The Oyen Echo - January 10, 2023

Dancing With the Stars!

The Badlands Badgers put on the Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser Saturday, December 10th. It was a fun-filled night with a sold-out crowd of 280 people.

Tonya Logan Choreographed 8 amazing dances performed by community members.

Amanda Yake Kovitch had everything run smoothly volunteering to MC the event. The crowd loved it and shared lots of noise and laughter.

The dancing was followed by a corn-hole tournament that winners earned hand crafted cornhole sets made by Josh Majoris and the Badger Players.

They served a very popular midnight lunch from the 90’s, Halfway Pizza, and Debmart. The bar was run smoothly by the legion volunteers.

Thank-you to everyone who supported and/ or helped make this event happen. | SUBMITTED

Special Areas Gets Ready for a Busy 2023

“One of the defining features of living in the Special Areas has always been figuring out how to get things done, despite any challenges or shortages faced. For us, 2022 was no different!

2022 sometimes felt like we were almost getting back to normal; however, we continued to face many of the same challenges since 2020. From shortages in parts and equipment to difficulties in fully staffing operations, 2022 was a year where many people were asked to do more, often with less resources.

As we move into 2023, here at Special Areas we are focusing on strengthening relationships with our urban neighbours while continuing to leverage regional partnerships. We are excited to get started on the next phase of the regional irrigation project and are committed to making this once-in-a-generation opportunity as affordable as possible for local producers.”

- Jordon Christianson, Chair

The new year has just started, but Special Areas is already busy getting ready for 2023 projects. After a return to pre-pandemic operations in 2022, 2023 continues to be a year of catch-up for the Board, both in projects and capital expenditures. With the proposed 2023 budget recommended by the Board for approval, administration is getting a jump-start on major capital expenditures. With supply chain issues continuing to cause significant delays, many of the larger capital purchases are needing to be ordered months (sometimes years) ahead of

their expected delivery. For 2023, Special Areas continues to focus on protecting municipal infrastructure investments while delivering critical services and programs to ratepayers. In January, local road committees will be reviewing the proposed 2023 road program and providing feedback for the spring meeting of Advisory Council. Enforcement will continue to be a top priority in 2023, especially related to some of the renewable energy project developments in the region. The Board is looking at ways to make sure the right resources are deployed effectively, including collaborating with other enforcement agencies.

Work on the regional irrigation project with the MD of Acadia, Government of Alberta and the Canada Infrastructure Bank will be a key priority for the Board Office this year. This work is funded by all project partners and is expected to deliver important answers on how regional irrigation could be designed while reducing costs. This work, which builds on the feasibility work completed in 2022, is expected to take around 24 months to complete. Work on a proposed tax recovery land sale policy will continue early in the new year, and the Board continues to investigate ways to bring this policy forward in 2023.

For more information on your upcoming local road committee meeting or to learn more about Advisory Council meetings, contact your local district office.

Land for Sale

Ducks Unlimited Canada is offering land for sale in the County of Special Areas No. 3 under its Revolving Land Conservation program. This program gives landowners the opportunity to buy project land for their own operational needs and to support conservation. Land will have an area protected by a conservation easement but it can still be used for grazing, hay production or recreational purposes

LOCAL RLCP LAND FOR SALE & SPECIFICATIONS

Z Z LOGAN PROJECT

County of Special Areas No. 3, Section 34-25-4-W4 638.06 acres

Z 132.44 acres seasonal, semi-seasonal and permanent wetland

Z 2 restored wetlands – acres unknown at this time

Z 82 acres native grassland, forest and shrubs

Online: ag.ducks.ca/program/revolving-land

Z Contact: Connor Boyd c_boyd@ducks.ca | 403-934-8172

Damien Kurek

4945 - 50 St. Camrose, AB T4V 1P9

Text 403-575-5625 or toll free 1-800-665-4358

Email: damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca or social media @dckurek

Looking Back at 2022

As we look forward to 2023 and back on 2022, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss some of the important developments that impacted Parliament, all Canadians, and people around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to be a defining issue of this last year. That said, I am hopeful the pandemic and restrictions are truly in our rearview mirror. We saw unparalleled division related to COVID and unfortunately started with the Prime Minister’s calling of the election in 2021 that didn’t yield the results he hoped for. This strategic division showed how the Liberals would stop at nothing to push their political agenda on Canadians.

As the year progressed, we saw many COVID-19 restrictions dropped because of Conservative pressure; allowing Canadians to get back to normal. This marked the beginning of post-pandemic life and the end of the Liberals’ manipulation of the worst health crisis in over a hundred years.

We also saw war once again touch the western world. After months of Russian militarization at the Ukraine-Russia border, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and embarked on an illegal war. Which has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, devastation, and a global concurrent energy and food crisis. Canada’s Conservatives have advocated for as much support as is possible to the people of Ukraine who are fighting for freedom, and further, the need to ensure Canada plays a role in powering and feeding the world.

One of the unique roles of the Official Opposition is to highlight the failures of the Government, and over the last year, we have done so. A few things to highlight are: we saw a number of scandals exposed, the planned policy on mandatory labelling for ground beef reversed, a pause on the mandated reduction of fertilizer for farmers, opposing the Liberal soft-on-crime agenda, showing the hypocrisy of the Liberal hunting rifle ban, exposing that the Government offered assisted suicide to our veterans instead of mental health supports, and our continued work to expose the failure of the Liberal carbon tax.

Because of the minority Parliament, we have also seen some small successes… some bills have been passed in the

House of Commons which are small steps in the right direction. Bills like a law to protect seniors’ pensions (Bill C-228), increasing penalties for those who abuse children (Bill C-291), and a bill to exempt farmers from the Liberal carbon tax (Bill C-234), among others that continue to be worked on. Additionally, our team has been able to accomplish a lot on committee, holding the Liberal Government to account and allowing me to keep fighting for you.

Last year, also saw a change in the leadership of the Conservative party of Canada. After Erin O’Toole left as Leader of the Official Opposition early in the year, the Hon. Candice Bergen was tasked with sailing the ship as interim leader until the Conservative party elected a new leader. The leadership race saw record engagement and more members joining the party than any party in Canadian history. After the ballots were counted, Pierre Poilievre won more than 68% of the votes. And with Pierre’s win, I have heard from many of you, and folks across Canada, that are thankful for the work he is doing to unite the country and show that there is an alternative to the tired, corrupt, and out-of-touch Liberal/NDP coalition.

I will leave you with this; 2023 will no doubt have its challenges, but I remain hopeful about the future of our region, our province, and our country. There is still a lot of work to do but know Canada’s Conservatives are working for you. Thank you for the honour of being able to fight for you in Canada’s Parliament. I am proud and deeply blessed to continue my work as the Member of Parliament for Battle River—Crowfoot as we begin 2023. From my family, my team, and on behalf of the Parliament of Canada, I wish everyone many blessings in the year to come.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-6084600, text 403-575-5625, or e-mail damien. kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a Federal Government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.

Ducks Unlimited Canada-Alberta

BY JOAN JANZEN

We’ve all heard of a surprise party, but have you ever attended a surprise wedding? On New Year’s Day, 2023, a surprise wedding took place in Kindersley prior to a community New Year’s banquet being served to those in attendance at Kindersley Christian Fellowship church.

After the New Year’s church service had concluded, Devon Hill and his fiancée Allison Chiliak made a surprise public announcement to Allison’s parents, Ramona and Alan Chiliak. Both couples reside in a rural location near the communities of Alsask and Oyen.

Surprise wedding on New Year’s Day

Allison’s parents were pleasantly surprised by the announcement that Devon and Allison were about to tie the knot! And why not tie the knot? After all, the pastor was available, family and friends were in attendance, and the food was prepared and ready. The wedding couple took care of a few more details by secretly inviting their photographers and ensuring some wedding cupcakes were on hand for guests to enjoy after the banquet.

Two very special guests at the wedding were Allison and Devon’s daughters, baby Kinley and toddler Rowan. Congratulations to the happy couple, who will easily remember their special wedding anniversary for many years.

Congratulations to The Brock Cemetery Association, Synergy Credit Union’s Member Rewards non-profit winner of the $5,000 cash prize! With the funds, they will purchase 8 cement and wood benches to place around their cemetery,

Allison Chiliak and Devon Hill as they exchange wedding vows on New Year’s Day.

Your Southwest Media Group

sitting on crushed rock pads. These benches will be built and purchased locally in Kindersley.

Celebrating Ukrainian Christmas

BY JOAN JANZEN Your Southwest Media Group

A Ukrainian Christmas celebration took place at St. Olaf Lutheran Church located at 807 - 3rd Street West in Kindersley, on Saturday, January 7th. The festive dinner was organized by Kindersley resident, Dasha Stepashkina-Hopson.

Dasha has lived in Canada for ten years, and has resided in Kindersley for the past five years. “What I am trying to do is meet new Ukrainians who came to Kindersley and area,” she explained. “All together we can meet and celebrate Ukrainian Christmas!”

Approximately 50 guests enjoyed the get-together with new friends and acquaintances. According to an old Canadian custom, it was a “pot luck” meal. Delicious Ukrainian food, along with Ukrainian conversation was enjoyed throughout the evening.

Pronto

‘Sviata Vecheria’ Food served at the festive meal included roast beef, cabbage rolls, kotlets, home made sausage, homemade horseradish (homemade), kytya (traditional Christmas dish), little crepes with cottage cheese, and much more.

Calls about a plugged bathtub, a hostile cat and a hungry roommate make top 10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2022

Saskatchewan RCMP 911 call-takers and dispatchers provide a critical service within the RCMP by supporting both public and officer safety. With 352,854 calls for service in the past year, calls ranged from mis-dials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.

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“We release the list to raise awareness about the misuse of 911, which can possibly delay someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency from getting help.” says Lee Rosin, Recruiter and Training Facilitator for the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre. “Every moment that we are spending speaking with someone who is complaining about their shopping experience or wanting to prank call 911 is time that call-takers and officers could have been helping someone in a life-threatening situation.”

Here are the top 10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2022:

10. Memory lane - A caller asked OCC Operators if they knew the name of the polite RCMP officer who had served in their community. The caller was hoping for an update to see how the officer’s family was doing. While well-meaning, this certainly would not be

considered an emergency.

9. Hold please - 911 dispatchers received a call from a person who didn’t want to be on hold after being told they needed to pick up paperwork at their local RCMP detachment.

8. Bad luck - A caller advised OCC Operators they had swallowed a mosquito, choked and lost their dentures, leaving them unable to eat supper.

7. You rang? An individual advised they needed assistance deleting a voicemail off their phone.

6. This is not a prank hotline – An individual called 911 to advise there was a cougar on the loose in their city. When the call-taker asked for details about the cougar, the caller laughed and said the cougar’s name was “Cindy.” The misuse of 911 can potentially delay someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency from getting help. Before dialing 911, please remember that calling the police should be reserved for police-related matters only and calling 911 should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies only.

5. Takeout troubles - A caller advised they purchased $65 worth of fast food only to find their roommate ate the order. The caller requested an RCMP officer come and sort out the disagreement.

4. Here kitty, kitty - A concerned individual called about a hostile cat and asked an RCMP officer to bring it to the local animal shelter for them.

3. Can we talk a-boot it? - A dispute at a clothing store resulted in a call to 911. A customer was very upset with the manager of the store who refused to accept the return of already-worn winter boots.

2. Got milk? – A caller advised they were out of milk and requested RCMP officers pick some up for them.

1. Scrub-a-dub-dub - A concerned individual called 911 to advise their bathtub drain was clogged and the water wouldn’t go down.

Please remember that 911 calls are reserved for police-related matters and life-threatening emergencies only.

If you have a complaint, please report it to your local RCMP detachment or by calling 310-RCMP from anywhere in the province.

The question was posed as to what is the worst thing about censorship. The amusing response was that no one is allowed to answer the question for fear of getting censored. But in everyday life, we need more perspectives represented in our various media outlets, not less.

In a recent interview with True North journalist Rupa Subramanya, Tara Henley explained why she resigned as a journalist at CBC. Henley said, “The woke voice came to dominate in the newsroom, and in interaction in the newsroom. I found it very concerning. I found it harder and harder to get different views on the air. I felt the environment was not conducive to me doing my job properly.”

Henley has been a journalist for more than two decades, and has worked in magazine, newspaper, TV, digital and radio. Since she began working at CBC in 2013, she worked on a lot of different shows, thus gaining a sense of what is happening in that work environment.

In an interview with CBC News, she said, “Over the last few years the views have become more extreme and more pervasive, and the ability to voice opposing views has been less and less possible.” She noted the network is much more interested in talking about language, which is often referred to as a ‘woke’ perspective.

“There’s nothing wrong with the woke world view being represented. I would like it to be one of the views in the room; I just don’t want it to be the only view in the room,” she said. “I think this is in the newsrooms all across the world, and that’s why journalists are slowly starting to object, and say it’s not good for journalism and democracy.”

Henley continued to further explain her reasons for leaving the network. “Twitter has an undue influence, which presents the ‘woke’ world view as the consensus view, which it is absolutely not in the public,” she observed. “Everyone (journalists) is on Twitter, so they don’t see opposing views.”

She also said journalists are

concerned about keeping their jobs, which doesn’t lend itself to speaking out about things. Those who do voice disagreements are often the recipients of harsh criticism and name calling on social media.

“For the most part the public would like us to present a broad range of views, from a wide range of spectrums, and allow them to take that information and make up their own minds. I think part of the problem is that journalists have begun to think of themselves as responsible for the decisions of the public and public behaviour, and I think that’s a mistake,” Henley noted. She hears from the public all the time regard-

ing this concern, and currently has a podcast called Lean Out, discussing current affairs with people from around the world.

Henley explained one of the turning points in her decision to leave CBC concerned the topic of vaccine mandates. “I did not agree with their coverage as a network. I felt because CBC is such an important institution in this country that it was useful to have a public conversation about that. Because I was getting so many complaints from the public, I thought it was important to talk about that. There were a lot of questions that could have been asked, and I didn’t see the questions being asked. I just thought that there should have been a lot more critical thinking.”

American political commentator, Glenn Beck made the following observation: “We’re talking about the erasing of the fundamental right for you to choose. You’re being coerced right now to accept one side. That is taking away your freedom of choice, that is God given.”

Former member of parliament, Dan McTeague, voiced his concerns regarding government censorship. In an interview with Stephen LeDrew, McTeague said, “They want to make sure that people who have legitimate concerns don’t have the opportunity to express those. This is far more serious than censorship. It’s really about government saying we want to control the agenda, we want to control what you think, and if we don’t like what you think we’re going to shut you down. It’s unCanadian. The concern we all share, is there’s a significant infringement on our ability to think, and to learn and to express.”

The ability to think, and learn, and express, is only possible when we are listening to many different perspectives, and listen to media where opposing views are welcomed. My New Years wish for your in 2023 is that you take the time, and make the effort to think, and learn and express.

Pop89 The Mystery of In-Between

BY MADONNA HAMEL

Your Southwest Media Group

Ijust finished reading “Thin Places” by Jordan Kisner. Subtitled “Essays from In-Between,” it’s a fitting read as we transit into the new year. According to the Celts, thin places are those places where the veil between worlds is thin, and heaven and earth are only three feet apart. And sometimes they are even closer than that. Living on the prairie, I sense the veil lift every dusk, reminding me of the French Canadian description of the moment as “entre chien et loup,” “between dog and wolf.”

Laurie Anderson, the performer-musician, described the allure of the in-between when she pondered the act of walking, how during the moment between lifting a foot and dropping it down, we hang between falling and flying.

A lifelong love of the “in-between” is partly what draws me to books with titles such as Maugham’s “The Razor’s Edge” and the writings of mystics such as the Upanishads, from whom Maugham took his title. “The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over,” the Hindu saying goes, “thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.”

And what of that word: “Salvation”? I am interested in the subtle and enormous differences between words. Do we wish to be “saved” or to be “freed,” and what is the difference? A mystic will tell you they are one and the same. A fundamentalist might tell you neither is possible if you don’t sign up to their club. (Membership has its privileges, after all.)

And here is a delicious etymological fact: the word “betwixt,” an earlier version of the word “between” is a combination of “bi,” meaning “two,” and the suffix “-ish,” meaning approximately. So to be “between” is to be “two-ish” or “both.”

Rarely do we hang out or hover “in-between”; usually, we are in transition. I am interested in transitional moments, be it my own aging or the decline of empires, a time I address in a project I am working about the prairie in the late 1800s - a time of accelerated change, thanks mostly to industry, trains and the introduction of newspapers.

The end of the nineteenth century flooded the world with papers. Where once the news of one’s little town was all one heard about, suddenly the world and all its shenanigans were at humanity’s fingertips.

For good and ill, the old reality that extended only as far as one could see, smell, hear and touch was invaded with information about other people and places. And with it, a new hierarchy of what was considered important. An embodied, sensual, local, empirical understanding of the world took a backseat to a worldly, data-driven understanding. And who was - is - the wiser?

The Gilded Age - as Mark Twain called the end of the 19th century - was a time of immigration to the North American West. Nomadic life was being edged out by colonial settlement. And neither Natives nor Newcomers had a real grasp on what the Powers That Be were up to. The cowboy illustrator Charles Russell had a foot in both worlds. “Before the country was strung with wire and the nesters took all the water,” he wrote, “my home was big.” And it wasn’t “anywhere I lay my hat, but where I spread my blankets.” Russell and the Indigenous before him travelled along the veil between worlds.

English historian Phyllis Rose writes: “The history of nineteenth-century thought is the record of various people’s efforts to find substitute sources of authority.” God was losing his punitive power over

citizens; science was ascending: in whom and where could people place their trust?

Thin places are often referred to as thresholds or liminal spaces. They are on the edges of cliffs and entrances to caves. In the book I am writing, my protagonist has an accident aboard a ship just as she is going through a sea change - where she moves from being closer to her past home in England and is suddenly closer to her new home in Canada. She is observed by a man who happens to be one of the world’s first war correspondents. He understands, more than most, how quickly things can change, how thin and fragile is the place between life and death.

The two voyagers become fast friends. She calls him a transitional numen - one of the “In A Twinkling of An Eye Gods.” In Greek mythology, they are the gods who watch over transitions, including weddings, funerals and births. In India, the elephant-headed Ganesh is the sentinel god of doorways. In the religion I was raised in, I was assured of my guardian angel watching over me as I drifted off to sleep.

In her book, Kisner examines the cross-over zones of: debutante balls, borderlines, conversion experiences, fall-

ing in love. She also describes, to my great thrill, the music of Lhasa de Sela. A musician about whom I made a documentary entitled “She Moves Between Worlds.” De Sela moved easily between languages and countries and, unfortunately died young. Her song “Soon This Space Will Be Too Small” is about her belief that dying is just like being born.

The Buddhist nun Pema Chodron would agree. She writes that life is one “continuous flow of transitions,” and if we learn how to navigate them, we will be beautifully prepared for our death. Meanwhile, I think I’ll try a little bibliomancy.

I reach for the closest book on the shelf, a series of lectures by Ted Loder called “The Haunt of Grace.” Imagine my surprise when I randomly open it, and my eyes fall on: “There is in Celtic mythology the notion of thin places in the universe, where the visible and the invisible world come into their closest proximity.” Wow. The worlds are thin, indeed. “All of us can name thin places,” he writes, “suffering is one, joy is another, mystery yet another….” The list is endless. If we are open.

Trudeau bingeing on alcohol tax hikes in 2023

With sky-high inflation, climbing interest rates and carbon tax hikes, you could be forgiven for drinking. But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is rubbing margarita salt in the wound by using high inflation to binge on higher alcohol taxes.

In 2023, the Trudeau government is increasing the taxes you pay every time you buy a bottle of wine, a case of beer or a mickey of rum by 6.3 per cent.

But even a 6.3 per cent tax hike downplays the total tax burden you pay every time you visit the liquor store. Taxes already account for about half of the price of beer, 65 per cent of the price of wine and more than three quarters of the price of spirits.

You could spend about $125 if you pick up two bottles of wine, a 24-pack of beer and a 26-ounce bottle of whisky. You’re paying more than $76 of that tab just in taxes.

In fact, Canadians pay so much tax that picking up a case of beer on the way to the New Year’s Eve party in Prince

Edward Island would cost you more in taxes than the total retail price of a case of beer in 25 American states.

While Canadians are paying higher taxes, Americans are enjoying tax cuts. From 2017 to 2019, federal beer taxes went up $34 million for large brewers in Canada while going down $31 million south of the border.

The feds have been bingeing on alcohol tax hikes since the 2017 budget.

That year, the Trudeau government introduced an automatic tax hike escalator. That means the federal excise tax automatically increases with inflation every year on April 1. With inflation having reached a nearly 40-year high, Canadians are facing a sky-high tax hike of 6.3 per cent in 2023.

When the escalator tax was first introduced in 2017 there wasn’t much of a fuss because inflation was lower. But even small tax hikes can become big bills over time. After the 2023 tax hike, the federal government’s alcohol excise taxes will have increased 18.4 per cent

because of the automatic annual tax hike that was first imposed in 2017.

That’s what is so pernicious about Trudeau’s alcohol escalator tax. At first you don’t really notice it, but every year the tax burden goes up just a little bit. And in less than a decade, the tax hike is already more than 18 per cent.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert was France’s finance minister in the seventeenth century. Colbert said the job of the tax man is “plucking the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers with the smallest possible amount of hissing.” You’re the goose. And politicians are using the alcohol escalator tax hoping you don’t notice all the plucking and hiss back.

Trudeau’s alcohol escalator tax is fundamentally undemocratic. If politicians think Canadians aren’t paying enough tax, then they should have the spine to at least vote on the tax hike. But your member of Parliament doesn’t vote on this tax hike. Through the escalator tax, the Trudeau government uses in-

flation to covertly increase its tax take every year on April 1.

There’s one thing that will stop the Trudeau government from using the undemocratic alcohol escalator tax to take more money from you: people noticing. The feds have binged enough on alcohol taxes. It’s time for Canadians to tell the government that it’s cut off.

Franco Terrazzano is the Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Bu alo News

Lorraine Monkman 403-379-2222

It has been a while since I Iast wrote a column. It is my honour to now wish my readers a very Merry Christmas. I hope the new year holds only good, better and best of all things.

I am glad to report that Gail Andrus is now at home recuperating from back surgery. She is doing therapy and getting on well. It’s just a matter of time till she will be traveling around to see grandsons play hockey!

As most people know by now, Evhyn Kulyk passed away November 27, 2022 in Oyen. He was a cousin of Michael Kulyk. Funeral service and burial were held in Oyen.

Then on December 8, 2022 Johnny Kulyk died at the age of 56 in Edmonton at home in bed. He was the elder son of Ewan and Betty Kulyk who lived on the farm of Pat and Shelley Kukura. There is no word yet of funeral arrangements. Sincere condolences are extended to sisters Maryanna and Malinda and brother Jackson all of Edmonton.

Please note the “Tribute to George Jones” featuring Duane Steele has now been rescheduled to Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Buffalo Hall. All tickets purchased earlier will be honored. We hope to see you there.

Sibbald News

Reported by Lee Switzer January 3, 2023

Happy New Year everyone! May you be blessed with good health and lots of laughter in 2023. Christmas decor will slowly be packed and put away for another year. I am sure everyone had wonderful holidays filled with family and friends, love and joy.

Winter weather made travelling difficult at times, thank you to the Oyen Fire Department, who attended to many stranded vehicles in the ditch, rollovers, and more serious accidents during the Christmas season.

On New Year’s Eve, over 70 community members gathered for a tobogganing party and time at the hall. Chilli and buns were served, as the New Year was celebrated with family fun. The Sibbald Cash Raffle was drawn that same evening. First prize of $3324.00 went to Greg Olsen. Second prize of $1662.00 went to Ken Kundert and third prize of $554.00 was divided among the 6 Sibbald Toboggans: Grant, Debby, Rick, Shannon, Brian and Bill. Thank you for purchasing tickets to help support the Hall.

Enjoy another week of holidays school kids. The weather has settled into great temperatures to play on the huge drifts and snow hills. Take care everybody.

| PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

National Non-Smoking Week

National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW) is an annual event across Canada that has been recognized for over 30 years. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the health effects of tobacco, in all its forms, as well as to provide education on the resources and support services available for those who are looking to reduce or quit their tobacco use.

The overall smoking rate has decreased, however there are still over 300,000 Albertan males over the age of 12 that continue to smoke, which is higher than the national average. Males and specifically young adult males and those working in blue collar industries, have been identified as ‘populations of concern’ due to their high smoking rates.

What we do know is that quitting smoking is one of the best things men can do for their own health and wellbeing. This is because men who smoke have increased odds of experiencing heart disease, cancer, lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Smoking can also put a damper on sexual health and sex appeal in

general. Meaning that males who smoke have a higher chance to experience erectile dysfunction and lower sperm count. Smoking can also cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath that can impact their kiss-ability. In fact, a recent dating website survey found that 9 out 10 members did not like to date someone who smokes!

The new year can be a great time to think about goals and quitting a bad habit, like smoking. If you are unsure of where to start, AlbertaQuits has you covered with a variety of options to choose from to support you on your journey to quit success.

Phone Support: The AlbertaQuits helpline is FREE for all residents of Alberta open 7 days a week 8 am – 8 pm. Call toll-free at 1-866-710-7848 to receive confidential, non-judgmental support from Quit Counsellors. Translation services are also available.

Text Support: AHS offers a FREE 3-month text messaging program that delivers motivational messages, advice, and tips right to your phone to help you quit. The text service is designed for those who

are ready to set a quit date within the next 30 days or have recently quit. Text the word ABQUITS to 123456 to register for free.

Group Support: QuitCore is a FREE group support program that provides Albertans (18+) with the tools and skills they need to quit using tobacco. This is a six-week 90-minute session group that is guided by a trained facilitator. This is offered both virtual and in-person. Visit Getting Help - AlbertaQuits (healthiertogether.ca) to find out more or call 1-866-710-7848 to register.

Counselling Support: Did you know that your healthcare provider may provide one-to-one counselling service to help you quit smoking? Visit your local pharmacy or call your doctor to find out more.

For more information and tools visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca where you can access the ‘cost of smoking calculator’ and ‘tracking your smoking’ tools.

Chloe Trautman is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services in the South Zone.

University student holds workshops during winter break

[Section 84 (b) of the Act]

NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL

for Councillor Village of Coleville

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that provision has been made for an advance poll.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon

at the Village of Coleville office 200 Main Street, Coleville, SK

Dated at Coleville, SK this 5 day of January 2023.

Gillain Lund Returning Officer

VOTER IDENTIFICATION

NOTICE OF POLL

Village of Coleville

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that: A poll has been granted for the election of:

Councillor: Village of Coleville

Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 8 day of February 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following polling place:

Village of Coleville office

200 Main Street, Coleville, SK

I will declare the result of the election at the Village of Coleville office, 200 Main Street, Coleville, SK on the 9 day of February 2023 at the hour of 10:00 a.m.

Dated at Coleville, SK this 5 day of January 2023.

Gillain Lund Returning Officer

VOTER IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO VOTE

BY JOAN JANZEN Your Southwest Media Group

Many university students come home to relax during their winter break, but not 19-year-old Rylan Cocks, who spent his winter break in his hometown of Leader.

He was busy opening Dandelion Art Studio, where he held workshops, camps, events and classes for all ages during his winter break.

“I go to school in Vancouver,” explained Rylan, who is in his second year of Liberal Arts. “There’s nothing for art here, and I want to do this for kids who haven’t found their things yet. While I’m here on breaks, I will be continuing to do this. Now I don’t have to get a job in Vancouver and do something I love and am excited about.”

He’s not the only one who is excited about the new studio in Leader. Parents have said to Rylan, “It’s so awesome for my kids; this is what they love to do.”

Rylan added, “A lot of adults are excited and keep coming back and learning. I’ve had a very positive reaction; I was very surprised by it.”

Rylan’s art events are held at 111 - 1st Avenue West in Leader, where he sublets space from Leader Pantry. “I receive a lot of community help,” Rylan noted. “The Lions Hall let me use their tables for the month. Obviously, my parents are helping out, and my gramma has a kiln in her house that I’ve been using. But in terms of teaching, it’s just me right now.”

Dandelion Art Studio workshops aren’t just for kids; adults are also welcome. Create and Sip Night’s for adults aged 19 and up, an opportunity for friends to enjoy stress-free art-making and a glass of wine. Friends and family workshops offer an opportunity for families to come and create art together.

Teen camps enable young people to explore different art techniques and discover their passion for art. And the Leader Arts Council had a fun time doing a pottery class as part of their Christmas party.

“My favourite part is that anybody can do it!” Rylan said. ‘Anybody’ included seniors enjoying a painting workshop at Eatonia Oasis Living (EOL). “I really like going to EOL. They love having me d it, and it’s fun to go there. It’s not about being good; it’s about trying it.”

printmaking, textiles, painted ornaments, and an Italian decorating style called Sgraffito. Kids at camp also learn some fascinating art history facts, and there’s always a game or two in between projects.

The most rewarding part is when participants are able to take home their personally hand-crafted project. “Most people haven’t done clay, and now they have a piece they can use. A lot of kids gave their creations to their grandmas,” Rylan said. “I show the kids the skills, but they put their ideas

[Section 84 (b) of the Act]

NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL

Along with painting, visitors to the studio have experimented with pottery, ceramics, drawing,

for Councillor Village of Coleville

to it as well. It means a lot to me to be able to bring this to our community, something I know I would have loved to have around when I was a kid.”

Rylan’s winter workshops are done, but he will be returning to Leader in mid-April, when he’ll be scheduling workshops, after school classes, and adding more ideas. “I want to bring in weaving,” he said. “I love to talk about something I’m passionate about and communicate with any age group.”

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that provision has been made for an advance poll.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon at the Village of Coleville office 200 Main Street, Coleville, SK

Dated at Coleville, SK this 5 day of January 2023.

terly GST/HST payment.

VOTER

Gillain Lund Returning Officer

Rylan Cocks held an art workshop at Eatonia Oasis Living.

Kids enjoyed making bubble planters at Dandelion Art Studio in Leader.

SPORTS IN 2023: 100% CHANCE OF EXCITEMENT

BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist

Playing the percentages in the world of sports in 2023:

— Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback ever in the National Football League, will announce his plans for the future: There’s only a 25-per-cent chance that will involve continuing to play, with a 75-per-cent likelihood of him accepting Fox Sports 10-year, $375 million offer to take his talents to the broadcast booth. Interceptions replaced by interlocution.

— Nathan Rourke, a quarterback with Canadian citizenship who starred for the B.C. Lions in 2022, has an 82-percent chance of playing at least temporarily for an NFL team, which will sign him to a fairly lucrative contract, and only an 18-per-cent chance of returning to play in the Canadian Football League.

— There’s 100-percent documentation that an opponent did indeed call the world’s best female soccer player, Canada’s Christine Sinclair, “an old hag,” but the soon-to-be 40-year-old still has what it takes to play on the world stage and has no retirement plans, for now anyway.

— There is a nine-percent chance of the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup this year, but a 91-per-cent chance they won’t, extending that Cup-less streak to 56 years.

— Rory McIlroy has a 16-per-cent chance of winning the Masters for the first time, giving him the elusive career grand slam, but in a field of around 100 golfers, 16 per cent is pretty good.

— Ten months from now, multi-talented Shohei Ohtani will be a baseball free agent and there’s a 72-per-cent chance he will command a contract of at least $500 million, which is half a billion dollars, making Aaron Judge’s $360 million over nine years look like one of those rollback prices at

Wal-Mart.

— Felix Auger-Aliassime, who has emerged as Canada’s strongest professional tennis player (No 6 in the world), has a 71-per-cent chance of winning one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, now that the Big 3 of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are seeing their illustrious careers winding down.

— Brooke Henderson is only 25 years of age and has already won 12 times on the LPGA Tour, including two majors, so it’s a good bet, about a 68-per-cent lock, that she’ll be hoisting a trophy somewhere in the world in 2023.

— One hundred per cent of sports TV broadcasts in 2023 will be interrupted by at least one gambling-related commercial and an estimated 94 per cent of viewers will be annoyed.

— There’s a 100-percent chance that LeBron James has lost his title as the NBA’s best player, and a 62-per-cent chance that honour now goes to Luka Doncic. The other 38 per cent is split between Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Currie and Joel Embiid.

Loaves and Fishes offers hearty soup and bread at no charge. TEXT 306-460-9304 or CALL 306-463-6146 or email: info@kcfhope.com

(Soup is packaged and frozen, just thaw & heat)

• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “The men’s 100-metre dash record was broken today. The new record was set by me leaving a restaurant after being told there were no real menus and that I’d have to scan a QR code to order.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “It’s been said weather forecasting is a great job because you can be wrong most of the time and still get paid. Same goes for

YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW NEED FOOD?

running the Houston Texans.”

• PGA Tour player Mackenzie Hughes, on Twitter: “This has been a tough decision to make, but after talking with my family and friends, I’ve decided to retire. The game has just beaten me up too much over the years. One day I may come back, but for now it’s time to say goodbye to fantasy football.

• Headline at fark. com, after Las Vegas Raiders benched quarterback Derek Carr for the last two games of the regular season: “Raiders putting Carr into storage in the hopes of preserving trade-in value”

• fark.com again: “Broncos fire Nathaniel Hackett. Guess he couldn’t”

• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “Sabres at Blackhawks tickets for Jan. 17 are going for $6. The TV ratings will take a hit, too, when the only person with any interest in the outcome is Connor Bedard.”

• RJ Currie again: “Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory and Rams O-lineman Oday Aboushi were each suspended a game for trading punches on Sunday. Not only was it unsportsmanlike, it wasn’t even Boxing Day.”

• Headline at theonion.com: “Mac Jones calls game ‘must win’ after Bill Belichick shows him picture of his family sleeping.”

• Observation by BP: “Toronto Maple Leafs were fined $250,000 for violating a Players’ Association rule by leaving for St. Louis Dec. 26. It put the NHL one ahead of the NBA in the category of travelling violations in 2022.”

• Phil Mushnick of the New York Post: “To assign ‘Hollerin’ Kevin Harlan an NFL game on CBS or Westwood One Radio, is like listening to a bingo caller on a cruise ship loaded with hard-ofhearing seniors.”

(Soup is packaged and frozen, just thaw & heat)

Loaves and Fishes offers hearty soup and bread at no charge. TEXT 306-460-9304 or CALL 306-463-6146 or email: info@kcfhope.com

• Headline at theonion.com: “Out of shape streaker ashamed after cramp forces him to walk rest of way across football field.”

• Comedy writer Gary Bachman: “It’s college football’s bowl season. Today, the Weed Bowl will be followed by the Doritos Bowl.”

Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

Canadian Music Legend Ian Tyson, CM AOE,

Has Died at 89

The family of the late Canadian country legend Ian Tyson, CM AOE, has confirmed the singer-songwriter died from on-going health complications on December 29th, 2022 at his ranch in southern Alberta, Canada at age 89.

Tyson was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, with his former wife and singing partner, Sylvia, in 1992. Tyson became a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994 and in 2003, he received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2006.

Tyson was born to British immigrants in Victoria, and grew up in Duncan B.C. A rough stock rider in his late teens and early twenties, he took up the guitar while recovering from an injury he sustained in a bad fall in the rodeo.

before the Urban Cowboy phase of contemporary “new traditionalists.”

Tapes, vol. 1. Judy Collins recorded a version of his song “Someday Soon” in 1968. In 1989, Tyson was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2005, CBC Radio One listeners chose his song “Four Strong Winds” as the greatest Canadian song of all time on the series 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version. He has been a strong influence on many Canadian artists, including Neil Young, who recorded “Four Strong Winds” for Comes a Time (1978). Johnny Cash would also record the same song for American V: A Hundred Highways (2006).

Life has not been without its difficulties, however. In 2006, he seriously damaged his voice after a particularly tough performance at an outdoor country music festival.

After hosting a national Canadian television music show from 1970 to 1975, Tyson realized his dream of returning to the Canadian West. The music and marriage of Ian and Sylvia had ended. It was now or never. Disillusioned with the Canadian country music scene, Tyson decided the time had come to return to his first love – training horses in the ranch country of southern Alberta.

Ian Tyson’s story from there is familiar to most. He upped stakes from Vancouver Island and hitchhiked to Toronto, where he met a young singer from small-town Ontario called Sylvia Fricker. As Ian & Sylvia, they were the Canadian stars of the early ’60s folk boom that gave the world Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Joan Baez, the Clancy Brothers, and the Kingston Trio.

Box 193, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0

Cell: 403-664-9637

buds_e_i_services@yahoo.com

Office: 403-676-2162

Fax: 403-676-2152

Married in 1964, the pair made almost a dozen albums — and wrote some of Canada’s best-loved songs, including Ian’s “Four Strong Winds” and “Someday Soon,” and Sylvia’s “You Were on My Mind” — songs that have all been covered countless times by some of the most famous artists of our time, including Dylan, Neil Young, Judy Collins, and a young Canadian singer the couple mentored in his early days, Gordon Lightfoot.

During the British Invasion, Ian and Sylvia evolved into pioneers of country-rock. Their band, Great Speckled Bird, rivaled the Byrds and other groups which helped create modern country, a decade

After three idyllic years cowboying in the Rockies at Pincher Creek, Tyson recorded the album Old Corrals & Sagebrush, consisting of cowboy songs, both traditional and new. “It was a kind of a musical Christmas card for my friends” he recalls. “We weren’t looking for a ‘hit’ or radio play or anything like that.” Unbeknownst to Tyson and his friends, the cowboy renaissance was about to find expression at the inaugural Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering in 1983; a small coterie of saddle makers, rawhide braiders, cowboy poets and pickers discovered one another in a small cow town in northern Nevada. Tyson was invited to perform his “new western music”— and he’s missed only one or two gatherings in the 30-plus years since.

Bob Dylan and the Band recorded his song “One Single River” in Woodstock, New York, in 1967. The recording can be found on the unreleased Genuine Basement

Truck Works Inc.

“I fought the sound system and I lost,” he said afterwards. With a virus that took months to pass, his smooth voice was now hoarse, grainy, and had lost much of its resonant bottom end. After briefly entertaining thoughts that he would never sing again, he began relearning and reworking his songs to accommodate his “new voice.” To his surprise, audiences now paid rapt attention as he half-spoke, half-sung familiar words, which seemed to reveal new depths for his listeners.

Tyson released his most recent single “You Should Have Known” in September 2017 on Stony Plain Records, the label that Tyson’s released fifteen albums with since the ‘80s. The song unapologetically celebrated the hard living, hard drinking, hard loving cowboy life and joins his favorites such as hits like “Four Strong Winds,” “Someday Soon,” “Summer Wages” and more.

The family will hold a closed service and have requested privacy at this time.

Donations in Ian’s memory can be made to The Ian Tyson Legacy Fund - https://www.westernfolklife.org/donate

Big Country Agricultural Society looks back at 2022

SUBMITTED

As 2022 draws to a close, the directors, executive and members of the Big Country Agricultural Society have taken a moment to both reflect on the past year and to look forward to exciting things yet to come in 2023. This group of dedicated volunteers has poured countless hours into serving the community at The Crossroads Centre. BCAS has also been generously supported by so many local businesses and individuals, enabling us to put on a wide variety of activities for participants and spectators of all ages.

The BCAS signed the initial lease with the town for the Crossroads Center on October 25, 2002 and in the following 20 years has contributed to the agricultural community in a wide variety of ways. It is amazing that some of the original agricultural society members, who dreamed of this building and created it, are still actively involved in BCAS today.

2022 was a year of dramatic growth and development. The Crossroads continues to serve the community by providing a safe and warm environment for agricultural purposes year-round, and there are many individuals and families who own riding memberships or regularly rent the facility for their own use. The winter months also saw every weekend booked with varied events hosted by the BCAS.

We were happy to work with Prairie Land Athletics on a successful Pheasant Festival in the fall which concluded with an evening at the Crossroads.

The Roughstock Jackpots occurred on six dates throughout the winter. This saw a combined total of 150 entries consisting of bareback, saddlebronc, ranch bronc and bull riding. Several different stock contractors brought a great set of horses and bulls, bucking approximately

300 head of stock. BCAS saw great local support for the events as well as spectators and travelers from around the province, while providing a learning and competitive opportunity for many participants.

The Winter Gymkhana Series hosted six gymkhanas over the winter. 54 contestants purchased memberships across the five age groups to compete for some amazing series prizes, including buckles donated by valued businesses in the community. Several more contestants competed for day money alone. Contestants competed in barrel racing, pole bending, thread the needle, and a different surprise event each month. There were many spectators enjoying the days, and many competitors of all ages and abilities enjoyed the use of the facility and developing their horsemanship and skills.

The Team Roping Winter Series was a very successful series of three events that brought many new people into the building, both as competitors and spectators. We ran two jackpots each day, a #11 and a #7 which saw between 200 and 300 teams each date. Contestants that attended two of the three jackpots qualified to rope in the Bonus Roping Round for amazing prizes on the final date.

Friday FUNdamentals occurred every Friday night in November, followed by one Friday a month for the rest of the winter. Participants worked on their dummy roping skills and techniques, either on foot or mounted. Volunteer coaches were available to support each roper at their level and the final date saw participants roping live cattle. The evenings were a fun and casual gathering in the facility while people of all ages and abilities developed their skills.

The 20th Annual Crossroads Beef Expo was held on February

19th with 33 Youth exhibiting heifers followed by 41 Youth steers. The following Pen Show showcased 14 Yearling pens, 5 pens of 2 Year old bulls, 6 Purebred heifer pens and 8 Commercial heifer pens displayed for evaluation by the panel of three judges. Throughout the day there were 13 trade show booths for people to peruse and a live auction. The final event of the day was the sold-out Rancher’s Choice raffle draw. The Beef Expo was a resounding success and the result of many volunteer hours and many appreciated sponsors.

BCAS also hosted a Marci Powell Barrel Clinic and a Rocky Ross Roping Clinic, which were sold out quickly and appreciated by participants.

BCAS volunteers travelled to Medicine Hat to work a casino, and brought much needed proceeds back to contribute to our activities here. Other volunteers hosted a garage sale as a service to the community.

The Farmers’ Market hosted 15 summer markets this year with an average of 206 patrons and between 8 and 17 vendors, and often lunch was provided. The Christmas Farmers’ Market was very successful with 37 vendors participating and we had approximately 420 customers walk through the door. The Farmers’ Market was able to give out three bursaries of $500.00 each this year to non-profit organizations.

In early August, BCAS hosted a Bike Poker Rally to raise money for Brooklyn Laughlin, a little girl in the BCAS community living with Spina Bifida. 59 riders participated in the 421 km run including stops at Cessford, Jenner, and Burstall. The bikes returned to Oyen to have supper and receive prizes donated by generous businesses and riders. It was a successful, enjoyable day raising money for a great cause.

The summer months found volunteers and businesses in the community donating their time and equipment to reorganize the Crossroads. These efforts allow for varied usage of the building without each usage requiring major set up and teardown. Volunteers tidied and organized the grounds, replaced the spectator fence, added a higher bar to the perimeter fence for the safety of contestants, and assembled outdoor stock pens.

These efforts were

done in preparation for The Big Country Gather held on August 19, 20, and 21st. The Big Country Gather was hosted by BCAS together with Rugged Rodeo and included both barrel and breakaway jackpots, a ranch rodeo, two open rodeo performances, a slack, a cabaret Saturday night complete with a live band, and a kid’s rodeo. The experience was complete with a booth, food trucks, a beer garden, Kid’s Zone, and vendors providing a unique shopping experience. A parade Saturday morning involved the entire community and was very well supported. The event was very well attended and was a highlight of 2022 in Oyen, with an average of 400 spectators each night. Many sponsors got behind the event and helped make it possible. 2022 was an exciting year to be a part of BCAS. We kicked off the 2022/2023 winter season with a Bucking Bull Futurity and Oktoberfest celebration. The Roughstock series has grown and added a Barrel series to the day. We have increased the Team Roping to four dates and added Tie Down and Breakaway roping. The Gymkhana series has even more members than last year. Friday FUNdamentals continues to offer learning opportunities to ropers of all ages and abilities in the area. The Beef Expo has grown to a two-day event to better meet the needs of the exhibitors and spectators. The summer months will bring Farmer’s Markets, car shows, bike rallies, and another rodeo event. BCAS continues to work towards a 100 x 75 x 17 addition and a 50 x 75 verandah, as well as completion of the washbay. This facility is such

a vibrant hub in our community and these developments would provide even more opportunity at the Crossroads.

The volunteer base at BCAS is second to none. Having such a busy facility requires such a time commitment to upkeep the facility, plan and host events, keep track of the finances, run the kitchen and the bar, and maintain the ground. The mem-

bers meet once a month, and committees meet as well to plan and execute their events. BCAS welcomes new members with new energy and new ideas.

Please follow our facebook page, “Crossroads Centre – Big Country Ag Society” and our Team Up Calendar for up-todate information about scheduled events and availability.

Babies of 2022!

Anthony Kenneth Hertz

Date of Birth:

January 22, 2022

Place of Birth: Medicine Hat, AB

Parents: Blake & Rebekkah Hertz

Grandparents: Shane & Conny Hertz, Ken McIntyre

Grace Karen Code

Date of Birth: November 29, 2022

Place of Birth: Calgary, AB

Parents: Regan & Brandon Code

Grandparents:

Laurie & Allan Code

Karen & Harley Spate

Great Grandmother:

Mary Lou Lijdsman

Rosemary Spate

Sibling: Rocky Code

Dane Callum Meers

Date of Birth:

January 20, 2022

Place of Birth: Vancouver, BC

Parents: Logan & Taylor Meers

Grandparents: Cindy Mittelstaedt

Bob Fraser

Kent & Leanne Meers

Great Grandparents: Harvey Mittelstaedt

Mervin Meers

Bill & Karen Champ

Hudson Wayne Carroll

Date of Birth:

November 30, 2022

Place of Birth: Medicine Hat, AB

Parents:

Riley & Janelle

Carroll

Grandparents:

Kathy Carroll

Tom Carroll

Wayne & Tannis

Wilson

Great Grandparents: Don & Lorine MacRae

Siblings: Hunter Wilson Carroll

Bella Ann Heeg

Date of Birth:

February 18, 2022

Place of Birth: Medicine Hat, AB

Parents: Jenifer & Steven Heeg

Grandparents: Jack & Patricia Breum, Larry & Rita Heeg

Hallie Ann Hertz

Date of Birth:

October 22, 2022

Place of Birth: Medicine Hat, AB

Parents: Doug & Kassie Hertz

Grandparents: Shane & Conny Hertz, Glenn & Jeannine Sutton

Sibling: Sophie Hertz

Henry Ace Kuhn

Date of Birth: June 23, 2022

Place of Birth: Calgary, AB

Parents: Ashton & Randi Kuhn

Grandparents: Jarrod & Carolyn Kuhn

Dan & Cindy Wehr

Siblings: Olive & Elliott Kuhn

Kane Floyd Strasser

Date of Birth:

October 21, 2022

Place of Birth: Edmonton, AB

Parents: Myla & Kyle Strasser

Grandparents: Gordon & Vida VanSickle

Blair & Cynthia

Strasser

Great Grandparents: Miles & Vallery

Logan

Jane Strasser

Shirley Ganton

Sibling: Arya Strasser

Stetson Trace Sturm

Date of Birth:

September 20, 2022

Place of Birth: Medicine Hat, AB

Parents: Cheryl Breum & Mark Sturm

Grandparents:

Jack & Patricia Breum, Marty & Peggy Sturm

Kaycee Lloyd Ross

Date of Birth: August 11, 2022

Place of Birth:

Medicine Hat, AB

Parents: Lance & Melinda Ross

Grandparents: Kelly & Bonnie Ross

Allan & Laurie Code

Sibling: Weston Code

Violet Mae Patricia Didychuk

Date of Birth:

November 11, 2022

Place of Birth: Bonnyville, AB

Parents: Rachel & Reed Didychuk

Grandparents: Jaime & Roger Didychuk

Rick and Christine Bigelow

Siblings: Lewis Didychuk

Scarlett Claire Gagnon

Date of Birth:

December 3, 2022

Place of Birth: Calgary, AB

Parents: Marc & Danielle Gagnon

Grandparents: Farley & Chrissy Vanstone, Pam & Maurice Gagnon

Great Grandparents: Shirley Vanstone

Sibling: Abby Gagnon

Max Oliver Getz

Date of Birth: May 21, 2022

Place of Birth: TWP RD 174, HWY 41

Parents: Kristy & Riley Getz

Grandparents:

Warren & Cheryl Getz

Dale & Debbie

Hamilton

Jim Laschilier

Great Grandparents: Isabelle Laschilier

Helen & Walter Kohut

Sonjia Hamilton Doreen Getz

Sibling: Willow

Nora Margot Meers

Date of Birth:

September 9, 2022

Place of Birth:

Medicine Hat, AB

Parents:

Kyle & Rachelle Meers

Grandparents:

Craig & Dawn Stasiuk

Kent & Leanna Meers

Grreat Grandparents: Iris Olson

Donna Stasiuk

Mervin Meers

Bill & Karen Champ

Letley Michelle Niwa

Date of Birth: April 25, 2022

Place of Birth: Stettler, AB

Parents: Ryan & McKayla Niwa

Grandparents: Suzie & Dave Campbell

Tammy & Joe Niwa

Siblings: Emberlee Niwa

Wren Robina-Ann Allard

Date of Birth: July 6, 2022

Place of Birth: Peace River, AB

Parents:

Megan & Hayden Allard

Grandparents: Martin & Charmain Snell

Troy & Wendy Zowtuk

Francois & Inez Allard

Great Grandparents:

Milton & Maureen Snell

Dave & Pat Bednarski

Odile Allard

Babies of 2022!

Oyen Lodge Report

By Sara Heath

Hello everyone! We hope everyone had some wonderful holiday fun, lled with family and lots of cheer, as well as a very Happy New Year. ank you to Luke Rushkowski for putting on the amazing reworks display on New Year’s Eve the residents sure enjoyed them! e weeks leading up to the holidays were quite

busy here at the Lodge. We are grateful that everyone got to enjoy their Christmas with family and friends. Our Christmas Party for the Lodge will be happening in the this New Year as we were unfortunately unable to have the party in December, however we are looking forward to putting on this party to include the residents loved ones! Last

week the residents enjoyed a New Year’s Eve party in the activity room, where we enjoyed snacks, drinks and of course fun conversation and reminiscing.

e New Year always brings new beginnings and we are looking forward to what is to come in 2023! We hope everyone stays healthy and happy and all our resolutions come true.

The W.P.S. hosted their Christmas concert and the staff and students did a fantastic job as per usual. There was even a guest appearance by Mrs. Turner who played Scrooge for part of the junior high play.

The Acadia Valley E.C.S. hosted the first Christmas in The Valley since covid. It was a huge success. It was a fun filled family day organized by the E.C.S. with the help from all the local clubs; Knights of Columbus, Sunset Seniors Club, A.V. Rec. Club, A.V. Fire Department, and The A.V. Community Club. The K.C.’s started the morning off with a free breakfast. There were lots of activities throughout the day including cookie decorating, ornament crafts, Santa pictures with Chynna-Lynn Photography, bouncy castles, games, outdoor fire with hot chocolate, skating, and tobogganing. The kids ended the

By Yolanda Kuhn

day by watching The Grinch. The lucky winners were Jaime Didychuk who won the $270 50/50. The family raffle prize was won by Chantelle Dalshaug. The Happy Cow ice cream package was won by Joeleen Turner. Thank you to everyone who donated: Andrew Grudecki, Dan Wehr, I.W. Kuhn Family, Meridian Colony and Didy Smoke it. Chynna raised $300 for the Food Bank and the E.C.S. raised over $2000. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this event.

Mark your calendars for February 2nd -4th, The A.V. Rec. Club will be hosting a ladies bonspiel once again. We will have Karaoke on Saturday night and this years theme is “Sing your way through the top 40”. Watch Facebook and the Oyen Echo for more information.

Barristers and Solicitors

THRIVE WORKSHOP

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ROB PARKMAN

DATE: JAN 15, 2023

TIME: 2:00 PM

Rob Parkman is the author of REFUEL (Amazon) and has presented in 16 countries. Some of his research on holistic health and mental health has appeared in Transformation of the American Association of Christian Counselors (which serves 50,000 members). Rob and his wife Camille are founders and directors of the Young Adult Mentoring Program, which helps college-aged students to thrive in every area of their lives He has presented in many schools across Saskatchewan including Elizabeth School (with Chris Oscer) and Westberry School (with Tammy Diemert) in 2015.

www.robparkman.com

BY BRIAN ZINCHUK

Ukrainian Christmas, in Canada, for refugees who have fled here

ESTEVAN – Today, Jan. 7, is what in Saskatchewan is commonly called “Ukrainian Christmas.” Really, it’s the celebration of Christmas based on the Julian calendar, followed by the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Churches.

The big event is Christmas Eve, on Jan. 6, with its 12 traditional meatless dishes. But this year, due to the war in Ukraine which started last February, there are a lot more Ukrainians who have celebrated their first Christmas here, in Canada.

The Sunflower Network is a group of volunteers across Saskatchewan (and a few in elsewhere in Canada) who came together to help Ukrainian refuges find homes here. Steve Halabura, a geologist who is CEO of junior potash miner Buffalo Potash, got the ball rolling with a column that appeared in Pipeline Online where he pledged to help one family come and settle here, and called on others to do the same. That led to a group of around 20 who have been meeting online once a week, coordinating efforts. Most of those volunteers are business owners, but some are involved with Southeast Newcomer Services.

A large portion of those efforts became concentrated in southeast Saskatchewan, specifically in Estevan, as well as Saskatoon, with the Saskatoon Open Door Society. And on Dec. 19, they were able to put together a Christmas party at the Western Star Inn & Suites in Estevan. A wedding followed the next day.

There’s also been a few babies born, here on Canadian soil.

Brian and Valorie Crossman have been leading efforts most recently in Estevan, doing everything from picking up mattress to arranging and furnishing apartments and picking up the newly landed refugees from the Regina airport. Similar work has been done by Aleksandra Szlapapacka, Corey Casemore, Josh Biggs, Twyla Ferron, Debbie Hagel and Darcy McCormick (in Weyburn) and others over the past year.

Brian Crossman said on Jan. 6, “We’ve touched the lives of 22 families, either a little bit or a lot, depending on how it worked out. Whether it was something

as simple as buying a few things, or something like we’ve furnish their house, picked them up the airport and had food in the house, brought them here and helped them find jobs.

“So it’s varying stages of help they’ve been given. It just depends. And that that Christmas party, we had when we had a lot of families there – lots of kids –which was wonderful. And we gave a presents and fed them pizza.”

And if that wasn’t enough, the Crossmans noted during the party that a similar number of people are expected to come to Estevan in the coming months. While the group has helped some with flights, in more recent months, provincial government has been bringing in flights, easing that burden. Others have paid their own way to get here.

“We’ve got a family coming on the 17th. They are flying themselves, as far as I know they can do it,” Brian said.

“It a mom, dad, 22 and 21 year-olds, pretty much adults, and a 12 year old,” he said. One’s a computer programmer, another is a drone specialist, he noted.

Others have had a wide range of skills, from truck drivers and welders, to medical specialists and even a horticulturalist.

While the group does have some new volunteers, including from some of the newcomers, themselves, they could absolutely use more. In some cases it could be picking up people from the airport. But more mundane tasks like providing refugees with rides to medical appointments or even to work in this cold winter weather are all needed.

And the refugees have been eager to work, and establish themselves here. Several now work in the oilpatch, for instance. The aforementioned Western Star has hired several.

Similar efforts have been going on in Saskatoon and Halabura said on Jan. 7, “Sunflower Network is shifting from bringing people here to helping them here. We provided 21 Christmas hampers in Saskatoon.”

“The need remains. Aid agencies are doing what they can, but there’s always challenges.”

In Saskatoon, the group has had the assistance of the Open Door Society and Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

Funding for Sunflower Network’s efforts have come largely from donations, fundraising, and volunteers’ own pockets. Donations can be made through the group’s website, https://www.sunflowernetwork.ca/ . There’s a donation link on there, which in done through the Rosetown Community Church in cooperation with the Rheaume Family Foundation. Taxable receipts are issued at the end of the year.

Halabura said, “The war isn’t over, and probably won’t be over in the near term. I think there will be more refugees, more people fleeing the situation.”

Weekes announces his candidacy for new Kindersley-Biggar constituency

BY JOAN JANZEN

Your Southwest Media Group

A news conference was held on Thursday evening, January 5th, when MLA Randy Weekes announced his candidacy for the Saskatchewan Party nomination in the new constituency of Kindersley-Biggar. The conference took place at the Kindersley Inn, following a news conference earlier that afternoon at Biggar, Sask.

Randy Weekes became the 27th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan in November 2020. “Being Speaker has given me the opportunity to meet numerous ambassadors and Council Generals from across the world - listening to their concerns, but always promoting Saskatchewan’s interests,” Weekes said.

He has served as the

member for Biggar-Sask Valley since 1999, was once the minister responsible for rural and remote health, as well as deputy government whip. “I have represented Saskatchewan people from Waldheim near Rosthern, Hague, Dalmeny and Hepburn Highway 16 from Mamont, Radisson, Borden, Langham, Asquith, Delisle, Vanscoy,” he explained. “In and around the new Constituency of Kindersley-Biggar, I have represented Biggar, Perdue, Landis, Rural Wilkie, Plenty, and Kelfield.”

He was born in Biggar and grew up on the nearby family farm. He studied at the University of Saskatchewan and received a diploma in Agriculture, before returning to farm and ranch with his family. Randy and his wife Cindy make their home near Biggar.

“With my experience

and relationships I have developed with trading partnerships, I will be a very active and strong voice at the caucus table promoting exports of food, fuel and fertilizer, and working to create more jobs and more prosperity right here at home in Kindersley-Biggar Constituency,” he noted.

In February, Weekes will be leading a Parliamentary delegation to the Indian state of Haryana. Weekes said Canada has a growing relationship with India, selling them agricultural products, farm equipment and technology, uranium and fertilizer.

Weekes will be holding coffee parties in Kerrobert, Macklin and Luseland later this month. Meeting constituents, listening to their concerns, and helping them work through their issues, is what Weekes enjoys most about his job as MLA.

MLA Randy Weekes announced his candidacy for the Saskatchewan Party nomination in the new constituency of Kindersley-Biggar at a news conference on the evening of January 5th held at the Kindersley Inn. | PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

HOME SWEET HOME: A family of deer has hunkered down in a vacant lot in the community of Brock. They did not look too concerned about getting their photo taken. | PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

1. HISTORY: What is the name of the ancient trade route that connected the East and West?

2. LITERATURE: What was playwright Anton Chekhov’s other profession?

3. TELEVISION: Who are the next-door neighbors in TV’s sitcom “Laverne & Shirley”?

4. GEOGRAPHY: Which continent has the most countries?

5. MUSIC: What does the shortened term K-pop stand for?

6. FOOD & DRINK: What is another name for a kiwi?

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: From which Roman god did the month of January get its name?

8. MEDICAL TERMS: If you suffer from medial tibial stress syndrome, what is the condition commonly called?

9. PSYCHOLOGY: What irrational fear is represented in the condition called ablutophobia?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a

key called?

Classifieds

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME

BUILDINGS since 2008

BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com 1-866974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

CARDS OF THANKS

The family of James (Jim) Cowie would like to thank the staff at Heritage Manor for their kind and compassionate care while Jim was living there. Thank you to the Kindersley & District Community Funeral Home and to Prairie Rose for the beautiful flower spray. Thanks to everyone who participated and attended the graveside service. A special thanks to the pallbearers: Arnold Cowie, Donna Cowie, Greg Johnson, Blaine Schwab, Bryan Sunderland and Marge Warrington. Unfortunately, due to Saskatchewan weather not all of the above could attend. Thank you to the following who stepped up to the plate: Darren Cowie, Eva Schwab, Lyle Missere and Jason Petrie. Thanks to everyone that attended as we realize the inclement weather kept many of our family safely at home. We appreciate all of you that have reached out to Eva, Murray & Bev and along with the wonderful support of our families.

COMING EVENTS

Saskatoon Farm Toy & Collectible Show at the Saskatoon Western Development Museum, January 20 - 22, 2023. Friday 5 pm - 9 pm; Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 10 am 4 pm. Special features: Farm toys and scenes, construction equipment, vintage toys and much more!

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FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns,Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NOW HIRING COUPLES for work locations in NW Alberta. Create work / life balance on the same schedule. Site specific training provided. Year-round & seasonal contracts available www.OilfieldSecurity.ca.

CAMPGROUND HOSTS NEEDED. Maintenance and office duties for the summer of 2023. Wages negotiable. Please send resume to castlerivercampground@gmail. com. Deadline January 22, 2023.

FEED AND SEED

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WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-2505252.

YEAR END SEED SALE: CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT

– AAC Goodwin, CDC Go, Go Early, Pintail. OATSAC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY –Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.

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HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.

AD PROOF & ESTIMATE

Docket Media

2301-01 A Oyen Echo

Notice to Creditors

In the Estate of STEVEN ROBERT MEALEY, late of Kindersley, Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 31st day of JANUARY, 2023.

Morgotch Law Box 2530 113B Main Street Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL CLAIMS against the above Estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 16th day of JANUARY, 2023.

MORGOTCH LAW Box 2530 113B Main Street

Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0

RM of Snipe Lake #259 (Groups 1 and 2) and RM of Newcombe #260 (Group 3)

Group 1. NE 29-26-18 W3M Ext 0; NW 29-26-18 W3M Ext 0; and SW 29-26-18 W3M Ext 0.

Group 2. NE 06-27-18 W3M Ext 0.

Group 3. SW 21-26-22 W3M Ext 48 (less 10 acre yard site to be subdivided out and retained by seller); and SE 21-26-22 W3M Ext 49.

No bins or buildings are included. Tenders will be accepted on each of Groups 1, 2 and/or 3 or a combination of the 3 Groups. Purchaser must rely on own research and inspection. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Forward tenders by 3:00 p.m. on January 25, 2023 to: HUGHES LAW OFFICE

Box 729, Eston, SK S0L 1A0 Ph: 306-962-3654 Fax: 306-962-4474

Hugheslaw@sasktel.net

Solicitor for Mrs. M. Pedersen

LAND FOR SALE

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228. www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

MISCELLANEOUS

3 QUARTERS OF CROPLAND South of Weyburn, SK. Distressed sale. Priced below market at 1.27 x assessment, with a 4% return with lease. $594,800.00. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.

LAND FOR CASH RENT

S1/2-22-29-23-W3rd RM290 (308 acres) less yard site. Three-year term. Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted. Send bids to: jsfarms@ruralpro.com or Box 128, Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 by January 26, 2023.

SERVICES

CAREERS

If you “measure your days in acres, not hours,” are motivated to help members get it done, then we have a job for you.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliabilty of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna. com.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www. accesslegalmjf.com.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-4348746 X225

Reporting to the Agency Site Manager and Agency Site Supervisor, the Customer Sales and Service Representative 2 (CSSR 2) is responsible for serving and assisting customers in the selection and purchase of goods and services and/or fuel and fuel products to meet their needs. The CSSR provides service in accordance with UFA’s Customer Service Policy and initiates and implements corrective action as required to ensure that an excellent standard of service and a high level of customer satisfaction is maintained. This position cross-train in multiple functions of the store or site.

UFA offers:

• A business with a purpose.

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If this grabs your attention, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@ufa.com and quote job HR23-005 in the subject line to apply

Oyen, Alberta

In the Estate of LESLIE GEORGE HEIDT, late of Alsask, Saskatchewan, Deceased.

or 306-628-7936

MECHANICS WANTED

3 positions available Journeyman or Experience Required

• AG • Heavy Duty

• Truck & Trailer

Send info to: gillventures2020@gmail.com or 306-628-7936

Employment Opportunity

CLASS 1 DRIVERS

CLASS 1 DRIVERS

for Grain Hauling & Oilfield Work

Send info to: gillventures2020@gmail.com or 306-628-7936

The R.M. of Snipe Lake No. 259 is seeking a Foreman

Duties to commence as early as March, 2023

Full details are available at rmofsnipelake.ca/p/opening-for-foreman-s-position

This position offers an excellent remuneration package with benefits: operations are centered in the vibrant community of Eston, which is located in West Central Saskatchewan.

Resumes with references should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2023 to:

Administrator, RM of Snipe Lake Box 786 Eston, SK S0L 1A0

Telephone 306-962-3214

Title: Manager, Superintendent Roads and Equipment

Brief Job Responsibilities:

Required for Grain Hauling & Oilfield Work

Send info to:

The Superintendent of Roads & Equipment has five direct reports at the Youngstown Service Centre, which interfaces with the public and delivers services for the Special Areas relating to transportation and infrastructure. This position is directly and indirectly responsible for the activities of a diverse group of approximately 173 employees, including technicians, managers, foremen/ supervisors, and administrative staff. Management of $225 million dollars of capital assets and $5 million of inventory assets are managed through an array of reporting programs and require technical expertise and an in-depth understanding of organizational goals. Effective coordination with external partners is key for successful service delivery.

gillventures2020@gmail.com or 306-628-7936

Ministry: Municipal Affairs

Location: Youngstown, AB

Job ID# 36692

Closing: January 17, 2023

Contact: Ghadia.Zafar@gov.ab.ca

For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit: https://jobpostings.alberta.ca/ go/All-Jobs-GoA/2617217/

Job Opportunity Contract Emergency Measure Coordinator

Open until filled Start date: As soon as possible

The Town of Eston and RM of Snipe Lake No.259 are forming a new partnership in a Joint Emergency Measure Committee.

Are you an organized and proactive individual? Do you have a passion for ensuring the safety and well-being of your community? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Emergency Measures Coordinator.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the organization’s emergency preparedness and response plan. This will include liaison with local agencies and partners, organizing exercises.

Other key responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and assessing potential emergency situations, and developing appropriate prevention and response measures

• Developing and maintaining relationships with local emergency response agencies

• Developing and maintaining emergency response procedures, protocols, and guidelines

• Providing guidance and support to staff and volunteers during an emergency situation

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of emergency response activities

• Schedule training

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work effectively in a team and under pressure

• Proficient with word and excel

For the successful applicant training courses will be available. To start approximately 4 hours per week.

Applications

Interested candidates are invited to submit resumes with a cover letter and three references, including anticipated wage and date of availability, to Jody Schmidt, CAO, by email at cao@eston.ca, by phone at 306-962-4444, or by mail at Box 757 Eston SK S0L 1A0.

All candidates are thanked for their interest in the position, only those who are selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Email rm259@sasktel.net

Equipment Tender – To be Moved

Located at G3 Prairie West Plenty, SK

• 5 Meridian 1620 Fertilizer Storage Bins – manufactured in 2015, located at G3 Prairie West Plenty, SK. ( Bin #’s 1-5)

Located at G3 Kindersley, SK

• 8 tonne batch blender dry fertilizer plant including 6 2008 Westeel Magnum F 1420 storage bins (#1-6) and 1 Magnum F1420/10 bin (Bin #7) connected to the belt driven conveyor.

• 3 stand alone seed bins. (Bins 10, 11, & 13)

• 3 Meridian 1620 Fertilizer Storage Bins – manufactured in 2011 (Bins 8, 9 & 12)

• 1585 Batco Conveyor complete with electric motor

• 23 HP Vanguard Motor and Sakundiak auger FD7 1600 Serial number 48961

• Johnson transfer auger c/w electric motor

Please submit tenders identifying location, bin numbers & equipment prior to January 31, 2023 to:

Charlene Bradley General Manager G3 Prairie West Box 244 Plenty, SK S0L 2R0 charlene_bradley@g3.ca 306 932-4446

‘ As is, Where is - Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.’

HELP WANTED

Equipment Operators

R.M. OF NEWCOMBE NO. 260

The R.M. of Newcombe No. 260, with office/shop located in Glidden, SK, is currently seeking applications for Heavy Equipment Operators. The RM offers competitive wages and benefits (health, dental, & vision care, disability insurance, and pension plan).

Successful applicants will possess the following qualifications:

• Be willing to work 40-50 hours per week, during peak season;

• Have experience and be willing to operate heavy equipment as required (grader/snow plow, tractor/mower/rock picker, payloader, gravel truck/trailer, etc);

• Knowledge of maintaining and repairing roads;

• Be able to work under direction of the Council/Foreman/Administrator, and work well with other employees;

• Be able to work independently and with minimal supervision;

• Be physically able to complete laboured tasks when required;

• Provide proof of a valid driver’s licence and driver’s abstract upon request (a Class 1A driver’s licence would be a definite asset)

• Provide a criminal record check upon request

• Knowledge of machinery maintenance (being mechanically inclined would be a definite asset);

• Be safety conscious and pay attention to detail

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates have filled the position(s).

Please apply by sending a resume that includes work experience (including types of equipment operated), proof of education/training/certification, and reliable references to:

R.M. of Newcombe No. 260

Box 40

Glidden, SK S0L 1H0

Phone: 306-463-3338 Fax: 306-463-4748

Email: rm260@yourlink.ca

JARDINE - It is with immense sadness and broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Allan Jardine on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Saskatoon at the age of 85.

Allan was born on March 13, 1937 in Eston, SK to Oren & Helga Jardine and was raised on the family farm at Bickleigh. He was the second of five boys. Allan attended Kildare School.

As a child, Allan enjoyed Christmas concerts, baseball, field days, curling at Totnes and Bickleigh Sportsday. A highlight in 1952 was when Oren & Helga took all five boys on a trip to Chicago and Prince Edward Island where they visited

Grandma Jardine, uncles, aunts and cousins. Allan saw the tide come in and dug for clams which was quite an experience for a prairie boy.

After finishing Grade 8, Allan worked for different farmers and a couple of years for McLeod Bros. Construction at Eston. In 1961, Allan started farming on his own when he rented Julius Rasmussen’s land. It was a very dry year and a poor crop, but Allan was thrilled to be a farmer.

Allan was a member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee for many years and belonged to the Bickleigh Community Club.

On November 4, 1967, Allan married Elaine Felker of Wiseton. Allan and Elaine resided in Rosetown during the winter of 1967. Allan worked at the Esso Service Station for his brother, Cecil. Allan and Elaine lived at Philip Johnson’s farm at Bickleigh during the summer of 1968 and then went back to Rosetown for a second winter. In the spring of 1969, Al-

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lan and Elaine moved to the Frank Gray farm at Bickleigh which was subsequently purchased and became home. This was the beginning of a long farming partnership between Allan and Elaine. On September 11, 1970, they welcomed Rhonda followed by Robert on May 17, 1973.

In the fall of 1999, Allan & Elaine purchased a home in Eston and, over the course of a few winters, transitioned to town life. Allan continued to drive to the farm everyday to feed his beloved cats, check grain and hay crops, check rain and snowfall levels and just be present on the farm. While in town, Allan spent many hours at the rink watching Rambler and minor hockey, at DT’s “farming” on coffee row and attending the Full Gospel Church.

Allan & Elaine went on several West World bus tours to Branson, Nashville and Pigeon Forge. In 2012, Allan, Rhonda & Robert went to Seattle attending three Blue Jays baseball games, toured the Space Needle and the Seattle waterfront. Allan enjoyed trips to Calgary to visit his brothers. Allan loved curling and was fortunate to attend several Briers, a Grand Slam of Curling in April of 2019 and the Olympic Curling Trials in November, 2021.

On October 1, 2021, Allan & Elaine moved to The Village in Stonebridge in Saskatoon. This was a difficult move for Allan as he left his heart in Eston, but given his very social nature, he made friends quickly and became involved in the social life of retired living.

Jim was well taken care of during his stay at Sunset Lodge, and while he lived at Dawnview many people there watched out for him, ensuring that he would attend events and brought him treats such as popcorn.

In loving memory of

Robert E. Ward

March 6, 1958 to January 7, 2021

My Angel up in Heaven I wanted you to know, I feel you watching over me Everywhere I go. I wish you were here with me but that can never be. Memories of you in my heart That only I can see. My Angel up in Heaven, I hope you understand, That I would give anything If I could hold your hand. I’d hold you oh so tightly, And never let you go, And all the love inside me, To you I would show.

My Angel up in Heaven, For now we are apart, You’ll always live inside of me Deep within my heart.

Love your wife Kim, kids Chris & Jenna, Alicia & Trevor, Nathan & Jamie, and your 6 little people, Madison, Dexter, Jordynn, Tucker, Kaycee & Piper. You are loved forever and always.

Allan loved the farm – he was a farmer to the core! There was nothing better than the farm and small community life. Bickleigh and Eston were very near and dear to his heart. He often said he got to live in the best place in the world. From 2001 to 2014, Allan was delighted to have Rhonda, Darin & Robert actively farming along side him. Allan appreciated having Willard Mitchell as a farming assistant for several years during seeding and harvest. Allan also loved Charolais cattle, anything John Deere, the Chicago Blackhawks, Blue Jay baseball, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, curling, rodeo, chuckwagon racing and Eston Rambler and minor hockey. He was a proud cattle rancher for 55 years, retiring in 2011. Allan retired from grain farming in 2014. Once Allan retired from cattle,

In Loving Memory of Kandace (Hertz) Fode March 29 1988January 9, 2022 It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God took you home. If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches make a lane, we’d walk our way to heaven, and bring you back again In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no on could ever fill.

Most important to Allan was family. Up to and including Christmas Day, he enjoyed and looked forward to Sunday morning phone calls with each of his brothers. Nothing gave him more joy than watching his children and grandchildren participate in various activities. Allan spent many hours in rinks watching hockey and curling, at track meets, volleyball tournaments and dance recitals. He was our biggest cheerleader! Since February 13, 2020, Madison has been a bright and spirited addition to Allan’s life. She has brought many hours of joy and entertainment to Allan.

Allan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elaine, daughter, Rhonda (Darin), grand-daughters, Kennedy (Colby) & Keaton and son, Robert (Heather) & grand-daughter, Madison. He is also survived by brothers, Keith (Arlene), Cecil (Susan) and Emery (Dianne), brotherin-law, Grant Sedgwick and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Oren & Helga Jardine, his brother, David, sistersin-law, Bonnie Jardine, Sharon Erickson & Phyllis Sedgwick, brotherin-law, Alvin Erickson, nephew, Lori Dean Erickson and nieces, Shonda Jardine and Lorna Erickson.

In lieu of flowers, family would encourage donations to the Wheatland Plus 50 Club (128 – 1st Avenue West, Eston, SK, S0L 1A0) or the Eston Full Gospel Church (Box 580, Eston, SK, S0L 1A0).

A service for Allan will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Eston Full Gospel Church (925 Main Street South, Eston, SK).

COWIE - James Cowie was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on September 12, 1936, to Ernest & Mae (nee Klinzing) Cowie. Jim (as known by all) was the youngest of 10 children and grew up on the family farm. In his younger days, Jim participated in many sporting events such as ball, curling, horseshoes, and billiards. He was an outstanding athlete no matter which sport he chose. Along with farming for many years with his brother Alvin, Jim lived in various places during his life. These included Kindersley, Calgary, Flaxcombe, Milden, and in 3 adult/senior living complexes: Sunset Lodge, Dawnview, and finally in Heritage Manor, all of which were in Kindersley. During his years in Calgary, he lived with his sister Irene and her husband Dennis, where he worked in both construction and a meat packing plant there. It was here that he curled with his brother Don, but over the years Jim enjoyed curling with many others as well. In 1975, Jim’s health started failing and so started making his way back to the Kindersley area, living in an old teacherage in Flaxcombe. Even though one would find he mainly lived off tinned soups, “Dad’s” cookies, a seemingly continuous supply of instant coffee & cigarettes, Jim would often be invited out for a meal of his favorite fish & chips or liver & onions. He did make sure that he was well stocked with sweets such as Wagon Wheels, Rice Krispie or Puffed Wheat cake, and of course boxes of chocolates whenever possible. At his last home in Heritage Manor, there was always enough ice cream to satisfy his sweet tooth, but he would never refuse the ice cream treat!

His niece Eva was able to arrange for Jim to live in Milden SK where the Thompson family was so kind to him, and he was the “best behaved” resident who truly enjoyed the fabulous meals there.

Jim loved music, especially the country artists from the 50’s. Hank Snow would’ve been one of his favorites. Billiards was a favorite pastime, and you could find him in the pool hall on Main Street in Kindersley or later at Dawnview. He loved to figure out the angles and get the balls to do what he wanted. He loved late nights with sharing of stories and sleeping in late but getting him to see a doctor proved a challenge. He enjoyed his visitors and would thank you for coming. He always took an interest in his many nieces and nephews lives with what they’re doing and how things are going. This continued into the next generation of his great-nieces and great-nephews, and Jim always had a wonderful smile for those he loved.

Over the years, the love and gratitude were felt deeply for those who took time to help Jim, visit with him, and just took the time to get to know him. Attending his birthday parties over the years, sending best wishes in thought or person, in a card or gift was always received with love. There are not enough words of appreciation for those who took time out so he can go see the grainfields grow, share a table during a meal, to make sure he was taken care of with his medications, haircuts, shaves, baths, and ensuring that he always had a clean hanky on hand.

Jim was a quiet man, and he left this world like he lived it, peacefully. He passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 86 years. He is survived by his 2 sisters: Grace (Alan) Johnson, and Irene Draper, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He had been predeceased by his parents Ernest & Mae Cowie, his siblings: Bill Cowie, Don (and Verna) Cowie, Basil (and Kay) Cowie, Inez (and Harvey) Kidd, Lorna (and Eric) Coutts, Alvin (and Audrey) Cowie, Doreen (and Harvey) Sunderland. James is also predeceased by extended family: Holly Sunderland, Bob Kidd, Wendy Draper, Wayne Cowie, and Alan Coutts.

WORSHIP SERVICES

pioneerpastoralcharge@gmail.com Pastor Shane Goldie - Student Minister

MCKAY - Dianne Lynn Mckay (nee Kirkpatrick) passed away at 6:45 pm December 25, 2022 in Oyen, Alberta. Having her husband Burt, 5 kids, a grandson & granddaughter by her side.

Dianne was born April 5, 1948 in Saint John, New Brunswick, to Malcolm and Helen Kirkpatrick. She met Burt Mckay on July 12, 1965 at a dance that he was chaperoning. It only took that one dance for each of them to know they found their soulmate. Dianne was 17, and Burt was 23, and 33 days later they married

CARPENDALE Mervyn (Merv) Vecey Carpendale

February 9,1939 to December 17, 2022.

It is with great sadness the the family announces the passing of Merv Carpendale in the Heritage manor peacefully after a short battle with cancer.

Merv was born in Oxbow Saskatchewan and was the youngest of 6 children.

After leaving school he worked for Ontarion Hydro and then moved to Coleville to work in the oilfield and continued working in various jobs all related to oil the longest being at Sask Oil where he eventually retired.

in Montreal. Three years later, the family began with a daughter, followed by 3 more daughters, and finally a son. For 57 years Dianne and Burt watched their family grow. Dianne had numerous friends who found her carefree ways of her personality, her wit, and always willing to give to anyone she met. Dianne worked with the school band for more than 40 years until she retired at the age of 70, and they moved to Alsask, Saskatchewan.

She was always ready with a joke or prank! Her favorite was casually menutioning that they had “dropped their pocket”, then watch them look for it! She was never shy ... and told it like it was. Dianne would give the shoes off her feet and the shirt off her back, and occasionally, she did! She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She enjoyed bingo, darts, camping in the woods, fishing, and any gathering with family. Christmas was

Merv was very musical and could play many instruments. He was in a band that played locally for years. Before and after retirement he tuned pianos and would also buy old pianos, refurbish and tune them and sell them.

In 1962 he married Noreen Reynolds from Gainsborough Sask and moved her to Coleville, living on a farm for a few years and then moving to town where they settled in. They had one son Murrey and one son Miles that passed shortly after birth. Noreen sadly passed away in 1994 after a long battle with Type 1 Diabetes.

Shortly after he met and married Sharon Lachance. She brought to our family three boys, Miles, Trevor and Ren who all fit in very well. They had trailer down at Lemsford and then bought a cabin up at Bright Sands Lake which they had for many years and enjoyed immensely with children and grandchildren.

Dianne’s favourite time of the year. She would start preparing for the next Christmas the day after one was celebrated, as she gave to her 5 kids & spouses, 11 grandchildren & spouses, and 21 great grandchildren and numerous friends! No one ever left without a gift.

Dianne was diagnosed with an aggressive rare gallbladder cancer, and sadly left her future time very limited. She flourished with her wings on her favourite day of the year, leaving everyone to remember her as their very own Christmas angel.

Sadly Merv began getting dementia and ended up at Heritage Manor which he thought was wonderful. Enjoyed the staff and said they took such great care of him. He also loved to joke with them as he loved his jokes.

Merv was predeceased by his mother and father and all of his brothers and sister.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Murrey (Penny) and children Tony and Maria (Paul). His stepsons Miles (Jackie) children Nichole, Mike, Matt and Megan, Trevor and children Josie and Jayme, Rene (Pam) and children Zacha-

Please remember, Dianne lived a great 74 years. And, until we meet again, we love you.

(P.S ... you dropped your pocket)

Dianne is predeceased by her father Malcolm Fraser Kirkpatrick and her mother Helen Mae Kirkpatrick (nee Niles), stepfather Arthur Doiron, her sister Constance Helen Write (nee Kirkpatrick) nephew Richard Charles Malcolm Kirkpatrick. Dianne is survived by her husband of 57 years Burton Leo Mckay, daughters Paulette (Vince), Carrie (Darren), Malissa (Eric), Michelle (Ian), and son Burt (Shawna). Eleven grandchildren; Brandon (Courtney), Nikita (Wayne), Heather (Jason), Miranda (Owen), Jesse (Jasmine), Daniel (Nicole), Madison (Zach), Adam (Taylor), Andrea (Micheal), Markayla (Jay), Jacob (Tracey), Dianne’s 2 sisters Paulette and Nancy, brothers Macki, Fred, Kenny, Ricki, numerous nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, her cat Peek and dog Hank. Dianne had many friends all over the world. All who met her, adored her! Dianne enjoyed being a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Royal Purple Elks Club, and many more.

ry, Desiree and Keaton. He also had many great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Manor for the great care when he was living there and also in pallative care there. Everyone was so thoughtful and caring. We would also like thank everyone for the kind wishes and support we have received.

We will be having a “Celebration of Life” in Coleville in the spring. Date will be announce at a later time. Any donations can be made to Heritage manor or Kindersley and District Health & Wellness Foundation.

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ACADIA VALLEY

February 2-4

• Acadia Valley Rec Club is hosting a Ladies Bonspiel. The theme for this year is “Sing Your Way Through the Top 40”. Karaoke on Saturday night. Watch Facebook and The Oyen Echo for more information.

* Youth Hockey and FREE skating lessons starting January 9, 2023.

* Yoga in The Valley Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Hall. Call/text Jamie 403-548-5146 for more info.

ALSASK

Sunday, January 15

• Ukranian New Year 4:00-8:00 PM at the Alsask Drop Inn Centre. Homemade Perogies & Sausage Feast. $15/plate; $5/plate 12 & under. Bar open till midnight. For more info call Dave at 306463-0169.

BUFFALO

Saturday, February 25

• Tribute to George Jones featuring Duane Steele at the Buffalo Hall.

CEREAL

Tuesday, January 10

• Cereal Golden Centre Meeting 11:00

AM CGC Main Street.

• Cereal Monthly Fire Training / Meeting 7:00 PM at the Fire Hall.

Wednesday, January 11

• Cereal Board of Trade Meeting 7:30

PM CJ Peacock Centre.

* Mondays - Cereal Board of Trade BINGO. Doors open 6:30 PM. Bingo starts 7:30 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.

* Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 9:30 AM

* Wednesdays - Cereal Quilting Club meet at the CJ Peacock Centre. Call Joan Pennett for more info. (Starting back up on January 18th)

* Thursdays - Chase The Ace 7:008:50 PM Ticket Sales 9:00 PM Draw at the Cereal Bar.

EMPRESS

Wednesday, January 18 - Saturday, January 21

• Empress Bindloss Ag Society Winterspiel. $200 entry fee/team. Contact Brad Howe 306-661-0409 to enter a team or for more information.

NEW BRIGDEN

Tuesday, January 10

• New Brigden Community Meeting 7:30 PM at New Brigden School Gym. This meeting will be to find out if the community wants to rebuild the hall or not. All are welcome.

OYEN

Friday, January 13

• Oyen Eagles vs Stettler Imperials 8:00 PM at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena.

Saturday, January 14

• BCAS Roughstock & Barrels at the Crossroads Centre 10:00 AM start.

Thursday, January 19

• Town of Oyen Library Winter Craft & Story Time 2:00 PM

Friday, January 20

• Oyen United Church Soup & Sandwich 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adults $15; Kids 6-12 $5; Kids 6 & under Free.

Saturday, January 21

• Winter Roping at the Crossroads Centre 10:00 AM start.

Friday - Sunday, January 20-22

• 2nd Annual Keith Mitchell Memorial Bonspiel. Call Brett at 403-664-8868.

Sunday, January 22

• BCAS Gymkhana at the Crossroads Centre 1:00 PM start.

Friday, January 27

• Oyen Eagles vs Delburne Outlaws 8:00 PM at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena.

Saturday, February 4

• SCHS Princess Ball for ages 3-10 years 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Each ticket $60. Adult tickets $15 (to cover the cost of lunch).

Friday & Saturday, February 10-11

• Ladies Spiel. Call Jackie at 403-6640157.

Friday, February 17

• Oyen Eagles vs Irma Aces 8:00 PM at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena.

Saturday, February 18

• Oyen Crossroads Beef Expo Pen Show

Sunday, February 19

• Oyen Crossroads Beef ExpoYouth Steer & Heifer Show

Friday - Sunday, February 24-26

• Skins Spiel. Call Brett 403-664-8868. League Curling

Tuesdays Fun League. Enter as a team or individual to Kari 403-664-1001.

Wednesdays Cash League. Enter to Brett 403-664-8868.

League play runs will be open this season.

* Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 7:00-9:00 PM in Town Council Chambers.

YOUNGSTOWN

Thursday, January 26 - Saturday, January 28

• Youngstown Farmers Bonspiel. $160 / team. To register call/text Mark 403854-1907 or Blaine 403-854-1279.

HELP SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE

The Town of Oyen seeks public input into the sharing of our community’s future!

Town administration is working on a multi-faceted project entitled ‘Building a Community Development Strategy for Oyen’ with Natalie Gibson of InnoVisions & Associates. InnoVisions is a consulting firm that specializes in helping rural communities with community and economic development.

The Town hosted the first of a series of ‘community café’ discussions on November 22, 2022. These café events are an opportunity for residents to share ideas about opportunities the Town can pursue that will provide long-term prosperity for residents and businesses alike.

To quote an attendee from the community café discussion, “Very unique approach to strategic planning. It was a great learning opportunity to focus on what our current assets are how we can build on them and bring improvements to the town. This type of strategic planning makes you change your thinking. Very refreshing to focus on the positives instead of the negatives.”

If you would like to be part of the discussion, you can take part in a survey from the comfort of your home by scanning the QR code with your phone or visiting this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CW3Y399.

“Thanks to the Oyen Strategic Planning Committee for including the SCHS students and staff in the process. Youth are an integral part of the community and the future. The forward thinking to include them made them feel important and valued. Students were heard talking about the ideas and suggestions days later in the hallway. This was a very valuable experience for all involved.” Says SCHS Principal, Jason Duchscherer.

The next community café session will take place on Thursday, January 19th, 2023, at 7:00pm. Whether you are a resident of Oyen, a rural resident, business owner, youth, senior, or a member of the general public, we need your input! Let’s plan for the future, together!

Stay up to date on the process and follow the Town of Oyen Facebook Page or visit www.oyen.ca, under Town Projects.