After more than 10 years, a familiar and meaningful fundraiser is making its return to the community as Relay for Life is reignited in Assiniboia through a partnership between Assiniboia Composite High School’s SRC and the Town of Assiniboia Recreation Department.
The event represents a day focused on community, remembrance and support in the ongoing fight against cancer. Organizers say whether residents join as a team, walk in honour of a loved one, or simply come out to show support, everyone is encouraged to take part.
The revival of the event began when the ACHS SRC wanted to create more leadership opportunities while finding ways to connect students and community members through a meaningful cause. Looking for guidance from someone known for bringing people together, the students reached out to the Town of Assiniboia Wellness and Recreation Director, Stephanie VanDeSype, to help bring the event back to life.
registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and activities running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Currently, there are five teams registered. We would love to have more join us,” said VanDeSype.
While this year’s event will not follow the traditional overnight format many remember from past Relays, organizers promise a full day of activities and entertainment. Themed laps will take place every half hour, alongside lawn games, face painting, a bouncy house, teen centre activities, a climbing wall, scavenger hunt and more.
“To conclude the event, we will have a luminary ceremony to honour and reflect those affected by cancer,” added VanDeSype.
A special survivor’s lap will kick off the festivities following the opening ceremony. So far, one cancer survivor has registered, and organizers are inviting additional survivors from the community to participate in the poignant opening walk.
VanDeSype told the Assiniboia Times, “The SRC wanted more leadership opportunities and a chance to put their skills into action. They also wanted to get the community more involved with students and contribute in the effort to support the fight against cancer.”
Relay for Life will take place May 29 at the Southland Co-op Centre, with
The organizing committee has set a fundraising goal of $10,000 and hopes the community will rally behind the cause. Donations can be made online, through SRC members, or brought directly to the event.
Participants can register online using the event QR code. Those interested in sponsoring or learning more can contact ACHS at 306-642-3319 or email lethbridge.renee@prairiesouth.ca.
Geraldine Ruzicka BC-HIS, Owner
Assiniboia business warns others after losing estimated $20K to fraud
SaskToday.ca
A local business is warning other Saskatchewan companies to remain vigilant after a fraud scheme involving over-the-phone purchases and chargebacks resulted in what the business estimates to be a roughly $20,000 loss.
Great West Auto Electric/Bumper to Bumper shared details of the incident in a social media video posted earlier this month.
According to co-owner Leanne Tuntland-Wiebe, the suspects ordered multiple Milwaukee tool sets over the phone using a
credit card, picked up the merchandise in person and later disputed the charges through the credit card company after leaving town. The resulting chargebacks left the Assiniboia business responsible for the losses.
Tuntland-Wiebe said the business did not initially realize anything was wrong. “We didn’t know this had happened until the bookkeeper was doing the bank reconciliation on May 13,” Tuntland-Wiebe told the Assiniboia Times. She added the business received no calls from the
One Hundred Years Loved
Marguerite Emond
Please join us as we celebrate her 100th birthday Come and Go Tea
Saturday, May 30, 2026 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Meeting room of Canalta Hotel, Assiniboia, SK
Dainties and refreshments will be served
credit card company regarding the chargebacks before the issue was discovered internally.
Tuntland-Wiebe said the matter was reported to both Assiniboia RCMP and police in Swift Current.
In a statement, the Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed the matter remains under investigation. “On May 15, 2026, Assiniboia RCMP received a report that a business had been defrauded,” RCMP said.
According to TuntlandWiebe, after the video circulated online, other businesses from Frontier, Shaunavon and north of Saskatoon contacted the company describing similar situations involving the same business name and individual.
“GCL Construction and the person who made the phone call used the same name. James Matthew,” she said. “Last night a company north of Saskatoon reached out with a similar situation and wanted to advise me on how they took action. After that I was sent a message that the crooks had been in Stettler [Alberta] as well.”
“GCL Construction,” according to TuntlandWiebe, was the name used by the suspects. No further information about the company was immediately available.
Tuntland-Wiebe said
Golden South Wind Community Benefit Fund (GSWCBF)
Applications are being accepted until June 30, 2026
Golden South Wind LP (GSW) has developed a wind energy facility in the R.M. of Lake of The Rivers No.72 and R.M. of Stonehenge No.73. GSW has established community benefit fund agreements with each RM to fund community projects that the RMs and its residents would realize a benefit from. RM72 has received an annual contribution of $92,000.00 and RM73 $8,000.00. Eligibility
Individuals are not eligible for funding however community groups and organizations such as non-profits, recreation, municipalities, schools, libraries, parks etc. are eligible to apply for funding.
Funding can only be provided for community projects, events or other one-time capital improvements; operating funding will not be considered. For example, this could include projects such as a new bleacher for a sporting group, new equipment for a swim club, purchasing signage for a charity run, building a new structure at a park, purchasing and installing park benches, playground equipment, trees, upgrading historically designated properties or monuments, etc.
The funding will be provided to community groups or organizations with preference given by RM 72 to those that service and/or operate in the RM or out of Assiniboia and with preference given by RM 73 to those that service and/or operate in the RM or out of Limerick.
Applications
Application forms can be obtained from the RMs by email request to rm72.rivers@ gmail.com, rm73@sasktel.net or by dropping into the RM offices. The deadline for the applications for the 2026 funding will be June 30th, 2026 and must be submitted to the respective R.M.. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications that have been sent by email to the R.M., have been received by the R.M. All applications will be considered by the respective councils at 11:00 a.m. during the July council meetings. Applications received in office after the deadline will not be considered.
As both councils have limited funding available each council will consider multiple factors when deciding which organizations or groups to award funding.
If you have more questions on how to apply, please contact the R.M. offices by email at rm72.rivers@gmail.com or rm73@sasktel.net.
the company’s electronic payment provider offered little immediate assistance after the fraudulent transactions were discovered.
“It is very maddening that three large chargebacks didn’t get flagged by our credit card machine company, with or without a box being ticked. No phone call attempts were made by them or our financial institution, although now our credit union has opened a file on this and will see who initiated the chargeback.”
The purchases were made in January and February. Tuntland-Wiebe said the company has insurance coverage for fraud, but the situation may fall into an exclusion clause.
“We have fraud coverage but this situation may fall into exclusion clause, which is frustrating as well because we pay for fraud coverage.”
She said the business estimates the loss at approximately $20,000, which she described as significant for a company of their size.
“We can only provide
the name James Matthew. GCL Construction. The two phone numbers don’t work and the email won’t go anywhere. They drive a white truck pulling a white trailer. There were three men when they picked up the tools. The trailer will be full of tools as we’re not the only business being targeted. And it seems to be Milwaukee everywhere. They’re buying combo kits that can be broken down and sold on social media.”
The incident has already prompted immediate policy changes for the business.
“There will be no purchase by credit card over the phone unless the customer is known to us,”
Tuntland-Wiebe said.
“If the crook/caller is insistent, they will be told to produce the credit card used at the time they are trying to pick up product, and personal identification has to match the credit card. Shaunavon did this and the perp hung up. They can’t produce identification to match a stolen credit
card. Unfortunately, this hurts potential new legitimate customers as references will be required and it will be harder to place orders over the phone.”
Tuntland-Wiebe added they are continuing to investigate possible leads connected to contractors who may have hired the suspects.
“If we can find out who the contractor is for that project, we should be able to contact them and find out who they had working for them. It will take some investigating.”
She also thanked residents and businesses who have reached out with information and support.
“I really want to thank everyone who is reaching out,” she said.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Assiniboia RCMP by dialing 310-7267. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
Seeding operations continue in area despite challenging weather
Producers in the southwest recorded some seeding progress over the past week despite challenging weather conditions, according to the weekly crop report for the period of May 12 to 18. Currently, seeding is 55 per cent complete across the region. This is up 21 per cent from last week and behind the five-year regional average of 68 per cent.
Many producers are making good progress seeding their cereal and pulse crops while some have made notable progress in seeding their oilseed crops. Seeding progress is as follows:
Pulse crops: 69 per cent for field peas; 61 per cent for lentils; and 50 per cent for chickpeas. Cereal crops: 53 per cent for triticale; 51 per cent for barley; 49 per cent for durum; 39 per cent for spring wheat; 19 per cent for canary seed; and 15 per cent for oats.
Oilseed crops: 49 per cent for canola; 45 per cent for mustard; and 33 per cent for flax. Perennial forages: 41 per cent.
As a result of the significant rainfall recorded, the topsoil moisture conditions in this region are mostly adequate.
Cropland topsoil moisture is: 2 per cent surplus;
82 per cent adequate; 15 per cent short; and 1 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is: 1 per cent surplus; 79 per cent adequate; 19 per cent short; and 1 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is: 1 per cent surplus; 75 per cent adequate; 20 per cent short; and 4 per cent very short.
Producers are continuing with seeding, applying weed herbicide, land rolling and rock picking. Meanwhile, livestock producers are inspecting fences, moving cattle to pasture and have started branding in the region.
Federal Liberal cabinet ministers make several stops in province
John Cairns SaskToday.ca
Federal Liberal cabinet ministers from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government have been busy over the last several days making stops in the province of Saskatchewan.
On issues ranging from defence to small business to manufacturing to agriculture, ministers were throughout the province making announcements on a host of topics — something not lost on Saskatchewan’s lone Liberal MP in Ottawa, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger.
“I can tell you the last week we have been to a number of events throughout Saskatchewan,” Belanger said on Thursday at a government event north of Regina. “And it is tremendous to see that kind of effort and focus.”
Here is a rundown of some of the activity of the federal ministers in Saskatchewan this week:
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon was in Saskatchewan on May 15 for a keynote address to the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce in Saskatoon on the topic of Building Canada’s Export Future.
Defence Minister David McGuinty made the major announcement on May 19 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw
that this would be the final season for the Snowbirds current CT-114 Tutor jet aircraft fleet, and that the Department of National Defence will procure the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) for the Snowbirds to take flight sometime in the early 2030s.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald was in Saskatchewan on May 19 and 20. He was in Saskatoon where he visited the University of Saskatchewan and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, among others. Then he travelled to Regina for the Cargill Regina Canola Processing Facility ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration. Also scheduled had been meetings with his provincial counterpart David Marit. Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, was in Regina to tour Saskatchewan Interactive Media Association Inc., a non-profit provincial professional organization who create and support interactive media producers, developers and designers, according to the government’s news release.
The visit highlighted the government’s Creative Export Strategy which
the government states has helped over 3,200 businesses and organizations across Canada in reaching 120 international markets. The application period for Creative Export Canada’s 2026-2027 Export-Ready Stream has been launched with an application deadline of June 10.
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez was in Saskatoon this past week to announce over $2.3 million in funding for two Saskatchewan-based organizations, aimed at helping Black entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses: Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. and the Coalition of Black Small & Medium Enterprises.
The next day, May 20, Valdez was in Regina, where she and Secretary of State Belanger toured District Brewing Co., to highlight a two-year extension to excise tax relief measures being offered to brewers, distillers and winemakers to combat tariffs and cost pressures.
Finally, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister for PrairiesCan Eleanor Olszewski was in Regina May 21 for a noon-hour event at the Saskatchewan Chamber
Assiniboia Municipal Airport Authority Receives Provincial Funding Through Community Airport Partnership Program
The Assiniboia Municipal Airport Authority is pleased to announce it has received funding support through Saskatchewan’s Community Airport Partnership (CAP) Program for important infrastructure improvements at the Assiniboia Municipal Airport.
Announced by the Government of Saskatchewan on May 20, 2026, the CAP Program will support more than $2 million in airport improvement projects at nine community airports across the province during the 2026 construction season.
Funding awarded to the Assiniboia Municipal Airport Authority will support runway extension and crack sealing work at the airport, helping strengthen long-term operations and improving service capacity for the community and surrounding region. The CAP Program is a 50/50 cost-sharing partnership between the province and local airport operators.
“Local airports play an essential role in supporting rural Saskatchewan,” said Grant Payant, Chairperson for the Assiniboia Municipal Airport Authority.
“This investment will help ensure the Assiniboia airport remains safe, reliable, and capable of supporting emergency services, agriculture, business development, and community connectivity for years to come.”
In its provincial announcement, the Government of Saskatchewan noted that air ambulances, firefighting, policing services, agriculture, and many other industries rely on community airports throughout the province.
The Assiniboia Municipal Airport serves as an important transportation and emergency services asset for south-central Saskatchewan. The planned improvements will help enhance airport infrastructure while supporting future growth and continued access to essential aviation services.
The Assiniboia Municipal Airport Authority would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Highways for their continued support of regional aviation infrastructure through the CAP Program.
of Commerce, including questions and answers from the many business people and entrepreneurs in the audience at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Soon after, she and Secretary of State Belanger were at the announcement north of Regina of $8.1 million in funding support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, aimed at boosting trade and at helping steel manufacturing in Saskatchewan.
The general response from the business community has been receptive, with steel manufacturers and the craft brewers at District Brewing Co. particularly welcoming the announcements aimed at tariff relief for those industries.
“Financial support like this is critical,” said Marland Ottenbreit of manufacturer DynaIndustrial GP Inc. on Wednesday. DynaIndustrial received $1 million as part of that funding announcement.
“It allows us to move forward with confidence during a time of transition and it enables us to invest in advanced technologies, improve productivity and strengthen our position in both domestic and international markets. It’s also reassuring to know that we are not alone in facing these challenges, that the federal government recognizes them and is here to
support Canadian manufacturers as we navigate this environment.”
But it wasn’t a completely rosy reception for the government this week.
The Snowbirds announcement has drawn particularly mixed reviews, including a negative response from the Snowbirds Alumni Association who were critical of the decision to ground the Snowbirds fleet for an extended period.
At the Chamber event in Regina, Minister Olszewski heard from one attendee who made clear his disappointment with news that the Snowbirds would be on hiatus into the 2030s. Olszewski pledged she would take that feedback back to the government.
In speaking to reporters this week in Regina, Olszewski, who originally is from Swift Current, pointed to the importance of federal ministers visiting the province and listening to Saskatchewan people.
“Well, I think that all of us recognize the importance of the prairies to the Canadian economy, and particularly for me, as the minister responsible for PrairiesCan, I am the voice. I am the voice of the prairies in terms of that portfolio, as well as in terms of myself being the regional minister from Alberta. So, it’s fundamentally important for me to make sure I understand
what’s going on on the ground in Saskatchewan, and then I communicate our government’s priorities to the businesses and people in the province as well.”
Minister Valdez also pointed to the importance of being in Saskatchewan. Like Olszewski, Valdez has credited Belanger for his promotion of the province at the national level.
“Again, this is, I think, either my third or fourth time here. But of course, this individual right beside me, Secretary of State Buckley Belanger, has certainly been advocating strongly for Saskatchewan, to come out to the region to hear on the ground what’s been going on,” Valdez said.
“I think even for myself, with the three files I have, we have women and gender equality, small business and tourism, meeting with small businesses on the ground. We were with three farmers, an incredible small business in terms of manufacturing chickpeas and snacks there in the region. So we’re here to listen.”
Belanger said he was “very pleased that the Minister and ministers have visited our great province.”
“I can tell you, we boast about Saskatchewan in Ottawa on a regular basis. And we hear it all the time that Saskatchewan has so much to offer.”
Opinion: Expanding MAiD for mental illness is a grave mistake
Submitted by Daniel Zekveld
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention announced that it will close its doors at the end of June “after more than four decades of national leadership in suicide prevention and life promotion.”
That’s a sad development, particularly in a country that is set to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to Canadians with mental illness in less than a year.
The debate around MAiD for mental illness has been ongoing since 2021, when Parliament passed legislation including a “sunset clause” that would make those with mental illness eligible for MAiD as of March 17, 2023. That expansion was later delayed to 2024, then to 2027. Now, a committee of MPs and senators is once again studying whether Canada is “ready” to euthanize the mentally ill.
But if anything has changed since 2024, it’s that there is more evidence and more opposition against MAiD for mental illness.
MP James Maloney recently highlighted the need to “get it right” as the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) studies MAiD for mental illness alone: “It makes no difference to me whether it’s a small percentage or a large percentage. The issue we have to deal with is getting it right.” But evidence continues to pile up that getting it right means not doing it at all.
For a sense of the impact of MAiD for mental illness, consider the example of the Netherlands, which has had psychiatric euthanasia since 2002. The intent was to offer euthanasia in those situations as a last resort. And for years, the number of psychiatric euthanasia cases remained low. In 2011, there were two psychiatric euthanasia cases. In 2020, there were 88. By 2023, that number had increased to 138, and by 2024, to 219.
One recent study in Psychiatric Times suggests the Netherlands has seen a rapid increase in psychiatric euthanasia, particularly among young women, “without corresponding changes in prognostic certainty or treatment effectiveness.” This rise in cases is accompanied by shorter assessment periods, more permissive interpretations of “irremediable suffering,” and fewer physicians involved in more cases. These elements are already evident in Canada’s MAiD data.
Psychiatrist John Maher, in his testimony before the committee studying MAiD, argued that there is no such
thing as “everything has been tried” when it comes to mental illness. In fact, he has had patients whom other psychiatrists say cannot get better, but he has been able to help them do so.
Professor of psychiatry Dr. Harvey Chochinov says that at least half the people who die by MAiD for mental illness would have gotten better. Psychiatrists are concerned that once MAiD for mental illness is permitted, patients will choose MAiD rather than continue to try to get better.
Sixteen current and former chairs of psychiatry departments across the country highlight that there is no broadly accepted definition of irremediability, no clear way to distinguish between suicidality and MAiD requests, and inadequate safeguards to protect the vulnerable. Additionally, mental health care remains lacking in Canada, and cases in other jurisdictions demonstrate some of the problems with MAiD for mental illness. Ultimately, they recommend an indefinite pause on MAiD for mental illness.
Getting it right on MAiD and mental illness means refusing to reframe mental illness as something to be solved through death. Offering MAiD to people suffering from mental illness encourages them to give up hope and flies in the face of suicide prevention efforts that Canada has long promoted.
As of 2025, Canada ranks 22nd out of 28 developed countries in terms of the availability of psychiatric beds and 16th in terms of the number of psychiatrists per person. Canadians in need of psychiatric care wait nearly 25 weeks after receiving a referral. And yet MAiD can be accessed in 90 days, and often much sooner.
The prospect of MAiD for mental illness alone has been looming since 2021. But none of the problems have been resolved. Mental health care remains lacking, irremediability cannot be accurately determined, and most psychiatrists reject MAiD for mental illness.
The reconvening of the Special Joint Committee on MAiD once again gives MPs and senators the opportunity to stop the upcoming expansion of MAiD to those with mental illness. After five years of discussing the recurring problems, this time let’s get it right and ensure Canadians with mental illness are given the hope and care they need rather than the prospect of MAiD.
Daniel Zekveld is a policy analyst with the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA) Canada.
Frosty Balls.... Continued
By Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers of The Independent
Well, we have made to Blaine Lake for the next card in the poker run for the Frosty Balls Motorcycle Run 2026, the wind has been gaining strength ever since we had left Warman for the annual run. So far, though, the wind is manageable.
In Warman I had purchased two poker hands and at each stop you draw for a card with hopes that at the end of the run you have the best hand. In Warman I drew a King on one hand and a Queen on the other hand, so now I’m here in Blaine Lake to further my glory in the best hand, I draw a four of spades and a six of diamonds. Well ... so much for that dream of the best hand!
Did you know that Blaine Lake was settled by the Doukhobors way back in 1899? The area features an authentic Doukhobor Dugout House, which is a national historic site and features an underground dwelling.
Blaine Lake is also the home of Saskatchewan’s Largest Tree, a giant Cottonwood/Balsam tree boasting a girth of just over 16-feet. That’s pretty big!
The original name is said to have belonged to a Mr. Blaine who had perished in a nearby lake, that’s what the local folklore says.
Well, off we go to the next poker stop. We travel north on Highway 40, our next poker stop is going to be Prince Albert.
On our way, we pass by the community of Shellbrook which is the home of our current Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe. It’s not surprising that the highways are really in good shape.
Did you know that Shellbrook is the birthplace of one of Canada’s renowned authors? That’s right ... his name was
James Sinclair Ross and most famously known for a Prairie-based novel, ‘As for Me and My House’. Shellbrook is also noted as the Town of Lakes because it is so close to many lakes in the area.
One interesting fact about Shellbrook is that between 1937 and 1946 a local resident named Olga Proctor helped bring 400 babies into the world at the maternity wing of the local nursing home.
Next up on our travels is Prince Albert and hopefully my card draws are better.
Did you know that Prince Albert claimed three Prime Ministers for the federal government? Sir Wilfred Laurier, William Mackenzie King and John Diefenbaker! No other Canadian city can claim that.
Prince Albert was named after Queen Victoria’s husband and is the third largest city in Saskatchewan. It has been known as the great meeting place for many of our First Nations people’s.
Well, the card picks ended up being a two of spades and a nine of clubs, ending all hope of any respectable hand.
As we continue down Highway 11, we hang a right at Rosthern and head over to Laird for our final piece of the journey.
The barbecue is put on by the Laird Volunteer Fire Department, and as always, the hamburgers and fixings are welcome after a day travelling in the gruelling wind conditions.
Lots of stories are told, and before we call it a day and head home, we do reflect on what the day was all about and that is raising important monies to a worthwhile cause and fighting prostate cancer.
Next week we continue our British Columbia trip.
The Frosty Balls Motorcycle Run stopped in Laird for their final piece of the journey.
SaskTel expands 5G technology in rural and northern communities
Jon Perez SaskToday.ca
SaskTel is moving closer to its 2027 target of expanding 5G wireless cellular coverage across Saskatchewan, with a major focus on improving connectivity in rural and northern communities.
SaskTel president and CEO Charlene Gavel announced at the SaskTel Centre parking lot that people living in rural areas and First Nations communities will now have access to faster connectivity similar to urban centres.
“Where you live should never limit your access to opportunity. Whether you’re in a major city, a small town or driving along the highways, you deserve access to the fastest and
most reliable connectivity possible,” Gavel said.
Gavel said more than 160 new 5G sites have now been activated, calling the expansion a major milestone for both SaskTel and the province.
That brings SaskTel’s total number of 5G sites to about 900 across Saskatchewan, with more than half serving rural communities and remote highways.
SaskTel began the project in 2023 and has already invested more than $500 million into the network expansion. The Crown corporation estimates about 90 per cent of Saskatchewan residents now have access to 5G service in their communities.
The total project cost is expected to reach approxi-
mately $660 million by the end of 2027.
Gavel said the expansion is about more than faster cellphone speeds, describing 5G technology as a critical foundation for future infrastructure, innovation and public services across the province.
The upgraded network can deliver download speeds of up to 1.2 gigabits per second, significantly increasing data capacity and
reliability for remote work, online education, healthcare delivery and emerging technologies such as smart systems and autonomous vehicles.
The latest round of completed towers includes communities across rural, northern and First Nations regions, areas Saskatchewan officials said are often underserved.
Saskatchewan Crown Investments Corporation min-
This Spot Could Be Yours
ister responsible for SaskTel Jeremy Harrison said Saskatchewan’s Crown corporation model allows the province to invest in areas private telecom providers may not prioritize. “Being able to point to the connectivity that exists in rural communities and northern areas of the province is something that just would not exist in many other parts of the country,”
O M I N G C O M I N G
V E N T S E V E N T S
Terry Burrill is a precious metals buyer and President of TC Precious Precio Metals headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, and takes this show out to western Canada.
TC Precious Metals will be in Assiniboia, Sask. making its way through Western Canada. You can bring your gold, silver, coins and Canadian paper money to the Moose Lodge Hall between 10am and 5pm each day. No appointment is required.
"TC Precious Metals has the unique advantage of dealing direct with a smelter" says Burrill. " is allows us to cut out one or even two middlemen. TC Precious Metals purchases gold and silver from other gold buyers, pawn shops, dentists, jewellers and jewellery makers as well as from the general public. Gold is reaching record high prices and silver remains very strong TC Precious Metals analyzes your gold, silver, coins and paper money while you watch, with the process explained to you in detail.
Coins with numismatic (collectable) value are set aside from those with a 'melt' value. Silver items such as jewelry and flatware are analyzed for hallmark identification. Items thought to contain gold will also be analyzed for hallmarks, and then confirmed using precise testing that is done while you watch. Then a cash offer is made, and you decide to sell or not. "If you decide to sell after hearing the quote, great, but it's also about information" says Burrill. "A lot of times people just need to know a ballpark price of what items are worth. There is no obligation and we don't pressure anyone into selling."
"Nearly half of the world's annual gold harvest comes from recycled gold. Energy costs area about $500 to mine a new once of gold where recycled gold is
Southland Co-op Centre
May 29, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Relay for Life. Chamber of Commerce
May 30 First golf tournament.
Ross Payant Nursing Home
June 2- 2:00 P.M.
Grand Opening of the new front patio. Assiniboia Aquatic Centre
June 6
Pool opens for the season.
Town of Assiniboia
June 6
Community Garage/Yard Sale. Call Denise at 306-640-8800 to register. Pick up your free tickets at the Town of Assiniboia office. Assiniboia Museum
June 14
Heritage Day. petting zoo, old time games, pie and cake contest.
Precious Metals Recycling Roadshow coming to Assiniboia
about $10 per once." A result of this is gold and silver purchased at the shows and later melted goes back into the market with a lower environmental impact.
Out of fashion jewelry, single earrings, broken chains, unloved jewelry, charm bracelets, dental gold, nuggets and fine gold are all accepted. Sterling silver flatware sets. Another valuable item is coin with silver content. Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars and Dollars from Canada and America can be sorted and the silver content determined in no time at all. People are encouraged to bring in any and all coins for assessment.
TC Precious Metals can assess and purchase Canadian and Dominion of Canada paper money. They have extensive experience working with estate, executors, widows and widowers in a respectful and caring manner.
No appointment necessary.
Town
Bonnie Nelson artwork to be displayed at Kay Cristo Room
Artwork created by Bonnie Nelson is on display in the Kay Cristo Room at the Assiniboia and District Public Library during open hours from June 1 through July 31. This exhibit is hosted by the Assiniboia Arts Council.
“When I was very young, I used to draw horses,” said Bonnie, “Also I sketched gowns just for fun. Still, art didn’t come naturally to me. I didn’t get involved in art classes till in my mid 20s. I took pencil and charcoal classes, sculpture classes,
mold making, mechanical drafting and some varied art techniques through architectural drafting and then dove into oil painting, and basically have kept on painting sporadically ever since.”
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Nelson has lived in Saskatchewan for many years.
“A couple of my art instructors were the late Hugo Alvarado and Sharon Alvarado, Saskatchewan Polytechnic instructors,” she said. “I won’t leave out from whom I have learnt
the most about anything art-related, my daughter Vanessa, so grateful, she is an incredible artist! She has a plethora of knowledge and is always willing to share.”
Nelson says that oil is her favourite medium and no subject is off the table. “Always more to learn!” she said.
“Inspiration is the main catalyst to my creative process. Art for me is something I learned. It doesn’t come naturally but I’m always surprised by the results!”
������ Caring for Our Pets, Caring for Our Community Assiniboia is full of animal lovers — and that’s something we’re proud of. Over the past few weeks, the Town Office has received a noticeable increase in concerns about dogs and cats roaming at large, so this is a great time to revisit a few friendly reminders from our Animal Bylaw.
���� Licensing Your Pet
All dogs and cats must wear a collar and a current pet license. Licenses are inexpensive, easy to pick up at the Town Office, and they help us return lost pets home quickly and safely.
���� Pets Must Stay With Their People
• Dogs must be leashed when off your property
• Cats must be safely tethered or contained
Keeping pets close prevents unwanted visits to yards, gardens, and public spaces — and it’s one of the simplest ways to be a great neighbour.
Investigation underway after fish left to waste at reservoir
SaskToday
Conservation officers from the Assiniboia area are investigating an incident involving the unlawful waste of fish at Summercove Reservoir, approximately 10 1/2 kilometres south of Mankota.
According to a post on the Sasktip Facebook page, officers received information that four
whole northern pike were found discarded and left to waste. It is believed the fish were caught and abandoned sometime between May 15 and 18.
Conservation officers are asking the public for any further information that may assist in their investigation. If anyone observed any unusual or suspicious activity, ve -
hicles or individuals in the area during this time, the Sasktip post said it might assist in the investigation. If you have information related to this advisory, please call a conservation officer or the Saskatchewan Turn In Poachers and Polluters line at 1-800-667-7561. You can also report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp.
���� Stoop & Scoop
Please pick up after your pet. It keeps our parks, sidewalks, and walkways clean and helps prevent the spread of disease. A few seconds of care makes a big difference.
������ Respect for All
We all love our pets — but not everyone loves unexpected encounters. Following these guidelines helps ensure Assiniboia stays welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for all.
For full details, visit the Animal Bylaw section at Assiniboia.net.
���������� Stay Tuned
A new Animal Bylaw is coming this June. We’re updating it to better support responsible pet ownership and community safety. More information will be shared soon.
Special visitors attended the Storytime and Itsy Bitsy program held at the Assiniboia and District Public LIbrary on May 13.
Photo courtesy the Assiniboia and District Library Facebook page
Kidvertising 2026
Future ad pros shine through Elementary School Kidvertising
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
Classroom creativity meets real-world advertising. Assiniboia Elementary School continues their successful kid-vertising initiative, now in its fifth year.
Laurie Hawkins, Grade 8 Teacher at Assiniboia Elementary School, continues to lead students in a collaborative effort
that both educates and engages students in their community.
“The reason I continue to be involved is for the connection to the community. Not only does this provide an opportunity for the students to learn about the local businesses, but provides an opportunity to create a positive impression of the students in the
community. As well, they get a taste of a possible future career,” said Ms. Hawkins.
The work takes approximately two weeks form start to finish as the class stars with brainstorming the purpose of advertising, while recognizing the different styles and techniques used.
“Once that’s finished,
we research examples relating to their chosen business and begin the rough copies. They usually take about three classes for the artwork component. “
There are definite highlights of this project as Hawkins acknowledges that it allows the kids to share their creativity. It is also a relaxed project. Students learn about community businesses they may have never heard of.
The Grade 8 Teacher affirms, “There is definite excitement when students see their ads in the paper. It also gives them an experience of real-world deadlines and expectations.
Additionally, Hawkins adds, “For some, the stress due to their art ability can present challenges. It’s hard to get them to understand that the business is grateful no matter what their artistic talent is.”
The effort and creativity speak louder than the artistic outcome.
“We started this project in the spring of 2020 however we weren’t able to see it to completion due to the schools closing. We picked it up in the spring of 2021 and have done it
ever since.” Hawkins said this will be her last year overseeing this project as she will have a new course load next year, so the torch is being passed.
Linda Hall. Administration and Sales for Assiniboia Times says, “This Program was introduced from one of former Assiniboia Publisher Nancy Johnson. It was a huge success in Manitoba and B.C. It teaches students about logos, marketing and advertising. The businesses in Assiniboia like the program with a few stating their intentions for being part of the initiative early. Once this issue is released, the Times has a pizza party for the students who helped create this special advertising section.”
Kid-created advertising (Kidvertising) by Assiniboia Elementary School (AES) students in the Assiniboia Times builds vital community links, boosts local business engagement, and fosters student creativity. Led by teacher Laurie Hawkins, the annual project, lets students design ads for local businesses, provid -
ing practical, real-world experience with deadlines and creative expression. The project is known for strengthening school-community ties as the initiative connects students directly with the community by spotlighting their work in the local newspaper.
Students learn about professional responsibilities, including meeting strict, real-life deadlines.
Another positive outcome from this student-led project is support for local business as the ads promote local businesses, highlighting what Assiniboia has to offer through a unique, youthful perspective.
Teacher Laurie Hawkins
Name: Lee Grade: 8
Name: Cloie
Grade: 8
Grade 8 students created the Kidvertising designs in the classroom.
Do you like doing crafts? Try this fun and simple project to create cute and colourful monsters.
Supplies
• Yarn
• Pipe cleaners
• Self-adhesive googly eyes
• Scissors
• A rectangle of cardboard slightly larger than your hand
Method
1. Place the cardboard in front of you so it stands taller than it is wide.
2. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard vertically about 20 to 25 times.
3. Cut the yarn along each side of the piece of cardboard to the length you like.
4. Slide a pipe cleaner between the yarn and the top of the cardboard. Make sure both ends of the pipe cleaner stick out evenly on each side.
5. Remove the cardboard and twist the two ends of the pipe cleaner tightly, right
next to the yarn, to hold all the strands together.
6. To form the head, tie a second pipe cleaner around the yarn to create a ball shape where the yarn folds over the first pipe cleaner.
7. Shape the eyes by curling the two ends of the pipe cleaner above the head into circles. Tip: For perfect circles, wrap the pipe cleaner around a pencil.
8. Trim any uneven yarn strands to tidy up the body. Snip off the extra pipe cleaner ends sticking out behind the head.
9. Stick the googly eyes on, placing one eye on each rounded end of the pipe cleaner and one in the middle of the head.
There you have it, your first monster! You can have fun creating other monsters with different colours or by twisting the pipe cleaners into playful shapes—try making corkscrew antennae, for example. You can also change the number and position of the eyes. It’s up to you!
Name: Lyric Grade: 8A
Lightning: An electrifying phenomenon!
If you’ve ever looked out the window during a thunderstorm, you’ve likely seen bright flashes of lightning. Here are some facts you might not know about this spectacular phenomenon.
• A lightning bolt can reach temperatures of up to 30,000 C. That’s about five times the temperature of the sun.
• Thunder occurs when lightning rapidly heats the air, causing it to expand and create a loud sound.
• Your odds of being struck by lightning are about one in a million.
• A lightning bolt can travel several hundred kilometres.
• Contrary to popular belief, lightning can strike the same place twice.
• Lightning can still strike up to 30 minutes after a thunderstorm has passed.
• The safest place during a storm is inside a building that’s equipped with a lightning rod. Never take shelter under a tree or in a tent.
Finally, did you know there’s a trick to figure out how far away a lightning strike takes place? Count the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. Then, multiply that number by 300 metres. For example, if you count three seconds, the lightning has struck about 900 metres away.
Name: Colton
Name:
Name: Grayson Grade: 8A
Name: Payton Grade: 8
Name: Reese Grade: 8A
Make your own kinetic sand!
Have you ever played with kinetic sand? It’s a fun and fascinating material to play with. What makes it unique is that it behaves like both a solid and a liquid. Scientists call this type of material a “colloid.” You can use it to make sculptures or watch it slip through your fingers. You can make your own version at home with a few simple ingredients.
You’ll need:
• 2 ½ cups of fine, coloured craft sand
• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons of dish soap
• 1 ½ cups of water
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sand and cornstarch.
Step 2: In another bowl, mix the water and dish soap.
Step 3: Pour half of the liquid mixture into the dry mixture and stir.
Step 4: Pour in the other half of the liquid and mix well to remove any lumps.
Step 5: Let the mixture rest for about two hours.
That’s it! Now you can have fun moulding your coloured sand into fun shapes.
Name: Ayce
Grade: 8
True of false quiz: white-tailed rabbit
Have you ever seen a rabbit zigzagging across your yard? It was probably a white-tailed rabbit, a species that is quite common in North America. This small animal is recognizable by its cotton-ball tail. Learn more about this rabbit by answering these 10 questions. Good luck! True or false?
1. In winter, the rabbit’s coat turns white.
2. The rabbit is a skilled boxer.
3. Known for reproducing quickly, the female rabbit has an average of 10 babies per litter.
4. Rabbits often twitch their noses because they don’t have a very good sense of smell.
5. Rabbits are fast and can run at speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour.
6. Rabbits sometimes take shelter in the burrows of other animals.
7. Rabbits like to eat c lover and dandelions.
8. Rabbits are very active during the day.
9. Cats and dogs are a threat to rabbits.
10. Rabbits love the company of other animals.
10. False. Rabbits are mostly solitary but can tolerate the presence of other rabbits.
9. True. In addition to cats and dogs, their main predators include weasels, coyotes, -rac coons and foxes. Rabbits must also be wary of birds of prey, such as owls and hawks.
8. False. Rabbits are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. During the day, they prefer to rest in hiding, such as in a thicket or a hole dug under a bush.
7. True. They also feed on vegetables in -gar dens, bark, buds and other plant materials.
6. True. In winter, rabbits may “borrow” burrows dug by marmots or skunks, for example.
Name: Mischa
5. True. Their speed helps them escape from predators.
4. False. Rabbits constantly wiggle their -no ses because they have a highly developed sense of smell. This allows them to detect and flee from predators.
3. False. Litters consist of between two and eight young, but usually five or six. Females can have up to four litters per year.
2. True. To defend its territory, a rabbit can stand on its hind legs and kick with its front legs.
Answers 1. False. Unlike hares, rabbits keep their brown-grey colour all year long.
Grade: 8
Name:
Name: Ella Grade: 8
Rocket Report: Track athletes compete in sectionals meet
By Niamh Hickey
The Rocket Track and Field team participated in the South Central Rural Sectionals Meet on May 20, where they demonstrated team excellence and determination. The ACHS team consisted of 30 athletes with many finding their way to the podium and setting new personal bests. Several ACHS athletes were the aggregate champion of their respective age categories, meaning they gained the most points over several categories since athletes com-
pete in different events.
In the intermediate girls category Lily Kwasnicki was the girls aggregate champion; she was first in both javelin and discus while placing second in shop put. Then Olivia Auser was first in hurdles and Sonora Lemieuz was first in the quad. The quad consists of 100m dash, 800m race, long jump, and shot put.
The intermediate boys category aggregate champion Dalton Kwasnicki was first in both hurdles and triple jump, second in long jump and fourth in the 100m run. While Zeke McCaslin placed first in both the 800m run and the 1500m run then Houston Hillmer was the boys intermediate quad champion.
In the junior girls category Emma Helland was the aggregate champion by placing first in high jump, triple jump, javelin and second in hurdles. Then Charlize Hillmer placed first in the junior
girls quad.
The junior boys aggregate champion was Luke Kwasnicki who was first in the 200m run, hurdles, triple jump and second in high jump while also setting the junior boys 100m hurdle rural section record with 14.99 seconds. Then Paysen Kuntz placed first in both the boys 1500m run and the 3000m run.
Senior girls Ava Coghill first in senior girls 400m and set the rural section record with a time of 1:02.30. Ella Kwasnicki first in senior girls 800m
In the senior girls category Ava Coghill placed first in the 400m run while setting the rural section record with a time of 1:02:30, then Ella Kwasnicki placed first in the 800m run. In the senior boys category, Keagon Haug was first in the 100m run and 400m.
The biggest highlight of the event was the Rockets keeping their place as the 2A/3A school rural champions for the second con-
secutive year! Well done to all the athletes to put in their time and effort to secure another Rocket win. Good luck to all the senior athletes leaving in June,
good luck to you all!
The ACHS SRC has also been working hard on planning a Relay for Life event with the Town of Assiniboia! If you are able to
attend on Friday, May 29 at the Southland Co-op Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it would be amazing to see the town help the fight against cancer!
Lifestyle & Wellness
How to find a suitable volunteering opportunity
Volunteering is a rewarding experience that engages people from all walks of life. While young adults and adults in middle age may find it hard to squeeze volunteering into their schedules, retirees are free of many of the professional and personal obligations that prevent younger adults from volunteering.
Bonnie Nelson
Retirees can reap some unique benefits from volunteering. Volunteering can provide retirees new opportunities to socialize, which can help them avoid feelings of social isolation and loneliness that many seniors confront after retiring. Volunteering also can provide an opportunity for seniors to utilize their professional expertise to the benefit of others.
With so much to gain from volunteering, retirees can start looking for opportunities in their communities. Many such opportunities exist, and the following tips can help retirees find the most suitable one for them.
June 1 - July 31
Art's Up
Kay Cristo Room, Assiniboia & District Public Library
• Identify your motivation to volunteer: Identifying why you want to volunteer can be a great first step. Many retirees who had long and distinguished careers in the professional arena aspire to give back by employing their expertise in new ways. For example, retired attorneys may want to volunteer with a nonprofit organization that provides free legal advice to those who cannot afford to hire their own legal representatives. Once retirees have identified why they want to volunteer, they can then look for opportunities that align with that motivation.
• Consider any potential limitations you have: Some volunteering opportunities are physically demanding, which makes them difficult for retirees. Seniors may not be able to handle a volunteering opportunity that requires heavy lifting or one that asks volunteers to spend hours on their feet. Be honest about any physical limitations, and discuss any uncertainty you might have with your health care provider before committing to a volunteering gig.
• Decide how much time you can volunteer: Volunteering is often characterized as a rewarding experience that offers homebound seniors a chance to get up and go. But some retirees already have active social lives, so it’s imperative that prospective volunteers identify how much time they have to volunteer. Many organizations allow volunteers to determine how much time they spend volunteering, but others may ask more of volunteers in regard to a time commitment. For example, volunteering to organize community events may require
a significant time commitment that some retirees do not necessarily want to make. There are many great reasons to volunteer. Retirees considering volunteering can give the prospect ample consideration before they begin searching for the right opportunity to give back.
Rocket track athletes competed in the sectionals meet on May 20.
Roughriders take pre-season win over Blue Bombers in Saskatoon
Randy Palmer SaskToday.ca
It’s safe to say that fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saskatoon got their money’s worth in their Canadian Football League preseason contest against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Despite falling behind 17-7 in the first quarter, the Riders would steadily chip away offensively, eventually engineering the game-winning drive in the final two minutes and go on to a 31-27 victory at Griffiths Stadium. As a result, Saskatchewan wraps up their pre-season with a 1-1 record and will head into their three-week break in a positive frame of mind.
Former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout Daniel Wiebe was the hero of the final drive, hauling in a threeyard pass in coverage with 48 seconds remaining. The catch was Wiebe’s second of the game, but
came at a perfect time after quarterback Brayden Schager put together the game-winning drive.
The contest backed up his performance from Monday in Calgary at McMahon Stadium, as the Riders rookie quarterback capped off a solid quarter-and-a-half of action by putting together the seven-play, 84-yard series for the winning points. All told, Schager would finish 14-for-19 passing for 179 yards, the gamewinning touchdown and two interceptions.
It was an up-and-down game for both teams, with the starting offences showing off fireworks off the opening drive.
Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros led his team down the field for a sevenplay, 66-yard drive on the game’s first possession, only for Saskatchewan’s Trevor Harris to respond with a five-play 82-yard touchdown drive on the very next series. As the
preseason would have it, that would mark the only series of the game for both starting pivots.
Jack Coan took over for Harris on the Riders second drive and after a rough start that included a pick-six, he’d end up going 10-for-18 passing for 100 yards while playing into the third quarter. That included a slick touch pass to Johnny Johnson III to give Saskatchewan their first lead of the game 21-17 with 9:42 to play in the third.
Winnipeg regained the lead on a pick-six interception off Schager early in the fourth quarter and they’d extend their edge to 27-21 with 4:27 to play. Cue the comeback, beginning with a gutsy field goal call with 2:34 remaining that saw Jonathan Kim hit a 35-yarder to get the Riders within four. All told, Kim would finish 3-for-3 on field goals, including a long of 51.
Rain delays the first pitch for Dunning League’s 100th season
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
The century-old Dunning Baseball League was ready to celebrate a major milestone this spring, but Mother Nature stepped up to the mound first.
The league was set to begin its 100th season of senior men’s baseball in southern Saskatchewan, however several days of high winds, rain and even snow forced opening games to be postponed before teams could officially take the field.
The Assiniboia Aces were scheduled to host the Rockglen Rats for their home opener on May 14, but wet weather and uncooperative field conditions resulted
in the game being cancelled. Instead of hearing the crack of the bat, communities across the region were once again hearing the sounds of spring storms.
Despite the soggy start, the Aces still have a busy May ahead, with four remaining games on the schedule, including three on home diamonds. Fans are hopeful warmer temperatures and drier conditions will soon allow the club to finally kick off its centennial campaign.
The Assiniboia Brew Crew will begin league play on the road before hosting their home opener against the Lafleche Merchants on May 19. The Brew Crew have three
The Riders defence did their job on the ensuing drive by getting the twoand-out, and Schager and crew would do the rest.
A.J. Ouellete had Saskatchewan’s other major on the first drive, plunging in from three yards out. Abdul Janneh led the Riders receiving corps with six catches for 107
yards, with 11 different players having at least one catch in the game. Ridge Texada and Ja’Kobe Clinton had the pick-six majors for Winnipeg, Brady Oliveira scored the touchdown on their first drive. Brady Lidster was 2-for-3 on field goals, including a long of 50.
The game marks the end of Saskatchewan’s pre-season schedule, and they’ll shift to Regina for the final week of training camp before receiving their first bye of the regular season in Week 1. The Roughriders home opener is set for Saturday, June 13 against the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium.
additional games scheduled in May, with only one more contest to be played at home.
Joining Assiniboia in league action this season are teams from Coronach, Lafleche, Glentworth and Rockglen, continuing a longstanding baseball tradition that has connected southern Saskatchewan communities for generations.
Regular season play is scheduled throughout May and June, with all teams wrapping up league action by July 2 before playoffs begin. Organizers and players alike are now hoping the weather forecast finally delivers conditions more suitable for baseball than snowballs.
and shapes the future of our community and orginization. Planning to attend is the first step in making sure your voice is heard.
FIREARMS AUCTION, June 27th: Ward’s and Bud Haynes Auctions in Edmonton. Consign Now! Firearms, Ammo, Optics, Accessories, etc. Call Brad Ward, 780-940-8378. FirearmsAuctions.ca Auctions
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www swna com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS 44 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities Call 306-649 1405 or visit www swna com for details
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www swna com
& Seed
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
SaskPower to inspect 123K wood power poles in 2026
SaskToday
SaskPower crews will inspect more than 123,000 wood power poles across Saskatchewan in 2026 as part of the Crown corporation’s annual maintenance program.
More than 1.2 million wood power poles are installed throughout Saskatchewan. Inspections are beginning this month and will include checks for damage, decay and carpenter ant infestations.
Crews will examine poles, crossarms, anchoring cables and other hard-
ware while carrying out maintenance designed to extend the lifespan of the infrastructure.
Any pole that cannot be repaired or reinforced will be marked for replacement.
In addition to pole inspections, crews will perform ground grid testing on 9,000 rural overhead transformers and install wildfire protection on between 600 and 800 poles in higherrisk northern regions.
SaskPower said the wildfire protection measures are intended to help reduce fire-related outages.
The Crown corporation said no planned power outages will be required for the work. Crews will remain within SaskPower rights-of-way whenever possible, although workers may occasionally need access to private property.
The wood pole inspection schedule includes:
• Davidson mid-May to early July
• Weyburn mid-May to early July
• Rosthern mid-May to early June
• Shellbrook early June to early July
• Unity early July to early August
• Moosomin early July to end of August
• Wynyard early August to end of October
Transformer testing is also scheduled in several communities:
• Shaunavon mid-May to early July
• Saskatoon rural west mid-May to mid-June
• Melville late May to early June
• Strasbourg early June to late June
• Assiniboia late June to early August
• Lloydminster late June to mid-July
More information is available through SaskPower.
SaskPower will inspect wooden power poles.
Coronach Centennial plans “Come Back Home” event as August celebration
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
Excitement continues to grow in Coronach as organizers prepare for a milestone celebration this summer marking the community’s 100th anniversary.
Following the earlier announcement of the centennial festivities planned for the August long weekend, organizers have continued unveiling events and activities designed to welcome residents, former residents and visitors back home for a weekend filled with memories, music and community spirit.
A dedicated website and social media pages have been keeping people updated as preparations continue for what is expected to be one of the community’s biggest celebrations in decades.
Festivities officially begin Friday, July 31, with
several activities already creating buzz. Guests will be able to book online tours of the Westmoreland Mine, while the Big Muddy Players will entertain audiences with a performance at the community hall. The local school will also open its doors for tours, giving many former students a chance to walk familiar hallways once again.
Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend as the curling rink transforms into a children’s zone complete with bouncy castles and activities. At the Sportsplex, the skating rink will host a beverage garden along with live entertainment from the Amigos Band, offering the perfect backdrop for reunions and reminiscing.
Saturday’s schedule features many classic small-town celebration favourites, beginning with a
pancake breakfast before opening ceremonies and a parade take centre stage. Organizers have planned a full lineup of activities throughout the day, before the evening wraps up with a cabaret featuring Route 99 and Rock Candy.
The celebration continues Sunday with another pancake breakfast and church service, followed by additional family activities and entertainment throughout the day. The weekend will conclude with a performance by Saskatchewan country music star Jess Moskaluke, expected to draw visitors from across the region.
One event already attracting considerable interest is the Wedding Dress Fashion Show, a unique feature that will showcase dresses and memories from generations past.
Organizers are currently
Assiniboia RCMP weekly crime stats
The Assiniboia RCMP responded to 51 calls for service during the week of May 11 to 17.
These included:
- 911 Misuse - 1
- Assault - 1
- Assault with weapon - 1
- Abandoned Vehicles - 1
- Break & Enter - 3
- Disturbing the Peace - 1
- Fraud Greater than $5,000 - 1
- Fraud Under $5,000 - 1
- False Alarms - 4
- Identity Fraud - 1
- Items Lost/Found - 1
- Mental Health Act - 1
- Mischief – Damage to Motor Vehicle - 1
- Mischief – Obstruct Enjoyment of Property - 2
- Municipal Bylaws - 1
- Operation While Impaired - 4
- Provincial Statues - 1
- SOIRA –Fail to Comply - 1
- Sexual Interference - 1
- Suspicious Person/ Property/Vehicle - 2
- Theft Under $5,000 - 1
- Traffic - 19
• Distracted/ Cellphone Use (2)
• Erratic (1)
• Intersection (2)
• Speeding (14)
- Wellbeing Check - 1
searching for both dresses and volunteer models. Anyone interested can contact Courtney Setrum for additional details.
The centennial theme, “It is time to come back home,” reflects the spirit organizers hope visitors experience throughout the weekend — reconnecting with old friends, revisiting familiar places and cele -
brating the rich history of the community together.
Located near the United States border, Coronach is known as the gateway to the Big Muddy Badlands and offers visitors access to guided outlaw cave tours, the scenic Castle Butte area, golf, and southern Saskatchewan hospitality. The community also continues to serve as an important
hub for mining, power generation and agriculture.
As the countdown to the centennial celebration continues, organizers say the weekend is shaping up to be far more than just an anniversary event — it is an opportunity for generations of families and friends to reconnect and celebrate everything that makes Coronach home.
BusinessServices Guide Business Services
Voting Information There are 3 open Board positions available in this election. Members may vote for up to 3 candidates on their ballot.
Please remember to bring a valid photo ID when voting.
Thank you for taking part and helping shape the future of Southland Co-op!
Polling stations will be at all operating locations. Gravelbourg - Monday June 8 Lafleche - Tuesday June 9 Mossbank - Wednesday June 10 Coronach - Thursday June 11
Food Store - Friday June 12 The polls will be open from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 pm, and will conclude prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. Polls will rotate from Branch to Branch. Each Member has the right to vote at any Branch but only one vote per member. Each member of a joint membership is entitiled to a vote. Results of Elections will be announced at the AGM. Tuesday June 16th, 2026 at St. Georges Parish, Assiniboia.
