The Kerrobert Library is extending its heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth, Blayre, Everly, and Harper for using a school project to support the local library.
The students went above and beyond, securing prizes, creating baskets, and selling tickets to raise funds. They organized a reverse draw at the town office, carefully dividing the number of tickets sold by the number of baskets and drawing that number of tickets for each winner.
“Thanks to their efforts, we’re looking forward to adding a little extra fun to the library in the coming months,” the library said. “Elizabeth, Blayre, Everly, and Harper — your hard work and community spirit have truly made a difference.”
Their efforts paid off in a big way. The fundraiser raised $1,117, which the girls generously donated to the library. They also shared ideas for how the funds could be used, and library staff plan to put as many of those ideas into action as possible.
MULTIPART FORMS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
list of all vendors and locations and Enter to Win a Door Prize! Fill the card by visiting each vendor. Black Out cards will be entered for the BIG PRIZE!
Christmas Light Parade Starts at 7 PM
Route: AGT Community Complex, Heritage Manor, Main St., Jubilee Lodge, Kay Lane, Museum, Main St.
BY HELENKA BERNARD
Every year I wait...
I go through the murky, almost sad winter days that lead up to that first breathtaking winter day — the day when the frost brings its awe-inspiring views. In a world filled with so many fake and artificial creations, I cannot help but stop and take it in — shaky, cold fingers — but oh man, is she a beauty. The hoar frost has brought the moments that make you go, “Ahhh, it’s here — the winter!”
As I pause there, taking in the marvel of what we get to experience — unique frost patterns shaped on obscure objects, the almost “monochromatic” look — I realize how little we are. We as humans tend to think we are quite something, you know, something to be appreciated. Until you see it: the beauty in a microscopic pattern of frost and a snowflake. Your world gets turned into a black-and-white film, where the little flakes are the grain — tiny flakes of moments that move through time, almost like the sand in an hourglass.
I stand for a second and see everything frozen in time, tucked in for the winter. No wonder it’s called “hoar frost.” What better way to describe this moment in time, where the cold turns grey and old, as in old age. We should treat the grey, crystallized pieces with the same respect and dignity as our elders. The grey “old age hoar” does not just happen. If you slow down, slowly it forms from the water droplets in the air, and this breathtaking frost happens. Tiny lines, signs of experience and growth — it’s all the same really — the feathery coating of ice crystals resembling a beard with fine, aged hair.
I wonder, will I appreciate this when I am withered, old, slow, paused in time like this frost? Will I blow away when a breeze passes through town, and just melt on the next truck warming up?
The wait is over, and the beauty we call winter has arrived. Let’s take the moments — let’s take the second — to breathe it all in. Then climb into the warm, heated-seat truck waiting in the middle of the road as you stand there looking at the world!
PHOTOS BY HELENKA BERNARD
Former Westcliffe student, an esteemed member of Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
BY JOAN JANZEN
The Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 celebration took place Nov. 20 at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Karen Dommett (née Finley) was chosen as one of the young Calgarians whose excellence inspires others and whose pursuits continue to make Calgary a world-class city. The 36-year-old leader has roots right here in rural Saskatchewan, growing up near the community of Marengo.
As a major sports event executive, Karen has been instrumental in portraying Calgary as a host city for athletes with disabilities. Her passion began as a student at Westcliffe School in Marengo.
“While attending school in Marengo, inclusion was just part of how we grew up,” Karen said. “Looking back, I have no doubt that the parents and families of my peers with disabilities must have worked so hard and advocated to achieve the environment we grew up in. It wasn’t until I was working in spaces where folks lacked accessibility and disability inclusion that I came to realize how fortunate I was to have been raised in that environment, where a sense of belonging was instilled in all of us, regardless of ability or disability.”
Her work in disability sport advocacy was born out of her role as manager of athlete services in the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer. “The Canada Games model is a fully integrated system where generic sport, para sport, and Special Olympics sport are all integrated into the same event,” she explained. In this role, she continuously faced situations that lacked accessibility and awareness but was able to help change perceptions of people with disabilities by making improvements.
“A team of five local Special Olympics athletes were
hired as part of our staff team to ensure everything we planned and executed was delivered with input and guidance from the athletes themselves,” she noted.
Following the 2019 Canada Winter Games, she became the founding director of the Calgary Adapted Hub, working with organizations to create access to sports and recreation for young people with disabilities.
During the pandemic, the Autism & Asperger Friendship Society was looking for volunteer coaches to support their virtual boxing program.
“It was something I was able to support at that time,” she said. “In my teens, there was a small group of us from Marengo that boxed competitively with the Diamondback Boxing Club in Acadia Valley. So it was a familiar space for me to be in and a fun opportunity.”
Now she is a leader in large sporting events, where she procures transportation, accommodation, and services for people with disabilities. Karen was general manager of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary, which hosted 1,200 athletes. This required Karen to train 1,600 volunteers.
This year, she was team manager for Special Olympics Team Canada at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. “Getting to watch a group of 134 athletes and coaches represent our country on the world stage was an experience I will cherish forever,” she said.
Next year, Karen is designated as executive director of the 2026 Grey Cup in Calgary. “We can’t wait to welcome all of Canada to partake in the week-long festivities from Nov. 8–15, 2026,” she said. “Especially those who don the green and white!”
Fans from Marengo and the surrounding area extend their congratulations to Karen and cheer her on as she builds spaces where everyone feels a sense of true belonging.
Karen Dommett (née Finley) from Calgary is an esteemed member of the Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. The 36-year-old major sports event executive has roots in rural Saskatchewan, where she once attended Westcliffe Composite School in Marengo. SUBMITTED
Leader’s Little Flour Bakers are learning how to share
BY JOAN JANZEN
The parish at Little Flower Catholic Church in Leader has been incorporating a variety of activities during the children’s weekly Catechism lessons as they prepare for their First Holy Communion. Children aged 5–13 get together once a week for their lessons, but once a month they participate in fun activities.
The “Little Flour Bakers” began when one of the parents wanted to bake with the children. Beth Heatcoat includes a faith-based recipe for the children to make and also sends home a copy of the recipe. During their most recent bout in the kitchen, a group of 23 kids whipped up dozens of ginger snaps.
The lesson of the day incorporated the ingredients used in the recipe. Molasses represented ‘love,’ thick, dark and rich. Ginger illustrated ‘hope,’ with a warm little kick that wakes us up and helps us see God at work even when things feel difficult. Cinnamon represented ‘peace,’ cozy and comforting. And cloves were like ‘joy,’ with their bright, bold smell reminding the children of the good news of Jesus’ birth.
“In one hour there were cookies on the table and most of the clean-up was done,” coordinator Jen Dietrich explained. “We have also made cinnamon buns, cookies, muffins, brownies and apple crisp.”
The best part for the kids is that they get to sample their baking when they’re done, but their yummy creations are also given to people who will be alone at Christmas.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this with-
out the help of our parishioners’ gifts, talents and parents’ support,” Jen added.
During their monthly get-together, the youngsters also practice singing as the “Children of Light” choir as they prepare for the Sandhills Music Festival, led by Karri Wagman.
Art became the focus during a get-together when Haeyoung Song helped the kids make a stained-glass picture to decorate their church for Christmas.
Meanwhile, Connie Sitter, Dale McIlmoyl, Taylor Taillon, Marcia Huber, Jen Dietrich and Father Prince Sarpong work together to prepare the weekly Catechism classes. The Little Flower parish continues to invest their time, resources and love in their children, helping them have fun while learning how to live and give to others.
Santa’s Huts are popping up everywhere!
BY JOAN JANZEN
Did you know this is the 30th year Santa’s Hut has been stopping at communities in our area? The first Santa’s Hut event took place in 1993 and has continued throughout most of the succeeding years. This year, the West Central Crisis Centre is preparing to take Santa’s Hut on another tour of west-central Saskatchewan. The community of Marengo kicked off the season by holding their Santa’s Hut on December 2 at Westcliffe School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Just a few days later, on December 6, kids in Coleville will do their shopping at Santa’s Hut at Roseville School from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a holiday tradition that lets children experience the joy of giving.
On December 10, the community of Eston will hold their Santa’s Hut at the AGT Centre. Preschool and kindergarten-aged children will shop for their moms, dads, grandparents, and siblings from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Older children (up to Grade 6) will do their shopping from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Santa’s helpers in Eatonia are planning their Santa’s Hut during the town’s Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 13, at the Eatonia Community Hall. Kids ages 14 and under are invited to the hall from 2 to 4 p.m. to purchase family gifts affordably priced from $1 to $10.
Kindersley’s Santa’s Hut is scheduled for December 16 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Kindersley Mall. All donations are greatly appreciated; however, gifts for teens, ladies, and men are often in short supply.
Everyone is invited to spread the joy and have some fun by contributing a monetary donation, donating new gifts, volunteering as a Santa’s helper at a Santa’s Hut near you, or bringing your kids and grandkids for a fun shopping experience. Volunteers will need to submit an RCMP Vulnerable Sector Record Check, which is available at no cost.
Proceeds from Santa’s Hut help support local families through the Crisis Centre while giving kids the opportunity to choose new gifts at a minimal cost to give to their family and friends.
Little Flour Bakers were baking a batch of cookies in the church’s kitchen as part of their Catechism lessons. SUBMITTED
Kids in Kindersley, Marengo, Coleville, Eatonia, and Eston can experience the joy of giving to their family and friends, thanks to the holiday tradition of Santa’s Hut, which is popping up in their communities throughout December.
FILE PHOTO
A wise prescription for a long and healthy life
We’re in the Christmas season when Santa letters are being sent off to the North Pole. Here’s a sample: “Dear Santa. All I want is a fat bank account and a skinny body. Please don’t mix it up again like last year!”
Most of us want a skinny body along with a long and healthy life. My family recently celebrated my father-in-law’s 90th birthday. Just five years ago, we came to visit him and found him high up in a tree cutting off dead branches. Five years later, he’s no longer climbing trees but remains in pretty good health.
and helps you fall back to sleep when you wake up during the night,” he advised.
Dr. Dhand chimed in, saying, “Turmeric is my number one supplement. You will never see the research published about its very potent anti-inflammation and antioxidant effects. Turmeric in food is good, but there’s evidence when you heat these compounds up, the effects are lessened,” which is why he takes a couple of capsules every day.
Dr. Suneel Dhand and two of his friends spoke on a podcast about the supplements they personally use to maintain good health. Dr. Peter, a cardiologist, said magnesium is really good for your cardiac health. “Most people who have arrhythmias are often magnesium deficient,” he noted.
Magnesium also helps reduce muscle spasms, along with performing a simple daily exercise of stretching the muscles in your calves.
The three doctors agreed on the importance of sufficient sleep. Dr. Ben said a lot of medications used for sleep result in groggy after-effects. Instead, he recommended melatonin, a natural chemical that’s made in your body. By taking a melatonin supplement, you’re giving your body more of what it already produces. “It helps you fall asleep faster
Dr. Ben said, “People frown upon these supplements but at the same time hand out Advil and Tylenol like candy, which, if taken in larger amounts, can cause harm. Tylenol can cause damage to your liver. Advil, taken in larger amounts, can cause stomach ulcers, gastritis, and bleeding.”
While seeing patients, Dr. Dhand said he regularly sees people who were very healthy for a long time, then come in with a condition and admit they are under a great deal of stress. “Stress does devastating things to the body, and it suppresses immunity,” he observed.
It’s easier said than done, but he recommends going for a walk, watching a comedy show, exercising, taking time to meditate and pray, or spending time with family and friends. Whatever works for you to help reduce stress quickly and regularly is vitally import-
ant.
When it comes to weight loss, someone recently told me they’ve talked to a number of acquaintances who lost a noticeable amount of weight. He asked how they did it, and was told they started taking a drug called Ozempic. Coincidentally, on a recent podcast, Dr. Suneel Dhand said he was seeing the same thing.
He asked his patients what they were doing to lose weight, and they answered, “My doctor mentioned Ozempic. I’ve been on the shot for a few months.”
As a doctor who focuses on natural health and wellness, he said he shakes his head at how upside down the world has become. The modern-day mindset has been fooled into thinking a quick fix is best, but it comes at a high cost. The price is paid by the human body.
Although the drug will cause people to lose weight, they’ll also lose muscle mass because muscle tissue vanishes faster than fat, the doctor observed. He said, on the outside, people’s physical appearance will begin looking weak,
frail, and faces looking deflated.
Meanwhile, on the inside, their metabolism slows, nutrient absorption fails, and side effects begin to manifest. He said new risks keep emerging: digestive issues, rebound weight gain, mood changes, pancreatic and thyroid issues. “You can’t manipulate biology without consequence,” he said. “It’s an injection that effectively paralyzes the stomach.”
Instead, Dr. Dhand suggested downloading the app MyFitnessPal, which tracks the calories of everything you drink and have eaten. “Most people are dramatically undercounting the calories they consume,” he advised.
Next, he asks people to find out how many calories they are burning daily.
“You need a 500-calorie deficit every single day,” he said. “It’s impossible to consistently run at a calorie deficit and not lose weight.”
“Society is selling the illusion of effort-free health, and millions are buying it,” he said, adding his frustration with pharmaceutical solutions for lifestyle diseases that never address the root cause.
Generations before us have proven you can’t cheat your way to success in health, education, or relationships. Real, lasting change requires discipline, consistency, and effort, Dr. Dhand said.
“The goal isn’t to reject all medicine. It’s to practice wise medicine: thoughtful, individualized, and rooted in both science and humanity,” he concluded. It’s a wise prescription for a long and healthy life.
Kerrobert
Kindersley.law@sasktel.net
DRY CLEANING
As humble as American pie
Lately, America’s cultural heroes are bumping up the “greatest ever” language about itself. Apparently the whole world, not just America, is blessed by its national documents and decisions. And while I’m not suggesting they could be “nice” like us, a bit of humility wouldn’t hurt.
By Madonna Hamel
In 2018, columnist Jack Holmes wrote, “Few things are more quintessentially Trumpian than using superlatives. It is an obsession.” He’s claimed to be “the greatest job creator” and “the greatest president that God ever created,” and, hell, “the world’s greatest person.”
But the “best ever” obsession isn’t his alone; it’s a national obsession. And a compulsion. And it won’t be reined in, even — especially, it seems — when the evidence is to the contrary.
Promoters of American culture have long been feeding their fellow citizens, and the rest of us also-rans, the story that they are “the greatest nation in the world,” the place “where everybody wants to live,” “where nobody gets left behind.” If you haven’t watched Jeff Daniels playing a newsman in a YouTube clip from the series The Newsroom explaining why America isn’t the greatest nation in the world, you may want to, just to hear him rattle off the latest stats.
According to a recent report by the health-equity Commonwealth Fund in the States: “The U.S. has higher rates of preventable deaths and lower life expectancy than peer nations.” And according to the 2025 U.S. News Best Countries to Live report: “The U.S. has the fifth-highest incarceration rate globally at 541 per 100,000 people, just behind countries like El Salvador, Cuba, Rwanda, and Turkmenistan. The U.S. incarceration rate is significantly higher than other independent democracies.” And it’s ranked 35th in the overall 2024 Environmental Performance Index, which scores countries on environmental issues. And as for prosperity, to paraphrase Jeff Daniels’ character: where once America fought a war on poverty, it’s now fighting a war on the poor.
Every addict’s drug of choice is: more. Recovered addicts will tell you that one way to spot an addict is by their use of all-or-nothing, always-and-never, nobody-and-everybody talk.
Most addicts don’t recover from their obsessions and compulsions until they “hit bottom,” fall to their knees, and get humbled by a crisis that often has to happen. In 12-step rooms you’ll hear “getting humble” referred to as “getting right-sized and teachable.” But in America, it seems, when humiliations happen, the boasting just gets bigger and bigger — and on both sides of the aisle and the culture wars.
Ken Burns, in promoting his new documentary on the American Revolution, calls it “the most important thing to happen in human history since the birth of Christ.” And author Walter Isaacson named his recent
book on the American Declaration of Independence “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.”
The splashy talk gets attention, but it also adds to the “society as spectacle” ersatz reality that Marxist cultural theorist Guy Debord warned about in 1967, and Christian cultural critic Chris Hedges wrote about 42 years later in Empire of Illusion, where he describes American politics as resembling the Wide World of Wrestling.
Stubborn insistence on seeing oneself or one’s country as the “best ever” is the worst kind of blindness. It’s a myopic vision that can, in turn, support the kind of unfettered growth required for becoming and staying No. 1 — the kind that will force the wrong peg into the wrong hole until the whole effort crashes, and the whole structure crumbles.
My problem with “the greatest sentence ever written” is the phrase “the pursuit of happiness.” It is one thing to believe one has the right to happiness. It is another to make “pursuit” the focus of the enterprise. “Pursuit” conjures images of dangling carrots, of thirsts never quenched, of short-lived pleasures requiring newer, faster, bigger pleasures to replace them.
Addiction is as much about pursuit as acquisition. In fact, when it comes to sex and food addiction, neurologists say that anticipation and pursuit of the desired object are where the biggest hit comes from. And once the chase is over there is only emptiness (in terms of bank account and relationships), so the pursuit begins again. It’s how the brain is wired. And greed and gambling work the same way — they’re more about getting the money — at any cost — than having it.
Sometimes America seems like a country in hot pursuit of its fantasy self, which is a nation that is welcoming to all, yet at the same time proud of its “rugged” hyper-individualism. But you can’t be both. You are either a community that says, “Everyone is welcome, everyone belongs,” or you put all your energy into your right to achieve your singular, particular brand of happiness, at all costs and at anyone’s expense. You even have a right to be an addict, if that’s what makes you happy.
There’s a kind of sweaty, manic quality to the word “pursuit.” What would happen if you slowed things down a bit and replaced it with “process”? Process implies a journey, a pilgrimage, a sojourn. Pursuit implies a chase, a mad dash to the end and a belief that the payoff is what life is all about — product over process.
In fact, obsession with product is how AI became so appealing. The product is instant, the process invisible and non-participatory. Recently, Pope Leo beseeched AI technicians to slow down and use “moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work.” Tech mogul Marc Andreessen ridiculed the pope for his remarks and was promptly criticized by techs and non-techs alike. So, perhaps, the pope will be the sobering presence his fellow Americans need.
Wait a minute! That’s it — “Presence.” Instead of “pursuit” of happiness, how about: the “presence” of happiness? Be present to the simple pleasures surrounding you now, and save the “best ever” praise for mom’s turkey stuffing or your kid’s 100th dinosaur drawing, where hyperbole belongs.
HOW MANY KIDS CAN FIT ON A HORSE? Back in the day, a popular photo op was seeing just that. In this image from Memoirs of Mariposa, Sam Patchell holds the reins while Shirley and Ross Patchell, along with Margaret, Elvin and Elmer Hawthorne, show that five children can sit on a single horse. Meanwhile, Ben Hawthorne steadies the horse by holding its tail, possibly keeping the fifth child from sliding off.
Pop89
Just a gal from Glidden
White Christmases, like the ones I used to know
BY KATE WINQUIST
I always feel a little melancholy at this time of year. I could blame it on the colder weather, I suppose, but the truth is simpler: I find myself dreaming of a White Christmas — the kind Bing Crosby sang about, the kind I used to know. My fondest memories are rooted in the farm at Glidden, where Christmas always arrived wrapped in snow. I’m the youngest of six, and I can’t recall a single holiday without at least a dusting of white on the ground. Dad would plow the yard into towering drifts, and I’d be itching to bundle up, grab my bright red Super Saucer, and fly down the big hill. My sister Carrie and I would build snow forts, and when the older siblings came home, we’d play Fox and Geese until our cheeks were numb. Dad even made a mini skating rink on the garden spot. Mom wouldn’t allow us to have a skidoo, but we could all fit into a stainless steel tub and be pulled behind the tractor! Go figure… like that wasn’t dangerous at all.
Inside, the house always looked ready for Christmas. Reindeer lined the archway into the living room. The manger sat proudly atop the piano. Christmas cards filled the walls — and I sometimes wonder if people even send cards anymore. Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Doug would make the drive from Elrose for Christmas dinner and games. Some-
times Aunt Peg and Uncle Dave arrived from Eatonia. We’d gather around the table for endless rounds of Hearts, Kaiser, or Stop the Bus. There might even be a crokinole tournament — though why we bothered, I’ll never know, since no one could ever beat Dad. And then there were rounds of Parchesi or Trivial Pursuit, where Mom’s mastery of literature and history left the rest of us shaking our heads.
Music filled the house too. We had a well-loved collection of Christmas records — my favourite was Jim Henson and the Muppets — but the real highlight was listening to my sisters play duets on the piano. Whoever felt brave enough would sing along. We always made time to watch Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, a tradition that has since carried on to the next generation. And the food — there was never a shortage of that. We’d wake early for stockings and gifts (youngest to oldest, of course), then tuck into homemade egg McMuffins or, in later years, The Wife Saver, prepared the night before and baked in the morning. For the rest of the day, we grazed on cookies and chocolates. My sister Kristine made homemade peppermint patties, and my brother Garth devoted hours to delicate hand-dipped chocolates and his famous antipasto. There was homemade Poppycock, Nuts & Bolts, and Grandpa’s brown sugar fudge. And then there was
Grandma’s pudding and that unforgettable sauce — cooked all day in a double boiler, rich enough to stop your heart and warm your soul. The pudding itself was “fine,” but the sauce was legendary. Of course, extra people meant only one bathroom to share, and sleeping space was a creative endeavour. More than once, I found myself tucked in beside a sister or relegated to the pullout cot in the rumpus room. Life felt so much simpler then.
Grandma and Grandpa have been gone for many years. Uncle Doug passed away in 2019. It’s been 15 years since we lost Dad — November 30, 2010 — and almost a year since Mom passed, on December 11. Perhaps that explains the ache I feel now. Still, when I hear Bing Crosby croon White Christmas, I can close my eyes and find myself back on that snow-covered farm, surrounded by family, love, and all the Christmases I used to know.
My Uncle Doug and I playing a game of “Booby Trap”
Would McKenna spark a Flames’ revival?
Should the Calgary Flames be gaggin’ for Gavin?
The big prize in next summer’s National Hockey League amateur draft is expected to be Gavin McKenna, the pride of Whitehorse, Yukon, a former Medicine Hat Tiger superstar and currently a high-profile winger with Penn State, a National Collegiate Athletic Association hockey power.
Sports By Bruce Penton
Next year, when he’s 18, he’s probably going to be a member of an NHL team, with McDavid- and Bedard-like expectations. Flames’ fans hope he’ll be wearing the flaming ‘C’ when he steps onto an NHL ice surface.
Thanks to the draft’s lottery system, having the league’s worst record is no guarantee of picking No 1. But it certainly enhances the opportunity, and the Flames, currently languishing near the bottom of the 32-team NHL, may as well try to manoeuvre those odds in their favour. How? By losing as much as possible.
Drafting a franchise cornerstone like McKenna could be the beginning of a Flames’ turnaround. They are not only among the worst teams in the league, but also one of the oldest. Four offensive leaders, Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman, are all on the wrong side of
30. Their team logo should be a rocking chair, not a flaming ‘C’
A total rebuild is in order. A few younger pieces are already in place, such as goalies Devin Cooley and Dustin Wolf, who was a rookie-of-the-year finalist last season, Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, Morgan Frost, Joel Farrabee and recent draft picks Zayne Parekh and Sam Honzek. Adding a star like McKenna and dispatching some of the aging deadwood via trades for younger players or draft picks would go a long way to righting the Flames ship.
Tearing down and rebuilding has worked for other teams. The Oilers lucked out by getting McDavid in 2015 and they’ve been a Stanley Cup finalist two years in a row. Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, after years in the doldrums, are now contenders after selecting Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, respectively. Anaheim Ducks are one of the big surprises of the current NHL season thanks to some astute drafting of players such as Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish and Jackson Lacombe. Montreal Canadiens are another example of a team that put its fans through years of suffering before building a young, solid roster through the draft. Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky all
THE ROTARY CLUB OF KINDERSLEY
would like to Thank All the Businesses and Individuals who helped make our FOOD AND WINE PAIRING EVENT an unforgettable experience!
Longhorn Oil & Gas
Bear Hills Media Group
Great Plains College
Good to Go Trucking
Synergy Credit Union
Tisdales Sales & Service
Edge Realty
Kee Sheet Metal
NAPA Auto Parts
Guys Furniture
Simplot
Kindersley Co-op
Pro Plus Rentals
Integra Tire
Dr. Lonnie Brooks
Garden Gallery
Tint Doctor
E&G Welding
Castle Building Centre
Mainline Motors
Skin Restore Studio
Susan Osness
Supreme Source for Sports
Energy Dodge
Get a Grip Tire
Harmonic Egg
The Crafted Hand
Kyote Energy
The Kindersley Inn
Double Barrel Vape Shop
JorAnn Safety
Prairie Cresting
CHBB Accounting
K-Town Travel
LaBelle Boutique
Luk Plumbing & Heating
Save On Foods
Royal Bank of Canada
Jst Inked
Prairie Rose Floral & Gifts
Family Foods
Kelly Insurance
Wild West Weed
Camerons Clothing Co.
Lela’s Music Center
Willow Grove Pharmacy
Hub International
Merici Nails
Elizabeth Middle School SCC
KCS Interact Club
came through the draft, as did captain Nick Suzuki, who was picked in the first round by Vegas but abruptly traded to Montreal in the Max Pacioretty deal.
Being bad and drafting high doesn’t work for everyone. Buffalo Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2010-11, despite twice having the No. 1 pick in the draft — Rasmus Dahlin in 2018 and Owen Power in 2021. They also got Jack Eichel at No. 2 after McDavid in 2015.
The Sabres situation proves there are no guarantees. But a rebuild has to start somewhere, so keep losing Calgary and hope those draft lottery ping pong balls bounce in your favour.
• Norman Chad, with another comment overheard from a competitor at the Westminster Dog Show: “By the way, you all eat at least three times a day and feed us just twice a day — what’s up with that?”
• fark.com headline: “The glorious mullet returns for a 38th season of professional hockey.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Best line of the week about the NBA’s new convoluted, confusing ‘international’ format came from Orlando radio guru Marc Daniels: ‘I’d rather watch Chauncey Billups hosting a poker game.’”
• Another one from Bianchi: “I’m not saying the NBA’s new All-Star Game format is stupid, but even the Pro Bowl is sending its thoughts and prayers!”
• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, on the Maple Leafs’ woes: “On Saturday, they played a statement game in Chicago. Their statements was, ‘Is it bedtime yet?’”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald: “Miami Dolphins have won three of their past four to climb to 4-7 and are a slight betting favourite to also win the bye week.”
• Greg Cote again, on a preview of the recent Seahawks-Titans game: “This is NFL version of a hungry lion vs. a limping hyena in the wild.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime, got married after the U.S. Open. His wife, Nina, was game, Felix was set, and now they’re a match.”
• Another one from Currie: “I won’t say Riders’ QB Trevor Harris, 39, is old. But add five more years, and he’d be almost as old as the Kars4Kids commercial.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “Detroit Lions Rookie Asks For Thanksgiving Off”
• Another fark.com headline: “So, which one was a more painful experience for Bill Belichick? North Carolina losing to Wake Forest or attending his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition?”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
INTENT: Bylaw No. 2-2025 is a proposed amendment in order to allow for more commercial development variety within the RM.
Bylaw No. 2-2025 is to introduce Horizonal and Vertical Integration into the Zoning Bylaw to allow for more than one Principal Use to be on a parcel in cases determined as appropriate by Council. Additionally, adding in Complementary Commercial Uses as land use and a Discretionary Use in the C1 District. Finally, amendment to definition to reflect above changes via Complementary Commercial Uses, and Horizontal and Vertical Integration.
AFFECTED LAND: All lands within the RM of Winslow will be affected by this amendment.
REASON: Bylaw No. 2-2025 is amended to introduce the ability for the RM to allow more commercial developments should they meet established requirements for horizontal or vertical integration.
Bylaw No. 2-2025 is amended to introduce Horizonal and Vertical Integration into the Zoning Bylaw to allow for more than one Principal Use to be on a parcel in cases determined as appropriate by Council. To allow for a maximum of two (2) Complementary Commercial Uses to permitted on a site. Additionally, adding in Complementary Commercial Uses as a Discretionary Use in the C1 District. Finally, amendment to definition to reflect above changes and clarify these items to allow for Council to determine when these uses are appropriate and beneficial to the RM.
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RM Office during regular business hours, excluding statutory holidays. Hard copies will be available to the public at a cost at the RM Office. Digital copies can be obtained by contacting the Administrator (administrator@rmofwinslow.ca; 306-356-2106).
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing at 10:15 pm on December 10th, 2025, in the RM office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Public may attend meetings via teleconference or in person. If you wish to attend the meeting via teleconference, please contact the RM administrator, Regan MacDonald, at administrator@rmofwinslow.ca requesting a meeting link invitation. Council will also consider written comments received on or before December 8th, 2025, by the undersigned at the RM office by hardcopy or email before the hearing. The RM office is located at 135 2 Ave, Dodsland, SK S0L 0V0. The RM Office contact information: administrator@rmofwinslow.ca; 306-356-2106.
Issued by the Rural Municipality of Winslow No. 319 this November 19th, 2025.
Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Winslow No. 319 (RM) intends to adopt one (1) bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007; Bylaw No. 2-2025 to amend Bylaw No. 9-2021 known as the Zoning Bylaw.
District Governor (DG) Page Newton visited the Leader Lions and Leader River Hills Lions Clubs on Monday, Nov. 24, to honour members for their years of service. She presented Lion Craig Tondevold and Lion Debbie Tondevold with 35-year chevrons for their decades of dedication to the Leader Lioness Club and Leader River Hills Lions Club, and Chris Huber with a 20year chevron for his service to the Leader Lions Club. The presentations highlight the ongoing commitment of local Lions members to serving their community.
Sask. RCMP report spike in fatal collisions, Maple Creek crash under investigation
BY KATE WINQUIST
Saskatchewan RCMP are reporting a sharp increase in fatal motor-vehicle collisions this month, with seven deaths occurring in just the past week.
From Nov. 1 to Nov. 25, 2025, RCMP officers responded to 11 fatal collisions on provincial roads, resulting in 11 deaths. This represents a 175 per cent increase in the number of fatal collisions and a 37.5 per cent rise in fatalities compared with the same period in 2024, when four fatal collisions claimed eight lives.
Seven of the collisions occurred within the last seven days. So far this year, from Jan. 1 to Nov. 25, Saskatchewan RCMP have attended 89 fatal collisions that have claimed 94 lives — an increase of 32.8 per cent in collisions and 23.7 per cent in fatalities over the same period in 2024.
Staff-Sergeant Jason Sauve of RCMP Traffic Services emphasized that most fatalities continue to involve four key factors: seatbelt use, speed, impairment by drugs or alcohol, and distraction. “We keep repeating the same road safety messages because we see the role played by
these factors every time we attend a scene,” Sauve said. “If us repeating safety messages can prevent even one fatal collision, we will continue to share them.”
He urged drivers to always wear a seatbelt, pay attention to their surroundings, avoid speeding, and never drive impaired.
In a separate investigation, Maple Creek RCMP are looking into a fatal collision that occurred on Nov. 24 at approximately 10:15 a.m. at the intersection of two grid roads in the RM of Reno. Two pickup trucks collided at the intersection, resulting in the death of a 71-year-old Maple Creek man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the same vehicle and the driver of the other truck were both taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Maple Creek RCMP continue to investigate the collision with assistance from a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
RCMP note that their statistics exclude fatal collisions on private property, outside their jurisdiction, off-road crashes, or collisions caused by medical emergencies.
PHOTOS LEADER LIONS CLUB
RCMP REPORT: Unity, Wilkie, Macklin see traffic, assault and investigation calls
UNITY
RCMP in Unity responded to a range of incidents last week. Officers spoke with a subject following a trespassing complaint and investigated a report of an individual attempting to open a residence door, but there was insufficient evidence to proceed. A complaint of identity fraud was found to be unfounded.
During a traffic stop, a 37-year-old man from the Rural Municipality of Corman Park was charged with operation while prohibited. RCMP are also investigating complaints of sexual assault, a motor vehicle collision involving a fence, and an individual urinating in a park. Another report involved a vehicle colliding with a residence garbage bin but could not be pursued due to lack of evidence. Officers also responded to one traffic complaint.
WILKIE
In Wilkie, police investigated a lost phone report and a theft complaint that remains under investigation. A 31-year-old local woman was charged with assault and failing to comply with an undertaking condition following a dispute. Officers assisted Emergency Medical Services with a patient and responded to a trespassing complaint, transporting the subject to Battlefords Union Hospital for assessment.
RCMP also acted on a Mental Health Act complaint, taking the individual to hospital for evaluation.
A complaint of uttering threats was reported, but the complainant chose not to proceed. A 46-year-old man from Major was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle. Police also attended one traffic complaint.
MACKLIN
RCMP in Macklin conducted a wellbeing check at an employer’s request and responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle, which was referred to the property owner for towing. An assault complaint was found to be unfounded. Officers assisted an individual in locating a local tow service and attended the sudden death of a 91-year-old man, which was deemed non-suspicious. Police also responded to a medical distress call, with the individual transported by EMS to Provost Hospital.
Anyone with information about crimes in the Unity, Wilkie, or Macklin areas is urged to contact the Unity RCMP at (306) 228-6300, the Wilkie RCMP at (306) 843-3480, or the Macklin RCMP at (306) 753-2171. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or *8477 via SaskTel Mobility. Crime Stoppers offers up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of suspects in serious crimes. Tips can also be submitted online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
BRAVE LITTLE STUFFIES! Children show off the friends they left for a ‘stuffie sleepover’ at the Kindersley Library on Thursday, Nov. 27. After story time, book browsing and name-tag making, the kids went home while their stuffed companions spent the night at the library. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Posting Date December 1, 2025
1. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features a French bulldog named Stella?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Algeria?
3. MUSIC: Which famous song starts with the line, “I read the news today, oh boy ...”?
4. MOVIES: Who wrote “Hedwig’s Theme,” the main music in the Harry Potter movies?
5. FOOD & DRINK: What is the origin of popcorn?
6. HISTORY: Where was Napoleon Bonaparte exiled to after his defeat in 1815?
7. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “The Sound and the Fury”?
8. ANATOMY: What are the smallest blood vessels called?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In what year did the international version of TikTok launch?
1. “Modern Family”; 2. Algiers; 3. “A Day in the Life,” The Beatles; 4. Composer John Williams; 5. Indigenous people in the Americas mastered the art of popping corn;
6. The remote island of St. Helena; 7. William Faulkner; 8. Capillaries; 9. 2017;
10. The pigment chlorophyll
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
CALGARY — Months in the making, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith may not only pave the way for a new pipeline(s) to the West Coast, but reset increasingly deteriorating federal-provincial relations more than 10 years.
The fate of the nation could be at stake, particularly for Alberta. If Carney failed to concede on most, if not all of the “Nine bad laws,” as Smith described them, he, and Smith, could end up overseeing the breakup of Canada.
The MOU lays out a number of cards in one of the highest stakes poker games in recent years, as failure on this front could dramatically strengthen the movement for Alberta to leave confederation. The cards that have been dealt, and the hands played, also have major implications for Saskatchewan as we take our place at the table.
The meat of the agreement addresses not only most of Alberta’s disgruntlement regarding federal energy regulation, but also offers the feds several carrots as well.
The agreement also has indirect impacts on Saskatchewan, not so much for an oil pipelines to the BC coast, but in electrical power generation, transmission and regulations. But in turn, it could also have implications for Saskatchewan oil flowing on other pipelines. More on that in a bit.
CCUS
Signed in Calgary on Nov. 27, the MOU intimately ties two major projects – a pipeline (or pipelines) to the coast to deliver bitumen, and the “Pathways Alliance Plus.” One will not happen without the other, meaning that for a pipeline to the coast to go ahead, so, too, must the major oilsands players commit to carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) via the Pathways Alliance. And without the coastal pipeline, CCUS is going nowhere.
Unit show for each tonne of CO2, roughly three barrels of oil can be produced. With the volumes of CO2 discussed of 10 to 12 million tonnes per year, that could lead to an incremental 82,000 to 99,000 barrels per day, if those metrics hold. That’s oil which will also, in turn, need more pipeline takeaway capacity.
That the Pathways Alliance Website makes no mention of “utilization” as of Nov. 27 means this is a dramatic new development. “Utilization” is not mentioned once in the October project fact sheet posted on the website.
However, what that fact sheet reveals is the depth of the oil-bearing Mannville Formation where Pathways envisions the CO2 injection to take place. For CO2 to function as a supercritical miscible fluid in the Weyburn Unit, for instance, it needs to go 1,000 metres deep. The Mannville is 300 to 450 metres deep in the Pathways injection area, according to the fact sheet. So there will likely be a major revision, now that “utilization” is at hand as per the MOU.
The agreement states Alberta and Canada commit to:
• Work cooperatively with the Pathways partner companies to develop and enter into a tri-lateral MOU on or before April 1, 2026 for a multi-phased approach to delivering a set of emissions savings projects (the “Phase 1 Pathways Projects”), focused predominantly on carbon capture and storage, solvent-based replacements or other actions taken by Pathways that reduce emissions intensity. The Phase 1 Pathways Projects will be built and commence operations in a staged manner between 2027 and 2040 to achieve committed emissions reductions at date-certain intervals. Canada and Alberta agree this tri-lateral MOU and the approval and commencement of the initial Phase 1 Pathways Projects will be a precondition to the commencement of the approved bitumen pipeline referred to in this MOU.
So that could mean just carbon capture and storage without the utilization, to start, and the utilization portion to be added later.
More pipeline capacity overall
And that “utilization” part is a big, big change. Up until this point, using carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery got no love from the federal Liberal government. Federal investment tax credits (ITC) could be attained for putting CO2 into the ground and leaving it there, i.e. carbon capture and storage, CCS, but without the “utilization.” But if you wanted to use it to produce more oil via enhanced oil recovery, like Saskatchewan’s Weyburn Unit or Midale Unit, no dice.
As a result, the Pathways Alliance project, up until now, spoke of simply CCS. It would capture CO2 emissions from the major oilsands players around Fort McMurray, and pipeline it down to the Cold Lake area for “storage,” with no economic benefit other than reducing CO2 emissions.
That changes with this agreement, which specially refers to “enhanced oil recovery.” The MOU states Canada commits to:
• Extend federal ITCs and other policy supports to encourage large scale CCUS investments, including Pathways and enhanced oil recovery in order to provide the certainty needed to attract large additional sources of domestic and foreign capital.
• Work collaboratively with Alberta to design policy supports that enable deployment of nuclear technology, CCUS and energy storage to enable decarbonization of the electricity system, while ensuring its reliability and affordability.
Those commitments, in turn mean that all those millions of tonnes of CO2 to be captured and pumped into a depleted oilfield (like the Weyburn Unit) can soon be used to produce much more oil. Metrics at the Weyburn
The MOU speaks of a new pipeline to a deepwater port without any particular terminus named. The two most likely candidates are Prince Rupert or Kitimat (the original terminus for Enbridge’s defunct Northern Gateway project). With the new Coastal GasLink pipeline to Kitimat in the ground and operational, feeding LNG Canada, that provides one possible existing route to parallel. But increasingly Prince Rupert has been the subject of discussion. When Pipeline online spoke with Premier Scott Moe at a conference in Saskatoon in late July, Moe stressed the important of a pipeline to Prince Rupert as being Saskatchewan’s highest priority for a new export pipeline to tidewater. While Saskatchewan oil would not flow through that pipeline, the expanded capacity would make space on other pipelines, particularly the Enbridge Mainline, for possible expansion of Saskatchewan production.
And that would be key for this province, as Moe’s government has set a goal of expanding oil production from the current level around 450,000 barrels per day to 600,000 barrels per day by 2030. Moe personally has also spoken on numerous occasions of eventually hitting one million barrels per day. For that to happen, Saskatchewan would need takeaway capacity. And it the new bitumen pipeline to the coast adds a million barrels per day, and expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system increase another 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day (as referenced in the MOU), there should conceivably be room for more Saskatchewan oil in the
...Alberta-Canada pipeline
Enbridge Mainline.
Tanker Ban?
You can’t build a pipeline to the coast and ban the ships that are meant to take it away. Implementing a tanker ban off the northern BC coast was a prominent early action under then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He famously proclaiming that the Great Bear Rain Forest was “no place for a pipeline,” and implemented a ban on tankers hauling Canadian oil.
On this front, the MOU states:
• If an Alberta bitumen pipeline is ultimately approved under the Building Canada Act and provides opportunities for Indigenous co-ownership and shared economic benefits, Canada confirms that it will enable the export of bitumen from a strategic deep-water port to Asian markets, including if necessary through an appropriate adjustment to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.
Clean Electricity Regulations
Perhaps the largest implication for Saskatchewan is the MOU scrubbing the federal Clean Electricity Regulations, for Alberta at least. That’s the regulations that seek to eliminate fossil fuel-fired power generation by 2035, at least in their first iteration, as introduced by then-Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault in what was perhaps his crowning achievement. (Guilbeault resigned hours after the MOU was signed, indicating not only his displeasure, but the fact this MOU may indeed have serious teeth in reversing previous Liberal climate change and energy policies.)
Getting rid of fossil fuels any time soon would be problematic, as about 11 hours before the announcement, 97 per cent of Alberta’s power generation was coming from natural gas-fired power stations. The sun wasn’t shining at midnight, and wind power fell to 7 megawatts out of a nameplate capacity of 5,684 megawatts. That’s 0.12 per cent capacity.
The MOU states Canada commits to:
• Suspend immediately the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) in Alberta pending a new carbon pricing agreement, which includes the electricity sector, administered through Alberta’s TIER program to be negotiated by the parties on or before April 1, 2026. Upon completion of the new carbon pricing agreement and factoring all other measures to the satisfaction of both parties, Canada will place the CER in Alberta in abeyance.
Doing so for Alberta means that Saskatchewan, which brought in the Saskatchewan First Act specifically to fight the Clean Electricity Regulations, will certainly seek a similar carve out.
The CER, which, if implemented to their fullest extent on Nov. 26 would have meant 97 per cent of Alberta homes, businesses, factories and hospitals would have gone without power most of the night. So what does the MOU envision?
Numerous times it speaks of “Net Zero by 2050.” Just as Saskatchewan’s government in October committed to developing nuclear power generation, so, too, it appears does the Alberta government. The MOU states Alberta commits to:
• On or before January 1, 2027, collaborate with Canada to develop a nuclear generation strategy to build and operate competitive nuclear power generation that can serve the Alberta and inter-connected mar-
kets by 2050.
And this is where Saskatchewan comes in, as Alberta commits to:
• Collaborate with Canada to significantly increase the inter-tie transfer capability between the western provinces (with consideration to the northern regions) to build the low carbon generation and transmission grid that supports the growth of low intensity heavy oil, LNG, critical minerals, agriculture, data centres and CCUS industries for export growth and domestic use.
And
• Construction of large transmission interties with British Columbia and Saskatchewan to strengthen the ability of the western power markets to supply low carbon power to oil, LNG, critical minerals, agricultural, data centres and CCUS industries in support of their sustainability goals.
Currently the interconnection between Alberta and Saskatchewan is quite small – just 154 megawatts at maximum capacity. And there’s only one. That was problematic as the McNeill Station, just on the Alberta side of the border, north of Highway 1, was out of commission for most of the past year.
It’s also a rare type of intertie, as Saskatchewan and Alberta are on different regional interconnects – with different synchronization of their operating frequencies. They are the same frequency, but out of sync with each other. That’s a complicated way of saying the two grids don’t play nice with each other unless you do an AC/DC/AC conversion, which is what McNeill does.
So for Alberta to carry out its commitment to greatly expanded interties, Saskatchewan will have to play ball, with likely hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars expenditure on this side of the border.
But that, too, may work not only for Alberta, but Saskatchewan, as it considers its nuclear power generation future. One of the most difficult issues when considering large, 1,000 meagwatt-scale nuclear reactors like the Westinghouse AP1000 (actually 1,200 megawatts in capacity per unit) is the fact grids need backup capacity in case their largest unit goes down (which does indeed happen). While the expectation is for grids across North America will double in the coming decades, on a cold day in winter, we generally consumer 3,600 megawatts (and 2,700 in spring or fall). That means a singular AP1000 would account for one third of Saskatchewan’s power demand (based on current levels). The standard is for the largest generating unit to be no more than 10 per cent.
So increasing large scale interties with Alberta, much larger than the one under construction to the US at this moment near Estevan, could make nuclear power generation much more tenable for both provinces. And looking beyond outages, a much larger intertie(s) between the two provinces could provide Saskatchewan with the opportunity to sell excess power, including nuclear power, into the Alberta grid.
But for Alberta reach “net-zero greenhouse gas emis-
...Alberta-Canada pipeline
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
sions for the electricity sector by 2050,” as the MOU states, it would need to essentially replace nearly its entire natural gas-based power generation in 24 years, one month and three days. It would need to build at least eight AP1000s, based on current load and no growth for artificial intelligence, industry, population or adoption of electric vehicles. Indeed, the number of reactors would almost certainly need to be higher to achieve true “net zero.”
And if it does go whole hog into nuclear power generation to achieve net zero by 2050, it means that Alberta’s natural gas industry will lose much of its largest customers – those power plants – resulting in a dramatic curtailment of gas production. Until major oilsands projects paid out in recent years and royalties started coming in, Alberta’s most significant royalties had come from natural gas, not oil.
There is discussion of power generation to support artificial intelligence computing power. In a post on X, former Premier Jason Kenney took that as meaning “a shared commitment to harness Alberta’s enormous natural gas reserves to become a major centre for data processing, partly to support ‘sovereign artificial intelligence.” However, with statements in the MOU about net zero by 2050, that would be impossible to do with expansion or even continued operation of natural gasfired power generation into 2050.
Methane reductions
And that is another key point of the MOU – while it scraps the greenhouse gas emissions cap for oil and gas production – one of Smith’s “Nine bad laws” – it maintains and perhaps strengthens the commitment to a reduction of methane gas emissions. (this was one of Guilbeault’s key policies, announced just before Christmas, 2024.) The MOU states Alberta commits to:
• Enter into a methane equivalency agreement on or before April 1, 2026, with a 2035 target date and a 75% reduction target relative to 2014 emissions levels.
Carbon pricing
For its magnanimity on an oil pipeline, the Carney government gets something it really wants – a commitment from Alberta to maintain an industrial carbon tax, and even increase it. The MOU states Canada and Alberta together will:
• Work collaboratively to design and commit to globally competitive, long-term carbon effective prices, carbon levy recycling protocols, and sector-specific stringency factors for large Alberta emitters in both
the oil and gas and electricity sectors through Alberta’s TIER system. The TIER system will ramp up to a minimum effective credit price of $130/tonne. The parties will conclude an agreement on industrial carbon pricing on or before April 1, 2026.
• Examples of issues to be addressed in the new agreement include the date for introduction of the effective price and the price increases over time.
• This industrial carbon pricing agreement will include a financial mechanism to ensure both parties maintain their respective commitments over the long term to provide certainty to industry, and to achieve the intended emissions reductions.
• Recognizing Alberta’s jurisdiction over the TIER system, Canada and Alberta agree to work co-operatively to ensure the Alberta carbon market functions reliably and provides a predictable basis for decision-making by industry and investors. This includes a shared undertaking that following the completion of this Memorandum of Understanding, the two governments will work co-operatively to ensure the application of Alberta’s carbon pricing system (including pricing and stringency) is adapted to the specific circumstances of the electricity sector, the oil and gas sector, and other large emitters such as fertilizer and cement sectors.
Early in 2025, when it looked like the Pierre Poilievre-led Conservatives were likely to win the federal election, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe ended implementation of the industrial carbon tax in this province. The “Output-Based Pricing System” in Saskatchewan is 80 per cent paid for by SaskPower (and through it, Saskatchewan power ratepayers.) If Saskatchewan is to seek its own accommodations, such as on the Clean Electricity Regulations, Alberta’s agreement to continue their industrial carbon tax and even increase it raises the table stakes for Saskatchewan’s negotiations.
Summation
In summation, the MOU to build an oil pipeline to the West Coast has broad implications for Saskatchewan. It could free up space for expanded Saskatchewan oil production on existing pipelines. Dramatic expansion of electrical interties would go a long way in creating a “national electrical grid,” which in turn could be a big deal when it comes to nuclear power development. But to get what it seeks, Saskatchewan might have to give way on an industrial carbon tax and on methane gas emissions reductions. Those are the cards as they are currently dealt, and Saskatchewan will likely be anteing up to the table in short order.
Kindersley council backs landfill board nominees, approves grants and fire bylaw
BY KATE WINQUIST
KINDERSLEY — Town council moved through a series of financial, administrative and operational decisions during its regular meeting on Nov. 24.
Councillors began the evening with a presentation from the Kindersley RCMP, who delivered their Mayor’s Report.
CAO Marty Baroni presented the town’s financial report before council endorsed four nominees to represent Kindersley on the Western Regional Landfill Inc. executive board. Council recommended Curtis Sackville, Kim Vogel, Warren Schafer and Randy Ervine for the four positions allotted to Kindersley under the board’s per-capita structure. Their appointments are expected to be confirmed at the WRLI annual general meeting on Dec. 10.
Council approved $6,750 in funding through the fall 2025 intake of the Community Grant Program. Nine community groups will each receive $750, including the Kindersley Chamber of Commerce, Kindersley & District Plains Museum, Rec Basketball, Pathway to Wellness, the Kindersley & District Health & Wellness Foundation, West Central Abilities, Kindersley Screen Arts, Kindersley Volleyball and the Rotary Club.
Councillors voted to support an application to the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund to seek grant funding for the Rosedale Lift Project, and also approved the Kindersley Fire Department’s updated standard operating guidelines.
A total of $259,772.11 in accounts paid by the town was accepted as submitted. Council then adopted all three readings of Bylaw 06-25, which establishes, maintains and governs the operation of the Kindersley Fire Department.
The consent agenda was approved, including the Nov. 12 KRPA meeting minutes and SaskWater’s October report.
LIFE SKILLS IN ACTION! Mr. Motier’s PAA Life Skills class learned how to change a flat tire this semester—a skill that can come in handy at any time. Just recently, student Carmen Gerwing put her training to use, helping EA Falon Calfas change a tire in the school parking lot. Calfas had picked up a nail on her way to work, leaving her tire completely flat by lunchtime. Great job, Carmen!
ROSETOWN AND KYLE RCMP REPORT:
Assaults, frauds and traffic charges highlight week
The Rosetown/Kyle RCMP responded to a range of incidents from November 20 to 27, including assaults, fraud complaints, and traffic enforcement.
On Nov. 20, RCMP began investigating a theft at an auction near Kyle. The case remains ongoing.
Nov. 21 saw a dog bite complaint in Kyle, which required no further action after members spoke with all parties. An assault in Rosetown is still under investigation, and members conducted a wellbeing check at a local residence.
On Nov. 22, officers responded to a trespassing complaint in Wiseton, but the complainant declined to pursue the matter. Later, a possible impaired driver in Rosetown was investigated; no signs of impairment were found.
Nov. 23 involved the safe return of a loose dog found on Highway 44 near Wiseton.
Nov. 24 included a motor vehicle collision near Elrose caused by debris on Highway 4; the vehicle was
no longer driveable. RCMP also received two fraud complaints: one involving a Powerball prize and another using an AI-generated voice claiming to be a family member in distress. The first investigation remains ongoing, while there was insufficient evidence in the second case.
On Nov. 25, RCMP laid charges following an assault in Elrose, which are now before the courts. Officers also received a shoplifting complaint in Rosetown, which remains under investigation.
Nov. 26 saw a reported structure fire in Kyle, later determined to be a pot on a stove; no injuries occurred. A suspicious vehicle in Rosetown was investigated and found non-suspicious, and a wellbeing check was conducted in Elrose.
Over the week, officers issued 43 traffic-related charges, responded to two false alarms, and received no 911 mis-dials.
Police are asking anyone with information regard-
BY JOAN JANZEN
In 2006, a group of men from Leader and area posed for the world-famous 2007 Pot Hole Calendar. At that time, Hwy. 32 was riddled with bone-jarring potholes, with no plans for repairs in the near future. The sad and serious situation resulted in the creation and printing of a fun and innovative 2007 calendar. It reached as far as New Zealand, England, Australia, Sudan, and Hong Kong. The “nearly nude” men had a lot of fun
poking fun at themselves and the government, while raising money for community projects in Leader. There are probably a few copies tucked away in storage in Leader and area. This decades-old calendar project might give our local agriculture and energy sectors a few inspirational ideas of their own.
This photo of Vern Schneider (Leader IGA owner) paddling down Hwy. 32 in a canoe was featured on one of the pages of the 2007 Pot Hole Calendar, produced by an innovative team of men from Leader and area.
ing these or other crimes to contact the Rosetown RCMP at 306-882-5700, or provide anonymous tips through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
PHOTO: WEST CENTRAL CROSSROADS, DECEMBER 11, 2006
PHOTO COURTESY KCS
SWAP MEET: Rod’s & Ride’s Customs from Provost hosted a hot rod and motorcycle swap meet at the Elks Hall in Kindersley on November 29 and 30.
For Herschel area native Daniel Wiebe, the sting of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ recent Vanier Cup loss may have been lessened last week by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Roughriders signed Wiebe to a contract, the club announced on Thursday.
It’s a standard three-year rookie contract, said Wiebe that evening.
“I had a couple of (Roughrider) players and coaches reach out during the season,” he said.
They were just congratulating him on how the season was going for him and the Huskies, but the signing came after the Nov. 22 Vanier Cup game, said Wiebe.
“Obviously, I’ve still got to make the team,” he said. He has played through a turf toe injury and now he’s just “focusing on recovery and getting ready for (the training) camp,” he said.
In 12 regular-season and playoff games this season, Wiebe caught 78 passes for 1,257 yards and 13 touchdowns. In eight regular-season games, he led the country in touchdowns with 11 and finished second in receiving yards per game with 115.8.
Wiebe caught 78 passes for 1,257 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Overall, individually, 2025 “definitely was my best year,” he said.
“Just as a group, I’m super proud of the guys. Couldn’t be more proud of how hard we fought. The guys went through a lot this year. It was a really close team, which is nice.”
Part of what the Huskies went through during the season was the loss of their starting quarterback. Anton Amundrud got a cancer diagnosis and had to start treatments.
Besides listing him as a wide receiver, the club hasn’t given him any indication of any specific role. As has been standard in the Huskie offence in recent seasons, Wiebe and other receivers lined up in multiple positions.
“My focus is just go to camp and do my best and play wherever they need me to play, whether that be offence, special teams, just anywhere that I can stick. That’s the plan; just be as available as I can be.”
Young talent shines at Rosetown’s Contemporary Showcase 2025
BY DAVID MCIVER
Fifty-eight music students and 61 speech arts students took part in Contemporary Showcase 2025 here on Nov. 21-22. They came from Biggar, Plenty, Dodsland, Handel, Elrose, Kindersley, Eatonia, Kerrobert and Rosetown for the annual showcase of contemporary Canadian music and speech arts workshops.
Mya Nickel and Rebecca Nunweiler of Rosetown, along with Eliana and Mariah Bakanec of Kerrobert, were recommended
for the competition for national awards.
The West Central Branch of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Association put it on in the Rosetown United Church upper hall.
Students performed piano, vocal, violin and cello selections, about which adjudicator Dianne Gryba of Saskatoon gave suggestions, technical tips, encouragement and even a printed joke of each student, said music teacher and west central branch member Clayton Braybrook of Kindersley.
Heather Macnab of Maple
Creek conducted three speech arts workshops over the two days.
The association also had a daily pizza party, music trivia games and door prizes and gave opportunities for the students to mingle, said Braybrook.
Gryba, now president of the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association, spoke to the west central teachers about the merits and effects of the festival experience and the expansion of the syllabus, he said. Macnab gave them tools to incorporate speech arts into their regular teaching, said Braybrook.
Classifieds
HEALTH
$1350 Pick A Trip
Brad Williams, Eston, SK
$150 Cash
Garret and Dacey Story, Netherhill, SK
TRAVEL
MISCELLANEOUS
of the
or entities that post the
and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE
CLASSIFIEDS. 47 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www.swna. com for details.
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!
Adjudicator Dianne Gryba of Saskatoon talks to Eliana Bakanec of the Kerrobert area (third from left) about her performance during Contemporary Showcase 2025 on Nov. 22 at the Rosetown United Church upper hall. PHOTO BY DAVID MCIVER
Who are your Welcome Wagon ambassadors?
BY JOAN JANZEN
It may be chilly outdoors, but there’s always a warm welcome waiting for newcomers to our community. This fall, Welcome Wagon was introduced into Kindersley and area with the help of Better Together and the Town of Kindersley.
Because fewer people tend to relocate during the winter months, the Welcome Wagon team thought the winter season would be a good time to introduce our Welcome Wagon ambassadors. There are currently seven individuals on the team, but more are always welcome.
This month, we’ll introduce Deb TeBokkel, who moved to Kindersley in 2009, at which time Welcome Wagon was in operation. “All I did was work and go home, so I didn’t know much about the town,” she said. That all changed when a Welcome Wagon representative knocked on her door.
She was given information about the town, coupons, and gifts. “I was given a pocket knife; I still have it,” she said. The visit made her feel welcome and gave her a sense of community.
When Welcome Wagon reappeared in Kindersley, Deb quickly joined the team. “As a property manager,
4 jobs for animal lovers
I meet a lot of new people, and I felt there was a need in our community,” she explained. She also works part-time at a restaurant, which gives her the opportunity to meet many newcomers.
When she met a new teacher at the restaurant, she told him about Welcome Wagon, and on his next visit, she presented him with a packet of information and gifts, including a mug. “I remember him smiling and saying, ‘That’s a pretty nice mug!’” Deb recalled.
Even though information is readily available to newcomers online and via social media, there’s nothing quite like a smile, a friendly greeting, and receiving tangible gifts to make a person feel like they belong in their community.
Welcome Wagon in Kindersley is operating thanks to volunteers giving of their time and talents, and because of the generosity extended from local businesses, for which we’re truly thankful. If anyone meets a new resident in Kindersley who would like to receive a Welcome Wagon packet, please call 306-500-1173.
During this festive season, the Welcome Wagon team would like to wish everyone a blessed and joyful Christmas holiday. We hope your new year sees you enjoying good health and happiness.
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Farmland for Cash Rent
If you have a passion for animals, you may want to consider a career that allows you to care for them. Here are four jobs that might be a good fit.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 320 acres of prime farmland for rent 5 miles SE of Eston.
1. Veterinarian
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
Veterinary medicine is a fascinating field that requires strong problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills. Whether it’s by administering vaccines or performing surgery, you’ll have the chance to help animals on a daily basis. While many vets treat cats and dogs in private clinics, you could also specialize in working with livestock, hor¬ses, exotic animals or wildlife in a variety of settings.
2. VETERINARY technician
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
Land Location is S1/2 34-24-20 W3rd
Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Submit tenders by December 22, 2025 to brent.tunall@gmail.com
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
For Sale By Tender
R.M. of Kindersley #290
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
As a veterinary technician or technologist, you could assist veterinarians at a private clinic, take care of animals at a shelter or wildlife park, do research in a laboratory or work for a food inspection agency to help regulate livestock feed. Plus, this profession allows you to pursue an interest in animal medicine without spending several years at a veterinary school.
3. Groomer
Do you want to help pets look their best? As a groomer, you would use a variety of tools and techniques to trim fur, give baths, cut nails and style coats for dogs of all sizes and breeds. You would also keep an eye out for irritated skin, ear infections and other health problems that may require a veterinarian’s attention.
4. Pet sitter
Would you like to get paid to walk dogs, play with cats and feed fish? By providing daily care for pets while their owners are out of town, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with a variety of different species and breeds. Depending on the size of your clientele, you can do this work parttime or full-time. You might even want to consider opening your own animal boarding business.
NE 03-28-19 W3rd 160 acres, $334,500 assessment
Tenders close Friday, December 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm.
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Refer to: www.edgerealtysk.ca for tender details or call Brad Edgerton brad@edgerealty.ca • 306-463-7357 Box 1324 Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
How to welcome a teleworking employee
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means
The R. M. of Mariposa No. 350 is accepting applications for a full-time seasonal Equipment Operator to commence work April 2026.
Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. Grader experience would be an asset as well as a pesticide applicators license. There is potential for this to become a yearround position for the right candidate. Primary duties will include mowing of municipal right-of-way, spraying, rock picking and other duties as assigned by the foreman. Wages are negotiable based on experience. The R.M. offers a full benefits package. Applications, along with a current driver’s abstract, can be submitted to: R.M. of Mariposa No. 350, Box 228, Kerrobert, SK. S0L 1R0, faxed to (306)-834-5047 or emailed to cao@rmofmariposa.ca on or before 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2026
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
WHEN TO ACCEPT
The R.M. wishes to thank all who applied, however, only those individuals with interviews will be contacted.
For more information phone the R.M. office at 306-834-5037.
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
Do you have these qualities? If
WHEN TO REFUSE
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.
Deb TeBokkel is one of seven Welcome Wagon ambassadors in Kindersley. SUBMITTED
433 Hwy. 21 North, Leader, SK 306-628-3231 • 1-877-333-6818
Owner: Thane Feiffer • feiffertire@sasktel.net All brands of tires for everything on wheels! Mechanical
West Central Events Centre - Walking Track - 2nd Floor - Elevator Access JOANNE KOSOLOFSKI 306-463-0104 or p2w.kindersley@gmail.com
West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre
Services
Programs:
• Mental Health & Addictions
• Family Support (FSW) & Diversion Support
• Family Violence Intervention (FVI)
• Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) for Children Youth/Caregivers
• Rapid Access for Counselling (RAC) for Adults
• Crisis Intervention & Debriefing
• Suicide Intervention & Suicide Impact Supports
• Sexual Assault Victim Support
• Trafficking Intervention
• Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST)
• Client Advocacy
• Intimate Partner Violence Intervention
• Court Mandated Supports
The West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre’s mission is to provide support services to individuals and families experiencing trauma, violence, addiction, or crisis in their lives, as well as outreach programs to communities within our boundaries.
Masum testifies about complainant’s movements and behaviour
BY IAN MACKAY
Prosecutors learned more about Mohammad Masum’s dealings with a woman he’s accused of raping three times in 2022 and 2023, but little that appeared to help their case, while finishing their cross-examination of the man last week.
The trial of Masum and Sohel Haider resumed on Nov. 24 after about a three-week break. They’re both charged with human trafficking. It’s scheduled to continue on Jan. 13 with another defence witness.
Masum continued to maintain that the woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, wasn’t hired to work at his restaurant in Tisdale when he brought her to the town in November 2022 at Haider’s request.
She’d served coffee to a “friend” whom she’d told Masum would visit the restaurant one day in March 2023. He watched their table on a security monitor from the kitchen, where he was cooking, after another employee complained, Masum told Crown prosecutor Lesley Dunning.
He “could see everything,” he testified, including that the man, identified earlier in the trial as former Kelvington-Wadena MLA Hugh Nerlien, gave her something.
Masum later asked her what the man gave her, and the complainant denied receiving anything from him until he told her he’d watched the interaction on the monitor. It contained contact information for a Tisdale immigration settlement worker, who testified earlier in the trial that what the woman told her sounded like human trafficking—but the complainant told him she’d torn it up and flushed it down the toilet. He replied that he hadn’t seen her go to the washroom, Masum testified.
“Everything was changed” after the man’s visit, he said.
He started to drive her to Elrose, where she was supposed to work under a work permit she’d received in mid-January, the day after she’d attacked the other employee physically. She’d grabbed the man around the neck after an argument over teaching her to use the restaurant’s debit machine. Judge Miguel Martinez saw the episode in a video Masum recorded from his security system after the incident, which happened
Asked why he put up with behaviour that Masum admitted had annoyed him, he said that since Haider had asked him to take care of her, in Bengali culture, when someone asks that, “We have a responsibility to take care of everything.”
around Feb. 1, 2023, the accused recalled.
However, they left Tisdale before she’d apologized in person to the other employee, and she began screaming about going back to apologize to him and trying to jump out of the moving vehicle, so he turned around at Wakaw, he said.
He’d tried to take her to Elrose on the following “four or five” Mondays, the day the restaurant was closed, but she always had an excuse not to go, he indicated.
He testified that she also started “screaming” about not wanting to go to Elrose when they were almost at the town and complained to Haider when they arrived. Haider told her that he’d told Masum to bring her there, the accused testified.
Asked by Dunning why he put up with behaviour that Masum admitted had annoyed him, he said that since Haider had asked him to take care of her, in Bengali culture, when someone asks that, “We have a responsibility to take care of everything.”
Haider had no job or room for her in Gull Lake, her initial Saskatchewan destination after she applied for work as a cook at his restaurant while lacking cooking credentials or knowledge about preparing Canadian dishes, the trial has heard.
She spent a couple of days in Elrose, starting to spend the first night in a cold basement until she called Haider and he sent someone with a blanket and a portable heater, the woman testified, before an aide to Cypress Hills MLA Doug Steele arrived one morning to take her to a women’s shelter.
Saskatchewan expands legal protections against cyberstalking and coercive control
BY IAN MACKAY
People will have more ability to stop others from abusing them online after Saskatchewan MLAs passed a bill last week.
The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act “expands the definition of interpersonal violence” in the province’s Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act. That legislation now covers cyberstalking and online harassment,“ as well as coercive and controlling behaviour,” a statement said. The act is expected to take effect this week.
“This bill makes clear that victims and survivors of these types of abuse are entitled to protections under our laws, while increasing accountability for the perpetrators of such acts,” said Tim McLeod, the justice minister and attorney general.
The legislation allows victims and others “to apply for emergency orders against perpetrators or end leases to help escape circumstances where this form of abuse is occurring,” added Alana Ross, the cabinet’s minister responsible for the status of women.
The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act already allowed people to get emergency orders that restrict perpetrators from contacting them and had “a process for ending long-term tenancies where a victim is at risk of future violence,” the Justice Department statement said.
“Expanding the definition of interpersonal violence to include cyberstalking” improves Criminal Code provisions “and addresses instances where individuals use or attempt to use tracking devices to monitor an individual without their consent,” the statement
The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act “expands the definition of interpersonal violence” in the province’s Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act.
explained.
Widening the interpersonal violence definition to include cyberstalking, online harassment, and coercive control “gives the legal system and law enforcement more tools to address this issue,” Ross said.
Coercive control is behaviour intended “to take away a person’s freedom and strip away their sense of self,” the statement said. “It can include behaviours like strictly controlling someone’s finances, depriving them of their basic needs, closely monitoring their activities, and isolating them from family and friends.”
The province designated about $32 million during its current fiscal year toward interpersonal violence programs and services. Community-based organizations, second-stage shelters, and more funding for Victims Services “and other important supports” receive $14.2 million of that, the statement said.
BY JOAN JANZEN
RCMP Warns: Ice still too thin to walk on
As winter slowly approaches, Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding residents to stay off lakes, rivers, sloughs, ponds and dugouts until ice conditions are safe.
Corporal Jamie Diemert, coordinator of the Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT), said the ice forming this time of year is thin and dangerous.
“Winter is coming very slowly this year,” Diemert said. “Lakes and other bodies of water are freezing on the surface, but there is still warm water below. This creates weak ice that can break under the weight of a single person. Please take ice safety very seriously. If you fall in, it is very difficult to get out while the ice is breaking around you. There is a high risk of drowning.”
Diemert offered these safety tips:
• Avoid early-season ice. Do not walk, play, work, or drive on ice that has not fully formed.
• Watch for white or snow ice. This type of ice is weak because it traps air and snow while freezing. It often forms when temperatures hover around zero Celsius and is unsafe.
• Wait for clear, strong ice. Clear blue ice is the strongest, forming only after consistently cold tempera-
tures. Recommended minimum thicknesses from the Canadian Red Cross are:
• 15 cm (6 in.) for skating, walking or skiing in small groups
• 20 cm (8 in.) for larger groups
• 25 cm (10 in.) for snowmobiles or ATVs
• Use safety equipment. If you must be on the ice, wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and carry self-rescue ice picks.
• Know what to do if you fall in. Call for help immediately. Swim horizontally to get out, kick your legs, and crawl or roll away from the hole once out of the water.
• Rescue others safely. Call 911 and help only from shore using a long pole or rope. Avoid going onto the ice yourself.
• Consider other hazards. Cracks, fluctuating temperatures, moving water beneath the surface, and salt from storm sewers can all weaken ice.
The URT is a specialized unit of the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Support Services. It assists with underwater investigations, including missing persons, evidence retrieval and search and recovery operations.
Minister wraps up outreach to Saskatchewan at Canadian Western Agribition
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald met with producers, industry representatives and provincial officials during a visit to Saskatchewan last week as part of events surrounding the Canadian Western Agribition.
MacDonald delivered remarks at the “Burning of the Brand” ceremony to help open the annual livestock show before meeting with Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison. The two discussed reducing trade barriers, expanding international markets and improving resiliency in the agriculture sector. Both ministers said they would continue working together to support one of Saskatchewan’s key industries.
MacDonald also toured several agriculture-related facilities in the Regina area, including the Bunge inland grain terminal at Balgonie and the Co-op Ethanol Complex near Belle Plaine.
At the Agribition Grain Expo, MacDonald told producers and sector leaders that the federal government remains committed to helping them grow their businesses, expand market access and maintain Canada’s role as a leader in global food security.
While touring the show, he met with livestock exhibitors and groups such as the Canadian Bison Asso-
ciation and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food to learn about efforts to link traditional knowledge with modern agriculture.
MacDonald also took part in roundtable discussions with industry groups representing cattle, crop and mixed-farming operations. Participants raised issues including access to key trade markets, enhancements to risk-management programs, the need for research and innovation, and ongoing engagement with producers.
“Our government is hard at work supporting Canada’s farmers, processors and exporters,” MacDonald said in a statement. “I’m eager to keep these important conversations going in the weeks and months ahead as we continue to work together to build a strong, steady and prosperous future for our country’s agriculture and agri-food sector.”
Quick facts:
• Canadian Western Agribition is the largest livestock show in Canada.
• The event includes agriculture meetings, learning sessions and entertainment.
• Organizers say the show hosts about 1,200 international visitors from 70 countries.
COMMUNITY MEAL: Family, friends and neighbours were invited to Kindersley Alliance Church for a free meal on Saturday evening, Nov. 30. “The Reason for the Season” set the tone for the evening as Christmas carols were sung and Pastor Lionel Moffatt welcomed everyone warmly. More than 160 guests enjoyed a delicious meal, with additional take-out meals prepared and delivered to those unable to attend. Volunteers were busy in the kitchen, helping make the community meal possible, which was generously offered by the Kindersley Alliance Church.
PHOTO
•
•
•
BASIC FURNACE SERVICE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
• Ukrainian New Year Celebration. Kaiser tournament at 1:00 PM. $5/person entry. Cash prize. Supper served 5-9 PM featuring homemade perogies, sausage and veggies for $25/plate or $10 (under 10). Help support the Alsask DropInn Centre (206 Main St). Contact Dave at 306-463-0169 for more info.
COLEVILLE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
• Coleville’s Santa Hut 2025. All proceeds to the West Central Crisis Centre 11 AM - 1 PM at Rossville School. Monetary or new item donations can be dropped off at the school or text Joleen Scheible at 306-460-7023 for pickup. We are always in need of mens and ladies items. Etransfer accepted. If you want to be an “elf” and help the kids shop, call Joleen. Kids 14 and under are welcome!
DENZIL
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
• Cantata Music Evening 7:00 PM
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 Corcoran Place. Contact Cora Knuttila 306-460-9047.
- The Lions Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month.
- The Rec Board meets the second Monday of each month 7:00 PM at the Town Office.
- Town Council meet the second Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM at the Town Office.
ESTON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
• Boozy Bingo Kids Can Play Fundraiser 7:00 PM Emerge Ag Mezz
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
• Santa Claus / Minor Hockey Day at the AGT Community Centre
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Eston Carol Festival 7:00 PM Eston Full Gospel Church.
- 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.
- Every Monday - Adult Exercise Program 10:00-11:00 AM at the AGT Community Centre
- Make sure to check the AGT Community Centre recreation calendar on eston.ca for ice schedule.
- Drop in Bowling Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM. $5 bowling. No need to book, just drop in.
FLAXCOMBE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
• Flaxcombe Recreation Association is hosting Bingo Night 7:00-10:00 PM. 1 card is $2 and 3 cards ar $5. Cash Prizes! Flaxcombe Community Hall. Call Katie for more info 306-3309969.
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
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
• Festival of Trees 6:00-9:00 PM at the Kerrobert Courthouse. If you are interested in purchasing a tree, contact Jessica 403443-3480. Santa will be there from 7:00-9:00 PM. Freehot chocolate and cookies.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
• Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society presents: Things ‘R’ Gonna Get Ugly! Christmas Party. Doors open 7:30 PM. Featuring Hypnotist Jessie Lewis 8:30 PM at Prairieland Community Centre. Munchies and late lunch. Tickets $50/person available at Town Office - deadline December 1st. Prize for ugliest sweater.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
• Cantata Music Evening at Kerrobert Catholic Church starting at 7:00 PM.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
• Kerrobert Composite School Christmas Concert 6:30 PM. A Christmas Carol Remix.
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
- Walk This Way Group Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30-11:30 AM
- Walk This Way with Lao Thursdays at the PCC from 9:3010:30 AM. Everyone is welcome and it’s FREE.
- Shuffle Club Mondays at the PCC 1:30-3:00 PM
- Winter Wear Drive ongoing until March. Drop off at the Seniors Hall Monday, Wednesay and Friday from 9:30-11:00 AM. Contact Yvonne at 306-834-8292 if you need an item.
- Make sure to check the Kerrobert Memorial Arena schedule for upcoming games.
KINDERSLEY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
• St. Paul’s UCW Cookie Lane and Bake Sale from 2:00-3:30 PM at the United Church Hall. “Cookies Make Everything Better”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
• The annual Christmas Carol Festival sponsored by Kindersley District Music Festival Association will be held at 7:00 PM at St. Paul’s United Church (502 Main Street). Free will offering.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
• Kindersley Community Choir Christmas Cantata “More Than A Manger” St. Paul’s United Church (502 Main Street) at 2:30 PM. Free will offering. Everyone welcome.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 1:30 PM at 401 - 4th Ave West (New Life Church). Everyone welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-463-4514.
- 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 meets Sunday & Wednesday evenings 7:00 PM at Elizabeth School for the indoor season. Cost is $50 for the season or $5 drop in. Our club is a part of Pathway To Wellness. More info call Teresa Knight 306-460-7304.
- Fit Fighter Group Class. Helping individuals with Parkinson Disease, Fibromyalgia, MS, Arthritis and mobility issues. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM at Anytime Fitness. Call Karen 463-3607 for more info.
- 365 Kindersley Air Cadets meet Thursday evenings at the Kindersley Museum. No charge to be a member, youth ages 12-18, must be a Canadian resident. Contact Ian Kehrer via text at 306-460-0057 or Sheila Kehrer via text 306-6049044. Come Fly With Us!
• Every Tuesday: Community Badminton 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Westberry School. Everybody welcome.
LEADER
- Leader & Surrounding Communities Food Bank Christmas Hampers. To register for a hamper call / text (639) 932-7446. Registration deadline is December 5. Hampers can be picked up or will be delivered on December 18th from 4:00-5:00 PM. Delivery drivers are always welcome.
- Leader and District Healthcare Foundation online charity auction on now until November 30th. If you would like to donate to this event, contact Pam at 306-628-7542.
- Make sure to check out the G3 Iceplex Arena Schedule online at leader.ca
- Community Walking Club Monday - Thursday 7:00-8:00 PM at Leader Composite School (Use student parking lot door). You must pre-register at the Town Office.
LUSELAND
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
• The Luseland & District Chamber of Commece regular monthly meeting 7:00 PM at the Luseland Credit Union Community Room.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
• Cantata Music Evening 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
• Luseland School Christmas Concert 7:00 PM
- The Luseland Homecoming Hall will be available for indoor walking on TUESDAY & THURSDAY mornings. Please pick up the key at the Town Office to unlock the door. Silver collection at the door.
- The Luseland Library Art Gallery has a new exhibit on display, “The Art of Christmas” which features festive, artisan wreaths created by community members.
Recurring events at The Luseland Pioneers Club Members
- Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM - Noon, Coffee, Pool, Visiting, Cards
- Cards are played several days of the week
- Third Friday of the month Birthday Lunch at noon
- Exercises 9:00-9:30 Am Monday, Wednesday, Friday
MAJOR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
• Luseland School Christmas Concert 7:00 PM
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
- November / December Church Times 5:30 PM Saturdays
