News Optimist May 2

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Budget revised

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Garden Chat

2 City approves Winter Games agreement

News

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Celebrating Canada 150 with a maple

Tough start at WCC for BNS

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Australian pilot remembered

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Volume 109 No. 39

In the news this week

North Battleford, Sask.

Staff Once again, the City’s budget has been at the forefront of council discussions.

The latest developments in the ongoing saga saw Council

unanimously approve an additional three per cent “Government of Saskatchewan Downloading Fee” to property taxes.

The increase is expected to come into effect sometime in May,

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

after further approval of the taxation bylaw.

The increase in taxes will also be met with decreases and delays to capital and operating expenditures by the City.

For the full extent of changes to the budget,

see John Cairns’ story on Page 2.

The North Stars are facing tough opposition at the Western Canada Cup following their Canalta Cup championship.

For more on this story turn to Page 8.

Built for Speed Cassidy King of Wainwright, Alta. powers her way around the North Battleford Civic Centre Friday night as she competed in the junior girls barrel racing event during the 47th edition of the Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo. It was another busy weekend for the popular event, which saw packed houses for all three days of rodeo action. For more sights from the rodeo, be sure to check this Thursday’s edition of the Regional Optimist. Photo by Lucas Punkari

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PAGE 2 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Revised budget with 3% tax increase approved

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

North Battleford city council has passed a wide range of measures to address a nearly $1.4 million shortfall in the city budget.

A three per cent tax increase, as well as cuts and delays to capital and operating budget items were included among the changes.

City Manager Jim Puffalt outlined the changes in a memo to council Monday, which received council’s approval.

Here is a complete rundown of the changes to the city budget approved Monday night: As expected, the biggest impact felt by residents will be a further increase to property taxes, on top of the increases that were already approved in December and January.

Council approved a three per cent tax increase, which will go on property tax notices as a separate line item.

Puffalt called it the “Government of Saskatchewan Downloading Fee.” “This one seems to be the most reasonable way to describe to people why we’re being forced to do the three percent,” said Puffalt, “not because we want to.”

That will cover $400,000 in revenue generation.

Also coming are parking tickets increases of $10 each (estimated to raise $50,000), an increase in standard and rush criminal records checks by $15 ($25,000), and raising an additional $25,000 from vacant property taxation.

In addition, many cuts and delays are coming to capital and operating expenditures in the city.

Some $110,000 has been pared from the operating and capital budgets for utilities, and another $415,000 is being pared from capital projects.

Among the capital purchases for 2017 that are on hold are a $150,000 tandem truck, $28,000 on mowers,

$75,000 on the David Laird campground expansion, plus another $15,000 on shower upgrades, $50,000 on the 13th-15th Avenue walking trail, and $80,000 for a new loader.

In addition, a total of $408,000 is being saved from the general fund in operating expenditures that are being delayed or cancelled. Included in that number is the elimination of seven staff positions with the city which are being eliminated or delayed, all through attrition. Other departments seeing work delays are leisure services and the RCMP. Speaking to reporters, Mayor Ryan Bater made clear his frustration with having to put off even more projects.

The projects have “been delayed for a very long time already, and now they’re going to be delayed further,” he said.

During the meeting, city administration also outlined four revisions to the planning and development budget as well.

The $65,000 set aside to formalize downtown parking is being repurposed.

According to Puffalt, with construction of the new theatre coming up, it is not an opportune time for parking lot construction to happen. Instead, the money for 2017 will pay for environmental testing done in the King Street Station area, the proposed location for the new theatre. Parking lot formalization will come back as a budget item for 2018.

Also delayed is $50,000 for a golf course service line, a budgeted $110,000 towards a Pioneer Trail walking path, and the budgeted $910,000 to complete roadwork. A signalized intersection on Carlton Trail is being delayed to next year, as a master plan for the area must be completed in the meantime.

An amount of $195,000 is needed in 2017 for the master plan, with the other

$715,000 delayed to 2018 and put towards completion of the project.

The approach taken by administration in crafting the changes was to divide the burden on a one-third basis, so that the cuts to operations and to capital projects, as well as the tax increase, would be shared on an equal one-third basis.

“The intent was not to place the entire burden of this $1.4 million onto the taxpayer,” said Bater, “nor to place the entire burden of it onto a loss of services or capital projects, but to balance it out among the three, and council seems comfortable with that approach.”

A motion to approve the changes outlined in Puffalt’s memo to council carried unanimously, but it was not without considerable discussion.

The main concern was whether or not the budget changes needed to be approved entirely that evening.

There was some concern expressed by Councillor Kelli Hawtin about whether more consultation was needed with the public before approving the three per cent tax increase.

She wondered whether that proposal should be tabled to a later meeting. But councillors ultimately opted to approve all the budget revisions that evening, coming to the view there was still plenty of time to consult with the public on the tax increase before it comes into full effect.

“The three per cent levy doesn’t happen until council approves the taxation bylaw, which we expect will come to us sometime in May,” said Bater.

Bater also stressed this latest increase could not be put off until next year.

“If we don’t do the property tax increase this year, we’re faced with an even bigger burden next year.”

Those are not all the changes approved Monday.

Council unanimously votes in favor of the budget revisions at Monday night’s meeting, including an additional three per cent “Government of Saskatchewan Downloading Fee” to be added to property taxes. Photo by John Cairns

In a separate resolution, council also agreed to notify the province it would no longer accept provincial prisoners at the North Battleford jail unless an agreement could be reached by June 30 on funding for those, with payment retroactive to Jan. 1.

Provincial prisoners are those who’ve gone to court and been remanded to the province. The city had been negotiating with the province on the issue for two years, City Manager Jim Puffalt had indicated, and those talks had gone nowhere.

In six other municipalities, the municipalities are paid to provide jail cells for their prisoners, but not in North Battleford.

“We think that we need to be a little more stringent,” said Puffalt, and that “something has to change.”

This move is estimated to save the city an estimated $750,000.

As well, council passed another resolution where they agreed to notify the Government of Saskatchewan that the fee to provide firefighting services to Saskatchewan Hospital will increase by 100 percent, effective April 1. Puffalt said costs have gone up substantially for that service.

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unnamed city building and building amenities, facilities and parks.

Finally, the city is considering what could be a controversial move outside the city: determining how many customers are outside the city who use specialized facilities, and whether it was feasible or practical to charge an additional fee for those users.

Puffalt indicated that was something he wanted to explore further. “It’s completely unfair that city of North Battleford taxpayers fund the Aquatic Centre, the Field House, 50 percent, and everybody else is able to use it at the same fees and not use property taxes to subsidize services,” he said.

Despite Puffalt’s comments, the city is a long way from decisions on that issue. Puffalt pledged to come back in the fall with data on where the users are coming from.

Throughout Monday’s meeting, City officials were once again directing their frustration at the provincial government.

Puffalt once again voiced outrage about the province’s “very unfair” decision to take away Sask Power/Sask Energy payments in lieu to the city. He continued to call it a breach of contract.

He also expressed outrage over the provincial Bill 64, which he said took away the municipalities’ rights to fight against this move in court.

“I find that very unfair, and almost vindictive to be quite honest with you,” said Puffalt.

There was also similar frustration expressed over a lack of consultation to the municipalities. Council had received correspondence from Laurent Mougeot, CEO of SUMA, asking the province when they would provide details and notification on the official impacts of the discontinuation of payments in lieu.

That prompted an outraged Bater to point out the City of North Battleford hadn’t received any official notification, either.

“Have we actually received any official correspondence from the province?” Bater asked. Puffalt responded they had not.

While there was a lot

of anger at the council table, there was a desire expressed for more direct dialogue with the province on alternatives.

The city is proposing the provincial government adopt an alternative policy option to the cut in payments in lieu: by placing a one per cent surcharge on all SaskPower and SaskEnergy bills in the province.

That was the same proposal that Councillor Greg Lightfoot proposed to finance minister Kevin Doherty during the postbudget breakfast meeting in late March put on by the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.

The City estimates that could generate an estimated $29 million for the province and allow the level of payments in lieu to cities to be maintained.

“I think council has to take a leadership role and somebody has to say something to the province,” Puffalt said.

Councillors supported the call for direct communication.

Councillor Len Taylor made clear the impacts from the budget would be long lasting.

“We can’t let people think this is a short term thing,” said Taylor. He said perhaps there would be “bigger decisions” in store for 2018.

He said the cities “can’t be quiet” about this and supported direct communication with the government.

Taylor also noted the province was willing to admit it made a mistake in cutting library funding, referencing the announcement made earlier that day

by Education Minister Don Morgan to restore funding that was previously cut in the budget.

“The province should be willing to listen to municipalities and say ‘we might have been wrong there, too,” said Taylor.

Lightfoot agreed with Taylor, and pointed out 109 municipalities were seeing their revenues impacted while 677 were not.

“All the government is doing by this is passing the buck,” said Lightfoot, who added “what they are doing is downloading, downloading onto municipalities. It is very unfair, and just not right.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 3

“Talking with kids about money” presentation

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Grade 7 students from Light of Christ School Division got to learn some practical tips about how to handle their money last Wednesday.

It was the annual “Talk with our kids about money” presentation, which took place at Notre Dame school and Holy Family school in North Battleford, but included students from other schools as well.

This year’s events in North Battleford were organized by Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, with national sponsor Scotiabank providing the presentation

to students. Various local sponsors participated as well.

Chamber President Warren Williams and Nicole Suberlak, branch manager of Scotiabank, took part in the presentation.

Students learned a number of tips on the importance of saving money, on differentiating between your “wants” and your “needs”, how to open a bank account, and how to manage your personal finances.

The most popular parts of the event, though, was the pizza provided for lunch, as well as the prize draw for a mini iPad for one lucky student in attendance.

Students at Notre Dame school dive into the pizza provided after a presentation on money management. Photos by John Cairns

Chamber of Commerce President Warren Williams (right) and Scotiabank Branch Manager Nicole Suberlak are pictured drawing the winner of the iPad.

City approves tripartite agreement

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Things continue to move at a fast pace towards the Saskatchewan 2018 Winter Games.

On Monday night, two major items that came to council, one of which was the completed Tripartite Agreement between the city, the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games North Battleford Inc., and the Sask. Games Council, which was approved by council later on in the meeting.

Among the terms is to permit the games corporation to use City facilities for the purpose of carrying on the Winter Games.

That means the city will pay all maintenance and staff costs for the facilities and not charge a rental fee to the corporation, among other things.

The city is also responsible for any deficit in capital or operating expenditures incurred by the corporation in promoting,

organizing and conducting the Games.

A resolution to authorize the mayor and City clerk to authorize the tripartite agreement passed unanimously.

The other major item was the presentation from Games committee co-chair Rob Rongve, finance chair Derek Sieben and games manager Nicole Clow, of the Games’ budget to the City.

It was Sieben who presented a Games budget that came in at $1,789,841.45.

That is the total expenditures expected.

As for money coming in, total revenue is estimated at $889,141, with $770,000 directly from the Sask. Games Council. It’s also expected that revenue from admissions, merchandise and liquor sales would be $264,500 (based on estimates from and Sask. Games Legacy Project club), matching funds would be $113,000.

That would leave another $527,641.45 still to be

Break and enter on 109th Staff

Nicole Clow, Derek Sieben (at the podium) and Rob Rongve made their presentation Monday night at North Battleford council on the budget for the Winter Games. Photo by John Cairns

raised through fundraising and other means.

The Winter Games budget was unanimously approved by council.

Councillor Kelli Hawtin asked where this budget stood compared to previous Games. Clow, who has been manager of the Estevan games, noted it was “pretty much on par” to previous years.

Rongve gave an update on the planning process.

The week before, a lease

agreement was signed with Living Sky School Division with NBCHS for them to house the athlete’s village.

Some of the bigger contracts have been awarded, including busing and sound and production contracts for the opening ceremonies.

Also, a fund is being created through the Battlefords and District Community Foundation, which will allow personal donations to be received for the Winter Games.

Battlefords RCMP responded to 89 calls for service over the time period Wednesday, April 20, 6 a.m. to Thursday, April 21, 6 a.m., including but not limited to the following: 7:07 a.m. – Report of a break and enter on the 1400 block of 109th Street. No one was present at the residence at the time. Damage was done to the inside dry wall with bottles thrown around, police arrested five people who were involved.

3:21 p.m.– Complaint of theft from a local motel, stolen were cans and bottles from the recycling.

There is video surveillance of the incident. The matter under investigation.

3:54 p.m. – While conducting a traffic stop, police located an unregistered vehicle which in turn was stolen from Prince Albert. The owner was notified, vehicle occupant arrested and charged.

6:27 p.m. – Report of vehicle tires stolen out of back of truck on the 600 block of 99th St. Tires described as 33 inch Good Year Durtrek KX Series with 18 inch rims, matter under investigation.

Police responded to 85 other calls for service including Provincial and Criminal Code Statutes.

If you have information about these crimes, please contact the Battleford’s RCMP at 306-446-1720 or call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Commentary

All the food we eat has been modified by humans The world of food marketing is full of deception.

The truth is there is very little that’s ‘natural’ about our food, but that doesn’t make it dangerous

By Robert Wager “All natural” is a food marketer’s delight. Customers love it, the words generate positive thoughts, and there’s no official definition or standard at all. It means whatever you want it to.

That’s why so many food products have the word “natural” somewhere prominent on their labels. The word sells product and represents a free-for-all for marketers, especially those more concerned about sales than truth.

With the exception of wild mushrooms, berries and game, all the food we eat has been modified by humans.

Have you ever seen a wild cow? No, because they don’t exist. Humans created cows by manipulating the genetics of now-extinct wild aurochs.

Wild corn called teosinte, which grows as a weed in Mexico, has cobs five-centimetres long with seeds hard as a rock.

There are many types of wild potatoes in mountainous South America, all poisonous. Only when humans

eliminated the poison by deliberate selection did we turn potatoes into food.

The truth is there’s very little natural about our food.

Most people are two or three generations removed from the farm, so have little knowledge of how food is produced. This lack of knowledge allows for marketing campaigns that make the buyer feel warm and fuzzy about their purchase or try to scare the consumer away from the competitors’ products. The latter is called fear marketing.

By far the most widespread fear marketing these days is against food derived from genetically engineered (GE) crops (also known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs). The science began in the 1970s with the first movement of genes between bacteria.

Since then, the science has advanced and a variety of GE crops help produce more food with less environmental impact.

Not everyone agrees GE crops are a good thing. The natural (or alternative) food industry has spent billions of dollars trying to convince the public that GE crops

and foods from them are dangerous. And with the public becoming keenly interested in their food supply, many media have responded with fear-generating stories about GMOs. But the tide is slowly turning. One after another, national food safety authorities, health authorities and academies of science have stated clearly that GE crops and derived foods are safe. Now almost every story on GMOs will have a quote from a recognized authority like this one from the World Health Organization: “The GM products that are currently on the international market have all passed risk assessments conducted by national authorities. These assessments in general follow the same basic principles, including an assessment of environmental and human health risk.

These assessments are thorough and have not indicated any risk to human health.”

Because it’s becoming harder for fear marketers to claim that GMOs represent a health threat, opponents have shifted to the environment. “GE crops are causing environmental harm,” they claim, “and we should all buy ‘naturally grown food.’” They love to talk about “sustainable farming,” another term that is poorly defined and often means different things to different people.

More than 20 years of GE crop growing on millions of farms has meant the accumulation of a wealth of environmental data. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in the United States looked at the sustainability of GE crops and stated, “In general, the committee finds that genetic-engineering technology has produced substantial net environmental and economic benefits to U.S. farmers compared with non-GE crops in conventional agriculture.”

There will be 10 billion people on the planet soon and we’ll need to produce more food on the same or less land in more sustainable ways. The real science is clear: GE crops can and will help.

No amount of fear marketing can change that fact.

— Robert Wager has been a member of the biology department at Vancouver Island University for 22 years. His research focuses on public outreach about genetically engineered crops and derived foods. www.troymedia.com

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the NewsOptimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or e-mailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

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Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 5

JP II and EMBM get down to the nitty gritty Staff John Paul II teacher Rhea Good recently introduced students to Bokashi composting.

As the functional integration teacher, Good has made it her mission to broaden her students horizons when it comes to daily living.

The Bokashi method intrigued Good when she came across the composting process last fall.

With no smell, fruit flies and all perfectly contained, it seemed like

the answer. Later, Tammy MacCormack, environmental manager for the City of North Battleford, did a presentation at John Paul II Collegiate to get the project started.

Since then, the program has expanded beyond the functional integrated program classroom, with coffee grounds being collected from the JP staff room. Light of Christ school division’s central office is also participating by contributing their coffee grounds.

Teachers Dana Alexander, Deanna Poitras, and Principal Theo Masich at EMBM have started their own Bokashi cycle to create organic fertilizer for their school’s garden club.

Going into the spring season, the Bokashi team from JP will be doing three presentations at the Territorial Mall May 4 from 3:30-6 p.m. and May 5 from 2-3:15 p.m.

Discovery Co-op will be a local distributor for starter kits for a Bokashi project.

Above, the Bokashi composting group from John Paul II Collegiate stands with the first pail of fermented organic matter to add to the Community Garden Plot on Gagne Avenue.

Far left, John Paul II student Harley Melko, currently enrolled in a work experience placement at EMBM, is part of the Bokashi composting project. Left, a student works on a Bokashi container. The Bokashi composting method has been used by John Paul II since the fall of 2016 and has been expanding ever since. Photos submitted

Boys and Girls Club receives donation from Battlefords & District Community Foundation Submitted

Board members and staff of Battlefords Boys and Girls Club accept the annual donation from Battlefords & District Community Foundation. Left to right, Bernie Etcheverry, Jane Kenney, Jaylene Foulston, Molly Pederson, Darcy Woolfitt, Neil Goerget, Ian Hamilton, Heath Gabruch and Nicole Combres. Photo submitted

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The Battlefords Boys and Girls Club recently received grants from the Edwards Irwin Fund and the Caring for Kids Fund. These funds were created at Battlefords and District Community Foundation (BDCF) to provide annual support for programming at the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club. This year’s amount was over $7,000.

The donors who established each fund wanted a way for their one-time donation to make a difference every year. Their donations were invested in the stock market and annual income is distributed as a grant to the club.

BDCF creates endowed funds by investing donor gifts and providing annual grants from the investment income. These funds support many different sectors from sport to culture to health care. There are also post-secondary scholarships with a grant cycle in the spring of each year.

BDCF distributed over $35,000 in community grants and scholarships last year.

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PAGE 6 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Take Back Downtown action plan begins

Because of a temporary newsroom staff shortage, this feature is not available this week.

Watch for its return in the coming weeks.

Softwood lumber the latest issue for Ritz to deal with Staff

The latest hot issue for international trade critic Gerry Ritz to deal with: softwood lumber disputes.

News that the U.S. Department of Commerce had imposed countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports had Ritz as well as Randy Hoback, Official Opposition Critic for Canada-US Relations, steaming.

But their outrage was directed not so much at President Donald Trump, but at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“The Liberal government has failed forestry workers, their families and whole communities by not securing a new

softwood lumber agreement. With the imposition of duties that average about 20 per cent, the Liberals now admit that their failure will inevitably lead to job losses in Canada,” said Ritz in a joint statement.

In their news release, the Conservatives claimed that negotiating a new softwood lumber agreement “has never been a priority for Justin Trudeau and his government.” They said those working in Canada’s forests and mills deserved stability and predictability from the government.

The government was also accused of inaction that would cost thousands of rural Canadians

their jobs. Ritz and Hoback said companies like the First Nations-owned sawmill NorSask Forest Products barely survived the last dispute and would be hit hard by more countervailing duties and antidumping duties expected as soon as June.

Ritz and Hoback added the provinces have lost trust in the Liberal government and started to appoint their own envoys to the US. “For a government that likes to pretend to stand up for middle class Canadians, the Liberals clearly have no plan to protect thousands of well-paying forestry jobs that will be lost under their watch.”

Individual rescued after jumping off bridge Staff North Battleford Fire Department reports they used a rescue boat to respond to a situation where an individual jumped from the old bridge between Battleford and North Battleford on Friday.

The call came in around 5:09 pm. AccordCheck out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca

ing to the fire department, the RCMP had made a request for water support.

Before the boat was launched, the individual had jumped from the bridge. The rescue boat was then used to retrieve the individual from the water.

The rescue took place about 600 meters east of the old bridges.

The individual was then transported and taken into the care of paramedics on the shore.

No other injuries were reported.

Three fire apparatus and five personnel were on scene for about 37 minutes responding to the situation, as were the RCMP and WPD Ambulance.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on this opinion and others, go to www.newsoptimist.ca It’s easy. Just sign in with Facebook, Twitter, Disqus or Google.

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The downtown revitalization effort is under way in earnest, with council directing administration to commence the parking action plan Take Back Downtown: Phase One. This is the first phase of downtown redevelopment and follows on the heels of adoption of the Downtown Master Plan earlier this year.

Take Back Downtown follows a study done in 2016 on parking issues in the downtown, though it ended up encompassing more than that.

Among the issues administration is facing: the number of empty lots downtown.

Demolitions of the old Marlborough Hotel, two 11th Ave.-102nd properties, as well as the fire that demolished the old Bargain Store on 101st Street,

have created several empty lots spread out haphazardly over downtown. The vacant lots have been taken over as parking lots by local residents.

The result, according to a memo from planner Devin MacAulay dated April 19, has been “dysfunctional parking habits in the Downtown”, costing the city potential development and creating an uninviting atmosphere.

The current parking situation was described at council as a “free for all,”

by Mayor Ryan Bater.

“People are parking everywhere downtown,” said Councillor Kelli Hawtin.

There were also public parking areas that people didn’t know about, she noted. Hawtin looked forward to seeing the ongoing effort to address the situation.

City manager Jim Puffalt indicated parking was a key part of the downtown revitalization efforts.

“We want to encourage downtown to become a more vibrant area of our city,” said Puffalt.

He added that public engagement is key, and the director of planning and development, Jennifer Niesink, outlined some of the consultations that are planned.

Around 13 user groups have been decided and one-on-one meetings are being planned with them, Another one or two public sessions will also be held.

The meetings start the week of May 15.

From those meetings, administration would develop what they describe as a comprehensive public engagement and communication strategy, and report back to council with updates and progress reports.

A resolution to proceed with the Parking Action Plan - Take Back Downtown: Phase One carried unanimously.

Mental Health Week scheduled Staff A full week of activities is coming up to celebrate Mental Health Week 2017.

The events are being put on by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords Branch, the Edwards Society, The Lighthouse, Battle River Treaty 6 Heath Centre (BRT6HC), North Battleford Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association, Saskatchewan Hospital and Prairie North Health Region.

The week of activities starts Monday, May 1 with a flag raising at North Battleford City Hall at 10:30 a.m. A Walk for Awareness starts at 10:45 a.m. from that same location.

Later on, a community BBQ sponsored by Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre supporting The Lighthouse and CMHA Battlefords Branch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The location is The Lighthouse, 962 102nd Street. The barbecue is free but donations are welcome.

Tuesday, May 2 is the Semicolon Tattoo Event starting at 9 a.m. The event pledges to “raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote mental health through semicolon art.” Call 306-446-7177 for an appointment; proceeds go to the CMHA Battlefords Branch Building Fund. Sponsored by Marc’d Up Tattoos.

Also that day, the Edwards Society Basement sale takes place at 11301 Clark Drive, North Battleford 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hot dogs, pop and home baking will be available. For more information, call Wendy at 306-446-2706 Wednesday, May 3 is the Talent Show at Saskatchewan Hospital Cafeteria from 1:15-3 p.m. It is open to everyone with snacks and beverages to be served.

Thursday, May 4 is the Mental Health Fair at Territorial Mall from 3-7 p.m.

Activities, music, information, displays, and Balloon Man Larry Goodall will be there.

Friday, May 5 will see an event at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford. Call 306 446-6800 for details.

Saturday, May 6 is the annual Champions of Mental Health Gala at Dekker Centre starting at 5 p.m., sponsored by North Battleford Branch Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association (RPNAS). For tickets call Linda at 306-446-6855, Lucy at 306-446-6533 or Pat at 306-445-3067.

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Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 7

Sask Book Picks

Burning in this Midnight Dream Burning in this Midnight Dream by Louise Bernice Halfe is a book of poetry contrasted by photographs, centered around the truth and reconciliation process. In her preamble, Halfe states the book is intended to “share more of that truth. Think of all the children, and weep.

Children fed to pedophile priests and nuns. Children whipped and starved.

Families and communities destroyed ... courtesy of the Canadian government.

Courtesy of the Canadian public.”

Halfe bravely records her memories, of being at residential school, the effect it had on her and others, and how those experiences have stained life afterward.

She struggles between reluctance and desire to share her knowledge. In the acknowledgements, she writes, “I would not have written this story if it wasn’t for the interest of my children ... and my need to describe a history that remains present.”

The poems recoil through time and space, comprising a glimpse as opposed to a complete narrative.

“I know this landslide / is hard to bear. I’ve pulled the stink weeds for you / to ingest.” Halfe includes her own trepidations, about the act of sharing these stories, into the poetry, like a chorus (from age old plays), like a conscience.

Halfe examines some of what was lost. “It was like sending us / to a foreign land, no familiar landscape, / no map to follow.

We were stripped / of our clothes. / Stripped of our parents, / brothers, sisters, / nohkôm, nimos ô m / uncles, aunts / songs of the Cree, stories of our birth / the dances of the spirits. / Pipes and Lodges.” The Cree above is for grandmother and grandfather.

She was taken from her people, and her culture, yet she suffered much more loss. “It never occurred to me to write my family / forgot they existed. Never received a letter, / a telephone call, but after so many years / of isolation I’d come to expect this and even / expecting this, was unexpected.” That last line transports the scene into the present, adding immediacy. “Years ago I visited the graveyard on the reserve / and counted all the dead / from residential school ... suicide, murder, trauma, fire.”

Truth and reconciliation may or may not be possible, but the pain of the past doesn’t go away, not completely. “Hibernating memories crawl from their den.”

The images of her family provide range and texture to the overall effect of the book. As shown, the poems are mostly in English, sprinkled with a

few Cree words, demonstrating that children in residential schools were forced to leave their own language behind, among many other aspects of their lives and their culture. The writing is courageous and complex, sometimes full of clarity, sometimes surreal and elusive.

Halfe’s work washes over me, leaving a somber, dark, shadowy, yet oddly arresting, feeling like how music can be heartbreaking, shaming, and stunning all at once. I was struck by this book, and I do weep.

This book is available at your local bookstore or from www.skbooks.com

By Louise Bernice Halfe Published by Coteau Books Review by Kris Brandhagen $16.95 9781550506655

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heck It Out!

Lakeland Library www.lakeland.lib.sk.ca

Colin from Lakeland Headquarters recommends the book Elon Musk: Inventing the Fu-

ture By Ashlee Vance “A wonderful look at the life of Elon Musk, widely regarded as one of the greatest inventors of our age.”

‘A must read for any fans of great inventors like Edison, Tesla or Bell” Lakeland Library Region is holding their annual general meeting at 1 p.m. on May 13 at the North Battleford Library lecture theatre. Everyone is welcome to join in reviewing the current year and plan for the future.

Nico Hawryliw Fund presents grant to BUHF Staff

Allison Hawryliw and Lionel Hawryliw present a grant from the Nico Hawryliw Fund to Claudette McGuire of the BUH Foundation for the “Every Little Bit Counts” campaign. Left to right, Allison Hawryliw, Claudette McGuire and Lionel Hawryliw. Photo submitted

The annual grant from the Nico Hawryliw Fund was presented to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation to support the “Every Little Bit Counts” capital campaign. The campaign is raising $380,000 to provide surgical equipment for Ears, Nose and Throat surgery at the BUH. The fund was originally established with Battlefords and District Community Foundation to help Nico’s family offset medical costs during his battle with cancer.

The donations were later transferred into an invested fund that now provides an annual grant for com-

munity groups.

BDCF has created over 20 endowed funds using donations from the community. Donations are put into a permanent investment and only the annual income is used for the grant. The principal stays in the fund forever.

There are community foundations across Canada that have been meeting community needs for over 100 years. The Battlefords and District Community Foundation currently has funds that will provide funding for a range of interests from the arts and health care to post-secondary scholarships and recreation.

The foundation website at www.bdcf.ca has complete information.

PAGE 8 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Lucas Punkari

Sports Reporter

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Tough start for North Stars at Western Canada Cup

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

For the first time in a number of months, the Battlefords North Stars are battling some adversity.

After a 2-1 overtime loss to the Penticton Vees Saturday and a 5-3 setback against the Portage Terriers Sunday, the North Stars are in fourth place in the standings at the Western Canada Cup and searching for better efforts in Penticton, B.C. That was especially true after their loss to the Terriers, as they took the lead early but were forced to play catchup after giving up four unanswered goals in the middle portion of the game.

“We’re getting away from our identity,” North Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford said. “We’re doing things here at the end of April that we haven’t done all year.

“We’re not making the simple plays that we’re used to making. We’re not doing the things that made us successful all year. I don’t understand why we’re changing things

Connor Logan, seen here picking up a loose puck against the Portage Terriers, has scored two goals so far for the Battlefords North Stars at the Western Canada Cup in Penticton, B.C. Photo Courtesy of Cherie Morgan Photography

up from what we’ve done this season. Instead of being physical and making smart plays, we’re just doing whatever we feel like out there.”

The North Stars also had trouble on the power play for the second straight game.

They failed to find the back of the net on three op-

portunities against the Terriers, which came off of the heels of an 0-for-6 showing against Vees with the man advantage.

“Where we are successful with that power play is when we let all five guys touch the puck,” Bedford said. “At the moment, we’re making things really hard on ourselves to try

and make plays.

“If we keep things simple and get shots on net, we can force the other team into making some tough decisions out there to try and slow us down. At the moment, we certainly aren’t doing that as it has been pretty easy to stop us.”

One of the biggest positives for the North Stars in their first two games has been the play of goaltender Joel Grzybowski, who has taken over starting duties for Taryn Kotchorek as the veteran netminder is sidelined with a hand injury.

After a 36-save performance against the Vees Saturday, the Hafford native made 28 stops Sunday

and was able to work his way through a couple of strange bounces that resulted in Terriers goals.

“He’s a kid that always battles hard,” Bedford said.

“He’s not scared of the big moment and I wish that more guys were like him.

“He’s been fighting through some challenges but we’re certainly happy with how he’s been playing. Even though he’s a young kid, he’s become one of the leaders for us.”

After falling behind 4-1 to the Terriers midway through the third period, with three of those goals coming on the power play, the North Stars got within a marker as Connor Logan and Keaton Holinaty both found the back of the net during a 73-second span.

Despite a couple of great chances in the final seconds, the North Stars were unable to find the equalizer as Ty Enns scored an empty-net goal with nine seconds to go.

Holinaty paced the North Stars on offence with a goal and an assist, while Ben Allen opened up the scoring on a wrist shot in the first period.

The Terriers, who played their first game at the WCC Sunday, had three-point outings from a pair of players.

Blueliner Mackenzie Dwyer had a pair of goals on the man advantage to go along with an assist, while Enns had two helpers in addition to his empty-net goal.

Chase Brakel scored twice and Kurtis Chapman made 28 saves in the victory.

In Saturday’s opener for the North Stars, Chris Klack scored the overtime winner for the Vees with 4:28 left on the clock to hand the SJHL champions their first loss since Feb. 24.

“I think we started off fairly well and I felt like we had a really good opening 10 minutes,” North Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford said. “As the game went on though, I felt like their speed intimated us a little bit and we didn’t do a good enough job of putting the puck in tough areas.

“When you spend most of the game chasing down the other team, it’s hard to get any momentum going.

If we have the chance to play the Vees again, I think you’ll see more of a complete performance.”

Logan opened up the scoring for the North Stars late in the second period as he converted a two-on-one rush with Reed Delainey.

Gabe Bast had the other goal for the Vees, while Mathew Robson made 24 saves.

The North Stars return to action Tuesday at 3 p.m. Saskatchewan time as they’ll play the Brooks Bandits.

Their final round-robin game will be Thursday against the Chilliwack Chiefs at 3 p.m Saskatchewan time.

Be our Guest!!

The Battlefords Humane Society presents

Beauty and The Beasts Magical Evening 2017 Fundraising Dinner and Auction

Saturday, April 29th, 2017

Gold Ridge Centre Cocktails & Appetizers Tickets: $50 each or 6:00 p.m. a table of 10 for $450 Supper - 7:00 p.m.

Live Auction to follow Silent Auction will run all evening

Contact Terry Blanchette at NuFloors 306-445-8169 or Michelle Spark at the Shelter 306-446-2700 or 306-937-6369

CASH BAR - MUST BE 19 YEARS OF AGE TO ATTEND

306-445-3757 10020 Thatcher Avenue, North Battleford

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 9

Legion remembers BATTLEFORDS fallen Australian flyer

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Attendees of the ceremony honouring pilot Maxwell Cassidy pinned poppies to a wreath in remembrance. The memorial was held at North Battleford City Cemetery April 25, Anzac Day, which commemorates Australian and New Zealand veterans. Photos by Shannon Kovalsky

By Shannon Kovalsky Staff Reporter

Nearly 73 years after his untimely death in a plane crash at North Battleford air base, a memorial was held for Royal Australian Air Force flyer Maxwell Cassidy April 25

by North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70.

It was through an Ontarian friend of Maxwell's grand nephew, Stephen Cassidy, that members of North Battleford's Legion first learned of Maxwell's story. The ceremony was then organized by Branch 70 to coincide with Anzac Day, Australia and New Zealand's day of remembrance that honours their servicemen and women, and included a traditional "gunpowder toast" of coffee and rum.

The Cassidy family's reconnection with North Battleford started back in

2014, when Janet Mears, a grand niece of Maxwell, found a letter of condolence belonging to her grandmother, Kathleen Cassidy, written by June Light of Battleford.

With this letter as her starting point, Mears posted on a North Battleford Facebook group inquiring about June Light. The post was seen by Elinor Florence, June's daughter.

"She was delighted to hear from me and even more flabbergasted when I told her that the former June Light (now June Florence) is now 89 years old and still living in her own house, near me in Invermere, British Columbia," Florence wrote in a post titled "Memories of Maxwell Cassidy" on her blog specializing in wartime stories. It was here Elinor Florence shared pieces of Maxwell's life.

He came to Canada via the coast, travelling by

train to Edmonton before finally being stationed in North Battleford for flight training – far away from his home in Launceston, Tasmania. He'd written to his older sister, Kathleen, about the new, strange places he'd been, – "Sure are wonderful sights. The weather at present is typically Tasmanian but in the winter the temperature gets down to about 40 or 50 degrees below.

Everything is covered in snow. All the houses, trams, buses, trains and cars are heated," – the people he met – "Nearly all the ground staff on this station are French. Canada has two languages – French and English. Some of them are hard to understand. There are a few RAF chaps here too. We have RAF, RAAF, RCAF and RNZAF all working together," – and the difference between the Canadian and American accent

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– "They speak rather like the Americans. However, they have a much softer accent. They almost sing everything they say. I like to listen to the Canadian girls talk. They are rather pleasant to listen to," His evident affability made him particularly appealing to the locals, as Light wrote in her letter to Cassidy's family after his death, "he had a great number of friends here and was so well liked by all who know him. I was so amazed the first time I was out with him to find he knew more people at the dance than I did, and I’ve lived here all my life."

The young couple – he was 19 and she was 20 – knew each other only three weeks before Cassidy's plane went down December 4, 1944, a fact Light commented on in her letter to the Cassidys, but their connection, and the loss of it, was deeply felt.

"Max and I knew each other only a very short time, but in that time we got to know each other so well that it seems queer to realize that I only knew him for three weeks. I met him in the War Services Club in North Battleford where I was serving as a hostess, and from then until the time of his death we saw each other as often as possible.

The news of his death was a terrible shock to me as he had left me the night before so happily and so full of life."

Rob Florence, son of June, attended the ceremony honouring Maxwell Cassidy in North Battleford City Cemetery, where he was laid to rest 73 years earlier. His funeral was attended by June Florence and her mother and brothers. In the letter of condolence, she wrote

to Maxwell's mother, "It may comfort you a little to know what a great many flowers he had and what a lovely funeral service there was."

Louise Oster, North Battleford Legion branch secretary, said she was

"honoured to be able to do this for someone, to forge our countries together and to bring a bond to remember." The ceremony was recorded and photographed by a Legion member and will be sent to Cassidy's relatives.

Royal Australian Air Force flyer Maxwell Cassidy.

Photo submitted

Candice Brown, left, and Louise Oster, right, of North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion, prepare the "gunpowder toast," a mixed drink of coffee and rum.

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Family often ask, once you have made your final arrangements at a funeral home can you transfer your policy and wishes to another funeral provider? The answer is yes.

Things change for people over time, and often it is recommended, that from time to time, you should review your policy to make sure your wishes stay current or if changes are required, you should do so, so your families are well aware of what your final wishes are to be. You as an individual are in control of how your wishes are to be followed.

Pre-arranged, pre-paid funeral plans are easily transferable from one funeral provider to another.

For more information on funeral planning related questions and transfer of policies please contact your Funeral Director at Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium. The only locally owned, family run funeral provider in the Battleford’s, and the only locally owned on-site crematorium.

www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford, SK

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PAGE 10 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

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OBITUARIES LANE: Evadne (Eva) Lane was born in 1923 in Jamaica, West Indies. She was trained there in nursing and midwifery, and took advanced studies in these subjects after moving to England in 1954. In 1958 she moved to Paradise Hill. Saskatchewan, where she was employed as a nurse. She joined the Battlefords Union Hospital in 1960 as a clinical instructor in obstetrics. She became Assistant Director of Nursing in 1962 and in 1984 took the position of Director of Nursing Services she held till she retired. Evadne has been a member of the Saskatchewan Registered Nursing Association (SRNA) since 1959 and a member of the Battlefords Chapter of SRNA since 1960. Evadne became a member of The Battlefords Horticulture Society in 1964. She was a Director of this society from 1976 - 1979, served as First Vice President from 1979 - 1981, as President from 1981 - 1983 and remained as Director from 1983 - 1985. Evadne has assisted with the planning and setting up horticultural shows and meetings. She has also served as an exhibitor and clerk at local and provincial shows. She became a Director of the Saskatchewan Horticultural in 1980 at Lloydminster. Elected First Vice President in 1983 in Regina and appointed President in January 1984 to February 1985. ___________________________________________________ WILLIAMS: Madeline Williams (nee De’Blois), of Sherwood Park, AB, formerly of North Battleford SK, passed away April 21, 2017, at the age of 92 years. Madeline is survived by her seven children, LaVerne Suderman of Shellbrook SK, Marvin and Sharon Williams of Regina SK, Wilfred and Raija Williams of Prince George BC, Della and Dal Newman of Sherwood Park AB, Chester and Terry Williams of Sherwood Park AB, Joseph and Darleen Williams of Edmonton AB, Mary Anne and Warren Helm of Sherwood Park AB; one sister-in-law Denise DeBlois of Edmonton AB; 9 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 1 step- great-grandchild, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; Dale and Rita Suderman of Arras BC, Travis and Helena Suderman (Russell) of Dawson Creek BC, Tyson and TayLora Suderman (Mira) of Dawson Creek BC, Crystal Suderman and Christopher Jessen of Fort St. John BC, Grant (Dakota) Williams of North Battleford SK, Robert Williams of North Battleford SK, Shelly Williams of Leduc AB, Don and Cheryl (Halyn & Holly) Williams of Edmonton AB, Derek and Chantel (Ty & Cole; Brielle) Williams of Regina SK, Keri and Les (Dayton, Taylor & Jesse) Miekle of Moose Jaw SK, Lenna and Christopher (Daniel & Abigail) Pittenger of Prince George BC, Glen and Tina (Isaac & Paige) Williams of Vancouver BC, Kimberly Williams of Edmonton AB, Jessica Martin and Steven Rae of Edmonton AB, Anthony Bazgan of Edmonton AB, Georgia Wood of Lethbridge AB. Madeline is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Madeline is predeceased by her husband, Frederick Williams; son, Gordon Williams; son, Allan Williams; grandson, Dean Williams; son-in-law, Alvin Suderman; daughter-in-law, Judith Williams; brother, Wilfred DeBlois; mother, Helen M. DeBlois (nee Bruneau); motherin-law, Minnie Williams (nee Eaton); father-in-law, George Williams; brother-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, Tommy; Ivan; Mary and Nels Dale; Lillie and John Johns; George and Sarah Williams; Vera and Bill Billmeyer; John and Agnes Williams; Mabel and Raymond Taylor. A Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Connelly-McKinley Edmonton South Chapel, 4820 Meridian Street, Edmonton. A Prayer Service for Madeline will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the same location. A Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park AB on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14611 Mark Messier Trail NW (formerly St. Albert Trail) Edmonton, AB at 2:30 p.m. To send condolences and get directions to the Edmonton South Chapel, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.

CRAIG: Mr. Glen Craig of Denholm, SK passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 5, 2017 at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. Funeral Service was held Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Denholm Community Centre, Denholm SK, with Reverend Janice Trost officiating.

Interment was held at Denholm Cemetery, Denholm, SK. Memorial Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association 917A Albert St, Regina, SK S4R 2P6. Glen is survived by his wife Margaret (Toner) Craig; daughters Katie (Greg) Oborowsky - Jayden, Brooklyn and Layla, Sherry Craig (Aaron Corbeil) Tristen, Carson and Bentley; sons David Craig (Jocelyn Collie), Cameron Craig (Kelsey Larsen), Bryce Craig (Amy Russell), Tanner Craig (Kelsey Fedyk); sister Georgina Leer; brothers Allan (Emma) Craig, Wesley (Betty) Craig, Gabriel (Sharon) Craig; brother-in-law Syd Peterson; and numerous extended family. He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Mabel (McClellan) Craig; sister Hazel Peterson; nephew Barry Peterson; and brother-in-law George Leer. Funeral arrangements for Glen Craig have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

PERNITSKY: Eugene, January 3, 1932 - April 13, 2017. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene Pernitsky at Poplar Courts Nursing Home in Wilkie with his loving family by his side. Eugene was born in Wilkie, SK and was the fifth of nine children born to Martin and Regina Pernitsky. He married Joyce Berezowski in 1959 at Hafford, SK. They resided and farmed East of Wilkie and were blessed with seven children and 13 grandchildren. Eugene volunteered and served as a member of the RM of Prairie Board, St. James Parish Board and the Wilkie Hospital Board. He volunteered to help construct the Wilkie Community Centre, St. James Gymnasium and the St. James Parish. Eugene’s hobbies were farming, curling, bowling, ski-dooing, Kaiser, ball games and BBQ’s with neighbours. The biggest loves of Eugene’s life were farming and his family. Joyce and Eugene retired to North Battleford in 2011.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife Joyce of 57 years and their seven children Roxanne (Blair Leask); Sheldon (Syndee); Randy (Marianne); Jackie (Marcel Schwebius); Shelly (Kevin Bonner); Denise (Bruce Miller); Nadine (Bob Lovelace) and thirteen grandchildren Tyler Schwebius, Josh Schwebius; Ryan Orr, Michael Orr, Jessi Pernitsky, Cameron Pernitsky, Randi-Lynn Miller, Christian Miller, Nicholas Miller; Carter Lovelace, Jack Lovelace, Sarah Lovelace and Treyton Pernitsky. Eugene is also survived by sisters Agatha Pernitsky, Jean Balfour, Lorraine Werbics, Eleanor Lowrey and Loretta Gordon, sister-in-law Marguerite Pernitsky, numerous nieces and nephews. Eugene was predeceased by his parents Martin and Regina Pernitsky, brothers Leo, Ben and Alex (in infancy). Thank you to the Poplar Courts staff, Dr. Kemp and Dr. Elham for taking such good care of Eugene. Memorial donations can be made to Poplar Courts Activity Fund and the Parkinson’s Society. Funeral Mass was held Thursday April 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Father George Chatholil celebrating. Interment followed in the Wilkie Cemetery.

Grondin Funeral Services Ltd. in Wilkie, entrusted with arrangements 306-843-2222. Our family serving your family since 1963.

Bob Clothier Director assisted by Gary Neigum. __________________________________________________

LANE: In Loving Memory of Evadne (Eva) Lane, born February 25, 1923 at Jamaica, West Indies, passed away April 15, 2017 in North Battleford, SK. Evadne is survived by her loving husband, W. Curlis Lane of Battleford, SK; extended family: Kelvin Knight, Jamaica, West Indies; sisters: Alma Patton and Adassa Scott of Jamaica, West Indies: nieces, nephews and their families. Eva is predeceased by her parents, Lucius and Exzelia Wilkinson; by her step-father, Mr. Nelson; brothers and sisters and by her aunt who raised her, Mathilda Allison. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from Living Faith Chapel, North Battleford, SK with Officiant Pastor Allen Huckabay. Shared Memories were given by Wendy Barker. Music Ministry: Andrea Whelan – Pianist; Hymn Selections: Amazing Grace & The Old Rugged Cross. Honorary Pallbearers were All friends of Eva. Active Pallbearers were Bill Wasmuth, Allan Currie, Bill Edlin, Wade Parkinson, Ken Dakin and Darwin Madsen. Memorial Donations are requested to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Inc., Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8. Interment was at Town of Battleford Cemetery, Battleford, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. __________________________________________________ KUCHLER: Ermgard Gertrude Kuchler of St. Walburg passed away on Monday, April 10, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Erma was born on January 19, 1929 to Max and Clara Drieschner near Medstead, SK where she was raised on the family farm. On July 22, 1949 Erma married Karl Kuchler and they farmed near Rabbit Lake for a few years and later moved to the town. They then moved to Cater and in 1960 moved to St. Walburg where Karl was employed as an elevator agent.

Erma started working at Marshall’s General Store and later at the St. Walburg Union Hospital. In 1975, they moved to Kelvington where she continued working as a nurse’s aide up until the time they retired, and then they moved back to St. Walburg in 1991. Erma volunteered her time with the Royal Purple until her passing. She was predeceased by: her husband, Karl in 1993; her parents, Max and Clara Drieschner; her brother, Emil Drieschner; her sister, Holly Grant; her baby sister, Elsie; her brother-in-law, Bob Bonsan; and her infant great granddaughter, Cassie Krushelniski. Left to cherish her memory: her four children, Brian Kuchler (Deb) and his children, Corrine (Kyle), Colin (Deb) and Blaine (Lisa); Gordon Kuchler; Linda (Dan) Hritzuk and their children, Mischa (Karrie), Larisa (Marc), and Devan (Celine); Karen (Kim) Funk and their children, Bradley and Garrett (Natasha); 19 great grandchildren; her sisters, Betty Bonsan and Wanda (Frank) Snorro; her sister-in-law, Kay Drieschner; her brother-in-law, Fred Grant; and numerous other family members. The Funeral Service for Erma was conducted from the St. Walburg Elks Hall on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Quinn Adams officiating. Mischa and Devan Hritzuk, Colin and Blaine Kuchler, Bradley Funk and Tayler Dease were the pallbearers. Larisa Dease, and Dan Hritzuk read the eulogy, and Debbie Arlett and Jenny Looshorn provided the music.

Marshall’s Funeral Home of St. Walburg administered the funeral arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Walburg Royal Purple.

CARD OF THANKS Erma’s Family would like to thank all of their family, friends and neighbors for their support and caring during this difficult time.

We appreciate everyone who took part in the service. Thank you to everyone who sent food, flower, phone calls to each of our homes, and showed your support in various ways, your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. ___________________________________________________

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Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 11

OBITUARIES WOLSKI: Herman A. Wolski, May 09, 1935 – March 28, 2017. Herman A. Wolski, a resident of Moose Jaw, passed away March 28, 2017. He was born in 1935 near Speers, SK. (Hillsborough School District).

His major working career was spent in the Regina area. Herman was predeceased by his parents Theodor and Martha nee Frohlich, his six siblings. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.

There will be no funeral at his request. For information contact

geodr@sasktel.net. __________________________________________________

CHATELAINE: Corrine Gaye Chatelaine November 7, 1976 – April 23, 2017. Corrine Gaye Chatelaine passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She was born November 7, 1976 in Meadow Lake. Raised in North Battleford. She became an incredibly talented synchronized swimmer, winning many awards and competitions. In later years she became a mother to Denea, Tyler, Michael, Reagan and Symone, who she loved more than anything. In 2015 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. She underwent treatment in Saskatoon. Corrine was a happy and kindhearted person, who was always making everyone laugh and feel loved. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday April 28, 2017, 2:00 pm. at Park Funeral Home, 311, 3rd Ave N Saskatoon. To share memories and condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca”Guestbook”. Arrangements entrusted to Derryl Hildebrandt 306.244.2103 __________________________________________________ CALE: In Loving Memory of Raymond Allen Cale, born July 23, 1960 at Kimberley, BC, passed away April 7, 2017 in North Battleford, SK. Predeceased by his father Al van Meer and mother Carol van Meer. Left to cherish his memory: siblings: Ross (Wendie) Cale, North Battleford, SK, Mel (Lorraine) Cale, Saskatoon, SK, Carolyne Davidson, Kimberley, BC, Steven (Dianne) Gibbs, Kimberley, BC, Lila (Mark) Hein, Taber, AB, Richard (Rejeanne) van Meer, North Battleford, SK, Tim (Karen) van Meer, Saskatoon, SK, Tammy van Meer, North Battleford, SK; nieces and nephews: Amanda, Jennifer, Sarah, Cheryl, Christopher, Shae-lynne, Alex, Gregory, Kevin, Daniel and Thomas; also numerous great-nieces and nephews. Service Of Celebration & Thanksgiving For Raymond’s Life was held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, North Battleford, SK with Minister Pastor Ron Braun, Community Baptist Church, North Battleford, SK. Shared Memories were given by Tim van Meer & Jennifer Rysavy.

Scripture Verse was Isaiah 40: 31 - Lila Hein. Music Ministry: Mrs. M. Junice Headley – Pianist; Robert MacKay - Soloist: “Amazing Grace”; CD Selections: “On Eagle’s Wings” & “Jealous Of The Angels”. Honourary Pallbearers were Jennifer, Sarah, Cheryl, Shae-lynne, Alex, Gregory, Kevin, Daniel & Thomas. Urn Bearer was Christopher. Memorial Donations are requested to the Donor’s Choice. Interment was at Prairie Willows Interment Garden, City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. __________________________________________________ WAWRYK: Merilyn Wawryk (82) passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Sask. Merilyn was born to parents Edward and Anne Bouskill on July 7, 1934.

She graduated and worked as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.

She married Mike Wawryk on Nov. 1, 1958 and they farmed a portion of the Ed Bouskill land as well as the former John Snyder homestead.

Merilyn was a supportive wife of a farmer – a tough and vital role. They raised three children in Richard: Cheryl, Donna and Dennis. Merilyn enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening and reading. She did cross stitch, was a talented seamstress, a knitter and loved to crochet as well. Merilyn was always willing to help others out in any way she could and volunteered on the School Board, Home Care Board, the Curling Club, 4-H Club and the Rec Board for many years. She also served on the town council in Richard. Her quiet competence and dedication to these organizations were her greatest attributes. Merilyn loved spending time with her young grandchildren and they were a great source of joy to her bringing out a side of her that many people never saw. Merilyn was predeceased by her parents Edward and Anne, sisters Ethel, Irene, Donalda, brother Dennis and twin grandchildren Derek and Craig. Merilyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband Mike, her children: Cheryl, Donna (Rob) and Dennis (Penni); grandchildren: Jeff, Kristin, Blake, Kyle, Nathan, Tyson, Kimberly and Allison. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00 am at Richard Hall, Richard, SK. followed by the interment at Richard Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship will follow at Richard Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or Borden Care Home. The family thanks you for sharing their sorrow. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and will always be remembered. Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Arrangements are entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. (306-446-4200) __________________________________________________

BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

CALL 306-445-7261

FUNERAL SERVICES

FOR SALE - MISC

Professional Services Provided with Heart and Compassion ROBERT MACKAY GEORGE HAEGEBAERT P.O. Box 806 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3

306-446-4200 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

Ranger boats - highest quality, strongest performing fiberglass fishing boats. Ranger aluminum and Ranger pontoons also available at Saskatchewan’s exclusive dealer! Pally’s Saskatoon (306) 244-4469.

Wurlitzer Baby Grand Piano.

1980’s vintage. Incredible, gorgeous, in perfect condition. Like new. Fine tuned. $6000.00 Phone 306-937-7187.

WANTED Buying sheds antler and racks, and old traps. Call Phil 306-2782299.

LIVESTOCK

The family of

Mary Johannesen

Black and Red Yearling and 2yr. old Angus Bulls on moderate growing ration - performance info available. Adrian or Brian and Elaine Edwards.

Valleyhills Angus - Glaslyn, SK. Phone 306-441-0946 or 306-3424407. www.valleyhillsangus.com

would like to invite everyone to a

80th Birthday COME & GO TEA

Saturday, May 6, 2017 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Pioneer Hall South Railway YOUR PRESENCE IS YOUR GIFT

LOST Stolen 2 horses from SE 1-4416W3 one Palimino mare and 1 sorrel gelding with blaze. Reward offered for information. Contact 780-217-1591 Richard

FOR SALE - MISC Aluminum Boat Lift Nice Shape 306-445-8256 Four frame Honey Extractors; also 10 Supers with frames, call Sid Kunstel, 306-843-2709 PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

REACH OVER 500,000 Saskatchewan Readers Each Week!

Blanket Classifieds are carried in 72 community newspapers, which reach over 450 communities including 14 cities.

P: 306-649-1405 E: classifieds@swna.com W: www.swna.com The Strength is in Community Newspapers!

Purebred Gelbvieh bulls red and black yearlings. Barry Davisson 306-228-7793

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 3 HIGH CASH PRODUCING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES For Your Review. Check These Out www.tcvend.com, www.vendingforhope.com, www.sweetsforacause.com. Choose Any One or Mix & Match. Glad To Answer Any Questions. CALL US at 1-866668-6629

HOUSES FOR SALE Cutknife Home for Sale 940sqft, 2 bedrooms, Garage, Affordable, Close to Health Centre, Elementary School and Downtown. Serious inquiries only. $56,800.00. Great revenue home!

306-937-2872.

LAND FOR SALE

FEED & SEED

FARMLAND WANTED NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS! SUMMARY OF SOLD PROPERTIES North - 10 1/4’s North East - 14 1/4’s North West - 12 1/4’s East - 57 1/4’s West - 50 1/4’s Central - 219 1/4’s South - 100 1/4’s South East - 46 1/4’s South West - 65 1/4’s PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND. RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc.

Free Delivery! Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-863-2900.

NORTH EAST PRAIRIE GRAIN INC. Currently Buying: Soybeans, Feed Wheat, Barley, Oats & Spring Thrashed Grain. OFFERING: Competitive Prices, On Farm Pickup & Prompt Payment! CALL: 1-306-873-3551, WEBSITE: neprairiegrain.com

35+ NEW PRODUCTS ADDED THIS YEAR. Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, seed treatments.

HOUSES FOR RENT Available for rent 2 bedroom home. Monthly rent or Sign one year contract get one month free.

Ref required. Call 306-441-6728 or 306-937-7252

call or visit us online for more details.

306.477.4007 info@gng.ag www.GNG.ag

SERVICES FOR HIRE

Full Service rooFing. great rateS! reSidential & commercial.

50 YearS in SaSk. Shingle - Torch on - canSeal ProTecTive coaTingS SealS, ProTecTS & reSToreS MeTal roofS- rePairS. CuSToM MeTal ShoP fabricaTion &

inSTallaTion wiTh qualified JourneyMan. full liabiliTy & wcb - bbb MeMber

HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

- GREEN CANOLA - SPRING THRASHED - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS WANTED!!

- BARLEY, OATS, WHT - LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!!

HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

FREE ESTIMATES CUSTOM ROOFING INC. 306-244-4343

MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE

CANADIAN MANUFACTURED MODULAR HOMES -multi section, single section, lake houses, and duplex family units LARGE INVENTORY TO CHOOSE FROM OR FACTORY ORDER TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS Selling and Servicing Across Western Canada for Over 40 Years!

1.800.249.3969 Check out our inventory at www.medallion-homes.ca Hwy 2 South Prince Albert

FUNERAL SERVICES

Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium 2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-7570

Trevor Watts - Director/Owner

The Battlefords only Locally Owned Funeral Provider

“The only crematorium in the Battlefords area” Traditional Casket Burial and Cremation Services Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion Counsellor for Bronze and Granite Memorials Free pre-planning guides available, assistance with pre-planning services

www. eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

Fences & Decks 306-481-2836

EARLY VARIETIES

Rob’s Lawn and Yard Care. Grass cutting, roto tilling, power raking, general yard maintenance. Book early! Phone 306-445-2736 or 306-441-5677.

Go Early HrS WHEat aC JunipEr oatS BuSBy & SundrE BarlEy aaC pEaCE rivEr FiEld pEaS

FEED & SEED Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @

www.westerncommodities.ca

Early onE poliSH Canola mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

AUTO MISCELLANEOUS Wrecking over 250 units... cars and trucks. Lots of trucks...

Dodge... GMC... Ford... Imports...

1/2 ton to 3 tons... We ship anywhere... Call or text 306-821-0260.

Lloydminster.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional

D I R E C T O R Y SWANSON GRYBA & COMPANY

Chartered Professional Accountants 1282 - 101st Street North Battleford, Sask.

Telephone 306-445-0488 Facsimile 306-446-3155 -PARTNERSGarth Swanson, CPA, CA Greg Gryba, CPA, CA

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

300 - 1291 102nd Street North Battleford, SK, S9A 3V4

Phone: 306-445-6234 Fax: 306-445-0245 PARTNERS

Suzanne L. Odishaw, CPA, CA Jacques la Cock, CPA, CA Derek Sieben, CPA, CA Stephen Mann, CPA, CA

Let Us Help You Keep Your Business Rolling!

PLACE YOUR AD ON THIS PAGE

CALL 306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-1977 Email: newsoptimist.sales@sasktel.net

PAGE 12 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

67 acres in North Battleford, Brada rd next to Rocky view estates. 2 good water wells with water tests, fenced and cross fenced set up for horses. Large insulated shop with in slab water heat 54 x 36-, cabin on property. Cultivated acres to west.

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT 2 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Battleford, mature quiet working adults, no pets, no children, no smoking, reference required.

Phone 445-2943 INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 1 and 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www.chateauvilla.ca www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-2814475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net.

RENTALS & LEASES Two bedroom house for rent. $850 a month + damage deposit required. Small detached garage.

Call for details 306-481-6464.

HEALTH SERVICES CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Attention Saskatchewan residents: Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment

GET UP TO $40,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more.

ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. CALL SASKATCHEWAN BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Affordable 3 bedroom home available in Buchanan, SK with finished basement, attached 2 car garage and large storage shop on 1/2 acre. $84000. ComFree listing #635676. Call owner 306-5719297.

STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”MEGA MADNESS SALE!” 20X23 $5,780.

25X25 $6,312. 30X31 $8,175.

33X35 $9,407. One End Wall Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career! Employers have April 17,2017 workat-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at home career today!

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COMING EVENTS

Heavy Duty Mechanic

NOW HIRING Lease operators to help service our expanding customer base in MB, SK, AB and ND. We offer dedicated dispatch, well maintained equipment, on-site wash and full service facility with qualified technicians, in-house training, and a very competitive compensation package.

All dispatched miles paid.

FAST card or passport required Contact: 204-571-0187 or email recruiting@renaissancetrans.ca

required for preventative maintenance, repair & service of heavy equipment fleet.

Journeyman with min. 5 year exp with CAT, JD and heavy trucks. Both camp and shop locations. Service truck and accommodations provided.

Wage negotiable.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc., Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

newsoptimist.ca

your news all the time and online

COMING EVENTS

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 4, 5 & 6

St. Vital Parish Family Garage Sale at 81 - 15th Street West. Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - noon.

Please come see the large selection of items for sale at this big garage sale.

Friday & Saturday, May 5 &6

10th Anniversary Taste of Culture at the Western Development Museum from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Come join the celebration of diversity features foods, marketplace items and entertainments from around the world!

Saturday, May 6

River Heights Lodge Strawberry Tea, Silent Auction & Bake Sale at River Heights Lodge from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 6

Visit our website

Spring Tea, Bake Sale and Silent Auction at Battleford United Church from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

for more community events

Prints, Patterns & Personality Workshop with Holly Hildebrand at the North Battleford Library from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. We are surrounded by so many patterns in nature and in our immediate environment. By playing with these simple shapes we will explore pattern and shape making through stencils and stamps and create our own “pattern book” journal.

www.newsoptimist.ca

Community Events Calendar ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

If someone’s drinking troubles you attending Al-Anon Family Group provides understanding and support. Meetings Monday at 7:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, corner of 15th Ave. & 108th Street. Contacts 306-937-7765, 306-937-7289 or 306-441-9324.

Wednesdays, April 12 - May 31

Saturday, May 6

Saturday, May 7

Community Youth Choir’s Season of Love at the Third Ave United Church at 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at the door or call Jaki at 306446-2519.

Tuesday, May 9

Seniors Fun Day at St. Joseph Hall, 1942 - 98th Street from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Entertainment, bingo and lunch. All seniors welcome.

Wednesday, May 10

Time for Tots at the North Battleford Library at 10:45 a.m. at the North Battleford Library. Come and enjoy 30 minutes of simple stories, rhymes and finger plays for ages 18 months to 3 years and their parents or caregivers.

Bad Art Night: Tackiest Mother’s Day Gift at the North Battleford Library starting at 7:00 p.m. Bad Art Night is a freestyle craft event for adults and teens. We’ll provide the ridiculous craft and art material, you make the art. Leave your good taste at home and let your creativity run free. The “worst” piece of art will win a hideously tacky trophy and bragging rights.

Tales and More at the North Battleford Library, 1392-101st St., North Battleford at 10:45-11:30 a.m. Come and enjoy 45 minutes of stories, rhymes and finger plays. For ages 3 to 5 years.

NBCK High School Bands present - An Evening of Music - Concert, Jazz Combo, Instrumental, Solos at the Band Mall at 7:00 p.m.

Reception to follow.

Heart to Heart is a Heart and Stroke Foundation program, working in partnership with Prairie North Health Region to offer cardiac patient and their partners the answers to their questions about heart health.

Patients learn about coping with health programs, making healthy eating choices, the role of exercise in heart health and how to manage stress at the Primary Health Center from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. To find out more or to register, call Michele at 306-446-6404 or email Michele.grasby@ pnrha.ca. Please leave a daytime phone number if leaving a message.

Mother’s Day Weekend Trade Show at Living Faith Chapel Gym, 103 Street, North Battleford from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Grab your mom, your children, your friends and check out the over 30+ vendors. Free entry. All donations and proceeds from the show will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Fridays, April 21 - May 26

Tuesday, April 25, May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Wednesday, May 3

Spring Concert - Kinsmen Beginner & Intermediate Bands at the Kinsmen Band Hall, 1801 - 104th Street at 7:00 p.m. Special guests: Battlefords Community Youth Strings. Coffee & treats will be available after the concert.

Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24

ARC Attack Art Evenings - join us for an evening of making art at ARC Creative Studios, 1102 - 101st Street from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. All supplies & instruction are included. Also Friday & Saturday afternoons from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. or by emailing arccreativestudios@ gmail.com.

Thursdays, May 4 - 25

LEGO Club at the North Battleford Library from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Join our Kids Lego Club where you can create, build and use your imagination. Lego provided.

Friday, May 5

Canadian Citizenship Ceremony at the Western Development Museum from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 11 Saturday, May 13

Saturday, May 13

A “May” Zing Crafts at the North Battleford Library at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for and afternoon of crafts to celebrate May and Springtime.

Free event for kids.

Saturday, May 13

Club 70 Dance - Leon Ochs at the North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street starting at 8:00 p.m. Lunch served at 12:00 a.m. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, May 20

Banner Day - Prayer Flags, Spring Flags, Flags of celebration and gratitude - come and create a single flag or a string of personal art flags for your yard or home. We will utilize a variety of materials and techniques to bring your flags to life and let your art spirit ride the wind, These Free workshops run from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., all supplies included. Everyone welcome but must pre-register at the NB Library.

Saturday & Sunday, August 5 & 6

Paynton History Book Launch - RSVP for Paynton History Book Launch by March 31 or to preorder books or CD’s contact Enola Valliere 306-895-4303 or Marie Ferguson 306-895-4825, or payntonhistorybook @outlook.com. Saturday Performance - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday Supper/Social 6:00 p.m. Sunday Pancake Breakfast 9:30 a.m.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations.

To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear.

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Hiring Drivers Scheduled Run

Pulling Super B Flat Deck Home Daily 2 trips daily - 10 trips per 5 day schedule Must have Class 1 A Driver’s License Contact us at 888.878.9585 or driver.recruitment@edgetransport.com

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. is an accredited organization serving the Health needs of the following First Nations: Little Pine, Mosquito, Poundmaker, Sweetgrass, Lucky Man, Moosomin and Red Pheasant.

BRT6HC is seeking a

Director of Finance and Administration

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for all functions within finance, administration and facilities; and providing leadership and coaching to the Finance Team, Facilities Supervisor and the administration staff. A strategic thinker, you understand re-engineering processes and systems change, and effectively lead others through change.

Working collaboratively with the Senior Management Team to ensure that short and long term priorities; systems processes and policy development support the achievement of BRT6HC goals and objectives.

Knowledge and Experience Required:

• Ensure financial management reporting tools and processes are in place to support the ongoing and future needs of the organization.

• Ability to learn and understand government funding models and how BRT6HC can best maximize finances to meet the needs in the communities.

• Lead the annual business plan development and budgeting process.

• Provide ongoing budget forecasting and financial analysis expertise to program directors.

• Develop regular reporting and analysis, including key metrics reports, and conduct ad hoc financial analysis as required.

• Assessing BRT6HC.

and

managing

organizational

risk

for

• Develop and implement the Internal Review function to ensure that finance and administration controls and policies are compiled with.

• Oversee the External Audit, review and analyze results and recommend for approval the Audited Financial Statements.

Qualifications Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree with CGA, CMA or CPA designation and 5 years’ experience.

• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work effectively within time constraints.

• Previous working experience with First Nations people and demonstrate an understanding of the health and social issues encountered by First Nation people and a willingness to learn about and accept First Nations cultures.

Submit updated resumé, cover letter and 3 professional references by 4:00 PM May 11, 2017 to: Human Resources Department Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. P.O. Box 1658 North Battleford, SK, S9A 3W2 Email: Recruitment@BRT6HC.ca Fax: 306-937-6767

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

306-445-7261

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIEDS

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 13

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

•

Serafina Energy is now hiring for the following positions at our Edam and Meota facilities:

• Lead-Facility/Wells (2 positions) • Lead-Steam (2 positions)

Serafina Energy Ltd. is a Canadian, private, start-up, heavy oil company with properties strategically comprised of high-quality, proven, low risk assets. Serafina is currently in the process of designing and building its second 6,000 bbl/d SAGD facility near Meota, SK. Please visit our website at www.serafinaenergy.com for more information about these job opportunities and to

Resumes can be sent to careers@serafinaenergy.com

learn more about our company.

SERAFINA ENERGY LTD.

REPORTER/ PHOTOGRAPHER BATTLEFORDS PUBLISHING has an opening for a

FULL-TIME REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER DO YOU ENJOY...

Meeting people? New experiences? Photography?

ARE YOU...

Curious? Friendly? Outgoing? Interested in your community?

Our newsroom might be the perfect fit for you!

The successful candidate will be responsible for coverage of local and regional news and events for a twice-weekly newspaper.

Main areas of coverage include arts and entertainment, education, Battleford town council and other areas, as assigned.

A digital camera is supplied.

A reliable vehicle is a must.

Flexible hours are also a component of news reporting.

Interested candidates should send a resumé & cover letter to: Becky Doig, Editor Battlefords News-Optimist Box 1029, North Battleford, SK S9A 3E6 Email: newsoptimist.editor@sasktel.net Email inquiries are welcome.

NO PHONE INQUIRIES PLEASE Short listed candidates will be contacted.

• Door-to-door • Carrier service • Total coverage • Personalize your coverage area

CALL NOW!

306-445-7261 FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY

PAGE 14 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Plant a maple tree to commemorate Canada 150

By Erl Svendsen

Saskatchewan Perennial Society

Planting a tree is a great way to commemorate an event or celebrate a milestone: the birth of a child, an anniversary (the traditional fifth wedding anniversary is wood) or a sod turning. For Canada’s 150th, what better tree to plant than a maple (Acer sp.), Canada’s official arboreal emblem? A super idea whether you’re planning for your own backyard, a schoolyard, local park or government organization.

The maple tree is deservedly Canada’s national tree. Before the maple leaf was prominently displayed on our flag (since 1965), the maple tree had been long associated with Can-

ada. Overshadowing the commercial value of maple wood (furniture, cabinetry, heating, cooking), Canadian maple syrup is known the world over. Maple syrup production reached a record 13.5 million gallons in 2016 (76 per cent of world production). And if you’ve ever driven through eastern Canada in the fall, you can’t help but have noticed the blazing colours that maples lend the autumn canvas.

Despite all the hoopla over sugar maples, Canada’s official tree is simply the maple tree, proclaimed in 1996. Which means it includes all 10 native maple species found across the country. Of those 10, we can reliably grow the very hardy box elder or Manitoba maple (Acer negundo).

Picturesque

— Photo by Elaine Sperle

The Manitoba maple does not sport the iconic maple leaf. Instead, the leaves are composed of three to nine medium-green to emerald toothed leaflets, similar to green ash leaves in general form (hence one of its other common names, ash-leaf maple). In the fall, leaves turn yellow to brighten up otherwise gloomy days. The mature dark brown, furrowed bark with orange stripes adds to interest. With an open oval canopy, mature trees can reach 45 feet tall by 50 feet wide. Being so large, they make excellent shade trees.

Specimens can be grown with single or multiple trunks. It is a relatively fast growing maple. The downside of that is that its wood is softer than other maples, and is shorter lived, lasting about 50 years.

Manitoba maples should be planted in full sun. Otherwise, they are not too fussy about soil and can tolerate dry conditions as well as short-term standing water. Manitoba maples are dioecious, meaning that they are either male (seedless) or female (produces the iconic doublewinged seed, in clusters).

In my last yard, we had a large female tree (planted by a bird, I’m sure), and I swear every seed was fertile. Fortunately, there are male cultivars available.

Baron is one, introduced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Morden, Man. It is described as a dramatic improvement over the species having a more definite round head, darker green leaves and no seeds to overpopulate the neighbourhood with its progeny.

Maintenance issues and pests are few. Pruning should be limited to midJune to late July to avoid excessive ‘bleeding.’ Box elder beetle populations can build up dramatically, but are more of a nuisance than harmful as they may congregate on fences and houses in massive numbers.

Like their eastern cousins, Manitoba maples can be tapped for syrup. The flavour of the boiled syrup is distinct and different than that of sugar maples.

I’ve also heard that you can use the sap to make maple wine.

If you are adventurous and brave, there are hardy sugar and silver maple selections. According to Prairie Trust (www.prairietrees.ca) hardiness trials run by the Western Nursery Growers Group, Silver Cloud silver maple and Inferno sugar maple have performed fine in Saskatchewan and elsewhere on the prairies. To hedge your bet, plant in the city or in a sheltered location in rural yards.

This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@yahoo. com; www.facebook.com/ saskperennial). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions, workshops, tours and other events: March 22 – Succulent Care at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 7:30 p.m.; free. Don’t forget about GardenScape, March 2426, at Prairieland Park (www.gardenscapeshow. ca).

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Show your national pride in 2017, plant Canada’s official tree to celebrate Canada’s 150th (Canada’s sesquicentennial). Photo by Tom DeGomez

Sask Skies

Keep an eye to the sky May 18 for planetary alignment

By James Edgar

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

The Moon begins the month a couple days away from first quarter. On the 4th, Regulus, the bright star in Leo, is only a half degree away from the Moon; an occultation in the South Pacific. On the 7th, Jupiter is a scant 2 degrees from the Moon, which will be a nice pairing for an evening photo opportunity. The Moon is full on the 10th. By the 13th, Saturn is within 3 degrees in the early morning eastern sky. A second occultation occurs on the 20th in the South Atlantic, when Neptune is half a degree away for us northern viewers. Then Venus and Mercury are both within 2 degrees of the 22nd and 24th, respectively. The third occultation repeats the earlier one with Regulus, this time on the 31st in the South Atlantic, a very close conjunction for us in the north.

Mercury is well placed for morning observation, look for it in the east before sunrise. The Moon’s very thin crescent passes by on the 24th.

Venus is also a bright morning object, coupled with Mercury, and, on the 22nd, both planets and the Moon share the morning twilight. This grouping presents another good photo shoot for early risers.

Mars spends the month moving in proper motion eastward between the Pleiades and the Hyades star clusters, better known as the Seven Sisters and Taurus, The Bull. Compare the star Aldebaran in Taurus with Mars—their colour is almost the same, and the star is much brighter.

Jupiter is in good position for evening viewers, rising shortly after sunset and crossing the sky all through the night in the constellation Virgo, The Maiden. Watch for the passing Moon on the 7th.

Saturn rises in the southeast near midnight and crosses the early morning sky in retrograde motion, joined by the Moon on the 13th and 14th.

Uranus returns to the dawn sky in mid-month, rising just before sunup. The blue-green gas giant passes close to Mercury on the 7th.

Neptune is in the eastern morning sky, in the constellation Aquarius, rising about an hour before Uranus.

On the morning of May 18, a planetary lineup occurs in the east, including the Moon, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, and Mercury, just ahead of sunrise. Binoculars or a telescope will aid in locating the dimmer Mercury and Neptune, and a long-exposure photo may show them all.

The Eta Aquariid meteors peak on May 4, in the evening.

– James Edgar has had an interest in the night sky all his life. He joined The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2000 and is now the Society’s Past President, Editor of the renowned Observer’s Handbook, and Production Manager of the bi-monthly RASC Journal. The IAU named asteroid 1995 XC5 “(22421) Jamesedgar” in his honour.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - PAGE 15

Distinguishing a bad trade from a good one Perhaps it’s a mean trick, even teasing, but there’s a lesson in it. A small child will show an adult a dime she’s been given, at which he will offer her a nickel in exchange. The dime, of course, is worth twice as much, but it’s a lot smaller. And sometimes a child will take the offer, on the basis of how the two coins look. But looks can be deceiving.

Adults are not immune to making misguided exchanges. There is a 500-year-old German legend about a man named Faust, a story that has been retold and adapted many times. In the tale, Faust makes a pact with the devil to exchange his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. But in the end he is damned, and loses everything.

It’s only a story, but it is reproduced every day, in real life. A stressed and despairing individual will try to find comfort in a bottle or a pill, later discovering that such things only compound his problems, bringing personal ruin. A workaholic will put all his energy into climbing the corporate ladder and making money, only to find that he’s lost even more than he gained in the process.

The Lord Jesus talked

about that. “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul [his very life]?”

(Matt. 16:26) “What could a man offer to buy back that life once he has lost it?” (Philips paraphrase) These are sobering questions. Even the wealth of all the world – if it were possible to possess it – would not be a worthy exchange for a man’s life.

What, then, is a fair exchange? What is one that provides lasting benefits? In response, there is a prophetic passage in Isaiah, fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ in part, during the days of His earthly ministry (Isa. 61:1-2a; cf. Lk. 4:16-21), then fully when He returns to set up His earthly kingdom. (Isa. 61:2b-3) To describe the transforming power of Christ’s coming, Isaiah uses some colourful imagery, saying the Lord “will give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

(Isa. 61:3) Though the words have a prophetic significance relating to a yet future time, they also seem to describe well what the gospel of grace can do in individual lives, here and now.

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise‐Bible‐Studies.com

A life without God is ultimately one of eternal bankruptcy, and the fleeting pleasures of sin can only bring mourning and a spirit of heaviness (or despair). A life that may glow with earthly delights

for a time will leave only dead gray ash behind. But the gospel describes an astonishing exchange that took place at Calvary.

There “He [God the Father] made Him who knew no sin [the Lord

Living with Integrity Over a quarter century ago I resolved to systematically read through the Old Testament books of wisdom, as they are known. Logistically it’s simple: there are 150 chapters in Psalms and 31 chapters in Proverbs so by reading five Psalms and the appropriately dated chapter in Proverbs every day, I am able to read through each book once a month and 12 times a year.

Do I ever tire of the portions or feel I’ve mastered the contents? Not at all because I know there

are always lessons to be learned or reinforced; the words of David and his son, Solomon, have never become stale to me. This past week, for example, the topic uppermost in my mind and heart has been”integrity”.

As always I begin with a dictionary defini-

Jesus] to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Cor. 5:21) The Lord Jesus took the punishment for our sins upon Himself, that we, through faith in Him, might be saved (Jn. 3:16) experiencing another great exchange, “beauty for ashes.”

John. G. Crabbe (1865-1924), an esteemed American educator, wrote a song about his Christian faith in those terms.

“I sing the love of God, my Father, / Whose Spirit abides within, / Who

tion so here goes: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, the state of being whole and undivided. In looking for examples I found it interesting that one of the first I found was that of employers looking to hire new employees. In that article the general consensus was that integrity is considered a fundamental value in the process. (Of course, that has to work both ways for a successful working relationship.)

The more I researched the topic the more I realized how complex and often risky

changes all my grief to gladness, / And pardons me all my sin. / Though clouds may lower, dark and dreary, / Yet He has promised to be near; / He gives me sunshine for my shadow, / And beauty for ashes here. / I sing the love of God, my Saviour, / Who suffered upon the tree, / That, in the secret of His presence, / My bondage might freedom be. / He comes to bind the brokenhearted; / He comes the fainting soul to cheer; / He gives me oil of joy for mourning, / And beauty for ashes here.”

it is to demonstrate high moral values in life and in work.

There is no area of life, business or politics where integrity is out of place. While it may be considered out of style, its foundations are strong and blessed

by God; while it may be costly, its rewards are incalculable.

“He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” (Proverbs 10:9) Another thing: Integrity begins with I. As in me. And in you. As in every individual.

PAGE 16 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

The best time of the year to prune your plants

By Ruthanne Hanbidge

Saskatoon School of Horticulture

Spring has arrived once again. The afternoon sun has warmth and the buds on the trees and shrubs are ready to pop. In the hope of finding something to do outside, I found myself out in the shed pulling out my pruning tools.

The early spring is the best time of year to do pruning for most trees and shrubs. The trees are still dormant but ready to begin rapid growth so any pruning wounds will heal rapidly.

Pruning is an essential skill that gardeners need to develop. Pruning is the practice of altering the form of a plant while at the same time promotes the health of the plant by removing dead or diseased tissues. Proper pruning can also help to promote a function like more bloom or a higher production of fruit.

By regularly pruning you can improve the overall appearance of a plant. Good pruning can also protect your property and those who live there by removal of hazardous

branches and by improving the sightlines in higher risk areas.

Before you begin to prune it is important to understand the proper structure of the tree you are pruning. Unless you are doing creative pruning (like topiary) it is a good idea to ensure that your pruning will shape the tree in its natural growth patterns.

Keep in mind that you should not prune too much at once. A good rule of thumb is that only a third of the tree should be pruned. If you have a tree that needs major pruning, it is better to do it gradually over a period of a few years. To do “catch up” pruning all in one year is hard on the tree and may cause the rapid growth of suckers that is not desired.

Prune carefully and slowly. Plan before you make that cut, as once a limb is cut there is no going back. Start out by cutting any broken, dead or diseased branches. It is amazing how improved a tree will be by just getting rid of the garbage.

Speaking of garbage – when the tree is not fully leafed out there is less

weight to haul away and it is easier to see the structure of the tree.

Next, stand back and take another look at the tree. Walk around the tree so you have a good idea of how it looks from every side. Trees are three-dimensional and so need to be balanced on every side.

Next to be removed is any crossing branches or those that will end up competing with one another in the future. Take into account the expansion of the girth of the limbs with time. Branches that go back into the centre of the tree will likely become a problem in the future.

Try to picture the tree in the future. This is sometimes the most difficult part of pruning for the novice pruner. Take stock of what you have already pruned. It is very easy to prune too much once you get going on this job.

If you are pruning fruit trees remember in order to get a good crop of fruit it is essential for sunlight to get into the centre of the canopy. Here on the prairies we often prune out the centre completely to allow good light penetration.

Remember too that there is a ban in place from April 1 to Aug. 30. During this time, pruning of elm trees is prohibited. It is important to remember this, as Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is devastating to the entire elm population. When you prune an elm tree, it attracts the elm bark beetles that spread

DED. The ban is in place while the beetles are most active.

When you are finished your spring pruning, your unused muscles may be a little sore and tired but you will have the satisfaction of having completed one of the necessary jobs in the garden while enjoying warmer spring weather.

— Hanbidge is a Prairie Master Gardener with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture. For more information about joining this community based program or to enroll in our certificate or diploma programs please call 306931-GROW(4769). Be sure to check out our website at www.growyourfuture.ca.

Signs of Spring

Tundra swans and a western meadow lark were spotted near the Battlefords recently. With weeks of dreary spring weather, the returning flocks are a welcome herald of sunnier days ahead. Photos by Bill Sherlock

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