Moose Jaw Express, September 17, 2025

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MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER

Students will get a dose of science infused with circus showmanship when the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) Performing Arts in Schools program arrives at École St. Margaret later this month.

The show, Professor Wow! and the Invisible World of Science, takes place at the school starting at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, and is open to students only.

Alberta-based performer Aytahn Ross, better known as Professor Wow!, uses juggling, balancing, bullwhips, and floating objects to explain complex scientific concepts for students. His interactive demonstrations bring Newton’s laws of motion, aerodynamics, and velocity to life in a way that’s both visual and memorable.

The Moose Jaw performance is one stop on a 14-day tour to 18 Saskatchewan schools between Sept. 16 and 29. Other nearby shows include Vanguard one day earlier and Bengough later on Sept. 29 to conclude the tour.

Ross has performed for more than one million people worldwide since 1998. He’s appeared at Just for Laughs, played solo for Canada’s Governor General, and staged a theatre series at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Saskatchewan audiences may remember his 2018 tour, when he presented 19 shows in 14 communities to over 5,200 students and teachers.

Several teachers who previously hosted him said the mixture of spectacle and learn-

ing kept students attentive during the program.

“Students were engaged from the beginning. He used his voice, body, and props effectively. Two students were ‘part of the show’ with great success. They loved the circus tricks (the juggling, balancing, confetti at the end), but also listened carefully to his message about moving to a new place and creating a home,” wrote one teacher from Robert Southey School in Southey, Sask. Others praised his ability to balance

laughter with lessons. “Professor Wow! was such a wonderful, lively performer (who) had students engaging through (multiple) intelligences. We are so grateful for his show, lessons, and connections,” said another teacher at École Isabella Dicken Elementary in Fernie, B.C.

“Professor Wow! teaches the big science concepts in a fun, engaging manner. His circus artist skills add wonder and ‘wow’ to the performance. He knows how to get a laugh but also how to pull his audience back in an instant to whisper-quiet,” added a third teacher from General Brock Elementary School in Vancouver, B.C.

OSAC has been bringing live performances to schools and communities for more than 50 years. Each year, the network presents over 300 shows to a total audience of about 75,000 across the province.

The upcoming local event will highlight OSAC’s mission of connecting young audiences with culture and creativity, while showing how science can truly be a handson experience. For more information, visit OSAC.ca.

Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Rosemary McCallum, the school tours manager, at 306-586-1258, or Katherine King at École St. Margaret by calling 306-694-4044.

École St. Margaret is located at 495 Fifth Avenue Northeast.

K+S Potash breaks ground on major Bethune mine expansion

K+S Potash Canada marked a major recent milestone with a ceremonial sod turning at its Bethune site, launching the next phase of the company’s multi-decade “Ramp-Up” program.

The Sept. 9 event formally kicked off construction on several key expansion projects tied to the potash company’s longterm goal of nearly doubling production at the Bethune mine to four million tonnes per year.

“This sod turning represents more than just the start of major construction — it’s a tangible step forward in our longterm commitment to growth, improving our cost positioning, and continuing our success story here in Canada,” said Dr.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Carin-Martina Tröltzsch, chief operating officer and deputy chair of the Board of Executive Directors of K+S Aktiengesellschaft.

“K+S Potash Canada is an important part of our company strategy,” she added.

Ramp-Up was first announced in 2022 as part of the company’s long-range development strategy for its Saskatchewan-based operations. K+S says the expansion will bring steady increases in production while also supporting long-term infrastructure and operational needs at the Bethune mine.

The sod turning focused specifically on the expansion of the mine’s existing compaction facility — described as the

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO AMEND ZONING BYLAW

NO. 5346

The Moose Jaw City Council intends to consider a bylaw pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend the City of Moose Jaw’s Zoning Bylaw No. 5346.

The proposed amendment would restrict Supportive Housing, currently allowed as a permitted use in the R3, R4, and C2 Districts, by making it a discretionary use in these districts.

Additional information may be found at www.moosejaw.ca under “City News.”

Public feedback and questions on the proposed Bylaw may be directed to Planning and Development, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by phone at 306-694-4443, or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca. All written submissions must be received by 10:00 am on Monday, September 22, 2025. The proposed Bylaw and any related submissions will be considered at the regular meeting of City Council in Council Chambers, City Hall, at 4:30 pm on Monday, September 22, 2025.

DATED at the City of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan this 3rd day of September 2025.

Tracy Wittke – City Clerk

largest individual investment within the Ramp-Up program’s scope.

“There has been a lot of effort up to this point, but to turn shovels today and recognize the construction program ahead is a significant milestone,” said Sam Farris, president of K+S Potash Canada. “Growing (the) Bethune mine ensures we will be operating in Saskatchewan for years to come.”

Tuesday’s event included remarks from company executives and local representatives, followed by the ceremonial groundbreaking. It marks a visible turning point for a program K+S says will boost not only production but also its presence as a long-term industry partner in the province.

The company emphasized its continued commitment to engaging local and Indigenous communities throughout the project’s development.

“K+S continues to be committed to meaningful career opportunities, procurement of goods and services from local and Indigenous-owned or partnered businesses, and investment in the local and traditional communities,” the company stated in a release. “Efforts are underway to ensure local and Indigenous communities are engaged and informed throughout the Ramp-Up program.”

Bethune is the first greenfield potash mine built in Saskatchewan in more than four decades. K+S says the site’s strategic location supports product delivery to Asia, North and South America, and is positioned for future capacity expansion as global markets grow.

The company’s Canadian operation is

part of the German-based K+S Group, which employs approximately 11,000 people worldwide.

The K+S Potash Canada Bethune mine is located in the RM of Dufferin along Legacy Road, about 30 minutes northeast of Moose Jaw. For more information, visit KS-PotashCanada.com.

An aerial view of the K+S Potash Canada Bethune mine, where company officials held a ceremonial sod turning on Sept. 9 to mark the launch of a multi-decade ramp-up program aimed at nearly doubling annual production to four million tonnes. Photo by: K+S Potash Canada

Company representatives take part in a ceremonial sod turning at the K+S Potash Canada Bethune mine on Sept. 9, marking the start of major construction tied to the site’s long-term ramp-up program. Photo by: K+S Potash Canada

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Grace Street Gentleman’s Car Club donates proceeds from show & shine

The Grace Street Gentleman’s Car Club followed up its summer show and shine with a pair of community donations this week, continuing a tradition of giving back despite challenges posed by the weather.

On Sept. 11, the club’s treasurer presented cheques to two local organizations: $30 to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank and $215 to the Moose Jaw Humane Society. The contributions came from vehicle registration fees collected during the Aug. 9 event.

“The money is generated from registrations to the car show and shine,” said club treasurer Randy Crashley. “We cover our costs, and then we keep a little seed money back for the next year … and then whatever is left over we donate.”

The club had hoped to see as many as 150 vehicles on display this year, with organizers setting their sights even higher after last summer’s tally of 130. Instead, the show’s first experience with inclement weather kept many drivers away, with just 60 cars registered by mid-afternoon.

“We got approximately half of the cars that we had anticipated … due to the weather,” Crashley said. “This was the first year that we’ve had inclement weather. Hopefully next year we’ll get lucky and get back to the weather we’re used to.”

Despite the setback, Crashley noted that the show remains a neighbourhood highlight. Residents along Grace Street, where the event has been held since its inception, continue to make accommodations for the one-day road closure.

“We hold it on Grace Street, and the original members that started the car club lived on Grace Street,” he explained. “The residents that live on that street are very accommodating to us, and we appreciate that, be-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

cause it really closes our street down for the day. It’s inconvenient for them, but we really appreciate their co-operation.”

The grassroots gathering first began with just 37 vehicles and has steadily grown into a full-scale community event featuring hundreds of spectators, food vendors, awards, and fundraising components. Proceeds have long supported the food bank and humane society, with donations in previous years often reaching into the thousands of dollars.

The club has long supported both the Moose Jaw Humane Society and the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, keeping the focus on organizations that directly serve the community. The humane society was chosen

in part to honour late co-founder Robert (Bob) Reid, for whom the shelter was a favourite cause, while the food bank has remained a natural partner given its ongoing role in helping local families.

Crashley said the smaller donations this year didn’t dampen the club’s enthusiasm for the future. Plans are already underway for next summer, with the sixth annual Grace Street Show and Shine scheduled for August 2026.

“We’re already planning for next year,” he said. “Our show and shine will be Aug. 8, 2026.”

For more information, visit “Grace Street Gentleman’s Club” on Facebook.

Moose Jaw and District Food Bank CEO Jason Moore, right, accepts a cheque for $30 from Grace Street Gentleman’s Car Club treasurer Randy Crashley, left, on Sept. 11. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Grace Street Gentleman’s Car Club treasurer Randy Crashley, left, presents a cheque for $215 to Melissa Livingston with the Moose Jaw Humane Society, alongside Piper, a long-haired gray cat available for adoption, on Sept. 11. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Editor’s Note

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

I have never been drawn to spend evenings whiling away the time watching Netflix movies and over the last couple of year maybe have watched two or three in the span of a year but something has changed. It must be the yearning to escape... Something has gone awry as I find myself drawn to musing over movies set in overseas locations that either I want to visit or have been already. I usually scroll the platform about 8-9pm after the man of the house has had enough and decides it’s time for him to head for bed. This has become my time for a little time travel and connect with the travel bug deep within.

We have travelled a little of the world and have seen a lot of places and done a lot of things over the

The views and opinions expressed in this

years, although we have been going to our condo regularly instead since we purchased it about eight years ago in Huatulco, Mexico. It made sense at the time to have a home base for holidays in a hot destination with the family during cold temperatures in the frozen north where we live, a good time to connect with the kids and grandkids on a beach holiday and experience summer whenever we can. Summer, beach, sand and warm weather make everything better.

Therefore, international travel has not been top priority but I must admit, I love the excitement and vibrancy a new destination offers, from the scenery to new experiences.

This world is so big and awesome, I really hate to miss out on any experiences that life has to offer, especially as I am getting older.

In one of the movies I was watching, a statement was made: “A tourist likes to escape life but a traveller likes to experience life!” That is so true. We have never been a 5-star convenience traveller staying

in a hotel and lavishing ourselves with massages and good meals that could basically be experienced in our own backyard but much rather prefer getting down with the people of the region and experiencing life wherever it may be. Why would we pay the cost of travelling to destinations and not know anything more about where we have been when we come back other than being pampered and how luxurious the accommodations were. And after all was said and done, we hadn’t left the complex to get an inkling of why we chose to go there.

These movies have really enriched my desire to travel again, God willing. Some of the movies were set in destinations I am familiar with like Vietnam, New Zealand and many others – Australia, Asia and South America, but my desire as a traveller is to experience the people, places, food and scenery that can only really happen if you seize the opportunity and seize the day. Your life will never be the same!

Moose Jaw’s new mural artist eager to get hands dirty with repairs

Tonia Vermette is the new artist responsible for maintaining Moose Jaw’s murals, and one of her first projects is restoring a 34-year-old artwork by the late Dale Cline.

With a paintbrush in hand and wearing paintsplattered coveralls, Vermette was intently focused on enhancing the “Stormin’ Main Street — 1883” mural on the side of the former Times-Herald building when MooseJawToday.com visited recently.

“People walking by have complimented me on this and said I’m doing a good job. There have also been many visitors who have stopped by on the weekends,” said Vermette. “But, I’m just the fixer.”

She added, “(This) sure beats working in an office, (since) I worked as an administrator for the arts in Yorkton. I like the hands-on (aspect) and getting to get dirty and paint, rather than sitting at a desk and organizing events and writing grants. This is better than all that.”

Vermette and her husband, Kirk, moved this summer from Yorkton to Moose Jaw, with the murals being one of the main reasons they came here.

She worked on several murals over the years in the east-central community, including one with Moose Jaw’s Grant McLaughlin. When she heard that he was retiring from his role as mural maintainer for The Friendly City, she applied.

“ I would be interested in the project,’ is how I worded my email (to city hall) … ,” Vermette chuckled, noting McLaughlin vouched for her work after she submitted her portfolio to city hall.

The role focuses on repairing other artists’ creations, which may not have been attractive to people who wanted to create their own, said Vermette. Meanwhile, she is now responsible for maintaining 46 mu-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

rals, although it’s closer to 34 since McLaughlin’s works have been well-maintained over the years.

Continuing, she expressed excitement about discovering other unofficial murals scattered throughout the downtown. She noted that she found some in back alleys and on the sides of businesses, including one of a lion.

The first mural Vermette repaired in Moose Jaw was the south-facing side of the CPR train station artwork — she completed it in August — since the plywood was cracked and the paint was peeling. Then, in September, she moved to the “Stormin’ Main Street” mural, which is a much bigger project with more challenges.

For example, the paint is fading and “chalky” because it faces east, while some brickwork is cracked

where two colours meet. So, she is painting the background first and then focusing on the characters.

Furthermore, while Vermette is attempting to stay true to Cline’s original vision, she has shifted the position of some characters because windows and doors were installed several years ago when a new business moved in.

Unfortunately, the installation of a door completely erased a horse, so the artist won’t repaint it. Instead, she’ll attempt to maintain the spirit and story of the mural.

“Things are going to change. Public art usually has a lifespan of about 10 years before it needs maintenance,” Vermette said.

The paint Vermette is using dries darker, so she has spent time colour-matching to find the correct solution. She acknowledged that some parts may look blotchy, but is hopeful that everything turns out well.

Another challenge Vermette faces with this mural — and others — is that she must use a ladder and scaffolding to reach the top. She admitted to not liking ladders and thought she may have to rent a scissor lift to complete projects.

“Stormin’ Main Street” is the only other mural Vermette will complete this year, while next year, she will focus on ones like “For The Veterans” on Manitoba Street West. There, she may re-paint the artwork on sunresistant dibond panels since they fade and peel less.

Vermette added that she appreciates McLaughlin’s willingness to give her advice when she asks and that he gave her most of his paint, so she isn’t starting from scratch.

Artist Tonia Vermette makes repairs to the “Stormin’ Main Street — 1883” mural on the former Times-Herald building. She is Moose Jaw’s new mural repairer and maintainer. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Root vegetables, such as beets, turnips, carrots and parsnips, are hardy examples of what’s been growing underneath the tops that are visible to the eye.

Cared for properly in cool root cellars, these vegetable will provide edible enjoyment for many months.

This week’s recipes offer ideas for making use of some of those beets before they are stored for winter. •

SPICED PICKLED BEETS

4 quarts beets

4 cups vinegar

3 cups white sugar

1 cup water

1 tbsp. salt

1 tsp. allspice

2 tbsps. whole cloves tied in cheesecloth

Select small young beets, clean and leave on root and about 2 inches of stem. Boil beets for one hour or until just tender.

Beets have long life span in pickles and relish

Put cooked beets in a large pan and rinse with cold water. Cut off root and stem and rub beets under cold water so skin slips off.

Cut beets into desired thickness and pack in sterilized jars.

Boil remaining ingredients together for 7-8 minutes. Pour over beets in jars. Clean off rims and outsides of jars. Seal jars with sterilized lids. Makes four quarts.

BEETS IN SAUCE

2 cups cooked beets, diced or sliced

1/3 cup orange juice

1 tbsp. packed brown sugar

2 tsps. lemon juice

1 tsp. cornstarch

Cook fresh beets in water in saucepan. When tender, drain and remove skins. Slice or dice into desired thickness.

Place orange juice, brown sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch in another saucepan. Heat and stir until boiling and thickened.

Pour over hot beets. Makes 4 servings.

BEET RELISH

1 quart cooked, diced beets

1/3 cup chopped onions

2 hot red peppers

2 tsps. salt

1/4 cup mild prepared horseradish

2 cups vinegar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

Add the onions and chopped peppers to the beets. Mix well.

Add salt, horseradish, vinegar and sugar. Stir frequently over medium heat until the mixture reached the boiling point. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes longer.

Spoon into sterilized jars and seal. Store in cool pantry.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

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The reality of shifting trade from America

The 360 degree shift in international trading occurs as the U.S.A. charges trading partners for access to its $30 trillion dollar market with tariffs and demands for investment.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to shift trade to other parts of the world from Canada’s $2.4 trillion economy.

Politics and protectionist policies have almost shut Canada out of the combined $46 trillion China/India market.

The trillion dollar question: can that shift be achieved? Do other nations need and want our exports to free us from the Costco-like Trump trade model?

The European economy at $56.38 trillion is nearly twice the U.S.A.

The European GDP is divided between the east ($12.8 trillion) and the west ($43.8 trillion).

Taking Russia out of the picture

OPINION EDITORIAL:

TRADING THOUGHTS

By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express

leaves one-third of the east in many countries growing and developing rapidly.

Western Europe’s economy is much larger than the U.S.A. but also mature.

For the most part Western Europe’s main imports are industrial machinery, electronics, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, fossil fuels, chemicals, and food.

Canada’s main exports to other countries are fuel and distilled fuel products, motor vehicles, machinery and nuclear reactors, metals and food.

Aside from language/cultural barriers and other product regulations Canada has high freight costs to Europe.

Canada’s best chances of taking more of the European market are replacing imports from America, which will draw the wrath of Trump and company.

Trade avenues for Canada also

Please call Shirley at

range from food and industrial parts to recent deals to build military equipment.

The best bet for Canada-European trade growth lies in smaller developing nations like Poland ($2.8 trillion) and Romania, ($926 million).

About 10 countries with GDP from $160 million to $600 million fit this category.

These countries need machinery, vehicles, minerals, food, electronics and the technology to develop resources that decades under Communism were left alone.

Although smaller and coming with extra language and cultural challenges the potential is great.

The process of diverting trade from the U.S.A. to Europe will be a long one. That shift will also create disruption in industry and job skills in some sectors.

Trade readiness and geopolitics will

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

play vital roles in the shift.

Canada could sell massive amounts of Liquid Natural gas (LNG) to shift European supply from Russia.

But this country is barely in the LNG business and with Trump not wanting us to steal U.S. LNG exports, Canada may not have a good LNG opportunity.

Of course, there is the $8 trillion Latin America market or the $4 trillion African market.

Other Asian markets — Indonesia, Philippines, Korea and the Malaysian region – offer promise although China serves them.

Once trade patterns shift the U.S.A. trade policy could backfire if nations find markets not charging tariffs for access and avoid trade with the U.S.A. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

A Sweet Gift from Dairy Queen for Moose Jaw Kids

Submitted by Moose Jaw Health Foundation CEO Kelly McElree

Dairy Queen Moose Jaw has generously donated $2,000 to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, thanks to the success of this year’s Miracle Treat Day. This nationwide event, held annually on August 14th, donates proceeds from every Blizzard treat sold to support children’s hospitals across the country.

We sincerely thank Dairy Queen Moose Jaw for their commitment to local pediatric care, benefiting Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation in Saskatoon. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Moose Jaw community for purchasing Blizzards—your support is helping to bring joy and comfort to our youngest patients in Moose Jaw and throughout Saskatchewan.

Dairy Queen and their customers are bringing bright smiles to the children needing pediatric care in Moose Jaw.

Pictured from left to right: Kelly McElree, CEO of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, with George and Ann Angeles of Dairy Queen Moose Jaw.

By Patricia Hanbidge

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of my favourite herbs. Not only is it a nice rich green year round, but it also has a crisp, almost pine-like fragrance. I love to muddle it and add it to chilled beverages and it is such a nice culinary herb with lamb or other rich red meats. I love it in breads and often add it to soups and marinades.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean. In warmer climates it is spectacular throughout the year and can be grown as impressive hedges with added benefit. It has been used for culinary purposes for centuries, but is also considered a sacred plant, a traditional medicine ingredient and has the power to attract beneficial wildlife. The flowers are pale blue, purple or white and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Bees are so attracted

to rosemary in the spring when there are few blossoms to be had. Hoverflies and wasps which are natural predators of many garden pests are also attracted to rosemary. The strong aroma of rosemary deters many pests like aphids, mosquitos, gnats, cabbage moths and more. It has also been used as a natural flea repellent for pets.

There are also many natural health benefits to rosemary. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and supports digestion and gut health. As an infused oil, it can ease joint pain and muscle tension. Rosemary can also be used to stimulate circulation and improve mental clarity. It is a great hair rinse as well and brings a refreshing scent to your bath. For your personal safety, ensure you understand all of the benefits and detriments of any natural products.

When we look back in history, rosemary has been associated with remembrance, protection and good fortune. In Ancient Greek times, students would wear rosemary wreaths to improve their memory for exams. In many places, sprigs of rosemary were placed in doorways to ward off evil spirits. It was also used as a symbol of loyalty and remembrance at weddings and funerals.

If you plant a rosemary shrub near your front door, it transforms from a great culinary herb to a symbol of protection, prosperity and peace. According to folklore and Feng Shui principles, the entrance to your home is a powerful gateway. What is placed near the door influences the flow of energy or chi into your home. The presence of rosemary close to your entrance invites clarity, protection and harmony. Rosemary acts like a living talisman, inviting good health and harmony in your home while protecting those inside.

There are also many aromatherapeutic benefits of rosemary. It boosts concentration and memory, and improves your focus. Rosemary can lift your mood and it chases away fatigue. Lightly rub the leaves and you will experience that stress and tension fade

away. If you can plant rosemary by your entrance, every time you come in or go out you can experience a free dose of aromatherapy.

As far as the culture goes, rosemary is an easy plant to grow. Once established it will require very little watering. It thrives in hot, dry climates and prefers poor and rocky soil. It tolerates wind, salty air and even if planted in a very reflective full sun area, it just keeps growing. It does well in containers or planted in the ground and can be pruned into interesting topiary shapes. The only detriment is that it is not hardy enough to overwinter on the prairies. It is however an easy plant to move in and out with very few freeloaders!

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.

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Ontario company gets contract to upgrade 15 Wing Airbase buildings

The EllisDon Corporation has signed a contract to provide infrastructure design services for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, which will include major upgrades at 15 Wing Airbase.

SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian leaders in defence and aviation, announced the new agreement recently.

“SkyAlyne, as the prime contractor on the FAcT program, is bringing together a strong pan-Canadian team to ensure the FAcT program fulfils its potential to be a world-leading aircrew training system,” Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s general manager, said in a statement.

“EllisDon brings an immense amount of expertise and experience that will be invaluable in ensuring FAcT infrastructure is designed to meet the current and future needs of the RCAF.”

EllisDon — headquartered in Mississauga, Ont. — will design new in-

By MooseJawToday.com staff

frastructure for 15 Wing, Southport, Man., and 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man., with these upgrades “a foundational element” of the FAcT program’s success, the statement noted.

The FAcT program — worth $11.5 billion over 25 years — is in a multiyear transition period to become the sole provider of the pilot and aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the air force’s three separate training programs conclude and their responsibilities combine into FAcT.

Through FAcT, SkyAlyne will provide all elements needed to support the training, including live-flying, simulator and classroom-based training, infrastructure design and construction management, information management and information technology, aircraft acquisition, ground-based training systems’ design and manufacturing, and inservice support and maintenance.

A joint management office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters is over-

seeing the program, while Moose Jaw, Southport, and Winnipeg are acting as operational bases.

“EllisDon is proud to bring decades of infrastructure excellence to the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program,” said Chris Lane, EllisDon’s senior vice-president. “This initiative is a cornerstone of Canada’s defence modernization, and our team is honoured to help shape the next generation of RCAF training environments.

“With our deep experience in delivering complex, mission-critical projects, we’re committed to designing facilities that meet the evolving needs of the Royal Canadian Air Force — ensuring our women and men in uniform have the best possible support for years to come,” he added.

Added Lemke, “As a proudly and genuinely Canadian organization, SkyAlyne is eager to see the continued economic growth in Canada as a result of these investments. We thank EllisDon

for their ongoing support of this important work.”

Infrastructure construction contracting will be completed at a future date, pending completion and acceptance of designs, the release added.

This announcement is the second one that SkyAlyne has made in September about the FAcT program, as it also revealed that it had successfully acquired from the factory two Grob G 120TP aircraft, which will be designated the CT-102B Astra II in Canada. This fleet will be based at 15 Wing.

Besides the Grob G 120TP airplane, SkyAlyne is also planning to acquire 19 H135 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, which will be assembled at a plant in Fort Erie, Ont., and delivered to Southport, and 19 PC-21 training aircraft from Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Those PC-21s will be based at 15 Wing once the FAcT program is fully operational.

For Moose Jaw Express

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Sept 8, 2025

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Female 8lbs, 4oz

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Sept 10, 2025

2:27 am

Male 8lbs, 15oz

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25093SS0

With the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank serving nearly 2,000 people a month, shipping company Purolator is stepping up to support the non-profit organization through a national fundraiser.

This year marks Purolator’s third annual Tackle Hunger National Red Bag campaign, which runs from Sept. 3 to Oct. 6. The company is bringing its national campaign to Moose Jaw — for the first time — from Saturday, Sept. 13 to Saturday, Sept. 20.

The Friendly City is one of 25 locations across Canada and the United States participating in the Red Bag event; Pilot Butte and White City are the other participating communities in southern Saskatchewan.

Volunteers from Purolator, the community and the food bank will drop off roughly 300 red bags in the Iron Bridge and Sunningdale neighbourhoods on Sept. 13. Residents should fill the bags with non-perishable food items and leave them on their doorsteps on Sept. 20, when Purolator couriers will pick up the packages and deliver them to the food bank.

The most needed items include packaged pasta, pasta sauce, high-protein foods, canned goods, canned and powdered dairy products, canned fruits and vegetables, whole-grain cereals, infant food, baby formula, white rice and 100-per-cent fruit juices.

The Red Bag Campaign is part of Purolator’s overall Tackle Hunger project, which has delivered more than 11,250,000 kilograms (25 million pounds) of food to Canadian food banks since 2003.

Anyone who doesn’t receive a red

bag and still wants to donate can visit www.purolator.com/en/purolator-tackle-hunger.

In October 2024, Moose Jaw’s food bank transitioned from a traditional food hamper system to a shopping model, known as Harvest Pantry, giving customers the ability to choose the foods they want.

In August 2025, the organization distributed roughly 12,150 kilograms (27,000 pounds) of food to more than 1,900 individuals, many of whom are children.

Jason Moore, the food bank’s executive director, said it was great to team

up with Purolator, considering the business’s mission is to fight food insecurity across Canada and end hunger.

“We’re really excited about it and grateful for this,” he remarked.

Moore pointed out that the food bank almost ran out of food in July 2024, but donations kept the organization afloat. This year, the non-profit was able to “keep our heads above water” even though the number of clients — especially students and everyday workers — has increased.

Continuing, he said the organization has been carefully monitoring its inventory, while its partnership with the Co-

op “has been a real lifesaver” since the latter is providing $30,000 annually over three years.

“But, those funds are running low and we are getting close to the big (Better Together) food drive, so this should help tide us over until our big Halloween food drive,” Moore added.

Moore noted that the year-over-year increase in clients is “scary,” especially since food banks everywhere are seeing similar problems. He pointed out that there is no quick fix to this issue, while the charity is figuring out how to handle the influx, which is likely to continue into next year.

Continuing, he said the organization is looking for solutions that don’t strain the community’s resources, considering almost everyone is feeling the financial pinch.

Added Moore, “We’re just really, really thankful to Purolator for doing this (Red Bag campaign). It couldn’t have come at a better time — for us and … for the whole nation.”

Dean Brown, Purolator’s unit manager for the Moose Jaw area, said the company decided to support the nonprofit this year because it wanted to assist such organizations in smaller communities in the region.

Continuing, he said employees drive all these campaigns, and those “eager staff” who work in Moose Jaw wanted to do more here. Although Purolator picked only two locations in Moose Jaw, it could have done more if it had more volunteers.

Brown added that the company will likely expand the Red Bag campaign to other southern communities next year.

White Heather musicians carry forward Moose Jaw’s pipe band tradition

Moose Jaw’s proud legacy as “The Band City” continues through the sound of pipes and drums, thanks to a group of young musicians who recently opened their doors to the community.

The White Heather Youth Pipe Band held an open house on Sept. 8 at Pathways School, inviting families to learn more about the instruments, traditions, and opportunities that come with joining a pipe and drum band.

Band director Michelle Carline said the event showcased both experienced players and beginners, with hands-on opportunities for students to try either the drums or the practice chanter, the starter instrument for bagpipes.

“I asked my veteran players who have been in the band a couple of years to come and join us, be there for any questions, and to play their instruments so kids who might be interested in joining could see another student playing as well,” Carline said. Of those invited, one student was able to make it.

Sam Legare, a Grade 6 student in the band, played the tune Scots Wha Hae, a patriotic song that for centuries served as an unofficial Scottish anthem; it has since been largely supplanted by Scotland the Brave and Flower of Scotland. The lyrics, written by Robert Burns in 1793, imagine Robert the Bruce addressing troops before the Battle of Bannockburn during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Following Sam’s performance, Carline and drum instructor Brett Stinson demonstrated a contrasting pipe-anddrum piece, The Bride’s Jig, played to a livelier, faster style.

“Sometimes kids come and they’re

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“Bagpipes have really expanded my world,” she said. “I ended up getting to live in Scotland, and I had a new family once I arrived. ‘Oh, you play bagpipes — come join our band,’ (they said). I travelled to New Zealand … and Australia, and yeah, it has just been an amazing thing for me.”

That sense of connection is something she hopes today’s young players will also experience.

“We used to have two (pipe bands in Moose Jaw), and it would be really nice to get it up and running again and have a continuous flow of players,” Carline said.

The White Heather Youth Pipe

Band rehearses Monday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. at Pathways School, located at 109 Ominica Street West across from the courthouse. The group, now starting its third year, welcomes new players at any time and the band’s season follows the school calendar.

“You don’t have to start right at the beginning. If you show up in the middle of the year, we will lovingly take you in and get you started,” Carline noted.

Band membership is open to students aged eight and over. For more information or to register, contact Michelle Carline by email at MCarline@ hotmail.com or by calling or texting 306-690-3525.

not sure what they like best, so we give them that opportunity,” Carline said, adding that students get the chance to separately try drumming and piping lessons.

Carline leads the group alongside fellow pipe instructor Angus McIntosh and Stinson, who teaches drumming. The band currently has about 10 students, split evenly between pipes and drums. The band is hoping to grow, and with six new families having attended the open house, it’s a step in the right direction.

“It maybe doesn’t sound like much, but it’s kind of a niche thing that I’m trying to get out there — it doesn’t have to be, and you don’t need to have any Scottish background to play bagpipes. We welcome all cultures and all people,” she said.

Carline, who grew up playing in Moose Jaw’s Sprigs o’ Heather Pipe Band, said piping has given her lifelong friendships and international opportunities.

Members of the White Heather Youth Pipe Band gather on Main Street North following the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair parade in June. Photo by: Michelle Carline/ Submitted

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 - Starting at 10:00 a.m. CST. For GARRY & SHARLENE HIGGINSON Success, Sk. (306) 774-4189

Location: 2 miles South of Success on #32 Hwy., 1.7 miles West on Fosterton Grid Road, 1 1/2 mile South. (GPS: N50.24.19; W108.05.19) www.switzerauction.ca

Viewing dates will be Sept. 20, 21, 27 & 28 from 9:00 am. to 4:00 pm. Phone Garry at (306)

of $3,000 per item plus taxes added to your invoice.

WAGONS - JD Chuckwagon, db. pole *Sheep Wagon, db. pole *Graintite Cockshutt Plow Co. Grain Wagon w/seat, db. pole *IH Tank Wagon w/seat, db. pole *Mountain Democrat Studebaker w/brakes, db. pole, neck yoke *MH Grain Wagon, db. pole, imperial running gear *Dray Wagon, metal single shafts, 5th wheel, brakes *Lrg. Dray Wagon Undercarriage (for restoration) *Delivery Wagon, steel wheels, single shafts *CPR Baggage Wagon, metal wheels *3 Seat Democrat Wagon, db. pole, neck yoke *2 Seat Democrat Wagon, db. pole, neck yoke *Tank Wagon for restoration w/ pumps

SLEIGHS - Training Sleigh (for restoration) *Portland Cutter, single shafts (needs upholstery) *Santa Clause Sleigh, single shafts w/bells *2 Child Sleigh Seats *2 Seat Bob Sleigh, db. pole, neck yoke *Vintage Tow Behind Snow Sled

BUGGIES & CARTS - 2 Seat Buggy, single shafts (Made out of Barn Wood) *2 Seat Buggy w/winter runners, side spring, db. pole *Cockshutt Plow Co. Buggy, single shaft *Single Spindle Seat Buggy, single shafts *Single Seat Buggy, single shafts *McLaughlin Buggy, single shafts (For Restoration) *Buggy Running Gear (For Restoration) *Pony Cart, single shafts (For Restoration) *Road Cart, single shafts (natural wood) *Stud Cart, single shafts *Racing Cart, single shafts *Stud Cart, single shafts

TRUCKS - 1966 Fargo 1/2-Ton Truck, 4 sp., 318 V8 motor w/Flat Deck, hidden ht., tow bumper on frt. (Runs) *1965 Mercury 350 1-Ton Dually Grain Truck, 4 sp., V6, wood box , single axle hoist (Runs) TACK & WAGON PARTS - 2 Partially Restored Army

Saddles (1915 & 1916 on stirrups) *2 Sets of Running Gears for Wagons *2 Sets of Snow Runners (replace buggy wheels in winter) *Wagon Wheels (2-36”; 2- 52" x 2 3/4"; 4 - 36" x 3"; 4 - 44") *Buggy Wheels (2-42" & 5-38" wheels) *2 - 52" Bolt Wagon Wheels (18 spoke; good condition) *2 Buggy Tops *Homebuilt Machine to put rubber on buggy wheels *Metal Horse Haines *Wagon Felloes (1 set of 41" x 2.5", 4 sets of 36" x 3") *Buggy Felloes (30", 33", 36", 38", 40", 46") *Used Hubs & Spokes *3 Horse & 4 Horse Wooden Hitches *Sleigh Runner *2 Metal Buggy Seats *Variety of Buggy Dashes *13 Pairs of Buggy Steps

ANTIQUE TRACTORS - 1946 Case VA Gas Tractor, belt pulley, 540 pto, 18 eng. hp. (not seized) *1948 Case S Gas Tractor, 540 pto, hand clutch, 23 eng. hp. (not seized) *1950 Case D Gas Tractor, 540 pto, 38 eng. hp., hand clutch (not seized) *Various Magnetos (EdisonSplitdorf, IH Harvester, Fairbanks Morris, American Bosch, Wico, Case & Eisemann)

ANTIQUE EQUIP. - Fuller & Johnson Single Plow *Deering Single Plow *IH

Sam Legare performs on the bagpipes during the Sept. 8 open house. A member of the White Heather Youth Pipe Band for two years, he has been playing pipes since April. Photo by: Michelle Carline/Submitted

By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express

of

What I did over the summer holidays: Part Three Reflective Moments

There is such anticipation for the days of summer to arrive and certainly a bit of gloom when it appears the days of summer did not last nearly as long as we wanted.

In the blink of an eye and a few pages turned on the calendar, here we are heading at break-neck speed for the first official day of autumn. So long flowers, so long to evening’s outdoor activities, so long to watching the garden grow, so long to the long list of events we had hoped to attend.

As I looked at the calendar and noted what we did accomplish from June to Labour Day, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

In mid-June I was on a comfortable bus heading to Ogema for a ride on the shortline railway. Sixteen military families joined Friends of the Forces Fellowship on this excursion, seeing parts of Saskatchewan that many had never seen before. The children especially had fun on the train, even sitting with the engineer to wave at their family down below before the train whistle blew and away we went.

In mid-July several Fellowship

author,

members and our volunteers met at the municipal airport to assist with gate activities prior to a full show by Moose Jaw’s Snowbirds, the nine-plane demonstration team. It was an up close and personal show that dazzled even those of us who have seen Snowbirds’ shows many times over the years.

Our household was pleased to sign up in support of the Fly the Flag project of the Rotary Club and the flag was placed on our lawn for the three occasions picked by the club: Victoria Day, Canada Day and Labour Day.

I have to say that the Rotarians who plant the flags and then take them away are a quiet bunch. One minute the flag was there, the next it was gone. During the first visit, we were told the neighbour’s dog gave a friedly woof, just enough to let the ghostly visitors know they were heard, but not enough to scare them away.

We had several musical treats here at home this summer: Mark Chestnut, Shania Twain and Jeffery Straker. For the Chestnut and Shania shows our seats were many rows away from the stage and in preparation, I purchased what was

supposed to be a gadget to make things appear much closer — something like binoculars but smaller.

They were so small that when I set them aside to learn about them later, they seem to have disappeared. Another $20 wasted. Maybe they will show up in time for the next hockey arena concert.

Three events of summer this year that were not marked on the calendar took us to celebration of life services for three long-time friends. The eulogies at the services reminded us of why these people were our friends and also made us aware again that life is fragile and should be lived to the fullest while we are able.

Conversely we were so happy to wish a friend a happy 90th birthday and to help celebrate the 65th anniversary of another pair of friends.

We were regular visitors at Todd’s fruit stand and delighted in the cherries and peaches and locally-grown peas and melons. And not once did he caution me not to pinch the peaches. I wasn’t pinching them the day many years ago in Kelowna when a lady admonished me for being a pincher. Here at home I don’t touch the fruit until it crosses the thresh-

old of our home.

I’m disappointed to say that we did not make it to visit some of the eating establishments that have sprung up in many small towns not that far from here. And don’t for one minute think it was because I was cooking so much at home. Summer days simply ran out.

Housemate’s summer was mostly devoid of homemade pie, except for the pieces at Creelman, Eyebrow fair, and the threshing bee at Sukanen. One pie of note was made in our own kitchen, from rhubarb grown in our garden. I confess to using those packaged pie crusts that had been lurking in our freezer for months longer than I care to remember.

The filling was a bit tarter than I like but the pie disappeared in record time. It wasn’t necessarily homemade but it definitely qualified as “home style.”

And thus ends the epistle, designed to remind me of how I spent my summer. We didn’t seem to do much, but we, in fact, did a lot. And we are thankful to have done what we did in our advancing years.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

The City of Moose Jaw has unveiled its new four-year strategic plan, which offers more transparency into city hall’s daily activities and provides a roadmap for the community’s future.

During its Sept. 8 regular meeting, city council unanimously adopted the new plan, which covers the years 2026 to 2029.

The strategic plan is structured around five core pillars of resident-centric community, economic growth and partnership, sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship, financial responsibility and transparent governance, and being a vibrant, safe and welcoming city.

“This plan … is rooted in the belief that every resident deserves to feel valued, engaged and proud to call Moose Jaw home,” council said in the report.

“We are especially proud of the values that guide this plan: professionalism, respect, pride, integrity and teamwork. These principles are not just words; they are the foundation of how we govern and how we serve.”

Continuing, council said the strategic plan is a commitment and challenges members to “lead with vision, to act with purpose and to remain accountable to the people of Moose Jaw.”

Vision, mission

The strategic plan’s vision is that Moose Jaw provides “visionary leadership, exceptional service to its proud community, strong financial manage-

Moose Jaw’s new strategic plan offers roadmap for the future

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

ment, and innovative business development, making Moose Jaw the place everyone wants to be.”

Also, the mission is that “through efficient and effective leadership, the municipal government encourages citizen participation and supports a highquality of life and safe community by ensuring quality of service with amenities in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

Core pillars

Resident-centric community

This pillar focuses on ensuring that affordability, safety and community spirit thrive, and fostering pride, belonging and trust through meaningful engagement and inclusive collaboration, the report said.

The outcomes include ensuring that Moose Jaw is known for its affordability, safety and strong community spirit; is a place where residents feel valued, engaged and proud to call home; and where proactive public engagement occurs to strengthen trust and collaboration with stakeholders.

The pillar lays out six objectives where council can give direction and act on various issues.

Economic growth and partnership

This pillar focuses on being a “dynamic economic hub” that harnesses Moose Jaw’s strategic location and in dustry strengths to attract investment, foster business growth and build long-

term resilience to benefit all residents.

The outcomes include being a location for business development for major industries like agriculture and tourism; leveraging Moose Jaw’s strategic location along major transportation routes; and attracting investment to drive economic resilience to support optimal service for everyone.

The pillar lays out five objectives where council can give direction and act on various issues.

Sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship

This pillar — and its outcomes — focuses on building a sustainable future through investments in modern and reliable infrastructure, climate-resilient planning and sustainable practices in urban planning, and strategic partnerships that support long-term growth and development, the report said.

The pillar also lays out six objectives where council can give direction and act on various issues.

Financial responsibility and transparent governance

This pillar focuses on ensuring transparent and accountable governance that balances fiscal responsibility with affordability, while building public trust through clear communication and a shared understanding of municipal services, the report said.

awareness of the true cost of municipal services, and fostering public trust through clear community and accountability.

The pillar also lays out six objectives where council can give direction and act on various issues.

Vibrant, safe and welcoming city

This pillar — and its outcomes — focuses on a commitment to public safety, clean spaces and enhanced recreation opportunities, supporting Moose Jaw’s tourism identity, and encouraging and celebrating diversity and making the city welcoming for all, said the report.

The pillar also lays out eight objectives where council can give direction and act on various issues.

Council comments

Councillor comments included:

· When city administration presents future reports, they should include how those documents fit into the strategic plan and to which pillar they are connected, ensuring transparency and helping to indicate whether the topic is something council wants to achieve.

· Administration can use the strategic plan to build its work plans over the next several years.

· The strategic plan is not where council thinks the community is today, but offers a vision of where

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

Vanier Collegiate graduate Ireland Guillaume is the recipient of this year’s Du-

Vanier grad lands award for academic excellence, work ethic, volunteerism

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

binsky Family Scholarship. Guillaume graduated in June with an average of 97.6 per cent and was accepted into the University of Calgary’s biomedical sciences program. Her goal after completing her program is to become either a doctor or a pharmacist.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR NOTORIOUS COMMUNITY AND APPLY FOR A POSITION ON A CITY COMMITTEE OR BOARD TODAY

Moose Jaw City Council is seeking members for a youth advisory committee that re ects the diversity of our City, who want to make a positive impact within one of our City-led committees.

If you are a home schooled or distance learning student in Moose Jaw who is:

• between the ages of 16 and 19;

• a Canadian citizen; and

• a resident of Moose Jaw; Then we want to hear from you.

As a Committee member, you will provide input and advice to City Councillors and other engaged residents that will help shape decisions on important issues that impact life in the City of Moose Jaw.

City Council values inclusivity, respect and trust and invites participation from community members in the decision-making process. Nominees will have been recruited through an inclusive, transparent, and equitable process and appointments made by City Council will re ect these objectives.

Are you ready to speak up for youth in Moose Jaw?

To apply, click the Boards, Committees and Commissions page at www.moosejaw.ca to nd the Youth Advisory Committee application.

Deadline for completing applications is Friday, September 26, 2025. For more information, you can also contact the O ce of the City Clerk at cclerk@moosejaw.ca or 306-694-4424.

“(Guillaume) truly embodies excellence — in academics, athletics, leadership and character,” the scholarship selection committee said.

Academically, the graduate was a high-achieving student who consistently maintained her Honour Roll status while at Vanier, while her work ethic and intellectual curiosity set her apart, and her commitment to continuous growth was evident in everything she pursued, the committee noted.

Furthermore, Guillaume was an influential leader whose efforts contributed to the vitality

of Vanier Collegiate, while she “demonstrated a deep commitment to service” through volunteerism, such as coaching the Moose Jaw Ballers Basketball Club and scorekeeping for school and community tournaments.

Guillaume also played an important role in organizing events at school, such as the Vanier Open House and Grade 8 Tours, which ensured that prospective students and families felt welcomed and informed, the committee added.

During its Sept. 8 regular meeting, city council unanimously received and filed the report, while Mayor James Murdock presented the scholarship to Guillaume’s father, Keith, at the start of the meeting, since the teen was in Calgary.

In 1982, the City of Moose Jaw entered into a trust agreement with Boris Dubinsky and Administrative Consultants Limited. The purpose was to establish an endowment that the municipality would hold, with interest from the main endowment awarded annually as a

scholarship to a high school student pursuing university or college.

All three original school divisions involved in the trust agreement disappeared or were absorbed into the larger divisions after the province-wide amalgamation in the early 2000s. However, the eligibility criteria for the Dubinsky Family Scholarship remained the same, with high schools in Moose Jaw that were part of the original school divisions in the agreement being eligible.

The city now administers the trust and awards scholarships annually based on the 1982 agreement, with the scholarship selection committee recommending students for the award.

The scholarship amount is supposed to be equivalent to the income the trust fund earned in the preceding 12-month period. The fund’s trustee is not allowed to use the principal — or any portion thereof — for any purpose other than earning income for scholarship awards.

Strong commitment to air cadets lands Central grad the Snowbirds Scholarship

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Central Collegiate graduate Judy (Tong) Jin is the recipient of this year’s Snowbirds Scholarship.

Jin graduated in June with a 97.6 per cent average and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in life science at the University of Toronto, intending to enter medical school to become a doctor.

Jin was involved in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program since 2022 and, according to her commanding officer, she attended weekly parade nights and extra training days, was on the biathlon team and learned to play the bagpipes, the selection committee said in a report.

Jin also received several awards, including best dressed cadet, proficiency in silver and gold star levels,

cadet of the month, and top female junior and senior cadet in marksmanship.

Furthermore, the teen made academics her priority and maintained a high academic standing that won her several awards at school, the committee continued. Besides Air Cadets, Jin was also involved in band, choir and badminton, was a member of the student leadership and volunteered at the hospital and art gallery.

During its Sept. 8 regular meeting, city council unanimously received and filed the scholarship report. However, no one from Jin’s family was present to accept the award.

In 1991, city council passed a bylaw governing how the Snowbirds

Scholarship should be awarded. The bylaw indicated that $5,000 was to be set aside to annually award a scholarship to cadet members who planned to continue or pursue post-secondary education.

The amount of the scholarship is to be equal to 75 per cent of the income earned by the fund during the preceding 12 months, a council report explained. The remaining 25 per cent of the income earned during the period would be added to, and thereby form, a part of the capital fund.

The city would not be able to use the capital of the fund, or any portion of it, for any purpose other than to earn income for the scholarship award.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

After six years of leading two departments at city hall, Derek Blais is leaving the City of Moose Jaw and returning home to Prince Albert to support an educational organization.

Blais’ last day was Sept. 10, while Sept. 8 was his final city council meeting, where members applauded his efforts in guiding the parks and recreation department and the department of community services.

Blais began as director of parks and rec on Jan. 9, 2019, while he was promoted to director of the community services department — which combined parks and rec with planning and development — on Aug. 26, 2024.

“On behalf of city council and administration, I sincerely thank you, Derek, for all your dedication and commitment to the City of Moose Jaw,” said Coun. Carla Delaurier. “Your leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact.

“You leave behind a legacy of beautiful parks and trails, vibrant roots and welcoming and shared spaces. We will continue to benefit for years to come from your hard work,” she added. “We wish you all the best in your career.”

During an interview with MooseJawToday.com, Blais said, “It’s been a

City hall’s outgoing parks director reflects on six years with municipality

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

great experience. My family and I have absolutely loved the community, and (I) have loved working with my colleagues here at city hall … and it’s been nothing but positive.”

Continuing, the outgoing director said he took pride in the projects he and his team accomplished, particularly those that dealt with parks and recreation. He noted that everything they accomplished has positioned the department well for the future and ensured its sustainability.

For example, he pointed to several action plans that the department created that address parks and recreation, trails and pathways, climate resilience and culture. He was also pleased to have helped eliminate the Yara Centre’s need for public subsidy and made it profitable.

Blais also highlighted several partnerships that his departments formed, such as with the Kinsmen Club, pickleball club and cricket group, and with Golden Ticket Sports Inc. to transform the former Hillcrest Sports Centre into a public-focused recreation venue. Also, he was pleased to have helped create an advertising and sponsorship program for the city.

Furthermore, Blais was thrilled that

a second forestry crew had been created, while there were now more resources to support the management of the community’s urban forest.

Similarly, the department developed several renewal programs for playgrounds and sports fields, and added two spray parks. He also highlighted the overhaul of the five-year capital plan and its focus on renewing existing venues, including repairing leaking roofs and updating mechanical parts.

With planning and development, Blais pointed to that branch’s restructuring and its ongoing efforts to create a new Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw.

“I guess I won’t see that come to fruition, but I’m really proud of the work that’s been done here over the past year to advance that … ,” he said.

Blais also highlighted his work supporting the city’s advisory committees, especially the public art committee, which transitioned from a muralsfocused group to one that supports the growth of public art of all kinds.

He also appreciated working with the heritage advisory committee to create its Veterans’ Banner Program, which he thought was “a tremendous program.”

Blais said that combining parks and

rec with planning and development into one department was “a natural fit” since both focus on customer service. He acknowledged that he couldn’t dedicate as much time to parks and rec as he would have liked, but noted that improving planning and development will benefit residents.

Meanwhile, Blais is returning to his hometown of Prince Albert, where he will become the new superintendent of facilities with the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division and oversee the maintenance of 32 schools.

He said that the opportunity to go home — “to the dirt (he) was raised on” — and be close to family and friends was too good to pass up. Moreover, he wanted his kids to spend more time with their cousins — he has three brothers, while his wife’s family is also in P.A. — while he is looking forward to helping his parents on their area farm.

Blais also said that he appreciated Moose Javians welcoming him into the community, not just as a city employee but also as the coach of a minor sports team.

“We’ll definitely miss this place,” he added. “It’s a great city to raise a family in … .”

Council approves outdoor arena signs, land sale during meeting

An amendment to the naming rights agreement for the Temple Gardens Centre and the sale of land to a vehicle business were two issues city council discussed behind closed doors recently.

During the Aug. 25 executive committee meeting, council approved an amendment to the Temple Gardens Centre (TGC) naming rights agreement between the City of Moose Jaw and Peepeekisis Developments Ltd. Council authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the agreement for the city.

Furthermore, council authorized city administration to proceed with a municipal buffer closure bylaw for a portion of land near 1788 Main Street North. With that completed, administra-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

tion will proceed with the subdivision, rezoning and direct sale of roughly 0.46 hectares (1.15 acres) to Kyle Knight for $135,040.65 per acre plus GST.

Moreover, Knight — who owns the Western Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership — will be responsible for all associated costs and for entering into any required applicable easement agreements with the city or utility companies. Meanwhile, the mayor and city clerk will sign the purchase and sale agreement for the city.

During a media scrum after the Sept. 8 regular meeting, city manager Maryse Carmichael addressed the TGC amendment, saying the change had to do with installing new outdoor signs.

She pointed out that administration asked council in July for more money to pursue higher-quality signs, including one that is digital and can display various messages regularly.

City hall’s initial budget for outdoor signs at TGC was $40,000, but the cost of the digital marquee bumped that cost by $16,378 to $56,378. So, to complete the project, council authorized the use of $17,000 from the annual capital contributions that the building manager, Oak View Group, provides.

“So we wanted to include language in the agreement that would ensure that we know who’s doing the maintenance in the future, that it’s not our naming rights partner, but it’s the city,” Carmi-

chael said.

Carmichael noted that the city and Oak View Group will unveil the new outdoor signs — the digital one on the east side and a big logo on the north side — on Saturday, Sept. 20, before the Moose Jaw Warriors’ home opener. City hall is working on the details of the event and will inform the public once everything is known.

Meanwhile, the city manager said the sale of land to Knight will allow him to expand his operations and have more space to showcase vehicles; the businessman has already enlarged his building to the north as part of the overall expansion project.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

Coun. Dawn Luhning’s voice filled with emotion as she paid tribute to city hall’s former finance director, Brian Acker, who died eight days after retiring from the position.

“This is going to be a tough one,” she chuckled nervously before she began her speech at the start of city council’s Sept. 8 regular meeting.

Acker, a dedicated city employee who died Aug. 30 at age 65, began his career at city hall on Jan. 2, 1991, as the deputy comptroller, before he became the city comptroller in June 1994, Luhning said.

Acker then became acting director of financial services in March 2004, before he was officially named to the role in May 2005, a position he held “with distinction” until he retired on Aug. 22, 2025, she continued.

Council pays tributes to the late Brian Acker, ‘a rock at city hall’

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

“Mr. Acker was a rock at city hall. He oozed knowledge about all of the financial systems at the city and could provide us with financial numbers almost immediately when requested,” the councillor said.

“His professionalism, knowledge, love and compassion for numbers showed through in everything he gave to us as councillors, to his colleagues in administration and to the citizens of Moose Jaw over the years,” she continued.

Luhning pointed out that Acker was a trusted source for council, was wise, smart and always dedicated to the community’s well-being.

“I believe we were all looking forward to him mentoring his successor (Jaime Ansell) and passing his financial knowledge to her and to us for some

time to come, even though he would be leaving the building upon his retirement,” Luhning said.

“His commitment to public service and his contributions to the financial stewardship of our city will be remembered with deep appreciation and he will be greatly missed,” she continued.

Voice breaking, Luhning then extended “heartfelt condolences” to Acker’s family, before asking everyone in the council chamber to stand for a moment of silence.

According to Acker’s obituary, he obtained his bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1985 and acquired his CMA and CPA accounting designations in 1990 and 2014. He worked as comptroller for the Rosetown and District Health Centre until he moved to Moose Jaw in

January 1991.

He began working for the city and held various positions within the finance department, retiring as director of finance this past August.

“Brian loved the world of finance and was always striving to learn more and upgrade his knowledge,” his obituary said.

“Brian will be remembered for his love of all things financial, his super green thumb, his love of gardening and plants, and, of course, watching his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders games,” the obituary added. “He also loved sitting out in his front or back yard, identifying various birds and watching things grow. He will be missed and forever loved.”

Infrastructure the focus of council’s queries during meeting

Infrastructure was the topic of city council’s inquiries to city administration during the Sept. 8 regular meeting, with questions focusing on street signs, road repairs, fencing and light posts.

Coun. Heather Eby asked how construction was going on Coteau Street West and when that road would be reopened, while she also wondered how city crews were doing with installing new street signs.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, said his department was on week 18 of the infrastructure renewal project and he expected that street to be open by mid-October. However, it could open sooner depending on how far ahead of schedule workers.

Meanwhile, he said he planned to present a report soon about the street signs project. He noted that his department acquired an extra $15,000 in funding, which allowed crews to double up two years of work and complete the

project this year.

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while.

“I know from discussions and from driving around that signalized intersections still (have) signs missing,” Harlton continued. “We’ve asked our transit operators … and our own staff to have eyes out to ensure that we’ve closed off any in-between gaps.”

In response, Eby suggested that residents who see missing street signs should submit those issues through the request for service app so city crews could deal with the outstanding issues. Harlton agreed, saying that that was a good idea.

Coun. Jamey Logan asked about road work on Stadacona Street West and when repairs would be completed on that street.

Harlton explained that the project focuses on installing ditches on that industrial-focused grid and gravel road since that’s been a deficiency the operations department has known about for a

Continuing, he said the design work is completed, while the department will soon order the culverts. Once the infrastructure arrives, in-house staff will install those culverts this month, although the work could slip into October depending on the weather.

Mayor James Murdock inquired about the city-owned parking lot on the west side of city hall and the fence that surrounds that lot. He pointed out that council allocated $42,000 in January to replace that wood fence, while crews have already removed the barrier.

He then wondered whether the parking lot would remain without a fence or whether administration planned to install a new structure.

Derek Blais, director of community services, said administration has used that funding to enhance all city-owned parking lots that are downtown, since many had deteriorating barricades and

loose electrical wiring.

Continuing, the director said that as part of the improvement plan to fix downtown parking lots, the next step is to review all sites and either resurface them or add curbing as barriers where necessary.

“The city hall parking lot will likely be higher on that priority list, and when that is resurfaced, we’ll likely provide concrete curbing, eliminate the temporary concrete curbing that’s there and provide an adequate barrier for that lot,” Blais added.

Meanwhile, Eby asked when city crews would paint the historic light standard in front of the Moose Jaw Police Service headquarters on Fairford Street West and whether that project would happen this year.

Blais replied that SaskPower has given the city approval to enhance that light standard, while the city is waiting for a contractor to become available.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

Wartime homes provided valuable housing for thousands of people across Canada during and after the Second World War, with many buildings still standing today due to regular maintenance and care.

With September being the Month of the Wartime Home, city council acknowledged the importance of the buildings during its Sept. 8 regular meeting.

“This (month) honours not only the historical significance of wartime homes in our city, but more importantly, the contributions of their occupants, individuals and families who helped shape the development of Moose Jaw over the decades,” said Coun. Heather Eby, who represents the heritage advisory committee.

Continuing, she pointed out that this year — Sept. 2, to be exact — marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. That makes recognizing wartime homes “especially meaningful,” Eby added, as the community reflects on the legacy of those who served and those who supported them.

Canada may have experienced a housing shortage with the return of vet-

Importance of wartime homes and their occupants recognized by council

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erans from the Second World War, but Moose Jaw was already facing a lack of affordable housing before the war began, according to the heritage advisory committee.

After the First World War, the federal government introduced the Soldier Settlement Act of 1919, which provided returning soldiers with loans to purchase land, stock and equipment if they wished to farm, but ignored the housing problems in urban areas.

“The 1920s produced a small housing boom in Moose Jaw, with the city expanding on both sides of the rail yards, but there were still a large number of modest homes without utilities, … indoor plumbing or septic (systems),” the committee said.

The 1930s produced problems of unemployment and drought, and, as the decade progressed, many homes fell into disrepair while accommodating several generations of families under one roof, since they couldn’t afford their own space.

Moreover, the construction of new homes dropped throughout the ’30s, which meant that when the economy

improved during the 1940s and veterans returned from the war, they arrived to find an already limited inventory, said the committee.

Continuing, the committee said that the federal government passed the Wartime Houses Initiative in 1941 and stepped in with a temporary solution: build modest homes selected from one of several floor plans and rent those units until more permanent solutions could be found.

In Moose Jaw, the first wartime homes were built in 1946, mostly constructed on vacant lots scattered throughout the city. Today, roughly 366 such homes still exist, with many in pairs or small groups throughout the city, the committee noted.

Some blocks are comprised entirely of wartime homes, including on Coteau Street West, Fourth and Seventh Avenues Northwest, and Monk Avenue.

By 1947, these homes began moving from the rental market to home ownership, providing housing for those who could not afford a down payment to start their ownership journey, the committee continued.

“Originally meant as a temporary fix, we still see these modest homes providing shelter for owners, identified by their similar construction practices,” the group added.

Moose Javian James (Jim) H. Hunter, an engineering sergeant, was the first Canadian war vet to purchase and own a wartime home under Ottawa’s sell-off plan.

Hunter, who worked for Patterson Motors, which also employed Victoria Cross winner David Currie, purchased 129 Lillooet Street East — across the street from his mother — in March 1946 and lived there with his wife, Gladys (née Bell), and son Tommy, 5.

“He likes his home very much and is quite satisfied with the deal, which is making him the first veteran owner of a serviceman’s wartime home in the dominion,” the Times-Herald reported.

While the homes met families’ needs, the structures had no basements, so some homeowners built 10-foot by 10-foot back porches or modified attics for storage.

Caribou Street East property to be subdivided to support crane business

Land that was once used to supply farmers with equipment and fertilizer will soon be subdivided, allowing a different company that provides crane and rigging services to establish its operations.

During its Sept. 8 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve a proposed subdivision plan for 1560 Caribou Street East from Beattie Alliance Holdings Inc., which owns and operates Alliance Crane Inc.

The plan involves dividing a 3.03-hectare parcel into two new parcels that are 1.44 hectares and 1.14 hectares in size, while the remainder of the 0.38-hectare parcel will be combined with two other lots.

As part of the subdivision, a required three-metre municipal buffer strip of land will be dedicated and deducted from the parcel’s total area. This

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is necessary because this land is adjacent to Highway 1.

The main parcel at 1560 Caribou Street East — located within the M4 environmental low-service industrial district — was created through a subdivision that the previous owner registered on Oct. 20, 2003, a council report said. Furthermore, the western portion of the parcel contains an existing development.

The city had previously designated the parcel for a farm supply store and fertilizer storage plant, which operated there until 2023, the report continued.

Alliance Crane Inc. now owns the property and uses it as a crane service yard.

The proposed subdivision will see the west portion of the new lot support the company’s crane operations, while the east portion will be fenced and used for outdoor storage, the document noted.

The report noted that the project complies with the Official Community Plan, while the M4 district zoning supports various industrial services and commercial activities associated with low-service industries.

The 1.44-hectare parcel will support a truck terminal, warehousing and outdoor storage, while it complies with all minimum development standards, such as site area, frontage, yard setbacks, height, site coverage and parking, the report said.

Furthermore, the 1.14-hectare parcel will support outdoor storage, while it meets the minimum site area requirement, and the 0.38-hectare parcel is also consistent with adjacent land uses.

The report noted that the company does not yet require water, storm or sanitary services for the eastern parcel,

given the land’s intended uses, although it will have to submit a development or building permit or infrastructure connection application if it does require such services.

Meanwhile, the company can access the western parcel via Caribou Street South, while access to the eastern parcel will happen by a new approach on that street, located more than 90 metres from the highway buffer, the document said. However, direct access to Highway 1 is prohibited due to provincial legislation.

The report added that city hall circulated the proposed subdivision application to all relevant utility companies, which had no issues with the project, the report added.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

As part of its commitment to “transparency, accountability and continuous improvement,” city hall is preparing to launch a framework to enhance performance visibility and strategic alignment across all departments.

Introducing key performance indicators (KPIs) addresses the growing need for consistent performance measurements and enables more effective planning, resource allocation and reporting, a Sept. 8 city council report said.

Adopting a standardized approach to monitoring outcomes allows the municipality to “foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence and public trust,” the document continued.

City administration plans to launch a KPI pilot project during this year’s fourth quarter, while it will fully roll out the framework in Q1 2026, followed by evaluation and continuous improvements thereafter, the report said.

The initial KPIs will focus on the number of service requests received and city hall’s average response times; the average review times for building and development permits; grant funding, including the number of grants submitted and funding received; the number of kilometres of infrastructure upgraded; quarterly financials, including sick and overtime percentages; tourism’s economic effect; and the use of recreation venues.

Guiding principles

The KPIs’ guiding principles focus

New KPIs program to enhance transparency, accountability at city hall

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effectively measure performance and support informed decision-making, the report stated.

“Together, these principles form the foundation for a performance measurement framework that is trusted, actionable and aligned with the city’s commitment to operational excellence and public service,” the document added.

Purpose

City hall plans to implement the KPIs across all departments, while the indicators are needed to strengthen operational performance and better serve the community, the report said. Management will design the KPIs to not only measure outcomes but also support “a culture of continuous improvement.”

The initiative’s main intentions include:

• Improving performance tracking and accountability: KPIs provide a consistent framework to measure performance against defined objectives, so establishing clear, visible, quantifiable targets will help departments regularly assess progress, identify challenges early and take corrective actions

• Supporting evidence-based decision-making: Reliable and consistent data are important for informed decision-making, while KPIs enable departments and senior leadership “to move beyond anecdotal reporting” and make strategic choices grounded in measurable results that lead to effective planning, budgeting

KPIs, (since) KPIs are only as good as the data behind them,” the report said.

Maintaining high-quality data “is foundational to building a credible and effective performance measurement system,” although it may take time to ensure data sources are reliable and offer quality information, the document continued.

• Enhancing transparency and public trust: Introducing KPIs enhances transparency by providing a structured and accessible way to communicate departments’ performances to stakeholders, including the public

• Aligning service delivery with strategic goals: KPIs ensure that daily operations are directly connected to the city’s broader strategic objectives, which helps departments prioritize resources effectively and focus efforts on the outcomes that matter to residents

“The formal implementation of KPIs represents a significant and meaningful shift toward greater accountability, transparency, strategic focus and data-driven improvements, (while) laying the foundation for long-term success,” the report added.

Development process

Each KPI will have a clear definition, data source, calculation method and reporting frequency, while all departments will follow a standardized development process to ensure organization-wide alignment, support public transparency and simplify reporting, said the document.

However, departments will have

KPIs that are relevant to their mandates, services and community outcomes, the report continued.

Common, standardized areas include development steps, data governance principles, documentation standards, reporting formats and frequency and approval and review cycles. Conversely, flexible areas include the types of KPIs, data collection tools and systems, performance thresholds or targets, levels of public reporting or internal use and frequency of reporting based on operational needs.

The report noted that the leadership team will offer templates and validation support to ensure quality and consistency across all departments, while managers and supervisors will actively engage in the KPI development process.

This process includes assessing data quality and feasibility, piloting KPIs and refining them, finalizing and approving indicators, and monitoring, reviewing and evolving the indicators.

Meanwhile, departments will report on their KPIs in the quarterly updates to council, while more frequent internal monitoring will occur monthly, said the report. Also, departments will communicate their finalized KPIs to council during budget discussions.

“The leadership team will ensure KPIs meet established quality standards and remain relevant over time,” the document continued, added leadership will also provide feedback on KPIs to help refine the indicators and the broader performance reporting system.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE

NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

City council is enthusiastic that a new program will measure the work that city employees and departments perform on projects and show whether they are making progress on those initiatives. City administration presented a report during the Sept. 8 executive committee meeting about the implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs). Administration plans to launch a pilot project during this year’s fourth quarter, while it will fully roll out the framework in Q1 2026, followed by evaluation and continuous improvements thereafter.

‘Long

overdue’: Council thrilled with creation of KPI program

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Long overdue program “It’s long overdue for the city to have key performance indicators,” city manager Maryse Carmichael said. “To some extent, we’ve had KPIs in various departments … but not as a full program that we’re able to measure and report to council.”

Carmichael pointed out that council wanted KPIs implemented after discussing the city’s reaction to major blizzards earlier this year. Those conversations focused on accurately measuring the municipality’s snow-clearing efforts.

City hall must generate solid and consistent data to accurately measure employees’ activities, Carmichael added. Next year, road crews will use iPads to record their work, while administration will report on the KPIs in the quarterly reports.

Council comments

Carmichael said that city hall can still report outcomes now, but requires accurate and consistent data for the program to work. Staff can capture this data by using iPads on the job site, through the in-house e-permitting software pro-

gram or via the enterprise resource program (ERP) system.

Carmichael said that a master list of KPIs would be created and strategically rolled out - a mix of priorities from the strategic plan and reviewing what city hall has for data operationally; administration will track the winter maintenance program because of its importance.

The city manager added that managers, supervisors and crew leads will require training to ensure they capture quality data.

Bylaw change affects another portion of River Street West

City council has approved another bylaw that affects River Street West and addresses an outstanding issue that members overlooked when they consolidated properties three months ago.

In June, council authorized city administration to proceed with a street closure bylaw for all of Blk/Par S1, Plan 102065532 Ext 0, conditional upon River Street Development Corp. purchasing four other lots on that street.

Furthermore, the developer was expected to consolidate those four lots into a single parcel with Blk/Par A, Plan 102065532, while the remaining portion of that parcel would be consolidated with Blk/Par S1, Plan 102430549 Ext 0 and St/L 96, Old96 Ext 97.

Meanwhile, in July, council approved River Street Development Corp.’s plan of proposed subdivision for 76 River Street West and 48 River Street

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West, with the plan including the surface consolidation of several parcels and lots and the removal of a connection to other parcels.

Also in late July, council sweetened the deal for the River Street hotel project, as it gave the developer a halfdecade tax break and waived the development levies and landfill fees.

Administration brought forward another street closure bylaw during the Sept. 8 meeting to address a procedural requirement that provincial officials identified during the subdivision process.

The earlier bylaw closed only a small portion of the street — Blk/Par S1, Plan 102065532 Ext 0 — that was intended as a turnaround, a council report said, but Information Services Corporation (ISC) informed city hall that the entire street parcel needed to be formally

closed to proceed with the subdivision and consolidation of land.

The new bylaw will close all of Blk/ Par S1, Plan 102430549 Ext 0 and St/L 96, Plan Old96 Ext 97, while 102065532 is already closed.

The report noted that this closure will create one contiguous parcel from several existing street parcels, while — in bold letters — the document said River Street will remain open and accessible to the public and won’t be affected by the closure.

All the land locations mentioned above affect the actual street and several properties on the north side of the street.

During the Sept. 8 meeting, council gave three unanimous readings to the bylaw, and, since there were no objections, it went into effect immediately.

Besides the councillors, Mayor James Murdock also voted for the by-

law, even though he normally leaves the room when dealing with the River Street West hotel project because of his connections to the River Street Development Corp.

After the meeting, he told MooseJawToday.com that since ISC — a provincial agency — requested that council formally close the entire street, the city clerk’s office advised him that he could remain to vote for the bylaw since the request wasn’t coming from city administration.

“But I did ask (about voting for the bylaw), because I picked that up when I was going through the report, like, ‘Well, this is about River Street and the road closure, so do I need to (recuse myself?),’” Murdock recalled. “And I was (told that I was) good to go (and) just continue through.”

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 22

City council has officially given the Moose Jaw Police Service the power to seize, from public places, street weapons that pose a threat to safety after passing a new bylaw.

During its Sept. 9 regular meeting, council gave three unanimous readings to Bylaw No. 5741, Safe Public Spaces Bylaw. Since there was no opposition, the bylaw goes into effect immediately.

The bylaw allows the city to opt into new rules that the provincial government has set in the Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act, which regulates the possession, transportation and storage of items that people may use as street weapons, a council report said.

New bylaw officially gives MJPS the power to seize street weapons

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Such weapons include large knives, machetes or bear spray.

Furthermore, the rules prohibit people from defacing or altering street weapons that make them easier to conceal.

The legislation gives police enhanced powers to seize street weapons in public spaces that could be hazardous to safety, although officers don’t necessarily have to lay a corresponding charge.

Furthermore, the Act contains exemptions to ensure that other items used as street weapons that have legitimate, legal purposes can continue to be used for their lawful purposes, such as food preparation and protection from wildlife

threats, the report said.

People from whom the police seized objects can appeal to the court to re-acquire those items, the Act says. Otherwise, the weapon is forfeited to the Crown.

The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act says that a street weapon could be a knife larger than 30 centimetres, a sword, a machete, a hatchet, an axe, a hammer, a sledgehammer, body armour, explosive devices, hypodermic needles or fentanyl not used for legitimate medical purposes, methamphetamine, wildlife control products such as bear spray, or any other prescribed item.

Furthermore, the Act says public

urban spaces may include public buildings, parks, playgrounds, any land or building entered without the consent of the owner, common areas of condominiums or apartments, unoccupied land or buildings, vehicles travelling through public spaces, or other prescribed areas.

Meanwhile, the legislation says anyone who breaches the rules can be charged with a provincial offence and be subject to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

The Act added that if a conflict existed between a provision in the legislation and a provision in a municipal bylaw or First Nation law, the latter provisions would prevail.

Concerned residents want safety upgrades at Ross Wells Park

Homeowner Robert (Bob) Nichols is always happy when the Miller Express season ends because he no longer needs to dodge flying baseballs or fix the damage they cause to his house.

Nichols lives on Willow Avenue, while his home is just beyond the rightfield fence. He has been there for four years and has had to deal with home runs damaging his property, whether it’s his home’s windows or his truck.

The baseballs have caused $1,249 in damage to his truck, as they dented the vehicle four times and smashed his left headlight once.

Furthermore, he has just missed being hit by the balls after coming home from grocery shopping, while he has been forced to pick up baseballs from his property and has accumulated almost 30.

Going outside, he pointed to the netting that surrounds Ross Wells Park’s outfield fence, saying it is inadequate to protect either homeowners or pedestrians. This is because, he noted, there are holes in the netting, while the netting is shorter near right-centre field compared to the right-field fence.

Nichols says the net should be made of steel since nylon fishnet is incapable of stopping a 100-mile-an-hour home run.

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Resident Robert (Bob) Nichols holds a tray of baseballs that he collected this season, after they hit his house or vehicle after leaving the ballpark. Over his left shoulder, a hole in the netting can be seen. Photo

Nichols’ neighbour, Vicki Wadsworth, is also frustrated with the baseballs hitting her property. This year alone, one baseball smashed a window in her truck — the repair cost was $475 — while another flew into her vehicle through an open window.

Her deceased husband, Ed, attempted to have city hall address the issue several years ago by collecting letters from neighbours saying the flyballs were a nuisance, Wadsworth recalled…”and the

letters were delivered to city hall with no outcome.”

Wadsworth — who has lived on the block for 36 years — said she and other neighbours wouldn’t have to fear the baseballs if the city raised the height of the net along Willow Avenue and installed a protective barrier where the playground is. She pointed out that this issue has grown worse over the years.

She noted that the netting is better for badminton games than stopping baseballs. It’s a simple fix, and the city is just not willing to do it because she thinks that no one on council is affected personally and don’t care.

Wadsworth added that she is also annoyed with the city closing the streets during ball games.

City hall responds

In an email, a spokeswoman said city hall is aware of the residents’ concerns and takes them seriously, which is why it is working with the venue operator to review the netting’s condition and coverage.

Continuing, the spokeswoman said Ross Wells Baseball Inc. is the venue operator and is responsible for the ballpark’s daily operations, management, repair and maintenance, while the city is

responsible for supplying protective netting.

“We are working with the operator to inspect the netting, identify damaged areas and determine short-term repairs and any required replacement,” the email said.

Typical ballparks use high-strength synthetic sports netting, while steel mesh is not used due to its weight and safety concerns, the spokeswoman said. Therefore, the next steps will depend on the findings of a joint assessment, although the city will make immediate patch repairs where possible and consider largerscale replacements during budget discussions.

The assessment will also help the city evaluate the current net height and whether additional coverage is required, the email stated. Any upgrades — including height adjustments or new netting sections and related costs — would require a review and could occur during the city’s capital project planning process.

The spokeswoman added that residents who believe the baseballs have damaged their properties should file a claim with the city, which will direct the applications to the operator’s insurer for review.

Street closures during Miller Express games spark resident concerns

A Moose Jaw resident is voicing frustration over street closures during Miller Express baseball games, saying the blockages on Caribou Street East prevent him and others from accessing their homes and garages — all due to a decision he believes was made without proper study or consultation.

Ron Hardy, who lives on Caribou Street East, said barricades are routinely set up between Second and Third Avenue Northeast during home games at Ross Wells Ballpark. The closures, he said, cut off access to several homes that lack rear alleyways, forcing residents to either wait out the games or find parking elsewhere.

“When they close the street, we can’t access our garage,” Hardy explained. “There is no alley — our alley is Caribou Street, and that’s what they’re blocking off.”

He said the closures began about five years ago after Const. Shawn Mohle attended a game and was concerned about children chasing foul balls into the street. Hardy said that’s when the idea of closing the street was introduced — but he believes the city adopted the suggestion without input from affected residents.

“They never used to block off the street,” he said, adding that he suspects the decision was made casually, since only six homes are directly affected.

Hardy also raised concerns about inconsistent timing and enforcement.

“They’re telling people it’s just … from seven to 10 p.m.,” he said. “No, it isn’t — I took a picture … (and) the barricades were already up around 6:30 … now it’s from 6:30 to whenever they get

Harvest completion is less than half the five year average but enough has been to make initial yields available.

Results vary but are surprisingly better than some farmers had expected.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

around to taking them down, which depends on when the game is over. I know the flood lights are on until 11:30 p.m. sometimes.”

He noted the barricades are not placed by trained city crews but by volunteers — and on at least one occasion, he saw them stacked against a fire hydrant. He said the barriers have also blocked sidewalks and contributed to heavier traffic along Hochelaga Street East, where parked vehicles, children, and narrow lanes increase the risk of collisions.

Hardy added that residents can’t simply drive around the barricades to access their properties. “It’s an offence to drive on a temporarily closed road or to move barricades or signage …,” he

noted, citing Traffic Bylaw No. 5556.

Despite raising his concerns through a city councillor, Hardy said the city’s initial response was “dismissive.”

“The City is aware of resident concerns surrounding the closure of Caribou Street during Miller Express games, which was a practice initiated for safety purposes,” the city said in a written statement to the Moose Jaw Express on Sept. 8. “We have committed to reviewing this procedure prior to next year’s WCBL season.”

Hardy, a retired safety professional, said the closure ironically creates new risks on nearby streets. He believes there are more balanced options that would improve safety without blocking access to homes.

Initial crop yields vary by region

Yields across the province are 50 bushels an acre for hard red spring wheat, 38 bushels for durum, 93 bushels for oats 71 bushels for barley, 39 bushels for canola, 42 bushels for peas and 1,784 pounds for lentils.

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Yields in the drier southwest are much lower than in the province by as much as one-third.

Southwest hard red spring wheat averages 36 bushels, durum, 29; oats, 55; barley, 53; canola, 29; peas, 32; and lentils, 1,153 pounds an acre.

Harvest was going to take longer this year but rains last week will push completion further into fall. With little rain farmers went from

One option would be to install additional netting and repair existing holes to keep foul balls inside the park. If that isn’t feasible, he suggested reducing the speed limit on Caribou Street East to around 30 kilometres per hour during games.

At the very least, he believes homeowners should be allowed limited access to their homes.

Hardy’s suggestions align with common safety practices at other Canadian ballparks. Municipalities often rely on layered strategies — such as overhead netting, extended side fencing and reduced speed limits — to protect spectators and traffic. Netting has been installed in right field at Ross Wells, but the coverage isn’t comprehensive and several large holes have since formed. Other cities, including Saskatoon, follow ASTM F2000-19 standards and use angled or extended netting to prevent balls from reaching the street — an approach Hardy believes could be considered locally.

According to Hardy, the situation has already prompted one neighbour to sell their home.

“Are you guys moving?” He said, recalling his earlier conversation. “Yup. I can’t stand this anymore. If (the city) won’t let me access my property, I’ve got to go. It’ll cost me a fortune but I can’t put up with it.”

His hope is that the city’s review will consider resident feedback before the 2026 season. “There’s got to be a better way,” he said.

10 per cent done to 27 per cent, by Sept. 8 but lagging the 67 per cent average.

In the southwest harvest was 55 per cent over with 49 per cent in the Assiniboia - Gravelbourg Mankota region and 57 per cent in the Moose Jaw Central Butte Herbert region.

Topsoil moisture was reduced from dry weather and above average temperatures.

A large hole in the netting along the foul ball zone at Ross Wells Ballpark is one of several safety concerns raised by nearby resident Ron Hardy, who believes better ball containment could reduce the need for street closures that limit access to homes on Caribou Street East. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Fred Penner proves the magic’s still there at Homestand ‘25

Generations of fans found common ground at Homestand ‘25, where beloved children’s entertainer Fred Penner delivered a heartfelt performance at Ross Wells Ballpark on Sept. 6.

Penner’s appearance in The Friendly City wasn’t just a lucky booking — it was the result of a personal connection and some behind-the-scenes admiration from the show’s organizers.

“This is going to sound weird,” said River Street Promotions team member Joel Stewart. “I worked with Fred (Penner) on a project that didn’t happen. He was re-recording one of his tunes (with) Serena Ryder, and it was one of the most exceptional days of my life.”

That project, though never completed, left a lasting impression on Stewart. When Penner began performing at CFL halftime shows last year, Stewart took notice.

“I’m like, ‘Well, Fred still has his fastball,’” Stewart said, using an analogy fit for the Ross Wells Ballpark venue where Homestand was set to take place the following evening. “I haven’t seen Fred in a while, and he’s an older chap. He’s still out there killing it with his guitar — just him and a voice.”

Penner agreed to the booking, which fit seamlessly with Homestand’s vision as a family-friendly event uniting the community through live music.

“We are a family-friendly event

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Rob Froese (left) and Kathleen Froese (centre) share a breakfast moment with Fred Penner (right) during his visit for Homestand 2025. The photo, taken by Crystal Froese, captures Penner reconnecting with the family he first met at the earlier Okanagan International Children’s Festival during his recent stop in Moose Jaw. Photo by: Crystal Froese/Facebook

here at Homestand, and I thought, ‘Well, let’s see if we can get Fred Penner.’ And we did,” Stewart said.

It was a booking that wouldn’t have happened without Stewart’s direct effort. Laurie Kosior-Pappenfoot, co-chair of the concert, joked, “Otherwise, would Fred Penner have said, ‘You know, I’ve always wanted to play in Moose Jaw at Homestand?’”

The answer, of course, was likely no — turning what had once been a stalled collaboration into a full-circle

success years later. That prior connection laid the groundwork for what became a standout moment in the festival’s fifth year.

Following this announcement, the response from the community was clear. “When Fred’s name comes up, every adult, we all smile,” Stewart said.

While Penner’s invitation was meant to provide a show for children aged 12 and under as part of Homestand’s family-friendly vision, his set ended up delighting fans of all ages,

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: Clarification of some information: Leon Retief’s Book Review of “The Double Helix” previously published and Richard Dowson’s letter to the editor of August 27, 2025

I was understandably pleased to read Mr. Richard Dowson’s complimentary letter of August 27th in Moose Jaw Express. I hope that he

will not find my reply churlish and pedantic; I am attempting to clear up a few minor points which may have slipped by unnoticed.

“Rosalind, who worked with Watson, Crick and Wilkins…” These four did not work together, Watson and Crick were at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, while Wilkins and Franklin were at Kings College, London. Photo 51 was taken by Ray-

many of whom had grown up singing along to his television program.

“What I’m learning about everything here in the past couple days is that we’re all kids 12 and under,” Stewart added.

For many in the audience, Fred Penner’s voice brought back memories of crawling through that hollow log and settling in for Fred Penner’s Place — the long-running CBC children’s series that became a cornerstone of Canadian childhood in the 1980s and ’90s. Known for his gentle musical style and kind-hearted presence, Penner hosted the show from 1985 to 1997, guiding generations of children through songs, storytelling, and life lessons.

Over his decades-long career, Penner has released numerous children’s albums, won multiple Juno Awards, and today he continues to share his music and message of kindness with the next generation of fans.

Decades after his television debut, Penner continues to inspire with the same simple truth that defined his career: “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.”

To learn more about Homestand, visit RiverStreetPromotions.com. Fred Penner’s official website can be found at FredPenner.com.

• 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

mond Gosling, who was Franklin’s PhD student, perhaps under the supervision of Franklin, but certainly not only by her.

Franklin could theoretically have been awarded a posthumous award in chemistry in 1962 (the year in which Watson, Crick and Wilkins shared their Nobel prize for physiology and medicine) because in that year there were only two laureates,

Max Perutz and John Kendrew. Posthumous Nobels were a rarity however, only two have ever been awarded, to Dag Hammarskjold (Peace, 1961) and Erik Karlfeldt (Literature, 1931). No Nobel in a scientific field had ever been awarded prior to that, so Franklin’s chances of becoming a posthumous laureate were slim at best.

Leon

Retief

Moose Jaw Co-op Unveils its new “Build” division.

Delivering trusted materials, expert support, and dependable service for builders and homeowners

Moose Jaw, SK – [September 2025] - Moose Jaw Co-op is proud to announce the launch of its new Build division, a trusted, community-focused partner for construction, renovation, and material needs in Moose Jaw and the surrounding areas.

This expansion builds on our solid foundation in Avonlea, where our team has established a reputation for practical expertise, reliable supply, and personalized service. We are now bringing that same commitment and energy to Moose Jaw, creating a convenient hub for contractors, developers, businesses, and DIY homeowners alike.

Expanding Building Solutions to Moose Jaw

In Avonlea, Moose Jaw Co-op’s Build team has long supported a range of projects, from new construction to renovations and everything in between.

With our new dedicated location in Moose Jaw, we’re making it easier for local customers to access high-quality building materials and services without having to shop out of town. Whether you’re planning a quick repair or managing a large-scale project, Moose Jaw Co-op’s Build division provides the products, services, and expertise to help you succeed.

Supplies and Support You Can

Count On

At Build, we bring together three core strengths: Solutions, Supplies, and Service, to help you build with confidence.

• From DIY tasks to fullscale projects, Build offers not just materials but also tailored support and expert guidance, ensuring you always have help throughout your project.

• Our facility is fully stocked with a wide range of high-demand materials, including studs, sheet goods, fasteners, and shingles, ensuring builders have a comprehensive selection to choose from whenever they need it.

• We provide services such as free in-town delivery, on-site forklift drop-off, and access to specialized equipment, including a load lifter, warehouse forklift, 25’ deck truck with a Palfinger, flat-deck trailer, dump trailer service, and blow-in insulation machine rental (free with product use).

“For us, our Build division is about more than just materials – it’s about being part of your project,” says Brian Fisher, Home and Building Solutions Manager at Moose Jaw Co-op. “We are here for contractors, homeowners, and developers

alike. We’ve built strong relationships by consistently delivering reliable supply, helpful advice, and dependable service. Every project, big or small, deserves the same level of care and commitment, and Build is here to support you every step of the way.”

This hands-on approach means customers can rely on Moose Jaw Co-op as a partner from the initial blueprint to the final nail.

Local Investment. Real Value.

Choosing Build means choosing local. As a community-owned co-operative, 100% of Moose Jaw Co-op’s profits stay right here, creating jobs, supporting local groups, and investing in future facilities.

Our members also benefit directly. With a lifetime membership, you can earn equity and annual cash-back rewards, meaning every purchase supports both your project and your community.

Building for the Future

Moose Jaw Co-op is committed to continuous improvement in serving our members. A new storage facility is currently under construction near the Moose Jaw Agro Centre, forming part of our long-term plan to expand capacity and selection. This investment will

allow us to stock even more inventory and meet customer demand more efficiently in the future. Meanwhile, the Build division is fully operational and ready to support your next project today.

To learn more or to get started on your next project, visit us at the Moose Jaw Co-op Agro Centre or call (306) 690-3192 to speak with Brian Fisher or Jimmy Doyle. Start your next build with confidence, knowing that Moose Jaw Coop is here to help.

About Moose Jaw Co-op

Moose Jaw Co-op is a memberowned retail co-operative serving the communities of Moose Jaw, Avonlea, Liberty, and surrounding areas. We operate across multiple areas, including Food, Fuel, Agriculture, and Build.

Our values are rooted in cooperation, service, and local impact. Whether you’re fueling your vehicle, building your home, or stocking your pantry, Moose Jaw Co-op is here for you; delivering trusted products, expert advice, and meaningful investment in the communities we call home.

Yours for value. Yours for community. Yours for good. Visit www.moosejawcoop.ca or stop by one of our locations to learn more.

WDM highlights Métis culture, Treaty 4 history, new displays this September

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) is continuing its September programming, reopening Sept. 13 after a temporary closure to make room for several new features.

Upcoming events

• Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life: Now on display at the WDM in Moose Jaw, Lii Buflo is a powerful travelling exhibit that explores the deep cultural connection between the Métis people and the bison. Presented in English, French and Michif, the exhibition also highlights ongoing conservation efforts led by Elk Island National Park. Lii Buflo runs until September 30 and is included with regular admission.

• Voices of Treaty 4: Commemorating 150 Years: Voices of Treaty 4 is now showing in the WDM’s theatre at the Moose Jaw branch, from now until Sept. 30. The documentary is created by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and directed by Benji Noon, and shares the voices, stories, and hopes of Indigenous peoples 150 years after the treaty’s signing. The film will run on continuous loop and is included with standard admission.

• New exhibits: On Sept. 13, the WDM reopened with a large ladder fire truck, a 4x4 Willys fire truck, and a Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) intercity bus on permanent display.

• BMO Day: Sponsored by the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Financial Group, BMO Day will return to all four WDM locations offering free admission for all guests throughout the day on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Seek and find

The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet, and visitors search the galleries for clues on interpretive signs or display cases. Check the museum’s website for updates.

• Saskatchewan animals seek and find: Saskatchewan has many different ecosystems and animals that call the province home. Guests are invited to seek out images of animals

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

A

who reside in the province throughout the museum galleries. The seek and find runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at your own pace throughout September.

• Colours of the Treaty 4 flag seek and find: Guests are invited to explore the museum galleries for yellow, blue, brown, and green artifacts, resembling the same colours on the Treaty 4 flag.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout September.

Courses and workshops

The museum offers seasonal educational courses that teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction-engine operation, with certificates typically awarded upon completion.

• Upcoming courses: Contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 or AJones@ wdm.ca for more information.

K+S Short Line 101

To showcase the raw power of steam energy, the WDM showcases its fully operational K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train each summer, and guests can catch a ride on a working piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive.

• Upcoming train schedule: Contact the museum before heading out for an updated schedule, as the train’s operation is dependent on weather, maintenance, and volunteer availability.

Reminiscence Kits

The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. These kits, containing everyday artifacts from the 1950s to the 1970s, can be rented by care homes and other organizations for two weeks at a cost of $75, with an additional $25 fee for a one-week extension. Visit WDM.ca/Reminiscence to book your kit.

Teacher resources

Teachers can access a variety of resources, including information packages and field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit WDM.ca/MooseJaw/Learn/For-Teachers for more information.

• Educational programs: The WDM features several educational opportunities open for booking this school year, including dozens of inperson programs that make an ideal field trip and virtual learning options.

For more information, visit WDM.ca.

• Win a free field trip: Educators and community leaders are invited to enter online at WDM.ca/ FieldTripGiveaway for a chance to win one of four field trips, plus $200 to cover the cost of transportation this school year. The contest runs from Sept. 2 to Jan. 4, 2026, with winners drawn on Jan. 7, 2026.

History album

The museum’s history album tells Saskatchewan’s story through the experiences of families, small towns, and community organizations across the province. To view the album, visit SaskHistory.ca.

Birthday parties

The museum may just be the perfect venue for your child’s upcoming birthday party. Children aged five to eight can enjoy a two-hour transportation-themed party with up to seven friends included in the $200 fee. You can book by calling the museum at 306-693-5989.

Volunteering

The WDM is always looking for volunteers to help make programming, summer events, and numerous specialized roles at the museum possible. During regular volunteer intakes, volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones will give a facility tour, review safety protocols, and match opportunities to volunteers’ skills and interests.

• Next volunteer orientations: Contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 for more information.

The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the summer. For more information, visit WDM. ca/Moose-Jaw or reach out to the museum’s program and volunteer coordinator, Alexis Jones, at 306-693-5989 or by email at AJones@wdm.ca

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

whooping crane card is one of the clues in the Saskatchewan animals seekand-find activity at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw, encouraging visitors to explore the galleries while learning about the province’s wildlife. Photo by: Western Development Museum

Puerto Vallarta’s top rock tribute act, The B34st, returned to Moose Jaw on Sept. 12 for a high-energy show at The Crushed Can Rec Room & Bar — a night that celebrated both international live music and the venue’s recent upgrades.

The performance marked the third year that local organizer Phil Juric invited the Mexican band to the Friendly City as part of its regular Canadian tour.

“They tour Canada (each summer), and for the last two year’s I’ve brought them to Moose Jaw so they could play here. They’ve pretty much sold out both shows,” Juric said ahead of the group’s third performance. “They’re basically the number one rock tribute band in the Puerto Vallarta area.”

The B34st is led by singer and founding member Wario Hernandez Torres, a cornerstone of Puerto Vallarta’s music scene. Torres not only fronts the band but also helps co-ordinate much of the region’s live local music in the coastal resort city popular with Canadian travellers.

Juric said the group’s strength lies in its sheer stamina and versatility.

Juric said. “Depending on the appreciation shown from the crowd … it could be four hours — they’ll just keep going.”

Juric, who owns and operates TranscenDENT Paintless Dent Repair, emphasized that his connection to the band runs deep.

“These guys, when they’re down in Puerto Vallarta, are doing two shows a day. They’re three-hour sets, like there are no breaks. So they play for three hours, tear down, and they move to the next location, set up, do another three hours — and they do that six days a week,” he said.

Crowds back at home in Mexico fuel the band through tips, and Torres and his bandmates often extend their sets based on the audience’s enthusiasm. That commitment doesn’t slow down in Canada.

“When you go and see these guys, you’re in for three hours of solid music,”

“It’s more than just a friendship. I mean, it’s really a family connection,” he said. “Every year when they’re passing through Saskatchewan they use this as their relaxation zone … the other band members call me Tío Phil, which is Uncle Phil. They come here with no expectations, just to chill and relax, and so they look forward to that.”

That bond has led to Moose Jaw becoming a natural stop on their tours. “The caveat is (me saying), ‘Hey, while you’re here, I might as well set something up for you guys to play,’” Juric added.

This year’s show also doubled as a showcase for renovations at The Crushed Can, spearheaded by owner Alex Carleton. Juric said the upstairs transformation has greatly improved the venue.

“Alex has gone through great ex-

pense in removing that DJ booth (when you first enter the room) … he had six electricians for a week in there rewiring everything to accommodate moving that,” Juric explained. “Now, when you walk in, it’s a great big open space … you’ll have a 360-degree view of the stage now and there won’t be any more obstructions.”

The B34st performed in more than 60 Canadian venues this year alone, with their reputation steadily growing north of the Rio Grande. Two years ago, the group became the first Mexican band invited to Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa in Manitoba.

Juric said the band never plays the same show twice, with each performance shaped by the crowd.

“It’s very rare that I’ve ever gone to a show that’s a carbon copy of the show I saw earlier that day,” he said. “These guys know hundreds of songs, and they evolve the show to the crowd.”

The Crushed Can Rec Room & Bar is located at 82 Manitoba Street West. To learn more about the band, visit “The B34ST mx” on Facebook or “theb34st. mx” on Instagram.

Photo

Central Cyclones continue winning ways in South Rural Football League with commanding win over Swift Current

Cyclones build 28-0 lead at half, go on to 42-0 victory on Saturday at Gutheridge Field

The Central Cyclones continue to roll along in South Rural Football League action, picking up another commanding victory on Saturday afternoon in their quest to defend their league championship.

Facing the Swift Current Colts at Gutheridge Field in Moose Jaw, the Cyclones would jump out to a 28-0 lead at halftime and go on to a 42-0 victory to improve to 3-0 on the campaign and hold down sole possession of first place. Swift Current fell to 1-2 and are in fifth place.

Things were relatively quiet in the first quarter, as a 50-yard passing touchdown to Dylan Ward ended up as the only points in the opening 15 minutes as

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

son Belsher began to find his targets. Older brother Keaton Belsher (38-yard pass), Reid Weiss (65-yard pass) and Nicholas Bechard (10-yard pass) all had majors as Central opened their 28-point lead.

Ciaran McCulloch caught a 12-yard pass for a touchdown for the lone points in the third quarter and Karver Gusa closed out scoring with a 16-yard run for a major in the fourth.

game on the ground, rushing 13 times for 140 yards.

All told, Central put up 446 yards of offence.

Jamie Robinson was 4-for-11 passing for 39 yards for Swift Current, Jake Woods had 11 carries for 55 yards. The Colts had 105 yards total offence.

Despite being shutout it was a markedly improved and tougher Bulldogs team that took to the field in Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League U12 action.

Defensively the Bulldogs came with their A team to start the game.

“We came out flying. That’s exactly what we wanted the kids to do. I don’t blame anything on the remainder of the game about what happened in the first half,” Josh Sigurdson Bulldogs head coach said, adding “this is about getting better and making sure when we get in the playoffs it’s a different script.”

The Bulldogs played strong only having the game fall apart later in the second half.

“I think we’re getting there. It’s tough to say as they are so new. They are just learning. But I think we’re getting there. I think we’re so close it’s almost painful how close we are.”

He spoke about the play of Jacob Mayes - a player who had never played football before - who was out on the

Central took a 7-0 lead.

The Cyclones opened things up in the second, though, as quarterback Hud-

QB Belsher finished 11-for-17 passing for 239 yards and five touchdowns to go along with two interceptions. Ward finished with three catches for 90 yards, WR Belsher had four catches for 55 yards.

Kayden Nightengale had a solid

Spartans Defeat Tougher Bulldogs Team

Friday night saw the Spartans defeat the Bulldogs 47 - 0. Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

field, playing well, and enjoying the game.

“Two losses in a row like this obviously sting but I’m not making anything out of it,” Sigurdson said.

“The Lions and the Spartans are good teams. They are coached very well like we are. They just have that veteran effect that we don’t.”

The team is looking forward to hitting the road in the near future.

Spartans head coach Brock Montgomery said “it was good. It was a lot of fun. The kids maybe didn’t have as much fun playing in the rain. But the kids were playing their buddies. It was a good fun game.”

About the Bulldogs Montgomery said they are a good team.

“It just comes down to little things when it is U12 football. We scored early and that seemed to keep a little bit of momentum.”

Montgomery mentioned the strength of the Bulldogs defense and

how it showed itself on the field.

“The teams get better each week and hopefully the Bulldogs will get ready for the finals,” he said.

Asked about the Spartans progress

Scores from Friday’s game between Yorkton and Estevan and Saturday’s game between Weyburn and Balgonie were unavailable as of this writing.

All of next week’s games will take place on Friday, with the Peacock Tornadoes hosting Balgonie (4 p.m.), Yorkton hosting Central (7 p.m.) and Weyburn at Estevan (7 p.m.)

so far this season Montgomery said from the initial practices in August the team had made great advances.

“We keep getting better all of the time. We keep working and saw it all come together tonight,” he said. “I’m happy with them. They put in the work at practice and it’s beginning to show…. they have fun together at practice.’

Montgomery said the place where the Spartans show the most strength is that they had ran with 10-year-olds last year on offence and most of those kids are back this year planes 11-year-olds.

Thomas Jamieson and Roman Babich were pointed out as anchors for the Spartans defence adding a lot of strength.

“They’re familiar with the things we do and they’re bringing the other kids along.”

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/9/12/p17pvll0ebuxeqf2r22efpmcora43q

The Central Cyclones didn’t give the Swift Current Colts a lot of room for offence on their way to a 42-0 victory on Saturday at Gutheridge Field. Central Cyclones

Bulldogs ball carrier Leo Pilloud attempts to break a tackling attempt - MJ Independent photo

Moose Jaw Warriors, Saskatoon Blades close out WHL preseason with weekend split

Blades take 4-2 win in Moose Jaw on Friday, Warriors respond with 4-3 victory in rematch in Martensville on Saturday

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Saskatoon Blades found themselves in a pair of close battles in their final two games of the Western Hockey League pre-season this past weekend, with each team picking up a victory.

The Blades struck first on Friday, taking a 4-2 win at Temple Gardens Centre in Moose Jaw, with the Warriors responding with a 4-3 victory in Martensville on Saturday.

Saskatoon finishes second in the Eastern Conference pre-season standings with a 4-2 record, while Moose Jaw put together a 3-2 record and finish seventh.

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

riod the teams would exchange a pair of goals in the second.

Ben Bowtell opened scoring for Saskatoon 2:30 into the frame, with Steven Steranka replying for Moose Jaw at the 7:09 mark. Mathies would then make it a 2-1 Blades lead a minute after Steranka’s goal, followed by Pavel McKenzie tying things up with 8:43 left in the second.

Connor Schmidt gave Moose Jaw their first lead at the 8:47 mark of the third, but it wouldn’t last long, thanks to Tyler Parr replying for Saskatoon two minutes later.

That set up Berge’s late-game hero-

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Saskatoon Blades split a two-game weekend set to close out their respective WHL pre-season campaigns.

Thunder Creek Volleyball Club awards first summer camp scholarship

The Thunder Creek Volleyball Club (TCVC) has added a new chapter to its tradition of recognizing hardworking athletes by awarding its first-ever summer camp scholarship this year.

The inaugural scholarship was presented to Annika Wonnick, a Cornerstone Christian School graduate and longtime TCVC athlete, who is now suiting up for Briercrest College in Caronport.

“Thunder Creek (Volleyball Club) has always given a scholarship … to one of our Thunder Creek athletes who displays the attributes that are important to us, such as being coachable, having a passion for the sport, giving back to

their community, and just being a true leader,” said coach and administrator Haylee Bevan.

This new award extends that recognition to athletes who attended TCVC’s summer camp, which is run each August in partnership with the Hazen family and veteran coach Tracy Hazen, who has experience with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Team Sask, and Team Canada.

“We’ve (handed out scholarships) … since we started,” Bevan said. “This was our first year giving out a camp scholarship and it’s the same kind of idea. It’s one of our past camp attendees who shows these leadership attributes,

SNAPSHOT: Lasso the moment

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: With a steady gaze and a rope raised high, this 10-year-old rancher prepares to lasso like the old hands at the Canadian Ranch Roping Association finals, held Sept. 13 to 14 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds. The two-day event at the Golden Mile Arena showcased slow, precise cattle handling and traditional vaquero-style horsemanship — a world apart from the fast-paced rodeo scene. For competitors like this, it’s not about the stopwatch, but about skill, control, and staying true to ranching roots. Look for more details in the next edition of the Moose Jaw Express. Photo by: Aaron Walker

gives back to their community, and is continuing their love of the game in post-secondary. So this year we gave it to Annika Wonnick, and I had the pleasure of coaching her for the past three years.”

Wonnick’s high school career was marked by an historic moment for Cornerstone when her team reached city finals for the first time in the school’s history. She also enjoyed strong seasons at the club level, which Bevan attributed to her dedication and extra effort.

“She is a wonderful athlete whose success comes mostly from the hard work she’s put in,” Bevan said. “She shows up to practice every single day and is ready to work hard. She’s always asking if we can practice longer, stay later, and what she needs to work on; the growth we have seen in Annika over the last three years was exponential.”

Bevan said Wonnick represents the values TCVC strives to promote.

“We’re just really proud of her … highlighting her work ethic, coachabil-

ity, and success in the sport she loves is the main thing,” she added.

The August camp that produced the new scholarship is notable for involving young collegiate athletes as coaches alongside experienced leaders like Hazen.

“It’s important for young athletes to see people not that far off from their age who have had success in volleyball,” Bevan said. “It gives them a realistic mentor, someone to look up to, someone they might have watched play before, and now are getting to see their successes.”

Bevan said TCVC is excited to continue offering the camp and scholarship annually, both to celebrate deserving athletes and to keep inspiring the next generation of female players.

For more information, visit “Thunder Creek Volleyball Club” on Facebook, “tcvc_volleyball” on Instagram, or email ThunderCreekVC@gmail.com.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Annika Wonnick, centre, accepts the first-ever Thunder Creek Volleyball Club summer camp scholarship during a presentation at A.E. Peacock Collegiate, joined by fellow Thunder Creek athletes. Photo by: Thunder Creek Volleyball Club

‘Fore the Athletes’ golf tournament raises over $6K for women in sport

A full day of drives, putts, and community spirit came together at the Hillcrest Golf Course on Sept. 6 as the first-ever “Fore the Athletes” golf tournament teed off in support of local women.

The event drew 12 teams and raised approximately $6,800, which was split evenly between the Thunder Creek Volleyball Club (TCVC) and the Moose Jaw Mustangs Lacrosse Club. Each group received a $3,400 cheque to use for programming and equipment.

“It was really good. We had 12 teams come out, which is good, considering there was a large tournament at the Lynbrook as well as Homestand in Moose Jaw. It was a busy day,” said organizer and TCVC coach Haylee Bevan.

The winning team, dubbed Team McRae, came from Yorkton while on a golf road trip and happened upon the charitable tournament by chance. They shot 12-under-par to claim first place, earning four tickets to Homestand ‘25 along with sponsor-provided merchandise.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The tournament also featured contests for longest drive, closest to the pin and longest putt, while participants and volunteers capped off the day with a meal prepared by Hillcrest staff.

“We’d like to thank the Hillcrest Golf Course for all their support and for cooking us some tasty burgers for supper and lunch,” Bevan said.

The funds will have a direct impact on keeping sports accessible for women in Moose Jaw.

“For the Thunder Creek Volleyball Club … we’re able to offer affordable fees to our players and their families. We pride ourselves on being able to keep some of the lowest fees in all of Saskatchewan,” Bevan said. “That goes toward tournament fees, gym rentals, equipment costs, and things like that.”

The Mustangs will use their share to outfit a growing roster of female athletes.

“This is the most female athletes they’ve had in their club, and (their numbers) increased by quite a large per-

centage,” Bevan explained. “They are using (the proceeds) to purchase equipment … specifically new sticks and goggles. They were able to purchase in bulk, which has some cost savings, and then they can distribute to each athlete without having to up their fees too much.”

Bevan added that while field lacrosse has wrapped up for the season, she expects participation to grow again

when box lacrosse intake opens next spring.

The tournament’s success was made possible through the backing of 18 local sponsors, ranging from family-owned businesses to well-known community partners.

“We say it all the time, but we could not do any of what we do without them,” Bevan said about these supporting partners. “We’re so grateful for our community for always supporting us, and for allowing us to give female athletes a chance at a sport they love without finances being a barrier.”

Bevan said the hope is to turn the Fore the Athletes tournament into an annual tradition that continues to grow.

For more information, visit “Thunder Creek Volleyball Club” or “Moose Jaw Mustangs Lacrosse” on Facebook. The Mustangs team can also be reached at Information@MooseJawMustangsLacrosse.ca.

The Hillcrest Golf Course is located at 1599 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-1921.

SNAPSHOT: Miles for smiles

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: Moose Jaw Running Festival race director Andrea Amiot, centre, and Moose Jaw Health Foundation CEO Kelly McElree, left, celebrate a record-breaking $15,004 donation to pediatric rehabilitation, raised through this year’s newly rebranded community running event. Amiot credited the city’s passionate running community and local sponsors for making the June 8 festival a resounding success — and hinted that even bigger plans are already in motion for 2026.

Photo by: Andrea Amiot/Facebook

Representatives from the Moose Jaw Mustangs Lacrosse Club, left, and the Thunder Creek Volleyball Club, right, accept $3,400 cheques on Sept. 6 following the “Fore the Athletes” golf tournament at Hillcrest Golf Course. Photo by: Thunder Creek Volleyball Club/Facebook

A sponsor board displayed on Sept. 6 highlights the local businesses and community partners who supported the charitable golf tournament. Photo by: Thunder Creek Volleyball Club/Facebook

Journey to Hope passes the torch after nearly two decades of service

The glow of candlelight and the steady fall of gentle rain set the tone for a solemn evening in Crescent Park, as Journey to Hope Moose Jaw hosted its final World Suicide Prevention Day walk and “Pass the Torch” ceremony on Sept. 10.

Around 50 people gathered at the Crescent Park amphitheatre, many carrying photos of loved ones lost to suicide. Together, they walked in remembrance, pausing at signs placed along the pathway before reaching the butterfly mosaic mural created by Josh Burris and the group’s “Journey 2 Hope Youth Chapter” — a symbol of hope, healing, and continuation.

For chairperson Della Ferguson, the moment carried both weight and meaning.

“It was beautiful. It seemed kind of poignant that, at the point where I was talking about the memorial, gentle rain started coming down,” Ferguson reflected. “This organization was built on the tears of loss that families experienced, and so everyone just soldiered through even when that rain just kept gently falling.”

Journey to Hope Moose Jaw will officially dissolve on Nov. 1, concluding nearly 18 years of community work in suicide prevention, awareness, and education. Founded in 2008 by Ferguson, Isabel Hanson, and Melissa Hayter, the group began after two members of

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The group gathers at the butterfly mosaic mural in Crescent Park, which contains names in memory of loved ones, to conclude the walk. Designed by Josh Burris of the Journey 2 Hope Youth Chapter, the shape incorporates a semicolon to symbolize that “our work is not finished yet.” Journey to Hope Moose Jaw

the Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group expressed a desire to host an awareness walk similar to one they had seen in the United States.

From those beginnings, the organization grew into a key presence in Moose Jaw’s mental health landscape. It sponsored training programs such as safeTALK, ASIST and Mental Health First Aid, supported Pride Week and transgender remembrance events, created the Voices of Hope video series, and launched the HOPE Summit speaker series. It also purchased resources for schools, health facilities, and frontline workers, while maintaining partnerships with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and other agencies.

“We have seen a profound difference from 2008 when we first started until now, and we have a long way to go — but we’ve come a long way,” Ferguson said. “I’m so grateful to our community for that.”

The Sept. 10 walk also marked the symbolic transfer of responsibility for key initiatives. Representatives from several community agencies accepted “torches” to continue the work, including Prairie South and Holy Trinity Catholic school divisions, Homebase Moose Jaw, CMHA Moose Jaw, Mental Health

“As we close today’s walk, we do not put out the flame — we pass it on. May this flame shine through each of you … through every act of kindness, connection, and support that lies ahead,” she said in her closing remarks.

While the non-profit organization is closing, its mission will carry forward through the newly established Journey to Hope Legacy Fund, managed by CMHA Moose Jaw. The fund will support suicide prevention training and awareness programs in the community, ensuring continuity of the group’s efforts.

“The message is always gratitude,” Ferguson said. “We’re grateful to the families that have honoured the memory of their loved ones by supporting our work. We’re grateful to the partnerships in our community for working together, and we’re grateful to the community for stepping into this conversation on all levels, breaking the silence and the stigma.”

and Addictions Services, Victim Services, Moose Jaw Family Services Inc., and the Community Wellness Collaborative.

Ferguson asked those receiving torches to “imprint the image of us standing in that circle of these families who so desired that the work continue, and to imprint them on their hearts and in their work.”

Journey to Hope’s final public event will be a MENtal Health and Wellness supper on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Temple Gardens Centre at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

To donate to the Journey to Hope Legacy Fund, contact CMHA Moose Jaw at 306-692-4240 or by email at MJBranch@CMHAsk.com.

One of several torches placed along the route carried inspirational messages for participants during Journey to Hope Moose Jaw’s final World Suicide Prevention Day walk on Sept. 10. Journey to Hope Moose Jaw

Participants, including members of “Ruck it Up” and the Moose Jaw Police Service, depart from the Crescent Park amphitheatre to begin the “Pass the Torch” walk, held as part of Journey to Hope Moose Jaw’s closing events. Journey to Hope Moose Jaw

Retro GameCon levels up Moose Jaw’s gaming scene

From N64 nostalgia to life-sized pop culture creations, Saskatchewan Retro GameCon pressed “Start” on a new annual tradition in Moose Jaw last weekend, inviting fans of all things pixelated, costumed, and collectible to celebrate their favourite throwbacks.

Held Sept. 13 at the Temple Gardens Centre, the inaugural convention transformed the venue into a nostalgic hub for fans of classic gaming.

“Since the con in Regina is dispersed, this is something for the community to come out and enjoy. It has seen great foot traffic — I can’t complain,” said Moose Jaw vendor Darci Voss, owner of Samurai Sam 3D. “I love to see people from other towns come in. I think this is a great thing for tourists.”

Organized by four local gamers and pop culture buffs — Jared Dormer, Andrew Fath, Scott Benson and Jared Robinson — the convention was built around community-first principles. Dormer said the team wanted to build something they’d be willing to travel to themselves.

“It’s a focus on all things pop culture, but really focuses on that retro gaming aspect. So for us, retro gaming is any two consoles and back, so we’re

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

talking about the Xbox 360 era and earlier,” Dormer noted. In an earlier interview, he summarized the goal: “We’re trying to transport people back into the living room with friends ….”

During his interview, Dormer was momentarily interrupted by a satisfied visitor who offered her positive feedback, congratulating the team on a job well done.

One local group, the Moose Jaw Gamers, played a role in the convention and anchored the “retro corner” — a playable museum of sorts, complete with classic board games, console setups, pinball machines, and a TV cycling through VHS-era favourites.

The vibe was unmistakably GameCube meets garage basement: tournament brackets were filled with Super Street Fighter 2 and Halo 3 face-offs, button-mashing mini-challenges in Super Mario Bros. 3, and cosplay contenders ranging from Super Mario to Link from The Legend of Zelda.

Among the crowd was Swift Current artist Tommy Kirk of Tommy’s Puppet Lab, who showcased his handmade Five Nights at Freddy’s paper mache puppets — sculpted entirely from newspaper, cardboard, and re-used materials.

Darcy Voss of Samurai Sam 3D holds up a miniature 3D-printed “North American House Hippo,” inspired by the iconic public service ad. For more information, visit his Instagram or contact SamuraiSam3D@hotmail.com. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“My creations represent rebirth — you’re taking something old and giving it a new form of life, in this case, a puppet,” he said. Over the past seven or eight years, Kirk has built a following through his YouTube tutorials and now hopes to attend more Moose Jaw-based conventions in the future.

Joe’s Place was also on-site, bringing props and costume builds developed through its mentorship program. For John Hepting, a long-time volun-

teer newly hired to staff, the show was a chance to showcase youth skills built through the venue’s large-scale productions, including Voltage.

“It has been a great way to develop work skills with the youth,” he said. “We’ve been able to teach them how to use tools, how to show up when they say they’ll show up, and that their contributions have value.”

Hepting, who has attended similar conventions elsewhere, said organizers brought together a great show and “did a really good job of getting the word out.”

“It has been a consistent flow, no real ebbs, so it’s been good to see that,” he said.

Whether you came for the Pokémon cards or the PlayStation ports, GameCon was a clear critical hit with attendees. The convention may have started as a small questline — but based on Saturday’s turnout, it’s safe to say a new annual tradition has just been unlocked.

“It’s blowing all of our expectations out of the water,” Dormer said in the midst of the convention. “We have plans to grow it even bigger next year.”

For more information, follow “Saskatchewan Retro GameCon” on Facebook.

Gamers gather for a competitive round of Halo 3, one of the tournament titles featured during the retro gaming convention.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Tommy Kirk of Tommy’s Puppet Lab arrives in cosplay as Where’s Waldo, with his first-ever creations from Five Nights at Freddy’s in background. Look for his homemade puppet creation videos on YouTube. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Three cosplayers pause for a photo, showcasing a range of detailed costumes at Moose Jaw’s inaugural Retro GameCon.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

A group of cosplayers stage an epic fantasy battle at the Dragon Lady Artistry booth. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Zack Renwick, left, and Bo Chiasson, right, pose with superhero and villain masks at the Triple B 3D Printing Services booth, as Deadpool watches from the background. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Attendees channel their inner rock stars while playing Guitar Hero and Rock Band at one of several free-play gaming stations.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

John Hepting, staff member at Joe’s Place Youth Centre, stands at the organization’s display booth showcasing props and costumes made by local youth. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Gamers try their hand at a row of classic arcade favourites during Saskatchewan Retro GameCon at the Temple Gardens Centre. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Rain couldn’t dampen Hopkins’ 46th anniversary spirit

Rain may have cancelled the outdoor fun, but the spirit of celebration was alive and well inside Hopkins Dining Parlour on Sept. 13, as the local landmark marked its 46th anniversary with warmth, laughter, and live music.

Originally planned as a one-block street party, the event quickly pivoted indoors due to soggy weather, with four hours of live entertainment and anniversary specials moved inside the storied restaurant. The cozy, Victorian-style dining rooms provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion — a relaxed, welcoming space filled with regulars, new faces, and a few surprises.

Among the guests was none other than former owner Gladys Pierce, who ran Hopkins for 40 years and whose legacy still lingers in every antique-filled corner of the building. True to form,

Pierce was in high spirits and full of her trademark humour, mingling with guests and cracking jokes well into the evening.

At one point, she turned to me, slapped my arm and grinned, asking, “Why are you still up so late taking pictures?”

Despite retiring years ago, Pierce’s instinct for hospitality clearly remains sharp. When the anniversary cake arrived — a multilayered dessert with a

pudding filling and classic icing — she immediately took hold of the knife and began cutting slices for guests. The crowd chuckled and reminded her she was off duty, and current owner Linda Lin, smiling, gently took over the task.

“You don’t have to do any work

tonight,” someone told her, but Pierce’s initiative reflected the same hands-on spirit that helped build the restaurant into one of Moose Jaw’s most unique dining destinations.

The cake was shared among longtime staff, former servers, honoured guests, and curious customers who’d stopped in to celebrate. Many lingered well into the night, soaking in stories, music, and memories.

The Hopkins Players — a rotating group of regular performers who usually play on Saturday nights — came together as a full five-member band for the first time, filling the parlour with a blend of genres and styles. The music may have stayed inside, but the atmosphere was just as lively and heartfelt as any outdoor bash.

Founded in 1978, Hopkins Dining Parlour remains one of Saskatchewan’s most distinctive restaurants, known for its Victorian décor, antique furniture, and haunted-history charm. Today, Lin continues that legacy, blending tradition with fresh energy — and throwing a good party, rain or shine.

Hopkins Dining Parlour is located at 65 Athabasca Street West. For more information, visit HopkinsDining.com or call 306-692-5995.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Former Hopkins owner Gladys Pierce, left, and current owner Linda Lin, second from left, celebrate as the 46th anniversary cake is brought out on Sept. 13 at Hopkins Dining Parlour. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Hopkins staff prepare to bring out the 46th anniversary cake as part of the restaurant’s Sept. 13 celebration. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Before anyone could react, Gladys Pierce picked up the knife and began carving the anniversary cake — an instinct left over from her many years at the helm of Hopkins Dining Parlour. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Hopkins owner Linda Lin delivers a few words of thanks as the 46th anniversary cake is brought out on Sept. 13. Photo by: Aaron Walker

OPINION/COMMENTARY

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

You Do Not Own Your Social Media

Social media platforms offer a compelling deal: they provide, for free, the infrastructure, the audience, and the tools that promise exposure (read: egoboosting recognition). In return, they quietly hold your audience hostage. On the surface, this seems fair. After all, the platform is providing a valuable dopamine-ensuring service.

A skeletal village is what I see when I look at my over 23,000 subscribers to my Substack job-hunting newsletter, The Art of Finding Work. Those subscribers aren’t mine; they belong to Substack. I built my audience, but I can’t truly reach them on my terms. The same applies to my over 12,500 Instagram followers, my 165,000 X/Twitter followers, or my 19,850 LinkedIn connections.

Because it’s uncomfortable to acknowledge, social media users, especially creators, overlook the truth that social media is fundamentally about renting, not owning. Essentially, I’m a tenant on someone else’s property, paying rent with my time and content. For a long time, I celebrated (Okay, I admit, “boasted.”) the number of followers I have, as if they were assets I own.

They’re not.

While I own the content I create, the social media platform holds a broad license to use my content, since they technically own my account and its following. If you read a platform’s terms of service—who does—platforms grant themselves extensive rights to your photos, videos, and other intellectual property, without requesting your permission or compensating you. Platforms have significant carte blanche control, which you agreed to when you signed up and created your account, over your content, even being able to use it for commercial purposes.

Furthermore, they can change the rules at any time, which is unnerving.

Several years ago, I finally established in the back of my mind that I’m only a “guest” on any social media platform and that my participation is dependent on my adherence to a long list of terms and conditions, which, like most people, I haven’t read.

The way platforms lock you in is by ensuring that your posts have a short visible shelf life, reminiscent of the days when slaves on ships had to keep rowing to get the owner of the ship to their destination. A short shelf life enslaves you to the platform, as you need to continue posting to maintain ego-boosting likes and comments, which is how the owner of the platform metaphorically steers their ship to profitability.

Then there’s the algorithm, akin to a ship’s rudder, which the platform owns and controls without input from its tenants. When Instagram tweaks its algorithm, as it habitually does, my reach can drop by 80% overnight. There’s also the issue that platforms are free, without having to consult their tenants, to pivot their business model, or can simply cease, such as Friendster, Orkut, Vine, Google+, and Bebo, without warning, my followers, whom I worked hard to grow, become unreachable, trapped behind the platform’s walls. Additionally, there’s the real possibility of your account being suspended or shut down, which happens frequently due to a misstep outside of the platform use guidelines, which you agreed to when you signed up.

Social media companies exemplify the adage, attributed to the artist Richard Serra, who was referring to television, “When the product is free, you’re the

product.” In the eyes of a social media company, its users are commodities to be sold to advertisers. Personal data, attention (eyeballs), and digital interactions are collected and analyzed to create targeted advertising, which is the primary revenue stream for these “free” platforms.

Platform-provided metrics can be seductive; however, they only tell part of the story. Having 28,500 Facebook followers sounds impressive, but what does it mean when you can’t reliably reach even a fraction of those followers? The metrics that truly matter aren’t visible on your profile page. They’re found in the depth of engagement, the quality of connections, and most importantly, the sustainability of your posting efforts.

My experience as a heavy social media user has led me to the conclusion that social media platforms are masters at the art of making their services feel essential, especially to businesses, as if they’re a public utility, and fostering pseudo feelings of a sense of community and belonging. Platforms start you out with generous organic reach that inevitably encourages you to build a following. Steadily, they dial back your ability to reach the very audience you’ve built. It’s a subtle form of vendor lockin, masked as a free service.

The real price we pay isn’t measured

in dollars. It’s measured in the amount of time spent, time we could be spending nourishing our real world, chasing views, likes and comments. Every time a platform tweaks its algorithm, people, particularly creators, scramble to adapt their content, voice, and entire creative process to match what they believe is the platform’s new preferences. The constant pursuit of what platform owners strategically keep out of reach is the Greek tragedy of our times, keeping us glued to screens that we voluntarily allow to influence our emotions and selfesteem.

Bottom line: Your existence on social media is at the whim of the companies that provide those services.

Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan.

Quiet Sukanen Village population up for threshing bee

For two days the quiet deserted streets at the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum came alive.

The streets bustled with people attending the threshing bee, held since 1969, and viewing of the heritage buildings.

Vintage tractors, cars, trucks and people movers chugged around the network of streets.

The days of demonstrations, parades and the concession with home made pies attracted around 1,800 guests with many young families.

Two men were talking while watching the threshing demo.

“I don’t really care about the cars,” said one. “I like the old tractors.’’

“I come because they have the best darn pie shop in the country,” said the other.

The pie shop sold out just before Sunday’s tractor pull that ends the day.

One fellow said he likes the thresh-

Ron Walter - For MooseJaw Express

ing bee as he sees people he doesn’t usually see.

Demonstrations of reaping, binding, a 2.5 foot wide combine, and two threshing machines were narrated by Corey Mantell, using the Johnstone Auction Mart PA truck.

Threshing included the hand fed Stanley Jones thresher. Two threshing machines operated, one with a gas engine, one with a steam-driven engine. Jim Faulkner and family of Lang brought and ran the steamer.

Mantell explained the threshing bee had crews of 15 to 20 men operating the thresher, hauling stooks by horse and wagon and pitching stooks into the mouth of the threshing machine.

The farm wife had to cook meals for the hungry crew for the days of threshing.

Pitching stooks of grain into the machine is an art.

He said the heads of grain need to land first to avoid plugging the machine.

As he spoke the machine plugged and it took several minutes to resume threshing.

“Just lucky there weren’t four teams with wagons waiting,’’ remarked one viewer.

Mantell said the threshing machine was the way grain was separated from

sheaves from the late 1880s until after 1945 when combines became popular.

The full transition to combines took until the mid-1950s.

Winner of the 1965 Comet convertible was Byron Bottle of Nampa, Alberta. The donor of the car, Jerry Kaiser, drew the ticket.

President Gord Ross thanked Evan Davis for handling the car raffle.

“We get people who say they like what we do but they live too far away to volunteer,’’ said Ross.

He noted Evan Davis lives near Prince Albert, yet he stick-handled the raffle.

“Living too far away is no longer an excuse for not volunteering.’’

Winners of the 50-50 draws were Tiray Caron of Moose Jaw for $572.50 on Saturday and Wanda Hudson of Coderre for $615 on Sunday. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Museum restores rare 1918 Massey tractor

Visitors to the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum threshing bee witnessed the first public viewing of a rare 126 year old tractor.

The 1918 Massy #2 tractor led the tractor parade on both days. Only 40 of the 546 produced between 1918-21 remain.

The tractor was just a pile of parts in a shed when museum members stumbled on them. The engine block had a hole in it.

It was decided this tractor was so rare they had to restore the unit.

“Basically we started with nothing,” said Maurie Reyes, who led the team that included Fred Douglas, Frank Lloyd, Gord Ross, Garry Davis and Danny Farad.

That decision began four years of persevering to restore the old tractor.

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

The museum traded spare parts from machines to have parts cast for the Massey.

“Casting is the only way you can get parts for these old tractors,” said Reyes.

Dwayne Helles of Wapella came to the rescue when he donated an engine front end and other parts.

A 1918 #2 was named the world’s oldest working tractor in the United Kingdom.

Massey was a Canadian implement manufacturer.

The tractor parade featured several rare tractors. One was a Wagner TR-14 four wheel drive from 1953 owned by the Hill family of Boharm and Buttress.

Before the parade the museum had a starter demonstration showing progress with a 1920 Rumley, 730 John Deere diesel and a Caterpillar.

The Rumley required two people, one in the cab, one to safely turn the

heavy flywheel until the engine kicked in.

The 730 had a gas motor and a diesel. The gas motor was started until revved up then the switch was made to diesel.

The Cat also started with a flywheel but the operator had a bar to turn the flywheel more safely.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

SNAPSHOT:

‘Toque’ a break at Hopkins

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

SNAPSHOT: Cory Churko, guitarist for Canadian rock cover band Toque, made a special pre-show stop at the historic Hopkins Dining Parlour on Sept. 5, one day before taking centre stage to headline Homestand ‘25. Churko took time to catch up with owner Linda Lyn, left, as he and the band soaked in the local hospitality that makes Moose Jaw a welcome tour stop for many performers. Photo by: Hopkins Dining Parlour/Facebook

Years of service recognized

Ron Walter - For MooseJaw Express

Eleven volunteers with the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum were recognized for their years of service at the threshing bee.

Frank Lloyd received a 35 year service award. Lloyd, a current director and a former director, has been pretty well a full-time volunteer since retiring He is a blacksmith, works on advertising and promotion, was part of the crew that built the fire hall, works on restoration, security and other areas.

Ian Glidden received a lifetime membership. He is another volunteer who has worked on various projects. Most recently he has tended to the 1913 grain elevator.

Ron Walter received a lifetime membership. Working on advertising and promotion and organizing the 5050 for 12 years, he organized Family Day for four years and published the museum calendar for four years.

Recipients of 10 year service awards were Trish McIntyre, Keith Johnson, Joey Mitchell, Fred Douglas, Ken Millard, Robert Andrews, John Hales and Robby Downton.

President Gord Ross congratulated

Frank Lloyd with award

the volunteers for their service

The Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum and events are entirely run by volunteers, except for two summer students running the admissions office from early May to the threshing bee on the second weekend of September.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

ENTER TO WIN!

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.

Bailiwick

I love to research words to discover their origins and usages over time. Almost any English word is of interest to me, but theological terms are my bailiwick Bailiwick means the sphere in which one has notable knowledge or authority. After theological training in university, seminary, and post-graduate work I have attained some acquaintance with the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and German languages, which are the root languages of many English words. However, my bailiwick is not in the spoken use of those languages, but primarily in the written and research aspects of those languages. As a pastor for over 40 years, I have employed many words in sermons, articles, books, and publications, so I suppose, humbly, that I can also say

Home

Moose Jaw was one of four regions in Saskatchewan to see year-over-year increases in home sales in August, while the municipality was one of seven cities to see double-digit price gains, data show.

There were 60 homes sold in The Friendly City last month, compared to 34 units — an increase of 43 per cent — in August 2024, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association (SRA) said.

Furthermore, there were 75 new listings, an increase of three per cent; 145 new units in inventory, a decrease of 10 per cent; 2.42 months of supply, a decrease of 37 per cent; and 34 days that homes spent on the market.

Moreover, the benchmark price of a home last month was $282,300, which was an increase from $248,424 — or 12 per cent more — compared to August 2024, the data showed. Also, the average price of a home last month was

that English words are my bailiwick

The history of bailiwick lies in the Middle English word bailiff. A bailiff refers to a sheriff or chief officer of a town in medieval England. Bailiff is derived from the Latin word bajulare, meaning to care for or to support. A bailiff cared for the town and its inhabitants.

The second half of bailiwick came from the Middle English word wik, meaning a dwelling place or village. Wik was derived from the Latin word vicus, meaning village. It is thought that the word wik gave rise to village names like Norwich and Warwick.

In the 1400s bailiwick was used to designate the jurisdiction of a bailiff. It was not until the 19th century that bailiwick came to mean a special domain of knowledge, as we use it today. It is not too hard to understand how the knowledge of a bailiff to look after a village could translate into any sphere in which one has superior wisdom or ability.

Synonyms for bailiwick include realm, domain, department, element, field, sphere, walk, province, and kingdom.

Realm suggests area or purview. My shooting par on the golf course is within the realm of possibility. At least I think so.

Domain implies an area of knowledge, influence, or activity. Researching etymologies of words is the domain of a lexicographer.

Department can mean a category consisting of a measurable activity or attribute. My understanding of the current President of the United States is that he is lacking in the trustworthy department.

Element suggests the state naturally or suited to a person or thing. After nine years of university education

$305,073, an increase from $298,971.54 — a jump of two per cent — compared to August 2024.

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

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

The 10-year averages for August show there are usually 50 homes sold, 89 new listings, 275 units in inventory, 5.77 months of supply, 58 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $221,910 and an average price of $242,546, the data show.

Furthermore, the year-to-date data — from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31 — show there have been 420 homes sold, 575 new list-

being in a classroom was her element.

Field implies a division of an activity, subject, or profession. He was outstanding in his field. (This is used in the sense of his profession, not his location on the acreage.)

Sphere means a range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance. The federal government has significant influence in the public sphere.

Walk implies an area of action. Her studies at the institute prepared her for employment in various walks of life.

Province means proper or appropriate function or scope. Questions about biology are outside of my province.

Kingdom infers a zone in which one holds a preeminent position. The downstairs rooms were his own private kingdom.

For most of us there is a bailiwick in which we are competent. Just a thought: it might be best to stick to that bailiwick when pontificating.

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.

ings, 126 units in inventory, 2.4 months of supply, 43 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $271,213 and an average price of $276,886.

Meanwhile, the 10-year averages for year-to-date data show there are usually 382 homes sold, 727 new listings, 253 units in inventory, 5.52 months of supply, 58 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $217,436 and an average price of $246,454.

Provincial data

Building on a record-breaking July, Saskatchewan’s housing market continued to buck national trends in August, marking 26 consecutive months of above-average sales, the SRA said.

With 1,559 transactions reported — up nearly four per cent year-over-year and 15-per-cent above the 10-year average — Saskatchewan wrapped up an active summer and outpaced many other provinces, the association continued.

Despite new listings declining by five per cent year-over-year, provincial inventory levels remained nearly unchanged in August, the data show. Over 1,000 of the 5,168 active units available at month’s end were conditionally sold, resulting in 4,137 available units heading into September.

The provincial residential benchmark price reached $372,200 in August, a slight dip from July’s record high of $372,700, the SRA said. While this modest month-over-month decline aligns with typical seasonal trends, the benchmark price was eight-per-cent higher than in August 2024, highlighting sustained year-over-year price growth in Saskatchewan’s housing market. Although some seasonal slowing in transaction volumes over the coming months is expected to slowdown, underlying demand remains strong across the province.

Little Chicago Show &

A few light showers and grey skies weren’t enough to stall the shine on hundreds of polished classics during this year’s Little Chicago Show & Shine, held Sept. 13 in downtown Moose Jaw.

The fourth annual event drew auto enthusiasts from across the Prairies — and beyond — as more than 500 vehicles of all makes and models lined Main Street North for the one-day celebration of vintage rides, custom builds, and automotive passion.

Hosted by the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA), the Show & Shine is fast becoming a staple on the Saskatchewan car show calendar.

“This event is for anyone who’s got gas in their veins,” said one participant as he towel-dried his fenders between rain showers.

Despite the weather, car clubs, solo collectors, and spectators filled the streets throughout the day, enjoying live music at several stages, local eats, and more than a few under-the-hood conversations.

Ron Isaac

For Ron Isaac of Regina, the show was a chance to revisit his roots that run deep in Moose Jaw.

Isaac brought his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air to this year’s event, a nearly alloriginal beauty that’s just as eye-catching as it was when he first owned one

Shine revs up for year four

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

decades ago.

“That was my first car when I was a kid,” Isaac said. “I wanted another one, so I found this one about 10 years ago. It was already about 90 per cent restored — I just had to polish it up, add a few things like the door trim, and she was good to go.”

His time behind the wheel — and under the hood — is a labour of love.

“Even when it’s done, you always

find something to tinker with,” he said with a smile.

Isaac knows the city well, having once made regular deliveries during his days as a delivery driver for Eaton’s. Decades ago, he ran a dedicated route between Regina and Winnipeg, with Moose Jaw as a key stop along the way — including drop-offs at the now-closed Eaton’s department store downtown.

During those stops, Isaac said he’d often leave his trailer in the alley and grab lunch at the old A&W on the highway, back when carhops still rollerskated to your window. “It had those wind-down trays on the window and everything,” he said. “That’s going back a few years, but those kinds of memories stick with you.”

Isaac said the car show reminded him why he loves returning to the Friendly City.

“I enjoy coming out here — the people are great,” he said. “The car show (demonstrates how) the whole town gets together … it’s one of those things that you don’t see very often. In Regina, they don’t have (a similar event).”

Calvin Kirby

Among the more unique entries this year was

a 1973 Plymouth Fury III, still sporting its original hand-lettered scriptures — a spiritual statement on wheels, courtesy of Rockglen’s Calvin Kirby.

“This car came from Washington State,” Kirby explained. “It was painted when it was new in ’73, and it’s never been touched up since. The guy who did it did a real professional job, and it’s lasted all this time.”

Kirby and his brother travel to car shows across the province to share not just their vehicles, but their faith.

“We come to put out the Word of God and encourage people to go to church,” he said. “It’s not just a churchy thing — you’ve got to live it and believe it. That’s when you start to see the miracles.”

It was Kirby’s first time showing in Moose Jaw, but likely not his last.

“(There are) over 500 cars … some have come from a long way away,” he said. “It has been really good.”

To learn more about the DMJA, visit DowntownMooseJaw.ca or call 306-684-1982.

Spectators walk past rows of vehicles during the Little Chicago Show & Shine in downtown Moose Jaw on Sept. 13, umbrellas in hand. Despite steady rain through the morning, the event rolled on — drawing hundreds of classic cars and enthusiasts from across the Prairies. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Lakshay, left, and Pragati, right, pose with their favourite ride at this year’s Little Chicago Show & Shine. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Calvin Kirby of Rockglen, Sask., poses with his 1973 Plymouth Fury III, still sporting its original hand-lettered scriptures. Kirby brought the car up from Washington State.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, September 10, 2025

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

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

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

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.

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. © 2025 KrazyDad.com

ABUSED, BLADE, BREACH, CLICK, COMPLETION, FLOOR GOLDEN, JUICE, LAPTOP, LATITUDE, LEVEL, LICE, MARBLE MURKY, NEEDLE, NOTICE, OBJECTIONABLE, PADDLE, PAPER PLAINTIFF, PORTAL, RECORD, REFUGE, RENT, REPLY RESURRECTION, SWAMP, TEEM, TERMINATION, THICK, TRACK, ZERO

ACROSS

1. Detective’s assignment

5. Sleighs

10. Break in two

14. Chooses 15. Sound

16. Extra

17. Move back and forth

19. Whale

20. Petroleum 21. Pinch

22. Wool eaters

23. Changed 25. Reluctant

27. Light Emitting Diode

28. A bus traveling empty 31. Bless with oil 34. Angered 35. Type of primate 36. Charged particles

37. Awry

38. Anagram of “Sees”

Angry 40. Plenty 41. Not earlier

42. Vegas performer 44. Mister

45. Unrefined

46. Mixture

50. Spooky

52. Log home

54. 56 in Roman numerals

55. Hang around

56. Whimsical 58. Slave

59. Parenthetical comment

60. Mine entrance 61. Fortune teller 62. Affirmatives 63. Sleeping platforms DOWN 1. Chocolate 2. Spring month 3. Long-legged wading marsh bird 4. S 5. Holy

Sensational 7. Ancient Dead Sea kingdom 8. Dissatisfy

Mayday

Not bumpy

Between north and east

Flatfoot’s lack 13. A leguminous plant

18. Landslide detritus 22. Constructed 24. L L L L

26. Horse feed

28. Routine

29. Abbey area

30. Elk or caribou

31. Goals

32. He built the ark

33. Hormone

34. Inaccurate

37. In the center of

38. Noble 40. Chills and fever

41. Tropical vine

43. Author

Grins 46. Put up with

Coast 48. Evade 49. Breath fresheners 50. Flock members 51. Lack of difficulty 53. Center of rotation 56. Give money

Bar bill

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.

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

140 FOR RENT

Senior Living Condo for Rent - Points West Retirement Cen-

tre, 917 Bradley Street, Moose Jaw, SK. Friendly, warm, home like atmosphere, open floor plan with large living room, full selfcontained kitchen, 2 bedrooms with walk-in closet, balcony, corner unit with beautiful view in 3 directions, ensuite washer and dryer, individual thermostat for heating or cooling, garage available, large and bright dining and common area floor plan, entertainment and bistro facilities, monthly or individual meals available, shuttle service available. For more information or viewing call: Dan 306 631-1669, Judi 306 631-0742

FOR RENT - Quiet South Hill location. 2 bedrooms w/ extra room

in basement, washer/ dryer, fridge, stove, microwave. Larger deck, fenced, parking. Must be quiet, must have references. $1400/ month. Call Cindy at 306-692-8009 (leave a message if not home).

FOR RENT - Quiet South Hill location. Freshly renovated. Small south facing deck, parking at front door. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer, microwave. Includes water, heat, and central air. Power not included. Must provide references. $900/ mnth. Call Cindy at 306-692-8009 (leave a message if not home).

188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES

Meritis Scooter for sale - $2400. Please call 306-691-0140

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

call

*w/ photo*

225 GARAGE SALES  GARAGE SALE - Friday, Sept 19th, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, Sept 20th, 10 am to 3 pm. 302 Wellington Dr. Tools, dog supplies, yard items, home decor, and SO MUCH More! No early birds please.

Building scene still soaring in Moose Jaw

Building permit values for the year

Permits

New dwelling construction has ground to a near halt at eight homes with 28 units this year.

That compares with 27 buildings

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

and 54 units valued at $11.1 million last year.

In August only one home worth $780,000 was started while 13 worth $1.36 million were started last August.

Major commercial permits last month were $350,000 for a Buster Truck Service office building at 863 Snyder Road; $130,000 for Walmart on 551 Thatcher East; $40,000 renovations to

the City Centre Motel, damaged by fire; $2,000 for a restaurant at 54 Stadacona Street East, and $50,000 for a restaurant at 228 Fairford Street West.

One demolition permit was issued.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Obituaries / Memorials

TRESSEL

Kenneth Walter Tressel aged 94 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 7th, 2025. Ken was born on January 15th, 1931 in Duff, SK to Leonard and Millie Tressel, the 5th child in a family of 12. Ken married Iris Schick on November 27th, 1954 and they welcomed two sons, Merv and Doug. Ken worked in construction and the transport industry, and in the 70’s he became a bus driver for the City of Moose Jaw. He held that position until he retired in 1993 at the age of 62.

Ken enjoyed hunting with his dad and brothers, snowmobiling with his sons, and going on trips with Iris that included casino bus trips and winters in the motorhome

Ken was a proud member of the Moose Jaw Warriors Booster Club and was a season ticket holder for 40 years. He was thrilled to be able to watch them win their first league championship in 2024.

Ken’s memory was sharp right up to the end. He loved telling stories of his childhood and sharing Tressel family memories. He remembered everybody’s name, where they lived, and made time to talk to anyone. He also came up with creative ways to fix just about anything and never met a dessert he didn’t like. In his retirement, Ken enjoyed socializing with neighbours, going to the A&W for coffee, and attending family reunions. His love of driving continued when he became a volunteer driver. He ensured his passengers always got to their appointments on time and safely.

He was predeceased by his wife, Iris in 2023; his parents; sisters, Iris and Violet; and brothers: Mervin, Al, Gordon, and Norman. Ken is survived by his children, Merv (Tanya) and Doug (Holly); grandchildren: Marty (Jen), Jesse (Aubrey), Logan, and Paula (Tyler); great-grandchildren: Jordyn, Jackson, and Oliver; and brothers: Cal, Russ, Ross, Craig, and Reg.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

NORMAN CAIRNS

JUNE 18, 1942 – CORONACH, SASKATCHEWAN

JUNE 7, 2025 – CALGARY, ALBERTA

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Norman Cairns, beloved husband of Patricia (née Pattison), on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the age of 82 years.

Norman was born in Coronach, SK, on June 18, 1942, to Robert and Mildred Cairns. In 1974, Norm and Pat were married and blended their families. Norm owned and operated his own heating and air conditioning business for several years, before beginning a long and fulfilling career at the coal mine in Coronach. He remained there until his retirement.

Throughout the years, Norman also enjoyed maintaining his hobby farm and spending time outdoors. After retiring, he and Pat moved to Moose Jaw, SK, splitting their time between there and their cabin at Buffalo Pound Lake, SK. They cherished their retirement years, traveling to visit children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren across Alberta and the U.S., as well as reconnecting with friends and family in Coronach and Willow Bunch. They also spent many cherished days at their cabin in Lincoln, MT, where countless family memories were made.

In 2019, Norm and Pat relocated to Calgary, AB, where they remained until his passing.

Norman was a true tinkerer. He was most at home in his shop, always fixing something. There wasn’t much he couldn’t repair, from his boat to the cabin. He was always keeping busy. He also loved golfing; a passion he enjoyed until Parkinson’s disease eventually made it too difficult. His grandchildren will fondly remember his delicious breakfasts cooked on the BBQ—his pancakes were legendary. Norman's infectious chuckle and mischievous smile will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

A Celebration of Norman’s Life will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Assiniboia 55 Club (102 3rd Avenue West, Assiniboia, SK) at 1:00 p.m. Although Norman spent his final years in Calgary, his heart was always in Saskatchewan. In honour of this, Norman will be laid to rest in Coronach Cemetery.

One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.

-- Will Duran

Chrystine

Dacey Funeral Director

Obituaries / Memorials

MARY LOUISE SEVERSON (NÉE: COTTINGHAM)

SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1943 – AUGUST 31

Mary Louise Severson passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31 Providence Place in Moose Jaw, SK, at the age of 81 years. Mary was born on September 17th, 1943, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to Marie and Albert Cottingham.

She was predeceased by her parents, and her brother, Father David Cottingham, CSsR. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her children: Kirk Severson (Kathy), Mary Lynn Augustine (Randy), and Allyn Severson (Stephania); grandchildren: Chris, Angelique, Jenna, Christin, Kelly, Nickilos, Marusia, Markian, Daria, and Pavlo; great-grandchildren: Rory, Kenzie, Jasper, Nevaeh, Isabel, Nico, Zayden, and Hudson; and sisters, Carol Ann White and Joyce Gosselin. After completing high school, Mary became a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and worked at Valleyview Centre, where she was known as a compassionate and dedicated caregiver who treated her patients with dignity and kindness. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 22 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 1064 3rd Ave NW in Moose Jaw. loved Mary are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her life. Mary will be remembered for her resiliency, deep faith, and unwavering love for her family. She will be dearly missed.

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.”

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Next Service: Sep 21st, 2025 10:30am

Rev. Walter Engel

Refreshing Moments A

Almost Doesn’t Change Anything

A poet once wrote, “Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, `It might have been.’”

How do we evaluate our Christian lives and experiences? Are there almost experiences in our walk with Christ? Moments when we stopped before crossing the finish line.

I am sure we have all wondered about what might have or could have been in our lives. The Bible clearly teaches there is no almost salvation or almost commitment to Christ.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:30

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.’

When we almost do something, we don’t do it at all.

If we are to choose Christ, then we must follow Him wholeheartedly.

Matthew 16:24 – 26 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

It comes down to this: we must

determine to commit to do the right thing and avoid entertaining alternatives. Beware, a little compromise leads to more compromise.

The choice to serve Christ is ours. Where are we at today? Are we committed to Christ, or do we just know about Him?

We need to be more than familiar with Scripture; we must allow God’s Word to change us.

Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and

sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him

Let’s be honest. Our hearts have

By trying, we can easily learn to endure adversity -another man’s, I mean.

-- Mark Twain

******** In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us. -- Beverly Sills

often been challenged and we have answered by almost responding to the move of God through Holy Spirit in our hearts. The result: almost didn’t change anything. Instead, we carried on as we did before.

Friend, the choice to follow Christ is ours; the question is, will we respond or will we just have another almost moment?

The excerpt above was extracted from a devotional book that was written to encourage individuals in their daily walk with Christ to provide practical guidance and encouragement. If you are interested in purchasing the book, please email RefreshingMoments@ outlook.com

holy

Pastor Alex Allan is a Moose Jaw retired credentialed minister in the Church of God in Western Canada and has served as a hospital chaplain and is an experienced pastoral counsellor. He has an extensive background in communications, having worked in radio, television and print media.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

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

Town N’ Country Mall events

Job Fair – Tuesday, September 17, 10am–4pm. Bring your résumé and be prepared for a mini interview. Fall Basket Giveaway – Sunday, September 22. Ballots available at participating stores.

T-Land Grand Opening – Thursday, September 18. SCRAPS Flea Market – Friday, September 26 (10am–6:30pm), Saturday, September 27 (10am–4pm), and Sunday, September 28 (10am–4pm). If you have donations, please contact Tara at 306-630-1822.

Truth and Reconciliation Day – Saturday, September 27, 11am–4pm. Indigenous vendors throughout the mall, traditional dancers 1pm–3pm, with dignitaries speaking at 1pm. The Moose Jaw Art Guild will meet September 18, 3:00pm at the MJMAG in the Activity Room. For information call 306692-6667.

STS Moose Jaw Superannuated Teachers LUNCHEON will be held on Wednesday, September 17, starting at 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Chat - circulate and connect with past colleagues/11:00 - Program: STS Executive Director Murray Wall and Anna Shewchuk from Blue Cross/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, September 14, 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. All meetings are at the Masonic Temple Hall, 1755 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK Dates for Upcoming Luncheons: Wed. Sept 17, 2025/Wed. Nov. 19, 2025/Wed. Jan. 21, 2026/Wed. March 18, 2026/Wed. May 20, 2026

National Association of Federal Retirees #23 General meeting at 2pm , Sept 18 (Thurs.),2025 in Tim Eaton’s card room. 510 Main Street North , Moose Jaw. All members encouraged to attend.

Reviewing how we did with our recruitment/info booth at sidewalk days. New members always welcome! Members are retired military, RCMP& Fed. gov office workers. Guest speaker at 2:25 pm from AIDS Programs Southern Sask. Members of MJ&DSA and other seniors welcome to listen to speaker. 37th Annual Moose Jaw Toy Run Parade on Saturday, September 20th, 2pm SHARP. Parade starts at the bottom of the 4th Ave. Bridge. Riders are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy, book, or cash donation. Rib Night to follow at The Crushed Can 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., September 25 - November 27, 2025 at the Comfort Inn. Lessons are $40. For more information or to register, contact Anita at (306) 630-1256. 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, 306-6305790

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>

Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary Used Book & Jigsaw Puzzle Sale in the hospital lobby September 29 until October 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will also be a Penny Parade and Raffle. Proceeds will go toward new hospital equipment. Books and puzzles in good shape may be dropped off at the Gift Shop.

Moose Jaw Camera Club The club welcomes photography enthusiasts ranging from beginner to experienced and from cell phone to advanced camera equipment users. Everyone is welcome to come to this meeting and see what the club is about and enjoy “Popcorn and a Slideshow” of members’ amazing photography at no charge or obligation. For Club information: Georgina 306-630-7835 or Betty 306-371-5220.

The Moose Jaw event for the first annual Canadian Association of Photographic Arts - National Photo Walk will be held on Saturday September 20. The walk will take place from 9am - 10:30am and begin from the pavilion at the skating oval in Wakamow.

The photo walk is open to photographers of all experience levels. Whether you take pictures on your cell phone, or on a high end manual camera, the event is a fantastic way to celebrate photography, build community, and raise awareness of the photographic opportunities in our own back yard. There is no fee to participate, but participants are asked to register at https://capacanada.link/2025-photo-walk All registered

participants will be entered to win prizes and will be able to share their images to the national photo walk site.

In Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: April and May. Call or text 306 756 2819.

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

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

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

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month status to take place on the third Friday of each month Church of Our Lady Bingo takes place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well: -Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw NarAnon 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

Wear orange in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Movie club

The Death of Stalin: The Death of Stalin, directed by Armando Iannucci, is a dark political satire chronicling the chaos and power struggles among Soviet leaders following Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953, blending sharp comedy with biting commentary on authoritarian regimes. Show date: Monday, Sept. 29

The library’s 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.

There’s Something in the Water: Produced and co-directed by Elliot Page, the film explores the impacts of environmental racism in Nova Scotia, highlighting the struggles of Black and Indigenous communities facing ecological damage and their ongoing fight for a sustainable future. Show date: Thursday, Sept. 25

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.

The Three Musketeers (1993): Saturday, Sept. 20 (rated PG)

Maker nights

Maker nights provide an evening dedicated to learning and creating with others. Register by calling 306-692-8210. The program runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 13 and up.

Maker night: Guests will make stone wrapping creations on Monday, Sept. 22. Advance registration is required.

Maker Saturdays: Guests will make paper roller coasters on Sept. 13 and do Scratch programming on Sept. 27. Advance registration is required.

Children’s programming

LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the li-

brary’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, Sept. 17, and 24

Daycare Storytime: Monday, Sept. 15, 22, and 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

Build Shapes with Playdough: Guests are invited to join Miss A as they make their own playdough to take home and build 2D and 3D shapes with straws and playdough in the Children’s Program Room from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. Registration is required.

Come and Go Play: Enjoy a story, sensory activities, play, and meet new people in the Children’s Program Room from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the library. The free event is a drop-in program for ages zero to five, and guests can come and go as they please.

Youth programming

The library’s Teen Anime+ Club meets every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to watch anime, read manga, draw, chat, and eat Asian snacks. Anyone ages 12 to 19 is welcome to attend in the library’s theatre and yes — cosplay is welcome.

Next Anime+ meeting: Featuring “Demon Slayer” on Wednesday, Sept. 24

The Teen Arts & Crafts program takes place once a month for youth ages 12 to 19 and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The program features art, crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet new friends.

Leaf art: Wednesday, Sept. 17

The Teen Gamers program provides an evening of video, card, and board games for youth ages 12 to 19. The program is held once a month in the Herb Taylor Room with snacks provided from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no registration is required.

Upcoming chess games: Sunday, Sept. 14 and 28

Magic: The Gathering is held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room. No registration is required, with all experience levels welcome.

• Magic: The Gathering: Saturday, Sept 20, and 27 Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Archives Room, and players ages 12 to 16 across all experience levels are invited.

Digital D&D: Takes place Fridays on the youth Discord channel for ages 16 to 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Email Youth@MJLibrary. ca to inquire.

D&D: Insectopia: Group A will meet on Tuesdays until Sept. 23, starting at 6:30 p.m., and Group B will meet on Thursdays to Sept. 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Crescent and can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary.ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@MJLibrary.ca. It’s advisable to check the library’s Facebook page for updates as programs are subject to possible cancellations or rescheduling. The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw is making it’s move to their new location – 693 Fairford Street W. Please call to see when opening day is. Contact: 306-6925453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59

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

SUMMER LOUNGE HOURS: Monday 10am-8pm; TuesdayThursday 10am-5pm; Friday 10am-9pm; Saturday 11am6pm; Closed Sundays

VETERANS MORNING COFFEE – Monday–Friday @ 10am; Saturday @ 11am

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm. For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca

The centre is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday’s 8am4pm

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

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

Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Everyone is welcomed.

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

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

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

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday pickleball @ Cancelled for summer

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

Cribbage – Wednesdays

Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am/Pickleball 9am/Shuffleboard 1pm/Pickleball 3:45 Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pm-Pickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking8:15am and 11:30am Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/ Indoor Walking - 11:30am/Art Drop In - 1:00pm/ Pickleball 3:45pm and Beginner Pickleball 7:00pm Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball/ Indoor Walking8:15am 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 Pickleball1:00pm

September 19 - 1:00 Tenant Act Presentation (by Grayson & Company)

September 20 - 12:00 - 5:00 Line Dance Jamboree September 20 - 7:30pm Social Dance with Jim Woytuik, $15 admission

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net

Monday/Tuesday – Open 12 to 7 pm

Wednesday – 12 – 6 pm 10 card Crib and Smear Thursday – 12 – 7 pm Regular Crib and Smear Friday – 1 - 10 pm Pool and Darts (7 pm) Saturday – 1 – 7pm Meat Draw at 4:30 pm, 50/50 and gift cards. Everyone welcome.

Metis Local #160 Fall Fundraiser Supper on September 21, Doors Open: 5 pm - Closes: 6:30 pm Catered by Veroba’s - Meal includes cabbage rolls, perogies, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, veg, salads, and dessert. $20/plate. Everyone Welcome!

“Original Covers” Live for 2 nights! On September 26th and 27th starts at 7 pm. Come out with your dancing shoes on! Hope to see you there.

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 meeting7:00 pm Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM. ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

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

revenue or great starter home, move-in ready, open design between the living room and kitchen, 2 bedrooms on the main floor large rear entrance and a front porch, basement family room and laundry room and bedroom, arge deck off the back entrance, single car garage.

of Moose Jaw and just minutes from the city in the RM Of Moose Jaw, zoned as Agricultural and has some grazing cows as tenants but offers plenty of opportunities! This is prime land located just off the #1 Highway. Subdivision of salvage yard is in progress, roughly a 14 acre section!

Spacious foyer,

Grant McLaughlin, long-time fixer of Moose Jaw’s murals, retires

After more than 20 years of maintaining Moose Jaw’s many murals, artist Grant McLaughlin has handed over his paint and brush to another repairer and retired from the physically demanding role. McLaughlin, 82, reflected on his decades of climbing up and down ladders to repair murals, noting it has become more difficult to find and rent scaffolding, while most artists use scissor lifts today.

“You’re knees get worn down, and your hands and your wrists, and (so) I just thought it was time (to retire),” he said. “I’ve got other things I’d kind of like to focus on — some smaller things, too.

“I’ve done it for enough years that I just thought it was time for other people (to take on the responsibility and gain experience),” he continued. “I don’t quite have the energy I had, either.”

The artist said that, besides him, Gus Froese, Dale Cline, and others also helped launch the murals project in the early 1990s, while they were the first in Saskatchewan to do so. Moreover, their efforts helped revitalize the downtown before other projects like the spa or tunnels.

McLaughlin added that it was a great feeling knowing he contributed to the community’s history, built up people’s understanding of the past, and felt satisfaction in what he accomplished.

The murals that McLaughlin painted include Cruising Main Street, A Tribute to Lewis Rice, Fire Watch, Postcards from Moose Jaw, Hopes and Dreams, Living with the Land, Winter Carnival,

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Peacock Presents, The Jewels and the Royals (a multi-artist project), Centennial Mural, Tribute to Gary Hyland and Riding for the Brand.

McLaughlin said he is a history buff and enjoyed working on those types of murals, and whether he created or repaired such artworks here or in Alberta, he learned about many different topics.

Continuing, he said he enjoyed painting on big canvases, climbing up ladders, working from great heights and engaging in the physical work. He also pointed out that creating murals on the exteriors of buildings is similar to exhibiting artwork in a permanent gallery since everyone can see them.

“I’ve become known as a Mr. Fixit, whether it’s sculptures or different types of artwork. So, I kind of like the different challenges of that,” McLaugh-

lin said.

The artist noted that he has always enjoyed volunteering and giving back, so one way he did that over the years was by painting murals that promoted the community.

“It’s something that I enjoyed doing,” he remarked.

McLaughlin said he appreciated the compliments tourists gave him, while he enjoyed interacting with groups that wanted him to create new murals. Additionally, he regularly included his students in his projects.

“You try to do things where you’re promoting the value of art and not just the value of history,” he said.

Although McLaughlin is stepping away from maintaining the murals, he’s not quitting the art world completely. He joked that his summers “might get boring” if he didn’t do something to occupy his time, while he pointed out that artists usually have more ideas than time to complete them.

Some of his more recent projects included refurbishing a tile-covered

metal-and-concrete turtle in Wakamow Valley and working with the Northwest Community Association and Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery to install a tilecovered metal-and-concrete butterfly near Spring Creek.

Meanwhile, Tonia Vermette is replacing McLaughlin as the new mural repairer, and he said she has a “gung-ho” attitude and will do well.

She’s already refurbished the backside of the “History CPR Station” mural, while she’s now working on the “Stormin’ Main Street” artwork.

Continuing, he said that at least half the murals in Moose Jaw are faded — especially “Air Force Blue” and “For The Veterans” — which means over the coming years, Vermette faces a big job of scraping and sanding. Yet, he thought she was capable since she was used to hard work.

McLaughlin — who gave Vermette his paint supplies — added that he would be available to offer her advice and provide equipment if necessary.

Grant McLaughlin, who maintained and repaired Moose Jaw’s murals over several decades, has retired from that role. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

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