more about a building. MemoryKPR hosts the website, which features photos, audio recordings and videos.

Both groups launched the website at the Moose Jaw Public Library during a recent open house, giving residents the chance to learn how they can add materials to the project.

“It’s a relief to finally see (the website) start to get some legs … (and) to come to life,” said Jessica MacNaughton, memoryKPR’s CEO and co-founder.

MacNaughton’s business is a software company, so it has built a program that many groups and municipalities can use, she continued. For Moose Jaw’s project, she commended the heritage committee and city hall staff — “The city has been great to work to work with. They’ve been one of our best partners” — for doing “all the heavy lifting” with

acquiring pictures and crafting the stories.

One of the tech CEO’s favourite stories is about the library, especially since it has a video that incorporates voiceovers and archival photos. She also likes it because she enjoyed visiting the building as a child.

Continuing, she said that memoryKPR “made a couple (of) unique changes” and enhancements to the website based on the groups’ requests. These changes also benefited the website as a whole.

Chuckling, MacNaughton said it’s “been a journey over the years” to make the website user-friendly.

“They say when you start, if you

feel like you love your product too much when you launch it, you either spent too much time or too much money,” she laughed. “And I’m kind of like, I want everyone to love it right off the get-go.”

One surprising thing memoryKPR discovered while working on the project is that the heritage committee did not use some features as expected, while it wanted other features that the tech company never considered, the CEO continued.

“So … people using it continue to help us evolve the product into a better product,” MacNaughton remarked.

history project

the stories that have been created for the history project, while another addition was the creation of a “discover page,” which made all stories on the memoryKPR website findable, she said.

MacNaughton pointed out that the tech company initially built its website to be private and different from social media, so no ads or algorithms. However, it didn’t realize that users still wanted somewhere to “shout from the rooftops their stories.” So, it added the search feature so people could find what other groups have created.

“That wasn’t something that we’d even thought of before we started working with communities who asked for it,” she said.

However, one website feature that groups have not used — which makes MacNaughton sad since she likes it — is uploading voice stories with pictures. She noted that the company thought this feature “would be huge” for groups, especially communities, since they could verbally tell stories from decades and centuries ago. Yet, it’s the least-used function.

“The stories that have a voice over a picture … (and) that have a real person telling a real story perform the best (with site users). So it’s untapped,” she continued. “But it’s still there (and) we still like it.”

MacNaughton added that stories where residents have contributed personal photos or stories also do well with site visitors.

One addition was the creation of a landing page where people could see all

The landing page for the City of Moose Jaw’s “Moose Jaw Memories” history project, on the memoryKPR website. Photo courtesy memoryKPR

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Heritage group has big vision for new online ‘Memories’ project

The heritage advisory committee has officially launched its online “Moose Jaw Memories” project, and already, its vice-chairwoman is thinking of ways the group can harness the website’s potential for future uses.

The committee, along with its partner, Moose Jaw tech company memoryKPR, unveiled the website at the library recently, giving residents the opportunity to learn how they can contribute stories and photos.

Janie Fries, the committee’s vicechairwoman, said she was “relieved” that the project was now public after more than two years of work.

“We’ve always had the vision, but we have always had to figure out how to navigate to get to that vision,” she remarked. “It was more complex than I thought it was going to be, for sure.”

However, once memoryKPR and its CEO, Jessica MacNaughton, came on board, that made the initiative easier and difficult, Fries continued. It became easier because the group had a digital platform to tell its stories, while it was more difficult because members had to learn how the system worked, how to use it and what it could do.

Fries found the program to be a “steep learning curve” to learn. Yet, MacNaughton was patient and answered

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Janie Fries, vice-chairwoman of the heritage advisory committee, helps launch the group’s “Moose Jaw Memories” online project. She is holding a QR code that will take people to the website, which has stories about topics such as the library, as shown on the screen from 1913 . Photo by Jason G. Antonio

questions that the group had, while she taught members and city staff how to use the platform.

The committee pursued this project because it wanted to enhance the stories of historic buildings, instead of relying on just the heritage plaques, said Fries. The group thought the online platform would tell just the building’s story, but MacNaughton made members realize that there was a greater potential present.

For example, site users — whether committee members, city staff or residents — can add personal stories, photos, audio recordings and videos of family or heritage events.

“It just gave us the opportunity to do more. And the more we did, the more we realized (that) we can do even more with expanding this,” said Fries. “So we’re really hoping that we get people … who feel comfortable contributing their own stories.”

The vice-chairwoman is eager to acquire stories from people who may have worked at places such as the Capitol Theatre or the Joyner’s building, or who live in historic homes. She also wants people to submit pictures from major events they attended, such as Canada’s 1967 centennial celebrations.

“There are so many possibilities with this. And I’m really looking forward to people getting excited and contributing what they have,” she added.

The heritage committee has discussed going to seniors’ residences and care homes to collect stories and photos from those residents, Fries said. The group also wants to connect youths with seniors so the former — with their tech savviness — can acquire those stories from the latter.

She added that the committee also hopes that people who manage Facebook pages connected to Moose Jaw’s history will be willing to share any stories, photos and videos they have.

The Moose Jaw Memories’ mem-

oryKPR page has 29 stories so far, while the committee has created seven QR codes that are attached to heritage plaques.

Fries said the problem with creating QR codes is that there needs to be somewhere to put them, which can be difficult for buildings that no longer exist, while there are a limited number of plaques. So, those are challenges the committee faces in communicating the stories to the public.

One of Fries’ favourite stories is about the “beautiful” library, especially since a student from Saskatchewan Polytechnic created a two-minute video using archival photos. That student later won an award from the educational institution for the video.

“It feels like the most comprehensive (story) of the 29,” she stated, noting her other favourite story focuses on city hall, while her favourite non-building topic is about the band and choral festival.

The committee’s vision is to install a post on Main Street that has dozens of QR codes that people can scan to learn about nearby buildings, people and events, Fries added. Its other goal is to give QR codes to families who sponsor veterans’ banners downtown, with those codes taking people to the memoryKPR website.

Editor’s Note

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

With Halloween just a few days away, I’m just taking a few words to remind all homeowners in Moose Jaw to spend a few minutes and fill the paper bags that were recently delivered along with the Moose Jaw Express with food dry goods for the MJ & District Food Bank. Again this year, the endeavour will be facilitated by Hillcrest Apostolic Church. There will be volunteers going around neighbourhoods collecting the bags in the early evening on Halloween.

If you haven’t yet heard of the Ballad and Bard, you might be interested to know it is one of Moose Jaw’s newest intimate venues on the second floor of the Cultural Centre with a full bar, available for rental bookings. Thanks to a financial investment from the Moose Jaw Co-op, they made this project happen in

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

partnership with the Cultural Centre and firsthand appearances confirmed it will be a charming and desirable place to host meetings and small bookings up to approximately 35 persons. If interested, please contact the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre for further information. *****************************

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation held their annual Festival of Trees gala; this year’s theme Disco and Denim saw a lot of glitter and glitz alongside blue jeans and cowboy hats. The venue was decorated beautifully at the Moose Jaw Events Centre with a large attendance enjoying a brisket bbq. a dance performance by Dance Images by BJ, a silent and live auction full of Christmas trees and splendour, and a dance to reenact old disco moves to the music of country music artist Dew Gregory. Thanks to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, they have fundraised 5.5 million dollars for our hospital over the years and this year the fundraiser donation will go towards a new MRI.

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It’s no secret that Christmas is on the horizon. Moose Jaw held their downtown Christmas in October shopping extravaganza this past weekend with lots of folks milling around taking in the deals and enjoying a Moose Jaw getaway done only the way Moose Jaw can do it.

The annual Whistlestop Craft Fair took place at the Exhibition Grounds in preparation for the season.

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Moose Jaw’s annual Moostletoe Artisan event is coming up in November for individuals to do a little specialty Christmas shopping.

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Keon’s Garden’s will be hosting a Mistletoe Magic event on November 21st so people can shop for their tree and greenery needs for decorating for the season, as well as hosting the Maker’s Market on December 6th.

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And it seems before we know it, the fat man will have come to town Christmas Eve and New Year’s will ring out 2025…embarking on 2026.

Keon’s ‘Mistletoe Magic’ event to kick off Christmas at the greenhouse

Before the greenhouse fills with holiday shoppers and handmade crafts for its annual Keon Makers Market on Dec. 6, Keon Garden Centre will first light up the night with Mistletoe Magic, a returning evening event that marks the start of the Christmas season.

The celebration runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at the garden centre on Friday, Nov. 21, and serves as the official kickoff for Christmas tree and holiday greenery sales.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“We unveil our indoor forest of Christmas trees — fresh Saskatchewan Christmas trees,” she said. “We have live music and we have draws, giveaways, apple cider and fresh cookies from the Maple Leaf Bakery.”

The evening offers visitors a chance to experience the greenhouse in a new light, surrounded by an atmosphere of twinkling trees, music, and the scent of evergreens.

open until just before Christmas, offering a wide range of greenery and gift ideas to encourage residents to shop local during the holiday season. In addition to trees, the greenhouse features porch pots, wreaths, and other seasonal arrangements, all crafted to add a touch of greenery to homes during the holidays.

Rows of fresh-cut Saskatchewan evergreens fill the greenhouse at Keon Garden Centre in a previous year, setting the scene for the return of Mistletoe Magic on Nov. 21. Photo by: Submitted

“Our Mistletoe Magic evening … is really when we kick off (the sale of) Christmas trees, greens, arrangements and everything for Christmas,” said owner Marcy Duffey.

Duffey said the event transforms Keon’s indoor greenhouse spaces into a winter forest, complete with live music, giveaways and festive refreshments. Each year, Keon Garden Centre brings in fresh-cut evergreens from northern Saskatchewan, with Christmas tree sales beginning during Mistletoe Magic and continuing through December while supplies last.

“It’s really a lovely, lovely night,” Duffey said. “We get a really good turnout because it … kicks off the Christmas spirit … especially when it’s at night, the lights are on in the greenhouse and they’re full of Christmas trees.”

She added that Keon Garden Centre traditionally waits until after Remembrance Day has concluded to begin Christmas promotions out of respect for local veterans and older clientele. Accordingly, the event isn’t advertised or promoted until Nov. 12.

For Duffey, Mistletoe Magic isn’t just about shopping — it’s about community connection. “It’s amazing,” she said about the evening. “It just kicks off the Christmas spirit for everybody.”

The garden centre typically remains

Keon Garden Centre is located at 1645 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-693-6771. For more information, follow “Keon Garden Centre” on Facebook or visit KeonGardenCentre.ca.

Small evergreen pots like these, reminiscent of the Grinch’s tree, are among the holiday arrangements available at Keon Garden Centre during the Christmas season. Photo by: Submitted photo

A look inside the greenhouse ahead of a previous Mistletoe Magic evening shows vendor tables and early decorations being prepared for the seasonal celebration. Photo by: Submitted photo

photo

Local cooks invited to turn up the heat at annual Elks Lodge Chili Challenge

Local chefs and chili lovers are invited to spice things up as the Moose Jaw Elks Lodge brings back its popular Chili Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 29, starting at noon inside the Legion Lounge.

The long-running tradition invites home cooks, hobby chefs, and anyone with a favourite recipe to compete for bragging rights — and a few laughs — while raising money to help families in need.

“There are no rules,” said Leading Knight Tracy Lichacz, the secondin-command at the Elks Lodge. “They bring their best chili. Bribery and corruption are encouraged, and it’s just to have fun.”

The entry fee is $10 with an application deadline of Wednesday, Nov. 26.

The contest features two categories: the Judge’s Award and the People’s Choice Award. The winning chefs will each take home a handcrafted cutting board made by a member’s relative, bearing the inscription “Chili Challenge 2025.”

“They are actually quite nice —

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

I’ve got one,” she said. “(I won the contest) for the first time in 10 years (a few years back).”

Each entrant brings their own crock pot containing their home-brewed chili, and pots are assigned a number before judging begins. Samples are served in small, numbered cups so the process remains blind. Judges make their way through the lineup, tasting each chili dish and scoring it on flavour, spiciness, and overall appeal.

“A lot of times, (judges) will want to try two or more chilies (ahead of their final decision) just to confirm the winner,” Lichacz noted.

The public also gets a say through the People’s Choice category, sampling the same numbered entries and casting their votes for their favourite batch.

Beyond the fun, the contest carries a meaningful purpose. Proceeds support local families through the Elks’ charitable programs, which often help children access essential supports.

“Say a child is in need of hearing aids. They would have to submit an ap-

Last year’s winner Kelsi Gieni displays her engraved cutting boards, the signature awards returning for this year’s Elks Lodge Chili Challenge on Nov. 29. Photo by: Ron Walter

plication to us, then we take it to a meeting and we all vote if we want to help the child. It’s based on family income, so if the family can’t afford hearing aids for their child … then we submit their application to the head of the Elks,” Lichacz explained.

The Chili Challenge has been part of Moose Jaw’s community calendar for roughly 12 to 15 years, originating when the former Royal Purple of Canada organization teamed up with the Elks for

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a light-hearted rivalry fundraiser. That spirit of fun remains a central ingredient in the ongoing contest.

“We also encourage the younger generation to come and volunteer with the Elks, just to see what we do and hopefully become members,” she added. Youth often lend a hand at other Elks events, including charitable barbecues and car shows, where some as young as 12 or 13 volunteer to help sell hamburgers and hotdogs or clean up following events. Lichacz said those partnerships with local youth and youth groups help strengthen community ties while also giving youth early volunteer experience.

In the meantime, everyone is welcome to come out and participate in the chili contest.

“Come out and have fun,” she said. Anyone can enter the cook-off by contacting Lichacz at 306-630-4759 or by email at ElksLodge7@sasktel.net. The Legion Lounge is located at 693 Fairford Street West.

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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.

Would arm raised in right-turn signal be misunderstood? Reflective Moments

We old folks have seen many miraculous inventions over the years: 24-hour radio and television, microwave ovens, computers, cellphones, digital cameras and medical techniques never thought possible 50 years ago.

And please, let us not forget the invention of signal lights on motor vehicles — those lights that often go unused by drivers on today’s streets and highways.

At one time, many, many years ago, signal lights were one of the options offered when a new vehicle was being purchased. In some cases, drivers didn’t want to spend that extra $7 for some new-fangled attachment to the steering column. They likely figured the signal lights were for folks who didn’t know beforehand where they were going, and besides, in a small town no one signalled because one’s destination was always the same and other drivers knew it well.

Several people are credited with the invention of the signal light, but most noteworthy is Oscar J. Simler who came

up with the concept in 1929. It took another 10 years before consumers had a chance to try the invention. The 1938 Buick featured “the flash way directional signal” on the rear of the car only so drivers following could be alerted to a change of direction. Front signals were added to the Buick in the early 1940s.

By the mid to late 1950s most cars and trucks came equipped with signal lights, freeing drivers from having to learn and use the appropriate hand signals, in sunny weather and rain, in dust storms and snow white-outs.

The other day I saw a rider of a bicycle signalling in the old fashioned way to make a turn. I smiled when I saw his left arm pointing straight out, indicating to me that a left hand turn was in his plan. This clever youngster also looked both ways before safely making his turn across traffic and carrying on down the street.

The extended left arm would have been familiar to older and more experienced drivers, some of whom likely used

such a signal in their early car-driving years. A right turn was indicated by placing one’s elbow on the window ledge then raising the forearm up with one’s hand open. A stop indicator was the arm out and angling downward.

My research on this was a bit of a lark as the information indicated that using the driver’s left arm was mandatory in Saskatchewan and Canada. I think using one’s right arm would have merely smacked any front seat passenger in the nose and would not have been seen by other drivers. The writer didn’t say it but it was assumed the driver’s window would have been cranked down so as to allow the arm to emerge.

We had one old vehicle, a black truck, that didn’t have interior turn signals and I recall my Mother being upset that Dad got the sleeve of his Sunday suit wet while signalling in the rain.

I learned those hand signals when learning to ride my bike, and they were part of the written driver’s licence exam,

although the RCMP cruiser of 1966 which we used for our actual driving test had signal lights — which we had to use correctly.

Which brings me to the point of this drive down memory lane. It is to ask drivers of today to please use those signal lights more often than they do. They come in handy for letting other drivers know you are planning to change lanes, want to make a left or right turn, or plan to ease into a parking place.

Their regular use will mean fewer accidents, less brakes being slammed on when you switch lanes and nearly remove the front bumper of an unsuspecting vehicle, and less road rage situations when the signals aren’t used.

I wonder how many of today’s drivers would mistake an arm raised for a right turn as an obnoxious signal and take offence? Hmmm, an interesting speculation.

Joyce Walter may be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Mayor Murdock proclaims October as Disability Employment Awareness Month

Mayor James Murdock formally proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in Moose Jaw, joining communities across Canada in celebrating inclusive workplaces and the contributions of persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the SaskAbilities office earlier this month, Murdock said he was honoured to lend his voice to an initiative that promotes belonging and opportunity for everyone.

“I thank you for the services that are provided here to continue to move our city forward and make it welcoming for everyone,” Murdock said.

“Persons with disabilities are valued members of our city and deserve the opportunity to live and work in our community where they are respected (and) rewarded for their efforts, skills, and accomplishments,” he began.

The proclamation recognizes the

broad network of community organizations that support inclusive employment, including SaskAbilities, Partners in Employment, MentorAbility, local school divisions, and family advocates.

“There is a rich network of nonprofit agencies, practitioners, consumer organizations, school divisions and their families committed to promoting and strengthening employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the city of Moose Jaw,” the mayor read.

“Whereas Moose Jaw employers, both in the public and private sector, can benefit further from the positive outcomes of hiring persons with disabilities, and whereas proclaiming October as Disability Employment Awareness Month will help raise awareness about disability employment issues and will serve to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities, now, therefore, I, James Murdock (and) the City

“(It’s) giving (persons living with disabilities) recognition … and (confirmation that employers) are open and embracing diversity, but it’s also helping to promote the idea that people with disabilities and those with barriers can positively contribute to the workforce and thereby contribute to the community and the economy,” she said. “Campaigns like DEAM allow us to have those open conversations and for people to see that this is working for other employers.”

of Moose Jaw, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.”

Raelynne Doka, program manager with SaskAbilities, said the proclamation gives additional visibility to the work already being done locally.

Across Saskatchewan, DEAM encourages employers to consider the advantages of inclusive hiring and to connect with service providers like SaskAbilities and Partners in Employment for support.

To learn more, visit SaskAbilities.ca or call 1-833-444-4023 toll-free. Moose Jaw’s SaskAbilities office is located at 8 Wood Lily Drive.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Mayor James Murdock, centre, signs the official proclamation of Disability Employment Awareness Month in Moose Jaw on Oct. 23. Photo by: Submitted photo

SaskAbilities champions inclusive hiring during Disability Employment Awareness Month

Inclusive hiring was front and centre in Moose Jaw this October as SaskAbilities and its Partners in Employment team marked Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) by recognizing local employers who embrace its values in the workplace.

“Through DEAM, it’s the recognition and promotion that the workforce in Moose Jaw is embracing inclusivity and diversity within their workplaces,” said Raelynne Doka, program manager with SaskAbilities.

Through its Partners in Employment program and the MentorAbility initiative, SaskAbilities connects local employers with job seekers who experience disabilities or face barriers to employment. This October, staff recognized inclusive businesses across the city that have opened their doors to new perspectives and opportunities.

“Our staff are going out and giving recognition to inclusive employers, so employers that have partnered with us in either hiring individuals who are experiencing disability or facing an employment barrier, or if they have hosted a men torship (with MentorAbility),” Doka said. “We’re giving them recognition in the fact that they are open and embracing diver sity, but also helping to promote the idea that people with dis abilities and those with barriers can positively contribute to the workforce and thereby contrib ute to the community and the economy.”

To mark DEAM locally, SaskAbilities staff assembled appreciation baskets filled with products purchased from small businesses in Moose Jaw — a gesture meant to support the local economy while thanking

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Doka said the goal is to keep the message alive year-round.

“From 20 years ago when I started in with SaskAbilities to where we are now, we’ve made incredible strides,” she said. “Does that mean that there isn’t still a lot of awareness and work to do … yes, there’s still work to be done, but I do think that … more people are having a better understanding. There has been a reduction of stigma (since I first began).”

She said ongoing campaigns like DEAM are vital to ensuring that progress continues.

in regard to seeing skills and talents that maybe I wasn’t recognizing before and just rethink some of the traditional ways of interviewing,’” she said. “There are ways that you can add value and be financially smart in how you create your workforce and structure your workplace.”

Doka offered a call to action for employers who have not yet explored supported employment.

employers who model inclusion.

“We went out and we bought a bunch of things from local employers … and we’re just handing them out to show our appreciation,” said Lyndon Fogle, employment co-ordinator with SaskAbilities.

At a delivery stop at the Western Development Museum on Oct. 24, Carmen Donald,

preciation to the business community for doing mentorships as well through Partners in Employment. We’re just really thankful to be able to contribute to the baskets,” she said.

Shirley Stenko, visitor services manager with the museum, said the WDM was proud to be among those recognized. “We’re just very happy to partner with (SaskAbilities) and to

“Campaigns like DEAM allow us to have those open conversations and for people to see that this is working for other employers, (who would then say to themselves), ‘Maybe I should try it, and maybe I should open up my viewpoint

“Reach out to Partners in Employment. We have a pool of candidates who may potentially help with some of their hiring needs,” she said. “Finding the right individual for the right fit at the right time … it’s successful for both the individual and for the employer.”

For more information, visit SaskAbilities.ca, call 1-833444-4023, or stop by 8 Wood Lily Drive.

From left, Carmen Donald, MentorAbility hub co-ordinator; Karla Rasmussen, operations manager at the Western Development Museum; Lyndon Fogle, employment co-ordinator with SaskAbilities; and Kelly Korbo, job developer and maintenance co-ordinator with Partners in Employment. The SaskAbilities team delivers an appreciation basket to the WDM on Oct. 24 as part of Disability Employment Awareness Month. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Whistlestop craft fair returns for another year at the Exhibition Grounds

Shoppers on the hunt for handmade treasures and early holiday gifts filled the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds last weekend as the Whistlestop Christmas Craft Sale returned for another successful year.

The annual event ran Oct. 24 and 25 and featured dozens of vendors showcasing everything from art and décor to pastries, jewelry, and seasonal goods.

In an earlier interview, co-organizer Matthew Bader said the long-running craft show continues to thrive thanks to its strong community support.

“My wife and I organize (Whistlestop),” Bader said. “We get all these crafters in from wherever they want to come from, and we try to get as many different types of crafters as we can.”

For Bader, who took over organizing duties from his late mother, Shelley Bader, continuing Whistlestop each year is both a community tradition and a family legacy. “We’re not out to make a huge profit off of it,” he noted. “We’re just getting people in, getting people to buy their (homemade crafts and other products), and it’s more of a legacy for us.”

That legacy continued this fall with

Shoppers browse the aisles during Whistlestop 2025 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, where dozens of Saskatchewan vendors offered handmade crafts, artwork, jewellery, and seasonal décor.

a hall full of artists and artisans from across the province.

Among them was Nicole Lindberg, owner of Custom Outdoor Accents, who attended Whistlestop for the first time. Her booth featured hand-painted glassware and repurposed lighting fixtures.

“I repurpose old glassware. I use a lot of old lamps and light fixtures, take them apart, and then hand paint them. They’re all one of a kind,” Lindberg said, adding that her first Whistlestop experience has been positive. “It has been steady and good. Lots of people knew that I was here because I did a lot of social media posting and they all come back, so that’s good. There are lots of people who have never seen (my creations) so it’s good to get more exposure.”

Returning vendor Beth Stobbs has been a Whistlestop regular for several years and said she always looks forward to reconnecting with customers and fellow artists.

“It’s a really good show — we get

lots of interest and lots of people coming through. I always enjoy it and I’ve been here six years,” said Stobbs, an oil painter who specializes in Saskatchewan landscapes. “(I keep returning for) the people. It’s just a really friendly atmosphere, and it’s set up and run well. It’s just nice to be here.”

Although she noted attendance was “maybe a little less” than some previous years, Stobbs added that the show’s twoday format continues to bring in diverse crowds. “The second day always brings a different group of people in than the first day, and (it usually) works out really good.”

Bailey Kasko, a Regina-based artist behind Rogue Jewelry Designs, said Whistlestop has become a yearly tradition for her.

“I’ve been coming here for probably eight years now. I come back every year,” Kasko said. “It’s the community — I love the community feel of the show.”

Her jewelry, which incorporates resin, pressed flowers, and stainless steel charms, has become a familiar part of the event. “Today’s been a lot busier than yesterday,” she said on Oct.

25. “(I think) that’s because of the Blue Jays (playing round one of the World Series) — everybody was watching the game yesterday, so they came today (instead),” Kasko said with a laugh.

Long-time exhibitor Sharon Piller echoed that enthusiasm, saying shoppers in Moose Jaw consistently make the event worthwhile.

“I’ve been coming here many years, maybe 10 years. Moose Jaw has treated us very well. We have excellent sales here most years,” Piller said. “This year, we’ve been selling different things from our (store). I generally sell a lot of doll clothes, but we haven’t sold as many this year — instead we’re selling more of this stuff,” she said, pointing to a new assortment of hand-crafted wares that her three-person team created over the years. “So yeah, it’s always great.”

To learn more about Custom Outdoor Accents, visit “Custom Outdoor Accents” on Facebook, email CustomOutdoorAccents@gmail.com, or call 306-570-7830.

To learn more about Beth Stobbs’ Art Studio, visit “Beth’s Art Studio” on Facebook, email B.Stobbs@sasktel.net, or call 306-640-8964. You can also find a selection of her paintings at the Living Sky Art Collective gallery in the Town ‘N’ Country Mall.

To learn more about Sharon Piller and her Yorkton-based business, email StichCollection3@gmail.com or call 306-641-9184.

To learn more about Rogue Jewelry Designs, visit “Rogue Jewelry Designs” on Facebook or email RogueJewelryDesigns@hotmail.com.

The next Whistlestop show is expected to take place at the same venue in October 2026.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

A volunteer with the Moose Jaw Humane Society holds up a new line of Moose Jaw Warriors–themed T-shirts and hoodies, part of the shelter’s growing lineup of themed promotional apparel. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Nicole Lindberg, right, owner of Custom Outdoor Accents, stands before a selection of her hand-painted lights and decorations at the Whistlestop Christmas Craft Sale.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Jennifer Klemenz, left, and Crystal Willoughby, right, represent Golden Anatomy Jewelry. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Artist Beth Stobbs stands beside one of her Saskatchewan-inspired oil paintings during this year’s Whistlestop Christmas Craft Sale. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Yorkton-based crafter Sharon Piller stands among a display of her hand-sewn and knitted goods, part of the diverse offerings featured at this year’s Whistlestop show. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Bailey Kasko with Rogue Jewelry Designs welcomes visitors to her booth, showcasing handcrafted resin and pressed-flower jewellery pieces. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

In pictures: Festival of Trees ’25 goes ‘Disco in Denim’

Guests traded gowns for glitz and cowboy hats for disco lights as the Moose Jaw Health Foundation hosted its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser on Oct. 25 at the Temple Gardens Centre.

This year’s theme, Disco in Denim: A Night of Glamour and Groove, blended country charm with retro flair, all in

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

support of a vital MRI upgrade at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

The sold-out evening featured a Texas-style barbecue buffet sponsored by JGL Livestock, live entertainment from country artist Drew Gregory, and a lively auction that kept the dance floor buzzing well into the night. The Dance Images Express Troupe also made a

guest appearance and performed a life dance routine after supper and ahead of the live auction.

Proceeds from the event will help enhance local MRI services, improving access and reducing wait times for patients across Moose Jaw and surrounding communities. For more information, visit MJHF.org.

The Dance Images Express Troupe performs live at Festival of Trees on Oct. 25. Photo by: Aaron Walker

The Aspen Dental–sponsored “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” package, featuring an autographed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays jersey, was among the many Festival of Trees auction items raising funds for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. Photo by: Aaron Walker

A silver balloon arch welcomes guests to this year’s Festival of Trees. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Festival of Trees guests enjoy a ride through the venue on mobile animalshaped scooters, adding a playful touch to the evening’s festivities. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

A look at one of the festive Christmas tree entries at Festival of Trees, donated by Hillcrest Dental. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photos by: Aaron Walker

A look inside this year’s Festival of Trees at the Temple Gardens Centre on the night of Oct. 25. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Grade 9 students learn the value of budgeting at annual ‘Reality Check’ event

More than 500 Grade 9 students got a first-hand look at what adult life costs during the “Reality Check” financial-literacy event at Saskatchewan Polytechnic earlier this month.

Hosted by the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, the annual program assigns students mock careers, salaries, and family scenarios, then asks them to balance a monthly budget that includes housing, groceries, taxes, childcare, and other living expenses.

The goal is to give youth a realistic taste of financial responsibility long before they graduate.

“It’s a great eye-opening experience for these kids,” said Michael Biette, owner of Tax Team Moose Jaw and a long-time Chamber board member. “They come in and get a bit of an awakening as to what their parents go through, and what they’ll go through when they get out of high school and actually have some bills to pay.”

Biette helped launch Reality Check roughly seven years ago and still assists with the financial framework that powers the exercise.

“All these kids are getting a certain career and salary (assigned to them), and they have to try and make a budget work,” he explained. “My job was to do the initial calculations on how much tax comes off of that and how much money they’re left with to spend on houses, cars, groceries, and all the other essentials in life.”

While organizers have fine-tuned some expense categories since the program began, Biette said the formula now runs smoothly.

“At this point, it’s a pretty well-

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lighthearted moments, including several students jokingly asking if they could “get rid of their children” once they realized how expensive family life can be.

Jacklyn, a Grade 9 student from Vanier Collegiate, said the experience was helpful.

“I really liked it, and I learned that I shouldn’t waste my money on the less important things, because there’s more important things for you and your family that you should get before the fun things,” she said.

When asked which category was the toughest to manage, she pointed to “groceries.” After seeing how quickly costs add up, she also gained a new appreciation for what her parents manage each month.

oiled machine,” he said. “Kids in high school in the past often didn’t get a lot of financial-literacy education. I think school systems are doing a little bit of a better job with that now.

“Some of the comments they made (included) … ‘Oh, I didn’t realize sports cost that much,’ or … ‘I guess I can’t drive a sports car and have to start with a lesser-value vehicle,’” he noted. “It’s so encouraging (to hear) … how much (these students) are thinking about some of these things … and investing, saving for their kids’ education funds, retirement, or things like that.”

This year’s event drew nearly 100 volunteers and was expected to serve about 520 students from both school divisions.

“It’s just a great way for the community to contribute back to these young people who are going to be the next business leaders in our communities,” Biette added.

For Heather Hind, the Chamber’s new office administrator and a first-time Reality Check participant, the event provided both humour and insight.

“This was such a great introduction to the expanse of volunteers we have out there in Moose Jaw …,” she said. “I was really impressed how many (students) were able to (maintain) a positive balance at the end. (Some students) were choosing generic clothing compared to the brand names … our kids are learning that branding isn’t always the most important thing — maybe living (well) is better.”

“I would just thank them for all the things that they’ve done, and how much they’ve spent on me and my brother — not just the important stuff, but also the fun stuff.”

For more information about the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce visit MJChamber.com or call 306-692-6414.

A student hands in a completed budgeting form during the “Reality Check” exercise, which challenged Grade 9 students to balance monthly expenses based on assigned real-world scenarios.

Grade 9 students from Cornerstone Christian School sit together following their “Reality Check” experience at Sask Polytech in Moose Jaw. Photo by: Cornerstone Christian School Moose Jaw/Facebook

Photo by: Saskatch-

Catharina Tansey & Ronnie Pingerd

Moose Jaw, SK Oct 20, 2025 8:41 am

Female 8lbs, 1oz

Feven Sbhatu & Haileab Kiflet

Moose Jaw, SK Oct 20, 2025 11:59 am

Female 8lbs, 3oz

Lidya Gebremichael & Nahorn Tesfn

Moose Jaw, SK Oct 21, 2025 11:35 pm

Male 7lbs, 14oz

Study finds organic fertilizer benefit

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

A Kansas State University study indicates special benefits to farmland applied with organic fertilizer.

The study, conducted with use of the Canadian Light Source synchrotron in Saskatoon and the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, California, found that use of organic fertilizers increased the amount of carbon stored in the soil and improved soil health.

To try and understand the mechanics of soil carbon storage the researchers took soil from a corn field farmed with-

out tilling and using a variety of fertilizers over a 22 year period.

Some carbon is preserved in soil pores while other carbon was attached to minerals in the soil.

The researchers say the discovery shows farmers can reduce pollution by using organic fertilizers and also reduce health risks from chemicals leaching into water sources.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Keara Baksa & Kyanno Betker

Moose Jaw, SK Oct 22, 2025 7:19 pm

Female 6lbs, 6oz

Taryn Gommer & Eric Gomner

Moose Jaw, SK Oct 22, 2025 4:27 am

Female 7lbs, 11oz

Clara Wipf & Andrew Wipf

Moose Jaw, SK Oct 24, 2025 3:25 pm

Female 6lbs, 15oz

Vanier’s latest musical features support from military historians

Vanier Collegiate’s theatre troupe is so committed to accuracy in its upcoming production about the First World War that it is working with historians to ensure as much authenticity as possible.

Two historians from the Royal United Services Institute of Regina (RUSI) visited the group on Oct. 21 to discuss the barrier-breaking role that female signal operators played in connecting telephone calls between American and French soldiers in the trenches in 1918.

Vanier’s production, “The Hello Girls,” brings history to life and connects honour, service and sisterhood while celebrating these women through energetic music, rich storytelling and moving performances.

Besides providing historical advice, RUSI will exhibit information and artifacts about the war in the lobby of the Mae Wilson Theatre during the show’s run from Nov. 19 to 21. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or at www. moosejawculture.ca.

Kelsey Lonie, RUSI’s executive director and chief historian, said it was fun to give historical guidance, while she enjoyed discussing the era, including how students could represent that time during the performances and the significance of the stories they’re telling.

“I’m under no impression that this is going to be incredibly historically accurate, because I don’t think that’s necessarily the point of creative projects,” she continued.

Lonie pointed out that while it’s important to be accurate with facts and dates, the students are performing a show about a little-known topic that could encourage people to read a book or listen to a podcast.

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During the presentation, the students learned that female signal operators could connect five telephone calls a minute, while men could do only one.

However, because of the era’s standards, the women had no say or influence — they could be shipped home for being sassy or disrespecting male officers — and had to dress modestly. The latter in-

Under new ownership as of July 1, 2025

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cluded wearing ankle-length dresses and having their hair up in public.

Meanwhile, after the war, some operators’ lobbying efforts led to the 19th Amendment and the right to vote.

Before connecting with Vanier’s theatre troupe, RUSI’s executive director said she knew only a small amount about The Hello Girls, but not the fact that Canadian women played a part. Lonie is a proponent of finding sources that are historically vetted, peer-reviewed and foot-noted, but there wasn’t much information available.

“There’s been a few historians who have researched it, but I kind of felt like we were uncovering a piece of the story for the first time ourselves,” Lonie continued, noting that she and Mason Hausermann, another historian pursuing his master’s in applied history and her intern, searched through archives and other databases for primary sources.

October Specials

While the entire story about The Hello Girls — so-called because of their cheerful demeanour answering phones — fascinates Lonie, her favourite part is how Canadian women are involved.

She explained that the U.S. military needed bilingual signal operators, so it contacted Quebec and New Brunswick to ask for volunteers. Of the first 32 operators who went overseas with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, 15 were Canadian.

The other interesting fact was that, after the war ended, the U.S. military did not consider them veterans or deserving of pensions. It was only in 1977 — 60 years after the women’s group was created — that the U.S. government recognized their service.

“I think that’s a story that’s all too true for a lot of women in history, so uncovering that, there’s a sense of restoring the narrative back to how it should be,” Lonie added.

Natalie Warren, a Grade 12 student, portrays Grace Banker, the chief operator of the first signal unit sent to France. Warren said she was excited about her role, not just because this was her last high school production, but because of Banker’s significance and the fact that she was a “beautiful character.”

“It’s really awesome to get to share

Kelsey Lonie, the executive director and chief historian with the Royal United Services Institute of Regina, discusses the role women played in communications efforts during the First World War. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Mason Hausermann, a historian pursuing his master’s in applied history, speaks about a female Canadian signal operator. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Siblings write song to honour grandpa’s escape from Soviet Ukraine 100 years ago

The northern lights filled the skies over southern Saskatchewan on Sept. 1, 1925, welcoming Jacob Wiens and his parents to the Canadian prairies after their harrowing escape from Eastern Europe.

A German family, the Wiens were living in Soviet Ukraine and were Mennonite Brethren Christians, which meant they were pacifists who refused to fight in war. The Wiens’ patriarch, Johann, had been forcibly conscripted into the Czarist army during the First World War, where he was made a wagon driver.

Johann had no desire to see any of his four children, including Jacob, 16, face the same fate, so he and his wife decided to leave Communist Ukraine. They lived through the famine of 192123 that killed over 700,000 people, but would miss the genocide in 1932-33 that killed over seven million.

The family arrived by boat in Canada and took a train to Herbert, Sask., which they reached on Sept. 1, 1925. That evening, Jacob took a wagon ride to the hamlet of Main Centre, northwest of Herbert, with the sky ablaze with the northern lights. The family eventually moved to Beechy, northeast of Swift Current, where Jacob lived until he died in 1982.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wiens’ arrival, three of Jacob’s grandchildren have written a song called Plant Us In Freedom. The siblings — calling themselves “Together With Him” — are highlighting the single, which is part of a six-song album they are releas-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

However, she said those words “captured the significant moments” in the Wiens’ journey on the boat and then by train.

The siblings also received financial support for the project from their father, who set aside money 20 years ago. With the trio’s children all grown, along with the 100th anniversary approaching, they decided to pursue the initiative.

Wanner noted that “Together With Him” reflected their thankfulness toward God giving them creative abilities and partnering with Him in creating the music. That title was also the theme for their parents’ recent 60th anniversary, at which the trio performed.

Wanner never met Johann, but she met Jacob and had “a really amazing opportunity” to interview him in Grade 8. Her teacher, Mrs. Currie, wanted the students to talk to their grandparents and other seniors in Beechy to celebrate Saskatchewan’s 75th birthday in 1980.

Currie sent the cassette tapes to

the provincial archives for safekeeping, while the Wiens family acquired copies of Wanner’s tape and listened to it during the family reunion in the fall. Listening to the tape again, Wanner said she regretted not asking her grandpa better follow-up questions.

“We moved from … talking about how hard it was in the Russian Revolution to, ‘Did you grow watermelons?’ So, it was a pretty funny transition,” she laughed. “And we all laughed at the reunion; it was hilarious.”

The Wiens family is also “incredibly musical,” as the siblings have demonstrated, and as Wanner learned about her grandpa, Wanner added. Jacob taught his children to read notes by painting letters on the piano keys using red nail polish, which matched up to similar red markings in the hymnal.

Visit www.firerunnermusic.com or other streaming platforms to pre-order Plant Us In Freedom and the album.

ing on CD and all streaming platforms on Thursday, Oct. 30.

“We’re pretty excited,” said Tamara Wanner (née Wiens), who co-wrote the song with her sister Sonya Braun (née Wiens) and brother Kelly Wiens.

While they’ve each written and recorded songs individually, the siblings had never collaborated before, as Braun and Wiens live in Winnipeg, said Wanner.

“It feels like a solid accomplishment as a trio of songwriters,” she continued. “I’m looking forward to all six songs being released eventually, but this (Plant Us In Freedom) being the first, we wanted to highlight it.”

While the Wiens family gathered in September to honour their ancestors’ arrival a century ago, the trio met in January to discuss the project. Wanner recalled the siblings tossing around musical and lyrical ideas and then recording everything before leaving the project in Braun’s hands for completion.

Braun — who also worked with Josh Parkman of Exalt Recordings in Regina — included narration about the Wiens’ journey in the single, something Wanner said she never thought to add.

The cover of the album “Plant Us In Freedom,” which features a track of the same name. Photo courtesy Tamara Wanner

Siblings Tamara Wanner (née Wiens), Kelly Wiens and Sonya Braun (née Wiens) stand in front of the Herbert Train Station, where their grandfather, Jacob Wiens, and his parents and three siblings arrived on Sept. 1, 1925. They have written a song to honour their ancestors’ arrival in Canada.

Photo courtesy Rod Braun

PROVINCIAL COURT REPORT

Man guilty of 6 of 8 charges, including assault with truck, ball bat

Having been found guilty of six of eight charges, Ryan Milne swore in surprise before announcing that he wouldn’t accept the verdicts since he thought his situation was “a miscarriage of justice.”

Milne, 41, appeared in person in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Oct. 21, where Judge David Chow read his decision following a multi-day trial in April and August.

Police arrested Milne on May 30, 2024, and initially charged him with three counts of attempted murder, following a vehicle collision at the intersection of Thatcher Drive East and Highway 1. Officers determined that Milne was speeding and intentionally rear-ended another pick-up truck, which had his former best friend, his ex-wife and his six-year-old daughter.

Exiting his vehicle, Milne then assaulted the other driver with a baseball bat before he was subdued.

Based on the evidence, Judge Chow

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declared Milne guilty of three counts of dangerous driving to cause bodily harm, one count of assault with a weapon (a truck), one count of assault with a weapon (baseball bat) and one count of uttering threats to cause death.

However, the judge declared Milne not guilty of two counts of assault with a weapon using a vehicle.

“Are you kidding me?” Milne said from the prisoner’s box, before speaking an expletive.

“Mr. Milne, that’s enough!” snapped Judge Chow.

Robbie Parker, the Crown prosecutor, and Olamide Ben-Ajayi, Milne’s defence lawyer, then discussed a return date when they could present their sentencing submissions; they settled on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 p.m.

Ben-Ajayi asked Milne whether the date was suitable, to which the man replied, “Well, with what just happened here and stuff, like, I’m definitely ap-

pealing this. I don’t agree with any of (Judge Chow’s) decisions.”

Continuing, Milne said, “If (the judge) thought it was intentional, then we should have just stayed with the (original charges of) attempted murders.”

Judge Chow interjected and said it was unwise for Milne to discuss the situation on the record, but the latter disagreed and said, “I’m a victim of the courts here.”

Chow replied that the man could appeal, with Milne agreeing, since the judge’s decision was on paper. He then attempted to argue — as he did during his trial — that he had hit the brakes before slamming into his ex-friend’s truck.

When Judge Chow reiterated the return date for sentencing submissions, Milne pointed out that if he wasn’t sentenced before Sunday, Nov. 30, then the 18-month limit — as laid out in the Supreme Court “Jordan” case — would kick in.

In the Jordan case, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that unreasonable delays in criminal cases violate an individual’s guaranteed rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“This is supposed to be a speedy, expedited trial, and we’re going to run the whole 18 months?” Milne said incredulously, before the judge remanded him to jail until his sentencing. “Miscarriage of justice,” Milne stated.

As he was leaving the prisoner’s box, Milne remarked that he was “sick and tired of this,” while he accused Parker of having a conflict of interest — he never specified what it was — in being the Crown prosecutor on the case.

The judge ordered the court sheriff to remove Milne from the room, and as he left, Milne — voice rising in frustration — added that, from the start of his legal issues, he had asked other lawyers to be the Crown prosecutor.

Disciplinary hearing for former MJPS officer cancelled for fourth time

A two-day hearing into the alleged actions of a former Moose Jaw Police Service officer, which was supposed to start today, has been cancelled.

The Saskatchewan Police Commission (SPC) was to hear the matter between Supt. Taylor Mickleborough and the chief of police for the MJPS from Monday, Oct. 20 to Tuesday, Oct. 21. However, it cancelled those dates without explanation.

This is the fourth time the commission has cancelled and rescheduled hearing dates for Mickleborough’s matters, as the first hearing was supposed to happen from July 23 to 25, the second gathering was to have occurred from Aug. 27 to 29, and the third hearing was supposed to have been Oct. 7 to 10.

The SPC has adjourned the matter to Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Grant Hall Motel. The scheduled days for the matter are now Jan. 5-7, 13, 14, and 16, Feb. 4-6 and 9-13, March 3031 and April 1, 2, and 14-17.

According to previous information, former police chief Rick Bourassa suspended Mickleborough around August or September 2024, before outright firing the 24-year member in about September, based on information that MooseJawToday.com learned in October 2024.

Mickleborough began his policing career in 2000 and worked in traffic enforcement, criminal investigations and the serious crimes unit, while he won several awards during his nearly three decades in uniform.

The police service confirmed in early October 2024 that Mickleborough was no longer with the force but declined to offer any further details

about the firing, nor what sections of the Saskatchewan Police Act he may have violated.

During a meeting of the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners in early October 2024, Bourassa — who resigned in January 2025 because of health issues — confirmed that he fired Mickleborough using Section 60 of The Police Act as his guide. He pointed out that that section gives criteria to chiefs on how and when they can dismiss members.

Also, the former chief said Section 61 of the act gives dismissed members the ability to appeal to the Saskatchewan Police Commission, which would then hold a public hearing on the matter.

Bourassa had said he wanted to respect the legal process and noted that saying anything else or litigating or try-

ing those matters outside of those hearings “would be wildly inappropriate.”

In early February 2025, Jay Watson, the hearing officer for the Saskatchewan Police Commission, Adam Touet, the defence lawyer for Mickleborough, and Mitch Holash, the legal counsel for the acting police chief (Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners), met by phone to discuss the situation.

They met again by phone in late February to exchange information so they could start determining how long the hearing might take. They also held other phone meetings in the following weeks, but those were held in private.

According to the City of Moose Jaw’s 2024 public accounts, Mickleborough was one of the highest-paid police officers in the city last year, earning $151,192.76.

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT PSSD BOARD MEETING IS TUESDAY, NOV 4, 2025

A student learning accountability report from Prairie South School Division is providing insight into how students did in reading, writing and math in the 2024-25 year, along with attendance and graduation rates.

Division administration presented the report during the recent October board meeting.

Reading data

Prairie South gathers reading data from students in grades 1 to 3 twice a year and uses the information to assess student progress and “guide appropriate interventions and supports,” the report said.

Teachers assess phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension to identify missing skills and intervene where necessary, while each student is assessed individually, the document continued.

The data showed that there were 465 students in Grade 3 last year, of whom:

• 96 were significantly below grade level

• 33 were slightly below grade level

• 88 were at grade level

• 248 were above grade level

Writing data

The report noted that teachers assess students’ writing throughout the year, while they teach and examine various pieces of curriculum-expected writing, such as expository, narrative or a friendly letter.

The data showed that there were 516 students in Grade 9 last year, and when comparing that information to their Grade 7 results, the numbers indicated that:

• 65 students dropped one writing level

Report highlights PSSD students’ growth in reading, writing, math

• 18 students scored significantly below grade level

• 219 stayed at the same level, which indicates an improvement in writing skills

• 11 went from being significantly below to slightly below grade level

• 30 went from slightly below to grade level

• 31 students went from atgrade level to above-grade level

• 1 student went from not being assessed to significantly below grade level, while one went from not being assessed to slightly below grade level

Math data

Teachers assess students’ math abilities throughout the year and make a final determination of their skills in June, but the main assessment focuses on the curriculum’s number strand skills, the report said. The data showed that 453 students were in Grade 9 last year, and when comparing that data to their Grade 5 benchmark results, the results shows that:

• 47 students dropped one level, with 20 going from above-grade level to grade level and 25 going from grade level to slightly below level

• 13 students scored significantly below grade level; five had been to multiple schools over the years and experienced learning disruptions, while five received extra support in several core subjects

• 214 stayed the same, indicating an improvement in their skills

• 11 improved to slightly below grade level

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• 53 improved to at-grade level from lower levels

• 35 improved to abovegrade level

• 4 students went from not being assessed to either significantly below or at grade level

Attendance rates

Attendance is an important indicator of student achievement, as youths who attend 80 per cent of the time or more will likely achieve higher educational outcomes, the report said.

The data for attendance rates showed that:

• K-12 schools in the division’s northern cluster had a rate of 93.66 per cent, up 0.56 per cent from the 2023-24 year

• K-12 schools in the southern cluster had a rate of 93.2 per cent, up 0.5 per cent from the previous year

• Elementary schools had a rate of 91.67 per cent, up 1.23 per cent from the 2023-24 year

• High schools had a rate of 89.23 per cent, up 0.41 per cent from the previous year

• The division’s overall attendance rate was 91.37 per cent, up 0.53 per cent from the year before Graduation rates

Prairie South’s goal is to maintain an on-time graduation rate of over 90 per cent, while its goal for its extended graduation rate — students who need an extra year or two — is 92 per cent, the report said.

Four students graduated from Pathways Schools in 2024-25, the first graduates of that program, the document continued. Those students would likely not have gradu-

ated without that program. Meanwhile, last year, the division’s on-time graduation rate was 91.3 per cent, compared to 87.1 per cent the year before, the data showed. In comparison, last year, the province’s graduation rate was 79.3 per cent, and the year before was 77 per cent.

The data also showed that, last year, 65 students graduated in the northern cluster, for a rate of 95.4 per cent; 87 graduated in the southern cluster, a rate of 93.1 per cent; and 385 graduated from the five high schools, for a rate of 89.6 per cent.

PUBLIC NOTICE

RESORT VILLAGE OF SUN VALLEY

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ADOPT BYLAW NO. 2-2025

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of Sun Valley intends to adopt a bylaw, under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 04-2017, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT:

The proposed bylaw will incorporate some minor additions to the Zoning Bylaw:

1. The table on page 46 Site Development Regulations for Single Detached Dwellings will be amended to include the following: Attached Garages - Attached garages may not exceed the size of the living quarters and in any case may not exceed 111.5 m² (1200 ft²) whichever is less.

2. The table on page 47 Site Development Regulations will be amended to include the following: Attached Garages - Attached garages may not exceed the size of the living quarters and in any case may not exceed 111.5 m² (1200 ft²) whichever is less.

REASON:

The reason for the bylaw amendment is to accommodate future development and to clarify specific situations.

PUBLIC INSPECTION:

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Resort Village of Sun Valley Office between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost at the Municipal Office.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions on the proposed bylaw on the 21st day of November 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Regional Municipal Plaza, Municipal Office Boardroom. Council will also consider written submissions received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing. For further information, please contact the municipal office at 306-694-0055.

Issued at the Resort Village of Sun Valley this 23rd day of October 2025.

Signed Melinda Huebner, Administrator

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Back in 1983 the Kraft Company conducted the “Great Canadian Cheese Festival contest” in which 38 prizes were awarded.

A brochure advertising the contest fell out of one of my family’s collection of old recipes, newspaper clippings of recipes and other items related to the assistance of homemakers.

It was simple to enter: buy a Kraft product, fill in an entry form, attach a UPC symbol or hand-drawn facsimile and mail it off to the address in New Brunswick. There was no limit to the number of entries but there was one rule: the UPC symbol could not be mechanically produced.

The first prizes (three of them) were silvergrey 1984 Dodge Aries station wagons, Model DH45, featuring automatic transmission, power steering, AM/FM radio and rear window defogger. Suggested retail value was $10,000 each.

To my knowledge my family did not receive any prizes in this contest but as a participation prize I have the pamphlet showcasing a variety of recipes.

•

VEGETABLE SCALLOP

6 cups chopped cabbage

1 cup thinly sliced carrot

2 tbsps. flour

1-250 gram Velveeta Cheese, cubed

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp. prepared mustard

dash of cayenne pepper

1 cup soft bread crumbs

2 tbsps. margarine, melted

Combine cabbage, carrots and flour. Place in a large baking dish.

Heat cheese, milk, mustard and pepper over low heat. Stir until sauce is smooth.

Pour over vegetables then top with bread crumbs that have been tossed in the melted margarine.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Makes 6-8 servings.

CHEEZ WHIZ DUMPLING SOUP

2 chicken bouillon cubes

2 cups boiling water

1/3 cup shredded carrots

1/3 cup sliced celery

2 tbsps. sliced green onion

1 cup milk

1/2 cup Cheez Whiz

1 cup dumpling mix

2 tbsps. chopped parsley

Dissolve bouillon cubes in water.

Cook carrots, celery and onion in bouillon until tender. Add milk and cheese.

Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until cheese melts.

Prepare dry dumpling mix (Bisquik) as directed on package. Add parsley.

Drop dumplings by teaspoonful into simmering soup.

Cover tightly and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Do not raise the lid before cooking time is finished.

Makes 6 servings.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY OCT. 27

City hall is working on updating its zoning bylaw, and as part of that process, it has contacted some businesses in an attempt to correct “unusual or inconsistent” zoning issues.

The city recently sent letters to commercial property owners between 11th Avenue Northeast, Athabasca Street East and Manitoba Street East, as those areas are zoned as M2 heavy industrial and are adjacent to residentially zoned properties.

“The kind of development allowed in the M2 district is often not compatible with nearby residential land uses,” said the letter, which a property owner provided to MooseJawToday.com.

“For reference, the purpose of the M2 district is ‘to provide for large-scale and major industrial uses that may have large land requirements and may produce noise, odour, dust or other forms of pollution.’”

Continuing, the letter said that while existing commercial and industrial developments in those areas cause limited conflicts with the nearby residential properties, as long as the area was zoned as M2, the possibility still existed that more disruptive land uses could be proposed.

The document noted that city hall is considering whether future land-use conflicts could be reduced by changing the zoning from M2 to M1 light industrial.

“Such a change would be especially relevant where this area borders residential areas to the north and west,” the letter said. “The M1 district provides a better transitional area between the residential and industrial districts.”

However, the suggested change would exclude future heavy industrial development, while providing more opportunities for light industrial and commercial operations that were not previously allowed, the document continued.

The proposed change would result

City reviews zoning to better separate industrial and residential areas

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

in different development standards that affect setbacks, site coverage, maximum building heights and other issues, the letter noted.

“We are attempting to balance the potential greater security of the residential properties to the north against any prejudicial impacts to the current property owners within the M2 district,” the document said. “Our preliminary assessment did not identify any active land uses in this area that would be rendered non-conforming by the change from M2 to M1.”

City hall added that to address any gaps in its records, it encouraged business owners in the area to offer comments about the potential effects of the proposed changes. Business owners can call the planning and development branch at 306-694-4443, email planning@moosejaw.ca or visit the third floor at city hall.

In an interview, city manager Maryse Carmichael said the letter is part of the work that the branch has been doing during the past 18 months as it creates a new Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw. This work includes community engagement and sending letters to businesses and property owners.

Continuing, Carmichael said zoning changes to the areas mentioned in the letter would not lead to the forced closure or shutdown of businesses. She pointed out that the aim of reviewing the bylaw and OCP is to determine if certain areas need to be rezoned if the current designation “doesn’t make sense.”

“It’s there to ensure that, in the long-term, we are growing in the right way (in) the city,” she remarked, giving the example that a business zoned as light industrial that plans to become a big heavy industrial property in the next six months should contact city hall immediately.

The city plans to hold formal public engagement sessions about the proposed changes to the OCP and zoning bylaw next year, likely in March or April, Carmichael added. Those sessions will be well-advertised since the municipality wants residents to know about them and to provide input.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw No. 161

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO AMEND ZONING BYLAW 6-2011

Notice is hereby given by the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Moose Jaw No. 161, pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that Council is considering amending Bylaw No. 62011, the Zoning Bylaw, by rezoning the following properties:

Parcel C-Pt. SE 13-17-27 W2 – proposed 12.59-hectare (31.11 acres) subdivision from Agriculture Resource Zoning District (AR) to Prestige Highway Corridor Commercial/Industrial Zoning District (PHC);

Future Development Parcels Y & Z – from Agriculture Resource Zoning District (AR) to Prestige Highway Corridor Commercial/Industrial Holding Zoning District (PHC-H)

Purpose:

1) To amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 6-2011, of Moose Jaw No. 161, by rezoning the area shown below (Parcel C), from AR the Agriculture Resource to PHC – Prestige Highway Commercial/Industrial Zoning District in order to accommodate a proposed subdivision

2) To amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 6-2011, of Moose Jaw No. 161, by rezoning the area shown below (Future Development Parcels Y & Z) on the remaining quarter section from AR the Agriculture Resource to PHC-H – Prestige Highway Commercial/Industrial Holding Zoning District in order to specify the future use of the land for phased-in development.

Inspection: The proposed Bylaw Amendment may be inspected at the R.M. office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions on the proposed bylaw at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, in the Council Chambers of the office of the R.M. of Moose Jaw No. 161, 1 410 Caribou St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7S9 to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing (emailed to rm161@sasktel.net or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing). For further information, please call Tim Cheesman, R.M. Planning Consultant at (306) 596-4431, or the Administration Office at (306) 692-3446.

Dated at the City of Moose Jaw, in the Province of Saskatchewan, this 16th day of October 2025

Mike Wirges - Administrator

Wells Camera & Sound: A lifetime behind the lens of a small business

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

For longtime businessman Bob Wells, keeping a small enterprise alive for more than half a century isn’t just about a love of photography — it’s about adapting at the speed of technological innovation and never losing sight of what customers really want.

Wells shared his story during Unlocking Success: Tales from Small Business Owners on Oct. 22 at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre, a Small Business Week panel presented in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery, Moose Jaw Public Library, and the SK Startup Institute.

For Wells, it all started with a decision his father made 71 years ago when he opened Excello Photo at 626 Main Street North in 1954. Wells, a secondgeneration owner, recalled his father’s decision to take a calculated risk.

“In 1970 there were rumors of a mall coming to Moose Jaw, and my dad thought it might be a good idea to … build a (second) business. We opened in the Town ‘N’ Country Mall in 1973 under the name ‘Wells Camera & Sound,’” he said.

His father’s business remained downtown, turning the duo into friendly competitors. “People would come into my shop and say, ‘Geez, I can get it cheaper downtown!’” he chuckled.

ition and adaptation has kept the shop relevant.

“I remember back in 1970 …, I said, ‘We’ve got to get into audio.’ There’s starting to be a … blend between audio and photography,’” he recalled. “The Betamax videotape was coming out … I talked to my dad (and said) ‘Let’s put some audio stuff in here (and) see what happens.’ So we became a Sony dealer … it was against my dad’s better judgment, but I said, ‘Let’s give it a shot.’

That’s part of the reason why we (got the ‘sound’ in our name).”

Decades later, his son Chad Wells would persuade him to embrace another major shift.

there,” he said. “We get people calling or emailing from Toronto or Vancouver … they want a parcel delivered to their doorstep.”

Though cameras have traded film for pixels, Wells believes the soul of small business hasn’t changed — it’s still about people helping people. Asked what defines success, his answer was grounded in values, not gadgets.

That willingness to take risks would serve the family well, but so would knowing when to pause. One of his toughest lessons came during a major drought from 1986 to 1988 that saw Canadian agriculture lose billions in export revenue.

“I invested $250,000 in a photo lab … so here I am with this big investment and customers are not coming in,” Wells recalled. “(So now), when I invest in something, I look at the forecast and see how the farming community is going to do … the timing has to be right.”

Over the years, that mix of intu-

“When cell phones came in, I thought, ‘Oh man, they’re going to replace film cameras with these little toys you put in your pocket …’ (My son said), ‘You wait, Dad — there’ll be more pictures taken with cell phones in the future than cameras ever did.’ That’s come to fruition,” Wells said. “We now have a photo lab that does printing from cell phones or we wouldn’t be in business. You have to invest in technology.”

That flexibility now extends online, where about 20 per cent of his business comes from orders across Canada.

“You’ve got to have a small business listing with Google. If you’re not dealing with Amazon, you’ve got to be out

“Small business is a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, but to find success, you’ve got to have the right inventory and the right staff. I was fortunate to have a fellow by the name of Mac Anderson work side by side with me for 45 years, and that’s what you need — you need loyalty, you need honesty, and you need to have some training … if you’re standing behind the counter, you should know more than the customer on the other side.”

With decades of change behind him, Wells sees the future as another challenge to master.

“Who knows where technology (will go) … you have to be willing to change, or you’ll fall behind. When that happens, your door closes.”

Wells Camera & Sound is located at 1102 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-3494 or WellsCamera.ca.

Bob Wells shares stories from his decades in business during the “Unlocking Success: Tales from Small Business Owners” panel at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre on Oct. 22. Photo by: Aaron Walker

MJMAG expands senior art programming with full month of workshops

The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) is inviting residents to get hands-on with art this November, offering a series of creative workshops for seniors, emerging artists, and youth.

Program co-ordinator Christy Schweiger said registration is now open for several classes, with some sessions already filled due to high demand.

“We have seven (participants) registered and we’re taking 12,” Schweiger said of the Art Exploration for Seniors program. “We love our senior audience … and it’s very important for everybody to get a little bit of socializing and mingling.”

Senior workshops

The Art Exploration for Seniors series, open to participants aged 50 and older, runs Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Led by local artist Ell Bird, the four-week program introduces a different medium each session, from sculpting with clay and yarn painting to underglaze decorating and collage art.

“They’re going to be exploring things like sculpting and working with clay in one session. There’s yarn painting in another session, underglaze painting for clay projects in another session, and making magnets and collages in the last session,” she explained. “It’s kind of just playing around with different materials, and it’s a good thing for socializing, getting out, and being creative.”

The cost is $50, with materials included, and spaces are filling up quickly.

“It’s online registration, and we only have so many spots. Once they’re filled, they’re filled,” Schweiger said. “So we’re about halfway there.”

Schweiger said the senior-focused

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

programming builds on MJMAG’s Seniors Over the Phone initiative that began during the pandemic.

“We have about 20 people from across Saskatchewan who we work with, and we thought we’d extend it into in-person programming. It’s very important for everybody to get a little bit of socializing, mingling, and just to be in the gallery,” she said.

The gallery first piloted in-person senior workshops this summer, and Schweiger said the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“Everybody seemed to love it,” she said. “If (interest) keeps growing we’ll do some more. I’d love to see more of it after Christmas because that’s a hard

time for everybody. If we can get more seniors … out to be creative, it will help our mental health through the winter.”

Additional workshops

Alongside the senior-focused art

sessions, MJMAG is offering three live model drawing classes on Nov. 1, 23, and 30 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on each date. The self-directed sessions allow participants to study the human form in a relaxed studio setting. The cost is $25 per session, and participants are asked to bring their own supplies.

A children’s studio drawing class is also planned for Nov. 16, with a Christmas-themed clay project to follow on Dec. 14. Schweiger said spots are still available in both sessions.

She added that some workshops, such as the Sparkle Tree Board mosaic class offered Nov. 9, have proven so popular that extra sessions were added — both of which sold out in two days.

“That’s why I recommend that if people see something they like, try not to postpone registering because we only have so many spots,” Schweiger said. “If you’re interested in taking part in a program, register.”

The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-6924471. For more information or to register for an upcoming workshop, visit MJMAG.ca.

Seniors take part in an earlier art workshop at the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery. The November series encourages older adults to explore different materials and connect through creativity. Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery

Rooted in resilience: How Keon Garden Centre grew through the hard times

An evening meant to celebrate small business successes turned into a candid masterclass on resilience when Keon Garden Centre owner Marcy Duffey shared how her team helped the business recover from a devastating betrayal and emerge even stronger.

Duffey spoke during Unlocking Success: Tales from Small Business Owners on Oct. 22 at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre, a Small Business Week panel presented by the Chamber of Commerce, Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery, Moose Jaw Public Library, and the SK Startup Institute.

Before the discussion, SK Startup Institute’s Stephen Riley reminded the audience why such gatherings matter. “We’re all about community and bringing entrepreneurs together… I think it’s really important that we celebrate that because entrepreneurship isn’t an easy thing.”

That same message echoed in Duffey’s own story

“My name is Marcy Duffey — not Marcy Keon — although I get called that all the time,” she said. The business

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

name is a portmanteau of co-founders Keith and Ron — KEON — Johnson, who built an earlier tree nursery into a full garden centre.

What began as a quick shopping trip in the late ‘90s soon turned into something more.

“I was shopping one day at Bedner’s and I had three little kids … running in every direction and there were no shopping carts,” she recalled. “A lovely lady … leaned over and said, ‘You should go to Keon’s. They have shopping carts there.’ So I did … I left with all my flowers and a part-time job.”

Duffey stayed on after the founders’ retirement in 2000 when new owners took over. Financial troubles began to mount until staff could no longer be paid, and she left in 2007.

Three months into 2008, a phone call from co-founder Ron Johnson changed everything.

“He said, ‘Marcy, you could do this. I want my business to still have a good reputation. Would you consider this?’” she recalled. “So my husband and I mortgaged the farm, my sister and her

THIS WEEKS FLYERS

Keon Garden Centre owner Marcy Duffey shares her story during “Unlocking Success: Tales from Small Business Owners” at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre on Oct. 22. Photo by: Aaron Walker

husband joined in financially, and my dream came true. I was able to combine my experience with retail and my love for plants to build the business back to where it is today.”

After a successful first few years, her toughest lesson arrived with the pandemic.

“It was the height of COVID-19 … my two department managers were both out with moms who were terminal, and my bookkeeper was out on maternity leave. During that time, a staff member stepped up,” she explained. “I had full faith and trust in her, and she committed fraud and took a lot of our money over a very short period of time. I felt betrayed.”

It was a moment that could have broken her, but instead became a turning point.

“I sat down with staff and laid out what happened,” Duffey said, following the advice of her sister. “In that moment, I was no longer completely alone as a business owner … I realized I had a hell of a team behind me.”

In the years since, Duffey has focused on preparing for the next stage of

growth. With the recent Environment Canada update reassigning Moose Jaw from plant hardiness zone three to zone four, she welcomes new opportunities.

“It has opened a whole bunch of new, exciting plants, and we can’t wait to try them out,” she said, adding that new trends are also showing promise. “Vegetable gardening has made a comeback, and all of these (young adults) are coming in and they want to plant a garden just like grandma.”

Asked how she defines success, Duffey didn’t hesitate. “(We recently hosted) bingo in the greenhouse, and (proceeds) went to the Transition House. I don’t know that, up to this moment, I’ve thought of myself as a successful business owner. You’re always working for the next thing and you don’t stop to go, ‘Oh, I’m successful at what I’m doing,’” she shared. “But I was standing in the back of the room, and I looked around. I have five staff there who all have worked with me for years … they keep coming back and we’re having a blast. We were able to present what we had raised … and I was able to match that donation without worrying whether I could pay the staff tomorrow … I think we’re successful.”

Her advice to would-be entrepreneurs is simple and hard-won. “You have to have passion for the hard times … and you also have to have patience with your staff … the bank account … and especially with yourself, because you’re going to make a lot of mistakes. If you have the passion and the patience, you’ll get there.”

Keon Garden Centre is located at 1645 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-693-6771 or KeonGardenCentre.ca.

*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).

Second annual Keon Makers Market returns to support humane society

Handmade gifts, wagging tails, and the scent of freshly cut evergreens will fill the greenhouse in early December as Keon Garden Centre prepares to host its second annual Keon Makers Market, a festively themed fundraiser helping local animals find their “home for the holidays” through the Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS).

The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, inside the greenhouse at 1645 Stadacona Street West. Admission is free, and all proceeds from table rentals and the on-site concession will be donated to the MJHS.

“It’s our second annual event and it was a real great success last year,” said Keon Garden Centre owner Marcy Duffey. “It’s a fundraiser for the Moose Jaw Humane Society and all the table rental fees go straight to the Moose Jaw Humane Society.”

This year’s market is already popular, with 25 vendor spots quickly filled up after plans to resume the event were confirmed. Duffey said the greenhouse is now compiling a waiting list to gauge additional interest and see if an expansion is needed.

“We are actually working on a waiting list right now. We may add an extra greenhouse, but we’ll see how big the waiting list gets first,” she said.

The event will continue the same proven format as last year, bringing holiday music, decorations, Christmas trees for sale — and, of course, Santa Claus has con-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

firmed his attendance for another year of pet photos.

“Santa will be here taking selfies with pets, children, and sometimes a pet with a child,” Duffey said.

Santa will extend his visit this year, with plans to be at the greenhouse from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., adding two additional hours. “We had him in from noon to 4 p.m. last year, and it wasn’t long enough,” Duffey explained. “We ended up keeping Santa late last year, so we might as well just book him for the whole time this year.”

According to Duffey, the market’s vendor lineup of-

I

fers “a little bit of everything,” from handmade crafts to locally made treats. Staff at the MJHS will also be on hand to sell their lineup of outerwear clothing options.

“There’s food, there’s candy, there’s candles, there’s embroidery, there’s crocheting, there’s quilts, there are … cups and dog treats … honey products, crystals, rocks, charms — there’s everything,” she said.

All remaining Christmas trees from the centre’s Mistletoe Magic event on Friday, Nov. 21, will also be available for purchase during the market.

Kelsey Leschasin, fundraising co-ordinator with the MJHS, said the greenhouse’s ongoing support plays a meaningful role for the non-profit organization.

“We are continuously in need of support to support the animals that come into our shelter,” she said. “So when local businesses want to partner with us in different things like this, it really means a lot.”

Leschasin said the shelter looks forward to once again joining the community at Keon’s.

“We look forward to having the community come out, (so) bring your pets to get their Santa pictures, and show your support for the humane society as well as the local makers who will be at the market,” she said.

For more information or to join the vendor waiting list, contact Keon Garden Centre at 306-693-6771 or visit KeonGardenCentre.ca. The Moose Jaw Humane Society can be reached at 306-692-1517 or MJHS.ca.

Santa Claus joins Keon Garden Centre owner Marcy Duffey and staff from the Moose Jaw Humane Society during last year’s inaugural Keon Makers Market, where a $700 donation was presented to the animal shelter on Dec. 7, 2024. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Moose Jaw Warriors score three goals in third to get past Lethbridge Hurricanes

Final period surge sees Moose Jaw take 4-2 victory on milestone night for head coach Mark O’Leary Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

It was a milestone night for Moose Jaw Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary, and his charges made sure they’d find the win column as part of the celebration.

The Warriors scored three goals in the third period and would go on to a 4-2 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Friday evening at Temple Gardens Centre, picking up their second victory in as many outings and third win in their last four.

The contest also saw O’Leary become the Warriors’ franchise leader in games as a head coach, taking his place behind the bench for his 361st contest, one ahead of former all-time leader Al Tuer.

Moose Jaw improves to 6-5-1-0 on the season, moving into fifth place in the

Eastern Conference, while Lethbridge falls to 3-10-0-1 and are 10th overall.

After a brief feeling out period that included Lethbridge receiving the first power play of the game, the Warriors began to take control of the proceedings, and looked as if they were rewarded with 5:40 gone in the period.

Riley Thorpe got his stick on a high point shot and tipped it into the Hurricanes goal, but after a lengthy review, the correct call was made and the goal was called back due to contact being made above the crossbar.

Things were back-and-forth the rest of the period, with neither team getting much by way of chances for the next 10 minutes. The Warriors broke through with a couple of opportunities seconds apart with four minutes remaining, but Hurricanes goaltender Koen Cleaver would come up with saves on Lynden Lakovic and Casey Brown to keep the game scoreless.

Lethbridge had their best opportunity of the period with 50 seconds left in the frame, with Logan

Wormald going hard to the net on his own rebound and Kyle Jones making a pair of saves in close.

The Warriors received their first power play in the opening minute of the second period and would capitalize just as the man advantage expired. Landen McFadden found Connor Schmidt with a cross-zone pass to the right faceoff circle, and his quick shot top shelf would make it 1-0 at the 2:34 mark of the period.

Lethbridge had their first good scoring chance midway through the period when Brayden Smith got free up his wing on the rush, with Jones making a quick pad save to preserve the lead.

Enzo DiDomenicantonio had another good chance for the Hurricanes moments later, carrying to the side of the net and creating a goalmouth scramble that Jones was able to cover.

The Warriors took over momentum for the next five minutes, but a turnover at the Moose Jaw blueline on a blocked shot would lead to Wormald going in on a breakaway, and he’d slip a shot five hole to make it 1-1 with 5:24 remaining in the period.

Moose Jaw would regain the lead 1:16 into the third, as McFadden was in the right place at the right time to put home the rebound off a shot in close by Pavel McKenzie.

The one-goal edge wouldn’t last long, though as only 32 seconds later

Brandon scores four on power play, Surkan has five points as Wheat Kings take

win over Warriors

Hat tricks from Surkan, Mistelbacher pace Wheaties to 8-4 win over Moose Jaw in Brandon Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Warriors will undoubtedly look to stay out of the penalty box and keep a much closer eye on Chase Surkan the next time they face the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Brandon scored five times on the power play and Surkan racked up a hat

trick and five points as the Wheat Kings went on to an 8-4 victory in Western Hockey League in Brandon on Sunday afternoon.

Moose Jaw falls to 7-6-1-0 on the season and remain in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, while Brandon im-

proves to 4-7-1-0 and are tied for eighth. Jones ended up with 24 saves for the Warriors as Brandon had 48 shots in total. Ruzicka stopped 39 in taking the win.

Moose Jaw is now off until Saturday, Nov. 1 when they travel to Prince

Gavin Lesiuk would take a breakaway feed from Tyden Lafournaise and put a shot top shelf blocker side to make it a 2-2 contest.

Some nice work in the Lethbridge zone led to the Warriors regaining the lead with 5:36 gone in the period. Schmidt found Thorpe with a pass from the left boards, and Thorpe would send a backdoor pass to Ethan Semeniuk for the goal.

The ice began to tilt in the Warriors favour as the period progressed, with one shift by McFadden, McKenzie and Kash Andresen leading to two McFadden breakaways and another chance in close for Andresen after a tic-tac-toe passing play.

The Hurricanes had a chance to tie the game again with eight minutes remaining when they received a power play, but Lakovic would strike instead, carrying the puck into the Hurricanes zone and dipsy doodling into the slot before putting a shot home. The goal was Lakovic’s 11th in 10 games since returning from Washington Capitals training camp.

Lethbridge pulled Cleaver for the extra attacker with just under three minutes remaining and would have a couple of chances, but the Warriors would hold the fort and collect the win.

Jones finished with 23 saves to earn the victory, Cleaver had 29 stops in the loss

Warriors defenceman Connor Schmidt scores the Warriors’ opening goal in the second period. Nick Pettigrew

Albert to face the Raiders. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Art Hauser Centre.

Warriors logo

Central

Cyclones post dominant win over Swift Current to win South Rural Football League championship

Cyclones roll out to 23-0 lead at half, go on to 44-3 victory in title game at Gutheridge Field

Heading into the South Rural Football League championship final on Saturday afternoon, there was little question as to which team had improved the most heading into the title game.

After losing two of their first three contests, the Swift Current Colts had put together an impressive run the rest of the campaign, closing things out with three straight victories to finish in second place heading into the playoffs.

Their first postseason game was more of the same, a 41-7 win over Balgonie Greenall in the semifinal to send the Colts to the championship final.

But as well as things were going for Swift Current, they were going even bet-

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

Keaton Belsher had a pair of touchdown catches in the first half, Kayden Nightingale added another on the ground and Ciaran McCulloch had a field goal as Central rolled out to a 23-0 in the

Central quarterback Hudson Belsher was 11-for-18 passing for 225 yards, Traeton Potvin completed one of four for 12 yards.

The Cyclones defence made things

the North Saskatchewan League champion Prince Albert Carlton Crusaders on Saturday at Max Clunie Field in Prince Albert.

The Crusaders are the defending provincial champions and also are riding an undefeated season, having defeated Prince Albert St. Mary 41-12 in the NSL title game.

Saskatoon Bishop Mahoney faces Regina Johnson in the other semifinal, with the provincial championship game set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at a site to be determined.

Be sure to keep an eye on www. shsaa.ca for up-to-date draws and times as the SHSAA playoffs progress.

Central’s Dylan Ward hauls in a pass in front of coverage during the South Rural Football League championship final on Saturday afternoon. Central Collegiate

The Central Cyclones gather for a team photo after winning the South Rural Football League championship. Central Collegiate

Lind Named Baseball Player Of The Year

It’s been a big year for 14-year-olds 15 U AAA Moose Jaw Canucks’ baseball player Lucas Lind.

Called a ‘natural athlete’ in the local amateur sports scene Lind had what could best be described as a breakout season in his young and still growing athletic career of baseball.

Lind was part of the U15 AAA Canucks who rattled Baseball Saskatchewan with a near perfect 31 - 1 regular season record.

The Canucks would only come up short in the Provincial finals tournament.

For his efforts Lind would be awarded the Rookie of the Year by Baseball Saskatchewan in the 15 U AAA division and has now been named the 2025 minor male player of the year.

Lind pitched 37.1 innings with an ERA of 0.75.

He also hit .506 at the plate including nine home runs and 50 RBIs.

“It’s great to know your hard work

By Robert Thomas

and dedication to the sport have paid off,” Lind said in an interview. It’s been the best season (of baseball) I’ve ever had,” he said.

SNAPSHOT: Scoring goals with ‘trash talk’

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“It’s great to see everything I put into the sport is paying off in a big way.”

Lind tied his good season to the efforts of his teammates. A team with a large depth of offensive and defensive talent.

“If you have a bad game, they (your teammates) back you up.”

Despite there being only two 15 U AAA players returning next season Lind sees the upcoming year being another great one given the players graduating into 15 U.

Lind is a multi-sport athlete participating in wrestling and football as well as baseball.

Despite excelling in all three sports Lind said he likes baseball and sees it as his path through college and life.

Huck Craig, president of the Moose Jaw Minor Baseball Association, said Lind once again being recognized by Baseball Saskatchewan is great news.

“I’m super happy he got that award

(after being named Rookie of the Year),” Craig said.

“He’s a tremendous athlete all around. He is just an unbelievable athlete,” he said.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/10/21/l9eyorh7q3wr3d7m8mbz4qf4d0nkza

Local Minor Baseball Likely To Benefit From Blue Jays World Series Run

By Robert Thomas

SNAPSHOT: One of the Moose Jaw Warriors, left, lends a hand to a Diversified Services participant, right, with routine cleanup duties during a team visit to Moose Jaw Diversified Services on or around Oct. 22. The visit was part of the Warriors’ ongoing community outreach program, which sees players step off the ice and into schools, organizations, and local events to give back to fans and neighbours throughout the season. If you would like the Moose Jaw Warriors to stop by your organization or read to students in your classroom, contact James Gallo at Communications@MJWarriors.com. Photo by: Moose Jaw Diversified Services

The Toronto Blue Jays playing in the World Series is not just expected to see Canadians tied to their televisions and cheering on Canada’s team.

It’s expected to have a positive impact in the number of boys and girls playing baseball.

“I can’t see anything but positives for baseball for Moose Jaw…it’s hard not to get excited,” Huck Craig president of Moose Jaw Minor Baseball said.

“It makes kids watch the games and get excited (for the sport),” Craig said.

The more exciting the series, the more enthusiastic children become to play ball.

He points to the last time the Blue Jays were on the playoffs - 2015 and 2016 - and the positive impact it had in the numbers of kids signing up to play baseball locally.

“When kids watch the games and

get excited it gets them out playing baseball.”

On a personal note, he said he personally had become a baseball fan as a six-year-old when the Blue Jays won the World Series in 1992.

The Blue Jays also sponsor a national rally cap program for five- to eightyear-olds that helps drive the numbers.

Moose Jaw Minor Baseball is preparing for increased numbers in the upcoming spring registration. It’s an increase expected to be spread across the Association’s divisions.

“I hope there is going to be an increase, but I know there is going to be,” he said.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/10/21/local-minor-baseballto-benefit-from-blue-jays-world-seriesrun

LUCAS LIND WINDS UP FOR A PITCH - MJ INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Lucas Lind is in safe on third base - MJ Independent file photo

U15A Mavericks Open Season With Victory

By Robert Thomas

The Moose Jaw Mavericks U15 A have kicked off their 2025 - 2026 season with a 3 - 1 away victory over the LumsdenBethune Lynx.

Starting their regular season off in Lumsden the Mavericks fell behind in the first period only to respond with three unanswered goals in the final two frames.

The game sheetcourtesy the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League

Lumsden’s Bailey Kreutzer scored an unassisted goal at 14:47 of the First Period.

The Second Period saw the Mavericks tie the game and take the lead.

The Mavericks’ Rosalie Boyle scored at 14:52 assisted by Evelyn Stokes.

The Mavericks would take the lead when Taya Babich scored the eventual

winning goal unassisted at 9:31.

The Mavericks would get the insurance marker at 4:08 of the Third Period on a goal scored by Rose Alexander assisted by Alyssa Wood.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/10/22/u15a-mavericksopen-season-with-victory

The game sheet - courtesy the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League

Spartans Seize City U12 Crown

Robert Thomas

To the cheers of by far the largest crowd of the years the Spartans grabbed the U12 Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League championship 46 - 8 over the Lions.

The Lions would grab an initial lead with, at that time, a tie game at half time.

In the end the Spartans defeated the Lions based upon touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

The start of the U12 championship was not a typical U12 game.

The game was not a ground game but the first four touchdowns of the game were by passing.

Spartans head coach Brock Montgomery said the game more or less followed the team’s game plan. Get ahead and force the Lions into a difficult air

game aware from their expected ground game.

Despite the tie at halftime, Montgomery said the team never changed anything to match the Lions tough play. https://www.mjindependent.com/sp orts/2025/10/25/4xtwgh1he4s7t2urdr5s frn3sh3tai

Gators Win U14 Championship In Hard Fought Battle

On a football field seemingly littered with helmets the MJ Gators celebrated defeating the MJ Vikings 24 - 6 and capturing the 2025 Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football Association’s U14 division crown.

For the Gators it was a seemingly unexpected upset victory while for the Vikings it was their only loss - both regular season and playoffs - oh the year.

“You know what it’s what you play the game for - to win the championship. The kids were pumped. We knew we were in

Robert Thomas

for a tough game tonight because both the Vikings had our number in our first game we ended that coming in,” Cory Harkness head coach of the Gators said.

Harkness said the Vikings are a tough team.

The first quarter was scoreless.

The second quarter saw the Gators get two touchdowns, but they’re unable to make the two, two point conversions that were attempted.

The score at halftime was Gators 12 and the Vikings 0.

The third quarter saw Vikings get on the scoreboard with a touchdown, but as the Gators did they were unable to pull off a two point conversion.

The score at the end of the third quarter was Gators 12 and the Vikings 6.

The Gators would score at 11:06 of the fourth quarter and score their final touchdown at 9:24.

The final score was 24 - 6.

https://www.mjindependent.com/sports/2025/10/26/px6ct5lv0dh16kwn1h6t5jco6rsxxg

Hoisting the championship trophy - MJ Independent photo

A Spartans touchdownMJ Independent photo

Vikings’ Cohen Hofer (left) attempts to tackle the Gators’ Oliver Bunnell - MJ Independent photo

Gators Deron Bangsrud (left) makes a catch against Vikings’ defender Tucker Knoop - MJ Independent photo

Baseball Hall of Famer penning autobiography after healing pilgrimage

Baseball has been Earl Berard’s life for nearly 80 years, so a book he’s writing will include stories about a recent oncein-a-lifetime trip he took to visit three shrines that honour the sport.

That 15,000-kilometre trip was also a healing journey for Berard, 84, whose second wife, Ione, died in May from health complications.

“It was great,” Berard said recently about the North American tour, which included stops at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ont., the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., and the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa.

Berard — who was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in Battleford in 2006 — noted that he and Ione had discussed visiting Iowa years ago, but were unable to go because of her health issues.

After her death, Berard’s decadeslong friend, Ross Morrison from Medicine Hat, Alta., visited and spent the week in Moose Jaw supporting his friend.

The following week, the two travelled to Medicine Hat and had many

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

good talks about life and sports. Berard talked about visiting the Iowa field since it was on his bucket list, along with the two halls of fame.

“I said, ‘I’d like to plan for next year.’ So … Ross, he said, ‘You know, Earl, my short memory is failing. And you know what? I think we better go this year,’” Berard recalled. “And I said, ‘Fine with me. … I’m retired. I’m good to go.”

So, on Aug. 23, a prayer service was held for Ione, and the next day, the two baseball aficionados hit the road and began their 26-day, 15,000-kilometre cross-continent journey.

The first stop was at the “excellent” Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, followed by stops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to see the Blue Jays play. They then drove to Cooperstown and concluded their trip in Iowa, before coming

home — with plenty of souvenirs — on Sept. 18.

“Cooperstown is a beautiful place. … (It’s) all marble floors,” Berard said.

“I really enjoyed it. … It’s overwhelming,” he continued, pointing out that all the great American players are enshrined there, along with Larry Walker and Ferguson (Fergie) Jenkins, the only two Canadians. “It’s just amazing … . It’s huge.”

The Field of Dreams complex was also an amazing place, with Berard dumbstruck about walking on the field where the 1989 Kevin Costner movie was filmed. The best part for Berard was that he and Morrison took batting practice there, with a 70-year-old lefthanded pitcher on the mound.

With a chuckle, Berard —who tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 17 and last pitched at age 60 — said he and Morrison are in their 80s, so both hit only three out of 10 pitches. He recalled Morrison expressing disbelief about missing the pitches, considering he used to hit home runs as a young man.

“And then we walked out to the cornfield. The corn there is 12 feet high. So you’re playing with the ghosts,” Berard added.

After they returned, the friends agreed that their trip was “like a big dream,” considering they had spent their entire lives involved in the sport.

Some of Berard’s achievements include bringing the 1984 World Baseball Championship to Kindersley and helping build two 5,000-seat baseball diamonds — one is named after him — for the tournament. He also coached the 1991 midget national team, which won the World Youth Baseball Championship — the only Canadian team to ever

do it — in Brandon, Man.

Berard said he sent regular updates to his children while on the road and described the journey as a “healing trip.” However, while talking with his daughter afterward, she pointed out that the trip had “healed (his) soul.” He agreed, noting that he was Ione’s caregiver for three years, which was stressful.

“And (the trip) gave me more excitement and energy to move forward,” he said. “And that’s what I’m doing.”

This trip will form the final chapter in the book Berard is writing about his life, which will take an almost year-byyear approach. He’s written nearly 100 pages and plans to finish by Christmas. He’ll also include dozens of pictures from his involvement in baseball.

“It’s quite an exercise,” he joked, noting that Ina Williams, a Saskatchewan Hall of Fame inductee, will edit his book, which he wants to turn into a movie.

“… all of my dreams in my life have been achieved,” Berard added. “The game of baseball is in my soul and has been all of my life.”

Earl Berard, a Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Famer, holds a picture of the 1991 world championship-winning midget team. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Baseballs that Earl Berard acquired during his 15,000-kilometre pilgrimage. From left, the balls are from Cooperstown in New York, the Canadian Hall of Fame in Ontario and the Field of Dreams in Iowa.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Earl Berard holds a bunnyhug he bought while visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. He also holds a Yankees jersey since he’s a fan. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Locals left guessing on homeless matter

Premier Scott Moe’s latest visit to Moose Jaw left local residents with an unanswered question.

In a surprise comment, unknown to partners like the city and non-profit groups working on the homeless person issue, the premier said the homeless shelter would be moved out of downtown to the city outskirts.

He added no residential areas would be affected, a comment that rules out the four schools vacant since the new gigantic school opened on South Hill.

The school properties at St. Mary School, Sacred Heart, Westmount and Empire are vacant as is the former Ross School in the city’s northeast

The homeless have 15 beds, using about two-thirds of the vacant SaskTel

building on First Avenue.

Moe said downtown businesses wanted the shelter moved out of the district.

That leaves the old Canadian Tire building on Main Street North as the most optimal building not in a residential neighbourhood.

That is, unless the premier intends the city to develop a compound of some sort on the city’s outskirts to house the homeless. Such a project is mere speculation.

Until the premier develops his plan for the homeless no one will know what scheme he has in mind.

Surveys of the homeless keep finding 40 per cent of homeless lost their jobs, had no savings, or went through their savings and had no family sup-

THOUGHTS

By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express

port. The consequences were becoming homeless and living on the streets.

Few people want the homeless housed near them out of fears about drugs, street begging and crime.

There is no one solution to the situation.

In some cities, non-profit groups have built tiny homes for the homeless with success. Once a person has a fixed address and a roof over their head, employers will consider their job applications.

No employer will look at a resume without a fixed address. Having a home will instill confidence in many to try to turn their life around.

One of the most successful homeless housing projects has a tall fence erected around it and a security person

ions expressed

allowing only residents from the complex inside — expensive but effective.

A survey of Canadians found 32 per cent want homeless encampments, usually located in public parks, removed while 25 per cent are somewhat in favour of removal.

Thirty per cent are opposed to removal of homeless encampments.

Unless society is careful and compassionate we will end up with “hobo jungles,’’ as we had in the Great Depression of the 1930s.

With hobo jungles the poor were out of sight, out of mind, and left to their own survival devices.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

By

Growing Grapes –

Part II

This article is all about growing grapes. Last week we focused on growing grapes for ornamental purposes and some backyard grape growing for preserves. This week – it is all about growing grapes for wine!

Grapes are a very fast growing vine that needs to be pruned annually – especially if you are growing the vines for production. The flower buds develop in the fall so are of course susceptible to harsh winters and late spring frosts. They need to be planted in full sun and in colder climates are often planted at a 45-degree angle to facilitate the necessary winter protection. A trellis should be put in place at planting time as their rapid growth ensures they need a sup-

port system early in the season. Each fall, the vines are pruned back to eight buds, removed from their trellis and allowed to lay on the ground. The snow cover helps to protect the vines from winter damage.

The University of Minnesota is recognized as one of the top wine grape research programs and today has more than 12,000 cultivated experimental vines with a diverse genetic base. Their work has produced the following selections that are worthy of growing here.

· Frontenac withstands -38° C, without serious injury and ripens midseason. It makes an excellent white wine with fruity flavour.

· Marquette withstands -35°C, and ripens a bit earlier than Frontenac. It has good resistance to powdery and downy mildew and makes an excellent red wine.

Frontenac Gris withstands -38°C, ripens about the same time as Frontenac and makes an excellent white wine.

· La Crescent withstands -35°C and ripens late season so still a work in progress. It makes a dessert wine similar to a Riesling.

· St. Croix is the main red wine variety in Quebec (-29°C) so it needs

snow cover to overwinter here.

· Sabrevois is comparable to St. Croix but hardier to -35°C. It makes a very dark wine that is often better as a blended wine.

It is quite exciting to have so many new types of grapes to grow and I for one am thankful for the breeding program in Minnesota. They evaluate cold hardiness, disease resistance, viticultural traits such as productivity, cluster size, growth habit, bud break and ripening times. Once a new grape is released,

nurseries get a well-tested selection that has already been evaluated for 15 years or more. For example, ‘Marquette’ was first made in 1989 and was not introduced as a new variety until 2006. For fun, this year I planted a couple of ‘Marechal Foch’ vines this year. This grape is one of the hardiest French hybrid grapes that was developed in France during the latter part of the twentieth century. Although I would never grow this grape commercially in this cold climate, we as gardeners can push the limits with our microclimates. It will be both interesting and fun to see how it does. This year it provided a pretty good harvest so with some winter cover, next year should be even better!

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

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

Moostletoe ‘25 to bring art, inspiration, and Christmas cheer at artisaNGrounds

Early Christmas shoppers and art lovers alike will find plenty of creative inspiration at this year’s Moostletoe Artists’ Spotlight, set to return on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at artisaNGrounds Studio.

Six local artists will fill the space with handmade gifts, live demonstrations, and plenty of holiday spirit. For watercolour painter Patti Lewis, it will mark her first time taking part in the annual event.

“This is my first year there,” Lewis said, adding that she’s excited for the experience. “We took six of our grandkids to (Nissa Gieni-Wareham’s) drop-in art club (at artisaNGrounds) this summer and they absolutely loved it … I look forward to being a part of (Moostletoe) this year.”

Each artist will have a booth to display their work inside artisaNGrounds.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Hourly demonstrations led by participating artists are planned throughout the day, allowing visitors to watch their creative process and take part in a hands-on tutorial.

Lewis said she’ll be teaching watercolour painting for her tutorial. “It’ll be on a four-by-four piece of watercolour paper … and it’ll be a little Christmas ornament that they’ll be painting.”

Lewis began painting more than 30 years ago while living in Manitoba and gradually moved from acrylics to watercolour. Her love of realistic detail and rural prairie scenery has become a signature style that now appears on a wide range of her products, from prints and art cards to coasters, ornaments, and mugs.

“I do a lot of rural scenes like crumbling barns and old houses,” she said.

Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express

The artisaNGrounds Studio will host this year’s Moostletoe Artists’ Spotlight on Nov. 1, featuring six local artists and live demos from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by: Moostletoe Artists Studio Tour/Facebook

“When I do commissioned work, sometimes people get me to paint their (farm) operations … I’ll put (a few pictures) together and form one cohesive painting.”

One of her largest commissions was a four-by-six-foot (1.2 by 1.8 metre) painting of the new SaskPower plant just east of Moose Jaw, which now hangs in the facility’s boardroom.

Lewis retired from her office career three years ago to pursue her art full time and now sells through six retail locations across Saskatchewan. Among the works she hopes to show at Moostletoe is a new painting of Mosaic Stadium during the ’24 Labour Day Classic and a large prairie scene titled Meet Me at the Corner, featuring two combines crossing paths in a dusty field.

Joining Lewis this year are five fellow artists — Beth Crabb, Mariia

Ablitsova, Nissa Gieni-Wareham, Tanya MacKay and Jude Radwanski — each bringing their own creative flair to the studio.

Crabb specializes in woven baskets and wall weavings crafted from reed, yarn, and natural materials. Ablitsova, originally from Ukraine, operates BURN.BE Candles and will offer natural soy candles, car fresheners, and soap made in reusable gypsum jars. MacKay creates intricate coloured-pencil drawings inspired by light and reflections on everyday objects. Radwanski designs paper, clay and silver jewellery under her brand Firefly Art Jewellery, and Gieni-Wareham, owner of artisaNGrounds Studio, will display her paintings and pottery alongside other artists.

Although Lewis is new to the lineup, she said joining the group has

Community

The game is afoot for the Moose Jaw Community Players theatre group, who are kicking off the holiday season with a murder mystery production worthy of Sherlock Holmes himself.

The group will stage Holmes for the Holidays, also known by its alternative title The Game’s Afoot, for two dinnertheatre performances fit for the perfect date night or social outing at the Mae Wilson Theatre on Dec. 12 and 13.

Producer Ivy Sheward said the play delivers a refreshing change of pace after last year’s heartfelt It’s a Wonderful Life radio drama at around the same time.

“Holmes for the Holidays actually has two titles … but this one spoke a little bit more to the Christmas spirit. … It’s a fun holiday whodunit,” Sheward said. “When people ask me to describe it to them, I say it’s kind of Scooby-Dooish, with one character in one door and another character out the other sort of thing. It is a farce, for sure, (and there’s) a lot of physical comedy.”

The story centres on William Gillette, an actor famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes. When Gillette invites his theatre troupe and one special guest to his lavish home for a Christmas gathering, the otherwise straightforward

already been a rewarding experience — not just for selling her work, but for the connections and inspiration it brings.

“I mostly work on my own … but getting to meet other artists who love doing their work (is inspiring). There are so many things that come out of their heads and I wonder, ‘How do you even think of these things?’” she shared. “I always find joy and inspiration from other people and (appreciate) the encouragement that comes from other artists.”

She hopes guests will leave feeling inspired to try something creative themselves.

The artisaNGrounds studio is located at 262 Athabasca Street East. For more information, visit ArtisanGrounds. net or call 306-630-9963.

Players serving up laughs and mystery with ‘Holmes for the Holidays’

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

the set production team led by Joan Stumberg isn’t cutting any corners.

“There are six doors on set — rooms don’t usually have six doors in them,” she said, hinting that a few on-stage components will also move unexpectedly. “We would trust nobody other than Joan Stumberg to make this come to life again.”

Under the direction of Crystal Milburn, the cast is embracing the show’s high-energy physical comedy.

“It’s hilarious,” Sheward said. “I mean, all farces are, but physical comedy is kind of hard and we have a stellar group of people who are bringing that to life.”

as it’s actually a stuffed animal stand-in playing the role of the family dog.

The show continues the troupe’s popular dinner-theatre format, with Charlotte’s Catering providing a traditional roast-beef dinner ahead of the performance.

“We’re in a really exciting phase right now. We just got off book, which means that we’ve learned how many people have actually been reading their lines at home,” Sheward said. “It’s so cool to hit this point and see the characters start to come alive. We couldn’t have asked for a better group — they’re great on stage and off.”

festivities quickly take a deadly turn. A murder sets the stage for chaos, as Gillette channels his inner detective to help solve the crime.

“Something goes very wrong, and we have a murder take place,” Sheward explained. “So he puts on his deerstalker and helps the police try to solve that mystery.”

The production features eight actors and a smaller-than-usual backstage team — a welcome change after the group’s largest-ever show, this summer’s production of The Sound of Music. Still,

Adding to the fun, the production will include a four-legged guest star chosen from an online audition lineup this October.

“The play doesn’t necessarily call for a dog, but there is a dog barking that you hear quite often. Our director had the idea to add the dog in and do some things with her on stage, so we wanted to get our community involved in helping us cast our vital dog role,” Sheward said, alluding to the social media poll for casting votes. This cast member may not fetch or bark on cue, however,

Tickets for Holmes for the Holidays are available through the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture box office or online at Tickets.MooseJawCulture.ca. Prices start at $35 for the show only, or $70 including a meal. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., with the curtain rising at 7:30 p.m. on both evenings.

For more information, visit “Moose Jaw Community Players” on Facebook or email MooseJawCommunityPlayers@ gmail.com.

The Mae Wilson Theatre is located at 217 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-4700.

Watercolour artist Patti Lewis will take part in her first Moostletoe event on Nov. 1, offering a live tutorial on painting miniature ornaments. Photo by: Moostletoe Artists Studio Tour/Facebook

Cast and crew from the Moose Jaw Community Players hold up their stuffed “auditionees” for the role of Portia, the canine star of “Holmes for the Holidays.” The comedy whodunit runs Dec. 12 and 13 at the Mae Wilson Theatre. Photo by: Moose Jaw Community Players

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

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

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

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.

ANYONE, CITY, CONTROL, CRAFT, CRUSADE, CRYOGENIC, DRIVE, ELECTRICITY, ENDORSE, ENGINE, FAILURE, FAMOUS, FINAL, FLIT, FRONT, FUND, GASES, HONOR, LINGER, LOCAL, MALE, MISSILE, MODEL, NABS, PARTY, PERFORMANCE, PROPAGANDA, PURGE, REDSTONE, SENSATION, STAND, STICK, STRICT, SWEAT, TARTS, TINY, TOUCH

ACROSS

1. Haughty response

6. Peaceful

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

10. A body of matter

14. Not earlier

15. Away from the wind

16. Countertenor

17. Farewell

18. Bachelor of Literature

19. Shredded cabbage

20. Splashboard

22. French for “Head”

23. 3

24. Complied

26. Type of cheese

30. Frozen water 31. Dung beetle

32. Opera house box 33. An abandoned calf or lamb 35. Change 39. Urine sac

Land 43. Spooky 44. Kind of palm 46. Cigarfish

47. Driveway surface

49. Crimson

50. Mats of grass

51. Wear away

54. Journey

56. Caprine animal

57. Precepts

63. Hindu princess

64. Lack of difficulty

65. Nigerian money

66. Therefore

67. Cultural doings

68. Shine

69. Biblical garden

70. Not more

71. Perception DOWN

1. Thick slice 2. Nil 3. Ear-related 4. Raise a stink 5. Reliance

6. San Francisco vehicles 7. Calmed 8. Luau souvenirs

9. A way of doing something 10. Having no master 11. Laneway

12. Condition

13. Scattered

21. What something costs

25. Wild hog

26. River to the North Sea

27. Handout

28. Food thickener

29. Profound contemplation

34. Avidness

36. Mexican sandwich

37. Mild expletive

38. Crimsons

40. Not alive

42. Digital compression device

45. Performers or painters

48. Rescind

51. Acquiesce

52. Plank

53. Scope

55. Male monarchs

58. Scarce

59. Wan

60. Legal claim

61. Ages

62. Identical

CLASSIFIED ADS

205 WANTED

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

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 or 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 move out cleans. Please call Rebecca at 306-9900387.

Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up.

45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. 45-gallon metal barrels, $15 each. 306681-8749

200 LOST & FOUND

LOST CAT - $500 REWARD for information proving her location, confidentiality guaranteed. Missing from West Park. Answers to June. Please call 306-313-7771.

188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES

Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Element – Range 50 km, tubeless tires, LED lights,

horn, speed up to 25/km, rear basket, under seat storage, and bag hook.

BRAND NEW

$3995.00. Call 306694-1322 for more information.

Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Deluxe – Range 50km, fully enclosed, roof window, back up camera, heater and fan, with headlights, signal lights, and horn. BRAND NEW $7900. Call 306-694-1322 for more information.

For Sale - Legend Scooter, like new, asking $2500 OBO. Call Terry 306580-6889.

160 MISCELLANEOUS

ITEMS

FOR SALE

- Wheelchair, used 3 times Paid $500. Electric back massager. Winter Coatslight brown with hood, size 20, black coat - size large, long black coat, size 20, green/brown winter long car coat, fleece lined with hood, blue raincoat, size 14, long, all of these are in great shape, best offer. Please call 306-6920610.

Washer/Dryer/Freezer (14 cu ft.), 8’ steel loading ramps, snow machine track lift, patio table, and benches. Please call 639-5380799.

For Sale - Plot, Sunset Cemetery, Moose Jaw. Section 222, Lot No. A, Plot No. 4, Plan Christus. $1200.00. Please call 306-6302143.

One Door, one screen door. Standard size, accessories included. Can be seen at 1270 3rd Ave NE, Moose Jaw.

185 SPORTS  For Sale - Adult tricycle, 2 baskets, running light. Asking $250.00 OBO call 306-684-0742 to view.

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

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

Agrarian

When I was growing up in southern Ontario I was often jealous of my cousins in Tillsonburg as their school year started a few weeks later than ours did in Kitchener. The reason was that the County School Board considered the local agrarian calendar when establishing the first day of school. In Kitchener we went back to the classrooms, from the summer break, after Labour Day. In Oxford County they delayed the start of school to line up with the tobacco harvest so older students could work in the fields picking tobacco leaves. The tobacco ingathering was a very labour intensive process involving cutting the plants and collecting the leaves as they mature.

Agrarian means relating to fields or land or their occupancy. Agrarian has been used in the English language since the late 1500s. Agrarian described things pertaining to the cultivation of fields and farms.

Agrarian is derived from the Latin word ager,

meaning a piece of land, with a nod to the Greek word agros (field). The English term acre also comes from those Latin and Greek words. Acre was used in the 12th century to designate a field especially of arable land or pastureland. An acre represented the amount of land that could be plowed in one day with a yoke of oxen. Today acre is standardized as a unit of land measuring 43,560 square feet or 4.047 square meters.

Agrarian landscapes in Canada are generally known in units of acres. On the Canadian prairies, where agrarian work is on a larger scale than Eastern Canada, 640 acres equals a section, which is one square mile, often bordered by gravel or dirt rounds.

Agrarian also means relating to or characterized by farmers or their way of life. In the rural areas of Canada agrarian values have a high focus on community life and taking a turn on civic and social committees.

Agrarian can also describe an organization designed to promote agricultural interests. The Progressive Party, an agrarian political group, became the second-largest federal party in the Canadian House of Commons in 1921. This party was the federal version of the various provincial United Farmers parties, which had formed governments in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba during the 1920s. Today agrarian interests are addressed by major parties through policy statements and by organizations like the National Farmers Union.

Antonyms to agrarian are urban, industrial, and metropolitan.

Urban means of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city. Some wildlife species, like raccoons, thrive in urban areas.

Industrial implies work concerning a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacturing. 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the industrial sectors of steel, aluminum, cement, and

Guidelines for Submitting Letters to the Editor:

Due to space allotment in Moose Jaw Express for free letters to the editor, we find it necessary to establish some guidelines in submissions that will be in effect.

• All letters to the editor submitted to the Moose Jaw Express newspaper should not exceed 900 words. In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.

• Please do not write letters of personal attack or are condescending.

• A full name and contact information will need to be included with each submission for verification.

RE: LONG TERM CARE ISSUES

I am calling on the people of Saskatchewan to help address a serious long-term care safety gap that affects residents across every constituency of our great province.

I recently created a petition calling for a critical amendment to Saskatchewan’s long-term care stan-

dards. The petition has been difficult to share with the pubic and I have faced a lot of censorship issues online. It asks that all care staff who provide care to a resident must read and understand that resident’s current care plan, not only have access to it, as the current standard allows.

Without that requirement, resi-

fertilizers.

Metropolitan suggests or is characteristic of a large important city including its suburbs. Vancouver is a large, teeming metropolis where ambitious people from all over Asia come to make their mark in Canada. Though probably not obvious to many, the school calendar in Canada is still based on the old agrarian calendar, when children were needed to help in the summer with farm chores. Not all countries coordinate school schedules with the agrarian model. Japan follows a fiscal year which runs from April to March. In Japan there is a 4 week break in the summer because of intense humidity and heat. To celebrate the new year there is a 1 week holiday in January. To mark the break between the school years in the Spring there is a 2 week holiday. There is a sprinkling of one and two day public holidays throughout the year to make up the Japanese school calendar.

The whole of Canada was largely an agrarian society until the 20th century. The Canadian prairies still have agrarian significance. Saskatchewan contains nearly 40% of all Canadian farmland. The agrarian sectors of oilseed and grain account for the majority of provincial farm revenue to this day.

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.

• Only the name will be included in publication with the letter as the contributor.

• We Reserve The Right to Edit.

Send your letters to the editor to: joan@moosejawexpress.com

All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express

dent care cannot consistently align with care plans, especially when staff turnover, coverage, or leaves of absence occur. These factors are predictable and common to work around. This gap places many residents, particularly those who cannot self-advocate, at risk of harm or even death.

This is a systemic, province-

wide issue that demands urgent attention.

The petition can be read and signed here: https://www.change. org/protectLTCresidents

Thank you for your time and for caring about the safety and dignity of residents in our province’s long-term care.

Mike Murphy

A haunting in Drinkwater: The ghost of ‘Willett on Wenzel’

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

It wasn’t creaking floors or flickering lights that signalled something otherworldly in Don Lammle’s Drinkwater home; it was the recurring waft of stale tobacco, a ghostly reminder, he believes, of the man who died there decades ago.

Lammle purchased the 1904 Edwardian home as a retirement project and poured years of work into the restoration, rewiring, replumbing, insulating, and preserving its ornate oak woodwork — but amid the sawdust and fresh paint, he said something “felt different.”

“I bought my house in Drinkwater and I restored it. There is a ghost in the house,” Lammle said. “At first, the only thing I was aware of was an overpowering tobacco smell — an old, stale tobacco scent — and it would come and go. When I was first there, it would be there with me three or four times a day.”

The ghostly presence, he later learned, was believed to be John Hagley, a former resident who died inside the home many years earlier.

According to Lammle, he wasn’t the only one who noticed the strange scent. “I’m not the only one who smelled it,” he said. “A lot of my friends have smelled it as well.”

One former resident did claim to have seen the ghost. The former homeowner, who has since moved to Moose Jaw, reportedly told Lammle she had occasionally seen the outline of a man inside the house — often in quiet moments when she was alone. “She actually saw him, and she protected him,” Lammle said. “She has some good stories about it.”

Curious about the recurring scent, Lammle mentioned it to Beatrice (Bea) Hagley, the widow of former resident John Hagley, who had died in the home years earlier. Lammle knew Bea personally and spoke with her before her passing in 2019.

Born in 1922 near Balgonie, Sask., Bea was a beloved mother, grandmother, and lifelong resident of the Drinkwater area, remembered for her deep roots in the community. During their conversation, she confirmed what Lammle had begun to suspect.

“She asked me if I noticed anything

Built in 1904, the Willett on Wenzel house in Drinkwater, Sask., is the setting for homeowner Don Lammle’s ghostly encounter. Photo by: Aaron Walker (Colour adjusted for presentation)

strange in the house,” Lammle recalled, noting that this was before he had mentioned anything about the odour to her.

“I said, ‘Yeah, I noticed a tobacco smell. I don’t smoke and I haven’t smoked for years.’ Then she said, ‘Well, that would be my husband, John. He smoked cigarettes, a pipe, and cigars.’”

Lammle said the smell was distinct — “very old, stale-smelling stuff” — but the experience was never frightening.

“He never, ever bothered me. I mean, that’s the only (experience I had). He was never threatening.”

The mysterious scent, Lammle said, faded gradually as his renovations neared completion. When Bea passed away, it disappeared entirely.

“The more I got done on the house and the more I finished the restoration, the less he was there,” Lammle said.

“Bea Hagley passed away (about six years ago). Since she passed away, I have not smelled anything. The last time I ever smelled tobacco was before she passed away.”

Today, the house known as Willett on Wenzel stands as one of Drinkwater’s most distinctive landmarks. Built between 1904 and 1905 by Dave and Maggie Willett, the Edwardian-style residence was once a symbol of early prairie prosperity and is, perhaps, still a vessel for the memories of those who lived and died within its walls.

Do you have an otherworldly experience to share? Reach out to the Moose Jaw Express at Aaron@MooseJawExpress.com or by calling 306-694-1322 and your spooky encounter might be featured in an upcoming edition.

Community Players nurture next-generation directors with ‘Almost, Maine’

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw Community Players are once again opening the curtain for aspiring theatre directors with their second annual directing mentorship program, offering a hands-on learning opportunity culminating in a February production of Almost, Maine. Community Players producer Ivy Sheward said the initiative offers a safe and collaborative space for emerging directors to learn the craft under the guidance of experienced mentors.

“It’s a really great opportunity for people who would like to try directing … with the safety net of an

experienced director (who isn’t) necessarily breathing down their necks. (Instead, we have) someone who can offer solutions and ideas so you’re not really in it on your own,” she said. “There’s always someone there who can give insight … and it’s a really collaborative process.”

The program launched last year with three short Valentine’s-themed plays. This season’s production, Almost, Maine by John Cariani, expands the challenge by presenting a full-length romantic comedy composed of nine interwoven vignettes exploring love and loss in a fictional small town.

Tyson Bilawchuk Memorials

With love, Mom, Dad, Lyndon and family

December 27, 1981 - November 3, 2019

“This year we have a longer play,” Sheward said. “It’s split up into nine vignettes, with 20- to 30-minute scenes that all thematically tie together.”

Aspiring directors will each take charge of one or more scenes, supported by mentor director Larry Rutherford, who helps them navigate every aspect of staging and storytelling.

“They’ll sit down and divvy up those scenes, see what people feel comfortable doing, and from there they’ll still work to fill in those other pieces,” Sheward said.

While the mentorship portion has formally closed, Sheward said the group remains open to welcoming new volunteers, whether in directing, stage management, or acting roles.

“Believe it or not, it’s really difficult to find people who want to direct shows,” she said. “So the purpose is to grow great directors to continue our programming, because without directors, you (just) have people on stage in costume with sets, and that’s not great.”

The production will also provide abundant opportunities for performers.

“There’s so much room for anybody who wants to try and get on stage,” Sheward added. “This show can be done with two actors, or it could be done with 23.”

Performances of Almost, Maine are planned for Feb. 13 and 14 at the Moose Jaw Public Library Theatre — a fittingly intimate venue for a heartfelt Valentine’s presentation.

“The library theatre is such a lovely, intimate space to try something like that for the first time,” Sheward noted. “It’s kind of like a hands-on crash course in directing.”

Auditions for the show are expected to be held in mid- to late November, with details to be announced on the Moose Jaw Community Players’ social media pages.

For more information, visit “Moose Jaw Community Players” on Facebook or email MooseJawCommunityPlayers@gmail.com. Going

Obituaries / Memorials

RITA MARIA SALADANA (NEE VOS)

Rita Maria Saladana (nee Vos) passed away in the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, at Moose Jaw, SK’s FH Wigmore Hospital, following a brief and brutal struggle with an aggressive cancer. Born September 25th, 1958, in Port Alberni, BC, she attended G.W. Gray Elementary School, A.W. Neil Junior High and Alberni District Secondary School before entering the Royal Jubilee Hospital nursing program. She became an RN in January 1980 and started her career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, BC the next month. Rita was working there as an ICU nurse when she met her future husband, a Canadian Air Force officer.

Military postings meant frequent moves and over the years she worked at the Providence Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK; Bonneyville Health Centre in Bonneyville, AB; Providence Hospital in Anchorage, AK; Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque, NM; Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL and finally at the Union Hospital and then the F.H. Wigmore Hospital again in Moose Jaw, SK. Throughout her career Rita worked in various RN positions including Medical and Surgery wards, ICU, ER, OR, Post-Op and Recovery and as the head nurse of a medical ward; however, because of the intensity and challenge, it was the ER that she enjoyed the most. The medical staff with whom she worked always held her skills in high esteem but particularly admired her courage and tenacity, never backing down to ensure patients received appropriate care. Rita officially retired in February this year, ending a 44-year career.

A kind and loving wife and mother, she valued family above all else. She will be deeply missed and forever lovingly remembered by her husband Kurt, daughter Zoe (Steve Leidal), and son Aidan. She is predeceased by her parents John and Engelina (nee Krabben) Vos and survived by her sisters Leona Winstone (Brian Kingsfield), Deborah Vos and Cecilia Antoniazzi (George), brother Fred (Jody, nee Tell) and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was fiercely proud of her children and enjoyed nothing more than watching Zoe play music, either in a band or with the Regina Symphony Orchestra and watching Aidan play sports, most recently professional volleyball in Japan and Europe. An avid sportswoman, through the years Rita played competitive fastball and basketball, ran, and enjoyed skiing, fitness classes, playing volleyball, and golfing. In the last few years, she rekindled her love of music and tennis, taking bass guitar lessons while playing with Regina’s School of Rock adult band and joining the Moose Jaw Tennis Club where she forged strong friendships with her “tennis ladies”.

The cancer diagnosis came without warning; she never missed a check-up or test. The staff members at Regina, SK’s Allan Blair Cancer Centre were phenomenal - caring, kind, and professional as they administered a course of chemotherapy that, unfortunately could only temporarily extend Rita’s time with us. As she approached the end, she was cared for and comforted by the remarkable staff at Moose Jaw’s F.H. Wigmore Hospital.

If Rita had one piece of advice to provide it would be to retire as soon as you are able and spend your time with family and friends doing things you enjoy because you can never know when those opportunities will be taken off the table.

Rita’s family, friends, and colleagues are invited to a celebration of her life at 1:00 PM Sunday, November 2nd at the 15 Wing Moose Jaw Officers’ Mess. In lieu of flowers, Rita would have liked a donation in her name to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Moose Jaw Humane Society.

SNAPSHOT: A Grace-full fright

Aaron WalkerMoose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: There’s no clowning around at 1132 Grace Street, where Halloween decorations have taken a delightfully chilling turn again this year. A sinister clown takes centre stage amid a lineup of ghosts, ghouls, and ghastly guests, proving once again that this Moose Jaw home is the “ringleader” of spooky fun.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

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

FALL SUPPERS IN AND AROUND MOOSE JAW:

Nov. 1: Tugaske community hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets $25 at the door.

Nov. 2: Moose Jaw and District Seniors Association with supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Ticket information at 306-694-4223.

Nov. 2: Mortlach at the community hall. Watch for posters with times and ticket information.

Nov. 8: Spring Valley Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Adults $30. Ticket information and evening details at 306-313-8780.

October Town ‘N Country Events

Pumpkin Carving Contest. Drop off your carved pumpkins at the Mall Office: Oct 29 | 9am – 5pm. Visitors can vote for their favorite pumpkin all three days! Winner announced Oct 30 at 1pm. Pumpkins may be picked up after 1pm on Oct 30.

Halloween Fun – Thursday, Oct 31. Halloween Photos: 1pm – 5pm ($10)/Mall Trick-or-Treating: 3pm – 6pm/Kids’ Crafts: 3pm – 5pm/Costume Contest: Judges will be picking favorites throughout the day!

The Moose Jaw Cosmo Centre fall Crafts and Trades Fair on Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have over 40 Vendors attending this Fall, with 16 Vendors being new to the Fair. Why not stop by and get an early start on your Christmas shopping. You will surely find something for everyone on your list. You can find the full list of Vendors on the Cosmo Centre’s Facebook Page. The Concession will be open and offering tasty food. Some of the food items include homemade soup, sandwiches, cinnamon buns and an assortment of homemade pies. There will be a Penny Parade and 50/50 tickets will be sold. So, come on down, do some shopping, eating and possibly win some money. The Cosmo Senior Centre is located at the corner of 3rd Ave. N.E. and Fairford St. For more information contact Anita Duncan at (306) 630-1256.

STS Moose Jaw Superannuated Teachers LUNCHEON on Wednesday, November 19 at the Masonic Temple Hall, 1755 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK. 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Chat - circulate and connect with past colleagues

11:00 - Program: Curtis Dumont and Dacey Seaborg from MJ Parks and Rec

12:00 - Roast Beef Dinner- Catered by Charlottes 12:45 - Meeting for those of you who wish to stay Cost: $20 per STS member and spouse. $25 for non-members

Please RSVP to Rosalie by Sunday, November 16, 2025, @ 306-691-0696, 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!

K of C Ham & Turkey Bingo Father Gilpin Council #9760 Family Fun on December 7th, 2025. Early Bird Starts at 6:50 pm. Concession Open at Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan St. Moose Jaw Duplicate Bridge Club is holding Beginners’ Duplicate Bridge Lessons. The Lessons will be every Thursday night, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., until November 27, 2025 at the Comfort Inn. Lessons are $40. For more information or to register, contact Anita at (306) 630-1256.

Women’s Choir…Women over 50 years of age who are interested in joining the Heritage Singers are invited to contact Brenda Johnson by text or phone 306-631-8095 for more details.

Scottish Country Dancing has resumed at 7 pm on Thursdays @Timothy Eaton’s Centre, 510 Main St. N. No partner required. Ages 8 and up including grandparents. Contact: Val, 306-630-5790

White Heather Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw looking for new players ages eight and older. New players will have the opportunity to try out drum sticks on pads and practice chanters with the instructors and will be introduced to some of the children already members of the band. Contact Michelle Carline at <mcarline@hotmail.com>

Moose Jaw Camera Club meeting was held October 20; new meeting to be announced. Guests are welcome for a $10 fee that can be used towards a membership if they decide to join the club. Photographers of all levels are welcome. We hope to see you there!

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. At Zion church

from Sept to May.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club has resumed meeting the second and fourth Wednesday nights of the month at 7:00pm at the Lindale School staff room. For information call 306-693-5707.

The Moose Jaw Art Guild will meet at the MJMAG, October 30, 1 - 4pm for an Art Creation time. Visitors are welcome. Bring your supplies and create. For more information call 306-692-6667.

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Meetings are held at Hillcrest Apostolic Church, Moose Jaw. Call or text 306 756 2819

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. 2025-2026 Program on Monday nights from 7-9 pm at St. Margaret’s School, 449 5Th Ave NE. Dance in square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles, or doubles welcome!

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month status to take place on the third Friday of each month

Church of Our Lady Bingo takes place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an inperson, 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.

Islam and Christianity in Bible Prophecy: International speaker and author Tim Roosenberg demonstrates that the Bible is not silent regarding Islam and Christianity in these last days. Meetings on October 31st to November 9th , nightly at 7:30 PM—repeated the next day at 5:45 PM. Held at the Moose Jaw Seventh-day Adventist Church, 409 Oxford Street West. FREE admission, FREE light supper at 6:45 pm, FREE childcare at 5:45 pm meeting. Meetings will be livestreamed. For more information visit: http:// moosejaw22.adventistchurch.org

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

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

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

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@ MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA. Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

Movie club meets twice monthly to watch a film and engage in a short discussion starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.

Show date: Monday, Oct. 27. Documentary Night showcases documentary films that rarely hit theatres and takes place on the last Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre. Cropsey: Cropsey (2009) is a chilling true crime documentary that explores the eerie intersection of New York urban legend and real-life horror, uncovering disturbing truths behind a local myth. Directed by Joshua Zeman, it’s regarded as one of the standout true crime

films of the 2000s. Show date: Thursday, Oct. 30

A few movie matinees will be shown for audiences of all ages in the library’s theatre starting at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, and everyone’s welcome. Hocus Pocus: Will show from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 (rated PG)

Children’s programming

LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the library’s regular business hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In this self-guided activity in the Children’s Department, children can have fun building wild LEGO creations that they’re invited to put on display. Children’s Storytime programs run on separate days in the Children’s Program Room starting at 10:30 a.m. Here, young readers can enjoy a short story, rhymes, and songs as caregivers learn ways to improve early childhood literacy.

Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Oct. 29

Be sure to check out TumbleBooks for Kids featuring an online collection of animated, talking picture books to teach children the joys of reading in the Digital Library.

Standalone events

Paper Moon Writing Collective: Paper Moon is a monthly gathering for writers and creatives of all levels, offering guided prompts, quiet writing time, and optional sharing in a supportive, judgment-free space. Each session is led by Kara and explores a different theme on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, email PaperMoonWritingCollective@ gmail.com

Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 693 Fairford St W. Contact: 306-692-5453

Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw

Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday 9:30am-4:00pm

LOUNGE HOURS: Monday 10am-8:30pm; TuesdayFriday 10am-10pm; Saturday 11am-6pm; Closed Sundays

VETERANS MORNING COFFEE – Monday–Friday @ 10am

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

CRIBBAGE – Tuesday @ 1:30pm

LEGION DARTS – Thursday @ 7pm

DROP IN SHUFFLEBOARD – Friday @ 7pm

MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome LEGION CURLING – Sunday @ 10am @ Temple Gardens Curling Centre – Always looking for spares. REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE & PARADE OF VETERANS -- Tuesday, November 11th 2025 @ 10:30 am @ Temple Gardens Centre. Please be seated by 10:30 am. Following the service, we invite ALL Veterans who are able, to join the Legion Colour Party at the corner of 2nd Ave NW & High St W (by Minute Muffler) to march in the Parade of Veterans. OPEN HOUSE - at the Royal Canadian Legion Lounge, 693 Fairford St W (adults only), following the service and parade. Light lunch will be served. Cadets & Scouts are invited to go upstairs @ the Temple Gardens Centre for refreshments.

DIVA’S – One Woman Show with Bonnie Kilroe –Saturday @ 7pm. Advance Tickets $30/$35 at the door. Available on-line or at the Legion. Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca The centre is now open MonThurs 8am – 8pm. For more information Call: 306694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca

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

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

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Everyone is welcomed. Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

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

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

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday pickleball @ Cancelled for summer Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Whist – Cancelled

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

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

Beginners is Monday @1pm

500 Cards – Cancelled

Full Body work out – Cancelled

Scrabble – Cancelled

Spades – Cancelled

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

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

Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am/ Pickleball 9am/Shuffleboard 1pm/Pickleball 3:45 Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pm-Pickleball/7pmFriendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30am-Pickleball/1pmFloor 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 Pickleball - 3:15pm and Advanced Pickleball - 6:30pm Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am Saturday: Advanced Pickleball - 9:30am and Pickleball - 1:00pm

November 8 - Cosmo Crafts and Trades Fair, 9:00am - 3:00pm. Admission - $2/pp. 40 Vendors attending this Fall, with 16 Vendors being new to the Fair. Why not stop by and get an early start on your Christmas shopping. You will surely find something for everyone on your list. You can find the full list of Vendors on the Cosmo Centre’s Facebook Page.

The Concession will be open and offering tasty food. Some of the food items include homemade soup, sandwiches, cinnamon buns and an assortment of homemade pies.

There will be a Penny Parade and 50/50 tickets will be sold. So, come on down, do some shopping, eating and possibly win some money.

The Cosmo Senior Centre is located at the corner of 3rd Ave. N.E. and Fairford St. For more information contact Anita Duncan at (306) 630-1256. November 15 - Social Dance - Sugar Top, 7:30pm11:00pm. Admission - $15/person

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 1-6:30 pm

Wednesday 12-6:30 pm/Smear starts at 12:30

Thursday 12-6:30 pm/Smear at 12:30 Friday 1-10pm/Shuffleboard starts at 1pm/Pool & Darts starts at 7pm Saturday 1-6:30 pm/Meat draw starts at 4:30-10 meat draws, 50/50 and gift card

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace” EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL –1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play. FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

306-694-4747

324 Main Street N. Moose Jaw, SK

Derek McRitchie REALTOR® (306) 631-1161

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

Tanya Minchin REALTOR® (306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol REALTOR® (306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer REALTOR® (306)684-4266

Guac Mexi Grill has issued a statement in relation to allegations against three businessmen in Moose Jaw who are accused of offences under The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, 2013 (FWRISA).

“Guac Mexi Grill is aware of the ... concerning alleged immigration law violations at the Moose Jaw location. Guac Mexi Grill does not tolerate or support any unlawful practices,” the parent company via newswire.ca.

“We take these allegations seriously and are reviewing the matter to ensure full compliance with our brand standards and Canadian law.

“Guac Mexi Grill is a Canadian company, established in 2016, committed to integrity, accountability, and lawful business operations across all locations,” it continued. “Each Guac Mexi Grill restaurant is independently owned and operated.

“Franchisees are solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal and provincial laws, including employment and immigration regulations, as required under their franchise agreement,” the company added.

According to previous information, Kartikkumar Prakashkumar Patel, Rutvik Hasmukhbhai Patel and Piyushkumar Mafatbhai Patel are each charged with three offences under Sections 22 and 23 of FWRISA. The alleged offences took place between August 2023 and February 2024 at Guac Mexi Grill in Moose Jaw.

The co-accused are charged with the following:

• Take action against, or threaten to take action against a foreign worker for participating in an investigation or proceeding by any government or law enforcement agency or for making a complaint to any government or law enforcement agency as prohibited by section 22 (f) of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, contrary to sections 40 (1) (i) and 40 (2) of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act.

• Take unfair advantage of a foreign national’s trust or exploit a foreign national’s fear or lack of experience or knowledge as prohibited by section 22 (g) of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, contrary to sections 40 (1)

(i) and 40 (2) of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act.

• Being an employer who charged a foreign worker a fee or expense for employment as prohibited by section 23 (5) of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, contrary to sections 40 (1) (i) and 40 (2) of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act.

The accused will appear in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Nov. 25.

Saskatchewan proclaimed The Immigration Services Act, 2024 (ISA) on July 1, 2024, which replaced FWRISA.

The ISA is the most comprehensive program integrity framework in the nation, including the highest fines for violation in the country, the provincial government says. As the offences above occurred prior to the implementation of the ISA, charges were laid under the former Act.

The Program Compliance Branch of the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training works to protect immigrants and foreign workers in Saskatchewan. Contact the Program Compliance Branch at pcb@gov.sk.ca or call 306798-1350 if you have questions about the ISA, believe your rights have been violated, or want to file a complaint about the immigration or recruitment process.

You do not need permission from anyone to contact the Program Compliance Branch, and all your information will be kept confidential.

While the ISA and FRWISA specifically protect against the unique situations that immigrants and foreign workers may find themselves in, all employees, whether Canadian citizens or permanent and temporary residents, are protected by employment standards and occupational health and safety provisions within The Saskatchewan Employment Act, the province added.

Moose Jaw #161

Photo courtesy Facebook