Left: Keith and Kathy Warrington and their two dogs extend a friendly greeting to all the guests who visit their Merid Mercantile greenhouse and Merid & Magna bed and breakfast situated between Alsask and Marengo in the middle of nowhere.
BY JOAN JANZEN
Above: Kathy Warrington points out one of many local historic photographs adorning the walls of their renovated Merid and Magna schoolhouses.
Right: Kathy is always looking for antique farm items like this tin watering can.
People from all over the world love staying “in the middle of nowhere”
BY JOAN JANZEN
MERID (AKA the Middle of Nowhere) — It’s been four years since Kathy and Keith Warrington completed the restoration of two one-room schools at their Merid & Magna bed and breakfast. At that time, I spoke to the couple about their newly opened historic retreat venue. Fast forward to 2025, and I find that the Warringtons have expanded their pursuits, welcoming visitors to Merid Mercantile and their new greenhouse, which is filled with a wide variety of herbs and 400 tomato plants.
“We started the mercantile because our guests wanted to experience local culture and enjoy local shopping. People really like it,” Kathy said. The shop carries lentils, garlic powder, dog treats, stained glass, crocheted items, bird houses, painted cow skulls, Ukrainian crafts and much more, all made or grown by local artists and farmers. Kathy is always looking for antiques and pottery to add to the store and keeps busy making homemade jams and salsa. The mercantile helps local artists sell their crafts and gives their guests a local shopping experience; it’s a win-win scenario.
When I arrived, Kathy was preparing for the arrival of bed and breakfast guests from Calgary. “It’s been extremely busy,” she said. “Lots of people doubted our sanity when we first started and asked us who would want to stay in the middle of nowhere?”
Then Kathy chuckled, telling me about their recent guests who arrived after dark. The husband looked up at the star-spangled sky and said, “This is just where I want to be – in the middle of nowhere!” Much to their amazement, the Warrington’s have discovered
that people from all over the world love staying ‘in the middle of nowhere.’
“It’s amazing what you can do if you take off the limits,” Kathy said. “People will come out here, and you don’t have to move anywhere.”
Keith said the best part for him is meeting people who are looking for a farm experience and want to learn about agriculture.
Kathy said the biggest gifts for her are the people who come to visit who used to live at Merid or had family who attended Merid School.
The Warrington’s have invested a lot of time, resources and funds into their labour of love. “You can spend money on whatever you want to, but you have to pick what matters,” Kathy said. Renovating the old one-room schools and keeping local memories alive is what matters to Kathy and Keith.
“We didn’t know what we were going to do when we started renovating,” Kathy admitted. “It just evolved and kept growing.” Now, it has become a fulltime endeavour. They’ve rented out their farmland and reduced their cattle herd to make more time to look after the bed and breakfast, greenhouse, garden, fruit trees, and mercantile.
Visitors who stay at Merid & Magna repeatedly tell their host and hostess how beautiful the countryside is. It’s a great reminder for local residents who take the rolling hills, prairie landscape, sunsets and starry skies for granted.
The latest handwritten note in the Merid & Magna guest book speaks volumes. “We have had an amazing peaceful stay here,” the Ontario guests wrote. “Adding this stop along our cross Canada journey was the right move!”
PHOTOS
Above: The Monday Night Book Club performed a jazz dance. The group included: Courtney Hopkins, Jessica Ross, Sydney LaBelle, Pam Sawatzky, Lorna Richardson, Tanisha Gunnlaugson, Ashley Gee, Josie Gee, and Avery Hallahan.
Left: As you can see by this band member’s smile, the KCS Jazz Band loves what they do. The band performed two numbers and joined in the finale.
KCS students and staff showcase their talent
BY JOAN JANZEN
KINDERSLEY - Once again, the students and staff at Kindersley Composite School (KCS) did a great job of entertaining their audience at the 4th Annual Variety Night Talent Show on Tuesday, May 27th. Not only was it entertaining, but it also helped provide funds for the upcoming camping trip planned for the Grade 9 class. There were plenty of silent auction items, which added to the fundraising fun, as well as snacks provided during intermission.
Many of the students have known each other since they can remember, and now they enjoy dancing, singing, joining together in the jazz band, or making music together in their individual bands. Other students performed solos on the saxophone, xylophone or in song. However, the students weren’t the only entertainers to grace the stage; the staff also made their talents known to the audience. Some staff members joined the Monday Night Book Club’s high-energy jazz dance or performed as a solo act, while others performed duets.
The evening concluded with all the entertainers
If there was an award for most enthusiastic audience participation, these three girls would have easily won it. They enjoyed every minute! Way to go girls!
JANZEN
joining the jazz band to sing “Wagon Wheel.” And if student audience enthusiasm was awarded a prize, the KCS students would win every time, as they cheered on their peers.
TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST
PHOTOS BY JOAN
Please recycle this newspaper
Selling farmland isn’t like selling a house in Kindersley. That’s why our lawfirm created CLHbid.com—a platform tailored for selling farmland across Western Canada. Now in our 8th year, we’re bringing our insights to your tractor with our NEW podcast, “The Farmland Exchange.”
Kindersley’s Main Street from 7th Avenue to 11th Avenue is closed to traffic starting Monday, June 2 due to the 2025 Watermain Replacement Construction. Residents can expect traffic delays until this project is complete. Please slow down in these areas. A Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory (PDWA) has also been issued for the 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of Main Street and Phillips Court and will be in effect until further notice. PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
Join us as we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of farmland transitions. Our experienced team discuss everything from traditional sales pitfalls to strategies that make CLHbid.com the right choice for Sellers. With our 2025 sales speaking for themselves, it’s time to hear the straight goods.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and discover how CLHbid.com has established itself as the premier way to sell farmland.
YOUNG DAKOTA BUTTAR! A look back at the year 2005, shows local cowboy Dakota Buttar participating in the junior steer riding event at the 15th Annual Kindersley Indoor Rodeo. It was also the 13th annual Kinettes Rodeo Royalty contest with seven young ladies vying for the crown. Camille Gerein raised the largest amount in ticket sales, and first princess title went to Miranda Klein and second princess title went to Natalie Minchin. Besides the regular rodeo events, there was line dancing by a team of Grade 7 Westberry students, a performance by the Graham sisters trick riding team, wild cow milking and mutton busting. Approximately 4000 fans came out during the three days.
PHOTO CLARION
OPINION:
How to root out waste and inefficiency?
BY JOAN JANZEN
An employer said to his employee: “You’ve got a problem with avoiding personal accountability.” The employee responded, “Ya, and whose fault is that?”
A man stood up at a board meeting and announced to one of the members at the table, “The Board has decided to let you go for poor performance and needless overspending. So take your measly quarter billion severance package and hit the street!”
Ian Madsen from Troy Media addressed the topic of overspending and government waste in a May 1 article. Overstaffed departments, subsidy giveaways, and unchecked government waste are prompting Canadians to recognize the need for an agency dedicated to rooting out inefficiency.
He acknowledged the Office of the Auditor General is efficient at identifying waste and poor performance but is not proactive and lacks enforcement powers. He also expressed the need for a Canada Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Team.
So what is the most cost-efficient and non-partisan means of rooting out waste and inefficiency? In his article, Ian commended the work of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) on tracking government spending, waste and extravagant programs. One exam-
ple is CTF’s tracking of $30 billion in subsidies to multinational corporations like Honda and Volkswagen.
The National Citizens Coalition is another non-profit organization that has been advocating for less government waste and greater individual freedom since 1967. They stand for common-sense policies that put Canadians first.
As you can see, both the Auditor General and non-profit organizations are very adept at identifying government waste and inefficiency. It is true there is an urgent need for a Canada Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Team, but would it be possible for such a team to remain non-partisan if it was funded by the government?
What would happen if a non-profit organization such as the CTF was allowed to form a Canadian accountability team and was given enforcement powers? If that were the case, Canadians could be certain that the team would be independent of the government and non-partisan
while reporting directly to Parliament. Wouldn’t it be another waste of taxpayer dollars if the government were to duplicate the work of organizations that are already doing a great job? CTF has a proven performance level, and given the opportunity they would be equally as effective at enforcing efficiency.
While Parliament was delayed and now plans to close from June 20 to September 15, non-profit groups such as CTF will keep on working. They are the ones who are engaging with Canadians and asking for their input. And they’re not doing it because they’re getting compensated by a huge government pay cheque followed by a large pension. They’re doing it solely because they are committed to action rather than half-promises.
The group is also proactive, pushing the government to cut spending and stop increasing the debt and wasting billions on debt interest payments.
In their most recent newsletter, CTF warns Canadians about future plans to tax home equity.
“Since 2016, the federal government has forced Canadians to report the sale of their homes to the CRA, even though it’s presently tax-exempt,” the report stated. “There is no need to require this unless you were planning to tax home equity at some point.”
They also took a look at the forecasted $225 billion federal debt over
the next four years. “How will the government pay for all this spending? It isn’t likely to come from building pipelines and developing Canada’s natural resources,” CTF reported.
One of the best ways to push politicians to act is by conducting polls, which politicians care about. CTF reported polls made a big difference on issues like the capital gains tax hike.
Meanwhile, the Fraser Institute’s policy report stated, “Over the past decade, the size of government in Canada and the overall government debt burden have grown faster than nearly every other advanced economy in the world.”
During a CTF podcast, Franco Terrazzano mentioned elements of the throne speech that jumped out at him. One was a vague commitment to cut the waste, but very little detail. If you want to hear more vague commitments, all you have to do is listen to the answers given during a session of Question Period.
Canadians have become weary of hearing words. They want to see waste and inefficiency eliminated, tax cuts enforced, pipelines built, natural resources developed, and censorship laws trashed. Stalling on all of those things makes it apparent that the government has a different set of values and ideologies than most of the people who live in Canada.
Pop89: Running together toward joy
BY MADONNA HAMEL
I woke to a riot of bird song at 4:15 this morning. Various denominations of the ornithological choir gave it their all: a hover of robins followed by an exaltation of larks over a steady bass line provided by a cote of mourning doves. I found myself wondering, once more, if each species understands the songs of the others? Or do they at least know who’s who? Are they better than many of us humans who, though we belong to the same species, more often than not, do not speak each other’s language? (Although we can all hum the same melody without knowing the lyrics.)
These are the things I think about when awakened at 4:51 by birdsong. And I’m not complaining. It’s a lovely thing - to wake to song. To want to leap out of bed and into the fresh morning air and marvel at the dives and darts and busy little bodies of birds as they start their new day.
So many of us in the world are not happy upon waking. For many reasons - from mistrust to tragic loss, from illness to the creakiness of aging, from worry about work, children, politics, or plastic, we just want to roll over and duck under the covers.
And I’m not even talking about all the wars going on in the war, so many we risk becoming insensitive to the images children crying, bleeding or dead. Thousands of them, their lives only just getting started, perish when caught in the crossfire of the cruel and maleficent energies of war. And others are being used as trading chips, human barter for a transactional game of hostage-taking and exchange as if this were all a card game, a football game, a real estate deal.
I’m reading a book called: “Living Gently in a Violent World.” Its subtitle is brave in its countercultural tone: “The Prophetic Witness of Weakness.” What? How can weakness be a good thing? What place is there in our contemporary world for weakness? The
authors, Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier say, over and over again, it takes true suffering to break the illusion that we have some kind of control over life. And to ask for help. It’s not a new idea - 12-step programs are built around this acknowledgement.
The idea of the book is taken from the idea behind L’Arche, a community for disabled adults. We may think we are helping them, the authors say, but they are teaching us to be wiser, more real, more true to our humanness. When we turn to the lived example of people “who are weaker than us,” they say, we see people who “long for authentic and loving relationships more than for power.”
I remember how I clung to the word “empowerment” when I was a young woman, how I craved strength and power to be seen, heard, respected, taken seriously for my ideas and reflections. To be constantly overlooked in classrooms, workplaces and social settings simply because I was female was the most disheartening fact of life. Engrained in the culture was the prejudice that a woman’s voice in the media or politics was derided as “shrill” or strident”. A voice of leadership and authority was that of a deep male voice; a woman’s words were dismissed simply because of a higher vocal register. Can I be blamed for wanting strength, power, control? In order to survive, I had to be firmer, tougher, and make male ways of being my model; the world did not value gentleness and soft-spoken voices. I had to speak up or bow out. Be part of the transaction or be transacted, without say of my own. I couldn’t begin to imagine what life must be like for the women and children being used as pawns in war-torn places, running for cover while men shoot and bargain over their bodies?
Perhaps that is why, when the white smoke came pouring out of the Vatican chimney, everyone men, women and children, Catholic or not, ran for St. Peter’s square. For the first time in a long time they weren’t running away from hurt and hate and bad
news. They had something marvellous to run toward. Together. What joy to have something to run toward in a time when the world sends us to our rooms, when we can’t seem to to get up enough enthusiasm to face a day that broads and bombards us with indignities and obscenities.
Yes, I would have loved to have been there in St. Peter’s Square, to run, not alone but as a collective, for happy and hopeful reasons. To run not away from bombs and gunfire, but neither toward a pop star or Hollywood actor, mistaking themselves for something larger than life, when actual size is plenty enough.
To run toward the sublime choir and hum along to an ancient hymn, to cheer for whomever steps out on that balcony because they are there to remind of the eternal powers of Mercy and Love. As Pope Leo himself said, obviously emotionally moved by the cheers, “May we always be this joyous, this hopeful, this filled with spirit.”
Having lost our way in search of riches and reputation, we can recalibrate our route and run toward joy. We can prefer to give love, make peace, and lend an ear over striking a deal. The new pope is being lauded for his ability to unify a room full of disparate personalities with calm, and concentrated caring - qualities traditionally perceived as feminine. Maybe finally, all of us, myself included, are appreciating these qualities and talents as manifested in gentle people who, instead of asking, “What’s in for me?” ask, “How can I help?”
Surely, it’s past time we dropped the lonely pursuit of self-interest and embraced, unchecked, an unguarded and genuine love of life. It’s time to drop the strong man stance and break into a collective run toward joy.
Ghost of 1967 still haunts the Maple Leafs
BY BRUCE PENTON
This could have been the year. Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans across the country, of which there are millions, could hardly contain themselves when their beloved team won Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semi-final to force a Game 7 at home against Florida Panthers. Beat the Panthers, advance to the Eastern final, cruise by the Carolina Hurricanes and cause mass hysteria in LeafLand by playing either Edmonton or Dallas for the Stanley Cup.
But the Ghost of 1967, the year the Leafs won their 13th and most recent Stanley Cup, got in the way. Florida knows a thing or two about playing critical playoff games and they bashed the Leafs 6-1 in that Game 7 showdown to extend that Stanley Cup drought to 58 years. It was Toronto’s seventh straight Game 7 defeat. There were tears. There was disbelief. There was angst. There were threats. And that was only from within the Leafs’ locker room. Outside, in the stands of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, angry and upset fans didn’t hide their displeasure. At least one Toronto sweater got thrown onto the ice. Some guy paid more than $10 for a cup of cold beer and then figured centre ice, not his stomach, was the best place for it to settle. So now what? Team president Brendan Shanahan has been ousted. The Leafs’ ‘Core Four’ (Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander) are almost certainly going to be the Tipsy Trio after Marner declares free agency this summer. Tavares, too, might go.
Marner, who stands fifth on the all-time Leafs’ scoring table, behind only Mats Sundin, Darryl Sittler, Dave Keon and Borje Salming, is a hometown boy who seems to be the scapegoat for Toronto’s troubles. The Leafs tried to trade him to Caroline in exchange for Mikko Rantanen in March, but Marner stuck to his no-trade clause and said no.
Now, with the NHL’s salary cap rising by $7 million to a record $95.5 million this year, Marner can accomplish three things: He can get out of Toronto, where he’s underappreciated; he can make a gazillion dollars as a free agent; and he can select a future home where the Stanley Cup banner has more of a chance to fly than it does in Toronto.
Considering that Marner and Connor McDavid connected so well in the Four Nations Face Off (remember, it was Marner’s pass to McDavid that led to the winning goal in overtime), perhaps the Oilers could break the bank and sign the Leafs’ star. On the other hand, it would be almost impossible for the Oilers to pay top dollar to three superstars and fit under the salary cap, no matter how high it goes.
While the Leafs came up short again, there were strides made in the Big Smoke. A division championship, development of some younger players (Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann for two) and a potential all-star goalie in Anthony Stolarz bodes well for the team’s future.
If they have to call Ghostbusters to take care of that Ghost of 1967, so be it.
• Headline at the Canadian parody website TheBeaverton.com: “Researchers warn Tim Hortons inapp NHL Hockey Challenge is a gateway to drinking their coffee.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Fun fact: Picasso was born Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso. Try fitting that name on a jersey.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Patriots QB Drake Maye excited about lineman who pledged to fight and die to protect Patriots QB Drake Maye.”
• Zach Pereles of CBSsports.com., reviewing the past history of the final four in the chase for the NBA championship: “The Knicks — your father (or grandfather) will tell you — wore crowns in 1970 and 1973.”
• Steve Simmons have to feel so fortunate to not have spent all that crazy money on the player in this case, as we’re learning, may be crazier.”
• Vancouver comedian Torben Rolfsen: “Anthony Edwards of Minnesota Timberwolves was fined $50,000 for using inappropriate language in a postgame interview. The actual phrase is unknown but Minnesota fans think it was ‘Go Packers.’”
• Canadian humorist Frenchie McFarlane: “Rimouski is an old Mohawk word for ‘Where the moose ski.’ I told that to some American folk at the Memorial Cup and they bought it.”
• Super 70s Sports: “The Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record in 1968 when their entire roster looked like dads who expected their daughters to be home by 9 p.m. and you didn’t want to find out what was gonna happen at 9:02.”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hapton, Va.); ‘With 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continuing the NBA trend — now seven years running — of foreign-born MVPs, and 21-year-old Victor Wembanyama waiting in the wings, the next American MVP may be in the fifth grade.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “TSN described the Maple Leafs as looking paralyzed against Florida in Game 7, ‘lifeless’ and ‘not moving.’ That may be a little unfair — although I’ve seen morgues with fewer stiffs on ice.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
BATTER UP!
It was the first game of the season for Kindersley’s littlest ball players last week. Lots of great memories were made!
PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
RCMP Weekly Report from Unity, Wilkie and Macklin
Unity RCMP
• RCMP received a Mental Health Act complaint. Members spoke to the subject of complaint.
• Police received a complaint of fraud. This matter is still under investigation.
• Members are investigating a complaint of an individual breaching a court order.
• RCMP received a complaint of fraud but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Police received a noise complaint. Members attended and issued a verbal warning.
• Members are investigating a complaint of individuals damaging a residence.
• A 46-year-old female from Wilkie was charged with Obtaining Food by Fraud after Members received a complaint of an individual leaving a local restaurant without paying.
• RCMP conducted a wellbeing check at the request of a concerned citizen.
• Members are investigating a complaint of a break and enter at a business.
• There was also one traffic complaint, one false alarm and one false 911 call.
Wilkie RCMP
• RCMP received a complaint of fraud but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Police received a complaint of trespassing. Members spoke to the complainant and the subject of complaint.
• Members attended a two-vehicle collision in Wilkie. There were no injuries. A traffic ticket was issued to one vehicle driver.
• RCMP received a complaint of theft. This matter is still under investigation.
• Police received another complaint of theft but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Members issued a 21-day roadside suspension during a traffic stop.
• RCMP received a Mental Health Act complaint. The subject of complaint was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Unity Hospital for assessment.
• Members conducted a wellbeing check at the re-
quest of a family friend.
• CN Police reported two railway crossing malfunctions at Landis this week. Both incidents were reported for information purposes.
• Police received a complaint of a break and enter at a residence but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• RCMP received a complaint of harassing communications. This matter is still under investigation.
• Police received a Mental Health Act Complaint. The subject of complaint was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Battlefords Union Hospital for assessment.
Macklin RCMP
• RCMP conducted a wellbeing check at the request of a family member.
• A 72-hour roadside suspension was issued during a traffic stop.
• Members spoke to an individual regarding outstanding warrants.
• A 33-year-old male from Macklin was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possess Weapon Contrary to Order and Possession of a Prohibited Device during a traffic stop.
• There was also one traffic complaint and 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 anonymous, 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
SMILEY COLONY’S CLASS OF 1984 - This class photo of the smiling students at Smiley Colony School may bring back some memories. Back Row (l-r): Linda Wipf, Martha Kleinsasser, Esther Kleinsasser, Ida Wipf, Debbie Kleinsasser. Second Row: Chris Hofer, Daniel Hofer, Leonard Kleinsasser, Lawrence Kleinsasser, Tim Kleinsasser. Front Row: Freda Kleinsasser, Ben Kleinsasser, Dorothy Hofer, Walter Kleinsasser, Diana Wipf.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Have you heard about the 1962 bank robbery at Driver, SK?
This interesting story was revealed in the “Land of Plenty” history book. The 1962 crime report was as follows:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police said a bandit was killed when his escape car overturned after stealing $20,000 from the Royal Bank of Canada in Driver, Sask. The bandit entered the bank wearing a nylon
stocking over his face and threatened to explode dynamite among the staff if they didn’t give him the money. RCMP discovered the overturned car in a ditch near Driver, Sask. Police said all the money taken from the bank was found in the car. Crime didn’t pay for the lone bandit, whose identity was not revealed.
The teachers had fun racing in inflatable costumes and the kids enjoyed visiting with the inflatable characters.
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
6-year-old Evan Dezan prepares to take the last jump
teacher Shannon Dimitroff cheers him on.
Government of Saskatchewan declares wildfire state of emergency
Due to the wildfires affecting communities across Saskatchewan, today Premier Scott Moe, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), declared a provincial State of Emergency.
As of this morning, there are 17 active wildfires in Saskatchewan and 15 communities have evacuated. To date this year, there have been 206 wildfires, well above the five-year average of 125.
“We are seeing the devastating effects of wildfires impact communities across our province,” Moe said. “Therefore, today we are making a Provincial Declaration of Emergency to mobilize the resources necessary to safely evacuate Saskatchewan residents and to protect our communities.”
This declaration provides enhanced powers to the Minister and SPSA that may be required to help address this unprecedented start of the fire season.
The province does not take the exercise of these powers lightly, but they are necessary to enhance public safety.
The state of emergency will be in effect for 30 days and can be extended if necessary.
The SPSA has committed to providing daily updates on the current wildfire situation to ensure that Saskatchewan residents are provided with the most up to date information.
Established in 2017, the SPSA is a treasury board crown corporation responsible for wildfire management, emergency management, Sask911, SaskAlert, the Civic Addressing Registry, the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program and fire safety.
Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-6679660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
MUSICAL TALENT! On Sunday, May 25th a send off recital was hosted by the Kindersley & District Music Festival for the finalists competing in the provincial music festival held in Regina from May 29 - June 1 for Voice, Musical Theatre, Speech Arts, Piano, Woodwinds, and Percussion. (L to R): Dominic Bosch, Angela Bosch, Leif Bews, Moira Padberg, Sierra Gardnier, and Kaitlyn Herner. Congratulations and all the best!
PLAYSCHOOL GRADUATES! The Kindersley Playschool held two graduation celebrations on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, May 27th and 28th. You just never know what’s going to happen at a playschool graduation. It would be interesting to see these students re-enact this photo at their high school graduation years from now.
PHOTO BY SARAH MILLS
REGINA – As the sitting resumes in the House of Commons, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck sent five letters to a total of nine ministers in Carney’s cabinet calling for action on Saskatchewan issues that have too often been ignored by federal governments of all stripes.
“Canadians were incredibly frustrated with Justin Trudeau’s government and his failure to deliver results on important files,” said Beck in a release. “It’s no secret that this frustration was felt more strongly in Saskatchewan than anywhere else in Canada.
“We need to see real progress on these critical issues facing our country. This is a critical moment of consensus, where we can focus on our future and get generational projects built.”
Beck’s federal priorities include:
• Changing the equalization formula to be fairer for Saskatchewan
• Making generational investments in infrastructure to get Saskatchewan’s exports to new markets, including more rail lines, pipelines and power lines
• Renewing the $10/day childcare agreement
• Repealing Bill C-69 and revising the Clean Electricity Regulations
• Building a stronger relationship with Indigenous peoples based on action, not just promises
• Protecting workers and businesses from the impact of tariffs while working day and night to get them removed
“The new Prime Minister has committed to a new approach, and I am optimistic that his commitment will be met by real action by this new government on the issues that matter most to people in my province,” Beck said.
“Our economy needs to be more resilient in the face of Donald Trump’s threats and the people of Western Canada deserve to see a bright future for themselves by staying in a strong and united Canada.”
Here is Beck’s letter to the minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Energy and Natural Resources, verbatim. Note that it is CC’d to Buckley Belanger, newly-minted Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, who until recently was a member of Beck’s caucus in the Saskatchewan NDP.
Dear Minister Hodgson and Minister Dabrusin:
On behalf of Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition, I wish to congratulate you on your appointment to the Prime Minister’s cabinet.
Canadians were incredibly frustrated with Justin Trudeau’s government and his failure to deliver results on important files. It’s no secret that this frus-
tration was felt more strongly in Saskatchewan than anywhere else in Canada. The new Prime Minister has committed to a new approach, and I am optimistic that his commitment will be met by real action by this new government on the issues that matter most to people in my province.
As the federal ministers responsible for natural resource development and environmental protection, Saskatchewan people are counting on you to reverse course on many of the damaging policies of the Trudeau government – policies that, broadly, moved too far and too fast for Saskatchewan’s economy. The federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations need to be revised with realistic goals for provinces like Saskatchewan that rely on fossil fuels for power generation. The unconstitutional and damaging changes brought into force by Bill C-69 need to be repealed. Federal investments will be needed to build new interties and increase SaskPower’s generation capacity, including renewables, to power our economy and enhance our energy and national security. Clear and predictable assessment frameworks are needed so that Canada can attract the investment needed to develop our world-class resources and build the pipelines, rail lines, and power lines needed to get those products to market.
Our country faces serious threats to our sovereignty and national unity today. To our south, the Trump administration threatens to make Canada the 51st state and separatists in Western Canada are organizing today to try and break our country apart. Addressing both of these threats will require the new government – and your two ministries specifically – to get to work on unlocking the full potential of our natural resources and the Canadian economy.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters for people in Saskatchewan and across Canada. I look forward to seeing real progress on these critical issues facing our country.
Sincerely,
Carla Beck, M.L.A. Leader
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in June, 2022. PHOTO BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
How to use foliar sprays effectively against flea beetles
BY KEITH GABERT
The best defence against flea beetles in canola is a fast-growing, uniformly emerging crop with five to eight plants per square foot that quickly reaches the four-leaf stage. However, unpredictable weather often forces growers to rely on plan B: foliar sprays.
To reduce the need for multiple sprays, consider these strategies:
Spray when flea beetles are active
Ideal spraying conditions are warm, dry, and calm — when flea beetles are most active and feeding. During cool, rainy weather, flea beetles shelter in soil and feed less, which lowers insecticide efficacy.
Consider the temperature effect on insecticide efficacy
Temperature influences the performance of foliar sprays. Malathion and Sevin XLR are more effective in heat, with labels suggesting application during the hottest part of the day and at a minimum of 20°C.
In contrast, pyrethroids like Decis, Pounce, and Perm-UP are less effective above 25°C. If spraying in higher temperatures is necessary, mitigate risks with higher water volumes, make the correct nozzle choice and boom height adjustments to reduce evaporative losses and spray during cooler parts of the day. Historical research (Harris and Kinoshita, 1977) shows pyrethroids are 2.6 times more potent at 15°C than at 32°C.
Set a realistic threshold
In high-risk areas where growth is stalled and beetle activity is high, spraying before the 25% leaf area loss threshold may be advised. Still, some feeding is necessary for seed treatments to be effective, so spraying too early can limit their benefit.
Ensure coverage
Most foliar sprays for flea beetles work through
contact, making uptake through ingestion of insecticide on canola tissues a “bonus”. Spray with at least 10 gallons of water per acre. Use appropriate nozzles — typically medium — to ensure proper droplet size. Avoid tank-mixing your foliar sprays with herbicides unless label guidelines support it, as coarse droplets from low-drift herbicide nozzles can reduce insecticide effectiveness.
Target foliar sprays to field edges
Flea beetles in Western Canada winter as adults in sheltered areas, preferably with lots of foliage, and emerge from late April to early June. Adults will fly to find the first-emerging canola crops. In stressed crops, spraying borders or small areas twice may be faster and more cost-effective than one full-field application. If scouting indicates heavy flea beetle pressure along one side of a field, spraying only that area can be enough – as long as it’s done quickly after scouting. Within a day, flea beetles can spread through the rest of the field.
Note the permitted applications per year for each product Insecticides have restrictions on the number of applications per field per year. For example, Decis can be applied three times, Pounce and Sevin XLR can be applied two times, and malathion can be applied only once. For growers anticipating more than one insect pest of concern each season, have a product plan to effectively manage pests and stay within label restrictions.
For more on flea beetle management tips and how to make the spray decision, check out our Canola Watch fundamentals article: Flea beetles: Management tips. While there, please sign up to receive our free Canola Watch agronomy emails.
Keith Gabert is an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada.
because your dreams and aspirations matter!
TAX TIPS
If you meet the definition of a “first-time home buyer,” you can now make deductible contributions of up to $8,000 per year into a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for a lifetime maximum of $40,000. Income earned in the planis not taxable and withdrawals are not included in income as long as they are used to buy a home.
PHOTO: CANOLA COUNCIL OF CANADA
Posting Date May 26, 2025
1. ACRONYMS: What do the acronyms “AM” and “PM” stand for?
2. TELEVISION: What is the name of the Jack Russell Terrier in the sitcom “Frasier”?
3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which vice president won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007?
4. MOVIES: How many Infinity Stones are in “Avengers: Endgame”?
5. U.S. STATES: In which state would you find the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve?
6. GEOGRAPHY: What is Scotland’s official national animal?
7. LITERATURE: Which cities are the settings for Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities”?
8. SCIENCE: Which two planets in our solar system have no moons?
9. HISTORY: Who was the first woman Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives?
1. Ante meridiem and Post meridiem (before noon and after noon); 2. Eddie Crane (real
name is Moose); 3. Al Gore, vice president to Bill Clinton, won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in climate change; 4. Six; 5. Idaho; 6. The unicorn; 7. London and Paris; 8. Venus and Mercury; 9. Nancy Pelosi; 10. The Navy
Classifieds
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
In the Estate of Larry Gordon Ed munds, late of Kindersley, in the Province of Saskatchewan, De
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 15th day of June, 2025.
SHEPPARD & MILLAR
Solicitors for the Estate of Larry Gordon Edmunds
Barristers & Solicitors 113 - 1st Avenue East Box 1510, Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 Attention: MONTE J. SHEPPARD
In the Estate of Michael Robert Meissner late of Luseland, in the Province of 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 30th day of June, 2025.
SHEPPARD & MILLAR
Solicitors for the Estate of Michael Robert Meissner
Barristers & Solicitors 113 - 1st Avenue East Box 1510, Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 Attention: MONTE J. SHEPPARD
Dale Harpstead, Eston
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines.
Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
FEED AND SEED
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942. AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING
In the Estate of Lorne Gordon Ecker, late of Kindersley, in the Province of 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 27th day of June, 2025.
SHEPPARD & MILLAR
Solicitors for the Estate of Lorne Gordon Ecker Barristers & Solicitors 113 - 1st Avenue East Box 1510, Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 Attention: MARK L MILLAR NOTICE TO
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
completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising
LAND FOR SALE
FARMLAND WANTED
I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS
Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
Advertising Conditions on our distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 www.swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!
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,
Charges laid in Rosetown assault
• Rosetown RCMP received a complaint of damage to property in the RM of Monet. This investigation is ongoing.
• Rosetown RCMP received a complaint of a stolen electric lawn mower in Rosetown. There was insufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 7 near Harris. Police were not in a position to intercept this vehicle.
• Rosetown RCMP responded to a call of an Assault. Charges have been laid in this investigation.
• Rosetown RCMP received a complaint of a trespasser at a business in Rosetown. This investigation remains ongoing.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of an impaired driver on Highway 7.Patrols were made but the RCMP were unable to locate the vehicle.
• Rosetown RCMP investigated a complaint of unsafe storage of a firearm. The subject of complaint was
located and given a warning.
• Kyle/Rosetown RCMP received multiple complaints of a hitch hiker on Highway 4. Patrols were made and members were able to locate the individual.
4 strategies for retaining
As the job market becomes increasingly com petitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
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.
FULL-TIME OPERATOR
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.
R.M. of Happyland No. 231
The R.M. offers a comprehensive benefits package including Short Term and Long Term Disability, Municipal Employees Pension Plan and Health & Dental and competitive wages.
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.
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.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
• Operate a grader to complete road maintenance, grading, gravel reclamation and minor road construction, snow plowing
• Ensure roads are maintained and repaired (culverts) on a priority basis and ability to repair machinery and attachments
• Manage all duties given by Foreman and Council, and log work on provided sheets daily
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with council, staff, contractors and ratepayers
• Haul and spread gravel with RM tractor-trailer
• Operate a tractor and mower, general labour
• Other duties as prescribed
The Successful Applicant Should Possess:
• Experience is an asset in maintenance and operation of a tractor-trailer and heavy equipment, but training can be provided
• Willingness to be supervised and take direction from Foreman
• Great communication and documentation skills
• 1A license would be a preference
Your Resume Should Include:
How to welcome a teleworking employee
• Past and present work experience
• Two references
• Education and skills
• Expected salary
Please have resumes submitted by June 12, 2025 to: Rural Municipality of Happyland No. 231 P.O. Box 339, Leader, Saskatchewan S0N 1H0
Email: rm231@sasktel.net
• 20:33 Hours – Rosetown RCMP received a complaint of a possible break and enter into a residence in Rosetown. Members attended, and the residence was secure.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of an abandoned vehicle near Rosetown. The owner was contacted and no further action was required.
• Rosetown RCMP intercepted a vehicle on Highway 7. A mandatory alcohol screening device determined that the driver of the vehicle was issued a Provincial 60 day Roadside Suspension.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 7. Members were not in a position to intercept the vehicle.
• Kyle RCMP assisted EMS with a medical call in the RM of Monet.
• Rosetown RCMP received a complaint of a Fraud investigation. The complainant was attempting to purchase an item from Facebook Marketplace. This investigation remains ongoing.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of a stolen vehicle in the RM of Lacadena. Members investigated and this complaint was unfounded.
• Kyle RCMP are investigating a harassing communications complaint in the RM of Canaan. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Kyle/Rosetown RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter of an unoccupied residence in Kyle. The subject of complaint has been held for court.
• Kyle RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision near Sovereign, SK. No injuries were reported.
There were 92 Traffic related charges issued, 3 911 mis-dial calls and 6 false alarm calls. Police are asking anyone with information about these or any other crime(s) to please contact the Rosetown RCMP at 306-882-5700, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at www.saskcrimestoppers.com 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t
LAND FOR SALE BY SEALED TENDER
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 Village of Major offers for sale the following property: Lot 5-6 Blk 9 G445
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.
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.
The Village of Major is now accepting tenders from interested parties for the sale of said land. Tenders can be mailed to the Village of Major, PO Box 179, Major, SK S0L 2H0 or delivered to the Village of Major office located at #1 Recruit St., Major, SK. The Village of Major reserves the right to reject any or all bids received.
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.
Town of
Luseland
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
We are currently seeking quotations for the supply of the following vehicle: 5-Ton Dump Truck
Specifications:
• Automatic Transmission
• Singel Axle
LAND FOR SALE BY SEALED TENDER
Notice of Land Sale
Pursuant to The Tax Enforcement Act
The Town of Eston is offering the following property for sale:
Lot 17, Block 24, Plan CF3467
Civic Address: 317 - 5th Avenue SW, Eston, SK
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
For more information contact the Village of Major at 306-834-1201.
Tenders will be accepted until June 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
• Model year 20215 or newer
• In good working condition, ready for immediate use
Price Range: $40,000-$60,000
Quantity: 1 unit
Tenders are now being accepted from interested parties for the purchase of the above property land only or for the house to be moved, which was acquired through tax enforcement proceedings.
The Town of Eston reserves the right to reject any or all tenders received.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
Tenders should be marked “Village of Major Property Tender”
Delivery Location: Luseland, SK
Submission Deadline: July 8, 2025 by 3:30 PM
Fax: 306-372-4700
Email: luseland@sasktel.net
Drop Box or in person at 503 Grand Ave, Luseland, SK
Vendors must include:
• Full vehicle specifications and condition report
• Photographs of the unit
Tender packages are available at: Town of Eston, Box 757, Eston, SK S0L 1A0
For more information, please contact the Town Office at 306-962-4444.
The deadline for receipt of tenders is Tuesday, June 20 at 5:00 p.m.
Tenders should be marked “PROPERTY TENDER/LAND TENDER”.
COOL KIDS! The Kindersley Spray Park is always a popular spot to cool off and have some fun. These photos were taken last week before the really hot temperatures hit.
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN AND KATE WINQUIST
A shriek in the cemetery: Loggerhead Shrikes, our macabre songbird
BY NATURE SASKATCHEWAN
Spring has sprung! With the return of the warmer weather our favourite birds have also arrived; ready to start their breeding season on the prairies. One of these species to return is our favourite gruesome little songbird, the Loggerhead Shrike. This predatory songbird, well known for their habit of impaling their prey on thorns or barbs, is on the lookout for ideal habitat; with pairs building nests and getting ready to lay eggs. Late May to early June is a great time to spot returning shrikes, as they are very active finding their perfect spots!
What is the ideal habitat for a predatory songbird? One of the best places to see shrikes while you are out and about may surprise you- or not, as it is quite fitting for a bird with such spooky habitats. Shrikes can readily be found in prairie cemeteries across Southern Saskatchewan, nesting in the old growth trees and shrubs that usually border the fenceline of these areas. “If you are visiting a loved one this summer in such a place, keep an eye out for these striking black, white, and grey birds!” Emily Putz, Shrubs for Shrikes coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan explains, “They have a distinct shrieking alarm call to keep an ear out for as well.”
Loggerhead Shrikes prefer cemeteries
not just because flitting among gravestones fits their reputation, but because of the habitat cemeteries provide. “Prairie cemeteries are usually surrounded by pasture or crop, and the grass within them is usually mowed short, all ideal hunting areas to catch mice and insects,” Putz further explains,” Paired with older growth shelterbelts, these areas really do form oases of habitat on our changing landscape. For these reasons shrikes also prefer and can be found in abandoned yard sites, golf courses, and ball diamonds as well!”
The Loggerhead Shrike has been listed as a threatened species since the 1980s, with their range, once spanning the entirety of the prairie provinces, contracting to be mainly focused in Southern Saskatchewan and parts of SE Alberta. Habitat loss is the main driver of their decline, with the loss of both native prairie, and their adapted habitat of shelterbelts, disappearing.
Nature Saskatchewan runs a voluntary stewardship program, Shrubs for Shrikes, that works with rural landholders to conserve and monitor this species at risk. If you see a Loggerhead Shrike, or impaled prey, call the toll free HOOTline at 1-800-667-4668 or email outreach@naturesask.ca. Personal information is never shared without permission and every sighting helps this species’ recovery!
Healing Vibes Massage Therapy
To book an appointment go to: healingvibes.noterro.com
Or Text 306-838-3250
Offering Therapeutic, Deep Tissue and Relaxation Massage Rapid Neurofascial Reset, Cupping and Reflexology
Located in Kindersley Chiropractice Office: 109 - 1st Ave. W
Kindersley Town Council Minutes
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Town Council had their Regular Meeting.
7.1: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Audrey Hebert presented the Financial Report for April 2025.
7.2: Council authorized the abatement of the 2025 Municipal and School taxes as per the 2025 Tax Abatements (Non-Profit Organizations) Schedule.
7.3: The Council of the Town of Kindersley authorized the abatement of the 2025 Municipal taxes, as per the Schedule for properties assessed with two minimum taxes.
8.1: Town Council resolved to accept as submitted the list of accounts as paid by the Town of Kindersley in the amount of $392,300.63.
9.1: Council resolved to approve three readings of Bylaw 04-25, Being a By-
law to Promote Economic Development Through Tax Exemptions.
10.1: The Council of the Town of Kindersley resolved to approve the Consent Agenda which included the following item for acceptance and filing:
1. Kindersley Museum Minutes - May 13, 2025
PHOTO: HAMILTION GREENWOOD
PHOTO: VERNA GARTNER
It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy Eileen (nee Eastman) Martsch announce her unexpected death in Saskatoon, SK on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the age of 87.
Dorothy Eileen Martsch
February 15, 1938 - May 19, 2025
Eileen, as she was known, leaves to mourn her passing two daughters and their husbands and families: Shelley (Warren) Litt of Camlachie, Ontario; Sandra (Keith) Warner of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.; two grandchildren: Braden (Amanda) Litt of Langley, British Columbia and Brianne (Tyler Kocher) Litt of Guelph, Ontario; two great grandchildren: Henry and Hallie Litt of Langley, British Columbia and of course, the grand dogs, Sophie Bella and Hector. Eileen also leaves to mourn her sister, Rosemary (Don) Nelson of Parksville, British Columbia as well as numerous nephews and one niece.
Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Fred (2005), infant son, Ian (1973), her mother, Ruby (1994) and her father, John Morris (2003).
Mom was born February 15, 1938 at Dinsmore, Saskatchewan hospital. She attended Dinsmore schools for public and high school. Following graduation, Eileen attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning her teaching certificate. From 1958 to 1964, she taught in the Eston (Amdewanda) area and in 1963, met and married Fred. Together, they
raised their daughters, on the family farm located north of Snipe Lake. Over the years, Mom also worked at Eston Union Hospital as the Activity Director (1989 – 1993) and then, as Home Care Assessor Coordinator and Scheduler for the local Home Care office, retiring in 2003.
Mom always found enjoyment and solace in the arts. She was an accomplished oil and watercolour artist and many friends and family have enjoyed having one of her paintings hanging within their households. She loved living on the farm and up until the time she was 80 years old, she still hauled water, cut the grass, tended to a large garden and picked every last one of the raspberries so the birds didn’t eat them. Upon retirement, Mom loved spending her winters in Parksville at Surfside RV Resort, enjoying walks and daytrips with her friends. In the summer, she would live on the farm. In 2020, Mom moved to Eston to Heritage Manor apartments. She so enjoyed her time there with many cherished long-time friends.
A Celebration of Life service for Eileen will be held on Thursday, June 5 , 2025 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 318 Main St, Eston, SK. with Pastor Doreen Hewitson officiating. Interment to follow at Eston Cemetery.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be broadcast live (and recording) on their YouTube channel at ‘Eston United Church’. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Andrew’s United Church in Eston.
Jean Minchin
October 5, 1934 - May 27, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Jean Minchin announce her passing on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the age of 90 years.
Margaret Jean Minchin was born to Gladys and Elmer Sinclair in Loverna, Saskatchewan on October 5, 1934, younger sister to brothers Menzie and Ross. She was raised on the family farm and took most of her schooling in Loverna. She completed her education in Kindersley, taking a Commercial Secretarial course, after which she worked for a year in the Kindersley Co-op office.
She met Eldon Minchin from Major, SK at one of the many dances held in Loverna. They married on July 13, 1955 at Grace United Church in Loverna. They moved to Eston soon after where Eldon was employed as a plumber at Kee Sheet Metal. In 1966, they purchased the business and named it Eston Sheet Metal. Mom worked full-time at the “shop” from about 1973 until 1981, when they sold the business. Mom started working at the CIBC in Eston in 1981 and continued there until her retirement on November 30, 1993.
Mom and Dad enjoyed going to many dances throughout the area. The family spent many evenings playing cards and board games with family friends. Mom spent a lot of time baking cookies and pies for all occasions. In the 70’s and 80’s, she enjoyed curling in the winter. Mom was always very involved with the church and it’s activities, especially choir practice every Wednesday evening! She liked growing a vegetable garden and flowers every summer. She also enjoyed (or endured) many Saskatchewan Roughrider games! She was known as “Rider Grandma” by her grandchildren. Both Mom and Dad were very involved in the Eston community. Mom was a member of the La-
dies Orange Benevolent Association for 10 years; the Eston Housing Authority for 12 years; and the Eston United Church board for 16 years. She was a member of the Eston United Church choir since 1975 and the Eston 95 Lions since 1983, when it first began, and she served as charter secretary.
Mom travelled quite a bit in her later years, taking trips with “the girls” to Prince Edward Island, the Bahamas, San Antonio, Palm Springs, San Diego and New York. She also travelled with her best friend, Denny Beckstrand, to England and France in 2004 to mark Denny’s return to Juno Beach on D-Day 60 years earlier. They had many stories to tell about the people they met and the adventures they had travelling around France. The following year, in 2005, they travelled to Europe again, this time to commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands. While there, they also enjoyed a cruise on the Rhine River as part of the trip.
Mom was fortunate to enjoy good health throughout most of her 90 years and was able to remain living in her home until about a month before her passing. She was predeceased by her husband Eldon, in 1994. She is survived by her children, Lynda (Gerry), Dean (Debbie), Rodney (Annette) and Lori; grandchildren Tyler, Mason, Emily (Nick), Samuel, Kelly (Josh), Connor; great grandchildren Tayla, Olivia and Henry.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Eston Home Care, the Jubilee Lodge and Eston Health Centre for their wonderful care and attention given to Mom.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St Andrew’s United Church in Eston, SK. Interment to follow at Eston Cemetery.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel at “Eston United Church “.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jean to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Andrew’s United Church in Eston.
We try our best to keep events up-to-date, but if you see an error or have a cancellation, please let us know!
ALSASK
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Alsask Drop-Inn Club hosts its annual Pig Roast Supper featuring homemade fries, coleslaw & dessert; bar service; live music; and horseshoes, pool or cards. Doors open at noon to midnight with food service from 4 - 8 pm. Cost for this fundraiser is $25/person and $10 for children age 6-12. For info call Dave (306)463-0169 or visit the Facebook page. Great opportunity to spend time with Dad for Father’s Day weekend. Everyone welcome - join us at the Alsask Drop-Inn Centre, 206 Main Street.
DENZIL
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
• Denzil Museum’s 20th Anniversary. Join us at 12:00 noon for a homemade lunch of churned butter, homemade bread and soup! Program to follow. Museum tours. For more info contact Lloyd at 306-753-7619.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 21 & 22
• Denzil Community Days. Sports grounds gate and booth open at 11 AM each day. Bones Tournament (Saturday), Antique Tractor Pulls (both days at noon), Kids Pedal Tractor Races (Saturday). Parade on Sunday at 11:00 AM. Watch for more details.
EATONIA
- Every Thursday from 11:30 AM -1:30 PM come to the Eatonia Library for puzzles, visiting and grab your books for the week!
- Check out our TOPS Chapter … it’s free to try! Every Wednesday. Weigh in: 5:45 PM. Meeting: 6:00 PM at Corcoran Place. Contact Cora Knuttila 306-460-9047. - Eatonia & District Recreation Soccer. Contact Charity for more info at eatoniarec@sasktel.net or call 306-460-7130.
ESTON
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
• Eston Caring Hands Community Garage Sale and Summer Barbecue 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. BBQ Burgers 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM. Maps can be picked up under the gazebo at the Eston Jubilee Lodge. Homemade treats and a map $3; map $1; BBQ Burgers and drinks $6.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 & SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Eston’s Summer Bull Bash & Minor Sports Day. Stay tuned for details.
- 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 of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided.
- Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.
- 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.
KINDERSLEY
MONDAY, JUNE 9
• Handbell Concert at St. Paul’s United Church 7:00 PM. All welcome. Free Will Offering.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, JUNE 12 & 13
• Kindersley & District Chamber of Commerce 36th Annual Trade Show & Exhibition at the West Central Events Centre. Thursday: 1:00-9:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
• The Radiant - Kindersley & District Arts Council fundraiser with Curtis Bearsman Norman Ritchie Community Centre. All ages. Cash bar. Doors open 7:30 PM. Adults $25; 18 & under $10. Tickets available at Lela’s Music, Garden Gallery, Harmonic Egg, Eventbrite or at the door while tickets last.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Clearview Community Church Fundraiser: Bake Sale and Multifamily Garage Sale 9:00 AM. We are offering tables to rent for $25 with rental fees and proceeds from the baking going back to the church. Contact Hannah 306-460-8989.
MONDAY, JUNE 16
• Kindersley Composite School Awards Day 2025 10:15 AM. Followed by annual school BBQ and the Grade 12’s vs the KCS Staff at Flanagan Field.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
• West Central Abilities Inc. Annual General Meeting 11:00 AM at the WCA Day Program (122 - 1st Avenue West, Kindersley) in the Boardroom.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
• Rotary Club of Kindersley presents Break Into Summer Beer & Brisket Pairing Elks Hall, Kindersley. Dinner 7:00 PM. Dance to follow 9:00 PM. Featuring recording artist Bonfire Moon. $65/person. Raising money to support Youth Leadership Camps & Scholarships. Tickets available at Tint Doctor, Garden Gallery, Double Barrel Vape or by e-transfer to rotary981.events@gmail.com
TUESDAY, JULY 1
• Take Home A Taste of South Africa (Grilled lamb meat and traditional sides) - Church Fundraiser 6:00-8:00 PM St. Olaf Church. $20/person. Call 306-901-7047 or 306-561-8685. Lamb sponsored by Kelly Dearborn.
FRIDAY, JULY 25 - SUNDAY, JULY 27
• Kindersley Claybusters Registered Trap Shoot at the Kindersley Wildlife Federation Shooting Range starting at 1:00 PM on Friday. For info please contact Dan Kachmarski at 306-463-7207.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 1:30 PM at 401 - 4th Ave West (New Life Church). Everyone welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-463-4514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- Pickleball meets Monday & Wednesday evenings 7:009:00 PM at the outdoor courts (in the Curling Rink if inclement weather). Cost is $50 for the season or $5 drop in. Our club is a part of Pathway To Wellness. More info call Teresa Knight 306-460-7304.
- Fit Fighter Group Class. Helping individuals with Parkinson Disease, Fibromyalgia, MS, Arthritis and mobility issues. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM at Anytime Fitness. Call Karen 463-3607 for more info.
- 365 Kindersley Air Cadets meet Thursday evenings at the Kindersley Museum. No charge to be a member, youth ages 12-18, must be a Canadian resident. Contact Ian Kehrer via text at 306-460-0057 or Sheila Kehrer via text 306-6049044. Come Fly With Us!
• Every Saturday: Mom N Tots Morning 10:00 - 10:30 AM at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Registration required: Kindersleymusic@outlook.com
• Every Tuesday: Community Badminton 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Westberry School. Everybody welcome.
LEADER
- Cards & Coffee. Come out and play cards! Every Tuesday afternoon 2:00-4:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. No cost.
MARENGO
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
• Westcliffe School’s annual Band Concert and Awards Night 7:00 PM.
NETHERHILL
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
• Country Dance at the Netherhill Hall 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM. $25 / ticket at the door. Cash only. Kids free. Cash bar. Lunch served. Everyone welcome. Entertainment by: Brian Swan & The Fox & The Hounds. Contact Lionel 306-463-8352 for more info.
PLENTY
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
• U15 Baseball vs Biggar 6:00 PM Diamond 1
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
PLENTY SPORTS DAY
• 4-H Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30 AM
• Slow Pitch Tournament, Home Run Derby, Bouncy Castles, Sand Pile, Beer Gardens
• CROP pulled pork supper $15.
• Minor Ball Games @ 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM on Diamond 1, 2 & 3
• Dance 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
• Local Author Event - Ashley McLean 7:00 PM in the Plenty Church basement. Tea to follow.
