LEADER - Leader’s Food Bank is an example of a non-profit organization that quietly serves the people in its community and beyond. Andreas Kummer is one of the organization’s volunteers who helps provide an essential service in Leader and area.
“I’ve been doing this for eleven years, and I’ve never seen a community donate like this one does,” he said. “We’re not funded by the government; this is strictly by donations from this area.”
Not only do they provide food for Leader, but they also distribute to the communities of Lancer and Mendham.
“We have people coming from those areas, but we have more people donating from those areas,” he said.
Donations are distributed on the third Thursday of each month at a local church basement. While statistics show over two million people visit food banks in one month within Canada, the Leader Food Bank averages around twenty-four people a month. “For a small community, it’s still alarming that there’s that many,” Andreas said. However, the number of people they serve fluctuates as people move away or circumstances change.
What doesn’t change is that the
monthly food package helps stretch food budgets for both young and old, families and seniors, the unemployed and those working seasonally.
“Right now, we have six directors,” Andreas said. “We do some deliveries for people who are disabled, elderly or far enough away and don’t drive. We don’t have anybody footing the bill for gas or anything.”
People drop off their non-perishable food donations at boxes provided at various locations in Leader. “We try to pick up some bread, milk, eggs, and butter for each monthly pickup,” he explained.
Thank you to the volunteers who quietly serve at the Leader Food Bank, providing a vital need in their community. These volunteers from the
Leader Food Bank help distribute food hampers in Leader and area every third Thursday of the month. SUBMITTED
Sheppard &Millar Law
Barristers and Solicitors
Monte J. Sheppard, BA., JD. Mark L. Millar, BA., JD.
113 1st Ave. E. Kindersley SK S0L 1S0
Bus. 306-463-4647 – Fax 306-463-6133
Kerrobert 306-834-5657
Kindersley.law@sasktel.net
Joe Kurtz from Kerrobert has his bags packed for his upcoming trip to Cuba. As you can see, Joe’s luggage contains all sorts of miscellaneous items which he will distribute to his Cuban friends, who are experiencing many hardships.
Joe’s bags are packed with goods for his Cuban friends
BY JOAN JANZEN
KERROBERT—A Kerrobert resident has his bags packed and ready for his upcoming trip to Cuba at the end of the month. However, Joe Kurtz’s checked baggage and one extra suitcase aren’t filled with what you would normally expect to see. His bags are filled with toys, markers, candy, running shoes, Tylenol, a basketball, and numerous other miscellaneous items.
This will be Joe’s twenty-fifth trip to Cuba since his last trip in March 2020, which was cut short. Throughout those years of excursions to Cuba, Joe has made many acquaintances with whom he has been able to help out, with the help of many generous friends.
Even though he hasn’t been able to visit Cuba for five years, he has remained in contact with ten families on a regular basis. “I hope to go back to Cuba in late January to help where I can with the families I know,” he said. This explains what he’ll do with all the miscellaneous supplies he has stashed away in his luggage.
During his time in Cuba, he will be staying in Varadero, while six of the families he’s in contact with reside seven hours away in a small town called Chaparra. Two of the lucky families with whom Joe corresponds were able to move to Texas, where they are working and trying to rebuild their lives. Meanwhile, the people who live in Cuba are experiencing many hardships.
Blackouts occur for three to four days in a row, sometimes lasting for a six to eight-hour time span. “This means spoiled food, no air conditioning, internet, water or cooking,” he explained. Also, there are no fans to ward off mosquitoes, and older appliances are burning out because of electrical surges. Oil and gas are also in short supply, resulting in long lines at gas stations.
Cuba recently had three hurricanes, which caused damage to homes, businesses, roads, and crops. Dam-
age to crops, in addition to a lack of imports of food, has caused escalating food prices. “A friend said that 30 eggs almost cost his wife’s monthly salary,” Joe reported. People live on bananas, mango and bread when available. Meat is a luxury few can afford, which results in horses being stolen for food. Joe heard of three instances where young fellows who used their horses and wagons to pick up products to sell had their horses stolen.
Medical supplies are in short supply. “Some doctors don’t even have a stethoscope,” Joe said. “Some pills are available but are found on the black market at very high costs.”
Joe’s friend Ramon had to pay his doctor $500 US for his surgery, and supplies for the surgery were brought in from Florida by a friend. “The doctor suggested Ramon stay in a rental house after the surgery because of the poor hospital conditions,” he added.
Joe reported that more than one million people have left for other countries within the past two years. Most of those people have some money and are educated. Cuba provides free university education to its citizens. Even so, Joe’s 23-year-old friend requires his help to pay for supplies, food, and travel expenses. “It costs about $100 US a month. We were able to get him a motorcycle at a good price,” Joe said.
Tourism, Cuba’s number one industry, is down by nearly 50 percent. “Most resorts are still operating as many have generators and can come by food more readily than the people in rural areas,” he explained. Now that Joe has his bags packed, he realizes he doesn’t need any additional donated items. However, he plans to use donated funds to make purchases from US-dollar-only stores in Cuba. “These stores accept only US dollars and usually have a good supply of essential things. If you can help, it would be great,” he concluded.
BY PHIL HEILMAN
The end of the regular season is near in the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) and it is turning into a race for playoff seeding. The Kindersley Sr Klippers sit in 1st with a 9-2-1 record, followed by the Hafford Hawks with a 9-2 record. In third is the Wilkie Outlaws with an 8-2-1 record, followed by the Edam 3 Stars with a 5-4-1 record. In fifth is the Macklin Mohawks with a 5-6 record, in sixth is the Biggar Nationals with a 2-6-2 record, and the Unity Miners with a 0-9-2 record.
On Saturday night, the Edam 3 Stars headed southwest for a tilt against the Macklin Mohawks, and it was the visitors coming away with a big 5-1 win.
Keegan Tiringer opened the scoring at the 11:30 mark, and added his second of the night just 5 minutes later. Brady Deobald would add his 1st of the year for a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. Tyler Robertson would score on the power play to cut the lead to 3-1, but Tiringer would score again just 4 minutes later for a 4-1 lead after 40. Tiringer wasn’t happy with the hattrick, adding his 4th of the evening (and 16th of the year!) to round out scoring.
Taryn Kotchorek secured the win, stopping 33 of 34 shots, while Trevor Martin stopped 24 of 29 shots in the loss.
Also on Saturday night, the Wilkie Outlaws headed north for an important battle against the Hafford Hawks, with the Hawks taking the 5-4 overtime victory.
The scoring party started early with Will Rathje’s 2nd of the year, followed by Kyler Lorenz’s 3rd of the year for a 2-0 lead just 3 minutes in. Mike Sittler scored just 5 minutes after that before Kyle Rivett cut the lead down to 3-1. Rory Gregoire would add to the lead and send the teams to the locker rooms with the scoreboard reading 4-1 after the 1st period. The lone goal of the 2nd frame came from Jeremy Boyer, cutting the lead to 4-2. The comeback was on in the 3rd, with Rivett netting his second of the game. Kyle Litchenwald would complete the comeback on the power play at the 11:02 mark of the 3rd. This sent the game into overtime, with Boyer sending the fans home happy with his 7th of the year.
Jared Herle took the tough luck OTL, stopping 37 of 42 shots, while Joel Gryzbowski stopped 39 of 43 shots in the win.
Another Saturday night tilt saw the Unity Miners hosting the Biggar Nationals, with the Nationals coming with the 5-4 overtime victory.
Derek Nicholls and Taylor Bucsis were the duo of scores in the 1st period, allowing the visitors to have a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. In the middle frame, Justin Gerein would cut the lead to 2-1, but Brett Novak on the powerplay would restore that 2-goal lead. The rally caps were on in the third for the Miners faithful, and it worked as Garrin Scheer would score with 3:04 left in the 3rd, and Daniel Hilsendager tying the game up at 4 with just 55 seconds left on the clock. It was all for not though as Brett Novak would score at 2:35 of the extra period to secure the win.
Brett Matlock stopped 29 of 33 shots in the win, while Brett Vanderveer stopped 23 of 28 shots in the overtime loss.
On Friday night, the Macklin Mohawks opened the doors to the Credit Union Legacy Centre for the Unity Miners, and proceeded to thump them in a 9-3 victory.
Foster Steinhubel scored at the 14:15 mark to open the scoring, but Breden Lacoursiere would tie it up at 1. Carson Pickett wanted the lead, scoring his 5th of the year with just 23 seconds left on the clock for a 2-1 Mohawks lead after 20 minutes. The dam burst a bit in the 2nd period as Foster (on the power play) & Hunter Steinhubel, as well as Tyler Robertson all scoring in a 3-minute span. Pickett’s second of the game would give Macklin a commanding 6-1 lead before Lacoursiere’s second of the night (on the power play) would cut the lead to 6-2 after 40 minutes. Brayden Schultz would again cut the lead down to 3, but it was as close as they would get as Spencer Bast, Jesse Gartner and Robertson would extend the lead and round out scoring.
Ryan Rewerts took the loss, stopping 5 of 10 shots in 33:49 of playing time before being pulled for Brett Vanderveer, who stopped 21 of 25 shots in 26:11 of relief. Trevor Martin took the win, stopping 31 of 22 shots in 52:11 of playing time. Owen Bosch came in for 7:49 of relief time in the 2nd, and stopped 7 of 8 shots. Also on Friday night, The Kindersley Sr Klippers hosted the Edam 3 Stars. Kindersley took the win in a 2-1 shootout victory.
Troy Boisjoli scored early in the 1st on the powerplay for the 1-0 lead. That held all the way until the 7:22 mark of the 2nd before Cody Danberg tied it up at 1. The 3rd period and overtime solved nothing. Cody Danberg, Keegan Tiringer and Joel Blaquiere would all be stopped in the skills competition. Markus Boguslavsky would be stopped, but Kyle Donaldson would not, securing the victory on the lone shootout goal.
Taryn Kotchorek stopped 38 of 39 shots in the “tie” (Shootout losses are tough to count so it is recognized as a tie). Logan Drackett took the shootout win, stopping 52 of 53 shots.
The past weekend really shook out the standings, but still some things need to be decided in the final weekend of the SWHL. Edam needs one point in their final two games to secure 4th place. Hafford needs a win of any kind to leapfrog Kindersley for 1st place, however an extra time loss would tie them for 1st and require a tiebreaker. For Wilkie’s chances, in short form, a win would tie them with Kindersley for either 1st or 2nd, which would require more tiebreaking. Macklin has a slim chance at 4th, which requires them winning their game and Edam losing both theirs in regulation. The chance for chaos is slim but quite real.
Looking at the final weekend, Biggar travels to Edam on Friday night for an 8:30 pm puck drop. On Saturday, Hafford hosts Macklin at 6:30 pm, while Unity travels to Edam for an 8 pm start. Wilkie travels to Biggar for a Sunday afternoon tilt at the Jube, with puck drop happening at 2 pm.
by Cheryl Mullock
Investigation results in prohibited firearms seized, search warrant executed
SASKATOON / VAL MARIE - Around 9:00 p.m. January 6, 2025, the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), part of RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, was notified by the United States Border Patrol (USBP) that a person illegally crossed into Saskatchewan from Montana, United States in a remote area south of Val Marie, Sask. The person then re-entered the United States illegally in the same location soon after and drove away in a truck. The vehicle was stopped by USBP officers and two adult male occupants were arrested.
While the arrests took place, RCMP IBET and Ponteix RCMP Detachment police officers conducted a search of the area in Saskatchewan where the crossing occurred. The officers located and seized a box containing a pistol that is prohibited in Canada.
Investigation determined the two adult males – Canadian citizens - entered the United States legally in early January at a designated port of entry. The males are not facing charges in the United States at this time. The males were returned to Canada and processed by Canadian Border Services Agency before being arrested by the RCMP on January 7.
Continued investigation included the execution of a search warrant at a residence on 9th Avenue North in Saskatoon on January 8. Upon entry to the residence, RCMP officers found quantities of chemicals/compounds in several different locations and required the assistance of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit and RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service’s Clandestine Lab experts to dispose of them safely. Materials were seized and sent to Health Canada for further analysis. Also seized from the residence were four firearms, two of which are prohibited in Canada, and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition.
19-year-old Nathaniel Rose of Calgary, Alberta and 19-year-old Arya Payendefar of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan are both charged with:
• 1 count, possession of a firearm without a license, section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, possession of prohibited devices without a license, section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, unauthorized import a firearm into Canada, section 103(2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, smuggle into Canada, clandestinely, a firearm, the importation of which is prohibited, controlled or regulated under the Customs Act or any other Act of Parliament, section 159(1) of the Customs Act
This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may result. They will both appear in Swift Current Provincial Court next on February 12, 2025.
“This is an excellent example of how collaboration and pro-active action can quickly develop into a significant investigation involving many agencies and span across borders and communities. It highlights how vital policing relationships are in disrupting criminal activity and keeping the public safe on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border,” shares Superintendent Andrew Farquhar with RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region in Saskatchewan.
Assisting the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, with this investigation is Ponteix RCMP Detachment, Saskatchewan RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit and Saskatchewan RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service’s Clandestine Lab teams, Canadian Border Services Agency and United States Border Patrol. We thank our partners for their ongoing collaboration and assistance.
Fast facts:
• RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) is dedicated to border enforcement in Saskatchewan and is part of RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region. IBET works to identify, investigate and interdict persons, organizations or goods that threaten the national security of either country or that are involved in organized crime.
• Attached are images of the firearms located and seized.
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Location:
Roving Traffic Unit seize over 1,500 lbs of cannabis during traffic stop
SWIFT CURRENT - On January 9, 2025 at approximately 11:00 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit were making proactive patrols and conducted a traffic stop on Highway #1 near Swift Current, SK. The traffic stop involved a large cargo van.
During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized approximately 1,551 lbs of illicit cannabis and a sum of cash from inside the van. An adult male, who told investigators he was travelling from British Columbia to Quebec, was arrested at the scene. 53-year-old John Kupr from Port Moody, BC is
RCMP REPORT
charged with:
• one count, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession for the purpose of distributing, Section 9(2), Cannabis Act.
John Kupr is scheduled to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on April 16, 2025.
Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch assisted in this investigation.
Icy road conditions cause numerous vehicles to hit the rhubarb
MACKLIN RCMP
• RCMP received a complaint of criminal harassment but it was unfounded.
• Police received a report of a break and enter at a rural residence near Macklin. This matter is still under investigation.
• Members received a complaint of disturbing the peace but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• RCMP received numerous complaints of two semis and multiple vehicles in the ditch on Highway 14 east of Evesham. Members contacted the Department of Highways to request the roads in the area be closed due to extremely icy road conditions.
• There was also one false alarm.
Persons with information about crimes being committed in the Unity / Wilkie/ Macklin areas are urged to call the Unity RCMP detachment at (306)228-6300; the Wilkie RCMP at (306) 843-3480; or the Macklin RCMP at (306) 753-2171. If you wish to remain anon-
ymous, you may also call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or *8477 on the SaskTel Mobility Network. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 for information which leads to the arrest of person(s) responsible for any serious crime. Crime Stoppers is anonymous and does not subscribe to call display, nor are your calls traced or recorded.
You can also submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
OPINION: Who are the important people?
BY JOAN JANZEN
An episode from the BBC archives included an interview of 9-year-olds in 1967. When the kids were asked who they considered an important person, one little girl said she thought the Prime Minister was important. “He’s got an easy job, cause he has plans to do things, but he doesn’t get around to doing them,” she said.
Although she had never met him, she did see his autograph. “He has terrible handwriting. If I had terrible writing like that, my teacher would say I was a naughty girl,” she observed.
Scott Hennig, President of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) noted that some people consider themselves to be very important people. During a CTF online episode, Scott said, “Senators are people who think so very highly of themselves that any suggestion that they aren’t making the best decisions is not acceptable.”
“No one pays attention to the Senate, but it’s boiling under the surface,” he observed. “We shouldn’t have unelected people making laws. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have this situation.”
According to an article by Richard Foot, “The Senate has operated for much of its history as a partisan political bodyits members following instructions from their party leaders, rather than as originally intended, as an independent voice for regional interests. This has fuelled demands that the Senate be reformed or
Future kids have to pay for the money that was spent on us. We have to address it.
Scott Hennig
abolished.” Nevertheless, no bill can become law without the Senate’s consent, and it can veto any bill as often as it likes.
There are 105 Senators, and Justin Trudeau has appointed 90 of them. “Trudeau is appointing people who say nice things about his government, and making them all seem like they’re independent, but they’re not,” Scott said. To put this number in perspective, John A. MacDonald appointed 92 Senators, and he had to because he was the first Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeau is making history.
“He’s been in for nine years and will potentially have appointed 100 senators,” Scott reiterated. “If a Conservative government is elected in October, 2025, they will be left with ten Conservative senators out of 105. How are they going to get legislation approved by these eminent people appointed by Justin Trudeau?” That is a very good question.
New Zealand got rid of its Senate, and Australia has an elected Senate. Here in Canada, we have unelected elite land owners making laws. But it’s a controversial institution, as many Canadians
think it should be reformed into an elected body accountable to the voters or abolished.
Scott explained that in the old days, being a senator was a reward for raising money for a party and serving a party for a long time. They had no particular qualifications. That was a superior system compared to what we have today.” Today, appointed members are able to hold their seats until age 75.
According to the Constitution, their most crucial purpose is to give the regions of Canada an equal voice in Parliament by representation by population. This equates to ten seats each for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, four for PEI, 24 each for Quebec and Ontario, six for Newfoundland and Labrador, one each for Yukon and Nunavut, and six each for BC, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“I have very little faith we’ll have a Senate that wants to play ball with a Conservative government,” Scott said. “I think the Senate is going to be a huge fight over the next two or three years.”
Scott’s colleague Franco Terrazzano from CTF agreed, saying, “We’ve already had a taste of it.” He gave the example of Bill C-234, a bill that would remove the carbon tax on natural gas and propane used by farmers. The Bill was passed by our elected representatives in the House of Commons but delayed by the Senate. Now, it’s still in limbo.
Even the decor of the House of Commons is significant. The royal red Sen-
ate Chamber represents the elite, while the the bright green in the House of Commons represents the common people.
CTF also represents the common people with 36,000 Canadians donating to their organization. Kris Sims from CTF recalled a memory from a few years ago when she gave testimony at the finance committee leading up to the budget. A parade of groups, lobbyists and activists were asking for more money, she recalled. “CTF was the first group to say “stop spending.”
Scott chimed in, saying lobbyists are effective if you want small, necessary regulation changes. But if you want large changes, you can’t rely on them because they work for their masters.
“Our job is to be the sober one in the room,” he said, referring to CTF. “We work for our masters, the 36,000 Canadians who donate to CTF. We can’t take our foot off the gas or we’re going to lose.”
It’s a sad commentary when CTF had to build an entirely new debt clock because their old clock didn’t have enough digits. Scott referred to debt as an immoral tax on future kids. “Future kids have to pay for the money that was spent on us. We have to address it,” he said.
When we hear groups asking for more money, it’s important to remember that debt is an immoral tax on future kids— because future kids are the important people.
Pop89: Word search
BY MADONNA HAMEL
My brother is back on the prairie. Living alone in an isolated community is tough when you’re in the best of health. While great poets and authors, from Henry David Thoreau to Annie Dillard, have found solace and inspiration living alone in the woods, neither remained in permanent seclusion. Dillard knew you needed human exchange to prevent the brain from spinning. And once a week, Thoreau took his laundry to his mom’s on the other side of Walden Pond. And stayed for supper. And neither of them were struggling to find their words, or shoes, or place on the planet, after a stroke.
Last week, my younger sister and I drove to pick up Doug at the Calgary airport. We left Medicine Hat at 7 am, just as it began to rain. Great. Over the years, I’ve driven my share of hairy road trips - Quebec in an ice storm, Nebraska at 3 am after a blues gig, and a muddy detour through Harrison Hot Springs a week before Christmas. Canadians know the risks of winter driving, but still we remain at the mercy of the elements. There are no atheists on an icy highway - we let loose with the Hail Marys.
An hour out of Medicine Hat, driving 10 km below the speed limit, I pulled out to pass a truck. That’s when the fishtailing began. Anyone who’s hit black ice knows how things can go very bad, very fast. At first, I thought we were caught in a gust of wind, but soon, the front of the car was sliding one way and the back the other. A calm voice in my head said: Stay out of the ditch. And ride it out. Riding it out meant teeny micro-adjustments on the wheel and foot off brake and gas. Swish - one way, swish another, back and forth, like a drunk on skates, five or six times.
Everything happened in both a slo-mo and a fast, multi-layered sort of way. And somewhere inside the experience came the words: “precious cargo,” a phrase connected to a memory from university days when I drove my younger siblings through the Cascade Mountains to spend Christmas break with family in Kelowna. I felt the responsibility of getting us all home safely.
When the car finally settled down and stayed the course, the residue adrenaline kicked in, and so did the jokes. “I shoulda told you to put away those knitting needles,” I laughed to my sister. I was suitably humbled and hyper-alert for the remainder of the journey, which at 90km/hr, took a while, but eventually gave way to a sunny day and bare roads and a happy family, together again. My brother was waiting by the arrivals curb, and my sister jumped out and held up her silly sign; we hugged and wept and went to Tim’s for coffees and crullers.
For a week we hung out The Hat waiting for the weather to make up its mind, content to go nowhere just yet. I managed to read two books on my favourite couch while my brother-in-law cooked a belated Christmas feast of roast ham and tourtiere, and my sister mulled wine in a crock pot, following Old Time
Hawkey’s recipe. And, best of all, my brother slept. For three days, he slept - getting up for meals and to pee and be reminded where and when he was. And we all agreed, and he concurred; just hearing familiar voices in the other room allowed him to rest without worrying over the daily chores of living alone on an island. And knowing, also, that when he does get up, we’ll be here to talk to him. And reassure him, if need be.
The day was brilliant with sunshine when we left The Hat for Val Marie. In Swift Current, we stopped for coffee for me and a fresh stack of word-search exercise books for my brother’s eyes. The sun shone down on us, and apart from a long stretch of sudden snowdrifts between Swift and Cadillac (made worse by the dumbfounding decision by the new owners of long stretches of farmland along the highway to pull out all the shelter belts), the roads were navigable. It was a happy moment when we pulled into Val Marie at dusk, the sky turning pink, the hills gold and the snow blue. My brother relished the thought of falling asleep to the sound of the owl outside his window and rising to fresh coffee and conversation. Just a few days earlier, anticipating our mini-family reunion, he texted me: “Other humans are balm to us extroverts.”
This morning, I retrieved “7 1/2 Lessons About the Brain” from my “brain book” shelf and flipped to Lesson #5: “Your Brain Secretly Works With Other Brains.” The author, Dr. Lisa Barrett, reaffirms the theory that we need others to help us feel whole. She writes that humans are unique in the animal kingdom because we “regulate each other by the words we speak.” Words have an enormous effect on your health, she explains, because “many brain regions that process language also control the insides of your body, including major organs….These brain regions are part of a language network that can do things like change the flow of chemicals that support your immune system,” etc. “The power of words,” she stresses, “is not a metaphor. It’s in your brain wiring. Words are tools for regulating human bodies.”
Our brains work with others’ brains. “The best thing for your nervous system is another human.” But, also, the worst thing too. So be very careful with whom you choose to hang. And then, don’t try and do it all alone. We can do together what we could never do alone. And remember, the words we search for - coming from love or trepidation, tears or laughter, or the conversations of loved ones drifting from other rooms, lulling us safely to sleep - matter greatly. They keep us alive.
Make
Improving Habs becoming a threat once again
BY BRUCE PENTON
Normalcy is returning to the National Hockey League now that the Montreal Canadiens are a threat again.
The Canadiens, the league’s flagship team and winner of more Stanley Cups than any other franchise, have fallen on bad times in recent years, but are one of the league’s surprise success stories this season.
BY
Crave TV ran a documentary on the Habs, called ‘The Rebuild: Inside the Montreal Canadiens’, that focused on efforts made by front-office staff to return the Canadiens to their glory days. And judging by recent results — nine wins in an 11-game span over Christmas and into the new year, for instance — it’s working. At one point, Montreal was two games above .500, which was something worth celebrating. In one late-December stretch, Montreal won back-to-backto-back road games against Tampa Bay, Florida and Vegas, following up later with road wins over Cup contenders Colorado and Washington.
The Canadiens, whose 24 Stanley Cups wins are 11 ahead of second-place Toronto, have had three successive last-place finishes in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, but find themselves in a battle for an Eastern Conference wildcard playoff position as the season approaches its halfway mark.
In fact, this iteration of the Canadiens, given a couple of years of growth, could develop into a Stanley Cup contender. Offensively, Cole Caufield is one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers. Lline-mate Nick Suzuki, the team captain, leads the team in points. One of the most exciting young defencemen in the league, rookie Lane Hutson, plays a ton of minutes and quarterbacks their power play. Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2022, is developing nicely, with more points than any other member of the ’22 draft class (Hutson went 62nd in the same draft). And while many around the NHL shook their heads when the Habs acquired Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in a trade with Columbus for Jordan Harris, the acquisition has turned out great. The Finnish forward, a former Jet and Blue Jacket, scored nine goals in his first 14 games for Montreal and adds the power to their power play. Still to join the team is Russian sniper Ivan Demidov, a sharpshooter who was selected No. 5 in the 2024 draft.
On the defensive side, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle and Alexandre Carrier join Hutson as game-changers on the blueline, and the recent emergence of rookie goalie Jakub Dobes, who won his first two games with a .982 save percentage, to share duties with six-year vet Sam Montembeault gives Montreal fans hope another Patrick Roy-Carey Price stabilizing influence will develop between the pipes.
General manager Kent Hughes is taking a low-key approach. “We still have a lot to learn,” Hughes said in a Canadian Press story. “I’m glad we’re playing better
One of the most exciting young defencemen in the league, rookie Lane Hutson, plays a ton of minutes and quarterbacks their power play.
than we did at the start of the season, but we’ve played 40 games and are (just) over the .500 mark. We’re not celebrating for nothing. We haven’t achieved anything yet.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “LeBron pressures Bronny to have grandchildren before he’s too old to play with them in NBA.”
• Brett McMurphy on Bluesky: “Forget the Kentucky Derby, Jack Sawyer’s 83-yard fumble return for Ohio State (vs. Texas) is the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
• Columnist Norman Chad, on Twitter: “ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky talks more in a three-man booth than the late Vin Scully talked in a one-man booth.”
• Jack Finarelli on his sportscurmudgeon.com website, on Orlovsky: “I am a full-fledged supporter of the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech, but I think Orlovsky’s performance was a violation of that right.”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “Canada was bounced earlier in the World Junior for the second straight tourney. Now we’ll be subject to more federal commissions, inquiries and referendums than in a normal election year.”
• Rolfsen agailn: “Latvia has fewer people than Greater Vancouver, but way happier hockey fans.”
• Bob Molinaro of pilot online.com (Hampton, Va.): “Did you notice that ESPN began running Masters commercials on Jan. 1? C’mon now. It’s the Masters. As if people would forget to watch.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “New Orleans police recently were looking for ex-WWE star Davey Boy Smith for assaulting wrestler Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts –– by throwing coffee at him. So the complaint had grounds.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “NBA Team Physicians Admit They Only Know Medical Stuff About Legs”
• From the golf site First Call: “Scottie Scheffler suffered an injury to his right hand from broken glass while preparing Christmas dinner, keeping him out of action for a few weeks. Shouldn’t a man who won $62 million with his hands last year be kept away from sharp objects?”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “No one of sound mind will sign Pete Alonso for nine seasons. But that’s assuming that everyone in baseball is of sound mind.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Dr. Haytham Soliman, Dr. Krista Maedel, Dr. Dana Bailey
Eston District Health Foundation announces 2025 funding plans
BY VERNA THOMPSON
ESTON - The Dr. David S. Mulder Eston District Health Foundation’s board recently finalized plans for its 2025 fundraising efforts.
Two high-priority items for the Eston Health Care Center—a new tub and lift and vital signs monitor— top the list of donations the Foundation plans to make this year.
The facility has two tubs and lifts, but one is in disrepair and needs replacing. Care home officials say this is an urgent need because it is used by long-term care residents and members of the public who, for various reasons, go to the facility for a weekly bath.
The cost of the unit is approximately $17,000.
The new vital signs monitor will cost approximately $7,000.
Brian Shauf, the foundation chairman, said the Foundation is pleased to take on fundraising for these two high-priority items.
These are pieces of equipment necessary for the daily care of patients in the local long-term care facility.
Formed in 2019, the Dr. David S. Mulder Eston and District Health Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise and distribute funds to advance family-centered health care in Eston and the surrounding area.
To date, the Foundation has financed the purchase of 3 defibrillators which have been placed in Eston businesses, as well as a bladder scanner and a new ECG (heart monitor) for the local health care center.
“Our aim is to provide needed equipment which will benefit residents across the area,” Shauf said.
To assist with fundraising, the Foundation holds a major event each year, he said.
This year, on February 8, the Foundation presents Tenors Galore, a gala evening featuring music by three local tenors, Shauf and Laurie Thompson of Eston and Clayton Braybrook of Kindersley. The event kicks off with a catered dinner followed by the concert.
The evening’s proceeds will go towards the purchase of the tub/lift and the vital signs monitor.
Originally planned for last November, the con
cert was postponed because of a storm in the area, which made travel difficult for all concerned.
Tickets are available from the Rural Municipality of Snipe Lake office on Eston’s Main Street for $80 per person, part of which will be eligible for a tax receipt.
The Foundation is open to receiving further fundraising ideas. They must be health-related and related to residents of Eston and the West Central area.
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Tenors Galore members Brian Shauf, Clayton Braybrook and Laurie Thompson have been busy practicing for their upcoming concert in Eston in aid if the Dr. David S. Mulder Eston and District Health Foundation. The three will don their tuxedos on Saturday, February 8th for the dinner and concert at the Eston Legion Hall. Tickets are still available from the R.M. of Snipe Lake office in Eston. PHOTO BY VERNA THOMPSON
Three additional energy companies are partnering with Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) and Teine Energy to support the creation of new online oil and gas high school courses with work placements.
Cenovus Energy, Vermilion Energy and Whitecap Resources have joined Teine Energy’s commitment to provide support and industry expertise to Sask DLC’s development of new Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 20 and 30-level online courses.
The four energy companies, each with operations in the province, are providing a combined total of up to $160,000 over two years to support the creation of the new courses and to fund a coordinator position to facilitate student work placements and industry engagement opportunities.
“The energy sector is an important part of our province’s strong and growing economy - both locally and globally,” Minister Responsible for Sask DLC Everett Hindley said. “It is exciting to see Saskatchewan students will be able to learn about the career opportunities that exist here in our province and gain the skills and knowledge they need to have a successful future in the oil and gas industry.”
Starting in Semester 2 of this school year, students will be taking Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 20 as part of the pilot of this new online course with work placements. Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 30 will be available to students starting in the 2025-26 school year.
In the 20 and 30-level elective courses, students will take 50 hours of online theory to learn about the industry, safety and career paths available to them as well as 50 hours of hands-on learning through an industry work placement. Registration for these classes is limited to ensure all students are matched with the work placement required for course completion.
These new online courses are based on the Ministry of Education’s existing Energy and Mines curriculum and are available to full-time Sask DLC students or high school students attending local schools throughout the province, to supplement their in-person learning.
Beyond the financial support of the course development, Teine Energy and Whitecap Resources have also agreed to host student work placement hours at their locations throughout Saskatchewan to supplement student learning.
The four companies also have the opportunity to provide a representative to the steering committee that is providing valuable industry feedback to the Sask DLC course developers currently creating these new online courses.
“Teine looks forward to continued collaboration with Sask DLC on the Oil & Gas program and providing opportunities to students with hands-on experience within our field operations,” Teine Energy Vice-President of Production and Operations Tyler Homan said. “The future of our Canadian industry and energy economy relies on bright and talented young minds and workers driving their own success and sharing the prosperity across our communities.”
“Cenovus relies on the ingenuity and talent of our people to drive our success,” Cenovus Energy Vice-President, Lloyd Thermal and Conventional Heavy Oil Operations Nicolas Zaher said. “By providing students with accessible courses, Sask DLC is developing a strong pipeline of talent for our company, equipped to take on the energy jobs of today and tomorrow and advance our industry in this important region.”
“At Vermilion, our people are our strength,” Vermilion Energy Inc. President and CEO Dion Hatcher said. “That is why we are excited to work on this collaborative initiative to help students gain valuable skills to help them find a fulfilling career in the energy industry.”
“Whitecap Resources is very pleased to support this initiative, which will give students an opportunity to gain an understanding about the oil and gas sector that provides economic prosperity and energy security to the Province of Saskatchewan and the entire country, and in turn, further economic security of individuals who choose to work in the industry,” Whitecap Resources President and CEO Grant Fagerheim said. These new courses complement similar hands-on learning and work placement opportunities available to students through Sask DLC, including:
• Agriculture Equipment Technician;
• Autobody;
• Construction & Carpentry;
• Electrical;
• Mechanical & Automotive;
• Parts Technician;
• Power Engineering ;
• Precision Agriculture;
• Tourism; and
• Welding.
You can learn more about the online courses available through Sask DLC at saskDLC.ca
PHOTO
Angel is providing support to new students and their families
BY JOAN JANZEN
KINDERSLEY - Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre (BIRC) has expanded into Kindersley by introducing Angel Lyn Dabu. Angel, their newest Settlement Worker, will provide essential services to schools in Kindersley and the surrounding area. She will serve a large area, including Kerrobert, Dodsland, Unity, Maidstone, Plenty, Wilkie, Denzil, Alsask, Coleville, Landis, Luseland, and Scott.
“My first day of employment at BIRC was on January 6th, 2025,” she reported. BIRC is a non-profit organization funded by the provincial and federal government that helps immigrants settle in Canada. Their services are provided free of charge.
Although Angel is beginning a new role, she is a familiar face, having spent eight years living in Kindersley with her family. Her strong connections within our community will help equip her to provide valuable support.
Angel will assess the needs of newcomers and immigrants and help them settle in Canada. “I will attend school orientations with new students and families to ensure their successful integration into the school system,” she explained.
Her new role will also include helping with translation during parent-teacher interviews and providing activities to maintain communication between students, families, schools, and the community. She will be able to refer newcomers to community support agencies and community recreational activities as needed.
big welcome
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL TOWN OF EATONIA
If you require assistance or services, you can contact Angel at 306-604-0024 or via email at bircoor@ gmail.com
Kindersley extends a warm welcome to Angel as she begins her new role in serving this area.
“I am looking forward to meeting new faces and being part of their new beginnings in Canada,” she said. “I’m available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.”
CST. Kohlman to speak at Luseland’s Business Safety Workshop
BY JOAN JANZEN
LUSELAND - The Luseland Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Business Safety Workshop at the end of January. At that time all business owners are invited to hear Cst. Ty Kohlman of the Luseland Police Service speak at the Luseland Credit Union Community Room.
Luseland’s Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting in August 2023, reported Angela Reiter, a member. The idea for the workshop began when business owners observed break-ins and other incidents in the area. Businesses wanted more information on how to prevent crimes and how to respond when crimes occur.
The Luseland Police Service reported that in the fall of 2024, Luseland and other communities were hit by a string of break-ins. They also received reports of stolen vehicles, fuel theft, and trespassing.
“Given the high rates of property crime in the province, I believe it is beneficial to have these discussions,” Cst Kohlman said regarding the upcoming workshop. Luseland Police Service advised residents to lock all doors of homes, storage sheds, businesses, and vehicles and not leave keys or valuables easily accessible in vehicles. Some form of security system, either an alarm, cameras, or motion-activated lighting, was suggested to be in place, which would serve as a deterrent and provide crucial evidence to law enforcement.
Cst. Kohlman said, “We rely on the public’s cooperation to solve crime and reduce occurrences within our
Cst. Ty Kohlman of the Luseland Police Service will be speaking at the upcoming Business Safety Workshop hosted by Luseland Chamber of Commerce.
community.” Residents are encouraged to call if they see or hear anything out of place.
The workshop will also allow Cst Kohlman to address topics such as vehicle theft and credit card fraud. “I want to let participants of the event lead discussion, and I’ll do my best to address their questions and concerns,” he added. Business owners are welcome to attend the workshop which will be held on the evening of January 30th.
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Eatonia for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday January 17th to March 21st, 2025
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Town of Eatonia, Box 237, Eatonia, SK S0L 0Y0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by an appeal fee of $50.00 per $100,000 assessed value or portion thereof to a maximum of $500.00 per appeal, which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with:
Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nicolle Hoskins
Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. P.O. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 21st day of March, 2025
Dated this 17th day of January, 2025. Cheryl Bailey, Assessor
Please call 306-463-6655 to make an appointment.
Skip Stephanie Schmidt, third Sara Miller, second Ashley Williamson, lead Michelle Englot, alternate Patty Hersikorn (Highland Curling Club)
Skip Ashley Thevenot, third Brittany Tran, second Taylor Stremick, lead Kaylin Skinner, coach Susan O’Connor (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Penny Barker, third Lindsay Bertsch, second Taryn Schachtel, lead Danielle Sicinski, coach Sherry Anderson (Moose Jaw Curling Centre)
Skip Amber Holland, third Jill Shumay, second Sherri Singler, lead Trenna Derdall, alternate Deb Lozinski, coach Travis Brown (Sutherland Curling Club)
Skip Mandy Selzer, third Erin Barnhart, second Megan Selzer, lead Sarah Slywka, coach Ken Bakken (Balgonie Curling Club)
Skip Nancy Martin, third Chaelynn Stewart, second Kadriana Lott, lead Deanna Doig (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Jolene Campbell, third Rachel Erickson, second Abby Ackland, lead Dayna Demmans (Highland Curling Club)
Skip Jessica McCartney, third Jenna Hope, second Meghan Frerichs, lead Michelle Johnson, alternate Amanda Kuzyk, coach Jim Wilson (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Brooklyn Stevenson, third Larisa Murray, second Callan Hamon, lead Nicole Bender (Highland Curling Club)
MaxTV Live Local: maxTV channels 348 (HD) and 48 maxTV Stream channel 48 (HD)
Skip Rylan Kleiter, third Joshua Mattern, second Matthew Hall, lead Trevor Johnson, coach Dean Kleiter (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Kelly Knapp, third Brennen Jones, second Mike Armstrong, lead Trent Knapp, alternate Dustin Kidby, coach Brian McCusker (Highland Curling Club)
Skip Dustin Kalthoff, third Josh Heidt, lead Matt Ring (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Jason Jacobson, third Jason Ackerman, second Jacob Hersikorn, lead Quinn Hersikorn, alternate Brent Gedak (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Logan Ede, third Matthew Drewitz, second Dustin Mikush, lead Brayden Heistad, coach Patrick Ackerman (Martensville Curling Club)
Skip Brad Moser, third Bryden Tessier, second David Baum, lead Cole Macknak, alternate Darren Camm (Nutana Curling Club)
Skip Steve Laycock, third Shaun Meachem, second Chris Haichert, lead Brayden Grindheim (Swift Current Curling Club)
Skip Charley Thomas, third Tyler Hartung, second Jayden Shwaga, lead Matthew Lang (Langenberg Curling Club)
Skip Dylan Derksen, third Logan Sawicki, second Tyler Derksen, lead Gavin Martens, coach Brad Kennedy (Martensville Curling Club)
USask to Offer Nursing Education in Ten Saskatchewan Communities
KYLIE KELSO
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing
“I found this to be such a great opportunity to attend the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and have access to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program right in my community of La Ronge,” says USask College of Nursing BSN student Leandra McLeod.
McLeod is completing her third year of the BSN program at the USask College of Nursing distributed nursing site in La Ronge.
Since 2012, USask College of Nursing has been offering the undergraduate BSN program at a number of locations throughout Saskatchewan.
Currently, students can complete their entire BSN degree in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, La Ronge, Île-à-la-Crosse, Yorkton, Lloydminster, North Battleford, and Muenster.
Beginning September 2025, students from Swift Current and Weyburn will also have the opportunity to complete their entire nursing degree in their community.
“We listened to the people of Saskatchewan and over the last two years announced our expansion to four additional locations in the province where students previously did not have access to the BSN program,” said USask College of Nursing Dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur).
“It is important our program offering is inclusive of rural and remote areas of Saskatchewan. When the students at the distributed nursing sites complete their nursing degrees, they will help to fill unmet registered nursing workforce needs in rural Saskatchewan. We
are decreasing the likelihood of these communities experiencing a registered nursing shortage, as the students will likely practice in the community once becoming licensed.”
“Becoming a nurse was something I knew I always wanted to do, but as a single mother, moving away from Prince Albert to complete my nursing degree was not realistic,” says USask College of Nursing student Desiré Hoare, who is finishing her fourth year in the BSN program at the USask Prince Albert Campus.
Both McLeod and Hoare say the opportunity to learn where they live has been a wonderful experience.
“The small class sizes in La Ronge and the additional help you get from instructors when needed means there is a lot of one-on-one time,” says McLeod. “I would recommend the BSN program to anyone who has an interest in healthcare.”
It took McLeod six years to take the leap, but watching a number of peers go through the BSN program in La Ronge ultimately motivated her to apply.
The College of Nursing Learn Where You Live model has proven successful at distributed sites like La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse. Since the first students entered the BSN program in La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse, 68 nursing students have completed their degree in northern Saskatchewan.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to study nursing in Prince Albert,” adds Hoare.
For more information on the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, please visit https://admissions. usask.ca/nursing.php.
University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing student Leandra McLeod from the La Ronge distributed nursing site. MEGAN HEYHURST PHOTOGRAPHY.
University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing student Desiré Hoare at the Prince Albert Campus. SUBMITTED.
Business pathways start at Medicine Hat College
Taylor Hicke chose Medicine Hat College (MHC) for its small size, welcoming community and proximity to his hometown of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, but the connections he made and the opportunities he had led to his decision to stay.
“The biggest highlight of my experience was the relationships I was able to build through my two years at MHC,” says the Sport & Event Marketing and Management graduate from the School of Business. “Some of my instructors became mentors and that was a big part of my success within the program.”
MHC’s School of Business is deeply connected to Southeast Alberta, providing real world learning experiences for students across all of its programs. In addition to specialty programs like Sport & Event Marketing and Management and Service Dog and Canine Management Studies, the school offers a robust Business Administration diploma program with majors in accounting, financial services, management and marketing, plus pathways to further education like degrees and professional designations. A diploma in Administrative Office Management and certificate options for Administrative Office Professional, Advanced Accounting, Intermediate Accounting and Marketing (new for Fall 2025) are also available.
As Taylor discovered, students in MHC’s School of Business don’t just study. They engage in immersive ex -
periences, learn directly from seasoned industry professionals, delve into real company case studies, and, in select programs, participate in transformative workplace integrated learning. For Taylor, that meant hands-on group work to create marketing campaigns for local businesses, provide support for sporting events, and fundraise for community causes.
Now Taylor is putting his education to work as a member of the marketing team at South Country Co.op’s Business Support Centre.
“My studies at MHC really prepared me for my career and everything I am doing on a daily basis like marketing plans, sponsorship and graphic design,” says Taylor. He also continues in his role as basketball game night lead for Rattlers Athletics, utilizing his event management skills and keeping him connected to MHC.
“We’re here to help students discover their passions,” adds Dr. Morgan Blair, dean of the School of Business and Continuing Studies. ”Through rigorous coursework, networking opportunities, and enriching extracurricular activities, students cultivate the professional they aspire to become. Connected. Confident. Capable. When you enroll with us, you’re not just starting a course or program – you’re launching your career.”
Saskatchewan Polytechnic business students transform learning into real-world success
One of the great benefits of a polytechnic education is applied learning—a method where students take what they learn in the classroom, shop or lab and apply it in a real-world seng. Instructors at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship embrace the concept and are expanding opportunies for students to connect their program learning with partner organizaons, business and industry before they graduate.
Academic chair Kirsten Downey has been tracking applied learning iniaves in the school and is pleased to see such variety across a wide range of courses. “All of our students should have the chance to take the concepts they learn from their instructors and apply them to see actual results,” she says.
posngs. We had been using job descripons as posngs, and this project helped us understand how the two are di.erent and what makes for a great job posng.”
says Moulding.
Payant notes she has done similar exercises in the past but this was the first me working with a real organizaon. “Knowing they were working with an actual client made it excing for the students as they knew they had to deliver,” she explains.
Human resources instructor Genelle Payant connected her class with Thunder Creek Rehabilitaon Associaon. Without dedicated human resources experse, Thunder Creek’s job descripons were out of date. Students created new job descripons and used them to write job posngs. Execuve director Chad Topp was pleased with the work, saying, “The ideas and dras we received helped us to make aracve and encing
Ashley Hatley, who teaches markeng, guided her class on a market research project iniated by the City of Moose Jaw. “Students presented their findings to City of Moose Jaw representaves in early December,” reports Hatley. “The project gave students an in-depth look at economic development opportunies and then allowed them to pracce presenng what they learned in front of an actual client.”
Instructor Megan Moulding’s business insurance students had an opportunity to work with Saskatchewan Insurance Professionals. Students took turns staging a social media takeover, where they created videos about an insurance-related topic or about themselves and why they chose insurance, then posted them to the organizaon’s social pages. “The students really enjoyed the assignment and used a lot of creavity,” shares Moulding.
The results were impressive, with one takeover post generang more than 1,000 impressions and the daily average for all student posts close to 550. “For a small organizaon, that’s real reach,”
Praccing what you have learned by doing it before entering the workforce is key to making connecons, notes Downey. Some opportunies are part of instructors’ curriculum and others are add-on opportunies that require students to apply.
Two students specializing in Sport Management were selected to travel to the 2024 Grey Cup Fesval in Vancouver, where they assisted with the Sask Polytech and Canadian Football League’s Player Associaon (CFLPA) partnership acvaon. Robyn Dutertre and Joshua Grant helped with a kicko. party STO-24-110 Applied learning in business story where they had the chance to connect with CFL alumni and other aendees. Instructor Chelsea Jones says it was a great opportunity to work with a sports organizaon of that calibre. Dutertre agrees, “Our trip to work with the CFLPA deepened our understanding of the sports industry and provided praccal insights that will benefit our future.”
For more informaon visit saskpolytech.ca/business.
Bikers from the past
BY JOAN JANZEN
This is an old photo I found of my parents Albert Schwengler and Mary (Schneider). I’m guessing it was taken during the summer of 1946 because my dad is still sporting a WWII haircut. Al-
bert and Mary were married in the fall of 1947 and farmed near Liebenthal. The image caused me to ask a few questions. For instance, did bikers back in the day wear a suit and tie? And I’ve never been able to identify what kind of bike is in the photo. Maybe someone can help me out.
Making wishes come true for critically ill children in Saskatchewan
BY JOAN JANZEN
Women for Wishes works alongside MakeA-Wish Canada to help make wishes come true for children facing critical illness. Since its inception in 2023, Women for Wishes has raised over $1.7 million to grant wishes.
Allyson Toye, Chapter Director for Saskatchewan, reported that Saskatchewan has been the top fundraising province in Canada during the past two years. As we step into 2025, women in Saskatchewan can join Women for Wishes. Teams of up to four women can sign up and commit to raising a minimum of $10,000—the cost of granting a single child’s wish. Right now, Make A Wish Canada has 180 kids waiting for wishes in Saskatchewan, with more being referred daily.
“Women who reach the $10,000 goal will be recognized with a personally designed piece of jewelry from Paris Jewelry,” Allyson explained. “Every dollar helps. We will support all women to hopefully reach their goal.”
Although the goal may seem overwhelming, once women commit to joining Women for Wishes, Make-A-
Warman RCMP investigate fatal collisions on Highway #7
BY KATE WINQUIST
On January 12, 2025, Warman RCMP were called to the scene of two separate fatal collisions on Highway #7, which collectively took the lives of three individuals and left several others injured.
The first incident occurred around 8 a.m. west of Delisle, SK, where two SUVs collided. Tragically, the driver of one SUV, a 73-year-old man from Wiseton, SK, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other SUV, carrying two people, resulted in further tragedy as the passenger, a 65-year-old woman from Furdale, SK, was also declared deceased by EMS. The driver, a male adult, was transported by STARS to the hospital with serious injuries.
Later that evening, at approximately 10:50 p.m., another collision was reported on Highway #7, this time west of Laura, SK. The investigation revealed a collision between an SUV and a pickup truck. The driver of the SUV, a 42-year-old man from Airdrie, AB, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both collisions prompted the closure of Highway #7 for investigation. Warman RCMP, with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist, are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. Families of the victims have been notified.
Kindersley Town Council minutes
On January 13, 2025, Town Council had their Regular Meeting.
7.1: The Council of the Town of Kindersley resolved to direct the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to enter into a Provincial Highway Transfer Agreement with the Ministry of Highways.
7.2: The Council resolved to table item 7.2 Line of Credit to the January 27, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council. 8.1: Town Council resolved to accept as
submitted the list of accounts as paid by the Town of Kindersley in the amount of $545,031.19.
9.1: The Council of the Town of Kindersley resolved to approve the Consent Agenda which includes the following items for acceptance and filing:
1. Kindersley Chamber Meeting Minutes - December 19, 2024
2. SaskWater December 2024 Report
Wish will support their efforts with a resource guide, powerful wish stories, fundraising tools, plans for a campaign launch event, newsletters, virtual wish family meet and greet and more fundraising tools and opportunities.
There are multiple ways to raise the funds. Participants could host an event or marketing campaign, make a corporate donation or have a network of family and friends make donations. However you decide to raise the money, the impact of your efforts will be life-changing for a child in your community that is facing a critical illness.
By joining this campaign, women can transform lives with their leadership, generosity, and support. Their efforts will create profound, life-affirming experiences, offering children and their families moments of pure joy and strength.
Anyone interested can sign up online or contact Allyson Toye at allyson. toye@makeawish.ca or 306-850-9474. Saskatchewan women can help make wishes come true for critically ill children in their communities.
Classifieds
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE ESTATE OF DALE DEAN RAUCH, LATE OF LEADER, SASKATCHEWAN, DECEASED. 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 8th day of February, 2024.
ANGELINA R. WALL
Solicitor to the Administrator
Anderson & Company
Barristers and Solicitors Box 610, 51 - 1st Avenue NW Swift Current, SK S9H 0M5
Tel: 306-773-2891
Fax: 306-778-3364
Email: anderson.company@andlaw.ca
AGRICULTURE
The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Battleford, SK will be celebrating their 40th annual induction in Battleford on August 16, 2025. If you know anyone in your area that you feel should be considered, please send in a nomination. Nominations will be accepted until March 15, 2025. Please contact the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame at 306-446-1983 or saskbaseballmuseum @sasktel.net for more information.
OPPORTUNITIES
NEWTEC IRRIGATION. Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural Experience Preferred. TOP WAGES. Please Call for More Information: 306-260-9575.
FEED AND SEED
FUNDRAISING
for Kindersley Community All-Wheel Skatepark & Outdoor Family Recreation Area The Kindersley Skatepark aims to be a place for the community to come together & enjoy outdoor events while creating a safe place for kids to
house on 270 acres, great recreational area near Fur, Memorial, Iroquois & Big Shell Lakes. Gerald Muller, C&C Realty, 306-570-7743.
MISCELLANEOUS
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
WANTED
AUCTIONS
GELBVIEH
BULL SALE
Red Deer Country Alberta Feb. 11th
403-588-8620
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
NOW HIRING:
Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires
SHOP LABORERS
Duties involve cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/ maintenance area, and general laborer duties. Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided. Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844
EMPLOYMENT
AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING HEATED CANOLA, FEED BARLEY & FEED GRAIN. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306-873-0481, Email: sales@agproseeds.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
HEALTH
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
1.
The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352 is located in West Central Saskatchewan, 10 minutes south of Macklin and west of Luseland. Applications for a Heavy Equipment Operator are currently being accepted. The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352 offers competitive wages, excellent Disability, Health, Dental and Pension Plans.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities.Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential,avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
• Operating heavy equipment (grader, backhoe, loader, tractor, semi (if qualified)) to complete grading, road maintenance/construction, snow clearing, culvert installation
• Basic service and maintenance of equipment
• Other duties as assigned by the Foreman
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
Eligible Applicants Should Possess:
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment, though willing to train the right applicant
• Class 5 driver’s license (Class 1A is an asset)
• Ability to maintain a good working relationship with other employees, Council, office staff and ratepayers
Resumes Should Include:
• Work experience, education and skills
• Safety Training Certifications
• Current Driver’s Abstract
• Three References
• Expected Salary and if interested in Full-time or Seasonal Work
The job posting will remain open until filled. Please submit resumes to the following address:
The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No.352
405 Grand Ave (PO Box 458) Luseland, Sask. S0L 2A0
Phone #306-372-4224
Email: rm352@sasktel.net
The R.M. wishes to thank all interested applicants, however, only those individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted.
LAND FOR SALE
Farmland Tender (closing Feb. 13). 519 acres with 363 cult. RM’s #493 & #464. Land adjacent to Nisbet Provincial Forest. Gerald Muller, C&C Realty, 306-570-7743.
REAL ESTATE
Just Listed, $489,000; 3 BR.
The R.M. of Lacadena No. 228 is accepting applications for
kate@yourwestcentral.com
R.M. of Clinworth No. 230
4 strategies for retaining your employees
The R.M. of Clinworth No. 230 invites applications for the seasonal full-time position of: GRADER-UTILITY OPERATOR with the potential of becoming full-time all year round to the right candidate.
Duties Include:
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
• Grading
• Mowing
• Sign & Culvert Maintenance
• Shop maintenance
• Repairs of equipment
• Backhoe or loader work
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
3. Offer benefits. your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
is currently seeking
JOURNEYPERSON ELECTRICIANS & 3RD & 4TH YEAR ELECTRICAL APPRENTICES
• Mowing, Maintenance and Utility work within the Special Service Area (Sceptre)
• Landfill supervision
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the foreman
Candidate Must Possess:
• Valid class 5 driver’s license
• Class 3A or 1A would be an asset
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
• Experience in operation of heavy equipment and mechanical experience
Willing to Obtain:
• Power Mobile Equipment Course
• First Aid & CPR
• WHIMIS
Applicants can submit a resume including:
• Education & Skills
• Current Drivers Abstract
• Work Experience
• Salary Expectations
• Two References
By one of the following ways:
Mail: R.M. of Clinworth No. 230 Box 120 Sceptre, SK S0N 2H0
Email: rm230@yourlink.ca
Fax: 306-623-4229
Applications must be received by March 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
The successful applicant will work under the direct supervision and report directly to the foreman. Employment includes benefit package and enrolment in the Municipal Employees Pension Plan. Housing is available in Sceptre.
We are an experienced and expanding company headquartered in Plenty that provides services to the oil and gas sectors as well as commercial industry in West Central Saskatchewan. Candidates must possess a valid drivers license, strong work ethic, and be able to work in a fast paced environment.
We provide top wages, benefits, and an opportunity to gain experience in many aspects of the electrical industry.
Please direct inquiries or submit resumes by February 7, 2025 to Brendan Weese at brendan@weeseelectric.ca
The R.M. of Grandview No. 349 invites applications for the position of Seasonal Equipment Operator/Maintenance Person. The successful candidate should have previous, large equipment, tractor and mower experience as well as general equipment maintenance knowledge. Applicants must hold a current driver’s license. Duties will include, but are not limited to, mowing, road maintenance, culvert and sign installation, and equipment maintenance and repairs.
The R.M. of Grandview offers an attractive benefit package with Health and Dental and Short-Term Disability coverage as well as Long Term Disability and Life Insurance. Salary will be negotiated commensurate with related qualifications and experience.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume to the following until a suitable person is found to fill the position:
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
All of this land is currently farmed.
R.M. OF GRANDVIEW NO. 349 BOX 39 KELFIELD, SK S0K 2C0 (306) 932-4911 rm349@xplornet.com
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
For more information call (306) 932-4911 or (306) 9489778. Only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted.
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means
Written tenders must be submitted on or before February 10, 2025 and shall include:
How to welcome a teleworking employee
Tender price, length of rental term, and any other terms you are prepared to offer.
No conditional tenders will be accepted and the highest, or any tender, will not necessarily be accepted. The successful tender shall enter into a lease agreement on or before May 1, 2025.
The RM wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Submit tenders to: Keiwa Farms Ltd.
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entry vel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
Attention: Keith Warrington and Katherine Albertson Box 81. Marengo, SK S0L 2K0 or via email: kkwarrington@sasktel.net Additional Information: 306-463-7867 (Keith), 306-460-6426 (Katherine) or kkwarrington@sasktel.net
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Town of Kerrobert is currently accepting applications to fill a full-time Operations Team Member position. This position offers many unique opportunities to advance through multiple avenues and training opportunities. Applicants must possess a minimum Grade 12 education and a willingness to obtain other training and certificates needed to perform the various duties required by the job. This will be a complete town wide position with training to facilitate working where most needed.
Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows companies to recruit qualified talent across the globe. If your company is about to welcome a new telecommuting employee, here’s how to do it.
Job description and expected duties:
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
lean on and contact if they need help. This will help them feel at ease.
• Introduce the team. Set up a video chat to introduce the entire team. You can reserve extra time for the employee to get to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
• Operate water treatment and distribution system, sewage treatment and collection facilities and take part in on call rotation.
• Operate heavy equipment – grader, loader, street sweeper, mowers, etc.
• Operate public swimming pool boilers and chemical feeders
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
• Assist with the overall operation and maintenance of the arena during the winter season.
• Follow up. Make sure the new employee receives feedback from their immediate colleagues in the first few weeks to help them adjust. The recruit should feel free to ask questions without fear of judgment.
• Assist with the general maintenance and operation of all parks and summer recreation facilities.
• On-the-job training will be provided as required.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
Are you looking for telecommuting employees to join your team? Do business with a recruitment service.
14 / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 / NEWSPAPER TOOLBOX
The Town of Kerrobert offers competitive wages, starting wage is dependant on experience but starts at $20/HR and an excellent benefits package. The Town offers a 9% matched Pension Plan. The Individual must be in good physical condition, be comfortable with working outside and possess strong self motivation to complete tasks well.
Only Candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted. Candidates with experience will be given preference.
Closing date: will stay open until closed, please send your covering letter and resume to:
Town of Kerrobert
P. O. Box 558
Kerrobert, SK S0L 1R0
Email: cao@kerrobert.ca
WHEN TO ACCEPT
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in
Include ad spaces to generate revenue from the content on these pages.
COOPER NEIL LAW FIRM
Solicitor for Rocky and Maria German
COOPER NEIL LAW FIRM
Solicitor for Lyall and Gloria Knorr
Telephone: 306-228-2631
Telephone: 306-228-2631
Fax: 306-228-4449
Fax: 306-228-4449
Email: unityoffice@cooperneil.ca
Email: unityoffice@cooperneil.ca
P.O. Box 600 Unity, SK S0K 4L0
BS & TENDERS
4 strategies for retaining your employees
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Rural Municipality of Heart’s Hill No.352 Equipment Operator / Labourer
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352 is located in West Central Saskatchewan, 10 minutes south of Macklin and west of Luseland. Applications for an Equipment Operator/Labourer are currently being accepted. The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352 offers competitive wages, excellent Disability, Health, Dental and Pension Plans.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
TENDERS
Call for tenders for the following pasture lands for cash rent:
NW 17-28-25-3 SE 17-28-25-3
SW 17-28-25-3 NE 18-28-25-3
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
• Operating equipment (tractor, backhoe, light truck & trailers) to complete mowing, rockpicking, road maintenance/construction, culvert and sign installation, etc.
• Basic service and maintenance of equipment
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
• Shop and yard maintenance
• Other duties as assigned by the Foreman
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
Eligible Applicants Should Possess:
SE 18-28-25-3 NW 18-30-22-3
26-28-25-3
SE 36-30-26-3
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
• Previous experience operating equipment, though willing to train the right applicant
• Class 5 driver’s license (Class 1A is an asset)
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
• Ability to maintain a good working relationship with other employees, Council, office staff and ratepayers
Resumes Should Include:
• Work experience, education and skills
• Safety Training Certifications
• Current Driver’s Abstract
• Three References
• Expected Salary and if interested in Full-time or Seasonal Work
The job posting will remain open until filled. Please submit resumes to the following address:
The R.M. of Heart’s Hill No.352
405 Grand Ave (PO Box 458) Luseland, Sask. S0L 2A0
Phone #306-372-4224
Email: rm352@sasktel.net
The R.M. wishes to thank all interested applicants, however, only those individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted.
How to welcome a teleworking employee
TENDERS
Call for tenders for the following cultivation lands for cash rent:
S1/2 of NE 33-28-24-3 & SW 34-28-24-3 (as one parcel)
NE 02-28-24-3 NW 19-28-24-3
SW 19-28-24-3 PT. NE 27-28-24-3
SE 07-28-25-3
SE 20-28-25-3
SW 20-28-25-3 SE 30-28-25-3
NE 30-28-25-3 NW 35-28-26-3
NE 32-28-25-3 / SE 32-28-25-3 (as one parcel)
SE 35-28-26-3 SW 35-28-26-3
SE 36-28-26-3 SW 36-28-26-3
NW 01-29-26-3 N1/2 of SE 32-29-26-3
NE 24-29-26-3 NE 12-30-22-3
NW 12-30-22-3 SE 12-30-22-3
NE 20-30-22-3 NW 20-30-22-3
SE 09-30-23-3 SW 09-30-23-3
NE 15-30-24-3
Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows companies to recruit qualified talent across the globe. If your company is about to welcome a new telecommuting employee, here’s how to do it.
SE 05-30-25-3
lean on and contact if they need help. This will help them feel at ease.
NE 16-30-26-3 NE 18-30-26-3
NE 20-30-26-3
Tender information available at the municipal o ce. All tenders must be on the form provided by the municipality. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close at 4:00 p.m. on February 7th, 2025.
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
Blocks 2, 3, 4, 7 and Lots 12 – 16 and 19 – 23 in Block 11, for a total of 22.72 acres, in the Hamlet of Pinkham Rural Municipality of Kindersley No. 290
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
• Introduce the team. Set up a video chat to introduce the entire team. You can reserve extra time for the employee to get to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
• Follow up. Make sure the new employee receives feedback from their immediate colleagues in the first few weeks to help them adjust. The recruit should feel free to ask questions without fear of judgment.
Are you looking for telecommuting employees to join your team? Do business with a recruitment service.
Tender information available at the municipal o ce. All tenders must be on the form provided by the municipality. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close at 4:00 p.m. on February 7th, 2025. NE 09-28-25-3 NW 09-28-25-3 SE 09-28-25-3 SE 16-28-25-3 SW 16-28-25-3 NE 17-28-25-3
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Phone: 306-463-2524
email: rm290@rmofkindersley.com
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
FOR SALE BY TENDER
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means
Tenders will be accepted on the following parcels of land located in the R.M. of Antelope Park No. 322 and R.M. of Prairiedale No. 321 approximately 4 miles South and 2 miles West of Major, SK:
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.
SE 7-33-26 W3rd Pasture (municipal assessment - $103,900.00)
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.
SE 1-33-27 W3rd Pasture (municipal assessment - $117,000.00)
- approximately 1400 square foot bungalow style house
- shop
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.
- Surface Lease with annual income of $2,600.00
Tenders will be accepted on any or all parcels. 5% non-refundable deposit will be required on accepted Tender 10 days after closing.
Tenders will be received by the undersigned on or before 12:00 noon on WEDNESDAY, THE 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2025 More information available upon request. Not necessarily the highest or any tender accepted.
COOPER NEIL LAW FIRM
Solicitor for Estate of Valerie Umphrey
Telephone: 306-228-2631
Fax: 306-228-4449
Email: unityoffice@cooperneil.ca
P.O. Box 600 Unity, SK S0K 4L0
CROKINOLE: A uniquely Canadian fun game
BY KEITH SCHELL
When we were growing up in the country in the 1970’s, we had to figure out things to do to keep ourselves occupied and to bring everybody together as a family, especially in the evenings in the winter. One of the things we liked to do as a family on a winter night was to play different games.
And one of the favourite family fun games we liked to play back then was: CROKINOLE!
(A Canadian invented game, the word ‘crokinole’ can trace its roots back to the French word ‘croquignole’ which means ‘flick’ or ‘small biscuit’.
The earliest known crokinole board is on record as being created in the 1870’s by Eckhardt Wettlaufer of the township of Sebastopol, Ontario, Canada. In his honour, Tavistock, Ontario (the closest town to Sebastopol) has been designated as the host of the World Crokinole Championships (worldcrokinole.com) on the first Saturday in June since 1999. It regularly draws contestants from all across Canada, the USA, Germany, Australia, Spain and the UK.)
Once it was decided that we were all going to play crokinole, someone went in the bedroom, dug out our crokinole board, and brought it out to the kitchen. Somebody else rummaged around our junk drawer and found the box of red and black multi-purpose wooden checkers. We would then set the board up on the kitchen table and divide into
two teams.
Our crokinole board was old and well-worn, even back then! It was dark brown and the outside border of the board was octagonal, kind of like a big brown stop sign. And there was always a little screw in our board that replaced one of the pegs that had gone missing from the inner circle.
We knew the basic rules and abided by them with one exception: Because crokinole was designed for two to four players and there were five of us, Mom would usually sit our youngest brother on her lap and let him have her turn. But when she wanted to play herself we made sure that everyone got an equal number of checkers and everyone got an equal number of turns. Always a fun time playing, sometimes we kept score in those games and sometimes we didn’t.
In a way, crokinole was kind of like a circular version of shuffleboard or curling. The crokinole board was divided into four rings: the outside ring was worth five points, the middle ring was worth ten points, the inner ring was worth fifteen points, and the center hole was worth twenty points. The closer your checkers were to the center of the board at the end of the round the more points you got. An equal number of checkers of different colours in the same ring would cancel each other out, and whatever was left over would result in your points totals. At the end of the round, if your checker was on a line dividing two different rings on the board,
Coyote Bounty
An incentive of $20/set of 4 paws
Must be packaged in a clear bag per set, if they are not individually bagged, the RM of Kindersley will not accept the sets for payment. Collections and Forms must be dropped off at the RM of Kindersley No. 290 shop 1200 - 12th Avenue West, Kindersley, Saskatchewan We will have one day per week for drop offs scheduled for Fridays 1 pm - 4 pm. Forms can be found at www.rmofkindersley.com and at the RM office.
Must have land location, land owner and their phone number where coyotes were taken. This bounty applies only within the RM of Kindersley No. 290. Provide Saskatchewan driver’s license for proof of Saskatchewan residency. Program will remain in place from now until March 31, 2025. RM Council can terminate this program at any time. Any further questions contact: Elaine Epp, Pest Control Officer 306-460-9744 or email at: rm290pco@gmail.com
whichever ring contained most of your checker was the ring your checker was ruled to be in when counting up points.
Dad was the best crokinole player in the house. He could hit your checker and knock it into the ditch every time! So he would team up with my middle brother and I would team up with Mom and my youngest brother to try to make things as even as possible.
Much to the consternation of myself who was the oldest child and was always trying to beat Dad, Mom usually gave my little brothers a do-over if they didn’t flick their checker very far! And if they didn’t flick it very far again they always got to pull it back and have another do-over! Their turn usually ended when their shot finally went far enough to make contact with any other checker anyplace on the board.
When a player started a new round, they always got a free first shot at trying to flick their checker into the center hole. Dad was a pretty good shot and could flick the checker right into the center hole on a pretty consistent basis.
When it was Dad’s turn to go first, sometimes his free shot wouldn’t quite go in the center hole and the checker would hang on the outside lip, half in and half out of the hole.
When that happened, with a mischievous little grin on his face and looking at all of us to see what we would do, Dad would say “DAMMIT!” and take his fist and pound the table so the vibration would make his checker fall com-
pletely into the hole! All us kids would get mad and say, “HEY, YOU CAN’T DO THAT! THAT’S CHEATIN’!” And chuckling over the rise he got out of his kids, he would then take his checker and move it back on the lip of the hole where it originally was and the game would resume.
Of course, after seeing what Dad did, every time a shooter got a checker almost in the center hole the shooter would start pounding on the table to use the vibrations to make the checker fall completely into the hole. The poor old kitchen table took quite a beating on some nights! As the self-appointed referee, Mom would always tell us to stop doing that so we usually did. She was probably afraid her kitchen table might collapse one night under all that pounding!
Our games were fast, furious and always fun. Sometimes my fingernails would hurt because I flicked my shot so hard! Sometimes your shot would knock one checker off the board and into the ditch, sometimes you would knock two checkers off the board and into the ditch, and other times you would accidentally knock your own checker into the ditch or miss all the other checkers altogether! At the end of the round we would usually add up our totals. It never really mattered who won. Crokinole was just a fun way to spend a winter night together as a family and I smile at the memories.
Hope you had fun playing crokinole as well!
This is a street view of Leader, Saskatchewan in 1954, complete with a couple of vintage automobiles. PHOTO: ERIC STORM, HISTORIC SASKATCHEWAN
Margaret Isobel Dee Milton (Anderson) 1944-2025
Dee was born in 1944, in Saskatoon, SK. Daughter of Ad and Irene Anderson. Sister to Barry Anderson and Joan Stirling (Anderson).
On January 1st, 2025, after a lengthy hospital stay, Dee passed away in Edmonton, AB.
Dee was loved by many and touched the hearts of everyone she knew. She cherished the memories of the good times with each and every one.
Dee is survived by her loving husband Dale Milton and their children Greg, Andrea, Veronica and Corey, also their grandchildren, Georgia, Olin, Wyatt, Angus, Emmett and Ella. All of whom will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
A Celebration of Life for Dee is planned for the springtime in Edmonton, AB.
Emily Minchin (nee Reed)
We are saddened to announce the passing of Emily Minchin (nee reed) who passed away on January 10, 2025, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK at the age of 84 years.
Emily was predeceased by parent’s ‘Buster’ and Amy Reed, former husband Clem Knorr, and husband Elmer Minchin; siblings: Roslin (Kevan) Hardie, Vera (Bill) Sauverwald, Sadie (Jim) Schan, Archie (Sophie) Reed, Morris (Marge) Reed, Jim (Donna) Reed, Charlie (Eldean) Reed, Douglas (Diane) Reed, and Richard (Donna/Heather) Reed. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Dean (Elaine) Knorr and Karen (Brian) Fournier;
GROWING THROUGH GRIEF:
grandchildren Nicholas, Kathryn, Amy (Robin), Robin (JJ) and Ian (Felicia); 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a Graveside Service for Emily on May 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Major Cemetery, followed by a luncheon held at Major Community Hall, Major, SK.
Memorial donations in Emily’s name may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, #200 – 4545 Parliament Ave Regina, SK S4W 0G3.
The family would like to thank the management and staff of Caleb Village for the high level of care they provided, also the citizens of Major, Kerrobert and surrounding areas for the support of Emily in all the years following Elmer’s passing.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kindersley Community Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd.
Making new memories
BY ANGELA CLEMENT
One of the things that can be really painful after losing a loved one is longing for things to be the way that they were. We want so badly to have our loved ones back so that we can experience this life with them by our side. We want them back for Christmas, New Years and all the special holidays. This yearning for what cannot be causes a lot of pain and anguish. We can get really stuck in this part of the grieving process. There is much suffering that comes from being in this space.
It is normal to want to relive the past in this way. Often we will beg and plead with God to make the pain go away or to bring them back for just one more day. Yet over time we start to realize that nothing is going to change the fact that they are gone. We wonder how we will ever continue on with the pain that is encompassing every facet of our experience. Yet surprisingly many have been able to transcend the pain and recreate a life of joy and happiness again.
Part of the process requires honoring our loved ones’ memory and living our lives in such a way that would make them so happy and proud. Blaine was a man who loved meeting people and interacting with anyone. He would strike up conversations with complete strangers in restaurants, on planes, or anywhere he could. He was genuinely interested in listening to others’ stories. As his wife and a natural introvert, I always marvelled at his ability to talk to anyone no matter what their background might be.
When he transitioned, I was left to take care of things myself. It often meant I would have to reach out
for help and that required talking to people I did not know. Inviting complete strangers to be guest speakers to participate in my online grief summits was particularly scary. I had to really move out of my comfort zone and realize that there was nothing to fear. What was the worst thing that could happen? That they would say no?
This past weekend the kids and I along with members of the recreation board and community of Val Marie held a memorial curling bonspiel in honor of Blaine’s memory and his love of sports and of participating socially in the community. People were important to him and so it felt good to get together with his friends and family and just have some fun doing the things that he loved to do. It was a wonderful way to involve others in celebrating who he was.
We get to create our lives going forward. We have the free will and choice to make amazing things happen even after a traumatic loss. I have found it is not something you do alone, but with time and support, you can start to create new traditions and memories in honor of your loved one. It doesn’t have to be a big event either. It can be as simple as lighting a candle, taking a little trip somewhere, eating some of their favourite food or creating some type of little project in their honor. Life is about living. Our loved ones most certainly want us to live our lives fully and completely. They are watching and looking down and cheering us on as we move forward with the things you dare to dream of doing. What are your new dreams? Let’s see what we can do to help you make those come true. Let me know. angela@healingnenergy.world
Custom Headstone Engravings
• We ensure quality at unbeatable prices
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• We prioritize customer satisfaction
At VCC Monuments, we specialize in creating grantite artistry that serves as an enduring tribute to your loved ones, preserving their legacies with care and craftsmanship. With over 20 years of expertise in crafting granite memorials, we are here to make your journey as smooth and as comforting as possible. Call 306-831-2016 or email: jjk2000m@gmail.com
500 - 12th Ave. E., Kindersley, SK 306-463-2005
ALSASK
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
BROCK
FEBRUARY 12-15
• Brock Annual Open Bonspiel. $200 entry per team. Great prizes! Call / Text Jill Speir 306-460-9701 to enter. Come and enjoy home cooked meals and a fun time.
EATONIA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
• 4-H Speeches at Eatonia Oasis Living 1 PM. All are welcome!
• Toonie Skate 2 - 4 PM. All proceeds are for the Rec Board. Hot Choloate sponsored by the Kitchen Committee.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
• Eatonia Lions Club Valentine’s Day Prime Rib Supper. Entertainment by Kateryna Grace. Only 120 tickets available $70/ per person. Tickets available at Eatonia Agencies or Town of Eatonia. Contact Darcy 306-460-7434. Deadline to purchase tickets is February 7.
- Every Thursday from 11:30 AM -1:30 PM come to the Eatonia Library for puzzles, visiting and grab your books for the week!
- Check out our TOPS Chapter … it’s free to try! Every Wednesday. Weigh in: 5:45 PM. Meeting: 6 PM at the EOL Meeting Room. Contact Mila 306-480-2035.
ESTON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
• Tenors Galore Concert featuring Clayton Braybrook, Brian Shauf and Laurie Thompson. Doors open 5:30 PM. Dinner 6:30 PM. Concert 8 PM. Eston Legion Hall. Sponsored by Dr. David S Mulder Eston District Health Foundation.
- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the Ace: Draws every Wednesday at the Centre. Ticket sales 4-7 PM. Draw at 7:30 PM. See our Facebook page for details. Lic#LR240086 - Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday each month 6 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided. - Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info. - Drop-In Basketball Thursdays 7:30-9:30 PM at ECS Gym. Minimum 12 years of age. No charge. Contact Jesse to be added to a group text for the program 306-583-9087.
HOOSIER
- Sunday Service Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-460-7056 or Curtis Kornelson 306-460-7327.
KERROBERT
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
• Kerrobert Curling Club Open Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. Please bring indoor shoes.
• Pie a la Mode & Coffee 2-3:30 PM at the Senior Hall. Come and enjoy some great food and friendship!
With Winter upon us it would be a good idea to check the status of your antifreeze! We have Prestone Antifreeze in stock Along with various other winter items such as Saf-T-Brake Air Line Antifreeze, Diesel Antigel and Diesel Conditioner
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
• Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery presents Erin Haight The Seasons Collection. Opening Reception 1:30 PM. Inspired by the passage of time and the rhythm of the natural world.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
• Kerrobert Curling Club Glow Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. Please bring indoor shoes.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
• Emergency Services Gala Awards and Fundraising event for our Emergency Volunteer Services at the Prairieland Community Centre. Black Tie Attire. Limited Capacity. Contact Bailey Kemery 403-700-7145 or Chelsea Kissick 306372-7545 for more info. Come show your support for our Protective Services, Volunteer Fire Departments and Medical First Responders.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
• Banger Bingo Ladies Night Out presented by the Kerrobert Kinettes. Cocktails at 7 PM, Bingo at 8 PM. Held at the Prairieland Community Centre.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
• Kerrobert Curling Club Open Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. Please bring indoor shoes.
- Shuffle Club every Monday from 1:30-3 PM at the PCC (216 McPhersons Street).
- Walk This Way Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the at the PCC (216 McPhersons Street). All ages. All skill levels. No cost. Bring your indoor shoes. Everyone welcome.
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2-4 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
- Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery presents Erin Haight January 26 - March 31, 2025. Gallery Hours - Weekdays 8:30 AM4:30 PM.
- Town of Kerrobert Memory Tree program is open. Contact the office for more infomation 306-834-2361.
KINDERSLEY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
• 2025 SaskTel Tankard Provincial Curling Championship at the West Central Events Centre.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
• Kindersley Screen Arts presents “We Live In Time” 4 PM at Sunset Theatre. $10 cash at the door.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
• Elizabeth Middle School SCC’s Bingo Night. $1000 in cash prizes! Doors open at 5:30 PM. Bingo starts at 6:30 PM.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs La Ronge Ice Wolves 7:30 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs La Ronge Ice Wolves 4 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs Humboldt Broncos 7:30 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
• U15 Kindersley Full Tilt Klippers Provincial Team Round 1 Game 1 vs Hague. 6 PM puck drop at Interpipeline Arena.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 1:30 PM at 401 - 4th Ave West (New Life Church). Everyone welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-463-4514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- PickleBall Indoor Season meets Sunday & Wednesday evenings 7-9 PM,Elizabeth Middle School gym. $50 for the season or $5 drop in. More info call Teresa Knight 306-460-7304.
- Fit Fighter Group Class. Helping individuals with Parkinson Disease, Fibromyalgia, MS, Arthritis and mobility issues. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 AM at Anytime Fitness. Call Karen 463-3607 for more info.
- The Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May at 7 pm at the Kindersley Seniors Centre. All levels of quilters and quilt enthusiasts are welcome! If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please contact Regan Overand at 306-460-6467.
- 365 Kindersley Air Cadets meet Thursday evenings at the Kindersley Museum. No charge to be a member, youth ages 12-18, must be a Canadian resident. Contact Ian Kehrer via text at 306-460-0057 or Sheila Kehrer via text 306-6049044. Come Fly With Us!
- Kindersley Library Lego Club will be held every Tuesday from 3:45-4:45 until February 11. For ages 8-14. Registration is limited to 15 children.
LEADER
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
• Dabber Bingo at the Leader Friendship Centre. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Bingo at 7 PM. Held the 4th Wednesday of the month.
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
• Soup & Bun Lunch 11:30 AM - 1 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. Cost is $8.00. Held the 4th Monday of the month. JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1
• Leader Open Bonspiel. $200 entry. Cash Prizes! To register contact John 306-628-7901 or Krista 306-587-7379
- Cards & Coffee. Come out and play cards! Every Tuesday afternoon 2-4 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. No cost.
- Leader Curling Club Stick Curling Tuesdays at 2 PM.
