New facility will allow West Central Crisis Centre to expand
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
The West Central Crisis Centre (WCCC) has been providing vital services to the community at their current location at 116 - 1st Avenue West, for many years, but that will soon change. Prospects of moving to their new building are looking more promising since their future building was moved into Kindersley and placed on the new basement, at the location near Walmart, in mid-July.
Now work can begin on the basement, and once that’s complete, the staff are hoping to be able to move in some time in November. “It certainly is good to see this project move forward, and become a reality at last!” Misty Leismeister, Manager of the WCCC said.
But the staff has managed to function well in their current location, even though it’s not spacious. They currently provide services for domestic violence, traumatic events response, sexual assault/victim support, safety planning, critical stress management, suicide prevention, anger management, budget counselling, client advocacy, referrals, senior services, and all types of counselling, including individual, marital, crisis, short-term, family and youth counselling. They also provide weekly counselling in the communities of Eston and Kerrobert, have a resource library
and every Christmas they organize Santa’s Hut in various communities. As you can see, space restrictions have not prevented the Crisis Centre from providing so many necessary services to our communities.
The new facility will complete the first phase for the WCCC, and will be used as the Office Administrative Building, housing counselling offices, administrative supports and community programming spaces. The structure was donated by Teine Energy, and is a good fit as an administrative building. The second phase will be a storage facility, followed by a 16-bed domestic violence shelter for women and children as the third phase.
“We’re so excited!” Misty said. “It will be so nice to have more space to run more programs, and have a newer building. Now we can do supervised visits and look at opening it up for other organizations to use the space. We’ll be able to offer more services to our clients. This is the first start to our vision.
Now we can grow ideas and have space to implement those ideas. It gives us opportunities that we’ve wanted for so long.”
Their vision will also necessitate the generating of new fundraising ideas in order to make the future phases materialize.
Traffic stop leads to significant methamphetamine and fentanyl seizure
On Saturday, August 8, 2020, at approximately 2 a.m., Swift Current Rural RCMP conducted a traffic stop on an SUV travelling east on Highway 1 near Waldeck, SK, for a Vehicle Equipment Regulation (VER) violation.
During the course of the vehicle stop, a simple equipment violation turned into a drug trafficking and possession investigation due to several factors that will be presented as part of the court process. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of two vacuum sealed bags of methamphetamine weighing a total of approximately 17.6 lbs, five vacuum sealed bags of fentanyl weighing approximately 12.2 lbs, and $1140 in Canadian currency.
The amount of methamphetamine seized during this search is equivalent to approximately 76,160 individual doses.
The driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, was arrested under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for possession for the
purpose of trafficking which led to the search of the vehicle.
30-year-old Geoffrey John Vincent, of St. Andrews, Manitoba, has been charged with the following:
• Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Sec. 5 of the CDSA,
• Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Sec. 5 of the CDSA, and
• Possession of currency obtained by crime, contrary to Sec. 354(1) of the Criminal Code.
Geoffrey John Vincent appeared in Provincial Court in Swift Current on August 11.
• Town Council typically meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm at the Town Office.
• Council meetings are open to the public, meaning that anyone is welcome to attend as a silent participant.
• With the upcoming election in November, anyone interesting in running is encouraged to attend.
• Business for council, such as invoices to be paid, permit applications, written correspondence, and requests to speak as a delegation to council must be received by the Town Office by noon on the Monday prior to the meeting.
• Council meeting agendas and minutes are available to be viewed at eston.ca/council-minutes.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Town Office.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The future home of the West Central Crisis Centre.
PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
The Kindersley Chamber of Commerce held a socially distanced meeting last Tuesday. Pictured above are (L-R) Chamber President, Rick Miller and Chamber Executive Director, Kevin Martin. Watch next week’s paper for the complete story.
RCMP photo of the seized goods.
The dream of an Outdoor Classroom in Eatonia comes true!
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
The folks at Eatonia have witnessed a dream come to fruition, as they watched the Eaton School Outdoor Classroom being built. It was the dream of Nichole Bredy, a teacher at Eaton School, who wanted a space where children had the opportunity to learn in an outdoor classroom. Within this space, lessons will be taught on subjects such as solar power, sustainable agriculture, wellness and health.
There will also be opportunities to learn about gardening, greenhouses, composting and various crops that are grown in the area. Children will be able to enjoy a sensory play area, all of which has become within reach because of the observations of Nichole Bredy and other Eaton School staff.
“At Eaton School we believe that children can learn everywhere, that there’s learning everywhere,” Nichole said. This started the fun process of designing the new classroom; even the students got involved in the design plans.
The next step was to raise money for the project. This included filling out grant applications and conducting fundraising activities.
“At Eaton School we believe that children can learn everywhere, that there’s learning everywhere.”
- NICHOLE BREDY
In a Facebook post, Nichole thanked the many businesses who were involved: Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Nutrien, Janie Honey, Decisive, Eaton SCC, the RM of Chesterfield No. 261, Richard King, Clint Hayes, Eaton School staff and Longhorn Oil.
Eatonia Oasis Living
Raise your glass!
These staff members noticed they had many students who were naturalistic learners, who were tuned in with nature and loved being outside in their rural agricultural community.
These businesses, organizations, and many, many individuals in the community made this dream become a reality, including three generations of Bredy’s who contributed their time and talent constructing the outdoor classroom.
“An idea this amazing isn’t possible without our community!” Nichole Bredy concluded.
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261 intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 1-2019, known as The Zoning Bylaw.
INTENT: The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment will amend Section 6.3.2Site Standards to provide a minimum site area for Historic and Archaeological Sites.
REASON: To allow the municipality to preserve historical and archeological with a site regulations.
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261 office – 304 Main Street, Eatonia, SK between 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost.
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing in conjunction with the regular meeting at 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on September 8, 2020 at the Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261 Council Chambers – 304 Main Street, Eatonia, SK to hear any person or group who wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the Municipal office to the undersigned prior to the hearing.
Issued at the Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261 this 11th day of August, 2020.
Tosha McCubbing,
Administrator
Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION
The Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261 located in Eatonia Saskatchewan invites applications from qualified persons to fill the position of Administrative Assistant providing coverage for a maternity leave.
The Administrative Assistant is to provide support to the RM Administrator in the daily management of the municipality operations. This includes, but not limited to the following duties: accounts payable and receivable, assessment and taxation, dealing with public in person and on the telephone, and general office duties.
The preferred candidate will possess a minimum Class “C” Certificate but will also consider applicants who do not currently possess a Class “C” Certificate. Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
• Excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent telephone manner
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently
• Effective time management skills
• Accuracy and proficiency in computer and keyboard skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, internet)
The Rural Municipality offers a comprehensive benefits package. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Interested candidates are invited to submit a covering letter, copy of certificate(s) and a resume. These must include education, experience, certification held, expected salary and current references.
Applications for this position will be received until the position is filled. Please forward your application package to:
RM of Chesterfield No. 261 Box 70 Eatonia SK S0L 0Y0 Email: rm261@sasktel.net
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Rural Municipality of Chesterfield No. 261
NOTICE
SUBMITTED PHOTO
A thoughtful, anonymous person left a nice surprise for the staff at Eatonia Oasis Living last week. The cups say “2020 - Stay Strong. We are all in this together.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT
Taking a stand for liberty of conscience
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
I teased a teenaged male that he should try wearing a cologne that smelled like fresh baking because it might attract women. The young fellow smiled with utmost confidence and said, “I don’t need it. Women are already attracted to me.”
I’ve been reading about another man
who unintentionally attracted attention, but it was unwanted attention from the courts. Here is his story.
Performing marriages is not part of the duties of a circuit court judge, but as a circuit judge in Oregon, Vance Day chose to marry people. “When the law of the land changed, I chose to recuse myself quietly from marrying people.”
It was a choice that he should have
been free to make, “But when my presiding judge found out, she made a big deal about it. The state of Oregon came in and did an investigation. They gave me two choices: you can resign and it will all go away. But if you don’t, we’ll come after you and make an example of you.”
Vance told them if they wanted his liberty of conscience, they would have to take it from him. Vance said, “Nobody had ever fought the ethics commission in Oregon before.” This is quite a contrast to the situation in Canada, where the Ethics Commissioner should have been invited to every cabinet meeting in order to avoid the ethics violations we have been witnessing.
Vance’s ordeal led to four years of litigation, leading up to the United States Supreme Court and back again. “When they couldn’t get rid of me, I got suspended from the Oregon Supreme Court without pay for 3 years. It was an extraordinary rebuke for a state jurist,” Vance explained.
But that wasn’t all. His son went trap shooting with a friend, not realizing his friend had a criminal record, and shouldn’t have been handling firearms. As a result, “They indicted me for two felonies for which the maximum penalty would have been 12 years.” Vance explained. “I had to go through a criminal trial; it was a political prosecution.”
His legal bills reached $1.2 million, forcing him to sell his home, as well as his 50 percent share in a building where he once worked as an attorney. He and his wife lived in a fifth-wheel trailer for a year.
But people were supportive, and a “Defend Judge Day” campaign began. “There are nearly 20,000 people across the nation who donated $5, $10 or $25,” Vance said. “I’m very grateful.”
Right before the trial began, Vance said, “They said, why don’t you take a misdemeanour? You won’t lose your law license and it will all be fine. My wife was in the negotiating room and she said he’ll do no such thing. He’s done nothing wrong!”
The jury was selected and opening statements were just hours away, but a key witness refused to testify. The judge dismissed the charges because it was “unable to proceed in the absence of an essential witness”.
“I was saddened that the state of Oregon would continue to prosecute a matter they knew essentially was not provable. They didn’t have a case, yet they still kept pushing. That’s sad for our justice system.”
Vance Day stressed that he was targeted for his politically conservative and Christian beliefs. “I would send a message to everybody, in Canada and the United States, that your personal liberties can be persecuted.”
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Decency in politics begins with us
There is likely no question I get asked more often than this one: What ever happened to decency in politics?
If nothing else, some four decades of close contact with a lot of politicians offers a fair bit of perspective on this matter.
My assessment? The current politicians are pretty good. Certainly, they’re no worse than what we’ve had in the past. One might even argue there’s been no time in recent political history when we have seen so many of our political leaders rise to the occasion.
Of course, many will take umbrage with this.
They will point to the shuttered economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and certainly bring up the WE scandal in Ottawa that was, unquestionably, a ridiculous blunder that should not be tolerated by taxpayers.
Or, depending on their political persuasion _ they might point to the Saskatchewan Party government’s bungled school re-opening policy. This appears to be a case of not providing the leadership required, dumping the tough divisions on local school divisions with limited resources and little authority.
Clearly, mistakes are also a reality. And, given that it’s our tax dollars that have to pay to fix these mistakes _ we surely have the right to complain and criticize.
But it’s how some of us react to these mistakes made by politicians _ or even things that politicians do that aren’t really mistakes _ that speaks to the real problem of decency.
The first problem with some in the public is a complete and total loss of perspective.
There are always reasons to criticize politicians, but the outrage we are seeing from some is completely disproportional.
lowances into cash that was handed over to MLAs _ a scheme that resulted in 20 convictions of Progressive Conservative MLAs and staff.
But if social meeting posting or the unhinged rants from supposed professional media personalities are were to be believed, you’d think we now have the most corrupt politicians ever.
MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist
Heck, the WE scandal isn’t even the worst we have seen from federal Liberals when compared with the Sponsorship scandal that cost much more and rightly ousted the Liberals from power for a decade.
In this province, we have seen a government caucus set up a secret scheme to convert communication expense al-
To make matters worse, some people see biased social media or thinly veiled partisans in the mainstream media as their only source of information. This lack of objective news sources only irresponsibility feed the outrage against politicians with whom they don’t generally agree. It is here where lines are being crossed.
Indecency isn’t the reasonable and criticism of government policy. It is now and has been vile and potentially dangerous behaviour and _ sadly _ we may be seeing more of that. Recently, Regina police charged a
man with leaving threatening voicemails against Moe last week.
Whatever you thing of Moe as person (and, frankly, he seems a rather decent one) he clearly doesn’t deserve this.
But the sad reality is Moe is not the only politician to be victimized by this abuse.
A favour target in federal politics is federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna who has been the frequent target of abuse.
Most recently, the Ottawa police hate crimes unit is investigating after a man screamed obscenities outside her constituency office. That the man felt the need to post his 90 seconds of vile outrage on social media says much.
And then there are the charges against Manitoban Corey Hurren, who rammed his truck through the gates of Rideau Hall while allegedly carrying a four loaded firearms and uttering threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
It’s indecency now in the realm of madness.
And far and away great problem right now seems to be some people rather than the politicians themselves.
Symbols of continuity between generations
KATE WINQUIST kate@yoursouthwest.com
Nothing improves my emotional and mental health better than a drive in the country. When I am on my adventures with my camera in tow, nothing excites me more than coming across an old country church for the first time.
Now, I have never really considered myself a religious person. Yes, I believe in God, but I’m one of those that call myself more spiritual than religious. Country churches give me a sense of peace and purpose. It allows me to spend time with nature, contemplating life as it were.
As you know, I have spent most of the past twenty-eight years in southwest Saskatchewan, and I was lucky enough to visit more than a few of these old country churches. St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, also known as Illerbrun Church is located between Gull Lake and Shaunavon in the Rural Municipality of Bone Creek and was built in 1915. The White Valley Lutheran Church was founded in 1911 by Norwegian settlers, with the church being built in 1928. It sits on the open prairie, close to the communities of Frontier and Eastend. Billimun Church (St. Martin’s Roman Catholic Church) is 13 kilometres northwest of the Village of Mankota. This architectural landmark is visible for many miles with its distinguished tall steeple. It sits prominently on an elevated, isolated site.
The most impressive of the country churches, in my opinion, is a little closer to home. Ten miles (16 km) south and another four miles (6.4 km) east of the Town of Leader in the RM of Happyland sits Blumenfeld Roman Catholic Church. It was built as a tribute to the early German settlers in the area in 1915.
Along with the church, the four-hectare parcel of land set apart by hedgerows from the surrounding fields includes a clapboard prayer house, cemetery, memorial cairn, fieldstone shrine and an open-air Stations of the Cross. Located on a prominent ridge, Blumenfeld Church has a commanding presence on the local landscape.
Although the church hasn’t been used for regular services since 1962, it is still used for special occasions such as weddings, funerals and community gatherings. Hundreds of people make an annual pilgrimage to the historic church every June. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, the pilgrimage did not take place this year.
The church and grotto were designated as a provincial heritage site in 1983.
When my daughter Jaidyn and I stopped back in May, we had the entire property to ourselves. I had been to the site once before, so I knew what to expect, but the look on Jaidyn’s face when we drove down Blumenfeld Road to Saints Peter and Paul Church was priceless. Jaidyn considers herself an old soul, so she appreciated my brief history lesson and the walk around the grounds.
Jaidyn found an owl feather near the Stations of the Cross. I told her that an owl feather symbolizes trust, honour, and freedom and that some people believe that a feather is a sign from God. We both agreed that we should come back and attend a pilgrimage, perhaps in search of life’s deeper meaning.
Blumenfeld is regarded as an important symbol of continuity between generations and as a memorial to the district’s early settlers. On this day, I believe it brought two generations a little closer together.
PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
The dedication of the Blumenfeld Church in 1916. PHOTO COURTESY BLUMENFELD & DISTRICT HERITAGE SITE
Stallions lose league semi-final
KATE WINQUIST kate@yoursouthwest.com
The Kindersley Stallions inaugural season in the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League has come to an end.
The Stallions finished the regular season with a 6-2 record and hosted the Meadow Lake Sox at Berard Field in a quarter-final matchup. All of the Stallions offence came in the first inning as they plated three runs en route to a 3-1 victory.
Corson Harris started the game and was relieved by Kyle Donaldson, who came in and shut the door for the save.
This put the Stallions in the semi-final against the Lloydminster Twins, a team that they battled hard against in the regular season. Blake Robertson pitched a strong game for Kindersley, but the run support just was not to be on this day. The Twins defeated the Stallions 6-2 to advance to the league finals against the North Battleford Beavers, who upset the previously undefeated Standard Hill Lakers 13-9.
The final will be a best of three series with Lloydminster having home-field advantage.
Austin Jamieson takes a mighty swing.
Golf ball flying too far, says Nicklaus
BRUCE PENTON
brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Titleist advertises itself as the company which produces the “No. 1 ball in golf.” The stats prove it; more PGA Tour players use the ball than any other, and it isn’t even close.
But according to golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the company that produces the Titleist ball is also the No. 1 culprit when it comes to preventing golf’s ruling bodies from rolling back the distance the ball is travelling these days, and he maintains it’s leading to the ruination of the game.
Nicklaus told Randell Mell of the Golf Channel that the “great distance gains players enjoy today is stretching courses, and that’s slowing play.” In the Golf Channel story, he singled out Titleist when asked about pushback from manufacturers over proposals to roll back the distance balls can fly.
“Titleist controls the game,” Nicklaus told Mell. “And I don’t understand why Titleist would be against it. I know they are, but I don’t understand why you would be against it. They make probably the best product. If they make the best product, whether it’s 20 per
cent shorter ... What difference would it make? Their market share isn’t going to change a bit. They are still going to dominate the game.”
In a later interview with GolfWorld.com’s Joel Beall, Nicklaus pointed to the great distances Tour players are crushing the ball these days and said the game is suffering. Golf body officials “can’t just keep burying their heads on this. They see it, they watch television, they see where these guys hit the golf ball. It isn’t about how far they hit it. You just can’t keep making golf courses longer. You just don’t have enough land, you don’t have enough money to do it.”
The topic has raged even more this year since Bryson DeChambeau bulked up in the gym during the Tour’s pandemic hiatus and started getting astonishing distance from his drives. He hit one drive 423 yards at the Memorial, a tournament hosted by Nicklaus, and belted drives of 353, 362 and 404 yards on other occasions. The host just shook his head in amazement — and dismay.
Veteran Tour player Charley Hoffman said hard workers like DeChambeau shouldn’t be
penalized by rolling back the ball. “The guy was average to long hitter prior and he went and worked his (butt) off and found a way to hit it further,” Hoffman told golf.com. “That is a perfect example of getting better. Why would you want to roll it back?”
Why indeed?
• Patti Dawn Swansson, the River City Renegade, on Jets’ Paul Maurice, whose teams have missed the playoffs four of the past seven years: “Yet he has a new, three-year, $9-million contract tucked in his hip pocket. You know, right beside the horseshoe, the fourleaf clover, the rabbit’s foot, the smoke and the mirrors.”
• Sportswriter Eric Adelson, on Twitter: “We had the Washington Bullets and now we have the Washington Blanks.”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Southern California had an earthquake. It was so strong it actually shook somebody into the L.A. Chargers’ gift shop.”
• Swansson again, on the orphaned Blue Jays getting rejected by Toronto, Baltimore and Pittsburgh before finding a 2020 home in Buffalo: “That’s kind of like trying to book John Lennon or Paul McCartney or George Harrison to play your birthday gig, but settling for Ringo.”
• From the Seattle Kraken Twitter feed: “Fun fact: We are the only team that Connor McDavid has not scored against.”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald: “Still hanging onto that nickname, Indians? I hear ‘Cleveland Baseball Team’ is still available.”
• A golden oldie from Ex-Cardinals pitcher Joaquin Andujar, as recounted by caddie John Wood in a golf.com feature: “There is one word in America that says it all, and that one word is, ‘You never know.’”
• PGA player Brooks Koepka, at a post-round press conference when asked about changing drivers, from a Callaway to a TaylorMade: “They don’t pay me, so I’m not mentioning their name.”
• Paul Bromby on Twitter, after the Leafs blew a 3-0 lead against Columbus (before returning the favour in the next game): “Let’s look at the bright side of things here for a minute. The Leafs giving up a threegoal lead might mean 2020 is starting to get back to normal.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Rutgers is going to limit stadium capacity to 500 fans. That’s down from the normal 525 fans who normally attend Rutgers games.”
• Headline on fark.com: “If you build it, they will … have to wait until next year.”
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times and his wicked sense of humour: “This year’s Cardinals-White Sox game at Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, has been cancelled. A bunch of those old ballplayers out in the cornfield apparently didn’t social-distance and tested positive for the Spanish flu.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
Corson Harris (left) was the winning pitcher in the quarter-final game versus the Meadow Lake Sox. JD Knutson was calling the game behind the plate for the Stallions.
Norm Wiggins from Kindersley participated in the tractor pulls at Flaxcombe on Sat., Aug. 8. Participants came from Swift Current, Alsask, Mendham, Flaxcombe, Vanscoy and Eston.
Camp kicks off at iKids!
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Day Camp at iKids kicked off bright and early on Tuesday, August 4th at 800 - 12th Avenue East in Kindersley. Camp Director, Chantal Palynchuk had fifteen children registered for the first week, ranging in age from five to ten years. Some of the children had attended camp in previous years, but there were some newcomers as well. Chantal and her helpers were happy to see all the familiar faces and also introduce the new kids to a day at camp.
For many of these youngsters, it was the first time they had been in a group setting since early March, which was
over four months ago!
But it didn’t take them long to adjust, and participate in many fun activities including outdoor play, games in the gym and something for everyone in the iKids room, which is packed with all kinds of fun toys, games, books and puzzles. When asked what they enjoy most about the camp, the consensus seemed to be that everyone enjoyed game time in the gym most of all. Once the kids get tired out after engaging in those high energy games in the gym (yes, they do eventually get tired!), they have time to sit back and relax, have a snack, and then enjoy a book or puzzle. The theme for the first
week of camp was “Construction”, and the kids were busy building real estate for birds. In other words, they were building bird feeders. Every child gave their bird feeder their personal authentic design. On Friday afternoon the bird feeders received finishing touches and were ready to go home with each camper.
The first week’s campers were an energetic bunch, consisting mostly of boys, but each week has different campers registering, and the dynamics of the group changes once again. That’s what keeps every week of camp new and excitinggetting acquainted with all the different children in the community.
TOWN OF EATONIA PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Eatonia intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 4/16, known as the Official Community Plan and Bylaw No. 5/16, known as the Zoning Bylaw.
INTENT
The proposed Official Community Plan amendment will: Redesignate NW 14-26-25-3 Ext 9 Parcel Number 202976590 from “Proposed Residential” to “Proposed Industrial”, as indicated on Sketch “A” below.
The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment will: Rezone NW 14-26-25-3 Ext 9 Parcel Number 202976590 from FUD – Future Urban Development District to IND – Industrial District, as indicated on Sketch “A” below.
Sketch “A”
REASON
To provide for future industrial development.
PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the bylaws at the Town Office, located at 202 Main Street, Eatonia, SK between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the bylaws are available at the Town Office at a cost.
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing in conjunction with their regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on September 8, 2020 at the Town of Eatonia Council Chambers – 202 Main Street, Eatonia, SK to hear any person or group who wishes to comment on the proposed bylaws. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the Town office to the undersigned prior to the hearing.
Issued at the Town of Eatonia this 17th day of August, 2020.
Cheryl Bailey
Cheryl Bailey, Town Administrator
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Crown land sale above average, 5 rigs drilling and oil production rebounds slightly
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
REGINA
– Despite extremely sluggish drilling activity in Saskatchewan’s oilpatch, the Aug. 11 Crown land sale for petroleum and natural gas rights brought in $2.4 million. And Saskatchewan’s oil production has seen a slight rebound after a sharp dip due to the destruction of oil demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2.4 million sale falls within the range of the six sales conducted over the last year, which varied from $3.4 million in December 2019 to $442,000 in the previous sale, June 2020. Indeed, the $2.4 million is higher than the average of $2 million per sale over the last year.
Land sales are posted several months in advance. Oil companies, typically through their land agents, will ask the Ministry of Energy and Resources to put a certain parcel up for bid (e.g. post it), and then bid competitively on that parcel. In the case of the Aug. 11 sale, the closing date for postings was April 14, a month into the COVID-19 crisis, and less than a week before West Texas Intermediate oil prices tumbled for one day into negative pricing territory.
While oil companies will often use land agencies to mask who is actually buying the parcels, some chose not to. In this sale, Villanova Energy Inc. was the most active with six parcels. Vermillion Energy Inc. picked up three. Buffalo Hill Resources bought two, as did Midale Petroleums Ltd. Aldon Oils Ltd. got one, as did Vital Energy Inc. and ROK Resources Inc.
The bonus bid per hectare ranged rom a high of $3,449.50, paid by Vital Energy, to $24.71, paid by Aldon Oils.
On Aug. 13, Minister of Energy and Resources Bronwyn Eyre said of the land sale, “It’s a reasonably strong result. And I think it shows that the sector sees opportunity here. And then, it’s a sign of some economic recovery.”
She added, “In light of everything that we have faced, It’s also positive in that Saskatchewan has performed well compared to our neighboring jurisdiction.”
Eyre said Saskatchewan had done better than Alberta so far this fiscal year. Saskatchewan still has attractive geology and a stable royalty regime, she said.
“It’s a cautiously good sign, and we’ll take it,” she said.
Five drilling rigs working
Over the previous five years, Saskatchewan would typically have 30 to 50 drilling rigs working in mid-August. That’s substantially less than 2010 to 2014, when there would be closer to 100 rigs. In August 2011, a record of 122 active rigs was set.
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on oil demand has had a dramatic effect on drilling. Until mid-July, there was only one rig working in Saskatchewan, and it was drilling for helium, not oil. (Only two natural gas wells have been drilled in Saskatchewan in the last five years)
Eyre noted, “Since then, over the last few weeks, there has been a bit of an increase. There have been 18 wells drilled since mid-July, so again, a little bit of cautious, slow improvement,” she said.
On Aug. 12, there five drilling rigs working in Saskatchewan. One was drilling for helium south of Eastend for North American Helium. Of the four rigs drilling for oil, two were drilling in west central Saskatchewan, at Dodsland and Plato, for Teine Energy Ltd. Prairie Thunder Resources Ltd. had one rig drilling on the outskirts of Macklin. The last rig was drilling near Carievale, for Fire Sky Energy Inc.
Asked if there is anything the province can or should do to incentive drilling, she said, “We are looking at things. So, we are engaging with sector stakeholders. We’re looking at potential new initiatives, things we might be able to do to help accelerate new investments and employment as we move into this economic recovery. But that’s work that, in some cases anyways, was being done prior to the perfect storm, because we were looking at some potential areas where we could do something. We’re continuing that now, obviously.”
Eyre spoke of trying to maximize secondary recovery, a process known as waterflooding, within the province.
Oil production
Eyre said Saskatchewan’s oil production had increased to 395,000 barrels per day (bpd) in June. That’s up from 361,000 in May, an increase of 34,000 bpd.
In March, Saskatchewan was producing 502,700 bpd, so the May numbers represented a fall of 28.2 per cent. June’s numbers were 21.4 per cent lower than March’s.
“Oil production levels are expected to climb in July and into the fall, as more shut-in and turned down production is brought back and new drilling occurs. So, I think the trend is seen as positive,” Eyre said.
Saskatchewan also has a higher number of drilled but uncompleted wells, which Eyre sees that as a positive. When oil companied do decide to eventually complete and bring those wells online, it will help production.
She also noted that gasoline demand is improving in North America, another positive sign.
NDP reaction
NDP economy critic Trent Wotherspoon said, “The fact of the matter is that the sale’s up a little bit at this time. But it’s a tiny fraction of the land sales that we were experiencing back just a number of years ago, and it reflects that.
“This important industry to Saskatchewan is in a challenging situation. Hopefully, the modest increase shows that there’s some daylight for this industry. Because the fact of the matter is that thousands of workers in the energy sector have lost jobs in the last number of years. And that’s created real hardship for those workers that have lost jobs and it’s created real hardship for Saskatchewan, with the loss of investment and the loss of royalties that flow in from this important sector.
Wotherspoon went on, “So it’s an indication that this sector is in a challenging situation, and it should be also be a reminder and a wake up call to the government to do all it can to secure an economic recovery that works for people and creates jobs that folks can count on. And certainly that includes things like market access, but acting to eliminate the PST on construction labor to help fire up the economy, acting on renewable power like rooftop solar, as well, and utilizing a Saskfirst procurement approach when we’re building the infrastructure that Saskatchewan needs.”
As for drilling, Wotherspoon said, “The drilling activity, or lack thereof, is devastating for the workers who count on those jobs, and it reflects this industry that’s in a really challenging spot. And so, it’s a reminder why we need to do all we can now to secure an economic recovery that creates jobs for thousands of people across Saskatchewan.”
Saskatchewan putting $15 million into agtech, seeking to leverage private equity
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
REGINA – On Aug. 13, the Province of Saskatchewan announced $15 million in funding for development of agricultural technology, or agtech.
Through Innovation Saskatchewan, funds will be invested in a privately-managed fund targeted exclusively at agtech companies that require venture capital to develop past the startup phase and scale up their business operations and manufacturing.
This investment will accelerate the province’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and build upon a record year for venture capital investment in Saskatchewan, the government said in a release. Deals worth $114 million were made in 2019, more than the previous five years combined, and most of those investments were made in Saskatchewan’s tech sector.
Innovation Saskatchewan will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the coming weeks to begin exploring fund options with the private sector.
“Saskatchewan is rising to the challenge of feeding a growing world population and innovation in agriculture technology plays an important role in meeting that growing demand,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a release. “This investment will ensure producers have made-in-Saskatchewan technology that supports their efforts to grow high-quality, sustainable food.”
Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina Beaudry-Mellor said the intention is to combine the province’s investment with private equity to drive more agricultural investment. The idea is to provide something private equity fund managers can leverage into further investment.
“The litmus test will be areas where we’ll have obviously high growth potential,” she said by phone on Aug. 13.
“Mostly, I think it would be new concepts, but I think there’s also the opportunity to have that investment go in areas where there’s different models with new innovations attached to it that might be considered as well.”
She said some of the major trends are precision seeding and spraying, including the use of various forms of drone technology. And when it comes to drones, think beyond ones that fly. Autonomous machinery is another possibility – tractors and other equipment that drive themselves. “It’s an exploding area,” she said.
Sensor technology, on machines and in-ground are other areas. Genomic research for climate-change resistant is another.
Beaudry-Mellor pointed out that a few weeks earlier, the Province announced $1 million for the Agtech Growth Fund, meant as seed funding for developing ideas and coming up with prototypes and field testing. She said, “This fund is really for the companies like that to take their proof of concept, and to grow it and to scale it and, hopefully, get to the point to be their merger and acquisition or an IPO and so this is the is the other side of that.
“I think one of the things that we’ve learned through COVID is really the importance of the food supply chain, and also how really fragmented the whole agtech space is right now, which I think creates a really important opportunity for Saskatchewan, not just in terms of recovering our economy from COVID, but also number of our growth plan targets,” she said.
AGRICULTURE
and all who braved the weather to bring me wishes. Thanks to Nancy, staff and my Caleb family for the wonderful celebration. Cheers, Sir Herbert Strutt COMING EVENTS
FOR RENT
WHEAT. Extremely hardy, very high yielding, Awnless. Excellent for Forage or Grain. Low Inputs - High Profits. Call 403-556-2609 or text 403-994-2609; mastinseeds.com.
Andrew
Integrity Post Frame Buildings
SINCE 2008
Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More sales@ Integritybuilt.com
1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com
CARDS OF THANKS
Thanks to everyone who made my 100th Birthday such a memorable day. Thanks to the Kindersley Legion
4th Annual Legion Poker Rally and Toy Run (new toys only please). All toys donated to West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre. 60% payout for Poker Hands 1st, 2nd & 3rd. “All Bikes Welcome” SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, 2020. Registration, Kindersley Legion Hall 11:00 AM. 118 - 2nd Ave. East, Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Toy parade to start at 12:00 PM. Poker Run to follow. Kindersley, Kerrobert, Luseland, Coleville, the scenic route. Pig Roast back at Kindersley Legion Hall (thanks to Kindersley Packers). Poker Hands must be purchased at each stop. $30.00 includes supper. For more info call Al 306-463-7222.
FEED & SEED
PINTAIL WINTER
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Heavy Duty Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operators and 1A Drivers required:
Late model, clean CAT, JD equip: winch, dump, gravel trucks and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided.
Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
FOR SALE
Some of the items for sale at: Andrea’s 3R’s Shop, Unique Second Hand Shop, 138 Railway Avenue W, Eston, Sk. 306-962-4270. stove, pet cage, total ab exerciser, air seeder tips and much more.
Rooms for rent. $500. Includes all utilities. Call Tim Schuh 306-4609292.
INDEPENDENT
ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services with small town safety and charm. More info @ www.chateauvilla.ca http://www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel. net.
HEALTH
20¢ each. Deadline is Thursday noon. CALL 306-671-0242.
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
PROVINCE-WIDE
CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306649.1405 for details.
MANUFACTURED HOMES
YELLOW HEAD MODULAR HOME SALES
MOVING SALE
MOVING SALE! Farm & household. Friday & Saturday, August 21 & 22 from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm at 326 - 3rd Avenue SW in Eston.
NOTICE
CLASSIFIED RATES (based on 20 words or less). $8.95 plus GST. Additional words are
LAND FOR SALE
FARMLAND WANTED NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS!
PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND. PREMIUM PRICES PAID WITH QUICK PAYMENT.
Great References Available a total of 613 QUARTER
SECTIONS SOLD across saskatchewan
RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca
Stock homes Ready for Delivery! Limited Time offer! 50-50 HUGE Options PKG $5,000.00 Value! Available for all Custom ordered homes WE do Site consultation, Screw piles /Insulated skirting PKG
306-496-7538
Yorkton, SK New sales lot in Lloydminster, AB. Call 780-872-2728 www.yellowheadmodularhomesales.ca
WhenGlenn Coon was a dormitory student he sometimes became depressed and discouraged. At these times he learned a reliable remedy for his malady. He would visit another student whom he knew was also struggling emotionally. They would chat, laugh or cry together, sing hymns and choruses, read Bible verses, and pray together. After a while both of them felt uplifted and moved out of their dark mood, and parted with renewed courage.
Glenn later became a minister, a traveling lecturer, an author of books on answered prayers and prayer methods. His favourite theme song which he conducted with gusto and a wide grin, was “Everything’s all right in my Father’s house. There is joy, joy, joy.”
Have you ever seen a depressed bird? God gave them a song to sing, and they gladden the world around them, probably never knowing that their warbling warms the hearts of listeners. All nature lives to give! So can we - even as children. After many decades I still glow with the memory of offering my best gift to my father on his birthday - a scrawled love greeting in childish handwriting, and a nickel! I don’t remember the sacrifice, I only remember the afterglow of giving.
People who are the happiest are those who live to give, regardless of their circumstances. Consider the apostle Paul, chained to a Roman soldier in a deep, dark, damp, chilly, cheerless prison day after day for years. Instead of bemoaning his lot he wrote 13 letters (epistles) that now compose one-third of the New Testament that has encouraged and instructed millions of readers for centuries He was enabled to give to the world this hope-filled passage, “Rejoice in the Lord always … And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-8). Jesus is the ultimate example of living to give. He spent His three decades in Palestine bringing healing, comfort, encouragement, and joy to many, despite the ill treatment afforded Him continually. As He was dying on the cross to provide salvation to any who will accept Him, in His last breath said, “Forgive them, for they know not
what they do” (Luke 23:34). He offered forgiveness even though His guilty tormenters had not asked for it. When He resurrected and returned to spend a few days with His disciples He instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit which would empower them for witness and for giving of themselves to bless others.
That power of the Holy Spirit is still available and prompts many to offer their gifts and talents to “live to give”. People have gone to many lands, with many vocations ministering just for the joy of sharing Jesus and using their talents to bless others. People who remain at home are givers, humbly working as a mother in the home, as tillers of the soil, and in a multitude of other occupations sharing their skills and talents, unselfishly giving of themselves. All those who know the principle of living to give are happy because their focus moves beyond self. The world is enriched by their unselfish service.
Perhaps you are one of those who unwittingly practices living to give, dear reader. When you think of your skills and talents that you use every day, if it is your motive to make the world a better place, and you work with a purpose, you are a blessing. We always gain if we “live to give”.
Years ago, a very despondent person was in his room contemplating suicide as a way out of his pain. Suddenly, through his open window he heard someone pass below on the street singing a hymn. It caught his attention that someone could sing. And that someone could praise God. The impulse to take his life left him. He regained his courage, and went on to become one who also lived to give. The one who bestowed that hope by his happy song never knew the encouragement he gave that day. We may never know how our giving will help someone else to live, and also give!
HAMMEL - Dorothy (Dot) Hammel was born in Kindersley on June 27, 1928, to Elizabeth and John Pembleton. She grew up on the family farm southeast of Kindersley with 12 siblings, many of whom passed away at a young age.
On October 4, 1948, Dorothy married Ned Hammel from Glidden. They lived on a farm a few miles northwest of Glidden until the 1980’s when they moved into Glidden. They raised five children while living on the farm, Betty, Larry, Rick, Ed and Vern. Over the years, Dorothy always had a big vegetable garden, chickens and a cow or two. She did a lot of canning, jam and jelly making and baking, and a variety of crafts and sewing. Her true passions were quilting, knitting and crotchet. We all have more than one quilt or afghan we treasure and hold dear to keep her memory alive.
Dorothy worked in the Kindersley Union Hospital as a candy striper in her early years before she was married. After having a family, she went back to work at the hospital as a nurse’s aid and worked there for over 20 years until she retired in 1993. She continued volunteering with the ladies auxiliary at the hospital and volunteering on specialist test days and helping out with the kindergarten school tours for many years after her retirement.
Over the years, Ned and Dorothy made many trips to Greig Lake, where they enjoyed camping with family and friends.
They also made many trips to visit family in Alberta and Manitoba. Dorothy continued to make these trips by herself until the last few years. She also enjoyed hopping in her vehicle and driving the countryside to check crops and drop in to visit with family or friends.
Dorothy was also a member of the Glidden Community Club for many years. She helped organize many bridal showers, baby showers and suppers. Years later, when the Community Club became the Glidden Recreation Board, she spent countless hours volunteering there as well. She was always willing and ready to volunteer and help out at functions - always offering to bake pies or bring soup to the bonspiels and work in the rink kitchen cooking burgers, serving soups and pies. If she wasn’t working in the booth, she’d be there watching. Whether it be curling or skating, she was there. She also helped at Glidden New Years’ Eve Dances and later on the Ukrainian New Years’ Eve Supper & Dance, where she was always available to help make perogies and cabbage rolls and then help with serving and cleaning up after.
A few years after Ned’s passing, Dorothy moved into Kindersley, where she continued volunteering at the hospital and St. Paul’s United Church. She helped with funeral lunches, bake sales and fall suppers, and any other fundraisers the church held. Dorothy belonged to the Golden Age Bowlers and enjoyed her weekly bowling. She also belonged to the Knit & Chat group and helped knit and crotchet many afghans to donate to several causes over the years. She continued to do this right up until Covid-19 hit the country, and things had to be shut down. She continued to knit and crotchet on her own right up until she
could no longer find the strength.
Dorothy was predeceased by her parents and 10 siblings, her husband Ned of 52 years, daughter Betty and her husband Bruce Sanborn, son Larry Hammel, son Rick Hammel, and grandson Adam Hammel.
Dorothy is survived and dearly missed by Simone (Larry) Hammel, Debbie (Rick) Hammel, Ed & Gwen Hammel, Vern & Kerry Hammel. Grandchildren Rita & Dan Richter, David & Rhonda Sanborn, Shelley Hammel & Jesse Buick, Joey & Lisa Hammel, Christina & Albert Rovensky, Amanda Hammel & Leon McKnight, Kyla & James Crozier, Raymond Hammel and Jeremy Hammel.
Great-grandchildren Aaron Edwards, Kinley Hammel, Danica & Leah Richter, Raven, Aidan and Corwin Sanborn, Brynn & Rory Crozier, Braxton & Callie Hammel.
Sisters Mable Stanley and Glenna Marchant as well as many great nieces, great nephews, cousins and her many friends she made over the years.
Dorothy is deeply missed by all her family and friends and all those who knew and loved her. She was one of a kind. Always cheerful and happy to help out. She was easy going and fun to be around. And the best mother-in-law you could ask for! Rest in Peace, Dorothy.
A memorial service was held Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the Kindersley Cemetery with Rev. Piotr Strzelecki officiating. Urn bearers were Ed & Vern Hammel. Eulogy was presented by Dave & Carol Mitchel.
If desired, donations in Dot’s memory can be made to St. Paul’s United Church, Box 238, Kindersley or c/o Prairie Rose Floral & Gifts.
Arrangements entrusted to Kindersley Community Funeral Home & Crematorium.
PHOTOS
