Regional News-Optimist November 5, 2020 by Battlefords News Optimist

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Saskatchewan has highest Crime Severity Index in Canada

Ghost Walker?

North Battleford down to fourth By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Saskatchewan has the highest Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Canada, according to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics’ (CCJS), which released its statistics Oct. 29. Saskatchewan’s CSI increased by 5.40 per cent in 2019, from 140.59 in 2018 to 148.18 in 2019. The province’s Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI) also increased by 21.12 per cent, jumping from 141.16 in 2018 to 170.97 in 2019. The province’s nonviolent crime, however, dropped by 0.31 per cent, from 140.06 in 2018 to 139.63 in 2019. Quebec was the only province to report a lower CSI (-one per cent). The types of offences driving increases in the CSI across the provinces and territories varied from

fraud, child pornography, homicide, and breaking and entering. The largest increases in the CSI were recorded in the CMAs of Kelowna (+20 per cent), Victoria (+16 per cent), Belleville (+13 per cent) and Vancouver (+11 per cent). Around Saskatchewan Regina had the third highest CSI in 2019 among Canada’s 35 census metropolitan areas with a population of 100,000 or more. Lethbridge had the highest CSI, followed by Winnipeg. Saskatoon dropped from fourth to fifth in 2019. Saskatoon’s CSI measure was 117.3 in 2019, down slightly from 2018’s 117.78. But Saskatoon’s violent crime severity rating jumped by almost 24 per cent, hitting 134.73 in 2019, up from 109.03 in 2018. North Battleford drops in crime ranking North Battleford dropped to number four in

CSI ranking in communities of 10,000 or more. Crime, however, continues to be an issue. North Battleford’s CSI increased by 13.42 per cent in 2019 compared with only a 3.95 per cent increase in 2018. It’s CIS was 437.70 and 385.92 in 2019 and 2018 respectively. North Battleford had a whopping 46.87 per cent increase in its Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI) jumping from 377.77 in 2018 to 554.83 in 2019. The non-violent crime in North Battleford only increased 1.70 per cent in 2019. Homicide rate increases in the Prairie Provinces Nationally, the increase in homicides was driven by Saskatchewan (+21), Alberta (+19), and Manitoba (+17). There were fewer homicides in Ontario (-26) and Quebec (-6). Continued on Page 12

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With new cases of COVID-19 still high throughout the province, some new public health orders were announced by the province on Tuesday afternoon to

try and curb the spread. At their latest COVID-19 news conference, Premier Scott Moe and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab announced that as of 12:01 a.m. Friday morning, the public health orders would

be amended as follows: The maximum allowable gathering size for private gatherings in the home setting will go down again, from 15 down to 10. This includes those household members who Continued on Page 14

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

Regional News-Optimist

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Four charged in Gatzke murder remain in custody By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

All four people charged with the 2019 murder of Ryan Gatzke, 27, in Battleford remain in custody. Isaac Melko, 22, Charles

Michael Lewis MacLean, 23, of North Battleford, a young offender and Jacob Joseph Ballantyne, 25, of Edam, had appearances in North Battleford Provincial Court Oct. 28 via CCTV and the matters were all adjourned. The young offender

can’t be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Melko, Ballantyne and the young offender are charged with seconddegree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry

a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a rearm without a license, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle. Maclean was charged with manslaughter, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle, and

break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. RCMP found Gatzke in his home in the 100 block of 26 Street West in Battleford on Oct. 18, 2019. He was badly injured and taken to the North Battleford hospital by EMS where

he was later declared deceased. Melko, Ballantyne, MacLean and the young offender are now scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court via CCTV on Nov. 25 to speak to the matter.

Biggar man arrested by North Battleford RCMP gang unit has another court appearance By Lisa Joy

A Biggar man arrested

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

by the RCMP Gang Task Force was scheduled to

On November 9th

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enter a plea in North Battleford Provincial Court Nov. 2 but the matter was adjourned. Matthew Greer, 34, is charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and driving while prohibited. Greer, and three others, were arrested Sept. 2 after a traffic stop. Police say they saw occupants of two vehicles “interacting” with one another in a parking lot on Railway Ave. Police noticed weapons in one of

the vehicles and one of the occupants was known to have an outstanding warrant. Inside the vehicle police found quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. In addition, police found a firearm, weapons and a Taser. Rae Ahenakew, 40, and Shynia Skeavington, 24, of Mosquito First Nation, and Desiree Hinse, 24, of Biggar, were also arrested. Ahenakew and Hinse were charged with possession

of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a firearm in a vehicle and obstructing a police officer. Skeavington was additionally charged with failing to comply with a probation order and two counts of possession of a weapon. Hinse was charged with possession of cocaine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose,

Case against Hafford man facing child porn charges adjourned By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

A bench warrant to hold for a Hafford man facing child porn charges still

hasn’t been activated after a lawyer appeared on his behalf in Saskatoon Pro-

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vincial Court on Oct. 27. The court issued a bench warrant to hold on Kelly Beleznay, 55, on Aug. 25 and the matter was adjourned to Sept. 29 and then it was adjourned to Oct. 27. Beleznay was arrested and charged with accessing and possessing child porn in June. A police investigation was launched in February 2020 after they say they had “many complaints” about someone accessing child porn on the Internet. Blaine Lake RCMP and the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) searched Beleznay’s home in Hafford on June 2. Police found child porn and they seized a laptop and USB storage devices for further forensic analysis. He is now scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Nov. 24.

Sentencing delayed for man arrested by gang unit By Lisa Joy

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possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon while prohibited and obstructing a police officer. All four were released on bail after appearing in court in September. Both Skeavnington and Hinse failed to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court and bench warrants for their arrest were issued. Ahenakew is scheduled to appear Nov. 9. And Greer is now scheduled to appear Nov. 23.

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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Sentencing scheduled on Nov. 2 in Lloydminster Provincial Court for an Onion Lake man arrested by the North Battleford RCMP gang unit was adjourned. Lyndon Belly, 34, is charged with break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of cocaine and resisting arrest. Continued on Page 9

Regional News-Optimist

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Remembrance Day ceremonies to be scaled back in the Battlefords By John Cairns Staff Reporter

With the COVID-19 pandemic picking up steam during the fall, local Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Battlefords will be noticeably scaled back. It has been confirmed both Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70 in North Battleford and Branch No.9 in Battleford are not hosting public Remembrance Day services this year. Branch No. 70 has stated that it will instead be hosting a “virtual” ceremony at the branch. The branch issued a news release stating as follows: “Branch 70 North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion wishes to advise the public, due to COVID 19 restrictions, we will NOT be holding Community Remembrance Day Service. “A virtual Remembrance Day Ceremony will be broadcast on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10:55 a.m. on CJNB or you can stream online.” There are plans to lay the wreaths at the cenotaph following that ceremony. Branch No.70 is also planning a flag raising at City Hall Nov. 2. Branch No. 9 in Battl-

eford is also scaling back in 2020 due to the pandemic. At town council earlier this month, Mayor Ames Leslie said he had been in contact with Tim Popp, who confirmed to him there will be no public ceremonies hosted by the Legion. Instead, there will be “hybrid” ones for smaller groups of Legion members that will proceed. “Unfortunate news, but it is to be expected in the new COVID-19 2020,” said Leslie. Councillor Gordon Yarde noted Gold Eagle Casino would also likely not be hosting its Remembrance Day ceremonies honouring Indigenous veterans this year. Saskatchewan Hospital has also confirmed they, too, will not be holding a ceremony this year due to COVID-19. They will be laying wreaths at their cenotaph prior to Nov. 11. Other efforts to honour the veterans are continuing on. The Fred Light Museum is again putting up Honour a Vet banners, a program that is being expanded this year. There are banners up in Battleford and North Battleford; in addition to the new banners, last year’s banners are also up.

Entire Light of Christ board back by acclamation Staff There will be no election for the Light of Christ Catholic School Division on Nov. 9, as the entire board has been returned by acclamation. According to the Light of Christ Facebook page, as a result of acclamation, Glen Gantefoer, Adrienne

Welter, Gerald Beres, Stephanie Merkowsky, Gary Nolin, Jose Pruden and Brandy Pyle have all been returned by acclamation. Gantefoer represents Spiritwood and Beres represents Unity, the other board members all represent North Battleford subdivision.

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 3

Veterans Week is Here

This is Veterans Week, and to commemorate our nation’s veterans the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70 held a flag raising at North Battleford City Hall. Seen here from left to right are Daniel Sigouin, Marilyn Clark (president), Louise Oster (secretary), John Caldwell and Mayor Ryan Bater. Photo by John Cairns

News-Optimist captures top Sask. Weekly Newspapers Association awards Staff The Battlefords Regional News-Optimist fared well in the annual Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Better Newspapers competition again The News-Optimist took first place in the categories of News Story of the Year and Best Government Story. For News Story of the Year, John Cairns and Josh Greschner shared first place for their series of stories on downtown harassment and related issues. The judge’s comments were as follows: “Great coverage of a very important local topic. The article covers the magnitude of related issues related to the downtown revitalization. The articles navigate the issue well and provide the reader with a good overview. Good quotes and the articles are clear and con-

cise. Well done!” For Best Government Story, Cairns took first place for his series on the staff reductions at City Hall. Cairns also earned second place in Best Business Writing for “New Holiday Inn will add to capacity to host more and larger events.” He also took third place for Best Health/ Healthcare Coverage series of stories for “SHNB management co. at centre of national controversy.” Averil Hall finished second in the category of Photographer of the Year. Joan Champ received second place in the category of Best Saskatchewan Arts or Cultural Series for “A fatal catastrophe at the Macoun Hotel.” Our sister publication the Unity-Wilkie PressHerald received several honours. Helena Long took first place for Best Headline

News-Optimist reporter John Cairns won two of the top SWNA awards.

Writing for her headline “Dying towns, living cemeteries.” She also finished third in the Best Sports Story category for her story “Canadian Challenge for new Cndn.” Also, Louise Robson finished third in Best Saskatchewan Recreation Story for “Quilt till you Wilt 2019.” Sherri Solomko placed third for Best Black and White Photo. Like most things in 2020, the SWNA awards

announcement had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards were originally scheduled to be presented at a banquet in the spring in Saskatoon, but that banquet was put on hold and delayed until the fall. Finally, with the pandemic restrictions not letting up, the live awards presentation was scrapped and organizers opted to do a virtual awards presentation online. That presentation took place Wednesday afternoon. “I am so proud of the performance of the entire Prairie Newspaper Group, but in particular, that of John Cairns in the Battlefords,” said Gord Brewerton, publisher of the News-Optimist and lead for Glacier Media’s prairie newspapers. “John is one of the finest journalists in the country, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our team.”

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Regional News-Optimist

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Share your view! Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

Letter

Sheltering trees reduced to stumps

The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Regional News-Optimist staff.

Dear Editor Once upon a time, there were three spruce trees. They swayed in the breeze morning noon and night. Birds loved these trees. They were the birds’ home. There were all kinds of birds. Three people and equipment came and worked all day to take the trees down. Look what we have now ‑‑ five-foot stumps. Birds cannot hide in dead stumps, nor can they keep warm and sheltered from rain. The stumps have no beauty. That’s the new look of the trees. These trees were not doing any damage. They were trimmed just a few months ago. We were given different reasons for the decision. We are up in age, but we still know what’s right and not. Wonder why nobody asked us. We aren’t too old to think. Come and look through our windows. No birds, no trees. Why? Annie Zamonsky North Battleford

Letter

Where are we?

T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

Dear Editor You would think we were in Florida, Saturday, at the advance poll for the municipal elections in the RM of Mervin. The temperature is -7C with a wind, polls open at 10 am and we arrive at 10:25 and the line up to the entrance of the Turtleford arena is already 45 people deep, thinking there must be a lot of people inside. Forty-plus minutes pass and we get to the door of the entrance. There are three couples approximately six feet apart lined up in the entrance. Ten-plus minutes later we get to the lobby door and there are another six couples lined up for the voter registration counter. It takes another 20-plus minutes to register and vote at the single voting station. Assessing the space in the lobby, I easily can see with a little bit of effort there could be another voter station or another line up to accommodate voters to come in out of the elements. The response from the returning officer was this is what it is ends the story. I observed in the line up many seniors. My wife and I are both in our seventies and it was very uncomfortable standing in a line up for 40 minutes in this weather. We were not dressed to be exposed to this weather for 40 minutes, and many other individuals were in the same condition. The majority of people were wearing running shoes and light winter wear. Several months ago I had contacted the RM of Mervin, the reeve and council member to see if they had initiated mail in votes. They said no there would be no mail in votes even though the province had mail in votes and some municipalities. As a matter of fact, there was representation at a council meeting made to request mail in votes and there were requests made by some hamlets for mail in votes, to no avail. Nov. 9 will be the election and the forecasted weather to be as cold if not colder. Council and administration

Regional

should have expected a large turnout due to contentious issues with council. Adrien Lefebvre RM of Mervin

A bouquet

Bike crash brings out the good in rescuers

Dear Editor My name is Clarissa. Sept. 14 I was bike riding with my sister and we stopped to look at a table of free stuff. As we headed back home, my basket was too heavy and it tilted too far one way and I fell into the bushes to the side. I felt a sharp pain in my right leg and realized there was a gash below my knee. My sister helped me out and onto the sidewalk because I couldn’t move my leg and I started to get dizzy. My sister asked me if should she go back home and phone our parents, but I couldn’t think straight and just told her to say. Many cars drove by with people who didn’t even glance and people who looked but didn’t bother to stop.

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Minutes later a red truck pulled up and the driver backed his truck next to the sidewalk. Not too long after another silver truck pulled up and stopped and a man got out asking if I needed help. As soon as he saw my knee he wasted no time helping me into his truck. The man in the red truck got out and offered to take my bike and my valuables back to my place. My sister led the way and we arrived safely back home, which was not too far away. The man in the red truck turned over my bike and valuables to my sister and I thanked him. The man who drove me home took me to my neighbours’ house and told me if I wanted to he would take me to the hospital, but I told him I should wait for my parents and thanked him. My neighbours, with whom my family is good friends, stayed with me until my mom came and took me to the hospital There I had to get four stitches to close the gash. Thank you to me neighbours for staying with me. Thank you to my sister for helping me through the event. Thank you to may parents who supported me through everything I went through. If those men are reading, I want to thank you with all my heart for stopping for me. I would’ve had to wait a long time to get help if you hadn’t stopped when you did. You proved to me there are still good people in this world. I hope sometime I’ll get to see you both again to thank you again in person. Sincerely, Clarissa Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

Administration

Joyce Wappel Office Manager, Aliya Cooke DTI/Receptionist

Editorial

Jayne Foster Editor - John Cairns - Lisa Joy Reporters

Advertising Sales

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Noah Cooke

Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

Circulation

Grace Merritt - Melissa Pitkeathley, Inserters

Regional News-Optimist

Don’t COVID on me By Dr. R.H Wood

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 5

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The

Let me be perfectly clear from the onset that it is not clear if the Coronavirus scored a clear victory over the witches, warlocks and black magic of Hallowe’en. Our number was 82 per cent and a fraction of a child less than last year. Enumeration and scrutination is underway by a panel of previously unheardof experts (P.U.E.s) working very hard on neighbourhood statistics. A final report can be anticipated for next spring. They are welcome to several boxes of the most delicious sustaining granola bars to give them energy for the task ahead. In 1962, while working in a neurosurgical unit, I came down with a vicious attack of the Asian flu. I would not wish the headache and subsequent malaise on my worst enemy. A third of the staff were variously affected but there was no hospital or general shutdown. This was the second of two similar waves. My first question is - how did the Coronavirus, which has no arms or legs or wings and can’t swim and has no brain, manage to spread all over the world? The answer is that omniscient mankind did the job for it. My second question is - where do these viruses go? They somehow meld into the general fabric of life and seem to disappear. The response in Scotland to the Asian flu was the same as in all other epidemics - sensible simple measures and no extreme drama as at present. Mass immunity and partial immunity will surely eventually prevail, hopefully complimented by a specific vaccine. Meanwhile don’t COVID on me and I won’t COVID on you.

ood Pile

The Poppy I’m a Canadian. By choice. I am an immigrant. As an immigrant I have had to make adjustments. Here are just a few. A new language. A new environment. New weather experiences. New friends Hugh distances A new culture. It was necessary to adapt to this new environment to make it home. I have learned that in doing so, I was not required to abandon the values I came with. As a matter of fact, those values were probably even more cherished than they would otherwise have been. But I have to admit that it I did adjust to the values imbedded in my new culture. Today I am happy to share that I am delighted to have made those adjustments. One of the values held dear in Canadian culture is the Poppy. I learned about that in school on the Remembrance Days we observed. And as an Air Cadet I learned more about the significance of the Poppy while participating in parades on Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day was about remembering and honouring those who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom in the World. When you are not familiar with their names, their families, their sacrifices, it is difficult to attribute meaning properly to the ceremonies of Remembrance Day. My family came to Canada from Holland, which had come under the tyrannical rule of Hitler and the Nazis. We had first-hand experience with the liberation efforts of the Allies: the USA and especially Canada. We learned first-hand that many of the troops paid the ultimate price. But we were also able to again enjoy the freedoms regained by the efforts of the Allied forces. I think it was because of the deportment of the Canadian troops that Canada became the choice of a new home for my family. For quite a while the deep meanings imbedded in

On November 9th 2020

the Canadian observance of Remembrance Day, and the Poppy, evaded me. It wasn’t until a visit to The Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, that my eyes opened and my heart understood. At that Cemetery I saw the names of the soldiers who had given their all. I saw the names of their units: Regina Rifles, The South Saskatchewan Infantry. What really struck me as I looked at those headstones was the ages of those young men engraved there. So young. Much too young. And those names. Those are the names of my neighbours in Saskatchewan. An intensely meaningful experience. It was then that I realized all that loss of life was the result of Canada’s pursuit of freedom from tyranny, and the gift of freedom to European countries. The experience instantly gave meaning to this phrase: Everything is meaningless until (proper) meaning is attributed! So now I had the meaning that had eluded me for a long time. I now understand the real meaning of the Poppy. Yes, the Poppy represents and commemorates the loss of life, but much deeper than that, the Poppy represents the freedoms Canada holds dear. Meota has helped me in the building of a deeper meaning for Remembrance Day. George Chase was a Regina Rifle. Bryce Chase flew with the RCAF. Their father Ted Chase fought in the trenches of WWI. He was mustard gassed at Ypres. Poppies, tulips and roses come up every spring in the gardens planted here in Meota by the Chase family. Now Trudy and I have the privilege of caretaking those gardens. By doing so we honour the gift of Freedom the Chase Family of Meota helped Canada give the World. It is so very meaningful for us to attend Remembrance Day Services in Meota. One of my most meaningful experiences was to stand on Memorial Hill on one particular November 11. We stood there and observed silence with a young guest from Japan. How intense. I cherish the teachers and events in my life which have helped me understand the significance of the Poppy. Lest we forget ... Leo Janssens Meota

Correction

Letters Welcome

In reference to a story in last week’s issue about North Battleford mayoral candidate Misa Nikolic, we are correcting two errors in transcription. The candidate referred to bringing project management techniques to City Hall, not target management. Where the candidate stated some administrators are pursuing their own agenda, for which they were not elected and have not been given instruction to pursue, we erroneously stated not been “giving” instruction to pursue.

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Regional News-Optimist

Salute to war brides

Local veteran served in Second World War By John Cairns Staff Reporter

There aren’t many veterans around anymore to tell the story of what went on during the Second World War, but one of them lives here in North Battleford. Her name is Pat Hargrave, who will be 98 next February. She is a British veteran of the Second World War who served as a height and range finder for the Heavy Anti-Aircraft unit in Wales, where she is from originally. It was Pat’s daughter, Anne, who came up with the idea for this story — but she also admitted Pat was reluctant about being the centre of attention. Anne wanted to do a story honouring “war brides,” of which her mom was one. Pat had met her future husband, Frank Hargrave, in Weybridge, England, just prior to her entering the armed services. Frank was in the Canadian Army serving in the signal corps, and was stationed in England at the time. “There were a lot of Americans and Canadians stationed along south England,” Pat said. They eventually married, and after the war moved to Canada, coming over on the Queen Mary and ultimately landing in Toronto. Soon after, they moved to North Battleford, where Frank was a contractor and a local auctioneer for years. He died about 35 years ago. Pat’s role during the war as a height and range finder was a vital one to track the movements of planes. That meant working with the radar that picked up signals from France to pick up the enemy movements. Hargrave was situated in a basement with a large map of the English Channel and North France. “As soon as the radar

Pat Hargrave in 2020. Photos submitted

“They weren’t going to bomb a little village. They were out to bomb the big cities and the industrial areas.” picked it up, it hit my machine, giving the height of the planes that were coming over and the range, which way they were coming,” she said. The officers would mark off the direction the planes were coming on the map, and determine where the German planes might be coming in to bomb. “They weren’t going to bomb a little village. They were out to bomb the big cities and the industrial areas,” Pat said. Pat was conscripted into the Army at the age of 18, a similar age to the other conscripts who found themselves trained for and thrown into important roles in the war effort.

Above and below, Pat and Frank Hargrave met and married during the Second World War, and then moved to Canada in 1946 along with their first child, Anne.

“We were hardly old enough to lace our shoes up,” Pat said. “And to know all the intricacies of the things that were happening.” She is particularly interested in knowing whether there are any other World War II veterans of her age still out there who are able to share their experiences. What Pat remembers most about the experience is the caamaraderie with the others who were stationed there involved in the war effort. She kept in touch with those friends with visits back to the U.K. after the war. “A lot of friendships made, and stayed with us,”

On November 9th, 2020 Vote George Plews for City Council VISION

• Keep tax increases at a minimum while maintaining services. • Capping the municipal levies, recreation capital facility and the underground pipe & asphalt (UPAR). • Support new and local business. Show that North Battleford is open for business. • Improve traffic flow and safety on 100th street by installing dedicated left turn signals at 15th and 19th avenues. • Eliminate uncontrolled intersections. • Quicker repair of potholes and sidewalks. • Strengthen the current curfew by increasing fines and would ensure that it is enforced. • Long term goal of replacing the Access Communications Centre with a new arena complex, but not at the risk of incurring more debt.

ABOUT

I’m proud to call North Battleford my home for the last 30 years. My wife, Becky Stroo, and I have four adult children who were raised in North Battleford. I am a Letter Carrier for Canada Post. I am running for council because I care and believe in this community. I want to help North Battleford prosper and grow. I am asking for your support on November 9th. 2020. Contact: gplews@sasktel.net • Facebook George Plews for City Council 2020 Authorized by the official agent of George Plews

Seen here: Pat’s immigration identification card. See more on Page 7.

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 7

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Salute to war brides continued from Page 6

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Seen above, a letter from the Department of National Defence regarding Pat Hargrave’s arrival in Canada. Submitted 720 sq. ft.

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New construction high rise condominium with twenty-two units. Sizes range from 812 sf to 1808 sf. Units 403 and 404 are three bedrooms and the remainder are all two bedrooms and two bathrooms with the exception of two 812 sf and one 872 sf with only one bath. The ground floor has twenty-two parking spaces, six bays in the stand alone garage and scattered parking at the rear. The pillars, resting on their pads host the first floor metal grid that accommodates the eight inch pre-cast concrete floor that is not only on the first level but all three levels as well as double walls that are insulated with rock wool that is fire and noise retardant. Cable and satellite services, wireless front door security and so much more. Your visit is only a phone call away and do not be disappointed! Immediate occupancy available. There will be $20,000.00 price reduction on confirmation of sale.

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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

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VOTE LOIS LAING FOR MAYOR

Change coming to the Living Sky School Division board come forward: Peter Frey, E. Jon Sloan and Nicole Kobelsky. The winners in both subdivisions will join the board as new trustees. The rest of the school division is not going to the polls, with the following candidates already elected by acclamation: Ken Arsenault in subdivision 1, Ronna Pethick in subdivision 4, Kim Gartner in 5, Bernadette Heintz in 6, Shaun Weber, Richard Hiebert and Rocky Omelchenko in North Battleford, and Glen Leask in Battleford. Of those, Heintz, Weber and Omelchenko are already confirmed to be the newest trustees on the board. The remaining five are all returning incumbents. As for the current Board, Living Sky School Division held their latest meeting Oct. 28 and had one more meeting to go on Wednesday, Nov. 4 before wrapping up the term.

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

I WILL FOCUS ON... P The Economy P Mental Health and Addictions P Policing and Security P Infrastructure

LOIS LAING.... OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

Change is coming to the composition of the Living Sky School Division board next term. There will be five brand-new trustees on the 10-member board - a turnover of half the trustees following the election on Nov. 9. Only two of those 10 spots will be up for election that day, with just two subdivisions in Living Sky School Division scheduled to go to the polls. Subdivision 2, representing Hafford and Maymont, has two nominated candidates on the ballot for the open school trustee position: Jean Breton and Mary Linnell. Subdivision 3, representing Wilkie, Scott colony and Cando, required a second call for nominations to fill another open position. Three candidates have

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THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD North Battleford is helping businesses thrive in the city, making strategic infrastructure investments to improve the Yellow Sky neighbourhood, downtown and the airport.

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The development also led to an influx of new businesses throughout the city, boosting the local economy and providing new options and services for residents. Yellow Sky is the fastest growing area of the City with two new hotels, new restaurants that just opened and a new strip mall,” says Jennifer Niesink, the City’s director of corporate services. The Yellow Sky Masterplan, launched in 2018, has served as a guiding document for improving the area. Following the plan, North Battleford has invested in a new lighted intersection and lane reconfiguration on Carlton Trail.

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“Existing businesses have had a facade lift in tandem with the new renovations. We’re investing in the downtown and the downtown is investing in itself, and that’s wonderful.” The Underground Pipe and Asphalt Replacement (UPAR) program has modernized underground infrastructure in the downtown core, a benefit to all businesses. UPAR has made the downtown core pedestrian-friendly with new and wider sidewalks, bulb-outs to increase pedestrian visibility when crossing streets. Visitors can now enjoy the beautified downtown and comfortably walk to multiple stores in a single trip. Another major City project has been the airport runway resurfacing with funding from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program. “As of this year, we’ve completely redone our main runway,” Niesink says. “This is important economically to the city and the region. It allows access for vital public services and opportunities for economic development dependent on this infrastructure.” This project was completed in phases over several yearsand involved resurfacing and redoing the entire runway. “The new runway opens up the airport for businesses that want to use it. It also keeps us certified and relevant as an airport,” Niesink says. The City of North Battleford is investing in and building infrastructure beneficial to businesses and customers alike. This balanced approach to infrastructure development has made North Battleford an ideal location for business investment. To learn more about the City’s business and development plans, visit www.cityofnb.ca.

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“This allows us to keep developing safely in the area and keep it open for future investment,” Niesink says. North Battleford has also directed capital funding to build up the downtown core, and the results have been paying off with new businesses, an increase in pedestrian traffic and a reduction of vacancies.

Plans were in to bid farewell to the five departing Trustees: Ron Kowalchuk (sub. 2), Todd Miller (sub. 3), Tracie Heintz (sub 6), Garth Link and Glenn Wouters (North Battleford). Director of Education Brenda Vickers noted the departing trustees and their collective experience in education will be missed. Most had lengthy experience and involvement in education, and Vickers pointed out that in Kowalchuk’s case his board involvement goes back decades. “I was surprised and yet not,” Vickers said of Kowalchuk’s decision not to seek re-election. “Certainly he deserves some time, but we’ll certainly miss him.” Vickers said after the election there are plans for an orientation for the new trustees, and then the first meeting of the new board will be in late November.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 9

Canada’s prison watchdog exposes violence, sexual coercion in prison in scathing report By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Warning: Some content may be disturbing Canada’s prison watchdog tabled a scathing report in Parliament Oct. 27 that put a spotlight on violence and sexual coercion behind bars. Dr. Ivan Zinger, the Correctional Investigator of Canada, called on the Federal Minister of Public Safety and Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to stop ignoring his recommendations. “I am deeply disappointed by the Service and Government’s responses to my latest Annual Report,” said Zinger. “Most recommendations are met with vague and future commitments to review, reassess, or even, in the case of sexual violence in prisons, redo the work that my office has already completed.” ‘Egregious’ use of force Zinger’s investigation identified what he called “a handful of egregious or inappropriate use of force interventions.” In one instance, an inmate, while lying naked on his stomach, was subjected to 17 continuous minutes of pain compliance techniques. Video captured several correctional officers applying pain compliance techniques including ankle torsions, pressure points on his nose and forehead, stepping (full weight) on the back of the inmates’

Sentencing delayed Continued from Page 2 The North Battleford RCMP gang unit was sent to Onion Lake Cree Nation Aug. 12 to 16 to help the Onion Lake RCMP tackle gang activity. The RCMP Crime Reduction Team members collaborate with communities and partner agencies to reduce gang violence and activity. There are two CRTs operated by the RCMP in Saskatchewan – Prince Albert and North Battleford. Belly, along with Cheyenne Harper and Wanita Harper, were arrested Aug. 15. According to police, they tried stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation but the driver refused to stop and police started a pursuit. Twice they put spike belts on Hwy 17 in an attempt to stop the vehicle but the truck ended up driving off the highway. When the truck finally stopped police saw a man and two women flee from the vehicle and allegedly break into a nearby house. The three were arrested and charged. Belly’s sentencing hearing is now scheduled in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Nov. 9.

knees and on his ankles, and rolling a baton on his ankles. In another incident, a stun grenade was detonated inside an inmate’s cell after guards deployed several grams of pepper spray in his cell. “The concern I have in this case is the decision to use a weapon of this explosive nature in the small confined space of a prison cell,” said Zinger. “This type of device should only be used in open areas: it is a defensive weapon that is used for crowd control. “The detonation of a flash bomb in a cell is unsafe and inherently dangerous; in fact, the grenade started a fire in the inmate’s cell, possibly ignited by the flash or intensified by the previous deployment of pepper spray.” Zinger recommends that CSC immediately stop using stun grenades in closed or confined spaces, including cells. Dry cell confinement inhumane The conditions of dry cell confinement are, by far, the most degrading, austere and restrictive imaginable in federal corrections, said Zinger in his report. A warden can authorize an inmate be put in a dry cell to search for and retrieve suspected contraband from bodily waste. In one instance, prison staff left an inmate in a dry cell for nine consecutive days. “No drugs or any other contraband were found,” said Zinger. He recommends that dry cell placements exceeding 72 hours be explicitly prohibited in federal corrections. Sexual violence pervasive Prison sexual violence is a systemic problem that has gone ignored for too long, said Zinger.

Sexual victimization exists in the shadows of penitentiaries and is largely ignored or dismissed as an inevitable consequence of the incarceration experience. “My investigation confirms that sexual violence is a pervasive but underreported problem in federal prisons. “We know that sexualized violence and abuse thrive in a culture of silence or organizational indifference. I was disturbed to find considerable gaps in the Correctional Service of Canada’s approach to detecting, investigating and preventing sexual coercion and violence behind bars. I am bringing these issues from out of the shadows as I believe it is time for the Correctional Service of Canada to have an open and honest conversation about the scope of this problem and what can be done about it.” There are no public statistics, research or academic literature published in this area in Canada. CSC doesn’t publicly report on this problem, doesn’t collect, record or track statistics and has never conducted research in this area. “It is largely by virtue of this silence and organizational indifference that there are considerable gaps in the Service’s approach to detecting, tracking, responding to, investigating, and preventing sexual coercion and violence. “An organizational culture that looks the other way is one that passively enables such destructive and predatory elements to thrive,” said Zinger. His report offered recommendations aimed at bringing this issue out of the shadows. “I implore federal corrections to take cues from countries who have implemented a bold, zero toler-

ance approach to eradicating sexual violence from their prison system. “It is time for CSC to have an open and honest conversation about this problem and what can be done about it.” Zinger recommended that the Minister of Public Safety, in the next year, introduce a legislative package that endorses a zero tolerance approach to sexual violence in federal corrections and establish a public reporting mechanism to track and respond to these incidents. He said it should be similar to the Prison Rape Elimination Act in the United States. He also recommended that CSC develop and offer education, awareness, and training programs for all staff and inmates on sexual coercion and violence. Indigenous overrepresented in prison The report details the disproportionately higher levels of incarceration of Indigenous people, as well as consistently poorer correctional outcomes, higher rates of use of force, lower early release and higher self-injury for Indigenous inmates. “Custody rates for Indigenous people have accelerated, despite declines in the overall inmate population,” said Zinger. “As I indicated, these disturbing and entrenched imbalances represent a deepening ‘Indigenization’ of the federal inmate population.” Zinger said the federal correctional system contributed to the problem of Indigenous people being over represented in the prison system. Indigenous offenders are more likely to be placed or classified as maximum security, more likely to be involved in use of force and self-injury incidents, and less likely to be granted conditional release.

AUTHORIZED BY RYAN BATER, NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK RyanBater2020@gmail.com

Indigenous people reoffend or are returned to custody at much higher levels, as high as 65 per cent for Indigenous men in the Prairie region within five years of release. Report reads like a ‘medieval torture chamber’ The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples condemned the treatment of inmates outlined in Zinger’s report. “The stories in this report read like something out of a medieval torture chamber, not a modern correctional institution” said Kim Beaudin, National Vice Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP). “Inmates stuck in cells with no toilets under 24/7 surveillance for weeks on end. Sexual assault without any repercussions. Using explosive devices in confined spaces against prisoners. It’s as much a horror story as a report to Parliament.” Elmer St. Pierre, CAP National Chief, said they urge CSC and Public Safety to support implementation of the Political Accord between CAP and the Government of Canada, to ensure the voice of off reserve and non-Status Indigenous communities can guide correction and rehabilitation. CSC may be violating constitutional rights The Correctional Investigator of Canada’s office intervened in cases or complaints that involved inmate access to the media. In unreasonably denying or delaying an inmate’s access to the media, the CSC may be in violation of recognized democratic principles and constitutionally guaranteed rights. “An incarcerated person does not forfeit the right to freedom of expression, and the wider public has a right to be informed of

what goes on behind prison walls,” said Zinger. Four recommendations directed at Minister of Public Safety Zinger, in his report, directed four of his 13 recommendations to the Minister of Public Safety. The Minister of Public Safety jointly responded to the recommendations on dealing with sexual coercion and violence in federal penitentiaries. The Minister of Public Safety’s office said they have developed a research plan, slated to begin in fall 2020, to begin assessing sexual coercion and violence in federal corrections. “In collaboration with CSC, Public Safety will collect information and data on the size, scope and impact of this issue, with consideration of vulnerable populations such as inmates with prior trauma, LGBTQ2+, women, and those with mental health issues in order to identify gaps in knowledge.” An interim report is expected to be finished by spring 2021. “Public Safety will collaborate with CSC, and others as needed, to ensure coordination with other actions being undertaken by CSC on the issue as outlined in responses to other recommendations in this report.” In addition, Public Safety Canada will consider an independent study on sexual coercion and violence in prisons. The Office of the Correctional Investigator is the ombudsman for federally sentenced offenders. It contributes to safe, lawful and humane corrections through independent oversight of the Correctional Service of Canada by providing accessible, impartial and timely investigation of individual and systemic concerns.

Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

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sports North Stars wrap up pre-season; regular season begins Friday By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Battlefords North Stars have finished their preseason and now look forward to beginning the regular season Friday night — against the same opponent. The Kindersley Klippers will be the opposition at West Central Events Center on Friday night, while the North Stars will host the Klippers again Saturday night at home at the Civic Centre. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The North Stars completed their preseason Sunday afternoon, finishing with a 1-3 record in their four games against the Klippers. The North Stars ended up losing their third in a row at home Thursday by a 3-0 count. The Klippers

got goals from Max Kathol in the first, Brett Neumeier in the second and Boston Maxwell in the third. Kristian Lyon got the start in net for the North Stars. The North Stars were then set to go to Kindersley Friday night but the game was pushed back to Sunday afternoon because of bad weather conditions. That game finally saw the North Stars put in a performance that the fans were used to seeing. After Kyle Ford scored to make it 1-0 Klippers, Ryland McNinch made it 1-1 with a goal late in the first, with Wilson Steele and Patrick McInnis assisting. In the second, Josh Pufahl and Ford scored again to make it 3-1 Klippers. But a power play goal by Jaxon Steele from

20112ps1

Timon Prexler cut it to 3-2. The third period saw the North Stars erupt with three straight goals. With both Ethan Ironside and Ethan Grabowski in the box for holding and tripping, the Stars had a two man advantage. They capitalized as Kevin-Thomas Walters scored from Prexler to make it 3-3 at 4:04. Then Ryder Kenyon gave the North Stars the lead, Walters assisting, at 4:47. Steele made it 5-3 at the 6:29 mark. Ford’s hat trick goal in the final minute completed the scoring as the North Stars held on for a 5-4 win. Austin Schwab stopped 16 of 20 shots; meanwhile the North Stars fired 32 shots at Klippers goalie Brett Sweet, putting five of those shots into the net.

Tips for Kids

Sept. 18 and 19, the new North Battleford Montana’s held “Friends & Family Night.” This was prior to grand opening to train staff (kitchen/servers, etc.). The food was free for guests and LL tips ns donations went to KidSport Battlefords. Over the two days, Montana’s raised $2,500 for the local charity, which was much appreciated as fundraising during these times is quite difficult, says David Schell, left, who accepted a cheque. Photo submitted

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More sports

SPHL senior hockey could return in December By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It looks as if senior hockey could be back playing in the Battlefords in another month. At a Battleford town council Monday, Councillor Kevin Russell was asked about what was happening with the Battlefords Beaver Blues senior team. He responded that they are looking at a

Dec. 1 start date. There are likely going to be changes for the league this season. Russell said there will be one team taking a leave of

absence due to the COVID-19 restrictions, while another team is looking to join. What’s still needed, Russell confirmed, is for a schedule to be drawn up to determine who the Beaver Blues will play against in the first month. It’s expected more details about the upcoming season will be released over the coming weeks.

AAA Stars win in Warman to start season Staff Reporter

The Battlefords AAA Stars are finally back in action, as they began their U18 season on the road against one of the new teams in the league, the Warman Wildcats. Playing out of Legends Centre, Warman is one of two new teams in the U18 league this season, along with the Estevan Bears. But it proved to be a rough baptism for the Wildcats into the league, as the Stars hammered the Wildcats 4-0.

The Stars opened the scoring with a goal by Daitan Dmytriw on the power play from Kobie Anderson and Jordan Grill to make it 1-0 early on in the first period. Anderson made it 2-0 shortly after, and Matthew Henry made it 3-0 midway through the

period. That score held up until late in the third period when Rylan Williams scored into an empty net for the 4-0 final score. Jackson Fellner went all 60 minutes for the Stars, getting the win and the shutout on 41 shots. Warman’s Dylan Marshall stopped 32 of 35. The Stars have their first home game Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. against the Saskatoon Blazers, with the Blazers hosting the return match Sunday afternoon.

MISA NIKOLIC for Mayor of

2020

By John Cairns

NORTH BATTLEFORD

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 11

Changes on several rinks Results for Oct. 20 were Taylor over Kjargaard, Cain over Horrell, Krismer over Dick Wisner, Wayne Payne over Wally O’Hare, Alvin Welychko over Rod Forester and Gordon Munn over Ralph Hall. Then we had some changes, Dick Wisner’s team was taken over by Bill Rayner, some other changes in teams. Oct. 27 results were Alvin Welychko over

over Hall, Payne over Horrell, Rayner over Taylor, Rayner over Cain and Kjargaard over Forester. The standings are Gordon Munn and Alvin Welychko, without a loss, followed Bob Krismer with three wins and everyone following in behind. Dick Wisner withdrew, replaced by Bill Rayner. Jim Millar withdrew, replaced by subs, and so it goes.

By Allie Raycraft

ew Horizons Curling

Bill Rayner, Wally O’Hare over Len Taylor, Ralph Hall over Ed Kjargaard, Gordon Munn over Rod Forester, Dale Cain over Alvin Welychko. Nov. 3, it was Munn over O’Hare, Welychko

Sharks win final exhibition game By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Battlefords Sharks have ended their preseason on a good note, winning 4-1 on the road against Saskatoon Stars in female U18 action. The Sharks exploded for four goals in the second period for the win. Meadow Nortell opened the scoring and then Madison Glynn scored two power play goals.

Alyson Hockley added another power play goal late in the period for a 4-0 lead. Keyra Buziak’s goal in the third period wrapped

up the scoring. Shots favoured the Sharks 32-31. Both Yelena Zaleschuk and Emma Beckman split time in the net for the Sharks. The Sharks begin their regular season Nov. 21 in Prince Albert against the Bears. Their first home game is against the Bears the following afternoon, Nov. 22, at 1:30 p.m. at Battleford Arena.

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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

Saskatchewan has highest Crime Severity Index in Canada North Battleford down to fourth

Continued from Page 1 Police reported a two per cent increase in homicides with 678 homicides in 2019, compared with 658 in 2018. Homicide rate for Indigenous peoples 6.5 times higher than for non-Indigenous people The homicide rate for Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) was six and a half times

higher (8.82 homicides per 100,000 population) than for Canada’s nonIndigenous population (1.34 per 100,000 population). Indigenous peoples accounted for five per cent of Canada’s population, but 27 per cent of all homicide victims nationally in 2019. Police reported 174 Indigenous homicide victims in 2019, 33 more than in 2018.

Colonization, residential schools, work camps and forced relocation, have profoundly impacted Indigenous communities and families, Statistics Canada said when releasing the numbers. “Indigenous peoples often experience social and institutional marginalization, discrimination, and various forms of trauma and violence—including intergenerational trauma

FARM LAND FOR SALE - RM OF BATTLE RIVER NO. 438 The following parcels of land are offered for sale by tender: 1. Blk/Par A Plan 101812777 Ext 23 Surface Parcel #164497326 Approx. 34.07 acres includes gated yardsite neat Table Mountain surrounded by trees, house with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car detached garage, water well, sewage lagoon, Drummond Creek flows through. 2. Blk/Par B Plan 101812777 Ext 42 Surface Parcel # 164497517 Approx. 1.54 acres mostly cultivated. 3. Blk/Par C Plan 101812777 Ext 43 Surface Parcel #164497528 Approx. 9.88 acres partly cultivated. Drummond Creek flows through. 4. SW Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 49 Surface Parcel #164496392 Approx. 11.68 acres mostly cultivated. 5. SW Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 48 Surface Parcel #164496381 Approx. 31.6 acres pasture.

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6. SW Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 26 Surface Parcel #164496369 Approx. 17.77 acres partly cultivated. 7. SW Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 47 Surface Parcel #164496370 Approx. 44.87 acres mostly cultivated. 8. NW Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 46 Surface Parcel #146501030 Approx. 13.51 acres partly cultivated. Along Battle River. 9. NW Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 25 Surface Parcel #146501018 Approx. 42.97 acres mostly cultivated. Along Battle River. 10. NE Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext 45 Surface Parcel #146500994 Approx. 60,01 acres mostly cultivated. Along Battle River.

Contact: Judy Jamieson (306-441-5290) for viewing. Conditions 1. For sale by tender subject to the reservations, exceptions and encumbrances contained on the existing certificates of titles, but free and clear of any mortgage encumbrances. 2. Mineral titles not included. 3. Offers are allowed only in the following packages: a. Parcels 1 to 9 collectively: b. Parcels 10 (NE Sec 29 Twp 44 Rge 18 W3 Ext. 45). Please mark clearly which package(s) you are bidding on. 4. All offers to be in writing and accompanied by a certified cheque in the amount of 10% of offer amount payable to Battle River Law in Trust, Cheques will be returned without interest if the offer is not accepted. 5. Balance of the purchase price of the successful offer to be paid to Battle River Law in Trust within 30 days of acceptance of offer or the deposit will be forfeited. 6. Highest or any offer not necessarily accepted. 7. Purchaser will be responsible for payment of any applicable GST. 8. Property taxes will be adjusted to completion date. 9. Property sold as is. Bidders are assumed to rely solely on their own inspection of the land and the title. All offers to be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Do Not Open Jamieson Land” to be delivered on or before 12:00 noon, November 17, 2020 to: Box 905 201 - 1291 - 102nd Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 306-445-6177 Attention: Jeff Baldwin

and gender-based violence. As a result, many Indigenous peoples experience challenging social and economic circumstances. These factors play a significant role in the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and as victims of crime.” Crime decreases on Onion Lake Cree Nation Onion Lake Cree Nation’s CSI measure decreased in 2019 by 14.5 per cent, dropping from 905.58 in 2018 to 774.4 in 2019. Onion Lake’s violent crime severity index also decreased. It went from 1,098.36 in 2018 to 903.58 in 2019, which translates into a 17.73 per cent decrease. Onion Lake’s nonviolent crime dropped by 12.99 per cent going from 834.10 in 2018 to 725.76 in 2019. Gang related homicides increase The number of firearmrelated (+10) and gangrelated (+6) homicides increased in 2019. Handguns accounted for most firearm-related homicides (60 per cent), which has been the case since 1995. Handguns also accounted for the majority (78 per cent) of gang-related homicides committed with a firearm. More sexual assaults reported The #MeToo movement is attributed for the notable increase in police-reported sexual assaults in the last three years. In 2019, police-reported sexual assaults rose seven per cent, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase. Significant increase in police-reported child pornography The national rate of police-reported child pornography increased

by 46 per cent. Police reported 8,815 incidents in 2019, 2,881 more than in 2018. The huge rise and severity of incidents of child pornography made child pornography the second leading offence driving the national increase in the CSI in 2019. More offences related to harassing and threatening behaviours The rates of many types of criminally harassing and threatening behaviours rose sharply in 2019. In particular, criminal harassment (+17 per cent in the rate per 100,000 population, +3,634 incidents), uttering threats (+20 per cent rate, +14,555 incidents), indecent or harassing communications (+29 per cent rate, +5,517 incidents), and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images (+31 per cent rate, +489 incidents) all increased from a year earlier. Uttering threats was the largest contributor to the national increase in the Violent Crime Severity Index in 2019. Police-reported fraud increases Nationally, the rate of police-reported fraud (including identity theft and identity fraud) increased for the eighth year in a row, up 10 per cent from 2018 and 64 per cent higher than the rate recorded a decade earlier. According to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre, there were 19,285 victims of fraud in 2019 and more than $98 million lost due to fraud. Increase in shoplifting Police reported more than 140,200 incidents of shoplifting (373 incidents per 100,000 population) in 2019, up 11 per cent from 2018. There were large increases in the rate of shop-

lifting in Manitoba (+48 per cent), Alberta (+37 per cent) and British Columbia (+18 per cent). Police-reported meth offences increase A number of police services have indicated that the illicit use of methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a growing issue in their communities and may be contributing to increases in other types of crime, including property and violent crimes. There were 14,446 methamphetamine offences in Canada in 2019, up three per cent from the previous year. Effects of COVID-19 on crime to be determined The police-reported crime statistics from 2019 don’t reflect the impacts in Canada by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 police-reported data will identify possible changes in Canadian crime patterns as a result of the pandemic. Canada’s crime rate lower than decade ago The police-reported crime rate, which measures the volume of crime, increased seven per cent in 2019 to 5,874 incidents per 100,000 Canadians. Even with this increase, the crime rate in 2019 was nine per cent lower than a decade ago. Police reported more than 2.2 million Criminal Code incidents in 2019, 164,748 more than in 2018. The CSI measures the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada. The CSI tracks changes in the severity of police-reported crime from year to year. It considers the change in volume of a particular crime and the relative seriousness of that crime in comparison to other crimes.

Crimestoppers feature robbery with firearm at Wally’s Food Basket On Oct. 2, at 20:05 a robbery with firearm occurred at Wally’s Food Basket on 1102-107th Street in North Battleford. Two males entered the store, grabbed some bags of chips and were about to exit when the owner told them they had to pay for the chips. One of the males pointed a firearm at the owner and walked out of the store. The two males ran north on 107th Street. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call North Batleford RCMP at 306446-1720 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. File: 2020-1455059

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 13

Handful of members turn out for Co-op AGM By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Co-op held their annual meeting Oct. 29 in the Borden Community Centre, with a handful of members present along with the board. MC for evening was Luke Walker, who is the 2020 board president. Reports were heard from past president Darrel Wiebe, General Manager Robbie Schmidt and FCL delegate Diane Tracksell. Schmidt gave the

orden& Radisson

MLP auditor’s report and financial statements. Directors elected by acclamation for 2020 were Diane Tracksell, Julia Orchard and Glenn Sutherland. Members with terms expiring in 2021 are Justin Block and Brett Larsen.

Sales for 2019 were: general store - $650,646; farm supply - $457,793; and petroleum - $2,265,522. Total sales were $3,373,961. In 2018 general store sales were $613,918, while farm supply sales were $431,360 and petroleum, $2,598,353 for a total of $3,643,631. Cost of goods sold for 2019 was $3,024,445 and for 2018 it was $296,409, leaving a gross margin for 2019 at $349,516. In 2018 the margin was $296,409. Net savings for 2019 were $190,711 compared to

$158,036 for 2018 and patronage allocation to members in 2019 was $43,349 compared to $36,579. A special presentation of a Glen Scrimshaw framed print was made to Roy Saunders, who had served on the board for more than 32 years. Borden School has an enrolment of 105 for 202021, with 10 in kindergarten and five in Grade 12. There will be no classes Nov. 9, 10, 11 and 23.Picture day is Nov. 13.

Borden Co-op General Manager Robbie Schmidt presents a framed Glen Scrimshaw print to Roy Saunders for many years of service to Co-op. Photo by Lorraine Olinyk

RM of Round Hill bridge project is now complete By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Are you wearing a poppy to show respect for fallen soldiers who gave up their lives so we can enjoy freedom? We live in a splendid world and every citizen is begging for peace on Earth. Obviously, over the centuries, large, bullying political groups have thought differently. Be proud and please partake in a Remembrance Day service if possible. Get well wishes to Esther Huard (Eric) and Jenny Konopelski (Daniel). Hoping health wise, things will improve. Granddaughter

Theresa, her husband and three children of Hinton, Alta. were guests for Thanksgiving weekend at the home of her grandparents, Rick and Valerie Taylor of Mullingar. Theresa’s parents are Priscilla and Brett Taylor who live near Leask, so they made quick visits both places. The RM of Round Hill was in the process of converting the Craig bridge

on the well-used grid from Whitkow to Highway 4 starting this past August. Large culverts were put in and this important project has been completed. Motorists had to be patient when travelling on this stretch of road. There are always many farmers’ semis using this to transport grain to the terminals near Hamlin. In 2006, Spiritwood area realized three local brave soldiers lost their lives while serving Canada overseas ‑‑ Sgt. Shawn Eades, Sapper John Stock and Cpl. Dustin Wesden. They are among the many being remembered for their sacrifice.

Happy 46th wedding anniversary greetings to Mary and Henry Konopelski, as November is their big month. I remember attending their wedding on a cool, crisp Saturday in the old Leoville Hall. Mary celebrated her 84th birthday at the end of September. She grew up on a farm in Ranger country, near Leoville. Her maiden name is Metrunee and she still has family members residing on the family farm. Ninety-two-yearold Henry and Mary are happy to still be living on their farm five miles from me with the assistance of Carmel, Mary’s niece, a retired school teacher.

Farmers are scrambling around to get their big round bales hauled and now this great November weather is co-operating. Photo by Elaine Woloshyn

Local cemetery well looked after by volunteers By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

First this week I would like to commend the many volunteers from this village and area who have done such a fantastic job of caring for the local cemetery and having the new location map erected so people can find their plots. It shows how cooperation works on such a project, even without their usual coffee breaks after the work is done each time. The Remembrance Day service at the Meota Community Complex will be held Nov. 11, at 11:45 a.m. The hall will open at 11:30 a.m. All provincial guidelines will be followed and wearing masks is recommended. Because of COVID-19, no lunch will be served afterward. The Walk Walk pro-

eota News

gram will start up in the Meota Community Complex at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It will consist of walking about three miles along to a workout DVD program with stretching, cardio, warm ups and cool downs For more information call Elaine at 306-317-7746. COVID-19 restrictions will be practised. Come out and have some fun while getting fit. This is sponsored by the Meota and District Recreation Association. Bridge was played in the Pioneer Hall in the city on the afternoon of Oct.27. Coming out on top were Albert Blais and

The harvest moon the night of Halloween, taken between the clouds that evening.

Ron Inkster. Catriona Winterholt and Donna Scherman were second. The evening of Oct. 29 saw top score go to Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan with second being Donna Scherman and Catriona Winterholt. They are all happy to be back playing

Some of the decorated pumpkins which, next to dressing up, are so much fun. Only seven kids came to my house and I didn’t get pictures, so this is some of their work that day. Photos by Lorna Pearson

their favourite game, be it afternoon or evening. Norwegian whist was played at the Do Drop In Oct. 30. Top was by Arlene Walker. Tied for second were Albert Huys and Lorna Pearson and tied for third were Linda Ard and Carol Huys.

Through the SaskTel Pioneers Program, volunteers have donated 606 laptops, iPads and mobile devices free of charge to K-12 schools and libraries, and to long term-care facilities, including Cut Knife Health Complex, in Saskatchewan. This group

of volunteers collects and repairs donated computer equipment from government and private sector sources and distributes them free of charge to needy places. What a great program. Many are benefitted from it and appreciate it dearly.

Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Drilling activity flat at 17 rigs working By Brian Zinchuk

in Saskatchewan, most of them for Crescent Point Energy Corp. It is an improvement from the late spring and early summer, when there were no drilling rigs at all working in Saskatchewan. But it is still a lot less than the same time period for the previous two years, and dramatically less than activity levels during the oil boom, which ended in 2014. On Oct. 31, 2019, there were 33 rigs working in Saskatchewan. On the

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Estevan Mercury

Saskatchewan’s active drilling rig count has remained flat since Oct. 10, with 17 rigs in the field as of Nov. 2, according to Rig Locator (riglocator. ca). The active drilling rig count is the leading indicator of activity in the oilpatch. There have between 16 and 18 rigs working over the last three weeks

same date in 2018, the number was 59. Canada-wide, drilling activity remains dramatically depressed. On Oct. 31, there were 89 rigs working across Canada. In 2019, that number was 148, and in 2018, it was 226. Alberta and Saskatchewan make up for the bulk of the lower numbers. On Oct. 31, Alberta had 53 rigs working, compared to 98 in 2019 and 145 in 2018. For the first time this year, British Columbia

slightly edged out its previous two years’ performance. There were 19 rigs working in B.C. on Oct. 31, compared to 12 in 2019, and 15 in 2018. Manitoba had one rig working. Of the 17 rigs working in Saskatchewan, one was drilling for helium for North American Helium Inc. at Consul. Another was drilling for potash for Mosaic Canada ULC at Esterhazy. Crescent Point accounted for the majority

of the rigs drilling for oil, with nine rigs scattered throughout the province. In southeast Saskatchewan, two areas saw concentration – three rigs near Stoughton in the Viewfield area, and two south of Oungre. It had two rigs working near Shaunavon, at Rapdan and Clintonville, in southwest Saskatchewan. The last two were working at Dodsland in west central Saskatchewan. Also in west central Saskatchewan, Teine

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Energy Ltd. had a rig at Avon Hill, northeast of Kindersley, and another at Dodsland. Baytex Energy Ltd. also had a rig northeast of Kindersley, and a second one southwest of Kerrobert, at Prairiedale. In northwest Saskatchewan, Serafina Energy Ltd. had one rig working at Prince, north of North Battleford. Husky Energy, which recently announced a merger with Cenovus Energy Inc., had one rig working at Vawn.

Gathering sizes reduced to 10, mask orders imposed on Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert Continued from Page 1 ordinarily reside in the dwelling. Any event in a private dwelling and any outbuildings (garages, etc.) including weddings, religious gathering and funerals must abide by the gathering limit; it does not apply to households with more than 10 family members living in the residence. There will still be an ability to hold a gathering larger than 10 if it is held in a public venue such as a restaurant or banquet hall, and abides by the

guidelines that apply to that location. The second order calls for all residents are being mandated to wear nonmedical masks when in indoor public spaces in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert. This public health order will be in place for 28 days, and the province will continue to review this afterwards. In announcing the order Premier Moe noted that in the past few weeks they had seen their highest case

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numbers for COVID-19 to date. He noted that Dr. Shahab had recommended taking new measures if the province saw case averages above 60 cases per day or as high as 120 per day for a sustained period of time. Over the past week Saskatchewan was averaging 76 cases a day. Regarding where the mask order was being imposed, Premier Moe noted that Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert were the cities that had seen the highest case numbers in recent days. “Using a mask is an important additional layer of protection and will help us control COVID-19 in our communities,” said Moe. “However we should

be under no illusions that a mandatory mask policy will solve everything. Much of the recent spread of the virus in Saskatchewan has occurred in private settings in homes where we are comfortable and maybe let our guard down, either between household members or others you may be visiting friends and family. We cannot let our guard down even when we are just with our family and our friends. In fact that may be one of the places where we are most vulnerable, because we do tend to relax a little bit relax all of our good practises when you are around people that we know and are comfortable.” Moe urged people do

more than wear a mask, by encouraging physical distancing and continuing to wash hands and limit the circle of close contacts. He also stressed avoiding unnecessary travel, even within the province. “We need to get these new case numbers back in a better place and that means being as careful as we were back in the spring,” said Moe. “Today, I am asking everyone in Saskatchewan to take that responsibility — to take your personal responsibility very seriously, and to do your part to protect yourself and to protect those around you from COVID-19.” Dr. Shahab was more optimistic about the province’s ability to get the numbers back down. But It

was noted that while there were 81 new COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, there were also 97 recoveries. “I think we need to remember that even though our cases have trended up a bit, we can get out of this,” said Dr. Shahab. Case numbers were now trending at six cases per 100,000, a number that concerned Dr. Shahab. He also noted they were finding more cases where people could not identify sources of exposure. “That’s why all the layers of protection are so important.” Regarding why the mask order was imposed, Dr. Shahab noted they had been hearing back from some businesses that some required a mask and some didn’t. “This really does level the playing field,” he said. Also, while this order was mandatory to Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert, Dr. Shahab said his recommendation was for people to wear masks indoors everywhere in the province.

2020-2021

SEASON PASSES NOW ON SALE!

Sale ends NOV. 22, 2020

FAMILY Reg. $825

SALE PRICE

75000

ADULT

16 & OLDER

Reg. $375

SALE PRICE

34000

YOUTH Passes available at

TABLE MOUNTAIN

306-937-2920 ext. 0 Email: admin@tablemountain.ca www.tablemountain.ca

Pass holders will be asked to sign a release of liability waiver. Parent or legal guardian will be asked to sign for minors.

Come out to Table Mountain on Nov. 14 & 15 and Nov. 22 - 12:00 - 5:00 pm and get your Season Pass Cards early to avoid Opening Day Rush.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 15

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Honouring those who served and sacrificed.

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Micheal P. Hudec Marusia A. Kobrynsky

#101 - 1292 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK

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WIND RIVER CONTRACTING 400-2nd Ave. Meota, SK

306-441-0186

Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

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November 11, 2020

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 9 NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Battleford

We will not be having a public Remembrance Day service. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions on size of gatherings, we will be having the Remembrance Day service at the Legion Hall for members only. The service will be filmed and anyone will be able to view it within 24 hours on our Facebook page @ Royal Canadian Legion Branch #9 Battleford Saskatchewan.

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The poppy: an enduring symbol of remembrance

November 11 is when we pause to reflect on the men and women who served and who are currently serving our country. On this date, Canadians are called upon to pay tribute to the 2.3 million compatriots who, throughout our nation’s history, risked their lives defending our country, and the 118,000 who lost their lives. The tradition of wearing poppies — or replicas of poppies — on Remembrance Day has its roots in the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written during the First World War by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. The poem, which became widely known across the Commonwealth of Nations and in the United States, speaks of the poppies that thrived on fields in Belgium and Northern France where some of the war’s bloodiest battles were fought. After the publication of McCrae’s verses, poppies took on symbolic meaning, representing at once remembrance, rebirth, hope and the blood spilt in war. Today, the poppies we wear on November 11 help us to be mindful of the sacrifice of the brave Canadian soldiers of this war and every other armed conflict in our nation’s history. The Royal Canadian Legion, who through the sale of these poppies provides support for veterans, suggests that the flower be worn on the left lapel of our garments, close to our hearts.

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In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

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Veterans’ Week, which runs from November 5 to 11, is an opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices made by our nation’s soldiers. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Veterans’ Week is taking place online. As a result, more people will have the chance to participate in the events. A shared message The National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program has asked current members of the Canadian Armed Forces to deliver segments of this year’s

Veterans’ Week speech. The resulting video collage will be played in schools and community organizations across the country during Veterans’ Week. A common history Every year, Veterans Affairs Canada highlights a significant exploit in Canadian military history. In 2020, the event being commemorated is Victory over Japan (V-J) Day, when Japan surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending the Second World War. This year is the 75th anniversary of V-J Day,

which occurred on August 15, 1945. On that day, crowds gathered in the streets in Canada and allied nations to celebrate the end of the war in the Pacific and an international conflict that had lasted six years. Do you want to join the

conversation about the anniversary of this historic event? Use the hashtags #CanadaRemembers, #VJDay75 and #EndofSWW on social media. To learn more about Canadian veterans and Veterans’ Week, visit veterans.gc.ca.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 17

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November 11, 2020

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We Remember Them

Due to Covid-19 the Speers/Hafford Royal Canadian Legion Branch #116 will not be holding their Remembrance Day Service at the Hafford Communiplex on November 11th. To those who were killed serving our country during the two Great Wars, we honour you: 1914 - 1918

1939 - 1945

Baker, T.W. Pte. Beechey, C. Pte. Boyer, F. Pte. Boyer, H. Pte. Campbell, J. Pte. Carter, A.J. Pte. Cashmore, G. Pte. Emm, C.J. Pte. Fanning, J.E. Pte. Goldie, A. Pte. Jackson, S. Cpl. Linnell, W. Pte. Melvin, D. Pte. Noakes, H.N. Pte. Teasdale, J.W. Pte. Williams, C. Lt.

Bradley, J.E. WO2 Combres, M.E. F/S Davey, J. Tpr. Harris, E.P. LAC Herman, J.W. Cpl. Hume, R.G. F/S Kindrachuk, G. Rfn. Klopouschak, M. Pte. Korolewich, J.J. Pte. Kotelmach, P. S. LAC. Lalond, C.G. Pte. Linnell, H.J. Pte. Lucyk, S. F/O McBlain, M.T. Rfn. Marynowski, M.E. F/O Nelson, C.P. WO2 Nowosad, D. LCpl. Russell, J.V. F/L. Witoshynski, J. Gnr. Wladychka, J. Gnr.

Wreaths and crosses are also laid during the November 11th Service at the Hafford Communiplex in memory of all who have served our country. We hope everything will be back to normal in 2021 and we can once again hold the Remembrance Day Service at the Hafford Communiplex. Until then, Stay Safe.

“Lest We Forget”

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Be sure to take time to remember By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

There has been so much consuming our minds this year with the pandemic, multiple elections, and current events, but we must not miss our opportunity to remember this Nov. 11. Unity’s Legion members are dwindling as veterans are aging. They need us more than ever to continue to observe Remembrance Day. And, even though this year will be different than past years, we all still have the choice to take a moment, an hour of the day to remember. Lay a flower or wreath at the veterans’

nity News

section of the cemetery, place a painted rock or flower at the cenotaph in Memorial Park or leave a lighted candle on your front step from the evening of Nov. 10 into the evening of Nov. 11. Do what you can in the limited environment we are allowed to show that you remember. Halloween for the most part was a quiet one, even

being on a Saturday. Compass Minerals donated a thermal-scan front-entry thermometer for Parkview Place to add another layer of reassurance for staff and residents there. Unity Public School hosted a different Halloween celebration this year with no parents being allowed in for afternoon festivities or to help kids with costumes. No outside treats were permitted, but teachers provided treats. And, rather than collecting for the food bank, as has been done in the past, staff donated $100 towards the Unity Food Bank.

Municipal elections take place Nov. 9 with advance polls held Nov. 4. Running for council are Rick Hill, Brent Weber, Curtis McLean, Erik Hansen, Doreen Bonogofski, Jackson Winterhalt, Janet Hollingshead, Ryan Sernecky, Bob Abel and Ben Weber. Mayoral candidates are Sharon Del Frari and Joe Boser. As with any activity that involves the public, be sure you know the pandemic protocols before heading to the polls. Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...

Boys & Girls Clubs

NOTICE OF POLL

of The Battlefords

[Section 81 of the Act]

November at the Club • NEW PROGRAM ALERT – Raise The Grade! This exciting new program offers support to youth 1418 (grade 9-12) through homework support, access to computers (with high speed internet), youth engagement, mentoring and life after school. Register online or come to our office for more information. This program started October 6th and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year. • We’ve taken on the 2020/2021 School Year; however, it does not look like other years have! Following all guidelines as prescribed by the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority, the health and safety of our members and staff are of utmost importance! • It saddens us not to be able to offer our satellite site Before & After School Programs. We continue to work with our local Schools, guided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Government of Saskatchewan on when we can resume this service. Please watch our website and Facebook page for further updates. • Our Drop-in Program continues in November, membership forms are available on our website or at the office. Please note, this is no longer a “drop-in” program, members must be pre-registered. • There are limited spaces, so make sure you register by calling the office between 8:30am and 3:30pm Monday to Friday. Space is limited to 15 children (5-9 years of age) and 15 youth (10-14 years of age). • Innovation Credit Union Grub Club continues to take place weekly on Wednesdays (home cooked, delicious meal) and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Innovation Credit Union. • We will be CLOSED Wednesday, November 11th for Remembrance Day. • November 18th is Early Dismissal and our After School Program at the Club will be open early, so registered members can head to our programming as soon as they’re done school! • November 30th is a Non School Day and we will be offering programming at the CLUB from 8:00am to 6:00pm. You will need to register beforehand, and all snacks/meals are provided. Best news- it is FREE OF CHARGE for our members! • Do you have extra recyclables that need to go to Sarcan but don’t want to stand in line? Consider donating your recyclables to Boys & Girls Clubs of The Battlefords. We have registered for Drop and GO service. Just enter our phone number (3064450002) and follow the directions to get your tags. It is quick and easy and goes to a great cause! • Although our Office Staff remain working at the Club, we are closed to the public so please continue to call or email us!

Bryce Woytiuk, who was instrumental in getting a Kin Club back in Unity, received the Zone A Kinsmen of the Year award. Zone A includes Meadow Lake, St. Walburg, Paradise Hill, Lloydminster, Lashburn, Unity and Macklin. Photo submitted.

City of North Battleford Municipal Election PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that: 1. A Poll has been granted for the election of: • MAYOR (1) • COUNCILLOR (6)

City of North Battleford City of North Battleford

2. Voting will take place on Monday, November 9, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Civic Centre - Lower Auditorium located at 1902 104th Street. 3. I will declare the result of the election at City Hall on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL [Section 84 of the Act] Advance Polls for voting in advance of Election Day will be held at the following location on the following dates and times: Don Ross Centre – Lobby and Gymnasium – 891 99th Street • • •

Saturday, October 31, 2020 Monday, November 2, 2020 Thursday, November 5, 2020

12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL POLL [Section 29 of the Act] Facility Name and Address

Date

Time

River Heights Lodge 2001 – 99th Street

Tuesday, November 3

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Harwood Manor 2691 Clements Drive

Tuesday, November 3

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Villa Pascal 1301 113th Street

Wednesday, November 4

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Caleb Village 1802 106th Street

Wednesday, November 4

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

MAIL-IN BALLOTS [Section 92 of the Act] Mail-in Ballot applications will be accepted in-person at City Hall, 1291 101st Street during regular business days and hours until 4:30 p.m. - November 6th. Mail-in Ballot applications will be accepted by mail, fax, or other electronic means until 4:30 p.m. – October 30th. Applicants must complete a Voter Registration Form and produce the necessary Voter Identiﬁcation. Your ballot must be received by the Returning Ofﬁcer no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, in order to be counted.

• As a reminder, our hours of operation are as follows: o Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm

o Drop-in Program: Monday to Friday, 3:30pm – 8:30pm and Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm • Continue to watch our Facebook page (Boys & Girls Clubs of The Battlefords) and website (www.bgcbattlefords.ca) for more updates. • And, as always, stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands often, practice physical distancing and smile!

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Dated at North Battleford, Saskatchewan this 9th day of October, 2020 Debbie Wohlberg Returning Ofﬁcer

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 19

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Second Front

COVID-19 levels in Saskatoon’s wastewater point to upcoming increase in cases Submitted University of Saskatchewan researchers and partners at the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have developed a COVID-19 early warning system by sampling and testing the city’s wastewater for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Infected people shed virus traces through their feces, often even before COVID-19 symptoms are apparent. Using a technique developed at USask, the team has found through lab analysis of wastewater samples from Saskatoon’s municipal treatment plant that changes to the total amount of virus circulating in the city’s wastewater happen about one week ahead of changes indicated by case counts at COVID testing centres. That’s because people who show up at COVID-19 testing stations are usually people with either symptoms or suspected COVID exposure—which misses most of the so-called asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases. And as the most accurate nasal swab is collected 48 hours after the onset of symptoms and testing is not instant, positive test results show the past, not the present. “We think we can give health officials at least a week’s notice on changes in the trend line,” said USask ecotoxicologist John Giesy. “Based on the latest data which shows the trend line is going up, I am predicting we will

see a rise in cases for the next couple of weeks. We can also predict when outbreaks are declining, which will help planning for pandemic recovery.” At present, the team can only predict the trend in COVID cases—up or down, but not specifics on how big a rise or fall in cases there might be. “It’s really about comparing trends in test cases with wastewater virus concentrations,” said USask toxicologist Markus Brinkmann. “If the virus concentration in the wastewater swings up before we see an increase in COVID test cases, we would expect the curve of the test cases to increase in the upcoming week. Over the past two weeks, we have seen an exponential increase in virus copies in the wastewater.” The team’s wastewater surveillance approach is based on a method for measuring SARS-CoV-2 virus environmental degradation developed by Giesy and Yuwei Xie. Working with USask engineering

researcher Kerry McPhedran, the team has adapted the method to capture COVID-19 information. Engineering graduate student Shahab Minaei and his supervisor Jafar Soltan are also part of the team. Monitoring of the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Saskatoon’s wastewater began in July. At the city’s wastewater treatment plant, samples are automatically collected over a 24-hour period and pumped into a refrigerator to preserve the quality of the sample. Before the wastewater is released into the environment, it is treated with UV lights, neutralizing any potential infective virus. The sample is then brought to labs on campus where Xie undertakes a two- to three-day analysis of the purified wastewater. Xie counts the number of copies of an RNA sequence specific to SARS-CoV-2 to establish a total concentration of virus in the sample. “We can anticipate the rate of change in cas-

es so that public health measures can be implemented in response,” said Brinkmann. “Epidemiologists get more accurate information about prevalence and health officials get a jump-start on allocating resources effectively.” The research team produces data once per week, and then shares it with the CoS which conveys it to the the SHA. “The SHA is pleased to be a partner since the inception of this research project, and this is another tool in our surveillance system kit to assist the health system in making decisions on where to focus efforts,” said Dr. Simon Kapaj, SHA’s medical health officer of environmental public health. “The early findings are shaping the public health response in Saskatoon and we believe this tool could assist other major cities in Saskatchewan.” The research is currently funded by the USaskled Global Water Futures program (supported by the Canada First Research Ex-

cellence Fund) through a project originally intended to measure environmental contaminants and which pivoted to focus on COVID-19 research. The work is also supported by in-kind contributions of equipment and personnel from the CofS. “The City of Saskatoon is pleased to have formed this partnership with the University of Saskatchewan team and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to help understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community,” said Mike Sadowski, CoS wastewater treatment plant manager. Brinkmann said the research team hopes to expand their partnership with CofS and the SHA to provide more frequent estimates (three times per week) and expand to more cities in Saskatchewan. “Right now, we’re limited in what data we can produce,” said Brinkmann. “If we had dedicated funding for this, we could increase the frequency of gathering and analyzing

samples to three times a week, giving us more detailed information with which to perform a statistical analysis for potentially predicting new case numbers.” The USask approach has been validated by reliability testing organized by the Canadian Water Network (CWN)—a non-profit organization created in 2001 after the Walkerton, Ont. water contamination crisis. Using a set of samples with known concentrations of the virus, laboratories across Canada compared different methods of analysis, and found the USaskdeveloped method was accurate in detecting the virus at different concentrations. Giesy is a member of the CWN advisory panel which also includes virologists, epidemiologists and engineers. Research into wastewater surveillance is underway in several places in the world. The USask method is also being used by institutions in Ontario, Texas and China.

Joint parks and rec master plan gets approval in Battleford By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Michael Roma of RC Strategies + PERC makes the presentation to Battleford council Monday. Screenshot by John Cairns

The Town of Battleford has now joined North Battleford in adopting in principle the Joint Parks and Recreation Master Plan involving the town and the city. The town discussed the Master Plan at length during Monday’s council meeting, the final one for the town’s current term before the Nov. 9 election. The master

plan had already been approved by the city at their meeting Oct. 13. Now with Battleford voting in favour, it has now received approval on both sides of the river. The document outlines the vision for parks and recreation in the Battlefords and for how the two communities can manage the assets. It will act as a guide to future parks and recreation development in the Battlefords. At town council

Monday, councillors heard a presentation from Michael Roma of RC Strategies + PERC, the consulting firm that prepared the document. The Master Plan has been in the works for the past year and a public review process has already taken place. It was emphasized at the meeting that the Master Plan approval didn’t mean total integration of parks and recreation in the Battlefords.

Roma explained the document was meant to “provide a framework for how you could get together and give you some inputs into those discussion you would likely have,” but “really not be conclusive about any of that”. That point was echoed by members of council, who made clear it didn’t tie the hands of council on what it could do. “It doesn’t mean we will co-fund everything that comes around,” said

councillor Shelley BoutinGervais. Councillor Doug Laing noted the new document provides a “starting point” and “something we can start having discussions with” involving the city. The feeling expressed at council was that the document would be a good one for the next council to work with and spur discussions. The vote to adopt the Parks and Rec Master Plan was carried at council unanimously.

Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Wallace Charles Duhaime December 27, 1936 – October 16, 2020 It is with great sadness that the family of Wallace Charles Duhaime, share the news of his passing on October 16th, 2020, at his beloved acreage. Wallace is lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty, children Bernince and Norman (Cindy) and family; Daughter in law Jeanine Olson (Jim Welsh), along with their children Chantelle (Ryan) Cross, Jordan Duhaime, Gavin Duhaime and Jayda Welsh; his siblings Grace (Robert) Abelson, Florence (Cy) Duhaime, Gordan Duhaime, and sister in law Caroline (Gordon) Bentley, and numerous nieces/nephews, other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by, his parents Henry and Ellen Duhaime, sister Maxine and Ted Wittrock, brother Allen and Ann Duhaime, brother Bruce Duhaime, and sister-in-law Gail Duhaime. Wallace was born on December 27, 1936 at their family homestead, where they lived until 1943 before moving to the farm in Bapaume. The Duhaime farm contained a lot of memories and held a lot of love as Wallace not only grew up surrounded by those same fields but was able to raise his own family on that very ground. He married the love of his life, Betty Sawatsky on December 14th, 1963 before bringing their two children into the world. He was happiest when working on the farm. His passion for working on the land started with his love for horses. Wallace was able to tell you every horse he had worked with throughout the years. He remembered their personalities, how they had to be handled and told the most vivid stories as if he had just driven them yesterday, not 50-60 years ago. As a couple, Wallace and Betty started to grow their farming horizons, where they bought milk cows and shipped cream at the local railway station in Bapaume. They spent a couple years raising pigs before they settled into a cow/calf operation until their retirement in 2002. They moved to the acreage to “retire” where he made sure to keep busy, fixing stuff in his garage or gathering fire wood. He always made sure to keep his fire going in their wood stove, sitting in one of three special chairs he had throughout the house and garage. He was known to have the warmest house around. The grandkids were his greatest joys. There was always at least one in a tractor with him or following him around ready to help. As they grew up he would sit at the table in his chair and tell Betty, lets call Chantelle/Jordan/Gavin/Jayda just to catch up. On October 10th, Wallace was able to spend one last weekend surrounded by all his grandchildren to celebrate their oldest grandchild’s wedding. He was showered with love and this memory holds dear to them all. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the family held a private service, officiated by Delores Beaulac on Thursday, October 22nd at 1:30pm, at the Beau “Lac” Funeral Home in Spiritwood, SK. A public visitation followed the service the same day at 2:00-4:00pm. A Celebration of Life and interment will be held at a later date so all that knew and loved him can gather together to share memories. The family requests that donations be made in Wallace’s name in lieu of flowers to the Bapaume Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Bapaume Cemetery in memory of Wallace Duhaime as tokens of remembrance. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood (306-883-3500).

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Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 In person/mail: 892 - 104th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 1M9

METTLEWSKY: It is with great sadness the family of Mrs. Marie Mettlewsky announce her passing with family at her side Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the age of 92 years. A Private Family Service was held Monday, November 2, 2020 at Notre Dame de Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father Cuong Luong as celebrant. Interment followed at the Wilkie Cemetery. Marie is survived by her son-in-law, Jim: Grant (Salima) & Curtis (Jil); daughters: Debbie (Norman): Bob & Carmelle (Chris); Blanche (Rick): Ryan & Trent (Lorraine); Belinda (Fred); Val: Brandon (Zan) & Amanda (Michael); Tracy (Rick): Adam & Chelsey (Gavin); greatgrandchildren: Declan, Kearon, Fiona, Kate, James, Alex, Sharanna, Luke, Mary Jo, Aspen, Benjamin & Lilly; many sisters, one brother, numerous nephews, nieces & cousins. She is predeceased by her parents: Jacob & Katherine Senger; inlaws: Alex & Rosa Mettlewsky; husband: Bennie Mettlewsky; daughter, Donna McDougall; son, Trevor Mettlewsky; numerous brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces & cousins. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 1738 Quebec Ave #26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 or to the Canadian Cancer Society 1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3 Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

RISEING: Robin B. J. Riseing, late of Pine Island Lodge in Maidstone, SK. Passed away peacefully on October 17th, 2020 at 76 years. Robin was born January 27th, 1944 in North Battleford Hospital to Ellen & Ted Riseing. Robin Attended and Notre Dame and NBCI. He worked his whole life, starting in Saskatoon for a year then returning home to North Battleford where he ran Stop & Serve Turbo on Railway Ave for many years. Robin then ran the David Laird Campground for a number of years and after that at Sarcan until his retirement for the past 12 years. Robin then moved into the Pine Island Lodge in Maidstone, SK after his legs gave out and he was in a wheelchair. Robin is dearly loved and remembered by his brother Ed Riseing of North Battleford, Claire Riseing–Virdi of North Battleford; sister Donna (Bill) Butterfield; nieces and nephews, Tracy (Bob) Gardiner, Frankie Menzies (Jeff Toews & Jacob Toews) Kassidy Menzies, Kolten Gardiner, Tessa Gardiner; Brad Butterfield children Gracie, Faith, Sara, Mary & Denver; niece Crystal (Jason) Loweryson; nephewTom Butterfield; step-sisters Geraldine Anderson, Phyllis Nault; step-brother Lewis Murray. Robin was predeceased by his father Charles Edward (Ted) Riseing in July1958 mother Ellen Murray in May 1996; step-father Bill Murray in 1973; stepbrothers Lloyd Murray and step-sister Colleen Baker. Funeral Service for Robin will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 7th, 2020 at Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Chapel (1271 103rd Street, North Battleford, SK.) Covid19 Restriction and Protocols will be asked to be followed masks are advised but not mandatory. Robins family would like to thank the staff at Pine Island Lodge for the excellent care and compassion they extended to Robin these past 12 years as well as to Wally Markewich and Staff of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, 206-445-2418. Condolences can be left at www.sallowsandmcdonald.com

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OBITUARIES Jacques Roy Leask. In loving memory of Jacques Roy Leask, born April 9, 1931 in the Ibstone District, Saskatchewan. Jacques went to Garden Prairie School and helped his father on the farm. He worked toward a Journeyman Carpentry certificate and met the love of his life, Verna Rensby. They married and moved to Cold Lake, Alberta where he was foreman of construction at the Cold Lake Air Force base. Their first son, Terry (Debbie) was born there. In 1954, Jacques and Verna moved back to the Battlefords where he was involved in the building of many commercial and residential buildings in the Battlefords area. The remainder of their children, Glen (Heather), Sharon Schweitzer (Kurt), Janice Staff (Larry), Sandra Palik (Rick) and their families followed. Jacques and Verna moved to a farm near Garden Prairie, then into Battleford, back to a farm by White Swan district, and then back to town. They continued to farm and do carpentry, or continued to do carpentry and farm on the side, as Verna said. The two of them were married 68 years (Jacques was hoping for 70 years), had five children, thirteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, so far, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his son Terry who passed away on October 14, 2020. Jacques loved caring for animals on the farm and would sometimes use that as an excuse to leave a social function early. He liked picking berries and crab apples so Verna could do canning, and at the lake would spend the whole day in the boat fishing. His son-in-law’s could tell many stories of him playing practical jokes where he would laugh until he cried. Jacques was very community oriented and assisted any friend or neighbour that needed help. Both of them were long-time volunteers at the Western Development Museum and the Agricultural Society. Jacques enjoyed auction sales and gathering with old friends and neighbours. Jacques loved dancing with Verna and both were involved with Pattern Dancing, putting on demonstrations at Senior Villas. A graveside service was held at Town of Battleford Cemetery, Battleford, SK on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations are requested to Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3 or to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation (designate to Palliative Care Unit), Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8. Arrangements were entrusted to Robert MacKay of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium (306-446-4200). Card of Thanks The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many health-care professionals involved in his final care: Dr. Peter Holtzhausen (family physician), Saskatoon Cancer Clinic staff, St. Paul’s Hospital and Urology department staff, Battlefords Home-care staff, and the Battlefords Union Hospital Palliative Care staff. Thank you to the many people that showed Jacques care and attention in his final months. Thank you to Bob MacKay and staff, at Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

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HEALTH SERVICES

Muller, Ida June 26, 1928 – October 26, 2020 It is with deep love and sadness that the family of Ida Muller announce that Ida went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 2020 at the age of 92 at the Spruce Manor Special Care Home in Dalmeny. Ida was born on the family farm in the Borden district to Gustav and Emma Plantz. She was the 8th of 11 children. On December 5, 1946, she was united in marriage to Edwin Muller of Radisson and they lived on the Muller homestead for most of their married life. They were blessed with three children, Darlene (1948), Gaylord (1952) and Bonnie (1955). Life was always busy on the farm with gardening, preserving vegetables and fruit, cooking and baking, raising chickens, milking cows, sewing clothes, keeping the house clean, helping with harvesting and raising a family – making it all look easy. Saturday was housecleaning day, followed by grocery shopping on Saturday evening in town. Attending church at Zion Lutheran in the country (with a view from our kitchen window) and later at St. Paul Lutheran in Radisson, was a time for our family to prepare our hearts for God. Mom’s faith was always important to her and she read Our Daily Bread and Eternity for TODAY daily along with her well-worn Bible. Monday morning was wash day using a ringer washer and hanging clothes outside to dry. Mom also embraced quilting, singing in the church choir, going to bingo, bowling, playing Kaiser and socializing with neighbours and friends. She was quick to smile and lend a helping hand. Life with mom was fulfilling, nurturing and loving. Ida is lovingly remembered by her eldest daughter Darlene (Norbert) Schmid of Prince Albert, SK, granddaughter Jodi (Jason) Pawliw, great-grandchildren Matthew Schmid, Jasmine, Riley and Katherine Pawliw and great-grandson Alex Schmid and estranged great-grandson Cameron (sons of Devin Schmid); her son Gaylord (Valerie) Muller of Turtleford, SK, grandson Kyle (Nichole) Muller, great-granddaughter Aurelia, her granddaughter Heather (Patrick) Reid, great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Oliver and Isabella; her youngest daughter Bonnie (Bob) Semenoff of Saskatoon, SK, granddaughter Rhianna (Paul) Matschke-Neufeld, grandson Steven (Nikki) Matschke; her sister and brother-in-law Evelyn Plantz and Ernie Hinke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Ida joins in eternal peace, her loving husband of 58 years Edwin Muller (2005); son-in-law Raymond Matschke (1985); grandson Devin Schmid (2019); and great-granddaughter Kaebri Reid (2013); her parents Gustav and Emma Plantz; her siblings: brothers Ed, Bill, Herb, Otto, Harold, Walter Plantz, sisters: Emma Finkas, Olga Free, Edna Free, Alma Buhr; her many sister and brother-in-laws and dear friends. What a joyous celebration as they reunite in heaven. A Private Family Funeral was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Radisson, SK at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2020. For those who would like to view the service, please go to: www.faithproductions.ca/livestream The Interment was held at Radisson Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.mourningglory.ca Arrangements in care of Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. __________________________________________________

FUNERAL SERVICES

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IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of Jaster Family Members: August, Helena, Pearl, Herb, Arnie, Betty, Ken, and Marlene

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 21

TRAVEL

LAND FOR SALE

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Estate of Joyce Carolyn Opperman, late of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any; must be sent to the undersigned before the 4 day of December, 2020. Battle River Law Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford. Saskatchewan S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix of Joyce Carolyn Opperman.

HOUSES FOR RENT

FARMLAND WANTED I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

FEED & SEED

House

for rent 3 bedroom, very clean. Available immediately. finished basement, all appliances included. Quiet area.

Call 306-446-0441 FARM SERVICES

& a Thank-You to Vi and Clarence

75th Anniversary of the end of WWII Your Family Remembers Thank you for your Service Pte. August Jaster (R.C.E.M.E.) and thank you to your family for their sacrifice during those years of service (1941-1945) In Loving Memory of The Folkersen Family Axel, Florence, Victor, Norman, Monica, Brock Your Family Remembers Thank you for your Sacrifice

BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday Wishes To

Jim Fedun who turns

95 years

young on November 5, 2020

Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium

2691 - 98th St., North Battleford (306) 445-7570 24 hours

1332 - 100th St., North Battleford (306) 446-4200 24 hours

Trevor Watts - Owner/Director Robert Mackay - Director Vanessa Macnab - Apprentice Funeral Director Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplannig WE ARE LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED

Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

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What was that like I wonder? Three sons off to war The RCAF Call Navigator, Pilot, Gunner

Love Margaret and all the family ANNOUNCEMENTS

At Graduation Twenty-six, Twenty-four, Eighteen Beautiful Wings One year in the sky First son, Navigator down Good-bye, Good-bye Two and Three Carry on, carry on At home's coast and far gone War persists, this war Now both abroad Her core, her core Near War's end, the listing Gunner Gunner Three now missing The heart, the heartbeats Be found, be found Wait, wait, repeat Send Two back Come back, come back This War is over News Three is safe Heart beats again Two home, Three home together Her war is over Never. -By J.T. Mann

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Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS

battlefords humane society

LUCKY BIRTHDAYS

How lucky is your birthday? Buy a ticket and find out.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

NORTH EAST PRAIRIE GRAIN INC. BUYING: FEED BARLEY, SOYBEANS, DAMAGED CANOLA. On Farm Pickup, Prompt Payment! PH: 306-873-3551 WEBSITE: neprairiegrain.com “In Business to Serve Western Producers”

Make sure your birthday and those of your family are entered in our prize draw! Buy a ticket, pick a date, one winner! Tickets $20.00 and win a birthday party on us valued at $600.00. ONLY 365 TICKETS SOLD. Draw made Dec. 31, 2020.

Heavy Duty Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operators and 1A Drivers required: Late model, clean CAT, JD equip: winch, dump, gravel trucks and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided. Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must.

Call the Animal Shelter 306.446.2700

for more information and tickets. Lotto License SR19-3803

AGM

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Table Mountain Everyone Welcome! Regional Park Authority

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

WANTED

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF POLL FOR LIVING SKY SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 202 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a poll has been granted for the election of Board Member, Living Sky School Division No. 202: Subdivision 2 (Hafford, Maymont, Radisson) Voting will take place on Monday, the 9th day of November, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the polling places listed below. I will declare the result of the election at 509 Pioneer Avenue, North Battleford, on the 10th day of November, 2020 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. Polling Place: Hafford Seniors Centre Maymont Seniors Centre Goodrich Centre

Address: 118 Main Street Hafford, Sask. Main Street, Maymont, Sask. 310 Albert Street, Radisson, Sask

Dated at North Battleford, this 19th day of October, 2020. Allie Raycraft Returning Officer

Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church, Lloydminster, Sask is seeking a PART-TIME RECTOR. Parish profile is on the ANiC website.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 BE HELD AT 7:30 pm TO TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALET

Please forward your resume by email to Bishop Trevor Walters at walters34@shaw.ca For further information contact: Carol Harbin at 306.825.2022 or email c.harbin@sasktel.net

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Deadline for submissions January 15, 2021 NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

City of North Battleford North Battleford 1291 - 101st Street Saskatchewan P.O. Box 460 Canada S9A 2Y6 PH: (306) 445-1700 • FAX: (306) 445-0411 PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD Public notice is hereby given, Pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007 that the City of North Battleford intends to pass a bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1971 as hereinafter provided. It is proposed to amend the Zoning District Map, which forms part of Bylaw Number 1971, as follows:

Intent Rezone from R2 – Low Density Residential District to C2 – Neighbourhood Commercial District, 1492-105th Street (Lot 10, Block 45, Plan B2991), as shown within the solid line on Sketch “A” below.

Intent Rezone from C4 – Regional Commercial District to C3 – Arterial Commercial District, 501 Werb Street (Lot 1, Block 312, Plan 82B04071) and (Lot 2, Block 312, Plan 82B04071), as shown within the solid line on Sketch “A” below.

Reason This area has been requested to be rezoned by an applicant looking to establish a commercial use at the location.

Reason This area has been requested to be rezoned by an applicant looking to establish a permitted use in the C3 zoning district.

Bylaw Inspection Any interested person may inspect the bylaw at City Hall, 1291-101st Street, North Battleford, SK Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copies are available to persons through the Office of the City Clerk.

Public Hearing Representations respecting the Bylaw will be considered by the Council on the 23rd day of November, at the Chapel Gallery at 6:30 p.m. Council shall hear any person or group of persons or person acting on their behalf, who wish to make a representation. Due to COVID-19, availability may be limited. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to City Hall before the hearing.

Issued at North Battleford this 5th Day of November 2020. Debbie Wohlberg, City Clerk

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 23

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NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF POLL FOR LIVING SKY SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 202

NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL FOR LIVING SKY SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 202

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a poll has been granted for the election of Board Member, Living Sky School Division No. 202:

Subdivision 3 (Wilkie)

Subdivision 2 (Hafford, Maymont, Radisson)

Voting will take place on Monday, the 9th day of November, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the polling place listed below.

Advance voting will take place on Thursday, the 5th day of November, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the polling place listed below.

I will declare the result of the election at 509 Pioneer Avenue, North Battleford, on the 10th day of November, 2020 at the hour of 1:00 p.m.

Polling Place: Saskcan Community Center

Address: 301 – 5th Street West Wilkie, Sask.

Polling Place: Hafford Seniors Centre

RM of Battle River

401 – 16th Street West Battlefords Industrial Park

Dated at North Battleford, this 19th day of October, 2020.

T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

Allie Raycraft Returning Officer

Dated at North Battleford, this 28th day of October, 2020. Allie Raycraft Returning Officer

Address: 118 Main Street Hafford, Sask.

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TAX ENFORCEMENT

892-104th Street | North Battleford | 306-445-7261 WANTED TO RENT

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST Village of Ruddell PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and the title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 6th day of January, 2021, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land. Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Part of Lot Part of Section

Lot Blk. Plan Meridian Sec Twp. Range

Total Costs Total Arrears Advertising Arrears Title No. & Costs

D353

122865374 708.28

55.00

763.28

D353

138066329 190.20

55.00

245.20

D353

131864823 451.13

55.00

506.13

Dated this 5th day of November, 2020.

Darrin Beaudoin Treasurer

INVITATION TO SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST INVITATION TO INTEREST AS TO TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SPACE FOR LEASE IN BATTLEFORD OR BATTLEFORD OR NORTH NORTH BATTLEFORD BATTLEFORD FILE 81001431 FILE NUMBER: NUMBER:81001431 Public orks and Public W Works and Government GovernmentServices ServicesCanada Canadaisisasking askinginterested interested th parties 2020withrespect respectto parties to to submit submit aa response responseby byNovember November30 30th, ,2020with providing office space for for lease in buildings in Battleford or North to providing office space lease in buildings in Battleford or North Battleford, for a term of five years commencing on or about Battleford, for a term of five years commencing on or aboutDecember 1, 2023. 1, 2023. December To To view view the the complete complete text text of of the the request request and andto torespond respondto tothis this invitation, please log on to www.buyandsell.gc.ca/goods-andinvitation, please log on to www.buyandsell.gc.ca/goods-andservices/leasing-of-real-propertyor services/leasing-of-real-property orcontactLeon contactLeonLam Lamatat 587-338-3619or leon.lam@ pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca. 587 338 3619or leon.lam@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca.

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

Rural Municipality of Douglas No. 436 Province of Saskatchewan Notice is hereby given under the Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number(s) described in the following list are fully paid before the 6th day of January, 2021, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land. Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

Description of Property Part of Lot BLK Plan Part of Twp Section Sec NE 20 43 A 101773335 NW 20 43 NE 18 44 NW 22 44 A 102077580 A 101529301 NE 27 44 SE NE NW

4 5 32

45 45 45

Title No.

Total Advertising Arrears Costs

120543555 120543533 118858753 146017672 137837278 142931000 119105029 150203393 150203449 150937690 150937689 120302851 120302873

$775.00 $100.67 $989.13 $984.35 $1,009.50 $582.16 $57.81 $388.70 $388.69 $1,171.65 $1,241.49 $200.76 $200.76

Range Meridian 11

W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3

12 12 13

W3 W3 W3

11 12 12

Dated this 5th day of November, 2020.

$18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45 $18.45

Total Arrears & Costs $793.45 $119.12 $1,007.58 $1,002.80 $1,027.95 $600.61 $76.26 $407.15 $407.14 $1,190.10 $1,259.94 $219.21 $219.21

Darrin Beaudoin Treasurer

Gouvernement Government du Canada of Canada INVITATION À SOUMETTRE UNE EXPRESSION D’INTÉRÊT CONCERNANT LA DISPONIBILITÉ DE LOCAUX À LOUER À BATTLEFORD OR NORTH BATTLEFORD NUMÉRO DE DOSSIER: 81001431 Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada invite toutes les parties intéressées à soumettre une réponse, au plus tard le 30 novembre 2020, concernant la disponibilité de locaux à bureaux à louer dans des immeubles à Battleford ou North Battleford, pour un bail de cinq ans débutant le ou vers le 1er décembre 2023. Pour voir la version intégrale de cette invitation et y répondre, veuillez consulter le www.achatsetventes. gc.ca/biens-et-services/location-de-biens-immobiliers ou communiquer avec Leon Lam au 587-338-3619 ou à leon.lam@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Now accepting applications for the following:

Administrative Assistant • Central Office Apply online prior to 12:00 noon, Friday November 13, 2020 Details and link to online applications can be found on our website at www.lskysd.ca. All applications must be submitted online.

Accounts Receivable & Inventory Management Clerk Full time contract position for maternity leave (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm).

The successful applicant will have: • Bookkeeping certificate/diploma or higher and relevant work experience • Great attention to detail • Be able to work as a team among our 3 retail locations • Duties will include but not limited to: grain and chemical inventory management, ticket entry/ invoice generating and monthly customer statements. Position located in Cut Knife, SK at an agricultural retail location. Training would begin as soon as possible Please email resumes to: allissa.jamieson@veikleagro.com

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL 306-445-7261

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COVID-19 transforms Festival of Trees By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent

The Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation will not host a festival of trees at the Western Development Museum this year because of COVID-19. It has been hosted by BUHF for the past 25 years. The festival trees, wreaths and other decorations will be displayed at various businesses where members of the community can bid

on them. Funds raised all go to support Battlefords Union Hospital. Halloween saw many homes decorated for the holiday, but visitors in costume weren’t as prevalent. With clear skies and a full

moon it was a good night to be out and about, but there was a nasty wind to make it cool. The moon was called a blue moon due to two full moons in October. There will not be another full moon for Halloween until 2039. Remembrance Day is next on the agenda. It’s time to get a red poppy and wear it with pride for all those lost in wars. Poppies have been set out in various

businesses. It’s time for the annual time change across Canada. A few areas besides Saskatchewan are starting to follow the “no change” route. It would be nice to see time across Canada follow the old standard time again. That extra hour does not mean that much to most people and it is so good Saskatchewan time does not move back and forth anymore.

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Spiritwood

Meet the new council By Becky Zimmer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

With only the incumbent mayor and six names to fill six councillor seats, the Town of Spiritwood will not see a civic election this year. Here is what Mayor Gary von Holwede, the five returning members of Spiritwood council and the single newcomer had to say about going to the council table. Being a part of town council for many years – too many for him to count on his fingers and toes – Gary von Holwede said it has always been an evolutionary process. Nothing stands still, he said, and the council will continue making improvements to the town for another term. “You fix something this week, next week something else needs to be fixed. There’s an opportunity this week to make something better. And next week, there’s another opportunity.” We’re all prisoners of our own experience, he said, so having a diverse group of voices on council is important to making sure issues and concerns are seen and addressed. While there is much more left to do and a lot of fun things going on in the community, von Holwede said, he needs one more term at least to put a succession plan in place for the mayor’s seat. Having a good team in place as makes staying on for four more years that much easier, he said. “If you don’t have good support staff or team players, that drags you down and that maybe leads to a premature evacuation retirement.” One goal for von Holwede for the coming term is to continue to build relationships with the provincial and federal governments and the continued battle against aging infrastructure. Councillor Kiera Andres Following a second call for election candidates to fill the vacancy left by former councillor Debbie Allan, 25-year-old Kiera Andres will join the council table in Spiritwood. Her age will be an asset to the council, she said, as she will bring a new perspective to the table. More people her age should get involved in council, she said, so they know what’s going on behind the scenes. Sidewalks are an important issue that Andres wants to bring up in the next council term. Even around some high traffic areas there are no sidewalks, she said. “I live right across from the high school, and there’s no sidewalks here at all.”

Mayor Gary von Holwede

Through Andres’ previous work for Spiritwood Area Recreation, Culture, and Sports she learned a lot of what is happening in the town, she said, while her former daycare showed her a lot in terms of business management. Andres has lived in Spiritwood all her life and she now works at the credit union. James Bedi When James Bedi originally ran for town council in Spiritwood, he was tired of hearing people complain without anyone stepping up to fix the problem or offer solutions. Small communities run on people who volunteer to make their community better, he said, and he wanted to do that as a member of the town council. This past term was a big one for Spiritwood’s aging water and sewer system with a new water treatment plant and upgrades to their lagoon, Bedi said. The work will continue as work is being down to upgrade the lift station as well. Work is also being done to identify breaks in lines throughout the town through a camera system down into the lines. The amount of water going into the lagoon was higher than what was being put out by the water treatment plant, Bedi said, so there were obviously problems that needed to be identified. Bedi said he is proud of the work council has done to address these issues. With COVID putting a damper on town revenues, especially at the recreation facility, the council will have to find ways to maximize their revenue streams while keeping within COVID guidelines. Bedi said they will continue to focus on recreation, health care, and education within their community. “If you don’t have that in a small community, you don’t have anything and you don’t survive.” Bedi has been at the table for 14 years. Shannon Beaulac Councillor Shannon Beaulac is proud to remain on council for a second term. Being in her late 30s, Beaulac said she wants to see more young people get involved in council. You learn a lot as a councillor, she said, and she is excited for all the new information she will gain from her sec-

ond council term. Having another opportunity to work with such a great group at the council table as well as the town staff is something else that Beaulac is looking forward to. Beaulac moved to Spiritwood to finish high school and never left, she said, getting married to her Spiritwood husband and raising her family there. Beaulac works as an educational assistant at Hartley Clark Elementary School in Spiritwood. George Pretli Councillor George Pretli still enjoys working for the town and from his seat at the council table, he has a good vantage point of everything going on and the different problems the town is facing. “I’ve always been community-minded, so I figured it’s the only thing I can do to pay back the town for everything it’s offered us.” While the previous term didn’t produce any earth-shattering changes or improvements, Pretli said, there were a few issues that the town was able to address and receive much needed funding. “We take a look at where our costs have to go and we try to appropriate them in the proper places.” Unfortunately, like many towns in the province, Spiritwood does have a lot of projects on the go for their infrastructure upkeep. Pretli hopes this term will see adequate funding for these projects, and that council is able to keep things running smoothly and answer all the questions that the townspeople have. Bradley Nemish This will be the second term for Councillor Bradley Nemish. Being at the council table for only one term, one gets used to how everything operates and how things work, he said. The second term is where someone can get down to business and get things done. “Sometimes you get that second term and you kind of just have a better idea of how things run in a town, and I just think I have a little bit more knowledge base and stuff to share now.” Nemish has been a high school teacher and coach at the Spiritwood High School for the past 14 years, president of the Spiritwood Curling Club, and a member of the Spiritwood and Area Recreation Culture and Sport organization. Getting to know the community and the residents as a town councillor has been a big highlight of the last term, he said, especially when people take the time to get to know how Continued on Page 27

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 5, 2020 - Page 25

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Three powerful words, ‘I love you’ “I ‘m not sure my dad ever said those three little words to me,” Ed said yesterday. We were talking about saying things today that our grandchildren don’t understand. In the past, people might say that they wanted to hear those three little words. “I love you,” were the words that they wanted to hear. I love you might have been a more powerful pledge of love in bygone days, but I love you still packs a punch today. Is, I love you, stronger today than, I hate you? Leave me alone? It’s my life? Saying, “I love you” implies receiving the best from the person who said

eighbourly Advice

According to Ed By Raymond Maher

www.accordingtoed.com

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca it to us. If someone tells you that they love you, you may not believe them. Love is shown in actions, as well as with words. Loving actions give proof to the words; I love you. Trusting the words, I love you, spoken to you gives them power. Hearing, I love you, has no force

if you don’t believe the words are true. When people hear the words, “God loves you” they may not believe the statement. Responses vary to hearing, “God loves you,” such as: Why wouldn’t He? Of course, He does. I don’t care if He does or doesn’t love me.

Not me. He is the only one. Where is God when I need Him? God says that He loves me to control me and rob me of my free will. Could God love you more than you love yourself? Often, self-love is where we start and end. We may pride ourselves on doing our own thing or doing things in our own way. Do we know as much or more than God? Many like to dismiss God as dead or not existing. Others think the talk of sin makes God harsh, judgmental, arbitrary and a taskmaster. Christians know God loves them and that His love is for all people.

His love is a gift to those who will receive it and hold it in trust. Jesus lived, died, and arose from the dead to save sinners. That is people who recognize they sin and who cannot stop. Some admit they cannot stop snacking, or that they compulsively shop or can’t stop working. Can you be sinless? We all sin because we are born imperfect in our spiritual nature. The answer to sin and its hold on us is the freedom that God gives through His love for us in Jesus Christ. Let’s not deceive ourselves and claim to be without sin. It is the blood of Jesus that purifies us from all sin. (I

John 1:7,8) Some prefer to hate rather than love. Some see themselves as the only God they need. They spend their lives getting what they want, believing they matter most. Some do not love God or their neighbour and are proud of it. Christians try to love God and their neighbour because God has loved them first in Christ.(1 John 4:10,11) “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Hear and believe that God loves you.

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

(RC) St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish 1942 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0N4

TerriTorial Drive alliance church

306-446-1695

PASTOR: Rev. Phinh Do

DAILY: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

ANGLICAN PARISH Rev. Trevor Malyon

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK

SUNDAY SERVICES CAN BE SEEN ONLINE AT

306-445-5901

St. Georges Anglican Church Battleford Facebook St Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Facebook Battle River Parish YouTube channel CJNB Radio 1050AM Sunday mornings 7:45-8:30am Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

Hope Mennonite Fellowship

Battlefords Grace Community Church

1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

SUNDAY - 11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Pastor: Bill Hall

191 - 24th Street W., Battleford, Sk. 306-937-7575

WORSHIP SERVICES - 11 a.m. Sunday

Church Phone 306-445-4181

Everyone Welcome

Living Water Ministry

Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385

All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish

902 - 108th Street, North Battleford DIVINE LITURGY Sundays & Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Contact: Fr. Ivan Derkach 306-937-3767 or 306-317-8138 Social Distancing Protocol in effect.

Battleford United Church 52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK

306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Battlefords Cowboy Church Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m. PASTOR - Rick Martin

Third Avenue United Church

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S

Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 am

Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Dexter van Dyke

Pre-registration required to register at

306-445-8171

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

Everyone Welcome

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

LIVING FAITH CHAPEL

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Sebastian Kunnath

Phone: 306-285-3823 Contact: Don Retzlaff

Services: First & Third Sunday 10:30 a.m. Church & CE Wing: 306-893-2611 For booking the Wing: 306-893-4729

Sunday Services 10:30 am Various Weekly Programs Pastor: Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

Maidstone/Paynton United Church of Canada

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Pastor James Kwon

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

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Maidstone Museum News

Museum volunteers hand out Halloween treats By Dorothy Schwartz Correspondent

Halloween has come and gone and the Maidstone Museum volunteer members were busy for the last few weeks preparing for Oct. 31. Kathy and Doug Utri and helper Georgina Bahr

prepared and filled the treat bags and toy bags given to each child who came to the seniors’ centre between 3:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Three sides of the canopy of the Drop In Centre were decorated with ghosts and goblins, coloured lights and other

decorations. Thank you to the crew who arrived ahead of time to create a Halloween atmosphere. Kathy and Georgina, wearing gloves and witch hats, handed out 255 bags, two each to each child ‑‑ one treats and one games. Dorothy Schwartz kept

track of the number of children who came. Thank you to all businesses and individuals who donated items or money to fill the bags. Thank you to the Drop In Centre for the use of their facility and the offstreet parking lot for a most successful and safe

COVID-19 Halloween. During the evening Mayor Becotte’s family drew tickets for the raffle sponsored by the museum. First prize of a $100 AG Foods gift certificate went to Carol Lundquist. Darleen Robb won second prize of a $75 certificate and Danielle (Marfleet)

Gutter of Saskatoon won the $50 certificate. Thank you to all who sold and bought tickets, making this a financial success. All prizes were donated. Next museum meeting will be held at the town office Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. See you there.

Town of Spiritwood - Meet the new council Continued from Page 25 the community operates and functions. “Once you sit down and you realize how things actually operate and how things run, then you kind of have a better idea of how our town operates.” Keeping the community strong and vibrant is going to be a key goal for Nemish going into the second term.

Keeping the recreation facility utilized properly is something that Nemish wants to focus on as well. Bryan Wingerter Councillor Bryan Wingerter will also be back at the council table for the next term. He wants to keep serving the community and keep trying to make Spiritwood a great place to

GET YOUR BUSINESS GROWING!

live, he said. Wingerter is on the road a lot, he said, and keeps his eyes open to what other communities are doing across the province to see what he can bring back to Spiritwood. “I like to see a clean town, stuff like flowers in the spring and make it as nice a living place as we can with the tax base we

have.” There is a lot that needs to get done in Spiritwood, he said, which can be difficult with limited funding. You can only work with what you have budgeted but Wingerter said they have started being proactive and have started putting stuff away for projects. There are three things

that council constantly needs to address, Wingerter said, and that is water, sewer, and roads. Besides that, Wingerter said they have started a four-year plan to do sidewalks and beautification a quadrant of the city at a time. Wingerter said they will also be looking into economic development opportunities around the

town. While they were not able to celebrate the new park and bandstand that was erected in a vacant lot this past year due to COVID-19, the council will be focusing on getting more events into the community and supporting their second-to-none recreation facility in the coming year.

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