Your West Central Voice - March 22, 2021 by yourwestcentral

Walking Trail Committee wanting to expand activities

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Although the Motherwell Reservoir Walking Trail has been a part of the community for quite a few years, the Kindersley Community Walking Trail Committee wants to promote and inform the community about the ecosystem that is just outside their back door. Sharon Haubrich, a member of the committee, commented on the upcoming promotion.

“We’re hoping to have diﬀerent activities on June 5, including snacks for hikers and a scavenger hunt. We also would like to solve the mystery of the painted rocks which have disappeared from around the trail,” she added.

“We’re hoping to expand activities at the reservoir to include kayaking and things like that. One day I was out there, and I saw a guy in a kayak. He was ﬂy ﬁshing. Just being out on the water is something we don’t usually enjoy in Kindersley, so hopefully, we can make the most of that.”

National Trails Day is celebrated on June 5 and was started by the American Hiking Society in 1992; and has spread to include all forms of recreational trail usage in more than a dozen countries worldwide. It promotes public awareness of and appreciation for trails and the people who build and maintain them while celebrating the healthy lifestyle they encourage.

Also celebrated on June 5 is National Prairie Day, which the Missouri Prairie Foundation founded in 2016. Its goal is to enhance public awareness and educate the public about the prairie’s value to support prairie protection, conservation, and restoration.

The Kindersley Community Walking Trail Committee was formed in late 2001 with a mandate to develop an all-season, hard surface trail. “I remember the trail years ago that ran along the water supply. Everyone has a slightly diﬀerent memory of that place throughout the years,” Sharon said.

The trail was started in 2001, and other additions were incorporated later, such as a parking lot area, pa-

vilion, benches and picnic area. The trail is wheelchair accessible and is located within the town’s limits. The 4.2 km of trail was paved in 2011, and in 2012 a bridge was built, trees were planted, and more benches and tables were added.

During the construction of the trail, the committee discovered a historical artifact that added an interesting landmark to the trail, locating a buﬀalo rubbing stone on the walking trail property. They had two Plains Indians archaeologists out to authenticate the stone, after which it was used as a marker on the trail. Written on the stone are these words: “The construction of the Motherwell Dam began in 1913 in Ramsey Ravine. The spring at this site had been used since the

Extended support for Saskatchewan Small Businesses

earliest settlers arrived in the area.”

The walking trail is well used throughout the entire year. Activities enjoyed there include: walking, rollerblading, ﬁshing, ice ﬁshing, canoeing, bird watching, biking, tobogganing, star gazing and cross country skiing.

“Our goal is to promote and help people learn about what’s out there so they can enjoy it a little better,” Sharon said. “We’re looking for a few new members that represent the users. We have great partners as well, including Ducks Unlimited and Canadian Wildlife. Hopefully, our future partners will include the schools. It’s a great example of an ecosystem.”

The strength and resilience of Saskatchewan has been on display like never before in the past year. Just as we have all been helping our neighbours by supporting local businesses, the Government of Saskatchewan has also been supporting those businesses and protecting the jobs that they have created through a number of programs. If you are one such employer, I would encourage you to apply for one or more of these support programs as many of the application deadlines are approaching soon.

The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) has now been extended for February and March 2021. Eligible businesses, like retail stores or restaurants, who have been ordered to temporarily close or scale-back operations through a public health order, could receive up to $5,000 per month that can be used for any purpose. The application deadline is April 30, 2021.

Doug Steele Saskatchewan

Party MLA for Cypress Hills

The Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate (SRAR) reimburses eligible small businesses for investments made to adapt their business to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance includes a payment of up to $5,000 for 50 per cent of total eligible business-adaptation investments made by the applicant prior to February 28, 2021. Eligible expenditures include establishing physical barriers or reconfiguring space to operate safely, providing services through digital tools, and shifting to delivery or curbside services, including third party delivery fees. The application deadline for the SRAR is March 31, 2021.

Greater

Coverage

with the 2021 Crop Insurance Program

The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) is also available until March 31, 2021. This temporary training subsidy provides businesses with financial support to train employees as they adjust to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The RSTS reimburses eligible private-sector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business.

This year, Crop Insurance coverage will reach a record level due to higher commodity prices and increased yield coverage. March 31, 2021 is the deadline to select insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes to Crop Insurance contracts. Producers need to also apply, reinstate or cancel by this date. For more information about the 2021 insurance options, call 1-888-935-0000 or visit www.scic.ca.

We have also announced a second offering of the Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program (STSSP) for eligible tourism businesses in the accommodations, attraction and tours, events, and major event facility sectors that have seen a 30 per cent drop in revenue as a result of the pandemic. Applications will be available March 8 and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2021

For more information on all of the provincial and federal government supports available, please contact our office, the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688 or visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.

The entrance to Kindersley’s Community Walking Trail on March 18, 2021.

PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

Kayden Johnson joins Canadian bobsled team

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Aformer Kindersley resident is in hot pursuit of his athletic career. Kayden Johnson attended school in Kindersley from Grades 5 to 10, at which time he lived in Kindersley with his siblings and parents, Winchester and Angy Johnson. After completing high school, he was a member of the University of Saskatchewan football team. He has also been on the U of S track and field team and is a former USports hurdling champion.

Kayden graduated from York University in 2020, and in April 2020, was drafted by the B.C. Lions, however, the CFL wasn’t playing games because of Covid health regulations. This didn’t deter Kayden, who immediately began searching for another opportunity, and he found one.

In 2018, Kayden had tried out bobsleigh, so he took hold of that opportunity and tried out for Team Canada. In November 2020, he discovered he had secured one of the 33 spots on the Team Canada Bobsled team.

Kayden described his first time on a bobsled saying, “It was full of adrenalin. It really was like nothing I’ve ever experienced, like being on a roller

coaster and a fighter jet at the same time. The ride itself is under a minute long, and you can feel the G forces squishing your body during the run.” Kayden hits speeds over 150 km/hour and up to five G-forces on the bobsled.

Now he trains five days a week at the Calgary Olympic Park and the Ice House. The training involves technique, the timing of pushing the sled at full speed, and weight training to increase his speed, power and strength. Kayden said the training is similar to football training, and all of the training translates to football and track and field as well.

Kayden also trains at Whistler on the Olympic Bobsleigh Track. “I competed as a brakeman this year, and now I’m learning how to drive. Whistler happens to be the fastest track

in the world. Now I feel confident to handle any track in the world. I have aspirations of being an Olympic bobsled pilot as well,” Kayden said.

A brakeman pushes the sled to get it moving at the begin-

ning of the run, gets the team to the sled as efficiently as possible at the start of the course, hops in, and pulls the brakes at the end of the run. The brakeman’s efforts release brakes that slice into the ice to help the sled stop after the finish line.

Kayden explained that the competition for this year is all done for the season. “Next year, they’ll thin it down to 15 male athletes and ten female athletes. We qualify for three sleds for the men’s side and three sleds for the women’s side,” Kayden explained. He has been part of both a two-man team and a four-man team.

“The team plays a huge part because, in a two-man, it’s your pilot and brakeman. But in a four-man, there’s an exciting team component in play yourself and three other athletes who all jump in together.

You gotta get pretty cozy in the sled on the way down,” Kayden said. “You’re running at top speed, and all of us have to jump in the sled at the same time.”

I asked Kayden if travelling at 150 km/hour in a sled results in any injuries. “I had some situations where one of the guys slipped, and I reached out and grabbed him and pulled him in the sled and jumped in after him,” he said. “I had some crashes where I got some pretty big bruises on my shoulder and my hip, but nothing too serious where it put me out of competition. But it is kind of like a car crash. As a pilot, you’re more secure, but as a brakeman, you do feel it a lot more if you experience a crash.”

But Kayden is also planning on pursuing his football career. “I’m planning to go to B.C. Lions camp and hopefully have a good Grey Cup run this year, and then I’ll be in good shape to go to the Olympic trial,” he said. “I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to have another sport, when the football season wasn’t happening, and still pursue my athletic career in another avenue. I definitely enjoy it. There’s no place I’d rather be. I’m embracing the moment and having fun with it.”

Kayden Johnson

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Iread a joke that read like this ... “I petitioned to rename a Canadian province. Their government would have Nunavut.”

You may have noticed a significant increase in the amount of petitions

OPINION

CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen

Petitions make a difference

made available on social media throughout the past few years. I know I have personally signed more petitions than ever before. However, when people sign a lot of petitions, they may begin to question whether their signature makes a difference in the long run. Well,

according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) those petitions you sign do make a difference.

Last year, a CTF petition to cut off taxpayer support for the famous royal couple, Harry and Meghan, was successful. In Quebec, one of CTF’s petitions led the govern-

ment to refund taxpayers $1.5 billion in hydro overpayments.

Recently over 200,000 Canadians signed the CTF’s petition calling on our Prime Minister to scrap the lifetime expense account for retired governors general. The CTF delivered this, their largest ever petition, to the Prime Minister’s Office in person. There were so many boxes of paper, the trolley they used for delivery broke. There were eight boxes delivered to the Prime Minister’s door. All that paper helped make the message clear - Canadians agree that retired governors general should not be getting $206,000 annual expense accounts for life. Petitions are an efficient way for Canadians to keep pushing the government to act.

Not only petitions, but postcards have recently been used as a means of communicating to the government. When Prime Minister Trudeau recently sent out postcards, the CTF notified Canadians to use their postcard to send him their views about multiple issues. The government showed they cared

by sending blank postcards to Canadians from sea to sea, with the postage paid.

As a result, thousands of CTF supporters sent the postcards to the prime minister’s office with their concerns. Some of those concerns included increasing carbon taxes, the trillion-dollar debt that is mortgaging our children’s futures, and pleas to save our oil and natural gas industry and Line 5 transporting Canadian oil east to final destinations in Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

There seems to be petitions available for everything ... from the pipelines, to cutting off taxpayer support of roy-

als, refunding taxpayers, or scrapping retired governors general expense accounts. Whether it’s by means of petitions or postcards, Canadians simply want their voices to be heard and acknowledged.

You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Got something to say?

Send a letter to the editor! Share your opinion to the west central community and get your voice heard. Write to: Your Southwest Media Group Box 727 Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 or email: kate@yoursouthwest.com

A poor time to ease up in COVID-19 fight

If Premier Scott Moe is right that we are in the home stretch of our COVID-19 fight, we should all be reminded that this is not the time to ease up. As one of my colleagues aptly put it, you don’t want to make the highlight reel because you dropped the ball celebrating before you got into the endzone. In fairness, we shouldn’t accuse Moe of celebrating prematurely.

At his press conference last week, he actually suggested that now is the time to be both cautious and optimistic. His optimism clearly stems from the notion that vaccines are being rolled out — notwithstanding his ongoing frustrations with the federal Liberal government and the vaccine manufacturers for not getting the vaccines out more quickly.

(Last week, Moe complained that the week’s shipment of Moderna vaccine would be delayed — something that company officials quickly denied.)

That said, vaccines don’t solve all our problems — even if we do meet the optimistic scenario of having most every Saskatchewan adult vaccine by June.

The better message for Moe’s Sas-

katchewan Party government should likely involve more than a stern warning. Moe can allow the province to ease up by easing up his own government restrictions.

It might not be about slowly loosening restrictions. Moe has to be ready to clamp down — especially in certain hotspots like Regina — if things get much worse than they already are.

Moe took the small, careful step of announcing on March 8th that “household bubbles” could be increased to 10 people from no more than three households from the current five-people, single household restrictions we have been under since before Christmas. He also announced that prior to Easter, restrictions on church services would be lifted to accommodate 150 people or 30 per cent of capacity (whichever one is fewer).

A cautious approach? Well, it might have seemed that way, but that would really depend on where you lived.

MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist

Cases of the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 that was first detected in Britain were already circulating in Regina by the time of Moe’s restriction lift. In fact, of the 136 confirmed cases of the variant, 122 were found in Regina. Another186 of the 210 suspected new variant cases were also in Regina.

Also last week, cases in Yorkton and Melville had public schools moving back to online learning.

The notion that the new variants will remain in Regina and not spread all over — especially give that we really can’t impose travel restrictions within the province — doesn’t make much sense.

Now, this does not automatically mean every place in the province is about to experience an outbreak like the one we’re seeing in Regina that accounted for 101 of the 156 the daily cases on

the day of Moe’s last press conference.

But given on that day there were 535 active cases in Regina out of 1,292 active cases, it in the entire province is not exactly a solid foundation for optimism right now.

With Regina as ground zero to 90 per cent of the new variants of COVID-19, Moe is deadly accurate that this is no time to let one’s guard down.

However, it may be a situation where we the Premier needs to do something more than offer polite suggestions.

So serious are the Regina numbers that Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab recommended at Moe’s press conference that Reginans seriously consider not dining in or going grocery shopping if it isn’t absolutely necessary.

Many people are taking COVID-19 seriously, as evident by the long lineups in Regina of 60+ years who were eligible to get their shots.

But vaccines shouldn’t be providing a false security — especially given how much more quickly new variants are spreading.

Let’s get the ball into the end zone. This is no time to fumble.

1938 ~ Changes in the past 80 years ~ 2018

The following was brought to me by a subscriber. I promised that I would not publish his name, but I thought our readers might enjoy the read.

Iwillnot use people’s names or names of schools or towns, as this could be one of many farm boys growing up in Saskatchewan.

Started school at age seven (no kindergarten then) to a one-room country school, class of four to ten students with one teacher, grades one to eight. Some of these schools had a teacherage (small house in the same yard for the teacher to stay in). Schoolyards were approximately two acres. If no teacherage, the teacher boarded with one of the pupil’s parents. After receiving their grade eight at fifteen, some worked on the farm at home or worked for neighbours. They got their driver’s license at sixteen for two dollars after taking a road test with the traffic officer.

These schoolhouses were about eight miles apart, so no one had that far to travel to school. Students rode a pony in winter and a bicycle in summer. There were no school buses in those days. These schools were heated with a coal furnace in the basement, with one of the older boys responsible for lighting the furnace each day. In June, the schools would have a field day where they would meet with kids from other schools, competing to win the crest for their school.

COUNTRY CHURCH: St. Anthony’s Church (Grosswerder) in west central Sask. | PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

The St. John’s School is a one-room schoolhouse built in 1924. It is located approximately 12 kms south of the Town of Leader. |

As the boys reached seventeen or more, they would buy a truck. In 1955 you could buy a brand new half tom for $1800 (the price of a nice bicycle today). In 1949 you could buy a new Pontiac car for $2400. In 1967 the same car only cost $3050 with automatic transmission and radio. By 1974 a nice Chev Impala cost $4800. In 1982 a Buick LeSabre cost $12,000. In 1990 and Olds Ninety-Eight cost $38,000 with prices going up every year. Today, cars and trucks are in the $46,000 price range depending on the options, up to $70,000. That covers the auto price changes in those years.

Now for the price of machinery. In 1939 you could buy a new Oliver 80 tractor for $900 plus an eight-foot combine for about the same price. The hopper on the combine held 35 bushels of wheat. Combine hoppers today hold about 400 bushels. The grain was hauled eight miles to the elevator with a 1939 half-ton truck ($900 new), full load being 50 bushels. Today grain is hauled anywhere from 10 miles to a hundred miles in a 30 wheel truck, 1800 bushels per load.

As for seeding, back then, it was an eight-foot seeder, increasing over the years to eighty-five feet today. Back then, people only seeded half their land each year, leaving half in summer fallow. The crops seeded back then were mostly wheat and barley, some flax, also oats for the livestock. Seeders started at $500, increasing to $200,000 today with seed tank holding 600 bushels.

Crop sprayers started at 32 feet, pulled behind an open tractor for $500. Today they are up to 130 feet, self-propelled priced at $300,000 plus.

Grain storage wooden bins held approximately 1000 bushels. Today some large steel bins hold 29,000 bushels plus. Many farmers are using grain bags filled with a special machine and a different machine to empty them—each bag holding 3000 bushels or more.

FARMLAND & YARDSITE FOR SALE BY TENDER

R.M. of Newcombe #260 N1/2 16-27-23 W3rd, SE 15-27-23 W3rd, SW 21-27-23 W3rd

R.M. of Chesterfield #261 SE 35-25-26 W3rd, PT NE 25-25-26 W3rd, PT NW 25-25-26 W3rd

Includes 2420 sq bungalow, 38’ x 66’ cold storage shed, 1x3000 bushel steel bin. Land is leased out for 2021 Crop Year

Refer to: www.edgerealty.ca website under farmland for information on tender or call Brad Edgerton at 306-463-7357.

Stepping back to the home. Most people used to live in houses that were about 24x26 feet total; some had an upstairs. There was no phone or power back then. Telephones came in some rural areas in about 1950. Power came in some rural areas in 1955. Water and sewer in towns came in the late 1950s.

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, most small towns had a movie theatre (Friday night and Saturday night shows). You could go to a show for 15 cents. School-kid prices were – 7 cents for pop and 3 cents left for candy.

These small towns had churches, at least three grocery stores, hardware, lumber yard, hotel, restaurant; some had their own laundry stores, some with hospitals and doctors, and a dentist. These towns had larger schools with grades one to twelve. The hospitals usually had a drug store to go with them. Some of the small towns had two or three auto dealers plus two or three machine dealers. With all this service, people didn’t have to travel to a larger town as they do today. Most small towns had their own bank. Some towns had two or three grain elevators, different elevator companies, Pool, UGG, Searle, Federal.

The local farmers brought cream and eggs to town to be shipped away, giving them money to buy their groceries. The farms ranged from one-quarter section to one section (4 quarters), one section being a large farm in those days.

Through the years, farms kept getting bigger, with some farming 10,000 plus acres owned and rented. In those days when farmers built a house or barn, they all banded together and built it.

Those are some of the changes we have seen over the years, not all good, as farms are now few and far apart. This has also closed a lot of small towns.

I guess time goes on, like it or not.

I’m just one of the many who have seen these changes.

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MILTON NO. 292 PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Milton No. 292 intends to adopt a bylaw under e Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 2017-08, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT

e proposed bylaw amendment will:

• Provide requirements for the location of temporary agriculture or resource based buildings or structures.

• Provide for the development of “Temporary Work Camps” as a discretionary use in the Agricultural Resource District (AR).

• Provide for the development of “Racetracks” as a discretionary use in the Agricultural Resource District (AR) including speci c discretionary use evaluation requirements.

• Provide for the development of “Storage Facilities” as a discretionary use in the Special Service Area District (SS) including speci c discretionary use evaluation requirements.

• Provide for the development of “Agricultural Principal Uses” as a discretionary use in the Special Service Area District (SS) including appropriate development standards.

• Increase the maximum height of fences and hedges located in the Special Service Area District (SS) from 2.0 metres (7 ) to 2.5 metres (8 ).

REASON

e reasons for the amendment are to:

• Minimize potential land use con icts with respect to the location of temporary agriculture or resource based buildings or structures.

• Facilitate the development of “Temporary Work Camps” and “Racetracks” in the Agricultural Resource District (AR).

• Facilitate the development of “Storage Facilities” and “Agricultural Principal Uses” in the Special Service Area District (SS).

• Increase the maximum height of a fence or hedge in the Special Service Area District (SS).

Please note, that should Council adopt these amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, they will subsequently hold a public hearing and consider the following discretionary use applications:

• A Temporary Work Camp proposed by Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd. on the NE-27-29-27-W3 to house workers for the construction of passing lane on Highway 7.

• A Racetrack for motorized vehicles proposed by Lisa Ensor on the NE 06-29-27W3. Existing slough area to be utilized to create an oval dirt track with existing materials.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal O ce, located at 20 1st Avenue North, in the Village of Marengo, between the following hours and excluding statutory holidays: Monday, Wednesday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Copies of the proposed bylaw are available at the Municipal o ce.

PUBLIC HEARING

Council will hold a public hearing on April 14, 2021 at 8:30 AM at the Marengo Community Hall located at 13 Main Street in Marengo, Saskatchewan to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing, or delivered to the undersigned at the Municipal o ce before the hearing.

Issued at the Village of Marengo this 18th day of March, 2021. Robin Busby, Administrator

PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

New restaurant & sports bar to open in Leader

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Leader will soon be home to a new restaurant and sports bar. The new owner of Halftime Huddle Restaurant and Sports Bar, Raj Basran, said, “everything is going according to plan. If everything goes well, we are going to be open by the end of March.”

The new restaurant and sports bar is located at the site of the former Rattler’s Restaurant at 416 - 1st Avenue East in Leader, a 4700 sq ft building, which Raj purchased several months ago.

“This is a new business venture for us. We are doing it because our community needs it. It is going to be one of a kind when completed, and all local crews are working hard to meet our business standards,” Raj said.

All the renovations are being done by local plumbers, electricians, contractors and construction workers. It is a huge endeavour. Raj explained, “We are changing everything and only using the shell of the original building. We’re making sure everything is up to standard and code.”

Raj is familiar with the process as he has recently purchased and renovated the former 4L Motel and constructed a new motel. “Business has grown with my motel rooms,” he said but noted there wasn’t anywhere for people to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal. This was more evident after Mei’s Kitchen closed its doors.

As the owner of Leader Esso Service, Raj said it’s essential that he does a good job and that his customers are happy, and that is precisely his goal in the opening of the restaurant and sports bar. Eight big-screen TVs, an outside patio, good food, seven to ten employees, and a catering service will all help ensure his future customers are happy.

It will be a place where sports enthusiasts can enjoy watching sporting events while visiting with friends.

“We will change the menu every now and then depending on what people want,” Raj said, and he hopes to eventually bring in live bands once restrictions are lifted. “The main thing is to bring people into town. Kindersley and Medicine Hat are quite a distance from Leader, and there’s nothing in the surrounding area where people can get this kind of environment. If someone goes to Kindersley to eat out, they also have to pay for gas to get there. We’re trying to fill a need in this small community that is similar to a restaurant/sports bar that would be found in the city.”

Although Halftime Huddle Restaurant and Sports Bar has not yet opened its doors, Raj is already loving and appreciating all the support they are getting for their new business venture.

Farmland For Sale By Tender

#261

Conditions of Offers:

1. All offers and inquiries to be submitted on or before Thursday, March 25, 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:

Chinook School Board Announces Director of Education

The Chinook Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the new Director of Education, Mr. Mark Benesh.

The Board selected Mark Benesh because of his caring and positive approach to leadership. In their experience working with Mark in his recent role as Acting Director, the trustees acknowledged his professionalism, his abilities to support and lead staff, and put students first, particularly in these challenging times during a pandemic. Mr. Benesh has extensive educational and administrative experience, including a vast portfolio of responsibilities in his previous 10 years in leadership with the division.

“Our extensive provincial and national recruitment efforts resulted in impressive applications and Mr. Benesh was selected from a field of outstanding candidates,” stated Chinook Board Chair, Kim Pridmore. “We believe that Mark’s values and professional leadership style, along with his ability to foster respectful school and work environments, will help move Chinook School Division forward as we continue our focus on diversity and inclusion. We are confident that, in his role as Director, Mark will support our commitment to ensuring that Chinook continues to be a great place to go to school and go to work.”

Mark has over 30 years of educational and administrative experience and has been in the Acting Director position since October 2020. He has spent his career with Chinook School Division in the following roles:

• Three years as Principal at Val Marie School (K-12)

• One year as a Teacher at Shaunavon High School

• 17 years as Principal at Shaunavon High School

• Two years as Hutterian Coordinator

• Seven years as Superintendent Mark completed his post-secondary education at the University of Regina, including a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Education Degree. He has taken on a wide range of initiatives and programs in his career with Chinook, one of the most notable being his efforts in nurturing a positive relationship with the Hutterian Brethren, built on respect and support of their culture. Mark has

also led the division’s work with School Community Councils, Driver Training, English as an Additional Language, Attendance Initiative, the South West Athletic Conference, and he also served on the provincial Graduation Rate Committee leading the division in that area as well.

Mark is excited for the opportunities that will come with this leadership role and commented, “I’m looking forward to continuing the great work that we’ve been doing and the support that our teachers, support staff and all of our Chinook staff across the division provide on a daily basis for students. Their passion and dedication to support the learning needs and mental well-being of all students is outstanding, especially in these very trying COVID times.“

Mark has also been involved with sports and various other community organizations and activities. This includes most recently as Co-chair of the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, President and Vice President of Basketball Saskatchewan, Councillor for the Town of Shaunavon for multiple terms, and basketball coach for Great Plains College mens’ and womens’ teams (PAC) and at the provincial and high school level.

Mark and his wife Mary Jane reside in Swift Current and have three grown children that they are very proud of: Samantha, Sierra and Matthew.

Mark will officially be in the role of Director of Education for Chinook School Division on April 1, 2021.

Conditions of Offers:

1. All offers and inquiries to be submitted on or before Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 2:00 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:

Investing in Leader: Raj Basran and his wife, Preet.

Mark Benesh

A different Crossroads Beef Expo during COVID

By Linda Bingeman

February 20, 2021, saw the Big Country Agricultural Society host a very diﬀerent beef expo when compared to previous events.

Despite restrictions, the day was very successful. Thirty-nine youth between the ages of nine and 21 presented 70 head of steers and heifers to the judges and potential buyers. Breeders presented 23 pens of bulls and nine pens of heifers - a great variety of genetics from which buyers could choose. These numbers are down from previous years as spacing due to COVID restrictions used a great deal of space. It was unfortunate, but many people on the waiting list were unable to be accommodated. Hopefully, next year will be diﬀerent.

The youth component started proceedings. First into the ring were the heifers. Judge Blake Morton chose Logan Brooke’s heifer as his Grand Champion, followed by Abbey Slorstad as Reserve Champion.

A great group of steers were next to be judged. In this instance, judge Morton chose the steer shown by Quinn Pedersen as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion was shown by Rylan Staﬀord. Judge Morton commented on the excellent quality of the animals brought to the show by the young people. As he was judging the steers and heifers, Morton also had his eye on the exhibitors evaluating their ability to present their animals to their best advantage. He chose Logan Brooke as the top junior showman, Levi Martin, the

top intermediate and Abbey Slorstad as the top senior showman. At the youth show’s conclusion, due to COVID occupancy limits, the youth were asked to leave to make room for the bull and heifer pens and their group of spectators.

Once everyone was stabled and had their wrist bands, the pen show started.

A panel of three judges —Tom Herman, Travis Foot and Cordell Griﬃth — independently evaluated the pens as they were presented in the ring. Once all the pens had been evaluated, the judges collaborated to decide who would win.

Martin Cattle Service (Stettler) won the yearling pen of bulls with second place to Silver Smith Simmentals (Byemoor).

The 2-year-old bull awards went to Diamond L Ranch (Oyen) with second to Snake Valley Farm (Champion). Heifer honours went to Riverfront Angus Ranch (Medicine Hat) with second to Pieschel Farms (Balzac). Spectators may buy a people’s choice ballot and vote for their favourite pens. It is always interesting to see if the spectators agree with the panel of judges. This year Desertland Cattle Co. (Sedalia) received the most votes in the yearling bull division; 2-year-old bullpen went to Snake Valley Farm (Champion), with heifer pen to Hannah Wagstaﬀ (Sedalia). From the ballots cast, two draws were made for gift baskets. This year Don Good was drawn for one and Mindy Good for the other.

Many people contribute their time and skills to make this activity a success. During the day, Marika Lyster

was the master of ceremonies assisted by Haley Powell. Greg Norris and Leon Lee put a great deal of thought into stabling to ensure we adhered to COVID guidelines while still getting the greatest number of entries into the building. Barn boss Richard Houston was busy Friday and Saturday ensuring everyone was shown to their assigned location. Richard was also our auctioneer for large donated items. Our marshals—Leah Walker, Corbin McMillan and Natalia Laughlin—along with ringmen Jace and Keldon Powell kept classes moving through the ring without interruption. Diana Walker was busy taking pictures for news re-

leases. This year to help us adhere to COVID regulations, Crowd Design was hired to take temperatures, ensure paperwork was ﬁlled in, keep a count on the number of people in the building and ensure everyone was wearing their mask and social distancing. As people socialize, they sometimes forget these items. As a whole, everyone was very happy to comply. Many people commented that it was great to have an activity to attend after being cooped up for so long. Hopefully, the Expo was a good experience for the consignors and their bull, heifer and steer sales will be enhanced because of their exposure to customers at the Crossroads Beef Expo.

GRAND CHAMPION YOUTH HEIFER CONFORMATION: from left, Blake Morton (judge), Don Good presenting $600 on behalf of SaskAlta Farms, Alsask to Logan Brooke, Viking. Logan also placed first in Junior Showmanship receiving $100 from Red Wing Farms Ltd. (The Chiliak Family), Sibbald, presented by David Eaton.

—Diana Walker photo—

3RD PLACE, CHAMPION YOUTH HEIFER CONFORMATION: from left, Blake Morton (judge),

REGINA

– This morning federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Special Representative for the Prairies Jim Carr held a media event to discuss the latest on the AgriStability Fed/Prov Territories discussion about AgriStability improvements.

The session announced a proposed Fed/Prov Territories Agriculture Ministers meeting to ﬁnalize the discussion over the proposal to improve AgriStability by removing reference margin limiting and increasing the compensation percentage. These changes would make the program better for cattle producers on two fronts. It will be more responsive to negative events and it will make it more equitable among diﬀerent types of production.

“The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association supports the changes proposed and looks forward to this coming meeting.” said Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association chair Arnold Balicki. “I am hopeful these proposed changes will be put in place for Saskatchewan

cattle producers.”

The SCA has heard from Minister Marit and the Saskatchewan government that they have been asking for another meeting to discuss these changes. SCA supports their eﬀorts to continue to develop improvements to BRM programming.

“We have had many discussions with Minister Marit and his staﬀ and other MLAs about this issue. They are very aware of industry’s hopes to have this done.” Balicki said. “We are aware this has budget implications in a tough budget time for Saskatchewan. This is important for farmers and ranchers who continue to contribute to Saskatchewan’s economy reliably even through COVID challenges. I hope all involved can get this over the ﬁnish line for all farmers and ranchers in Saskatchewan and Canada.” Balicki concluded.

The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association represents Saskatchewan’s over 12,000 cattle producers of all types of production from across the province

Doug Steele

Saskatchewan Party MLA for Cypress Hills

Greater Coverage with the 2021 Crop Insurance Program

MarchA Little Bit Western Tune Up

By Tara Mulhern Davidson

brings warmer weather, a little mud (if you’re lucky), an awakening of gophers (if you’re less lucky), and the piano tuner.

If you were playing a game of “one of these things is not like the other” and had to select a single item from our camp that ﬁt that criteria, most would look to my beautiful grand piano. There is nothing about our home - not the lingering smell of manure, nor the multiple loads of laundry looking to be folded, nor the kids armed and ready with their BB guns - that says “I bet a classical pianist lives here.” Yet, here I am!

was a surprising (and welcome) visit from friends. A long afternoon of swapping stories and daytime beverage consumption ensued. Our rowdy cowboy company joked that they could probably tune my piano and I assured them (insisted, really) that we should leave it to a qualiﬁed professional. When the expert did arrive to this redneck scene, he was greeted warmly and loudly by everyone on site.

Growing up, my parents had a nice Baldwin piano where I plinked away over years of lessons, music festivals, piano exams, and even the disciplined drudgery of theory. Perhaps this inspired my dad who, rather than have the local music festival return the Yamaha back to its city habitat after that year’s event, he diverted it to our farm. He had budgeted for a new hay bine for the upcoming season, but instead invested in this musical machine with the instruction that if (when) the old New Holland limped back to the shop for repair, I was to play the piano loud. Dad did upgrade the hay bine a year or two later and I got fairly experienced at operating that unit too.

Like any musical or mechanical implement, the piano needs a little maintenance every so often. I’m sure that piano tuners encounter all kinds of situations when they travel to diﬀerent homes, and that is a great comfort when I consider some of their experiences here. One time I was expecting the knock at the door to be said tuner, but instead it

During that session, he recovered numerous odd articles from within the piano, some of which I could blame on the kids. When he extracted a long-lost food item, I had to admit that probably fell under the realm of sketchy housekeeping. Finally, as the he was ﬁnishing up this particular appointment, my toddler daughter – who never coloured on the walls before or since – thought this was a great opportunity to make her mark. If this guy was writing a book, he could ﬁle this visit under the hillbilly chapter.

To be clear, this tuning service is incredibly professional and most diplomatic, something I appreciate greatly. Subsequent appointments have gone smoothly with delightful musical outcomes. Yet, the memories from that speciﬁc day are very motivating for me. I now do a pre-tuning sweep of the interior of the piano as well as a thorough living room clean. And I lock down the kids’ art supplies. And keep the liquor cabinet shut.

The general chaos around our ranch and home can make our life seem off key, but it’s nothing that some fine tuning can’t fix. That, and patience.

Break and Enter at Kee Sheet Metal in Kindersley

Between March 8th to March 14th, 2021, Kindersley RCMP responded to 38 calls for service*.

A break and enter at a local business on 9th Avenue highlights this week’s calls for service.

Late Sunday or early Monday morning thieves entered a local business and stole a safe, a cell phone, several rolls of copper wire and a van belonging to the business. The van was recovered. Kindersley RCMP continue to investigate, but are asking the public if they have information about,

or have video of a Kee Sheet Metal Plumbing and Heating van driving around late Sunday or early Monday morning to contact them.

Other calls for service included, but are not limited to, several traﬃc collisions, three failure to comply with a Probation Orders, one assault and three suspicious person ﬁles.

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. Online Crime Reporting can be accessed at: https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/saskatchewan.

*For more information on the calls to service please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment.

Sports with Bruce Penton

Leafs giving hope to long-suffering fans

Municipal planners in Toronto are getting an early start on arranging the Stanley Cup parade route, which will be held shortly after the Maple Leafs win their ﬁrst National Hockey League title since 1967.

“We don’t want to get caught oﬀ guard,” said one of the organizers. “We want to give our long-suﬀering fans plenty of advance notice about where they will be able to view their hockey heroes go by.

“We also expect Prime Minister Trudeau will want to have the Leaf team visit Parliament, and we expect he may want to give out a few Order of Canadas, too, depending on who scores the winning goal, etc.”

One day, the Leafs appear to be for real. The next, they look like the same ol’ Leafs that have endured a Stanley Cup drought since 1967.

Runaway leaders in the Scotia North Division, the Leafs got oﬀ to one of the best Western road trip starts imaginable in late February and early March. They skated into Edmonton, playing the high-powered Oilers three times in four nights, and not

only won all three, but they won them with a combined score of 13-1. Oh, by the way, coach Sheldon Keefe was without his best player, Auston Mathews, for the first two of those games, and used three different goaltenders — Jack Campbell in the opener; Michael Hutchinson in the middle game; and No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen in the finale.

But when one sees Dr. Jekkyl, you know Mr. Hyde is not far behind.

Four losses in ﬁve games followed, two in Vancouver and two of three games at home vs. Winnipeg. Parade plans, however, continued unabated. If nothing else, Toronto fans are true beLeafers.

Toronto is getting scoring from all four of its lines, but is led by Mitch Marner and Matthews, both rolling along at better than a point per game. John Tavares and William Nylander are also among the league leaders. Playing surprisingly eﬀective roles are veterans Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton.

At one point, Toronto’s winning percentage was closing in on the .800 mark, considered either a) remarkable;

or b) indicative of a weak division. Winnipeg, Edmonton and Montreal are also generally regarded as Stanley Cup contenders, so for the Leafs to dominate as they did through the ﬁrst half bodes well for the rest of the season and the playoﬀs.

The millions of Leafs’ fans across the country are starting to get giddy, thinking about the championship possibilities and for the ﬁrst time in a long while, their enthusiasm has genuine merit. As for that parade, organizers say it’ll start on Yonge Street and work its way ….

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel, after Nets guard James Harden — who forced a trade out of Houston

— said he hoped Rocket fans would show him ‘some love’ upon his recent return: “Yes, James, and I hope to have a pouﬀy head of hair like Bruno Mars, a sculpted physique like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and the entrepreneurial skills of Jeﬀ Bezos, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “In honour of the (competitive curling season), the top ﬁve curling rock acts: 5. Kiss; 4. Crowded House; 3. Ice-T; 2. The Jam; 1. The Rolling Stones.”

• Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade, on animal rights activists’ opposition to declaring rodeo to be Alberta’s national sport: “They ﬁgure if you’re going to pay homage to a bunch of big, dumb animals that work for no more than eight seconds a day, why not the Calgary Flames?”

• Rob Vanstone of the Regina Leader-Post, on Twitter, after it was announced the XFL, fronted by Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, and the CFL were planning preliminary talks about a potential working arrangement: “Today’s news demonstrates that the CFL is caught between a Rock

and a hard place.”

• Lou Brown, on Twitter, trying to analyze on-course woes of Rory McIlroy: “Rory needs to ditch his Peloton, his self-help reading list and his Trackman and get back to his roots. Because right now, he looks like Hendrix trying to read sheet music.”

• Headline at the theonion. com: “Duke Basketball Attempts To Lure Bronny James By Oﬀering To Help Family With Rent, Utilities”

• Headline at fark.com: “Texas Rangers to open Globe Death Field at full capacity of 40,000 for season opener.”

• Gary Bachman, via Facebook, on Russian bodybuilder Kirill ‘Popeye’ Tereshin facing a bunch of surgical repairs after injecting his arms with petroleum jelly to make his muscles bulge: “Wouldn’t it have been much safer just to eat lots of spinach?”

• Patti Dawn Swansson again, on the remarkably intact, ﬁrst-century chariot unearthed in Italy: “Although they don’t know what to make of the Tom Brady rookie card stuck in the spokes.”

Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

Establishing a baseline for methane emissions before implementing reductions

SASKATOON – If you have to make cuts, shouldn’t you know where you’re starting from before you swing the axe? How can you possibly cut something if you don’t know where you’re starting from? These are key points as the provincial and federal governments move to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.

Methane is a key greenhouse gas, and is the principal component of natural gas.

From the provincial government’s perspec-

tive, it’s important to know just how much is being emitted in the ﬁrst place, before implementing emissions reductions.

That’s why, on March 15, the Government of Saskatchewan announced funding for two projects with the Saskatchewan Research Council, worth $500,000 in total.

It’s been an area of particular concern to Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre, who has been talking about this issues for many months now.

She said by phone from Saskatoon on March 16 that gas conservation makes common sense,

and Saskatchewan’s approach to reducing methane is less prescriptive than the federal government’s, but more eﬀective. Saskatchewan reached an equivalency agreement on methane reduction with the federal government last September. But what Saskatchewan has not been able to get out of the feds is a full explanation of how they got their numbers. The province has tried for a long time to ask Environment and Climate Change Canada for the data being used, and have only received portions of it.

Eyre spoke of frustrations with the federal government over data sharing. Noting it’s very technical, she said, “But now, which data do we rely on? Whose data do we rely on? That really plays into this, because, in terms of the federal data, we feel that Ottawa-centric science and studies that have been done haven’t even taken into account Saskatchewan’s characteristics, around our geology, and our reservoir’s uniqueness.”

“It’s something we must collaborate on, because if there are assump-

STAY FOR FREE CALEB VILLAGE - KINDERSLEY

tions being made about methane collections in the province of Saskatchewan, but the studies being relied on, have never looked at our speciﬁc plays and geological characteristics, we feel there’s a real issue,” Eyre said.

She pointed out that the forecasting model the federal government is using is based on assumptions that are not reﬂective of Saskatchewan’s realities. “But those parts are based on assumptions from studies that weren’t actually performed in Saskatchewan on actual oil and gas sites.”

Thus, the announcement on March 15 goes towards addressing these issues.

There are two projects. The ﬁrst, with a $300,000 contribution, will look at methane emissions in the heavy oil region of western Saskatchewan.

Mike Crabtree, president CEO of the Saskatchewan Research Council, said by phone from Saskatoon on March 16, “The ﬁrst one is really geared to getting an understanding of the baseline data on methane emissions in the province from heavy oil wells.”

It will start in the next few months to collect baseline data and evaluate it in cooperation with the Alberta-based Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC). He noted it’s an Alberta-Saskatchewan project, where the SRC will be providing speciﬁc support for the project.

“It’s about understanding what the emissions are from systems; the well, the flow line, and the tank being a classic one,” Crabtree said. “It’s about looking at these different systems, different types of heavy oil wells and systems and determining what their methane emissions profiles and creating that baseline data.”

Asked why just heavy oil, he pointed out Saskatchewan is predominantly a heavy oil-producing province, not a gas producing province. “I think that that is where the data needs most effort, in terms of coming back with an accurate emissions proﬁle,” he said.

tors. And I think that we, as a province, are uncomfortable with the level with the factors that those are that they’re not necessarily based on the systems that we’re operating.”

For example, their may be X number of tanks emitting Y amount of methane, so they want to see Z amount of reduction of emissions. Crabtree said, “What is the actual methane emissions from these types of these types of systems? So, let’s get a correct baseline, before we start talking about what the reduction of that baseline could or should be.”

The project will last about a year. That’s important, because weather factors, like temperature and atmospheric pressure, day and night, all impact emissions. There’s a diﬀerence between when the temperature is -40 C and + 40 C.

“We’re not going to obviously test every tank in the province, but we want to do is we want to make this study broad enough to be able to understand the diﬀerent types of systems that we’ve got in, Saskatchewan, and then start to apply some steps, in terms of numbers,” Crabtree said.

The gas-oil-ratio (GOR) from wells can be quite diﬀerent, ranging from a GOR of 1 or 2 to as much as 15.

“Now that is going to react diﬀerently in the day tanks. So, understanding what the gas oil ratio is, whether it’s day or night, what the outside pressure and temperature is, is also going to aﬀect what the what the ratio is,” Crabtree said.

Some of the infrastructure is connected to pipelines, and others are collected in tank and hauled by truck, all of which impacts methane emissions.

“Just saying this well has a GOR of 10, therefore all that gas is emitting through the tank, is erroneous,” he explained.

The technology for this monitoring exists.

“It’s a question of putting the process in place to establish these baselines,” he said.

Wide area network monitoring

new long range wide area network (LoRaWAN). This allows sensors to report their telemetry as far as 20 kilometres from a cell tower, meaning that much of southern Saskatchewan, including much of the oilpatch, would be within range.

“It’s based on the development of some new, very long range, low-powered chipsets,” Crabtree said. Adding they have very long battery life.

“In parallel to that, we and other folks have been developing ultra low power, long battery life sensor systems for things like H2S, methane, temperature, pressure, even things like ground salinity. So what we are seeing here is the opportunity to have a sensor net in key areas, both environmentally sensitive areas, and oil and gas, and in industrial areas, that can capture data 24/7.”

It could be something smaller than a shoebox, which could go on posts in the middle of a ﬁeld, attached to trees, stacks, or on oilﬁeld equipment.

“It raises the opportunity to create a fantastic integrated network of sensors that can look at everything from air pressure, weather, rainfall, through to both anthropogenic and natural sources of methane, hydrogen sulﬁde. You could put it on well sites that have been abandoned, and make sure you have no leaks of methane or salty water; these sorts of things,” Crabtree said.

The SRC is looking at building out prototypes.

“If they’re as eﬀective as we hope they are, then there will be a commercial build out of them. But certainly, we’ll be we’ll be building out the prototypes with the other members of the of this partnership.

“One of the really, really cool things about this is that this data net, this the sensor net, will bring in vast quantities of data. And we’re going to run that data through artiﬁcial intelligence,” he said, noting Microsoft Azure will come into play.”

The second project is a research and development project, he noted. “It’s not a slam-dunk.”

“The challenge here, when it comes down to it, is the federal government wants to apply the emission standards, but they taking a very broad brushstroke thing. They’re looking at the looking at the types of systems; tanks pumps, wells and applying fac-

In collaboration with SaskTel and private Saskatchewan oil and gas operators, the second portion, with $200,000 allocated, is meant to develop in expensive sensors that last an exceptionally long time on batteries, and are connected through SaskTel’s

The ﬁrst project will establish the baseline for the second project.

This all builds on work under the provincial Methane Action Plan (MAP) and the methane equivalency agreement signed with the federal government in September, 2020.

Eston Sheet Metal celebrates 40 years in business

Although Eston Sheet Metal has been a fixture in and around the Eston area since 1954, March 18th, 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of Eston Sheet Metal being owned and operated by Bill and Gwen Etter. It has been a family owned and operated venture ever since.

Walter Haubrich originally opened Eston Sheet Metal, as well as Kee Sheet Metal (KEE standing for Kindersley, Eston, Eatonia), and Bill began working for him right out of high school at the young age of 17. At the age of 22, life took him out to Alberta where he married the love of his life, Gwen, and they decided to move back to Eston.

In 1964, Eldon Minchin had purchased Eston Sheet Metal from Haubrich, and eventually in 1981, Etter and Rod Knight purchased it from him and ran it together until Rod decided to farm full time. In 2016 the Etters also purchased KEE Sheet Metal, and Mitch, Bill son has continued running the Eston shop, while Bill has been running the KEE shop.

Sheet Metal now has a prominent building on Railway Ave in Eston and specializes in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical, but they didn’t always start there. Many may remember when they were on

7th Avenue next to the old cement plant, and when they decided to add a lumber yard to their business and needed more space, they moved into the old Coop hardware store on Main Street, which now is home to Nics & Cuts. When they decided to close the lumber yard due to the economy in the early 1990’s, they moved into the building they are in today.

Over the years, they have started many apprentice opportunities for young individuals seeking a career in the trades, and have helped many of them complete their journeymen tickets. They also have completed large commercial projects in areas such as Lloydminster and Hudson Bay, but nothing beats serving in their own backyard. When Mitch noticed that the Eston & District Fire Department couldn’t operate properly during a recent power outage, he decided that Eston Sheet Metal would donate a generator so that the fire hall would never be unprepared during an emergency ever again. If the community needs help, you can often find Sheet Metal donating their time or resources in anyway they can.

40 years later, Eston Sheet Metal is still going strong, and hopefully will continue to do so for another 40 more.

Congratulations to Eston Sheet Metal on this amaz

ing milestone!

1) NW 6-32-23-W3rd 160 acres approximately Closing date for Tenders is April 2, 2021

• Highest tender or any tender not necessarily accepted.

• O ers must exclude G.S.T. or any other levies which may be payable by the purchaser.

• Purchasers must rely on their own research and inspection of the property.

• 10% of purchase price must accompany tender which will be returned if tender not accepted.

• Approximately $10,000 annual surface lease revenue from 3 wells;

• O ers should clearly state land description and total o er.

• Taxes for 10 acres are paid to Village of Coleville

Forward tender to:

The AGT Community Centre has a huge project that will be starting up. We will be replacing the ice surfaces in our skating and curling rinks, dasher board system and ice plant. We have some fundraisers that are taking place right now our big one is a virtual auction on April 17th which we are currently seeking donations for. The information on our project as well as fundraisers can be found at eston.ca/ice-surface-project/

The Eston Sheet Metal team!

| SUBMITTED PHOTO

Classiﬁeds

COMING EVENTS

Kindersley Regional Park Association Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:00 PM at the Kindersley Golf Course. AP6

FOR SALE

Need Excellent Extra Storage? 2-4200 bus. and 1-3800 bus Butler bins on H.D. “Prairie Steel” ﬂoors with skids. Asling $9250.00 or best oﬀer for all. 306-4637756. MR29

FOR RENT

ROOMS FOR RENT. $500. Includes all utilities. Call Tim Schuh at 306460-9292. tn

FOR RENT: 2 miles south of Eston on Hwy 30. $1000 per month. Call 1-306-962-7881. MR29

2 bedroom Adult Living Condo for rent in Kindersley. Close to downtown. 5 appliances, central vac and cable TV included. Call or text 306-4639598. MR29

WANTED

WANTED TO BUYHunting Riﬂes, Shotguns and Ammunition. Have permits. Call 463-7756 (Cell). MR29 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

Ph: 306-463-2511 • Fax: 306-463-6550 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 28 TO MARCH 6, 2021

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

ACROSS

1. Had bills 5. Type of bean 8. Opposite of east

WEEK OF MARCH 7 TO 13, 2021

ARIES At work, you’ll be happy to take on a new group of clients interested in your products and services. The abundance of work will also get you thinking about starting a new project.

TAURUS

A getaway may be planned at the last minute. You might also consider going to work in another region so you can enjoy new and more enriching experiences. A training course will prove beneficial.

GEMINI

When faced with a need for change, you’ll be guided by the little voice in your head that encourages you to live a life of passion and adventure. Doing so will allow you to broaden your horizons.

CANCER

You’ll slowly come across the right information to take your life in a new direction. You’ll find yourself full of enthusiasm and joy as you plan for the future.

WEEK OF MARCH 14 TO 20, 2021

ARIES

Your ambition and enthusiasm will allow you to grow your income. You’ll be able to afford to treat yourself. If you book a weeklong vacation, it will be a memorable experience.

TAURUS

To avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes to your finances, take the time to look over your bills. A mistake regarding a sum of money might have been made and could cause a major inconvenience.

GEMINI

It’s important to think long and hard before you embark on a new adventure that’ll change your daytoday life. New options will become apparent as the week unfolds.

CANCER

You’ll receive invitations to participate in an array of activities, each more exciting than the last. However, don’t forget to make time to rest and relax.

LEO

WEEK OF MARCH 21 TO 27, 2021

ARIES

If it’s time to renew your lease, you’ll start looking into the option of moving or even buying a property in the near future. You’ll develop an increased sense of comfort.

TAURUS

You’ll need to watch what you say, as you’re likely to be misunderstood. At home, you’ll want to repaint or deep clean as a way to clear your mind.

GEMINI

Stores have already begun to advertise sales for their spring clothes, and you won’t be able to resist updating your wardrobe. You’ll be able to treat yourself.

CANCER

You’ll start the week convinced that you can conquer the world and go on an incredible adventure. You’ll have no shortage of ideas, and you’ll propose some great initiatives at work and at home.

LEO

You’ll have to deal with people who are all talk and no action.

Disastrous

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

13. Fruited pastry 14. Pivot 15. Milky stone 16. The works 17. Advancement 18.

You certainly appreciate the financial stability and independence that your job provides. With the salary earned, you’ll be able to travel and explore.

LEO At work, you’ll have to negotiate with a few different groups to reach an agreement following a tense situation. You’ll likely play a role in your community or work union.

VIRGO

At work, as well as among your family and friends, you’ll be in charge of organizing a largescale event. It’ll be quite a challenge to plan. You’ll also be asked to get involved in your community.

VIRGO

After a period of confusion, stagnation and downright chaos, you’re ready for action. You need a change, and with better weather on the horizon, you’ll prepare yourself for various outdoor activities.

VIRGO

Sure-Fire Streaming: The best in TV and ﬁlm from your living room

LIBRA

Professionally, you’ll experience success when dealing with a group or the government. In terms of your health, you’ll be surprised by the treatment you receive to resolve a longstanding problem.

You’ll embrace a form of spirituality that will allow you to have a more active social life and meet interesting people. You’ll form new friendships and improve your wellbeing.

LIBRA

Fatigue and stress might be building up, so let yourself be pampered by those close to you, especially your significant other. You have every right to be spoiled by the people you love.

BY JORDAN PARKER h ps://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/

Centigrade – Available On Netﬂix

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.

When I heard about the plot for Centigrade, I have to be honest. I shrugged it oﬀ immediately and went about my day.

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.

And yet, when it came up on Netﬂix, something drew me to it anyway. The bare-bones story of a married couple who become trapped in their frozen vehicle brings more to the table than you’d ever imagine.

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

Director Brendan Walsh creates a claustrophobic, tense atmosphere as these two people – who stopped on a highway to sleep overnight – ﬁnd their car covered in packed in snow after a blizzard.

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.

They struggle to survive and begin to turn on each other as they try to overcome their circumstances. It’s not highart, but as an interesting character study with a tense atmosphere, it works well.

AQUARIUS

You don’t always enjoy being in the spotlight. However, when you accomplish a major feat, it’s normal to want to receive ap plause and be the focus of every one’s attention for a while.

You’ll start seriously looking into

CAPRICORN

the last Blockbuster stays open.

You might start compulsively shopping. You’ll also feel a strong urge to get moving and experience new things. Be careful not to drain your bank account.

But mostly, this is a trip down memory lane that will make you yearn for those aisles and the smell of Orville Redenbacher, and that’s a good, bittersweet experience.

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.

The Last Blockbuster– Available On Netﬂix

This documentary encapsulated the nostalgic feeling I get every time I see a big, glorious blue and yellow Blockbuster logo.

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.

It takes us from the origins of the video giant retailer to the fall through time, and it’s a really incredible examination of what, exactly, has led to the demise of Blockbuster.

As the ﬁnal Blockbuster in America, in Bend, Oregon, operates on a shoestring budget, the manager and her family give unfettered access to their lives.

We’re able to learn all about how things like streaming and Netﬂix affected things, where things could have gone in a diﬀerent direction, and how

The Secrets We Keep – Available On Prime Video

It’s important that you take enough time to rest so that you can start the week off on the right foot. You’ll need all the sleep you can get to be efficient and up to the task at hand.

This is a really dark, odd ﬂick that I saw on a whim, but I was pretty glad I did.

PISCES

You’ll be very creative. You’ll likely draw inspiration from dif ferent cultures or ways of life to create a masterpiece. As fatigue creeps up on you, you’ll start to plan a vacation to get away from it all.

It follows a housewife in post-WWII America who kidnaps her neighbour and holds him in her basement.

She believes he’s a Nazi who committed war crimes against her, and though he is steadfast she has the wrong man, she cannot be convinced otherwise.

Her husband – unwitting about her previous tragic struggles – tries to keep an even keel and sift between truth and fantasy as he adapts to the situation.

It’s a great acting showcase for Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman and Chris Messina, and it’s a slow-burn, well-paced thriller.

You’ll finally get your priorities straight this week. You’ll end a long period of procrastination and set in motion some muchneeded changes.

LIBRA

It’s a pretty adult-themed ﬁlm, but if you want high-brow entertainment, this might be the one for you.

SCORPIO

The American – Available On Netﬂix

You’ll receive invitations to participate in a variety of activities. If you’re single, several admirers will get creative as they vie for your attention and try to impress you.

You and your partner will talk about taking a vacation, which will encourage you to learn more about certain destinations that you’ve been interested in for a long time.

It’s an incredibly slow picture, and it takes its absolute time, but The American represents a slick, involving thriller.

George Clooney stars as an assassin hiding out in Italy as he preps for his swan song assignment.

SAGITTARIUS

SCORPIO

You’ll be enthusiastic about completing a new project. You have a rebellious streak, and you’re a person of action who likes to take on new challenges. Your whole family will support you.

If you have concerns about your health, take the time to visit your doctor and have the necessary tests done. Either everything will be fine, or you’ll receive extraordinary care that’ll allow you to quickly heal.

But as can be expected, things don’t all go according to plan, and he ﬁnds himself ﬁghting for his freedom.

The supporting performances from Paolo Bonacelli and Violante Placido are great, but make no mistake. This is Clooney’s movie, and it’s an excellent showcase for the actor.

CAPRICORN

SAGITTARIUS

You may very well start to feel some seasonal fatigue. Once you spot a discount, it won’t take much to convince you to plan a lastminute getaway.

CAPRICORN

At work, your willingness to take the initiative will help you reach a longterm agreement with certain people. This will ease most of your financial concerns and help you eliminate a few debts.

If for no other reason, see it for Clooney, as it’s one of his most subtly interesting roles in years.

AQUARIUS

The Big Sick – Available On Prime Video

Either at home or at the office, a number of compromises must be made to restore the peace. You’ll need to work on your patience if you want to get through a mindboggling situation.

As far as romantic comedies go, it really doesn’t get much better than the endlessly stunning and surprising The Big Sick.

PISCES

It follows a Pakistan-born comedian and grad student who meet and fall for each other. But cultural ideals threaten to pull them apart.

Are you overzealous? There are days when you need to respect your limits. Remember to consider your own needs before you commit to helping others. A family member may prove to be demanding.

Things hit a breaking point when student Emily gets sick with a mystery illness, and Kumail is forced to reconcile with the fact he feels real adoration for her.

He pushes and clashes with her family as he attempts to be there for her, and pushes against his own parents, who feel Emily isn’t right for their son.

It’s a hilarious, tear-jerking, tonally incredible movie that will take you all over the place. But it’s so worth it. What an incredible gem it is.

Catching up with your friends is in order, but be sure to avoid crowds if the situation is unsafe. You’ll finally have the motivation to tackle tasks you’ve been putting off for a while.

AQUARIUS

A major promotion awaits you at work. However, you should expect to take on more responsibility right off the bat. In your love life, you’ll see clear signs of a commitment.

PISCES

Don’t be afraid to make a change in your professional life. Even if you need to sign up for a training course that’ll eat into your busy schedule, it’ll be well worth it in the end.

People often ask me why I wanted to be a ﬁlm editor. Well, to cut a long story short.

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS AND PISCES

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: ARIES, TAURUS AND GEMINI

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LIBRA, SCORPIO AND SAGITTARIUS

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CANCER, LEO AND VIRGO

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Hering, Jacob Henry December 29, 1935 – March 11, 2021

The family of Jacob (Jack) Hering is saddened to announce his passing on March 11, 2021 at Stensrud Lodge in Saskatoon, SK. Jack was born on December 29, 1935 in Neilburg, SK. and was the eldest child of Fritz & Elsie Hering. His family moved to a farm north of Kerrobert where Jack attended a one room country school. Later

the family moved to Kerrobert and he graduated in 1952. Jack worked in farm and automotive mechanics and eventually established his career in the oilﬁeld working as operator, then maintenance and ending his 37-year career as foreman.

In 1962 Jack married Marilyn Thompson and was later blessed with 2 daughters. Many friendships were made curling in Oilmen’s bonspiels over the years. Jack also enjoyed slo-pitch, ﬁshing trips with friends, and camping. In his retirement Jack enjoyed travel, pets and his 4 grandsons. Family was always important to Jack and he provided loving guidance to his children and grandchildren. Jack & Marilyn moved to Saskatoon in 2014 and enjoyed their years at Preston Park Retirement Residence. In December 2020 Jack became a resident at Stensrud Lodge. His family is grateful for the exceptional care he received there during the pandemic.

Jack is lovingly remembered by Marilyn his wife of 58 years; his daughters, Stacey (Dan) Tischler and Joanne (Jack) Brown; grandsons, Carter, Austin, Dawson and Colin; sisters, Helen and MaryAnn (Neil); sisters-in-laws, Loret and Lil; brother-in-law, Bob; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fritz and Elsie; brother, David; and in-laws, Chuck and Mona Thompson.

Jack’s message for family and friends: “Even though I have often failed, I have always tried to set a good example for you. I love you and your families and I hope your life has been as rewarding as mine.”

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date when restrictions are eased.

Words of sympathy and condolences may be left at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (306-244-5577).

by Stephan Torre

“Red Obsidian”

Published by University of Regina Press

Review by Shelley A. Leedahl

Effective poetry is difficult to write. That’s the bottomline, and it’s why I’m so excited about the polished and effectual work inside BC poet Stephan Torre’s Red Obsidian, a recent collection of “New and Selected Poems” (selected from Man Living on a Side Creek and Iron Fever). Perhaps it’s no small coincidence that this latest book was edited by Randy Lundy, who’s also published in the press’s Oksana Poetry & Poetics Book Series, and whose work I greatly admire: both writers construct poems that radiate with energy.

Torre’s poems straddle the contentious fence between industry and environmentalism. They’re filled with the vernacular of tree-felling and farming; of the beautiful, raw and disappearing landscapes he’s called home along the Pacific Northwest in Canada and the US; and with the birds, fish and animals he’s shared these wild rural and coastal lo-

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cales with. He laments the capitalistic fervour that reduces shorelines to realtors’ signs, and though he’s lived mostly off-grid, he ponders his own part in it, ie: how he “drove deeper, and drove away/antelope and eagles from their spring nesting,/eager to rip up sage and greasewood, hack out a spread/like western books I’d read.” The powerful “Those Mornings, Big Sur” describes an idealistic – if naive - lifestyle, where “we climbed up through coyote bush/to raise our kids in a blaze of redtails” but in the next stanza he speaks of “factory ships flushing their bilges,/ the old-growth forest piled high/ on the barge decks” and “our dream coast hacked and hauled off for sushi/while folk music played/in our cabins, and we believed/our muddy roads would keep out the world.”

These poems are populated with saws, chains, oil, acid, dust, smoke, shadows, ruts and barbwire, but also reverence for trees and birds, like the raven who “hauls/morning’s smoky hide” and the marsh hawk “carving the hour.” There’s the gem of a raven “splitting the air with its sarcastic laugh/mocking the fever of our need.” Torre’s ﬁne ear obliges us to hear the destruction of the land and resources, but he’s equally adept at conveying the other senses, too, ie: “Cool odour of crushed fruit, sawdust/like a blast of wheat/through my ribs;” “Our eyes burned like gasoline;” and “We could taste the river on our lips”.

This skilled poet utilizes a terrific variety of structures for his poems, including quatrains and tercets. When he writes in couplets his work occasionally resembles ghazals, ie: “Cattle scratch their lice under the eaves/until the grey house collapses.” Some poems cross several pages – like the veritable anti-greed anthem, “We Went Out to Make Hay”while the shortest are merely five lines. Torre’s also included love poems, but don’t expect the Hallmark variety: for him, love is “tasting mountains/for the first time”.

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These new and re-introduced poems are highly visual, political, and empathetic: “We went out to set chokers around the great spruce/while red squirrels yelled down/through the hail of cones”. Hail to the squirrels, the glaciers, “migrating tundra swans” and the “sweet and bitter berries” Torre eﬀectively employs.