Regional News-Optimist February 9, 2023

Crime climbing in Battleford, but mayor touts the positive

Altogether, crime is up 21 per cent

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

At Battleford town council’s Feb. 6 meeting, Inspector Jesse Gilbert gave council the RCMP’s Q4 report, which shows crime up almost across the board.

Currently, the RCMP is focusing on four categories as they work to enhance policing efforts in the detachment. The four categories include:

• Prolific offenders

• Traffic safety

• Gangs

• Property crime

The RCMP is also focusing on building trust with three initiatives, including engagement with elected officials, community members and schools, with visits and events following COVID-19 restrictions.

“We’ve had good engagement with elected officials; we get out into the community and engage with groups of people,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert believes the RCMP is relatively good in terms of staffing. With some sick, maternity and paternity leave, they are

majority operational. They have some hard vacancies, but within the next three to four months, he predicts numbers will stabilize by summer.

But for crime, Battleford’s numbers are on the rise, and residents can expect a stronger police presence int he community in the coming months.

“Battleford has definitely seen an uptick between 2021 and 2022 … I think if you look at the long-term numbers from 2018, there has been a fairly steady climb up,” Gilbert said.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, compared to 2021, calls for service in Battleford increased by 5.3 per cent to 356. Assaults are up 68 per cent. The trafficking or possession of stolen goods is up 175 per cent.

However, false alarms are down 11 per cent, suspicious people, vehicles or property are down 11 per cent, and collisions are down 38 per cent.

Altogether, crime is up 21 per cent.

“This helps us dedicate our resources where they need to be dedicated,” Gilbert said, regarding the

crime statistics.

Councillor Judy Pruden noted that according to the report, the RM of Battle River had three times as many calls as the Town of Battleford in Q4, at 983 occurrences.

Inspector Gilbert could not determine if that spike was due to increased vigilance from the RCMP, or a spike in crime, but offered to have RCMP analyists look deeper and return to the council.

“I appreciate this for sure, the time that you’re willing to spend,” Mayor Ames Leslie said, adding, “For additional services, you said there was a CRT team. Do we still have a full K9 unit in town?”

“We still have one … we’ve noticed an impact,” Gilbert said, though he could not share those statistics as they are not his unit.

Gilbert noted that there has been a renewed focus on Citizens on Patrol Program and said that the newly relevant relationship has been very positive.

“We’re hoping to outgrow the detachment completely, and they have

Continued on Page 5

N.B. home sales better than most

SASKTODAY.ca

Many regions across the province experienced a year-over-year decline in real estate sales, apart from and North Battleford and Moose Jaw.

“Rising lending rates paired with ongoing inflationary pressures are impacting what individuals can afford, and our market has struggled to see improvements in supply levels in lowerpriced homes,” said Saskatchewan Realtors Association CEO Chris Guérette. North Battleford had 12 sales in the month of January, with 26 new listings, while Battleford had four sales and five new listings.

This whitetail deer was hiding behind the grass. She stayed bedded down as the photographer did not encroach. Design all around! | Photo and text by Jim McLane.

LOCCS to begin sports, art academy in fall 2023

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

According to a press release from Light of Christ Catholic Schools, the school division has announced Crusader Sports Academy and Arts Academy will begin operation in the fall.

The program will focus on providing a hockey program for Grades 6 to 9, including U13 and U15 programs, and will be open to all LOCCS students in this age group.

This program will run Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the Access Communication Centre in North Battleford.

LOCCS has also partnered with Trach Power Skating and Skills, from Saskatoon, who will provide the on-ice instruction and programming for the hockey academy.

Jordan Trach and Blake Tatchell, both alumni of JPII and who will provide

programming with Trach Power Skating and Skills, say they are excited to begin work in the fall.

“It is our belief that in the many towns and cities in Saskatchewan, hockey plays an integral role in creating opportunities for kids to develop life skills …” they said, adding that having grown up in North Battleford, they’re looking forward to being a part of the growth that the academy is offering to children.

The school division press release indicates officials felt it was essential to choose an organization and individuals who wanted to give back to families and community.

“We wanted a partnership with people who know the needs and wants of the Battlefords, who can understand our community and who could help us actualize our vision,” reads the release.

Planning for this program included reflection

on the LOCCS organization, developing a clear focus on helping athletes progress.

This process impacted the target age group chosen. Through research, they learned that if student athletes want to progress in hockey or any other sport, the sport-specific training must occur earlier rather than later.

On-ice sessions will focus on improving and refining hockey skills, while off-ice sessions will focus on high-performance training, sports psychology, nutrition and other components that athletes need to know and understand.

Participants will receive two on-ice and two off-ice sessions per week. When the ice comes off in the spring, programming will shift focus to other sports and activities that facilitate further skill development and overall fitness.

Concerning the off-ice component of this program, LOCCS has announced Bruce Yockey, principal of John Paul II, Collegiate, will oversee the program from a division standpoint and provide the off-ice instructional component.

Yockey is well known in the educational and hockey community of the Battlefords as he currently serves as president of the Battlefords U18 AAA Stars.

306.634.9556

“We also wanted to offer an individualized program at a cost-effective price point for our families, and we believe the

planning and partnerships we have entered into ensure we are able to do this,” LOCCS officials say.

LOCCS is also planning to expand the existing art, drama and music program, beginning in September of 2023, with their second focus area for Crusader Academy being performing arts, band and music.

This program will run out of JPII and will be offered to students from Grades 8 to 12.

This program will leverage the new state-ofthe-art educational space currently being built in JPII. A significant aspect

included in the planning of their renovation includes building a new stage in the commons area along with a modern learning stair for seating.

This new area will also be equipped with a new servery, complete with a commercial kitchen so the school can host events with food services.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to leverage this new space and provide an excellent and unique curricular and extracurricular program. The newly renovated space will be ideal for drama, music and band programs alike,”

LOCCS states.

LOCCS is in the end stages of planning and awaiting some details before setting final costs. Spots in this program will be limited and will be filled on a firstcome first-serve basis.

Registration for spots in the Sports Academy opens Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. Visit www.loccsd.ca to reserve a spot.

LOCCS still has some details to finalize before opening registration for the arts academy, and more information will be available later.

Woman charged with child abuse goes to trial

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

Thirty-five-year-old

Charmaine Brett Bear is headed to trial on child abuse and neglect charges after Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt filed a direct indictment against her in North Battleford Provincial Court.

This means that the preliminary hearing previously scheduled for March won’t be necessary. A preliminary hearing is an evidentiary hearing that is held before a trial. Direct indictments occur in cir-

cumstances involving serious violations of the law and where it is the public interest to do so.

Bear is charged with failing to provide the necessities of life, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, two counts of assault, and two counts of uttering threats.

She has been in custody since she was arrested in Calgary, Alta., in May 2022 without incident and brought back to Saskatchewan. She was wanted by police for 15 months.

Charmaine Bear’s co-accused, 35-year-old

Lyle Aaron Bear, is also headed to trial on charges of failing to provide the necessities of life, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, two counts of assault, two counts of uttering threats, and two counts of assault with a weapon. The two were charged in January 2021 following an investigation by police after they got an alleged child abuse report in December 2020. Their pre-trial is scheduled for Feb. 10 in Battleford Court of King’s Bench.

This paper is proudly printed locally in Estevan.

A rendering of the renovated commons/stage area at John Paul II Collegiate. A significant aspect included in the planning of the renovation includes building a new stage in the commons area along with a modern learning stair for seating. | Courtesy LOCCS

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Eagle Nest group home approved to 2025

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Battleford town coun-

cil has approved Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch’s discretionary use application for their youth group home a 61-28th Street West, which houses six youth.

In 2019, when the group home was proposed, the town received several letters in opposition, citing perceived issues, including the possibility of decreased property values, a lack of parking space, and

general noise in the neighbourhood, among other issues.

Following discussion at three town council meetings in a row, the council passed the application at their June 17, 2019, meeting.

Since Eagle Nest’s Feb. 16, 2021, renewal with the Town of Battleford, all of the conditions have been fulfilled by Eagle’s Nest. There have been no complaints except for a few letters stating that staff were parking on the street, and the town

communicated that to Eagle’s Nest.

Town council has now approved a further twoyear term ending Feb. 16, 2025, at which time council will review and reevaluate the use.

“I’m just grateful that we’re able to have this in our community,”

Councillor Alexis Christensen said. “I’m realizing now that I don’t really know a lot about (Eagle’s Nest) it. I would like to learn a little more and see how it benefits our community further.”

Battleford Spirit Group seeking volunteers

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

At Battleford’s town council meeting on Feb. 6., Councillor Judy Pruden called for dedicated volunteers interested in joining Battleford’s Spirit Group to come to their next meeting.

On Feb. 22, the spirit

Elks Support Fluency Therapy

North Battleford Elks Lodge No. 369 members recently donated funds for a student at Connaught School to receive specialized speech and language therapy focused on improving fluency. The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) offers specialized treatment to children, teens, and adults who stutter. Receiving therapy can not only improve a student’s communication skills but can also impact a student’s social and emotional development. The staff and student who will receive therapy are grateful to the North Battleford Elks for their support. Speech-Language Pathologist Adria Runge submitted the application. Accepting from the Elks is VicePrincipal Jamie Whitt. | Photo submitted

Man arrested by RCMP gang unit pleading not guilty

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A man arrested by the North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force [GTF] is pleading not guilty and electing to be tried in provincial court.

group is meeting at the south meeting room in the Alex Dillabough Centre at 7 p.m. to discuss the group’s viability moving forward.

“We’re looking for energetic members to join the executive committee,” Pruden said.

They will also have sign-up sheets for their

three annual events for interested volunteers.

“It’s time for other people to sort of step up and help us out,” Pruden said, adding that there will be support and guidance for anyone willing to help as well.

You must be a resident of the town or own a business in Battleford.

BUHF Ladies’ Night returns

SASKTODAY.ca

After a three-year hiatus, the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Ladies’ Night event is back. sponsored by G&C Asphalt.

G&C Asphalt has been a longtime supporter of BUH Foundation.

This year’s Ladies’ Night – Studio 54 “Let’s Dance!” event will take place on Saturday, April 1 at the Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford.

Fundraising efforts

will be supported by silent auctions, raffles, a chance to win a diamond ring, bubbles and bling giveaway, mystery guest servers followed by dancing and much more.

Tickets are now on sale and are available at the BUH Foundation office or by calling 306-446-6652.

Leading the event are committee chairs Cheryl Mitchell and Barb Dekker along with members Joelle Kuntz, Tracy Voigt and Sherry Krelow. The is also supported by

individual contributors and businesses and individuals,

The two-year fundraising commitment of $814,000 toward the purchase of a Pyxis system (an automated dispensing machine that provides secure medication storage along with electronic tracking of the use of narcotics and other controlled medications) is the largest capital campaign that the foundation has committed to.

Defence Blaine Beaven waived 19-year-old Adrian Dreaver’s attendance in North Battleford Provincial court Tuesday and said he wants to set the matters for trial on nine-weapons related offences and a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Dreaver was charged after police were investigating an incident where a woman was shot at while driving her vehicle in North Battleford on Dec. 13, 2022. Police had responded to four separate incidents of shots fired in a three-day span and say they may be gang related.

The incidents occurred between Friday, Dec. 10 to Tuesday, Dec. 13.

North Battleford RCMP GTF determined that a black SUV that matched the description of the suspect vehicle was stolen. Their investiga-

tion led them to a second vehicle associated with the black SUV. Police stopped the vehicle in the city the same day and found three sawed-off rifles and drugs.

Dreaver and 24-yearold Keagan Jackson, both of North Battleford, were arrested and charged with firearms-related offences.

Dreaver also faces identify fraud and possession of stolen property charges from August 2022. Jackson has a show cause hearing scheduled in North Battleford Provincial Court on Feb. 13.

Man charged in La Ronge shooting faces offences in Blaine Lake

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A man charged in connection to a shooting on Lac La Ronge Indian Band last year faces violence-related charges in a separate incident.

The trial for 27-yearold Kein Patterson was scheduled for Feb. 2 in Blaine Lake circuit court but adjourned to March 2. In that court he faces charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and uttering death

threats.

Patterson also faces violence and weapons-related charges in Prince Albert Provincial Court stemming from an incident on Lac La Ronge Indian Band in July 2022. Police say that a vehicle approached another vehicle that was parked in the driveway of a residence. Shots were fired at the vehicle and two males were injured. They were taken to hospital with serious injuries, say police.

Prince Albert RCMP charged Kein Patterson,

Klay Patterson, 25, and Kade Patterson, 23, with two counts of discharging a firearm with intent, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, using a firearm during an offence, careless use of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The three were scheduled to be back in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Feb. 8 to speak to their matters.

Letter

Health care facilities have both a front door and a back door

Dear Editor There aren’t enough cooks or continuing care assistants in long-term care. There aren’t enough licensed practical nurses or medical technologists in acute care. There are simply not enough health care workers in Saskatchewan’s broken health care system.

It is common for all health care facilities to be short staffed. It happens every single day. This negatively impacts patient and resident care. It also impacts health care workers who must make do, working short every day. They are exhausted, burned out and frustrated because they can’t provide the care their patients and residents need.

The Sask. Party government introduced a “historic” recruitment and retention plan in September 2022. It promises to “recruit, train, incentivize and retain” health care workers in the province. Just this week they issued a press release stating that they are having success. On the same day they announced this news, however, there were 1,661 vacancies posted on the Health Careers in Saskatchewan webpage. This isn’t much of an improvement since the plan was launched. It may be because the plan has missed the mark. It may also be because health care facilities have both a front door and a back door.

Health care workers who remain in the system are leaving. They are retiring as soon as they can, earlier than they planned in some cases. They are leaving for other jobs. While the health human resources’ plan tries to get health care workers in the front door, many are going out the back door. They can’t continue to work short every shift, be denied vacation, be forced into overtime, be scheduled for shifts they don’t want and deal with poor working conditions, a lack of respect and stagnant wages. There is nothing in the plan for retaining them. Literally nothing.

Where “the plan” hasn’t succeeded, the solution is to get private companies to provide contract health care workers. Imagine paying $90 per hour to a private company to get the services of a health care worker whom you could hire for $36.16 per hour. We know there are more costs to that in-house employee – benefits, pension, statutory payments. Even so, how is it sustainable to double your costs?

Contract employees aren’t part of the community, they aren’t vested in the workplace, and that isn’t good for the system or care being provided. How much productivity is lost orientating and getting work ready for a steady flow of new contract workers? Privatization doesn’t save money, and it doesn’t provide better care.

It is time to pay attention to the back door. It is time to provide some respect and relief to the workers still on the front line.

Community laments loss of Pine Island Suites in Maidstone

Dear Editor

This letter is not being written to condemn anyone, but to express the feelings of many people who are disappointed to hear Pine Island Suites in Maidstone will soon be closed.

That building was the original Pine Island Lodge for seniors, and the community was pleased to have such a facility. It was no longer needed when a new and much larger lodge was built onto the hospital.

I enjoy telling the story of when a government official came to a government-sponsored public meeting regarding the plans to close the first building and put up the newest one. He informed us it was, after all, an old building, 30 years old. As someone who maintains an Eaton home, I expect I laughed louder than anyone.

building constructed of cement blocks just called out for re-purposing, since cement blocks are rather durable. A group of local people, with powerful leadership, Continued on Page 5

Letters welcome

Bashir Jalloh President CUPE Local

5430

He also said the first lodge couldn’t be remodeled since it was made of cement blocks. More laughter; it seems government people who live in ivory towers have never heard of cement saws. It didn’t occur to him that a

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Regional Optimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or emailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher Administration

Kylie Cooke DTI/Receptionist

Editorial

Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca

Lisa Joy Reporter • Miguel Fenrich Reporter

Advertising Sales

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Noah Cooke Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

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.

WoodPile The Catch My Drift

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

What a spectacular inglorious demise that innocent until proven guilty Chinese balloon suffered at the hands of the U.S. military. It was blown to “smithereens” to use a term much heard by the British in wartime. Why did they not put a wee hole in it from the ground from where it could be visualized allowing it to sink gently with oriental dignity onto terra firma? It could then have undergone a post mortem and its entrails carefully examined. With infinite and unanticipated non-wisdom Mr. Biden awoke from slumber to order its destruction without being aware of its contents which could have been grossly unwise

– “pour encourager les autres” perhaps. After any required repairs it could have been returned to Beijing and recycled in the interest of world peace and non-pollution.

The question, of course, is what was this non-rigid, non-dirigible,

Count Zeppelin inspired “airship” actually doing? Was it simply a weather balloon which had escaped its tether or a ridiculously obvious visible from the ground spy ship? No, my suggestion is it was a test run for low-cost high-level spectator trips for Falun Gong and Elon Musk. It could also have been planning to spread Shen Yun pamphlets or free tickets. There is a thought however that it was tracking air currents from China over the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, strategically unimportant Saskatchewan thence to central America for military not civilian purposes. Balloons large and small, being assumably innocuous, could be filled with political pamphlets, new Covid variants, noxious gases, microbes or even explosives. We should be so relieved when we learn after the fact

that our defense minister, NORAD, Mr. Biden and Mr. Trudeau et al were tracking the balloon from China to our very doorstep. When I was young, train spotting in Scotland was our main source of relaxation – balloon spotting will be the new craze for the youth of today.

The currently meeting provincial health ministers are demanding something like $28 billion more in health care support which, of course, will be denied. Even Oliver Twist had the courtesy to ask politely for “some more please”. Mr. Singh has the glib answer to the health care crisis i.e. zillions more new nurses and doctors. The only way this can be achieved is by reducing training to a few intense weeks followed by paid study leave in lieu of holidays. For years I used to say that training programs could be

more focused, intense and relevant but my remarks at medical conventions were always treated with derision. I cannot understand the rationale that individuals are denied health care at their own cost when all that the state system can offer is an indeterminate

Crime up 21 per cent in Battleford

Continued from Page 1 to move to the Don Ross Centre.”

Mayor Leslie added that he has recently finished his orientation with COPP, and is excited to be apart of the program. He also noted that changes are coming, even to the level that a newly branded COPP vehicle may soon patrol the streets. COPP members may also have vests and badges for the purposes of identification in the future.

Mayor Leslie then asked Inspector Gilbert if the 9 p.m. curfew has worked, but Gilbert can’t say for sure, saying that, “...with statistics, you’re sometimes unsure whether it’s cause or correlation.”

“I think it was a successful campaign,” Gilbert said, noting that there is usually a significant spike in vehicle thefts when the cold weather comes. In 2022, that spike did not happen,

though it could have been other variables.

“I can’t say for sure, but I take it as a win.”

Gilbert acknowledged that statistics are one thing, but the RCMP plans to enhance their reporting and communications over the next few months and years.

Councillor Shelly Boutin-Gervais added,

“Overall, this looks like the stats keep going up. My wish is that they’ll go in the opposite direction, and maybe with the proper staffing, that will happen.”

“I know you work hard, and we’re glad to have you here,” Councillor Alexis Christensen said.

Mayor Ames Lelise noted as Inspector Gilbert finished the RCMP delegation to council, that, “As a community leader, I think we need to celebrate the successes of our law enforcement and our community better …

Letter Community laments

Continued from Page 4 saw the situation in a positive light. (The government man was no doubt told to approach the situation in a negative manner.)

The local people put in many hours of work and raised thousands of dollars to turn that building into Pine Island Suites, which became home to seniors who no longer wanted to do their own cooking. They had a splendid house mother or matron or whatever title was used, who dedicated herself to the well-being of the residents. The suites are in the same block as the government senior rental apartments, so the people who live there could just walk across to socialize with the men and women in the suites. None of this is news

to the people of the town or surrounding areas.

Of course, the place cannot operate financially with only a handful of residents. Jobs have already been lost.

So, that home is going

I’d like to see bigger splashes of that into our media.

“We’ve taken off $100,000 worth of drugs, 35 weapons, put four people in custody … let’s celebrate those because

to close, a good dream has gone flat, leaving people to say, “It isn’t right, it isn’t fair.”

I expect there are several reasons, not just one. Will we ever know?

Call in the bulldozers, the place is now more than 40 years old.

Christine Pike Waseca

everyone knows crime town is led by a lot of these initiatives. And the more we can help the successes

of our men and women in uniform, making our community safer, the better.

waiting list. Internal squabbling, Ukraine, friction between America and China, and now the earthquake scenes from Syria and Turkey sure detract from happy thoughts of a peaceful early spring.

“No one wants to celebrate crime, but there must be a positive somewhere.”

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Inspector Jesse Gilbert presented the fourth quarter RCMP report to Battleford town council Monday. |

Photo by Miguel Fenrich as the CRT team and gang unit has success in the community,

Parenteau founds Sask. Indigenous Music Association

By Julia Peterson

Local Journalism Initiative

Reporter / The StarPhoenix

SASKATOON - When Donny Parenteau was starting his music career in Saskatchewan, he knew he wanted to play his fiddle on the world’s biggest stages.

Now, the highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer has a new dream — to help up-and-coming Indigenous musicians from across the province shine.

“All through my career, I’ve had people call me and ask me for advice,” he said. “’What do I do here? What should I do here? I wrote this song — but I don’t know if I’ll ever make it.’ And I say, ‘You’ve got to get that out of your head. You’ve got to get past the four walls where you learned your craft, and take it to that next level.’

But a lot of the time, that’s the problem. People don’t know where to go.”

That’s what inspired him to create the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association (SIMA).

The association will organize an awards show, to

highlight the breadth of Indigenous music happening in Saskatchewan.

At many of the major music awards in Canada, Parenteau has noticed that Indigenous music is often featured in a single category, regardless of genre. He himself has been nominated for ‘Aboriginal recording of the year’ at the Juno awards three times.

But at an Indigenous awards show, the vast array of Indigenous music being produced in Saskatchewan today can all have time in the spotlight.

“We’ll have different Indigenous artists playing all kinds of music — every genre, from pow wow right through to rock, heavy metal and rap,” he said.

“There’s so much out there right now. And I’m just talking about Saskatchewan.”

Parenteau also believes this will make Saskatchewan the first province to have its own Indigenous music awards show.

“Somebody asked me … what took so long to make it happen?” he said.

“And I don’t know why.

But the most important thing is, it’s finally here. It’s about time.”

The awards show is only one part of what SIMA will do. As Parenteau started building the association’s board, reaching out to friends and colleagues in the music industry, he says

there was so much enthusiasm that the idea just grew and grew.

Now, Parenteau says SIMA will be there to help Indigenous musicians in Saskatchewan at every stage of their careers.

“Our main goal for this organization is to take all

the knowledge that we have, so that someone from a small community, who just started playing, who’s not sure what to do, can call us,” he said. “And we can be a helping hand to guide you to that next step.

“Our board has such a wide breadth of knowledge.

It’s absolutely phenomenal. If we don’t know the answer to your question, I guarantee you we’ll know somebody that does.”

When he moved back to the province in the early 2000s, an organization like this would have helped him find his feet in the local music scene, he says.

“It could have guided me a lot more easily down that path.”

He knows exactly what kind of doors he’d like to open for talented young Indigenous musicians in the province.

“This is what I visualize happening,” he says. “We’re going to meet a 12- or 14-year-old person who comes forward, and all of us as a board are going to guide them. And when they turn 25 or 26, they’ll receive their very first big award in Canada. And they’ll be asked, ‘Who would you like to say thank you to? How did you get your start?’ And they’ll say, ‘the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association.’

“That’s when I’ll sit back and just beam with pride and go, ‘Wow. We made it. We did it.’”

ACT donates $3,000 during 15th archives week

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The Association of Canadian Travellers has made another donation to the City of North Battleford’s Archives, coinciding with the 15th Archives Week and the archive’s open house on Feb. 7.

One of ACT’s donations in 2001 subsidized the purchase of the first computer in the archives,

which is a testament to their longstanding support of the North Battleford’s archives.

Lynn Stace, archivist and senior gallery assistant with the city, shared her enthusiasm regarding the donation and what they plan to spend the money on.

“We’ll be purchasing shelving units for our offsite storage areas…thank you,” Stace said, adding that they’ve had 25 peo-

ple show up for the open house and that support from the community is vital.

Stace and her archive volunteers have been busy with their 15th archives week display, situated in the Co-op mall from Feb. 9 to 11.

This year, the week’s theme will follow North Battleford’s ‘boom’ of the 1950s.

Every day, the volun-

teers will be at the display in the Co-op mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The volunteers do it every year,” Stace said.

The volunteer committee has gone through many displays, including the 1974 winter games, the decades from the 1900s up to the 50s, corner stores, and even more. They make the displays mainly using old newspaper clippings.

“We’ve been trying to expand our outreach, and that’s why we did the open

house today because we’ve noticed, especially trying to do more social media, people want to know where we are located and what we do…while displays show some of the things we have, it doesn’t show all of it,” Stace said.

“Archives are important for many different reasons…it helps kinda bring back memories, and it helps reassure people that those memories won’t get lost.

“I also think archives are important. After all,

it gives people a place to explore history for themselves because a lot of the time, when we learn history, we’re learning it from a textbook, through someone else’s voice.

“But with archives, you can learn for yourself. Look things up, research, and come to your own conclusion.”

For more historical facts and information each day during archives week, visit the City of North Battleford Historic Archive’s Facebook page.

Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association board members Sheryl Kimbley, Donny Parenteau, Paul Lomheim and Roland Corrigal stand for a photo in Prince Albert. Parenteau will be performing at the Dekker Centre in North Battlefordon Thursday, Feb. 23. | Photo submitted

ACT members Don Christopher, Terry Mitchell, Wayne Lambie, Clayton Campbell and Don Damont present a cheque of $3,000 dollars to Lynn Stace of the City of North Battleford’s archives. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

NB residents honoured with Jubilee medals

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Feb. 6 marked the City of North Battlefords investiture ceremony for 13 community members with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal.

Following a prayer and blessing from Chief Sylvia

Weenie and a smudging from Alvin Baptiste, Grant Schutte lead the ceremony as MC.

“I am humbled by the achievements, dedication and community spirits of our nominated recipients,” commented Mayor David Gillan.

“The Queens’s Plati-

num Jubilee medal has been bestowed upon by very few, and we are proud to honour the contributions of those who have given so much to our community.”

The recipients of the QEII Jubilee Medals are as follows:

• Kate Abrahamson –honoured for contributions

Aboriginal storytelling at the N. B’ford library

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The North Battleford Public Library recently announced a slate of events to celebrate Saskatchewan’s 20th Aboriginal Storytelling Month with an evening of storytelling.

“It’s important for us to recognize aboriginal storytelling month in Saskatchewan because storytelling for Indigenous people is a very important custom that’s been used to teach others cultural traditions and share knowledge,” Colin Evans, head librarian, told the News-Optimist.

On Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., Curtis Peeteetuce, playwright and sound designer, is joining the library for an evening of storytelling and conversations.

The library’s inaugural Indigenous Book Club will bring Richard Van Camp’s novel, Gather: On Storytelling, to the library on Feb. 26, at 6 p.m., which Evans finds interesting, considering February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month.

“Ergo, it’s perfect to celebrate storytelling month,” Evans added.

Copies of Gather: On Storytelling are available at the front desk.

Feb. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., Métis crafter Brenda Belanger will join the library for a fun-filled afternoon instructing children on how to make Indigenous crafts.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

“We want to, of course, support our First Nations,

Métis and Inuit storytellers and recognize the oral traditions that have been passed down for generations,” Evans added.

Library officialsy say they feel it’s essential to collaborate with Indigenous partners to enrich the community by promoting library services, as well as helping Indigenous people to tell their stories to a diverse population.

“We’re very excited about (the events).”

Next month, the library will be having Michelle Good come out and talk about her book, Five Little Indians.

“... we’re really excited about that as well.”

For more information on upcoming events, visit the North Battleford Public Library’s Facebook page.

to volunteerism

• Kerilyn Voigt – honoured for contributions to healthcare

• Cst. Navdip Garcha –honoured for contributions to law enforcement

• Jane Zielke de Montbrun – honoured for contributions to healthcare

• Alvin Baptiste – honoured for contributions to reconciliation

• Cst. Guillaume Lavoie – honoured for contributions to law enforcement

• Pat Gotto – honoured for contributions to volunteerism

• Chief Lindsay Holm –honoured for contributions to protective services

• Melanie Roberts –honoured for contributions to education

• Amber Stewart – honoured for contributions to volunteerism

• Donald Meriam – honoured for contributions to philanthropy

• Rosemarie Stadnyk –

honoured for contributions to the arts

• Sherron Burns – honoured for contributions to reconciliation

According to a city of North Battleford press release, the city extends its sincere congratulations to all Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal recipients for their tireless efforts in making North Battleford a more inclusive, safe, and beautiful place to live, work and play.

Known for his fiddle, this multi-instrumentalist singer / songwriter will perform in an evening not to be missed!

Since starting his solo career after retiring from Neal McCoy, Donny has become one of Canada’s highest nominated acts with over 100 nominations across Canada and the USA, with three of those being Junos!

The 13 recent North Battleford recipients of the Queen Jubilee pictured with Cst. Karl Nehring, Cst. Jessica Maclean, Mayor David Gillian, Councillor Kelli Hawtin and Councillor Kent Lindgren. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

20 minutes longer to see a doctor at a walk-in clinic

Submitted

Patients in Saskatchewan had to wait on average 51 minutes to see a doctor at a walk-in clinic last year, which is 20 minutes longer than in 2021, according to the latest data provided by Medimap, a Canadian tech company that helps patients book appointments online at walk-in clinics, pharmacists and with allied health professionals across the country to simplify access to care.

The average wait time to see a family doctor at a walk-in clinic is now 14 minutes longer than the national average, which increased to 37 minutes across Canada in 2022.

Patients in Regina experience the longest average wait times in the province, waiting on average 39 minutes to see a doctor, while patients in Moose Jaw experienced the longest average wait times of 78 minutes.

National data released by Medimap indicates wait times vary across the country:

• Patients in British Columbia and Nova Scotia experienced the longest wait times;

• Ontario and Manitoba have the shortest average wait times;

• On average, British Columbians had to wait more than triple the amount of time (79 minutes) to see a doctor at a

walk-in clinic, compared to Ontarians who waited an average of 25 minutes;

• While Ontario has the

lowest wait time across the country, it increased to 25 minutes in 202, up form 15 minutes in 2021.

See You at the Theatre Community Players add a bonus production

Submitted

Battlefords Community Players

Battlefords Community

Players are already well into the 2023 year and we are in rehearsal for the third show of our season “Strawberries in January” that will be produced from March 14 to March 25. The show is a light drama with 17 crazy scenes including flashbacks that will entertain you from beginning to end with performances by Jeff Arndt, Amanda Gies, Marno Auchstaetter and Holly Briant as Francois, Sophie, Robert and Lea.

We are again offering two show-only evenings on March 14 and 21 and six dinner theatre shows March 16, 17, 18 and March 23, 24 and 25. Get your ticket by calling 306-446-3133 or email bcpdrama@sasktel. net and we will get back to you. I would encourage you to book soon as we have been very fortunate to find ourselves with full houses for the first two shows of the season.

Are you interested in learning the art and craft of acting?

BCP is offering Traditional Acting 101 classes for the beginner. Learn and practice foundation

skills and to feel comfortable onstage, in a creative, non-judgmental environment. Gain valuable knowledge of how to prepare for a role, and create believable characters onstage. Feel confident to come out to audition.

This class is also an opportunity for experienced actors who haven’t been on stage for a while to brush up and practise and further develop skills. Like any other skill, the art of acting develops through repetition and practise.

Professional performers continue to practise their craft, after years of profes-

sional full-time training, and to receive coaching over their careers.

We are also offering an acting improvisation class to develop performance skills, which employs basic acting preparation techniques, and theatre games to develop imagination, stimulate creativity and to create improvisational theatre scenes. This class is also an opportunity for writers to develop their scene ideas through improvisation with the class participants. We may have performance opportunities that develop from this class as well. If you are interest-

Here’s a canned squirrel, waiting for treats from local trekkers. This is another installment of a new feature for the News-Optimist courtesy of Blake Feist, who would like to see people get outside and get excited about nature. “There is a whole world out there.

It’s been itching for a visit from you.” | Photo by Blake Feist

ed call 306-446-3133 or email Karen Silva Bayne at imedicinedancer@yahoo. com. Dates and times will be set if there is sufficient interest to proceed.

The bonus show is called “Grace & Glorie” by Tom Ziegler and features Rena Weikle and Danielle Barrett in a two hander that is being directed by Jim Walls. Grace is a feisty 90-year-old cancer patient who has returned to her beloved cottage in the mountains of Virginia to die alone. Her volunteer hospice worker, Gloria, is a transplanted New Yorker with Harvard MBA. As

Wild’s Window

Glorie attempts to care for and comfort Grace, they learn from each other about the resiliency of women at every age.

This show is not part of our season but we are thrilled to offer it to our patrons and the community of the Battlefords. It is set to run for four performance only, April 11, 13, 14 and 15 and many more details will be available soon. But you can book your tickets anytime as you don’t want to miss out.

Watch for more exciting things from our club. Buy tickets, volunteer or become a fellow thespian.

Abwove, walk-in wait times across Canada. At right, Provincial comparison of walk-in wait times. | Medimap graphics

Planning Business Succession Planning Agricultural Program Assistance Partners

Kelsey Shiloff, BComm, MPAcc, CPA, CA

Beverly Allison, CPA, CMA

Barry Svenkeson, BComm, CPA, CA Office Locations

1682 100th St, North Battleford 306-445-7448

761A 106th St, North Battleford 306-445-1677

116 Main Street, Maidstone 1-866-210-9844

www.saacpa.ca • info@saacpa.ca

4 REASONS TO ENTRUST YOUR RETURN TO A TAX PRO

Though there are a number of tools to help you complete your own tax return, letting a professional oversee this task is a good idea. Here’s why.

1. YOU’LL AVOID OVERSIGHTS

If you file your own taxes, you may accidentally omit claimable expenses. Your tax specialist, however, will ensure nothing slides through the cracks and can even advise you on which invoices to save for the following year.

2. YOU’LL DECLARE THE RIGHT AMOUNT

A lack of knowledge or experience may cause you to inadvertently record a wrong amount or claim a tax credit you aren’t eligible for. These mistakes could be perceived as tax evasion. Your tax professional, however, is familiar with what’s permissible and how to avoid mistakes

3. YOU’LL MAXIMIZE AVAILABLE TAX CREDITS

There are a variety of refundable and non-refundable tax credits you can claim. This is especially the case if you’re self-employed, have dependants or are retired. Accountants and tax specialists are well versed in the vast range of claimable expenses, and consequently, they know how to maximize your tax declaration.

4. YOU’LL STAY ON TOP OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS

From one year to the next, what expenses you can rightfully deduct from your taxes differs. Tax professionals stay abreast of changes so they can help you make the most of any modifications that apply to your situation.

To minimize the amount you need to pay on your income tax return, trust an accountant or other financial professional in your area.

Steady Progress in Attracting and Recruiting Health Care Workers

Saskatchewan continues to attract and recruit healthcare workers from home and abroad as part of the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan. Since last fall, progress has been made in approving a total of 31 Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive packages for various healthcare professionals. These one-time incentive packages are available in 52 Saskatchewan communities for up to $50,000 for a three-year return-of-service agreement for nine eligible health professions. For more information, visit saskatchewan.ca/HHR.

306-893-2619

Art Notes

Creating watercolours, pastels, acrylics

Submitted

Battlefords Art Club

Irene Slotzer is an accomplished artist who works in watercolours, pastels and acrylics. She experiments with a variety of techniques including monoprints, mixed media and collage.

Irene’s paintings express the Saskatchewan landscape: old buildings, antique vehicles and flowers.

She has received numerous awards for her paintings. Her art appears in homes in Canada and the United States.

Irene is a member of the Battlefords Art Club.

The Art Club meets at the Don Ross Craft room every Tuesday. Bring your paints or other media and join us for a day of art.

Festival Fanfare

Festival opens with band and strings performers

By Kelly Waters Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival

The opening classes for the 2023 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival are band and strings scheduled March 13 to 16.

This year’s instrumental adjudicator is Daryl McKinnon. McKinnon is currently the director of the Moose Jaw Adult Concert Band. Since 1982, he has taught guitar, vocal jazz, chamber choir, concert choir, musicals, concert band, jazz band and small ensemble band. He holds a B. Mus. Ed. (voice) from the University of Regina, a Diploma of Fine Arts (wind en-

semble repertoire) from the University of Calgary and he has also taken after degree courses in conducting from the University of Alberta.

He has participated in many professional development opportunities, including several years at the Canadian Rocky Mountain Music Festival at Banff in the teacher development program. He has served on several cultural boards. He has been a regional director for the Saskatchewan Music Educators’ Association, a member at large for the Saskatchewan Band Association, the president of a local Saskatchewan Music Festival and a board mem-

ber of the Saskatchewan Choral Federation.

McKinnon served on the local board (Moose Jaw) of the Western Canadian Music awards in relation to the career development day and as a board member of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen International Band and Choral Festival.

For budding visual artists, the festival committee welcomes youth 18 years old and younger in the Battlefords area to enter the annual musical image drawing contest. Selected pieces will be featured in the festival program and in the Festival venues. One entry will be chosen as the winner with the artist being recognized. The

deadline for submissions is Feb. 26th. Submissions are to be directed to Battleford Central School attn: Lindsay Charabin, Box 400. Battleford, S0M 0E0. Though any music theme is considered, the committee is encouraging the theme this year of “Music Lifts Us Up,” Artwork submitted should be on letter-size white paper using a medium of choice, but should have a white background. All artists must print their full name, phone number, school and grade on the back of their entry so their work can be considered for display. All submissions become the property of the Battlefords Music Festival and may

not be returned.

Live streaming of festival sessions is offered again this year, Students invited to perform at the final gala and awards ceremony will again have the opportunity to bring their talent to the world class stage at the Dekker Centre.

The 2023 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival is scheduled to run from March 13 - March 25. Band, instrumental and strings are scheduled from March 13-16 using the Kinsmen Band Hall and the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Lecture Theatre as performance venues. Voice, spoken word, musical the-

atre and piano is schedules from March 20 - 25 utilizing the Sanctuary and Logie Hall of Third Avenue United Church.

“When something is bothering me, I write a song that tells my feelings.

To write a song, I write about me a lot. And, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ I sat down on the back porch of the old home place and just looked up the hill and started—’ Well, I was born a coal miner’s daughter’— and I wrote the song. It’s like writing a poem and, you know, no big deal. When you’re hungry, you can find that you can do a lot of things that you didn’t know you could do”- Loretta Lynn (1932 - 2022)

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 306-747-3422

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca 306-445-5195

Ryan Domotor, MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford domotor.mla@sasktel.net

The work of Irene Solzer reflects the Saskatchewan landscape. | Photos submitted

5 types of exercise that boost heart health

Heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults. February is Heart Month in Canada, the perfect time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health. Did you know exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease? Here are five types of exercise to improve your heart health.

The risk factors and symptoms of heart failure

Did you know that approximately 600,000 Canadians live with heart failure? This February, in honour of Heart Month, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is focusing its efforts on raising awareness about this condition. Here’s what you should know.

RISK FACTORS

Heart failure is a condition that develops after the heart becomes damaged or weakened. The term doesn’t mean the heart has failed or stopped working. Rather, it refers to a heart that works inefficiently and doesn’t pump blood as well as it should.

This condition often affects people with high blood pressure or who’ve had a heart attack. However, several other conditions and lifestyle habits are linked to heart failure, including:

• Heart valve disease

• Myocarditis

• Drug and alcohol abuse

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

In addition, individuals who are 65 and older have

an increased risk of being diagnosed with heart failure because aging can weaken and stiffen the heart.

SYMPTOMS The most common signs of heart failure include:

• Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down

• Rapid weight gain (two kilograms or more in less than a week)

• Bloating or a feeling of fullness

• Severe fatigue

• Changes in appetite

• Swelling in the abdomen, feet, ankles, legs and lower spine

• Increased urge to urinate overnight Visit your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

For more information, visit heartandstroke.ca

1. Brisk walking is a great way to increase energy levels, reduce cholesterol and strengthen your heart. Moreover, it’s easier on your joints than other types of exercise like running.

2. Weight training builds lean muscle mass, which can help you burn more calories at rest, and in turn, help you maintain a healthy weight. It also reduces pericardial adipose tissue, a type of fat around the heart.

3. Cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise that helps im prove your balance and coordination. It also strengthens the heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels.

4. Yoga increases strength and flexibility and promotes relaxation and mindfulness. This helps relieve stress and reduce blood pressure.

5. Swimming is a full-body workout that’s good for your heart and trains the body to use oxygen more efficiently. Swimming is also low impact, so it’s a good activity for people of all ages and those with arthritis or joint pain.

Finally, the most important thing is to find an activity you enjoy and can integrate into your lifestyle. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Peeteetuce uses stories to help Indigenous children learn their culture

By Jon Perez SASKTODAY.ca

Life was not easy for Curtis Peeteetuce while growing up as an Indigenous person in the city. He was often bullied — verbally and physically — in the schools he was in for being a minority.

Those were tough years as he was called offensive names that led him to struggle to find his cultural identity and connect with his Indigenous roots. He even lied about it when his son asked him if he had a hard life growing up, but later told him the truth.

“I said, ‘I had a good childhood. I was blessed, and everything was amazing.’ Then, as he got older, I told him the truth and apologized for lying. I was thankful when I was growing up, but life was not easy as an Indigenous child, especially in Saskatoon,” Peeteetuce told SASKTODAY.ca.

“I went to many schools where I was the minority in the classroom. That can lead to low self-esteem and identity challenges. I experienced a lot of that growing up. I have very low self-esteem. I did not know who I was as an Indigenous

person. Everything I heard about being Indigenous back then comes from a very racist foundation.”

Peeteetuce, a Cree from the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, added that being called many names and bullied when he was growing up led him to feel ashamed of being an Indigenous person back then. Still, with the help of his family and their community, his perspective gradually changed.

“A little bit of my life back then was challenging. It was not easy being Indigenous in Saskatoon. I imagine it is not the same for other people across Canada. But that does not mean my life was gloomy; I had a lot of beautiful moments in my childhood and was surrounded by great people,” he said.

“I had a lot of other things, and I excelled in school. I did very well. I have my mom and sisters. I had a home, a warm shelter and clothes while I was growing up. It was not easy being an Indigenous person back then.”

Peeteetuce, who now works as a Student Support Worker at St. Frances Cree Bilingual School, overcame those challenges. As

he got older, he was slowly introduced to their cultures and traditions, which made him reconnect with his Indigenous roots despite some resistance.

“I rejected my own culture, language and history at first. As I got older, I became more immersed in Indigenous schools. Being around other Indigenous students and Indigenous people, I started gaining pride in who I was. I started learning more about our history, culture and language,” said Peeteetuce.

“I am still here. Along the way, I’ve had educators, friends and family guiding me. They kept me on the right path because I often felt lost and did not know where I was going. I am very thankful for those who helped introduce me to my Indigenous roots.”

Peeteetuce is one of the Indigenous artists participating in the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Aboriginal Storytelling Month, which started on Feb. 1, Wednesday. He has been involved in the project for 16 years as a storyteller, aside from being involved in Indigenous performing arts as an actor, writer, director, dancer and musi-

cian. He has worked in theatre, radio, drama, music and film.

“I have a few bookings [storytelling], but I am more interested in working with students at our school [St. Frances Cree]. One of the things I’m taking advantage of people booking me is turning it around to be a presentation that the students do themselves,” said Peeteetuce.

“I want to pass all that knowledge to the kids and the students so they carry on our culture and storytelling tradition. For these students, it will be about their journey into the cultural dances and the story of who they are.”

He holds an Indigenous Studies degree from the then-Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, an affiliate of the University of Regina. His works as a playwright are based on cultural and societal issues that Canada’s Indigenous Peoples face in their everyday lives.

Being a storyteller is something other than what he had planned, but being introduced to their culture by meeting Indigenous artists and later getting involved as a performer helped him decide that the

youth should learn about their culture, language and tradition.

“Growing up and being exposed to Indigenous education allowed me to meet the right people who are artists, singers, dancers and educators. So, all of these role models amalgamated with my wanting to do something positive as I was growing up. Most of us struggled and have been challenged growing up and trying to find direction

in our lives and the path we want to be on,” said Peeteetuce.

He became a storyteller in his twenties, and the stories he learned from other storytellers introduced him to their culture, history and language that he had not known when growing up. His identity as an Indigenous person intensified through storytelling as his connection to his past gave him strength and meaning to his place in this world.

Curtis Peeteetuce is Cree from the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation and will be at the North Battleford Library as part of Aboriginal Storytelling Week on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Photo submitted

Thunderchild FN’s Savana Walkingbear one of Canada’s rising young Indigenous leaders

Working to advance First Nations’ ownership of resource projects

By James Snell

Savana Walkingbear has overcome adversity to become one of Canada’s top young Indigenous leaders.

A citizen of Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, he was one of the youngest elected Indigenous band councillors in Canada and is now a director of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC).

The FNMPC is a national 130-plus nation collective working towards economic well-being through major project ownership – including the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

In 2022, 16 Indigenous communities signed on to become 10 per cent project owners when Coastal GasLink is complete.

In the coming decades, Walkingbear wants to see more equity ownership and royalties from major resource projects.

This work is at the core of the FNMPC, which is

currently supporting members on eight major projects across Canada with a combined capital cost of over $20 billion.

Indigenous equity own-

during an interview at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum in Prince George. “We don’t need anyone to do it for us.”

“I am the intergenerational effect of my parents going to residential school for a number of years, and having that separation from family values and beliefs,” he said.

“I never really understood what was happening growing up – I felt a disconnection from self, identity, values, and beliefs. I was born into a world where parents didn’t know how to be parents.”

Despite childhood challenges, Walkingbear persevered – seeking an Indigenous way of life that included ceremonies, hunting, fishing, snaring, singing, and dancing.

A citizen of Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, Savana Walkingbear was one of the youngest elected Indigenous band councillors in Canada and is now a director of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition. | Photo by James Snell

ership in resource projects provides revenue to communities and reduces reliance on government support.

“We can take care of ourselves with our own funds,” Walkingbear said

The great-grandson of Second World War veteran and former Chief George Horse, he successfully completed six consecutive years of post-secondary education as an elite athlete.

23022BB0

“I had to realize that I had nothing, and I had to learn how to grow and adapt by turning nothing into something,” said the father of two.

“I never thought I would be educated and academically smart, so I had to change from a pessimistic mindset to an optimistic mindset.”

Walkingbear returned to Thunderchild after finishing school and was subsequently nominated to council leadership. He was elected band councillor at 28 – facing a steep learning curve in politics and business.

As a director of FNMPC, his vision for natural resource develop-

ment in Canada is rooted in a strong knowledge of heritage and community. “When you’re proud of who you are and where you come from, you bring value to the marketplace,” he said.

James Snell is a multimedia journalist based in Alberta.

© Troy Media

“I never really understood what was happening growing up – I felt a disconnection from self, identity, values and beliefs. I was born into a world where parents didn’t know how to be parents. I had to realize that I had nothing, and I had to learn how to grow and adapt by turning nothing into something.”

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-6491405 to find out how!

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

OBITUARIES

MARCINIUK: Mrs. Mary Marciniuk, beloved wife of Walter, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the age of 79 years. A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 – 1:00 p.m. at the Western Development Museum – Heritage Hall, North Battleford, SK with Reverend Janice Trost as officiant. Interment to follow at City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Mary may be directed to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan - 2308 Arlington Ave Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L3. Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

NOTICES

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket

Is

OBITUARIES

NEVILLE: Mrs. Gwyneth Neville resident of North Battleford, SK passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the age of 92 years. As per Gwyneth’s wishes a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Neville may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation –100 -11914 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6. Condolences for the family can be left at www. eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

In Loving Memory of

Bev Houk

Aug. 2, 1957Feb. 5, 2006

To hear your voice and see your smile

To sit with you and talk awhile,

To be together in the same old way

Would be our greatest wish today.

Forever in our hearts

Your loving Husband

James , sons Ryan and Trent and McCracken Family.

SQUIRE: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Grandmother - Mrs. Marlene Squire on Monday, January 30, 2023, at the age of 93 years. Born in Flensburg, Germany she immigrated to Northern Alberta at one year old with her family to start a promising new life. After the loss of her mother she and her brother, children at the time, returned to Germany to visit family. The war broke out and they were forced to stay for several years, finally returning to their childhood home in Alberta as young adults. Not long after their return she took a job as a cook in an oil camp, where she met Grampa. They married, had 2 children, many business ventures and a long, happy marriage of over 70 years. After enduring many hardships, challenges and adventures, her strength and resilience to retain her positive and joyful spirit is both admirable and inspiring. Gramma’s kindness, energetic nature and playful laugh will always be remembered. She kept busy with many hobbies, loved traveling, doing needlepoint, crocheting, going to bingo, gardening, baking and most of all spending quality time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Harwood for their constant care. We know that Grampa and Gramma really appreciated spending their final days together. We are grateful for the continued care they are providing for Grampa. Thank you to the Eternal Memories for their guidance, timely preparation, attention to detail and for accommodating our requests. Thank you to Reverend Jo Ann Hills of Third Avenue United Church for conducting the service with both personal and spiritual content. And thank you to the staff at St. Paul’s and BUH for their care and attention. She is lovingly remembered by her family: husband, John Squire; daughter, Lillian Stomp; son, Brian (Pat) Squire; granddaughters: Pamela (Mark) Stadnyk - children: Emma, Avery; Jessica (Scott) Craig - children: Madisyn, Taylor, Hudson, Hailey; Melissa Squire (Joel) Clark - children: Rome, Indie; Ali Squire; and brother, Albert Sellin (Milda). She is predeceased by her parents: Hans Heinrich Krog and Christine Sellin. A Celebration of Life Service was held last Thursday, February 2. Memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Marlene Squire can be directed to the Battlefords Humane Society Box 645 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y7 or to the BUH Foundation Po Box 1358 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y7. Marlene will live on in her family through her love of travel, her green thumb, recipes and craftiness, but most of all her playful personality.

Love you forever Gramma

MUAH MUAH

FENRICH: Rachael Fenrich (Bartley) was born January 22, 1926. She was one of twelve children born to John and Theresa Bartley of Tramping Lake. She passed away peacefully in her home in Wilkie, where she resided, with all her family by her side.

Rachael was a gentle soul who lived a life of generosity and dedication to God and her family. Her marriage to Robert of 49 years was an example of the faith and commitment they had for each other and now we believe they are re-united and are dancing together in heaven. Left to cherish in Rachael’s memory are her nine children and their families: Marie(Leo) Schwebius, Dorothy (Bob) Caldwell, Ray (Sheryl) Fenrich, Rob (Terry) Fenrich, Rosina (Harry) Highton, Adeline (Dennis) Thomson, Leona (Ken) Hood, Dianne (Terry) Karstens, Dennis (Patty) Fenrich and her 27 grandchildren, 38 great-grand children and two great-great-grandchildren; her brother George Bartley; numerous nieces, nephews and family friends. Rachael was predeceased by her husband Robert Fenrich; grandson Dan Fenrich; great-grandchild Jenessa Caldwell, her immediate family members - her parents, five sisters and five brothers.

Thank you;

The family of Rachael Fenrich would like to extend their heartfelt Thank You to everyone for the amazing generosity shown to us during this difficult time. Thank you to Dr. Kemp, Wilkie Homecare and all who were part of Rachael’s care. Thank you to our family, friends, neighbors and relatives for the food, flowers, cards, prayers, mass stipends and condolences. We extend our sincere Thank You to Annette Gutting and all who were involved in the prayer service. A heartfelt Thank You to Father Daniel Yasinski and the concelebrating priests for the beautiful and meaningful mass. Thank You to the senior choir and organist for the beautiful music and to the St James CWL for the wonderful lunch. We express our deepest gratitude to Gerein Funeral Service for their guidance, compassion and support that was given to all our family in memory of our Mom. We graciously thank God for the gift of Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and GreatGreat Grandma.

NOTICE

The Tax Enforcement Act

RONALD DRUMMOND STURROCK ROBINSON

TAKE NOTICE that the RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN NO. 499 intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as BLK/PAR Q-PLAN 101550383 EXT 1, Title No. 150293189.

The municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 187077853 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a certificate of title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113.

Dated this 9th day of February, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit-Appleton

Chief Administrative Officer

Rural Municipality of Mervin

NOTICE

The Tax Enforcement Act

No. 499

MICHAEL SCOTT MCBRIDE

TAKE NOTICE that the RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN NO. 499 intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as LOT 4-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 83B09602 EXT 0, Title No. 151998801.

The municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 192915546 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a certificate of title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113. Dated this 9th day of February, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit-Appleton

Chief Administrative Officer

Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of DWAYNE

LEPAGE, late of Leoville, in the province of 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 2nd day of March, 2023.

MIGNEAULT LAW OFFICE

Barristers and Solicitors Box 520 NORTH BATTLEFORD,Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8

Solicitors for the Personal Representatices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of WILLIAM LEON, late of Radisson, in the province of 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 28th day of February, 2023.

Estate of WILLIAM LEON Box 16 Radisson, Saskatchewan S0K 3L02

Gertrude MAXWELL Executrix

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of MELODY

MAE PARKS, late of Glaslyn, 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 3rd day of March, 2023.

Battle River Law

Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Administrator of the Estate of Melody Mae Parks

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of TOMMY WALTER KOSTIUK, late of Mayfair, 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 24th day of February, 2023.

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 Tommy Walter Kostiuk

FARMS FOR SALE

RMofParkdale LandforSale byProgressiveTender NE&SE21-52-17-W3 320Acres Bidsclosenoon,March7,2023 Moreinformation,mapsandbid requirementsatwellstender.c VernMcClelland-RE/MAXof Lloydminster(780)808-2700

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Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More sales@ Integritybuilt.com

1-866-974-7678

www. integritybuilt.com

MEETINGS

Special Meeting of The Members to present the FINANCIAL STATEMENT on Sunday, Feb. 26th @ 1:00pm

@ The North Battleford Golf & C.C. Clubhouse

If you wish to obtain a copy of the financial statement before the meeting please email contact@northbattlefordgolf.com

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY MARCH 27TH

Turtleford Community Center Supper @ 6:00pm AGM to follow

Please RSVP by contacting the branch.

JOIN US!

306-845-2105 info@turtlefordcu.ca

FEED & SEED

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BUGS... TOUGH

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AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-8730481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

battlefords humane society

love people but I don’t like other dogs. I would love a home where can be the only dog and have my people allll to myself! Otherwise I love to play and run around in the backyard. I’ll often carry my toy around and ever bring it outside with me!

Hey guys! came to the shelter, big with babies! Not long after, gave birth to my little kittens. They grew quickly, and so we moved into our foster home where we all soon became friends with the other resident cats and dogs! Come to the shelter so we can meet!

battlefordshumanesociety.com

TENDERS

Village of Paynton

LAND FOR SALE BY SEALED TENDER

Under the provision of The Tax Enforcement Act the Village of Paynton offers for sale the following land:

LOT B –PLAN 62B06183 EXT 0

The Village of Paynton is now accepting tenders from interested parties for the sale of the above land acquired through tax enforcement proceedings. The Village of Paynton reserves the right to reject any or all bids received. Tender packages can be picked up at the Village of Paynton, 205 1st Street East, Paynton SK S0M 2J0. For more information contact the Village of Paynton at (306) 895-2023.

The deadline for receipt of tenders is March 20, 2023.

Tenders should be marked “PROPERTY TENDER/LAND TENDER”

Village of Paynton

LAND FOR SALE BY SEALED TENDER

Under the provision of The Tax Enforcement Act the Village of Paynton offers for sale the following land:

LOT 15 –BLK/PAR 4-PLAN B3481 EXT 0

The Village of Paynton is now accepting tenders from interested parties for the sale of the above land acquired through tax enforcement proceedings. The Village of Paynton reserves the right to reject any or all bids received. Tender packages can be picked up at the Village of Paynton, 205 1st Street East, Paynton SK S0M 2J0. For more information contact the Village of Paynton at (306) 895-2023.

The deadline for receipt of tenders is March 20, 2023.

Tenders should be marked “PROPERTY TENDER/LAND TENDER”

SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS

Sign up for shuffleboard

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Cut Knife Elks No. 380 are accepting applications for:

• a swimming instructor, and

• a swimming lesson co-ordinator

The swimming lesson program will run at Atton’s Lake Regional Park in July 2023. Deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.

For more information contact David Bertrand at (306) 398-2714 or (306) 398-7563.

Please forward applications to:

Cut Knife Elks Lodge No. 380 C/O David Bertrand

Box 389, Cut Knife SK S0M 0N0

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

The bridge players met in the Pioneer Hall Jan. 31 with two and a half tables. Top score went to Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan. Second were Jeannine Beloit and Catriona Winterholt. Feb. 2 found two and a half tables again with top scores going to Catriona Winterholt and Donna Scherman followed by Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan.

Don’t forget the snowmobile tally at the Vawn Hall Feb. 25. This project is to raise funds to upgrade their children’s playground - a real community effort.

three points in a shocking 8-7 win.

Colin Sharp and company are starting to find their rhythm, as they took down the Randy Orchison rink Tuesday night 9-7 to make that three straight wins.

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER

R.M. OF MAYFIELD #406

Legal Land Desc.Cult. Acres 2022 SAMA Assessment

SW 28-42-12-W3 Approx 137$147,900

R.M. OF DOUGLAS #436

Legal Land Desc.Cult. Acres2022 SAMA Assessment

SW 18-43-12-W3 Approx 37$154,300

SW 19-43-12-W3Approx 150$306,300

SE 19-43-12-W3*Approx 150$279,800

* Includes yard site, improvements, residences and outbuildings

Note: The R.M. of Douglas land is subject to an existing lease for the 2023 and 2024 crop years. Terms and Conditions of the Tender are as follows:

1. Tenders to be in a sealed envelope marked “Milman Estate – Tender” clearly specifying the land being bid upon and any conditions.

2. The highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted.

3. Buyer must provide a certified cheque or bank draft for 5% of the tendered amount. Unsuccessful bidders will have their deposit refunded.

4. Buyer will be responsible for property taxes as of January 1, 2023.

5. Offers must be received in our office by the tender deadline 12:00 Noon, March 10, 2023. Successful bidder will be notified no later than March 17, 2023.

6. Balance of purchase price and applicable GST is to be paid within 30 days of acceptance of tender or deposit will be forfeited. GST registrants may file purchaser’s undertaking.

7. Land sold as is without conditions or warranties.

8. Tenders to be submitted to and inquiries directed to: Migneault Law Office Box 520, 1391-101st Street North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8

(306) 445-4436

Attention: Kevan Migneault

RESORT VILLAGE OF AQUADEO EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Resort Village of Aquadeo is currently seeking a motivated individual for the position of:

URBAN MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR

The position is a permanent/full time position, starting as soon as possible. Applicants for this position should have their Standard Urban Certificate in Local Government Administration or have accounting and administrative skills learned from previous work experience and be willing to take the Local Government Administration course (can be taken by correspondence). The successful candidate should have the ability to work independently, be detail oriented, have exceptional leadership skills, and superior communication, planning and accounting skills. Experience in Word/Excel, accounting packages, computer operations and Munisoft are all definite assets.

If you are interested in a rewarding and challenging career that includes group insurance and pension plan benefits, please submit a detailed resume with references and salary expectations in confidence to the address listed below.

RESORT VILLAGE OF AQUADEO

BOX 501, COCHIN, SK S0M 0L0 P) (306) 386-2942 F) (306) 386-2544

Email: aquadeoadmin@gmail.com

We thank all those that apply but only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Closing date for applications: when filled.

The Rabbit Lake snowmobile rally is set for March 4. Watch for posters.

Norwegian whist was played in the Do Drop In Feb. 3 with high score going to Arlene Walker, second was Eric Callbeck and third to Carol Huys. The next gathering for whist will be Feb. 17, in Towers 2. Feb. 10 will see the monthly meeting for the seniors’ center group followed by canasta in the afternoon. Feb. 11 will find the next shuffleboard tournament happening in the Do Drop In.

Week 9 Recap

(By

Derek Welford)

A refreshed and rejuvenated Randy Sharp team returned to action after their bye week in a rematch against the Dean Menssa team. Menssa, riding the momentum of their historic win last week, came into the game hoping to avenge their 11-6 loss back in December. After seven ends of back-and-forth action, Team Menssa found themselves down by two points. In an incredible showing of resiliency and determination, Menssa successfully pulled off a steal of

Concession Booth Lease

Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority is currently taking tender applications for the lease of the Main Concession Booth in Atton’s Lake Regional Park for the 2023 Season. Contact for tender application package at:

PH: (306) 398-2002

email: attonsadmin@sasktel.net

Tenders will be accepted at:

Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority

114 Broad Street Box 12, Cut Knife, SK S0M 0N0 email: attonsadmin@sasktel.net

Fax: (306) 500-9974

Application Deadline is 4:00 PM Friday February 24,

Pat Becotte has quietly been having a solid year as his team continues with some excellent play, most notably Darrell Weber and Robert St Amant, who are having career best years. With recent pickup Al Collie at the trade deadline, Becotte is poised to make a deep playoff run. Their win against Darcy deMontarnel Tuesday night, 7-4, moves their record to 5-12.

Experience triumphed over youth as Kirsten Bru knocked down Kyle Doom 11-4 in their inter-generational showdown.

Thursday was an early night as all three games on the schedule didn’t require the full eight ends. The Schmidt, Welford and Weber rinks needed only six ends to take care of business. Wanda Weber, with her team of Gordon Moore, Steve Ackerman and Gwen Drury, took down the Lacousiere rink with a dominant 9-1 win. The Evan Schmidt team was firing on all cylinders as they dismantled Terry Tait, 8-2. The Welford rink handed Pat Mohr his second straight loss, with an 11-2 victory.

Long-serving member of the club, Jacquie Code, earns the Curler of the Week designation. Code has made countless contributions to the club throughout the years that include playing a key role in the club’s shift from corn to carbon fibre brooms as well as assisting the club in navigating through the unpopular transition of moving the ash trays off the ice surface to outside the building. Fast forward to modern day, the Silver Broom contending Bru rink is the recipient of her weekly contributions that include guards that perfectly split the center line, accurate ice reading and her extensive source of curling knowledge.

Estate of Gladys Milman

Unity News: Structural problem shuts down curling rink

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

The big news for the town of Unity was the realization curling club would not reopen this season due to a structural problem discovered in mid January. The repair needed to be done properly therefore the Unity Curling Club executive made the decision to close for the remainder of the season.

This is another big blow for the club who were still trying to rebound from the pandemic. The second half of curling season included seven bonspiels. It also put the high school curling teams in a bind as they were preparing for upcoming district and regional playdowns.

The UCC executive said they will continue to keep their lounge open and take private bookings so are hoping the community continues to support them at this time.

The town of Unity and their recreation department acted quickly with proactive measures to protect kids at the Unity arena enacting new measures to ensure the safety of all

users, especially children. Residents applauded these moves following a recent report of an assault of a minor at another smalltown arena.

Congratulations to Unity Miner’s player, Nolan Acton, who was nominated for the inaugural Bill Cey Memorial Award for the Sask. West Hockey League recognizing the hardest working local player in the league. Acton is noted for his hard work both on and off the ice, being involved in all of the community initiatives the team undertakes.

The whole town was buzzing with excitement after resident, Robyn Silvernagel, and her team, captured the Saskatchewan Women’s Curling Championships sending her and her linemates as Team Saskatchewan to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kamloops Feb. 17 to 26.

Residents and visitors are invited to the museum grounds Feb. 20, for food and activities. A museum spokesperson said they will have more details on posters and social media once the event is finalized.

The public are welcome

and encouraged to attend the annual general meeting Feb. 15 at the Adanac Hall.

Other events on tap for Unity in the next few weeks are:

• Unity Kin Club hosting comedian and head shaving for their fundraiser Feb. 10;

• Minor hockey league and provincial playoffs are ongoing;

• Celebrate Unity featuring entertainer Jake Vaadeland March 6;

• Fitness Lair celebrates 10 years in the community March 19.

Mayor Sharon Del Frari says lighting for the new access road is likely to occur in spring. She also says tax notices are out and although the budget will not be out until March, a proposed public meeting is set to take place then.

Fire Chief Dwaine Kopp says a sail banner is up at the high traffic community hub, being the rink, letting folks know that more volunteer firefighters are needed. The squad currently is at 17 and Kopp says a group of 25 would be ideal as it allows for holidays and those who cannot get away from

For more news from Unity, check out

full-time work. In January, the UFD team responded to four calls that included a life assist for the ambulance, a structural fire out of town, a STARS landing assist at the hospital and single-vehicle rollover with no injuries.

UCHS senior curlers have had to adjust to prepare for district and regional events with no home rink to practise or play games in. Coach Snell has said parental support and surrounding communities have been pivotal in keeping players game ready.

UCHS staff and students will be cheering for Sask. Winter Games badminton player Thomas Snell who is part of Teams Rivers West and former student Alexis Elder who is coaching female alpine skiing team.

At Unity Public School, Telemiracle fundraising continues with students hoping to meet or beat their goal of $1,000 raised so they can “torture the teacher.” Staff and students are also taking part in pink shirt day activities and awareness to show support for this national anti-bullying campaign.

Unity Wildlife Federation held their annual dinner and awards Feb. 4. Revenue from this event goes towards ongoing work at

This new addition to the rink lobby helps draw attention to the need for additional firefighters to join the team of the community’s protective services. | Courtesy Dwaine Kopp

Scott Reservoir, the UCHS archery program and graduation scholarships as well as other initiatives throughout the year.

Don’t forget to treat

your sweet this Feb. 14. There are plenty of dining out options right here in town as well as taking in a movie or event at the arena afterward. Love local.

Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority is accepting applications for the following positions.

Park Manager – Full time seasonal placement available. Management duties include but not limited to all matters necessary to oversee maintenance staff and operation of campgrounds, maintenance of park grounds, and all required equipment and services as necessary to lease cabin lots. Level Two Water Operator’s Certification would be an asset. Regular maintenance of RO water treatment plant and regular drinking water sampling is required. Employment from mid-April to late October 2023.

Assistant Park Manager - Full time seasonal placement available. Will work under the direction of the Park Manager and have the ability to undertake the Park Manager’s responsibilities as required. Must be able to safely operate all manner of grounds care equipment and septic services truck and be able to undertake regular maintenance of all. Employment from mid-April to late October 2023.

Golf Course Greenskeeper – Full time seasonal placement available. Duties will include all manner of tasks necessary to the caretaking of a 9 hole grass greens golf course and all maintenance of equipment as well as a gas powered rental cart fleet. Ordering of supplies and overseeing of golf course maintenance staff will be required. Employment from midApril to late October 2023.

Park Grounds Maintenance Staff and Golf Course Maintenance Staff – Full time adult placements are available from May/June through September for park grounds staff and from mid-April to late October for golf course maintenance staff. Safe operation and daily maintenance of grounds care equipment will be required. Full time student placements are available in park maintenance from mid to late June through September 4, 2023.

All maintenance positions require a current driver’s abstract to be submitted with the application.

Club House Manager – Full time seasonal placement available for a qualified individual of 19 years of age or greater. Employment from early May to October 9, 2023, depending on weather. Duties will include, but

will not be limited to, prepping concession for season opening, ordering of concession and refreshment supplies, scheduling of staff and overseeing and training of staff as well as all manner of duties as are also expected of club house staff and closing up for the off season. The club house manager is expected to work full time shifts in the club house and will be responsible for day to day management issues and will be able to work under the direction of a board authority.

Club House Staff - Full and part time seasonal placements available for qualified individuals 19 years of age or greater from May or June 2023 to late August and late September, early October, 2023. Duration of employment will depend on placement and quality of weather. Duties include, but not limited to, telephone attendance, booking of tee times, checking in of golf patrons, meal preparation, service of food and beverages, equipment rental & sanitization, collecting of fees and recording of daily revenues.

Sask Liquor and Gaming SIRS and Safe Food Handling certification are required for all Club House placements and may be supported by Attons Lake Regional Park Authority.

Park Office Staff. – Placements are available for individuals with a pleasant demeaner who are able to take on unexpected tasks and to multitask. Full time positions from early May through September 4, 2023, also full time placements from mid to late June through mid-August. Duties to include, but not limited to, telephone attendance, booking of campsites on an online reservation system, checking in of guests, relaying requests and issues to maintenance staff, administration and park overseer, booking of septic pump outs, collecting of fees and recording of daily revenues. Casual positions for gate attendance for younger students may be considered.

For all positions listed: Actual hours and employment dates can be weather dependent and may be allotted in regards to individual suitability. Cleanliness and proper apparel while on duty is expected of all staff. Strong communication skills, hospitable nature and ability to work well with others will be definite assets to placement. Staff campsites are available, on a 1st come 1st served basis for the duration of 2023 employment.

Apply by resume with cover letter. Indicate which position(s) you are applying for and whether part time or full time and desired wage range. State the date range you will be available to work. References will be required.

All placements will be considered probationary for no less than 90 days and will require weekend & evening shifts. All maintenance positions require a current driver’s abstract to be submitted with the application.

Forward applications to: Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority, Box 12, Cut Knife, SK S0M 0N0

Fax: (306) 500-9974

• Email: attonsadmin@sasktel.net

• Phone (306) 398-2002

Or drop off at 114 Broad Street in Cut Knife (R.M. of Cut Knife Office)

Deadline for applications 4:00 PM February 24, 2023.

How rich and famous are you aiming to become?

Want to take a small step backward to 1984?

From 1984 to 1995, there was an American television series called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. This television series showcased the lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous individuals at that time. Thirty-nine years ago, in 1984, I wasn’t rich or famous, and now in 2023, I’m still not either of them. The program may have inspired some viewers to fulfill their champagne wishes and caviar dreams, but champagne and caviar do not motivate me on any level.

The type of life we live as adults significantly reflects what is important to us.

Doug Murren

and

N

eighbourly

Advice

According

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

Barb Sharin tell of the rich and famous Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel. In 1867, Nobel awoke one morning and was startled to read his own obituary in the local newspaper. He read in the paper, “Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, who died yesterday, devised a way for more people to be killed in

a war than ever before. He died a very rich man.”

The story of his death in the paper profoundly affected Alfred, even though it was a mistake. The reporter had confused Alfred with his older brother. It was his brother who had actually died. Yet, Nobel became determined that he would be known

for something better than developing a means to kill people handily and amassing a fortune. So, Nobel initiated the Nobel Prize for scientists and writers who foster peace. Today his name is associated with peace rather than dynamite and money.

How do you sum up your life? What style of life do you live? There are obvious and easy things to say about who you are or your identity that are common to everyone. You are recognized by birth, parents and siblings, schooling, work/career, marriage, children, hobbies, residence, unique experiences or illness.

Christians are to live as those who seek to set

their hearts on Jesus and the example and directions that he gave us.

Jesus was a travelling rabbi with a group of disciples. He had no regular place to lay his head. He was not born in a palace but in a stable. His stepfather, Joseph, was a carpenter, as was Jesus, until he became a rabbi.

Jesus as a rabbi from Nazareth made it clear he came to serve, not to be served. His lifestyle was one of preaching, teaching and miraculously healing the sick, blind, deaf, diseased, crippled and dead. He was on a mission to overcome evil with good and save all sinners by his loving sacrifice on the cross for their sins. His lifestyle was one of

compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He was one with God the Father in heaven daily by prayer and obedience. He exhibited grace that is undeserved love and forgiveness towards all. Jesus demonstrated a lifestyle of sacrificial love for the good of others. Consider Jesus lived for God the Father in Heaven, not for his comfort here on Earth. He served, believed, loved and obeyed God rather than Satan, the deceiver. He did not love the world’s enticements to become rich and famous. Instead, he feared or reverenced God more than men. His lifestyle is our example to follow.

Library spreads some love for Valentine’s Day

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Five Maidstone Waseca and District volunteer firefighters were awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in the Field of Volunteerism Jan. 19. With two of the recipients unable to attend the ceremony in North Battleford, Ryan Domotor, MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford constituency, presented their awards Jan. 31 at the fire hall in Maidstone. Firefighters provide the ultimate community service to those who need them. They train for emergency response when citizens call – anytime, 24 hours a day and in almost every situation imaginable. They work under crisis and stressful circumstances, and often are the difference between life and death. Thank you to all of you for your service.

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4H Club enjoyed an afternoon of swimming in North Battleford Jan. 29. The club had both a junior and a senior team in district curling Jan. 4. The juniors placed third and the seniors won, moving on to

the regional competition in Biggar Jan. 14 where they placed third. Upcoming events for the club are 4-H Winter Fun Day (sledding, skating and painting) Feb. 19 in Waseca, Surprise Bingo on Feb. 22, and public speaking Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. at Milleton Hall. The club is currently doing a Little Caesar’s fundraiser with delicious pizza kits, Italian or crazy bread and various kinds of pre-formed cookie dough available to order from any 4-H member. Deadline is March 1.

The library program on Jan. 30 was attended by 32 children. They watched a movie, decorated cupcakes and played games or read stories. Winners of the draw prizes were Benjamin Henderson and Christian Collins. February is Heart Month at the library. Pick up a bag of precut hearts for your child (age eight and under) to build their own heart creature. They can add more hearts if needed. Bring the heart creature into the library before Feb. 15.

February is also Heart Month across Canada and we are encouraged to

Waseca Firefighters honoured with Queen Elizabeth II Platinum medals are Murray Lundquist, Kelly McMillan, Brent Olson, Calvin Nicholson and Curtis Sutherland. The awards were presented Jan. 31 by MLA Ryan Domotor (left). | Photos submitted

focus on improving our health and reduce the risk for heart disease. Tuesday, Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, sharing some love makes very good heart sense.

Black History Month is also celebrated in February. We have a designated provincial historical site just 27 kilometres north of Maidstone where the Shiloh Church and cemetery have been preserved. Beginning in 1910 with 11 families, at one point up to 75 families settled in the area. Theirs is an amazing story of surviv-

al, perseverance and love. Descendants of the Shiloh people cherish the site as a symbol of their ancestors’ experience in Saskatchewan. Check out the Black History Month display at Maidstone Library. Thank you to Maidstone Museum for providing artifacts and information on the Shiloh settlement.

Congratulations to Cory Krepps who found the ace of spades in Maidstone Legion’s Chase the Ace contest last Thursday. He took home the week’s prize of $275 plus the jackpot of $4,855. A new deck has

started this week. Maidstone Legion’s pancake breakfast was postponed by a week so be sure to take it in this Sunday, Feb. 12 from 8 to 11 a.m. in support of the Legion Hall COVID revenue recovery efforts. Bring the whole family: age eight and up $12, age seven and under free.

Maidstone High School’s junior girls’ (Grade 7/8) basketball team won gold at Bishop Lloyd Middle School in Lloydminster, Feb. 4 after playing four exciting games. Congratulations on bringing home medals two

weekends in a row.

In hockey, it was a disappointing 6-4 loss for the U15 boys’ hockey team when they played Hillmond/Paradise Hill Feb. 4. Sunday they tied Macklin 5-5 in the first game of first round provincials in Macklin. Their next provincial game is in Maidstone this Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. against Macklin.

Maidstone United Church’s annual pancake supper is on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Adults $10, age six to 12 $6, age five and under free.

Maidstone High School junior girls’ basketball team with gold meals won at Bishop Lloyd Middle School in Lloydminster.

SEND IN THIS PAGE, ALONG WITH YOUR TEACHER’S NAME AND THE SCHOOL THAT THEY TEACH AT. YOUR LETTER WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN:

FIRST PRIZE: BLEND RESTAURANT PIZZA FOR YOUR ENTIRE CLASS AND $100 FOR YOUR TEACHER TO SPEND AT BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

SECOND PRIZE : SUBWAY FOR THE ENTIRE CLASS

THIRD PRIZE: DOMINO’S PIZZA FOR YOUR ENTIRE CLASS

4TH TO 11TH PRIZES: TEACHER’S GIFT COURTESY OF BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

Email your letter to frontdesk@newsoptimist.ca by Feb 10th at 5:00 pm. or drop it off at 892-104th Street

Don’t forget to include your name and phone number and the teacher’s name and the name of your school. The winners will be posted in the newspaper and on facebook. All winners will be responsible to arrange pick up of all prizes.