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will be held until Oct. 30, 2024
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BY JOAN JANZEN
Kids who grew up in the 1940s matured quickly, and Simon Wirachowsky can attest to that observation. He has made Caleb Village in Kindersley his home for the past three years.
The long-time Kindersley resident was born in Wilkie, Sask., on May 19, 1938. He was the middle child, with three older siblings and three younger. His family included his brothers Arnold, Adolph, Andrew, and Leo, and sisters Johanna and Leona.
His parents owned a small, mixed farming operation south of Wilkie. Simon attended a small country school in Leipzig until Grade 3, when the family moved to Tamping Lake, where he completed the remainder of his education.
“I went to school until Grade 8,” Simon said. “My folks didn’t have money to board me out for high school; that’s the way life went in those days. I was young when I started working.”
He helped out on the family farm, milking cows, operating equipment and doing whatever needed to be done. “I worked at home on the farm and then branched out and went to work for a farmer neighbour for a few years,” he explained.
The next stage of Simon’s working career was in construction, working for a construction contractor based out of Saskatoon. “I took my apprenticeship in construction and got my papers and worked in construction for a number of years,” he said.
At that time he helped build hospitals in Saskatchewan, working in Wilkie, Macklin, Kerrobert and Kindersley. Although he was gone a great deal of the time, he lived with his parents on the farm when he wasn’t working.
“I didn’t get married until 1967,” he said. He and his wife Isabel had two daughters, Karen and Connie. Simon enjoyed many years with his dear wife before her passing in October of 2003. Later that year, Simon retired from his job at J&B Equipment.
Simon started working as a mechanic at J&B Equipment on April 10, 1990. He worked on both Case and Versatile farm implements. “We did lots of work out
on the field. I was more mechanically inclined than I was at construction,” he confessed.
After retiring, Simon remarried and spent many wonderful years with his wife, Rosemarie, before her passing in July 2019.
Throughout the years, he was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. The shingle on his door notes his involvement as a Citizen on Patrol. “We used to go out at night and would look for trouble, and when we found trouble we would phone the RCMP and they took care of it,” he explained.
However, Simon no longer spends his time “looking for trouble.” Instead he enjoys visiting with his many friends at Caleb.
BY JOAN JANZEN
Kindersley was the location of the Saskatchewan Party Premier’s Dinner last Thursday, March 21st, held at the Kindersley Inn. It was a full house for the evening. The guests not only enjoyed a delicious meal but also had the benefit of participating in a leisurely conversation with Premier Scott Moe, the host of MLAs, and local dignitaries who were present.
Ken Francis, MLA for Kindersley, was the MC for the evening. Before welcoming Kim Gartner, he thanked his family and the executive for their support throughout his time as MLA. In December 2023, Kim won the nomination to be the Sask Party’s candidate for Kindersley-Biggar in the 2024 provincial election.
Premier Scott Moe was welcomed to the podium by a round of applause and took the opportunity to thank Ken Francis for being a tremendous part of their caucus. “It’s an exciting time for our caucus,” he said. “This province has played an important role in the national conversation.”
He noted that the budget increases are only possible due to the strength of Saskatchewan’s economy. The Premier observed that both economic and population growth are being seen in our province.
“We want that growth to continue so people stay in Saskatchewan, and new people move here. This government works to provide certainty on many levels. People expect us to invest in education, communities,
health care and municipalities,” he said.
He continued to discuss the investments being made in those areas. In education, the province invests more per person than any other province. Regarding healthcare, they’re recruiting and hiring as many people as they can.
The government also recognizes the need to increase the opportunity for people to recover from mental health challenges and addictions. “We need enforcement so we can remove drugs and drug dealers from our communities. We’re increasing funding to ensure our communities are safe,” he said.
Concerning industry, Premier Moe described Saskatchewan as “one of the most attractive locations.”
“At the end of the day, it’s because of the certainty that this government will advocate for industry and work alongside industry. The oil and gas industry is incredibly important,” he stressed.
His message was clear: Saskatchewan has what the world needs and is selling to 150 countries each and every year. The province’s exports to India are up, and Saskatchewan is selling more to India than ever before.
“This is a result of bringing a positive message of what we are bringing to the world,” he said. “Growth doesn’t just happen; you have to help it grow. We need to continue to build and grow, and protect what we have. That is what will give us a brighter future,” he said.
There was an abundance of silent auction items on display at the Kindersley Wildlife Auction and Awards night Saturday evening. Three walls of the Elks Hall were filled up with quality items and raffle prizes were displayed on the
BY JOAN JANZEN
The Kindersley Wildlife Federation (KWF) held its annual awards banquet and fundraiser on Saturday evening, March 23rd, at the Kindersley Elks Hall. A delicious meal was supplied by Jackie’s Delicious Delights.
There were plenty of good prizes and lots of items to bid on for the silent auction. Once again, the community was very generous, and the KWF is grateful. As a non-profit organization, the funds are used to carry out any upcoming projects.
Ray Varty, a KWF member, said they are planning to update the gun range. Of course, there are always maintenance and equipment costs. This includes rifle, trap, handgun, and archery ranges, as well as the clubhouse, which is used for both private and public events. KWF also purchases supplies and books for the hunter safety programs for youth and adults. The group also helps with conservation and education initiatives within the community.
In addition to a huge assortment of silent auction items, raffle tables and door prizes were available. The group of ten KWF volunteers ensured the evening was not only a success but also a fun evening. It was also a rewarding evening for all the winners, who were presented plaques.
The list of winners for 2023 were as follows: Jarrett Johnson - Typical Whitetail Deer, 154 0/8. Layne Wall - Typical Whitetail Deer Muzzleloader, 149 7/8. Aiden McGrath - Typical Whitetail Deer (JR), 104 0/8. Scott Patey - Non-Typical Whitetail Deer, 177 3/8. Gerry Fries - Typical Mule Deer, 179 2/8. Alyssa Reiss - Typical Mule Deer Ladies, 86 2/8. Murray Hills - Pronghorn Antelope, 63 2/8. Tim Johnson - Moose, 167 4/8. Danielle Renaud - Moose Ladies, 158 4/8. Tia Mann - Black Bear, 19 8/16. Laura Lee Olson - Black Bear Ladies, 17 15/16. Dillon Richardson - Canada Goose, 11 lbs. 0 oz. Ryan Fries - Lake Trout, 29 lbs., 6 oz.
BY JOAN JANZEN
This funny message posted on social media seemed appropriate for my topic. It said: Last night the internet stopped working so I spent a few hours with my family. They seem like good people. It reminded me of a summer evening a year or so ago when there was a lengthy power outage. Gradually, people would come out of their homes, kids would head to the park, and adults would go for walks. It was both interesting and revealing.
Phil McGraw, the famous Dr. Phil and television personality, has done a number of interviews about his book entitled “We’ve Got Issues”. One of those interviews was released on TBN. He talked about his show, which started in 2002, before a text message had ever been sent, when everyday people weren’t even using email. His motivation for the show was to listen
to people. “I wanted people to tell me what they wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk about things that mattered to people,” he said. “The things that matter have changed over time,” And he explained why.
“The biggest change since the industrial revolution took place in 2008 - 2009 when the smart phone came out. It changed the world. People haven’t paid attention to the unintended consequences. Technology is great; we all benefit from it. But there are consequences that go with it and you have to acknowledge it,” he advised.
Dr. Phil recalled when teenagers couldn’t wait to turn 16 and get their driver’s licence; it meant freedom. He pointed out that now teens aren’t in a hurry to get their licence. They date later, have fewer friends, and are less involved in the real world.
“They’re watching people live their lives instead of getting up and living
CARBON TAX HITS
How many times does a farm product get hit by the Carbon Tax? It looks like it could be quite a few times between seeding to market. A farmer gets hit when he summer fallows and then for fertilizing and when he seeds his crop. Then, when he sprays for weeds, then when he swaths his crop, and when he combines and when he has to transport the crop to the Elevator. From there, it’s transported to the factory wholesalers and stores. Then we get hit
at the gas pumps when we have to buy gas to get to the store to buy the product. But … not to worry, Trudeau and Guilbeaut say they give us a lot more back than it costs us. A vegetable farmer, a cattle rancher or a chicken rancher, a pig farmer or a fruit farmer all have similar Carbon Taxes. But the Carbon Tax will save the world for something, and in the meantime, we might have to starve to death!
Robert Blagen Youngstown, AB
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their own lives. The problem with that is those lives they’re watching are fiction, and they compare themselves to that,” he observed. And it gets more complicated.
Social media platforms and companies feed them toxic data. “I have studies that show you can put a profile of a 13-year-old girl on social media, and within three minutes, they’re feeding her damaging information to her mental health,” he said. And if you add additional information to the profile, such as “lose weight,” the amount of information increases ten-fold.
“They’ve learned people click on things that upset them. They (kids) click more, so they (companies) get more ad revenue, and parents are unaware. I need to educate them about this,” he said, which is why he wrote his most recent book.
He goes on to explain that mental health issues spiked in 2008-2010 when kids stopped participating in the world and started living on devices. “All of a sudden, I had to start dealing with things like cyberbullying,” he said.
Decades ago, kids who were bullied at school could go home and get away from it. Now, they go home and get bullied in a chat room and are susceptible to predators who pose as peers.
“The whole world has changed. Now I’m seeing a whole different set of challenges,” he noted. Children are being babysat electronically by devices. They need to get off the devices and become
part of the family again, was Dr. Phil’s advice.
Another change he’s witnessed is that people are three times less likely to stand up and speak their mind than they were in the 1950s, because they’re afraid they’ll get attacked.
A portion was read from his book: “We have weaponized the word phobic. I can’t believe I have to state something that’s so obvious: you are not phobic for asking questions. You may be curious; you may be doubtful.”
It’s been said that I would rather have questions I can’t answer, than answers I can’t question, he pointed out. “When you’re in that situation, something is way out of balance,” he added.
The purpose of his book is to teach people how to stand strong. “I’m not trying to win an argument; I’m trying to solve problems,” he said. “You do that by getting information, having facts and then you can affect change.”
Our country began as an agricultural hub where families worked together, came in from the fields and ate and played together. He slipped in an anonymous quote: “Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.”
Dr. Phil’s book was written to equip people to build and strengthen families. “I always knew the family was important. The family is the future,” he concluded.
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Recently, I heard a remark about “those small towns and their ancient feuds.” The remark reinforces the notion that rural folk hold grudges, that they refuse to let bygones be bygones and start afresh. “As opposed to city folk?” I want to ask. The truth is, when you live in a village the size of mine, you can’t escape someone who rubs you the wrong way, so you have to tolerate them. Oh, you can cross Centre Street (actually, it’s a road of potholes and loose gravel) and walk on the Val Marie Grocery & Liquor side instead of the hotel side, but you can’t disappear into the metropolis, nor frequent a different cafe, nor take a different route home, never to face the jerk again.
When I first moved to Val Marie, I found it amusing when certain people would clam up about someone I happened to mention, innocently unaware of “a history there.” “Oh, we don’t talk,” or “there’s no love lost with that one”, or “you don’t want to ask me about them,” are some of the responses when I prod for more information. And when the details are forthcoming, I think: “Wow, get on with it, that was twenty years ago.”
But after ten years living here myself, I realize, I too have a certain history I’d rather not discuss. I’m ashamed to admit that I still bare a grudge against one person. And the other, well, let’s just say, the less said the better. I have voiced unasked for opinions about how things should be done, but also insisted on rights concerning how I should be treated, and both have garnered me a history and a reputation as scrappy.
But, truth be told, my experience is not unique to the rural world; it’s just less avoidable. Which means we are forced to find ways of getting along, tolerating each other, being half-ways neighbourly, finding safe topics to smalltalk about while waiting in line at the grocery or for a parcel at the post office because there is only one grocery, and one post office. We give the slightest nods and the half-est of smiles when forced to walk past each other at the rodeo or bonspiel. Hell, we might, out of a feeling of goodwill at a funeral luncheon, even ask after their kids or their dog. And if we’ve had a few beers at the Christmas dance, we might even consider this the best time to make bygones be bygones, seeing as it’s so close to the New
Year and fresh starts.
Insofar as we are stuck in a small community with each other and, therefore, forced to tolerate each other, we are a kind of family. And you can’t say that about urban folk. I have never thought of my neighbours as “family” in Toronto, Quebec City, Victoria or Vancouver, mostly because I’ve never had to. Except for differences between workmates, most situations requiring tolerance in the city were short-lived: Just get me past this shop lineup, bus ride, take-out counter, and I’m free of this bozo. But here, chances are we will meet again. And yet, tolerance, I am told, over and over, is something we rural folk apparently lack. But then, the word itself is nuanced, isn’t it? There’s the “willing to put up with” kind of tolerance, which implies choice, and there’s the “ability to endure” kind of tolerance, which is more about an absorbed suffering. An offshoot of the latter is “having a high tolerance” for something. It seems to me it’s important to differentiate between a high tolerance for pain, as opposed to a high tolerance for abuse. Or harassment. Or bullshit.
More than once, I’ve admired a rancher wrangle a calve or repair a fence hours after they’ve been violently kicked in the leg or cut on the hands. Every year I watch folks in the field long after dark, working around the clock to get in a crop before frost, ploughing through exhaustion and sunburn. But, I’ve also slunk down in my seat at the bar-restaurant cringing through speculation on everything from the size of a woman’s breasts to the disgusting smell of various immigrants and their cooking. I resent having to keep quiet through the commentary the way I kept quiet all my life as cowards on sidewalks and in passing cars
share their thoughts on what should be done to my body. The first example is tolerance by choice, the other is tolerance for safety.
Today we hear the word used mostly to tolerate “diversity.” As I try to get a handle on what this actually means I realize my unease is that “diversity” sounds a lot like “progress” did back in the beginning of the industrial age. It can only be a positive thing, as the more diverse, the better. But is that true?
When I moved to Toronto in 2006, I marvelled at the diversity—how I could ride the streetcar all the way across the city and never hear a word of English, and nobody seemed to be threatened by that. “Toronto does diversity well,” I said to all my small-town friends. By diversity, I meant all kinds of languages, races, and orientations. But what does it mean now?
I recently read a teaching manual definition of tolerance I find helpful: “Tolerance is not about valuing diversity but rather about recognizing other people’s right to have different beliefs and practices, as long as these do not violate general moral values.” But when the very words “moral” and “value” raise shackles, where do we start?
One thing I do know, if we were to start at the very beginning, we of European extraction would be the outsider, expecting tolerance and room to manoeuvre. The only true “local” would be the Indigenous cultures living here or passing through - Lakota, Nakota, Dakota, Metis, Cree and some Blackfoot. Maybe we should ask them.
TAKE NOTICE that the R.M. of Clinworth No. 230 intends on the expiration of 30 days from the date set below, to request the Registrar of Titles to issue title to the land described below by virtue of an interest based on a tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry on the 31st day of May, 2019, as Interest Number(s) 185226565 and 185226576 UNLESS you redeem that land pursuant to the provisions of the Act within 30 days from the date set out below, and that on issue of Title for that land to the R.M. of Clinworth No. 230 pursuant to that request, you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to or in respect of that land.
Krista Loudon Treasurer
Your West Central Voice has once again been recognized by the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association (SWNA) with four nominations for the 2024 Better Newspaper Awards competition.
Publisher and photographer Kate Winquist is up for Photographer of the Year and also Photo Essay of the Year, thanks to some terrific pictures from Kindersley’s Indoor Pro Rodeo. Guest freelancer Sheri Monk is up for Agriculture Story of the Year for her piece, "Supply chain disruptions, inflation and labour shortages plague Ag sector this spring." The Voice staff is also nominated for Best Special Section for their work on its annual Remembrance Day edition. Winners will be announced during an online ceremony on May 9th.
BY BRUCE PENTON
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Based on historic results that show Canada has won 36 world titles, 25 more than the next-best country, Canada’s Brad Gushue, who defeated Saskatchewan’s Mike McEwen for the 2024 Brier title, should win this year’s men’s world curling championship in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Based on recent history, however, the odds-on favourite to win the event that starts this weekend would be Niklas Edin of Sweden, who has won four of the past five titles. But based on current excellence, the favourite should be Italy’s Joel Retornaz, who skips the No. 1-ranked team in the world. And if recent play in the Grand Slam of Curling events should be considered, watch out for Bruce Mouat’s Scottish entry. Then there’s the U.S., which won the Olympic gold medal in men’s curling in 2018 and will send veteran John Shuster to this year’s worlds. And if homeice advantage is at all a factor, then watch out for the Swiss entry skipped by Yannick Schwaller. In other words, it’s wide open. The oddsmakers in Vegas would be perplexed about setting gambling lines, but one thing is for sure: The curling talent gathering in Schaffhausen should guarantee a great event. Gushue will wear Canada’s colours for the sixth time, and third straight. The game hasn’t been kind to him at the worlds, however, with only one championship to his credit. But he is the most experienced Canadian skip and with rink-mates Mark Nichols, E.J. Harnden and Geoff Walker, a podium finish is almost guaranteed. Besides his lone world championship, Gushue also has three runners-up finishes — all to Edin, which is the foundation for one of the sport’s great all-time rivalries. Retornaz won four bonspiels this season, three on the Grand Slam circuit in Canada and one in Europe, the Baden Masters. Winning the world title this year would be an astounding accomplishment, considering Italy is one of five countries to have never won at the world level (Germany, Denmark, Finland and France are the others). As well, the next Winter Olympic Games will be held in February, 2026, in Milan, It-
aly, and what a special treat it would be for Retornaz to represent his country knowing he has a world title on his resume.
Scotland and Sweden can never be counted out at the world championship. Edin has won six world championships and Mouat, the Scottish rep, is the defending world champ. (Strange how Scotland picks its representative: Mouat lost in the semi-finals of the Scottish championship, eventually won by Ross Whyte, but Scottish Curling decided that Mouat should represent the country at the world event.)
And if the Swedish, Italian, Scottish, Swiss and American competitors weren’t enough to give Gushue sleepless nights, rinks representing South Korea and Japan have been showing great improvement in recent years. It’s a wide-open competition, and Gushue is 43 years old and nearing the end of his dominant days, so Canadian curling fans will be rooting for him to add one more title to his resume.
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Sabres No. 1 goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was listed as day to day with a lower body injury. I haven’t seen that may Ks connected to one name since Roger Clemens was pitching for the Red Sox.”
• Retired NBA great Shaquille O’Neal: “I don’t believe in pressure. Pressure is when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Mike Tyson is going to fight Jake Paul. And I thought Biden vs. Trump was depressing.”
• Janice Hough again: “Rob Manfred almost makes me do the impossible — miss Bud Selig.”
• Political insider George Conway, on reports that Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be the VP choice for third-party candidate Robert Kennedy, Jr: “Are you suggesting that RFK Jr.’s campaign could end with a bad pick?”
• Super 70s Sports, quoting record-breaking punter Dave Jennings of the New York Jets: “I’d like to thank my quarterbacks for (playing awful) on third down pretty much my whole career, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
• Another one from Super 70s Sports: “On this day in 1994, the Penguins score a big win on ‘Davy Crockett Coonskin Cap Night’ — hang on, being told that’s just Jaromir Jagr’s hair.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
BY GREG BUCHANAN
The 2024 Olympics will be in Paris, France. It is the third time the French capital has hosted the summer Games, the first being in 1900 and the second in 1924, exactly 100 years ago.
For the first time, this year’s Olympics will have an equal number of male and female athletes, and the same number of events for all. The 33rd Summer Olympic Games, or formally, the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, will run from Friday, July 26, until Sunday, August 11. As is tradition, the opening ceremony will take place on Friday, July 26.
Four events actually start before the opening ceremony: archery, football, handball and rugby sevens. More than 10,000 athletes from 206 nations are expected to take part in 329 events, across 45 sports disciplines. Will Russians be competing at the Olympics? The Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended from the International Olympic Committee after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was dismissed.
The IOC suspended the ROC on October 12 last year, after the ROC took a unilateral decision on Octo-
ber 5 to include as members regional sports organizations which were under the authority of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee. These regional organizations were within territories annexed by the Russian military amid its invasion of Ukraine. CAS found the IOC executive board’s initial decision “did not breach the principles of legality, equality, predictability or proportionality”. The decision does not affect individual Russian athletes’ ability to compete as neutrals at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, provided they meet eligibility criteria imposed by the IOC.
There are a total of 10 million tickets for the Games, with British supporters set to be the largest fanbase outside of the home nation. Team GB is obviously coming in force with great expectations. One regret for the organizers will be the absence of the England women’s soccer team, and what would have been a large fanbase. Tickets for the most popular Olympic events, including swimming and gymnastics, are sold out with only availability through special ‘hospitality packages’. Remaining opening ceremony tickets are available for around $4,500. Yup think I will stay home and watch from my couch , a little cheaper.
On April 1, 2024, the Saskatchewan RCMP will be conducting roadside Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS) on all lawful traffic stops in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction on an on-going basis. In 2018, the MAS became part of the Criminal Code Section 320.27(2), being a lawful demand of a breath sample from any driver of a motor vehicle, without the need for reasonable suspicion. Drivers will not be pulled over for the sole purpose of completing a MAS – the MAS will only be requested once a driver is pulled over for other various traffic violations (i.e. speeding, careless driving, brake lights not working, etc.).
Why is the Saskatchewan RCMP conducting Mandatory Alcohol Screenings?
In 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP charged more than 1700 individuals with impaired driving – that is roughly 5 per day – and more than one third of all fatal collisions involved alcohol.
What can I expect if asked to do a Mandatory Alcohol Screening?
The Mandatory Alcohol Screening will be done with an approved screening device called the Alco-Sensor FST and only takes an average of 90 seconds. See video demonstration here: Saskatchewan RCMP begin Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS) on routine traffic stops (youtube.com).
If a driver is over the alcohol legal limit it can result in the following, but is not limited to:
• Criminal Code conviction for impaired driving;
• Impounded vehicle;
• Suspended drivers licence;
• Initial $2,250 penalty and;
• An immediate drop to -20 demerit points on your licence.
What if I refuse the Mandatory Alcohol Screening?
When a driver indicates they will not
provide a breath sample or if they fail to provide a suitable breath sample it is classified as a “failure to, or refusal to comply with demand” – which may result in a Criminal Code conviction under Section 320.15(1), suspended drivers licence, impounded vehicle, a drop to -20 demerit points, and financial penalties.
Hopeful changes for Saskatchewan roadways
“The certainty of a Mandatory Alcohol Screening is to help discourage those consuming alcohol from getting behind the wheel,” shares Superintendent Grant St. Germaine, the Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, “It goes without saying that someone’s ability to mask their impairment should not be the determining factor if someone gets home safely to their family each night.”
The Saskatchewan RCMP hopes to see a decrease in impaired driving charges throughout the province. Choosing to take a safe ride home could save multiple lives and keep Saskatchewan roadways safe.
Please note: the statistics provided in this release are representative of reports received within the Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. They are from the RCMP records management system and are accurate as the day they are collected. Crime statistics are regularly updated due to changes in reporting procedures, changes in ongoing investigations, etc. As a result, the statistics may differ from previous or future published reports.
On March 17, 2024, at approximately 2:20 a.m., Kindersley RCMP received a report that a firearm was discharged at a residence in Major, SK. Officers immediately responded. The investigation determined an unknown individual or individuals discharged two to three rounds from a firearm, striking the residence. One bullet entered the residence, striking a piece of furniture. An occupant reported a
non-life-threatening injury to police, which EMS treated at the scene.
If you have information about this incident or saw anything suspicious in Major, SK, in the early morning hours of March 17, contact Kindersley RCMP by calling 306-463-4642. You can also submit information anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www. saskcrimestoppers.com.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Get help with substance abuse.
Tuesday: Kindersley NA Meeting 7:30 PM, 113 Main Street
BY JOAN JANZEN
Marilyn Hering lives a quiet life in Pioneers Haven in Kerrobert, where she has many friends. She was born in Saskatoon in February of 1942 and took her elementary and high school education in the city, along with her brother. Her mom was a homemaker and her dad worked for the creamery.
After graduating from high school, she attended teacher’s college for a year, after which she began teaching in 1960. Her first classroom was at Kerrobert School, where she taught Grade 1. At Kerrobert, she boarded with a family;
it’s also where she met her husband, Jack Hering. They were married in 1962, and Jack eventually began what would end up being a 37-year career in the oilfield.
The couple had two daughters, Stacey and Joanne, and now have four grandsons, Carter, Austin, Dawson and Colin.
“I began teaching kindergarten when it moved into the school system,” Marilyn said. She taught kindergarten students for the remainder of her thirty years as a teacher. “The children were so honest and very trusting,” she recalled. But they also liked to share stories with their teacher.
“I told parents, if you don’t believe all you hear, I won’t believe all the stories I hear,” she chuckled. Although Marilyn taught a lot of students, she never had her own daughters in her classroom. There were always two classes for each grade, so her own children were taught by someone else.
Throughout the years she took her students on many field trips to Saskatoon, practised for a lot of Christmas concerts, arranged a whole bunch of Easter egg hunts, gave plenty of Christmas gifts to students, receiving a load of chocolates in return.
Quite a few years into her teaching career, Marilyn attended summer school and evening classes at the U of S in Saskatoon to earn her degree. “I got my degree the year before my daughter got her degree in pharmacy,” she said.
Marilyn had taught a lot of kids over the years. “I taught Dr. Wentzel’s daughter,” she said. Dr. Mada Wentzel works at the clinic along with her father. Marilyn has a photo of every class she taught throughout her teaching career.
Another interest Marilyn enjoyed was reading and being an active board member of the Kerrobert Library. She was on the board from 1978 to 2019.
“The library named a reading room after me,” she proudly stated.
In 2014 Marilyn and her husband moved to Saskatoon, residing at Preston Park Retirement Residence. After Jack’s
Several years ago, Marilyn celebrated her 80th birthday and received a birthday greeting from the Prime Minister. The only problem was that the greeting wished Marilyn a happy 90th Birthday. “I’m waiting to receive a 100th birthday greeting on my 90th birthday,” she said, smiling.
Meanwhile, she’s enjoying her time with friends at Pioneers Haven and described the staff as wonderful. She enjoys reading good books, but she doesn’t miss cooking.
By Alison Lohans
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
BY MIRIAM KÖRNER
What does it mean to be a hero?
I have no doubt that everyone has a slightly different definition. If you were to ask Tyler Evans in Alison Lohans’ newest chapter book Tyler Evans the Great, he would tell you what a hero is not:
A hero doesn’t let the school bullies take his cookie away.
A hero doesn’t lose a shoe when he kicks a ball.
And a hero doesn’t get his hair ruffled, especially not by his mom.
Could Tyler ever be a hero? Told through the eyes of the young protagonist, this book explores a child’s longing to be a hero for the people (and animals) that mean most to him in his young life: his brother, his single mom, his friends and school mates, his dogs and even the robin and caterpillars in his back yard. Tyler tries hard to be a hero, but either he isn’t quick enough and someone else has already stolen the part or his attempts backfire. To make matters worse, his older brother Matt doesn’t let Tyler play video games with him and calls him a brat.
At the core of Tyler’s longing to
be hero is a desire that young children can easily identify with: to be accepted by friends and peers and to gain his big brother’s affection.
In eight short chapters, Tyler’s quest to be a hero leads him to invent magic potions, save a caterpillar, eat raw onions and learn to be true to himself. His acts of kindness make Tyler a hero in the eyes of the reader long before Tyler discovers his own self-worth.
Award-winning author Alison Lohans has once more teamed up with her artist cousin Gretchen Ehrsam, whose simple yet effective black and white drawings compliment the written word and add to the appeal for young readers.
Tyler Evans the Great is a humorous story that – like all good stories – captures universal feelings. This chapter book is a great addition
Please have all ad copy for the April 2nd edition to us by Thursday, March 28th at noon.
to Alison Lohans’ remarkable list of thirty books she has written for children, teens and adults and will make a great addition in the libraries of young readers who appreciate stories in which a hero is not a superhero but a child just like them.
This book is available at your local bookstore or from www.Skbooks.Com
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
CALGARY – North American Helium Inc. (NAH) on March 19 announced several updates supporting the continued growth of its business, including plans to add two additional helium purification facilities in Saskatchewan.
That will bring the company’s total to nine helium processing facilities. In 2020, they started with just one production facility.
Nicholas Snyder, chairman and CEO said in a release, “We are excited to continue increasing our production of reliable and sustainable helium supply in North America. While the most recent global shortage has eased in recent months, the world continues to grapple with major risks to other global sources of helium. Issues with shipping from the Middle East as well as sanctions and trade restrictions impacting potential supply from Russia highlight the importance of non-hydrocarbon helium sources produced in a safe jurisdiction.”
Snyder continued, “Earlier this month, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) accepted a bid for the remaining assets of the diminishing federal helium reserve. This marks the end of an era, as the US Government’s involvement in the helium business over the last three decades has contributed to keeping prices low, providing additional supply from storage during shortages, and dampening volatility across the supply chain.
“Going forward, we see an increased emphasis on security of supply from stakeholders across the value chain. I am proud of our team’s ongoing work to increase our production, increase the reliability of our logistics, and support our customers as they navigate an increasingly uncertain world. Substantial planned investments in the semiconductor industry are projected to drive a significant increase in the rate of growth of helium demand and our Company stands ready to invest in our business to ensure we can meet the needs of our growing customer base.”
NAH is currently constructing two new helium purification facilities in southwest Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of helium facilities it operates to nine. One facility will be an expansion of the Cadillac plant constructed during 2023, and is the result of ad-
ditional exploration success in the area near Ponteix, Saskatchewan. This new facility is being constructed on an existing plant site and further demonstrates NAH’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint, the company said. The new facility is expected to be brought onstream during Q2 2024 and will increase total production from the Cadillac area by approximately 33 per cent.
Notably, for decades before the current era of helium exploration and production, one helium facility near Swift Current kept chugging along, producing helium long-term.
Now, second helium purification facility in this batch is being constructed at Antelope Lake, a new operating region for the company, which is approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Swift Current. This facility is expected to have initial production capability of approximately 50 MMcf/yr of purified helium and will be brought onstream during Q3 2024. Analysis of wells drilled by the company in this area of the province have yielded some of the highest helium concentrations that NAH has encountered to date. These results suggest the potential for even better economics in future development projects as exploration of the basin continues.
Commenting on the new discovery at Antelope Lake, Marlon McDougall, president & COO stated, “Antelope Lake is an exciting new play type for the company and has helium concentrations significantly higher than any other helium production currently onstream at our existing seven production facilities throughout southwest Saskatchewan. This continues to be an exciting time in NAH’s development, with technical learning and data science serving as the foundation of our path forward.”
McDougall added, “Once these new facilities are brought online, we expect total production capability of the company to be approximately 210 MMcf/yr, representing approximately 7 per cent of total North American helium supply.”
Data-driven approach
NAH said it “continues to maintain the largest drilling program focused on non-hydrocarbon helium deposits in the industry. Two recent discoveries from NAH’s exploration drilling program are expected to contribute to growth leading into 2025 and beyond.”
“NAH continues to place substantial long-term investment into its industry leading seismic database as it explores its vast land position. This subsurface data collection and analysis is a vital tool which advances the organization’s understanding of where nitrogen-based helium accumulations exist deep under the earth’s surface, and sets the stage for future exploration success. Over the past 12-24 months this strategy has led to the discovery of multiple new play types, including several with evidence of higher helium concentrations relative to previously discovered fields.”
The Company is focused on executing its exploration strategy and expanding into new geographic regions across its large land base. With nine million acres of land covering a resource that is still in the early stages of exploration and exploitation, the company said it is excited to continue capitalizing on a multi-decade opportunity in its core area of southwest Saskatchewan.
100th ISO container of helium shipped
In January 2024, NAH achieved a significant milestone in its marketing and logistics business with the shipment of its 100th ISO container of liquid helium to customers worldwide. “We thank all our customers for their support in achieving this milestone and will remain steadfast in our commitment to serve as a reliable partner and source for geopolitically secure supply of helium in the future,” the company said.
NAH also confirms it has now received all six of its state-of-the-art Gard-
INTENT
ner 175-40 ISO containers for the transport of liquid helium. Several of the Company’s ISO containers are already in use, with customers shipping liquid helium within the United States, Asia, and European markets.
While the majority of the company’s purified helium production is sold on long-term contracts, NAH said it continues to retain a portion of helium volumes for availability in the spot market as either high-purity gas or liquid.
NAH expands credit facility to $150 million
NAH recently closed an updated borrowing agreement with its syndicate of lending partners. Borrowing capacity under the new agreement now totals $150 million, up from $100 million previously, and was facilitated by the addition of two new syndicate members including Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec (Desjardins). Going forward, the company’s lending syndicate now includes five of Canada’s leading financial institutions. National Bank of Canada (NBC) continues to act as Lead Arranger and Agent of the syndicate, along with ATB Financial (ATB), Export Development Canada (EDC), RBC and Desjardins.
Regarding the new lending agreement, Brad Borggard, CFO stated, “We welcome RBC and Desjardins to the syndicate and appreciate their support of our business. The expanded capacity of our credit facility reflects the company’s success to date and provides ample financial capacity to fund ongoing growth initiatives.”
The proposed bylaw amendment will:
• Provide a definition and development standards for “Communal Farm Settlements”;
• Permit the development of “Communal Farm Settlements” at the discretion of Council in the A – Agricultural Zoning District;
• Clarify that minimum separation distances for development from Intensive Livestock Operations is based on the total number of animal units on a quarter section or adjacent quarter section when under single ownership;
• Provide for the redevelopment of farmsteads or farm yards that are vacant even if they would be affected by the minimum separation distances for development from an Intensive Livestock Operation; and
• Reference the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Railway Association of Canada’s “Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway Operations, 2013.”
The reason for the amendment is to:
• Facilitate the development of Communal Farm Settlements;
• Provide clarity in the bylaw;
• Limit the impact of Intensive Livestock Operations on the redevelopment of vacant farmsteads and farm yards; and
• Bring the RM’s bylaw in compliance with national standards respecting developent near railways.
PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Rural Municipal Office, located at 103 Highway Road in the Hamlet of Glidden, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM on Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaw are available at the Municipal Office at a cost of $1.00.
Council will hold a public hearing on April 18th at 10:00 am at the Municipal office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the Municipal Office before the hearing.
Issued at the Rural Municipality of Newcombe No. 260 this 26th day of March of 2024.
Yvette Schuh Administrator
Town of Kerrobert Public Notice –Zoning Bylaw Amendment
Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Kerrobert (Town) intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 995-14, known as The Zoning Bylaw (ZB).
INTENT: The intent of the proposed amendment is to accommodate as an existing aggregate extraction use by allowing the use of ‘Aggregate extraction including aggregate resource material storage or handling operations’ in the IND2 –Heavy Industrial District as a discretionary use. Appropriate discretionary use evaluation criteria for the use are also added into the IND2 District.
Shipping containers are added as an accessory use within the CS – Community Service District.
AFFECTED LAND: All lands within the IND 2 – Heavy Industrial District and CS – Community Service District would be affected by the proposed amendment.
REASON: Council would like to accommodate an existing aggregate extraction, material storage and handling operation in the IND2 District and to allow for further industrial opportunities with the appropriate evaluation criteria.
Council would like to allow for storage options in the CS District by allowing shipping containers as accessory uses. The current bylaw did not address shipping containers within the CS District.
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaws at the Town office during regular office hours, excluding statutory holidays. Draft copies of the proposed bylaws are available from the Town office (hard copy at cost). Copy of the draft bylaw is also available for public viewing here: https://www.kerrobert.ca/public_notices. The Town office is located at 433 Manitoba Avenue, PO Box 558, Kerrobert, SK S0L 1R0.
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on April 10, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers in the Town office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws. If intending to make an in-person representation, please contact the Town office. Council will also consider written comments received by the undersigned by April 8, 2024. For additional information, please contact (306) 834-2361 or kerrobert.admin@sasktel.net.
Issued at the Town of Kerrobert this 14th day of March, 2024.
Tara Neumeier – CAO – Town of Kerrobert
BY JOAN JANZEN
The history of the ferries that dotted southwestern Saskatchewan is discussed by Ralph Rose in “A Past to Cherish”. The Prelate Crossing was one of the first ferries to be built in 1904. It was built by Ralph Rose’s brother and operated by Charlie Montgomery who lived nearby.
Notice is given that:
1. The council of the Town of Kerrobert proposes to pass a bylaw to undertake the following as a local improvement.
Proposed Local Improvements
South End, Blk 64
and proposes to specially assess the cost against the lands benefitted by this local improvement.
2. The estimated cost and rate of special assessment chargeable for the proposed local improvement are:
Estimated Cost and Rate of Local Improvements
3. Owners of land to be specially assessed may petition against the proposed local improvement. The petition must be submitted to the CAO of the municipality no later than 4:30 p.m., on the 2nd day of April, 2024. To be successful, the petition must be signed by a majority in number of owners of lands to be specially assessed for the proposed local improvement, representing at least one-half of the assessed value in the most recent assessment roll of these lands. Advice on preparing the petition to ensure its validity is available from the municipal CAO.
4. The council proposes to meet to consider a bylaw respecting this matter on the 10th day of April, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. o’clock p.m. at 433 Manitoba Avenue, Kerrobert, Saskatchewan.
Dated at Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, this 4th day of March, 2024.
Tara Neumeier, CAO
The Leader Ferry began operating around 1910. It was operated by P.A. Coates until the government took it over in 1917. In 1919, Billy Cleghorn became the operator. Sometimes, it was necessary to use two ferries, one on the south and one on the north side of the bar, since the sand bars were constantly shifting. The ferry would have to be moved either upstream or downstream, depending on where the sand bars were. Very often, travellers would have to drive in water from one to the other.
Spring flooding also posed a problem, causing the river to overflow and flood the operator’s residence. The operator assistant was Walter Orr, who worked from 1928 until 1936. Later, Ab May was an assistant. Billy Cleghorn retired in 1940.
Although there was a ferry in the Empress area called Dargie’s Ferry, little is known about it.
Repeal Designation as Municipal Heritage Property
Section 17(2), The Heritage Property Act, R.S.S. 1978, c.H-2.2, as amended
Bylaw
The reasons for the proposed repeal are as follows:
Any person wishing to object to the proposed repeal must serve council with a written objection stating the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts not less than three days prior to consideration of the repealing bylaw.
Dated this 20th day of February, 2024.
Schmidt, Administrator Village of Plenty
SEEKING LAND to RENT and TREES to PLANT in the RM’s of 230, 231, 232, 261, 142, 171
Please contact
OPPORTUNITIES
Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines.
Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.
Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
*New - AB StANdSwell*
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
Is Cousin Colin spreading another cockamamie conspiracy theory? YOUR NEWSPAPER’S LOGO
To learn the verified facts, read your local newspaper!
Pursuant to Section 213 of The Municipalities Act notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Kerrobert for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On the following days: Monday to Friday March 29th, 2024 to April 29th, 2024
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment or classification to the Board of Revision is required to file his or her notice of appeal with:
Karyl Richardson
The Secretary Board of Revision
P.O. Box 130, Luseland, SK S0L 1R0
By: April 29th, 2023
Dated this 26th day of March, 2024.
Tara Neumeier, Assessor
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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.
FOR SALE BY TENDER
#409 Main Street, Kindersley Lot 5-7 Block 12 Plan G9 Former R.M. of Kindersley #290 Office -Built in 1997
- 3854 sq ft office building - 90 foot frontage
- 11,700 sq ft lot space
- 5 year lease on the building Tenders Close March 29, 2024. 5% deposit to be included with all Tenders. Send Tenders to: Edge Realty Ltd, Box 1324, Kindersley SK S0L 1S0 Email: sales@edgerealty.ca Any questions call Brad Edgerton 306-463-7357
This is a program run by Sandi Toner & Jennifer Pittman, in conjunction with the Town of Eston for children between the ages of 6 and 12.
MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 3:45 - 5:00 PM at the AGT Community Centre
The dates and activities will be posted on the Town of Eston website and around town. Activities for April include: Monday, April 8: Games
Wednesday, April 10: Arts & Crafts
Monday, April 15: Learn to Paint with Erin Pope Wednesday, April 17: Games
Monday, April 22: No School
Wednesday, April 24: Scavenger Hunt
Monday, April 29: Scavenger Hunt Craft For Information Contact the Town Office 306-962-4444
Rural Municipality of Heart’s Hill No. 352 FULL TIME EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352 is located in West Central Saskatchewan, 10 minutes south of Macklin and west of Luseland. Applications for a full-time Equipment Operator are currently being accepted.
to join our team in Macklin/Chauvin Area Class 1A 3A 5A
Rod Trucks, Flushbys. Vac trucks, Batch Trucks Experience an asset.
Oilfield Tickets required.
Please email resume and abstract to: dshapka@steelview.ca Call/Text 780-753-0711
The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352 currently offers competitive wages, excellent Disability, Health, Dental and Pension Plans.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Operating heavy equipment (grader, backhoe, tractor) to complete road maintenance/ construction, grading, snow clearing, culvert installation
- Basic service and maintenance of equipment - Class 5 driver’s license required
- Other duties as assigned by the Foreman (Class 1A an asset)
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
Resumes Should Include:
- Work experience, education skills - Current Driver’s Abstract
- Safety Training Certifications - Three References
- Salary Expectation
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume by
You can email resume to:
The Town of Kerrobert appeals to all with its outstanding location, family-orientated environment, excellent recreation facilities and numerous services and is located at the junction of Highways #21, #31 and #51.
Town of Kerrobert requires an Economic Development Officer who will be the face of the community in economic development and community connection through planned events and strong social media, needed coverage for the office assistant, and various clerk duties We require a positive, team-oriented, outgoing and organized person to set and meet goals and to work in conjunction with our Chamber of Commerce to attract, build and sustain our business sector.
Other duties, relevant to the position, shall be assigned as required.
This position is Part time at 21 hrs per week. It may require flexible hours to attend chamber meetings, plan and run community events.
The Town of Kerrobert offers competitive salary packages, an incredible work environment, and an excellent benefit package.
A full job description is available from the undersigned. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume to the Town of Kerrobert at: Tara Neumeier
Chief Administrative Officer Box 558 Kerrobert, SK S0L 1R0 kerrobert.admin@sasktel.net
We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Closing date: April 9th, 2024 and will remain open till position is filled
The Town of Kerrobert works in a team environment and cross trains its employees to perform multiple duties.
Applications are currently being accepted for positions in the following department within the Town of Kindersley.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Public Works departmental positions are in-scope positions whose duties are primarily related to maintenance of the transportation and water distribution networks within the community of Kindersley.
1. Public Works Permanent Full-time (2 positions available)
We are seeking individuals with the following abilities:
• Ability to operate Heavy Equipment in a safe and responsible manner (3 to 5 years’ experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator including but not limited to backhoes, loaders and graders prefered)
• Strong working mechanical knowledge of equipment & tools, including their uses, repair, and maintenance (Mechanical and automotive repair experience and asset)
• Work hours are minimum 40 hours per week, overtime and on call hours will be a requirement
2. Public Works Summer Seasonal (3 positions available)
• April 29 - August 30 full-time seasonal position (or similar work dates)
• This position will be required to perform basic traffic control management, line and curb painting, crack-sealing, drainage, including but not limited to, clearing debris and blockages from catch basins, and removing weeds and debris from ditches, maintenance of street signs and town yard maintenance.
All positions will be required:
• Commitment to working in a team environment
• Ability to lift heavy objects (50 lbs)
• Walk and stand for long periods of time and perform strenuous physical labour under adverse field conditions
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required (steel-toed safety boots, hard hat, safety glasses, etc.)
• Valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Drivers License (minimum)
Competitive rates and benefits!
Please submit resumes to the Town Administration Office 106 5th Avenue East,
BY JOAN JANZEN
The first day of lambing was busy for Michele and Kevin Rast and their family at Circle R Ranch, with twenty-five lambs being born. Residing between Beadle and Netherhill, the Rast family owns 150 breeding ewes and six rams. Typically, lambing season encompasses a 14-day time span.
Michele was grateful to have the assistance of her daughter, who is taking
vet technician training and is doing her practicum. When she was home for the weekend, she was able to assist with a difficult birth.
Circle R Ranch has a vet come out for an annual visit. During this visit, they do ultrasounds on the stock to determine which ones are bred. The ones that aren’t bred will be sold. “We found if we wait till the ewe is two years old, they can’t kick into mothering,” she explained. “One-year-olds do much bet-
•
•
•
ter at mothering.”
One of Michele’s daughters took on a night shift, beginning at 10:30 p.m. By 4:00 a.m., she had helped deliver a set of twins, a single, and a set of triplets. “Usually, you get a breach birth in a set of triplets,” she noted.
After the new lamb’s arrival, it is dried off, receives a shot of colostrum and is put in a 4x4 pen. “My sister sews little jackets for the newborn lambs, which they wear as soon as they’re dry and ready to go into the pen. If you get a lamb to stand up and stretch, that’s a sign of a healthy lamb,” Michele explained.
But even lambs that aren’t viable receive care. “We take care of it no matter what, even if it’s not viable. As long as it has life, we’re taking care of it. The kids are growing up with that mentality and
understanding,” Michele explained.
After thirty-six hours, the lamb goes into a mixing pen along with thirty-nine other lambs. She said it’s quite funny to see all the little lambs wearing their jackets and running around. They usually have five or six mixing pens.
Their six guard dogs and an electric fence keep the sheep safe from predators. The dogs bark all night long, but Michele can’t remember the last time they lost an animal to a predator. The Rast family can detect any sick animals by carefully observing them. According to Michele, sheep tend to hide when they’re sick, so they need to keep observing their eating habits.
“We treat them right away. The faster we respond, the more success we have,” Michele said. They anticipate a successful lambing season in 2024.
BY JOAN JANZEN
There’s a new Executive Director at West Central Abilities in Kindersley. Tamara Wiebe began her new position on February 1st, 2024, after being employed with The Cooperators for twenty-four years.
“It was time for a change,” Tamara said. When Kim Edmunds left her post at West Central Abilities after twenty-three successful years, it didn’t take Tamara long to apply for the job.
She has been involved with West Central Abilities since the 1990s. “I started working at the day program. My job was to pick up one of the clients in Kerrobert,” she said. “That client is still here.”
She knows all the clients and has been on the Board for ten years. For the past six years, she has been the Board Chairperson.
“I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped,” she explained. “It’s just good for my heart. It makes me happy.”
It doesn’t take long to realize that Tamara has found her happy
place. She oversees the three group homes in Kindersley, the activity centre, clients, and Sarcan. “It’s a team effort,” she added.
At the day program, the clients help deliver meals on wheels, go swimming and bowling, play games, and much more. Tamara is enjoying overseeing it all, but there are also a few challenges.
One of those challenges is the completion process of the new day program building on 1st Avenue West. “I will be in contact with the government agencies who provide funding, and with the contractors
Jean Irene Norris
April 25, 1920 - March 17, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Jean Irene Norris share the news of her passing on March 17, 2024.
Jean Irene (Smith) Norris died peacefully at home after a long and full life of 103 years, 10 months, 20 days. Jean was born on April 25, 1920 at her Grandfather Henry Day Smith’s home on Sec 36-34-24 W3rd in the Ruby Lake District, to Stella (Willoughby) and William Smith. She was the eldest sister to Kenneth Smith, Kathleen Smith, Helen (Smith) Peterson and Florence (Smith) Prescesky.
She and her siblings walked 1 1/2 miles to Ruby Lake School before moving closer to Kerrobert to attend high school at the “Brick School.” The family moved to the “Perry Glass” farm and travelled over 4 miles to school by Bennett Buggy in summer and closed in cutter in winter. After spending a year at home, she attended Normal School (Teacher’s College) in Saskatoon in 1939-40. Her first school was Morton S.D., where she met the love of her life, Cecil Norris, in 1940. During the war years, while Cecil was away serving in the military, Jean taught
Tamara Wiebe is the new Executive Director at West Central Abilities in Kindersley. PHO-
who are doing the work on the building. We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel but it’s a long process,” she noted.
“Fundraising is a huge part of what we do. We don’t get funded for vehicles at all, so all our fundraising efforts are going into purchasing a wheelchair-accessible van or a bus,” she explained. “We are working on that right now.”
Her prior involvement on the fundraising committee has armed her with a wealth of experience, along with her organizational skills and willingness to help.
school at Morton, Jellicoe, Algoma and Dukesbury schools. In 1946, she travelled to Victoria, BC, to take university classes.
After seven years, Cecil and Jean were married on June 28, 1947, in Kerrobert United Church. They farmed in the Oakwood District in the RM of Mariposa for 32 years and bought a house in Kerrobert, where their four daughters—Sylvia Jean, Beverley Anne, Gail Leslie, and Cecile Lynne (twins)—attended school. Jean taught Kindergarten in Kerrobert for five years. She was a member of the Arcata Community Club, United Church Women, the United Church choir, and Senior songsters.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, Cecil Norris, her parents, Stella and William Smith, brother Ken, sisters Kathleen and Helen and son-in-law, Frederick Volk. Her quiet, kind and loving presence will be greatly missed by her family: Florence Prescesky, Sylvia and Ken Kuntz, Beverley Volk, Gail and Norman Krekoski, Cecile and Michael Weber, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, her nieces and nephews and families, and all of her many friends and acquaintances. May she forever rest in God’s love and peace.
At Jean’s request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers and cards, donations in Jean’s name may be made to The Pioneer’s Haven Resident’s Fund, Kerrobert, SK.
Email resume to jeanabaker@lukplumbing.com
ALSASK
FRIDAY, APRIL 12
• Community of Alaska presents Dart & Kaiser Tournament. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Games from 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM. Must pre-register by calling Sara at 306-460-4303.
- Drop-in Pickleball 7:00 PM at the Alaska Rec Centre. All ages are welcome. $5 drop-in fee.
COLEVILLE SATURDAY, APRIL 13
• Coleville Licensed Daycare Development Committee presents Surf and Turf for Tots at the Coleville Community Hall. Cocktails at 6:00 PM. Lobster and Kabob Supper at 7:00 PM. Silent Auction to follow. All funds raised aid in facilitating the development of a licensed daycare in the community of Coleville. Tickets available at the Village of Coleville office. Contact Stacey Neumeier 306-430-7788 for more info.
EATONIA
- Every Thursday from 11:30 AM -1:30 PM come to the Eatonia Library for puzzles, visiting and grab your books for the week!
- Check out our TOPS Chapter … it’s free to try! Every Wednesday. Weigh in: 5:45 PM. Meeting: 6:00 PM at the EOL Meeting Room. Contact Marie 306-2546 or Mila 306-480-2035.
ESTON
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
• Celebrity Sports Dinner & Auction at the Eston AGT Community Centre Curling Rink. In support of the Eston & District Recreation Committee Fairgrounds Project and Eston Lions Swimming Pool. Contact the Town Office for tickets 306-9624444.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
• Join the Eston 95 Lions Ladies Night Out for an evening of Greased Lightning featuring the Romantics. $75/ticket. Cocktails 6:00 PM. Supper 7:00 PM. Entertainment and prizes to follow. Must be in attendance to win a prize.
- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the Ace - Draws every Wednesday at the Centre. Ticket sales 4-7 PM. Draw at 7:30 PM. See our Facebook page for details. Lic#LR23-0068. - Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided.Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw.
Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.
HOOSIER
- Sunday Service Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-460-7056 or Curtis Kornelson 306-460-7327.
KERROBERT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27
• Family Glow Curling 6:00-8:00 PM. $5.00/curler. Must bring clean indoor shoes. Teams will be decided that night. Register in the Double Take Out Lounge.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
• Kerrobert Dinette’s present “Hop” at the Kinsmen Hall. Doors open at 1:00 PM. Movie starts at 1:30 PM. $5 entry per kid includes popcorn and a drink. All children should be accompanied by an adult. Extra snacks available for purchase. Bring your own blanket. PG rating.
- Storytime at the Kerrobert Library the first and third Thursday of every month at 10:30 AM.
KINDERSLEY
FRIDAY, APRIL 12
• Kindersley Trivia Nights 7:00 PM at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre, To reserve a table email us at kindersleytrivianights@gmail.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
• Spring Craft & Trade Fair at Caleb Village 12:00-4:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
• Kindersley & District Co-op Kids Club presents “Trolls Band Together” at the Sunset Theatre. Show Times: 11 AM and 1:30 PM. Each Kids Club member will receive a free snack pack including a drink.
- FREE! Drop-In Soccer (Ages 15-99) Westberry School Gym every Thursday at 8:00 PM; Elizabeth School Gym every Friday at 7:00 PM. All welcome. Contact Kevin for more info: 306-430-4103 or email: kindersleysoccerboard@gmail.com
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 2:00 PM at the Kindersley Hospital. Everyone is welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-4634514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- PickleBall every Sunday & Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM at Elizabeth School $50 per season or $5 drop in. More info call 306-460-8356.
- Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild meet the second Tuesday of the month (September to May) at the Pensioners Hall (3rd Ave. E., Kindersley) at 7:00 PM. For more info contact Donna at 306-463-4785.
LEADER
- Mondays are Family Fun Night (open to all ages) at the Leader Library 6:30-7:30 PM.
- Tuesdays & Thursday Stretch Exercises 10:00 AM at the Leader Friendship Centre.
- Wednesdays Toddler Time (ages 1.5 to 3) at the Leader Library 10:30-11:00 AM.
- Thursdays Baby & Me at the Leader Library 10:30-1:00 AM 0-2 years old (older siblings welcome)
- Adult Volleyball every Tuesday 7:30 PM at LCS Gymnasium (student parking lot door). Participants must be Grade 10 or older. Call Shelley 306-628-7643 for more information.
LUSELAND FRIDAY, APRIL 12
• Luseland Arts Council presents Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys 7:30 PM at the Luseland Homecoming Hall.
- Sip & Stitch … every Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 PM, come over to the Library to work on knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, or whatever kind of project you’re working on. Enjoy some tea or coffee from our cafe bar and make some art!
Recurring events at The Luseland Pioneers Club:
PUBLIC
- Every Monday 2:00-4:00 PM Coffee
- Last Monday of the month 2:00-4:00 PM Pie ’n Ice Cream
MEMBERS
- Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM - Noon, Coffee, Pool, Cards, Visiting
- Tuesday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards
- Tuesday 7:00-10:00 PM Games
- Wednesday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards
- Thursday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards
- Third Friday of the month Birthday Lunch at noon.
MAJOR
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
• Major Rec Board Steak Shoot.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
• Kinjo & Young concert at the Major Hall. Fundraiser for Kindersley Crisis Centre. Tickets $40 available at Bicks Drugstore, Kerrobert, Major Credit Union or at the door. Cash Bar, Door Prizes, Silent Auction. Contact Fiarra to book a designated driver 306-602-0472.
PLENTY
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
• Comedian Sean Lecomber at the Plenty Community Hall. Doors open 8:00 PM. Show starts at 9:00 PM. Contact Helena Olson 306-831-0007 for tickets or more information.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
• Plenty’s 5th Annual Spring Fling Quilt Show 10:00 AM-4:00 PM at the Plenty United Church on Main Street. Featuring quilts by local quilt makers and special exhibits including vintage gowns from the private collection of Joan MacCrimmon, and vintage artwork by local artists. Admission by donation.
• Spring Trade Show in the United Church basement. Fundraiser soup & sandwich luncheon served from 11:30 AM - 1 PM.
TRAMPING LAKE
SUNDAY, APRIL 14
• St. Michael’s Parish Spring Supper 5:30 PM at Tramping Lake Community Hall. Bingo and games of chance follow supper.
