Assiniboia Kinsmen Member Howard Ellis (at left) presented $5,000 to Kim Eklund (secretary) and Curtis Nelson (president of Civic Improvement Association) along with Kinsmen Brandon Welder and Rock Boisvenu. The funds were raised from the Chase The Ace draws.
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
Cheri Blackwell, committee co-chair for the upcoming Canadian Mixed Curling Championship, said organizers are kicking things into high gear, as there are only seven weeks until the event arrives.
Assiniboia will host to mixed curling teams from across Canada, at the Curling Rink on November 2-8.
Vice-chairs Harvey Hysuik and Cheri Blackwell said their host committee is fortunate to have members of the curling club with experience in hosting events
of this magnitude.
“We are excited to showcase Assiniboia and the surrounding communities in southern Saskatchewan to people from across the country. It’s going to be seven great days of competition for curlers and spectators alike,” added the event leadership duo.
“We are very pleased with the sales of the event passes and there are still some available. For $60, this includes every draw, opening ceremonies and the championship game on Saturday,” said Blackwell. Continued on Page 2
Continued from front page
“The Victory Banquet, held on November 8, will follow the gold medal game and there are tickets available,” added Blackwell. The event includes banquet, award presentations and entertainment by Leroy and Leroy as well as the music of Brandon and Co.
Tickets for the tournament or the Victory Banquet can be purchased at www.sasktix.evenue.net.
Blackwell affirmed that this will not only be a great week for the curling community but for the Town of Assiniboia as well. The curling committee aims to showcase all the great things Assiniboia has to offer outside of the curling club.
“The Canadian fourplayer mixed championship is an event to remember and we’re excited to see how Assiniboia will embrace it in 2025,” said Nolan Thiessen, Chief executive officer of Curling Canada. “It’s a great event in the spirit of curling, but it also produces championship-calibre curling every year and we know fans and players will enjoy the experience.”
It will be the 61st edi-
tion of the Canadian Mixed Championship, and it will be the third time in four years that it has been staged in Saskatchewan.
Prince Albert hosted in 2022, while last year, the hometown Saskatchewan team skipped by Shaun Meachem prevailed in Swift Current.
The 2025 Canadian Mixed Championship winner will represent Canada at the 2026 World Mixed Curling Championship.
It will be the first time Assiniboia has hosted a Curling Canada championship event.
“Assiniboia has proved to be a remarkable host for major events in the past, and I have every confidence that the 2025 Canadian Mixed Championship will be no exception,” said Steve Turner, Executive Director of CurlSask.
“Saskatchewan has produced many outstanding mixed curling teams over the years, including the current reigning national champions Team Meachem from Swift Current, so I know the home team will give the fans something to cheer for in 2025.”
It takesa lotofhelptoorganize eventsthrough thesummermonths. Abig bouquetgoesout to Danica Booth andall thevolunteersinRockglen whogiveuptheir
CHAPLIN-
Saskatchewan’s Farm &RanchSpecialists WITH OVER 40 YEARS IN THEBUSINESS!
Ph: (306) 569-3380 Email: lanerealtycorp@sasktel.net www.lanerealty.com
Submitted by Kris Sims Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Alberta is currently the only province in Canada without a provincial sales tax.
It’s a city on a hill for taxpayers who are fed up with paying more tax when they head to the cash register to buy something.
Taxpayers across the West should be fed up because nearly half of their paycheques are going up in smoke thanks to taxes.
There are income taxes, fuel taxes, property taxes, business taxes, carbon taxes, capital gains taxes and sales taxes. Federally, there’s the five per cent GST, and in every province but Alberta, there’s a form of PST.
Sales taxes inflict more pain on the wallets of taxpayers with less income. It doesn’t matter if you make $1 million per year or $10,000, the sales tax percentage charged remains the same.
Sales taxes take a bigger bite out of smaller paycheques.
Alberta taxpayers are saving huge amounts of money from not having to pay a PST.
For example, Alberta has more than 825,000 students who are returning to school.
Parents will spend an average of $788 on back-to-school supplies per student, according to a Deloitte survey. If Alberta parents spend even half that much, they are saving about $27 in PST per student. Across the province, families are saving about $22.6 million by not having to pay a PST while shopping for school
supplies.
That’s because families aren’t paying a seven per cent PST on things like clothes, shoes, backpacks, notebooks, calculators, lunch bags, laptops and phones.
Alberta’s Taxpayer Protection Act prevents a PST from taking root. If a government decided impose a PST in Alberta, it would have to win a referendum on the question first. That’s not the case in the rest of Western Canada.
Taxpayers in Saskatchewan are forking over more than $3.3 billion in PST this year to the provincial government. A Saskatchewan family making $75,000 annually, pays about $2,100 per year in PST.
That’s because the Saskatchewan government keeps tacking it onto to almost everything you buy. The government raised the PST from five to six per cent and removed exemptions for used cars, restaurant meals and children’s clothes in 2017.
The government also started charging PST on event tickets in 2022. That means the Saskatchewan government is charging you more to watch the Riders.
Take used cars, every time you purchase a used car in Saskatchewan that’s worth more than $5,000, the government expects you to hand them a cheque for the six per cent PST on it, no matter how many times it’s been bought and sold before.
On a vehicle worth $10,000, buyers will
have to fork over $600 extra to the government. It doesn’t matter how old the vehicle is. It doesn’t matter how many times it’s been bought and sold, the provincial government is standing there with its hand out, taking more.
Provincial governments are bloodthirsty when it comes to the PST.
It’s the same story in British Columbia.
Back in 2004, the B.C. government noticed that wise British Columbians were saving some of their big purchases for their summer trip to Alberta, because they were saving about $150 on a new washer and dryer set because Alberta doesn’t have a PST.
Former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell’s government tried to tell retailers in Alberta to take pictures of British Columbia license plates in their parking lots and to send the B.C. government the sales receipts. Why?
So, the B.C. government could charge those shoppers B.C.’s seven per cent PST on top of the items which the family had purchased in Alberta.
The stores told the B.C. government to go pound sand and the government had to drop the case.
Alberta academics and politicians chattering about a PST need to look at their neighbours and remember that a sales tax makes life more expensive for those who need help most.
Saskatchewan and British Columbia need to look at Alberta and realise how much taxpayers can save if they cut their sales taxes.
$60,000
Innovation Saskatchewan is investing $60,000 in Startup TNT to help earlystage Saskatchewan companies connect with angel investors and access earlystage venture capital.
The funding supports Startup TNT programs through Spring 2026, including this fall’s Saskatchewan Summit XII and Agri-Food Summit. The summits give startups the opportunity to pitch investors who each pre-commit $5,000. Over eight weeks, the investors assess companies through due diligence, voting and collective decision-making, with investments announced at a live community finale.
Summit finale winners receive a minimum $100,000 plus investment, and both winners and non-winners have the potential for additional side deals. Last year, five Saskatchewan startups raised $758,000 through the summits, including Rivercity Innovations raising a recordbreaking $558,000 from investors.
Startup TNT is excited to be working with Innovation Saskatchewan to not only deliver more iterations of their existing programming but also develop new ways
to meet the needs of the Saskatchewan market.
The additional programming support is being used to develop two Investor Bootcamps to unlock new angel capital for the next crop of startups and an Investment Readiness program that prepares promising Saskatchewan startups to meet the needs of intensive due diligence from institutional investors deploying cheques in excess of $1 million.
Since 2021, Startup TNT has helped 27 Saskatchewan startups raise a total of $4.4 million in investments and an additional $29 million for portfolio companies from dilutive and non-dilutive funding sources. It has also activated 194 new investors to deploy capital into Saskatchewan startups and estimates that 60 per cent of startup funding comes from Saskatchewan investors.
Saskatchewan startups interested in pitching at the Saskatchewan Summit XII have until Sept. 17 to apply. Applications for the Agri-Food Summit are due Oct. 1. Learn more about angel investing in Saskatchewan’s tech ecosystem and apply for the fall summits at startuptnt.com.
The Government of Sas-
katchewan is expanding the ability of pharmacists to offer more care to patients with new training that will allow them to substitute medications under specific conditions.
With this new training, pharmacists will be able to prescribe alternative medications under conditions approved by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) such as during a supply disruption or shortage of a prescribed drug. For example, if a patient’s prescription heartburn medication is unavailable, a pharmacist would be able to substitute it with a different appropriate prescription heartburn medication.
Pharmacists will be required to take training and meet competency requirements as established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals and follow mandatory guidelines.
“Therapeutic substitution under Advanced
Prescribing A enables pharmacists to respond more effectively to medication availability and patient needs,” SCPP President Scott Livingstone said.
“By supporting access to equivalent therapies when a prescribed product is unavailable, this change helps minimize treatment delays and disruptions in care.”
Pharmacists will have the ability to prescribe an alternative drug under other circumstances, including when a drug is officially withdrawn from the market; the patient’s safety is at risk and the prescriber cannot be reached in a reasonable timeframe; or the patient is unable to take the initial drug and would benefit from a different drug with an alternative dosage or way of administering it, such as by mouth instead of by injection.
“We want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for their ongoing commitment to enhancing health services including those in rural and small-
town Saskatchewan, and for their leadership in health care,” Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan CEO Michael Fougere said. “Pharmacists are the health system’s medication experts. By expanding pharmacists’ scope and enabling them to replace a patient’s prescribed medication, the government is increasing health system capacity for Saskatchewan residents.”
To date, nine other provinces and territories have implemented similar policies concerning therapeutic substitution.
Saskatchewan pharmacists were first granted the authority to prescribe for four minor ailments in 2012. Since then, the list has grown to more than 30 conditions. The full list of conditions is available at the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals website.
There are almost 1,300 practising community pharmacists in more than 430 licensed community pharmacies in Saskatchewan.
The Assiniboia and District Arts Council and Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) will present Kate Ryan at the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreation Centre on Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m
Kate Ryan is a Canadian comedian and professional circus artist. Her one-woman comedy circus show is a hilarious and entertaining experience that combines physical comedy, skilled circus disciplines, and witty humour.
Arts Council President Alison Lewis caught a preview of Ryan’s show in Regina last fall.
“From the moment the
show began, Kate displayed her great talent as an acrobat and circus performer, as well as her fantastic comedic nature,” says Alison. “Her witty humour and variety of acts had the audience enthralled and laughing.”
As a seasoned comedian and performer, Kate takes the audience on a wild ride of laughter and amusement. From circus hoops to juggling, acrobatics to magic, quick changes, and clowning, Kate delivers a range of captivating performances with impeccable timing and charismatic stage presence.
Kate believes in facilitating the importance of play
in every person’s life. By hosting circus workshops and performances, Kate is able to share youth and social circus with thousands of children, families and people of all ages each year.
Tickets to Kate Ryan are $40 in advance, $45 at the door for adults, and $10 in advance, It is $12 at the door for students.
Tickets are available online at www.assiniboiaartscouncil.ca or from Marni at 306-642-7711, Alison at 306-640-7031, at the Shurniak Art Gallery, Prince of Wales Office, Assiniboia and District Public Library or email assiniboia.artscouncil@sasktel.net for more information.
The Assiniboia RCMP responded to 23 calls for service during the week of September 8 to 14. These included - Assault with a Weapon - 1
- Assistance to Canadian Police (non-RCMP) - 1
- Assistance to Provincial Agency - 1
- Disturbing the Peace - 1 - Fail to Attend Court - 2 - Fail to Comply - 1 - False Alarm - 3 - Harassing Communications - 1 - Mental Health Act - 1 - Mischief Damage to Property - 1 - Operation while Prohibited - 1 - Suspicious
Hello Assiniboia! It’s always my honour and privilege to write about Assiniboia, our small town with a big heart.
Assiniboia is more than a spot on the map- it isa place where community, opportunity, and quality of life come together in a way that is truly special.
If asked what makes Assiniboia shine, it is first and foremost its people. Our diverse group of residents embody the warmth and hospitality that small-town Saskatchewan is known for. It’s a wonderful place to live where neighbours greet one another by name, lend a hand when it’s needed and take pride in calling Assiniboia home.
Our volunteers are like no other and give back to the community in so many ways. Our annual volunteer appreciation event ensures that all volunteers are appreciated for all that they do in our community. This time of year, I must give praise and thanks to one organization, Communities in Bloom. These many hardworking volunteers work countless hours ensuring such beauty and pride goes into the floral displays we have around town. One just must stop and “smell the roses “every now and then.
A vibrant community thrives thanks to our local businesses, which provide essential services to our town. From unique shops and family-owned businesses /restaurants to professional services and trades, Assiniboia’s business community continues to grow and adapt, delivering big-city amenities with the care of a small-town.
Our strong local Chamber collaborates closely with the town, promoting one another in business and supporting community events. A big shout-out to our Chamber for their exceptional efforts! The strength of our community is rooted in the success of our businesses.
In the past few years, Assiniboia has also seen some major infrastructure investments that strengthen the foundation of our community. Our recent Centre Street project was a significant undertaking. Our municipality committed to enhancing infrastructure beginning with the replacement of main water valves in 2023. This effort continued with the replacement of fire hydrants, curb stops, sewer service connections and waterlines. This work was done leading up to the Collaborative Repaving Highway 13/2 through Assiniboia Project with the Ministry of Highways. The work included replacement of curb, gutters, sidewalks, street lights and the repaving of 5.1 km of Highway 13 and Highway 2/Centre Street.
Another part of our Centre Street project with the assistance of the SGI traffic grant, a new four-way stop as well as new pedestrian crossings are now being placed on our new Centre Street. With safety of our residents being a priority, our speed limit in town is now 40 kms and 30 kms in school zones.
To celebrate this major project in our community we are hosting a large celebration in commemoration. This event is our municipalities opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all the businesses, residents and visitors. We aim to give back to everyone who has patiently endured the challenges of dirt, mud, potholes, limited access, noise, excavation activities, detours and the multitude of disruptions. We can’t wait for you to join us on Saturday, September 27 as we come together in appreciation and joy.
As we reflect on the year so far, we enjoyed the summer days, the sporting events including provincial wins from our baseball teams and another successful Canada Day event, complete with fireworks at the end of the day. Our Tuesday Better Together BBQ’s were back again, what a success! In eight short weeks, thanks to our sponsors, we served over 2,900 meals to residents in the community. Wow!
Hockey season is now here, and another season in our wonderful Southland Coop Centre is underway as we hosted the pre-season WHL game featuring the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Swift Current Broncos. Seven hundred fans were in attendance showcasing our Assiniboia Spirit! I am reminded of a quote that sticks in my mind.... “If you don’t love where you live, you need to move to Assiniboia!”
Our Assiniboia curling club is in full swing with the planning of the 2025 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship which will be held from November 2 to 8. Our Canadian teams will be here to play for the title, be sure to get your tickets and take in some of this great event in the community!
Our cultural events included several concerts hosted by the Assiniboia and District Arts Council, an artist retreat and the celebration of the 20th anniversary of our beloved Shurniak Gallery in our community. The arts are alive and well in Assiniboia. Our local museum is always a fan favourite with their classic cars, mini-golf and revolving displays. If you haven’t stopped by there recently, please stop in and check it out! Our beautiful Prince of Wales Recreation and Cultural Centre has been busy hosting events every weekend. We are so luck to have this facility. Located within the POW, movie lovers had no lack of entertainment this past year, as the Olympia Theatre served up not only great movies but delicious popcorn as well!
Our Team “TOA” (Town of Assiniboia) continues the path of positivity and progress as we work together to make our community better. As Mayor, I am so proud of our entire team who continue to accomplish great things and I look forward to our next few years together. It is truly a privilege to work alongside our Council and staff who are respectful, dedicated and focused.
One could say life in Assiniboia is balanced, peaceful and rewarding. Our town offers excellent recreational facilities, schools, healthcare and cultural opportunities, while still maintaining the charm and peace of rural living. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a business, or enjoying retirement, Assiniboia offers the best of both worlds: opportunity and tranquility.
Assiniboia isn’t just a place to live - it’s a place to belong. With its dedicated residents, thriving businesses, ongoing improvements, and outstanding quality of life, our town is proof that small communities can certainly be big.
Mayor Sharon Schauenberg
Assiniboia - Heart of the Golden South
Assiniboia exudes neighbourly magic—people wave from their trucks, help unasked, and truly care for each other. Community isn’t just a word; it’s a lifestyle. Assiniboia feels like home, not just for its familiarity, but for the residents who embody it. We've had a progressive 2025, and we are BETTER TOGETHER. Thank you for your patience, adaptability, and resilience.
the Hear
From Wood RivertoAssiniboia andsurroundingcommunities, we continue to build stronger,morevibrant places to live,workand raisefamilies. Assiniboia is aproud exampleofthatstrength,and itsresidentsmakeita greatplace to call home
Assiniboia continues to demonstrate an impressive resume of all things that combine to create a vibrant, active and thriving small town Sask. community.
Assiniboia is led by strong leadership in mayor and council, reaffirmed by the confidence voters had to acclaim them all for another four-year term. They choose to seek ways to improve the community and be active participants in many of their town’s activities. A re-opened revamped Main Street upgrade has been one of the most recent highlights.
The Chamber of Commerce continues to seek ways, and lay out plans and programs, to assist the business core maintain and improve. They are the champions behind Assiniboia’s business sector, community goals and overall growth in the community, as well as promotion of all the benefits living in and visiting to Assiniboia.
Sports organizations in town don’t just run successful programs for participants, they also provide fundraising and hours of volunteer work to help keep recreation venues in a great state making them appreciated by users and noticed by visitors.
Assiniboia defies what many small towns struggle with – activity. Thanks in part to the state-of-the-art Southland Coop Centre along with the dedication of Assiniboia’s Wellness and Recreation Director’s efforts, every season is full of something to do. While this might not seem like a big deal to some, this activity is a strong contributor to the economy as not only are residents not leaving town for events and activities but the said activity itself is drawing in visitors of other communities, always sure to benefit the local economy. Hosting events can be the heart and soul of a thriving community.
Southland Co-op Centre is more than a hockey arena offering a virtual room, climbing wall and those famous tailgate parties to watch events, mostly the Riders, on the exterior big screen, adding another activity for community members to gather
Assiniboians do not shy away from big ticket events whether it is provincial hosts at the ball diamonds, or exhibition games for SJHL and WHL at the local arena. The biggest event hosted in Assiniboia for many years will be the upcoming Canadian Mixed Curling Championship, upcoming in November. This kind of activity puts the community on the map as visitors and those from hockey and curling communities will return to their locales talking about what they experienced, sure to entice a return visit or encourage others to come check out what people
are talking about.
Service Clubs are another success story in Assiniboia as their ongoing commitment to serving the community’s needs bring forth thousands of dollars for organizations, places and spaces. Their volunteer efforts alone are a huge asset when hosting activities in the community. Milestone anniversaries of these service clubs showcase their continued strength and dedication to Assiniboia.
In fact, the Kinsmen Club will be marking their 80th anniversary in town in September. The Rotary Club marked 65 years as a service club in Assiniboia in 2024.
Assiniboia’s Arts Council and Shurniak Gallery are another added benefit not seen in all small communities across the province. Not only do these entities keep locals engaged, their events help draw in people from outside of Assiniboia
Better Together barbecues over the summer months are truly doing what they set out to do — unite a community for a common purpose, ensuring everyone recognizes and celebrates that communities like Assiniboia thrive when they are better together. And, it all starts with sharing a meal. Funds generated from this weekly event go back into recreation projects and programming.
The museum is also a popular hot spot for visitors as well as playing host to a variety of events and activities that offer something for all generations to experience and enjoy. This venue run by dedicated volunteers celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2024.
Milestone anniversaries celebrated in 2024 showcased the vision, commitment and support in partnership with businesses, organizations and residents. E Bourassa and Sons centennial anniversary. Multiple silver anniversary celebrations took place in 2024 including the Assiniboia Apostolic Church, Christmas Lane market and Festival of Trees. Assiniboia’s Community Choir celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2024. Integra Tire, a family business, held a special celebration for its 30th anniversary.
Driving home the message that Assiniboia is fortunate, and that fortune is brought about by the residents here who choose to give back to their community and act when needed. It’s a community that chooses to collaborate, and often, creates an energetic environment that is collectively contributed to – without chaos – by all those who live in it. There is no community without unity in it.
Assiniboia continues to reflect resilience, perseverance, and commitment to growth and the future by continually building on a community everyone is proud of and loves to showcase.
Residents continue to commend Assiniboia’s Wellness and Recreation Director, Stephanie VanDeSype, for her efforts in creating recreation programs, coordinating recreation activity and overall making recreation options in Assiniboia both engaging and inviting.
While some of Assiniboia’s recreation options are not under the Town of Assiniboia jurisdiction, they are rather long-time community executives that continue the commitment to offer a positive experience for all users. These people are all volunteers offering their dedication to keeping many youth sports activities viable and operational.
The golf club’s executive at Assiniboia Golf Course are also volunteers but are quick to acknowledge volunteers and supporters who are one of the keys to their season’s success.
Southland Co-op Centre’s multi functionality shines in southern Saskatch ewan offering more than a community
hockey arena. The exterior big screen is a gathering place for tail gate parties to watch the Riders and other big-ticket events. Inside, the virtual golf, climbing wall, walking track and other amenities are something not often seen outside of big city centres.
Assiniboia’s Curling Club will not only mark their 90th anniversary in November of 2025, a committee is feverishly working on hosting the Curling Canada Mixed Championship, bringing teams from across Canada to compete.
Assiniboia’s Aquatic Centre was the place to be during summer with plentiful opportunities to cool off along with special events throughout the season. The pool is also home to the long-standing Aquarian swim club. The splash park is nearby. This rec. venue is also home to the weekly summer Better Together barbecues.
The former Civic Centre ice pad remained after demolition for the community to enjoy. The space includes
basketball nets, hockey nets, and skatepark equipment and Assiniboia’s Recreation and Wellness Manager says they love seeing youth enjoy the space, utilizing the multi purpose pad. The future plan is to develop this space with more recreational amenities.
The community’s dog park offers many benefits that include the promotion of outdoor physical activity year-round. This in turn, encourages a health and active lifestyle for both pet owner and pet. Social opportunities are present for both dog owner and dogs themselves. Assiniboia knows that having a community dog park can help attract new residents as newcomers look for venues that will enhance living for both newcomers and their four-legged friends. It is a great addition to recreation options offered in the community.
The TOA does a great job keeping their recreation Facebook page full of details on year-round activities, Town of Assiniboia Recreation, Facebook page.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
Assiniboia Composite High School, Assiniboia Elementary School and Assiniboia’s 7th Ave. School continue to engage students in their community with a number of activities and initiatives that continue to connect more people with the staff and students, helping to build a better community.
These schools commit to not just create positive learning environments but they work towards building better citizens by getting them involved and engaged in their home community.
The high school is often a continual host of extracurricular activity that helps develop key life skills, leadership qual-
ities and a sense of civic responsibility. Organizers of these events are often students and they learn to collaborate with local business and community members, helping strengthen the school’s ties to the local area.
Hosting events also provides economic spinoffs for the Town of Assiniboia such as hosting sports games and tournaments, science fairs and provincial events, with families, fans and officials, coming to town with their teams. These people then support the business community by way of food and fuel purchases, or maybe even staying in local hotels, or taking advantage of some of the unique shopping options in town that aren’t available where they live. Host committees purchase supplies needed for these events from
local businesses.
A shining example of this community commitment and ‘pay it forward’ mandate comes in the ACHS pink game which showcases community camaraderie as both student athletes, organizers and the community overall work collaboratively to raise funds for a community member who may be challenged in life with a cancer diagnosis.
From Hoops to Hope, former pink game organizer, Al Wandler, said the pink game caught on across the province generating totals from these games, since inception, totaling $480,251.50, with the ACHS contribution in that remarkable total being $97,721.82.
The 2025 event was the highest fundraising total generated to date, with $28,459.68 being donated directly to community member, Crystal Christopherson who thanked the team, organizers and community for walking alongside her in her health struggles, reminding her she is not alone.
The ACHS Wall of Honour boosts hometown connection. A sense of pride and belonging comes from hometown connections, many of those created and nurtured during high school years. Success stories past high school are talked about in the community but Assiniboia Composite High School has taken these sources of community pride to another level.
Started in 2010, there are now ten inductees that range from accolades to the arts, academics and other avenues of success stories. The purpose of the wall is for recognition of former students and teachers who have had a significant achievement on the provincial, national or international scene.
How about enlisting students to create advertising for the local paper? AES teacher, Laurie Hawkins, is the inspiration behind this project bridging the gap between school students and their hometown businesses, creating a real community connection.
Did you see the Assiniboia Times issue that included kid created advertising for local businesses? Allowing the students to shine in the eyes of the community is a big benefit to this newspaper and classroom partnership. Often, the only thing that gets recognized from the schools are sporting activities or big events. It creates a real community connection. Students now take ownership in their local newspaper and as one of the most popular issues, readers enjoy looking through student’s eyes at their business sector through these student creations.
Hawkins was also a spearhead behind the Kindness Rocks project wherein students created a kindness garden located at the town of Assiniboia office. Rocks are painted with inspiring and uplifting messages and logos or characters and places in these rock garden beds.
“The collaborative project is meant to create a positive place for people to enjoy, but more importantly to connect the elderly with the youth, as they created many of the initial rocks placed in this unique garden together. “
Did you know Assiniboia’s 7th Ave. School, for a second year in a row was named top ten spot for Terry Fox fundraising. The school raised nearly $6,335, placing seventh.
Undertaking activities like these with students is yet another showcase of community classroom teachers’ commitment to finding ways to build citizens while engaging the classroom in unique learning opportunities that also bridges generational gaps as well as connect students with others in the community they live.
Assiniboia Schools are another highlight of the community and their continued efforts in engaging with residents in a variety of ways, helps build citizens, and creates a sense of community and school pride.
Assiniboia Communities in Bloom, in accordance with their national organization goals of improving and beautifying the civic spaces in local communities, is calling all prairie artists to consider entering a competition.
Artists can submit an original vibrant artwork of any medium that reflects an understanding of southern Saskatchewan scenery. No AI generated content. This artwork will be used to create
an enlarged vinyl digital print for a mural, 16’ x 8’, located on Centre Street in Assiniboia, Sask.
The artist will receive a $1,000 honourarium for the original artwork and all the reproduction rights. The artist’s name will be acknowledged on any promotional brochures, and products. Artwork must be horizontal orientation. Suggested canvas sizes are 48 x 24, 38 x 19 and 24 x 12. Deadline for original artwork submission is Nov-
ember 30, 2025.
Submissions must include a photo of the submitted artwork in PDF or JPG format, the artist name, mailing address, email and phone number. Enter the contest by emailing: assiniboiacib@ gmail.com. If more information is needed, residents can call committee members Sue Robinson at 1-306-640-9091 Linda McCrank at 1-306-6420175, or Joann Girardin at 1-306-642-8722.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
Assiniboia supports a large number of churche communities. Church organizations provide employment in clergy, administrative and custodial staff as well as they support a variety of local businesses.
Not everyone who attends Assiniboia churches, for varying activities, events, weddings, funerals, celebrations are local. This means they also are contributors to the local economy.
Much like strong school systems, many families and individuals consider the presence of local religious organizations when making decisions about coming to communities and purchasing property. The presence of churches aids in families choosing to establish residence in a local community. This, in turn, helps support local
businesses and contributes to property tax payments. Therefore, churches provide direct economic benefits to the community. Churches encourage community growth, job creation, and overall economic vitality.
You can say, beyond direct economic benefits, churches provide social benefits. Several researches have identified that providing help to poor and vulnerable individuals in the community is one of their strengths. Promoting charitable contributions and volunteering is another way churches contribute to your community. Food drives or creating a crowd funding for people in need are just some examples.
Assiniboia Ministerial Association
The Assiniboia Ministerial Association exists to promote the work of Christ within the community in a cooperative and respectful manner.
They are the founding partners with the Assiniboia and District Food Bank, which is housed and managed by the Salvation Army Family Services and Thrift Store.
Clergy and leaders of the Assiniboia Ministerial Association meet regularly throughout the year and host several community worship events. These events include the annual Good Friday community service; the Remembrance Day Service, in conjunction with the Legion Remembrance Day Services, held on November 11th at St. George Parish Hall; the Christmas Service of Remembrance, held the second week of December; and other concerts and community events.
Members of the Assiniboia Ministerial Association also contribute to the Pass the Salt column, published in the Assiniboia Times newspaper.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
With a goal of keeping residents at home, rather than traveling to larger centres for entertainment options, as well as drawing in visitors, Assiniboia’s long lineup of year-round events and activities keeps the event calendars full.
Small towns, like Assiniboia, use community events and activity to connect their residents. It keeps old traditions alive and something to look forward to, while making new traditions as well. Hosting activities can help attract visitors by showcasing what makes the town unique, which in turn helps build a strong sense of community pride and accomplishment. Hosting also offers residents opportunities to enjoy special events right at home, rather than traveling to larger centres for entertainment options.
Southland Co-op Centre is the hub of activity for multiple months beginning in September each year. Recently the SCC hosted an exhibition WHL game in conjunction with the fall training camp for the Southern Jr. B Rebels. To add to the event flavor, a tailgate party was hosted to feature the Banjo Bowl on the exterior big screen.
Residents say they love all the options they can experience with community connection and camaraderie through events hosted in Assiniboia, such as these.
Service clubs in Assiniboia also play a significant role in activity and fundraising hosting. The big jackpots for Chase the Ace have drawn in numerous visitors from outside the community to get in on the excitement and try their luck. Santa Day and Easter events hosted by the Kinettes are also sensational seasonal events hosted.
Assiniboia’s Museum commits to hosting special traveling exhibits and speakers all spring and summer but cap off their season with the Southern Cruisers Car Show.
The magnificent, unique Shurniak Gallery, continues to host special events that engage locals as well as attract visitors. Marking their 20th anniversary in the summer of 2025, this integral part of the community’s culture continues to be an attraction factor. A summer art program for children is another added benefit for families and helps all generations engage with the gallery’s mission and goals.
Assiniboia’s Recreation and Community Wellness Manager, Stephanie VanDeSype, said in an earlier story in the Assiniboia Times, her goal when she stepped into her role in Assiniboia was to start new initiatives and programming that would engage the community. “Christmas can be a time of joy and celebration, but can also be a time of sorrow for those who are grieving loved ones who have passed. Through our multiple Christmas and seasonal programs, we hope to engage every member of our community, and bring joy, peace and love.”
The first year of Twinkle Lane was held in 2024, which involved decorating campsites in the Assiniboia Campground located next to the swimming pool. It provided another opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy during the Christmas season.
Another annual tradition Assiniboia offers is the Twinkle Tour, entering its sixth year in 2025. Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and yards and enter in the tour for everyone to enjoy.
While not under the direction of VanDeSype, the
tradition of Festival of Trees will continue in Assiniboia upcoming. There is also a Parade of Lights in December, always presenting a popular, well received event in the community.
Often residents not only acknowledge the work and efforts of those who volunteer to host the multitude of events and activities in their home community, but the budget friendly options that come with it, as it eliminates costly out-of-town trips as well as a number of these events are free or low cost to attend.
It is a known fact that when extra traffic comes to town it offers an additional economic boost as often people make a day of it and take in the shopping opportunities, eateries, fueling up and other amenities offered in Assiniboia. Each event hosted also supports local businesses for their purchases.
Check out the TOA website and look up the event calendar or follow their social media page for all the latest updates on what’s on tap next for events and activities, year-round.
Work has concluded on a $10.6 million dollar partnership project that repaved nearly 5 Klms of Highway 2, also know as Empire Road and Centre Street and Highway 13 also known as 1st Ave. East and West through the town of Assiniboia.
The work included curb and sidewalk replacement along the route.
In conjunction with
SaskPower, there is also the addition of new LED streetlights on Centre St and 1st Ave. East and West as well as new signage for pedestrian crossings and led solar stop signs and wider parking stalls.
These improvements have brought the town of Assiniboia forward to the 21 Century as well as providing much improved beautification to our town.
The Assiniboia Rockets senior high school football team teaches younger players skills and techniques.
Coach Brian Ruthven will be assisted by Mr. Seeley this season.
Assiniboia is in Conference 6, six-man 2A football for the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association, with four teams in that conference.
“We have no veteran players as we lost quite a few seniors last year. We have a young quarterback who is ready to step in. We have had .500, 3-3 seasons so far, so we are hoping we can clear that hurdle,” said Ruthven.
The senior Rockets also mentor the bantam program, which helps develop players for high school football.
Rockets football appreciates the support of the community with fundraising efforts, which include a shop-local campaign. Like any team, they value having fans in the stands and hope more evening games will help make that happen.
Assiniboia Arts Council
In his book, What the Happiest Retirees Know, author Wes Moss states that “…many of the happiest retirees go to concerts.” “There’s a high correlation between loving music and being happy.”
Luckily for retirees and people of all ages in Assiniboia and surrounding district, the Assiniboia & District Arts Council brings the community together to enjoy a shared love of live music and performances, as well as the visual arts.
Alison Lewis, President of the Assiniboia & District Arts Council, helped choose her council’s roster of artists for the 2025-2026 season from OSAC’s “Showcase” conference last fall.
“I’m excited about this year’s lineup,” she says. “We have Cirque du Soleil veteran Kate Ryan coming on October 3, travelling troubadour John Muirhead will be in town on October 21, and comedian Aliya Kanani will light up the stage on November 24.”
“Featured in 2026 will be soul singer Lee Siegel on March 13, and Newfoundland folk musicians Rum Ragged on March 30.”
All shows take place at the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreation Centre at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online at www.assiniboiaartscouncil.ca or contact Alison Lewis (306-640-7031), Marni Chadwick (306-642-7711) or email assiniboia. artscouncil@sasktel.net .
The Assiniboia and District Arts Council also focuses on the visual arts, through an annual July artist retreat and two annual OSAC visual arts exhibitions, all sponsored in partnership with the Shurniak Art Gallery.
The “Art’s Up” partnership with the Assiniboia & District Public Library highlights local youth and adult artists’ work in the library’s Kay Cristo Room.
The need to expand opportunities for young people to develop their creative abilities lead to the establishment of the “Arts for All” summer arts camp in 2024.
This year the week-long day camp offered another exciting program including drama, music, choral, and
visual art exploration.
Thanks to a well-coordinated system, our local Arts Council works with its provincial partner, the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC), to select and book entertainment that ignites interest and builds community.
The Assiniboia & District Arts Council is one of 45 volunteer-run arts councils located across Saskatchewan. Along with 80 different schools, including the three schools in Assiniboia, the arts councils are part of a network of community organizers that connect to OSAC to access professional artists, receive support in running quality exhibitions and performances, and create other professional development opportunities.
According to SaskCulture, in 2024 arts councils and schools offered 258 shows around the province, engaging over 52,151 people.
The Assiniboia and District Arts Council receives valuable funding support from OSAC, Sask Lotteries administered by SaskCulture, the Community Initiatives Fund, Business/Arts, SK Arts, and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Invaluable support also comes from local businesses including Southland Co-op, Stark and Marsh, Ross Funeral Service and Mom’s Florist, among others.
Funds are raised through the annual fall Mistletoe Art and Craft Sale, showcasing local and regional artists and crafters, as well as raffles and other fundraising activities throughout the year.
Individual donations are also accepted online through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/ en/charities/assiniboia-arts-council-inc/
The Assiniboia & District Arts Council is always looking for new members to help put on the programs and guide the work of the organization.
Volunteering with the Arts Council is an excellent way to meet new friends and make a meaningful contribution to the community.
For more information check out www.assiniboiaartscouncil.ca or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
In 2024, Assiniboia incurred some business setbacks, most notably the closure of Peavey Mart. Rather than gravitate to the negative, Assiniboia continues to pursue positive steps forward in their community.
A brand-new C-Store and Dairy Queen franchise was recently the infusion of positive the community was hoping for. This new business opening along with the re-opening of Main Street following several months of construction work, all generated positive reviews and optimism for the future.
It is clear that community planners and civic officials have a vision for the future and are committed to continue the enhancements that will bring mutual benefits to business, recreation, groups and organizations as well as the tourism and hospitality sector.
The volunteer organization of Communities in Bloom, who not only maintain and encourage everyone to pay attention to community aesthetics, they work hard all year in being the leaders in community pride. In addition to numerous flowered areas, parks, green places and spaces the group spearheaded the fundraising and construction of a covered gazebo at the town’s
pool area. This adds another desirable aspect to the park and pool, having welcome shade on a hot summer’s day.
Communities can grow by choice or by chance and the efforts of many residents contribute to both ends of the growth scale for this southern Saskatchewan community. Shaping plans around existing town assets as well as capitalizing on opportunities that come knocking have helped shape Assiniboia into the community it is today, and has set the stage for a continued desire for growth and development.
Success stories are borne out of incentives, community partnerships and volunteer initiatives. The Golden South Child Care, now in final phases, was a true vision to reality story. Young moms saw the need for additional child care options in town, knowing this would help not only those struggling for child care options but would be an attraction factor for those who may be considering Assiniboia for relocation.
The importantance of educating the community on the need for a new child care centre in town helped generate support from additional sources, such as Integra Tire 30th anniversary celebration earmarking their barbecue proceeds towards their fundraising goals. This is
but one example.
A new athlete training centre will help community athletes and team members condition year-round, under the leadership of Evolved Hockey’s Travis Marit, who also serves as the Jr. B Rebels conditioning coach.
Adding lights to the football field offered increased options for both minor and senior high football programs to play past dusk. The ball diamonds in Assiniboia saw a number of upgrades over the past season thanks to community partnerships and volunteer efforts.
New signage at Assiniboia’s golf course helped with their branding efforts along with presenting a more professional image and allows community sponsorships to be included at the course.
Investing in smoother landings at Assiniboia Municipal Airport, thanks to airport improvements funded in part by Community Airport Partnership Program and will include resurfacing the taxiway and improve loading area for Medivac patients.
No is a very powerful word in a small community. Successful communities know that “yes” is a more powerful word. Yes, leadership, organizations and community members can make their town a better place to live in, to look at, to work in, to visit.
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
It has already begun, the annual hanging of Legion Remembrance Banners on Main Street with Kris Olson, spokesperson for Assiniboia’s Legion. Some have been hung with the remainder to be displayed at a later date. The banners will come down following Remembrance Day events.
“This is the third year the memorial banners have been taking place,” says Olson.
The Assiniboia Legion also notes that the local Legions look after helping veterans in their commun-
ities all year round. Their members also put out flags at the cemeteries on veteran’s graves to commemorate D-Day.
“I would like to say that not all veterans are from the Second World War and Korean War. There is a new generation of veterans that have served in peacekeeping missions and people like myself that served in Afghanistan,” added Olson.
Soldiers on Centre is a project that honours locals who have served. The project was born after inspiration from a similar project in the Battlefords was seen back in 2017. Darlene Pre-
fontaine wanted to bring the idea of installing banners in Assiniboia, and worked to do so.
Response to this project has been positive, with each one costing around $250, with residents providing a photo of their loved one with some information on their background in service. All money above production goes back to the local Legion.
Local residents can learn more by following the Facebook page, (Soldiers on Centre - Assiniboia Royal Canadian Legion), for details on the annual tribute project.
Kaitlynn Nordal Freelance Writer
Local resident, Marion Godson, recently celebrated a big milestone, her 90th birthday.
Marion was born and raised in Ontario and grew up with three siblings.
“We all enjoyed skating and played outdoors more than we did indoors,” said Marion, reminiscing on her childhood.
Like many people at the time, Marion went to work at 16 and worked at a financial institution.
Marion would marry her partner, John, in 1954 and have three children together.
The Godson family moved to Assiniboia in 1979 after John was laid off from being a press
maker and could not find work in Ontario.
John was in Weyburn when he saw an advert in The Assiniboia Times that needed a pressman. John got the job, so the family relocated.
Marion started in 1980 at the Assiniboia Times in the front office.
“I was familiar with office work,” said Marion. “I had done that before.”
Marion would also go on to take over the circulation department and continued with office work.
“I enjoyed my time there immensely,” said Marion.
In 1981, John left The Assiniboia Times and started Able To Print with his friend Len Forness. Marion would also go on
to leave the Assiniboia Times to work with them.
Able To Print would go on to become a family business after John bought Len out. It has stayed a family business.
“Now Able To Print is a family business,” said Marion. “Our son took it over and now our grandson is running it. It’s all in the family still.”
Even though Marion is not originally from Saskatchewan, Marion loves living in Assiniboia.
“I wish everyone could live in a small town,” said Marion. “I love Assiniboia. I think it’s great for kids to grow up in a small town.”
Marion’s advice for today’s young women is to be strong.
“Stay strong. If you are determined to do something, do it. Don’t let anybody dissuade you from what you want to do,” said Marion. “Stand up for what you want to do. Have a goal, and stick to it. Do what you want to do and enjoy your life.”
Marion also reminds other women not to forget to take care of themselves while taking care of others.
“Look after yourself first. Yes, you have family to take care of, but you can’t care for them if you don’t look after yourself first,” said Marion. “You are no good to anyone if you don’t care for yourself first.”
Today Godson is retired and spends a lot of time gardening and doing
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 18th day of November, 2025, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel
of
Dated this 19th day of September, 2025. Tammy Franks, Treasurer
needlepoint.
“I’m enjoying retired life,” said Godson. “I love working in the garden and being outside.”
Marion recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
“It was wonderful. It was all family,” said Marion. “I had a niece and nephew come who I had no idea were coming. They flew in from Cal -
gary. It was wonderful to see them and the rest of the family.”
Out of all the presents, Marion’s favourite was a Blue Jays sweater.
“I’m a real Blue Jays fan, so I got a Blue Jays sweater. On the back, it says Godson with the number 90 and the Blue Jays logo on the front,” said Marion.
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Mossbank intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw Number 155, known as the Zoning Bylaw
INTENT
The bylaw will make the following amendments:
1 Increase the square footage allowed for accessory buildings to 120m2; 2. Add a maximum height of accessory buildings of 3m for side walls and 6m for ridge height; and
3. Allow oversize accessory buildings only through council approval.
To provide greater detail on what is currently allowed for accessory buildings within town limits.
PUBLIC
Any person may inspect the Bylaws at the Town of Mossbank Office between 9am to 12am and 1pm to 5pm Monday through Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available upon request.
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday October 14th at 8pm at the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office, 311 Main Street, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the Town of Mossbank Office before the hearing.
Issued at The Town of Mossbank on September 19th, 2025. Anna Finlay CAO/Development Officer
By Niamh Hickey
With sports starting up in the Rocket nation, the Kinsmen Club of Assiniboia has presented donations for the football program and traveling funds for the Rocket athletes to ACHS. We give a big thank you to them and to the community for their shown and continuing support for our athletes!
The football team had their first game of the school year, kicking off their regular season vs
the Clavet Cougars on September 12. Clavet has been the reigning provincial champions for the past three years.
Rockets lost the game 12-64, but are in for another home game with Watrous on Friday, September 19. The game will be ready to start at 6 p.m. We encourage all who can to come and support our team!
The Rocket Golf team competed at the South
Date: Tuesday, October7,2025
Place: Assiniboia 55 Club
103 3rd AveWest (Assiniboia, SK)
Time: 9:00 AM 12:00PM
1:00 PM 4:00 PM (approx.)
Cost: FREE
Registration is Required
Refreshments Provided
LunchProvided- SponsoredbySafe& HealthyCommunities
Thiscompletely FREE 6-hour Mature Driver Refresher Course is strictly informational andofferedina positive,openclass environment.It’s great foranyonewithdecades of experience lookingtoextend their driving independence.Participant driver’s licenses arenot affected and thereare no required examinations
TheMatureDriverRefresher Course reviewschanges to drivinglaws and best practicesinthe province whichincreases confidence when navigatingSaskatchewan’sevolvingcityand highwaytraffic. Discussions provideinsight into howtoadapt your drivingbased on the physical changesthe body goes throughasitmatures
TopicsDiscussed:
• Normal drivingsituationssuchasintersections,following distance, andmaintaining an open “gate” around your vehicle
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Central SE Section Playoffs on September 12t, as well at Willowbunch.
Taking gold home all in their respective categories were Jenika Stevenson, Caydin Karst, and Hailey Anderson! The three of them will be advancing to South Central District playoffs, which will be held in Craik on Friday, September 19.
There, those competing in the Senior category will have the thrilling opportunity to advance to the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Assiniboia Provincial Golf Championship. The Championship will be held at Kenosee on September, 26 and 27.
Adding on with vol -
leyball, the senior girls Red team were in action this weekend, traveling to Moose Jaw to take part in Cornerstone’s Senior Girls home tournament. The team went 7-5 on weekend. Coached by Sherry Saxton-Richards, Peggy Gronsdahl, and Curtis Lucas, the girls saw continued progress in their games. They will be hosting their own home tournament on Friday and Saturday the coming weekend, September 19 and 20. We look forward to seeing the community come around to support our Senior Girls.
On school activity news, Gym Blast came around to the high school this past Friday morning. It got the
school active and participating with each other in different challenges and games, allowing students and staff to get involved, cheering and working together in an active and lively setting. Teams and their leaders set up names and cheers, helping boost everyone’s confidence in an effort of fun. Everyone participated with lots of energy on their teams, and despite the school loyalty in the Red Team’s name, The Red Rockets, the Green Team won out of the four! The Mean Green Beans couldn’t have been that mean to win. Stick around for more weekly updates from our Rocket Report!
Assiniboia Times would like to recognize the creative ability of Niamh Hickey for the reports she does weekly from the Assiniobia Composite High School on the functions and events going on in the school.
No one wants to imagine a day when their vision might abandon them, but diminished eyesight is a common occurrence that affects people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Cataracts are a common and treatable vision problem. Access to cataract treatment is limited in various countries. Surgery might not even be considered if people are not first aware of the symptoms of cataracts, which can manifest in various ways.
• Blurry vision: may be associated with an assortment of vision problems, including cataracts. Blurry vision makes it difficult to see clearly or sharply, and cataracts
are characterized by cloudiness that affects the natural lens of the eye. The blurriness associated with cataracts is the result of a breakdown of proteins in the lens of the affected eye.
• Seeing double symptomatic of various vision issues, including cataracts. When a person is seeing double, he or she may be seeing two, often overlapping, images of a single object.
• Sensitivity to light: having a need to shield eyes from light to prevent eye pain could indicate a sensitivity to light that is characteristic of cataracts. This sensitivity may be especially noticeable when
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, nearly one-third of people over 65 live with a mental health problem. More healthcare professionals are emphasizing the importance of caring for both your mental and physical health to improve the aging process.
Healthy habits: Consider adopting the following habits to support your mental well-being:
Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts the production of mood-enhancing hormones called endorphins.
Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports your psychological well-being.
Hobbies: Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as gardening or playing board games, keeps your mind active and fosters a positive outlook.
Social interaction: Participating in community activities, volunteering and maintaining regular contact with your loved ones can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Professional support: If you experience persistent feelings of dread or sadness that interfere with your daily life, seek help. You can find valuable resources by reaching out to a helpline, joining a support group or talking to a healthcare professional like a doctor or psychologist.
confronted by oncoming headlights at night.
• Difficulty seeing at night: this symptom is often characterized by difficulty seeing in dark conditions that can make it harder to adjust to seeing when going from a well-lit space into darkness. That adjustment also may take longer in people experiencing cataracts. Some people may not be able to see at all in dimly lit conditions.
• Seeing faded colors: Bright colors that appear faded or yellow is another symptom of cataracts.
Cataracts compromise vision, but it’s important that people recognize there are effective treatments for this condition.
Bill Dickson With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bill Dickson of Bengough, SK on August 31st, 2025 at the age of 99 Bill passed away at Palliative Care in Assiniboia Union Hospital, surrounded by his three daughters He was predeceased by his wife Helen (Rosenzweig) in 2023 after 72 years of marriage his parents James and Esther Dickson sister Kathryn (Clarence) Heggs son-in-law Murray Meston and furry friend Abby Surviving are his daughters Carol (John) Lee Colleen (Barry) Miller and Donna (Gary) Rissling; grandchildren Stacey Meston Nolan (Sheri) Meston Chad (Shaunna) Miller and Shawn (Andrea) Miller; greatgrandchildren Austen (Brooke) and Kaeden Meston; Daylin and Lane Meston; Jordan (Bobbi) Nate Charleigh and Sydney Miller; Blayke and Rylan Miller; great-great-grandchildren Ayda and Creed Meston He is also survived by sister Esther (Con) Wedin and numerous nieces and nephews Dad retired in 1995 after 45 years of driving fuel truck for Jack Sillers Prairie Gas and Bengough Co-op Bill will be missed on his daily tour around town in his red 1993 car That was the highlight of his day A family Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at a later date Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Moose Jaw Humane Society Special thanks to the outstanding care our Dad received over the years at the Assiniboia Union Hospital by Dr Carulei and the nursing staff Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Dickson family may be shared at www rossfuneralservice com Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK
Timothy Zahariuk 1925-2025
Timothy Vasil Zahariuk of Assiniboia Saskatchewan passed away Friday August 29th 2025 at the age of 100 He was predeceased by parents Vasile (Helen) Zahariuk sister and brotherin-law Tennie (George) Hysuik brother-in-law Mike Radu and in-laws Steve (Mary) Radu Timothy will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 76 years; Dorothy (Dorrie) four children: his daughter Beverley Zahariuk his son Doug (Tracey) Zahariuk and their children; Ryan (Rachel) Kari Zahariuk (Wes Copeland) and their children [Thea and Aria] and Marcie Zahariuk; his daughter; Donna (Gary) Morin and his youngest daughter; Carolyn (Allan) Peterson and their children; Chelsey (Landon) Emberley and their children [Sawyer Hayes and Lottie] Ashley (Sebastian) Huriet and Shelby (Dylan) McCarty and their daughter [Kenna] Also surviving are his sister Jennie Radu brother-in-law Don (Eileen) Radu sisters-in-law Marg (Ian) Morrison and Vivian Huard as well as numerous nieces and nephews Timothy was born July 13th 1925 to Helen and Vasile Zahariuk in Tarsiani Romania In 1927 at the age of 2 he immigrated by ship to Canada with his mother father and grandmother His grandfather Timothy Topola was already homesteading here After arriving in Halifax they would settle in Flintoft SK and begin farming Timothy was the eldest of three children with sisters Jennie and Tennie At the age of 22 Timothy met his wife of 75 years Dorothy (Radu) who was 15 at the time They married 2 years later October 9th 1949 Together they welcomed 4 children Beverley Douglas Donna and Carolyn In the fall of 1976 Tim and Dorrie moved off the farm and into Assiniboia SK but he would continue helping with the farming operation until 80 years of age Outside of farming Timothy enjoyed watching baseball and football as well as both playing and watching curling He was known for his vibrant engaging personality who loved to socialize and gather all the family together as often as possible Prayer Service was held Monday Evening September 1 2025 at 7:00 p m Orthodox Funeral Service was held Tuesday September 2 2025 at 10:00 a m with the Reverend Father Cosmin Vint officiating both services held at St George s Roman Catholic Church Assiniboia SK Cross Bearer – Grandson Wes Copeland; Banner Bearers – Grandsons Landon Emberley and Sebastian Huriet; Pallbearers – Grandson Ryan Zahariuk Nephews –Gary Hysuik Harvey Hysuik Grady Zahariuk Chris Bumbac Richard Radu Tribute was delivered by granddaughter Chelsey Emberley Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery Assiniboia SK Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Zahariuk family may be shared at www rossfuneralservice com Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service Assiniboia SK
Claude Bonneau
Claude W Bonneau a retired farmer painter carpenter of the Willow Bunch district was called to his heavenly home by his Lord Jesus Christ on August 30 2025 at age 92 He was born on September 2 1932 in Willow Bunch Sk the son of Jean Pascal & Lumina “Roy” Bonneau A confirmed bachelor, he remained single his lifelong Claude received his meagre formal education in Willow Bunch, Forget, and Gravelbourg, SK After his parents purchased their first half section of land in the mid-1940s (that of Ernest Lanbert 1½ miles north of W B ), Claude, then a teenager, helped his older brothers Trèfflé and Pascal do the farmwork In the process, all three brothers learned the business of farming Around 1950, his father purchased Joseph Lambert’s half section, located somewhat further northwest from town, and straightaway sold it to Claude on good terms; it was good land, but somewhat hilly terrain Claude sold that land in 1957, in favour of another half section which his folks had purchased (George Meek’s place) several miles east of town He subsequently traded Meek’s place to Michel for Jean Champigny s half section, the East ½ of Sec 35, T 5, R 28, W2nd, situated a few miles west of W B along the road to St Victor Several years later, Claude built himself a fine bungalowstyle home on this land However, due to poor crops, etc , the house was later sold to Henri & Sylvia Côté who moved it to their farm After his elder brother Trèfflé s demise in 1952, and subsequent to his brother Pascal s and then Philias s brief attempt at running Trèfflé s ranch, Claude decided to try his hand at it as a sideline Unfortunately, it didn t work out for him either, and he soon returned to a straight farming operation which he continued until about 1970 By then Claude had had his fill of farming, and he decided to switch occupations Without hesitation he tookup the painter s trade and, except for a short spell as a school janitor in Moose Jaw around 1972-73, he spent the remainder of his working life (about 25 years) as a painter He was, to say the least, an excellent painter and was always in demand Moreover being a selftaught carpenter Claude built a fine bungalowstyle home for his parents in 1965 in Willow Bunch He of course also painted it Throughout the years Claude purchased several older homes in Willow Bunch which he invariably renovated and after residing in them for a spell these were usually sold Two of the homes he purchased were moved to his hillside acreage on the outskirts of Willow Bunch; the first burned to the ground but the second he occupied until 2009 He then reluctantly moved into a Senior Cottage in W B where he resided until January 2018 when he moved to East Side Court in Assiniboia Sk and later to Ross Payant Nursing Home (2025) where he resided until his death His house/acreage in Willow Bunch was previously sold before moving to Assiniboia After retiring in 1997 Claude passed his time gardening doing carpentry work watching wildlife do their antics and listening to various birds sing their refrain; in fact he built several bird houses to attract them He also had a penchant for old cars and a keen sense of humour With a straight face he would often spout off a joke or two to lighten the conversation and keep everyone in good spirits! Predeceased by seven brothers: H Albert-1919 Albert-1998 Trèfflé-1952 Pascal-2016 Florent-1971 Janvier-2022 & Philias2024, five sisters: Jeannine-2009, Dorraine-1974, Anna-2018, Gabrielle-2011 & Nichole-2020, six brothers-in-law: Adrien Beausoleil-2002, Dale McIntyre-2010, Raymond Hering-1982, Bruce Paterson-1996, Vincent Hoffmann-1991, Wayne Eger2005 & Allan Aussant, two sisters-in-law: Dora Plante & MariePaule Laberge-2009, and one nephew, Paul Bonneau-2011 Claude is survived by three brothers: Michel, Lionel & Gilles & three sisters: Therese, Georgette, Colette and 31 nephews and nieces, etc In keeping with Claude’s wishes, a grave side service and interment took place in the Willow Bunch St-Ignace des Saules (country) Cemetery, Willow Bunch, SK on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00am with Father Anthony Phung Tran celebrant Lunch and fellowship followed in the St-Ignace Parish Hall The family takes this opportunity to thank all for their kindness and prayers in this very stressful time Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Bonneau family may be shared at www rossfuneralservice com Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK
community She spent many years as a member and chairperson of St Gabriel’s Catholic School Board and Prairie West Public Board of Health, with memberships in the Catholic Women s League and Fortnightly In 1980 Lorraine and Stan purchased a small cottage on Jackfish Lake The next years are remembered with many days of multiple generations of family, girl friends, boy friends, spouses and grand children Christmas in Biggar, summers at Jackfish - - - the Best of Times Lorraine lost Stan in 2001 With both Shannon and Pat qualified in the family business, the Funeral business carried on What we didn t realize until this time was how bright mom s entrepreneurial spirit was With Patrick, mom established Unity Funeral Home in about 2004 followed by Cut Knife Funeral Home in 2006 Mom s hands were always busy She was a crafter: knitting a large inventory of infant sweaters, hats and booties that she gave to every new mother she encountered She was famous for her icing sugar table centres for weddings and bridal dolls for showers Many received Mom s fruit cake for weddings or Christmas Our mother surprised us with the challenges she embraced, from trying out the new Biggar Lions Club ski hill in 1967 to solo navigating Tokyo, Japan s subway system on a special shopping trip We lost Shannon in July 2018 Mom sold Grondin Funeral Services in April of 2019 at the age of 88 years and she continued to to live independently in the family home A month after a party celebrating her 95th birthday Mom passed quietly in her home August 26 2025 She Did It Her Way!! Mom is survived by her children; Ted (Diane) Grondin Patrick (Elan) Grondin and Son-in-Law Jerome Ehry Grandchildren; Justin (Riley) Labrecque Randall ( Staci) Labrecque Jennifer (David) Chevrier Mike(Sara) Grondin Peter Ehry Alyssa(Adam) Bloski Patrick Grondin Thomas (Sydney) Ehry Victoria Grondin William Grondin 9 Great Grandchildren; Alex and Julie Labrecque Randie and Sadie Grondin Hope and Caleb Chevrier Oden Labrecque Laikin Walker and Jace Bloski Sisters; Marie(Frank) Scheirich Shirley(Ian) McKay Mom was predeceased by her Parents Thomas and Mary Gallagher her Husband Stan Daughter Shannon Ehry Brothers Lawrence Gallagher Tom (Florence) Gallagher Nephews Kevin Scheirch Ken Scheirich Mike Gallagher and Steven Gallagher Tributes in the Memory of Lorraine Grondin may be made to: FARM IN THE DELL Biggar Development Project E-transfer: directors@farminthedell com Note: Biggar Location
When all the children were in school she started work at the lawyers office now Lewans and Ford Karen was a great homemaker She was an amazing cook seamstress decorator and craftswoman She enjoyed time spent with the Royal Purple had a position on the figure skating executive and was a Sunday School teacher Karen and Russ enjoyed bowling camping playing cards and watching the Wheel of Fortune Their cottage at Thomson Lake was one of her favourite places where many treasured memories were made A cherished grandmother and great-grandmother “GG” to many and affectionately known as Grandma Karen to countless others whose lives she touched She found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends She lived with a youthful spirit that shone through in her brightly coloured outfits warm smile and great sense of humour She will be remembered for her kindness, laughter and the way she made everyone feel welcome Karen’s legacy of love will live on in all who knew her Karen is predeceased by her husband Russell; her parents Walter and Kathleen Mackin; her sisters, Marilyn Campbell and Joyce Mackin; grandson Justin Hoath; father-in-law Harrison and mother-in-law Ivy She is survived by: her son Calvin (Cindy) - their children, Jamie (Kim), Karena (Bruce) and Andrew (Steph); daughter Kathy (Jim) Batty - their children, Jason (Amanda), Jeff (Tanis), Kirsten (Clayton), and Kendra (Ben); daughter Leslie (Murray) Hoath - their children, Steven (Jen) and Melissa and son Scott (Delea); 24 greatgrandchildren; her sister Joanne, sister-in-law Ila Leflar, brotherin-law and sister-in-law Wayne and Jean Headrick Visitation was held Thursday Evening, September 11, 2025 at 7:00 p m at Ross Funeral Chapel Funeral Service was held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 2:00 p m in St Paul’s United Church, Assiniboia, SK Wendy Gibson DLMr officiating Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK Pallbearers grandsons, Jason Batty, Jeff Batty, Jamie Headrick, Andrew Headrick, Steven Hoath and great-grandson Cole Batty Fellowship and lunch to follow at the 55 Club Donations in Memory of Karen may be made to the MS Society Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Headrick family may be shared at www rossfuneralservice com Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK Thank you to Alyssa Willis and the angels in homecare Allowing mom to stay in her home Thanks to Dr Carulei and staff at the Assiniboia Union Hospital for their compassionate care A big thank you to Mom’s neighbour and friend Margaret Diakow
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
Did you know Sept. 2127 is known as National Legion Week? The week aims to highlight the Legion’s community contributions, support veterans, and attract new members through open houses and events held at local branches.
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Classified deadline for the Assiniboia Times is
Stor ytellers - Thomas Légaré, great grandson of Jean Louis & film director Jessie Short, on her upcoming documentary on Edouard Beaupré
FREE Lunch - Fried Bannock Tacos
Pemmican & Bannock making demonstration
Beading Demonstration/workshop by Lisa Slykhuis
Wagon Rides with Métis Elder Guide Ken Gaudr y
Local Métis Artist Emile Desautels with a display of his art.
Open House at the Museum!
There is a lot of good work your local Legion Branch does in your community. National Legion Week helps reinforce the important role Legions play in our shared mission to serve and support our veterans as well as contribute to the well-being of many communities.
Local residents can learn more about Legion Canada by visiting their website at https://portal. legion.ca/branch-and-command-resources/nationallegion-week.
Kris Olson, spokesperson for Assiniboia Legion said they have always talked about doing something to recognize this special week however in an agriculture community, it is a busy time of year.
Other communities say they know that Legion membership is dwindling, and aging, therefore community members have taken on the task of hosting a simple coffee house or recognition event to honor their local Legion Branch.
Olson said, “Anyone can join the Legion, you don’t have to be a veteran to be a member. “
Asked what are some of Assiniboia Legion’s highlights over the past couple of years and Olson responds, “The biggest highlight of the Assiniboia Legion from the past
couple of years would have to be the banners on main street. The project has been so amazing to see take shape, to be able to honor the men and women that served in the military. It has been so heart warming to hear some of the stories from the families and people that have sponsored the banners. I would like to thank Rita Walters, Ken Robinson, Darla Prefontaine and Jordan Godson at Able 2 Print for making the banners. I would also like to thank Brain and Nola Tiffen bringing this idea to our Legion.“
Assiniboia’s Legion Branch are also committed to giving back to their community as they have purchased items for both the hospital and long-term care, using the Remembrance Day Poppy Fund.
“We also donate to Provincial programs that help veterans in need. We also help sponsor high school students to attend track and field camp every summer,” added Olson.
For many service clubs across the province, aging membership is a challenge and Legion branches are no exception.
“Like most clubs in small rural town there is not a lot of new people moving into town and those that do have all the clubs trying to recruit them. We meet once a month for our meetings and a few times a year for other projects/special meetings. The time commitment is not too much.”
While Olson affirms Assiniboia’s Legion includes between 45-50 members, there is a core group of 12 that attend regular meetings and help with projects.
Conteurs - Thomas Légaré, arrièrepetit-fils de Jean Louis et de la réalisatrice Jessie Short, à propos de son prochain documentaire sur Edouard Beaupré
Déjeuner GRATUIT - Tacos de bannock frit
Démonstration de fabrication de pemmican et de bannock
Démonstration/atelier de Perlage par Lisa Slykhuis
Promenades en chariot avec le guide aíné Métis Ken Gaudr y L'artiste Métis local Émile Desautels présentera ses œuvres.
Portes Ouvertes au Musée!
Ron Walter SaskToday.ca
Taking a drive into the west bloc of Grasslands National Park is like driving into another world.
Located south of Swift Current near Val Marie, the park is the largest piece of grasslands not being ranched — except for a bison herd.
Assembled since the 1980s, two large ranches have been added in recent years.
Panoramic vistas of rolling grasslands, huge buttes and coulees greet visitors in the park
around the Frenchman River Valley.
An ecotour drive through the heart of the park from south to north and crossing the Frenchman River allows visitors a glimpse of the terrain.
One of the interesting sights along the drive is three colonies of black tailed prairie dogs.
The curious critters whistle and bark at newcomers. One always stands guard.
They keep the grass in the colony cropped close to the ground to see danger approaching. The
short grass is great habitat for the endangered burrowing owls.
Telescopes at one colony give one a better close-up view of colonies.
On the ecotour, one may also see golden eagles, hawks, long-billed curlews, songbirds, antelope and deer. The park is also home to the greater sage grouse and swift fox – both endangered.
Numerous hiking trails have been developed to better experience the grasslands and wildlife.
In the middle of the park, a corral-fenced
campground sports some TENTik cabins and campsites. All sites were booked on our recent visit.
Unique features include 70 Mile Butte, so called because it was 70 miles from the nearest Royal North West Mounted Police detachment.
One hike leads to the Three Sisters Buttes.
Last time we visited, 10 years ago, the base of the hills looked like a can-
ola field, from the yellow clover forage crop taking over.
The historic Turkey Track Ranch corrals near the river were blanketed with yellow clover. Some were five feet high.
Much of the intrusive clover is gone, with patches here and there.
The West Bloc is open year-round, but some facilities are seasonal. An admission fee between
$5.50 and $13.50 is charged.
Check out the village of Val Marie, where the park headquarters are located. If hiking, please register there. The well-kept village has a museum in an old schoolhouse with a snack bar.
The village has an operating theatre and has converted a wood crib elevator into a community centre for meetings and concerts.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
The Saskatchewan.ca weekly crop report, for the period Sept. 2-8 says the weather has contributed to an increase in harvest progress to 55 per cent, although behind the fiveaverage of 83 per cent.
The report states, “As most producers continue with harvest, others are busy with baling straw, hauling bales and starting fall field work which includes harrowing and postharvest weed spraying.”
A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the harvest progress table. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions
can be viewed in the estimated crop yields table.
The published weekly crop report shows very little precipitation fell throughout much of the region. The highest amount was reported in the Mossbank area with 4 millimetres (mm) followed by the Webb area with 3 mm. All other areas received less rainfall over the past week with many areas receiving no precipitation.
Topsoil moisture continues to show shortages in the region due to the lack of moisture and increased temperatures. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated five per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 28 per cent
short and 11 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as eight per cent surplus, 55 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 12 per cent surplus, 50 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Significant amounts of precipitation will be needed in many parts of the region to help replenish low soil moisture levels along with improving pasture conditions. Over the past week, crop damage was mainly due to frost and wind along with migratory birds. Producers also reported minor crop damage due to a number of insects.
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the RM of Stonehenge No. 73 intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 7/13, known as the Zoning Bylaw.
Bylaw No. 7/25
Intent: The proposed amendment will permit and regulate the keeping of livestock on identified agricultural land within the H – Hamlet district.
Affected Land: The proposed bylaw will affect only the land described as Parcel C Plan 101096344 within the Hamlet of Congress.
Reason: The previously adopted bylaw did not permit keeping of livestock within the H – Hamlet District. The RM has incorporated provisions to provide for the keeping of livestock on land that is agricultural within the Hamlet of Congress.
Public Inspection: Please contact the RM office to make arrangements to review the bylaw and receive a hard copy or a copy by email. Hard copies of the bylaw may be made available at a cost.
Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 14, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.. The public hearing will be held at the R.M. of Stonehenge No. 73 Council Chambers at 100 Main Street, Limerick.
Any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw is encouraged to submit written comments prior to the meeting. Written submissions may be sent by email to rm73@sasktel.net or by Canada Post a minimum of 4 business days in advance of the hearing. For anyone wanting to attend and submit verbal comments, please contact the RM office by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 to make arrangements. Verbal submissions will be accommodated through prescheduled times. Council will consider all comments received.
Issued at the R.M. of Stonehenge No. 73 this 12th day of September, 2025. Tammy Franks Administrator
