Your West Central Voice - October 7, 2025 by yourwestcentral

Mid Plains celebrates 35th anniversary, expands services

BY JOAN JANZEN

Mid Plains Diesel celebrated its 35th anniversary by hosting a Customer Appreciation Lunch at its shop in Kindersley on Thursday, Oct. 2. Customers were happy to enjoy a meal of barbecued pork, while owners Grant and Valerie Rustad announced an expansion of their services.

Also in attendance were representatives from Pacific Truck, for which Mid Plains is an authorized distributor and affiliate store, and from Marathon Brake. Lonnie Carpenter, account manager for Caterpillar, shared in the excitement of Grant and Valerie’s announcement.

FORMS

Mid Plains is one of five independent repair shops in Canada chosen to participate in the TEPS Caterpillar parts dealers program. “They did a thorough search of us before we were even approached,” Grant said.

The program will give Mid Plains better pricing and availability for CAT heavy truck parts. “We have a lot of demand for parts and service, and this adds to the selection we already have,” Grant explained. He expects TEPS will give customers more options and help increase the company’s market share.

PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

“This will likely increase our staff, and we will have access to OEM software diagnostics training for diesel engines,” he added. After providing quality service for 35 years, Mid Plains Diesel continues to expand.

When asked the secret to the longevity of their business, Grant said: “Don’t give up!”

Fowl feasting season begins in Coleville

BY JOAN JANZEN

COLEVILLE – The community of Coleville kicked off the fowl supper season in the region on Sunday, September 28. No advance tickets were required; it was first come, first served, for as long as the supply of delicious food lasted. And it lasted a long time.

People began lining up a half-hour before the doors were scheduled to open. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and everyone enjoyed visiting with friends while they waited.

There was a minor wrench thrown into the Coleville cooks’ schedule when a two-hour power outage hit earlier in the afternoon. However, rural people are famous for their ingenuity, and volunteers quickly hauled generators and barbecues to the hall to get the job done. The doors opened just fifteen minutes after the scheduled time. The food was abundant and delicious, and the volunteers were adept at replenishing the serving trays.

Hungry guests streamed into the Coleville Community Hall for over an hour, either staying for a sit-down meal or carrying away take-out containers. Those who stayed were served coffee by energetic,

friendly youngsters who also helped clear the tables. All proceeds from the meal went to support the Coleville Licensed Daycare Committee and Coleville Playschool. This was the first of many feasting events yet to come to a community near you.

Mid Plains Diesel in Kindersley celebrated its 35th anniversary with a Customer Appreciation Lunch on Oct. 2. Owners Grant and Valerie Rustad were joined by Lonnie Carpenter from Caterpillar of Canada, announcing their participation in the TEPS Caterpillar program.

Hungry guests streamed into the Coleville Community Hall on Sunday, September 28, for the first fowl supper of the season. In spite of a two-hour power outage earlier in the afternoon, the delicious meal was served right on time.

PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN

25102DS3

a $50,000 grand prize cheque from Kindersley & District

Your

Local resident wins $50,000

Co-op’s Find Your Summer Sweepstakes

KINDERSLEY — Kindersley & District Co-op says Jennifer Artymovich is the grand prize winner of the 2025 Find Your Summer Sweepstakes, taking home $50,000. The sweepstakes ran from June 26 to Aug. 13 at participating Co-op Food Stores, Gas Bars and Home Centres across Western Canada. Customers earned entries by uploading receipts of qualifying purchases or entering special bonus codes through the Co-op app or website. Every $50 spent increased the chances of winning

prizes, which ranged from free groceries and fuel to Co-op gift cards and exclusive bonus draws.

The final prize draws were held on Aug. 15, when Artymovich’s entry was selected for the grand prize.

“Having one of our own community members win the top prize makes this celebration even more special,” said Blair Ferner, general manager of Kindersley & District Co-op. “On behalf of the Co-op, we congratulate Jennifer and her family on this life-changing win,

and thank everyone who took part in the Find Your Summer Sweepstakes.”

The contest awarded 55 prizes across Western Canada, including free groceries for a year, free fuel for a year, shopping sprees and Co-op gift cards. The $50,000 cash grand prize was the highlight.

The promotion was designed by Federated Co-operatives Limited to thank Co-op members and customers for their loyalty while creating summer excitement across Western Canada.

Jennifer Artymovich and her family accept

Co-op General Manager Blair Ferner, winners of Co-op’s 2025 Find

Summer Sweepstakes. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

Harvesting the old fashioned way

BY JOAN JANZEN

It was all hands on deck for the Antique Threshing Club on Saturday, October 4th at the Kindersley museum when the public got to see how harvesting was done a century ago. The sun was shining, the wood was piled up to keep the steam powered machines running and billowing smoke as grain slowly flowed out of the augers into the wagons.

The more senior members of the club were making sure everything was running smoothly, but there were

KINDERSLEY – Kindersley & District Co-op is proud to share the success of Fuel Good Day 2025, held on September 16, 2025. Thanks to the incredible support of our members, customers, and community, a total of $3,215.72 was raised in support of the Special Olympics – Kindersley & District Team.

Between the Kindersley C-Store and the Eatonia Farm Supply, 20,357.23 litres of fuel were sold on Fuel Good Day. With 10¢ from every litre sold donated, this generated a total of $2,035.72. In addition, a community BBQ hosted in partnership with Special Olympics – Kindersley & District added another $1,180.00 to the cause.

“This is what community is all about,” said Blair Ferner, General Manager at the Kindersley & District Co-op, “Fuel Good Day brings people together for a common goal, and

a few younger folks helping out with the operations. Did you know you need to take a course to be licensed to operate the steam powered equipment? And they’re always looking for younger candidates to take the course.

The kids enjoyed an old fashioned wagon ride and indoors burgers and hotdogs were being served. The Threshing Club deserves much credit for taking the time and effort to maintain all the equipment and keep the memories alive by demonstrating harvest operations from the past each and every year.

we are thrilled to support the athletes of Special Olympics – Kindersley & District with this donation.”

The day was marked by sunshine, community spirit, and generosity. Kindersley & District

Co-op extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who stopped by to fill their tanks, enjoy a meal, and support a great cause.

Together, we truly fuelled good in our community.

Kindersley’s Antique Threshing Club held their threshing demonstration on Saturday, October 4th near the Kindersley Museum. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

OPINION: It’s very rare, but you’re hearing it now

BY JOAN JANZEN

Rare occurrences are described in many ways: “once in a blue moon,” “don’t hold your breath,” “like finding a needle in a haystack,” and “when pigs fly” are just a few examples.

It certainly was a rare occurrence when Jason Jacques, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), stood in front of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates and described Canada’s fiscal outlook with the words “very serious, stupefying, shocking, and unsustainable.”

“It’s very, very rare, but we’re hearing it now,” Ryan Davies, host of Northern Perspective, said. “One of the government’s own employees is essentially shredding the government’s narrative.”

The PBO pointed out that the most important word in the release was “unsustainable” as he continued to explain: “We don’t lightly use the word unsustainable. I’ve been in the office for 17 years. I was working in the federal government putting together budgets for 10 years prior to that. We don’t want to be alarmists, but at the same time, the current path we’re on, in terms of federal debt as a share of the economy, is unsustainable.”

The host of Northern Perspective said, “CBC isn’t going to talk about this. The Liberals certainly aren’t going to talk about this. Canadians need to see this. The Liberals’ own PBO is saying

Canada is moving full speed ahead to a train wreck.”

The PBO’s words were very clear: “It’s a really serious fiscal outlook. ‘Unsustainable’ means you don’t have the option of saying, maybe I’ll wait a couple of years and see how things go. It means if you don’t change—this is done. I think everybody should be concerned.”

The non-partisan PBO offered a simple explanation regarding the state of the economy: “I think, as anyone who has managed a household budget knows, if you sit down at the end of the month and don’t have enough money to pay your bills, and it happens month after month after month, you know that something’s going to break.”

Ryan described Jacques as someone who has seen both Conservative and Liberal governments. “The lowest debtto-GDP ratio is what the Liberals have bragged about for years, but now the PBO is saying the debt-to-GDP ratio is going up,” Ryan said.

This means the debt the country is carrying is growing, and the ratio between that and the amount we produce is shrinking—a very problematic trend.

“He is saying we haven’t seen that in over 30 years,” Ryan added. “This guy, who works for the Liberal government, is saying we are on the wrong track and need to change now. It’s chilling hearing him say that.”

A Liberal MP asked the PBO how Canada compares to other G7 coun-

TO THE EDITOR:

Impressive!

A huge compliment to everyone who had anything to do with raising the $86,000 in the Dakota Buttar evening to raise money to buy a new anaesthetic

apparatus for the Kindersley Hospital! I am really impressed.

tries, stressing that we’re doing comparatively better. However, he may have been surprised by the response he received.

Jacques admitted Canada is in a favourable position compared to other G7 countries, but his answer didn’t end there: “I would say, for myself, the analogy is—if you’re 200 pounds overweight and everybody else in your weight-loss group is 400 pounds overweight and can’t get out of bed… relatively, we’re in a more advantageous position. We have space and time to move quickly to rectify the situation,” he responded.

He continued, saying the International Monetary Fund has been advising all countries to reduce deficits, batten down the hatches, and prepare to make some tough decisions. “We might have more time than other countries (such as France and the U.K.), but we’re going to end up in a very similar place,” he suggested.

The PBO was essentially saying the government has two options: either cut spending or raise revenue, i.e., taxes. Yet Ryan pointed out Canada is increasing both spending and debt.

The Minister of Finance responded to the PBO report by promoting the federal government’s “generational investment in our future.” But “investment” is just another way of saying “spending tax dollars.”

Franco Terrazzano from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation weighed in on this report online, saying, “The PBO re-

port should be a fivealarm siren to end the government’s debt-fuelled spending spree. Carney plans to borrow billions of dollars more than Trudeau.”

Canada Minute’s recent issue reported the federal deficit is projected at $68.5 billion this year, as Canadians await the federal budget, to be presented Nov. 4. According to a report by True North, since 2019 the public sector has grown at a rate 50 per cent faster than the private sector, which is not helpful.

MP Kelly Block asked Jacques, “If the government continues on its current spending levels, when do you project the budget to be balanced?” In response, Jacques laughed and asked if it was a trick question. It’s no laughing matter when balancing the budget has become a bad joke.

“On our end, we’re hoping—and certainly expecting—that the government, as part of Budget 2025, clearly indicate what it plans to do to address this problem, because it’s certainly not sustainable,” Jacques said, repeating his key word once again.

It was both rare and refreshing to hear the PBO’s honesty regarding the seriousness of the situation. The Prime Minister has said the budget will be the most transformative since 1945, but will it address out-of-control spending? You never know… once in a blue moon, something very, very rare may happen.

Richard Hertz Okanagan Falls, BC

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Pop89: Take and re-read

BY MADONNA HAMEL

I’ve known for quite some time now that I own far too many books, and I will never be able to read them all before my time is up. And yet, I find their company comforting. I also believe it’s better, in this day and age of AI, online fudging, and the erasure of texts, to keep valuable information at home on my shelves, between covers, confident they will still be there when I wake in the morning.

And while I am aware that some knowledge cannot come from books but from lived experience and bodily awareness—and that such embodied knowledge is one of the best arguments against the proliferation of AI—I still believe that reading is an essential means of getting in touch with one’s own soul and the souls of others.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Get help with substance abuse.

Monday: Kindersley AA Meeting

8:00 PM, Legion Hall, 118 - 2nd Avenue East AA Upstairs, Alanon Downstairs

Tuesday: Brock AA Meeting

8:00 PM, Vesper Club, 1st Avenue North

Tuesday: Leader AA Meeting

8:00 PM, Leader United Church, 1st St. W.

Wednesday: Eston AA Meeting

8 PM, St. Andrew’s United Church, 1st St. W.

Friday: Kindersley AA Meeting

8:00 PM, Lutheran Church, 807 - 3rd Ave. W.

Narcotics Anonymous

Tuesday: Kindersley NA Meeting

7:30 PM, 113 Main Street

PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE RM OF NEWCOMBE

The Council of the RM of Newcombe No. 260 are considering temporarily re-purposing the:

• Glidden Community Hall into an office for the RM until repairs can be made to the RM Office/Shop.

• Glidden Skating Rink into a shop for the RM until repairs can be made to the RM Shop/Office.

The Council of the RM of Newcombe No. 260 will be hosting a Public Meeting on October 16, 2025 (at the October Council Meeting) from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to hear any written or verbal communication about this temporary re-purposing of the Glidden Community Hall and the Glidden Skating Rink. If you can’t attend the meeting, please email your written submission to info@rmnewcombe.ca or give the office a call at 306-463-3338

R.M. of Snipe Lake No. 259 NOTICE OF INTENT

Pursuant to Section 55 of the Planning and Development Act 2007, the Council of the RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 gives notice that a discretionary use application has been received and the details are as follows: Discretionary Use Permit: Manufacturing storage shop Intent: To allow for the placement and construction of a storage shop.

Affected Land: The affected land is legally described as NW 16-26-21 W3 Parcel B Plan 102179954.

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions on the proposed Discretionary Use Application at 9:00 a.m. on October 23, 2025, in the Council Chambers of the RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 at 213 Main Street South, Eston, SK S0L 1A0

Brian Shauf Administrator, Development Officer

A couple of nights ago, I was with some old friends, and we decided to take turns talking about our favourite books. I felt like that nerdy kid in school, her arm shooting into the air, begging to be picked first. When my turn did arrive, I could not limit myself to just one. Who can? But when the question got narrowed to “name a book you recently re-read,” the answer was simple: Chaim Potok’s In the Beginning I don’t re-read fiction because of the aforementioned fact that I have more books than I have years left. But when I saw a copy of In the Beginning on a thrift table for 50 cents, it brought to mind my youth and my fascination, thanks to Chaim Potok, with all things Jewish. So I took the book home with me and dove in.

I knew the novel was a coming-of-age story as told by a Jewish boy growing up in Brooklyn on the eve of the Second World War. And I remember young Lurie coming across a photograph of his father and other men in the woods, holding guns, and that he is constantly told to forget about “the photograph you never saw.”

Lurie also happens to be a brilliant interpreter of Torah. His studiousness gets him picked on by neighbourhood bullies, as does his propensity for fevers due to a childhood illness. He lay in bed for days, delirious, as the world around him merged with the Torah stories he was studying and the “photograph he never saw.”

What I didn’t remember was how dense with scripture and scholarly debate the book was. When my friends asked what stuck out for me when re-reading the book almost 50 years later, I said: “Honestly, I was impressed with my twenty-year-old self, that I was so fascinated by Lurie’s pursuit of truth. It’s a book heavy on theological disputations and minutiae. It takes some serious concentration. But all I remember is I loved it and couldn’t get enough.”

And I wasn’t the only one. The book was hailed as “a major record of a journey of a soul” when it came out. And a few years ago, when I participated in one of Matthew Anderson’s pilgrimage walks across Saskatchewan, we were joined by Archbishop Don Bolen. When I mentioned Chaim Potok as one of the memorable authors of my youth, he exclaimed: “Me too! I skipped a class once so I could finish one of his novels.” (It might have been My Name Is Asher Lev, about a Jewish boy who found himself painting giant portraits of Christ on the cross.)

When Lurie broke the news to his teacher that he was leaving his Brooklyn neighbourhood to study secular scholars, his teacher replied:

“I am not bothered by questions of truth. I want to know if the religious worldview has any meaning today. Bring yourself an answer to that, Lurie. Take apart the Bible and see if it is something more today than the Iliad and the Odyssey. Bring yourself back that answer. Do not bring yourself back shallowness. Study Kierkegaard and Otto and William James. Study man. Study philosophy of religion.”

His teacher also warned him:

“Everyone will be wondering what sacred truths of their childhood you are destroying. Merely to destroy—that is a form of shallowness, Lurie. Do you understand?”

Those were my first years in university, when I jumped from major to major—first Creative Writing, then Political Science and Sociology, and eventually English Literature. I was restless and eager for something to ring true. And though I seemed to be constantly falling in love, it wasn’t a mate I was looking for; I wasn’t interested in reading romances and happily-ever-afters. Potok wasn’t on my syllabus, but I was always reading extracurricularly. I was, like David Lurie, on a desperate hunt for truth—not relative truth, not truths, not your versus my truth, but undeniable Truth. I didn’t realize that then, but I do now.

When I think about it, there are a few other books I’ve reread: the Bible, for one, which is actually a collection of books; my daily 12-step reader, worn and dog-eared after 21 years of guidance and consultation; the poems of Sufi and Billy Collins; and The Collected Sermons and Speeches of Martin Luther King Jr., who, although a Baptist preacher, was equally versed in Shakespeare, John Donne, Gandhi, and Leo Tolstoy— to name a few.

I believe I still read books to seek truth and to bridge gaps—not to “destroy.” Pope Francis insisted that “literature proves essential for believers who sincerely seek to enter into dialogue with the culture of their time, or simply with the lives and experiences of other people.”

In 386 CE, in a garden in Milan, a despairing St. Augustine heard a child’s voice tell him to “Take and read” a section of the Bible. What he read changed his life, and he went from a lost and philandering soul to the author of the first autobiography: The Confessions, my next re-read.

Dentists Are No Big Deal

By Debbie Kesslering and Ashley Vercammen

SHELLEY A. LEEDAHL

Dentists Are No Big Deal is the newest title in Ashley Vercammen’s No Big Deal children’s series, co-written with Viceroy author Debbie Kesslering. Vercammen, a registered behaviour technician, builds the series on her belief that “with practice, some scary things can become no big deal.”

The book follows Nora, a cheerful, bespectacled girl preparing for a dental visit. With her father’s help — and the encouragement of her bright red teddy bear, Rosie — she rehearses the

appointment using a toy dental kit. Protective glasses make her feel “like a rock star,” the moving chair is “like a ride at the park,” and even fluoride treatment becomes fun when she picks bubble gum flavour. By the time Nora heads to the clinic, she knows what to expect and discovers the visit is, indeed, no big deal. Bright illustrations, upbeat dialogue and playful similes make this story engaging and reassuring. It’s also a practical tool for parents wanting to ease children’s dental anxiety while promoting good oral hygiene.

The book is available at local bookstores and through SaskBooks at www.skbooks.com.

NHL’s hot topics waiting for answers

BY BRUCE PENTON

Fringe players in the National Hockey League will have special reason to enjoy the 2025-26 season, which gets under way this week, thanks to a nearly three-week break — book those Caribbean vacations, boys — smack dab in the middle of the 82-game regular season.

BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist

That’s because the league’s best players — McDavid, Matthews, Rantanen, Crosby et al — will be playing for their countries at the Olympic Games in Italy. The NHL schedule, which increases from 82 to 84 games per team next year, will be dark from Feb. 6 until play resumes on Feb. 25.

Picking the various countries’ Olympic teams will be one of the most discussed aspects of the 2025-26 NHL season, but there are other hot topics, too. Such as …

— Can the Florida Panthers pull a three-peat? After beating Edmonton in the Stanley Cup final in back-to-back years, the team re-signed almost all of its key players and even though star forward Sasha Barkov could miss most or all of the season, there’s no reason to believe coach Paul Maurice will not have another juggernaut on his hands;

— Is this the year Conner Bedard breaks out? The Blackhawks’ phenom, still only 20 years old, is entering his third season, and will enjoy a stronger supporting cast thanks to a number of recent high draft picks. Bedard scored 22 goals in only 68 games in his rookie year, and slowed slightly in his sophomore year, potting 23 in 82 games. This might be the year he explodes.

— Which Canadian teams will dominate this year? Winnipeg Jets were regular-season champs last year and will likely join Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal in the playoffs. Watch for the Canadiens to make the largest gains because their youthful contingent is among the league’s best.

— Will this be Ovi’s last year? Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record last season, finishing with 897. The Russian star just turned 40 but coming off a 44-goal season in just 65 games suggests he still has plenty in the tank.

— How will the Toews’ experiment work in Winnipeg? Jonathan Toews, almost a surefire Hall of Famer after an outstanding 15-year career with Chicago Blackhawks, missed two full seasons due to COVID-related issues. He signed over the summer with his hometown team, the Jets, and at age 37, is expected to centre the team’s second line. It was a big gainer for the Jets, who picked up a productive player without having to give up anything in return.

— Will the Hughes’ brothers join forces? Quinn Hughes of Vancouver Canucks is among the NHL’s elite defencemen. Jack Hughes of New Jersey Devils is among the league’s elite forwards. Luke Hughes is not elite, but he’s a solid blueliner with the Devils. Hot gossip around the league has the brothers wanting to join forces, which would mean the Canucks and New Jersey would have to swing a trade.

— Who will have the best sophomore season — Lane Hutson of Montreal? Macklin Celebrini of San Jose? Goalie Dustin Wolf of Calgary? Matvei Michkov of Philadelphia? Or someone else? Stay tuned. We’ll know the answers six months from now.

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Recently, a college baseball game in Jacksonville was halted when an osprey dropped a fish in right field. Yes, well inside the fowl pole.”

• Michael Rosenberg of SI.com after the U.S. fell far behind Europe on Saturday in the Ryder Cup: “I can think of some ways for the U.S. to win this, but they all involve food poisoning.”

• Columnist Norman Chad, with a comment overheard from a competitor at the Westminster Dog Show: “Several of the big-name pooches here are blogging for Dog World magazine.”

• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “Greg Norman resigned as CEO of LIV golf. He said he wanted to spend more time with his wine cellar.”

• Retired quarterback great Peyton Manning: “You hear about how many fourth-quarter comebacks that a guy has and I think it means a guy screwed up in the first three quarters.”

• Headline at fark.com: “Head-butting soccer players at risk of brain damage, compared to players of real football who are already brain damaged.”

• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, writing that the Blue Jays’ success this year is due to the “little people … overperforming. Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Tyler Heineman, Eric Lauer, Brendon Little, et al. You’ve heard of Murderers’ Row? The 2025 Blue Jays are Misdemeanours’ Row.”

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl retired earlier this week and his son, Steven, is taking over the program. Hey, I’m not saying nepotism is involved here, but it seems the best way to climb the coaching ladder at Auburn is to start on daddy’s shoulders.”

• Retired Bills coach Marv Levy, when asked if an upcoming Super Bowl was a ‘must win’ for his team: “This is not a must win. World War 2 was a must win.”

• Headline at fark.com: “(Cleveland QB Shedder Sanders, whose starting quarterback is Joe Flacco: ‘I know I’m capable of doing better than some current NFL QBs.’ He’ll definitely get some Flacc for that remark.”

Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

Join author Naomi Hansen for recipes and stories at Write Out Loud

SWIFT CURRENT — Write Out Loud invites the public to an evening of food and stories on Wednesday, Oct. 15, when author Naomi Hansen presents her book Only in Saskatchewan. The event will be held at the Swift Current Lyric Theatre. Hansen, author and editor, is also the “Saskatoon Bites” food columnist for CBC and a regular contributor to Chatelaine and Canadian Living magazines. Her book is part cookbook, part road trip, and part culinary love story. Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes and Stories from the Province’s Best-Loved Eateries (Touchwood Editions, 2022) won both the First Book Award and Book of the Year Award at the 2023 Saskatchewan Book Awards. Hansen pairs recipes with profiles of chefs, families, and the businesses behind them, highlighting eateries from across the province. Featured establishments in-

clude Moose Jaw’s Yvette Moore Gallery Café, Saskatoon’s Baba’s Homestyle Perogies, and Regina’s Italian Star Deli, as well as many rural favourites.

The book celebrates Saskatchewan’s diverse culinary influences, including Indigenous, Ukrainian, Italian, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Dutch, and Mexican cuisines. Recipes range from ambitious desserts to simple dishes such as borscht and pizza. In southwest Saskatchewan, Hansen showcases Swift Current’s Nightjar Diner, the Café de Paris in Gravelbourg, and Shaunavon’s Harvest Eatery. Photography is by Garrett Kendel.

A special treat for attendees: Shauna Hanna and Nightjar Restaurant will serve dessert to complement Hansen’s presentation.

Write Out Loud acknowledges the support of the Voth Family and Nightjar Restaurant, as well as the City of Swift Current, for sponsoring the event.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m., with admission set at $10.

Just a gal from Glidden

Ink-stained and hooked: Confessions of a newspaper addict

BY KATE WINQUIST

Some people collect figurines. Others cram their basements with antiques or hockey cards. Me? I collect newspapers. And not in the “line the cupboard shelves with them” way. I buy them. I run them. I practically breathe newsprint. (No, really — ask my husband.)

I’ve been tangled up in printing longer than I care to admit. Let’s just say I remember paste-up wax and leave it there. After graduating from Medicine Hat College in 1990 with a diploma in Visual Communications, I jumped straight into newspaper life as a graphic designer and layout artist at Robins Southern Printing in Lethbridge. Three years of college, eight bucks an hour, and my first gig was with The Farmer-Stockman AD-Visor. Yes, it was every bit as old-school as it sounds: darkroom work, t-squares, paste-up and mechanicals. (There’s that wax again.)

From there, it turned into a full-on paper chase: Medicine Hat Shopper, The Shaunavon Standard, owner of the Gull Lake Advance, then Managing Editor of the Maple Creek News and Maple Creek Advance-Times. That’s where I was when Covid hit. A hefty wage cut nudged me back toward Kindersley — The Clarion had recently closed its doors, after all. So on my 51st birthday, I gave notice. Less than a month later — Canada Day, no less — I was packing up for home.

Born and raised on a farm near Glidden (hence the name of this column), I graduated from Kindersley Composite in ’87. When the pandemic rolled in, I circled back to my roots and launched Your Southwest Media Group.

By July 6, the first issue of Your West Central Voice hit the stands. Then came more papers: The Oyen Echo in January, followed by The Weekly Bean and The Kerrobert & District Chronicle in October. At that point, even I had to admit my “hobby” was starting to look suspiciously like an obsession.

And just when I thought I was done, Stewart and Richard Crump asked if I wanted to take over The Rosetown Eagle. At first, I politely declined. Even I

have limits. Or so I thought. Stewart circled back in September, and by the 17th we had a deal. Suddenly, I am publisher and editor of a paper that’s been around since 1909.

It’s been a whirlwind — picture a roller coaster, but with more paperwork. Thankfully, Ian MacKay and David McIver are staying on as contributors, and I’m thrilled to be adding some new voices. The timing, naturally, was impeccable: my first week coincided with both a Canada Post strike and Fire Prevention Week. Nothing like trial by fire (and delayed mail).

One thing you’ll notice: no Rosetown office, at least for now. Buying the Eagle building didn’t make sense, so we’ll find a cozier spot down the road. Until then, email and phone will do the trick. This is your paper. If it matters to you, it matters to us. And if you’re posting your events on Facebook, consider tossing them our way too.

When I’m not wrangling deadlines, you’ll probably find me roaming backroads with my camera, blasting music, or yelling at the TV over the Roughriders, Blue Jays or Maple Leafs. (Yes, the Leafs. Don’t judge. Two out of three isn’t bad.) At home in Kindersley, my husband Robert, our dog Pablo and our cat Scrat tolerate my ink-stained hobby. Our three grown kids — Devin, Kalen and Jaidyn — cheer me on, though I suspect they’re also wondering if there’s a 12-step program for their Mom who can’t stop acquiring newspapers.

Taking on The Eagle wasn’t part of the plan. But then again, hobbies have a way of getting out of hand. Here’s to the next chapter — complete with deadlines, headlines and plenty of ink under my fingernails.

A clip from a newspaper advertisement when I worked in the production department of The Shaunavon Standard in 1992. I was 23 and full of vim and vigour!

Kindersley and Eston students attend PWGP Harvest Day

BY JOAN JANZEN

KINDERSLEY

— The Prairie West Growing Project (PWGP) held another successful Harvest Day for Grade 7 students from Elizabeth Middle School in Kindersley and Eston Composite School. Students and staff arrived at Pattison Ag in Kindersley on Thursday, Oct. 2, to learn about farming equipment, agronomy and sustainability, careers, farm safety, and how PWGP helps alleviate global hunger and improve food security. Five stations were led by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), Pattison Ag, Simplot, and Sask Ag.

“Our goal is to take the students through stations that highlight the vast innovations in crop technology, agricultural equipment, and electronics that promote sustainability, farm safety, and the many career op-

portunities within the agriculture industry,” said Don LaFleur of PWGP.

PWGP also used the event to showcase international humanitarian aid available through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, as well as the work of local projects like PWGP raising funds to support CFGB in ending global hunger and promoting food security. The LaFleurs acknowledged the agriculture industry as unsung heroes who have spent decades developing methods that protect the environment, promote sustainability, and provide high-quality food both in Canada and internationally.

Everyone enjoyed burgers for lunch provided by Kindersley Packers, ChampionX, and Co-op, before returning to the stations for the remainder of the afternoon.

Grade 7 students from Eston Composite School and Elizabeth Middle School in Kindersley met at Pattison Ag in Kindersley for PWGP Harvest Day on Thursday, Oct. 2. The students learned all about the agriculture industry and the humanitarian aid efforts of PWGP and CFGB. PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN

PHOTO COURTESY PATTISON AG

BY BRIAN ZINCHUK

Late September has been warm, dry and windy in southern Saskatchewan – so there’s no excuse for not drilling because of rain. So what does the rig count look like?

On Monday, Sept. 29, there were 34 active drilling rigs in Saskatchewan, according to RiggerTalk.com, which publishes data from the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC).

Cenovus Energy Inc. was in the lead with seven rigs, all in the northwest.

Whitecap had rigs drilling in three regions of the province, with a total of six rigs overall.

Starting in northwest Saskatchewan, there were ten rigs drilling or moving. Strathcona Resources Ltd. had Precision Drilling (PD) Rig 188 at Meota, where the company is working on a new SAGD project. Canadian Natural Resources Limited employed PD Rig 300 north of Payton.

Marlin, an oil company Pipeline Online has never seen before on these lists, was drilling near Celtic with Savanna Drilling Rig 436.

Cenovus Energy Inc. had PD Rig 294 between Bolney and Paradise Hill, Ensign Drilling Inc. Rig 533 south of Tangleflags, PD Rig 197 north of Maidstone, PD Rig 146 northwest of Lloydminster, Akita Drilling along Highway southeast of Lloydminster, and PD Rig 254 just north of Marshall.

Moving towards west central Saskatchewan, Strathcona had Bonanza Drilling Inc. Rig 1 near the Alberta border, south of Macklin, and PD Rig 297 at Plover, north of Major. Get used to that, as Plover is one of Strathcona’s new thermal developments.

ISH Energy Ltd. had Edge Drilling Corp. Rig 6 working north of Smiley.

In the area around Kiyiu Lake, between Kindersley and Plenty, Baytex Energy had Savanna Rig 441, with Whitecap Resources Inc. employing PD Rig 288. Just a little east of there, between Plenty and Brock, Teine Energy had Ensign Rig 351 and Rig 350 turning to the right.

In total, seven rigs were working in west central Saskatchewan.

(In social media, a question came up as to just what is southwest Saskatchewan, versus west central. Having lived and worked in both Rosetown and North Battleford, these are the definitions used: southwest Saskatchewan is from the US border to South Saskatchewan River at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. West central is from Saskatchewan Landing to Macklin. North of Macklin is northwest Saskatchewan. These are the generally accepted boundaries

for people in that area. It’s rather comical when Calgary-based oil companies refer to the Lloydminster area as “southwest Saskatchewan.” From an outsider’s perspective, maybe it is, but to anyone living there, it’s not.)

In southwest Saskatchewan there were just two rigs drilling, one for oil and one for helium. Whitecap had Savanna Rig 416 drilling south of Gull Lake, having moved from west of Swift Current where it was drilling a few days ago (note the photo above). North American Helium had Savanna Rig 629 drilling south of Mankota.

There were 15 rigs drilling in southeast Saskatchewan, including Stampede Drilling Inc. Rig 22 drilling for Mosaic Potash near Esterhazy. Often rigs drilling for potash don’t show up in this data, but sometimes they do.

The remaining 14 rigs were drilling for oil. Notable in its absence was the usual cluster of rigs near Lampman. Only one rig, Stampede Rig 2, was drilling south of Lampman for Surge Energy Inc. Saturn Oil & Gas came in tied for third, with three rigs in the southeast. Strathcona Resources also had three rigs, one in the northwest and two in west central Saskatchewan.

Otherwise, starting from the west, Harvard Resources Inc. employed Horizon Drilling Rig 29 northwest of Colgate. Betts Drilling Rig 2 was moved over from its usual stomping grounds near Lampman to just west of the Weyburn Unit, where it was drilling for Aldon Oils Ltd.

Panther Drilling Corp. Rig 2 was working near Halbrite for Whitecap, in the Weyburn Unit.

Tundra Oil & Gast had Stampede Rig 4 drilling a little south of the bar at Oungre.

Due east of there, near the Viewfield townsite, Stampede Rig 17 was also drilling for Whitecap. North of Heward, Saturn Oil & Gas had Stampede Rig 8 drilling. At Corning, Whitecap employed Stampede Rig 7. A little to the east of that, Ensign Rig 808 was drilling for Saturn. And just a little to the east of that, Cache Island Corp. was drilling north of Warmley. This area is a key development area for large open hole multi-lateral wells, which Pipeline Online reported on in detail here.

Southwest of Manor, Spectrum had Betts Rig 3 drilling. Whitecap had Ensign Rig 423 working north of Nottingham, with Betts Rig 1 just to the east, drilling for Burgess Creek Exploration Inc. Just east of Oxbow, Stampede Rig 1 was drilling for Saturn.

Finally, within spitting distance of the Manitoba border, Stampede Rig 16 was working for Tundra Oil & Gas.

Savanna Drilling Rig 416 working just west of the Chinook Power Staiton, west of Swift Current on Sept 26.

PHOTO BY BRIAN ZINCHUK

House fires: are you aware of the dangers of electricity?

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 5 to 11, 2025. This year highlights the importance of electrical safety in the home. Did you know that half of all residential fires are caused by human error? Here are some simple tips to keep you safe.

• Always buy electrical appliances that are CSA or ULC approved. Take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

• Avoid using extension cords for long periods. They’re only intended for temporary use.

• Never try to fix or alter electrical devices yourself, and never strip any wires.

• If you notice any drops in power or flickering lights, get a certified electrician to check your electrical system.

• Get rid of damaged, very old or non-compliant electrical appliances as soon as possible by taking them to an authorized disposal point.

• Never paint over electrical wires or extension cords.

• Always use the charger that came with your device, or a compatible one that’s approved for use.

• When using a power strip, only plug in low-power devices like lamps or TVs.

• As soon as you notice any wear and tear, replace the protective covers on your electrical outlets, junction boxes and switches.

Remember that you can never be completely safe from electrical fires. Smoke alarms are still the most effective way to save lives. Make sure you have functioning smoke alarms on every floor of your home and check them twice a year.

5 tips for safe home heating

As winter sets in, you must use various heating appliances to stay warm. However, with heat comes the risk of fire. Follow these five tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the cold season.

1. Use certified appliances. Purchase heating appliances that meet current safety standards. Make sure they’re designed to shut off automatically if something goes wrong.

2. Give your vents breathing space. Ensure your heating vents are unobstructed. Avoid placing furniture or curtains in front of them, as this can lead to dangerous overheating.

3. Keep appliances away from flammable objects. Even minimal contact between a heat source and materials like clothing or books can spark a fire.

4. Call the professionals. Hire experts to inspect and maintain your heating system. They’ll ensure everything is running smoothly and identify potential issues before they escalate.

5. Turn off appliances when you’re away. Always switch off portable heaters and fireplaces when you leave the room. Be especially vigilant if you have young children or pets.

Whether you use an ethanol or wood-burning fireplace, or you rely on gas, oil or electric heating, prioritize safety in your home this winter.

Electrical equipment and devices are responsible for nearly one-quarter of all residential building fires.

How to prevent fires caused by cigarettes and e-cigarettes

Every year, cigarettes that aren’t properly extinguished and issues with ecigarettes lead to numerous preventable fires. You can avoid these incidents by following some simple preventive measures. Here’s how to stay safe.

SMOKING CIGARETTES

If you smoke cigarettes, follow these tips:

• Use a stable, deep, heat-resistant ashtray

• Refrain from smoking when under the influence of drugs or medication

• Never smoke in bed or while lying down, such as on a sofa

• Before disposing of ashtray contents, place them in a metal container to allow the ashes to cool

• Avoid stubbing out cigarettes in plants or mulch

VAPING

If you vape, take these precautions:

• Use only the manufacturer’s charger and accessories Don’t leave your e-cigarette plugged in for extended periods or unattended

• Stop using your e-cigarette if it’s damaged

• Keep your e-cigarette in a protective case when carrying it in your pockets

Always keep your smoking items out of reach of children. Remember, every action counts in preventing tragedies. Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of others.

Always

•

House fires: are you aware of the dangers of electricity?

• Never try to fix or alter electrical devices yourself, and never strip any wires.

• If you notice any drops in power or flickering lights, get a certified electrician to check your electrical system.

• Get rid of damaged, very old or non-compliant electrical appliances as soon as possible by taking them to an authorized disposal point.

• Never paint over electrical wires or extension cords.

• Always use the charger that came with your device, or a compatible one that’s approved for use.

• When using a power strip, only plug in low-power devices like lamps or TVs.

• As soon as you notice any wear and tear, replace the protective covers on your electrical outlets, junction boxes and switches.

5 tips for safe home heating

1. Use certified appliances. Purchase heating appliances that meet current safety standards. Make sure they’re designed to shut off automatically if something goes wrong.

3. Keep appliances away from flammable objects. Even minimal contact between a heat source and materials like clothing or books can spark a fire.

4. Call the professionals. Hire experts to inspect and maintain your heating system. They’ll ensure everything is running smoothly and identify potential issues before they escalate.

Electrical equipment and devices are responsible for nearly one-quarter of all residential building fires.

How to prevent fires caused by cigarettes and e-cigarettes

SMOKING CIGARETTES

If you smoke cigarettes, follow these tips:

Turn off appliances when you’re away. Always switch off portable heaters and fireplaces when you leave the room. Be especially vigilant if you have young children or pets.

• Use a stable, deep, heat-resistant ashtray

• Refrain from smoking when under the influence of drugs or medication

• Never smoke in bed or while lying down, such as on a sofa

Avoid stubbing out cigarettes in plants or mulch

VAPING

If you vape, take these precautions:

• Use only the manufacturer’s charger and accessories

• Don’t leave your e-cigarette plugged in for extended periods or unattended Stop using your e-cigarette if it’s damaged

• Keep your e-cigarette in a protective case when carrying it in your pockets

Whether you use an ethanol or wood-burning fireplace, or you rely on gas, oil or electric heating, prioritize safety in your home this winter.

• Before disposing of ashtray contents, place them in a metal container to allow the ashes to cool

Always keep your smoking items out of reach of children. Remember, every action counts in preventing tragedies. Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of others.

Coleville Fire Department

Dustin Pikor - Fire Chief

Eston Fire Department

Darien Lynch - Lieutenant

House fires: are you aware of the dangers of electricity?

Justin Becker - Deputy Fire Chief

Chris Cherwenuk

Dean Ellis

Jill Liebholz

Jody Brotzel

Kyle Murphy

Luke Waldner

• Always buy electrical appliances that are CSA or ULC approved. Take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

Sarah Anderson

Sean Johnston

Steven Benjaminson

• Avoid using extension cords for long periods. They’re only intended for temporary use.

Steven Scheible

Tanner Dales

• Never try to fix or alter electrical devices yourself, and never strip any wires.

TJ Greschner

Tony Greschner

• If you notice any drops in power or flickering lights, get a certified electrician to check your electrical system.

Eatonia Fire Brigade

(R.M. of Chesterfield, R.M. of Newcombe, Town of Eatonia)

• Get rid of damaged, very old or non-compliant electrical appliances as soon as possible by taking them to an authorized disposal point.

Richard Baran - Fire Chief

Jordan Hutchinson

Kevin Fox

the protective covers on your electrical outlets, junction boxes and switches.

Darryl Elaschuk

Lee Barios

Mitch Hope - Public Education Officer

Myles Perrin - Engineer

Wayne Bleile - Fire Fighter

Ron Cales - Fire Fighter

Justin Smith - Fire Fighter

Nicole Dufault - Fire Fighter

• As soon as you notice any wear and tear, replace

Randy Mandel - Fire Chief

Peter L Mandel - Deputy Fire Chief

David Becker - Assistant Fire Chief

Vern Wagner

John Meyer

Gerry Rhodes

Rob Assumes

Mike Craney

Wes Gilbert

Brent Bews

Jesse Wagner

Bryce Volk

Darcy Scott

Brett Becker

1. Use certified appliances. Purchase heating appliances that meet current safety standards. Make sure they’re designed to shut off automatically if something goes wrong.

Brent Aldridge

Peter D Mandel

Larry Mandel

Damion Smith

Stu Matthews

2. Give your vents breathing space. Ensure your heating vents are unobstructed. Avoid placing furniture or curtains in front of them, as this can lead to dangerous overheating.

Brady Larock

Mark Mandel

Wade Theaker

Hannah Eckstein

Chase Oomen

Trisha Lee - First Responder

Darren Donald - First Responder

• Never paint over electrical wires or extension cords.

Juandre Bernard

Vasyl Bozhan

Spencer Craig

Richard Dayrit

• Always use the charger that came with your device, or a compatible one that’s approved for use.

Amber Haug

Mike Hill

Taylor Jackson

• When using a power strip, only plug in low-power devices like lamps or TVs.

Natalie Massey

Tyler Mills

Dean Olson

Olexander Rudychuk

Oleg Yatskiv

Kerrobert

Volunteer Fire Department

Jace Kissick - Fire Chief

Luke Alberts

Jaden Thiessen

5 tips for safe home heating

Brad Murphy

Dean Ellis

Garry Ley

3. Keep appliances away from flammable objects. Even minimal contact between a heat source and materials like clothing or books can spark a fire.

Jon Sheppard

Gord Thomson

Greg Bahm

Brent Zerr

Quinton St. Pierre

4. Call the professionals. Hire experts to inspect and maintain your heating system. They’ll ensure everything is running smoothly and identify potential issues before they escalate.

Jordan MacKinnon

James Semilet

Cassandra Annable - Fire Fighter

Toby Severijns - Fire Fighter

Jayson Rivera - Fire Fighter

Richard Fuhr - Fire Fighter

Wes Gilbert - Fire Fighter

Shaken Gautam - Fire Fighter

Selena Edmunds - Fire Fighter

Stephen Didivera - Fire Fighter

Dionicio Awin - Fire Fighter

Shane Mclean - Fire Fighter

Electrical equipment and devices are responsible for nearly one-quarter of all residential building fires.

Leader Fire Department

Jarryd Elsasser - Fire Chief

John Kobelsky - Deputy Chief

Dustin Miller - Deputy Chief

Rick Garrett

Dwight Hoffman

Chris Huber

Gordon McMaster

Dave Redman

James Tschetter

How to prevent fires caused by cigarettes and e-cigarettes

Dylan MacKinnon

SMOKING CIGARETTES

Dillion Beaudoin

Jason Neufeld

If you smoke cigarettes, follow these tips:

Quinton Murphy

5. Turn off appliances when you’re away. Always switch off portable heaters and fireplaces when you leave the room. Be especially vigilant if you have young children or pets.

Caitlyn Alberts

Chelsea Kissick

• Use a stable, deep, heat-resistant ashtray

Chris Kipling

Devin Charteris

• Refrain from smoking when under the influence of drugs or medication

Travis Turnbull

Dustin Houle

Whether you use an ethanol or wood-burning fireplace, or you rely on gas, oil or electric heating, prioritize safety in your home this winter.

D.J Pikor

• Never smoke in bed or while lying down, such as on a sofa

• Before disposing of ashtray contents, place them in a metal container to allow the ashes to cool

Kindersley Fire Department

Jeff Soveran - Fire Chief

Tyler Bairos - Deputy Chief

Adam Wake - Deputy Chief

Jared Tschetter

Adrian Tschetter

Avoid stubbing out cigarettes in plants or mulch

VAPING

Evan Scott

John Butt

Dustin Andreas

If you vape, take these precautions:

Landon Sox

Jeff Poh

• Use only the manufacturer’s charger and accessories

Chris Stimson

Anisten Thom Austen Watier

Ben Ford

• Don’t leave your e-cigarette plugged in for extended periods or unattended Stop using your e-cigarette if it’s damaged

• Keep your e-cigarette in a protective case when carrying it in your pockets

Luseland and District Fire Department

James Alberti

Mason Brotzel

Garrett Fluney

Always keep your smoking items out of reach of children. Remember, every action counts in preventing tragedies. Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of others.

Adam Franko

Brian Gottfried

Randy Gottfried

Brent Laturnus

Scott Nienaber

Brendon Obrigewitch

Cody Phinney - Assistant Chief

Cody Welker - Captain

Nathan Ward - Captain

Josh Goetz - Captain

Adrian Palm - Captain

Byron Ismond - Lieutenant

Josh Rissling - Lieutenant

Tyler Peever

Matt Rumohr

Jayden Olfert

Brayden Siwak

Matt Siwak

Matt Stang

Lane Wenkoff

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this kind of battery.

LIThIUm-IoN BATTErIES store a lot of energy in a small place. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to Buy, Charge, and reCyCle these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.

Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely. Always use the cables that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.

Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

STOP using your device right away if the battery smells weird, gets too hot, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1

reCyCle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire.

reCyCle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

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KCS students honour their elders at Caleb Village

BY JOAN JANZEN

A group of students from KCS visited Caleb Village Monday afternoon, Sept. 29, to honour their elders in recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Caleb’s general manager, Nancy Vanthuyne, said the students were amazing.

They spent the afternoon outdoors raking leaves into decorative bags, cleaning the yard, cutting down lilies, and gathering summer yard ornaments. Others helped residents put away plants and deck furniture.

Nancy expressed sincere apprecia-

tion for Cathy Cox’s generous donation of 15 pumpkins, grown in her garden.

Thanks to the artistic talent of KCS students and Caleb residents, the pumpkins now sport a variety of smiling, serious, and silly faces to brighten the facility’s décor. While the students accomplished a lot, more importantly, the seniors enjoyed visiting and spending time with the teens.

“One of the students baked cookies with her grandma,” Nancy said. “They were so helpful and stayed for an hour and a half. Thanks to all the KCS students who participated. See you next year!”

Whether helping inside

outside, the KCS students were a big help as they volunteered at Caleb Village Monday afternoon, Sept. 29, in recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. PHOTOS BY NANCY VANTHUYNE

TeleMiracle 50 auditions now open

TeleMiracle is celebrating 50 years. This year’s show will highlight the telethon’s legacy and the generosity of Saskatchewan residents.

TeleMiracle is a 20-hour annual telethon organized by Kinsmen, Kinette, and Kin clubs across the province. The event raises funds for the Kinsmen Foundation, known as “Saskatchewan’s Charity,” which provides year-round medical travel assistance and mobili ty equipment. Over its five decades, TeleMiracle has raised more than $171 million for the foundation.

The telethon is broadcast live on CTV Saskatchewan and streamed online at telemiracle.com and across social media. The 50th TeleMiracle takes place Feb. 28–March 1, 2026, in Saskatoon.

Auditions are held each year for Saskatch ewan performers to join the show. Becoming part of the “Saskatchewan Talent” segment is a prestigious honour. These performers not only take part in the telethon but are encouraged to fundraise in their local communities, helping to extend the Kinsmen Foundation’s impact across the province.

2 in Saskatoon at the Kinsmen Foundation.

Each in-person audition lasts 15 minutes, including setup and introductions. Performers should arrive on time and bring any instruments or equipment they plan to use. A basic amplifier will be provided for pre-recorded music tracks.

“If you’ve ever considered auditioning, what better time than to be part of such a historic show,” said Tammy Blackwell, chair of TeleMiracle 50.

“The Kinsmen Foundation has helped citizens in every corner of our province, and we’d love to see Saskatchewan talent from across the province.”

Dozens of acts will be selected to perform on TeleMiracle 50. Talent and passion for the telethon are the main criteria, but performers are also chosen to represent a variety of skills and communities across Saskatchewan.

Registration for auditions is required and can be completed online at www.telemiracle.com/auditions. The deadline to apply is Oct. 17.

Performers of all talents can audition in person or submit an online video. Producers say there is no advantage to attending an in-person audition. Sign-ups close Oct. 17. In-person auditions are scheduled for Nov. 1 in Regina at the Kinsmen Club House and Nov.

TeleMiracle enters its 50th year in 2026, having raised more than $171 million for people in Saskatchewan. Proceeds from the annual telethon help the Kinsmen Foundation improve quality of life and independence for residents across the province.

Kindersley’s Brooke Boisvert dances to Cowboy Take Me Away at last years’ Telemiracle.

From fairy tales to fireworks: Rosetown readies for festival weekend

BY IAN MACKAY

Animals take the stage for the Rosetown Community Theatre’s offering during the Harvest Family Festival this weekend.

The troupe presents two showings of The Fairy Tale Network, on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, at the United Church.

The festival runs from Friday to Sunday, with most activity occurring downtown on Saturday, starting with a pancake breakfast at the Anglican-Lutheran Church hall.

The parade follows, starting at 11 a.m. The festival market opens in the United Church halls and downtown activities include bouncy amusements, Ol’ McDales petting zoo, face-painters, a ballon twister, “games for all ages” plus vendors tempting people’s taste buds.

Those who donate a non-perishable food item to help “Cram the Van” for the Rosetown and District Food Bank receive wrist bands that admit them to the children’s activities.

The Fairy Tale Network “is about a group of creatures that are trying to put on some shows that will keep the network that they work at going,” director Danielle Hunter said. “They chose some classic fairy tales. It’s pretty funny, we think.”

All ages will find it amusing, Hunter said. “It’s funny for parents and it’d be funny for kids, too.”

The theatre group has several children serving as “the Busy Bees who change the background and bring in certain props,” she said. “It’s really fun to have kids involved. It makes it really special.”

No one actor is a star in this production, she said.

“I feel like a lot of people get kind of equal time,” Hunter said. “There’s not one standout star. That’s kind of nice for everybody.”

The cast includes Jay Porter as the Cat and Dean, Cindy Cerniuk as the First Mouse and Goldilocks, Charlene Krahn as the Second Mouse and Mama Bear, Jan Coffey-Olson as the Third Mouse, Marlene Pollard as Little Yellow Riding Hood, Evolet Welter as the Wolf, the Big Bad Wolf and Stuffy Waiter, Oleh Hrypa as Jimmy, Allan Hettrick as Sausage and Papa Bear and Michelle Hettrick as Mother Pig and Baby Bear.

Everleigh Olson, Freya Nichols, Rowan Nichols, Sofia Hrypa, Matvij Hrypa, Carson Forsyth and Coen Forsyth make up the Busy Bees and Susan Wiebe is the stage manager.

Happening on Friday are the VIP pumpkin decorating contest at the Legion hall, with a barbecue lunch starting at 11 a.m., and the revealing of Rosetown’s citizen of the year around noon.

That evening, the Under the Lights football game stars the Rosetown Royals against the Unity Warriors and the Curse of the Pumpkin Town haunts the museum grounds.

Among the other Saturday events are a new, three-on-three basketball tournament in St. Andrews Park, which continues on Sunday, while the Lions Club’s beef supper occurs at the Elks hall and a fireworks show west of the AGT Centre, starting at 8 p.m., brings the day to a thunderous close.

On Sunday, the first runners leave the Youth Centre for the Harvest Hustle fun run at 9 a.m., going two, five or 10 kilometres, then drivers bounce their Tough Trucks back and forth across the north end of the sports grounds, beginning at 1 p.m.

Classifieds

Annual General Meeting

Kindersley & District Arts Council (KDAC)

Tuesday October 21st 7:00 PM Norman Ritchie Community Centre 1023-1st Street West Kindersley, SK Everyone Welcome!

COMING EVENTS

REGINA COIN CLUB

NEXT COIN & STAMP SALE

Saturday Oct. 18th

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Sunday Oct. 19thth 10am-3pm

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ROSETOWN LIONS CLUB

ANNUAL Beef Supper

- Saturday, Oct. 11. Rosetown Elks Hall. Pick up and delivery 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Sit down supper 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Adults $20.00, Ages 7-14 $10.00, Under 6 eat free. Advance tickets available at Athletes Haven & Belle Rose or by calling Hugh Lees - 306-882-3874 or Doug DeBoice 306-882-2973 or Larry Wiebe 306-831-9597.

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Fields nearly cleared as drought hits

Continuing hot, dry conditions allowed west-central Saskatchewan farmers “to make impressive harvest progress” during the week ending on Sept. 29.

They’d combined 86 per cent of their fields, 84 per cent for the southern part that includes Rosetown, according to the latest crop report from the provincial Agriculture Department.

Farmers had three per cent of their barley still standing plus 10 per cent of their spring wheat, 12 per cent of the oats, 14 per cent of their durum, 15 per cent of the mustard, 20 per cent of their canola, 49 per cent of their canary seed, 51 per cent of the flax and 61 per cent of the chickpeas.

No rain fell in areas around Rosetown during the week, causing topsoil moisture levels to slip to 21 per cent adequate, 49 per cent short and 30 per cent very short in fields, and about 17 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 38 per cent very short in hay and pasture land.

Forty-seven per cent of those communicating with department staff indicated that shortages of water for livestock were occurring and 35 per cent were worried about its quality.

Wind caused moderate crop damage in some areas.

Farmers around the province had finished combining 84 per cent of their fields, thanks to the warm, dry weather, still behind the five-year average of 92 per cent but ahead of the 10-year average of 81 per cent.

Those in the southwest maintained their lead, with 87 per cent of their fields combined, just ahead of those in the west central and northwest, both 86 per cent; southeast, 84 per cent; northeast, 83 per cent and east-central, 80 per cent.

MISCELLANEOUS

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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WANTED: Looking for 1970-1971 Barracudas and 1969-1970 Charger’s in any condition. Running or not. TOP PRICE PAID for 6 pack or Hemi car. Call 306-221-5908

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 47 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details. Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how! What happens when you don’t advertise?

Make sure to check out our website at www.yourwestcentral.com for more photos and updates.

and Confidential

Programs:

• Mental Health & Addictions

• Family Support (FSW) & Diversion Support

• Family Violence Intervention (FVI)

• Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) for Children Youth/Caregivers

• Rapid Access for Counselling (RAC) for Adults

• Crisis Intervention & Debriefing

• Suicide Intervention & Suicide Impact Supports

• Sexual Assault Victim Support

• Trafficking Intervention

• Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST)

• Client Advocacy

• Intimate Partner Violence Intervention

• Court Mandated Supports

The West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre’s mission is to provide support services to individuals and families experiencing trauma, violence, addiction, or crisis in their lives, as well as outreach programs to communities within our boundaries.

105 Colton Drive, Box 2235, Kindersley, SK. S0L1S0 Office Phone: 306.463.6655

Fax: 306.463.6410 crisis@westcentralcrisis.ca www.westcentralcrisis.ca

In October of 2005, this group of Kindersley and area residents received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for their contributions to community development. Many of them are still serving their communities today.

PHOTO: THE CLARION, OCTOBER/2005

In October of 2005, Mayor John Boquist and Chamber of Commerce President Rod Perkins presented Lieutenant Governor Arts Pins to this group of Kindersley area residents. Many of them are still serving their community today.

THE CLARION, OCTOBER/2005

Twenty years ago these community leaders were honoured

BY JOAN JANZEN

KINDERSLEY — Twenty years ago a total of 75 Saskatchewan Centennial medals were awarded to Kindersley and area community leaders for their contributions to community development. Many of them are still serving their communities today. Included in the group were John Boquist, Marge Bailey, Brad Close, Ernie Krepps, Richard MacDougall, Steve Mealey, Dr. Lloyd Orthner, Ron Rogers, Sha-

ron Kopp, Margaret Larock, Jerry Jorgensen, Sharon Price, Bill Wardill, Lorne Verga, John Callsen and Richard Powley. Those honoured were from Biggar, Kindersley, Eatonia, Coleville, Plenty, Flaxcombe, Rosetown, Unity, Eston, Elrose, Luseland and Kerrobert.

In October, 2005 more than sixty performers, musicians, artists and supporters of Kindersley’s artistic community received the Lieutenant Governor Arts Pin in recognition of their contributions.

RCMP reports highlight theft, fires, and traffic incidents in Unity, Wilkie, and Macklin

BY KATE WINQUIST

The Unity RCMP detachment responded to a variety of incidents last week, including vehicle thefts, fires, and traffic complaints. Police are continuing investigations into several stolen vehicles and thefts. Members also attended a combine fire, which was extinguished by the Unity Fire Department and determined to be non-suspicious. Officers dealt with abandoned vehicles, a hit-and-run, and a criminal harassment complaint. A Mental Health Act complaint was addressed, and horses were reported near Highway 14 but had left before officers arrived. Other incidents included four traffic complaints, two false alarms, and a found cell phone turned in to authorities.

In Wilkie, RCMP responded to a rural vehicle fire near Tramping Lake and a stolen golf cart, both of which remain under investigation. A traffic collision in Wilkie caused no injuries, and police assisted Emergency Medical Services with a patient. A 31-year-old Wilkie woman was charged with theft and misuse of a credit card after a report of an unwanted individual at a residence. Officers also responded to two Mental Health Act complaints and three traffic complaints.

Theft complaints were either unfounded or lacked sufficient evidence to proceed.

Macklin RCMP attended to multiple thefts, traffic incidents, and wellbeing checks. A 27-year-old woman from Edmonton was charged with possession of stolen property, while a 29-year-old man with no fixed address faced multiple charges, including theft of trucks, possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to comply with an undertaking. Officers also investigated a suspicious individual near residences, an unwanted visitor, and a dog running loose, which was returned to its owner. Police attended the sudden death of a 70-year-old male; the death was deemed non-suspicious. Macklin RCMP also acted as mediators in a family dispute.

Residents with information about crimes in the Unity, Wilkie, and Macklin areas are urged to contact their local RCMP detachment: Unity at (306) 228-6300, Wilkie at (306) 843-3480, or Macklin at (306) 753-2171. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com. Rewards of up to $2,000 are available for information leading to arrests for serious crimes.

PHOTO:

The new Rosetown Eagle has landed — just in time for National Newspaper Week

The Rosetown Eagle has a new owner. Kate Winquist, of Your Southwest Media Group, has taken the helm. She also publishes papers in Kindersley, Kerrobert, and Oyen, so she’s no stranger to the business.

Fittingly, her first edition in Rosetown coincides with National Newspaper Week, a celebration of the essential role newspapers play in communities across Canada. Local newspapers deliver vital information, connect neighbours, and strengthen democracy with original, fact-checked content. This year, National

ROSETOWN / KYLE RCMP

Newspaper Week runs from Oct. 5 to 11, offering a chance to recognize journalism’s value and spark conversation about why it matters.

In an age of disinformation, the need for trustworthy reporting is greater than ever. Newspapers keep citizens informed, hold leaders accountable, and provide context on local and global issues. Supporting Canadian newspapers is simple: subscribe, write a letter to the editor, share stories, or remind others how much communities rely on credible news.

Learn more at nationalnewspaperweek.ca.

Mischief, traffic and well-being checks keep officers on the move

BY KATE WINQUIST

From vehicle mischief to child custody disputes, Rosetown and Kyle RCMP had a busy week responding to a range of incidents across the region.

Officers kicked off the week on Sept. 26 with a well-being check in the RM of Lacadena, followed by a mischief complaint involving a motor vehicle in Rosetown. The following day, a local business reported a gas-and-dash incident, which remains under investigation, and police also responded to a breach of peace complaint in Harris.

Well-being checks continued throughout the week in Rosetown and the RM of St. Andrews, highlighting ongoing community concerns. On Sept. 29, police investigated a driving complaint on Highway 7 near Fiske, though officers were unable to intercept the

vehicle. A harassing communications complaint was also reported, but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

Sept. 30 saw RCMP mediating a child custody dispute, while Oct. 1 brought another mischief complaint—this time involving a backhoe in the RM of St. Andrews. The week wrapped up with a well-being check early Oct. 2.

In total, officers issued 86 traffic-related charges, handled two false alarm calls, and reported no mis-dials to 911.

Police are reminding residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Tips can be submitted directly to the Rosetown RCMP at 306-882-5700 or anonymously via Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

Judge set to deliver verdict in Rosetown man’s Christmas Eve confrontation

BY IAN MACKAY

A judge is to give his verdict today (Tuesday) in Kindersley in a trial involving Derek Skene, 49, of Rosetown.

Police charged Skene with assault causing bodily harm after learning about an altercation in a local back alley on Dec. 24. A man reported later that he’d suffered a small puncture wound to his chest after Skene fell into him. A security-camera video, taken from near Skene’s back door, showed the accused holding onto a dog jumping around on a leash before falling into the man.

Judge Bruce Bauer, slated to preside at Kindersley provincial court on Tuesday, saw six photos of the damage to the victim and his clothing during the Sept, 25 provincial court trial at the Elks hall. The exhibits included a photo of a hole in a T-shirt the victim said he’d received that evening for Christmas. Skene didn’t testify. The man hadn’t noticed the wound until later, he testified. He’d been at a family gathering, where he drank one beer, and was returning home in the back

seat of a vehicle, he testified.

Skene almost stepped into the path of the vehicle and began yelling at it, the video appears to show. Moments later, the video showed three people walking toward him. The victim was challenging Skene to fight while they traded insults, the victim testified.

The incident happens soon after, then the accused runs between the people back to his residence, where the victim remained outside yelling at him. The accused was yelling from the door, the victim said. This lasted for 20 to 30 minutes as he waited for a police officer to arrive, he testified.

However, a serious accident west of town kept available officers busy, he said. Police later called and told him to go home. The victim went to the police station the next day to make a statement, where some of the photos were taken, court heard.

“There was no question that bodily harm occurred,” Judge Bauer said during the defence lawyer’s argument. The lawyer argued that the contact was unintentional and that the contact “looks like a stumble and push.”

Quiet hiring:

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.

what it is and why it’s on the rise

What is it?

In today’s fast-paced job market, companies are looking for new ways to remain competitive and adaptable without going through traditional hiring processes. This is where quiet hiring comes into play. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Focus on communication. Communicate

4 strategies for retaining your employees a teleworking employee

Quiet hiring is also called silent hiring or stealth hiring. It involves assigning current employees new responsi-

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.

bilities or moving them into key roles without going through formal recruitment. It may also involve bringing in short-term contract workers or freelancers rather than hiring traditional, fulltime employees.

main flexible. Whether they’re launching a new product, responding to market changes or filling unexpected gaps, this strategy allows organizations to reassign talent without the bureaucratic red tape.

Why is it becoming so popular?

3. Boosting internal talent and retention

ties for your employees to socialize and have

revolve

Here are three key reasons many businesses are turning to quiet hiring:

1. Staffing shortages

Ongoing labour shortages and tighter budgets mean many companies can’t afford lengthy hiring processes or costly recruitment efforts. Quiet hiring offers a cost-effective alternative by utilizing the skills of their existing workforce.

2. Need for more agility

Quiet hiring can also benefit employees. It gives employees opportunities to expand their skill sets and acquire new ones. Workers feel more engaged and motivated. It’s a smart way for employers to identify high-potential team members and improve retention, especially among younger workers.

Quiet hiring allows companies to re-

Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.

In short, quiet hiring is more than a quick workaround; it’s becoming a core part of modern workforce strategy.

you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.

EMPLOYMENT

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.

3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

OPPORTUNITY

Town of Kerrobert- Operations Team

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.

2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Job description and expected duties:

IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means

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.

Operate water treatment and distribution system, sewage treatment and collection facilities and take part in on call rotation.

Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.

• Operate heavy equipment: grader, loader, street sweeper, mowers, etc.

• Operate public swimming pool boilers and chemical feeders Assist with the overall operation and maintenance of the arena during the winter season.

• Assist with the general maintenance and operation of all parks and summer recreation facilities.

• On-the-job training will be provided as required.

It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.

WHEN TO REFUSE

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.

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.

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

If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.

Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.

Tenders will be accepted on the following parcel of land located in the R.M. of Heart’s Hill No. 352, approximately 2 miles East and 2 miles South of Cactus Lake, SK and 15 miles West of Luseland, SK: SW 14-36-27 W3rd (municipal assessment - $237,600.00) - 100 cultivated acres - 2025 Crop - Barley - Oil well with revenue of $3,100.00/per year

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 22nd day of October, 2025.

More information available upon request.

Not necessarily the highest or any tender accepted.

COOPER NEIL LAW FIRM

Solicitor for Herbst Family Farms Ltd.

Telephone: 306-228-2631

Fax: 306-228-4449

Include ad spaces to generate revenue from the content on these pages.

Email: unityoffice@cooperneil.ca P.O. Box 600 Unity, SK S0K 4L0

Betty McManus

April 17, 1931 - September 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Marguerite McManus “nee Wright” on September 25, 2025, at 94 years of age. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Donald Alexander McManus, her parents James Clifford Wright and Martha Fern Wright “nee McKnight”, and her sister Ann Lynn Gilroy. She leaves behind 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and her sister Shirley Good. Children: Gary (Lori) McManus, Colleen (Al) Rempel, Peggy (Lorin) Billingsly and Murray. Betty was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan April 17, 1931. She graduated from McKenzie High School and went on to get her teaching degree in Saskatoon’s Normal School. She then taught in

GROWING THROUGH GRIEF:

Curiosity

BY ANGELA CLEMENT

Angela Clement

I lost my husband to colon cancer. We were married for 35 years. What can one say when your whole world has been turned upside down? Not a lot. There is no magic ball that can help you see the future and there is no way we can relive the past. And yet, looking back I have come to believe that even the most challenging and unthinkable circumstances can and do create opportunities to learn and grow and to create something new. It is said we are never given more than we can handle. I felt like there was no way out of the emotional pain that comes with the process of grief. When I started to wonder about how I might get my joy back, I started to live with more hope. Curiosity was a key for me even when I didn’t know for sure how I would ever be okay again.

You may have heard the saying “curiosity killed the cat”. In this light, curiosity doesn’t seem like a very good idea. I think my life up to this point has been largely lived in a cautious way, doing everything possible to make sure I don’t make a mistake and possibly do anything I would regret. It has served me well in many ways. At the same time, playing safe also meant shying away from some great opportunities to meet new people and explore new things. The proverb, “curiosity killed the cat” actually evolved from a much older proverb, “care killed the cat.” Back then, care meant worry. So really worrying is problem. There is also a less common addition to the saying that goes, “but satisfaction brought it back,” which adds the idea that the ultimate knowledge gained from being curious about something can make the risk worthwhile. Curiosity really is the place of potential.

Losing my husband was unthinkable. It was one of the worst things I could ever imagine. After something like that, you start to look at life a little bit differently. I wouldn’t go so far as to say one is going to live a reck-

Netherhill, Sask. She married Don McManus on July 4, 1953 and settled down to become a farmer’s wife, staying on the farm until the passing of Don. She moved into Kindersley and then in the last few years lived with her daughter Colleen in Saskatoon. Betty was always a lifelong volunteer. Helping her community in any way she could. She enjoyed many and varied hobbies from painting to handcrafts and her gifts of embroidered pieces are prized by many of the family. Betty had a passion for genealogy and spent years compiling the family histories. We call her the “Keeper of all Knowledge”. She will be greatly missed by her entire family.

Grandchildren: Owen & Jesse (Ethan, Quinn), Connor & Zac (Fynn), Gavin & Keri-Anne (Claire, Keltie, Ayla), Bryce & Sheridan, Logan & Des. Nathan & Lisa (Magnus, Ronan, Freya), Evan, Trent & Shantelle (Alex), Shauna & Josh (Scott, Devlin, Kayden)

Kevin & Mercedes (Julian), Stacy & Trevor (Madyson)

If we are longing to go back to the past, we know those thoughts lead to depression because even though we might want to go back, we simply cannot.

less life because of it, but you start to think that if you made it through the worst thing imaginable, a lot of things don’t seem to be so scary anymore. You realize what others think doesn’t matter. You need to take the trip, connect with others and do the things you dream about now. You can spend your time worrying, fretting or lamenting about life or you can live it. Fear is not something that needs to stop you. In fact, fear is holding you back from finding exactly what you are looking for.

If we are longing to go back to the past, we know those thoughts lead to depression because even though we might want to go back, we simply cannot. We have no way of knowing for sure what the future holds and thinking that way leads to anxiety. So what can we do to help ourselves? Live in the present moment. It is the only thing that truly matters. We get to decide what we do and our thoughts about life right now. We get to choose moment by moment. When we figure out how to stay focused on what matters most, it simplifies things. We don’t have to be afraid. We can take a breath and just wonder, much like when we were kids. Instead of the usual fearful thinking about what could go wrong, what if we start to ask ourselves, what could go right? We get to move forward into the future along with the love and every wonderful memory from the past.

Our thoughts are in our control. Changing our perspective takes practice and a willingness but the rewards are worth it. Live a life of joy. Believe it can be done. As always, I am here for you. You can find me at www.healingenergy.world.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

– Abraham Lincoln

BASIC FURNACE SERVICE

ALSASK

OCTOBER 24 & 25

•Alsask Haunted House from 7:00-11:00 PM nightly at the Alsask Recreation Centre. $15/person (Cash only bar). Everyone welcome.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

• Alsask Drop-Inn Centre Fall Supper & Games Fundraiser 4:00-8:00 PM. Ham or turkey, potatoes & gravy, veggies and finish with dessert, then stay for games! 206 Main Street. $25/ person (Age 12 & under - $10). Call Dave 306-463-0169 for more info.

BROCK

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

• Brocktoberfest fundraiser for the Brock Rink at the Brock Community Hall. Call or text Keri for tickets 306-520-4417. Watch for more details.

DENZIL

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

• Denzil’s 38th Annual Fall Fair & Market at the Denzil Community Hall (lower level) 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Lunch starts at 11:00 AM. Booklets and tags can be picked up at Pork’s Garage.

• Bones and a Meal sponsored by Denzil Rec Board

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.

ESTON

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

• Empowering Communities to Break the Silence. Join us at 2:00 PM at Eston Anglican Church to hear Joan McDonald, a courageous advocate for domestic violence awareness. Donations welcome to the West Central Crisis Centre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

• SAVE THE DATE for Prairie West Historical Society’s Christmas In November. More details to follow.

- Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided.

- Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.

- Every Monday - Adult Exercise Program 10:00-11:00 AM at the AGT Community Centre

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7

• Junior Varsity Kobras Football vs Rosetown 4:30 PM at KCS (Rotary Field)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

• KCS Sr Kobras Football vs Meadow Lake (Senior Night) 4:30 PM at KCS (Rotary Field)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

• Poppy Campaign Kick-Off Supper at the Kindersley Legion Hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Chicken supper provided by Jackie’s Delicious Delights served at 6:00 PM. Program to follow. Cost $30/plate. For tickets call Scott Holloway 306-460-4688.

- 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 Tuesday: Community Badminton 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Westberry School. Everybody welcome.

LEADER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

• Leader & District Arts Council presents The Blackbird Sessions featuring Berk Jodoin, Will Ardell, Lachlan Neville. 7:30 PM at the Leader Community Centre. Tickets $35 (Age 11 &

Under $5). Special pricing for season ticket holders only $25. Tickets available at Town of Leader Office. Dessert & Coffee.

LUSELAND

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

• Luseland Arts Council presents Lee Siegel 7:30 PM Luseland Homecoming Hall. Covers of the greatest soul singers of all time! Advance tickets available at Luseland Credit Union. Adults $25; Students $15; Door Price Adult $30.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

• Town Hall Meeting for Luseland Council to provide updates on the municipality and answer questions residents may have. Doors open at 6:30 PM Luseland Salvador Homecoming Hall.

- The Luseland Homecoming Hall will be available for indoor walking on TUESDAY & THURSDAY mornings. Please pick up the key at the Town Office to unlock the door. Silver collection at the door.

- The Luseland Library Art Gallery has a new exhibit on display featuring burnt hats and artwork by Sheryl Zunti”

Recurring events at The Luseland Pioneers Club:

PUBLIC

- Every Monday 2:00-4:00 PM Coffee

- Last Monday of the month 2:00-4:00 PM Pie ’n Ice Cream MEMBERS

- Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM - Noon, Coffee, Pool, Cards, Visiting

- Tuesday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards

- Tuesday 7:00-10:00 PM Games

- Wednesday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards

- Thursday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards

- Third Friday of the month Birthday Lunch at noon.

MAJOR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

• Hands at Work Fall Supper 5:00-6:30 PM

- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.

SMILEY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

• Smiley Ladies Night Out. Call Rella for more info 306-8384213.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

• Smiley Fowl Supper 5:00-7:00 PM. Adults $20; 12-18 $15; 11 & under $5. Everyone welcome.