Luseland’s first concert in 2021
Councils across Saskatchewan are pleased to present “Over the Moon” in concert throughout the province. The Luseland Arts Council is happy to have this talented couple kick off their tour on Nov. 5 at the Luseland Homecoming Hall. On Nov. 20, “Over the Moon” will finish up their tour at Leader, Sask. The Leader & District Arts Council will be hosting this performance at the Leader Community
Hall. Between those two performances, “Over the Moon” will head to nine locations throughout Saskatchewan. Although the locations change, the quality of entertainment will remain consistent during each and every performance.
This will be the first performance for the Luseland Arts Council since their 40th-anniversary celebration on Jan. 25, 2020. Jean Halliday from the Luseland Arts Council said that due to the pandemic, 2020 season ticket holders had paid for three shows that weren’t able to take place.
As a result, prior season ticket holders have been given a free season ticket for the coming year. “Door tickets are also available, and we have the usual number of pre-
show tickets sold,” Jean said.
The Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) presents this performance as part of the 2021/2022 Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series. This Alberta couple, who reside on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta, will be sure to please their audiences.
Their recent album “Moondancer” includes everything from 40’s Western swing, Appalachian old-time tunes, and cowboy blues. Suzanne and Craig’s vocals and a wide array of acoustic instruments will guarantee a night of great music and story-telling.
Not only do Suzanne and Craig treat their audience just as they would guests in their living room, chatting with those
guests after the show is a highlight for them and an opportunity to meet new friends. This may be why Jean and a number of Luseland Arts Council’s nine members chose the performance to be part of their series.
“We chose “Over the Moon” because it was a very warm and friendly show, and the couple plays an amazing variety of acoustic instruments,” Jean explained. “A number of the arts council members attended Showcase in 2019, where we enjoyed live previews of a number of performances.”
The Luseland Arts Council began in 1979 and has been an integral part of the community ever since.
“Over the Moon”
“We are fighting a virus, not each other”
BY BOBBI HEBRON Kerrobert Recreation Director
Our fall continues to bring lovely weather and great opportunities to be outside enjoying it. GeeBees has finished their work in Kerrobert for this year and will return in 2022 to continue the water and sewer line replacement project. Our community has been full of friendly hunters who are helping our businesses by shopping locally. The Courtroom Art Gallery recently put on an amazing show of local and surrounding talent and the Kerrobert Library is running new programs resulting in new friendships. Our football and volleyball teams are seeing great success and the rink is staying busy with a full slate of teams. As well, we have a new and enthusiastic organization called the Kerrobert Football Association announcing an exciting project of purchasing new lights for our KCS football field! There is so much to be thankful for in this great little community, so much hope and excitement for our future. Consider getting in on the excitement and saving negativity for another day.
Covid Guidelines
The Government of Sask current Covid guidelines: Masks & Proof of Vaccination
1. The Recreation Department and Town facilities have reinstated mask wearing at indoor public spaces as per these new measures.
a. Under 18 years, must wear a mask indoors unless actively eating, drinking or participating in sports.
b. Over 18 years, can remove a mask when actively eating or drinking but must wear a mask when participating in activity UNLESS their organization has implemented a proof of vaccination or negative test requirement. This is up to each organization to monitor.
i. This includes the Kerrobert Tigers, the Kerrobert Ice Dawgs and the Mighty Ducks recreation hockey teams, the Kerrobert Curling Club, the Kerrobert Shuffle Club and the Walk this Way organization.
c. Over 18 years must wear a mask during public skate time.
2. A proof of vaccination or negative test policy will be implemented for public access to the Kerrobert Museum, Courtroom Gallery, Kerrobert Double Take Out Lounge and all public events held at the PCC. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement.
Kerrobert KidSport
The local chapter consists of three members who help ensure that “All Kids Can Play” in our community, providing financial support to families whose kids are unable to participate in registered sports. We encourage families to call the Recreation office and with full confidentiality we will help you through the easy process. Thank you to the Kerrobert Kinsmen who continue to support this important cause when Provincial funds continue to drop. The Kinsmen’s recent donation of $800 was much needed and appreciated.
Kerrobert Memorial Arena
Covid remains a concern to our community and the news has reminded us that fines are once again being handed out to businesses and organizations who are not following the Covid guidelines. Organizations using our facilities MUST follow all guidelines until the concerns of Covid are behind us.
The Kerrobert Curling Club met last week to discuss the upcoming season of curling. Team captains of
the Men’s league will be contacting previous members to get an idea of who is interested in in curling this season. If you are interested in joining the Men’s Curling, starting a Women’s league, a Mixed league, Seniors league, or Family league, we need to hear from you so we can find out the interest in running these programs. Please contact Mark Neumeier at 494-7356 or Brennan Murphy at 834-7044 or Drew Heidt at 8347780 to express your interest!
Kerrobert Swimming Pool
We continue to encourage youth to consider training for a summer job at our pool next year! The Battlefords Coop Aquatic Center will be hosting a course over the December break and many other opportunities will come out throughout the winter. Call the Recreation office for more information.
Kerrobert Library, Courtroom Art Gallery & Museum
The Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society and Town of Kerrobert are currently looking for donations to replace the front entrance stairs. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far! For more information or to make a donation, contact the Town of Kerrobert at 834-2361.
Prairieland Community Center
We are currently looking for someone to open the hall for Walk this Way that usually runs each Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 – 11:00 starting Nov. 2. This program is free to everyone thanks to Sask Lotteries and is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to stay active throughout the winter by walking at the hall. Please call the Rec Office if you are interested! There are two big public events coming up at the PCC including the Winter Market on Nov. 17 and the Town Christmas Party on Dec. 3. The Shuffle Club is looking to start early November. If you are interested in joining, please call the Recreation office and we will pass your name onto the organization. They play Monday afternoons in the basement of the PCC.
Kerrobert Legion
The Kerrobert Legion met last week and decided they will not host an open Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 this year due to Covid concerns. The committee will honor the day by laying a wreath, lowering the flag and reading the Roll of Honor. Poppy trays will also be put out throughout the community, the last week of October.
The recent passing of a dear lady in our community had me reflecting on volunteerism and community spirit. I remember the first committee I joined 27 years ago, that was to bring back the historic Kerrobert JAM or “Party in the Pasture”. It was a big group of 20 somethings with so much energy and excitement and two kind ladies in their 60’s with more community spirit and knowledge in running an event than the rest of us combined. We had a lot of laughs at those meetings!! Both Marj Schraefel and Dorothy McNichol gave so freely of their time, they loved this community and they were patient and willing to help us enthusiastic kids to get involved. I thought we were just planning an event but little did I realize they were setting the ground work to pass the torch. I hope we can make them proud.
Remember that “we are fighting a virus, not each other”. Stay well friends and please be kind <3
and an
to gain experience in many as
Please submit resumes to colin@weeseelectric.ca by November 5, 2021.
MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist
It wasn’t so much the rah-rah nature of Premier Scott Moe’s State-of-Province before the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
All politicians everywhere deliver these speeches in which they wax on about all the positives of the jurisdictions they represent. We hear them from all governments of all stripes.
Really, throne speeches like the one last week at the Saskatchewan legislature are little more than a reminder of all the things we should be proud of in this province. And, notwithstanding all our problems in Saskatchewan including COVID-19, there is a lot to be proud of.
But the first problem with Moe’s speech is that — even as one meant for a business audience like a Chamber of Commerce — it seemed to go out of its way to either ignore or downplay the realities of the fourth wave of this pandemic.
Even if Moe felt the need for an uplifting address to business types on our economic successes and potential he needed to seriously address the impact of COVID-19. Spending four minutes during a 36-minute speech to basically tell us what his government is doing is working right now just didn’t fly.
This was an address Moe knew would be heard by a lot of people
OPINION
Moe can’t ignore COVID-19 reality
other than Saskatoon business leaders.
Timing is everything in politics and Moe couldn’t have picked a much worse time or venue to downplay the pandemic.
The Premier’s Health Minister Paul Merriman had just receive a 1,500word letter signed by all 21 medical health officers urging the government to re-instated temporary measures to deal with this fourth wave of COVID-19.
“The Medical Health Officers of Saskatchewan (MHOs) would like to express our continued and growing concern about the current state of COVID-19 in our province and the lack of effectiveness of the current public health measures to bring about the rapid reduction in cases needed to take the unprecedented pressure off our health system,” the MHO wrote, adding that the government’s decision to ignore their previous Aug. 26 letter “has resulted in a much larger 4th wave, which will therefore require a return to stronger restrictions to bring it under control.”
Worse for Moe and his Saskatchewan Party government, the letter bluntly stated that a recent reduction in daily case counts Moe touted in his chamber speech as evidence we are winning the COVID-19 battle “do not tell the full story” because Saskatchewan as few tests and a high test positivity rates.
“Without further action, it is highly likely that we will face even higher rates of hospitalization in coming weeks
and risk health system collapse, as well as many more preventable deaths, “ the CMO letter that went on to call for a limit on household gatherings to only two vaccinated households for a 28-day, 25-per-cent capacity at weddings and funerals and reducing church attendance to or 25 per cent with a maximum of 150 people.
In a month where we are likely to see our highest number of COVID-19-related deaths and at a time when the province is forced to transfer critically ill ICU patients to Ontario because our hospitals can no longer handle the numbers, it’s hard to accuse the CMOs of overreacting.
Yet neither Moe nor Merriman’s office properly addressed the concerns raised in the CMO’s letter in any forum.
This takes us to the biggest problem with Moe’s speech and his government right now.
While his speech was a vey much a pitch as to why people should come to Saskatchewan, it drew a lot of angry response from doctors and other health care providers threatening to leave this province because of a government they say doesn’t their health care concerns seriously.
Maybe they’re just threats, but frustrating doctors seldom works out well for governments — especially, here in Saskatchewan.
Moe needs a better COVID-19 response.
Positive speeches on the economy are not addressing the problem.
To learn more visit saskgrowthplan.ca
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
Public opinion matters
AWWIIveteran was speaking to students. A student asked if he was married. He said he was, and asked why she asked. She said if he wasn’t married she wanted to introduce him to her single grandmother.
Like all veterans, he had paid a huge price for the freedoms we enjoy today. Drafted at age 20, he was placed in the infantry even though he had never shot a gun. He was the smallest guy in his battalion, but was given the heaviest rifle to carry.
He became a gunner, and soon his assistant gunner was seriously injured, but it would be three days before it was safe enough for the young man to be transported to a field hospital to receive pain killers. A 19-year-old was sent as his replacement, even though he had never shot a gun and had received no training. The young man committed suicide on the first day.
These were valuable young people who gave their lives. Some didn’t realize they were fighting for the freedom of future generations; they were just trying to survive.
As Parliament plans to resume on November 22nd, our freedoms are at stake. Bills such as Bill C-10 will return. That particular bill deals with government control of the Internet and our ability to express ourselves on social media. It’s time to communicate our concerns to Members of Parliament, because this legislation will affect everyone. If we don’t pay attention, we’ll wake up one day and ask ourselves what happened to our freedom of speech.
Dr. Suneel Dhand said, “People may not have a truly historical perspective of what it’s taken to get us to where we are, especially in western countries in 2021. Over the last two centuries the battle to get basic freedoms has been enormous and an awful lot of blood has been spilled. Even right now there’s people across the world, who have loved ones who have paid the ultimate price and lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom. It’s not a word to be taken lightly. History always repeats itself. It’s always during the bad times when you have to have your guard up because authorities are always prone to over stepping the mark.”
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Any society that will give up a little liberty to gain a little security, will deserve neither and lose both.”
Today we see government wanting to enforce government censorship of social media. It’s interesting to note the Prime Minister of Canada during WWII said this, “Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government.”
Although we may not be on a physical battle field, Canadians still need to contend for their freedoms, including freedom of speech. We can’t afford to miss the opportunity to effectively communicate our concerns to our Members of Parliament. Government control of communication would silence public opinion and ultimately lead to autocratic government.
Congratulations to Montana Kissick: 2021 Discover Award Recipient
Inter Pipeline has been giving back to the community for over 18 years by way of their bursary program called Discovery Awards. This program supports youth who reside in communities where Inter Pipeline operates in, by providing funding to high school students who are pursuing a post-secondary education in an industry related field. Examples of an industry related field include anything from Business, Environment, Engineering degrees to trades and apprenticeships.
The Awards are granted to high school students who have demonstrated academic commitment and have a financial need. In addition to the first-year post-secondary students receiving grants, these same students can apply for an additional Award for their second year of post-secondary education.
In 2021, 48 bursaries of $2,000 were awarded by Inter Pipeline to students in communities all over Alberta and Saskatchewan. The total funds distributed through the program was $96,000 this year.
During the first couple weeks of October, Inter Pipeline will be celebrating the achievements of these students by publishing their names in many local newspapers across the province.
Award applications are distributed to designated high school in early February of every year, and the school nominates a candidate by June 1st. Each application must be completed and signed by a School Guidance Counsellor or Principal. Inter Pipeline does not accept applications that do not come directly from the school.
For more information about Inter Pipeline’s Discovery Award program or their community investment program, please contact CommunityInvestment@interpipeline.com or call 403-290-6000.
The Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery would like to thank everyone who came out to meet Jen Loree (pictured above with one of her amazing artistic welded metal art pieces) and Chris Hodge at their closing reception at the gallery. This show is now finished and we look forward to setting up our next exhibition. Stay tuned!
Rose City Memorials Ltd.
Rose City Memorials Ltd.
Granite Monument Specialists
Football Association is new to Kerrobert
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
PRODUCTION PLANT AND INDOOR SHOWROOM
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Dedicated to Quality, Craftsmanship and Service
Check out our new website www.rosecitymemorials.com
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102 Canola Cres., Cut Knife, SK • 306-398-4717
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Check out our new website www.rosecitymemorials.com
City Memorials.indd 1 18-02-26 2:26 PM
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - 6 AM - 11 PM 402 Highway 31, Luseland 2 Handwand Wash Bays which can accommodate all your washing needs.
• Semis • Trailers • Cars • Trucks • Boats • RVs
The Kerrobert Travel Club is selling Mom’s Pantry for a fundraiser. If you would like to order, please contact smithlyndsay@hotmail.com or order online at www.momspantry.ca
Order #341200 Group Passcode #24625
All orders must be received by Friday, November 19th, 2021 with a delivery date around Dec. 6th to 10th, 2021.
• GAS
• DIESEL
• OIL
• TIRES
• WINDSHIELDS
porksgarageltd@sasktel.net • 303 Brooks Ave, Denzil
The Kerrobert Football Association is all about goals, not only in the game but also fundraising goals. Marli Shepherd from the Kerrobert Football Association said they had just kicked off their Friday Night Lights project lighting up the football field. “The approximate cost of this project is $100,000.00, so that is our fundraising goal,” she explained.
The Kerrobert Football Association was recently established on October 6th of this year. The association is currently planning fundraising opportunities, beginning with their ‘Buy a Light Campaign.’ Although they’re still working out some details, they aren’t wasting any time getting to work.
“We have to purchase thirty-two lights, so we will be selling the lights for $2500.00 each,” Marli said. “Our greatest need at the moment is getting our fundraising goal accomplished to have the Friday Night Lights project completed before the kickoff of the 2022 football season.”
There are many other needs besides the lighting
project. The association will work closely with all the football programs to determine those needs and offer financial support to decrease future fees. As the football season draws to a close, Marli said the association is optimistic that they can provide clinics for both players and coaches.
The board of the Kerrobert Football Association will be working toward achieving all of their goals. Currently, the football programs have relatively new equipment that meets safety standards. Still, as the needs of the programs change, Marli said the association will make the necessary purchases to keep all of the players safe.
The board consists of President - Don Snell; Vice-President - Devin Charteris; Secretary - Jason Moro, Treasurer - Kerri Blanchette, Communications - Marli Shepherd and Members at Large - Mike Cholin and Ben Cairns. Their vision is to ensure every kid in Kerrobert and area has the opportunity to play football. In order to meet these goals they’ll need the assistance of volunteers for various projects throughout the year. They will also support and sustain Kerrobert’s football programs in training, safety equipment and funding other necessities that arise, such as capital and maintenance projects for Kerrobert’s football facilities.
my Facebook page @CovertBeautyjreiber 101 Onerheim Cr. Luseland, SK (306) 358-2034
Rose
PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
Congratulations to this month’s lucky trip of the month winner,
Sharon Whetter from Kerrobert. Sharon is the lucky winner of a stay at the Coast Coal Harbour in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Coast Coal Harbour is just steps away from the sea wall and Stanley Park. This trip includes a 3 night stay and flights from Saskatoon. Congratulations, Sharon, and thank you for your continued support towards our new swimming pool annual fundraiser.
Saskatchewan RCMP renews warnings about the dangers of illicit drugs after recent overdoses
In the past few weeks, Saskatchewan RCMP has responded to several sudden deaths suspected to be overdoses. We remind the public that using illicit drugs is dangerous, and urge those who use them – or have loved ones that do – to know what to do during an overdose. Here’s what you need to know:
Have a plan. One of the risks of using street drugs is they can contain other substances the user may not be aware of. This can have serious effects on the body or even be fatal. If you don’t know the strength or what is in it, use small amounts. Don’t use alone. Take turns or let someone you trust know of your plans to use. How to recognize an overdose. Someone experiencing one may show signs and symptoms that include:
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Blue lips or nails
- Dizziness and confusion
- Can’t be woken up
Kindersley Denture Clinic
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
You have some legal protection if you call for help. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.
You can keep naloxone handy. Members of the public can also keep naloxone on hand if they or someone they know is at risk of overdose. The Government of Saskatchewan offers a ‘take home naloxone’ kit available free of charge at many locations in the province. Naloxone can also be purchased at the Saskatchewan pharmacies on this list.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Back row (Left to Right)
Garrett Flueny, Jayden Olfert
Matthew Siwak (Lieutenant)
Steven Meissner, Brenden Obrigewitch
Devon Townsend
Front Row (Left to Right)
Nick Anderson Brad Galbraith (Captain)
Matthew Rumohr (Chief)
Missing:
Randy Gottfried, Brian Gottfried
Matthew Thrun, Garret Walford
Christopher Brost, Kevin Sloboda
Austin Gleave, Adam Franko
Neil Kennedy, Koby Reiber
Keagan Bazylinski , Kirk Meyer Shane Bardick
David
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
What to do when an overdose occurs. An overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders, including frontline Saskatchewan RCMP officers, carry naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.
David
There is help available. If you want to quit using drugs, there are services available to support you. To find services near you, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ addictions. You can also call the Province of Saskatchewan’s HealthLine at 811.
Getting dangerous illicit drugs off the street continues to be a top priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP. If you have information about drug trafficking in your area, you can report it to your local detachment by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
Michael Bowden.
Missing:
Steven McMillan, Caleb MacDonald, Cory Turk, Dean Ellis, Devon Lovenuk, Jordan Halter, Kaid Hoffman, Patrick McGrath, Ryan Neumeier, Trent Nienaber, Travis Kennon
Tyler Srigley, Ryan Webber
SALE BY TENDER
1. The Village of Dodsland offers for sale the following property
Saskatchewan planning delivery of vaccination for five to eleven year-olds
Saskatchewan has ordered 112,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine specially formulated for children aged five to 11 with delivery anticipated in mid-November, 2021.
2. A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Property Tender” addressed to the Village of Dodsland Address: Village of Dodsland Box 400 Dodsland, SK S0L 0V0
3. Tenders must be postmarked by 4:00 pm on: November 16, 2021
4. A certified cheque to the municipality for 5% of the amount of the tender must accompany the tender.
5. Highest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted.
6. Successful bidder will have 30 days to provide the balance of cash to complete the purchase.
Dated the 19th day of October, 2021.
Amy
Sittler Administrator Village of Dodsland
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is currently working to ensure plans are in place to deliver vaccinations to this age group as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine receives approval from Health Canada.
While younger children are less likely to develop serious illness they are getting sick and playing a role in the transmission of the virus. Vaccinations for children will enable them to continue to be able to go to school and enjoy their activities.
Vaccinations for five to 11 year olds will be available at a wide variety of locations including participating pharmacies, SHA walk-
in clinics, mobile clinics, at schools and at venues with easy community access near schools.
The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is a slightly different formulation with smaller doses of vaccine.
Pfizer studies indicate their vaccine had no safety concerns noted among children five to 11 years of age.
The studies also showed that expected vaccine side effects (such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and chills) were well tolerated and resolved in 1-2 days. Children in this age group have very good immune responses when they receive two doses as recommended.
Vaccination is voluntary. Informed parental/guardian consent must be provided and will be documented in the child’s immunization record. Parents/guard-
Fatality near Rosetown on Highway #7
On October 26, 2021 at approximately 12:05 p.m., Rosetown RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway #7, west of Tessier. Investigation has de-
FOR SALE BY TENDER
Tenders will be accepted on the following parcel of land located in the R.M. of Progress No. 351, approximately 2 miles East and 1 mile South of Luseland, SK:
NW 02-36-24 W3rd (old municipal assessment - $163,500.00) (new municipal assessment - $205,700.00) - approximately 140 cultivated acres - 2021 Crop - Barley
Tenders will be received by the undersigned on or before 12:00 o’clock noon on WEDNESDAY THE 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021 Not necessarily the highest or any tender accepted.
COOPER NEIL LAW FIRM
Solicitor for David and Gail Prentice
Telephone: (306) 228-2631
Fax: (306) 228-4449
Email: unityoffice@cooperneil.ca P.O. Box 600, Unity, SK, S0K
termined that a semi cube truck was travelling eastbound when it rolled and left the roadway. The driver, a 25-year-old male from Swift Current, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His family has been notified.
Highway #7 was shut down during the initial investigation, but reopened at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Rosetown RCMP and a Saskatchewan RCMP Collision Reconstructionist continue to investigate.
ians are able to access their child’s immunization record through MySaskHealthRecord. Parents/guardians must have an account themselves, and the child’s information can be linked.
Parents/guardians with MySaskHealthRecord who have not already made a request for access to a child’s immunization record are encouraged to do so. Those 14 and older must have their own account.
Vaccination, along with public health measures such as masking, hand hygiene, staying home when ill and physical distancing is an important tool to protect against COVID-19 illness.
Anyone who is eligible, which will soon include everyone five years and older,
should get vaccinated. High community vaccination rates will help to protect those under five who are currently too young to be vaccinated.
When the vaccine is available, appointments can be made by calling 1-833-Sask-VAX (1-833727-5829) or online at Saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine or at participating pharmacies. Further details will be provided through public service announcements, local social media posts and on the Saskatchewa.ca website.
Information on booking appointments and clinic information is available at Saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine.
Peter Lindeman September 11, 1933 to November 4, 2020.
Peter, ... One year ago Heaven gained a New Angel and we lost a truly special man, one who left a hole that can never be filled. You fought so long and hard to stay with us, but God saw you suffering and sent His Angels to carry you Home. You will always have a place in our hearts.
We Love and Miss You Evelyn, Glenn, Karen and families; Debbie, Ken, Kevin and Kaiden; Lorna and family.
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month is Moms and Tots group at 3:00 pm. LIBRARY HOURS
Tuesday 10-12, 1-5; Wednesday 2-8 Thursday 10-12, 1-5; Friday 10-1
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Community Futures Meridian offers valuable support to businesses
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Community Futures Meridian Region has been offering valuable support to businesses in Kindersley for a long time. Vickie Newmeyer, CEO of Meridian Futures, said it all started in 1987 at Alsask when 1200 people left the radar station. “The government of the day started Community Futures to encourage development. “The whole concept was to fill the economic void. One of the streams they started was a business development centre,” Vickie explained. Meridian Futures moved to Kindersley in 2000.
Located at 125 - 1st Ave. East, Vickie and her co-workers continue to provide loans up to $150,000, business plan development and assistance and connect their clients with the resources they need. There’s also entrepreneurs with disabilities loans available to any individual who has a physical or intellectual disability. “We accommodate the client with supports to be the best business person they can be,” Vickie said.
In their continuous efforts to contribute to developing a dynamic, resilient and sustainable regional economy, Meridian Futures offers helpful advice. This includes the “howto” part of a business, whether it involves buying a business or starting a new one. Guidance is available at the office, through their website, via a Zoom call or phone call. “We have tons of resources for supporting business,” Vickie said.
“We encourage clients that have gone through a tough time; we can be a sounding board,” Vickie noted. “You might be struggling with your cash flow, or sales may not be what you were planning. We try to problem solve so business decisions are strategically made instead of ignoring the problem.”
She also said that even something as positive as growth and expansion could be a problem if the business owner hasn’t planned or prepared for it. “We want to be there for all aspects of business,” she said.
Support for local businesses has become vitally important during the past two years. “The situation has become dire for small businesses with all the starting, stopping, adapting and regulations that sometimes change on a daily basis,” Vickie said. “There’s a tiredness in business; that’s probably the biggest factor. They’re in a situation where they don’t know where they want to go from here. They need to
find a way to adapt, and hopefully, Meridian can help. We’re trying to encourage succession and planning ahead. One of the options is selling and moving on, but that is concerning for us.” Succession concerns have accelerated since the beginning of 2020.
“We try to get businesses to look at their cash flow; it’s their masterpiece,” Vickie explained. With this in mind, Meridian Futures offers marketing strategies and gets business owners to look at the cost of their product and operating costs. “Profitability is critical to being able to sell your business someday and to transition. We want to make people viable. The real strength we provide is the reality of when you receive your check. Sometimes they have to wait 60 to 90 days before they get paid, and then spring break up comes, so we help businesses plan for these things.”
According to Vickie, the most powerful tool they offer to their clients is helping with business planning. “The ones who want to do the planning are more successful. We have to be resilient as a business community and find new ways of doing things,” she said. Meridian Futures helps clients in a variety of sectors.
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund was an additional resource, which ran from May 2020 to the end of July 2021. This enabled Meridian Futures to help small farmers and small businesses with loans up to $60,000. “We did 65 of those,” Vickie said. “We had such an influx of applicants that we reached the maximum we could accept.”
“We’re seeing a lot more activity in food production, localized greenhouse operations and social enterprises,” Vickie added. A social enterprise is a business venture that supports a local cause; Sarcan is such an enterprise. The benefit has a more powerful impact on the community since it usually solves a social problem and provides a service.
Vickie said the folks at Meridian Futures wear a lot of different hats. One of the strategies they offer is training people in the community to be good board members and leaders by offering board boot camps.
“Municipal and other leaders are welcome to attend our supports because leaders are exhausted. They’re business people who are also community leaders,” she said. These boot camps can also help not-for-profit organizations.
Meridian Futures has access to a vast network of Community Futures offices and many other resources. They have partnerships with banks and Credit Unions so clients can tap into their best financing. These resources help connect our communities to good workshops and training events. Some of these are in-house, but others are available on Zoom calls, which makes the workshops more accessible and more affordable.
Not only is Meridian Futures helping adult entrepreneurs, they have partnered with the Rotary Club in hosting a youth entrepreneurship workshop in Cypress Hills, Alberta, in August of each year for the past twenty years.
Meridian Futures sponsors four to six youth, ages 13-15, each year. The entire week is paid for; all the youth needs is transportation to and from Cypress Hills. Once at the workshop, the youth are placed into teams where they develop a business plan, cash flow, produce commercials and sell tickets to a performance or sell their product. At the end of the week, they hold a trade show, and they get to divide the profit amongst their team members.
“The best part for me is we have junior leaders that come back for years to give back to camp. These young people learn the skills of entrepreneurship. It may not happen for them till they’re 25, but they have the skills,” Vickie said.
Youth can apply in May for camp. “We send as many kids as we can; we sent up to 9 one year. We try to fill any free spots,” Vickie said.
Meridian’s contribution to the event is a lemonade marketing game that has won a national award, been in Ottawa twice, and 120 other communities. Designed in 2000, the game operates on a “price, product, promotion and people” cycle.
“It’s a game we play with young people. It takes them from starting a lemonade stand,” Vickie explained. They work as a team, sell their lemonade to three judges for a taste test, and win cash. “We treat it like a business; they have to take it seriously, and there’s profit at the end.”
It’s all part of Community Futures’ goal to provide loans, advice and support to entrepreneurs and businesses in rural Saskatchewan and rural East Central Alberta, through a network of 13 independent development corporations.
