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ments, in this case Vancouver whose wage increase is expected to be 4.5 per cent following their collective bargaining. The RCMP costs ended up taking up much of the 2024 budget increase. According to the city’s news release 3.75 per cent of the general tax rate is designated for policing costs. Council did have the option to possibly go even lower with its property tax increase, down to 3.97, but that would have meant removing a $200,000 purchase of a 1.5 ton crane from the 2024 budget and delaying that purchase for a year to 2025, while spending $30,000 on a rental for 2024. In the end, council has kept the crane in the budget. Also going up are recycling and garbage collection charges for the Waste Management Facility by 4.4 per cent, driven by an increase with their service provider Loraas. Water base and consumption will see a rise of 4.5 per cent, while the sewer base and consumption will go up four percent. There is no increase coming to the Recreation and Cultural Capital Facility Levy, or to the Underground Pipe and Asphalt Replacement Fund. This is
By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca
North Battleford council has passed its 2024 budget, and it means increases are coming yet again for city taxpayers. After one last round of discussion, council voted in favour of the budget in a series of votes at their regular council meeting Monday. The main decision to come down at the meeting was to decide what the property tax increase would be. In the end, the final approved hike is for 4.42 per cent, down from the originally proposed 5.12 per cent hike. Director of finance Margarita Peña presented the final budget to council Monday night. Council found a number of efficiencies in the budget in relation to a number of areas which reduced the size of the final property tax hike. However, the final increase also factors in a larger than originally proposed increase in the service contract with the RCMP, up from three to four per cent, to cover the retroactive contract payment. Four per cent is expected to be more in line with recent developments at other police depart-
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See sales associate for details and list of qualifying models* in line with what was proSee sales associate for details and list of qualifying models* posed by administration * Receive instant savings of $150 (before taxes) when you purchase two (2) qualifying Whirlpool®, Maytag® and/or KitchenAid® major kitchen appliances. ** Receive prior to deliberations. instant savings of $300 (before taxes) when you purchase three (3) or more qualifying Whirlpool®, Maytag® and/or KitchenAid® major kitchen appliances. Qualifying purchases may include multiple eligible brands. Multiple purchases must be made at the same time from the same participating authorized Canadian Whirlpool®, The 2024Maytag® budget is also or KitchenAid® dealer. Qualifying purchases must be made between December 7 2023 – January 3, 2024. Open to Canadian residents only. Offer is not cumulative and cannot be combined with any other Whirlpool®, Maytag® or KitchenAid® appliance offer. Offer is not available to second channel dealers, builders or may not be available at all dealers. No substitute models qualify. See Sales Associate for list of qualifying models. Dealer prices may vary. Dealer proposing acontractors. spendAll models of $9.6 alone has sole discretion to set retail prices. Offer excludes Under Counter Vents, Countertop Microwaves, Discontinued and second channel appliances. million for®/™capital invest© 2023. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved. ments, which Peña said is about $400,000 less than what they were investing in 2018. One issue raised at Monday’s meeting was the concern the city was falling behind in its replacement program addressing aging infrastructure. Administration provided a graph which showed capital asset additions down since 2021, down from $14,785,830 to $9,606,923. Peña noted other cities are facing the same pressure, and pointed to inflaThe Grinch visited downtown North Battleford Saturday. Here he visits tion issues. Another issue with some North Battleford residents downtown during the BID Holiday is ability to access grants. Festival. See more inside | Photo by Cassandra Germsheid “There’s not enough grants for municipalities to go and try to catch up,” she said. The major concern on the capital side that was discussed at length at the meeting is an estimated capital shortfall of $1,042,133. City administration’s plan to address paying slightly more in council on Monday. By Miguel Fenrich it was by tapping into un2024 alongside a new fund “Capital project budget Staff Reporter appropriated reserves to for improving asphalt in is $2.562,00 million, avoid using external fundThe council of the Town town. amortization is set at ing. of Battleford unanimous“We’ll add revenues of $1.752,00 [million] and That idea raised alarm ly voted to approve the $9,664,010 million, with to achieve this the Town bells from Mayor David 2024 budget at their Mon- expenses $9,174,332 mil- of Battleford will need to Gillan, who saw a situation day, Dec. 11 meeting, lion,” the town’s CAO increase the land portion of Continued on Page 5 which will see residents Landon Chambers told Continued on Page 5 * Receive instant savings of $100 (before taxes) when you purchase two (2) eligible Whirlpool® and/or Maytag® laundry appliances, consisting of one eligible washer and one eligible dryer. Multiple purchases must be made at the same time from the same participating authorized Canadian Whirlpool® or Maytag® dealer. Consumer can mix and match qualifying Whirlpool® and Maytag® Washer and Dryer as part of qualifying pair. Qualifying purchases must be made between December 7 2023 – January 3, 2024. Open to Canadian residents only. Offer is not available to second channel dealers, builders or contractors. All models may not be available at all dealers. No substitute models qualify. See Sales Associate for list of qualifying models. Dealer prices may vary. Dealer alone has sole discretion to set retail prices. Offer excludes Amana® laundry, Inglis® laundry, and second channel appliances. †† COMPLETED ONLINE CLAIM FORM MUST BE RECEIVED ON SWASHPROMO.CA WITHIN 60 DAYS OF LAUNDRY PAIR PURCHASE OR WILL BE VOID. Only one Bonus Gift per household allowed. No substitute Bonus Gift available. Not convertible to cash. Submission must include a copy of invoice of the qualifying purchases. Missing information will delay offer fulfillment or disqualify claim. Allow 4 to 6 weeks from claim validation to receive your Bonus Gift which will be couriered directly to the Canadian shipping address provided. † 3 (887 mL) bottles, each washing up to 83 regular loads. Based on mean of 4 loads/week; 2021 Survey of 1000 Canadian households. ®/™ © 2023. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.
Battleford’s budget sees new infrastructure levy
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Elves on a Bench
These little elves welcome visitors to Battleford Town Hall. | Photos submitted
North Battleford residents give from the heart SASKTODAY.CA For the 20th consecutive year, Mona Bruynooghe has led a group of North Battleford residents travelling to Calgary to help children in need at the Operation Christmas Child processing centre. Bruynooghe, 68, and her group from Territorial Drive Alliance Church
spent Nov. 23 and 24 inspecting Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes before they were packed in cartons and transported to Central America, west Africa, the Philippines and Ukraine. There, they will be given to children who are living in the midst of poverty, war or natural disasters. “I love the simplicity of Operation Christmas
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Child,” Bruynooghe said. “Some of these children have never received a gift before, so this is a great opportunity to show them God’s love.” It’s not too late for North Battleford residents to help children in need. Just visit www. PackaBox.ca and pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes online.
Noreen Sehn, Brenda Hildebrand, Darla Eppen, Gary Bruynooghe, Denise Huxley, Mona Bruynooghe, Jim Bruynooghe and Connie Jess volunteering at the Operation Christmas Child processing centre in Calgary. | Photo courtesy Operation Christmas Child
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 3
Work continues to honour softball icon By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter
City passes protective services cost recovery bylaw By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca
North Battleford council has passed third and final reading for its Protective Services Cost Recovery Bylaw. This is the bylaw aimed at sending the bill to properties in the city that see excessive calls for service to protective services such as fire, community safety officers and the RCMP. According to the provisions of the bylaw that passed third reading Monday, it states that cost of fire prevention, suppression and emergency response services may be charged at the discre-
tion of the City Manager, to the owner or owners of the property where the City has engaged in protective or emergency response services. This discretion may be exercised based on the frequency at which the protective services are requested at the subject property, the nature of the emergency response services required, and the state of repair of the property. The bylaw has been touted by city officials as another community safety tool. But it has seen pushback from property owners and organizations such as Saskatchewan Landlord Association, which had called for post-
poning implementation to June 1 of 2024 to allow consultation within the community with respect to developing the bylaw. At the council meeting Monday, councillors received a letter from that same organization further requesting more details about how the bylaw would be administered. The decision at council was to proceed with the bylaw, but the indication from City Manager Randy Patrick is their administrative procedures will be brought back to council in mid-January. Council voted to require those be brought back to their Planning Committee meeting on Jan. 15.
Nature is Awesome
Months after Marilyn O’Driscoll’s passing, the Battlefords Minor Baseball Association says that work continues to honour her as the tour-de-force she was to the Saskatchewan softball community. “We have our AGM on Wednesday, [Dec. 13] we’ll select our new board ... at our first meeting, one of the biggest pieces on our agenda is creating another committee to honour one of our biggest people in softball in this community,” he told Battleford town council at their Monday, Dec. 11 meeting. “She was umpire chief here, she was one of my biggest mentors in this sport,” he said, noting that the board would like to commemorate her, while also building something for the softball community. The soon-to-be-created fundraising committee would likely propose, according to Russell, to upgrade one of the diamonds down at The Flats in Battleford in O’Driscoll’s honour. He added that may include a better grandstand,
Tributes have been pouring in on social media since it was announced that longtime, well-known and admired umpire, Marilyn O’Driscoll passed away Aug. 23. | Softball Canada Umpires / Facebook
an announcer’s box, a scoreboard and other upgrades. “We’re really going to work as a board to raise enough money so that we can do something sub-
stantial down there and it would be in Marilyn’s honour,” he added. The association will likely be returning to council with an official proposal and letter, which the town will require. “I can also attest to Marilyn,” Councillor Alexis Christensen told council. “So I don’t remember what the year was, the very first year we had actual competitive softball ... but she was right there from day one,” she said. “I would have probably been 12 years old at the time ... but she’s an amazing person so I’m glad you guys are thinking like that and I’d be glad to help,” Councillor Christensen added. Sharing an anecdote about O’Driscoll as well, Russell mentioned that he learned she’d gone into the hospital while he was driving back from Western’s last year. “She was texting me the day before she went into the hospital asking how my girls were doing and then showing me pictures of her cucumbers,” he said laughing, noting that she loved two things: softball and her garden.
Dec. 8 blaze destroys Battleford home
A fire in Battleford on Dec. 8 destroyed a mobile home. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich
Staff At dusk, these two whitetail bucks look me over before dashing away to flag their tails for the ensuing danger. Design all around! | Photo and text by Jim McLane
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started due to an electrical heater. The building was a total loss and the department says that no injuries were reported as the house was empty.
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A house fire in the Town of Battleford on Dec. 8 has destroyed a home. The Battleford Fire Department told the News-
Optimist that they responded to reports of a fire at 211-16th Street West late that afternoon. An investigation concluded that the blaze was
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Commentary
Bandwagon morality: A social media epidemic causing harm
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.
By Nick Kossovan
T H E B AT T L E F O R D S
Being accepted within social media confines is extremely important, particularly for young people, as face-to-face communication is rapidly being replaced by texting, posting, messaging, and commenting. What is troubling is it is becoming more common for people to use social media to (ironically) avoid social interactions. Young people today often have difficulty looking you in the eye and having a live conversation because they are more comfortable communicating via social media, where they do not have to present themselves physically and can create an online persona that garners them popularity. Not long ago, forming new relationships, joining a group, or interacting with others required you to call someone or leave your home. Today, many consider their Facebook friends their social circle, and texting/ messaging has become the most prevalent form of communication. Ironically (again), social media is a contributing factor to the decline in possessing social skills. However, even as social skills diminish, the need to belong still exists, so people, particularly youths, latch onto moral bandwagons in order to feel connected to others. Discussions about how social media affects our mental health and has created divisive religious, racial, and political climates have been endless. While these self-identifying divisions have always existed, they are now bubbling more angrily than ever, thanks to the ease with which individuals can use social media to spread self-serving “us against them” narratives. An under-discussed effect of social media-driven society is that it subtly, and often overtly, promotes “moralizing.” Unsurprisingly, most social media flame wars occur between people, usually anonymously, over who is morally superior. By moralizing, I mean judging others based on their supposed good and bad behaviour. As a result of mass moralization, I believe something I would not have considered ten years ago: the world needs less moralization... much less. Moralizing is a problem because of how clueless and ignorant almost everyone, including myself, is about virtually every topic. We rarely really know both sides of an issue or story. Content designed to be emotional provoking, coupled with the ease social media allows us to judge and condemn people we do not know and then anonymously post harsh judgments and insults, is how we ended up with a large segment of the population being self-righteous zealots hiding behind anonymous accounts. A lesson that we should have learned from the pandemic is that everyone will, at some point, be wrong about something. It does not matter what your politics are, where you live, your gender, or your personal beliefs or risk tolerance level—at some point in the last three and a half years, you and I were wrong about something, in many cases, horribly wrong. Assuming you and I will be wrong about something again is a safe bet, which means that most of what you see or read on social media
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has, to some degree, “stupidity” baked into the selfserving motive for the content having been conceived and created. (All social media content is self-serving.) Theoretically, people should have been humbled by the pandemic and become more accepting of others’ viewpoints. Instead, the opposite happened. The world became more polarized and angrier, with disinformation (READ: propaganda) spreading like wildfire, creating new “moral panics” almost daily. Moralizing has gotten to the point where we now live in a world where you are negatively labelled and publicly shamed if you have a viewpoint, opinion or belief that goes against the self-appointed moral majority. If you oppose Israel’s continuation of the Israel-Gaza war, basically saying enough is enough; Israel has made its point, you are challenging the current moral panic. Rather than assuming you oppose escalating civilian deaths, the moral majority assumes you are proPalestinian, which according to them is equivalent to supporting Hamas. Speaking your truth on social media platforms without anonymity requires a lot of courage. Therefore, I greatly admire those who do and withstand the attacks they know will come. Their courage reminds me of 1984 author George Orwell’s words, “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those
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that speak it.” As a result of moral grandstanding by bandwagoners seeking approval from their digital tribe, social media has become a battleground over whose position is supposedly the purest, as opposed to what it could be; a digital town hall where discussion of current issues takes place in a civilized manner, where differing opinions can agree to disagree, where the need to be right is not even a thought. For this utopian to happen, social media users, especially those considered “an influencer,” would need to adopt what I believe should be the number one Internet rule: Instead of trying to prove others wrong, try to see in what sense they may be right. Until all social media users adopt this Internet rule, I hope more and more people begin realizing the need to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate our Twitter-driven world, along with the ability to avoid jumping to conclusions and reserving moral judgment, which are not only beneficial social skills for the digital world, but also for the real world. Nick Kossovan is the Customer Service Professionals Network’s Social Media Director (Executive Board Member). Feel free to send your social media questions to nick.kossovan@gmail.com. On Twitter and Instagram, follow @NKossovan. Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher
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Browned-off By R.H. Wood
North Battleford
I’m dreaming of a brown Christmas, not that it makes much difference to me - I neither skate nor ski. Snow is a problem; it covers treacherous ice patches and needs removed from entrances and egresses several times a season. Thus, I needed to buy a snow blower, winter tires and more Christmas lights to compete with our neighbours – all such a bother. Brown is not my favourite colour as it is
Town budget
Continued f rom Page 1 the base tax from $380 to $530,” he added. The mill rate will remain the same at 3.75 for 2024. “I think it’s important that the residents know that the base tax has been increased by $150, and that is specifically to be put towards a program for asphalt improvement throughout the town for the next five years,” Councillor Judy Pruden noted. “So that is applied to every property, and it doesn’t matter what your house is worth ... it’s a flat rate,” she added. “In essence, taxation is not going up, it’s a new fund for repaving the street,” Mayor Ames Leslie noted. The Battleford Asphalt Improvement Levy (BAIL) will be implemented in 2024 to provide clear and predictable funding for the replacement of aging and deteriorating infrastructure, noted the budget
City budget
Continued from Page 1 of capital not being in balance and of the city spending more money than they are bringing in. “If we continue to do that we’re just burning
most depressing and by my definition, incorrect by
the way, is the absence of all colours. A fellow hospital resident, head down and despondent is remembered desultorily mummering that everything is his repast was brown – “brown soup, brown stew, brown pudding- why is everything in my life so brown?” I also remember another fellow resident who had a most remarkable sense of humour which never failed to reduce me to laughter. Without doubt, he could have been an entertainer, helped by a facility of offbeat thought and imaging, a humorous face and unique demeanor. One evening he convulsed the
dinner table and beyond when in silence he was observed, also head down, gazing dreamingly at his pudding bowl wherein were two peach halves each deftly surmounted by a glace cherry. The second part of the NDP spurred dental plan has been revealed starting at the opposite end of the age spectrum – there can’t be that many teeth in the land in those 87 plus. The old, retired shepherd at the end of our street in Scotland had only two teeth – one up and one down. Happily, they did not clash and featured in his poetry, a book of which was published in
document. This new levy will help avoid future uses of local improvement which charges costs directly to property owners. BAIL will also accelerate the rate of replacement, the challenge of aging infrastructure and everincreasing infrastructure deficits will not diminish, says the town. “This is actually 33 years in the making,” Councillor David George said, noting that council had tried to do this in the early 90s. “I brought up in the early 90s that we put 50 dollars per door away for roads and infrastructure and that money somehow got lost in general revenues. And so now, [30] odd years later, this has come into fruition,” Councillor George added. “I think it’s just awesome that we got this money going to the roads and infrastructure.” “Thanks for the manag-
ers and the admin team ... at least with this way it adds to the guaranteed money of getting some projects done rather than local improvement that sometimes you can get petitioned out,” Councillor Kevin Russell said. “We gotta continue to build our community strong and look after our residents.” Mirroring the rest of council’s comments thanking the administration team for the work on the budget, Councillor Alexis Christensen hoped to see the work that the town has down presented to the public more often. “Most people maybe don’t know all of the work that we put in and some of the things that are yet to come are ... that just helps when we think about $150 a year of an increase, it’s a pretty easy ask,” she said. Mayor Leslie did note that BAIL is strictly for roads and curbing. “It’s a really, really good
budget … we’ve heard from our people that we need to [not increase taxes] but part of our taxation needs to go to continually address our infrastructure.” He noted that the discounts aren’t changing so you can still receive a six per cent discount if paid in full by January. “I was at a course recently. 85 per cent of municipalities don’t plan for the future and don’t put money away for future spending,” Mayor Leslie said. “That’s why you’re seeing ... increases from municipalities across this country because they don’t have the foresight like this management team does.”
our own cash flow,” said Gillan, who saw a situation where the city would use up their own rainy day fund. “We can’t keep using our own money,” he said. The indication from Gillan is they intend to revisit that whole discussion
in the new year. The budget was approved as presented. According to the city’s news release, the Finance Department anticipates mill rates will be set in May 2024. As for 2023 taxes, the city city says outstanding property tax amounts owing are set to incur a 10 per cent penalty beginning on Jan. 2, 2024 if amounts remain unpaid.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 5
extreme vernacular. He used my father as his critic and sought and received encouragement. It is such a pity that I do not have a copy of his masterpieces, one of which centered on the day his “hoose got the radio in”. He was such a fine character and rustic gentleman and was briefly one of my patients. Back in those days the dominant dentist in our area was a much valued and respected Mr. Aitken (silent t) whose very name struck terror as I ascended the stairs to his office, surgery, torture chamber or worse. He brought my hyperdontia to an end using laughing gas - a misnomer if ever there was one. Mr. Aitken’s partner was a Mr. Brown whom I greatly admired – I still have one of his fillings. He bought my great aunt’s beautiful “Escape to the
Country” bungalow. At the end of the third year in medical school in Glasgow, one could switch to dentistry which had a shorter course and greater chance of qualification. One fellow student took this option. At the time of my final exams and the start of impecunious residences this chap was driving around in a Mercedes Benz – what was wrong with me! As I have said before, carbon tax is the answer to reducing our 1.5 per cent world carbon emissions score. So far it hasn’t controlled forest fires, but it will. Equally effective in pollution reduction will be our strident clarion call for a cease fire in Ukraine and Israel. Between global worries and what is left of my teeth all going off colour, I am browned off. Let it snow!
23123PS0 23123PS1
SIRT investigates death at Wilkie detachment The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team is examining the conduct of police during an incident in Wilkie where a woman died in RCMP custody. SIRT will investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s detention and the cause of her injury. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending. According to a release issued by the provincial government, on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at approximately 1:10 am, SIRT received a notification from the Saskatchewan RCMP regarding a death following contact with police in Wilkie. SIRT’s civilian executive director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT. According to the release, RCMP responded to a request to conduct a wellness check at a residence in Wilkie on Dec. 5 at approximately 7:45 p.m. While police were initially unable to locate the subject of the call, at approximately 9:30 p.m. RCMP received a 911 call from another residence in Wilkie, where the subject of the initial call, a 35-year-old female, was located. The release says the individual was unco-operative with police, but following the use of de-escalation techniques, was taken into custody under The Mental Health Services Act with-
out incident. The individual was taken to the Wilkie RCMP detachment, and EMS was contacted to assess minor injuries that are believed to have occurred prior to contact with police. RCMP members transferred the woman directly from their vehicle into an ambulance. After approximately 15 minutes in the ambulance, the individual went into medical distress and was transported to Unity and District Health Centre where she was pronounced deceased. Immediately following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the civilian executive director and three SIRT investigators was deployed to begin their investigation. Several knives and a quantity of a controlled substance were recovered from the residence where the woman was located and have been seized as exhibits in SIRT’s investigation. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service has been notified and is conducting an investigation, which will include a post-mortem examination, toxicology and microscopy. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation into the original inciting incident. SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.
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Battlefords RCMP gang unit raids home on Little Pine First Nation SASKTODAY.ca Battlefords RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed a search warrant at a home on Little Pine First Nation following a traffic stop on Dec. 9. During the traffic stop on Highway 40 just outside of North Battleford, police noticed open liquor in the vehicle. The occupants were arrested. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a semi-automatic handgun, about 56 grams of cocaine, a sum of cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. The gang unit then obtained a search warrant for the home on Little Pine seized five additional firearms, bear mace, ammunition, and cocaine. Steven Nighttraveller was charged with drug trafficking and eight firearms-related offences. Nighttraveller appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on Dec. 11. Cut Knife RCMP assisted in this ongoing investigation. Further updates will be provided when available. The Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) consists of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST), as well as the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT).
During a search of the vehicle, officers found a semiautomatic handgun, about 56 grams of cocaine, a sum of cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. | Photos courtesy Battlefords RCMP
The gang unit then obtained a search warrant for the home on Little Pine seized five additional firearms, bear mace, ammunition, and cocaine. Steven Nighttraveller was charged with drug trafficking and eight firearms-related offences.
Quin Squair’s accused killers to stand trial in B’ford court
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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023
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Quin Squair
By Lisa Joy
SASKTODAY.ca
Three people charged in the murder of 22-year-old Quin Squair from Wilkie have been committed to stand trial. Alex Gopher, Riley Gopher, and Colton Swiftwolfe have elected to be tried by judge alone. The three had appearances in North Battleford Continued on Page 13
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 7
Western Softball Championship coming to Battleford in 2024
The tournament will see approximately 240 players, 60 coaches, officials, administration and all the fans that will come along to see top-level softball played in Battleford. By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter
A delegation from the Battleford Softball Association brought exciting news to council at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 11. The Town of Battleford has been accepted as host for the 2024 U15 Western Canadian Championships, set for Aug. 2 to 5, 2024. “We’re going to see teams obviously from Western Canada, there will be boys and girls playing, at least nine teams of girls, and five to six male teams,” said Darren Russell, current president of the association as of Monday. He estimated there will be approximately 240 players, along with 60 coaches, officials, administration, and all the fans that will come along to see top-level softball played in
Battleford. “We choose to host in Battleford because one the facility is big enough but the other part of it is that facility is awesome enough. [The] Town of Battleford’s Parks and Recreation [department] do a great job down there and Heath Beaudry does an amazing job keeping us ready to roll,” he said. He also noted that it was a unanimous decision from the Saskatchewan association to come to Battleford. “I’m pretty excited to put our town on the map,” Russell added. He noted that although information is just starting to get out there, people have already stepped forward with donations towards the event. “As far as the event itself Counsellor [Kevin] Russell can attest to it. It’s a huge kind of program, you get the best players in Western
Canada … it’s an exciting event to host,” Ryan Shepherd, who also attended as part of the delegation, said. “It’s going to be a good event.” Councillor Judy Pruden asked if there was anything the town could do to help, suggesting they book the campground ahead of the event. Mayor Ames Leslie was also curious if there was anything the Town of Battleford could do to support them as they prepare for the event. “I’m excited ... it just goes to show right? The Flats were where I learned how to play ball 40 years ago and it’s still a top-notch facility,” Mayor Leslie said in comments to the media. “It just goes back to that investment into our youth and into recreation ... [it’s something that we’re slowly getting recognition for.”
DO YOU HAVE OUTDOOR WINTER CLOTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE? THE FOOD BANK IS NOW ACCEPTING GENTLY USED OUTDOOR WINTER CLOTHING FOR THE SHARE THE WARMTH PROGRAM. DROP OFF YOUR DONATIONS AT 1171 101ST ST NORTH BATTLEFORD CALL 306 937 5505 FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Proof of Expenses: Power Bill Energy Bill Water Bill Rent Receipt Childcare Receipt • Identification:
Health Cards for everyone in household Driver’s License
By Kathy Smith
Battlefords Art Club
The first three days of December saw five friends, who just happen to be fellow artists, indulge themselves in a show and sale of locally painted and produced art. The art ranged from wood carvings to paintings in both watercolour and acrylic and multiple handmade cards. Attendance was good, particularly Friday afternoon. An art show isn’t all about sales. It is also a time of regeneration and reflection. It is an opportunity to reassess one’s pathway in the art world and to receive and give affirmation to fellow artists. Everyone needs time to reassess
By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter
When? November 20th until December 8th, 2023 • Mondays - Fridays 1pm-3pm Paycheque Stub Social Services Cheque Stub Student Loan Statement Child Support Employment Insurance Stub Child Tax Benefit Statement Bank Statement
Three-day sale features local artwork
their path and to reaffirm their journey. More locally produced art is available both at the Chapel Gallery and in the Allen Sapp Gallery. Leah Garven has extended her generosity to the art community by hosting a Christmas art market. Located in the lower level of the Allen Sapp Gallery, the market features several artists’ work. Some examples are paintings, cards, pottery and fibrework. Everything is handcrafted. All work is available for purchase for gifts and the helpful staff will assist you. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of December.
Jubilation Handbell Choir to return to North B’ford Library
Where? The Food Bank, 1171 101st St, North Battleford
What to Bring?
Art Notes
Five local artists hosted a show and sale of their work. | Photos submitted
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If you are not receiving child tax for the children in your care, proof that they reside with you will be required. *** You must have all information with you at time of applying, if you are missing information no application will be started *** Christmas gifts will be supplied for children
Proof of current address or land location | For More Information Call 937-5505
BATTLEFORDS DISTRICT FOOD & RESOURCE CENTRE 1171 101ST ST, PO BOX 657, NORTH BATTLEFORD SK. S9A 2Y7 306-937-5505 | info@bdfrc.ca | www.battlefordsfoodbank.ca
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the 12 members of the Jubilation Handbell Choir will make the journey from the 3rd Avenue United Church, and back into the North Battleford Library just in time for Christmas. The free event is set for Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and features Christmas music performed by bells, all open to the public. “We are holding it on our regular practice nights. So that works out really, really well. We always meet on Tuesdays to play bells. So when we were asked [by then North Battleford Library], I just said ... ‘Sure,
we could do that as long as it was on our practice night.’ And they accommodated that,” Kathleen Link, the choir’s director told the News-Optimist. Although it may have a concert flair to it, Link did note that the event will take on a rehearsal feel. “And so that might be a different take on a concert, but we just want to share some of our Christmas music ... we’ve done this before at the library, and it works out very, very well.” Link noted that they play each month at the 3rd Ave United Church, but this will be their first outing to the library in over three years. “We’re always pleased and happy to share this instrument with the rest of the community. It’s quite
unique. There aren’t too many handbell choirs in the province. And so we have this opportunity. We’ve had these bells for many, many years. And we just like the public to have a listen,” she said. “And it takes a lot of practice to make sure that we get the timing right, and we get the right note at the right time ... it’s a learning curve. It takes about six months to become fairly accomplished at it.” She noted that she’s looking forward to the event, and noted that the choir is always looking for people willing to learn and join them as they ring their bells. “If this sparks somebody’s interest in that it’d be wonderful.”
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 9
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Saskatchewan Breaks Surgical Volumes Record Saskatchewan’s surgical system achieved the highest volumes ever recorded from April to September 2023, with a total of 47,748 procedures performed. This is an increase of 10.4 per cent over the same period last year. Our government continues to provide needed supports so the health system can maximize capacity and everyone can get the care they need, when they need it.
Hon. Scott Moe, Premier, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook
Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords
scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 306-747-3422
office@jeremycockrill.ca 306-445-5195
Grinch-mas rings in with BID’s Holiday Festival 20231207_News Optimist Ad_Surgical-Volumes.indd 1
The Grinch visited downtown North Battleford Saturday. Here he is enjoying lunch. | Photos by Cassandra Germsheid
By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter
It wasn’t all fun and games on Dec. 9 as North Battleford’s Business Improvement District rang in the holiday season with their Downtown Holiday
Festival. A certain green, hairy and Christmas-hating person also made an appearance downtown to roam the streets and hand out treats, among the swell of other activities. The event included a
2023-12-06 2:52:35 PM
The Grinch is photographed handing out treats and posing with some children.
free movie at the Capitol Annex sponsored by Battle River Treaty Six Health Centre, cookie decorating at Autumn & Ash, sleigh rides, free gift wrapping and a visit with Santa, and a street hockey tournament with autographs
and photos with the North Stars. The event also featured a downtown Christmas tradeshow featuring local home-based businesses, Indigenous artwork, Christmas baking and local artists.
The Grinch poses for a photograph on a bench downtown.
The Grinch pictured here with the North Stars.
Land-based learning focus of holiday fundraising By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter
The Living Sky Innovation Fund is asking community partners to help raise $30,000 through their 2023 Season of Giving campaign to expand on current land-based learning programming in an effort make it accessible to students across the Living Sky School Division. “Land-based learning is an authentic act of reconciliation as it broadens perspectives and creates meaningful connections to Indigenous languages and cultures,” reads a statement from LSKYSD. Funds raised will purchase a trailer filled with relevant learning materials, that will travel to schools year-round. The organization will partner with local knowledge keepers and Elders to engage students and staff as
they learn and continue building relationships with First Nation and Métis communities. “Students benefit from the opportunity to grow in understanding of sustainable land practices, how those practices impact the future, while learning cultural aspects of respecting and learning from the land. Materials will be collected to reflect different seasons and regional areas for specific place-based learning.” Sherron Burns, learning consultant with Living Sky School Division, says, “We believe ‘the land is our teacher, the universe is our classroom’ because we recognize the land is sacred and provides all we need for life. “We have worked with many elders and teachers over the years who have helped inspire a desire to deepen our understanding
An example of land-based learning used in the division as students from Spiritwood High School at a camp at Ness Creek work with knowledge keeper Evan Chamakese to learn protocols and tips for survival shelters.
Another example of land-based learning utilized in the division shows a table of items at McKitrick School. The items include buffalo berry, willow, and kinnikinik and tea from rose hips, muskeg, mint and local honey. They built a fire, made tea and cooked bannock. | Photos courtesy Sherron Burns
and we believe this project will help us do that,” she added. The Season of Giving campaign is running from late November to the end of December. To donate, individuals
ing 306-937-7702. “The Season of Giving is our first annual campaign for the fund and we are thrilled to launch it as the start of several initiatives that will run in 2024. We hope our communities
or businesses can visit the Battlefords and District Community Foundation website, www.bdcf.ca, or reach out to Christeena Fisher at the Living Sky School Division office for more information by call-
will join us in giving the gift of possibility to our students,” Fisher said. March 30 marked the official launch of the fund, established through the Battlefords and District Community Foundation.
“Santa, it’s not a secret, Battlefords Hearing is the Best Place for Hearing Aids.”
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 11
Meota and District News
Ice accommodates a few fishing shacks
Would-be fishermen have the itch to get their snacks onto the water and pull in that big one. | Photos by Eric Callbeck Would-be fishermen have the itch to get their snacks onto the water and pull in that big one. | Photos by Eric Callbeck
By Eric Callbeck Meota
The ice on the lake is starting to become safe for some forms of transportation but is not considered safe by Transport Canada for trucks. Would-be fishermen are experiencing the itch to get their snacks onto the water and pull in that big one. Members of the Do Drop In hosted Dallas Orders from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health to conduct a seminar. Dallas spoke on nutrition and diabetes. The seminar provided us with the knowledge of organ functions in regard to blood sugars and the effects of different food groups on diabetes. It was an informative and appreciated session. During my recent stay at RUH in Saskatoon I encountered Pete Hildebrandt and Pat Becotte. Both were holding up under the strain, but like everyone else wanted to be home to celebrate Christmas. My daughter and husband will be taking two weeks from their busy jobs to go on a two-week cruise in the Caribbean. Not too much worry about icy roads there. In Thursday bridge, Linda Ard and Albert Blais were first. Second was Donna Scherman and Jean Lawes and third were Jeanine Beloin and Margaret Dyck. Albert Huys and Gordon Klein topped Friday canasta scores. Second were Nestor Fransoo and Janice Morton and third were Carol Huys and Lillian Serenko. Meota Grand Slam of Curling (By Derek Welford) An electrifying game unfolded on the featured sheet Tuesday night between the Alm and Doom rinks. Kyle Doom, a threeyear veteran of the league, found himself up early on Lonnie Alm and looking to shut the door with a twopoint lead heading into the final end. However, a resilient Alm managed to steal two points in the eighth to finish the game with a tie at six points a piece. Recent user of the delivery stick Dave Code was
Robbie Reed started out with multi-point scores and never looked back as they beat Randy Iverson 7-5. Though recently reentering the work force two days a week, early scouting reports show the added workload has had no negative impacts on Reed’s shot-making prowess. Colin Mack, another former 4-H curling standout, made his Grand Slam debut as this was his team’s first game of the season against Pat Mohr. Tough team to start against, as Mohr doubled up on Mack 6-3. Al Collie and Don Johnson went the distance in a chess match of back-
and-forth scoring. Collie picked up his first win of the year holding on 6-5 over Johnson. Make that two wins in a row as Wanda Weber held onto an 8-7 win over Ed Cadrin Thursday night. Taylor Markwart skipped the Welford rink to a 6-3 win over Lee Gaunsage. It was a rematch of last year’s Silver Broom quarter-finals between the Sharp and Orchison rinks. Will have to wait for another day for the Battle of Randys, as Randy Orchison was away for the rematch. Randy Sharp and his team made it look easy as they defeated the Orchison team 9-1.
Dallas Orders recently gave a presentation on diabetes and nutrition.
Feeding the Battlefords
The mild weather has some ice shacks still high and dry on land.
promoted to skip duties of the Bru rink as he matched up against Gil Cadrin. Code turned a few heads by bringing in Northwest Farmer Spiel mainstay Rob Goodall to substitute curl. The substitution paid off big time as Code ended Cadrin’s hot week of curling with an 8-5 win. Boots on the ground report that Dylan Schaefer
had a “really good game” as the Colin Sharp team took down Evan Schmidt in a 6-3 thriller. This was the first matchup between these two former teammates since they disbanded after the offseason negotiations of 2022. Zane Lacousiere came out of the gate firing on all cylinders as he, Dale Howrie, Brent Czuy and
Associated Canadian Travellers donated $ 2,000 each to the Battlefords Food Bank and the Empty Stocking Fund Nov. 24. Erin Katerynych, executive director of the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre and the Empty Stocking Fund, accepts the donations from Clayton Campbell of ACT. Also in the photo are Don Dament, Terry Mitchel, Glen Hunter, Wayne Lambie and Don Christopher. | Photo submitted
December 2 8, 2023 Issue Lights of Joy
The Battleford Community Spirit Group would like to thank the Lights of Joy gazebo and tree sponsors. Your sponsorship helps fund events throughout the year. Town of Battleford
Anderson Pump House
Battleford Furniture Ltd.
Nutec
Twin River Concrete
Jaeger Transport (1988) Ltd.
Loraas Environmental
Grey Cat Oilfield
Discovery Co-op
Four K Auto
Jean & Harvey Walker
Sanburn Construction Ltd.
Battleford Home Hardware
Battleford Asphalt Services
Frisch Engineered Products Inc.
Historic Battleford Lions Club
Cargill Grain A special thank you to the businesses and groups who helped make our first Lights of Joy Dance a success. Battleford Furniture Ltd.
Comfort Inn & Suites
Town of Battleford
Remedy’s Rx
2nd North Battleford Scouts
Volunteers & Santa
Battleford Home Hardware
Beauty Spot Lash Bar & Spa
Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering with the Battleford Community Spirit Group.
BattlefordSpiritGroup@gmail.com
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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023
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OBITUARIES CHARABIN: Joseph Adam 1922 – 2023 Joseph (Joe) Charabin passed away at North Battleford on December 1, 2023 at the age of 101 years. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie, and is survived by daughters Carol (Mel), Gail (Richard), Doris (Keith) and Fay; grandsons Joey, Jeremy (Andrea) and Kevin (Dorianne); and greatgrandchildren Nathan and Alison. The family thanks the staff at Harwood Manor, North Battleford, for the care they provided Dad during his final years. Donations in memory of Joe Charabin can be directed to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sallows & McDonald – Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford.
TRYTTEN: It is with profound sadness, the family of Mrs. Vera Trytten announce her passing Friday, December 8, 2023, at the age of 81 years. Left to cherish Vera’s loving memory is her husband, Virgil; children: Deanna (Devanand) Teckchandani, Troy (Angela MC Phee) and Tara (Brian) Clarke; grandchildren: Taylor, Madalyn, Scarlett and Fraser and sister, Sylvia (Dennis †). Vera was predeceased by her parents: Dmytro and Mary Dmytruk. Visitation will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Eternal Memories Funeral Service – 2691 98th St. North Battleford. Funeral Service to take place Saturday, December 16, 2023 – 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, North Battleford, SK with Pastor Sheldon Gattinger as officiant. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice. For those unable to attend the funeral, a recording will be posted below. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.
FREIMARK: It is with heavy hearts that the family of Eldon Freimark are announcing his passing on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Villa Pascal nursing home in North Battleford. Just 9 days short of his 66th Birthday. Eldon is survived by his brother: Terry (Donna) & family, Sonia (Devin) & Family, Callie (Lance) & Family, T.J. (Bailey); sister-inlaw: Ginette (Evan) Freimark, Nieces and Nephews; Michelle Freimark, Mike (Catherine) Freimark, Naiomi (Tom) Ventura, Danette Rowley and their families; as well as many cousins, and friends. Eldon is predeceased by his parents: Arthur & Jean Freimark; sister, Fern Rowley; brothers: Gerald & Lyle; nephew; Allan Rowley; infant siblings: Faye, Earl, and Dennis. Eldon was born on December 11, 1957 at Rabbit Lake, Sk. At the age of 14 the family moved to North Battleford, where he graduated High School. Eldon was employed in the grocery business his whole working career until he no longer could work due to health concerns. Eldon enjoyed the outdoors and had a green thumb for gardening, always having a beautiful garden & yard. He loved visiting with family & friends and was always there in the picture at family events. He enjoyed his vacations whether it was a cruise line or beach paradise. Eldon will be missed dearly as he was the most kind, caring, and compassionate man. We would like to send out a “Special Thanks” to all the staff at the Villa Pascal Nursing Home for the wonderful care Eldon received in his three years there. Special thanks also to Mary & Gerry Kamineski for providing care and friendship to Eldon in his time of need. The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life Service held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Parkinson Research Fund, Ali Rajput Endowment, Royal University HospitalRuhf.org. “Rest in Peace brother, you are free.” Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts.
IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM
In Loving Memory of
Bernadette Rose Tady (Nee Bolan)
GERLINSKY: Peter Gerlinsky passed away December 1, 2023 in Battleford, SK. Peter is lovingly remembered by his youngest sister, Albena Penn (Belleville, ON); son, Cletus (North Battleford, SK); adopted son, David; daughter, Laura, and her husband Tom Hughes (Victoria, BC), grandsons, Christopher and Kyle; son, Greg and his wife Tammy (Wilkie, SK), stepgranddaughter, Jean. Peter is predeceased by his parents; Nickolaus and Amalia (Jaeger) Gerlinsky; his wife of 55 years Irene; brother Edward; adopted sister Emelia and her husband John Kosakowsky; adopted brother Felix Gerlinsky and his wife Annie; brother Mark Gerlinsky and his wife Dorothy; sister Elizabeth; and brother-in-law William Penn. A Funeral Service for Peter will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:00AM at St. James’ Roman Catholic Church in Wilkie, SK. There will be no Prayer Service held. For those unable to attend, livestreaming may be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/laura.gerlinsky. Tributes may be directed to Battleford District Care Centre or Bethany Enhanced Living in Wilkie, SK. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.
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FUNERAL SERVICES December 13th, 1931 to December 17th, 1986 Grief, we’ve learned is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot.
All the unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in the hallow part of you chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.
Always loved, forever missed and never forgotten. THE TADY FAMILIES
COMMUNITY
ROBERT LACOURSIERE A LETTER FROM HEAVEN When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did ten years ago, While thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to know. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.
READERS
When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.
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IN THE ESTATE of WILFRED EDWARD EMEL, late of North Battleford, 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 5th day of January, 2024. Battle River Law Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executors of the Estate of Wilfred Edward Emel.
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IN THE ESTATE of JOSEPH ADAM CHARABIN, late of North Battleford, 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 12th day of January, 2024. Battle River Law Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executors of the Estate of Joseph Adam Charabin.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 13
Borden and District News
75 enjoy Christmas supper By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent
The Borden Friendship Club held its Christmas Dinner Dec. 7 in the Borden Community Centre, with Langham United Church providing a delicious turkey supper with a variety of great desserts for 75 guests. Ed Neufeld welcomed everyone and thanked the church for the meal and Brenda Tumbach and her helpers for the decorating which made the tables festive with white lace cloths, wooden Christmas decorations with greenery, acorns, balls and votive candle holders set on red doilies. Annabelle Wiebe had donated a knitted afghan to the club and ticket sales brought in $192 which was donated to Little Sprouts. The prize was won by Bob Wardhaugh. After a delicious meal, Ruben Rempel introduced the band Back 40 from the Laird area — Dave Froese and Martin Guenter playing acoustic guitars, Andy Hamm electric guitar and harmonicas,
Corney Unruh bass guitar and Steve Hamm drums and mandolin. The sound man was Colton Unruh. They played and sang several country and gospel songs. Santa came to the Borden Co-op on the afternoon of Dec. 9, when hay rides with Santa were offered and there was hot chocolate or cider along with goodies inside the grocery store. The Borden Care Home Auxiliary held their Christmas tea in the care home the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 9, with crackers, meat, cheese and a variety of goodies to sample. On the auxiliary are Bev Assman, Bev Hrynuik, Irene Hamp, Brenda Roenspies, Florence Neufeld and Jan Sparks. Winning door prizes were Kathy Young, Dorothy Fouhy and Elise Meister. Among the residents, a bag of useful items went to Sue. Upcoming at Borden this week are the school Christmas concert Dec. 13 in the Community Centre, Lions meeting Dec. 14,
Friendship Club ham and turkey bingo Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and Anglican Church
carols and lessons Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. (no morning service) with lunch to follow.
Members of the Borden Care Home Auxiliary are: back - Irene Hamp, Jan Sparks, Florence Neufeld, Brenda Roenspies; seated - Bev Hrynuik and Bev Assman.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN MEMORIAM
battlefords humane society Hi I’m Claudette!
www.buhfoundation.com
Thank you for your donations in memory of Simon Schmidt ................................. North Battleford Janet K. Campbell ............................ North Battleford Stanley E. Hagan .............................. North Battleford Ann Louise Laing ........................................Battleford Charles Ernest Walker ..................... North Battleford Kenneth Sjoberg ............................... North Battleford Gerald (Jerry) Iverson ..................................... Meota Kenneth Neil Stewart .................................. Cut Knife Frank Shumlich ........................................... Denholm Donna Hickson ................................. North Battleford Lana Hickson ................................... North Battleford Charlotte Lahti .................................. North Battleford Walter T. Nelson ................................ North Battleford Al Gotto ............................................. North Battleford Jacquelyne Byers ............................. North Battleford Elizabeth (Liz) Weston ...................... North Battleford David W. Shury ........................................... Battleford Zachary Shury ............................................ Battleford Ivan Brent Wasmuth ................................... Battleford Colleen Cote .............................................. Medstead Roy Bartlett ............................................... Saskatoon David Snider .............................................. Edmonton Leo Mitchell ................................................ Battleford
Given with Love to enhance patient care Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation 306-446-6652 Charitable #13936 3626 RR0001
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Borden Co-op giving hay rides to Santa and visitors around Borden on Dec. 9.
battlefordshumanesociety.com CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
TOWN OF BATTLEFORD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FINANCE & UTILITY CLERK
Town of Battleford is seeking a Finance & Utility Clerk. Posting will remain open until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Responsible for providing financial, administrative, and clerical services in Accounts Payable and Utility Billing. • Preparing utility billings as per town policies and bylaws. • Ensure GL and utility accounts are balanced. • Prepare disconnection notices and manage delinquent utility accounts. • GL Accounts receive and verify invoices, prepare batches for data entry, enter invoices into the system. • Prepare cheques for signatures and mailing purposes. • Communicate effectively as a front-line customer service representative. • Receive funds and prepare receipts for tax and utility accounts, pet licenses, general transactions. • Working with detailed, highly complex and sensitive materials on a regular basis. • Ability to work with extended periods of sitting, working in a busy environment with frequent interruptions. • Grade 12 and some post-secondary courses in the field appropriate to the position is an asset. • Minimum one (1) year experience in a municipal environment is an asset. • Experience in computer programming and software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Vadim. • Must be bondable. • The Town offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive defined-benefit pension plan. • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. • Salary range is negotiable based upon credentials. Interested candidates can apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, salary expectation online to: CAO Landon Chambers at: cao.landon@battleford.ca Dated this 7th day of December, 2023.
Back 40 entertaining at a Borden Christmas dinner Dec. 7. In the back are Corney Unruh and Steve Hamm. In front are Dave Froese, Martin Guenther and Andy Hamm. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk
Quin Squair’s accused killers to stand trial in Battleford court Continued from Page 6 Provincial Court on Dec. 7 and case management was scheduled for Dec. 21, ahead of their trials in Battleford Court of King’s Bench. Riley Gopher, 26, from Saulteaux First Nation, Colton Swiftwolfe, 21, from Moosomin First Nation, Alex Gopher, 31, from Sweetgrass First Nation, and a youth from Saulteaux First Nation are all charged with second-
degree murder. Battlefords RCMP found Squair with serious injuries at a home on Saulteaux First Nation after getting a call about an assault on April 18. Officers provided first aid and called for assistance from local EMS. On April 19, police were told that Squair wouldn’t survive his injuries and RCMP Major Crimes took over the investigation.
Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023
From the Pastor’s Desk
Children’s Day hosted By David L. Walker
Turtleford Baptist Church
Christmas is a little over a week away and we have been and will be busy at TBC celebrating what Christmas is and what it means. Dec. 3, we had a Christmas worship event with 47 present. We celebrated communion and later gathered in the foyer for sweets and fellowship. We are looking forward to Dec. 24. We anticipate a great 11 a.m. worship service, followed by a pot providence meal in the lower auditorium. Men will bring a gift for men, women a gift for women and parents, grandparents and visitors with children
can bring a gift for children. All gifts have a $ 10 limit. If you forget your gift no problem, we will see that everyone gets something. Everyone is welcome and if you can’t travel stairs, a plate will be provided upstairs in the foyer. Please keep in mind, that every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. before the morning worship service, we gather in the foyer for coffee and chat. You will find people friendly, and will not feel out of place. We are one big family. Nov. 19, we celebrated Children’s Day with special music for kids, two object lessons and something for every boy and girl to
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take home. There were 34 present. We do not want to take anyone from your home church, but if you do not have a place to attend, you are more than welcome to visit with us. Until next month, have a blessed Christmas, and remember, “You are the reason for the season.” Jesus left Heaven, came to Earth to be born of the virgin Mary, walked thirty-plus years without sin, went to the cross of Calvary taking mine and your filthy sins upon Himself, was buried, rose, ascended and came back so that whosoever believes and accepts this, can spend eternity with Him in heaven.
Baljennie News
Apartment residents enjoy Xmas bash By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent
The Western Development Museum in North Battleford has been busy the past while. Many vehicles have gone through to see Light Up the Village. The staff and volunteers are always dreaming up more items for the outdoor display. Volunteers are also kept busy in the shop working on antique stationary engines. Some are easy to repair but parts must be made for others. The staff and volunteers said goodbye to Shirley Maze, rental manager, as she is retiring after 17 years. A decorated cake was presented to her at coffee row. They all wish her well in her retirement. So far, no one has taken her
place. Battlefords West Place and Chris Odishaw held a Battlefords Christmas bash at the Alex Dillabough Centre Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. There was a dinner followed by entertainment. My husband Stanley and I wish a very happy yuletide greeting to our local newspaper Battlefords Regional News-Optimist publishers and staff. We wish you all well in the new year. Also to all readers of Baljennie News. I have been contributing news to the North Battleford paper for the last 48 years. I started on Jan. 1, 1975. I do enjoy doing it and hope to keep on as long as I can, so keep the news coming. Merry Christmas to all and happy New Year.
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 306-445-5158 www.tdac.ca
306-446-1695
PASTOR: Rev. Fr. Phinh Do
Corner of Scott & Territorial Dirve Sun. 10:30 am Ministries for the whole family
DAILY: Tues., 7 p.m. Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted WEEKEND: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
ANGLICAN PARISH
306-445-5901
St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. St. George’s Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. Watch the Sunday Morning Service on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/battleriverparish Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net
Rev. Trevor Malyon Rev. Jan Trost
1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome
Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford
Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Pastor: Dean Covert
Church Phone 306-445-4181
Notre Dame de Lourdes Church
12th Ave. & 104th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 1S8 PASTOR: Rev. Father Millan Sajonas Office: 306-445-3836 Mass Times: Saturdays: 7:00 pm Sundays: 11:00 am & 5:00 pm (except July & August) Sundays: 9:30 am St. André’s Church Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com • www.notredameparish.ca
902 - 108th Street, North Battleford
Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Leonid Malkov Office: 1-306-343-6516
52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK
306-937-3177
SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.
Third Avenue United Church Rev. Jo-Ann Hills
Sunday Worship Services at 10:45 am
306-445-8171
Live Streaming Available at www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net
Everyone Welcome
Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385
Sunday Afternoon Service 3:00 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)
LIVING FAITH Sunday Services 10:30 am CHAPEL
Ukrainian Catholic Parish of All Saints
Battleford United Church
Living Water Ministry
Battlefords Cowboy Church
1372 102nd St 306-445-3009
Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month
Pastor FADY FAKHOURY
Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m. PASTOR - Rick Martin
ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK
Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Sebastian Kunnath
Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.
Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca
1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am and 6:30 pm Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca
Corner 1611 & 93rd Street, North Battleford
Phone 306-445-9096
Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.
Marriage and family counseling is available by appointment.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Page 15
Maidstone and District New
Museum hosts Winter Fest By Kathy Utri
Correspondent
Ashley Brett was the lucky winner of the Maidstone AG Foods draw Dec. 1. She won a Disney animated castle with lights and music. Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club held their general meeting Dec. 4 at Milleton Hall. We recently held an electronics drive where items were collected to be recycled as part of the 4-H Saskatchewan sustainability initiative. We held our Christmas party at Milleton Hall Dec. 8. It was a great time for those who could attend. Some members will be helping with the Salvation Army kettlebell campaign this coming week. We will be doing a 4-H activity kit day Jan. 14. Our next meeting will be Jan. 8 at Waseca Community Centre at 7 p.m. MST. Happy holidays to everyone. (submitted by Logan Gerlinsky) Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary thanks those who supported the tea and bake sale Dec. 8, those who donated baking and Marilyn Owens for playing the Christmas carols. All money raised will be used for Maidstone Hospital and Long-Term Care Home. Maidstone Museum’s Winter Fun Fest Dec. 9 was an exciting afternoon. Even without snow, the decorations, music, games, food, fire and visiting lightened everyone’s spirits. Fireworks lit the sky as the day drew to a close and were truly awe-inspiring. Thank you to Maidstone AG Foods for co-sponsoring
the cost of the fireworks. Scavenger hunt draw winners were Rachel Oddan, Josie Gossner, Stone Pichette and Katie Mosher. Appreciation is also extended to the volunteers who helped during the day and our wonderful team who spent countless hours of preparation. The lights will be on every evening from 5 to 8 p.m. MST so be sure to check them out. The Kin Club Maidstone’s Twinkle Tour list, map and form for voting are posted on Facebook. Voting is open till Dec.15 with six choices and five categories. There are also many other beautiful displays around town so take a drive and enjoy them all. On behalf of Waseca Community Centre, thank you to all who came out to Santa and Mrs. Claus Day. Everyone enjoyed the wagon rides provided by Do It Again Ranch. Thanks also to Ashlee for the cookies, Amanda for taking pictures and all volunteers for the event. Seasons greetings and happy New Year to everyone. On Dec. 10. some of my family attended the Maidstone Legion Christmas Supper and once again were treated to a delicious meal. The children waited excitedly for Santa’s visit while the rest of us visited with friends and family. Frances Wright commented how interesting it is to see parents who used to be the children sitting on Santa’s knee now bringing their little ones to see him. I echo this sentiment and wish the hall was packed like it used to be. A huge
Santa and Mrs. Claus rode along on wagon rides at Waseca Dec. 10. | Photo submitted by Waseca Community Centre
thank-you goes to the Legion crew and everyone who lent a hand. Maidstone Senior Jets won 8 to 4 over Perdue Pirates in Biggar Dec. 8. The game at home on Dec. 9 featured the teddy bear toss when the first Jets goal was scored by Barrett Foley. About 60 teddy bears were collected and divided among Maidstone Food Bank, Lloydminster Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Border Paws. Turtleford Tigers won the game 9 to 4. The Jets play Meota Combines at North Battleford ACC on Dec. 15 and are at home on Dec. 16 versus the Battleford Beaver Blues. Show up in your best festive attire and get a chance to shoot to win $200. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. MST. Like many of our community, I’m looking for-
ward to seeing two of my grandchildren in the school Christmas concert Thurs-
Maidstone Museum alight at night Dec. 9. | Photo by Michele Bailey
day. I wish they could participate past Grade 3 but we are blessed to still see
Supporting Language Development
North Battleford Elks Lodge No. 369 members recently donated funds to a student at Bready Elementary School to receive specialized speech and language support therapy. This therapy will focus on the use of a high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication device. The use of this device will enable the student to communicate with others and support his spoken language. Bready School expressed appreciation for this donation as it will be life-changing for the student and enable him to develop his speech with the assistance of the AAC device. | Photo submitted
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the older kids celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in their church pageant.
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Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 14, 2023
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