You will notice quite a change to your newspaper this week. We have combined elements from our three weekly community newspapers to bring you this special Harvest Edition! I hope you enjoy reading news that covers our entire service area. This is something that we are considering implementing on a weekly basis.
We have an exciting subscription promotion that we will be running for the next couple of months. Anyone who renews or purchases a new subscription to any one of our three publications will have a chance to win two tickets to this years’ Grey Cup in Regina! Watch for details.
The kids are back to school this week. Be sure to take extra caution as you drive through school zones. Children can be easily distracted and dart out between vehicles or off a sidewalk without paying attention. We wish all students and staff a great year ahead.
There was a major fire at Stewart Valley School on Friday and unfortunately, due to the extensive damage, the building will not be functioning for the upcoming school year. Thankfully, nobody was in the building at the time and the fire was contained to the school. Chinook School Division would like to thank the firefighters who responded quickly and all of the community members and groups who assisted with extinguishing and controlling the fire.
One Year Ago
Producers had 29 per cent of their crop in the bin with an additional 21 per cent swathed and ready to pick up. There were minor delays due to rainy weather but producers were happy to finally see some rain after such a dry growing season.
Follow the 2022 Crop Report on Twitter
A family farm committed to land stewardship
BY ANNIE DUNCAN
Your Southwest Media Group
Rosana Farms, owned and operated by Robin and Brenda Walde and their three children, is a family farm located just south of Kindersley that prides itself in its land stewardship.
Robin and Brenda were both raised on a farm, so when they were married in 1995, they made their home near Robin’s great
“It’s in my best interest, as a farmer, to treat the land as best I can for the generation of farmers that come after me. If I ruin it now, there’s nothing for me to pass on,” explains Robin.
Ever since he was a young kid, Robin always wanted to be a farmer and purchased his first piece of land at the age of 17. Now he runs a successful farm with roughly 22,000 acres of working land filled with wheat, lentils, canola, and durum. “Farming is a way of life,” says Walde.
As we wrap up our 2021-2022 year the Major Beef Club, on behalf of Owen, Ty, Cole, Aidan, Lucas and Colton, would like to say a big THANK YOU to all our buyers for their purchase of a steer: Travis and Tanis Reschny Barrel Oil Inc. Kindersley Packers GS Stang Farm Ferré Farm Equipment Tyson & Mara Lee Duff
As we approach the new start of our 4-H year we would encourage any child who is interested in joining 4-H to contact one of our leaders: Lisa Whittleton, Vicki Ostrowski, or Lynn Cairns. We will be offering the beef program as well as we are hoping to offer at least one other program such as small pet, sheep, archery, or one of the many other projects Saskatchewan 4-H offers.
Major 4-H Club will also be hosting a bingo night this fall so stay tuned for upcoming event details on Facebook and around town.
Since 2013, the Walde family has trucked out a shipment of their
lentils to British Columbia to donate to Fraser Valley Gleaners Society, a not-for-profit charity that prepares fresh food into dried soup mixes that are distributed to developing countries with shortages of food.
“My passion is feeding the world,” says Robin.
The family has trucked seven loads of lentils since then as a tribute to Robin’s late father, who always dreamed of providing lentils to Fraser Valley Gleaners.
While Robin manages the farm’s day-today operations, Brenda manages the finances
DID YOU KNOW?
and business operations. Their daughter Payton works with their equine friends as an equine therapist and helps with administration work. The youngest of their three, Devin, plays one of the more significant roles in the business as he has been an active part of the business since he was able to walk and is now considered Robin’s second in command. Robin explains that they are just over a third of the way done their harvest, having completed their lentil and wheat crops. They expect to produce an average to above average yield.
We’re Proud to Serve our Farmers and Agriculture Industry! Their efforts plant the seeds for prosperity, nourishing our bodies and our economy.
The name Kee Sheet Metal is the initials of the three towns where Walter Haubrich first located his shops: Kindersley, Eston and Eatonia.
The company was started in 1952 by Walter and Claire Haubrich. They came to Kindersley with $1,000.00 and a truck, bought a sheet metal business on Main Street, and learned the business from the previous owner.
Bill, Gwen and Mitch Etter purchased the business in June of 2016. They operated Eston Sheet Metal since 1981, a company that Walter had started in 1955.
Robin Walde is pictured sitting in his combine as he does necessary maintenance for this years harvest.
| PHOTO BY ANNIE DUNCAN
This years’ harvest ahead of five-year average
19 per cent of the crop is now combined ahead of the five-year average (2017-2021) of 13 per cent. Areas that saw semi-regular rains are reporting yields above or closer to average, whereas areas that missed those rains are reporting very poor yields. Many producers are predicting a quick harvest if the weather remains hot and dry. A large, substantial rain will be needed across the region after the completion of harvest.
57 per cent of the lentils, 56 per cent of the field peas, four per cent of the oats, 14 per cent of the barley, 11 per cent of the spring wheat, five per cent of the durum and five
per cent of the canola has been combined. Very little rainfall fell in the region this past week which made for good harvesting conditions, but also further deteriorated the soil moisture rating for the region.
The only mentionable rainfall was in the Eyebrow area where 28 mm was received.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 34 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 35 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 30 per cent very short. Many producers in the region report they are no better off than they were
last year, and they desperately need rain this fall to replenish the moisture in their field for next year’s crop.
Pasture conditions in the region are rated as four per cent excellent, eight per cent good, 38 per cent fair, 33 per cent poor and 17 per cent very poor. Most pastures in the region have not improved from last year’s drought and have not been able to sustain cattle without supplemental feeding and water hauling. Producers have been hauling water for many weeks now and some who had very low hay yields have started sourcing alternative sources of feed for the winter.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to drought stress prematurely drying down pasture and haylands. The abundance of grasshoppers in the region continue to cause a large amount of damage to most crops. Sawfly have also become a problem in the region as produc-
ers have discovered the pest in their wheat crops. Some producers are seeing large portions of their field affected while others only have minor damage.
Farmers are busy hauling bales, moving cattle closer to home, hauling water and continuing to swath and combine crops.
A crop dusting plane flies low as it sprays crops in the west central area.
| PHOTO BY ANNIE DUNCAN
Independent Grain and Special Crops Market Analysis
Young Trent was fortunate.
You see, I had the miraculous opportunity to grow up on a family farm in one of the world’s wealthiest regions in a country considered to have the highest quality of life on this planet.
Life is good.
Reading was also encouraged at a young age by both my parents and grandmother. Books and magazines were abundant in our house, developing a childlike curiosity of the unknown which remains with me today.
I grew up in the ‘70s with my mother taking me to the Wheatland Library in Eatonia, where one could search for books and categories on microfiche, the technological marvel of the day, providing access to what seemed to be an endless inventory of books.
My parents, recognizing the importance of knowledge, purchased the World Book encyclopedia set, introducing my sister and me to the world. This set was an expensive purchase at the time and not considered lightly.
It was 1984, and my parents purchased a used Apple IIe computer. I was fascinated with this machine. I could access games, an early Apple database, and writing software. Visicalc, the first spreadsheet computer program for personal computers, was also installed. Forty years later, I continue to use spreadsheets every day of my life.
My father had and continues with subscriptions to the Western Producer, Grainnews, Country Guide and Agriweek. I cannot stress enough how vital those publications are for active and prospective agriculture industry participants.
Knowledge is power, and I have continued my parent’s example of encouraging our kids to absorb, explore and ask questions to develop their ideas. It can be a challenging experience as our kids develop different views, values and opinions than their parents. I found it is much easier to put my ego aside and attempt to understand their perspective. I continue to be
shocked at what I can learn from our kids. Plus, it improves our relationship. Trust me.
The dawn of the world wide web resulted in purchasing a Dell 486 computer for $3300 in 1996. A considerable sum at that time. It has also been my most impactful purchase so far. I remember being blown away by the amount of information accessed so quickly. The internet changed my life.
My childlike curiosity continues with email newsletters, YouTube, websites and podcasts.
I will share a few of what I am currently absorbing.
Lex Fridman Podcast - Conversations about the nature of intelligence, consciousness, love, and power.
Prof G No Mercy/ No Malice Newsletter and Podcast - Scott Galloway tears into the taxonomy of the tech business with unfiltered, data-driven insights, bold predictions, and thoughtful advice.
Rob Henderson Newsletter - Unfiltered thoughts and observations about human nature, social class,
status, success, and much more.
Infinite Loops Podcast - The goal of this podcast is to learn how we can reset our thinking on issues that leaves us with a better understanding as to why we think the way we think and how we might be able to change that, to avoid going in infinite loops and thoughts.
The Compound and Friends Podcast - Downtown Josh Brown, Michael Batnick and their regularly recurring castmates talk about the biggest stories, moments and trends of the week.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History - This isn’t academic history (and Carlin isn’t a historian), but the podcast’s unique blend of high drama, masterful narration and Twilight Zone-style twists has entertained millions of listeners.
No chart today. We will resume our regular programming next week.
Trent Klarenbach, BSA AgEc, publishes the Klarenbach Grain Report and the Klarenbach Special Crops Report, which can be read at https://www.klarenbach.ca/
Due to unforeseeable delays in equipment we have had to adjust our construction timeline. The groundwork at the new location is completed and the new facility will start to take shape in October of this year. We anticipate having the facility up and running for the end of November. We are looking forward to bringing this new seed cleaning facility online in Oyen and understand the positive impact this facility will have on the community and area growers. In the meantime it is business as usual at our current facility. Lorne and our team at PWM will continue to provide quality
A lifetime spent in the agriculture industry
BY JOAN JANZEN
Harold Appleby has spent a lifetime in the agriculture industry. At 97 years of age, he enjoys life at Caleb Village in Kindersley, where he has resided since 2016. He was born in Kindersley in 1925 at the hospital that was then located downtown and grew up on a farm three miles southeast of Pinkham, along with his siblings.
Harold’s dad acquired his homestead in 1911. For many years, he also farmed the homesteads belonging to his dad and his fatherin-law. “My dad had three farms scattered around that area,” Harold said.
Harold grew up during the Dust Bowl, better known as “the Dirty Thirties,” which started in 1933 and lasted until 1937. Although it was a time of severe drought, Harold reminisced, saying, “They were good years, but not financially. There was really good community interaction at that time; everybody helped everybody.”
During those years, people on the prairies received government assistance. “The government sent in box cars full of apples and other things from Ontario,” Harold recalls. “They sent hay because we were short of feed. We had to get down to five head of cattle in order to be eligible to receive bales of hay. I can recall very well taking a cow and calf to Pinkham to sell. The cow and calf brought in $9.00.”
After successfully navigating through the years of drought, Har-
old faced another challenge. “In 1937, polio was rampant, and I contracted polio,” he said. “That year, there were twenty-nine of us in a building downtown, and we had two nurses who were on duty 24 hours a day. That winter, I went to school a few hours each day. After a year, I recuperated, but it temporarily affected my nervous system.”
Harold was a student at Pinkham School until Grade 9. That’s when his extensive farming career began.
As for participation in sporting activities, Harold said he just didn’t have time. He was too busy farming while his dad was away attending meetings, as he was head of the United Farmers of Canada.
Harold finished his school years just as the era of World War II began.
Those years impacted everyone personally, and Harold was no exception. “My oldest brother enlisted in the army and died in Holland. Terrible, terrible thing,” he recalls.
Harold’s parents moved to Saskatoon in 1945, and 20-year-old Harold became the primary operator of the farm. About that time, a young widow named Isabel, along with her young son and daughter, moved to Pinkham after her husband had been killed in an explosion of a military aircraft in 1944.
“I met Isabel in 1945,” Harold said. On June 29, 1950, Harold and
Isabel were married, and two years later, their son was born. “I had a wonderful wife who helped on the farm. When the Hutterites came to visit, and I was gone, they would ask to talk to the boss, and my wife would reply, ‘You’re looking at her.’ She was fantastic.” Isabel passed away in 2008. They had enjoyed 58 years of marriage, travelled extensively, and have six grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren.
Along with farming, Harold started a ranch in 1955. Along with the Near family, he acquired three sections of pasture, and Harold acquired approximately 200 head of cattle. “We packed up the ranching business after about ten years,” Harold said.
Harold pursued another business venture. “We took on the dealership of the Morse Rodweeder,” he explained. “It was a rodweeder that would work in stoney ground. I had looked to buy one at Yorkton and ended up buying a dealership. I had too many irons in the fire, so eventually I sold it.” During his years in the business, he enjoyed meeting numerous people from other districts.
After years of productive work on the farm, Harold leased the land and retired in his 80s. “Life is what you make it. You can sit around and complain about it or not. I’ve done well, but you have to work for it; it doesn’t just fall into your lap. Hard work never hurt anybody,” Harold concluded.
Your Southwest Media Group
97-year-old Harold Appleby at Caleb Village. | PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
OPINION
Is Canada helping their allies
Thehumorous line said, “My employer told me not to think of him as the boss; rather, think of him as a friend who is never wrong.” Perhaps this applies as our Prime Minister met with Germany’s chancellor in order to provide a solution to their energy crisis.
The Canadian Energy Centre explained Germany’s situation, describing it as one of the European countries that moved too fast, switching to renewables. Now it’s paying a steep price while remaining reliant on Russia for fossil fuels.
Consequently, one in four Germans now live in energy poverty, while Russia has limited Germany’s gas supply. Sixteen percent of industrial firms are considering reducing production. Some cities are restricting heat and warm water use and preparing emergency warming shelters.
Germany has also restarted or extended the life of 21 coal plants. Throughout the world, 296 coal plants are in the pre-construction phase, and 19 are under construction, primarily in Asian countries.
However, there are solutions readily available. According to a 2020 study in the Journal for Cleaner Production, exporting natural gas from Canada in liquefied form to replace coal in China alone could result in emissions reductions by as much as 62 percent.
According to the Canadian Energy Centre, demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) will outpace supply by the middle of this decade, which creates an opportunity for Canadian LNG to help create nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs at home for years to come. In a world scrambling for secure, reliable energy, the Canadian Ener-
gy Centre realizes a strong Canadian oil and gas sector has never been more important. It sounds like a logical solution, right? But it’s not a simple solution. Canada is the world’s fifth largest producer of LNG but is getting beaten on LNG exports by Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Angola, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.
Canadian Energy Centre released this fact: Canadian LNG will have among the lowest emissions intensity
in the world. But forcing emissions reductions too hard and too fast doesn’t help the world; it just hurts Canada. The Centre observed that no economic risk analysis of the impact on the oil and gas sector has been provided, which is critical for business planning.
Our prime minister brought up the topic of business planning last week when he met with German Chancellor Scholz regarding how Canada could help alleviate Germany’s energy crisis. In a report by Global News, it stated the Prime Minister wasn’t convinced it makes sense to move gas all the way from Canada’s west coast to the east coast for export to Europe. “It needs to be a business case; it needs to make sense,” the Prime Minister said. “Right now, our best capacity is to continue to contribute to the global market.”
Richard Masson, from the University of Calgary, said, “It all comes down to pipelines.” And analysts wonder what the priority will be: a push toward a green economy or building capacity to send gas directly to our allies. The answer appears to be obvious.
According to an article in The Financial Post: The
German Chancellor was in our country to sign a deal to establish hydrogen supply chains with Canada, where there are plans to build a plant that will use wind energy to produce the fuel for export. However, this wouldn’t offer a solution for this winter when Germany is facing a possible gas shortage, or next winter, as the infrastructure is not yet in place.
While not offering an immediate solution for Germany, our Prime Minister made a commitment at a recent United Nations Climate Change Conference to reduce emissions by 40-45 percent by 2030. The implications of this are catastrophic.
Jordan Peterson voiced his opinion on the situation. He said, “Our Prime Minister believes it’s his mission to elevate the consciousness of his citizens instead of serving their interests economically or practically and fails in his efforts to save the planet.”
Like our Prime Minister said previously, “It needs to be a business case; it needs to make sense.” He may also suggest Canadians not think of him as their Prime Minister but as a friend who is never wrong.
Letters should be original, typewritten or neatly handwritten. Letters should not exceed 300 words. Letters exceeding this length could be subject to editing and may not be published in their entirety. Letters must be signed and include a phone number for contact purposes. We will not print material that is: Potentially libelous, discriminatory on any grounds, obscene, threatening, copyrighted or printed in another publication or promotional.
Pop89 City Rubes
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Your Southwest Media Group
I’ll admit there are days when I’d like to walk to the coffee shop on the corner of College and Yonge and people-watch from the window seat overlooking one of Toronto’s busiest crosswalks. I yearn for faces of all colours and expressions, wearing everything from dreadlocks to turbans to cornrows to ball caps. I’d like to ride the Red Rocket street car and hear every language under the sun and bask in laughter at foreign punchlines. The city provides an anonymity that allows for immersion in ground zero of the herd we call humans.
When I moved to Toronto in 2006 to work at the Mother Corp, as my friends at Quebec’s regional CBC station called head office, I was a typical westerner-Quebecker: I was born hating Toronto. So imagine my surprise when I met friendly people eager to strike up a conversation in a coffee shop. People in cities work every kind of job imaginable with others or alone, in labour or academia, schools or hospitals. They worship in a variety of churches, synagogues, temples
and gardens. They frequent bars, yoga studios, parks and libraries, and if they don’t like one they can try another. And when they sit beside you in a cafe, they have no idea if you’ve been “living here for a week or all your life.” And they have no idea how long you plan to stay. They never saw you come, and they’ll never see you go. Such is the fluidity of cities.
I’ve lived in the heart of big cities, in small towns and in suburbs. I’ve lived out of my suitcase and on friends’ and families’ couches, but I’d never lived in a village until I moved to Val Marie, where some folks take offence to the name of my column because “we have over a hundred residents now.” The imperative to point out the extra 11 or 15 people kind of proves my point. But triple digits mean something when you’re this small. When my mom lived here in the 1930s and 40s, there were over 500 people in town. And we had shops. Not “a” shop.
When I blew into Val Marie, I am certain I carried the unmistakable imperious, know-it-all air of a city person. We do that: we come bearing news
of the urban worldas if it were the “real” world, not just another version of it. Reality, I’ve come to believe, hits home in nature. And when creatures outnumber buildings and humans, nature reminds us we are just another critter. There is nothing more real than foxes, coyotes and owls invading one’s dreams at night. There is nothing more real than walking too far into the hills in the dead of winter or the middle of a summer day and realizing you could actually die from the cold or the heat. There is nothing more real than standing in the middle of a teepee ring and listening the voices of the ancients made audible by the wind in the grass. Facing my own mortality in the deep silence under the dark starlit skies is about as real as it gets. It humbles and shakes you - me, anyway - to the core.
I want to stress here that I was not aware of my “city airs”. I was running away from the noise, the distractions and diversions, the constant bombardment of advertisements on billboards, screens, and bus shelters, selling me the latest thing I cannot do without. So
many products and applications, so many high heels resembling leg hold traps for hapless animals. I wanted to hide and sit and write, wear the same old skirt and t-shirt or old jeans day in and day out. I arrived with dangerous romanticizations about “country folk” being the “salt of the earth,” the heartbeat of the world. I was as wrong to think that all “country folk” would be warm and welcoming as they are to assume all city folk are cold and unfriendly.
The truth is, it took me a long time to fit in. At first, I made a point of broadcasting my history of travel and stage, radio and publishing, degrees and awards in the hopes of winning friends and influencing people. It took me an even longer time to realize: They don’t care. Because: how do any of those skills contribute
to the local economy?
“Can you drive a combine? Work a baler?’ This is what they need to know. And, naturally, I could not. But I could tone down, stop talking and really listen and learn. I started waitressing at the cafe. I volunteered to flip burgers at the rodeo and the Bonspiel. I joined the Elevator Heritage Committee. I collected aprons for the museum and researched the history of women in the territory. I made friends with some people who saw I was making an effort, but I also made enemies with people who would never accept me as a local because locals in villages are people who have lived here all their lives, whose parents have lived here all their lives, whose grand-parents have lived here all their lives.
Just the other day, a couple of young women who are obviously
new to town and probably will be gone by the end of the summer walked past me on the road. I chirped hello, as we all do here, with a wave and a smile. One waved, the other ignored me. I found myself wanting to stop in front of her and take her shoulders and say: “Ok. Let’s get this straight. This is not the city. We all know each other here. You are the stranger. So, you need to make an effort. Most city and university people arrive with a tone of superiority. It’s ingrained and subconscious, but it’s loud and clear, and it emanates: ‘I’m here to bestow my worldly wisdom on you rubes before I return to civilization.’ Don’t make that mistake. Don’t miss out. Listen to what the territory and its people have to teach you. You’ll be surprised: you might even stay.”
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the members of Synergy Credit Union Ltd will be held at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds – Prairie Sage Room at 5521-49 avenue, in the city of Lloydminster, in the Province of Saskatchewan, the 5th day of October, 2022, at the hour of 7:00 o’clock in the evening to consider, and if though fit, to approve and adopt, by special resolution.
The Amended Bylaws for the Credit Union which among other things:
· Remove districts for election of directors
· Modify number of elected directors
· Adopt director representation to be elected at large
· Modify timelines to announce results
Copies of the proposed Bylaws may be obtained by visiting www.synergycu.ca or your local branch of the Credit Union.
Dated at the City of Lloydminster, in the Province of Saskatchewan, this 24th day of August 2022.
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Dan Wenzel MAJOR, SK
Lifestyle Boutique
Construction to start on Sharp Hills Wind Farm near hamlets of Sedalia and New Brigden
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), a leading renewable energy developer and operator in North America, has begun construction on the 297-megawatt (MW) Sharp Hills Wind Farm, the company’s third renewable energy project in Canada. The project will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 160,000 Alberta homes annually. To celebrate this milestone, EDPR NA team members joined government officials and energy leaders at the Sharp Hills Wind Farm in the Hamlets of Sedalia and New Bridgen to commemorate the investment, jobs, economic stimulus, tax revenue, and energy security produced by the project.
ventional generation sources to produce the same amount of energy capacity as the wind farm.
“Alberta needs electricity now more than ever,” said Whitney Issik, Minister of Alberta Environment and Parks. “This significant investment by EDP Renewables is another example of Alberta being a national leader in renewable energy to fuel our growing economy. The added supply we will have thanks to projects like the Sharp Hills Wind Farm will benefit all Albertans in the long run.”
Solutions. “We are excited to be working with EDP Renewables on the Sharp Hills Wind Farm and this agreement underscores our commitment to decarbonizing our own footprint and the jurisdictions where we operate.”
EDP Renewables is coordinating with approximately 50 landowners spanning more than 35,000 acres to participate in the project under long-term lease and easement agreements. The income landowners receive from lease payments helps support them financially and is often spent within the local economy.
Slow Down!
SOCCER REGISTRATION
The kids are returning to school. Please remember speed limit is 30 km in school zone, around parks, AGT Community Centre and Jubilee Lodge.
Deadline for Soccer Registration is AUGUST 29
Watch for the new speed sign being installed by the school. This was purchased with grant money from the SGI Provincial Traffic Safety Grant program
Cost: $40 (Shirt Provided) funding is available (must be applied for prior to registration deadline)
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
The groundbreaking at Sharp Hills Wind Farm is a monumental launching point for the project as it begins to serve residents with affordable energy and economic benefits for decades to come. The project represents an estimated capital investment of approximately $420 million (CAD) and also supports employment opportunities including approximately 300 construction jobs and 15 to 20 permanent jobs to operate and perform routine maintenance on the wind farm. Additionally, Sharp Hills will save more than two billion liters of water each year, which is the amount of water that would be needed by con-
TC Energy Corporation (TC Energy) and EDP Renewables executed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for 100 percent of the output of the 297-MW project. In addition to all the power produced by the Sharp Hills Wind Farm, TC Energy will receive rights to all environmental attributes. TC Energy is committed to finding solutions for the sustainable energy future, and the investment in the Sharp Hills Wind Farm contributes to its goal of shaping and contributing meaningful advancement toward the energy industry atlarge.
“This is an exciting milestone that brings us one-step closer to having 297 megawatts of wind in our power portfolio,” said Corey Hessen, TC Energy Executive Vice-President and President, Power & Energy
EATONIA AGENCIES LTD.
“EDP Renewables is thrilled to break ground at Sharp Hills and do our part to diversify the country’s energy grid,” said Tom LoTurco, EDP Renewables North America Executive Vice President, Eastern Region and Canada and Government Affairs. “We look forward to our future endeavors with the communities in the Alberta region and providing reliable, clean power throughout Canada.” Vestas will supply the V150 turbines, rated at 4.3 MW and 4.5 MW, at Sharp Hills, and Borea will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. The construction period is slated to last through 2022 and the majority of 2023, and the project is anticipated to start operations in late 2023.
Immediate positions available for work in Provost, Alberta (not a camp job)
Immediate Positions Available to join our team in the Provost/Macklin Area
* Winch Truck / Tractor Drivers
Winch Truck/Tractor Drivers
Certified Journeymen or Apprentice Picker/Crane Truck Operators Swampers/Labourers
* Certified Journeymen or Apprentice Picker / Crane Truck Operators
* Swampers / Labourers
Mechanic/Apprentice Mechanic
* Mechanic / Apprentice Mechanic
* Dispatcher: Shift 7 on - 7 off
Please email resume and abstract to: bryce.olson@octaneoilfield.ca Call/Text 780-753-7862
Pre-employment drug screen in effect
Send resume to: Box 1080 Provost, AB T0B 3S0 Fax: 780-753-6142 or bryce.olson@octaneoilfield.ca Pre-employment drug screen in
Boosters expand to kids aged 5-11
Albertans can soon start booking COVID-19 vaccine boosters for children aged five to 11, based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Alberta Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Bookings will open on Aug. 29 and booster doses will start being given on Aug. 31.
Health Canada approved the use of Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine for booster doses in children aged five to 11 on Aug. 19. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada as a booster dose in this age
group. The national and Alberta expert committees support booster doses for this age group, with a strong recommendation for children with immune-compromising conditions. It is recommended that the booster dose be offered at least five calendar months after completion of the primary series. Immune-compromised children are already eligible for a three-dose primary series, so their boosters will be fourth doses.
“Parents and guardians can soon book an appointment for their children just in time
for the start of the new school year. Within days, we will begin offering booster doses and help provide ongoing protection from COVID-19, especially as our kids return to the classroom.” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health
Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek reliable and factual information to inform their decision on the vaccine and discuss the risks and benefits with their health-care provider before getting their children immunized.
Regional Irrigation Project moves forward to next phase
A feasibility report funded by the Government of Alberta, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Special Areas Board, and the MD of Acadia shows 108,000 acres of previously cultivated land in the MD of Acadia and Special Areas region could be developed for an irrigation project. The report details the feasibility study which included factors related to irrigable land, water availability, financial and economic benefits, social and environmental benefits, costs, and environmental and permitting risks.
The next phase of work is expected to move forward this fall. It will include completion of preliminary engineering which will optimize the conceptual design completed in Phase 1 and identify opportunities to reduce costs. This work will be funded by the project partners and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
If constructed, the irrigation infrastructure would transform existing dryland agricultural industry while addressing significant economic challenges facing the region. Off-stream storage reservoirs would support effective management of water required for irrigation while providing new recreational opportunities and create new fish and waterfowl habitat. New irrigation infrastructure can increase primary crop production, water security and storage capacity while helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. Irrigation infrastructure is a critical component of Alberta’s Recovery Plan and will support thousands of good-paying private sector jobs that will produce spinoff benefits for Alberta.
‘‘Throughout its history, the Municipal District of Acadia has been an agriculturally driven community with an entrepreneurial spirit. Irrigation development in the region will allow producers to take advantage of good soils and consistent heat to grow a broad range of crops and increase the production of farmland,” stated Peter Rafa, Reeve of the Municipal District of Acadia No. 34.
“Special Areas history has been defined by people leaving our region to find opportunity. A project like this would help us write a new story, one where people come to the Special Areas to build their future. Our region has everything it needs to become a highly productive agricultural area, everything except a secure supply of water. We have good soils, the right climate,
and local producers who are passionate about agriculture. We are so excited to see this project advance to the next phase of engineering,” commented Jordon Christianson, Special Areas Board Chair.
Irrigation has the potential to transform communities and agricultural operations, bringing much-needed water to areas that had difficulty accessing it before.
Last fall, the Alberta Government, together with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and eight irrigation districts, announced a historic $815-million investment in irrigation expansion and modernization. A further $117.7 million is invested with two more irrigation districts to modernize irrigation infrastructure and increase water storage in southern Alberta, boosting to nearly $933 million what was already one of the largest irrigation expansions in the province’s history.
Quick Facts
- This work was funded through a cost-share memorandum of understanding betweenAlberta’s government, the CIB, the Special Areas Board, and the MD of Acadia.
- Alberta has more than 1.7 million irrigated acres.
- The 2021 “Economic value of Alberta’s Irrigation Districts” by the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association found that:
• The irrigation districts in Alberta generates about $3.2 billion in annual labourincome and supports about 46,000 jobs.
• Irrigation-related crop and livestock production generates about $5.3 billion in totalannual sales and accounts for about 27 per cent of total primary agricultural sales.
• The irrigation industry contributes up to $5.4 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP and$2.2 billion to the agri-food GDP, which represents about 28 per cent of the agri-foodsector GDP on only 4.4 per cent of the province’s cultivated land base.
Individuals interested in receiving updates on the project should register with the Special Areas Board or the MD of Acadia.
To sign up for future information updates, individuals are asked to send preferred contact information to public.input@specialareas.ab.ca.
SOCIAL HOUSING UNITS AVAILABLE FOR RENT
The Macklin Housing Authority has Senior housing units in both single and double bedrooms available for rent immediately. The units include a fridge, stove, washer and dryer. Rent is based on income. Included in the rental charge are heat, water and sewer services. Tenants are responsible for electricity charges and are required to sign up with SaskPower for service.
If you are looking for peace of mind, not having to worry about repairing your home or appliances, or having to cut grass and shovel snow, this is an excellent living arrangement for you.
For more information and to get an application form, please contact: Macklin Housing Authority Attn: Marie Dewald, Manager PO Box 585, Macklin, SK S0L 2C0 • Phone: 306-358-4924
STORM CLEAN UP
Trees and Branches will continue to be picked up from boulevards and alleys until Tuesday, August 16th.
If you have trees and branches after this date you can take them to the landfill at no cost Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 8 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM - PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.
If you have branches on a boulevard tree that have been compromised by the storm and feel they are a danger to your property or neighbor’s property, you can trim those without Town permission at your own cost.
If you have an entire boulevard tree that you feel is compromised, please phone the town office.
We are creating a list for assessment by our staff and outside sources to determine if removal is necessary. Please remember that trees add a beauty to our town that can only be replaced with time.
Also a BIG THANK YOU to Rev Energy who was quick to call and offer assistance, as well as the many residents and businesses that pitched in to help anyone and everyone!
| PHOTO BY ANNIE DUNCAN
Watch for farm machinery on the highway during harvest
Harvest is underway in many parts of the province. Drivers may encounter farmers using highways and grid roads to move their machinery from field to field.
Each year, there are a small number of collisions between motor vehicles and farm equipment. This type of collision is significantly more likely to result in an injury.*
That’s another good reason that when you’re driving, you should avoid distractions and just drive. Keeping your attention focused on the road ensures you’ll be prepared for whatever you may encounter.
Other tips for sharing the road around farm equipment:
Farm machinery is slow moving, so you’ll come up on it quickly when driving at highway speeds.
You’re even more likely to see farm machinery on grid roads, which are narrower and offer drivers less space to pass.
Do not pass unless you’re sure that it’s safe to do so. Take it easy, slow down and enjoy the scenic country views if you can’t safely get around
As you can see, the sidewalk and curbing portion of our project is nearing completion. Over the remainder of August, Gee Bee will be working to finalize preparation for the roads that were dug up for the paving crew that is scheduled to arrive after September long weekend. There is a slight delay due to United Paving’s batch plant catching fire, but we are still on track to finish before winter, unless the weather interferes! Please be mindful of the paving crew and ensure vehicles are moved off of the streets where work is being done. We will try to keep residents informed through our Facebook page and Voyent Alert.
Once all work is complete to our satisfaction and all costs have been calculated and paid, anyone that had work done on their block will receive an invoice of the full local improvement charge for their frontage. This invoice can be handled in a few ways.
1. You may pay your invoice in full at the town office.
2. You can opt to not pay your invoice and have the outstanding amount added to your taxes over 15 years. This option will include an interest charge.
Thank you for your patience and understanding with the project construction.
the equipment until it leaves the road.
It’s important to be patient and remember that the person driving or towing that farm equipment is likely moving it a short distance from one field to another.
Following too closely may put you in the farmer’s blind spot. Hang back a bit.
The machinery may not have turn signals. Drivers preparing to pass farm equipment should make sure that the farmer isn’t about to turn left into a field. Look down the road and anticipate where the farmer may be going.
When you do pass, give yourself plenty of space, because farm equipment can be deceptively long and wide.
Over the coming weeks, our province’s agricultural producers are going to be working long days as they harvest their crops. If you like to eat, one way you can thank a farmer is by keeping them and their equipment safe on the roads.
Take care out there.
* Over the past five years (2017-2021), 86 collisions involving farm equipment on Saskatchewan roads have resulted in 41 injuries and seven deaths.
is
Required starting January 4, 2023 until approximately mid July 2023, with some work available until mid September. No experience necessary. Duties include: Planting, watering, moving and packing plants. Wage $15.65 per hour. Send or drop off your resume to:
‘‘When I say, whoa, I mean WHOA!’’ Ribber Griffith tells his horse “Woah” as he pulls up on his reigns. | PHOTO BY ANNIE DUNCAN
What’s so funny? Young boy laughs as he is led through the poles of the peewee polebending competition at the Cereal and District Kids Rodeo.
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
wind power has a remarkable day on Saturday, but conversely shows poor solar power production
At 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 27, Alberta’s power grid was showing a big shift compared to early in the week, when the same wind fleet was putting out just 2 per cent of its rated capacity on Wednesday. Alberta’s wind resources were putting out almost full power for all wind farms online (26 of 28), with the province actually net exporting power instead of importing it, the usual case. That’s according to minute-by-minute data posted by the Alberta Electric System Operator, which can be seen at http://ets.aeso.ca/ets_web/ip/Market/Reports/CSDReportServlet. SaskPower does not publish this data, so Alberta’s grid is the closest analog to what could be happening in Saskatchewan.
Alberta’s total power generation at 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. MC is maximum capacity in megawatts, TNG is total net to grid in megawatts, and DCR is dispatched (and accepted) contingency reserve in megawatts. Alberta Electric System Operator.
Wind turbines were going full tilt, as it were, with most facilities running close to full capacity. Blackspring Ridge was putting out 289 megawatts of 300. Ardenville Wind was outing out 67 of 68 megawatts. Whitla 1 was making 185 of 202 megawatts and Castle Rock Wind Farm was making 72 of 77. Two recent additions to the list are apparently not online yet, as both Wheatland Wind (120 megawatts) and Suncor’s Forty Mile Granlea (200 megawatts) and registered zeros. Cumulatively, wind was making 1,921 megawatts of 2,589 megawatts listed. If you exclude the two down facilities, then it was making 1,921 of 2,269 megawatts, or 84.7 per cent.
Wind turbines on the Alberta side of the Saskatchewan/Alberta border, northwest of Macklin, Saskatchewan | PHOTO BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
Alberta’s wind power generation at 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. Alberta Electric System Operator
But solar was having a tough day. Alberta’s solar nameplate capacity has now risen to 991 megawatts, but was producing only 118 megawatts. Earlier in the week, solar was putting out over three quarters of its capacity. Nearly all 24 solar facilities were registering a small fraction of their rated capacity, with eight facilities registering zero, and many others registering single digits. Four new facilities have been added to the over the summer, list – Kisikaw-pisim 1 and 2, at 7 megawatts each, and Conrad 1 (23 megawatts) and Conrad 2 (18 megawatts). Once everything is fully online, Alberta will be just shy of a full gigawatt of nameplate solar capacity.
Alberta’s solar power generation at 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. Alberta Electric System Operator
Still, it is apparent the surge in wind output had a dramatic impact overall. The province typically brings in 700 to 800 megawatts during the day, but at this time was actually exporting a net of 161 megawatts. It was sending 271 megawatts to British Columbia – a rare occurrence, and importing 94 megawatts from Montana and another 16 from Saskatchewan.
Alberta’s grid interchange at 4:35 p.m. on Aug. 27. Negative values mean Alberta is importing power, while positive values are exporting. Alberta Electric System Operator.
The other impacts can be seen throughout the grid. Power produced from former coal plants converted to natural gas was down substantially at a number of units. As examples, Battle River 5 was producing only 91 of 385 megawatts, and Sundance 6 was producing 87 of 401 megawatts.
Alberta’s natural gas power generation from former coal power stations at 4:35 p.m.
Two of the three remaining coal units were running flat out, as usual, but Genesee 2 was running at 202 of a possible 400 megawatts.
By Tara Mulhern Davidson
Intuitively, ranchers know that native prairie grasslands provide a range of beneficial ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, but it can be confusing to sort out exactly how carbon dynamics and grasslands are related. How much carbon is stored below ground? Can different land management practices impact carbon sequestration? Does grazing help or harm carbon storage?
Every industry around the globe, including the beef and forage value chain, has a carbon cycle with both carbon sources and carbon sinks. Carbon sources emit more carbon than they capture, for example carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels to plant, harvest or feed forage. A carbon sink is a part of the system that stores or sequesters more carbon than it gives off over time, such as grasslands and perennial forages, forests, and wetlands.
Grasslands are the cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s cowcalf operations; however, they also represent a critically important source of carbon sequestration for Canada, and around the world. Grassland ecosystems represent the predominant global agricultural land use and more than one third of the planet’s carbon stocks are stored in grassland habitats. Here in Canada, scientists estimate that there is between 50 and 200 tonnes of carbon per hectare stored belowground in perennial grasslands with another three to 12 tonnes of carbon per hectare stored in plant litter and aboveground plant growth.
During PCAP’s Prairies Got the Goods Week this past March, Dr. Edward Bork, the University of Alberta’s Mattheis Chair in Rangeland Ecology and Management, discussed carbon dynamics in grasslands. “Here’s what we do know -- if you take these long lived long established perennial grasslands and you turn them into cropland, you lose a lot of carbon,” Bork explained. He added that tame perennial forage sequesters more carbon than annuals, but native prairie is the gold standard for carbon storage. “The bottom line is these native grasslands store a significant amount of carbon – much more so than many of our agronomic systems, whether they are planted domestic forages or they are annual cropped areas,” says Bork.
Grassland carbon sequestration is a dynamic process. During peak plant growth in spring and summer months, plants take in carbon dioxide (C02), a greenhouse gas, for plant growth. When soil microbes and enzymes break down plant litter in late summer and fall, or in moist settings, the system experiences weak carbon loss through C02 emissions. Methane (CH4), another greenhouse gas, can also be absorbed and emitted by grasslands.
Grazing benefits carbon storage
Bork notes a network of long-term ungrazed and grazed study sites in Alberta demonstrated that carbon storage im-
proved with grazing. “The presence of grazing animals actually maintains or even increases soil carbon concentration by up to 12 per cent,” Bork explained. “If we remove grazing, our data is showing that we actually lose carbon,” Bork said, but added that in order to be effective, grazing has to occur at sustainable levels. Defining “sustainable” grazing management is a challenge, however, and management is a continuum. “Simple categories of management do not represent real-world variation,” he adds.
A team of researchers embarked on a study of sites across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to compare specialized rotational grazing systems to conventional grazing. The study referred to rotational grazing as adaptive multi-paddock grazing or AMP grazing, but producers may know it as mob grazing, high-intensity/low-frequency, or holistic grazing. “Regardless of what you call it, these are all specialized rotational grazing systems,” Bork said. The collaborative study was intended to determine whether AMP management would improve carbon storage and increase greenhouse gas uptake.
The study paired 30 AMP sites with 30 neighbouring conventional sites within the same soil polygon and with similar cultivation history, including uncultivated grassland. The sites represented a range of climate and soil types across the Prairie Provinces. A subset of paired sites was further sampled to assess soil carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Key findings were shared during Prairie’s Got the Goods and the recording can be found here: https://www.pcap-sk.org/ upcoming-events/prairies-got-the-goods-week .
In addition to Bork’s work, Dr. Bharat Shrestha, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, presented that soil greenhouse gas fluxes did not differ between AMP and conventional grazing sites, however greenhouse gases were impacted by factors like cattle stocking rate and cultivation history. For example, grasslands that had never been cultivated had a higher uptake of methane (CH4) in their systems.
“AMP grazed grasslands had greater carbon sequestration in the topsoil,” explained Shrestha. He attributes the improved carbon storage in the top 15 cm of soil to the increase in cattle stocking rates combined with a longer rest period after grazing. Increased carbon comes from animal impact from grazing which tramples litter into soil, as well as plants that have a grazing-induced tendency toward setting down additional shallow roots, and grazing tolerant plants that increase production.
Bork says using local knowledge and experience and understanding the impacts of management practices will be key if there is going to be a type of offset payment for carbon storage or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Every sector has a carbon footprint, however managing grasslands with sustainable grazing is part of the solution.
Wage loss replacement benefits are completely tax-free if you paid all the premiums of the plan. They are taxable if your employer paid all the premiums. If both you and your employer contributed to the premiums, you can reduce the taxable portion of the benfits by the premiums you paid.
A berry delicious afternoon at Prairie West Historical Centre
BY ANNIE DUNCAN
Your Southwest Media Group
The Prairie West Historical Centre, in Eston, hosted its yearly raspberry tea with a twist! This year the board decided to turn their timely teatime into a berry delicious afternoon dessert, where you bring your lunch and dessert is on them!
The event started many years ago as an afternoon raspberry tea hosted at local museum supporter Catherine Bertram’s farm. As the
years went on and she was no longer able to host, the museum took over the tea.
In 2003, when Maureen Jacobson joined the board at the museum, she took over the responsibility of providing the raspberries picked freshly from her farm. Jacobson has farmed raspberries for nearly 40 years and has passed on the tradition to her daughter as she is now the one that harvests the seasons’ berries for the tea.
The Kindersley Klippers hosted a summer hockey school for children aged 5-16 years old on August 22 to 25 to teach skill on ice and perform dryland practice to prepare for the upcoming hockey season . | PHOTOS BY ANNIE DUNCAN
| PHOTOS BY ANNIE DUNCAN
JJ Voss performs outdoor concert at Leader’s Millennium Gardens
BY ANNIE DUNCAN Your Southwest Media Group
The rain broke just in time for Leader’s residents to enjoy country’s classic sounds, with a modern twist from award-winning Saskatchewan artist, JJ Voss. Voss performed in the Millennium Gardens on the evening of Friday, August 25.
Before the concert in Leader, Voss made a pit stop at the Eatonia Oasis Living for a special performance for its residents. During the pandemic, Voss was performing concerts live and has been performing shows online and visited
Leader as part of his ‘I Want to Sing 4 You 2’ solo acoustic concert series. Concession at the event was provided by the Big 10-4 and Squirrelly Shirley’s for viewers to enjoy a bite to eat, a refreshing drink, and a show to end off the summer season! Voss was raised in Southern Saskatchewan and has been playing music since he was eight. His most recent album, ‘Come Along With Me,’ released in March of 2020, has earned him 8 Saskatchewan Country Music Association awards, including the male artist of the year award for 2021 and 2022.
JJ Voss entertained a good size crowd at the Millennium Gardens on Friday evening in Leader.
OLORENSHAW FARM SERVICES LTD. is celebrating
200 - 3rd St. NW, Eston, Sask. 306-962-4177
On August 28, 1972, the Olorenshaw Family, Cliff, Margaret, Lea and Andrea, moved to Eston to start up the Texaco Fuel Business. To celebrate doing business in Eston and area for 50 years, we have been doing monthly draws starting in April with the last draws in September.
At this time, we would like to thank the customers from Brock, Glidden, Kindersley, Kyle, Lacadena, Madison, Netherhill, Plato, Richlea, Tyner and Eston for the opportunity to serve you as both Texaco and Imperial Oil operating under Olorenshaw Farm Services Ltd.
Olorenshaw Farm Services celebrates 50 years in business
BY JOAN JANZEN
Olorenshaw Farm Services Ltd., located at 200 - 3rd Street NW, has been serving customers in Eston and the surrounding area since 1972. Owners, Cliff and Margaret Olorenshaw, have been faithfully serving their customers for the past 50 years. Their business serves not only Eston, but a much larger area, including Brock, Glidden, Kindersley, Kyle, Lacadena, Madison, Netherhill, Plato, Richlea, and Tyner!
On August 28, 1972, the Olorenshaw family - Cliff, Margaret, Lea and Andrea, moved to Eston to start the Texaco Fuel business. “We were in Saskatoon and wanted to have a change,” Margaret explained. “We had an opportunity to start a Texaco business, and that’s how it started.”
Since then, there have been a few changes to their business. Don Brown began working for them in 2006 and has been a part of their team ever since. “We started out with Texaco, and that was sold to Esso,” Margaret said. “We don’t deliver fuel anymore. We supply batteries, filters, oil, and truck loads of fertilizer.”
Margaret and Cliff have fond memories of the past five decades. “The Texaco bonspiel was held for about 14 years,” Cliff recalls. “We started a friendly competition between Kindersley and Eston. Then Texaco held separate provincial spiels in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We went to a lot of different places. People always had a good time; that was the main idea of it.”
Both Cliff and Margaret enjoy serving their customers. “We enjoy our customers and consider them our friends. That’s a big part of who we are,” Margaret explained. She said their business has been successfully running for 50 years because they enjoy what they do.
Cliff agreed. “If we didn’t enjoy dealing with the public, we wouldn’t still be in business. You have to have a sense of pride in what you do and appreciate that people trust you.”
He then continued to explain, saying, “When we were with the fuel delivery business for about 20 years, we got to visit with our customers a lot more because we were in their yard. They trusted that we would drop off fuel when they weren’t home and then sent them a bill.”
When one of Cliff’s first customers became a senior living in the Eston lodge, Cliff would occasionally pick him up and take him for a ride in the fuel truck. “He would tell the history of people who had lived on properties we drove by,” Cliff recalls. He asked Cliff if he realized how lucky he was to be trusted to drive into a customer’s yard and deliver fuel. “That really rang home with me that we’re privileged to do that. We never had anyone question whether we left fuel or enough fuel.”
Olorenshaw Farm Services isn’t the only place where Margaret and Cliff have served their community. “Over the years, we’ve been very involved in the community,” Margaret said. “It’s a great community, and we like to support it and help any way we can.”
And this couple has offered support in any and every way they could. Over the years, they’ve been part of The Board of Trade, the School Board, Library Board, Rec Board, Curling Club, church board, and Project for Disabled Persons. People in the community describe them as “kind, loyal, dedicated and hard-working”.
In celebration of their 50th anniversary, the Olorenshaws have been doing monthly draws starting in April, and the final draw will be in September. Draw winners so far have been: Estonia Farming Co., PBR Farms, G.E. Morrice Investments, D&T Morrice Farms, McLean Farming Co., RM of Snipe Lake, Qube Oil Field, Oliphant Farms, and Triple M Farms. Prizes have included folding chairs, golf balls, cooler bags and specialty flashlights, all of which include their business logo. Congratulations on fifty years of business! According to Cliff Olorenshaw, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Margaret and Cliff Olorenshaw
Your Southwest Media Group
Deputy Chief Grant Christison, Michael Bowden. Missing: Steven McMillan, Caleb MacDonald, Cory Turk, Dean Ellis, Devon Lovenuk, Jordan Halter, Kaid Hoffman, Patrick McGrath, Ryan Neumeier, Trent Nienaber, Travis Kennon Tyler Srigley, Ryan Webber
Devon Townsend Front Row (Left to Right) Nick Anderson Brad Galbraith (Captain)
Cliff Olorenshaw stands in front of the original Texaco fuel truck.
Farming in Flaxcombe from 1912-1929
This information is taken from the book “Little Town in the Valley”, the history of Flaxcombe and surrounding area.
Excerpts from “Pleasant Memories of the Big Four”by Verna
Sawchuk
My uncles, Henry and Billy Hopper, were born in Yorkshire, England in the early 1890’s. The brothers couldn’t afford travel expenses for the longer ocean voyage to Australia, so they bought two boat tickets to Montreal, Canada for $100 and two train tickets to Kindersley, Sask., for $50. In early May, 1912, they said goodbye to their family and sailed to Canada. Two weeks later they arrived in Kindersley with $25 between them.
While at their Uncle Fred Hogarth’s homestead at Coleville, they learned of a large farming company in the early stages of establishing a farm of 10,000 acres in the Flaxcombe area. They walked to the farm, which was called the Big Four. Men were needed to pick rocks, so they were hired on the spot.
Since Henry and Billy were thoroughly accustomed to hard work, they took rock picking in stride; however, they were quite unaccustomed to the mosquitoes which swarmed over the prairies in millions, agonizing humans and animals alike. Soon they were wearing gauze netting draped over their hats to protect face and neck and heavy shirts and gloves to protect arms and hands. This was
standard protection from mosquitoes for everyone in those days. At night the horses at the Big Four were stabled in large tents with a smoky smudge pot to give them respite from the mosquitoes.
The Big Four had begun operations the previous summer (1911), so breaking was well underway when Henry and Billy arrived in 1912. A total of 4,000 acres of prairie was cleared of rocks and broken up that summer. The Big Four tractors ran twenty-four hours a day, with the operators working in shifts.
In the years 1912, 1913 and 1914, the Big Four’s regular work force consisted of a 100 men and was increased to 120 during harvest. The crews were based in two, and eventually
three temporary camps. In later years, as the farm became established, less employees were required. Then four permanent camps were established with better living quarters for the men and barns for the livestock.
Each of the temporary camps had large tents for the horses, a cook shack where food was prepared and the men ate, and several bunkhouses having bunks for sixteen men. At each camp a very capable cook and assistant prepared generous amounts of good food for the men. Large quantities of flour, rice, sugar, raisins, prunes, dried apples, tea, coffee, ham and bacon were shipped by rail to Flaxcombe, then hauled out to the camps. Fresh quarters of beef were also brought in every week. The beef was hoisted high on a tripod, supposedly where flies wouldn’t find it, and used within three or four days.
The next spring (1913), the men on the supply haul used horses and wagons to bring to the camps the building material for 300 steel granaries. That spring the previous year’s breaking was seeded to flax. That fall the first crop of flax was harvested, yielding some 65,000 to 70,000 bushels.
The owners of the Big Four sold out in 1929. Henry and Billy were keenly interested in the immense auction sale. The machinery, livestock and moveable buildings were gathered at one site and covered nearly a quarter section of land.
Excerpts from “The Flaxcombe Grain Elevators” by Sheldon Elliott
The first elevator at Flaxcombe was the International, built about 1912, with J.R. Morrison as agent. Other grain buyers were Frank Ronnie and J.B. Currant before it was sold to the Federal Grain Company in 1929.
The McLaughlin was built in 1913, Walter Burgess being an early grain buyer. This black elevator was built like a large granary, instead of the dependable crib-type construction. On being filled in 1915, a side of it broke open, no doubt causing a considerable mess. J.J. Strutt, of the Big Four farm, bought the elevator in August, 1916. An unusual sight was a wagon train of six or seven loaded grain wagons being hauled to town by one of the Big Four tractors. Because the engine was too big and too heavy to go through the elevator, it had to be unhooked and driven around to the other end of the driveway, causing a long cable from there to pull the wagons in, one at a time, to unload. When the Big Four farm was sold in 1929, the elevator was closed. It was torn down by a local farmer, George Weekes, in the mid 1930’s.
Another early elevator was built by the Sky Hoppin Company, and first appeared on the town tax rolls in 1916. It changed hands a number of times, before finally being bought by Federal Grain in 1929. Cutting
If you have not yet signed up for our Town wide notification app/ service, please do so. In the event of a storm Voyent Alert is a quick and efficient way to notify all residents of need-to-know information. It is available to all residents, not just those with cell phones or Facebook. Get the Voyent Alert app at the App store or Google Play, or stop by the Town office and we would be happy to help you sign up for calls, emails or text messages. We have chosen the Voyent Alert Notification Service to keep you informed during emergencies as well as day-to-day notifications. Register now to receive important notifications that matter to
Luseland memories on the farm
The following information is from the book “Through the Years”, published by Luseland, Salvador and District Centennial Committee.
Threshing crews were an integral and colourful part of prairie life until well into the 1940’s. They employed from six to twenty hungry men and six to ten teams of horses were
needed for hauling sheaves.
Binders were horse-drawn and cut swathes seven or eight feet wide. Extra harvest men were brought in each year from the east for stoking and threshing, and wages in the early days ranged from $2.50 to $6.00 a day. A good crew could harvest up to 4,000 bushels a day, but when the weather was bad the farmer’s wife had to put up
with the crew sitting around her kitchen stove while she tried to prepare those three meals a day. The crew had to be fed, come rain or shine.
Prior to grain-cutting swathers and combines, the threshing machines used to leave huge piles of straw on the stubble, and it was a memorable sight to see these great piles go up in flames.
High retail trade numbers reflect strength of Saskatchewan’s economy
Province leads country in another key economic indicator
In June 2022, the value of Saskatchewan’s retail trade increased 3.7 per cent from May 2022 (seasonally adjusted), ranking first among the provinces. Compared to June 2021, retail trade increased by 10.1 per cent.
“Economic growth is key to building a strong Saskatchewan and these retail trade numbers are yet another sign that we are moving full steam ahead,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said.
PAVING Project Update
As you can see, the sidewalk and curbing portion of our project is nearing completion. Over the remainder of August, Gee Bee will be working to finalize preparation for the roads that were dug up for the paving crew that is scheduled to arrive after September long weekend. There is a slight delay due to United Paving’s batch plant catching fire, but we are still on track to finish before winter, unless the weather interferes! Please be mindful of the paving crew and ensure vehicles are moved off of the streets where work is being done. We will try to keep residents informed through our Facebook page and Voyent Alert.
Once all work is complete to our satisfaction and all costs have been calculated and paid, anyone that had work done on their block will receive an invoice of the full local improvement charge for their frontage. This invoice can be handled in a few ways.
1. You may pay your invoice in full at the town office.
2. You can opt to not pay your invoice and have the outstanding amount added to your taxes over 15 years. This option will include an interest charge.
Thank you for your patience and understanding with the project construction.
“We will continue to engage with our business community to ensure Saskatchewan is the best place to work and do business in Canada.”
In June 2022, the total value of retail trade in Saskatchewan was nearly $2.1 billion.
In recent months Saskatchewan has ranked highly among the provinces in a number of key economic indicators. In June 2022, the value of wholesale trade grew by 64.8 per cent year-overyear, the highest growth among the provinces and by 14.9 per cent month-to-month, the second highest growth among the provinces. Investment in building construction numbers for June 2022 saw Saskatchewan with increases of 17.6 per cent month-to-month and 63 per cent year-over-year, ranking second and first among the provinces respectively. Saskatchewan also ranked second in both urban housing starts and merchandise exports in June 2022, with year-over-year increases of 35.6 per cent and 57.3 per cent respectively.
306-834-8025 or Brad Murphy 306-494-7532
1915 was the year of Luseland’s long talked about bumper crop.
Quarterbacks in the NFL spotlight
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Column
Whatwould the National Football League season be without controversy, question marks and astonishment surrounding the 32-team league’s marquee players — its quarterbacks? With only a few days to go until Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams start the season in L.A. on Thursday night, Sept. 8, the quarterbacks’ situation south of the border is once again compelling, to say the least.
Pick a quarterback, any quarterback, and there’s a backstory. Or wonderment. Or a huge question mark. Let’s examine a few of them.
Deshaun Watson signed the largest guaranteed contract in the history of the NFL, with Cleveland Browns bestowing $230 million on him while a dark cloud of sexual assault accusations and civil suits hung over his head. Watson showed exceptional talent in his first four years with Houston, but he hasn’t played since 2020 and how he will perform — after the expiration of an 11-game suspension for his illegal acts — remains to be seen. If Watson’s dark
cloud fades away and he leads the Browns to the promised land, his past will be forgotten. In Cleveland, anyway.
Russell Wilson has never thrown a pass for any team in the NFL other than Seattle Seahawks, but that changes this year after a trade to the Denver Broncos. In the Mile High City, it says here Wilson takes the Broncos a mile or so high in the standings.
Tom Brady, unquestionably the greatest QB of all time, retired after last season, then unretired, and seems intent on trying to win another Super Bowl for Tampa Bay. But he’ll have to do it without coach Bruce Arians, who retired, but did not unretire. Former New York Jets coach Todd Bowles is the new man in charge.
The brightest future of NFL quarterbacking exists in Buffalo and Los Angeles, where Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, respectively, continue their marches to superstardom while leading the Bills and Chargers to playoff glory.
Kansas City fans believe their fifth-year quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is the league’s best, and he might be, but it says here
that Allen has surpassed him by a slight margin.
Quarterback question marks loom large in Miami, where Tua Tagovailoa, has been given some talented pieces with which to work, such as speedster Tyreek Hill, the former Chief; in Indianapolis, where longtime Falcon Matt Ryan begins a new career path; in Pittsburgh, where three ‘iffy’ QBs vie to be the Ben Roethlisberger replacement; in Cincinnati, where Bengals’ fans hope Joe Burrow’s 2022 success was not a one-year flash; and in San Francisco, where the 49ers are rolling the dice on unproven Trey Lance while sending semi-dependable Jimmy Garoppolo packing. We’d bring up the name Aaron Rodgers, but the Green Bay QB already gets too much attention. He’ll get more than his share in 2022-23 as the Packers finally win another Super Bowl.
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va): “With a name like Nathaniel Hackett, the new Broncos head coach sounds like he could be carrying a musket behind George Washington in the Revolutionary War.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “New (Florida) Gators coach Billy Napier, a stickler for structure and discipline, has instructed players they all must wear white socks at practice. Hey, you know what the great Grantland Rice once wrote: ‘It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you match your socks!’”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Beijing police reportedly questioned a man who rode the subway wearing a watermelon mask. All they got was his name, rank and Mosaic Stadium seat number.”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald: “Boxer Tyson Fury has retired again after being unretired ror about four minutes.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Nebraska is favoured by 12 over Northwestern. That’s mostly based on the fact the Northwestern players are required to go to class.”
• Columnist Norman Chad, on Twitter: “Three of Fox Sports’ college and pro football voices: Urban Meyer, Clay Travis, Aqib Talib I guess Al Capone, Pablo Escobar and John Dillinger were unavailable.”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Brett Favre claims he had a thousand minor concussions when he played football. In addition, Favre then added he had a thousand minor concussions when he played football.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Crazy fan runs on to field during White Sox game, likely sentenced to two weeks with no Xbox and 8:30 bedtime.”
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “The Trail Blazers will not send their TV or radio broadcasters on road trips, instead having them announce games from home. There you have it — the NBA season’s first non-travelling call.”
• Another one from Perry: “One of the U.S. Amateur‘s threesome featured Mark Costanza, Hazen Newman and Campbell Kremer. Only thing better would be Jerry Seinfeld on their bags.”
• Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times, via Twitter, on the significance of Aug. 16: “Elvis, Aretha and Babe Ruth died on this day. A king, a queen and a sultan.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
The following information is taken from Oyen’s history book, “Many Trails Crossed Here”.
Threshing Time
By Nellie May Gripp
Remember when your mother gave you a 10 pound syrup pail of sandwiches made from homemade bread and another pail (thermos jugs were unknown to us then) of hot coffee with instructions to take them to the men binding and stooking grain in the fields? I never did care to drink from the soggy, dusty burlap wrapped stone jug that the hired hands packed around for drinking water, but I guess this method did keep the water cool.
These mellow hot days of cutting the grain and stooking it in the fields were soon over. Then we began to think with anticipation of the threshers who would soon be moving through the area from farm to farm with their crews putting the grain into the bins ready for market.
These crews consisted of a tractor man, separator man, six or seven bundle men, three spike pitchers and field pitchers to load the bundle racks depending on the size of separator. Also a cook for the cook car and perhaps a flunky to run errands.
The equipment was a tractor (often a Rumley), a separator, a truck for supplies and fuel, and five or six hay racks with teams of horses. These were generally supplied by neighbours around who expected to help
out at each farm close by and if not able to pitch the bundles themselves, hired a hand.
The cook car and bunk house car were also standard equipment, because no home had extra rooms for sleeping. The cook had a curtained-off area at the back of the cook car. The partition in ours was the wood and coal range on which she used to bake bread, fry hot cakes and cook the meals. These living quarters left much to be desired compared to our modern trailer homes. The old slop pail served as sewer and if you were particularly unlucky you might come around a corner and get it slung at you when it was being emptied in the field.
Good cooks were hard to get. The work was hard and hours long with no conveniences or electric equipment and a hot stove in a small area.
On many a night the sound of the boisterous laughter and wailing harmonica drifting from the bunk house with its hard bunks and coal oil lantern indicated that hard work does not dampen spirits and good humour. They were up early in the morning as well. There were stories of how
they tormented each other when trying to catch up on sleep on rainy days. One hired hand who snored woke and found a turnip plugged into his mouth to stop the snoring.
The crew also had a few tricks and on a hot day when things were moving a bit too fast for their tired muscles, they would sometimes quickly pitch in double the capacity the separator could handle. This would throw the belt and plug the machine so they got a rest while the boss and separator man cleaned and repaired.
Strikes by the crew for higher wages were staged then as now and sometimes entire crews were fired. A new one was then taken on or the same ones rehired after a few days without wages. Men were quite plentiful and the unemployment office was the local bar or street corner on a Saturday night.
Threshing season was a time of excitement and fun for the children. How we loved to slide down the forbidden straw stacks. We were allowed to play in the grain bin as we were useful in keeping the wheat spread to the corners of the bin and saved the men shovelling.
The Hosford-Warwick threshing outfit stops for lunch. Note coffee jugs on running board of car and fuel tank on wagon (at left of picture).
Muriel and Beatrice Stillings bringing in some sheaves after school.
Straw is being blown on the pile in the right foreground and the wheat also is being piled on the ground.
Albert Arneson’s Holt combine. Holt was one of the early combines. Later the company was taken over by Caterpillar.
A strong economy and higher resource prices have meant a significant improvement in the province’s finances.
“That means we can balance the budget, pay down debt and help Saskatchewan residents with the rising cost of living,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said today as she released the first quarter financial update. “That’s growth that works for everyone.”
At first quarter, Saskatchewan is forecasting a surplus of $1.04 billion for 2022-23, a $1.51 billion improvement from budget, largely due to higher revenue from non-renewable resources.
Harpauer announced a four-point affordability plan, using higher revenue from the resources owned by the people of Saskatchewan to help people address rising costs due to inflation and to reduce the province’s debt.
“Strong resource prices have meant higher provincial revenues, and that’s good news, but it also means the cost of almost everything you buy has gone up,” Harpauer said. “That’s why our government is using those higher revenues to help Saskatchewan people with the rising cost of living.”
All Saskatchewan residents who are 18 years of age or older as of December 31, 2022, and who have filed a tax return will receive a one-time $500 Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit cheque this fall.
The plan, detailed in a separate release, also excludes gym and fitness memberships and some recreational activities from the admissions, entertainment and recreation PST expansion planned for October 1, 2022.
The plan also continues the temporary small business tax reduction at zero per cent, and will retire of up to $1 billion in debt, made possible by the projected surplus.
The affordability plan is fully incorporated into the first quarter forecast.
“Our economy is strong and growing,” Harpauer said. “Saskatchewan is poised to lead the provinces in economic growth in 2022, according to private sector forecasts and there have been nearly 24 thousand new jobs created in the first seven months of 2022.”
At first quarter, revenue is forecast to be $19.17 billion, up $2.02 billion (11.7 per cent) from budget. This increase is largely due to a $1.86 billion increase in non-renewable resource revenue, reflecting higher potash and oil prices.
Taxation revenue is forecast to be up $536.5 million from budget, with higher income and sales tax revenue reflecting stronger than anticipated economic recovery. Other own-source revenue and federal transfers are also up from budget. Increases in revenue are partially offset by a projected $533 million decrease from budget for net income from Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) primarily due to lower investment income and higher natural gas prices.
At first quarter, total expense is forecast to be $18.13 billion, up $508.2 million (2.9 per cent) from budget.
The increase is largely due to $450 million for the one-time Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit payments to Saskatchewan residents.
Public debt is forecast to be $1.72 billion lower than at budget. The return to a surplus has eliminated the need for operating borrowing and provides the opportunity to retire up to $1 billion in existing debt.
Saskatchewan will continue to have one of the lowest net-debt to GDP ratios among the provinces. At first quarter, net debt as a percentage of GDP is forecast to be 15.6 per cent, compared to 18.8 per cent at budget.
According to private-sector forecasters, Saskatchewan’s real GDP is now expected to grow by 4.7 per cent in 2022, highest among the provinces, and by 2.5 per cent in 2023, second highest among the provinces.
Rose City Memorials Ltd. Family Owned with Pride since 1961 CHRISTEL HANKEWICH Memorial Specialist 306-463-9191
West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre Inc.
Sheppard &Millar Law
Barristers and Solicitors
Monte J. Sheppard, BA., JD. Mark L. Millar, BA., JD.
113 1st Ave. E. Kindersley SK S0L 1S0 Bus. 306-463-4647 – Fax 306-463-6133 Kerrobert 306-834-5657 Kindersley.law@sasktel.net
• Domestic Violence Response • Traumatic Events Response • Sexual Assault Victim Support
Safety Planning
Critical Stress Management
“So far in 2022, Saskatchewan is experiencing growth in wholesale trade, international goods exports, manufacturing sales and investment in non-residential construction that is among the highest of all provinces. Our province’s unemployment rate decreased from an average of 7.3 per cent in the first seven months of last year to 5.0 per cent in the first seven months of this year, third lowest among the provinces,” Harpauer said. “Saskatchewan is truly back on track.”
Christel has helped families with their monument needs for over 30 years.
Monument Specialists Dedicated to Quality Craftsmanship and Service
Joseph Meier
March 30, 1921 ~ June 30, 2022
Dad, Grandpa Joe, Great-Grandpa Joe’s life journey of 101 years, ended peacefully at River Ridge Long Term Care in Medicine Hat, Alberta on Thursday, June 30, 2022.
A Celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the St. Eugene de Mazenod Catholic Church 601 Saskatchewan Avenue, Luseland, SK., on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com
Edwin Rijvers Canada Purple Shield
Norman Fiss Funeral Director
1. GEOGRAPHY: How many independent countries are in Africa today?
2. TELEVISION: What was the name of the hospital in the sitcom “Scrubs”?
3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: The secret government site called Area 51 is located in which U.S. state?
4. ANATOMY: What is the rarest human blood type?
5. HISTORY: Demolition of the Berlin Wall started in which year?
6. LANGUAGE: What is a polyglot?
7. MOVIES: In which Disney animated movie does the character Maleficent appear?
8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What kind of crop did Jimmy Carter raise as a farmer?
9. MUSIC: Which instrument is Bartolomeo Cristofori credited with inventing?
10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What do you call a group of horses or ponies that is used or owned by one person?
Classifieds
AGRICULTURE
Announces its 13th ANNUAL PUBLIC FARM SALE 960 Valley Road (Saskatoon, SK)
Friday Sept. 16th
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday Sept. 17th
9:00am - 4:00pm
TREES, SHRUBS & SHELTERBELTS
For further information visit: www.lakeshore gardencentre.com
AUCTIONS
CLASSIC FORD TRUCKS, TOOLS, & Household OnLine Timed Auction for Dan Engeland, Rimbey, AB, Sept. 8-13, 2022. (8) Collector Ford Trucks, 1984 Buick Park Ave, 1991 Toyota 4Runner, Tools & Shop Equipment, Lawn & Garden, Household, Mounted Elk, etc. See www.montgomeryauctions.com; 1-800-371-6963.
AUTOS
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna. com.
“RURAL VEHICLE RECCLAMATION”
A bunch of old guys looking for old vehicles. Cash Paid on the spot for cars/ trucks before 1980. Txt with details/ pictures 780-907-2276. All vehicles considered.
CARDS OF THANKS
We would like to thank all that attended and helped in any way to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St.Catherine’s Anglican Church of Prairiedale. A special thank you to Reverend David Nevett, Reverend Lauren Millar and Reverend Father Daniel Yasinski for the beautiful service. Thanks to Kindersley Air spray for spraying Cemetery and Grounds and to Randy Schmidt for drone coverage for the event. We could not have done this celebration without your attendence and help in making it such a special and successful occasion.
COMING EVENTS
Sukanen Ship Museum Threshing Bee. Saturday, Sept. 10 & Sunday, Sept. 11. Daily pancake breakfast, vehicle parades, threshing, ploughing, blacksmithing. 13 km south of Moose Jaw on Highway Two. For info call 306-6937315 or sukanenshipmuseum.ca
EDMONTON COIN SHOW! Saturday & Sunday Sept. 10 & 11/22. NEW LOCATION - Central Lions Centre, 11113 - 113 Street NW. Coins, Currency, Gold, Medals & Watches. Free appraisals & Kids Auctions. Admission $5, under 16 Free.
CONDO FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 2 bedroom condo, ground floor, premium location for senior living. Located in Caleb Village, Kindersley. Call for more info 306-962-7996.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT is NOW HIRING: AG Equipment Techs, Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman & Apprentices, Parts Techs. View Open Roles & Apply: www. rockymtn.com/careers. Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED: motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season.
Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
FEED AND SEED
PINTAIL WINTER WHEAT
ExtrEmEly hardy high yiElding awnlEss. ExcEllEnt variEty for foragE or fEEd grain production Low inputs HigH profits In SK call or text 306-229-9517 In AB call 403-5562609 or text 403-994-2609 mastinseeds.com
bids: agproseeds. com
NutraSun Foods Ltd, a premier flour mill located in Regina SK, is now buying Organic & Conventional Wheat. For pricing and delivery please contact 306526-8117 or 306751-2043 or email grainbuyer@nutrasunfoods.com.
PINTAIL WINTER WHEAT. Extremely hardy. High yielding. Awnless. Excellent variety for Forage or Feed Grain production. Low inputs - high Profits. Call 403-556-2609 or text 403-994-2609; mastinseeds.com.
ALBERTA FEED
GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca
AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm pickup, prompt payment! TOP PRICES PAID IN SASK. Phone: 306873-3006 or Visit AGPRO website for
refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844453-5372.
NOTICES
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. swna.com.
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 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.
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna. com.
REAL ESTATE
FARMLAND AND PASTURE LAND BY SASKATCHEWAN RIVER. 160 acres. Best hunting in Saskatchewan. Excellent fishing. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, by water coulee. Old yard site with power and water. Revenue Potential. East of Prince Albert, SK. $248,000. Call Doug 306-7162671.
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum
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
WANTED GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM BUYERS purchasing all gold & silver bullion, jewelry, coins, nuggets, dust, scrap, pre1968 coins, bulk silver, sterling +++ Numismatist purchasing entire coin collections & accumulations, Royal Canadian Mint coins, world collections, old $$$. +++ 250-864-3521.
SERVICES
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free
Saskatchewan announces affordability plan
Last week, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a fourpoint affordability plan to help people address the rising cost of living.
“Higher global commodity prices are driving growth in Saskatchewan’s economy, creating jobs and improving our budget position,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said, who released the province’s 2022-23 First Quarter Financial Report and fourpoint affordability plan today. “However, higher commodity prices are also driving up the cost of almost everything you buy. Saskatchewan
resource prices are high. That’s why we’re going to use higher resource revenues to help address rising costs and to retire up to $1 billion of the province’s debt.”
Point one of the plan is the Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit payment. All Saskatchewan residents who are 18 years of age or older as of December 31, 2022, and who have filed a 2021 tax return as a resident of Saskatchewan will receive a $500 Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit cheque this fall.
Saskatchewan residents who have not filed a 2021 tax return are
The cost to Government of the tax credit is estimated at $450 million, with an estimated up to 900,000 cheques to be mailed.
Point two of the plan is the removal of fitness and gym memberships and some recreational activities from the planned October PST expansion on admissions, entertainment and recreation.
PST will not be charged to residents under 18 years of age participating in recreational activities including golf, curling, hockey, tennis, basketball and similar formal sporting activities where the individual participates in a league or service where a round, game or match are completed. These activities will be taxable for individuals 18 years of age and older.
PST will not be applied to fitness classes as well as personal training and other fitness activities offered through municipal recreational facilities. PST will not be applied to arts, cultural and sports programming and league of membership fees like gymnastics fees, art classes, or acting classes, for example.
Businesses that qualify as small suppliers for GST purposes will be exempt from collecting PST.
PST will be applied to ticket admissions to sporting events, concerts, trade shows, fairs, rodeos, movie theatres, professional water parks and entertainment admissions like escape rooms, batting cages and arcades.
This change will reduce PST revenue this year by an estimated $3 million.
Point three of the plan extends the small business tax rate reduction, at 0 per cent retroactive to July 1, 2022 and delaying the restoration of the rate to 2.0 per cent to July 1, 2024. This will help small businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic, while facing new challenges like inflationary pressures, interest rate hikes and supply chain issues.
It will save small businesses $93.1 million over the next three years, on average $3,000 for each small business. There are approximately 31,000 small businesses in Saskatchewan.
Point four is the retirement of up to $1 billion in operating debt.
Debt is now forecast to be $1.7 billion lower by fiscal year-end than projected at budget, the province’s projected surplus provides the ability to retire up to $1 billion in debt, and the province no longer needs to borrow for operations due to the improved financial position.
Debt retirement and lower borrowing results in lower financing charges due to an estimated $49 million decrease in interest costs.
“Helping Saskatchewan people through a time of higher costs, as well as taking the prudent measure of retiring debt, strikes the right balance and helps our province move forward,” Harpauer said. “That’s growth that works for everyone.”
ALSASK
Saturday, September 3
• Beer Olympics 3.0. Theme: Anything But A Human. For mor infomation contact Emily 306-430-8084 or Katina 306-430-1102 by text.
CEREAL
Tuesday, August 30
• Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 9:30 am.
Wednesday, August 31
• Cereal Quilting Club meet at CJ Peacock Centre. See Joan Pennett for more info.
Thursday, October 6
• CAA Chase the Ace Raffle begins again 7:00-9:00 pm. More than $12,000 could be up for grabs. Ace Jackpot from $2000 to $7500. License # and other details pending.
Mid to late October 2022
• CAA’s Volunteer Supper & AGM
Mid to late November
• Cereal’s Community Turkey Supper
* Cereal Board of Trade (BofT) Campground - power & water are on and ready for campers until freeze! $25 serviced site; $10 non-serviced site.$10 for sewer dump (for day users only). Please contact Dennis at 403-801-1072 for more info.
EATONIA
Saturday, October 22
• Eatonia & District Chamber of Commerce Fall Trade Show 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
EMPRESS
Saturday, September 10
• Empress & District Historical Society Whistle Stop Supper at the Empress Train Station. Bar Opens 5:30 pm; Supper 6:30 pm. Tickets $50 (only 60 tickets available). Entertainment by Jack Humeny.
HOOSIER
Sunday Service
• Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-460-7056 or Curtis Kornelson 306-460-7327.
KERROBERT
Wednesday, August 31
• Courthouse Gallery - Earth Elements closing reception 7:00 pm.
Thursday, September 1
• Back to School for KCS students!
Wednesday, September 7
• Opening Gala - “Fighting Normal” by Laurie MacFadyen and Amy Willans at the Kerrobert Courtroom
Gallery 7:00 pm. Show will run from September 7 to October 21, 2022.
Thursday, September 8
• Mental Health presentation at the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery 7:00 pm. A conversation with Amy Willans - “Triumph of the Spirit.” Hear Amy’s story and ask questions.
Wednesday, September 14
• Kerrobert Minor Hockey Registration
Friday, September 16
• Kerrobert Jr. Rebels vs Macklin 5:00 PM
• Kerrobert Sr. Rebels vs Macklin 7:00 PM
Wednesday, September 21
• Playing with Watercolors with Amber Antymnuik at Library 6:00 pm.
Friday, September 23
• Kerrobert Jr. Rebels vs Eatonia Jr. Spartans
Friday, September 30
• Kerrobert Jr. Rebels vs Provost KINDERSLEY
Tuesday, August 30
• Back to School BBQ & Meet the Teacher at Westberry Elementary School 5:00 pm. 6:30: K-Gr 2 Class Orientations; 7:00: Grade 3 & 4 Orientations. Drop off your school supplies.
Friday, September 9
• West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre presents “One Magical Evening” with comedy-magician, Matt Gore “The Ginger Ninja”. Kindersley Curling Arena. Doors open / Cocktails at 5:00 pm. Limited tickets available at Panago Pizza or The Crisis Centre $75 each. Tables of 8 available. Silent auction and raffle tables. All proceeds to benefit Crisis Centre Family & Interpersonal Violence programming.
Friday, September 16
• Iron Horse Klippers Home Opener vs Battlefords North Stars #westcentralwagon
• Duck’s Unlimited Annual Banquet. Tickets on sale September 1st. Contact Sherry Casswell at 306-4606708 for info.
LEADER
September 17
• Young Entrepreneur Tradeshow 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Cost $10. Call/text Lee 306-628-7887 for more info.
LIEBENTHAL
Sunday, October 16
• Come join us for our 1st Liebenthal German Supper. Seatings at 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm at the Liebenthal Community Hall. Adults $20; 12 & under $10. For tickets please contact Cheryl Eresman 306-6627368, Joan Wagner 306-661-8075, Gerald Wagner 306-628-7677.
LUSELAND
Saturday, September 10
• Luseland’s & District Museum’s Harvest Festival & Fall Fair. Agricultural Fair (Classes to enter include: vegetables, handwork, preserves and canning, baking and lots of kids classes), activities for kids, great food options, live entertainment. Exhibits open for viewing 1:00 - 4:00 PM.
• Fall Fair Harvest BBQ at Bell Acres 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Smokie on a Bun, Baked Beans, Caesar Salad, Apple Crisp $13. Pop/Coffee $2. Apple Pie Sangria $5. Net profits from food and non-alcoholic drinks go to Luseland Hall. Cash or Card.
• Fall Fair Glow Golf at Bell Acres. 8:00 pm to 12:00 am. $20 / golfer. Open to all ages. Glow golf balls, glow sticks, mini flashlights and a round of golf at night!
MAJOR
Ongoing
• Major Play Pals Pre-School Bottle Fundraiser until September 30. All funds will be put back into our preschool program. Call Megan 780-237-8077 or Bailey 403-700-7145 to make arrangements for pick up.
• Major Play Pals Pre-School is seeking toy donations. Please ensure your donations are clean, in good working order, not missing pieces and appropriate for ages 3 to 5. Call Megan 780-237-8077 or Bailey 403700-7145 to make arrangements for pick up.
OYEN
Ongoing
• BCAS Oyen & District Farmer’s Market runs each Friday until September 2, 2022 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena. To book a vendor’s table, bake table or to provide a lunch please text Delaine at 403-664-0320.
