News-Optimist April 14 by Battlefords News Optimist

News

Flat Oscar tours Battleford

Everybody Has a Story

North Stars spring camp

Garden Chat Exploring mysterious bulbs

Sports

Quote of the week

Rita Kuntz: Goodbye to a book adventure

“I’m very confident we’re on the right path.” — North Stars Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg

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Volume Volume 107 107No. No.35 xx

North Battleford,Sask. Sask. North Battleford,

Tuesday, 14, 2015 Tuesday,April Xxxxxx xx, 2015

Hesitant Steps

The April challenge for the Battlefords Photo Club was “slippery” and the winner was Andrea Jackson with her photo entitled Hesitant Steps. The Battlefords Photo Club meets September to June at the Allen Sapp Gallery at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Photo by Andrea Jackson

This week in ... A look back at the news stories making the pages of the News-Optimist in ...

1986

By Jayne Foster Staff Reporter

• The top story on the front page was a boost to the mayor of North Battleford’s

salary to $24,000 for 1986, an increase of $2,480 and a plan to set the mayor’s pay at half that of the city commissioner, starting Jan. 1 of 1987. January of the previous year, council had approved a two per cent increase for aldermanic indemnities bringing the rate to $8,323 per year, but had decided to refer the mayor’s remuneration to an independent committee. Justice C. Ross Winner of Queen’s bench Court, Battleford, reported to council this week in 1986 that the committee felt paying the mayor half of what the city commissioner makes was fair and ap-

propriate. (These days, the mayor of North Battleford makes something over $60,000.) • Also on the front page of the News-Optimist was a photo of work being done on the former NBCI turned Cairns High School turned John Paul II Collegiate. Six hundred students were expected to enrol in Grade 8-12 in the fall. • Local MLA Myles Morin, revenue and financial services minister, said the provincial budget would see $6.5 million for the Battlefords in newly initiated special projects. Morin said these projects would

include funding for change in transportation under the Urban Assistance Act, grants for regional development, grants for Sask. Housing Association, expansion of the Vida McDonald Activity Centre, a corrections facility and nearly $1 million under the provincial capital fund for various municipal projects. • John Gormley, talk show host who, in 1986, was MP for the Battlefords-Meadow Lake, was a guest speaker at the annual Battlefords Right To Life Pro-Life banquet.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 2

Hat Trick for KidSport

Donor-advised fund

Rongve family to aid stroke victim Staff The announcement has been made about who will receive the first distribution from the Rob and Nora Rongve Family Fund of the Battlefords and District Community Foundation. It will go towards Roxanne Smart-Garden and her family. In a news release, the

foundation stated the Rongve family has established a flow-through fund to help the Smart-Garden family with medical expenses Roxanne will incur as she recovers from a stroke she suffered earlier this year. “We are proud that we could help and thrilled that our first grant will go to such an amazing woman,”

15043SMF01

said Rob Rongve, BDCF donor. The Rongve family fund is a “donor-advised fund” established with BDCF last year. A donor-advised fund enables donor participation in the distribution of the annual grant. According to the news release, Rob and Nora’s daughters, Rachel and Antje

Rongve, help decide the best use of the grant money. Battlefords and District Community Foundation has 22 funds that contribute to the arts, health care, postsecondary scholarships and recreation, with the organization handing out over $35,000 in community grants and scholarships last year. April 9, Ryan Moe, area manager of G&C Asphalt and G&C Ready Mix North Battleford presented a $12,000 cheque to Rob Rongve and David Schell (co-chairs) of KidSport Battlefords. The proceeds are from an event held in Swift Current this year called the Colas Cup, a travelling hockey tournament that hosts participants from Western Canada and Alaska. It’s organized by a group of companies and this year the three hosting companies were out of Swift Current (Delta Aggregate; Westland Concrete), North Battleford (G&C Asphalt and G&C Ready Mix) and Estevan (Souris Valley Paving). All the funds raised at the tournament are matched by those companies to be donated to their charity of choice, which they have chosen to be KidSport. Because of the location of those three companies the funds raised were split among the three communities. Photo submitted

Excerpts from the B’fords RCMP Daily Report Staff Wednesday, April 8

• Report of an abandoned van parked in a parking lot located at 102nd Street and 13th Avenue that had animal carcasses inside. Members attended to find that the van had been stolen earlier this date from an Edmonton, Alta. area business and was full of slaughtered lambs ready to be butchered. The value of the animals was estimated by the owner at $40,000. • Gas and dash from a business located on the 16 Highway bypass. A man filled a grey and burgundy pickup truck with a $100 of fuel and fled without paying. • Report of theft of sandwiches from a business in the 1700 block of 100th Street. Two youth observed on in store video hiding sandwiches in their clothing. Check out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca

PAGE 3 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Funding for community organizations Staff The provincial government has announced a commitment of $2.1 million in 2015-16 towards a number of North Battleford community based organizations. According to a news release issued Thursday, the funding goes to support North Battleford and area families in need and is pro-

vided through both the Ministry of Social Services and the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is providing funding of $932,760 to the following: Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords, the Battlefords Interval House Society and the Battlefords’ and Area Sexual Assault Centre. That money is going to-

wards supporting the victims of interpersonal violence and abuse. In addition, the Ministry of Social Services is supporting Catholic and Family Services of the Battlefords with annual funding of $1.17 million. An amount of $184,000 is to provide assistance through a Diversion Program, with the goal of pro-

viding in-home support and education to parents of atrisk children. “Our government is pleased to reaffirm its funding commitment to our North Battleford CBOs,” said Battlefords MLA Herb Cox in a statement, speaking on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer and Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wy-

ant. “These wonderful organizations help individuals and families during difficult times and play a vital role in serving those in need in the Battlefords area.” “We thank the Government of Saskatchewan for their continued support and confidence in the services and supports our organization provides to the families

we serve,” said Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords Inc. board president Ken Loehndorf in a statement. “We are excited to continue helping individuals and families build on their strengths, and find positive ways to understand and act when faced with challenges in their lives, whatever they might be.”

On March 21, RCMP reported that members from Morse detachment responded to a single vehicle rollover near Ernfold on Highway 1. A 2004 Dodge Durango had rolled in the

ditch and two occupants were taken to hospital. During the investigation a suspected firearm and seven grams of crystal meth were located and seized. Three people were charged and are to return to court in Swift Current June 15. Afterwards, a search warrant was executed on the Durango and according to police, a number of altered gift cards were discovered, in addition to computers, two grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Police say the majority of the cards were Visa and MasterCard gift cards that had the real numbers sanded off along with the gift card amounts. Police say the suspects appear to have embossed stolen credit card numbers onto the cards along with expiry dates and the customer name, whether it be the suspect’s name or “preferred customer.” These cards had no magnetic stripe so it would have required merchants to manu-

ally enter the numbers to finish the sale. The cards had many warning signs. Some had the screen-printed first four digits not matching, others had the last four on the signature strip that did not match either. Police are urging merchants who manually enter credit card numbers to be aware of what they are doing and examine the card being used carefully. Police say these are not good quality forgeries and can be eas-

ily identified. If merchants suspect a card has been tampered with an alternative form of payment can be asked for. It should also be noted that if a merchant manually enters a fraudulent credit card number at the point of sale, the purchase amount is generally charged back to them by credit card companies.

Merchants advised to watch for phony cards Staff

Merchants who manually enter credit card numbers are being urged to be vigilant after police discovered a number of forged credit cards in a vehicle rollover.

News-Optimist.ca Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: Last week Destination Battlefords unveiled a new brand for the community — Everything Under the Sun. What is your opinion? • It describes the Battlefords perfectly. 8% • It is bold and brash and will attract attention. 12% • It raises the bar a little too high. 9% • Sure we’ve got everything under the sun, including too much crime. 51% • Branding doesn’t really do anything to promote a community. 21%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: Do you think the Senate expenses fraud trial of Mike Duffy should be televised live? Yes. This case involves the spending of our taxpayer’s money and in the interest of transparency we should be allowed to watch. No. Cameras are a distraction, create a circus atmosphere and impact on a fair trial.

Visit www.newsoptimist.ca Follow Battlefords News-Optimist on Facebook and BfordsNewsOpt on Twitter.

Rene Armstrong

Back in court May 13 Staff

The case against an individual accused in a dangerous standoff situation in March in North Battleford returns to court May 13. Rene Armstrong made his latest appearance in court Thursday by closed-circuit TV. According to the submission in court by defence lawyer Don MacKinnon, the adjournment is to allow time for the defence to review the Crown’s position with the client. Armstrong faces a number of charges in connection to that standoff situation, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, using a firearm in the commission of offence, careless use of

firearm; possession of prohibited firearm with ammu-

nition; and assaulting peace officers with a weapon.

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Commentary

Medical tourism: healthy alternative or bitter pill? By CNW Group Worldwide interest in medical tourism, by individuals seeking medical care and countries looking to provide such care, has surged in recent years. While medical tourism could potentially boost Canada’s economy and generate revenues that can be used to subsidize public health care, Canada needs to proceed slowly and cautiously to examine the benefits and risks of promoting this type of services trade. A new Conference Board of Canada report, Should Canada’s Hospitals Open their Doors to Medical Tourists? examines the current state of medical tourism in Canada and around the world, and the possible associated advantages and risks, such as increased wait times and the creation of a two-tiered system, for Canadian hospitals and health care systems. “Canada invests more than $200 billion a year in health care, building a considerable expertise and experience in a vast number of fields. This massive investment could be leveraged to enhance our economy and generate revenue that could be reinvested into our health care system,” said Louis Theriault, vice-president, Public Policy, the Conference Board of Canada. “But, for Canada to pursue and grow the medical tourism industry, it is imperative to ensure it can do so without compromising access to health care for Canadians.” “A key question is whether medical tourism can improve health care access and quality of care for both Canadians at home and for international patients from abroad,” said Dr. Ronald Labonté, Canada research chair in Globalization and Health Equity at the University of Ottawa, and coauthor of the report. According to Patients Without Borders an estimated 11 million people travel abroad to seek medical care. The global market is growing at a pace of 15 to 25 per cent annually and the market is estimated at $38.5 billion to $55 billion. Many Asian countries have been actively promoting

medical tourism for the past decade making them the number one destination for medical tourists with Latin America and Middle Eastern countries developing hospital facilities specifically to attract international patients. At present, there are more Canadians travelling abroad for medical treatment (spending $447 million in 2013) than foreign visitors coming to Canada for health care (spending $150 million in 2013). Compared to other countries, both of these numbers remain relatively small. Potential opportunities exist for Canada to become a favoured destination for U.S. patients for language, proximity and safety reasons. However, implementation and expansion would have to be managed judiciously and cautiously. There are generally three main motivations for a country to develop a medical tourism sector: to boost the economy, generate funds for health care improvement and to enhance efficiency. Conversely, critics of medical tourism in Canada say it would increase wait times, put Canada on a slippery slope toward privatization and a two tier system, and compromise Canadian values such as equity and universality by promoting the commercialization of health care. Having reviewed some of the benefits and criticisms of medical tourism, opening Canada’s hospital doors to international patients could be done as long as several guiding principles are followed:

• Canadians receive priority at all times. • Hospitals should identify specific areas of capacity to expand services. • Concentrate in areas where Canada has a competitive advantage. • Charge international patients more than Canadians. • Ensure guidelines are followed and systems improve access to care. • Report the number of patients treated and revenues received. This report is published under The Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care (CASHC). Launched in 2011, CASHC is a program of research and dialogue, investigating various aspects of Canada’s health care challenge, including the financial, workplace, and institutional dimensions, in an effort to develop forward-looking qualitative and quantitative analysis and solutions to make the system more sustainable.

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A boot to the people who leave thier dogs out at night to bark and keep people awak. People, take your dogs inside at night Ann Ross

Correction The location of a Discovering the Power in Me workshop hosted by and sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70, North Battleford, was stated as being at the Tropical Inn in the March 31 News-Optimist. In fact, the workshop was held at the Legion.

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PAGE 5 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Duffy trial would be better televised Is it me, or have Canadian politics gone crazy? The Mike Duffy Senate expenses fraud trial is on and already the entire national media has gone nuts with their nonstop coverage. This trial is a media circus, which is some achievement since TV cameras aren’t even allowed in the courtroom. This ought to disprove once and for all the theories about how media circuses are the sole result of cameras in the courtroom. There are no cameras, and yet the circus still showed up. Before I go into my thoughts on this trial so far, I have a few thoughts about the whole issue of video cameras in the courtroom, which has reignited in Canada with the Duffy trial coverage. The National Post recently came out with an editorial in favour of cameras in the courtroom. Their general reasoning: Twitter is being allowed in the courtroom, so cameras ought to be as well. Personally, I’ve never

understood why cameras shouldn’t be allowed in the courtroom to cover live proceedings. They do it in the United States regularly, and they even allowed it in South Africa for the Oscar Pistorius murder trial. The sky did not fall, the world did not end and life went on. As for the verdicts, you can’t blame TV for that, because TV cameras aren’t in the jury room anyway. What makes no sense is why we insist on keeping the cameras out of the courtroom when they’re just about everywhere else. Parliamentary debates are shown live, on TV. Committee hearings are shown on TV, same for the legislature. We have TV cameras at council meetings all the time in the Battlefords and it’s pretty much accepted. Heck, we even have video security cameras everywhere on the streets and shopping malls. Yet we don’t have TV cameras in our courts, even though there is tremendous inter-

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newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net est in the activities of the criminal justice system. The common argument is that cameras are a distraction in court and witnesses might be intimidated by them, impacting a fair trial. But that doesn’t hold up in this case. This is a trial of a guy who not only was in the Senate, but used to be on TV every day on CTV. He wouldn’t be intimidated in the least. For an issue like the Senate scandal, it would really help matters if we were able to tune in directly to a live feed from the courtroom, rather than rely on the thumbs of these reporters who are Tweeting and liveblogging the testimony.

I’m thinking if people actually tuned in a live feed, people might get a better appreciation of what the legal arguments are and come to their own informed conclusions. Moreover, it would be better anyway, because Twitter is absolutely terrible. Here is what trial coverage is like on Twitter using the #duffy hashtag. You get a Tweet from CBC about what’s said on the stand, followed by a post by CTV that repeats the exact same testimony, followed by some other news post that repeats something else a few minutes earlier that you already read. But mixed in as well are the “junk” posts from people who have nothing to add, such as the opinions posted by idiots, or the partisan posts from political people. Just give us something we can watch so we can follow the court proceedings in a semi-comprehensible fashion in peace, away from these fools. Here’s a thought. Maybe if there was a live TV feed, members of the general pub-

lic might be more engaged and interested in the details of this important case. Which, I should add, they are not at the moment. It’s odd. I’ve seen other trials that captured the public imagination for whatever reason — the Jodi Arias case in Arizona is a really good example — where the interest from the public really drove the coverage that followed, because the media circus wouldn’t have shown up otherwise. The opposite is happening here. News people and political people can’t get enough of the Duffy trial, but interest drops sharply beyond that group. I think I know why, and it’s not just because this trial is not on TV. The reality is ordinary people’s minds are made up not only about Duffy, but about the entire Canadian Senate, everyone in Ottawa and everyone in politics. They’re all crooks, all feeding from the public trough, according to the general sentiment. Their reaction to the final verdict will be the same no matter what happens. If Duffy is found guilty, people will say “this proves the Senate is corrupt.” But if he’s acquitted, they’ll still say “this proves the Senate is corrupt.” That looks like Duffy’s main argument. The defence we seem to be getting from Duffy is that he was “fol-

lowing the rules” and it’s not Duffy’s fault that the rules are so lax and vague, and that it’s unfair he’s the one being singled out when everyone lived by these rules. Even so, the reality is he was still spending all this money from taxpayers. Even if his spending is technically legal according to the Senate rules, it doesn’t make it right. It’s early, but already the overriding vibe we are getting from Duffy and his defence team is of a guy “entitled to his entitlements.” In a nutshell, this attitude exemplifies why so many Canadians are so cynical about the Senate, and is the reason why so many of them are frustrated at the lack of progress made towards cleaning that chamber up. So people are frustrated. Regardless of whether Duffy goes to jail or not, the rest of the Senate will still be there, the same as usual, with no prospect of real change in sight. No matter what happens, the one sure-fire loser in this case is already known. It’s everyone at home. You cannot blame people for saying “wake me up when this is over.” Based on the length of defence lawyer Donald Bayne’s cross-examination this week, it looks like this trial is going to take a looooong time.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 6

Rita Kuntz: Goodbye to a book adventure

r or take part in library to see an autho a. Rit to job the ie, started Grade fered and also projects. at the end of about three years, Lakel youngest, daughter Coral ter , Af ms mo e “We did Culture Days om t-h y-a rar lib ute stit sub a Like many sta e a lady from Edam, an to becom work when 12. rse, is a mis- invited her ttleford Library. She would September and had gami fish from old cou of m, mo me Rita Kuntz went back to ho at y Sta ori ian at the Ba Working with re artist, and we did busy. her kids were grown. r. Kids can keep a mom rk more hours as there we me wo s.” no to e ine a abl gaz be had ma y g, she rar tin lib n, was ska SHNB. en in for the Lakeland Library Regio “There was hockey, there only so many available at They had Grade 7 childr to her second uffeur.” ian cha rar the lib s wa I d’s for and they hung l, ttle goal of devoting 15 years bal and project Eventually, Ba for the next there was Rita was posi- art and recycling and a , to 4-H ved o fish in mo als s the career, and is now ready m her powa ere Th g fro window th the phase of her life – retirin bo ed olv inv . ian rar lib d’s for ttle Ba ke an as ma to ject sition in life,” ex- as a pro disum ari “It’s just a new chapter a aqu and r who plans to leader y. . pla plains the mother of fou der lea three grand- group Sometimes spend more time with her ily. She was fam ng mi far her and en ed there may be childr cial guest at also involv Monday, she was the spe ltwo or three in her chi nour. nts in a l oo eve a retirement tea in her ho sch rs of dren’s yea 10 t pas the at k bac says Looking week, Library, she lives. d for ttle Ba it the t at bu ng Rita, worki “I volunple she’s met, peo the ed oy ays enj alw ’s ’t she s esn m do say fro med and work- teered ly work out like the friendships she’s for ear the ard bo e Th . ard bo y’s rar lib that. ing with the at St. n friendly and 1980s They might members have always bee adding it’s Vital when says, she th, wi rk wo a school to ng y bri son eas work with the my do a in, ss d cla also been a pleasure to rte sta first d. for ttle tour of the liTown of Ba to us,” she school.” od go so n bee ’ve hey “T brary and do a T h a t s. n craft. say y has been c o n t i “Kids always Since 1981, the librar all as 00-year-old heri- ued oy that sort enj her housed in a more-than-1 of r fou 22nd Street of ner cor the on ing ild of thing,” she tage bu ldren historic post of- c h i n’s tow the m fro oss d says. acr v e year 2012, when m o adds, She h fice. A highlight of the g u o Canada t h r of nk Ba ’s ant rch they Me r al the forme however, ay, says Rita, St. Vit thd bir 0th 10 too its d see ate celebr don’t ol, ted the library S c h o . ers nag tee ny l was when the Town presen ma tt w on proud dis- B a are hey “T with a vintage photo no Jueford in library desk. play across from the ma scarce in the linior High the of e car od go en tak has wn To e Th brary,” she says. ool, tory while mak- S c h ’s d reader or noshe building, valuing its his and “You have either the avi c to enjoy, Rita where ent for tion in Lakel er. ov k too a Rit ing it available to the publi anyone with served as home and school presid and ce, offi e to urs body.” ford Compre- regional the teenagers says. It is easily accessibl d the hours here and the ho th, and then North Battle gle bo jug “I int po s, Of course, she notes, inadd t go she ve ll, she dri we ere as the wh ues for ol, iss ho ing Sc ity ow mobil e High says, all are mostly attending directly onto the hensiv nt group there,” she n of the community me bee age e’d eng Sh . ent ces par pla o the tw ing to the ramp opening in volved Battleford. time between the rs when school in North in our town, it’s right yea 12 for y ll. rar we main floor. lib as NB re SH “This library former sub- the HS, Rita vol- with the sition get a lot of With Rita’s retirement, At both St. Vital and BJ d she would let that po ide dec be w she no s ll ide the post office so we wi wa bes n at loi Th Be y. rb rar Ba lib l ian oo rar sch lib the stitute y go for their mail.” unteered in go. of seniors because the e som . e tak ded to nee s ing this library wa go p head librarian. “I just felt, ,I’m She says, “That’s where a one-person where hel on the te tra y had teacher librarcen the e con iors and we t tim While the library is not t sen jus e tha t and hav “A the stress off stitute difference. We a sub ng l has bri era ld sev cou are r re che the tea and he says. “T ttleford is growoperation, ffed by one ians,” she also one,’” she says. have young families. Ba sta uld y ng wo all bei rm and no of t ian is par it rar s, lib rite ian the ou librar ss in to Rita says her fav ngs Rita had a heart a cla g people ing.” that read to them, did thi have regulars. son person at a time. When per the be ian is the reward of helpin getting s rar ian lib rar t lib Among the seniors they tha te titu son sub per the the , re or ing d we u nee yo y they are gothe and t ow m, attack last spr tha kn the u ing th yo wi ome of them s, find someth “S ok bo t ou d . cke on asi . che r, occ rch nte some of them rose to the in their sea at the cou e for them assistance that filled in worked ing to be in on Monday, s par w sub pre ho od ped is go e hel y ng m, ver cha the had for big “I block comes in, and shelving What’s made a .” er while I was on did v- know what day the ing pro do the ded oss nee acr ver w ate no wh ll be ready.” ble and were able to take ov ts, ngs are availa what time their books wi ence,” she says. projec in the schools meant thi she says. ent em n able to use olv sick time and leave of abs bee inv r has He e, Rita is glad she r, I cut back on of people and one inc here’s no end of what they could y iet ess school, var sin a “Then through the winte bu ng at d eti rne me lea “T the skills she ewan more and they tch m ska the Sa e the gav at d and rke t change urs wo ho vas my who enced a t thought, ‘Fif- woman had once get.” as but she’s also experi m the m fro rn s. lea ian rar ou did excellent work, so I jus w I want to Hospital library and knew Rita She adds, “Y in technology used by lib no re saw her riter when I teen, that was my goal, and e.’” t.” d in medical records the nea rke wo It’s … ll we “I had an electric typew she ile pac r wh are we her slo hat for le ‘W litt ute a ask stit at take life ssible sub Sometimes she would d,” she says. m Medstead, as a po y would end up starte duty. the y at the BatRita is originally fro jur and ?’ on for ved g ser kin loo u and yo When she started working h school, used to the uce rod are int ou or “Y , d, puters new sai com ing nd re eth where she graduated hig end Reeves frie we Her ng her som y, there to att t as she tleford Librar so that wouldn’t teachi l jus r, oo only ho sch aut had the or y t m the jec came to North Battleford t fro y bu sub rar her to a new the public to use she took a lib ow for re, kn o the als m u Fro yo t ge. bu lle u, Co e. Business ange to yo them. rs by that tim spital North Bat- be str entele there is because you’ve might do for the been there a few yea job at Saskatchewan Ho cli ularly enjoys seeing use them for diftic at and par wh e e com Sh le “Peop s. their in e anc ick adv y ” rar re. lib tleford in medical record the the d s, resumés, research, qu children using they decided worke time pro- ferent thing ry . There was a part of ays on sto it alw a k When she met Larry and has are too y u she rar yo lib So so e s time to move a reference skills. Th those emails, pictures, to marry in 1973, it wa library that was used as says, and it’s nice to see the she m, the gra of t par had learning,” says Rita. as a Rit life t ff, bu is computon to the new phase of library for the medical sta used by the kids coming back as they grow. Nowadays, everything ms e gra sid pro the of of rge e cha car tching lie in wa Kuntz farm family. tak s are enjoy Librarians from the day I only to well as erized, and she ng how to use the g library hours, as rin en du s ldr ent chi “That’s my background cli for and urs ff ho rni sta like story brary patrons lea . was born,” she laughs. which weren’t full time. lts. ttladu Ba t rth jus No new technology available rk in d wo ing y ooking, to car s to do librar apb wa dent who After a year of liv scr job stu to y g ng un “M eni yo a ard “G and had “We g to work sted ford Library] ere ttle int Ba re the we y [at e the regularly her y ver eford, with Rita continuin do rar ate we to the lib making or wh family farm, they like there.” u would would come ts yo ht ien ug pat tho put his u and to ff yo d Larry commuting to the sta “If rne a. the lea Rit for ool. He in,” says n a program after sch n the Battleford library, pla der – tha ld rea er d cou all u decided to relocate. avi sm yo an h s It’s ug he’ – eno and moved own holds on ic set have bas a has y rar lib put ry to eve w t ” “We bought a mobile home ho s, bu cousin it to them. been there ever she say es then he taught his in a library. and offer com are t at tha wh s ryok ow bo kn eve u of ing yo s” , out to the farm and we’ve tch ock ian of “bl s fun wa As a librar in the holds on. It wa children’s books, ple ny peo ma the as at ’t wh ren r, since.” we nte ere cou Th the a family. were some be- across ng those body learn.” They were about to start sting seeinterested in, so you bri of course, although there are e a lik are ’t ren at She says it’s been intere we be t ges gh y wa mi the o wh ms s gra ent pro cli re er s more we off “In those years the re’ there materials in and ing the changes, and the always our plan cause el. lev g s they are now, and it was din say e, she with our chil- that rea the coming. into the thera- might lik so fast that I would be at home y has also worked with When her friend moved rar lib e Th g “Technology is moving vin lea , re tal the spi it ho vis the rs ho of aut nt e me dren.” mom from pies depart sition open, the Lakeland local schools to hav en come into the it’s hard to keep up.” ldr po Rita was a stay at home chi y l rar oo lib sch e the hav to her or Continued on Page 11 Library region of1974 to 2000, when

PAGE 7 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Flat Oscar pays a visit to Battleford

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Battleford Town Council members with Flat Oscar perched on the mayor’s chair. Left to right, Doug Laing, Susan McLean Tady, Ames Leslie, Mayor Derek Mahon, Gordon Yarde, Shelley Boutin-Gervais and David George. Photos by Jayne Foster

By Jayne Foster Staff Reporter

Battleford has a special visitor from British Columbia. His name is Flat Oscar, and he’s already something of a celebrity. “Oscar’s from Vancouver,” said Mayor Derek Mahon last week. “He’s already been to the Fred Light Museum, he’s been to the biggest baseball bat in Canada and he’s going to be touring places throughout the town.” Fort Battleford was also on his list. Flat Oscar came to the Town of Battleford in an envelope from a school in Vancouver. In an accompanying letter, teacher Laura Carle wrote, “As part of a class study of Canada, my students have made paper dolls of themselves that are being sent to various cities and towns across Canada. This project is based on a book called Flat Stanley

Flat Oscar (centre) has been to several sites in Battleford with assistant administrator Colin Olson (left) and was a visitor at last week’s town council meeting, sitting near Mayor Derek Mahon (right).

by Jeff Brown. In the story, Stanley has a bulletin board fall on him and he becomes flat – he’s okay, just flat. His parents decided to send him in an envelope to visit a friend. The student who is visiting you chose your city or town af-

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ter viewing your website.” Carle asked if the Town of Battleford “entertain” its flat student by taking him to sites around the town, write a bit about the community and take some pictures with Flat Oscar.

“I like for the students to see the similarities and differences between where we live and other places in Canada,” wrote Carle. “At this age, they believe that every

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place is the same as where they live.” There’s no time limit on Oscar’s visit, but when he’s made the rounds, he will be returning by mail to his home school. “The real student will be required to give an oral

report on the city or town they chose, so any information would be greatly appreciated,” wrote Oscar’s teacher. The mayor said, “This is the first time we’ve had something like this, that I can recall.”

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Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 8

Cashing In It’s obvious that interest in entrepreneurship among young people is alive and well in North Battleford as seen on the 1400 block of 99th Street Friday. Our newsroom was tipped off about a group of kids who had set up a yard sale stand on the street. The kids, Carter, Zoe, Kyler and Hayden, were selling DVDs, Xbox games, books and other items at prices of $5 for a couple of days. It was obvious the kids had learned a few things about business, including such things as location, good marketing and signage and promotion techniques. Photos by John Cairns

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PAGE 9 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

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Deadline: Friday 1 p.m. OBITUARIES RICARD: In Loving Memory of Joseph Aime Leonel Ricard, born July 20, 1950, Paradise Hill, SK, passed away March 21, 2015, Edmonton, AB. Survived by his loving wife Joan and family: Lawrence Kress (Sheila): grandchildren - Ashley, Steven, Ally, Paige and great-granddaughter Aaliyah; Kim Kress (Rhonda) grandchildren: Colin, Mason, Karlee, Dustin and Emma; Keith Kress (Colette) - grandchildren: Kristina, Amanda, Joanna, Willie and great-grandchildren Kyra and Dante; Rhea (Curtis) Hepting - grandchildren: Kyle, Jennifer and great-grandchildren Isabel, Gavin and Logan; Shanon (Kevin) McConnell - grandchildren: Christopher, Kelly, Chelsey, Dillon and great-grandson Cameron; Corinne (Desmond) Sauverwald grandchildren: Joslynn, Daphne, Mikhayla and great-granddaughter Annabell; brother: Alfred Ricard; sisters: Rita Fiddler, Evelyn (Mike) Bender and Marie Rose (Harold) Burroughs; brother-in-law: Wilfred Aultman; nieces and nephews. Predeceased by: grandson - Michael Kress, mother - Laura Ricard, father - Gideon Ricard, sister Helen Aultman. Service of Thanksgiving was held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 - 2 p.m. from Battleford United Church, Battleford, SK with Minister Rev. Nora Borgeson. Shared Family Memories were given by Colette Kress. Music Ministry: Mrs. M. Junice Headley – Organist; Battleford United Church Choir; Robert MacKay “How Great Thou Art”; Hymn Selections: “The Old Rugged Cross” “Amazing Grace”. Honorary Pallbearers were Larry Leibel - Ronnie Knorr; all his past and present co-workers; special acknowledgement to Edna “Mom” McDonald. Active Pallbearers were Kyle Down, Dillon McConnell, Willie Kress, Christopher Swanson, Colin Kress and Dylan Curiston. Born July 20, 1950 to Laura and Gideon Ricard in Paradise Hill, Sask. Lionel was the youngest of five children. As a young man he moved to North Battleford for work. When he was just 21 he met and fell in love with Joan and her five children. A few years later they would welcome a new addition to their happy home. Joan and Lionel married on Aug 14, 1982 with all of their loved ones surrounding them. Favorite pastimes included keeping busy by spending time outside putzing. He enjoyed carpentry, painting, gardening and even babysitting. For the past 35 years he worked in housekeeping at Battleford’s Union Hospital and District Care. He enjoyed his job and the people he worked with. Even the patients got a special visit when he was working. He always had a minute for them. Lionel truly enjoyed spending his time surrounded by family and friends. Whether hunting, fishing, camping or coffeeing, his quiet nature found a way into the hearts of many. Every child who entered his life knew what it was like to be held in Grandpa’s arms. His love and pride for these kids did not end as tiny tots. He beamed with pride as he continued to share stories with everyone about all of our lives and his place in them. As our family gathered to celebrate Lionel’s life we became overwhelmed by the number of supporters who joined us both in body and spirit. We were humbled by the number of lives he touched and by the fond memories and stories shared with us all. He was loved and admired by so many. His easy-going, happy demeanor made him easy to talk to, and the gentle advice he dispensed instilled in us a respect of all people. He cared deeply and loyally for his friends and family. Anyone needing a helping hand, kind word, or a slight kick in the butt knew exactly where to find him. To have him pass so suddenly leaves us with a few regrets. Regrets that we did not spend enough time with him. That we did not thank him enough for all he did, and was. For not telling him how much we appreciated and loved him. We know he would not want us to be sad or regretful, but that he would want us to live fun-filled, productive, loving lives, and so we will – in his memory. You will be missed by your co-workers, your friends, your great grandchildren, your grandchildren, your children and by your best friend and wife Joan. Please watch over us Gentle Spirit. Memorial donations are requested to STARS - Shock Trauma Air Rescue Unit, 570-1441 Aviation PK NE, Calgary, AB TE2 9Z9. Interment at a later date. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. ____________________________________________________

McTAGGART: In Loving Memory of Cecil McTaggart, born May 13, 1927, and passed away March 27, 2015 in North Battleford, Sask. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Anne; daughter, Janice (Orest) Mysko – grandsons Darcy and Cory; 14 nieces and one nephew; brother-in-law, Terry Fadish – niece: Tonia (Dennis) Derksen and family: Kelsey, Andrew and Carson; nephews: Ted (Larissa) Fadish and daughter Ivy; David (Tasha) Fadish and family: twins: Warner and Reid –Paige and McKenna. Predeceased by his parents, George and Edith McTaggart; brothers, Archie, Norman, John, Donald; sisters: Jean (Ernie) and Jessie (Don); sister-in-law, Elsie Fadish and nephew, Raymond Fadish. Service of Thanksgiving was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 – 2:00 p.m. from “The Garden Chapel” – Battlefords Funeral Service, North Battleford, Sask with Minister Rev. Nora Borgeson, Battleford United Church, Battleford, Sask. Music Ministry: Glenn Goodman – Organist, Robert MacKay – “Bringing In The Sheaves”, Hymn Selections: “Softly and Tenderly” and “Just As I Am”. Urn bearer was Darcy Mysko. Memorials are requested to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Inc., Box 1358, North Battleford, Sask S9A 3L8. Interment at City Cemetery – North Battleford, Sask. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. ____________________________________________________ SHELTGEN: It is with sadness the family of Mrs. Dorothy Sheltgen announce her peaceful passing on Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Battleford’s Union Hospital at the age of 71 years. Left to cherish her memory are her loving family; daughter Shannon (Wendell) Domes; son Darren (Erin); grandchildren Bailey (Mike) Svojanovski, Jamie Domes, Colman Chandler, and Maggie and Reggie Sheltgen; great grandchildren Jaxton and Hudson Sayers and Bree Svojanovski; her sisters Vivian Cave, Grace (Morris) Fedak, Florence Timmerman, and Shirley (Andre) Blais. She was predeceased by her husband James; her parents Alexander and Olga; sister Elsie Zacharias; brothers in law Charles Cave and Jim Kielo. At Dorothy’s request, no formal service will be held. Memorial donations in memory of Dorothy may be directed to the Palliative Care Suite, c/o Battlefords Union Hospital 1092 107 St, North Battleford, Sask S9A 1Z1. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium

BRETZER: Madeline Bretzer passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alta. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the age of 89 years. Madeline leaves to mourn her passing: John (Shelly) and children Danielle (Justin), Sean (Becky) and Kendall (Shawn); Wayne; Terry (Sheila) and children Sharla (Chris) and TJ; Dennis (Tracy); Jim and children Brian, Michael, Michelle (Brett) and Matthew along with 11 great-grandchildren and one brother, William (Yolanda) Miller. Madeline was predeceased by her husband, Liberatus and parents, Joseph and Theresa Miller. The funeral service for Madeline was conducted from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alta. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Arun Rodrigues officiating. The active pallbearers were: Sean Bretzer, TJ Bretzer, Michael Bretzer, Matthew Bretzer, Shawn Fletcher and Chris Walker. The interment took place at the Unity Cemetery, Unity, Sask. with Father Gregory Roth officiating. Donations in memory of Madeline may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of choice. The family of Madeline would like to give their sincere thanks to the staff of Pioneer Lodge for the loving care they showed her. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alta. administered the funeral arrangements. ____________________________________________________ CHOMEY: In loving memory of Morris J. Chomey born October 21, 1941 in Hatherleigh, Sask. Our father passed away in Battleford Union Hospital March 28, 2015 with family at his side. Left to cherish his memory his wife Lorene; sons Gordon (Linda), Curtis, David (Donna); brother Stan (Kathy); nieces Ellen (Geremy) and Stacey (Jordan); grandchildren Telina, Cara (Rosalie), Lynsey, Sasha and Rylan (Dianne). Morris was predeceased by his mother Helen and Father John; his parents-in-law Eva and Lorne Matthews. The family would like to thank Zane, Barb and Megan along with the staff of the ambulance service, emergency services and the wonderful members of the Third North at BUH for their caring attention. To reflect and cherish Dad’s memory a Service of Remembrance was held Monday April 6, 2015 from the chapel of Sallows - McDonald & Wilson - Zehner Funeral Home. In lieu of flower donations can be made to the Battlefords Wildlife Federation. Condolences for the family may be left at www.sallowsandmcdonald.com. The family placed their trust with Megan Donlevy of Sallows & McDonald - Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home. 306-445-2418.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 10

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FEED & SEED Common #1 Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Timothy, Crested Wheat, Yellow Clover, Cicer Milkvetch, Alfalfa. Also have Grower Direct. Blending and Delivery available. Competitive Prices. Call Siklenka Seeds, 306-3424290, 306-342-7688, Glaslyn Sask. Selling organic/conventional Sweet Clover, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Smooth and Meadow Brome, Crestedwheat, Timothy, Sainfoin, Milk Vetch. Free Delivery on larger orders! Pasture and hay blends. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. Star City, SK. Ph: 306-8632900. ivanaudrey@sasktel.net

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COMING EVENTS

Community Events Calendar ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

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

Friday, April 17

The RM of Paynton & the Village of Paynton will be hosting their Annual Spring Ratepayers Supper, Meeting & Social at 5:00 p.m. at the Paynton Community Centre, 205 - 1st Street East. Tickets must be purchased a week in advance.

Friday, April 17

Borden Bowling Banquet, Awards & Silent Auction – Community Centre at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

St. George’s Day Tea & Bake sale at 191 - 24th Street, Battleford from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

Western Commodities

Club 70 - The Gold Tones at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with lunch. Phone Les & Donna at 306-845-3772 for more info. Everyone welcome.

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Battlefords Wildlife Federation 70th Annual Smoker at the North Battleford Civic Centre. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Supper BBQ Roast and more from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Advance tickets available at Piper Equipment and Norsask Equipment.

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Saturday, April 18

Introduction to TRE Workshop (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises). Learn an effective way to manage your stress and tension from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Don Ross Centre, upper Mezzanine. For more information, contact Marie Graw at 306-937-2417.

Sunday, April 19

Saskatoon Fiddle Orchestra Concert at 2:00 p.m. at Borden Community Centre. Admission by donation, proceeds to Borden Volunteer Fire Dept. For info call 306-997-2130.

Sunday, April 19

Saskatoon Fiddle Orchestra at Borden Community Centre at 2:00 p.m. by donation & proceeds to Borden Firefighters. Hosted by Borden Senior’s Club.

Tuesday, April 21

Borden United Church Spring Luncheon in the Senior’s Room from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesdays, April 21, 28, May 5, 12 & 19

Heart 2 Heart Program at the Primary Health Centre, North Battleford, Frontier Mall from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend with you! The program offers information on cardiac conditions and reducing risk factors for any future cardiac event. Please call 306-446-6422 to confirm/cancel your attendance if you haven’t done so.

Tuesdays, April 21 - May 26

Do you have a Chronic Condition wanting tools to cope? Prairie North Health Region is offering a free LiveWell with Chronic conditions workshop at the Primary Health Centre - Conference Room 1 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Phone 1-888-922-5867 or 306-446-8613 to register.

Wednesday, April 22

Portrait Drawing Basics with Kevin Quinlan at ARC Creative Studios, 1106 - 101st Street, North Battleford from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Registration at Crandleberrys, 1821 - 100th Street, North Battleford.

Saturday, April 25

Topline Social Dance Club -The Gold Tones - Easter at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with lunch. Min. age 19. Phone Sharon at 306-446-0446, Leela 306445-7240 or Jean 306-445-8815.

Saturday, April 25

90th Birthday Tea for Ann Brand at the Borden Community Centre at 2:00 p.m.

Tuesdays, April 28 - June 2

Do you have a Chronic Condition wanting tools to cope? Prairie North Health Region is offering a free LiveWell with Chronic conditions workshop at the North Battleford Library from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Phone 1-888-922-5867 or 306-446-8613 to register.

Wednesday, April 29

Borden Senior’s Potluck supper & birthdays at 5:45 p.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 12:00 noon Friday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

PAGE 11 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

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Rita Kuntz: Goodbye to a book adventure Continued from Page 6 Though she plans to retire, she’s not giving up on new technology. She plans to spend time on her own computer. “Oh, yeah, it’s just part of life. My sons use it [on the farm] every day,” says Rita. “Well. I should say the cellphone, it has everything a computer has. You can read a book from it, a

magazine from it.” That shows how technology has changed things, she says. “We don’t even have to have a large supply of magazines within the library because people can read it on their iPad or iPhones.” But the new technology doesn’t change everything. “Some things you have to keep in a library because

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Battlefords Minor Hockey Association Inc. is currently accepting application for the positions (3)

COACH MENTOR We are seeking individuals with extensive coaching experience to assist in the promotion and development of coaches and players with the Association. These positions will be compensated. Please contact the BMHA office at 306-446-3393 or email at bmha@sasktel.net for application forms. Further information available by contacting President Jason Teniuk at ipteniuk@sasktel.net. Deadline for Coach Mentorship is April 1st at noon.

there are some seniors who don’t want to change because it isn’t an easy switchover.” There are also those who say, “I have an e-reader but I still like my book,” or “I still like to have my magazine when I have my morning coffee,” she says. Rita has her own smart phone, but she hasn’t used it as much as she’d like. Upon retirement, that’s one thing she’d like to do. She’d also like to get an iPad. On the farm, her sons Geoff, Brad and Trevor use computer technology extensively. “Everything on the farm’s computerized, just about,” she says. “They’re watching their monitors.” One of her sons has cattle as well and he enters information into his phone as he works with the livestock. So, while she enjoys getting more involved in technology, she plans also to enjoy spending more time with her farming family, including being at the farm when her grandchildren are dropped off after school. Their mom works full time, Rita explains, and to date there has always been one of the men around af-

By Barbara Sealy

Archives Volunteer

The Tournament of Hearts, the Brier and men’s and women’s world curling championships are over for 2015, each event serving as a reminder of a time honoured winter activity across Canada. A search of the photograph collection of the North Battleford Historic Archives finds this photo, submitted by Judge Dennis

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“They asked if wanted to be the sub and I considered that,” she says. But given the distance from work, and the fact that if they needed a subtitute because of the weather, she wouldn’t be able to make it in either, not to mention that she wouldn’t be available during seeding or harvest, she decided, “I’m just going to take the family time.” She adds, “As you get older you take some stress out of your life.” Life on the farm won’t be all down time, however. “I’ll be busy, but it’s not going to be rushing away to a job and coming home and saying, ‘I have this to get done or that didn’t get done.’” And there are changes to be addressed. “The boys are now transitioning getting involved in the farm,” says Rita. “We’re phasing out, they’re phasing in.” But she and Larry are not planning to move just right yet. “Some day it will be our sons’ and their families’ and we’ll be doing something different, but right now we are still in that transition period.”

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ter school, but being there when the school bus arrives will fall more to her now. Other things will keep her busy as well. “I’m very involved with the CWL, on their executive for 11 years, and now I will have time maybe to take up my crocheting and sewing again.” She would also like to find some volunteer work, “just to have connection with other people.” She plans also to get involved in an exercise program for her own personal well-being. She would like to get involved in something at the CUplex, maybe at the field house or at the pool. “I think we’re so lucky to have that,” says Rita. What she won’t miss is the commute to work. “I live out of town. The drive to work is 25 minutes.” On a beautiful summer morning, it can be a lovely drive, but in the winter it can be extremely stressful. Being on the farm is one of the reasons Rita decided not to continue on at the library as a substitute after retiring as the head librarian.

City of North Battleford Historic Archives Maher in 2008, of an unidentified curler, circa 1900. This “champion” of the rink wears the clothing of the day and holds the corn broom that was used for

sweeping. His curling experience may have been enhanced by the smoking of a cigarette, or so he thought. How times have changed.

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PAGE 13 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Craig Beauchemin

Sports Reporter

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

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

North Stars hopefuls hit the ice for spring camp By Craig Beauchemin

York and California. North Stars Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Hasselberg knows this was his last opportunity to watch some prospects play and he liked what he saw. “I thought it was a great weekend,” he said after Sunday’s final intrasquad game. “This is the weekend for your scouting staff to shine and I think the people who are responsible for bringing players into our organization did a tremendous job. It’s going to be a challenging summer, but a very exciting one based on the players we have coming into the system.” It was announced in January the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League will host an annual draft beginning this summer, and Hasselberg says while it added to his work load, he’s excited at the thought of bringing in more talent. “It’ll be a new experience for all of us. What can I say, we’ve done a lot of work,” he laughed. “As far as collecting notes and information on players, and then

Sports Reporter

The Battlefords North Stars management group had their last opportunity to watch players on Civic Centre ice until September over the weekend for their spring camp. The weekend included intrasquad games and fitness testing. About 40 players came to the Battlefords vying for an invite to main camp in the fall. While most players were newcomers, there were a few recognizable names including current North Stars Connor Sych, Kendall Fransoo, Otto Mitchell, Bryce Hall, Cody Spagrud, Levi Kleiboer, Kevin Bendall and Ryan Rewerts. There were also a few AAA Stars players present, including Troy Gerein, Layne Young, Owen Lamb and Chad Grambo. There were a number of players from out of province and even out of country, as a few Americans came from states such as Ohio, New

just the fact that it’s a new experience adds to the excitement.” The first SJHL draft is set to take place during the first week of June. The players at camp were split into three teams, white, gold and black, but it was a common sight to see Sych and Fransoo paired together on the blueline. The two North Battleford natives were an integral part of the North Stars defence this season, and Hasselberg says they will continue to fill that role next year. “Certainly those are two players who have earned that,” he said. “They’re still young players, Kendall is already beginning his third year with us and Connor looks like he’s been playing junior hockey for three years. They’re going to be relied on, not only on the ice, but also off it to be leaders as two young men that have been raised in this community and know what it means to be a part of this hockey team. Leadership is going to be critical for those two.” The North Stars haven’t

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establish what it means to be a North Star and they did that. We’ve identified these players, they’ve skated with us for a weekend and now it’s time to get on the highway and visit their families and get to know them better and allow them to get to know us better. All these relationships for this family start now and it takes time, so this summer is going to be busy.”

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club is a year-round job, Hasselberg says he’s looking forward to focusing on a select few things during the off season. “I think everything is winding down now. Our preparation shifts towards the draft, and then towards the long-term seasonal planning of our program” he said. “How we want to structure our season and the culture of our hockey team, this (weekend) was step one. I think we leaned on the veteran players this weekend to

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decided who will be the successor to Michael Statchuk as team captain, but all signs point to one of those two players being the one. “We’re excited to make that announcement when the time comes,” Hasselberg said after a laugh. “The efforts of these young men have made that decision for us very, very simple. But when it does come time to name a captain we know we’re going to have a great guy in that position.” While running a hockey

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Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 14

North Stars offseason begins with spring camp Continued from Page 13 Another focus of the summer will be to strengthen the North Stars starting lineup for the upcoming season. “I think we have a strong nucleus of forwards return-

ing to our program and based on what we’ve seen out here with the emergence of players from our AAA team and players from out of country, we’ve got some tough decisions to make,” Hasselberg said. “Obviously

the back end is a position we have to pay attention to and our goaltending. [Rewerts] is working extremely hard and had a great year last season. Now it’s going to be his opportunity to step up and shine and earn that recogni-

tion as an upcoming goaltender. We’ve got to bring in someone to back him up, so moving forward the back end and goaltending are the two areas we have to pay close attention to. At the end of the day we want to ice the

most competitive roster for this program to be successful and I’m very confident we’re on the right path.” The ice was taken out of the Civic Centre shortly after the camp wrapped up Sunday afternoon, signal-

ling the end of the 2014-15 hockey season in the Battlefords. Players will be back on the ice looking for a roster spot for 2015-16 when main training camp begins in August.

“I can’t sleep at night. I still can’t believe it, that I’m the first overall pick.” That’s what it’s all about. There’s another high draft pick from this year’s OHL draft who doesn’t seem to like where he was drafted. Ryan McLeod was drafted with the fourth overall pick by the newly-formed Flint Firebirds. The Firebirds relocated from Plymouth, Mich. for the 2015-16 season. Most first round players sent out a tweet saying they were proud to be drafted by their respective teams. Some players were pictured wearing that particular team’s jersey, as they had previously been told they would be drafted by that team. Four players were seen wearing a Firebirds jersey on their twitter account, none of them were McLeod. Ryan’s brother Michael was drafted fifth overall by the Mississauga Steelheads in last year’s draft. He was rated as a top three pick, but it was reported that he would refuse to report to any team other than those located near the Greater

Toronto Area, his home turf. The Ottawa 67’s and Belleville Bulls drafted third and fourth overall, which ruled out McLeod reporting to them. Is Ryan McLeod pulling the same card? He only wants to play at home? Newsflash kid, if you want to be a professional hockey player the odds are pretty low that you’ll be playing at home. The coming months will tell if the Firebirds can convince McLeod to change his mind. This is purely an issue of a player not being drafted somewhere they want to play. There has been no indication that Ryan McLeod is considering the NCAA route. Last year Victor Mete, a defenceman from Woodbridge was drafted by the Owen Sound Attack eighth overall in the 2014 OHL draft. Upon being drafted to Owen Sound, a city of about 21,000, it was announced that Mete had “no interest” in playing for the Attack and his agent was unsure why

they had drafted him in the first place. He had interest in playing in the OHL, just not for Owen Sound. So after “threatening” to play junior A and go to the NCAA, Mete was a no show at Attack training camp. Sept. 8 the Attack traded Mete to the London Knights, a perennial contender with a knack for players graduating to the NHL. Sure enough, Mete reported and will be a key piece on London’s blueline for the next few seasons. It worked out alright for the Attack, however, with Mete refusing to report, Owen Sound was granted the ninth overall pick in this years draft as compensation along with their own first round pick. They also received three second round picks, two third round picks and a conditional sixth round pick if Mete is drafted in the first two rounds of next year’s NHL draft. Not a bad haul for a player who didn’t even want to play for your team.

Junior draftees shouldn’t pick and choose teams The regular season is over across the Canadian Hockey League and while some teams are still in the hunt for championships, some are turning their attention to the draft. The Ontario Hockey League held their Priority Selection Saturday, the Western Hockey League bantam draft is May 7 while the Quebec Major Junior League draft isn’t until June 2. Being drafted in the first round of any league is supposed to be an honour. A team feels you can contribute to their success, and they want you on their team. But we’ve seen it before and I’m confident we’ll see it again; a player refuses to report to where they are drafted. Of course this isn’t restricted to junior hockey. We all remember Eric Lindros refusing to play for the Quebec Nordiques after being drafted first overall in 1991. Lindros cited the city’s isolation, lack of marketing potential and French character as the reasons he would never play for the

April ONLY

The

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Changer Trent Cey By CraigBy Beauchemin Nordiques. They drafted him anyway, and traded him to the Philadelphia Flyers the following year for a ridiculous package including future Hall of Famer Peter Forsberg who helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup after moving from Quebec in 1996. Maybe Lindros should have stayed. It’s becoming more common in junior hockey that a player will be drafted, only to refuse to play for that team and threaten to go the NCAA route until they are traded. Of course they never say they won’t play for that team outright before the draft. They’ll say things like they’re considering NCAA

schools as a “warning” to teams looking to draft them. In Saturday’s OHL draft the Sudbury Wolves, who were an abysmal 12-54-11 this year, drafted David Levin first overall. Levin was born and raised in Israel until age 12. I just want to point out how incredible that is and what a great story he is. The Wolves were “forced” to draft Levin for two reasons. One, Owen Tippett of Peterborough told Sudbury he wouldn’t report to them if they drafted him. And two, Gabriel Vilardi of Kingston also told Sudbury he wouldn’t report. Levin’s reaction when he found out he was going to be drafted first overall?

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Players committed to CHL should play where they’re drafted Continued from Page 14 A few years ago, a high profile player pulled the same stunt. Nathan Mackinnon was drafted first overall in the 2013 NHL draft. He was also drafted first overall in the 2011 QMJHL draft. Mackinnon hails from Cole Harbour, the same hometown as NHL superstar Sidney Crosby. Cole Harbour is 15 kilometres from Halifax, where Mackinnon played two years with the Mooseheads. He was drafted by the Baie-Comeau Drakker who are located nearly 800 kilometres from his hometown. This might shock you, but Mackinnon publically discussed playing in the NCAA before he was traded to his “hometown” team. In exchange for Mackinnon, the Drakkar received three first round picks and two players. They lost in the QMJHL finals in each of the past two seasons, including to Mackinnon and the Mooseheads in 2013. Max Domi, a first round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in 2013, did the same thing as Mete. He was drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs (also eighth overall ironically enough) in 2011, despite reports that he was being recruited by Michigan State. Sure enough, Kingston traded Domi to London a few months later and he has been there for four years. Kingston received a compensation pick, ninth overall in 2012, for Domi’s no show. They drafted Sam Bennett with that pick, who was drafted by the Calgary Flames fourth overall in last year’s NHL draft. By the way, I’ve been to Kingston. It’s a fine city with an absolutely beautiful hockey arena.

The Frontenacs haven’t had a lot of success as a franchise with just one playoff series victory in the last 21 years, but maybe if players like Domi came to town they’d be more successful. It just rubs me the wrong way when players do this. Connor McDavid had a great quote when asked if he would refuse to report to the team that drafts him in the NHL this season. “It’s just wrong, to be honest. You put yourself ahead of the game and it can never be like that. To ‘select’ where you’re going to go, it’s not fair. There’s a draft for a reason. The team picks the best available player and for the player to say ‘I don’t want to go there, I only want to go there’ it’s not right.” McDavid was drafted by the Erie Otters first overall in 2012, after they finished the previous season with 10 wins in 68 games. McDavid’s hometown of Newmarket is nearly 400km from Erie, PA. Crosby was drafted first overall by the Rimouski Oceanic in 2003 after 11 wins in 72 games. They won 34 in 2003-04, and then made it all the way to the Memorial Cup final in 2005. Good players help turn teams around, they don’t pout because they didn’t get drafted by a “desirable” team. There are thousands of kids out there who dream of getting drafted, let alone be a first round or first overall pick. Strangely enough this seems to be more of an issue in the OHL and QMJHL. While there has been situations in the past of players demanding trades in the WHL, it seems like they always report to the team before asking for a trade. Most recently was Ryan Pilon, drafted by the Lethbridge Hurricanes third

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overall in 2011. He played one full season with the Hurricanes then 17 games last season before going home to Prince Albert and asking for a trade. He was moved to the Brandon Wheat Kings and transformed into the top pairing defenceman everyone thought he would be. He could be drafted in the first round of this year’s NHL draft. Where you play your junior hockey won’t affect where you get drafted in the NHL. If you’re a good player, scouts will come to watch. Bobby Ryan was drafted second overall in 2005 out of Owen Sound. Valentin Zykov was drafted 37th overall in 2013 out of Baie-Comeau. The Sudbury Wolves

have had 16 players drafted in the first round of the NHL, most recently was Benoit Pouliot who was taken fourth overall in 2005. Kids should be proud of where they’re drafted, not complaining. If a player is actually more interested in going the NCAA route, then I have no issue with them refusing to report to their CHL team. Often players will slip in the draft because they are already committed to an NCAA school. Ian Blacker is a big, strong defenceman who was projected to be a first round pick in this year’s OHL draft. He dropped to the fourth round because he’s already committed to play for Western Michigan University beginning in 2017-18.

The London Knights drafted him, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him suddenly change his mind about playing in the OHL. I understand 15-or 16 -year-olds might find it dif-

ficult to move away from their families, but if these guys want to be professional hockey players, nothing will prepare them better than leaving and learning about life away from home.

• Mobile Service • Expert Installation by Qualified Technicians • All Insurance and Fleet Claims Welcome

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We Invite you to SHARE YOUR STORY In no more than 500 words tell us the history of your family farm. What is it that makes it special? How has your farm changed throughout the years? If you have any interesting stories, or family tales, we want to hear from you. Submit your story for a chance to share that with the readers of the Regional Optimist/Farmer Rancher • Words and photos must be received no later than April 30th, 2015. • One photo per family farm may be included • Photo (jpg) & histories can be sent by email to: val@newsoptimist.ca • Or mailed to Battleford Publishing (Include names on the back of any photo so that they can be returned after the special.) Please submit the history of your family farm to: Battlefords Publishing Box 1029 North Battleford, SK S9A 3E6 Submissions will be published, space permitting.

armer ancher

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 16

Champions of Mental Health (Photo to the left) Judy Jones (left) is the recipient of a Champion of Mental Health Award. She will be receiving her award at the Champions of Mental Health gala on May 9. The staff at Saskatchewan Hospital and throughout the province greatly appreciate Jones’ hard work and dedication, said presenter Amanda Rowley (right). Linda Shynkaruk (left) announces the nomination of Millie Blixrud (right) for an award as well. Photos submitted

Planning is Key!!

T O THE BATTLEFORDS CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Brian Maunula

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Al White

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• Phone: 306-445-7261 • Fax: 306-445-3223 • E-mail: battlefords.publishing@sasktel.net 892 - 104th Street, Box 1029, North Battleford, SK S9A 3E6

Dear Community Organization:

area

Battlefords Publishing Ltd. invites all clubs and organizations to forward information about your club, group or agency for publication in the Battlefords Community Directory. There is NO CHARGE for this listing. The Battlefords Community Directory is supported by advertising from area businesses and, revised and published annually, serves as a valuable resource for those new to the community, as well as long-term residents. Your information may be forwarded: FREE

ity Commuenctory Dir lefords

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• in person to our office or by telephone to the attention of Alana Schweitzer; • or by fax or e-mail to the attention of Alana Schweitzer. Below is a form you may fill out and return or, if you require more space, to use as an outline for submitting your information. Deadline for submitting new copy is Friday, May 22, 2015 for publication in June. We look forward to hearing from you.

This is a FREE listing.

For details on display advertising, please phone the Battlefords News-Optimist office at 306-445-7261.

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PAGE 17 - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

It’s always best to begin at the beginning As to where one should begin, we have the comic wisdom in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: “Begin at the beginning,” the king said, very gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” (Any preacher who tends to ramble on and on should consider that advice!) As to the importance of beginning a task, we learn that from Mary Poppins, who said, “Well begun is half done” – though the saying didn’t originate with her. Aristotle said it, about three centuries before the time of Christ. Even earlier, Pythagoras expressed it this way: “The beginning is half of the whole.” In other words, to make a good start is to be well on the way to achieving the end result. When we turn to the word of God, we find a great deal said about beginnings. The Bible even opens that way. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth.” (Gen. 1:1) In connection with that, John affirms the deity of Christ, whom he calls the Word. “ In the beginning was the Word [i.e. He already existed], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn. 1:1) Four times, in the book of Revelation, the Lord Jesus speaks of Himself as “the Alpha and the

earnest resolve I renew / To be and remain Thine forever. / Let Thy Word all divine be my lamp in whose light / I may constantly keep to Thy way; / And each day wouldst Thou cleanse me anew, make me white / In the blood shed for me on that

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E.

day / The cross Thou didst suffer, Lord Jesus.” As a final thought, the author recognizes that the Lord Jesus was not only the “Alpha,” where to begin each day, but He is also the “Omega,” the wisest way to end it. With that in mind, she writes,

“I with Thee would begin – yea, and hear one more prayer, / I would close with Thee, too, my brief day, / And when daylight has failed, let me sleep in Thy care, / Until waking Thy child Thou dost say, / ‘Come, live with Me ever in heaven.’”

http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise‐Bible‐Studies.com

Omega,” (e.g. Rev. 1:8), the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It is as though one called “the Word” is declaring that all words – all truth – is wrapped up in Him. So if we are to begin at the beginning we must begin with Him. No wonder Proverbs tells us, “The fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10) Christians sometimes refer to having daily devotions, or a daily quiet time. It’s a wonderful way to start the day. To open the Scriptures and read what God has to teach us there, and to spend time in prayer before Him. Some may use a devotional book or magazine as a guide. Follow a system that you find helpful. The important thing is to read and study God’s Word. To the extent we do that, we are beginning the day with Him.

Lina Sandell (18321903) wrote a hymn about that. Karolina Wilhelmina Sandell-Berg was the daughter of a Lutheran pastor in Sweden. Not physically strong as a child, she often stayed inside in her father’s study, while friends were out playing. Her poetic gift appeared early. Lina published her first book of poems when she was only 15. In 1867, she married Stockholm merchant C.O. Berg, and used a hyphenated last name afterwards. Known to some as the Fanny Crosby of Sweden, she wrote more than 600 hymns, some created while she was still in her teens. A number of these have been translated into English, including her song about how to begin the day. It says, “I with Thee would begin, O my Saviour so dear, / On the way that I still must pursue; I with Thee would begin every day granted here, / As my

Words are powerful Words are powerful. Is there really a more trite saying in this world? Perhaps it’s just because I’m a writer but it seems that true, albeit commonplace, saying is a foundational principle understood by everyone. Having said that, some days words take on an even more powerful meaning than usual. Take this past week, for instance: our son and his wife, along with their two beloved dogs moved into our place for a couple of days. Meals were intermittent; my emotions, frazzled. Two days later they set off for a three day drive to their new home. Enough said. As happy as I was for them and the excellent opportunities that awaited them, I sure needed a bit

of encouragement. On that matter someone once said: “Unless you put out your waterjugs when it rains you will catch no water” and I, among many, can attest to the truth of that snippet of wisdom. During these challenging days I’ve had numbers of friends phone or email to see how I was doing and there were more invitations to meals than I could accept. Each gesture of encouragement is so appreciated. One message stands

out just because it was such a seemingly ordained moment. I’d gone to Vancouver Island for a medical appointment and at a particular moment in time, an agricultural professional I’d met a number of years ago just happened to be in the same store, at the end of the same aisle. “You’re Linda Wegner, aren’t you?” she asked. Surprised but delighted to see her, we chatted briefly but not before she told me how much she enjoyed the monthly column I write in an agricultural publication. I continued shopping, buoyed by the jug of blessing I’d just received. Don’t hesitate to share words of encouragement. Someone needs them!

Worship Together TerriTorial Drive alliance church

ANGLICAN PARISH

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

1372 102 St 306-445-3009

Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

Notre Dame (RC) Parish

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m. Sundays - 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME

SUNDAY SERVICES St. George’s Anglican Church - 9:00 a.m.

OFFICE 306-445-3836

St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 11:00 a.m.

Living Water Ministry

Hosanna Life Center 306-445-5079

Pastor Brian Arcand Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385

Meeting at 1122 - 101st Street Pastors: Peter & Lydia Litchfield

1202 - 103 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-446-3077 PASTOR: RON BRAUN

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m. Everyone Welcome

Canadian National Baptist Convention

Maidstone/ Paynton United Church of Canada

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor James Kwon

Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sunday’s At 11:00 am

Phone 306-445-9096

A warm welcome is extended to everyone!

Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Members of Christian Ministers Association

Community Baptist Church

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

306-445-4818 tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Phone: 306-445-4338 Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

10:30 Service

Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611

For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

Third Avenue United Church Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 1301 - 102nd Street, Phone 306-445-8171 Rev. Frances Patterson

Everyone Welcome

www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - PAGE 18

PUZZLE NO. 757 Across

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The 2015 Worst Roads campaign by CAA Saskatchewan has made it to the three-week mark, with nominations coming in from frustrated drivers fed up with the state of some of the roads and highways in the province. Last Thursday, the latest list of top 10 worst roads in the province was released and they include nine highways and one residential street in Regina. They are: 1. Saskatchewan 354, Dilke 2. Saskatchewan 4, Val Marie 3. Saskatchewan 220, Bulyea 4. Saskatchewan 322, Silton 5. Saskatchewan 36, Coronach 6. Saskatchewan 43, Gravelbourg 7. Saskatchewan 47, Springside 8. Saskatchewan 13, Trossachs 9. Saskatchewan 27, Vonda 10. Grant Drive, Regina Since starting on March 25, CAA reports that around 4,300 votes have come in

for highways and roads in the province, with motorists voting on the roads they believe are the worst they’ve travelled on. To qualify as “worst,” factors include whether it is in general disrepair with potholes or cracks, has poor signage or congestion, or is too narrow to share safely with motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association has thrown its support behind the campaign, pointing out in a news release that Saskatchewan has more roads per capita than any other province in Canada, and that residents and travellers rely on the highways and roads as the key form of ground transportation for business and recreation purposes.

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