news-optimist Regional
Thursday, January 2, 2025 |
Homeless Shelter Braces for Deep Freeze with Added Space
By Angel Brown SaskToday.ca
The Battlefords homeless shelter, operated by Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. (BATC), will help make sure homeless people have somewhere safe to go to escape the cold this winter, with a lot more beds available.
“Miwasin Kikinaw,” the emergency shelter, is situated at 962-102nd St., near downtown North Battleford.
Last year, the homeless shelter had a maximum of 37 beds available for clients, however this year after making some renovations it has increased its capacity to 75 beds if needed. The bed mats are divided into separate men’s and women’s dormitories in the facility.
And with temperatures plummeting to minus 30 with the wind chill on many days this December, it’s a dangerous time for homeless people to be outside during the night. So the homeless shelter really fills a need.
Leslie-Ann Smith, BATC director of health and nursing services, said the emergency shelter’s numbers have increased along with the frigid temperatures this
“Miwasin Kikinaw,” the emergency shelter, is located
winter.
“We’ve actually doubled [numbers] since the weather has changed,” she said.
“Right now, we’re averaging 30 people a night. That does fluctuate but we are seeing a lot of the same people coming in each night.”
The shelter has been able to increase its capacity to 75 beds by purchasing more sleeping mats and by making the dormitories bigger.
“There’s been lots of constant renovations needed in the building,” Smith said. “Right now, that’s our capacity. The 75 would be
pushing our limit. We’re really trying hard not to turn anybody away. It would be heart-breaking for us to say: ‘Sorry, you can’t stay here,’ if it’s 40 below [Celsius].
You don’t get your own room; you get a mat, your bedding, and a safe, warm place to sleep. We have not had to turn anybody away.”
Plans are to have more services at the shelter for the New Year.
The long-term aim is to try to transition more people into housing in the community.
“We’ll have meetings
with the Housing Authority and different people in the area to see if there is something that we can do to support people to look
at transitioning to homes,” Smith said.
During the winter, from October to May, the shelter is open 24 hours a day, so clients can choose to stay in the building during the day if they wish to stay out of the cold.
Shelter organizers are currently working at starting an arts and crafts program for clients at the facility to help pass the time.
For clients who decide to venture out during the day, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) recently donated some winter coats to the shelter that will help them stay warm if they don’t have proper winter clothing of their own.
“Some people choose not to come into the shelter because they don’t like the
Continued on page 2
| Photo by Angela Brown
A year-end interview with Premier Scott Moe
By John Cairns SaskToday.ca
REGINA–Another year is in the books and it’s time again for Premier Scott Moe to reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to 2025.
We sat down with Premier Moe just one day after the new Legislative session broke for the winter. In our interview, we discussed the issues facing Saskatchewan, as well as the election campaign that had just concluded this fall.
We conducted our interview in the Cabinet Room
of the Legislature. Given the changes in who is sitting around the provincial Cabinet table following the election campaign, we thought that would be a good starting point in our conversation. Moe on the Cabinet Room
We’re in the Cabinet Room here, sitting around the third Cabinet Table that this room has ever had since 1912, so (the) third Cabinet Table in over a decade and 10-12 years, and you know there’s a lot of history in this room… right down to the colour of the wood, which is different than the rest of the building,
and this is the original colour of the wood in the Legislative Assembly dating back to 1912. So a little bit different room than what everyone else sees as you travel through what I think is the most beautiful Legislature in the nation.
… Really, how we’re looking at approaching this 30th government in Saskatchewan, and our fifth term as government in Saskatchewan, is really in very much the same way as we did in 2007 — treating it like we’re a new administration. Some fresh eyes in each and every Cabinet portfolio; half of our
MLAs are newly elected in this majority government; and really… if there’s anything that is shackling us to a particular policy initiative or ideology, that’s not there. We are certainly taking our advice from Saskatchewan people.
Areas of focus this term
… (There are) really four points that we’re focused on as we enter the first year of this term.
We’re going to deliver on our platform, which was largely affordability-based, and that’s what we were elected on, and we made a commitment to Saskatchewan people to deliver that if we were elected as the government, and we were, and so we will. Second, we heard that we need to have a renewed focus when it comes to health care. We need to have a renewed focus when it comes to education, and in particular K-3 outcomes, and we need to continue to focus on ensuring that the communities where Saskatchewan families live, regardless of where that is, are safe.
And so those are four areas that you are going to see very much a new beginning, a new look, and a new focus from this government.
On the election results
Yeah, when it comes to the popular vote, we’re about 53.3 per cent, similar to what we saw in the Nova Scotia election, and a majority government. I’d said all along, the goal in every election is to have a majority government so that you can implement the platform that you run on, and to really implement the policies that Saskatchewan people would like to see implemented.
So we will implement our platform. However, we did hear that we needed to go further, in particular when it comes to education and healthcare, and we are very much focused on in those two areas with the government that we have.
So it’s a fifth-term majority government. It does look different. The legislature looks different, but it is a fifth-term majority government, and I think that
by the end of this term, the Saskatchewan party will be the second-longest-serving government that the province has ever seen, surpassing the days of Tommy Douglas. So it’s a positive win for us as a party, but more importantly, I think it’s a positive win, a positive opportunity for the people of Saskatchewan and for us to work much more closely than maybe we even have in the past with the people of Saskatchewan on the initiatives that are important to them and to matter to Saskatchewan families.
On efforts towards a change in decorum Well, there’s going to be points where there’s, you know, tough discussion, but the discussion, as I say, should always be on policy. You know, I’ve been asked many times in the lead-up to the election, you know, what responsibility do you bear as leader or the governing party for the decorum in the Legislative Assembly, and I think when you look across, whether it be provincial Legislative
Continued on page 3
Homeless Shelter Braces for Deep Freeze with Added Space
Continued from page 1 rules, so they will find themselves [places] to sleep that aren’t adequate, especially in this type of weather,” Smith said. “So, we’ll see those clients coming in and staying until the weather improves.”
The shelter staff provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. During Christmas there will be a special hot turkey dinner for clients to enjoy. They will also receive a small gift card this year as a Christmas gift.
“It’s so they feel like they’re getting something,” Smith said. “We really consider them family. They consider each other family because they are in close quarters with one another.
Christmas is still celebrated the best we can for them.”
Many times on Christmas, family members will pick up their relative to be with them
for the day.
“They know they are struggling, so they go and spend the day with the family,” Smith said.
The homeless shelter is jointly funded through Canada’s Reaching Home program available through Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, as well as through donations, support from the City of North Battleford, and the BATC Community Development Corporation (CDC) program.
Smith hopes the homeless shelter will offer people in need a little bit of Christmas cheer during the holidays and a safe shelter in the cold months ahead.
“We treat everybody like they are someone,” she said. “At some point these people were all somebody’s baby. They all need respect. I think we have a good program running there. We’re
getting good feedback from the community, and the clients. They feel safe and they are warm. That’s all that counts.”
In January 2025, BATC is planning a community conference to discuss homelessness in the area. The final details and location are still to be determined. The City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford will also be invited to take part, as well as the surrounding First Nations.
“We’re hoping to have a coalition on homelessness conference, so people can come in and get some ideas, and we’ll let them know where we are at with the funding,” Smith said. “We want to open it up so that anybody can come from the community, or if they have concerns or suggestions. We’re all in this together. It’s everybody’s concern.”
Opposition Leader Carla Beck following her year end interview with SaskToday.| Photo by John Cairns
A year-end interview with Premier Scott Moe
Continued from page 2
Assemblies or the Federal House of Commons, we could all expect better of all of our elected members that serve and how they conduct themselves in their houses of government.
… We are the government. We’re not the opposition, and we should act like the people of Saskatchewan expect us to, and perform and debate policy, not people on the floor of that legislature. That’s what people elected us to do, and that’s certainly what we should do.
Focus on affordability measures
So the immediate affordability measure is the introduction of the Carbon Tax Fairness for Families Act, which will remove the carbon tax off of how we eat our homes, about $400 this past year, with an increasing rate of the carbon tax, which is unnecessary, I might add.
That will be a savings of about $480 next year as Saskatchewan residents will not pay a carbon tax on heating their home with electricity or natural gas. That’s immediate.
That’s here for Saskatchewan families today. The Saskatchewan Affordability Act will offer a number of of these savings, but one of them is the most significant and largest savings in provincial income tax or a reduction in provincial income tax that Saskatchewan families would pay. That hasn’t occurred since 2008.
In 2008, we made changes that removed 112,000 people off the tax rolls. This will remove an additional 55,000 people off the provincial tax roll altogether. We’ve asked the federal government to change the formulary for employers sooner rather than later.
We believe this is possible. They’re able to change the formulary for GST payment, for example, in less than a week or just a few days. So they need to have the will to be able to do this to benefit Saskatchewan people as well, sooner rather than later,
because the law is passed and proclaimed as we speak.
There’s a number of additional affordability measures in there for seniors, for those that are living with a disability, for students. The graduate retention program has been expanded.
Why it is the suite of affordability measures that you see is we wanted to be able to ensure that everybody felt an impact. Everybody virtually felt a positive impact by one or more of the affordability measures that we had put forward.
Many of the other measures that you see various governments put forward, whether it be temporary gas tax relief, it’s smaller. First of all, it’s smaller in the quantum of what you see in this Saskatchewan Affordability Act. It’s temporary, not permanent, which is not what you see in the Saskatchewan Affordability Act. And it would only in that case impact drivers. The GST holiday federally also appreciated, I think, is an affordability measure, but affects a few goods for a temporary amount of time and certainly isn’t going to benefit everyone.
On education, and whether Premier Moe feels the labour strife is now in the past
Yeah, I do. And I think we’re finding our way to a very positive space when it comes to our positive conversation when it comes to the conversation around, one, education; two, our educators; three, our students. And four, the outcomes and the opportunity that our students have.
And again, our students, those are our children and grandchildren. And so the outcomes are so very important.
What you will see this government focus on and really set targets on and invest in the success of achieving those targets is in the K-3 space.
…Expanding the specialized support classrooms, which is really expanding the number of teachers and
the number of support personnel that we have in our classrooms to provide those that maybe need a little bit, those students that might need a little bit more support or work in one area.
And also providing for that broader positive learning environment in the general classroom is one of the ways that we are really addressing the classroom complexity discussion that has been at the heart, I think, of a lot of the more friction-based discussions that have happened over the course of the past year here.
Again, we heard this in the campaign, and we’ve heard it in the lead-up to the campaign. And this is one of those areas where this government is going to use the strength of what is the strongest and most vibrant economy in Canada to ensure that we have positive outcomes, in particular, in the K-3 space with our students. Healthcare, and the challenges of staffing
The human resource challenge of the staffing shortages, therein lies very much a Canadian challenge — again, not exclusive to Saskatchewan.
We’re actually starting to see some successes when it comes to the Health Human Resource Plan that we have and have provided in excess of $100 million of funding and incentives and training and opportunities for healthcare staff to offer services in a provincial facility and communities from corner to corner of this province. And we are seeing increases in the hiring and in the net numbers of staff that are working.
But we still have some work to do, and we acknowledge that. Again, this is an area that you saw another step taken in the Speech from the Throne relative to the platform that we ran on, and some significant, I think, commitments in that Speech from the Throne. And then throughout the session, really setting the platform for us to achieve those commitments. And you’ll see more of that
very foundation being built in the months ahead as we head towards our budget in the spring.
But a commitment to ensure that Saskatchewan people will all have access to a primary healthcare provider. People want access to a primary healthcare provider, and we are, again, going to use the strength of the Saskatchewan economy to ensure that’s the case. We made a commitment to increase the number of surgeries that we’re doing to 450,000 over the next four years.
What that will ensure is that people in this province, maybe not everywhere in Canada, but people in this province are going to be able to access a timely surgery in Saskatchewan. And then we had also committed to expanding the Urgent Care model that’s working quite well here in Regina, and seeing numbers that are rivaling our emergency departments at the Pasqua and the Regina General Hospital, to expand that to another Urgent Care Centre in Regina, two more in Saskatoon, and then expand to Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Moose Jaw to ensure, again, that Saskatchewan people, Saskatchewan families, do have access to the healthcare needs that they have when they need it. And so, maybe not a significant strain from our investment and commitment to healthcare, but very much a focus on providing the opportunity for Saskatchewan people to have access to a primary healthcare provider, whether through the Urgent Care Centre or increasing the number of providers available, and ensuring that they have access to a timely surgery.
On conflict of interest, and whether we will see fewer of those issues going forward
There’s been a number of people that have been investigated by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner with respect to the Conflict of Interest Act on both sides of the House as well. Some have been discussed more
New president and CEO for STARS
Submitted
Dr. John Froh will be stepping into the role of president and CEO of STARS effective Jan. 20.
Appointed by the volunteer board of directors, Dr. Froh has been a leader at STARS since 2012, currently as the organization’s chief medical officer. He has decades of practice as an emergency medicine physician and will graduate with a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University in Spring 2025.
“Medicine and our clinical practice are at the centre of
our mission at STARS,” said Curtis Stange, co-chair of STARS’ volunteer board of directors. “With his 13 years of experience at STARS and many years of serving our community in emergency care and clinical leadership, Dr. Froh is very well poised to deliver on our mission of critical care, anywhere.”
“We have the utmost confidence in Dr. Froh’s experience and ability to lead the STARS team and grow the organization as a worldclass critical care provider,” said Helen Kasdorf, STARS board co-chair.
According to a press release, STARS is entering its 40th year of operations in a strong and stable position with long-term government support in the three provinces in which it operates: Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. With over 60,000 life-saving missions completed since its inception, STARS will continue to provide its life-saving services to Canadians far into the future, the release states.
“Keeping our patients at the centre of all we do will continue to be the guiding light for STARS. I am hon-
than others.
… I would just say this, the expectation of myself, of all members, is that they are in compliance with the Act that we have. And the Commissioner is there to help MLAs and to protect MLAs and to ensure that MLAs are in compliance with the Act.
That’s the expectation and there is no other option.
That being said, the Conflict of Interest Act was actually brought in and introduced in 1993 and hasn’t had any significant modernization efforts in any way put to it. You know, 1993 is a long time ago. In fact, I think the first cellular telephone was brought into Saskatchewan about ‘88 or ‘89. And it didn’t — it looked very different than the phones that we use today. It didn’t have
a lot of Internet access… it wasn’t a smartphone. It didn’t even have the T9 function, for those that can remember just a few years back when texting on a flip phone was a thing. So things have changed. There is a need to look at the Act over the course of the next year to modernize it to the needs and the needs of today. And so we’ll be doing some work with respect to that. But like always, the expectation for all members of the House is that they work with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner to ensure that they are in compliance with the Act.
If they find that they aren’t, they need to be — shortly, quickly, and to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner’s expectations.
New Horizons Curling League
Submitted
The first half of the curling season October – Dec. 17, 2024, resulted in the winning Championship Team of Len Taylor. Congratulations.
The team consists of:
Skip - Len Taylor
Third - Ralph Hall
Second - Ian Hamilton
And this week sub curler lead was Larry Olm.
The original lead curler on this team was the late George Pipp, who passed away Dec 5, 2024.
The New Horizons are able to ice 12 teams, mostly seniors, which they curl 11 games per session at 1 p.m.every Tuesday. The next session starts Jan. 7, and runs until the third week in March. New teams are made up for each session.
oured to step into this important role that serves vulnerable patients in rural and remote areas of our provinces,” said Dr. Froh.
Current president and CEO, Katherine Emberly will be departing for an external role and will remain as a long-term friend and ally of STARS. She will continue to work together with Dr. Froh and the executive leadership team through the transition.
To learn more about STARS and the leadership team, visit stars.ca
Anybody interested in joining this league, phone David at 306-446-0940, whether it be a full time curler or just a sub curler.
The New Horizons curl out of the Twin Rivers Curling Club in North Battleford.
Larry Olm, Ian Hamilton, Ralph Hall and Len Taylor. | Photo submitted
The role of health care in mitigating the climate crisis
By Wendy Levinson
Canada signed the historic Paris Agreement in 2015 and has since taken some significant steps toward addressing climate change, promising to be a global climate leader.
While there has been much debate in Canada about the role of fuel sources and transportation in lowering our carbon footprint, there has been very little discussion of the impact of health care.
It may surprise many Canadians to learn that the health-care industry contributes five per cent of total carbon emissions in Canada — more than the airline industry, which contributes 3.5 per cent.
We can do better.
It’s well past time healthcare professions, institutions and organizations –and our governments – in Canada create a strategic plan for reducing carbon emissions from our health sector.
We are falling behind.
Other nations have already taken note of the significant impact the health sector has on climate change and pledged to address it. The UK, for example, has made a commitment for its National Health Service (NHS) to become the first healthcare system in the world to be net zero by 2040. They have separated their carbon footprint into three different areas with a specific plan to address them one-by-one.
While many individual health practitioners, institutions and organizations in Canada have tried to lessen their carbon footprint, there is currently no overarching government plan, goals or concerted effort focused on the carbon footprint of our health systems.
So, where do all the
emissions come from in the health-care sector?
In Canada, we know hospitals account for about 35 per cent of carbon emissions from health-care.
Hospitals use energy for maintaining buildings and specialized facilities, like operating rooms and vehicle usage, but there are also emissions from the supply chain for medical equipment, supplies (often disposable), anaesthetic gases and pharmaceuticals, among many other items and activities.
Not every major impact is obvious.
For example, one particular anesthetic gas commonly used by anesthesiologists, called desflurane, is responsible for three per cent of all the carbon emissions from health care.
Some countries, including Scotland and England,
have made this drug unavailable as there is a safe, equally effective gas that is significantly less toxic to the environment (this drug will also be unavailable in Newfoundland starting in December 2024).
Every test and treatment in health care has a carbon footprint.
Choosing Wisely Canada, an organization dedicated to decreasing the use of unnecessary tests and treatments that do not add value for patients, has worked with national medical societies to identify specific changes in practice that can decrease carbon emissions and waste. Since studies show that up to 30 per cent of tests and treatments don’t add value for patients, simply stopping these low value medications and procedures is an important first step.
Medical societies in Canada have already created 50 recommendations for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments with strong evidence to support change. For example, the College of Family Physicians says, “Don’t conduct in-person visits where virtual assessment would provide equivalent clinical value and is preferred by the patient.”
The Canadian Nursing Association says, “Don’t continue intravenous (IV) medications when an oral or enteral alternative is equally effective.”
These recommendations, and many more, do not affect patient outcomes but can decrease environmental harm.
Similarly, hospital administrators can work with clinicians to improve systems of care that lead
to less carbon emissions and waste. For example, operating rooms account for roughly a third of hospital waste. Having proper systems in place to sort contaminated waste, which needs to be incinerated, from non-contaminated ones can decrease energy consumption.
Hospitals in Canada can become “green hospitals” and the healthcare system can contribute to human and planetary health at the same time.
The good news is many health care organizations across Canada are already doing some of these things. But like many things in Canadian health care, what we have is a patchwork of activities, and when set against the backdrop of an overworked and under-resourced sector, climate initiatives nearly always
become secondary to other priorities of the day.
What the health sector needs is a clear set of climate goals driven by government directive.
Since our governments fund healthcare in Canada, and are ultimately responsible for hitting our climate targets, they have both the incentive and levers to ensure that Canadian health care does its part to bettering the health of citizens now and in the future. It’s time for our governments to bring our health societies and institutions together, and task them with creating a targeted climate action plan for the health-care sector in Canada.
Dr. Wendy Levinson is Chair of Choosing Wisely Canada and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
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Administration: Kylie Cooke • Elisha Parkinson
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Youth to represent Canada at the 2025 Australia Scouts Jamboree
Submitted by 2nd North Battleford Scouting Group
Four local teens, Zakir Daredia, Julie Robbins, Alex Hawley and Henry Silver, are heading off on an adventure to the 2025 Australian Jamboree as youth participants.
This scouting event, which takes place every four years, will run from Jan. 6 to 15, in Queensland, Australia. This opportunity promises to be an unforgettable experience for the youth to represent their country and community on a global stage and forge connections with scouts from around the world.
More than 10,000 youths and adults from over 30 countries are expected to attend. They will be travelling with the Canadian contingent, which includes youth and adult volunteers from provinces across the country, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
To help cover the costs of the camp, the youth have been busy fundraising over the past year by working canteens, running bottle drives, having a garage sale, hosting a steak night and selling products. They also received generous donations from Maunula Electric, Precision Denture Clinic and Meridian Surveys.
Fostering Global Unity and Cultural Exchange
In today’s interconnected world, events like Scouting Jamborees play a crucial role in bringing together youth from diverse cultures, pro-
All these youth are members of the 2nd North Battleford Scouting Group–Julie and Alex are Venturers, Henry and Zakir are Scouts. They all have been involved in scouting for many years and have taken part in countless adventures, including attending the Pacific Jamboree this past summer, four-season camping, hiking, canoeing, archery, community service and much more. In addition, the youth will be joined by Scouter Sarah Thompson who is the 2nd North Battleford Scouts Group Commissioner. She will be participating as an Offer of Service at the Jamboree on the Safety/Transportation team.
moting understanding, and fostering global unity. The Jamborees serve as a platform for scouts to engage in cultural exchange, share traditions, and build lifelong friendships, strengthening the values of peace and cooperation.
The 2025 Australian Scouts Jamboree site in Maryborough, Queensland will become a small city offering the usual outdoor scouting activities, other unique activity zones, a marketplace, campsites, an outdoor concert arena and a medical centre. The aim is to provide young people with an active program which encourages elements of self-directed learning and includes activities that stimulate their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, character and spiritual development, fostering a sense of understanding, co-operation and global citizenship.
For more information about the Australia Scouts Jamboree or to support the Canadian Contingent, please contact: Kent Latimer, Canadian Contingent Head, 306-621-1367.
Daredia, Julie Robbins, Alex Hawley and Henry Silver, 2nd North Battleford Scouts, and the troop’s commissioner, Scouter Sarah Thompson, are attending the 2025 Australian Jamboree Jan. 6 to 15. | Photo courtesy 2nd North Battleford Scouts
North Battleford church vandalized again
By
St. Paul’s Anglican Church was hit with graffiti on Tuesday, Dec 17.
This is the second time in two months that church was vandalized. In November, windows were broken, the fence was damaged and clothes were littered on the property. Tools were also left that were used for the vandalism. Trevor Maylon, the Anglican Priest, said that the church was entered via the broken window but as of yet they are determining if anything was damaged or stolen.
Zakir
Averil Hall Freelance Photographer
Back alley and side view. | Photo by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer
Photo by Trevor Malyon
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CHAPMAN: It is with heavy hearts the family of Pat Chapman announce her passing on Wednesday, December 11 at the age of 97 years She is survived by 6 children 15 grandchildren 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson Left to cherish Pat’s memory are her loving children: Gail Chapman (Dwight Lucas), her children: Darren (Lynda) Parent, Dylan (Angie) Parent his daughter, Payden her son Jude; Laurel (Ron) Wandler; their children Patti Wandler (Corrie Tesluk), Debbi (Ryan) Hodgins, their children: Rhett, Grady; Blair (Colleen) Wandler their children: Rylee, Teigen, Adlynn; Carol Bowman (Doug Pangman), her children: Lyndsey (Jake) Parkinson, their children: Sayge, Wren; Carley Bowman; Kelly (Carol) Chapman, their children: Derek (Blaire) Chapman their children: Emery Evan; Jill (Ray) Perrier; Lisa (Ed) Edmonds their children: Watson Cybil; Mark (Carole) Chapman, their children: Brian (Madelane) Chapman, their children Brecken, Amber; Scott (Wendy) Chapman; Lana (Gerald) Desmarais, their children: Dayson (Katy) Desmarais, their children: Caylor, Mickey; Declan (Dacey) Desmarais; Dax Desmarais; brother in law, John Lambeth, and numerous nieces and nephews Predeceased by her husband Henry (Hank) Chapman; parents Harry and Mildred Nash; Siblings: Lloyd Nash Iola Feser Shirley Tebay Faye (Phyllis) Lambeth; infant brother Ralph; brother and sister-in- laws: Louis and Esther Chapman, Bob Tebay, Alice and Bill Tebay, (Muriel Bill s Second Wife), Bernadine Nash A celebration of life was held Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 11:00 a m at Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford Cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at a later date The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Villa Pascal and Dr Campbell for the exceptional care and support provided to our Mom In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Villa Pascal at 1301 113 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 3K1 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director
HOLMES: Helen Jane Holmes (Toews) April 25, 1934 –December 17,2024 Helen passed away peacefully surrounded by family December 17 2024 at Battlefords Union Hospital at 90 yrs of age Helen was born on the family farm in Mayfair, Saskatchewan to John and Helen Toews Helen is dearly loved and remembered by; 3 sons, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren; Beverly (Timothy) Fleury and Krista, Brittany, Chelsea and Logan (Saskatoon, SK); Earl Holmes (Mayfair, SK); David Holmes (Mayfair, SK); Donna (Rick) Romaniuk and Jonathan, Stephanie, and Brian (Cassia) (Kelowna, BC); Eric (Lorrie) Holmes and Jada (Bryan), Robin, Hailey (Adam), Conor (Kim), Ethan Holmes (Mayfair SK), Joe and Jesse (Glaslyn SK); Daughter in Law Renee Holmes and Aimee Oliver Michael Bekolay, Hendrik, Sunniva, and Cezar (Alberta) She is also survived by siblings and extended family: Walter Toews (Spiritwood, SK); George (Jean)Toews (Saskatoon, SK); Hilda Stanwood (Yarmouth, NS); Arnold (Jeanette) Toews (Calgary, AB); Dorothy (Art) Talbot (Tees, AB); Sister-in-law Marion Toews (Saskatoon, SK); Carol Toews (Surrey, BC); Also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nephews and great nieces Predeceased by loving husband Gilbert (Gib) Lorne Holmes and son Robert John Holmes Also predeceased by Parents John and Helen Toews Brothers: Johnny Toews, Bernie (Florence) Toews, Art Toews Sisters: Elizabeth (Jerry) Evanishen; Mary Toews Nephew Brent Evanishen, great niece Emily Toews Predeceased by George and Jessie Holmes, Harold (Annie) Holmes, Ethel (Gordon)Huot, Wallace (Alice) Holmes, Alice (Spike) Litzenberger Helen had fond memories growing up with her brothers and sisters on the family farm; attending Raven Head School traveling by horse and skis Her passion for learning/ caring nature led her to seek out the St Paul’s Hospital’s Nursing program, successfully obtaining her Registered Nurse diploma in 1956 Helen continued with this career for 41yrs Working in areas such as general duty, OR, home care, public health, and supervisor With years of rural nursing taking her down grid roads around Rabbit Lake and the Battlefords area she got to be known as the flying nurse Helen married Gib Holmes in 1957 and raised their six children on the family farm Moving around for Gib’s construction work they farmed in Speers, then Battleford, and finally settling down in Mayfair, SK Her caring nature did not only extend to nursing, it also shone through in her personal life as well She was known for her hospitality and was “mom”, “grandma” and “auntie” to many Her proudest accomplishment was being mother to all Helen was fond of painting sewing quilting cooking being out in nature, and enjoying her garden In her younger years Helen kept active with cross country skiing and running Even entering multiple ski races and 10km runs, always encouraging family to join in She was fortunate to travel Canada coast to coast, with her furthest trip abroad being Germany, all to visit numerous family members With age came some health issues and Helen would keep persevering She would never complain and was always in good spirits her faith in God would uphold her Helen will be greatly missed, for her kindness, generosity, and witty sense of humour She was an example to many family and friends She will be forever loved and remembered
GLASS: December 29, 1927November 29, 2024 Joyce Glass (nee Van Nortwick) was born in Kerrobert Sask and passed away peacefully at the Battlefords District Care Centre, Battleford, Sask at the age of 96 years 11 months Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Jack Glass; her daughter, Rita Glass; her parents, Lloyd and Mary Van Nortwick; her two brothers and their spouses, Earl (Anne) Van Nortwick, and Mervin (Martha) Van Nortwick She is survived by her son Dan (Gladys) Glass; her daughter, Joan (Alan) Dyer; her daughter Marilyn Glass (Philip Trofin); and her son, Ted (Cheryl) Glass; as well as nine grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren The family of Joyce Glass wish to thank Dr Peter Holtzhausen and the Nurses and Staff on Wards 3 and 4 at the Battlefords District Care Centre for their excellent and compassionate care of our mother during her time there The Memorial Service was held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 1:00 p m at Territorial Drive Alliance Church, North Battleford, Saskatchewan Funeral arrangements in care of Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022
WALKER: Frederick - Frederick George Walker Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Mr Fred (Frederick) George Walker on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the age of 88 Fred is remembered by his family, children: Robert (Lynn) Walker –Grace Walker (Julien Plouffe) Anna (Majed) Khilo, Jude and Mya Khilo; Glenn (Troylene) Walker – Logan Walker (Jade Charters); Stewart (Connie) Walker – Blair Walker (Rikki Wilson) and Kurt Walker (Bree Petch); Ian Walker (partner Kelly Schmidt) – Rebecca, Ryan, Matthew Walker; Trevor (Candice) Walker – Mark, Grayson, Cameron, Finley Walker; Catherine (Bob) Bartkewich – Brayden Brooklyn Bartkewich He was predeceased by: his wife Janice; his sons Douglas and David Walker; Grandson Daniel Walker; Parents John “George” & Catherine “Ida” Walker; and in-laws Mary & Ernest
(Shaun)Forgrave
Nadeen (Bob)Reist and family; Brother, Ross (Janet)Gilchrist
Master of Creativity Bursary NBCHS 1791 110th St North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y2 RE: Bruce Gilchrist Bursary Nbchs etransfer@lskysd ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium - Trevor Watts Funeral Director
Pierce Fred was first and foremost a farmer He took over the family farm located north of North Battleford from his parents, and he was proud of the fact that his father had originally homesteaded it in 1902 He was a passionate reader with broad interests in history, his family’s genealogy, railways, collecting coins and stamps and biblical studies He was a dedicated community member, being a lifelong member of the Northwest Historical Society Agricultural Society and the Battlefords Branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society A longtime supporter of the Horticultural Society, Fred served as a judge for many years during the Territorial Days annual fair and exhibition Along with his wife Janice and a team of volunteers, he was a key contributor to the creation of Prairie Echoes, a history book documenting the lives of early pioneers and the families of Aspenshaw Nolin (Hamlin) McMillan School Districts and the areas around North Battleford A Freemason for over 60 years, Fred held leadership roles and cherished the friendships and values of the Ionic Lodge No 31, North Battleford Fred was a proud Shriner, dedicated to the organization’s charitable mission, and he played an active role in bringing the Shrine Circus to North Battleford over the years He was proud to share the distinction of receiving a 60-Year pin and certificate of recognition for his zeal and fidelity to the craft from the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan with his father George Fred’s legacy is one of kindness, curiosity, and service to his family and community He will be deeply missed by all who knew him A funeral service will be held later this spring, with details to be announced In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lady Minto Health Care Center 1513 1st Avenue S Edam, SK, S0M 0V0 IntegrityPost FrameBuildings SINCE2008 Built with ConcretePosts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, MachineSheds and More sales@Integritybuilt.com
am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.
OR
Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarmland.com
North B’ford city council gears up for 2025 budget deliberations
By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
The City of North Battleford is once again planning for its 2025 budget deliberation meetings that will start in the new year.
Notices/Nominations
The draft represents only administration’s proposal for the budget. Before council begins to vote on the budget, it will need to undertake several deliberation meetings where it will have an opportunity to make any changes
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ELDON NO. 471 PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Eldon No 471 intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend the Zoning Bylaw INTENT:
The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment will:
• Create a definition for “Trucking Terminals”;
• Add “Trucking terminals” as a discretionary use within the C1 – Commercial District;
• Add “Trucking terminals” as a permitted use within the M1 – Industrial District; and,
• rezone Parcel B, Plan 101287302 Ext 0 in the SE ¼ Section 16–48–23–W3M, from A – Agricultural District to M1 – Industrial District, as shown within the bold dashed line below as Map “A” Map “A”
REASONS:
• To provide for the development of trucking terminals in the RM; and
• To facilitate the development of a trucking operation on the subject property
PUBLIC INSPECTION:
Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Rural Municipal Office, located at 212 Main Street, Maidstone, SK, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaw are available to individuals at the RM Office at cost
PUBLIC HEARING:
Council will hold a public hearing on January 13, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. at the Rural Municipal Office to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the RM Office before the hearing. Issued at the RM of Eldon this 2nd day of January, 2025. Lee Torrance, Administrator
to the document it sees fit.
All deliberation meetings will be held online via Zoom or in the Council Chambers at Room 107 at the Don Ross Centre in North Battleford.
Topics for the Jan. 7, 2025 meeting that runs from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., cover the General Budget overview, Government Services, and Police Services.
The Jan. 9 meeting, that
runs from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., will focus on Fire and Protective Services, and Parks and Recreation Services.
For the Jan. 15 meeting, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., topics will include Operations Services, including Infrastructure and Waste Management.
The Jan. 20 meeting, running from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., will cover Engineering, Plan-
ning, Asset Management, and Infrastructure (EPAI) Services including the Underground Pipe and Asphalt Rehabilitation program (UPAR), and Third-Party Grants.
Then, on Jan. 23, from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. council will look at approving the budget.
All meetings are open for the public to attend.
KeyanowChild and Family Centre Inc. (KCFC) is seekingapplications for highlymotivated, resourceful, cour teousand compassionateindividuals tofill thefollowing positions:
Family Services Unit (FS) –2Positions
1. Family Finder Assessor/Recr uiterand Home Study Worker 2.OnCallCasual Aide/Transpor ter Family EnhancementUnit(FEU) –1position
FEUProgram Aide Worker Post Majority Suppor tServices (PMSS) –3positions
Post Majority Care Coordinator
Post Majority Suppor tWor ker
Junior FinanceOfficer (PMSS) HumanResources– 1position
HumanResourcesClerk CLOSINGDATE: Januar y11, 2025
Pleasevisit ourwebsitehttps://keyanowcfc.com– Career Oppor tunities for further information.
LAND FOR SALE BY ONGOING TENDER
Land Descriptions:
R.M. OF GLENSIDE NO. 377
NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0
- Land located approximately 18 miles south-east of Cando, Saskatchewan, near Lizard Lake.
- All land is adjoining and totals approximately 204.17 acres. o NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0 has approximately 158.85 acres.
o SE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 2 has approximately 45.32 acres.
Conditions:
1. Highest or any Offer not necessarily accepted.
2. Bidding will be conducted by ongoing tender Once all qualifying bids are received, all bidders will be informed of the highest bid on each quarter they have bid on. Bidders will then be provided the opportunity to declare their bid final or to increase their bid at least 2% above the last highest bid. Once all bidders have declared their final bid the bidders shall be informed of the Vendor’s decision.
3. All bids must be in writing and accompanied by certified payment in the amount of $10,000 per quarter bid on payable to Battle River Law in Trust. Payment will be retur ned without interest if offer is not accepted.
4. Possession Date: March 26, 2025
5. Balance of purchase price for the successful offer, plus GST (if applicable), to be paid to Battle River Law in Trust on or before the Possession Date or the deposit will be forfeited.
6. All 2024 property taxes payable by Vendor 2025 property taxes payable by Purchaser
7. Successful offeror(s) to enter formal purchase agreement following tender.
8. Land to be sold as one package or as individual quarters (bids on any number of quarters will be considered). The Vendor retains the right to select to sell one or any number of quarters to a package offeror Package bids must specify price offered for each quarter
9 Property sold “as is”.
For more information contact: Michelle Spence, 306-445-6177, michelle@battleriverlaw.ca
Offers must be received no later than 12:00p.m. February 12, 2025.
All Tenders must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Do Not Open: Kanz Land” to: Battle River Law, #201, 1291 – 102nd Street (Box 905), North Battleford, SK, S9A 2Z3, Attention: Michelle Spence.
Meota and District News
Christmas traditions in Meota ‘Gone Fishing’
By Trudy Janssens Correspondent
When members of our family travel, we have a saying: “No news is good news.” That way, nobody worries about the travellers while they’re en route. Now that I’m doing some writing for the News-Optimist, I’m on the lookout for any local news for the residents of Meota. It’s Christmas Day 2024 and we have an early deadline for submissions. You guessed it — there’s very little news. Actually, that is as it should be, since everyone is prioritizing family and friends at this time.
There was plenty of excitement when a walleye was heading for the bait. It makes all the waiting worth it when you can see your dinner coming into plain view.
As for local activity, there’s lots happening on the lake. There are at least 20 ice fishing shacks within sight. With mild
temperatures, it didn’t take long to walk out to a group of ice fishers. For Lloyd and Betty Johnson,
Continued on page 12
Masses: Saturdays: 7:30 pm Sundays: 9:00& 11:00am
Email: st.josephcalasanctius_nb@Padiocese.ca Website: stjosephcalasanctius.com
CHRISTMASSERVICE December 25th at 9:00 am
WorshipLeader: HeatherMacKinnon
Lloyd and Betty Johnson’s ice fishing shack, complete with solar panels and all the amenities. | Photos by Trudy Janssens
Community calendar project supports food for kids program
By Kathy Utri Community Correspondent
MAIDSTONE — Our community is saddened to hear of the passing of David Lundquist of Maidstone on Dec. 21 at the age of 68 years. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife, Carol; children: Abby (Brent) Albert, Nicole and Lindsay; grandchildren: Grayson and Emerson; siblings: Robert (Helene), Ronna (Perry), Karen (Colin), Bev (Tom) and Sherry (Scott); brother-in-law, Mark (Chandra); sisters-in-law, Donna (Mark) and Kathy (Mike); numerous extended family members and many friends. In lieu of a formal service and “in true farmer style,” please join the family for “coffee in the shop” at Lundquist Farms on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. MST.
Maidstone Community Calendar was pleased to donate proceeds of $2,460 from their 2024 campaign to Ratushniak Elementary School for the Breakfast/ Lunch Program. Each year the calendars are sold in the fall for $20 to anyone interested in filling out the form. Businesses can advertise and receive two calendars for $75. Thank you to everyone who purchased a 2025 calendar, to Charline Rhinehart for all the hard work she puts into the calendar orders and delivery, and to Megan Rhinehart for presenting the cheque.
Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club’s Fall 2024 season was spent planning and attending many events ranging from general meetings to fun activities. Our first meeting took place Oct. 7, with the second on Nov. 4, the day we showed our 4-H spirit by wearing green clothing. We helped host the Waseca pie bingo on Nov. 10 by providing all the pies, and donated four crafts to the festival of trees fundraiser for which we had a craft afternoon on Nov.
11. We held a battery drive for our club on Nov. 16 and made Nov. 18 the deadline for selling the club’s Christmas ornaments. On Dec. 2 we had another general meeting and planned upcoming events for the new year including some tours. We held a winter 4-H party for our club on Dec. 15 where we had a jam-packed afternoon. Every event has been a blast! Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who help us with these events. Our next 4-H general meeting will be project demos on Monday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. MST at Waseca Community Centre. (report by Saidai Mosher) Waseca Community Centre held their Christmas event on Dec. 22. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with the kids, posed for pictures with all who wanted them and took everyone for horsedrawn sleigh rides around town. Refreshments were enjoyed in the hall and fireworks ended the day. Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers for an wonderful afternoon. Special appreciation goes to Santa and Mrs. Claus and Do It Again Ranch Adventures. Congratulations to Gord Banks on his win of $600 in the Kin Club of Maidstone’s Christmas 50/50 raffle on Dec. 24. Funds raised by the Kin Club go to helping out in many ways in our community.
Congratulations to Morgan Brelje on winning Maidstone Legion Club Room’s Chase the ace draw on Dec. 26. She takes home the weekly prize of $146 plus the jackpot of $5,791 by finding the Ace of Spades under space No. 3. Chase the Ace will start over next week with a jackpot of $1,000.
Top bowling averages for the first half of 202425 are Youth Senior: Jack 174, Junior: Will 132, Stone 121; Ladies: Brenda R 163; Seniors: Keith M 175, Pat
A 166; Business: Ryan D 193, Melissa P 189. High scores for the week before Christmas went to Youth Senior: Jack 174, Lane 167; Youth Junior: Stone 148, Walker 85; Ladies: Kathy B 211, Debbie N 190; Seniors: Doreen H 199, Keith M 186; Business: James C 273, Melissa P 234. High triples were James C 665, Carley J 540, Kathy B 537, Walter K 500. Bowling will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Maidstone Senior Jets won 8 to 5 over Meota Combines on Dec.21, the last game of 2024. Two home games will start 2025: Saturday, Jan. 4 against Radisson Wheat Kings and Friday, Jan. 10 versus Turtleford Tigers, both at 8 p.m. MST. On Saturday, Jan. 11 the Senior Jets are in St. Walburg to play the Eagles at 7:30 p.m. The Senior Jets held a skills competition on Boxing Day for Maidstone Minor Hockey with juice boxes and chips donated by Shell-Ray Rentals. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the event. Waseca Rink has a free public skating event on
Sunday, Jan. 5 from 12 to 5 p.m. MST with free hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee (while supplies last). Helmets must be worn. Rates for skating at Waseca Rink at other times are $30 individual and $100 family for the season. Pay the volunteer or stop by the village office. Thank you to all the volunteers who put in the ice and maintain it. Maidstone Arena public skating hours are on the Maidstone Arena Board Facebook page. Fees are payable by Etransfer to maidstoneicearena@gmail. com at the rate per family of $5 per day or $65 for the year. Helmets must be worn. Children age 12 and under require adult supervision. Be sure to take advantage of the Kin Club of Maidstone’s free skating on Jan.12 and Jan. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. MST.
I hope students, school staff and bus drivers have enjoyed wonderful times over the Christmas and New Year’s break. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6. Happy New Year to everyone!
Santa and Mrs. Claus posed for photos with the Blyth family at Waseca Recreation Centre’s
22. | Photo courtesy Amanda Tuplin
Old Fashioned Christmas Concert hosted
By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent
St. John’s Anglican Church held its Christmas service the morning of Dec. 22 with Bible readings read by Lorraine Olinyk, and Brenda Tumbach, gospel reading by Rev. Carr and prayers of the people by Sandra Long. There were special Christmas carols sung and Holy Communion was observed. A special presentation was given to Rev. Sheldon and Rosann Carr, with a floral arrangement delivered to their home earlier in the week, and on Sunday a special plaque and other gifts were given. The poinsettias that had been bought by congregants in memory of
loved ones and decorated the church for over three weeks were taken home on Sunday. Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. Rev. Carr will hold a Christmas service at the Borden Care Home and on Jan. 10 the regular Bible Study group will meet at 11 a.m. and each Friday thereafter at 11 a.m.
An Old Fashioned Christmas Concert was held in the Borden Community Centre on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4:30 p.m. with a freewill donation at the door, hosted by Carrie Harkness. The centre walls were decorated with wreaths, stockings and colourful shopping bags and poinsettias set on Christmas serviettes on the tables. The program started with children Brielle and Tessa singing Tell Me and
Last Christmas. Allison told a few jokes. Charlotte Dubkowski played the keyboard for Archie Wainwright and Carrie Harkness to sing Mary Did You Know? And Have Yourself a Merry Christmas. Archie sang It’s A Marshmallow World and Let There Be Peace on Earth.
Stan Windel, who is blind, used a braille tablet to sing The Cross is My Christmas Tree and Christmas Halleluiah. Fritz Muehlhausen, playing guitar, sang Show Us Who You Are, Choir of Shepherds and then Amanda and his two children joined in for Joy to the World and the children sang Jingle Bells.
Avery Fairbrother played guitar and sang Jingle Bells, then with his wife Mary play-
ing the piano, Peter Thiessen sang Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy and Greatest Story Ever Told. Peter told a story, Christmas Guest, a different version of T’was The Night Before Christmas.
Aven Grace sang Come Back to Us At Christmas and playing guitar, sang Some Children See Him and Circle of Love. Peter gave the blessing then everyone enjoyed a meal of ham, turkey, buns, salads, cheese and crackers and a variety of baked goodies. After the meal Per Vinding, accompanied by Ken Olsen on guitar, sang Ava Maria, played the harmonica for Silent Night and whistled three different versions of Away in a Manger. Harvey Cymbalisty, who
has won numerous awards at the gospel concerts in Nashville, sang There’s a New Kid in Town (Bethlehem), O Holy Night, Welcome Christmas (from How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas. Carrie with the children sang Do You See (Hear, Know) What I See? and A Prayer for Peace. Then Carrie was presented with a large white cape and sang This Be the Time, a song she had written. Door prizes were then drawn for and handed out to the lucky winners.
Christmas traditions in Meota ‘Gone Fishing’
Continued from page 10 ice fishing on Christmas Day is a family tradition. Their two daughters and their families came home to Meota from Edmonton and Beaumont, Alta. Having grandchildren around at this time of year is very special. The youngest ice fisher is only six months old.
Betty and Lloyd have one of the warmest and coolest ice trailers on the lake. They are equipped with cameras to watch the
action under the ice. They have almost all the amenities of a cabin on the ice.
Their children and grandchildren were having lots of fun scooting all over the ice with their snow machines. It didn’t seem to affect their ability to catch fish.
It was great to be able to thank Betty personally for all her work on the Meota village council. She served as a councillor for over 12 years. She’s enjoying her well-deserved retirement,
and I got the impression she’s officially hung out her sign, “Gone Fishing.” Time to enjoy family, friends, fishing, and golfing. It’s been a wonderful Meota Christmas for our family. Our Christmas Eve service at the Meota United Anglican Church was heartwarming. We are feeling especially blessed in this community, and we look forward to working with our neighbours and friends in the upcoming year.
walleye that she caught. It was the same fish that appeared on their monitor.
Rev. Sheldon and Rosann Carr receiving gifts from St. John’s Anglican Church Dec. 22. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk
Carrie Harkness, Archie Wainwright and Charlotte Dubkowski performing at Old Fashioned Christmas Concert.
Fritz and Amanda Muehlhausen and children singing at concert Dec. 22.
Ken playing guitar as Per Vinding plays harmonica on Dec. 22.
Carrie Harkness and children singing at the Christmas concert Dec. 22.
Aven Grace performs at the Christmas concert.
Betty Johnson, with two of her grandchildren, Finn and Kelson, proudly shows off the