Carter, Brett and Hannah Zurkan stand outside and inside Garth Weinhandl’s impressive igloo creation. The warmer weather last week was welcome, but unfortunately the igloo did not survive the temperatures. | SUBMITTED PHOTOS
SaskPower warns of scam
REGINA – It can seem that half the time your phone rings, there’s another scammer on the other end. On Feb. 25, SaskPower put out a warning regarding yet another scam trying to involve the Crown Corporation.
In an email to media, SaskPower said, “Several customers have advised us that they have received calls from someone claiming to be from SaskPower and asking for access to their homes
to sign them up for the Saskatchewan Economic Recovery Rebate. These individuals are not affiliated with SaskPower and are likely collecting information for illegal purposes. A scam in early December 2020 saw individuals making similar claims on customer’s doorsteps. “SaskPower would like to remind its customers not to share any personal information if they receive a call of this nature, and to call SaskPower customer service at 1-888-757-6937 or local law enforcement.”
Suits & Boots to hold virtual conference
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Suits & Boots is a grassroots non-profit organization founded in 2018 by a group of investment community colleagues and working families of all sectors in Western Canada. It has more than 2,500 supporters across Canada and is dedicated to fighting for Western resources when politicians won’t.
They are holding their first-ever virtual interactive conference on Saving Canada’s Resource Sector on March 13 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Numerous presenters will have a voice, with each presentation followed by a Q&A period where attendees have an opportunity to participate.
Cory Morgan, Executive Director of Suits & Boots noted there was a pipeline treaty for
international pipelines which was created by Pierre Trudeau in 1977 and signed by Joe Biden. “I would hope that the next generation of these politicians will abide by it,” he said. “We have to stand up for these pipelines that are under attack.”
Dan McTeague is a presenter at the conference who knows how these energy policies harm consumers. He realizes the need for consumers to realize how directly these policies will impact them, so they will consider voting for resource-friendly candidates.
Another presenter, Michael Binnion is integral in getting different groups to work together instead of multiple directions. Drew Barnes will speak about provincial efforts at the conference as well.
Jeff Callaway will be doing a presentation on the pipeline to Churchill, Manitoba, an alternative pipeline option, and an example of thinking outside of the box.
Rick Grafton of Suits & Boots will speak about capital challenges in the resource sector, and more presenters will be announced as they join the conference.
Suits & Boots acknowledges that the natural resource sector is Canada’s strongest asset, and only through maximizing its development will we be able to preserve our prosperity for future generations. Therefore, they are standing up for the industry, which would mean Canada would be dependent upon foreign energy sources if lost. You can sign up for the conference at suitsandboots.ca
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Kindersley RCMP investigate Break and Enter and Theft at a local shop
On February 11th, 2021 Kindersley RCMP investigated a break and enter at a local shop on 2nd Avenue West whereby a vehicle and several tools and equipment were taken. The vehicle was later recovered, but many other items are still outstanding. This was the second time the same shop was broken into in the last few weeks.
RCMP are asking that the public remain vigilant when purchasing items off the various online vendors in the area. One item related to the break and enter Kindersley RCMP are looking for is a rebuilt 1958 hemi car engine that is valued at over $15,000. If you see this item or believe an advertised item may be stolen, please contact your local Detachment.
Other stolen items include:
• Eskimo ice fishing auger.
• Thermal Dynamics plasma cutting system.
• Master Chef propane smoker.
Ducks Unlimited statue of a dog jumping in the water.
In addition to this theft investigation, Kindersley RCMP responded to 68 calls for service during the past week which included several traffic and property related offences.
Kindersley RCMP would also like to pass on that a new way of reporting crime is coming starting on March 1st. A detailed announcement will be released on that date. Stay tuned.
If you need to report any suspicious activity in your community, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-462-4642 or their local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
*For more information on the calls to service please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment.
2017 fire at Lemsford Ferry Regional Park results in charges
On October 1, 2017, just before 9 a.m., Leader RCMP responded to the report of a fire at a mobile residence located in Lemsford Ferry Regional Park, Saskatchewan. The two occupants of the residence, an adult male and female, were taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The mobile residence was completely destroyed by the fire and was investigated by the provincial fire scene examiner. Due to the initial information available at the time, the cause of the fire was deemed to be inconclusive.
In February 2019, Leader RCMP received additional information reporting the fire was not accidental and the adult male who was an occupant of the mobile residence was allegedly responsible. The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCU-S) took carriage of the investigation and gathered the evidence required to lay charges.
On February 16, 2021, 51-year-old Kirk Andrew Rudolph of Prince Al-
bert, Saskatchewan, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, arson, obstructing justice and counselling to commit public mischief. Police also issued a warrant for his arrest. The next day, police had reason to believe Rudolph travelled to Whitehorse, Yukon. MCU-S requested assistance from Yukon RCMP to arrest Rudolph. He was arrested by Yukon RCMP without incident on February 18, 2021. The full story can be found here: https:// www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2021/ yukon-rcmp-arrest-suspect-attempted-murder
Kirk Andrew Rudolph was transported back to Saskatchewan on February 20, 2021, and is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court on February 22, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
Leader RCMP and the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit South would like to thank the Yukon RCMP for their coordination and assistance with the investigation that led to a safe arrest.
Farmland For Sale By Tender
of KINDERSLEY #290
Conditions of Offers:
1. All offers and inquiries to be submitted on or before Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
2. Highest or any offers not necessarily accepted.
3. Persons submitting offers must rely on their own research, inspection of land as to conditions and No.of acres.
4. Deposit cheque for 5% of the offered amount must accompany the offer. Cheque made payable to Edge Realty Ltd. in Trust (cheques will be returned to unsuccessful bidders).
5. No offers will be considered which are subject to financing.
6. Mineral rights not included.
7. Please forward all bids and inquiries to: BRAD EDGERTON - EDGE REALTY LTD. BOX 1324, Kindersley SK S0L 1S0 PH 306-463-4515 • Fax: 306-463-4516 • Email: brad@edgerealty.ca
| PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
There isn’t much remaining in Esther, Alberta, but it sure has some interesting abandoned buildings, including this outhouse. You can find more photos of my eastern Alberta journey on pages 8-9.
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in Washington by John Wilkes Booth, an actor, who thought he was helping the south. One hundred and fifty-five years later an exam question read: “Suppose you lived during the time of Abraham Lincoln. What would you say to him?” The student answered: “I’d tell him not to go to the theatre, ever.”
Both that student and MP Pierre Poilievre would agree that hindsight is 20/20. Poilievre said, “Governments are printing more money than ever. There’s a long history of governments printing money to pay for their spending and it never ends well. We need real economic output rather than just money creation.” Poilievre is the incoming Shadow Minister for Jobs and Industry.
Poilievre stressed the seriousness of the situation. “Canada has $3.87 of debt for every
OPINION
Hindsight is 20/20
$1.00 of economic output. The only thing that is saving us right now is our interest rates are low.”
He explained that there are two ways to reduce our debt ratio before rates rise: frugality and industry. “One is to grow our economy and the other is to contain our debt. We need to contain our expenditures while we expand our income through industry,” he explained, adding that right now we are hampered by low levels of investment.
When he was asked how we bring investment back to Canada, he said an unexpected positive opportunity came as a result of Covid. Because people were not able to spend money during the lock down, they were able to save. Reports show $170 billion of cash savings ... $90 billion by households and $80 billion by businesses.
He noted the Finance Minister says she considers these savings as stimulus to use as consumer spending. Poilievre rationalized, “Spending these
savings will create short term activity, but it will leave no lasting economic asset that will go on producing income, to feed our families, to fund schools and hospitals.”
Rather he suggested, “We need that money to convert into income producing investments ... factories, software, patents, things that produce income. We need to unleash the power of our free enterprise system so our businesses can make more, produce more and pay more wages. There’s one solution to a debt crisis: pay cheques. It’s simple but not easy.”
He also had suggestions how it can be done. One was to make Canada the fastest place on earth to get a building permit. “That would unleash our construction sector, our steel sector, our energy sector.”
Poilievre noted our tax and benefit system needs to be reformed so it will reward, not punish work. “Workers currently get a penalty for the crime of earning themselves a pay cheque,” he explained.
“Government should fast track decisions on $40 billion dollars worth of projects,” he said, referring to the Teck Frontier Mine in northern Alberta, the $14 billion LNG Canada gas plant where BC private sector LNG Canada liquifies billions of cubic feet of natural gas.
He stressed the importance of the energy sector, since it’s predicted 60 - 100 million barrels of oil will be consumed every day for the next several decades.
“We have clean green Canadian oil. We have the world’s only carbon negative oil com-
Texas reminds us of value of SaskPower
Thereare a number reasons why we take good, ol’ SaskPower for granted … and maybe sometimes even dislike it.
For starters, a government-owned monopoly utility is bound to irritate us because it seemingly can charge what it wants for something we absolutely can’t live without.
This always been a source of resentment in Saskatchewan — one that’s likely grown as we’ve become more free enterprise in nature.
And while publicly owned utilities like SaskPower actually pre-date the first Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (the CCF that would later become the NDP) government, Crown corporations have always been long-associated with the NDP, social democratic philosophy. That was cemented in the 1980s when the NDP fought tooth and nail to stop their privatizations.
But ultimately why we still own Crown utilities like SaskPower comes down to our recognition that we do need a stable, reliable and affordable power supply for all.
A snowstorm 1,400 miles to the south of us in Texas now serves as a reminder of that.
The -20C temperatures Texans faced a couple weeks
ago wreaked havoc on poorly insulated homes, businesses and people more accustomed to enduring tornadoes, hurricanes and summer heat.
About 4.7 million Texas homes and businesses were left without electricity, heat and running water due to burst pipes and frozen natural gas intakes. Power lines downed by ice and freezing rain added to the chaos.
So did wind turbines that account for 15.7 per cent of Texas power that were shuddered by the cold.
To say that SaskPower is vastly more prepared for such cold weather is a massive understatement.
For starters, we do better insulate everything, including our wind turbines — although they only account for 241 megawatts or five per cent of SaskPower total 4,893-megawatt generating capacity. (Another 387 megawatts is in the works in the Herbert-Riverhurst-Assiniboia area with 300 more megawatts in the planning.)
Contrary to the notion held by some that wind turbines don’t work in cold Saskatchewan winters, they continue to spin here in temperatures as low as -30 C (windchill being a non-factor, because wind is the turbine’s friend). In fact,
wind turbines here pump out more energy in the colder months.
MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist
But besides being prepared for cold, Saskatchewan is more accepting of the reality that distributing electricity to a vast jurisdiction (Saskatchewan is within 4,000 square kilometres of being as big as Texas) requires rules to be followed and a willingness of both business and people to co-operate.
What really bogged down Texas even after the power went back on is utility deregulation in that state that’s created a bit of a free-for-all for that now sees Texas consumers buy their power from the cheapest private source and sees little in the way of a backup plant for
pany, White Cap Resources. It puts more carbon back into the ground where it came from than it puts in the air through its production of oil. Why aren’t we celebrating these environmental breakthroughs and unleashing the massive job and wealth potential that it brings rather than strangling the industry to death by blocking two pipelines? That is an outrage. Canada has the second biggest oil reserves on planet earth. We need to reverse those policies.”
In conclusion he summarized the solution he offered, “We need to slow the growth of government spending below the growth of the economy so the economy can catch up to the debt and progressively reduce it.”
Hindsight is 20/20 and shows there are solutions available, but is the government listening to them?
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com
catastrophic events like this snowstorm.
Unlike SaskPower that stops energy exports in times of shortages and also has agreements and means to quickly purchase power from neighbours in a crisis, there is little central planning in deregulated Texas.
So even after power was restored, some Texans were hit with bills of $5,000 for five days because their contracts with private companies allowed to jack up prices to make up for shortfalls.
Here in Saskatchewan, some big industrial users do have guarantee supply contracts to prevent damages to their businesses, but even they can have their power cut to ensure electricity first flows to homes and hospitals.
Are we perfect? Hardly. And our electrical costs are high.
But maybe what we saw in Texas is reason to question whether its smart to be handing back rebate cheques back to consumers as the Saskatchewan Party promised last election rather than pumping that money back into SaskPower’s aging infrastructure.
As Texas proved, electricity costs you dearly when you don’t have it.
Letter to the editor What Happened in Suffield?
During the Second World War, the Canadian Forces Base at Suffield, Alberta, was Canada’s most important facility for the development of lethal and non-lethal aerosols to be dropped from aircraft. It was a very secret place. Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin, worked there until he was killed in the crash of an aircraft returning to base. I knew a man, now deceased, who was seriously burned by mustard gas. I know a man, still living, who endured a fit of panic caused by a non-lethal crowd-control gas. On the battlefront, Canadians never faced the deliberate use of poison gas, nor of the nerve gases such as sarin, which Hitler used to slaughter millions of Jews. There was one incident in an Italian harbour; German dive bombers sank a Canadian ship carrying mustard gas. Canadians died from ingesting contaminated seawater. There was no equivalent of Suffield in the United States. Canadians were the only guinea pigs. Civilians suffered as well. Carcinogens released from Suffield caused a high rate of cancer throughout a wide surrounding area. Later, the causative agent was identified as agriculture chemicals, which affect a much larger area.
William Wardill Eatonia Oasis Living
Drilling season peaking with 31 rigs working
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ESTEVAN – Mid-February to the first week of March is traditionally the peak of the year for oilwell drilling activity. And on Feb. 22, there were 31 drilling rigs working in Saskatchewan, down markedly from the previous two years.
According to Rig Locator (riglocator. ca), in 2020 there were 65 rigs working on the same date, and 52 rigs working on that date in 2019. During the boom years, from 2008-2014, there would be closer to 100 rigs working.
While the current number couldn’t be considered great by any means, it is significantly higher than the zero rigs that were drilling in the first part of the summer of 2020, when oil markets were initially recovering from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.
National numbers show Cenovus Energy Inc. in first place, with 13 rigs working across the country, including 1 in northwest Saskatchewan, still listed as “Husky,” even though the companies have recently merged. Crescent Point Energy Corp was tied for fourth with six rigs working, all in Saskatchewan. Whitecap Resources was tied for sixth place, with five rigs working, of which three were in Saskatchewan.
Southeast Saskatchewan saw quite a bit of activity around Lampman and Benson. Aldon Oils Ltd. was drilling northwest of Lampman in the Bryant area, in the vicinity of a well they drilled a few years ago that was, for a time, the best producer in the province. Torc Oil & Gas Ltd. had rigs working east and north of Lampman. Fire Sky Energy Inc. had one rig southwest of Benson, and Midale Petroleums also had a rig southwest of Benson. Astra Oil Corp. had on rig north of Benson.
To the north, Crescent Point Energy had three rigs going in its Viewfield play. One was southeast of Griffin, a second was north of Stoughton and a third was north of Pheasant Rump Nakota Nation. Ridgeback Resources Inc. had a rig going near Corning.
Closer to Weyburn, Hummingbird Energy had a rig working adjacent to the Souris River, northeast of the Weyburn Unit main battery.
Torc had another rig working near the Souris River, but just south of Alameda. The third rig working in the Souris Valley was contracted for Tundra Oil and Gas, east of Roche Percee.
Crescent Point had a rig working within spitting distance of the U.S. border, just west of the Port of Torquay. Deep Earth Energy Production Corp. had a rig working north of its main site, which is southeast of Torquay.
Half the rigs working in southwest Saskatchewan weren’t drilling for oil or methane, but rather that other natural gas – helium. At Battle Creek, north of Consul, North American Helium was drilling another well in its core area. Royal Helium Exploration Limited was drilling east of Climax.
Crescent Point had a rig working halfway between Shaunavon and Eastend. Whitecap was drilling north of Gull Lake.
The next area of activity is around Kindersley, with one rig so close, you might be able to hit it with a snowball from one of the hotels on the east side of town if you had a good south wind. That rig is working for Baytex Energy Ltd.
In the Dodsland area, Crescent Point, Whitecap and Teine Energy Ltd. each had a rig going. Teine had another rig going a little further south, at Brock.
Baytex had one more rig working east of Coleville, and Whitecap had one more south of Kerrobert.
Further northwest, Karve Energy Inc. was drilling southwest of Cut Knife.
There were four drilling rigs working north of Highway 16. Serafina Energy Ltd. has extended its area to east of Prince, drilling on the east side of Highway 4, north of North Battleford. While it i still listed as Husky, Cenovus had a rig working east of Maidstone at Rush Lake, near the North Saskatchewan River.
Gear Energy Lt had a rig south of Paradise Hill at Celtic.
The last rig was working just a few hundred metres off the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, southwest of Turtleford. You don’t often see numbered companies listed in these reports, but 102031850 Saskatchewan Ltd. had employed that rig.
Letter to the editor
About Fossil Fuels
When the tumult and the shouting dies, Donald Trump will be seen by all but the feeble-minded as the worst president in American history. Joseph Biden begins his term of office with the daunting tasks of limiting the destruction caused by the COVID 19 pandemic and the damage caused by Trumpean policies internally and among the nations of the world.
When Uncle Sam sneezes, Johnny Canuck must sing “Gesundheit” and offer a big clean bandana. Among the directives, most commendable, are those which virtually shut down all fossil fuel industries in North America. Yet, the demand for energy grows and will grow even more as vehicles on our highways are
powered by electric motors.
Kindersley Denture Clinic
David
Non-polluting energy sources are in use now and will continue to be enlarged and refined. Home heating costs will drop as superior insulation methods are found.
Call today for an appointment.
There will still be a shortfall. We can cover it by polluting our air by burning our own fossil fuels instead of burning fuels imported at a great cost from Saudi Arabia and Abu Dahbi. William Wardill Eatonia Oasis Living
Kindersley Denture Clinic
David
Sports with Bruce Penton
Goaltending boosts Habs’ fortunes
If goaltending quality were used to rate the Canadian teams in the National Hockey League, mark the Montreal Canadiens down as the presumptive champion of the North Division this summer.
As the seven teams approached the one-third mark of the 56-game regular season, with nary a postponement due to COVID-19 (as teams in the other three divisions had all suffered), a few things are becoming obvious.
Such as: It’s a wideopen race for the top four playoff spots, with perhaps only Montreal and Toronto in safer positions than the others; on any given night …. any team can beat any other team; and pencil in Montreal’s Marc Bergevin as the general manager who made
the biggest splash in roster construction.
Thanks to Bergevin’s moves in the off-season, his Canadiens appear to be neck-and-neck with the Maple Leafs as the North Division’s No. 1 team, which brings great joy to fans of the Habs, without a Stanley Cup since 1993.
Just like quarterback in football or pitching in baseball, a hockey team’s strength begins in goal. And the Habs have it.
Bergevin’s off-season moves also resulted in the signing of free agent Tyler Toffoli from Vancouver (16 points in 16 games) and winger Josh Anderson from Columbus (for Max Domi and a draft pick), who had nine goals in Montreal’s first 16 games, providing added life to a developing offence that also includes former first-rounder Nick Suzuki, Jonathan Drouin, Brendan Gallagher, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Tomas Tatar. And on defence, stalwarts Shea Weber and Jeff Petry are backed by another Bergeven pickup, Joel Edmundson, and rookie Alexander Romanov, who is being given rookie-ofthe-year consideration for his strong play.
Overall, the Habs are solid. Toronto is off to a great start and if its high-powered offence had Montreal’s goaltending, the Leafs would romp. Defence wins championships, though, and Montreal has it.
Strength in goal is the foundation of Montreal’s good start (9-5-2), thanks to Bergevin’s acquisition of Jake Allen from St Louis in the off-season. The Carey Price-Allen combo is the division’s best, by far, and the envy of other teams. Toronto has the overworked Frederik Andersen in goal, backed up by Michael (Five Hole) Hutchinson or Jack Campbell. Winnipeg has the great Connor Hellebuyck and the unproven Laurent Broissoit. In Calgary, No. 1 guy Jacob Markstrom gives the Flames quality but the backup is the dreadful David Rittich. Up in Edmonton, coach Dave Tippett cannot fully depend on either Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith. Vancouver’s goaltending duo of the aging Braden Holtby and youthful Thatcher Demko is probably the division’s second-best unit.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Eston intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No.2017-12 known as the Zoning Bylaw.
INTENT
The proposed Zoning Bylaw amended is intended to:
• Permit single detached dwellings within the IND – Industrial District that existed prior to January 1st, 2021.
• Omit landscaping requirements for single detached dwellings within the IND – Industrial District .
• Permit outdoor storage in the required front yard for sites occupied by municipal facilities and public works within the IND – Industrial District.
REASON
• To accommodate existing single detached dwellings located in areas zoned for industrial development.
• To make landscaping provisions consistent (i.e. not required) for residential development in all areas of the town.
• To facilitate the development of public works and municipal facilities.
PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the proposed bylaw which is posted to the front door of the Town Office, located at 111 4th Ave SE in the Town of Eston. Contact the Town Office by email to get a copy of the proposed bylaw at contact@eston.ca.
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing at their regular held meeting on March 10, 2021 at 7:00pm at the Town Office. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, written submissions to Council pertaining to this bylaw are strongly encouraged. Written submissions must be received by March 8, 2021 (two days before hearing), 2020 at 5:00 PM by email. Anyone wishing to make a verbal submission to Council must do so by phone. Please contact the Town Office by March 8, (two days before hearing), 2021 at 5:00 PM to schedule a time slot in which Council will phone you directly to hear your concerns or suggestions.
Issued at the Town Eston this 18 day of February, 2021. Jody Schmidt, CAO Town of Eston
• Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade: “The only thing that surprised me about the Buccaneers championship boat parade was seeing Tom Brady on one of the boats. I thought for sure he’d be walking on the water.”
• Swansson again: “I understand why the NFL used faux fans, but Patrick Mahomes is demanding to know why Kansas City coach Andy Reid used cardboard cutouts instead of his regular offensive linemen.”
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Skateboarding has been added to the medal events for this year ’s Olympics, and break dancing will likewise be in the lineup at the 2024 Paris Games. Somehow not passing IOC muster: a motion to change the Olympic motto to ‘Sicker, Hipper, Gnarlier.’”
• Blogger Chad Piscasner, on Trevor Bauer’s new Dodger contract penciling out to $10,000plus per pitch this season: “Which could lead to this conversation on the mound: Manager: ‘How do you feel, Trevor?’ Bauer: ‘I think I got about $40,000 left in me, Skipper.’ ”
• Gambling Mad blogger Norman Chad, on Twitter: “If Tom Brady ran a stoplight, they would say the stoplight was wrong.”
• Chad again: “Elected officials have term limits – it is time to apply them to Tom Brady.”
• David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, on a suggestion for a catchy
nickname for the line featuring Jujhar Khaira and linemates Tyler Ennis and Josh Archibald: “The Sweet Khaira Line.”
• From Dan Robson in The Athletic, on what former NHL enforcer Donald Brashear tells players in pre-game chats now that he is refereeing beer league games in Quebec: “I have one rule: If you guys start fighting, I don’t give out penalties. I jump in the fight.”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Texas got so much snow, the Houston Texans traded J J. Watt for 10 snow shovels, two sacks of salt and a snowblower to-be-named- later.”
• Dwight Perry again “Those wild and crazy Houston Texans agreed to release star pass-rusher J.J. Watt — still under contract — instead of trying to get some return value in a trade. Veteran team watchers say you’d have to go back weeks — weeks — to find a Texans move this confounding.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “The Indianapolis Colts acquired QB Carson Wentz from the Eagles for a third-round pick, a second-round pick and a thank you note from Wentz to be sent later.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
MonAmie Boutique plans to open soon
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
KINDERSLEY - There is a new women’s boutique opening soon in Kindersley, and the owner, Karen Francis, was eager to share her excitement about her new venture.
“It’s always been a forever dream of mine to own a clothing store,” she said.
The timing seemed to be right, as the youngest of her three children graduated last summer. “I had been pretty busy for the last 23 years helping with our business and raising three kids. But I found I had lots of time during Covid to plan and order, so it worked out quite well,” Karen explained. “I just decided if I’m ever going to do it, now’s the time.”
Extensive renovations to the building on Main Street were to be finished by the end of February, and Karen is hoping to open by the middle of March. “It’s going to be a beautiful place, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. I just want to be sure I have enough stock and everything is nice and full and ready to go,” Karen added. She also said she might wait to have a grand opening later when restrictions are lessened.
The store will be called MonAmie Boutique and will carry women’s clothing, footwear, accessories and beauty products.
“All things women love” is the store’s motto. “It’s good quality clothing that isn’t too dressy, but is comfortable and stylish ... kind of simple luxury,” Karen said.
“I’ve got a lot of interest; people seem ex-
Karen Francis
cited about it,” Karen observed. “I have good support already, and I haven’t even opened my doors. I’ve even had outof-town interest, and I am going to go online as well.
There’s an additional advantage to the location of Karen’s new boutique, “I am right next door to my sister, Shawna, at Kraze Threads. We’re opening a little doorway between the stores so we can go back and forth.”
“My mom instilled a love of clothes in me,” Karen explained. Karen’s mom, Mona Faubert, passed away in 2018, and Karen’s boutique is named in honour of her mother. “She was an amazing, kind-hearted
woman, so the name of my store is near and dear to my heart. My mom wanted to be a teacher but had to take care of her mother, who had cancer, which changed her life significantly. My mom never got the chance to do what she wanted, so I want to do what I always wanted to do.” In so doing, Karen is choosing to honour her mother.
“My mom always got a new outfit at Christmas, and it seemed to lift her spirits, especially when she got older,” Karen recalls. Now Karen is looking forward to welcoming her friends into MonAmie Boutique and making many new friends as well.
At what
point
do we move on from a tragedy like the Humboldt bus crash?
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
REGINA – At what point do we move on from a tragedy, and is three years too soon? That was the fundamental question raised by New Democratic Party Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon in a press release on Feb. 23, and responded to by Premier Scott Moe on the same day.
For the NDP, they feel that having budget day on the three-year anniversary of the Humboldt bus tragedy, which killed 16, is inappropriate.
Wotherspoon said, “Last month, avoiding accountability, the Sask. Party government announced that they would be delaying the start of session and the introduction of their budget to April 6th. This April 6th will mark the three-year anniversary of the devastating Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy.
“Having heard from the family of one of the victims, expressing outrage that this government has now chosen to introduce the budget on the anniversary of this tragic accident, I agree wholeheartedly that this is a highly insensitive and inappropriate move by the current government.
“The Official Opposition is calling on Premier Scott Moe and his government to move the start of the legislative session and budget to an earlier date out of respect for the families and those affected by this tragedy.”
Asked about this during the Feb. 23 COVID-19 briefing in the Legislature, Premier Scott Moe said that the
critic, Wotherspoon, put out a press release, when he could have reached out to Humboldt’s MLA instead. Moe said, “The critic could have just as easily reached out to the MLA for Humboldt, who happens to be the Minister of Finance, who also happens to be the deputy premier. And if we think back to three years ago, when the Humboldt bus tragedy occurred, it affected everyone in this province, beyond this province, and I would say in many cases affected people all around the world. In this building, and with my colleagues, it affected no one more than the Minister of Finance, the MLA for Humboldt, Donna Harpauer.
“At that particular time, our budget was set to take place about four days after that event. I had offered to the minister of the day, also the MLA for Humboldt, represents many of these families that were impacted by that tragedy, ‘Should we move the budget?’ and she wouldn’t hear of it, on that day.
“She has honored those families and those individuals and all of those involved with that tragedy, each and every day since then. And I know for certain that our Minister of Finance, when she delivers a budget this spring, will also be honoring those families, all of those impacted. She’ll have her sticks outside her door. We’ll have them outside of the Legislative Assembly. We most certainly, I would like to acknowledge, the way that our Minister of Finance has, honored all of those involved in that tragedy, every day since it’s occurred.”
Whatever is good for the soul - do that
WINQUIST kate@yoursouthwest.com
It’s amazing what a little sunshine and warmer temperatures can do for a person’s mental health.
As I said in one of my ramblings a few weeks ago, I had a case of the February blahs. That two weeks of frigid temperatures, plus the ongoing COVID saga, was enough to drive even the sanest person over the edge.
Not only has the weather improved, but the Scotties Tournament of Hearts is back on TSN, and we can watch curling again! How about Saskatchewan’s Sheri Anderson Rink? She finished first in her Pool after a shaky start at the beginning of the week with a loss to Prince Edward Island, but rebounded with big wins over Jennifer Jones and Team Fleury, skipped by Chelsea Carey. At the time of writing this, the Anderson rink was set to start the Championship Round against Team Canada. No matter what happens, they have made the province proud.
It was Pink Shirt Day last Wednesday, and it was fantastic to see all of the participation. Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Anti-Bullying Day originated in Canada and is now celebrated on various dates around the world.
There have been many positives this week, and I can safely say now that February is in the rearview mirror, spring is just around the corner. The days are already getting longer, and the sun has some heat to it now, slowly melting our winter’s snow. It seems like forever ago that the big blizzard hit on the weekend before Remembrance Day. It has been a long three months since then!
The highlight of my week (as it usually is) was Saturday, February 20. I didn’t even have to suggest that we go for a road trip. Robert beat me to it this time. “Let’s get the hell out of Dodge” is one of his favourite sayings. So we left “Dodge” and decided that we would head back down the number 7 highway Now that we have taken over The Oyen Echo, I felt that I should know that area a little better. The first stop we made was turning right onto a grid to snap a picture of the Alsask Radar Dome. I have always been fascinated by its architecture, sometimes referring to it as the World’s Largest Golf Ball.
For those of you who follow our Facebook page, you will be aware that I sometimes share photo galleries of my adventures and this week was no exception. I used the Radar Dome photo as our website’s Photo of the Week, and I had posted six of my favourite images from the day. The response that the post was getting was quite phenomenal. Then I received a private message from Fred Armbruster, who happens to be the Executive Director and Founder of the Canadian Civil Defence Museum Association. Fred was concerned that my photo was compromising the site’s security and asked me if I would remove the picture. By rights, I probably did not have to remove it, but I obliged. I did end up sending Fred a copy of the photo for the Museum’s archives. However, all was not lost as I am hopeful that Fred will grant us an interview coming up, and I was also invited to have a tour of the Dome once the snow disappears. We ventured into Wild Rose Country (Robert always wants to know who Rose is?) We drove into the hamlet of Sibbald. I remember hearing my classmates’ stories driving to Sibbald on their 18th birthday to drink beer
legally in the Sibbald Hotel. I’m not sure when the Hotel closed. We did pop into Oyen, and I got a few snapshots of some teenage boys playing a game of shinny. Everyone and their dog was out for a walk, quite literally!
We headed north towards New Brigden, a place that I had never been. I had never been on the highway towards Consort. Robert had worked rigs many years ago in the area, but he too had never been to New Brigden, Sedalia or Esther, the three places we stopped that day. It was well worth our while to check out all of these communities. The New Brigden water tower reminded me of the water tower in Wartime, SK. I was also impressed that such a small place had a tire shop and, of course, the New Brigden School.
We stopped at the Sedalia Co-op, and I had a quick visit with Ed, the manager and Shelby. I mentioned to Shelby that she was the main reason that I stopped in.
I follow the Sedalia Co-op page on Facebook and had a good chuckle at Shelby’s Bernie Sanders imitation with mittens and all.
Our final stop of the day was at the bona fide ghost town of Esther. Esther was named after the community’s Postmaster’s daughter, Anna Esther Landreth, in 1914. The townsite was established in 1926 alongside the newly constructed C.N.R. rail line. The Esther elevator was one of three original elevators built by the Alberta Wheat Pool. Prior to the train coming to Esther, farmers made the 14 mile trip to Loverna to sell their grain.
If any of our readers have suggestions on where I might head next, I’m always up for an adventure. Adventures are good for the soul and whatever is good for the soul is what we should be doing. KATE
The Esther elevator is the oldest wooden elevator remaining in the province of Alberta. It was built by the Alberta Wheat Pool in 1926. It closed in 1979.
Esther Garage
The water tower in the Hamlet of New Brigden, Alberta.
The Sedalia Co-op was built in 1925 as a private store. Six community members bought it in 1942 and it has been community owned ever since. They are a general country store that has everything from soup to nuts! Manager Ed Thornton (right) has been running the store since 1996. On the right is employee Shelby Blair.
The Sibbald Hotel, which is no longer in operation.
The Alsask School is a Municipal Heritage Property built in 1914.
Canadian WWII war veteran’s uniform found in the Netherlands
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
MAPLE CREEK - You never know what unexpected information will show up on Facebook. It certainly was the case for Maple Creek resident Shirley Jans when she read a recent post that said, “Hello! I am a Canadian WWII military collector from the Netherlands. I have a battle dress in my collection of the Regina Rifles. This jacket belonged to Gottlieb Heine. I am searching for more information about him. He was born in Maple Creek.”
The collector’s name was Thijs Coopman, and
he had included a photo of the uniform, a picture of Gottlieb Heine, and his service number. Shirley immediately responded, saying Gottlieb was her uncle and he had died in 1977.
Shirley’s son, Glen Jans, said, “I was shocked to see the jacket show up in the Netherlands. From what I’ve found out, the jacket was bought by a collector in the Netherlands. I had it in my closet here and didn’t know what to do with it.”
Eventually, he sold it, not realizing its actual worth.
The jacket was later sold to a collector for $600.00 more than Glen had re-
ceived for it.
“I never dreamt it would go back overseas,” he said. Glen inquired with some local veterans but couldn’t find out more details about Gottlieb’s time spent overseas.
Glen also would never have guessed that the WWII military collector from the Netherlands is only sixteen years old! This is not an activity that many North American teenagers would pursue, but Thijs Coopman lives in Usquert, situated north of the Netherlands.
“I have a lot of interest in the Canadian liberators of the Netherlands. I do research on Canadian
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
Many of our residents have noticed a that was added to the most recent utility bills. This new fee was implemented by Town Council and is intended to establish a fund for necessary upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant. We will be joining efforts with the Rural 44 project that allows us to upgrade our facility at a lower cost due.
The direct benefit to the Town’s water treatment plant will be increased capacity, a new filtration system, and automation of many functions which currently requires a manual operator.
For more information please visit our website at eston.ca/utilities
soldiers and collect Canadian military items from WWII,” the young man said in an email message. He’s been collecting for a couple of years and has accumulated quite an extensive collection.
Besides Gottlieb Heine’s uniform, Thijs has additional uniforms from Alberta and New Brunswick, Canadian badges and field gear, and a lot of paperwork from a veteran from Winnipeg.
Right: WWII Veteran Gottlieb Heine was born in Maple Creek and still has relatives living there. He passed away in 1977.
Left: The battle dress of Gottlieb Heine now belongs to a 16-year-old collector from the Netherlands.
LAND FOR CASH RENT TENDER
R.M. of Snipe Lake #259 NE 23-25-18
W3
Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close March 21, 2021. Submit tenders to: rhouch@hotmail.com or call 403-854-1420
EATONIA OASIS LIVING Permanent Part Time ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
• 20 to 30 hours per week, plus relief.
• Duties include: Accounts Payable / Receivable, Invoicing, assisting with admissions/discharge of residents and assisting with other administrative duties as directed.
• Successful applicant will have knowledge of Word and Excel programs.
• Experience with Payroll and Benefit remittances an asset.
• Must have ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Eligible for Benefits.
• Job description and salary will be discussed if/when applicant is chosen for an interview.
Please submit resume with references to: Cora Knuttila, Administrator Eatonia Oasis Living Email: eol@sasktel.net Fax: 306-967-2434 END DATE: March 31, 2021
If you have any questions, please call 306-967-2447.
Under the provisions of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, 1997,
Notice is hereby given that 102119157 Saskatchewan Ltd. has applied to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) for a Restaurant permit to sell alcohol in the premises known as Halftime Huddle Restaurant & Sports Bar at 416 1st Ave E Leader SK, S0N 1H0.
Written objections to the granting of the permit may be filed with SLGA not more than two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.
Every person filing a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address, and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds, and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious or competition based objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing.
Write to: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Box 5054
REGINA SK S4P 3M3
Teren Turner’s hockey career changes to an acting career
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
ACADIA VALLEY - You never know where the circumstances in life will lead you, which is what happened for Teren Turner, who grew up in Acadia Valley, a small hamlet in southwest Alberta with a population of 149 souls. Teren’s parents, Todd and Joleen Turner, still reside in Acadia Valley.
Like a lot of kids growing up on the prairies, Teren loved playing hockey. “I think it’s every Canadian kid’s dream. That’s exactly what I wanted to do.” Teren moved to Utah, where he played hockey for the University of Utah for three years. Teren’s a big guy, standing tall at 6 foot 3 inches.
“I decided to retire at age 24. I had three concussions at that point, and I came to a conclusion I wasn’t going to make the NHL, and I had to quit because the next hit could be serious,” Teren said. At that point, he decided he had to apply his skills to other things in life.
“I coached on the university team for two years, but I was thinking it was making it worse because I wanted to play but wasn’t,” he confessed.
After three more years, Teren acquired his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. “It’s great going to the doctor’s office and understanding what they’re talking about,” Teren jokingly commented since he hasn’t been using his training in Kinesiology.
Teren had been going home every summer to work, but he met someone who was a UPS manager and was offered a job. After getting married, he accepted the job offer. Now he is an on-road supervisor for UPS. However, another opportunity presented itself.
“I met someone who said he knew people who were looking for actors,” he said. “I would watch TV and wonder if I could do that. So I went and did it, and I loved it. I haven’t looked back since.” Teren still works full-time at UPS, but eventually, he would love to make acting/producing full-time. “I love the hustle and drive to go after it.”
Teren is most well known for his role in the Yellowstone TV series episode where he played a Masked Man. Yellowstone stars Academy Award winner, Kev-
NOTICE
Annual General Meeting
in Costner. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve done; it was a cool experience.”
“The other thing I did was a modern adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” It’s doing its rounds on the short film circuit, and it’s absolutely killing it right now,” he said.
He’s also done an audition for a job that will potentially shoot in Italy. “There’s a big push for Indigenous artists right now,” Teren said. Teren’s background is Métis, which could potentially help him procure more jobs.
However, a lot of people back home in Acadia Valley noticed Teren in a commercial for a Leduc-based tool company called Osla tools.
“For the most part, I’m kind of getting cast as a hitman, but I’ll just ride the wave until it opens more doors for me. I’ve been at this for four years now, and I do work hard for it, so I do make my own luck,” Teren said. “I have an agent who signed up with a manager based out of Vancouver. We’re trying to broaden my horizons and get jobs in Canada. I still have my Canadian passport so I can work in both places, which is super cool.”
Teren has gone from small-town Alberta, to playing hockey in Utah, acquiring a degree in Kinesiology, working full time at UPS, and then discovering the potential of his love of acting. It has been quite a journey, and along the way, he learned a valuable lesson.
“You have to keep marching forward. Like Winston Churchill said, ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going. You got to look at the silver lining of things. If you ever had an idea or hobby that you really wanted to pursue, now would be the time to do it. A lot of people are at home or not necessarily working. Try something new; you never know where it’s going to take you. That would be my advice. Things will get better, though it might not seem like it right now.”
“If you find something you love, you’ll never work another day in your life,” Teren concluded.
Left: Teren Turner in Yellowstone.
NOTICE
Annual General Meeting
for members of ESTON SNIPE LAKE FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM INC.
to be held at the Eston Funeral Chapel 615 Main Street South, Eston, SK
MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.
This is your opportunity to hear and express concerns.
SPACE IS LIMITED
EVERYONE MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND Phone: 306-463-2659 or e-mail: kcfh@sasktel.net
All COVID-19 precautions will be followed.
for members of KINDERSLEY & KERROBERT COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORIUM INC. to be held at the Kindersley Funeral Home 801 - 9th Street West, Kindersley, SK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. This is your opportunity to hear and express concerns. SPACE IS LIMITED EVERYONE MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND Phone: 306-463-2659 or e-mail: kcfh@sasktel.net All COVID-19 precautions will be followed.
FOR RENT
ROOMS FOR RENT.
$500. Includes all utilities. Call Tim Schuh at 306460-9292.
WANTED
WANTED TO BUYHunting Rifles, Shotguns and Ammunition. Have permits. Call 463-7756 (Cell). MR29
NOTICES
RATES (based on 20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Thursday at noon. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER
Sure-Fire Streaming: The
best in TV and film from your living room
BY JORDAN PARKER https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
The Sinner – Available On Netflix
This really awesome anthology series follows a tortured homicide detective, with a different case spanning each of its current three seasons.
It focuses on seemingly normal people and the brutal crimes they commit, and is one of the most interesting crime series on television right now.
Over 25 episodes, Bill Pullman is the constant, and he’s pretty fantastic as a grizzled detective.
But it’s acting from Jessica Biel, Christopher Abbott, Carrie Coon, and Matt Bomer, in a season each, that keeps things intense.
Watch for this one, as it has potential to keep getting better and better.
All The Money In The World – Available On Netflix
Based on a true story, this is the tale of the kidnapping of teen John Paul Getty III, and his wealthy grandfather’s refusal to pay a ransom for his return.
Directed by Ridley Scott, it’s a taut, tense flick with a wonderful screenplay. However, it was almost overshadowed by scandal when Kevin Spacey had to be replaced as grandfather Jean Paul Getty due to sexual abuse allegations.
This film earned Christopher Plummer an Oscar nomination – much deserved – for stepping in and reshooting all of Spacey’s scenes in eight days. It’s a testament to the sheer prowess of the late Plummer.
Joined by Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams, this is an incredible film you won’t be able to take your eyes off of.
Becky – Available On Prime Video
I’m going to be honest. This is not going to be a movie for everyone, and if you’re squeamish, you best move on.
For everyone else, Becky takes the home invasion Home Alone trope and turns it on its sadistic head in this R-rated thriller.
When a teen is pitted against a group of escaped convicts searching for something in their lakehouse, she goes to brutal measures to stop them.
Young Lulu Wilson is stellar here, but it’s also kind of a trip to see Kevin James – of King Of Queens fame – take a brutal role as a shaved headed Nazi willing to do anything to get what he came for.
It’s brutal and gory, and it’s a horror hound’s B-movie dream.
The Others – Available On Prime Video
This is, quite frankly, one of the best supernatural movies to come out of the
2000’s.
It follows a widow who lives in a family home where she keeps all the windows shuttered. Her children suffer from photosensitivity and must stay out of the sunlight.
But when strange occurrences and freaky happenings begin to plague them, mother Grace realizes they aren’t alone.
Nicole Kidman is a revelation here, in a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She’s joined by veteran actors Fionnula Flanagan and Christopher Eccleston.
It’s a scary little delight with an absolutely devilish screenplay. It’s a mustsee.
Queen & Slim – Available On Prime Video
This film starts when a couple is going home from an absolutely awful first date, and a police officer pulls them over.
There’s no rhyme or reason to stop the car, and it becomes apparent quickly that something awful is just around the corner. When they kill an officer accidentally, they must go on the run, fearing no one will believe their story.
This film is an absolute masterclass in storytelling, and manages to discuss the black experience in America, police brutality, and other themes in one movie.
Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith both give career-best turns, with Bokeem Woodbine turning up for a scene-stealing supporting performance.
It is one of the most under-seen films of 2019, and it’s spellbinding.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 28 TO MARCH 6, 2021
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS AND PISCES
ARIES
This will be a week when emotions run high. Be careful not to put yourself in situations where you have to make all the decisions, as you’re likely to be criticized.
TAURUS
You’ll need to jockey your way into a better position; don’t hesitate to show your true character. You’ll have the opportunity to travel and discover new cultures.
GEMINI
You’ll stand out considerably among your friends and colleagues. These people are likely to offer a helping hand as you go through a number of transformations.
CANCER
If you open your home to loved ones, don’t expect them to help you out with household tasks. They might even want to be waited on. Fortunately, good times are on the horizon.
LEO
You’ll have to deal with people who are all talk and no action. Go with your initial idea; it’s the right one, and you’ll avoid being led astray by people who don’t know what they’re talking about.
VIRGO
You certainly appreciate the financial stability and independence that your job provides. With the salary earned, you’ll be able to travel and explore.
LIBRA
You’ll be overflowing with great ideas and initiatives. In addition, you’re constantly changing your plans to suit your mood, which may irritate certain people around you.
SCORPIO
Confusion is possible in a chaotic universe. Fortunately, all you need is a second cup of coffee to help you regain your energy and complete a number of small miracles every day.
SAGITTARIUS
After an intensely stressful period, you’ll certainly need to take a step back and get some rest. You’ll need to recharge your batteries in order to feel like you’re getting a fresh start
CAPRICORN
You’ll likely work a lot of overtime. Fortunately, you’ll eventually manage to let loose and enjoy yourself with loved ones, who’ll invite you to participate in fun activities.
AQUARIUS
Whether it’s imagining a vacation or a quick romantic getaway, you’ll have your head in the clouds. You might have thoughts of moving abroad or going on some type of expedition.
PISCES
Changes are inevitable. Tightening your circle of friends will help relieve some of your stress, making it easier to pursue aspirations that are more in line with your needs.
I bought a new top of the line weed whacker yesterday. It is cutting hedge technology.
CROSSWORD
There’s a new brewery in Maple Creek
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
MAPLE CREEK - For the past seven months, Maple Creek residents have enjoyed beer on tap at Rafter R Brewing Company located at 13 Pacific Avenue. The newly constructed facility houses a brewery at the back and a welcoming taproom in the front. Minors are welcome if accompanied by a parent, and well-behaved pets are never turned away.
Ryan and Teresa Moncrieff are the enthusiastic owners, and Ryan’s five years of experience at Ribstone Creek Brewery in Edgerton, AB, has helped the couple pave the way to a successful business. Their beer can also be found on tap at Lakeview Grill in the centre block of Cypress Hills.
“We do a little bit of outside sales to a liquor store in Swift Current, and we deliver to Pile of Bones by Regina. They have some of our beer on tap there, but the bulk of the beer is sold at the tap room,” Ryan explained.
new,” Ryan said. Rafter R Brewing opened amidst the Covid health regulations, but nevertheless, they have forged forward. “It’s been a weird kind of year. Obviously, we had plans that had to be changed. For the most part, it’s been alright. We are down in seating capacity, but the front door is still open, and people can sit down,” Ryan said.
He admitted they missed some of the summer rush when they opened at the end of July.
from the local community. But we’ve seen those numbers are flip-flopped quite a bit. There’s lots of local support; it’s absolutely wonderful.”
Ryan and Teresa do some local advertising and use social media and some tourist publications; however, a great deal of their business is generated by word of mouth. “When people have a great experience, it’s pretty easy for them to tell their friends,” Ryan said.
Ryan uses a base malt that comes from Alex, Alberta. “Having a new location and different equipment, I wanted to use familiar ingredients. Using the base malt I was familiar with saved me a lot of headaches,” Ryan explained.
Ryan and Teresa are looking forward to warmer weather since summer is definitely busier at the brewery, but winter has turned out to be OK as well. “People are looking to get out of the house in the winter and have a beer. It’s more about the quality of the beer, not so much the quantity,” Ryan concluded. JOAN
Many vacationers on their way to Cypress Hills didn’t know there was a brewery in town. “One of the things that stood out in the first three or four months for sure was that our modelling had flipflopped a bit,” Ryan said. “We were planning on a lot of out of town visitors during the summer and a portion coming
The couple decided to build a new structure rather than retrofitting an existing building. “When it came down to it, the difference in the dollar value wasn’t a whole lot more to build something
Ryan said base malt is the lion’s share of any beer recipe and noted they also use specialty
malts out of Rosthern, Sask. “We’ve got nine completely different beers on tap right now. Some of those are mainstay beers that stay on the list. Some of those are single one-off batches that customers were asking for, or we decided to brew something like that because we thought customers would like it,” he said. “Most of the recipes are ones I’ve developed here or beers that were created strictly for our customer base.”
Teresa and Ryan Moncrieff
PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST