From the desk of the Kerrobert Recreation Director
BY BOBBI HEBRON Kerrobert Recreation Director
I hope that Thanksgiving weekend gave everyone an opportunity to see family and friends and enjoy great food. The weather cooperated in the west central area so that we could be outside and enjoy the sun until Sunday night and then we got a taste of winter. Thankfully it was short lived and we still have time to get to do yard clean up. The Town of Kerrobert staff will be picking up leaves (in clear bags only) on Tuesday Oct. 19 and Tuesday Oct. 26. Bags must be left in the front yard to be picked up.
Covid Guidelines
The Government of Sask has implemented new Covid guidelines that we are required to follow:
1. Masks - 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.
c. Over 18 years must wear a mask during public skate time.
2. Proof of Vaccination: Effective Oct. 1 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 Memorial Arena
We had another exciting weekend in the rink with the AA U18 Wheatkings team and the U13 Western Prairie Thunder girls team playing. These and all west central teams have become an important part of our facility operations as they keep our rink busy even when the Kerrobert Minor Hockey numbers are dropping. Each west central team typically has a few Kerrobert players so each practise and game also bring a number of visitors shopping in our community.
Kerrobert Minor Hockey has 56 Kerrobert players registered and their team numbers are as follows :
U7 (Initiation) – 8 players
U9 (Novice) – 9 players
U11 (Atom) – 11 players
U13 (PeeWee) – 17 players with Kerrobert and Dodsland combined.
U15 (Bantam) – 16 players with Kerrobert, Luseland and Dodsland combined.
U18 (Midget) – 21 players with Kerrobert and Luseland combined.
This past week all KMH (Kerrobert Minor Hockey) scheduling meetings happened so be sure to check out the online schedule that can be found on the Town of Kerrobert website so you can see the game times. Also, be sure to thank a KMH Executive member and the team managers; starting out the season is always trying and these volunteers deserve a big pat on the back.
The Double Take out Lounge was open this weekend during game times. To visit the lounge requires showing proof of vaccination and our volunteers experienced no problems. We are however, experiencing some trouble with LiveBarn and will keep you updated as their tech department works to rectify the problem.
Kerrobert Library, Art Gallery & Museum
The Kerrobert Library is staying very busy with new programs and activities for all ages to take part in. If you don’t have a Library card, consider getting one. They are free and our friendly Librarians will be happy to help you. Recently members of the new Book Club read, “The Home for Unwanted Girls” by Joanna Goodman. They will meet later in October to discuss this great book. If you are interested in joining the Book Club, call the Library for more information.
A visit to the Art Gallery and Museum to see the current displays and shows can be a great way to spend an afternoon. In the Gallery you will see abstract landscape figures by Chris Hodge from North Battleford and metal work by local artist Jen Loree of Metal Monkey Design Co. The new Museum Timeline has been a popular place for locals and out of town visitors to see as well. It can be seen in the basement of the Courthouse.
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. And watch for more information about the Shuffle Club!
I have found that recently social media has been a very negative place and the divide that is happening between some families and friends is terribly sad. If you find social media or the news is having a negative effect on your mental health, consider turning it off. Last week I “quit” my personal Facebook for that reason and I feel better already! Remember that “we are fighting a virus, not each other”. Stay well friends and please be kind.
Mr. Jason Sheppard - Temporary Librarian Mrs.
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Ifoundthis little nugget funny ... Q: How do you know China has free speech? A: No one says otherwise.
North Americans are finding they need to defend their right to exercise free speech on the internet. Even comedians are censored for their humour. American comedian, JP Sears says he has became very insecure with the reliability of You Tube. “I saw so many
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
Is silence a choice?
people getting censored and then it happened to me,” he said. He even got censored for making fun of conspiracy theories, because You Tube said the video violated community guidelines.
In response, the comedian made a video apologizing to You Tube for exercising free speech, as he sat with arms and legs bound up, unable to move.
Dave Rubin, host of
“The Dave Rubin Report” on You Tube, said, “For
the first few years of You Tube you were your own boss. But slowly, when you start talking about free speech and anything politically incorrect, you start getting pressured.”
Someone who has experienced an unbelievable amount of pressure and a lack of freedom, is Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector who lives in the States. She was able to escape to China at the age of thirteen, sold in the sex trade, and began her treacherous journey to
FREE groceries through the
Program
We are excited to tell you about a new program in Kindersley called FoodMesh, a collaboration between Kindersley Christian Fellowship and Buy-Low Foods. This program makes free groceries available to individuals in need by collecting surplus food and groceries from local stores.
Please see the details below on how you can access this program and get free groceries. Everyone is welcome and this program is operating every week.
When: Every week on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Christian Fellowship Church (East Door) 800 - 12th Ave. E., Kindersley, SK
Please bring a grocery bag or box with you.
For more information, please contact Kindersley Christian Fellowship at 306-463-6146 or Barb at 306-460-9304.
South Korea, then America over the period of several years. When she arrived in Texas, she was shocked by many things that seem trivial to people who enjoy freedom.
“When I was walking on the street I was so shocked to see a puppy being pushed in a stroller,” she said. She had never even seen a baby stroller in North Korea. She thought people were crazy when she saw entire sections in grocery stores dedicated to pet supplies.
“Here dogs have more toys than I had ever imagined in my life as a child,” she said. “When people don’t have to worry about surviving, they are able to take care of vulnerable pets. You can only do that in a country where you enjoy prosperity, and I came to really appreciate how beautiful it was.”
She said it’s common to see children dying on the streets in North Korea, but no one feels sorry for them. “Not because North Koreans are inhumane; that’s what a harsh environment does to people,” she explained.
Secondly, Yeonmi was shocked to see houses with multiple rooms. In North Korea, six people live in one room where they eat and sleep on
blankets on the floor. “I literally thought I was walking into a palace. It was like going around an amusement park for me,” she said about being in an American home.
The third most shocking sight for the North Korean girl was the bathroom shower. “In North Korea I took a bath a few times a year. In winter the river is frozen, and it’s the children’s job to bring water home in a pail. Everybody washes in the same bowl of water.”
The next most shocking sight for Yeonmi was an elevator. “I looked at high rises and wondered how people walk all the way to the top, and then I discovered in America the electricity rarely goes out,” she said.
North Koreans who live on the 70th floor have to walk all the way up from the ground floor every day. They do this while hauling water, laundry and coal up the stairs.
The North Korean defector was shocked to see everybody had the ability to have a passport. “All I ever wanted was a passport,” she said. “Only the leader in North Korea has the right to have a passport. It gives you the freedom to go wherever you want.”
With all of these new found freedoms, she was amazed at how much hatred her fellow university students had for their country. She said her fellow students didn’t seem aware of the definition of the word ‘oppression’. To her it seemed like a game to them to see who could be the most oppressed by almost anything that offended them.
“People who are actually oppressed don’t even know they are oppressed,” she said, referring to the people in her home land. “If you know you’re oppressed, you’re not really oppressed.” North Koreans haven’t even heard of the term ‘free speech’. They do not choose to be silent, but are pressured by the government to remain silent. Are North Americans choosing to remain silent?
JOB OPENING
enjoys working with children to join our team. We provide childcare for children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years old.
David
Job Description:
Early Childhood Educator
Some duties include (but not limited to):
- Ability to supervise and maintain ratio in a safe environment
- Planning developmentally appropriate activities
- Participating in physical activities
- Encouraging child-led activities
- Teaching values, manners, and responsibility
- Cleaning, organizing, and sanitizing
Requirements:
• Current First Aid/CPR
• Current clear criminal record check in the vulnerable sector
• Minimum age 16 yrs
• Early Childhood Education Level 1 or Early Childhood Education Certificate/Diploma or willingness to enroll in online courses (call for more info)
•
Assets:
• Knowledge of childcare licensing regulations
• Experience working in a childcare setting
• Wage is based on education and experience
David
For more information or to apply contact: Tina Seversen P.O.Box 292 Luseland, SK S0L 2A0 luseland.daycare@lskysd.ca (306)372-4330
We finished our successful Cross Country season on Thursday, Oct. 7 as we attended districts in Spiritwood. Some awesome personal bests this season, Jorja Witt3rd Novice Girls, Berkley Wuttunee-4th Peewee
Credit Union GM Trina presented a cheque to Bailey and Christine from Major Play Pals last month. This provides funding to sponsor their Healthy
program.
Nick Anderson Brad Galbraith (Captain) Matthew Rumohr (Chief)
Kerrobert
Snacks
Mary Kloster among award recipients
By Joan Janzen
This year the staff at Royal Lepage in Kindersley received awards and recognition for their work throughout this past year. The annual awards were given out at the office last week. “They represent a lot of hard work and dedication that our Agents put into helping families buy and sell property,” said Bill Larocque, broker at Royal LePage Wheat Country Realty.
According to Bill, the awards are given to Agents who are the top Agents working with Royal LePage in the Saskatchewan market. “Awards run from Agents in the top three percent to the top 25 percent of Royal LePage Agents in Saskatchewan,” he explained.
Pam Busby and Jen McLean both received Directors Platinum Awards. Amy Greenwood was the re-
Lyle Leonard Kuntz
December 16, 1940 October 17, 1983
We still remember that day as if it was yesterday. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always at our side. We still miss and love you dearly! Evelyn, Glenn Karen and family, Debbie, Ken, Kevin and Kaiden, and Lorna.
cipient of the Sales Achievement Award. Receiving the Master Sales Award were both Donna McLay and Colby Houle, and Mary Kloster received the Diamond Award.
“I have to give special mention to Janet Harris, our Office Administrator,” Bill said. “She keeps the office moving forward, works with the Agents in their day to day responsibilities and makes sure all documents are in order, complete, and filed on time. What else does she look after? Everything!”
Janet said she’s very proud of the people she works with. It appears the team at Royal LePage, not only works well together, but enjoys working together, and families in Kindersley and area are the beneficiaries of their efforts.
Back Row: Mary Kloster, Donna McLay, Pam Busby, Colby Houle, Jen McLean. Front Row: Bill Larocque, Amy Greenwood. Missing: Janet Harris, Pat Kloster and Arlene Boisjoli.
To the Editor
The sun comes up, the children rise to greet another day. Time to get ready to learn, to share, and to play. What? No school again - another lock down underway? Something is wrong wouldn’t you say? Go to school - by bus, car or a fresh air walk, Enjoying friends, have a pleasant talk. Go to school, learn ... love not fear.
Parents and teachers, you work and pray. Looking to God for a better day.
Love your children and others come what may. Sniffles, sneezes, you stay home don’t share your cold, Don’t make all suffer, I knew all my life without being told.
The majority “be cool, be at school!!” Do not be an agendas fool!!!
Parents be parents, your children so precious, are made a pawn, so with a “jab”, greed can carry on.
All be kind to others do your level best. Then with a good conscience, you can rest. Unite as parents against the agenda, be it so, You are parents this you well know. Cherish your freedom, you have a choice, Knuckling under, You’ll lose your voice ...
Not the government’s bureaucrats or bullies? Trust you must??? No, but in the creator, in God should be your (our) trust.
God has the final say ...
Love the (your, our) children, learn, love, work and pray. Faith, not fear, love those you hold dear.
P.S. There’s always be a fight, unite and stand for what is your right!!
- I.H.S. Christa Breitkreutz-Erker
Dr. Jackie Hagens & Associates “OCTOBER IS CHILDREN’S VISION MONTH”
The goal of Children’s Vision Month is to raise awareness for the importance of identifying and treating vision problems early to aid in the learning and development of all children.
KERROBERT LIBRARY
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month is Moms and Tots group at 3:00 pm. Next one is October 20. Everyone is welcome to join. Book Club Meeting for Three Days Left will be October 20 at 6:30 pm. Book Club Meeting for The Home For Unwanted Girls will be October 27 at 6:30 pm.
33 Prince William's alma mater
35 "What ___-off!"
36 Canadian building supply chain
37 "Keep it after all," to a printer 41 Sympathy seeker's tale
44 What a party no-show might send
"Get going!"
Rode one's rear on the road
Wide-ranging, as a bill
Kid's retort to a skeptic
Canadian country diva Perras
Baker or brewer's buy
Double Stuf cookie
Knightly title
Calgary-to-Edmonton dir.
___ Saint-Jean, Québec
Trade
Enjoy many a liquid lunch, say
Kind of code or rug
Washed out, colour-wise
Lands with a thud, as a joke
46 Be prone
47 Ball of laughs?
49 Fo-fum preceder, in a fairy tale
52 Litter's littlest ones
53 "___ bad moon rising" (CCR lyric)
54 Filled with the latest
55 What Jay Z and TMZ share
57 Clumsy ox
59 Correct spelling, perhaps 60 Pinocchio, at times
61 Baby salamanders
62 Flautist's chance to breathe
65 Refusals
New Public Health Order Requires Proof of Vaccination in Additional Venues
A new Public Health Order will come into effect at 12:01 Monday, October 18 that will add some businesses and retail outlets now requiring Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test for public access.
New Additions to the Public Health Order Now Requiring POV or Negative Test
Proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required at point of entry to access:
• Seated dining in all restaurants including fast food restaurants;
• Liquor manufacturers conducting retail liquor sales; and
• Liquor stores with an integrated permit that also hold a liquor restaurant or tavern permit.
A POV or negative test will not be required for food pick-up or delivery, at food courts or for entering a premises to use the washroom.
This order will replace the Public Health Order that came into effect at 12:01 October 1 which outlined businesses and organizations that are required to request proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test in order to access the venue. In addition to the changes above, the order applies primarily to non-essential businesses such as:
• Restaurants, including restaurants in hotels or other lodgings;
• Nightclubs, bars, taverns, and manufacturer hospitality suites, buses and other establishments and transportation licensed by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for the sale and service of alcohol;
• Liquor stores that have been issued standalone
retail store permits issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority; and
• Cannabis stores that have been issued standalone retail store permits by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Event and entertainment venues including:
• conference centres, meeting rooms and banquet facilities, except when being used for the purposes of a court or tribunal proceeding;
• theatres;
• cinemas;
• bingo halls, casinos and other gaming establishments;
• concerts;
• live-music venues;
• fitness centres and gyms; and
• facilities hosting sporting events where tickets are required that have GST charged on the ticket.
Businesses or organizations exempt from this order include:
• retail businesses including grocery stores;
• businesses holding an integrated liquor retail store permit that do not also hold a tavern or restaurant permit issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
• businesses holding an integrated cannabis retail store permit issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
• places of worship (including weddings/funerals/wakes);
• personal services, health care services, professional services;
• public libraries;
• hotels or lodging including self-serve food op-
tions located within the hotel or other lodging;
• facilities hosting amateur sporting events, including youth athletics and recreational leagues;
• private gatherings at public venues (weddings/ funerals/wakes/meetings); and
• private gatherings at private residences.
Proof of Vaccination
Businesses and organizations have several options for checking acceptable proof of vaccination. These include:
• A QR code/MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate either printed or on the patron’s mobile device as a screenshot or in SK Vax Wallet;
• A printed hard copy of MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate with or without a QR code;
• Wallet cards issued at the time of vaccinations; and
• A COVID-19 vaccination printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health.
Proof of a Negative Test
Individuals who do not have proof of vaccination have the option of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from within the previous 72 hours.
A self-administered take-home rapid antigen test will not be accepted as valid proof of negative COVID-19 results and the SHA is no longer supporting testing for asymptomatic individuals at the public testing sites, preserving resources to test symptomatic and other at-risk populations.
The cost for all proof of negative test results for asymptomatic testing will be the responsibility of the individual. Individuals requiring a negative test result have several private options on the market that will provide a rapid antigen test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for a fee.
A current list of locations and labs offering testing services is available at https://www.saskatchewan. ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information/where.
COVID-19 vaccinations remain the best defense to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations. The Saskatchewan Health Authority and pharmacies throughout the province continue to provide vaccination clinics. To find a clinic near you go to www.saskatchewan. ca/covid19-vaccine.
SIMSA: Prince Albert pulp mill to come back to life, and produce power to the grid
BRIAN ZINCHUK PipelineOnline.CA
SASKATOON, PRINCE ALBERT – In early September, the provincial government made a string of announcements regarding forestry resource allocations and, most significantly, the restart of the Prince Albert pulp mill.
The company behind that last announcement is Paper Excellence, and they were a last minute addition to the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) Energy Forum on Oct. 6.
What does a forestry company have to do with an energy forum, you might ask? Paper Excellence is going to be generating its own power, and feeding the surplus to the grid.
Carlo Del Monte of Paper Excellence spoke to the conference via Microsoft Teams, as the conference had to move online due to issues regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Paper Excellence is actually a relatively young company. We have locations primarily in Canada, however we do have mills in France and Brazil as well,” Del Monte said.
“We have seven manufacturing facilities in Canada, going from coast to coast. We have 2.8 million tonnes of production and $2.4 billion in annual sales.
“Most of our production is in what we call ‘market pulp.’ To this is our feedstock. That’s what is used in the production of printing paper, tissue towel and board.
“The elevator pitch for our product is northern wood fibers are quite a strong wood fiber, and paper makers around the world will use that and blend it with lower-cost hardwood fibers, to create their products. Really, what we’re selling is a renewable reinforcing product.
He continued, “In addition, we do also produce printing and packaging and specialty papers, primarily in our mills in British Columbia. Our headquarters are in Richmond, B.C.”
He said they contribute $3.7 billion to the Canadian economy per year. It’s a company that has grown primarily by acquisition.
In Saskatchewan, they have the mill at Meadow Lake which produces mechanical pulp, with 190 full-time employees and $400 million in economic contribution.
“I think one of the things we’re very proud of is the unique partnership with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Mystic Management on the fiber supply, and the wood going into the mill, with very strong Indigenous partnership and management.”
Residual business
“The pulp business is effectively a residual business, in that the highest and best use for harvested wood is dimensional lumber. That creates the highest value. It sequesters carbon for the longest time. However, when you take a tree and mill it, you get about 50 per cent of that volume as dimensional lumber, and the rest of it is chips. So we take those chips and turn them into pulp, which can go into products. In addition, during harvesting, there are a number of trees a sawmiller can’t do anything with, be it due to rot, or shape or size or what have you. And we will also chip those whole.”
He said an integrated forest economy needs both milling and pulp production, and they’re very symbiotic.
As for the mill at Prince Albert, he said it started up in 1968, and then in 1981, was taken over by the Government of Saskatchewan. Weyerhauser came in in 1986 and
purchased the mill, built and started up the paper machine a few years later. In 1992, Meadow Lake mechanical pulp started up. Then in 2006, the Prince Albert mill shut down. Domtar entered the scene in 2007 and purchased the mill, but it remained down. “Paper Excellence came in and purchased the Prince Albert mill, and really, the plan at that time was to make dissolving pulp,” Del Monte said.
That’s more of a chemical feedstock, and goes into the production of rayon, as opposed to paper. But in 2014, China imposed duties on the importation of that product from Canada. “And that basically killed the project,” Del Monte said.
In 2021, a non-compete clause on the production of pulp for paper grades expired. “We confirmed our fiber allocation from the Government of Saskatchewan, and so now we can continue our engineering work,” he said. “Right now, we’re looking at our next phase. Our next major milestone is securing our environmental permits, and we are in discussions with the Ministry of Environment.”
He said their commitment to government is to start construction by the second quarter of 2022, with a goal of making saleable pulp by the end of 2023.
The company is looking at 220 to 250 direct mill jobs at the site. “But the real big employment is really the indirect, and induced, employment,” Del Monte said, “And a lot of that really comes from the fiber supply, both in terms of harvesting and trucking.”
Partnerships and suppliers
“What we’ve learned, as an industry, is our business relies on being on the landbase, and therefore, Indigenous partnerships are critical to our success.”
When the mills is operating they’re going to need key inputs like commodity chemicals. They use a lot of oxygen, for instance. Other chemicals are used for bleaching the pulp. Another process is caustic. They use sodium hydroxide, chlorine dioxide, lime rock and quick lime, all material that’s trucked or railed in.
Specialty chemicals are brought in on totes.
Del Monte said, “In terms of energy, we burn natural gas in our kiln, and maybe some propane for igniters and such. On the electricity side, our design will be a net exporter of electricity. So we will be generating more electricity than we will consume at the plant.
“The overall load will be in the order of 30 to 35 megawatts, and we will produce on the order of 50 to 60 megawatts, basically through the incineration of biomass on the site and then through steam turbines. Some of that steam will get extracted for processes. He noted on the maintenance services side, they will run pressure vessels, and boilers, so they will need boiler inspection and repairs. Non-destructive testing will also be required. The lime kilns require brick and refractory work.
There will be a need for heavy duty equipment at the yard. Electric motor rebuilds will be common, as will the need for vacuum truck and high-pressure cleaning. It will be a 24/7 operation, with a planned outage usually in April, during breakup.
Brian Zinchuk is editor and owner of Pipeline Online and can be reached at brian. zinchuk@pipelineonline.ca
PHOTO COURTESY PAPER EXCELLENCE