Preeceville Progress 2023-06-15

Sturgis Composite School year in review: getting back to ‘normal’

BY JAINYLLE GAGNON, SCS reporter

The school year at Sturgis Composite School had its ups and downs, stated Kipp Bayer.

Every year comes with challenges, but this was a year that the staff has done their best to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and get back to a “normal” school year. Our school’s principal, Kipp Bayer said that, “This year, especially, it was difficult to get back to normal.”

Bayer also said that a big issue they have had

to take on was student anxiety. Coming out of the pandemic everyone was anxious to get back into their everyday school routines. He said that the students are more anxious now than they ever were before. There was no way around being able to bounce back quickly.

“Everyone was affected differently,” stated Bayer.

The school year could have been worse, but the staff were there to help everyone re-settle. If a student was in need of help or assistance someone

would be there to help. There’s no real way of getting rid of problems of any kind completely, but Bayer said that he was thankful for what we have at the school. “We are very fortunate here and there will always be problems. The students adjust well, the staff works well with the students, and everyone stays positive.”

If there was one thing that he wished were different with the school it would be that there were more people here to connect. People thrive

when they find others to get along with, so it’s always a great time when a new student can join the school. Bayer has noticed that, “The kids are feeling isolated.” When a student has a peer that they can connect with it makes all the difference. The school flourishes when different schools and communities connect with SCS.

Next school year, Bayer hopes to bring activities into the spotlight, like drama, that connect students with each other. He hopes that the members

of the SRC, Student Representative Council, would be able to join in meetings with other staff members. He believes that the students deserve to have a voice in what happens at the school too. The school will continue to do their best to fit the needs of the students so they can get the best experience possible.

Everyone has a role in the school. This school is welcome to everyone, and with that, principal. Bayer said, “It’s our school, not my school.”

Jaxon Kurtynik, left, and Hunter Modeland helped rescue ducks caught in the rocks during the Sturgis Kin Club Duck Derby held at Sturgis Regional Park on June 4. See the story and more photos on Page 6.

The school year at Sturgis Composite School had its ups and downs, stated principal Kipp Bayer.

Walk-and-roll-to-school day held at Preeceville

The Preeceville School students and staff took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the walk-and-roll incentive to walk or ride a bicycle to school on June 7.

The group gathered at the Preeceville wildlife campground and walked back to the school together.

The program invited all staff and students in the Good Spirit School Division to chose active transportation as their means to getting to work, by walking, running or riding to work or school, according to a press release. The benefits of choosing an active transportation

method features reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

The physical activity improves vigour, self-esteem and provides a sense of wellbeing. Health Canada reports that only 27 per cent of Canadians achieve health benefits from enough daily physical activity.

According to Transportation Canada, the number of cars per 1,000 Canadians has doubled since 1960. Distances driven and frequency of trips have steadily increased. Bicycling and walking can alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution.

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The Preeceville School students and staff took advantage of the walk-and-roll incentive to walk or ride a bicycle to school on June 7.

Students and staff from the Preeceville School chose a variety of different methods of getting to school through the Walk and Roll incentive program.

Large group of goats hit the road near Sturgis

BY SGT. DEREK FRIESEN

Canora RCMP

Detachment

The Canora/Sturgis

RCMP responded to 50 calls from June 1 to June 8, some of which included: two 911 Act calls, one animal call, one assault with a weapon, one being unlawfully in a dwelling house, one break-and-enter, three breach of peace calls, two Child Welfare Act calls, two failures to attend court, one failure

to comply with an order, one false alarm, one fraud, one harassing communications, one Mental Health Act call, one mischief, three other provincial calls, one possession of a weapon, one theft, 16 traffic offenses, two suspicious persons, one theft of a truck, one uttering threats, one wellbeing check, and two prisoners.

Anxious to get mail?

On June 2, the Canora/ Sturgis RCMP were

dispatched to a report of a break-and-enter attempt into the Stenen Post Office by prying open the doors. Police continue to investigate.

Substance problem

The Canora/Sturgis

RCMP charged a male on June 2 for failing to comply with conditions of an undertaking by consuming fentanyl.

Wandering goats

The Canora/Sturgis

RCMP were dispatched to report of a large group

of goats on Highway 9 south of Sturgis on June 4. Police attended the area but the goats were gone upon arrival.

Residential assault

On June 6, the Canora/ Sturgis RCMP were dispatched to a report of an assault that occurred involving two females outside a residence in Canora. Police investigated the matter and charged a 53-year-old woman with assault causing bodily harm.

Wellbeing check

The Canora/Sturgis RCMP received a request on June 7 to locate a male in Canora for a wellbeing check. Police investigated and determined the male was now in the care of the Province.

Report tips and information

If you have any information about these or any other crimes, or any substances involved in these incidents, please contact the

Canora RCMP at 306563-4700, or you can also report anonymously via Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com. Call the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) Line, toll-free, at 1-800-6677561 or #5555 from a SaskTel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages).

Most of the crop is in the ground, rains crops in drier regions

Ninety-four per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 81 per cent last week and slightly behind the fiveyear average (2018-22) of 99 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly crop report for May 30 to June 5. Producers are progressing in seeding as weather conditions allow, but the rain this week has delayed many from completing operations.

Most of the region received rain this week.

There are many reports of flooding in the region. Still, many producers were happy to see the rain as it helped improve moisture conditions in the drier parts of the region. The Wynyard area received 47 mm of rain; Saltcoats, 45 mm; the Craven and Stalwart areas, 40 mm and the Lipton area, 36 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate and 10 per cent short. Hay and pasture

land is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and six per cent very short.

Recent rain falls and high temperatures have helped support crop emergence and development. Sixteen per cent of the fall cereal crops are in the shot blade stage, while 31 per cent of the spring cereals are tillering. Forty-six per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 31 per cent is in the seedling stage, along with 10 per cent of flax in the seedling

Sask. wildfire evacuees save Battlefords residents from fire

A fire on the 700 block of 99th street in North Battleford on May 30 -City of North Battleford

With seeding nearing completion across the region, recent moisture has supported emergence and development of early seeded crops.

stage. Forty-six per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 47 per cent are in the vegetative stage.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to localized flooding, wind, flea beetles and

grasshoppers. Producers are busy spraying, picking rocks and moving cattle to pasture.

MIGUEL FENRICH

Battlefords News

Optimist

NORTH BATTLEFORD

— It was not a typical patrol for security guards Dwayne Bourassa, Ethan Maurice, Roger McCallum and Edwin Gunn in North Battleford in the early hours of May 30, who saved two elderly residents from what could have been a catastrophic house fire.

Early in the morning of May 30, a structure on 99th Street was engulfed in flames when the North Battleford Fire Department arrived, but due to the efforts of the four security guards recently evacuated from English River First Nation, the two elderly residents escaped without

injury.

“While conducting security checks at the Tropical Inn Hotel, Dwayne, Ethan, Roger and Edwin observed smoke coming from the 99th Street area of town,” commented Deputy Chief Paul Perry.

“They immediately attended that neighbourhood, discovered the fire, and rendered assistance to evacuate the property’s residents before our Fire Department arrived on the scene,” said Perry.

The First Security employees are among the more than 500 evacuees who have stayed in North Battleford while wildfires raged in Northern Saskatchewan and were on

duty assisting with overseeing the safety of wildfire evacuees at city hotels overnight, as over 250 wildfire evacuees remain in the city.

“Without the actions of these selfless people, the outcome of this structure fire would have been much different and had the potential to result in loss of life. The North Battleford Fire Department commends Dwayne, Ethan, Roger, and Edwin for their efforts and wishes to publicly thank them for their heroic actions in our community,” Perry added.

According to the city, a preliminary investigation has determined the cause to be electrical and accidental in nature.

123 First Avenue East (Box 746)

Canora, Saskatchewan

Phone: 306-563-5131 · Fax: 306-563-6144

Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri.: 8 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm

Tues.: 8 am – 12 pm, closed afternoons

LOOKING BACK A decade ago

The Sturgis Kinsmen duck derby was reported as another success after members sold all 746 plastic ducks. The annual event was held at the Sturgis Regional Park with family and friends enjoying the day.

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A funnel cloud was sighted near Preeceville. It did not touch down in town but it did touch down in a field at Nelson Lake.

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The Good Spirit School Division band concert and awards night held in Sturgis featured band performances and awards of excellence were presented to members.

Jerry Lisitza was the band instructor who conducted the performances.

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Saskatchewan merchandise exports were up $724 million in the last four months of 2013 over the same period last year, the highest increase among Canadian provinces, according to Statistics Canada.

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In mid-May some of the members of the Kelsey Ecological Society toured the site of the known sharptailed grouse.

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A special flag was raised in Preeceville to promote tourism awareness during Tourism Week.

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The Sunrise Regional Health Authority approved the plan for its fourth consecutive balanced operating budget.

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Sturgis Composite School students and staff had the opportunity to try their hand at rock wall climbing when Camp Whitesand in Theodore brought its wall exhibit to the school.

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The Preeceville Harvard Air Cadet squadron enjoyed an outdoor camping weekend at Lady Lake Regional Park.

Agriculture is still the engine that drives the Saskatchewan economy The Ag Scene

For anyone who pauses for even a couple of minutes to reflect on what drives Saskatchewan the answer is quite obviously agriculture.

The same is largely true for the rest of the Prairies too.

Yes today the economies are more diverse, oil and gas, and potash being examples, but take away agriculture and the region would be a mere shadow of what it is today.

In that regard it was interesting to attend a recent Arbor Week event held at the old brick mill location in Yorkton.

During the event it was noted how the mill was once a hub of activity locally. Farmers would bring wheat in and take home flour and the time spent at the mill made it a place to share stories and create friendships.

The rather unassuming box-like building that

CALVIN DANIELS

has stood for decades hardly looks like it could have been so integral to the early days of Yorkton, but it was.

People populated the area to farm, and a flour mill was an important market which helped Yorkton in its path to being an agricultural service centre.

Flash-forward to today and that has not changed.

As was pointed out, the city is very much a farmservice hub albeit more diverse than a wheat flour mill.

We know the importance of canola crushing in the city, and how major expansion to both the

Richardson and Louis

Dreyfus crush facilities are impacting the local economy in a major way through construction jobs and ultimately new plant jobs.

“We’re ecstatic,” said Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley regarding the LDC expansion announcement.

Hippsley said the city will get a short-term construction boost and then long-term jobs when completed.

“It will add all kinds of new lifeblood to the city,” he said, adding construction will be a two-tothree-year process and that means construction

A number of well-known writers have looked to the plant world for inspiration

Have you heard this famous verse: “O, Adam was a gardener, and God who made him sees, that half a proper gardener’s work is done upon his knees.” Rudyard Kipling had those lines in the closing stanza of The Glory Of The Garden as well as And the Glory of the Garden it shall never pass away!

An interesting factoid, more than 125 plants and trees are listed in the Bible – and gardens are mentioned in more than 61 verses.

Even the bard, William Shakespeare, used plants and their symbolism many times in his writing. He must have been a gardener at heart, even if he never had time in between writing to actually get out there and putter among the flowers! In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the entire play takes place outdoors in the woods, and these romantic surroundings help set the mood for love!

Just listen to these four lines: “I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and eglantine.” In four lines, there are six plants mentioned! As a gardener, I had to look them up and find out what they were.

We know thyme, of course: a sturdy, dependable herb that can survive in our climate, has a low growing

PREECEVILLE PROGRESS AND STURGIS REVIEW

The Garden Grapevine

DEBBIE HAYWARD

habit, makes an excellent filler in between steppingstones, and is an invaluable herb in the kitchen to give zing to your cooking.

Oxlips were a mystery, but I discovered that they are a type of primula! Primulas, also known as primroses, are mainly spring bloomers. We all know them from the beautiful array we often see in grocery stores around Easter. They come in vibrant colors like yellow, red, pink, purple or white. Violets are familiar to us; they are a woodland plant that loves moist soil and filtered light. I was surprised to discover that “woodbine” is Virginia creeper. Virginia creeper is another hardy vine that grows easily here, and I think I like it best because of how it turns such a brilliant red in the fall.

crews spending dollars while in Yorkton.

But canola is just one facet of the processing done locally, with oat processing, flax crushing, and meat processing all contributing in a major way to the city.

Then of course are the implement dealerships, and fertilizer distributors and other businesses that exist only to serve farm customers.

Yorkton is certainly not unique in being a farm service hub community, but it is a very obvious example of how agriculture is critical in terms of business development in the province.

It is simply the province remaining farmbased at its core, and communities reaping the benefit as businesses develop to serve the ag sector. It has been that way for more than a century and will no doubt remain so for decades to come.

“Musk roses” are a very fragrant type of rose. Largely developed by Joseph Pemberton of England, they are best defined as a cross between tea roses and multiflora roses. From what I read, scent seemed to be the main objective in their development. Musk roses have a rich, warm scent that is not what we think of when we think of roses, but a scent that is more like fruit, honey, and spices. One garden writer described the scent as “a potion of bliss.” Don’t they sound terrific?

Last but not least is “eglantine,” which is described as “sweet brier.” And when I found a picture, it looks like our wild roses. As prairie gardeners, we all know how lovely they are, even though they are wild and prickly! The summer before Keith and I got married, we spent an afternoon in the country, collecting buds from wild rose bushes to use in the dried flower petal confetti for our wedding. The afternoon was lovely, but it takes an astounding amount of picking to collect a few handfuls of buds. Who knew!

So imagine what a beautiful setting all those plants together would make! Maybe one year we can try a Shakespeare or biblical themed garden. That would be fun!

Don’t work too hard and have a beautiful week in your garden, especially on June 18, National Garden Day!

What’s in a number, Even or Odd?

A number can be an abstract scenario or an actual thing or event.

One is a start, two is great and three is company. Four is a pair of twins plus two extra and five is a nickel. Six is a Smith and Wesson revolver that might cause seven years of bad luck. Eight is a cue ball, nine is a team and ten is a dime. Eleven is one short of twelve and thirteen is a baker’s dozen and also the start of your teenage years. Some numbers are odd, and others are even. So I ask, what’s in a number? In school I had a friend named Odd and his best friend was Even, and when they were together in the classroom, we would give them even odds on who had done the homework.

My late twin brother Kjell and I were born in the middle of the Second World War. After the teen years I made the first milestone of 20 in Oslo, Norway and moved to Vancouver, B.C, Canada four years later. The milestone of 30 was celebrated in Vancouver, followed by 40 and 50 in Edmonton, 60 at Pigeon Lake, Ala., followed by 70 in Preeceville and now I’m shooting for 80 in July here in Wilkie. But what’s in a number? My body might feel the cruel reality of getting older, but my brain is stuck somewhere between 40 and 50, and still able to think up a good prank or two when required.

Ole and Sven were enjoying their Sheppard’s

Pie at Moe’s Bottoms Up Bar and Grille chased by shots of Akevitt and Moe’s special lager.

“My neighbour Reidar,” said Ole, “claimed to have had a horse that could count. What’s more impressive than that?”

“Wow,” said Sven, “that definitely beats a spelling bee!”

Knut joined them for cherry pie with a dollop of ice cream along with coffee and shots of St. Halvard liqueur.

“My friend Olaf is a retired pugilist,” said Knut, “which is a boxer by definition. He was having trouble sleeping, so he went to consult with his physician, who suggested that he should try counting sheep. Olaf told the doctor that he had tried that, but every time he came to the count of nine, he automatically stood up!”

Moe joined them for another round of St. Halvard and coffee as the

lunch trade was over.

“It has been proven again,” said Moe, “don’t mess with a senior citizen!”

“What happened?” asked Ole.

“Gunhild, my neighbour, looking rather shaggy in her old clothes, went to her bank, handed the teller her debit card and driver’s license for identification, and asked if she could please withdraw $20 from her account. The teller, being annoyed at such a small transaction, rudely told Gunhild to go to the ATM and stop holding up the line for $20. Whereupon Gunhild told her OK, then she wanted to withdraw $20,000 from her account. The teller glared at Gunhild,

took her debit card and checked her account, only to find that the account balance was in excess of $800,000. She apologized to Gunhild, informed the manager of the high amount of cash required, who went to the bank vault and topped up the teller’s cash. The teller started counting the money. After a few minutes, she handed over the $20,000 in thousand and hundred-dollar bills to Gunhild, and asked if there was anything else she could help her with. Gunhild smiled and said yes indeed there is, she would like to deposit $19,980, pushing all the money back to the teller. The moral of the story: Don’t mess with us seniors!”

Lacrosse tournament welcomed players and fans back to the field

The Sturgis Trojans Lacrosse teams played host to teams from Yorkton, Churchbridge, Kelvington and Weyburn in a home tournament held on June 3.

“No scores were really kept officially and the teams had a great time being back on the field. The day turned out excellent,” said Kristen Peterson, coach.

The girls lacrosse team played an intramural game against each other as there are no other girls teams in Saskatchewan.

The team has 16 members and is coached by Kristen Peterson and Nicole Korpusik.

“The girls have been busy playing hard, learning to play the game and there will be a slot at Provincials in Regina for them to play and showcase the sport.

“It was great to see the fields full of people and a sea of orange (our lacrosse group of players, parents, and fans) at the field,” said Peterson, who is a representative for the Sturgis Lacrosse organization.

Sturgis Community Bingo winners listed

Sturgis Community

bingo winners for June 6 were: Suzy Jolson, Patsy Letwiniuk, Margaret Veilleux, Lennette Geistlinger, Olga Wasylyniuk (two), Karen

Thank You

Karcha, Gwen Clark, Helen Tymryk, Margaret Schneider, Sheila McLeod, Jean Babiuk, Lila Duff, Larry Pozniak, Michelle Schneider and Gail O’Dell (two).

The family of BEN ZARAZUN would like to thank everyone for your outpouring of Love and Kindness, concern and encouragement after our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away. We read each of your cards and notes and we are comforted by so many kind words. We know how much he was loved by everyone who knew him. Your words have given us more comfort than we can say. A special thank you goes out to Josh, Erin and Blake for your patience, your support and your friendship. You are simply amazing. Thank you to all and we hope each of you are blessed with good health a long life and love that surrounds you each day.

Love from Gail, David, Laurie, Reg and Les, Brandon and Haley, Teagan and Corbin, Finley, Katherine, Brenan, Harlow, Oakly and Willow.

Call 306-563-5131

Cash Severson of the Sturgis Lacrosse U7 team took advantage of his Yorkton opponent to gain control of the ball.

Morgan Olson of the Sturgis Lacrosse all-girls team scooped up the ball during an intramural game between the girls.

Facing off for control of the ball during the all-girls lacrosse game, from left, were: Alexis Firman, Skylee Petras, Amrie Seerey, Morgan Olson, Emma Olson and Mia Mitchell.

Members of the Sturgis lacrosse all-girls team, from left, were: (back row) Kristen Peterson (coach), Katie Hauber, Morgan Olson, Emma Olson, Danika Soltys, Kylie Babiuk, Brea Babiarz, Layla Jaeb, Savannah Olson, Alexis Firman and Nicole Korpusik (coach) and, (front) Amrie Seerey, Allie Babiuk, Rylee Coleman, Brea Beblow, Skylee Petras, Mackenna Firman and Mia Mitchell.

Annual duck derby back to the river in Sturgis

The Sturgis Kin club annual duck derby was another success with 682 ducks sold. The past few years the club had to improvise when COVID-19 hit and were forced to host the derby in a more low key event, but this year

the club went back to the Sturgis Regional Park on June 4.

The fun family event featured a hot day followed by a hot dog lunch before dumping the ducks into the Assiniboine River.

Once cast over the bridge,

the ducks floated down the river to the finish line where the top four ducks were scooped up members. Chris Walker and Brennan Boyko dumped the ducks and also caught the ducks at the finish line.

A large inflatable bouncy castle was set up for children’s entertainment.

Kin club members who helped put on the event were: Chris Walker, Ashten Walker, Daniel Wasylenchuk, Lecia Chalupiak and Rhonda Olson.

Katherine Walker won first place, Gladys Wasylenchuk placed second, Brooke Medlang came in third, and Merv Blender finished fourth.

Jaeb - Preeceville

Brennan Boyka, left and Chris Walker were responsible for catching ducks as they crossed the finish line at the Sturgis Kin Club Duck Derby.

Six hundred and eight-two ducks were dumped into the Assiniboine river during the Sturgis Kin Clubʼs Duck Derby.

Sophia Boyko found a relaxing spot to hang out at the Sturgis Duck Derby.

Some of the Sturgis Kin Club members who helped at the Duck Derby on June 4 from left, were: (back row) Rhonda Olson and Lecia Chalupiak; and (front) Nicholas Chalupiak and Ashten Walker.

Relaxing in the shade, from left, were: Cheryl Walker, Hunter Modeland, Jaxon Kurtynik, Gail Modeland, Jenna Modeland and Aileen Lubiniecki.

Vintage wedding dresses bring back fond memories

Lorna Homstol of Preeceville had worn her mother ʼ s Clara Olsen wedding dress when she married Norman Homstol on October 1941. Her mother married Henry Olsen in 1912. Her dress is currently on display at the Preeceville and District Heritage Museum.

Lorna Homstol, currently a resident at the Preeceville Long Term care home was recently photographed in front of her mothers and grandmothers original wedding dresses that are currently on display at the Preeceville and District Museum. The white dress on the left was her mothers that she had worn at her wedding and the brown one is her grandmotherʼs.

Lorna Homstol, a resident of the Preeceville Long Term Care recently had the opportunity to reminisce about her grandparents Samuel and Christine Swan when she posed for a picture in front of her grandmotherʼs brown wedding dress that is on display at the Preeceville and District Heritage Museum. Samuel and Christine Swan were married in 1889.

Gateway Co-op customers rewarded for their support

The Preeceville Gateway Co-op held its equity day where customers could stop in and pick up their equity cheque from Heather Prestie, left, Brad Chambers and Lyle Olson on June 6.

Preeceville and area dancers shine in competition during past season

Dancers from the Extravadance Studio at the Preeceville and Canora branches achieved many top-three results in competitions held in Saskatoon, Yorkton and Regina earlier this year.

In individual competition, Emerson Strykowski won high gold and first place overall in advanced variety solo. Other gold medal finishes came in advanced jazz solo and advanced musical theatre solo. Strykowski also took third place in jazz solo and advanced lyrical solo.

Luca Propp won first place for Overall Maximum Elite Performer 10-14 years of age. Propp

won first and a choreography award for tap solo, as well as gold medals in advanced tap solo, ballet solo, lyrical solo, advance ballet solo, advanced tap solo and advanced lyrical solo. She also placed second in lyrical solo and third in tap solo.

Kaleigh Meberg took gold in jazz solo, a high silver in tap solo, silver in jazz solo and tap solo, and bronze in jazz solo.

Latifah Severight took a third place overall in jazz solo.

There were also numerous top-three finishes in duets and groups with dancers from Preeceville and Canora.

The Hip Hop Group, which included Jenna Anaka, Peyton Lisoway, Luca Propp, Latifah Severight and Emerson Strykowski, won three gold medals for their dance to Candy.

The tap group of Jenna Anaka, Luca Propp and Emerson Strykowski won a gold and two silver medals for their interpretation of Sweet Tea.

The ballet group of Jenna Anaka, Peyton Lisoway, Luca Propp, Latifah Severight and Emerson Strykowski won two gold medals and a silver for Sweet.

For Let Them Eat Cake, the ballet group of Dylan Descalchuk, Charlotte Newton, Skylar Sciliberto and Lilith Shewchuk took second place.

The jazz group dance to Chocolate won a pair of bronze medals for Quinn Bedore, Dylan Descalchuk, Kaleigh Meberg, Charlotte Newton, Echo Sabiston, Skylar Sciliberto and Lilith Shewchuk.

The jazz group of Peyton Lisoway, Luca Propp, Latifah Severight and Emerson Strykowski won a first and a third for Hot Lips.

Sugarplum Fairy won two golds and a silver medal for Kaleigh Meberg, Eva Romanchuk and Jinny Schapansky.

Dancing to Hot Chocolate, the Disney Travelling Jazz Group of Quinn Bedore, Jilliann Dubiel, Peyton Hershmiller, Rylee Hershmiller, Karleigh Lambert, Kaleigh Meberg,

A musical theatre performance to Willy Wonka had Extravadance Studio dancers from Preeceville winning medals at a Yorkton competition. Dancers from left, were: Kaleigh Meberg, Macy Balawyder and Dylan Descalchuk.

Charlotte Newton, Skylar Sciliberto, Bryir Varga and Rhaylon Varga won gold, silver and bronze medals.

A first and a second were the reward for dancing to Never Enough by the lyrical group made up of Dylan Descalchuk, Kaleigh Meberg and Charlotte Newton

Josie Scott and Silver Brass won a gold medal for their I Want Candy duet.

The jazz group of Atlin Godhe, Josie Scott and Silver Brass won first place dancing to The Sweet Life.

For ballet group, Avaya Meberg, Cora Vollman, Rayna Blotski, Rhyan Descalchuk and Sophia Storoschuk finished third

for Let’s Bake.

The acro group of Charlotte Newton, Chloe Abbott, Courtney Pozniak, Dylan Descalchuk, Quinn Bedore, Silver Brass and Skylar Sciliberto took gold for their version of Cotton Candy.

Spoonful of Sugar was the gold medal-winning dance in ballet group for Amelia Case, Atlin Godhe, Brielle McCurry, Charlie Sleeva, Everlyn McKenzie, Hazel Sciliberto, Myra Vaughters, Silver Brass and Willow Smith.

In hip hop group, a gold medal went to Charlotte Newton, Kaleigh Meberg, Macy Balawyder and Willow Malisheski for their version of Nerdz.

From the Preeceville Progress Files: Throwback Thursday

June 22, 1978The Red Cross Blood Transfusion service from Saskatoon did not hold a blood clinic in Preeceville or Kelvington due to economic reasons.

June 27, 1974 - About 1,000 persons, including the participants, attended the Western Horse Day in Preeceville.

June 8, 1978 - The annual inspection of Air Cadet Squadron was held at the Preeceville School Gym.

June 7, 1973 - Workers from the Preeceville Union Hospital were not members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees International Union

and were not eligible to receive an increase in earnings.

June 15, 1972 - Linda

Oneschuk of Hyas was crowned queen at the annual sports and family day held in Preeceville.

Sugarplum Fairy won two golds and a silver medal for, front to back: Kaleigh Meberg, Eva Romanchuk and Jinny Schapansky at a dance competition in Regina.

In hip hop group, a gold medal went to, from left:: Kaleigh Meberg, Willow Malisheski, Macy Balawyder and Charlotte Newton for their version of Nerdz at the Yorkton dance competition.

June 1, 1978- Ron Boatness of Pelly was the new conservation officer in Preeceville. He replaced Barry Stubbington who was transferred to Rowans Ravine Provincial Park.

June 8, 1967- Bev Forshener of Preeceville won a plaque in an essay contest sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society.

June 5, 1980 - A disco dance was performed by Lori Hampton, Teri Kuzminski and Coleen Maslow at the Multicultural dance recital.

Girls softball players benefit from pitching clinic

The Preeceville Pixies all-girls U 15 team benefited from a pitching clinic held at the Preeceville Sportsgrounds. The clinic was instructed by Jordyn Staples of Yorkton. Staples graduated from Minot State University where she played collegiate softball. She grew up in Winnipeg where she played highly competitive softball, winning a national championship, numerous provincial titles and being named Pitcher of the year in 2012.

“I recently moved to Yorkton last fall and wanted to put my 15 years of softball knowledge and experience to use again,” Staples

The Preeceville Pixies all-girls U 15 team benefited from a pitching clinic held at the Preeceville Sportsgrounds on June 7.

stated.

“I have been working with the Yorkton Crush softball organization and I guess by word of mouth I found myself in Preeceville putting on a clinic. We just worked on the basics of pitching and it was nice to see the

potential and desire to get better from the girls.

“I really want to continue working with pitchers in eastern Saskatchewan to help girls to possibly get to the highest level of softball just like I did.

“Softball led me to get

Members of the Preeceville Pixies all-girl U15 softball team from left, were: (back row) Camryn Nelson, Alexis Firman, Mia Mitchell, instructor Jordyn Staples, Sarah Masko, Addison Danielson, Paje Reynolds, and Asia Kilborne; and (front) Layla Jaeb, Emma Olson, Trenley Nelson, Maggie Ivanochko, Claire Masko and Dexter Penner.

an athletic scholarship and get my undergraduate degree, countless memories and life lessons

that I will cherish forever. I look forward to coming back to Preeceville,” she concluded.

Showcase Track Meet brings success for local youngsters

Members of the Preeceville School Grade 4/5 track team came home with medals from the Showcase Track Meet. From left, were: Becca Spray (Grade 4, gold in girls 100 metre), Kaleigh Meberg (silver in girls Grade 5 high jump), Bennett Halkyard (bronze in Grade 5 boys high jump), Jayce Belous (bronze in boys Grade 5 shotput) and Samuel Korney (silver in boys Grade 4 running long junp and bronze in 800 metres).

Showcase competitors, these Sturgiss students qualified for Showcase at the school level. Criteria was set at the Divisional level. Grades 4 and 5 were eligible. Team members from left, were: (back row) Dilon Serdachny, Teagen Kozmeniuk, Damon Galiz, Kolton Fortin, Derwin Boucher, and Jayden Poworoznyk-Bates; and, (front) CJ Tomas, Jade Beatty, Amelia Maier, Cooper Stack, Austin Jansen and Keltyn Konkel.

Having fun and learning about baseball

The Preeceville T-ball team held their first game against Norquay on June 1. From left, were: Oliver Nelson, Lesley Thiessen, Bridget Tremblay, Billy Kennedy, Alice Christianson, Addison Danielson, (coach), Camryn Nelson (coach), Caleb Vollman, Wyatt Algabre, Vincent Tremblay and Julie Ziola.

Sturgis Composite School Grade 4/5 students who won medals at the Showcase Track Meet, from left, were: Amelia Maier (silver medal in Grade 4 girls 800 metre), Jayden Poworoznyk-Bates (bronze medal in Grade 5 boys high jump) and Austin Jansen (bronze medal in Grade 4 boys long jump.)

Preeceville youth named junior provincial champion

Camryn Nelson of the Preeceville School earned the privilege to claim the junior girls shot put championship after she threw the shot put a distance 10.41 metres at the Provincial Track and Field championships. She also placed ninth in discus and in javelin.

Her other team

members who also attended the provincial championships were: Isaiah Maier who placed 16th in senior boys 1,500 metres; Sarah Masko placed ninth in intermediate girls shot put; Gerbo Javelona participated in senior boys discus and Amber Spray participated in the intermediate girls discus.

gave Oliver Nelson some instructions when it was his turn at bat during the Preeceville T-ball first game of the season.

Nelson,

Camryn Nelson claimed the junior girls shot put championship after she threw the shot put a distance of 10.41 metres at the Provincial Track and Field championships. She also placed ninth overall in discus and in javelin.

Jordyn Staples instructed a softball pitching clinic for the all-girls U15 softball tea.

Camryn

left,

Caleb Vollman ran as hard as he could to first base when he hit the ball during Preeceville T-ball action.

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OBITUARIES FARM SERVICES

OBITUARIES

PREKASKI- Margaret Morken Prekaski, beloved wife of Tom Prekaski of Sturgis, passed away on Wednesday, January, 25, 2023 after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. She was 68 years of age. Our beloved Margaret was born on February 25, 1954 at the Preeceville Union Hospital to Bud & Yvonne Morken. Margaret grew up on a farm bordering the town of Sturgis. There was plenty to see and do on the farm and the words “Me too!” quickly became a very important part of her vocabulary as she followed her big brother around and wanted to do everything he did. As time passed, she learned to drive the tractor, standard transmission vehicles, milk cows and cook meals for a big crew of men putting up silage on the farm. She also learned to plant gardens and look after flowers. Playing in the dirt with flowers became a lifelong pleasure for Margaret. Sewing was an art she mastered early, eventually sewing her own clothes, dress jackets, outfits, etc. She always had a love for animals, belonging to both the local Beef & Light Horse 4H clubs. Her love of horses began at a very early age. Horses became a very important part of her life. In her early teen years many days were spent riding around the countryside with friends and culminated with hitching their horses behind the Blue Bird Cafe and going inside to have an ice cream float. Perfect ending to a perfect day! Margaret attended school in Sturgis and graduated in 1972 from SCHS. She was involved in many different activities while in High School. After graduation she went on to attend University to achieve her Bachelor of Education and become a teacher just like her mother. Along the way she began dating and later married Tom Prekaski, who was also from Sturgis. They were married on the Morken family farm on July 28, 1973. They both attended the University of Regina but later transferred to the U of S in Saskatoon, where they both completed their B.Ed’s. Their teaching careers began in La Loche, Saskatchewan where they taught for 3 years. While there they learned about a new culture and a different way of life. It was a very memorable experience. During that time, they met many young teachers from all over Canada and the USA which led to some lifelong friendships that have been cherished over time. In 1979 Margaret & Tom moved back home to Sturgis where they both resumed their teaching careers. Margaret became the Home Ec teacher at SCHS also teaching subjects such as Social Studies, English, Health and served as Guidance Councillor too. During that time she was active in the Saskatchewan Home Ec Teachers’ Association and served a term as President. During her time back home she became very involved in the horse world. She volunteered as 4H Light Horse Club leader, taught and judged many horse events after attaining her Coaching & Judging qualifications. She was active in the executive of the Sask Horse Federation and really enjoyed “paling around on the Horse Show Circuit” with her good friend Karen to many parts unknown, even so far as to Phoenix, Arizona. Later in life she was determined to trace her Morken family roots in Norway. Her dream came true when in 2016 she enjoyed a trip to Norway, along with Dick & Mavis, Rita & Brenda. There were also stops at Reyjavik, Barcelona & Paris. It was the “Trip of a Lifetime”! While in Norway a Stormorken Family Reunion was held where she met many wonderful relatives who are also related to the Stenen’s. She said hello to the original Stenen Rock in Norway! She always wanted to return but it became impossible. She really enjoyed traveling and enjoyed the National Rodeos final in Las Vegas a couple times, as well as trips to New York, Nashville, Memphis, Mexico and various places in Canada. Margaret loved all of creation even though parts of it annoyed her like when mosquitoes would bite or the gophers would dig up her flowers, but she knew they were all necessary in the great scheme of things. Margaret loved music and enjoyed many concerts over the years. The music varied from the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan to the Blind Boys of Alabama. She had many interests and enjoyed Scrapbooking, Photography, working Bingo, helping with the Horticultural Society, and her time on the executive of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan but she was most happy when family gathered together! Family meant the world to Margaret! She faced many health challenges over the years but always maintained a positive outlook on life. She continually spread light and love wherever she went. Throughout her cancer journey, she set and achieved many goals, and being home for Christmas this year, spending special time with her family was a big one and she did it! Another goal in the works was to drive her brother’s Beaumont when restored and “lay some rubber”! Margaret was predeceased by her parents Bud & Yvonne Morken, her in-laws Sadie & Leo Prekaski, her brother-in-law Gerry Prekaski and her brother in infancy David Morken. She is survived by her husband of 49 years Tom Prekaski, her siblings Richard (Mavis) Morken, Brian Morken (Shannon Booth) & Elizabeth (Dale) Prestie, nieces & nephews Blair Morken (Ella & Bradyn) , Ryan Morken, Austin Morken & Jacklyn Sveinbjornson (Leo & Renny), Adam Morken & Lacy Schultz, Brandon & Stacy Prestie (Zac, Amber & Chase), Ben & Leah Prestie (Will, Connor & Joey), Chance & Sam Prestie (Duncan), Kate Prestie & Alana Weber, Jeff & Nichole Jakubowski, the Prekaski families & many friends. The poem Desiderata was hung on the wall in every home Margaret lived in. It encourages hope and inspiration for the world. It ends with the words “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” Much loved! It was a lovely cruise! A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 1:30 from the Sturgis Community Hall. Those unable to attend may view a live-stream of the service by going to Margaret’s tribute page at preecevillefuneralhome.com and clicking on the link. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary for Palliative Care (Box 633 Preeceville, SK S0A 3B0) or to establish a scholarship in memory of Margaret at the Sturgis Composite School (c/o Mavis Morken, Box 513 Sturgis, SK, S0A 4A0).Arrangements have been entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.

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PRAYER CORNER

North Prairie Lutheran Church Service: Sun June 18 10 a.m. No live stream

Preeceville-Sturgis United Church Pastoral Charge: Grace United Church (Sturgis) 9:30 a.m. Trinity United Church (Preeceville) 11 a.m. Available on Preeceville-Sturgis United Church Pastoral Charge Facebook page every Sunday

SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Schedule: Sat. June 17 Olesha cemetery 3 p.m. Dobrowdy 5 p.m. Preeceville 7 p.m. Sun. June 18 Kamsack 9 a.m. Canora 11 a.m. Norquay Praznyk 1:15 p.m. Vesna- No Service

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LAND WANTED

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Fundraiser Crop in the ground for Preeceville project

The Preeceville Community Legion Hall committee is using the fundraising cropland west of town to raise money towards getting air conditioning installed in the Hall.

The wheat crop was seeded on June 6. As always, it is a join effort with many people

donating both funds and labour. The Committee would like to thank the following people for their generosity: Hoterra Farms for donating the cropland, Brett Meberg for picking up fertilizer and doing the seeding, Edgar and Doreen Thorsen for donating seed and sprayer costs, Cory Paul for helping with

organizing and spraying, Paul Penner for floating on fertilizer, and Richardson Pioneer Canora for donating chemical.

The Preeceville Community Legion Hall Committee is extremely thankful for everyone’s support as this cannot be done without all of the sponsors.

True or false: how much do you know about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples?

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Test your knowledge with this short true or false quiz.

1. The most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada is Inuktitut.

2. All Indigenous Peoples were given the right to vote in federal, provincial, territorial and local elections in 1960.

3. The last residential

school in Canada closed its doors in 1996.

4. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on Oct. 30.

5. In 2021, Mary Simon became the first Indigenous person to hold the post of Governor General.

6. Bear Island is the name some Indigenous Peoples use to refer to the continent of North

America.

and ethnic restrictions.

Answers

1. False. Cree is the most widely spoken Indigenous language. According to figures from the 2016 census, there were 96,575 Canadians who spoke Cree.

2. True. Until 1960, not all Indigenous groups had the right to vote due to political, socio-economic

3. True. Gordon’s Indian Residential School in Punnichy, Sask., was the last federally funded residential school in Canada.

4. False. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Sept. 30. The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well

as their families and communities.

5. True. In 2021, Justin Trudeau appointed Inuk leader Mary Simon as the first Indigenous governor general.

6. False. Turtle Island is the name many Algonquian- and Iroquoian-speaking peoples, mainly in the northeastern part of North America, use to refer to the continent.

5 modern sports invented or inspired by Indigenous Peoples

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Many communities take this opportunity to hold events celebrating Indigenous cultures and contributions to Canada. Did you know that many of the sports played today were invented by First Nations Peoples? Here’s a look at five ancient pastimes that still persist today.

1. Tobogganing. Indigenous people invented the toboggan to transport people and goods across the tundra of Canada’s Far North. The word “toboggan” likely originates from the Mi’kmaq or Abenaki word for sled. Many modern winter sports have grown out of this invention, including luge and bobsledding.

2. Lawn darts . First Nations created the game of lawn darts using shucked green corn with the kernels removed. The corn cobs were adorned with feathers and tossed at targets on the ground.

3. Snowshoeing. Indigenous people made and used snowshoes to travel on foot during the winter. They made it possible to move across knee-deep snow and hunt without making noise. During the fur trade, the Voyageurs quickly adopted the snowshoe. Since then, snowshoeing has become a popular Canadian pastime.

4. Kayaking. Kayaking started thousands of years ago in the Arctic regions of what is now called Greenland, Siberia and North America. Inuit people used the kayak to travel, fish and hunt large

sea mammals. Today, the sport of kayaking is loved worldwide.

5. Lacrosse. Lacrosse has been played by Indigenous Peoples since the 12th century. The game is considered a gift from the Creator so men could work out their aggression without violence. Today, lacrosse is recognized as Canada’s national summer sport. Learn more about Indigenous culture this month by participating in educational and recreational activities, like those held on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Brett Meberg of Preeceville seeded the wheat fundraiser crop west of Preeceville on June 6.

Photo: Mary Simon

Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2021