news-optimist Regional
Mayor Hawtin reflects on past year, looks forward to plans ahead
By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
City of North Battleford
Mayor Kelli Hawtin is optimistic for 2025 and pleased with the progress the city has made in the past year.
The city will take on a number of projects this year that will have a positive impact to the community.
In an email to SaskToday, Hawtin outlined a number of priorities the city has lined up for 2025.
January of 2025 will start with establishing the budget, which will determine the specific projects for the year.
Anticipated Underground Pipe and Asphalt Rehabilitation (UPAR) work will
Submitted by the
City of North Battlefoprd
continue with the replacement of underground pipe, asphalt and sidewalks.
Plans to replace or renovate the aging Access Com-
Community Safety Officers in North Battleford have a new way to help families, thanks to a grant totalling just under $2,000 from the SGI Traffic Safety Community Outreach fund.
The funding was awarded in December 2024 for the CSOs to order 60 new car seats/booster seats.
If CSOs conduct a traffic stop and notice a child is not seated in the appropriate car seat or booster seat, the
munications Centre will be established following completion of the Feasibility Study. The presentation of the Feasibility Study is
officer will issue a brand new car seat or booster seat and provide education to the driver about the traffic violation.
Ensuring the seats are properly installed in vehicles is equally important.
North Battleford CSOs will refer anyone with questions about installation to a car seat technician at KidsFirst Battlefords, located at 1192-101st Street.
Road safety continues to be a priority for Community Safety Officers, and the Department extends its gratitude to SGI for its support of this initiative to provide enhanced safety for youth on the roads
expected to come to city council in early 2025.
Council will review the current Strategic Plan and create the new 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which will set the overarching goals for the next four years.
Zoning Bylaw and the Official Community Plan revisions are expected as “we work to promote North Battleford as an optimal location for business growth and expansion,” Hawtin said.
In a media release, the City of North Battleford detailed a number of important projects it undertook in 2024 that it was proud of.
The city successfully advocated for the elimination of ranking communities
by Crime Severity Index weights, following a western Canadian conference that included attendance from 11 various communities, First Nations, law enforcement, and the federal government–Statistics Canada, to try to improve the city’s overall image relating to Community Safety. In another development, the city took part in a historic signing with Sweetgrass First Nation to complete an Urban Reserve Services Agreement in the city. The city also participated in the unveiling of the Annie Peyachew statue at Central Park in downtown North Battleford. Peyachew was one of the hundreds of
Mayor Kelli Hawtin. | Photo submitted
Festival Fanfare: Entry deadline for 2025 festival is Jan. 25
By Kelly Waters Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival
The deadline of Saturday, Jan. 25 for entries in the 2025 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival is just around the corner. Online entry forms will be located on a new platform this year, Jotform. This platform promises to be user-friendly for gathering information and receiving entry payments. The syllabus and festival rules and regulations can be found online on the Saskatchewan
Music Festival Association (SMFA) website. Look for more information via the Battleford Kiwanis Music Festival Facebook page or email. If you would like to be added to the email list or need more information, feel free to contact the committee secretary Amy Francais amy. francais@gmail.com.
The 2025 Battlefords district festival is scheduled to run from March 17 to 29. Tentative discipline dates are strings March 17, band March 18 - 21, vocal and musical theatre March 21 -
24, speech arts March 24, and piano March 25 - 29.
This annual local festival provides an incredible opportunity for music students by providing a venue to showcase their talent and access feedback from top-quality guest adjudicators who are experts in their field. It’s an event filled with inspiration and celebration for young musicians in our area.
Festival entry fees are solo $15, duet/trio/small ensemble $15 and band/choir/large ensemble $30.
The SMFA is one of the province’s oldest organizations having a cultural impact since 1908 encouraging educational growth, supporting the endeavours and successes of young people, creating a space for multi-generational interaction, promoting discipline and nurturing confidence. SMFA programs and services reach lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Lakota, Nakota and Saulteaux peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis.
A list of all Saskatchewan district festivals can be found on the SMFA website. Participation is open to all ages of non-professional musicians.
Additional opportunities for festival participants include access to local awards, scholarships, and potential recommendations to compete at the provincial and national levels of competition. To be eligible for an award or scholarship, a participant must be 19 years of age or younger, have lived in or studied in the Battlefords
and district for a minimum of six months before the festival, or be furthering their education elsewhere but still supported by parents living in the Battlefords and district. Other students are welcome for adjudication and recommendation to the provincial and national level competitions.
Note that there are now a variety of non-competitive classes in the provincial syllabus for those who seek the educational aspect and experience of performing for an expert adjudicator without participating in the competitive aspect. Additionally, there is the option to participate in classes that include workshopping in each area of musical discipline. The areas of musical discipline for the festival include vocal singing, musical theatre, spoken word, choral, piano, pipe organ, electronic organ, guitar, strings, woodwind instrument, brass instrument, percussion, band ensemble, school music and multi-cultural music. Expanding inclusivity for styles of music, there are now World Music Classes on an instrument of choice that may include popular forms of non European classical (ex. Chinese guzheng, Indian raga, Tibetan chant), Eastern European folk (ex. Balkan, Bulgarian), Nordic folk, Latin, and Indonesian. In non-competitive classes, no mark is assigned. Volunteers are always needed and welcome. If you have an interest in volunteering, there are tasks ranging from small to more involved. The committee also encourages and welcomes new members so as to keep this annual event thriving for years to come. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to support the festival through sponsorship and awards if you or your business are interested. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and see where your time, skills or resources might be of most help.
“I believe that a hundred years from now, when people look back at the 20th century, they will look at Miles, Bird, Clifford Brown, Ella and Dizzy, among elders as our Mozarts, our Chopins, our Bachs and Beethovens.”Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024)
Mayor Hawtin reflects on past year, looks forward to plans ahead
Continued from page 1 Indigenous youth who attended Battleford Industrial School.
The city is currently planning for its 2025 budget deliberation meetings.
They are coming a little later this year due to the impact from the municipal elections in 2024.
“We are anticipating budget to be approved by Jan. 23, which will allow administration to get right
to work on tendering capital and construction projects for the year,” Hawtin stated.
“We are expecting that our departments are prepared, and we are not anticipating any delays due to budget being pushed back by approximately one month.”
“The city’s fiscal year is January–December, but mill rates are not typically set until May, which gives us some time flexibility,” she added. “The main rea-
son we complete our budget in December on a typical year is to allow administration to proceed early in the year on capital and construction tenders, which we do not expect to be delayed in 2025 due to budget timing. We also set our utility rates for the beginning of January, which is why the utility budget was passed prior to the election to avoid any delay in utility rates and billing.”
Learn to capture the magic of the snowman at Chapel Gallery’s “Sensational Snowman” workshop Jan. 16. | Photo courtesy City of North Battleford Let
The Chapel Gallery and Allen Sapp Gallery are offering creative workshops to get your mind off the cold.
Introduction to Watercolour for adults and teens is hosted at Allen Sapp Gallery Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Jan. 15 and running to Feb. 5.
The workshop will cover watercolour technique, colour mixing, painting from life and painting from photographs. Organizers say “This fun, four-week class
is perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills.”
Cost is $120 but all materials are included.
Chapel Gallery is hosting a keychain-making workshop Jan. 16, that is billed as “fun for all ages.”
Organizers say this activity is open to creative minds to “enjoy an evening of creating your very own keychain using shrink plastic, markers and coloured pencils.” Cost is $15.
Chapel Gallery is also hosting a “Sensational Snowman” activity billed as a “beginner-friendly watercolour paint night for ages 13 to 100.”
Aleksi will lead a workshop teaching a variety of watercolour techniques in a step-by-step format.
Pre-registration is required by Jan. 26 and space is limited.
The workshop will be held at the Don Ross Centre Craft Room.
By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
North Battleford author R. Conrad Speer has recently released his new novel, The Barber’s Collection, that should captivate readers interested in history and those who will enjoy the fun adventurous escapades of his characters at the same time.
Speer recently gave a reading of his book at the North Battleford Library.
Described as a tragicomic novel, the story is set around a vast rural psychiatric hospital, inspired by Speer’s time working as a groundskeeper at the original Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford psychiatric facility.
“I grew up in town, and I worked at the Sask. Hospital in my first summer of undergrad, in the late 1990s,” he said.
Speer added that his father
was employed doing work similar to an orderly at the Saskatchewan Hospital in the late 1960s.
“So many folks in the Battlefords either worked there or knew folks who worked there over the century it was open,” he said.
“You’d see things on the hospital grounds or you’d hear things there, about town. That was kind of the genesis for the story,”
Speer added. “I was actually writing individual short stories well over a decade ago... I was just trying to chronicle interesting little stories about the history of the building and the treatments they were using; and the staff, the doctors, nurses and of course the patients,... and keeping those stories alive–twisting them into fun fiction as well.”
He eventually realized the
Submitted by
Battlefords Residential Services Inc.
Battlefords Residential Services Inc. (BRSI) held their annual Christmas party Dec. 19 at Living Faith Chapel.
Together with family and friends, staff and the board of directors from BRSI, everyone celebrated the festive season with a turkey dinner and all the fixings.
Battlefords Residential Services Inc. is a non-profit community-based organization and a Canada Revenue Agency Registered Charity that provides residential, day programming and supported living services to individuals in the community who have intellectual disabilities. BRSI provides these services through the operation of six residential group homes, providing care for 35 individuals, Supported Living Program for up to 15 individuals and a day program (BRIDGE) for nine individuals.
This year, participants were entertained by Cash Country. Of course, the highlight of the Christmas party was the special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with the addition of two spunky little elves!
Pat Hancock, on behalf of the board of directors, expressed her appreciation to the leadership team and the staff who care for and support all the individuals in their care. A big thanks going out to the Living Faith Church for supplying the facility, Cash Country for the entertainment and Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves for their visit and smiles. 2024 BRSI Service Awards 10 Years
Harpreet Ghataura — TFT at Kildeer Manor Grace Baraoidan — TFT at Meadow Manor
Carolyn Monette — board member 15 Years
Pat Hancock — board member 20 years
Sylvia Peterson — program co-ordinator 30 Years
Sheryl Herle — Manager Arlene Perkin
Tracy Clarke — part-time Johannas Home
short stories would work best as one cohesive novel, with a central focus, so that’s how he crafted his book.
The book’s summary best describes the story line:
“Deinstitutionalization has just begun, yet it can’t come soon enough for one infamous patient with a violent criminal past. Amidst the sweltering summer heat during a chaotic morning in town, an antsy barber, a nostalgic farmer, a distressed sheriff, and a troubled labourer mull over a shocking escape from the psychiatric hospital.”
“All the characters are brought [together] by the reality of this vast rural psychiatric hospital in their backyard,” Speer said.
“The novel is really centred around a mystery built in around a violent patient escaping from the grounds of the hospital. The novel is all set in one morning in
SaskToday.ca staff
The cases for two accused in the death of a Saulteaux First Nation man were adjourned in North Battleford provincial court on Monday.
Brody Runningaround, 20, and Malyka Nahbexie, 23, are each charged with first-degree murder.
When Nahbexie appeared in court, Crown prosecutor Brynn Achtymichuk said he was opposed to her release.
Judge Kevin Hill ordered a no contact order for a list of seven people including the co-accused.
Defence attorney Tanner Daniels said Nahbexie indi-
town at the hospital and the golf course, and this mystery around the escape of a violent criminal patient on the hospital grounds.”
Speer said there are many comic antics described in the novel, as well as serious matters, such as the treatment of the mentally ill and the history surrounding that topic.
The story takes place in the early 1970s when a movement towards deinstitutionalization had started in psychiatric care.
Speer researched the history of psychiatric advancements, when he wrote his book, that is reflected in the story.
“I did a lot of research, checking facts on the history of treatments...,” he said.
Andrew Horacki — full-time Meadow Manor 40 Years
Yvonne Nyholt — board member
To find out more about Battlefords Residential Services Inc. please check out their Facebook Page or if you would like more specific information about the programs and services offered or are interested in donating to BRSI to support its ongoing programming, please contact the main office at 306-446-8830.
SaskToday.ca
Operation Red Nose is celebrating the success of its 2024 campaign.
The organization says the campaign was marked by the extraordinary commitment of thousands of volunteers and the unwavering support of the population.
For more than a month, the organization helped strengthen road safety in nearly 70 Canadian regions, thanks to its responsible safe ride service.
This campaign resulted in the commitment of 23,827 volunteers who travelled Canadian roads to provide 26,935 safe rides to their fellow citizens.
Speer noted his book has been seeing a good response from readers since it was released.
“The reception I’ve been getting from authors in press from North America and from readers in reviews has been really positive, so I’m very [glad] to see that,” he said.
“It’s a fun, fictitious read, looking at a vast rural psychiatric hospital,” he added. “I think folks in North Battleford will have fun checking it out.”
The Barber’s Collection is available at Empress Furniture and Decor in North Battleford, the North Battleford Library, McNally Robinson Booksellers in Saskatoon, Indigo.ca, and Amazon.ca.
“This novel is set around the time of deinstitutionalization, about 50 years ago, around 1970 or so. That was an interesting time period, because that’s when policy changed, and the hospital went from having thousands of patients to a couple of hundred patients within about a decade.”
cated she would be requesting Legal Aid services.
Her case was adjourned to Jan. 22.
She will be present from Pine Grove Correctional Centre by phone or video for her next court appearance.
When he appeared in court, the co-accused, Runningaround, at first appeared shirtless, while rubbing his face with his hands, looking agitated.
He will also be seeking Legal Aid services for his Legal counsel.
Achtymichuk was opposed to Runningaround’s release.
Runningaround was or-
dered to abide by a no contact order for seven people including the co-accused. He will be held in custody until his next court date when he will appear by phone or video on Jan. 22.
RCMP previously reported that on Jan. 2 at approximately 4:50 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of an injured male at a residence on Saulteaux First Nation. Officers located a seriously injured male, who was later pronounced deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as 24-year-old Lyle Night Jr. from Saulteaux First Nation.
In Saskatchewan, 337 volunteers participated in this holiday tradition, providing 458 safe rides.
Compared to the previous edition, the 2024 campaign stands out with an increase in the average number of rides provided per operation night and the average number of volunteers mobilized
each evening, Operation Red Nose states in a press release.
“These results demonstrate, once again, the importance of Operation Red Nose in preventing impaired driving, as well as the solidarity movement surrounding this initiative for many decades,” the organization says.
Author R. Conrad Speer during a launch of his new book at Indigo Southland store in Regina. | Photo submitted by R. Conrad Speer
Clients of Battlefords Residential Services Inc., including a smiling Laurier Villeneuve, were among those who enjoyed a Christmas party Dec. 19. | Photo courtesy BRSI
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Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223
Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net
The Pied Piper of Papineau
By R.H. Wood
North Battleford
A lame duck is now at the reins of our ship of state. Worse, leopards cannot change their spots. This applies to every Liberal M.P. and leadership hopeful who is tarred by the same brush and maintained support for Mr. Trudeau for nine years and includes aspirants who choose to join this Liberal road crash. The commentators are saying that Mr. Trudeau has resigned – not so, he has simply announced he is stepping down as leader of the Liberal party. To be clear he is still Prime Minis-
ter until at least March 24th. by which time prorogation will have ended - maybe. He chose to make his announcement from the Rideau Cottage steps thus avoiding the inevitable House uproar – so much for his oft repeated fighter claims. In his initial mutterance he referred to this as a “fun” location harping back to his self-promoting unnecessary almost daily pandemic announcements.
NEWS - OPTIMIST
To the astonishment of all who may have noted this he chose January 6th to inform us of his hard wrought skiing holiday decision in the hopesuccessfully it seems, that he would eclipse Mr. Trump’s accession day. I wonder if he will be invited to the inauguration ceremonies. January 6th is also Epiphany when the Christmas season ends and hope for a new beginning is embraced.
Prorogation, to which our most gracious and profoundly invaluable Governor General was not obliged to accede, gives the Liberals time to amplify their attacks on Pierre Poilievre. It delays
the capital gains legislation (more taxation) and the increased yet parsimonious six-year funding for border security. This will greatly irritate Mr. Trump as he contemplates any efforts Canada may make to avert virtually certain tariff impositions.
There is no doubt that Mr. Trudeau has been looking forward to chairing the next G7 meeting in Kananaskis from June 15th -17th. This would have been a fitting cap to his prime ministership and his efforts to project himself internationally. Prorogation for a few weeks will postpone the inevitable non-confidence vote prom-
ised by the opposition parties in combination. The only way I can see Mr. Trudeau avoiding this humiliation is by resigning from his federal seat in Papineau immediately prorogation ends and by calling an election.
Each week I spend much time seeking a title for my submissions. This week’s title compares Mr. Trudeau to the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Germany (not Hamlin, Saskatchewan) who charmed the bipeds and quadrupeds of that village with his sweet piping, promises and charisma leading them successfully across the problematic Weser river to disappear
Management
as doors opened up in the nearby mountain. “Pied” means he wore multi-coloured clothing akin to Justin’s themed sock choices. Robert Browning, who wrote the famous poem about this five-hundred-year-old event, chose not to clearly indicate the fate of the misguided hoard which the mountain swallowed up. This country is in a state of disarray as are my mixedup metaphors and the ship of state needs new blood. History suggests that the deluded piper followers emerged transformed and enlightened – let’s hope this happens here.
Gordon Brewerton: Senior Vice-President, Prairie Newspaper Group
Advertising Sales - Sales Manager: Candace Mack-Horton
Administration: Kylie Cooke • Elisha Parkinson
Reporter: Sherri Solomko • Photographer: Averil Hall
Contributors:
Elaine Woloshyn, Eric Callbeck, Kathy Utri, John Bowyer, R. H. Wood
Mailroom - Manager: Melissa Pitkeathley
Scott Foster • Donna Smith • Anamarija Barna
VOICEOFBUSINESS
Find us on Facebook www.battlefordschamber.com
P.O. Box1000 Nor th BattlefordSKS9A 3E6 Phone:306-445-6226
ADVOCACYATWORK LOCALLINK
The Battlefords& District Chamber of Commerce,in the past few years, has undertaken community development projects to suppor tand promote the Battlefords,but also suppor tand promote our members as well as business community.In2023, we launched the newonline “Re location Guide”, which showcases what the community has tooffer,all in one place, and making amove for folks to the community an easyone-stop website for information. Since the Chamber is in the‘solutions’ business; we found in 2024 acommunity information solution to add to the community suppor t, and launched Local Link, where people, whether locals,tourists,guests,orvisitors,can easily findout information about the community,placestoeat, places to shop, and thingstodo, andmore.
LocalLink is thefirst of its kindnetwork in Saskatchewan, with multiplefree standingtouch screen kioskunits inthe communitythatpeople can utilizetoget information. And for businessesand organizations to promote themselves to the wider community.There arecurrently 5units in use, butthe goal is to have abroader network of10-12 units, and then to movetosome specialized kiosks for special events.For example, we plan to hostat least one seasonal unit, that could perhaps be hostedatJackfish LodgeGolf&ConferenceCentre in the summer months,move to the Access Communications CentreinOctober for the Rodeo Finals and then out to Table MountainSki Hill forthe winter,asanexample.Wealso wouldlike to see units available for specialevents or conventions in theregion, that could be at the location for aweekend or aweek, depending on the event and its draw. Ultimately,wewould like to see the network develop to aregional networkofconnectedcommunities, and evenhost some ‘outdoor’units that could be available 24-7 to the public. This of course, all takes time and money,and the network development continuesaswespeak. The projectis just star ting to come to fruition,and we hope youwillhaveanoppor tunity to be part of the Local Link informationkiosk network in the Battlefords! Discover your community!Bepar tofthe networkin2025.
Board Meeting2024 –Meeting #10 January 14th,2025 12 Noon Chamber of CommerceBuilding NorthBattleford, SK. Open to Members 119thChair’sLuncheon February,2025 –Watch for announcementofspeaker and confirmed eventdate.
Saskatchewan BaseballHallof Fame&Museum AssociationInc. 292- 22nd Street P.O. Box 1388 Battleford,SK. S0M 0E0 306-446-1983
CONNECTING MEMBERS IN 2024
118th Annual Chair’s Luncheon
Induction of Chair: Glenda Rye, Nor th Battleford LukPlumbing Heating &Electric Ltd
Guest: Keynote Presentation –Dr. Keith Mar tell, Business Mentor/Manager Topic: “Building aSuccessful Business from Saskatchewan” Chamber’sAnnual Meeting of Members– Februar y13th,2024, atBalych Mural Meeting Room, Battlefords &District Chamber of Commerce Building
The PowerHour– March 8th,2024, at WesternDevelopment Museum
Guests included: Rosemarie Falk, MP Battlefords-Lloydminster
Hon. Jeremy Cockrill,MLA for the Battlefords, David Gillan, Mayor,City of Nor th Battleford, Ames Leslie, Mayor,Town of Battleford, Former Chief Wayne Semaganis, representingBattlefords Tribal Council Sponsor: HRO Char tered Professional Accountants
10th Chamber BusinessGolfChallenge: May24th,2024, at NorthBattleford Golf &Country Club, with Title Sponsor: Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC– SoldOut event!
ADVOCACYATWORK
SpecialGeneral MeetingofMembers– June 18th,2024, approved bylawchangesand updates
Indigenous AwarenessTraining– in par tnership with Saskatchewan ChamberofCommerce–September 27th,2024, Balych MuralMeetingRoom, Chamber of CommerceBuilding Presenter: MiltonTootoosis
TheChamber under took an applicationfor Re-Accreditationfor,now afive-yearterm2025-2029. Accreditationisa formal recognitionthat aChamber of Commercehas metthe highest national standards of excellencein leadership,governance andoperations.Tobeaccredited aChamber must passa rigorous review of its policiesand procedures by theChamber AccreditationCouncil of Canada (CACC).The CACC promotes AccreditedChambersofCommercefor standing out as exceptional organizations and leadersinthe Chambernetwork. The local Chamberwas first awardedits accreditationfor aterm2022-2024.
30th Battlefords Business ExcellenceAwards–Thursday,November 7th,2024, at theAlexDillabough Centre, Battleford AwardRecipients: HeatherGuthrie Customer Ser vice Star Award –(Employee/Individual) Michael Collins, SIIT; NewBusinessVenture –AdoraDiamonds (pictured); Impact Award –BattlefordsDistrictFood &ResourceCentre; Young EntrepreneurAward –Tyler Lightfoot,ThundercreteContracting; MicroBusinessAward –Annette’s School of Dance; Community Contribution Award –Hawtin Plumbing Ser vices; Heritage Award –HomeHardwareBuildingCentre NorthBattleford; Members’ Choice –HomeHardwareBuildingCentre NorthBattleford; Business of theYearAward –Annette’s School of Dance; BattlefordsBusinessHallofFameInductee –Gardiner Electric
News &Notes from theChair Glenda Rye Priortounder taking theoffice of Chairof theBoard,Glendaput in motionher plan to get to meet as many members in-personas possible. She has continued throughoutthe yeartoworkonthat, andthough shehas notgottentoever yone yet,she has found someconsistenttrendsdevelop Firstly,vir tually eachbusiness visited talked about theneed foremployees, at alllevels, across allsectors.The Chamber moved on this and wasa proponent of an application to thefederal government on amunicipal immigrationpilot, that wouldhaveseen 15 communitiesacrossthe country get priority in bringing in skilledworkerstofill gaps in specificsectors andinspecificjobs. We just heardthat theapplications in theprovinceincluding ours were not successful,but thegovernment has notyet announced which 15 communitiesacrossthe country havebeen awarded the oppor tunity to move forward. So,wewill continue to work in this area. Potential existstomoveonaregion wide Job/ Career Fair in thenew year. We’llkeep you posted. Secondly, other bigissues included government redtape (at alllevels), taxation(at alllevels), and aperceived lack of suppor tfromcommunity leadersfor thebusinesscommunity
To that end, theChamber has encouraged theCity of Nor th Battlefordtounder take astudy of (commercial) taxation in thecommunity,toidentify if the60/40 split (residential to commercial) is still avalid goal,and to identify if thecurrent assessmentmodel is thebest andmostequitablefor all ratepayers. We understandthat request will be considered in theCity’s 2025 Budget
Strong businesses arethe lifeblood of thecommunity,and whilewehaveastrong businesscommunity,itisher goal to continue to see it grow and get even stronger,with suppor t fromthe localand provincial leaders, andmemberslike you. Newbusinesses to thecommunity with good payingjobs and incremental average householdincomeswill suppor t growth and development of ourbusinesscommunity and its oppor tunities. Thebusinesses visited, allsaw growthand potentialhere, so now thejob will be to capitalizeonthat potential.
Meota Grand Slam of Curling: Week 3 kicks off with Burger Night
By Derek Welford
Week 3 of the Meota curling season kicked off with a busy Tuesday evening at the curling rink where it was Burger Night. Locals from all over the village had congregated to enjoy both economically appetizing curling and rink food.
Steve Ackerman, who plays third on the Wanda Weber rink, could be seen grinning from ear to ear during his post-game media scrum. His retirement party for 47 years in the agriculture industry that week was eclipsed by his team’s massive win over the Cadrin rink. It was all Team Weber as they walked into the Christmas holidays with a dominant 12-1 win. Game of the night was the Caleb Gansauge and Dave Treppel game which came down to the final inches. It was a pivotal seventh end
for Gansauge scoring three points to tie heading into the final frame 5-5. Facing a stone near the four-foot, Trepple was faced with a tough draw and a gallery on their feet. Borderline measurement required, it was determined to be a touch too short and Gansauge prevailed with a steal to win 6-5.
Other matchups Tuesday included Colin Sharp defeating Pat Mohr 9-7, Pat Becotte over Randy Sharp 8-3 and the Langemeade Icon Zane Lacousiere holding off Don Johnson 6-4.
Following the fanfare Tuesday, it was a far more subdued evening as it was back to the regularly scheduled dress like a seat night Thursday. Derek Welford, who was second place in the Meota Christmas lights contest (not a big deal), was hoping to harness that mo-
mentum heading into his matchup with Colin Mack. Welford put up a four-point score in the seventh to go up by two heading into the final end. Welford left the door open a crack and Mack walked right in and scored two with the hammer in the eight to tie 7-7.
The featured sheet had a heavyweight tilt between Evan Schmidt and Kirsten Bru. Missing half his team, Schmidt recruited A-listers Randy Sharp and Terry Tait to fill the void in this key match. Meanwhile, Tait was hoping to cap a successful week with another win following his Tuesday night game with Becotte and his bonanza at ham and turkey bingo Monday. Knowing the significant importance of this game, Team Bru brought their best and dismantled the Schmidt rink 8-1 in 6 ends.
Alzh ei me r’s: re co gn izethe ea rlys ig ns
According to the Alzheimer Society, 733,040 peopl ei nC anada arel iving with an eurocognitivedisorder as of January 1, 2024.Noreliable treatmentexists for mostofthese disorders, but early diagnosisiscrucialfor peoplewith dementia to maintain independ en ce an d qualit yo fl ifefor as long as possible
This January,inrecognition of Alzheimer’s AwarenessMonth, learntospotthe early signs of this chronic neurodege ne ra tive disease:
•Short-term memory loss, such as not remembering whatyou hadfor lunch
•Difficulty finding the right wordsin conversation or replacingwords with others
•Struggling with familiar taskslikecooking
•Getting lostinfamiliarplaces
•Having troubleconcentrating and learning things
•Making illogical decisions, such as dressing inappropriately forthe weather
•Misplacing objectsor putting them in strangeplaces
•Losing interest in activities youused to love
•Sudden,unexplainedmoodswings, such as crying, getting angry or feeling fearful
If youor someone youknowisexperiencing these symptoms, speak with ahealthcare professional. Testsand exams areavailable to determinewhether it’s Alzheimer’s disease or another neurocognitivedisorder
Formoreinformation, visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada online at alzheimer.ca/ en.
CalebVillage
Hobby becomes a community service
By Trudy Janssens Community Correspondent
It’s fascinating to see how someone in Meota has turned her hobby into an appreciated community service. Mary Shury has become a key component in local news. Mary likes to spend time in front of her computer looking for fonts and clip art that can be used to produce posters for community activities. Without Mary, several organizations in Meota would not have their events posted at the various bulletin boards around the village. Mary is an honorary member of the Meota Lakeshore Lions, and her daughter and granddaughter are also members.
This fall Mary has taken
it to the next level. She is now producing a classy local newsletter with information on all community events. It’s a free publication where local businesses can support her venture with small ads. She publishes the operating times for the Meota transfer site, the library and the Meota office administrator. She’s collected information on everything from accommodations, recreation, churches and businesses. It’s handy to have attached phone numbers for all these organizations. She has included detailed information on Lakeside Environmental so residents are informed on how garbage is handled in Meota. She gives you basic information on Meota’s pet policies. She’s included
What’s Happening in Meota & District newsletter is a great pastime for Mary Shury, a hobby that has turned into a community service. The newsletter is a great compliment piece to the News-Optimist. | Photo by
pages of puzzles, recipes, a monthly horoscope, interesting stories and jokes. Several of her posters have been sized to fit the space. Colour logos and photos for organizations are included, along with “poster size” boxes of various upcoming events.
The middle page is a monthly calendar of Meota events on one side and Meota birthdays, anniversaries and remembrances on the other side. Who knew that January has a National Peanut Butter Day (Jan. 24) and a National Hot Chocolate Day (Jan. 31)? The local library is having an open house
Trudy Janssens
on Saturday, Jan 25, which happens to be Robbie Burns Night and is just ahead of Family Literacy Day, which is Monday, Jan. 27.
Meota’s librarian, Brenda Zurowski, has a winter reading program happening in Meota until March 31.
Join “Morris the Moose” for winter reading fun. Complete bingo cards, donate food and complete other activities for a chance to win prizes. Find out more at http://lakelandlibrary.ca/winterreading2025
Of course, it’s impossible to keep ahead of how fast things change in our fastpaced world.
Lucas Hallgrimson and Nevaeh VanEe decided that it would be a great slide down Memorial Hill. Lucas told me he thinks the hill is a cool place because there’s a real canon there. He also told me his grandpa runs his snowmobile down the path to pack the snow and it makes it a lot easier to stay on track. |
Photo by Heather Hallgrimson
Shury has published that there will be services at the Meota United Anglican Church on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. However, with the retirement of Rev. Donald Skinner and his wife Catherine, the church hasn’t had a minister for our Anglican Sundays since July. Following that the Rev. Kun Kim also decided to move back to Alberta. Thankfully we have been able to carry on with the assistance of Faye Schick from Glaslyn in both Anglican and United Lay lead services. We’ve
also been blessed by having Cathy Richardson and Donna Svenkeson lead us in several services. We’re happy to see new faces in the pews who join us from the Edam area. In the meantime, it would be a good idea to keep an eye on the signage beside the church door for the upcoming dates of the services.
Girl’s Club starts on Jan. 14, and the plan is in the works for World Day of Prayer on March 7 to be held at the Do Drop In (we’re praying for the renovations to be complete).
By Kathy Utri Correspondent
Raymond Granger of Lloydminster passed away in a tragic accident on Dec. 24 at 24 years of age. Sincere sympathy is extended to his grandmother Katie Granger, aunt Jennifer (Lyle) Laybourne cousins Mamie, Damion and Gordon, all of Maidstone and all other family and friends. The memorial service for Raymond was held on Jan. 2 in Lloydminster. Jean Hartman passed
away at Pine Island Lodge in Maidstone on Dec. 28 at the age of 96 years. Condolences go out to her children: Gerald, Wayne (Carolyn) and Keith (Dawn); 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family. Jean will be fondly remembered as a cherished member of our community and friend to many. The celebration of life for Jean Hartman is Friday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. MST at Maidstone Legion Hall. Congratulations to Maid-
stone Legion Club Room’s first winner of 2025, Sherry Hogemann. All the way from Humboldt and a weekly supporter, she took home $119 but did not find the Ace of Spades so the jackpot rose. The Club Room is having a poker tournament on Saturday, Jan. 25 with $50 entry fee and maximum of 30 people. Check-in starts at 1 p.m. MST with tournament play at 2 p.m. Don’t forget Wing Wednesdays and Friday lunches. Waseca rink had a great
turnout for their free skating event on Sunday, Jan. 5. Everyone enjoyed skating, visiting and all the refreshments. Thanks to AG Foods for the generous food donation. Special thanks to rink volunteers for the season: Michael and Nancy Howell, Kristian and Rita Hewson, Zack and Brittney Fendelet, Jamie Campbell, Josh Schonofer, Josh Hult and Mike Hult. Small-town rinks don’t run without hard-working volunteers.
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CUBBON: In loving memory of Dorothy Mae Cubbon (Roberts) born May 3, 1936 passed away on December 24, 2024 at Harwood Manor, North Battleford Dorothy was the second child of Clarence Irwin and Anna Roberts and was born at the Notre Dame hospital in North Battleford She became the oldest child when her brother Kenneth passed away in 1949 She grew up on the farm and attended Eagle Hills School until 1949 when the family moved to Battleford She attended Battleford Collegiate Institute where she took a secretarial course She was short three classes to receive her grade 12 diploma so in the late 1960's she went back to school and obtained her grade 12 Dorothy began her secretarial career, working in the office at Notre Dame Hospital Later she was employed by Western Grocers until she married and again beginning in 1966 when she reentered the workforce Her final job, outside the home, was at CAA in North Battleford until she retired She also worked on the farm - driving truck, going for parts and, of course, cooking and delivering the much needed meals to the field Dorothy married John Cubbon on June 21,1957 and they were blessed with three children In 1975 Dorothy and John began traveling to many foreign countries as well as through Canada and the United States In 1996 they purchased a park model in Yuma, AZ and there she was very involved in many park activities, as well as playing many golf courses in the area She loved to dance and was an integral part of organizing the dances at Araby Acres, and she was one of the founding members of street curling At home in North Battleford, she and John loved participating in the Old Time Dance Club for 53 years with their many friends She also was an avid curler beginning in Battleford and continuing at the North Battleford Granite Curling Club, skipping teams to wins for many years Dorothy loved spending time with her grandchildren, watching them grow and flourish into adults With a large yard, she was able to nurture her many flower beds, fruit trees, and large vegetable garden Dorothy is survived by her family: daughter, Syndey (Mitchel) Lenzen Qu'Appelle SK and their children Michael (Ashley) Lenzen and their children Stone and Odin Regina SK Susan (Connor), McMartin, and their son, Osgar, White City, SK; son, Ken (Karen) Cubbon, North Battleford, SK, their sons, Craig Cubbon, Sparwood, BC, Quinton (Shaelyn) Cubbon, North Battleford, SK, Paul Cubbon, North Battleford, SK; son, Wayne (June) Cubbon, North Battleford, SK, their children, Braden Cubbon, Battleford, SK, Brynn (Taylor) Tatchell and their children Lawson and Nolan Battleford SK; brother, Roy (Bev) Roberts Nanaimo BC; sister, Joyce Smith Scotland, ON; brother-in-law, Mark Cubbon, Saskatoon, SK; sistersin-law: Faye Roberts, Brantford, ON, Hazel (Stewart) Andreen, Kelowna, BC; aunt, Yvonne MacPherson, North Battleford, SK; and numerous nieces and nephews Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, John Cubbon (2016)NorthBattleford, SK; parents, Anna (Miller) Roberts (2015) and Irwin Roberts (1970) Battleford SK; brothers: Gerald Roberts (1946 in infancy) Kenneth Roberts (1949) Battleford, SK, Clifford Roberts (2009), Battleford, SK, Daryal Roberts (2022), Brantford, Ont; sisters: Kay Anne Roberts (1999), Battleford, SK, Marjorie Hackwell (2010), Surrey, BC; sisters-in-law, Wally Cubbon (2021), Saskatoon, SK, Aline Roberts (2008), Battleford, SK; brother-in-law, Kenneth Smith (2018), Scotland, ON; mother and father-in-law James Jim (1991) and Sarah Sally (Biddle) (2004) Cubbon North Battleford SK; uncles and aunts; Roy (1986) and Grace (1998) Roberts, Battleford, SK; Rudy (1968) and Irene (2018) Carlson, Edam, SK; Winfred (1975) and Fernande (1979) Emel, North Battleford, SK; Eugene (2005) and Ella (1989) Miller, Windsor, ON; Robert (1999) and Evelyn (1988) Miller, Saskatoon, SK; Ole (2005) and Rollande (1995) Paulson, Marysville, BC; Gary (2007) MacPherson North Battleford SK; Jack (1994) and Margaret (1997) Cubbon North Battleford SK
DUMONT: Danton - Danton passed away tragically at the age of 57 He was born in Maidstone, Saskatchewan and as a young child his family moved to Hafford and surrounding area where he was raised and lived until his passing Danton enjoyed meeting people, always striking up a conversation and made friends everywhere he went He is lovingly remembered his by daughter, Kiara Wilson; his mother, Jean Dumont; his partner, Shelley Froese; brothers: Travis Nickolet (Bernadette), their children Jessie, Cody and Dylan, Troy Nickolet and his children Sydney Ashley and Nathan Also mourning his loss are aunts uncles cousins and numerous friends He was predeceased by his father Walter Dumont, as well as his Aunts: Donna Dumont, Glenda Woodrow, Colleen Dumont and his Uncles: Cliff Dumont and Dick Hollier Funeral Arrangments have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium- Apprentice Funeral Director- Tessa Bell
Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires SHOP LABORERS
Duties involve cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/ maintenance area, and general laborer duties. Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided.
Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844
General Skills and Abilities
- Valid driver’s license
- Class 1A driver’s license would be in asset
- Heavy equipment operator would be an asset
- Mowing experience would be an asset
- Operate various types of equipment
- Willingness to learn
- Knowledge of machiner y maintenance
- Be safety conscious and pay attention to detail
Duties May Include but not Limited to
- Ditch Mowing
- Installation of signs and culverts
- Ser vice and maintenance of equipment
- General maintenance of municipal buildings
Candidate must have well developed interpersonal and motivational skills, be able to take direction, must be able to complete physically demanding work and work independently or as a team.
The position includes a full benefit package including Short and Long-Term Disability, Extended Health and Dental Benefits and the Municipal Employees Pension Plan
Compensation will be negotiated on experience and ability
Submit Resume Including
- Qualifications
- Work experience
- Education and skills
- Current drivers abstract
- Three references
RM of Meeting Lake, Box 26, Mayfair, Sask. S0M 1S0 Fax 306-246-4974
E-mail: rm466@sasktel.net
Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are found.
AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING HEATED CANOLA, FEED BARLEY & FEED GRAIN #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306873-0481 Email: sales@agproseeds com
1. The Rural Municipality of Meota No.468 offersfor sale thefollowing property Legal Description: Lot 5, Block 1, Plan 102432675
2. Land formerly consisted of four lots that have beenconsolidated.
3. Land was formerly the site of the JackfishStore, and mayormay not containcontaminantsresultingfrom the saleoffuel.
4. The land is located in the H-Hamlet Zone.
5. Atender must be submittedina sealed envelope marked "Property Tender" and maybesubmittedbymailto: Rural Municipality of Meota No.468 Box 80 Meota, Saskatchewan SOM 1X0 or in person during regular business hours to: Rural Municipality of Meota No.468 300 1st Street East Meota, Saskatchewan
6. Tenders must be received in theoffice on or before: 4:00 pm CST,Januar y29th, 2025
7. Acertified cheque to themunicipality for 5% of the amount of the tender must accompanythe tender
8. Highest,orany tender,not necessarily accepted.
9. Successful bidder will have 30 days to providethe balanceofcash to complete thepurchase
Dated the 5th day of December,2024.
Borden Bridge Roadhouse opens in hotel
By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent
The Borden Friendship Club held their monthly potluck supper on Dec. 27 in their club room with only 20 out to enjoy the meal.
Happy birthday was sung to Miriam Hamm, Gaby Lajoie and Archie Wainwright. After the cake and ice cream were enjoyed, those present played cards, crokinole and Yahtzee. Most went home by 9 p.m. but seven played Yahtzee
until 10:30 p.m. One person didn’t want to leave until they had won a game.
St. John’s Anglican Church held a luncheon after church on Dec. 29 and after the luncheon Emiley Saunders of Borden, who has written and illustrated a children’s book titled “A Little Dirt Never Hurt” – all about farming on the prairies — hosted a book signing for all those purchasing her book.
Happy birthday to all those celebrating birthdays the first week of January – Noel
SENIORS HOUSING
2 bedroom unit in a four-plex, 6 appliances $1,300/month
Emiley Saunders signing her children’s book. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk
Hunchak, Ted Mandziak and yours truly on Jan. 1, Louise
Maidstone & District News
Saunders Jan. 2, Elizabeth Derksen Jan. 3 and Lorraine Lajoie Jan. 4. Hope you all had a great day.
The Borden Bridge Roadhouse opened on Jan. 2 with a limited menu and for now is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 9 p.m. Seven of us went there for lunch on the first day and enjoyed being together again at the hotel. Owners are Brian Donnelly and Daphne Stumborg with Brian’s daughter serving us.
Rev. Sheldon Carr held
his monthly church service at the Borden Care Home with a Christmas service on Dec. 30 and the Lutheran Church ladies joined in along with some from the Anglican Church. Jackie Meister played the electric piano/organ and Bob Wardhaugh accompanied her on his accordion for the singing of many familiar carols. Ladies from the Lutheran Church read the Bible readings, and after the service lunch brought by attendees was served to present.
Minor Hockey Day coming up Jan. 18
Continued from page 8
Maidstone Senior Jets took a tough 9-2 loss to Neilburg Senior Monarchs
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
on Jan. 3 but rallied back at home the next evening. The Jets and Radisson Wheat Kings kept fans on edge throughout the game with Jets ending on top in a final score of 8-7. Thanks to game day sponsor, Maidstone High School SADD Chapter. Next games are Jan. 10 at home vs Turtleford at 8 p.m. MST and in St. Walburg Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. MST.
Maidstone Minor Hockey Day is coming up on Saturday, Jan. 18 with a full day of hockey for the Maidstone Jets teams plus
a prize table, raffle draw and progressive 50/50. Game schedule: 9 a.m. MST U9 vs Paradise Hill, 10 a.m. U11 Red vs Lashburn, noon U11 Blue vs St. Walburg, 2:30 p.m. U13 vs Lashburn, 5 p.m. U18 vs Battlefords, 7:30 p.m. Senior Jets vs St. Walburg; U7 scrimmage during first intermission. Remember to take in the free family skating at Maidstone Ice Arena on Jan. 12 and Jan. 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. MST sponsored by Kin Club of Maidstone. No sticks or pucks on the
ice. Helmets must be worn. Ladies, get ready to rock. Maidstone Curling Club presents the 2025 Ladies’ Bonspiel at Maidstone Curling Rink from Jan. 24 to 26 with a Christmas dress-up theme, blind Calcutta, Saturday evening banquet and smoker, plus all the fun. Entry fee is $240 per team. Contact Raewyn 306-893-7768. “A new year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself.” (Author unknown)
LAND FOR SALE BY ONGOING TENDER
Land Descriptions:
R.M. OF GLENSIDE NO. 377
NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0 SE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 2
- 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
“Do Not Open:
St.JosephCalasanctiusParish 1942- 98th Street,North Battleford,SKS9A 0N4
Pastor:Fr. TaiLeOffice: 306-446-1695
7:30 pm
9:00 &11:00 am Email: st.josephcalasanctius_nb@Padiocese.ca Website: stjosephcalasanctius.com
TerriTorial Drive
Hope MennoniteFellowship
UkrainianCatholic Parish of AllSaints
902 -108thStreet,North Battleford
Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:00 a.m
Pastor:Rev.LeonidMalkov Office: 1-306-343-6516
Spend some quality famil y tim . Spendsomequalityfamil ytimetogether. Worshipatthe church of your choice. Ourcommunity hasa number of churches anda varietyofdenominations fory ou &y our family.
