on Thursday, December 3rd with
JOAN JANZEN
Kettle campaign kicks off at Walmart
JOAN JANZEN
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
On Thursday, December 3rd, four community representatives got together at Walmart to kick off the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign for 2020. Emil Eyford from the West Central Crisis Centre, Ebenezer Appiagyei from the Salvation Army Thrift Store, Mayor Rod Perkins and John Athanasopoulos, manager at Walmart were on hand to begin the campaign.
Ebenezer thanked them all for their time, volunteer help and support, as well as provid-
ing the space at Walmart to hold the campaign.
Jodi Geddes, the Kettle Co-ordination, said people who find themselves in financial difficulty turn to the Salvation Army for assistance. This is where they can receive food, clothing, shelter and toys at Christmas time.
All this is possible because individuals and service groups are willing to stand at the kettles throughout the Kettle campaign. This year an interact machine is set for tap and go, and required guidelines will be followed. The campaign runs Thursdays and Fri-
days, from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from noon until 6:00 p.m. right up to December 22nd. At the end of each shift, a designated person will come to collect the money from the Kettle.
Money collected from the Christmas Kettle pays for all the turkeys for the food hampers. The money is also used for local emergency assistance throughout the year.
If you would like to volunteer at the Kettle or want more information, you can contact either Jodi at 306-463-5435 or Ebenezer at 304-463-2191.
Jaymie Holland, Sr. Manager & newly hired Administration Assistant, Anita Thomas of Holland’s Hot Oiling Ltd., present a cheque in the amount of $2,250.00 to Leslie Omness of the Kindersley Food Bank, for their 2020 Christmas Hamper Program, this years donation will be made In Memory of Lisa Johnson on behalf of Holland’s Hot Oiling Ltd. and In lieu of Christmas gifts to our Sub Contractors below :
J & H Rentals Ltd
Darkside Well Servicing Ltd
Outlaw Hot Oiling Inc
GP Trucking Ltd
Chemico Well Ltd K Dand Trucking Inc
Robert Byers Trucking Ltd C2K Contracting Ltd Lionheart Trucking Ltd. Freedom Forty Holdings Ltd 101157587 SK Ltd 102060410 SK Ltd 102032135 SK Ltd
Kindersley RCMP tackles increased thefts reported in community
In September, October and November there were almost double (18 each month) the amount of thefts and break and enters reported to Kindersley RCMP than in August (10 reported). Most, if not all, thefts occurred in the town of Kindersley and items such as vehicles, tools and fuel were reported stolen.
“We’re paying close attention to the crime that’s reported to us,” says S/Sgt. Kevin Peterson, Kindersley Detachment Commander. “We’ve adjusted our tactics with more increased proactive patrols within the community at all times of day and are critically analyzing which items are being taken.”
In a recent group of motor vehicle thefts reported to Kindersley RCMP, all vehicles had the keys left inside or nearby. “This is a common occurrence, which means these vehicles are easily targeted and its more probable these crimes can occur,” says Cst. Kevin Wilson of Kindersley RCMP.
In one week, the detachment typically responds to approximately 100 calls for service. Regular and increased patrols, community engagement, targeted enforcement, ongoing investigations into open files and court duties happen on top of these calls for service. The detachment is constantly adjusting their tactics based on intelligence-led policing.
“I want our communities to know that we are there. We are patrolling your streets when you are sleeping or away from your home and we want to keep communities safe and stop criminal activity from happening,” stresses
Cst. Wilson, “The Kindersley, Eston and Kerrobert Detachments are comprised of a great group of investigators who understand property crime and theft-related trends.”
“The public can also play a role in keeping communities safe,” says S/Sgt. Peterson, “Set up your own surveillance cameras with signs, bright lights, motion sensors and lock up your outbuildings. Taking the time to report crime can help inform police and assist us with identifying crime trends and activity.”
Remember to:
• Report suspicious activity when it is happening – it can help advance police investigations when they are reported as soon as possible.
• Make extra efforts to lock up your tools and other valuables in a secure area. Do not leave these items in plain view or near a window.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicles – when you have parked our car, remove the keys and lock your vehicle. Remember, your vehicle key may not be the only one on your key ring if it is stolen or lost.
• If you see a suspicious person or activity, make a note of clothing, people or vehicle descriptions, time of day to report to police.
• If you are a victim of theft, report it to police. Even if you do not feel that making the report is ‘worth it’ – your information may assist with other investigations and can help solve a crime.
• Always call 911 in emergency situations. Call 310-RCMP in non-emergencies or report a crime online anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime
We wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW
Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign kicked off
these men showing their support. L-R: Emil Eyford from the West Central Crisis Centre; Ebenezer Appiagyei from the Salvation Army Thrift Store, Mayor Rod Perkins and John Athanasopoulos, manager at Walmart. | PHOTO BY
Just a gal from Glidden ...
KATE WINQUIST
kate@yoursouthwest.com
It was mid-August of this year. I only had a few editions of Your West Central Voice under my belt. Things were going pretty well. Subscriptions were climbing, and advertising was starting to trickle in.
Joan Janzen had stopped by for a visit one morning and had mentioned that I should contact The Oyen Echo, a weekly community newspaper that serves our friends in neighbouring Alberta, a mere hours drive along the No. 7 highway.
“What’s up?” I asked inquisitively. I can’t remember how Joan responded, but she implied that The Echo’s editor contemplated retirement and thought I might be interested.
I’m a firm believer that it never hurts to gain information if it could somehow be beneficial. I didn’t know much about Oyen, other than my husband’s cousins lived around the area some time ago. Curiosity got the better of me, and I sent off an email inquiring about what their thoughts were. I didn’t immediately receive a reply, so I thought that I would do some investigating about The Echo. What I found immediately intrigued me. The editor was Diana Walker, who was born in Oyen in 1947. I started counting decades on my fingers and concluded that Diana was 72-73 years old. No wonder she wants to retire, I thought to myself—Diana’s start in the newspaper business in 1969, the year I was born.
Diana called and left a message on my phone a couple of weeks later, apologizing for not getting in touch sooner. It sounded like life was getting in the way, as it has a habit of doing. After playing phone and email tag for a few weeks, Diana and I finally were able to speak. I’m not sure how long our conversation was, but I felt like I had known her for a long time. The conversation was effortless. She let me know what her thoughts
were on The Echo and that she thought that I would be a good person to take over the reins because of my passion for the industry.
I promised Diana that I would give it some serious thought.
I took a drive to Oyen with my husband, Robert. We wanted to see what kind of business district the community had. We were quite impressed. Neither of us expected the town to have such a diverse selection of businesses. It took us some time to locate The Echo office, and when we did, unfortunately, it was closed. I could have called Diana on her cell, but it was a Friday, and I didn’t want her to feel obligated to come to the office on her well-deserved day off!
I emailed Diana, and we arranged to meet in person later that week. My daughter and I drove to Oyen, and finally, I met the whirlwind, otherwise known as Diana Walker. We had such a great visit. Again, it felt like we had known each other for a long time. If my daughter wasn’t so anxious to get home, I’m sure I could have stayed for
another hour at least.
We continued to email back and forth, exchanging copies of our papers. On September 28, I had made up my mind. I regretable had to tell Diana that I could not purchase The Oyen Echo.
“… I’m sorry, Diana. I just don’t have enough of me to make it work. I think I have enough on my plate building what I have started here. I would hate to add more to it and have the rest suffer as a consequence. I do hope that you are able to continue or find someone local to take it on. If things change, I will surely let you know. Please do keep in touch, and I hope we can still exchange papers electronically. If there’s anything else that I can help you out with, please let me know!”
I know Diana was disappointed, but she understood. We continued our friendship and support for one another through our papers and love for community and storytelling.
On November 26, Diana emailed me, saying she had four papers to go. I asked, “Are you hanging it up at the
end of the year for sure?”
“yes ;-(“ was her heartbreaking reply.
“No other prospects,” I inquired.
“No.”
“Maybe I should be revisiting this? I don’t know what to do!”
Diana didn’t respond to me, but little did she know that I was revisiting the opportunity. My husband and I talked about it for a long time over the weekend, and I told him the only way that I could see it working was if I had him to help me. To my shock and disbelief, Robert said, “Let’s go for it.”
When I started Your West Central Voice back in July, my husband told me that I was the only one crazy enough to start a newspaper during a pandemic. It’s now six months later, and we are adding another newspaper to our publishing business.
Who’s the crazy one now?
My husband gave his official notice at his job at Nutrien Ag Solutions on December 7 and will be moving up to Kindersley at the end of the month to become a part of the Your Southwest Media Group team. He will help me in a variety of capacities, but his main job will be advertising sales.
Robert has no sales experience whatsoever, but he’s a friendly guy with a great sense of humour, and he is up for the challenge! After slugging it out on the oil rigs for thirty years and the agriculture industry, I think he is deserving of a job that isn’t so physically demanding. I am proud of him for taking that leap of faith - something that would not be easy for him. He’s not a big risk-taker, although he took a risk twenty years ago when he made me his wife, which turned out alright!
I am looking forward to the next chapter. It’s been almost three years since our family was altogether under one roof, and I am so grateful to the west-central area for giving us this opportunity.
My husband, Robert will be working with me at Your Southwest Media Group starting in January. We are both looking forward to this next chapter!
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
Appreciating Canada this Christmas
who moved here from South Africa a little over a year ago.
Whatdid one Canadian snowman say to the other Canadian snowman? “That was some blizzard last night! I bet I gained fifty pounds!” Canadians may gain some pounds this Christmas holiday, but they cannot afford to lose their willingness to engage in civil involvement to preserve the freedoms we love. I was reminded of this when chatting with a young man
On his first day in town he was told there was a protest being held; he was expecting to see a thousand people with guns as would be the case in his home country. “There were four people holding signs!” He laughed and said, “The amount of stress people have here is zero!”
He left behind a country where violence and theft are common, so common
that police do not respond to reports of crime. “People here tend to stop and help someone who is stranded on the road. In South Africa you don’t know if you’re being lured into a trap and will be mugged,” he said, noting that people are suspicious of one another and therefore less likely to stop and help.
Growing up as a city kid, in a low income family, he was invited by his friend’s dad to live and work at their farm. His friend’s dad recognized his natural aptitude for agriculture and mechanics and encouraged him to apply for an apprenticeship program, which he did.
After completing the program, he got a job. Shortly afterwards he applied for employment in Canada and was successful. However it was a year-long process and expensive, requiring funds from $7,000 to $9,000. Nevertheless, the young man was determined to grab hold of this opportunity. He worked eighteen-hour days every day, with no time for family or friends.
Now he works in the agriculture industry and loves watching “liquid gold” pour into the bins at harvest time. He appreciates the uniqueness of his new country. “It’s stunning to see so much open space, and then drive a couple of hours and see mountains, and drive a couple of hours in the opposite direction and see valleys.”
Leaving his country was the hardest thing he ever did because he loves South Africa, but says “I’m sad to see it go to waste.”
Coming from a country where many wars were fought for freedoms, he
knows how devastating it is to lose those freedoms. He said Canadians should be proactive and voice their concerns to government. Perhaps a good example would be asking our Prime Minister to clarify what he meant by “this pandemic has provided an opportunity for a reset”, rather than deflecting people’s concerns by calling it conspiracy theories. Civil involvement, knowledge and action are keys to upholding democracy in every country.
While living in his country, the young man said his family couldn’t afford Christmas and gifts, so Christmas was more about being with friends and attending a church service. No matter what the circumstances may be, I’m hoping he has an awesome Canadian Christmas. In spite of all the restrictions Canadians are innovative, and always find a way ...
For example this message received after Christmas said: “To all those who received a book from me as a Christmas present ... they’re due back at the library tomorrow.”
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo. com
If you enjoy reading and receiving Your West Central Voice, chances are you know someone else who would too!
COVID-19 needs a more objective approach
As we approach Christmas, Saskatchewan remains caught in the middle of a epicentre of rising COVID-19 cases.
To the east of us, Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister announced Manitoba’s lockdown measures will extend past Christmas.
To the West of United Conservative Party Premier Jason Kenney announced tough lockdown measures that now surpass those in this province.
And caught in the middle is Premier Scott Moe — who surely has problems of is own.
The latest and greatest of these problems has to do with COVID-19 gaining a foothold in nursing homes in Regina and elsewhere — a frightening prospect, as this is the very thing that caused death totals to rise in other jurisdictions.
As of the writing of this, there have been 66 COVID-19 deaths in Saskatchewan, including 11 deaths at Regina’s Extendicare Parkside. Sadly, both totals are expected to rise in the coming days, as total cases have soared past 10,000 and hospitalizations are at 117 including 27 in ICUs.
One long-time ICU doctor recently posted on FaceBook that he has never seen so many people in ICUs for a single disease. The frightening reality is that is only expected to increase as ICU beds become even more scarce for the not only people with COVID-19 but also in accidents or suffering from heart attacks.
This has become the story on the Prairies of late and much is being made that all three Prairie provinces are run by conservative-minded governments.
Perhaps this needs to be put in perspective.
oversimplification to suggest that the struggle to get a handle on surging second-wave cases is only a problem in this part of the world.
It is true is that Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta share governments that are decidedly pro-business. It’s also true that doctors in all provinces have expressed frustration with the slowness of political leadership to implement measures that might have more effectively clamped down on transmission.
But if you look around, you quickly notice COVID-19 problems are everywhere and that it may be pretty big
The second wave has hit the U.S. even harder than the first wave —not only in red Republican states but also in blue Democrat states like New York, California and Massachusetts that has shut down restaurants and public gatherings.
And while there is no denying that Canada’s COVID-19 hotspot right is the prairies, this, too, needs a bit of perspective.
It’s hit every province from B.C. to Quebec — provinces run by very different political administrations —have struggled despite their own measures.
Quebec banned most social gatherings, organized sports and closed restaurants, bars, gyms, libraries and museums since Oct. 1. Yet that province is now cancelling surgeries because of the COVID-19 swell in its hospitals.
People from elsewhere do like to
bundle the prairie provinces as one place, but there has been important differences in both policies and messaging.
For example, in Manitoba, Pallister is now being hammered for not only the lockdown in his province but also calling out anti-maskers and anyone carelessly disregarding social distancing other measures aimed at stopping the spread.
Of course, one would expect a bad reaction from the extreme right, still trying to convince the rest of us that this pandemic is not real. But shrill criticism also came from some of the left who just can’t give those political leaders they don’t like any credit for anything. It was disheartening.
So let’s end off with some good news.
As previously mentioned, Saskatchewan COVID-19 daily counts are still too high at around 272 cases a day, but there are signs that seven-day rolling average may be finally levelling out a bit.
In Manitoba, daily case numbers are slightly decreasing.
Could it be a sign measures are finally working? Hopefully.
Hopefully our leaders will be encouraged for doing what’s right.
MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Important health information notice for west central Saskatchewan residents
Through Covid and other recent regional Health items, concerns have been expressed to representatives of Kindersley Health and Wellness Foundation (KDHWF), and representatives of Kindersley Medical Arts Authority (KMAA) who are building owners ONLY, about service, service levels, other matters, and physician concerns.
To be clear, neither group has any authority, capacity, ability or mandate to “provide health care services in West Central Saskatchewan,” this is the sole responsibility of the Saskatchewan Department of Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and Government. Concerns about these matters should be discussed and brought to their attention for response and action.
The KMAA / Building Owners are a group of Regional Municipalities, including the Town of Kindersley, that came together to build a new clinic in proximity to the Hospital, and provide a place for physicians, recruited, retained, and accountable to SHA, to practice and provide service to west-central residents.
The KMAA / Building Owners has no direct influence or ability to determine how many doctors are here, their methods of practice, or services offered at the clinic and Hospital. SHA, Sask Health and Government are the ONLY ones who determine this.
The Foundation’s purpose is to support our regions health services via funding for equipment (Hospital, Manor, EMT’s, Nurses, others), training, and “assist” or “support” physicians in becoming established, once here, as best they can when new physicians arrive in Kindersley. All assistance and activities are following the Foundation’s policies and fiscal ability to do so. The Foundation has a website it details our contributions, what we have done so far, and other information regarding the Foundation.
Both the KMAA / Building Owners Group and the Foundation are represented by unpaid volunteers, representing RM’s, Town of Kindersley, and the public.
We felt it best, given circumstances, to clarify what KMAA / Building Owner Group does and what the Foundation does and can do. Doctors, services available at the Hospital and Manor, and other health-related services or matters in the west-central region are NOT in our control.
We appreciate and are grateful for the support we receive from everyone in the west-central region of Saskatchewan; without it, we would be unable to fulfill or do what we can to make things better.
If you have concerns, please contact: Ken Francis, MLA Unit 5, 1001 Main St Box 2620, Kindersley SK S0L 1S0 kfrancismla@gmail.com 306-463-4446
Hon. Paul Merriman Minister of Health Room 204, Legislative Building, 2405 Legislative Dr., Regina, SK S4S 0B3 he.minister@gov.sk.ca 306-787-7345
Hon.Everett Hindley Minister of Rural & Remote Health Room 208, Legislative Building 2405 Legislative Dr., Regina, SK. S4S 0B3 minister.rrhe@gov.sk.ca 306-798-9014
Kindersley Elks #492 still doing good things for the community
2020 has been a challenging year. We did a few functions, and on March 17, our hall was closed. A few weeks later, our hall became a test centre for COVID, and the large hall became an emergency facility.
We have not had access since and probably not any time soon. Due to the fact when times were good, we put some funds away for a rainy day. We can continue doing the good things we do for our community and the Elks and Royal Purple Cross Fund for Children. We donated $4,000 to the Town for the handi bus and $2,067 to the fund for children.
We have two individuals receiving assistance from the Saskatchewan Elks Foundation for $2,089. You can see we are still busy and able to assist whenever needed. With many members being of older age, we have decreased to a small number. Membership is still a problem. Anyone interested in joining can contact Gary Hamilton at 306-463-7192. The Kindersley Elks has been serving the area for over fifty years. Stay safe.
Yours
KMAA / Building Owners Group
fraternally, Rose Niles, Exalted Ruler
Former Eston Junior Councillor gets elected in Eatonia
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
On November 9th of 2020, nine candidates ran for town council in Eatonia, Sask., six of whom were voted in as the board members. Codie Cumiskey is one of those councillors and very likely is the youngest member of Eatonia’s town council. However, this isn’t Codie’s first rodeo. In other words, it’s not Codie’s first time to be on a town council.
“I went to Eston Composite High School, and when I was in Grade 11, a Junior Council Program was started in Eston. My dad was on the Eston Town Council for twelve years, and I was always kind of interested. But when they started the program, I jumped on it. I sat on that for over a year,” Codie explains.
It was an excellent learning experience for young Codie. “I just sat and observed the meetings. If they needed a younger person’s perspective, they would ask me for my input. It was interesting to see how a meeting was run. As a young person, I didn’t know all that town council does, and to see it first hand, I came to realize how big a role they played in the commu-
nity,” she continued. Codie’s dad was also sitting on Town Council during that time. “I was very fortunate when I was on Town Council because everyone was very welcoming and did all they could to get me involved.”
Codie was also the vice-president of the SRC in Grade 11 and the president while in Grade 12. After going to college and beginning her career in Eatonia, Codie continued her pursuit of community involvement.
“I’m trying to do whatever I can for our community, and have been involved with the recreation board and the fire department. I love my community and how everyone is so involved here.”
Codie has only attended two council meetings so far but has already joined a few different committees. “I love to be involved any way that I can,” she said, and she encourages young people to get involved in their local recreation board or wherever they can. “It’s good for kids to get involved and see what it’s all about. I’d love to suggest having a junior council on the board. It would be a good idea going forward.”
made and graciously donated by Lena Mah. | PHOTO SUBMITTED
Christmas time brings back different memories for different people. Because Canada is multicultural, I am blessed to know people who grew up in different parts of the world, where they celebrated much differently than we do in Canada. Here are a few of their Christmas memories from around the globe.
Olga grew up in Moldova, an Eastern European country and former Soviet republic. She remembers celebrating Christmas with her grandparents, where they would open gifts and sing Christmas songs. They also went from home to home singing Christmas carols.
Tasha recalls a childhood memory of waking up to the sweet fragrance of apples and grapes, a treat she only received at Christmas time in Trinidad. “My memory was never about gifts because my parents couldn’t afford any. It was all about cooking different types of foods and having the family and friends over. One of my favourite memories as a child was lining up on the streets a couple of days before Christmas when Santa would be driving around behind a truck, handing out presents to kids in the neighbourhood, which were the only toys we got at Christmas.”
In the Philippines, Jen remembers singing carols at houses. “We had our own improvised instruments like a tin can used as a drum. We would do that every night from December 16th to 24th. We have Christmas delicacies (various types of rice cakes called bibingka and puto bumbong) which are sold outside the church every night. We put up our Christmas decorations the first week in September, and for our Christmas meal, we roast a whole pig because families
For Sale by Tender, RM of Snipe Lake
(1) NE 05-24-20 W3M Ext 0, and (2) SW 35-23-21 W3M Ext 0. Purchaser must rely on own research and inspection. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Forward tenders by 3:00 p.m. on January 20, 2021 for either or both parcels (1) and (2) to: HUGHES LAW OFFICE Box 729, Eston, SK S0L 1A0 Ph: 306-962-3654 Fax: 306-962-4474
Hugheslaw@sasktel.net Solicitor for Sharon Gross and Ian Gross.
gather together like a grand reunion.” Grace, who also grew up in the Philippines, recalls a Christmas party held at the town hall where everyone brings food and exchanges gifts. They also had a design contest where they decorate ornamental lanterns (called a parol). “Each group will do a dance presentation, and the winner receives a cash prize. Kids visit their godmother/godfather who gives them gifts or money,” Grace explained.
Helenka grew up in South Africa and said Christmas was extremely noisy, busy and about the best family days ever! “We would attend a church service and head home for a full morning in the kitchen. Every family member would be making something, either a pudding or one of the meats. My grandfather would always make a “Spookasem” pudding, which was egg whites beaten stiff with a packet of jello and scooped in a bowl in between layers of hot custard. Since we’re in Canada for Christmas, I will be making the Spookasem Pudding for my family.”
Megan spent some of her teenage years in Guatemala, where Christmas celebrations are vastly different than Canadian customs. Festivities take place on Christmas Eve when everyone heads to the beach for fireworks and food. They enjoy eating Mulitas, which is a Mexican version of a grilled cheese with meat, or a small quesadilla. And instead of turkey, they feast on Tamales, a corn-based dough with a meat filling, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf.
Now, people from all over the world are living in Canada, celebrating Christmas, each bringing their individual and unique flavour to our Christmas traditions.
For Sale by Tender, RM of Snipe Lake
NE 23-25-18 W3M Ext 0, including 2 hopper bins, 1 steel bin and quonset. Purchaser must rely on own research and inspection. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Forward tenders by 3:00 p.m. on January 20, 2021 to:
HUGHES LAW OFFICE
Box 729, Eston, SK S0L 1A0
Ph: 306-962-3654 Fax: 306-962-4474
Hugheslaw@sasktel.net
Solicitor for Geneva Powell.
Betty Konkin presents Lori Minchin with $100.00 for winning the bingo bonanza prize at the Eston Wheatland plus 50 final bingo of 2020. Also, in the picture is president Lorne Johnson presenting a Quilt to Jean Minchin, winner of the quilt raffle. The quilt was
Codie Cumiskey
The best thing about 2020 is that it’s almost over.
Can 2021 or ’22 possibly be worse? Not a chance. Or so the world hopes.
The COVID-19 pandemic killed hundreds of thousands of people around the world and, in a truly immaterial sidebar, dealt chaos and confusion to the world of sports.
Professional sports leagues stopped abruptly in midMarch, leaving league officials, team owners, players, fans and TV networks in the dark for a couple of months about what the future might hold. Thousands of people were suddenly on the unemployment lines — people who sold hot dogs, took tickets and provided stadium security, among dozens of other tasks associated with a game of a professional team sport.
No longer will a pitcher’s injured elbow, a basketball player’s torn Achilles tendon or a hockey players broken nose be regarded as the worst thing that could possibly happen to a player. Having his or her job suddenly taken away is worse.
The sport least affected by the COVID-19 outbreak was professional football, at least
A year in sports to forget
in the United States. The National Football League’s season wrapped up with the Super Bowl in early February, and the pandemic reared its ugly head in North America in March, so the NFL had a full six months to put in place a plan to run its 2020 season. It’s been able to, with only a few pandemic-related hiccups. Pro hockey and pro basketball resumed action, in bubble setups, to determine champions and, for the most part, it worked, even though fans could watch the action only on television or streaming services. Baseball manufactured a modified season and determined a champion. Will there be asterisks beside the titles won by the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and MLB’s L.A. Dodgers? Probably, but the victories were legit. Too bad for the Canadian Football League, however. While NHL, MLB and NBA teams have owners with deep pockets, and able to absorb a season without fans, the same could not be said for the CFL, which abandoned the 2020 season entirely, while making plans for a full restart in June, 2021.
Professional golf was another sport that semi-survived the pandemic. It took three months off, rearranged its schedule, resumed in mid-June, did regular testing of its players, allowed no spectators, and TV networks reaped the benefits of regular sports programming. Sports fans have been promised — no guarantees, though — of a near-normal 2021. The NHL and NBA are both planning late-starting, shortened seasons, with regular players in mid-2021. MLB is on track for a late-winter start. Post-vaccine, fans will be allowed to return, merchandise will be sold, raucous cheering will fill the stadiums and beer will be spilled.
Kindersley RCMP respond to 85 calls for service
Between November 30th, to December 7th, 2020, Kindersley RCMP responded to 85 calls for service.
Some of the most frequent calls for service include, but are not limited to, traffic collisions, domestic violence and suspicious persons calls.
On December 6th, 2020 Kindersley RCMP were given information from Oyen RCMP that a suspect from one of their break and enter investigations may be residing in the Kindersley area. Further investigation revealed that in fact the suspect was in Kindersley and a search warrant was conducted at the suspects residence. A male was taken
into custody as a result and charges are pending.
Kindersley RCMP will be conducting extra patrols in shopping mall parking lots over the holiday season, but would like to remind shoppers that gifts left in vehicles make for easy targets for would be thieves. Kindersley RCMP would like to remind residents to keep their gifts and valuables out of sight and locked up if they have to leave them for any length of time.
For more information on the calls to service please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment.
And if we’re lucky, we can program our minds to forget that 2020 even happened.
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “The No. 19 who made the biggest impact in pro-football history was: a) Unitas; b) Alworth; c) COVID”
• Saints coach Sean Payton, after his team’s 31-3 win over hometown Denver Broncos, who played the NFL game without a legitimate quarterback, thanks to COVID-19: “I felt bad for the cardboard fans.”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Anthony Davis has re-signed with the Lakers for a five-year deal for $190 million. That works out to $190 million for each of his eyebrows.”
• Kaseberg again: “Fifty-four-year-old Mike Tyson and 51-year-old Roy Jones Jr. fought to a draw. They’re talking about a rematch in Las Vegas. It will billed as ‘The Geezers at Caesars’.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Scientists say video evidence has proven fetuses can yawn hundreds of times in the womb. Thousands of times if Mom is a New York Jets fan.”
• Headline at fark. com, after the Russell Westbrook-to-Washington Wizards
trade for John Wall: “Washington is finally giving Texas a Wall.”
• Dwight Perry again: “The Ravens-Steelers game, originally scheduled for Nov. 26, was moved to Nov. 29 and then Nov. 30 because of COVID-19 before finally getting played on Dec. 1. Broncos fans — forced to watch their team play on without a bona fide QB — are calling for an illegal shift.”
• Raiders coach Jon Gruden, to reporters, on what it was like watching film of his team’s 43-6 loss to the Falcons: “When you go to the dentist and have to have your teeth pulled out? It’s pretty much like that.”
• Ryan Brown of Birmingham’s WJOX Radio, via Twitter, after watching six consecutive quarters of Kentucky football: “Hoping if I’m ever convicted of a major crime this will count as time served.”
• Rapper Snoop Dogg, commentating on the pay-perview telecast of the Tyson-Jones fight: “Like two of my uncles fighting at a barbecue!”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
21012uu1
Local hunter rescued in the Great Sandhills
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
In mid-November, two sons joined their dad for a hunting expedition in the Great Sandhills near Sceptre, Sask. It started as an ordinary day, but circumstances changed quickly for Andy Ortman from Kindersley and his sons.
“I picked up a deer trail and followed it too far,” Andy explained. His walk into the sand dunes began at 2:00 p.m., and it was heavy slugging through deep drifts of snow. “By 4:30 p.m., my legs were toast. I was fighting through drifts making my legs tired, and I couldn’t get my legs to move anymore. I knew where I came from, but I didn’t have the strength to get back.”
It didn’t take long before it began getting dark, and Andy realized he wasn’t going to make it back to his truck where his sons were waiting. Even though he had no way of communicating with them because he had left his cell phone in his truck, Andy’s medical training kicked in, and he knew exactly what he had to do. Andy is a First Aid and CPR instructor and worked as an EMT for ten years.
“I ended up digging a hole for shelter. I pulled my arms into my coveralls and laid on the ground. I couldn’t roll into a ball to keep my body heat because my legs were cramping from all the walking,” Andy said.
Andy planned to make it to the morning, but realistically he acknowledged, “I could die tonight.” But he wasn’t afraid and looked at it reasonably.
“Because I spent ten years on the ambulance, I had found people frozen, so I was realistic. I knew this is the real deal. I thought someone would come out in the morning, but I wasn’t really positive. I kept telling myself the odds were in my favour. I knew everything was on my side - my age, body, and God were on my side. I knew I would get really, really cold, but I’m not going to shut down. The weather was good, and I left a very obvious trail.”
Although he had done his best to leave an obvious trail, the wind had caused snow to drift and cover his tracks. However, the rescue team did find spots where he had sat down to rest and left an imprint in the snow.
Once the sun went down, Andy had no way of knowing what time it was. “I wasn’t shivering, but as I laid there, I started shivering more and more, and I prayed - God, I need you to warm me up!”
“Because of my familiarity with medicine, even in the tunnel I was making a plan for when I’d stop shivering. In late-stage hypothermia, people start losing their head and strip off their clothes, move around and are harder to find,” he explained.
Andy did all he knew to do, and trusted God would work out the rest. As he began to feel worse, he would “think forward.” As an EMT, he had been taught to ask what a patient would like in a few hours. “I’ve seen all this stuff, but never from the angle of being found,” Andy admitted. He also confessed, “I was so cold. I never felt anything like that. It invades every cell, and there is no heat left.”
While Andy waited it out in his tunnel, his oldest son Isaiah had notified the RCMP, who then contacted a Conservation Officer. Isaiah took the Conservation Officer out on the sled, along with the RCMP and volunteers joining the 12-member rescue team, which headed out at about 7:00 p.m. However, it was a long night. Finally, at 1:00 a.m., one of the team circled an area and spotted Andy sitting under a bush.
Andy said, “My teeth were chattering so bad that I couldn’t hear until the sled was close.” But when he heard it, he crawled out of his shelter and sat under a nearby bush. “It was exhilarating to hear the gentle whine of an internal combustion engine. It sounded like a chorus of angels. But I had no idea it was 1:00 in the morning. I yelled when I saw the sled.” Andy said.
The crew didn’t waste any time getting Andy on a sled. “I couldn’t even keep my butt down on the snowmobile because I would slip off. I was frozen, and my coveralls were frozen. But my arms worked fine, so I held on for dear life,” Andy said.
The team took Andy back to his truck, and from there, his son drove him to the hospital. The next day the Conservation Officer told Andy the rescue was a group effort and that his son told them exactly where his dad would be, and that’s where they found him. Andy was rescued eleven hours after he first began his walk into the hills, but he’s not quite the same fellow he used to be.
Andy explained, “I was at a work meeting, and some of the guys were whining about 2020, and I was like, up until a week ago, I thought the same thing. But now it feels pretty great!”
Museum of Lights
DRIVE THRU EVENT
Friday, December 18th & Saturday, December 19th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Sunday, December 20th by appointment only.
ADMISSION BY DONATION
Andy Ortman
On December 7, 2020, Southey RCMP responded to the report of an unconscious individual at a residence in the Southey Detachment area. Local EMS were already on scene when officers arrived and had declared the individual deceased. Information obtained during the initial stages of this sudden death investigation indicated the death could be the result of a drug overdose. This is now a Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service file and an autopsy has been ordered.
The autopsy and toxicology results may take months, and as such, this individual’s death cannot yet be attributed to any particular drug; however, it is important to note that fatal overdoses are occurring in small towns and rural areas – this is not strictly a big city issue.
We want to remind the public that anyone is at risk of a drug overdose.
If you use drugs, don’t use alone. Ensure you’re familiar with health resources available to you. (https:// www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/mental-health-and-addictions-support-services/alcohol-and-drug-support/ alcohol--drug-and-addictions-resources)
Know the signs of an opioid overdose – they may include: difficulty walking, talking or staying awake; blue lips or nails; pinpoint pupils; cold and clammy skin; dizziness or confusion; extreme drowsiness; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds; slow or weak breathing; inability to wake up even when shaken or shouted at.
Know about the Good Samaritan Overdose Act – it protects anyone experiencing a drug overdose or witnessing an overdose from potential charges of possession of a controlled substance.
Know about Naloxone - it temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and restores breathing in a few minutes. If you are at risk of an opioid overdose and/or might witness an opioid overdose, you are eligible for free training and a free Take Home Naloxone kit. For more information or to get a free Take Home Naloxone kit, call Healthline 811 or visit Saskatchewan.ca/opioids.
It is important to note that Naloxone treatment itself does not replace the need to seek immediate medical attention in the event of an overdose.
Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose.
If you have information about people trafficking drugs, you can report it to your local RCMP detachment or police service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report it to Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS.
Know signs on how to help if you expect an overdose Saskatchewan RCMP COVID-related calls for service to date
Community health and safety is a shared responsibility
From March 1, 2020, to November 30, 2020, the Saskatchewan RCMP have received a total of 3,300 COVID-related calls for service. Of these, 49 have resulted in charges.
The vast majority of COVID-related calls for service were resolved by educating individuals about the Public Health Orders (PHO) in place and the potential health and enforcement consequences that can result from non-compliance with the PHO. As police officers, we are responsible for ensuring our actions do not put others at risk while doing our part to slow the spread of the virus. We need you to do the same and this starts by following and familiarizing yourself with the PHOs.
Calls for service and charges for the month of November
From November 1 to 30, 2020, Saskatchewan RCMP have received 342 COVID-related calls for service:
· 128 complaints of individuals not self-isolating;
· 92 large gathering complaints;
· 20 masking complaints;
· 14 traveller check complaints; and
· 88 other COVID-related complaints.
Of these calls for service, police have charged seven individuals under the Province’s Public Health Orders for contravening Sec. 61 of The Public Health Act, 1994. The location of the charges are identified in accordance with the provincial government’s COVID-19 map, which provides detailed information on the location of cases across Saskatchewan divided into 13 zones.
• Four charges to individuals not self-isolating despite being advised to do so by local health authorities. These charges occurred in the following zones: Far North West, North Central (x2), and Far North Central.
• Three charges to individuals for large gatherings. These charges occurred in the following zones: Far North East, Far North Central and Far North West.
Each charge is a Summary Offence Ticket Information (SOTI), under a Provincial Statute. These charges are not a criminal offence. For this reason, the names of the individuals charged will not be released.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s commitment to keeping communities safe and healthy
As Saskatchewan’s provincial police force, we will continue to be present in your community to provide services and ensure community safety 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We continue to work closely with Saskatchewan Health Authorities to investigate calls for service that violate the PHO to help maintain public health and safety.
To support the steps communities are taking to reduce the spread of COVID-19, detachments in areas with an increased number of positive COVID-19 cases may temporarily restrict public access to the detachment to emergency requests for service only. As a result, we encourage you to phone your local detachment prior to visiting in person to determine if any changes are taking place. Find the phone number of your local RCMP detachment here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en/find/SK.
We thank communities across Saskatchewan for their support and we encourage everyone to continue following guidance from health officials to ensure we can all remain healthy.
20102aa3
Christmas relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions improbable, says Moe
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
REGINA – It appears Premier Scott Moe’s hopes that families in Saskatchewan could get together, or at least visit loved ones in long-term care, over the holidays are likely to be dashed.
Moe said as much as part of a discourse in question period on Dec. 9. Speaking to reporters afterward, Moe said, “I personally have had hoped that we would be able to look at relaxing some of those restrictions, if ever so slightly, to allow families to come together, and particularly those in our long term care homes. We have had some degree of success with the measures that were put in place on November 27th. It does seem to be appearing to reducing the rate of transmission of COVID, here in the province. So that is a positive, but in saying that, they are stabilizing at a rate that is yet far too high. Our daily rate, our week-over-week rate, and our community transmission rate is still far too high. And so it does seem, as we get closer to December 17, through discussions with Dr. Shahab, that it does seem that it will be improbable that we are going to be able to relax those restrictions in any way on December the 17th. But we will have more to say as we get closer.”
This acknowledgement came a day after Alberta announced a substantial lockdown to fight COVID-19 which was a result of that province’s more open policies being ineffectual in curbing the spread in that province.
While it was one step back, this development came a few hours after Moe and the team of top-level Ministry of Health leadership were able to announce the rollout of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, a major turning point for the province.
In the house, New Democratic Party Leader Ryan Meili pointed to elevated COVID-19 positivity rates of 8 per cent, on Dec. 9, and asked Premier Scott Moe, “Why is this government failing to conduct and process the promised 4,000 tests per day?”
Moe responded that it looks like the 7-day average of new cases is looking like it is plateauing. “We’re quite confident that is in the cards,” he said, noting restrictions implemented within the last couple weeks, and particularly those on Nov. 27, have had an impact.
Moe said those measures will be re-looked at on
Scott
get
Dec. 17, and there will be three choices “where we will either move forward status quo with those measures, which appear to be having an effect, or we will look at increasing, those measures, or the third option would be some degree of relaxation heading into the Christmas season. With respect to that third measure of opportunity of possibly relaxing some of those measures heading into the Christmas season, I think, given the numbers that we are seeing on a 7-day rolling average, the Leader of the Opposition is right, with our seven day test positivity rate of over 8 per cent, and it’s looking improbable that we are going to be able to relax our measures around long term care facilities, in our home our home-based visits, our home-based bubbles.
“But we are looking towards December the 17th where we will continue to take Dr. Shahab and his team’s public health advice, with the requirement we have going forward from that date.”
Meili said some lab techs have told them “they’re having to leave 500 to 2,000 cases unprocessed at the end of each day.”
He asked what it would take to get testing up to 4,000 tests per day?
Moe pointed out that back in January, very little testing was occurring anywhere in Canada or around the world.
“Our contact tracing has increased from originally 60 people up to well over 400 and continues to increase with the advent of public service people that are moving into that area, as well as now, some federally employed people moving into that area.
“I don’t have today’s numbers, but as of a few days
HELPING YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED
ago, the 7-day average for our tests that were completed was over 3,500. I believe we’re around 3,400 tests per day. We have approved the hiring 76 additional FTS (full-time equivalents) into the provincial lab.
“We have also approved a number of rapid tests are being made available in our long-term care facilities. Here, we have again expert tests that we’ve been working with the federal government to ensure that we’re able to procure cartridges for those tests that are placed in rural and remote locations around the province.
“As well, we’re looking at the private sector to enhance the testing capacity we have here, in the province of Saskatchewan. This is something we have worked very closely with, our provincial resources, with the private sector. And we’ve worked with the federal government on providing the resources for testing capacity here in the province,” Moe said.
Read a book while shopping downtown Kindersley
The Kindersley Library Board has posted a Story Walk in the windows of several downtown business. The book is “Deck the Halls, a Canadian Christmas Carol” by Helaine Becker and Werner Zimmermann. The Coop Pharmacy has the first 2 pages, followed by 2 pages at Dr. Brooks office, 1 page at Hub International, 2 pages at Nadine’s Hair and Beauty Salon, 1 page at Tashima Lifestyle Boutique and Spa, 2 pages at Pharmasave, 1 at Lela’s Music, 1 at Twisted Scizzors, and 2 at Kelly Insurance Brokers. Remember these pages are posted in the window, so you can read them anytime. (You don’t have to remember the locations, there’s a note in a bottom corner to tell where to go next!) Please let the Library know if you enjoyed their Story Walk.
Dated at Major, this 14th day of December, 2020.
Helfrich, Returning Officer
Charlotte
Premier
Moe’s hopes of Christmas
togethers are now improbable, he said. Screen capture courtesy Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
The turning point: Saskatchewan rolls out its vaccination plans for COVID-19
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
REGINA – Saskatchewan is getting the first vaccine for COVID-19 a little earlier than expected, and will be getting more than expected, according to Premier Scott Moe.
In an all-hands on deck presentation, Moe was joined by Minister of Health Paul Merriman, Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab in releasing Saskatchewan’s vaccination plan on Dec. 9 from the Legislature.
Moe noted that just minutes before, Health Canada approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the first to be approved in Canada. It will be the first one distributed, in a pilot project starting with health care workers at the Regina General Hospital.
“Now we expect to begin receiving those vaccines, more quickly than we had originally anticipated, and receiving them in slightly greater quantities than we had originally anticipated,” Moe said.
“Our vaccine delivery plan will start with a pilot program of 1,950 doses expected to be delivered by December the 15th. These very first and early doses will be delivered to and administered at the Regina General Hospital. Health care workers providing direct care to COVID-19 patients are going to receive those first doses. We then expect Phase 1 of the vaccine delivery plan to begin later in December, with Pfizer expected to deliver 10,725 doses per week. We also now expect Moderna to begin delivering vaccines very early in 2021.”
The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra low freezing, with storage in freezers that are -70 C. This greatly complicates matters, and as such, its implementation will largely mean people will have to go to where it is available, as opposed to the vaccine going to them. But with the other vaccines on the way, including the Moderna vaccine, there is much more flexibility expected, including much broader distribution where people live and work.
Phased approach
There is a phased distribution approach planned, first focusing on those who look after the most vulnerable, then the most vulnerable themselves.
The pilot will start with health care workers in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments and COVID-19 units at the Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital. Testing and assessment centres will also be included. A booster shot will be done 21 days later (28 days for those getting the Moderna vaccine in later phases).
enough for 101,026 people.
This phase will initially target 30,584 long-term care and personal care home residents and staff.
Next will be health care workers in emergency departments, ICUs, COVID-19 testing and assessment staff – those in the health care system the most exposed to people who may have the virus. This is expected to encompass 10,000 to 15,000 people.
The third part will start with the 51,302 Saskatchewan residents aged 80 and older in all communities. Dr. Shahab explained this will be followed by progressively younger age groups, going down in cohorts of five years. The next will be the 32,474 people between ages 75 and 79, followed by the 47,343 people between 70 and 74.
People over the age of 50 living in remote areas and northern Saskatchewan will total 8,911. Phase 1 is projected to immunize up to 185,624 people.
“Hopefully by February, March, April, we’ll see the benefits of vaccine protecting, to some extent the most vulnerable,” Shahab said.
Phase 2 is expected to begin in April 2021, continuing with the priority populations and widespread access to immunization for the general population. It will see mass immunization clinics, similar to what is done with the influenza vaccines and what took place with the H1N1 vaccine. Livingstone noted that there is the ability to scale up if more vaccine becomes available.
Shahab said that people 50 and old-
province has “already determined how many people, more or less, fit into each of these cohort groups, so that we can be clear when to move on to the next, depending on how much vaccine we will receive from the company or companies at the time.”
There will be a broad communications strategy emphasizing the importance of the vaccine. The media and government website will be used to let most people know when their cohort is due, with long term care and personal care home residences and frontline health care workers being dealt with through other channels. Starting this month, the campaign will include print, TV, radio, digital, social, billboard, etc., focusing on providing accurate, timely information and increasing public awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Shahab said, “By April, May, June, we’ll see more people at risk getting vaccinated. And then of course later in the summer and into the fall, all of us will be able to get vaccinated. And that is the way we will come out of this pandemic.”
Merriman said, “Saskatchewan has an extremely strong program his participation rate for infant and childhood vaccines. With uptake of around 90 per cent for many of these various vaccines.”
For those who are nervous about the vaccine, Shahab said, “The vaccine is really good news. We can’t underestimate how good of news that is and what a remarkable achievement it is, to have a vaccine 10 months into a pandemic.”
Vaccination will be voluntary. Indi-
some of that is federal jurisdiction. Many countries require testing before boarding a flight, for instances.
“I think a lot of that will evolve as we understand the efficacy of the vaccine, but also the impact it has on COVID transmission probably nationally and provincially,” he said.
Moe said, “This is how life will get back to normal. Once we have delivered a safe and effective vaccine to a significant portion of Saskatchewan population, just like everything else when it comes to fighting COVID. We all have a role to play.”
The federal government’s job is to approve a vaccine and get it out. The province’s job is to ensure the health system has the resources to deliver the vaccine, and the health system needs to deliver it to the people of the province, as swiftly, as safely and as effectively as possible, Moe said.
“Each of you have a job as well. And your job, the people of Saskatchewan’s job, is to get the vaccine when it is your turn to do so. We all need to do this. Just like we all need to follow the public health orders and the guidelines that are in place to keep ourselves and to keep others safe. We all need to get vaccinated. To keep ourselves, and keep others safe, even if you aren’t worried about contracting the virus yourself, and look for those around you. Do it for our seniors, our parents and our grandparents, who are the most vulnerable to very serious outcomes from COVID-19. Do it for our health care workers in our long-term
Premier Scott Moe, top left, and Health Minister Paul Merriman, bottom left, led off the announcement explaining how Saskatchewan will roll out its COVID-19 vaccination plan. Screen capture from Government of Saskatchewan Facebook
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Complete electrical contracting and services since 1972. Bucket truck, trenchers
ELECTRICAL INVENTORY
OFFICE/SALES: 110 9th Ave. E. - Kindersley tarneselectric.com tarnes.electric@sasktel.net
Ph: 306-463-2511 • Fax: 306-463-6550 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
Great
Plains College expands programming with Youth Care Worker diploma
Great Plains College is pleased to announce that a Youth Care Worker diploma option has been added to the list of full-time programs offered at the college’s Warman Campus. The inaugural offering of the diploma program is set to begin September 2021.
The Youth Care Worker diploma builds on the knowledge and information provided within the one-year certificate program that is currently offered. Students will increase their knowledge of agency administration and community development, conflict resolution and small group facilitation, conflict diversity and family systems, sexual victimization, therapeutic intervention strategies and will also be able to receive hands-on experience by participating in two extended work-based practicums.
“I am thrilled that Warman Campus will be expanding our program menu to include the Youth Care Worker diploma option in order to serve the needs of the current labour market and our region,” said Jill Jenkins, region manager at Great Plains College. “We are proud that our campus will be the only provincial institution offering this diploma program in a face-to-face learning environment in 2021, within COVID-19 protocols. This is an exciting development for our college and the region surrounding Warman and Martensville.”
Applications for September 2021 entry are currently being accepted for both the Youth Care Worker certificate and diploma programs. Past graduates of the certificate program or any student currently enrolled in the certificate
program in the 2020-21 academic year can register for the diploma program and begin their second-year Youth Care Worker studies next September.
“This program is partnered and brokered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic, giving students the same credentials and curriculum they would receive at a Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus,” added Jenkins. “Great Plains College students receive a high-quality learning experience that offers smaller class sizes, increased personal connections with faculty and fellow learners, along with a responsive and supportive environment. Our faculty are wellversed and connected to the industry.”
Youth Care Work diploma graduates have the educational option of advancing to a Bachelor of Social Work program by transferring to the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina or transferring to the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies at Lethbridge College in Alberta.
Anyone who applies to the full-time Youth Care Worker certificate or diploma program before April 30, 2021, is automatically considered for an Entrance Scholarship of between $500-$5,000. Grade 11 students who apply before June 30, 2021, will also be eligible for an additional Early Entrance Award of $1,000.
For more information about the Youth Care Worker diploma program and/ or to apply, visit greatplainscollege.ca/ programs-courses/college-trades-university/youth-care-worker-diploma.
APAS Rural Connectivity Task Force reaches halfway point in project to improve rural internet
Provincial agriculture group offers education about why rural internet is so bad in Saskatchewan, with solutions coming in early 2021
The Rural Connectivity Task Force, a project of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), has released a discussion paper summarizing its findings at the halfway point since launching in September 2020.
“All fall we’ve been meeting with experts on the subject of rural internet service,” says Rural Connectivity Task Force Chair Jeremy Welter, who farms near Kerrobert, SK. “We’re talking to experts from across Canada, as well as to key service providers including SaskTel. We’re getting a really good handle on the technical and regulatory issues facing us when it
comes to improving rural internet.”
The Rural Connectivity Task Force is sharing what they have learned to date in a discussion paper that summarizes the work of the Task Force and provides an overview of the key terms and concepts that shape the internet landscape in Canada. From the differences between wireline and wireless connections, to how telecommunications are regulated and funded in Canada, the discussion paper is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand why getting reliable internet is such an uphill battle for so many rural communities.
“We wanted to create a resource to help people better understand why rural internet is such a hard problem to solve,” says Welter. “This paper takes a very complicated technical issue and helps breaks it down for people.”
Once the Rural Connectivity Task Force completes its research phase, they will finalize their recommendations and release a final report in early 2021, which will be used to advocate for changes at the provincial and federal level.
Learn more about the Rural Connectivity Task Force at www.apas.ca/ connectivity.
Your West Central
Classifieds
RATES (based on 20 words or less). $8.95 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Thursday noon. 306-671-0242
CARD OF THANKS
Thank you for extending so much love and support to our family. We greatly appreciated the warm thoughts expressed with flowers, food, visits and cards. Your kindness meant so much.John Klein Family
FOR RENT
ROOMS FOR RENT. $500. Includes all utilities. Call Tim Schuh at 306-460-9292.
NOTICE
The last edition of Your West Central Voice for 2020 will be Monday, December 21.
There will be no paper published the weeks of December 28 or January 4. The first edition of the new year will be January 11, 2021. Thank you for your patronage over the past 6 months. I could not do this without your kind support through subscriptions and advertising.
WANTED
SATURDAY SNOW REMOVAL wanted at the Kindersley LIbrary. kindersley.library@wheatland.sk.ca or call 306-463-4141. DC7
WANTED TO BUY - Hunting Rifles, Shotguns and Ammunition. Have permits. Call 463-7756 (Cell). MR29
HARRIS - Keith F. Harris
(March 21, 1931 - November 30, 2020)
With great sadness, the family of Keith Harris announce his passing on November 30, 2020 at the age of 89. Keith was raised on a dairy farm 3 miles south of Yorkton, where he attended Pebble Lake Public School and Yorkton Collegiate. Keith graduated from the School of Agriculture in Saskatoon in 1953. He then went onto self-employment in the oil industry - “Harry’s Oilfield Maintenance Ltd.” He was known for his exceptional work ethic and his willingness to try something new or branch out to different business opportunities. Trying new things and learning
WARMAN - It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Viola (Vi) Warman at the incredible age of 97 years, on December 5, 2020. She is now finally back with Dad (Len) who passed away 10 years ago. They were married for 68 years. Viola was born on June 13, 1923 in Lampman, Saskatchewan and she moved with her family at an early age to grow up on the family farm south of Netherhill, Saskatchewan. Viola was the second child of 9 children of Edith and Calvin Dies. She was predeceased by both parents and 5 siblings. She is survived by her sisters: Verna Braid of Kindersley, Evelyn Bassingthwaite (Wes) of Edmonton, Eileen Loewen (Rueben) of Saskatoon, and brother-in-law
the case!
Keith took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren - Alisa (Alex) and great-granddaughter Cora, Kale (Christine), Justine (Dustin), Courtney, Taylor, Kennedy and Corson. Keith always made sure he was cheering on each grandkid. He attended many music recitals, hockey or baseball games, graduations, and birthdays. The grandkids could always count on him to be out in the crowd, cheering them on!
on the go helped Keith develop a “colourful” language when working in the shop that he claims helped fix things or put them together faster (the grandkids would be the first to say this was passed onto their dads)!
On October 17, 1958, Keith married the love of his life - Jean Philip of Carragana. Keith and Jean shared many years of love and happiness and celebrated 62 years of marriage this past year. Together they started a family and raised four kids - Lane (Lynn), Tim (Glenda), Cory (Janet), and Carla. It is certain that there was never a dull moment in the Harris family out on the farm, and Keith would have made sure this was
Bruce Gray of Camrose, her four children: Gerald (Karen) of Waldheim, Carolyn (Paul) Schofield of Sherwood Park, Ralph (Joanne) of Kindersley, and Gordon (Sue) of Creston, her 10 grandchildren: Lee, Carley, Donalee, Len, Melody, Melinda, Michelle, Marcy, Keith, and Leasha, her 21 great-grandchildren and her 3 great-great-grandchilden.
Viola enjoyed most of her life in Kindersley with Len, and after retirement spent time at their cabin in Turtle Lake and winters in Mesa. They traveled extensively as well and enjoyed being
In addition to spending much of his time supporting his family, he enjoyed travelling with Jean, visiting with friends, and staying active with his dog. Keith was always part of the community in any way he could be. He was a member of the Kindersley Flying Club, where he owned two planes, and flying was a hobby that allowed him to escape from reality when he needed to. Keith also found great enjoyment in all things camping; he expressed this passion through being involved in the Kindersley Cubs & Boy Scouts Club as a leader. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time at the Kindersley Museum. Keith also enjoyed a
with their extended family and numerous friends. She was enormously loved and respected by all of her family and she will always be in our thoughts and hearts.
The Funeral Service is being held at the Alliance Church with the immediate family only, on Friday, December 11, 2020. The service will be available livestream at www. kindersleysocial.ca/ obituaries-vi-warman/. There will be an interment at a later date.
Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the Heritage Manor in Kindersley or to the charity of their choice.
glass of Crossmount Cider every now and then, and anyone who walked through their door was offered a glass before they could sit down.
Keith’s famous jokes and his words of wisdom will be missed by all those who knew him. He was always up for a visit with anyone and everyone and would be sure to jump on any opportunity to tease them! Keith’s outgoing personality and selfless demeanour will always be missed as he would graciously give anyone the shirt off his back no matter the situation. He truly made this world a better place, and Keith’s memories will undoubtedly bring big smiles to many faces. Keith taught us to make everyone feel welcome, always look for ways to help others, always give big hugs, never say no to dessert and laugh often! Keith’s legacy will live on for many years to come through family and friends.
The family has decided that a memorial for Keith will wait until the spring so all his loved ones can get together to celebrate a life well-lived.
Donations Needed!
Kindersley Mall: December 1st to December 15th (except Sundays) from 12 noon - 4 pm.
Crisis Centre: December 1st to 15th (Monday-Friday business hours)
Salvation Army: December 1st to December 15th (business hours)
FOOD NEEDS: Canned Vegetables & Fruit; Christmas Oranges; Soup, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Rice, Cereals, Peanut Butter, Beans, Canned Meat, Juice, etc.
TOY NEEDS: New (unwrapped) Toys, Books, and Games for children 12 and under
MONETARY DONATIONS: (cash or cheque) are also gratefully accepted and may be dropped off at any of the 3 service organizations or at the collection site at the Kindersley Mall. Tax receipts for donations $20 and over will be issued/mailed.
Pick up Day Monday, December 21st, 2020 9:30 a.m. to Noon and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
For information or to volunteer contact: West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre (Misty) - 306-463-6655 Salvation Army 306-463-1717 Kindersley Food Bank - 306-460-7022
Edwin Rijvers Canada Purple Shield
Fiss Funeral Director
