Regional News-Optimist January 4, 2024

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Year end interview with Premier Scott Moe By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Premier Scott Moe was in a reflective mood as he looked back at what was a challenging year in Saskatchewan. In a lengthy year-end interview at the Legislature with SASKTODAY. ca, Premier Moe pointed to both global challenges seen in the Ukraine and Middle East, at national challenges including ever-increasing environmental regulations from the federal government, and also provincial challenges in health care, education, and in trying to balance the budget. These challenges play out as the province enters what will be a provincial election year in 2024. Here are highlights of Moe’s responses on the variety of issues discussed during that interview: On the national and global challenges Saskatchewan faces “There’s some real challenges nationally. We see a Russian invasion of Ukraine is continuing and intensifying. We see Canada‘s relationship with what is the largest economy in the world now, with India, being somewhat challenging. We’re working on that from a provincial perspective. Now we’ve seen the terrorist organization Hamas essentially invade

Israel. So very challenging time, I think, when you look internationally. And herein lies some opportunities for Canada to do what we traditionally have done as Canadians, which is really to promote getting along, to open up avenues... for many of the entities around, to see that the greater good in where we’re heading as a global citizen is collectively. And that’s maybe part of the reason why later in this year we attended as a provincial or sub-national jurisdiction a very international event in COP28, to really bring forward what Saskatchewan is doing as Canadians to the world and to put that on full display. I think Canada has a larger role to play in bringing people together as opposed to dividing people and nations, so I think the sooner that we get back (to that) as Canadians, the better off we will be, and I say that globally.” “We continue to grow in Saskatchewan. We have jobs that are arriving, careers that are arriving in community after community. We have a potash mine that’s doubled down on investment. We’re seeing approvals of other mines — uranium mines, net-zero copper mines moving forward. A challenging year in agriculture in certain areas of the

province, but overall agriculture continues to progress as we climb the value chain with investments, continued investments in canola crush and meatpacking and opportunities that are there, and we are seeking people continuing to move here. And we also see a government that is very committed to building the necessities that we need in our communities in order to best manage that growth. We have 15 schools that are under construction, largescale hospitals that are in the planning stage and are about to start construction in many cases. One thing I think about when looking back over the past year, and all that is going on…I think of the additional 200,000 people who moved here from other areas, and add to that all of the people who stayed here. When I was young, luggage was the grad gift… it’s funny because it’s true. It was a grad gift, and the expectation was if you were going to make something of your life, it was probably not going to be here. It was going to be in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto or some other place in Canada or around the world, and that’s no longer the case. So we have in addition to those 200,000230,000 roughly people

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who moved here, we have 200,000-300,000 400,000 young people, young families, who have chosen to stay in Saskatchewan that didn’t decades ago. And so they wouldn’t be aware or wouldn’t remember what maybe things were like in Saskatchewan 15 or 20 years ago when we didn’t have population growth, when 19-year-old kids finished high school and left the province, when we didn’t have the need to build new schools, certainly didn’t have the need to build 15 of them in one year — about 90 of them

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now built and reconstructed over the last 15 years. We didn’t have the need to replace hospitals and add additional hospital infrastructure like the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, because we simply weren’t growing as communities and we weren’t growing as a province. So as I look ahead and look back over this past year and look ahead to the next year, when we head into an election year…. I think of the growth we’ve achieved in this province, how that growth is something that we are becom-

ing accustomed to as Saskatchewan residents. We’re expecting we’re going to have new schools built next year, on top of the schools built this past year. And it’s incumbent on us just to pause for a moment and recall remember that that is not the way it’s always been here.”

To read John Cairns’ complete interview with Scott Moe visit

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024

VOICE OF

BUSINESS

GET CONNECTED IN 2024!

Calendar of Events: 118th Annual Chair’s Luncheon

Connecting Voices. Building Business

Phone: 306-445-6226 Find us on Facebook www.battlefordschamber.com P.O. Box 1000 North Battleford SK S9A 3E6

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Guest Speaker: Dr. Keith Martell Location: Balych Mural Meeting Room Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce

ANNUAL REPORT

Induction of Incoming Board Chair: Glenda Rye, North Battleford Luk Plumbing Heating & Electric Ltd.

2023 Year in Review

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ADVOCACY AT WORK THE BATTLEFORDS & AREA RE-LOCATION GUIDE

Serving the Battlefords and Area Since 1990

The Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce launched in 2023 its new online “Re-location Guide” for the Battlefords and area. The intent was to provide a one-stop information location for people looking to relocate to the Battlefords, with a source for key pieces of information to assist them in finding all they need for or in a move. There is also a postcard circular to support the website and drive traffic to the online guide. A Co-op student from the Edwards School of Business (University of Saskatchewan), Sarah Hashim, was working on this project as her main focus during her term with the Chamber. She worked hard to initiate contact with businesses and organizations to gather information key to the website. The website itself, has a robust site plan, that includes tabs for Living; Education; Services; Business Resources; Arts & Recreations; Indigenous/First Nations; and Newcomers, all in-an-attempt to cover off basic information and provide contact and links to the needed services when first discovering a new community. The Chamber views the postcard support piece as a recruitment tool for businesses when they are interviewing people or offering jobs to those who may consider moving. It will provide a positive first impression of the area and link them to needed services and products. The online re-location guide will also serve as a tool to encourage exploration of the communities and surrounding region with key notes on some history and perhaps some answers to the age-old question “what is there to do” in the community. In Arts & Recreation tab, with its information and ‘get involved’ page will show new arrivals to the community there are a wealth of options when it comes to becoming involved, volunteering, or being active in their new community. Sarah returned to school in the fall, with the website having launched prior to her departure. While we know that more information can and will be added to the site, it will be easily updated to provide the most up-todate information possible. The Chamber of Commerce has been pleased to work on this community project and particularly happy with the support it can provide business members in their employee recruitment efforts. Find Your Place – The Battlefords and Area Awaits!

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Member Development Open House Two Open Houses were held this year as part of the outreach to our new service area, including Cochin and Meola. Businesses in the region were invited to attend to hear about the Chamber and its activities.

Chamber on Tap – Networking with a Twist Sponsored by Battleford Furniture Held at Discovery Co-op Café, and Blend Kitchen & Bar Riverside March 30th, 2023

“The Northwest Perspective” on the Provincial Budget, with guests: The Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Highways and MLA – Battlefords; Ryan Domotor, MLA – Cut Knife Turtleford

May 4th, 2023

“Beans, Rum & Beer” with guest Michael Brennan, President & CEO Great Western Brewery

June 1st, 2023

“The Workforce Landscape – What Lies Ahead”, with guest: Jaimie Malmgren, Senior Account Executive Ministry of Immigration & Career Training

September 14th, 2023

“My Entrepreneurial Journey” with guest: Travis Low, CEO, Blue Moose Media

October 26th, 2023

“The 3P’s of Business Safety” (mini version of the workshop event) with guests as noted in the 3P’s of Business Safety workshop below

29th Battlefords Business Excellence Awards – Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts, North Battleford. Award Recipients:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Austin’s Saddlery

Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award – (Owner/ Entrepreneur): Lousie Erbach, Chic & Shabby, Florals – Home Décor – Gifts; New Business Venture: Montana’s BBQ & Bar – North Battleford; Impact Award: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies; Young Entrepreneur Award: Jordyn Nachtegaele, Student Works Painting; Micro Business Award: Café 4 U; Community Contribution Award: Dejma’s Curry House; Agriculture and Agri-Business Award: Redhead Equipment; Members’ Choice: Discovery Co-operative Ltd.;

BATTLEFORDS BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION The Tatchell Family

Business of the Year Award: Austin’s Saddlery; Battlefords Business Hall of Fame Inductee – The Tatchell Family

In 2023, the Chamber had 3 new persons join the team. Melanie Roberts joined as an employee, one day a week to assist with Member Development activities. Sarah Hashim, of the U of S was an Edwards School of Business Intern working mostly on the Re-location Guide, and summer student Abbey Neufeld, joined us from the University of Waterloo for the May thru August summer period working on specific Chamber projects. (Both students have returned to school.)


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Brace yourself! Tax increases hitting Prairies in 2024 By Troy Media

Beautiful Planet Earth

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024 - Page 3

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), in its annual New Year’s Tax Changes report, is warning residents in the Prairie provinces that they’ll be feeling a financial pinch in 2024 due to various tax increases. Franco Terrazzano, the CTF’s Federal Director, worries these changes will make the already high cost of living even harder for Canadians. At the federal level: The government is upping the mandatory Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) contributions in 2024. These payroll tax hikes mean workers will shell out an extra $347 next year. If you earn $73,200 or more, federal payroll taxes (CPP and EI) will set you back $5,104 in 2024, with employers chipping in $5,524. The federal carbon

tax is climbing to over 17 cents per litre for gas and 15 cents per cubic meter for natural gas on April 1, 2024. Even after rebates, this carbon tax is expected to cost the average household somewhere between $377 and $911 in 2024-25, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s calculations. On April 1, 2024, alcohol taxes are jumping another 4.7 percent. These taxes already make up a big chunk of alcohol prices and are projected to set Canadians back almost $100 million next year. CTF’s report also sheds light on specific tax changes in the Prairie provinces: Manitoba On January 1, 2024, the Manitoba provincial government is hitting the pause button on the 14-cent-perliter provincial fuel tax. Families can expect to save up to $250 over the next six months. When the federal

government’s carbon tax increases on April 1, 2024, it’ll cost the average Manitoba household around $502 in 2024, even after accounting for rebates. Saskatchewan In contrast to other provinces, the Saskatchewan government is raising taxes for job creators. After dropping the small business tax rate to zero percent in 2020, it was bumped back up to one percent in July 2023, with plans to hit two percent in 2024. Alberta The Alberta government is set to partially reinstate the suspended provincial fuel tax, bringing it up to nine cents per litre of gasoline and diesel. This move comes after Premier Danielle Smith fully suspended the fuel tax for a year to ease affordability problems for Albertans. © Troy Media

New freedom of info policy By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

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phone number, physical or mental condition, personal views or opinions except where they are about another individual or information like SIN, driver’s licence or other documentation. The policy includes information about how the town collects information, how breaches would be handled in the event of a leak, a fee structure for requests, a form for formal requests, and a checklist for town staff to follow.

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Happy Ukrainian Christmas!

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The senior tenants of Heritage Place in North Battleford are thankful to the former employees of the liquor board store for donating the many jigsaw puzzles, delivered by Ed Smith. The puzzles are completed and framed, and have been hung up along the hallways by Melvin Keller. When residents take their indoor daily walks, they enjoy the pictures that remind them of the creator’s beautiful planet Earth. These are photos of their mini art gallery and the rock flowers that don’t freeze. | Submitted by the Puzzles Ladies

Town of Battleford council approved a new Freedom of Information Request Policy Dec. 11 council meeting that brings the town in line with other municipalities and levels of government. Documents presented note the new policy will enhance transparency and accountability with members of the public, but also build and maintain trust with residents of Battleford while protecting against any information leaks. “I was in a SUMA legal course and this was brought to [my] attention that members of the public have the right to ask for information as far back as the incorporation of the town ... and I did not realize that we did not have a policy to address it,” Mayor Ames Leslie told council. “It was also brought to my attention that I as the mayor am the sole person to approve or deny requests

for information,” The policy outlines the terms under which people can access records and outlines what personal information the town may have on record that may not be released. That includes personal information up to and including: race, religion, family status, age, birthdate, place of origin, employment or criminal history, financial information, home address, email address or tele-

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Opinion

Making the best of ‘24 your responsibility By Nick Kossovan

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

There is no way to predict what 2024 will bring except that your life will continue. It is entirely up to you how your life continues. The question: Do you want to be like most people and be the same person next year as you are today, or come next December, feel you have stretched yourself and are closer to living your full potential? It is common for people to make New Year’s resolutions, committing themselves to achieving one or more personal goals. We see a new year ahead, and we imagine what could be. New Year! New me! By mid-February, most New Year’s resolutions have been abandoned. There are many reasons (READ: excuses) why New Year’s resolutions usually fail; number one is making a resolution, such as I will lose 40 kilograms by Dec. 31, I will read a book a month, I will walk no less than 10,000 steps per day, requires a change of behaviours, and for most people, this is a considerable challenge. Continuing with your current behaviours, habits, and beliefs (when was the last time you questioned your beliefs?) and staying in your comfort zone is much easier than adopting new behaviours, even when you know you will benefit from doing so. The key to reaching your goals is to consider them holistically. Do not envision your goals as end destinations. Instead, envision achieving your goals as a series of choices you need to make to reach them. “Life is the sum of all your choices” — Albert Camus, French philosopher. Say you have the financial goal of wanting to save $7,500 next year. Think of all the behaviours you must change to achieve this goal, the biggest being your current spending habits. Changing your spending habits means adopting new behaviours, such as saying “No” to friends wanting you to join them on a night out on the town, not entertaining marketing propaganda, not spending to appear rich, having your bank make automatic monthly savings withdrawals, to even the following the try and true of bringing your lunch to work and making your coffee at home. I am sure you have family and friends whom you notice say they want to achieve XYZ but act in a way that goes against what they say they want. I see this all the time, especially regarding money and health. Who does not know someone who says they are always broke, yet their consumerism is a marketer’s wet dream? Or who says they want to be in better shape and still treat their body as a garbage disposal? To achieve a goal, you need to choose the actions necessary to achieve your goal. If you want a promotion in 2024 then you need to strengthen your relationship with your boss and their boss, read industry magazines, take relevant courses, network with industry influencers, and establish a personal brand that you are someone who gets things done. All these activities require a change in your behaviour of choosing actions that support these activities and not choosing to binge-watch Netflix series, sitting around with your “buddies” drinking beers and complaining about how unfair life is or spending hours

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mindlessly scrolling your social media feeds. Undeniably, the choices you make determine the course of your life. What you eat, who you associate with, what you read, and what you mentally consume have consequences. Most people do not give their choices and decisions the seriousness they deserve. Start thinking about the implications of your choices, and your life will take a radically different turn. Whenever I meet someone who complains they are not living the life they say they want, I know they have made, and probably continue to make bad choices. Making better choices is much easier when you are focused, razor-like, on a goal or objective. The following steps will help you make better choices: Make a list of your top three 2024 goals. Even better, stick images of your goals where you will see them daily. (e.g., your fridge, the back of your front door, your bathroom mirror) Every morning, ask yourself what you will do today to get closer to your top three goals. (Your answer will

guide you in making choices that support achieving your goals, to saying “Yes” to the right things and “No” to the wrong things.) Every evening, ask yourself if you have kept your promises to yourself. (Did you walk 10,000 steps? Did you bring your lunch to work? Did you read 15 - 20 pages of the book you are reading this month?) By doing the above, you will make better choices, and your life will inevitably change. I guarantee that you will take your life in a new direction if next year you do nothing but question your choices. Instead of making 2024 New Year’s resolutions, commit to making better choices that support your goals. New Year’s resolutions will not change you; only better choices, new actions, and new habits will. — Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan

By Becky Doig

survive if the tides (or El Nino) turn? What if our snowblowers seize up from lack of use? If we do get a dump of snow, will we see a huge jump in heart attacks because we haven’t had an opportunity to “train” for “the big one?” Heightening our guilt at enjoying such a mild winter is apprehension lingering in the background. Will we burn again all next summer? Will cattle and wildlife starve? Will crops fail? Quietly but collectively, we have put our hopes in the dire predictions of those who insist we are yet to be punished. There’s still time, they say, for huge dumps of snow and sub-zero temperatures day in and day out. I’ll whisper it. “I hope they are right.” — Becky Doig is former editor of the Battlefords News-Optimist and a freelance editor for SASKTODAY. ca.

Commentary: A Prairie conundrum Prairie folk are beginning to squirm with a brown Christmas behind us and a forecast of sunshine, lollipops and warm temperatures into the future. In a season where we often correspond with those close to us, who may not live so close by, a large component of that exchange is missing. When Uncle Lenny in Victoria remarks on a winter walk amid spring-like conditions, the response is traditionally, “Hey, it’s only -30C today so we’re packing up the kids and the snowmachines and spending a day on the lake ice fishing.” Face it, a huge component of the Prairie persona is an ability to brag about how tough we are. How we revel in the challenges Mother Nature sends our way. The guilt is settling in. This is way too easy. What if we become as soft as those living on the West Coast, interior British Columbia or Southern Ontario? Will we

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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024 - Page 5

Ukrainian Christmas Saturday January 7, 2024

Merry Ukrainian Christmas

WISHING YOU HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN 2024

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Festival Fanfare

Festival entry deadline Jan. 20 By Kelly Waters

Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival

The deadline for entries in the 2024 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival is quickly approaching. Entries are to be submitted by Saturday, Jan. 20. Entry forms can be found online by searching “Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival” and clicking on the “music festival suite” link. The syllabus and festival rules and regulations can be found online on the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association (SMFA) website. There are now a variety of non-competitive classes for those who seek the educational aspect and experience of performing for an expert adjudicator without

participating in the competitive aspect. Additionally, there is the option to participate in classes that include workshops in each area of musical discipline. Those areas include vocal singing, musical theatre, spoken word, choral, piano, organ, guitar, strings, woodwind instrument, brass instrument, percussion and band ensemble. Expanding inclusivity for styles of music, there are now “World Music Classes” on an instrument of choice that may include popular forms of non-European classical (ex. Chinese guzheng, Indian raga, Tibetan chant), Eastern European folk (ex. Balkan, Bulgarian), Nordic folk, Latin and Indonesian. In non-competitive classes, no mark is assigned.

The 2024 festival is scheduled to run from April 15th - 28th. This annual local festival provides a venue for students to showcase their talent and access feedback from topquality guest adjudicators who are experts in their field. It’s an event filled with inspiration and celebration for young musicians. Festival entry fees are solo $15, duet/trio/small ensemble $15 and band/ choir/large ensemble $30. The late registration fee is $25 per participant; see the online entry forms for more details. The late entries deadline is Saturday, Jan. 27. To be eligible for an award or scholarship, a participant must be 19 years of age or younger,

have lived in or studied in the Battlefords and district for a minimum of six months before the festival, or be furthering their education elsewhere but still supported by parents living in the Battlefords and district. Other students are welcome for adjudication and recommendation to the provincial and national level competitions. The Battlefords Music Festival committee hosts a booster program for teachers in the area. If you would like to bring a clinician/teacher in to hold an event for your students, the committee will pay $350/ day for facilitator’s fees, .56 cents per kilometre for travel, and accommodation costs. If the expenses for your event go above and beyond this, please submit a

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024 - Page 7

proposal for consideration. All that is asked in return for this support is entering your students/group in the 2024 music festival. Last year, string players, Orff musicians, spoken word groups and young pianists benefitted from these booster workshops. As well, the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association is refunding entry fees for school classroom groups in the spoken word discipline. The online entry system, MusicFestivalSuite. com or MFS, software allows committee volunteers to maximize efforts in scheduling and planning. Your profile gives Teachers, Parents, Accompanists and Students the ability to interact with their registrations long after they’ve been submitted. Paying for all registrations is possible through PayPal. The teacher and student profiles you set last year are saved in the system. If you need to refresh your memory about

how to use the website, you can go to www.musicfestivalsuite.com, where you can peruse the festival Participants section for “HowTo’” Volunteers are always needed and welcome. If you have an interest in volunteering, there are tasks ranging from small to more involved. There are also numerous opportunities to support the festival in the way of sponsorship and awards if you or your business are interested. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and see where your time, skills, or resources might be of most help. Correspondence can be directed by email to the Committee secretary Amy Francais amy.francais@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1301, North Battleford, Sask., S9A 3L8. “This is what I want in heaven ... words to become notes and conversations to be symphonies.” Tina Turner – (1939 – 2023)

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Saskatchewan’s Economy Continues to Thrive Saskatchewan’s population is over 1.22 million people and growing faster than it has in more than a century. Our economy saw GDP growth of 6.0 per cent, ranking first in the nation. The province’s unemployment rate is currently 5.1 per cent, the second lowest in Canada, with an increase of 19,300 jobs compared to last year. Retail trade has increased by 3.0 per cent year-over-year as well.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook

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

scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 306-747-3422

Borden and Members share District News

Art Notes

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their skills

By Lorraine Olinyk

By Joanne Rivers Wing

Correspondent

Battlefords Art Club

We have several new members of the art club this year. We are up to 42. It is a mixed crowd of varying ages, talents and interests. The club is going strong. The club’s members and non-members alike are skilled in various creative forms like painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpting and others. In their generosity, they will offer a class for an afternoon or two for a small fee to cover material costs. Jan. 2 was our first class for 2024. Ellery Russell is a sculptor and fibre artist. She will held a workshop for $45 per person. All supplies were included with the fee. Jan. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m., one of our members will lead us in a simple book-making class. Slap some paint around, dry, fold and cut. Voilà, a book. Feel free to email battlefordsartclub@gmail.com regarding that class. Feb. 13 and 20 there is a textured art program offered by Faye Erickson. This is a two-part class from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. Contact Fate for more information or to register. If you are on Instagram, we are: art_of_the_battlefords Email battlefordsartclub@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Battlefords Art Club member Faye Erickson will lead a textured art program Feb. 13 and 20. | Photos submitted

The Borden Friendship Club held their final potluck supper for 2023 on Dec. 28, in the Club Room with 36 out to enjoy the evening. After the meal, four were on hand to blow out the candles on the cake – Dianne Rawlyk, Gaby Lajoie, Miriam Hamm and Archie Wainwright. Four December celebrants. G. Sparks, Gary Leschyshyn, Ken Tanchak and John Longmore, were absent. Peter Thiessen was emcee for the program and starting were Peter and Aven Paetkau singing with Mary Thiessen playing the keyboard for Little Drummer Boy, Joy to the World and three more songs. Sandra Long read There is a

Santa Claus. Ed Neufeld played his harmonica for Red River Valley, Waltz Quadrillo and Streets of Laredo, and then Rev. Sheldon Carr read a poem by T.S. Elliot entitled Journey of the Magi. Cheryl Larner told a joke and Evelyn Skarra read a poem the late Mary Carpentier had written about Saskatchewan. Evelyn also read a humorous letter from her grandmother entitled Dear Family on what and what not to do or bring for Christmas dinner. Upcoming in January for the Friendship Club is the business meeting Jan. 10 at 2 pm, cash bingo Jan. 17 and the potluck supper in the Community Centre Jan. 25 when the guest musicians will be John Reimer and Carey Quiring. St. John’s Anglican

Mayfair and District News

Enjoying the balmy weather, Woloshyn family men and young boys play a scrimmage game of hockey on a slough near Mayfair. Nothing like getting fresh air, exercise and fun on Boxing Day. | Photo courtesy Elaine Woloshyn

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Battlefords Art Club will host a book-making class Jan. 30.

2023-12-20 11:08:20 AM

MAYFAIR — The last day of the year 2023 would read 123123. Get what I mean? December, the last day in December and the last two digits of this past year. This doesn’t happen often. It looks like we are learning how to count up to three.

Our community is saddened to hear the passing of 94-year-old Cornelius (Cornie) Martens of Rabbit Lake. He and his wife Marlene attended many Mayfair functions before COVID. He is survived by Marlene, five children, 24 grandchildren and four great-grandkids. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family.

Out with the old In with the new Got great hearing aids How about you?

Borden Friendship clubs celebrating December birthdays are Miriam Hamm, Dianne Rawlyk, Gaby Lajoie and Archie Wainwright. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk

Church held an Epiphany Service of Holy Eucharist Dec. 31 with the singing of Christmas carols and a luncheon held in the Lower Hall following the service, courtesy of Rev. Sheldon and Rosann Carr. The church is holding a luncheon Monday, Jan. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lower Hall, serving soup, buns, cookies and beverages, by donation. The funds will be donated to the Borden Care Home. Bible/book study ses-

sions at the Anglican Church start again Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. and there will be a special service Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. for 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18 to 25. Everyone is welcome and the offering will go to the Borden School breakfast program. Rev. Carr, along with Anglican and Lutheran Church members, holds a service at the care home the last Friday of each month and in January it will be Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.

Jaeger Moore of Rabbit Lake is making his mark on the rodeo circuit. | Photo courtesy of Amanda Moore

A 16-year-old budding cowboy from Rabbit Lake is performing great in the rodeo scene. Jaeger Moore, a Grade 11 student at Medstead Central School, is the son of Amanda and Troy Moore. Proud grandparents are Rose Moore (Stan deceased) of Rabbit Lake and Brian and Terry Thompson of North Battleford. Jaeger started steer riding at the

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age of eight years and has advanced to bull riding. He follows the Canadian Cowboys and Kakeyow Rodeo Associations, bringing home buckles, awards and money over the past several years. Winning the novice bull riding at the Clunie/ Cooper Memorial PBR has been the most memorable so far. Continued on Page 11


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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024 - Page 9

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MARTENS: Peacefully, surrounded by family on the morning of December 18, 2023, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Cornelius Martens passed away into the arms of his Heavenly Father. Cornie is survived by his wife, Marlene; sons: Alan (Debbie Neudorf), Dave (Marlene Rens), Don (Vonda Plett), Ken (Joanne Toews) & daughter, Carrie (Barry Barkman); 24 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings: Judith, Henry, Helen & Abe; brothers-in-laws: Sam, Art, Ervin, Claude & Gerry; sisters-in-law: Evelyn & Marie. He leaves behind brothers: John, Walter (Rosella), Peter (Terry); sisters: Anita, Hertha; sisters-in-law: Margaret, Linda, Betty Anne (Wayne). Cornie was born on August 16, 1929 to Abram Martens & Anna Hildebrand near Hanley, SK. He was the 4th of what would be 10 siblings. His childhood years were spent on the family homestead near Reserve Lake, SK attending the local school, then Avery School when the family moved near to Glenbush, SK. For grades 11 & 12, Cornie attended Rosthern Junior College and in June of 1949, he was baptized in the Glenbush Hoffnungsfelder (Fields of Hope) Church. On October 31, 1959, Cornie married Marlene Olga Heinrichs, also of Rabbit Lake. Shortly after he was asked by the local Mennonite Church to consider pastoring. Prayerfully and with Marlene’s support, he was ordained on August 11, 1963 and together, Cornie & Marlene began what would ultimately total 64 years of volunteer ministry serving the General Conference Mennonite churches in Rabbit Lake, Glenbush, Mayfair & North Battleford. Cornie and Marlene were also partners in farming. They worked side by side doing field work, caring for cattle and gardening to feed their growing family. As a result of a house fire in the winter of 1965 they moved to a neighbouring quarter section of land close to Rabbit Lake and with the help of family & friends in the community, they built a new home. Here they raised 5 children and developed their property into the farm yard that would be their home for the next 30 years. In the spring of 1995, Cornie retired with Marlene to a new home in Rabbit Lake, selling the farm to son, Dave. From here, he continued to assist with Al & Dave’s farming operations, later, grandson Russell’s as well. He particularly loved cutting & baling hay as well as helping with harvest but he kept busy all of the time doing any odd job. For the 3 of his children that live out of province, his visits included a lot of handyman work. In “retirement”, Cornie took it upon himself to care for much of the grass cutting and snow removal in the town of Rabbit Lake. He liked staying busy and active which we think helped him achieve such good health well into his 90’s. Cornie faithfully served his community for many years as member of Town Council, Hall Board and the Rose Gill Lodge Board to name just a few. He was formally recognized for this work as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service presented to him by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. His volunteer work later included assignments with Mennonite Disaster Service, which of course he did with Marlene at his side. In later years, Cornie enjoyed several trips and cruises with Marlene and their friends but when all was said and done, Dad loved being home with meaningful work to do, Marlene’s fresh baking, hockey to watch and books to read. Our dad was a hard worker, a faithful servant of God and a kind, humble, generous man. He enjoyed life, could laugh at himself and was often ready with a joke or funny story to tell. His last days were spent with Marlene caring for him at home until he needed additional supports. He received excellent care from the palliative care doctors and nurses at the North Battleford Union Hospital to whom the family is so grateful. Many thanks as well to the friends and family who called, visited, sent lovely texts and emails. In the end, Cornie was eager & ready to be with Jesus who he loved. He will be dearly & lovingly missed. Funeral Service for Cornie will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 – 11:00 a.m. at Territorial Drive Alliance Church with Pastor Keith Klippenstein as officiant. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be posted at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=territorial+drive +alliance+church+youtube Memorial donations in his loving memory may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank – Box 767 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

Looking for Acreage to Rent 2+ bedroom acreage/farm around the Battlefords. Space for a couple horses and an outside dog. Mature, responsible, has acreage experience tenant. Call or text: 306-320-1110

Hogs for sale with lean growth potential. Bred sows, replacement stock, butcher hogs, weanlings. Find us on Facebook. Clean hogs since 1987. Dean and Faye Kern 306-774-6941

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OBITUARIES RONDESVEDT: July 4, 1937 December 21, 2023. It is with great sadness that the family of Larry Rondesvedt announce his passing after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer on December 21, 2023 at the age of 86 years old. He passed away peacefully at the Southwood Care Hospice in Calgary, AB, surrounded by his family. Larry was born on July 4, 1937, in St. Walburg, Saskatchewan, to Ole and Laura Rondesvedt, both of whom predeceased him. Larry was the youngest of five children - two older brothers and two older sisters who have all predeceased him. His family moved to North Battleford, Saskatchewan, when he was 5 years old, and Larry has resided there ever since. Larry attended NBCI high school and began working at Sterling Distributors in 1953, where he worked for 20 years. After the closure of Sterling Distributors, Larry worked for a short time at Boyd's Chevrolet as a car salesman before accepting a position as the sporting goods manager at Woolworths. Larry continued in retail and became a store manager at Wal-Mart in North Battleford until he fully retired in 2012. Larry met Karen (nee:Berg) in 1965 in North Battleford at a friend's wedding through a mutual friend. The pair married on April 8, 1967, and were married 56 years. In 1970, their oldest daughter, Lori, was born, and in 1972, Maureen followed. While raising their children, Larry loved to spend time with his family, attend his children's sporting events, fishing, woodworking, and restoring antique cars. There were many family trips while the girls were growing up, and once he became an 'Opa,' he enjoyed spending time and travelling with his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed teaching all of his grandchildren how to drive. Larry's personality was loved by all those who knew him. Larry enjoyed spending time with friends and playing practical jokes on neighbours. He was always happy and willing to help anyone he thought could use a hand. Larry was full of life, positive, kind, generous, had a great sense of humour and was gracious until the end. Larry is survived by his loving wife Karen; daughters Lori (Jim) Moore of Calgary, AB, and Maureen (Brad) of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Kelsie and Ben Moore, Connor and Spencer Robbins, Alyssa and Ethan Benoit; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. A celebration of Larry's life will be held in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, at a date to be determined in the new year. ROGER WILLIAM KEMP: With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Roger William Kemp. Roger was born on September 22, 1953, in New West Minister, British Columbia to Allan and Olive (Weslak) Kemp. He passed away on December 24, 2023, at his home farmland on the RM of Meota, 15 minutes from North Battleford, SK. He created this home with his wife, Shirley Kemp (LaPlante) where they raised their girls. He has worked many jobs all his life including in Alberta for Seismic. Then they both decided for Shirley to quit her job as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at Saskatchewan Hospital to stay at home with their girls while he worked for Husky Ltd. in Edam for over 30 years. On top of his jobs, he helped out with the family farm with his brother Lorne. Whenever he was not working, he was busy being a loving and devoted family man and took pride in his gardening. He is survived by his devoted wife, daughters Shannon (Tayven) Roberts, Mirna Kemp, Rachel (Albert) Lascelle, and Stacey (Michael) Kemp; Grandchildren Chasity, Ryan, Kyler, Trista Lee, Kimberly and Jason; Great-grandchildren include Korissa, Ryder, Kage, Rylan, and Ryley; His siblings Lorne (Marilyn) Kemp, Sharon Burnett, and Ken (Debbie) Kemp and numerous but loved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Roger were his parents, Allan and Olive Kemp, sister Donna, and Mother & FatherIn-Law Charles and Florestine LaPlante. Viewing and prayers will be at Sallows and McDonald’s Funeral Home in North Battleford on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 7 pm. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 2 pm at the Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Meota, SK. Luncheon to follow burial at Meota Community Hall. Memorial donations in memory of Roger can be made at: Battleford’s Empty Stocking Fund, Box 657, North Battleford, SK, S9A 2Y7 Or Battleford’s District Food & Resource Centre, 1171 101st Street, North Battleford, SK

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OBITUARIES BRIDGE: Valerie June BRIDGE (formerly Mullett). Her family are heartbroken to inform that Val passed away at her home in Saskatoon, surrounded by family, on December 30, 2023. A celebration of her life will be held on a date in the summer. To offer condolences and to share memories please visit www.saskatoonfuneralhome. com. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home. 306-244-5577

MORGAN: On the 6th day of December, 2023, Esther Lillian Morgan, 81, passed away peacefully at the Battlefords Union Hospital with family by her side. Esther will be lovingly remembered by her sisters: Eleanor Loewen, and Peggy (Ron) Hoover; brother, Tom Morgan; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces & nephews that she adored. She was predeceased by her parents: Edith and Cecil Morgan; sister, Phyllis Morgan; brother-in-law, Ed Loewen; sister-in-law, Marlene Morgan; nephew, Zachary LeBlanc. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Garden Chapel, 1332100th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Donation in memory of Esther may be made to the Battlefords Humane Society, Po Box 645, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, S9A 2Y7. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Battlefords Union Hospital, for their care and compassion. Arrangements entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

ROTZIEN: Elizabeth Ann Rotzien passed away in her sleep on December 25, 2023. Elizabeth was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, on May 10, 1937, to Margaret (Roscoe) Carnegie and John Alexander Carnegie. After growing up in Prince Albert, she attended the University of Saskatchewan. At the U of S, she earned her Bachelor of Education, played Huskie basketball, and met the love of her life, George Rotzien. They later married and moved to North Battleford, where she taught at Battleford Junior High, farmed, and raised three children. Liz enjoyed spending time with her many friends, curling, golfing, camping, playing bridge, and traveling. She was also an active member of Third Avenue United Church. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and John A. Carnegie, husband George Rotzien, son-in-law Henry James, granddaughter Victoria Gregoire, and great-granddaughter Ellie Gregoire. She is survived by her children Jacqueline (Glen) Gregoire (Saskatoon), Linda James (Saskatoon) and Douglas (Terri Lyne) Rotzien (Wainwright); grandchildren Sean (Miranda) Gregoire (Saskatoon), Ashley (Matt) Quick, Jonathon Rotzien (Laurence Martin) (Edmonton), Alison Rotzien (Wainwright), Adam James (Karen Demmans) (Saskatoon), and Marcus James (Jenelle Elder) (Saskatoon); and great-grandchildren Olive Gregoire, Sullivan Gregoire, Jameson Gregoire, Stella Quick, and Austin Quick. She is also survived by her sister, Jacqueline Carnegie. The Celebration of Elizabeth's Life will occur at 11:00 am on January 8, 2024, at Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Third Avenue United Church, or to a charity of your choice.


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NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD Public notice is hereby given, Pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007 that the City of North Battleford intends to pass a bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1971 as hereinafter provided. The proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw No. 1971, are as follows: Intent

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

To amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1971 CLAUSE 6.12 – LARGE LOT ARTERIAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT – Table 6-12 is amended by hanging the where the Minimum site Depth Column shows 60 metres to 37.9 metres

Reason A subdivision application was received by the City for a property in the C3A - Large Lot Arterial Commercial District. The application was denied because the subdivision did not meet minimum lot depth requirements of the Zoning Bylaw 1971.

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The Town of Battleford is accepting applications for Part-time Volunteer Firefighters Apply with Resume to Battleford Fire Department 402-25th Street West, P.O. Box 40 Battleford, Saskatchewan S0M 0E0 Fax: 306-937-3719 Email: firechief@battleford.ca Start Date: Immediately

306-445-7261

R.M. OF MEDSTEAD NO. 497 SEASONAL MAINTENANCE/ EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION The R.M. of Medstead No. 497 invites applications for an experienced full time Seasonal Maintenance/Equipment Operator. The Seasonal Maintenance/Equipment Operator will be responsible for mowing this municipality’s ditches, rock picking, mulching in conjunction with the grader operators, installing and repairing signs and other jobs as directed by the Reeve. Opportunity may be present in the future to move into a grader operator position. Pay rates depending on experience. The R.M. of Medstead No. 497 is located in central Saskatchewan located approximately forty five minutes north of North Battleford.

The Planning and Development Act, 2007 requires that subdivision approvals can only be given where the subdivision does not create a contravention of the Zoning Bylaw. If this requirement did not exist the City could have approved the subdivision and grant a relaxation on the parcel size at the time of subdivision.

Applicants must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license and have skill and experience in maintenance and operation of equipment including tractor, mower, rock picker and mulcher.

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

Submit written resumes stating experience, expected wage, two references and a current driver’s abstract. Deadline closes once the position is filled. All resumes shall be marked “Seasonal Maintenance/Equipment Operator Position” and dropped off at the RM Office, mailed to the address below or emailed to rm497@sasktel.net.

Public Hearing Representations respecting the Bylaw will be considered by the Council on the 8th day of January 2024, at the City Hall at 5:45 p.m. Council shall hear any person or group of persons or person acting on their behalf, who wish to make a representation. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to City Hall before the hearing. Issued at North Battleford this 15th Day of December, 2023. Stacey Hadley, City Clerk

R.M. of Medstead No. 497 Box 12 Medstead, SK S0M 1W0 Council thanks all applicants for their interest in this position but only persons selected for interviews will be contacted. The R.M. of Medstead No. 497 reserves the right to reject and refuse any or all expressions of interest.


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Maidstone News By Kathy Utri

Correspondent

Last week I wrote about the high school leadership class which, for 2023-2024, has a membership of three girls — Kaitlyn Brett, Olivia Perkins and Jadyn Rhinehart — under the supervision of Adele Muzyka. The leadership class counts as one high school credit and is open to Grade 10, 11 and 12 students. Members create their projects within the school and the community and then carry out their goals. This year the members chose to provide cookies and hot chocolate with candy canes to their school. As mentioned last week, their community project helped with decorations and the Christmas lunch at the seniors’ centre where they did a superb

job. Thank you again. The Maidstone Quilting Squares recently made two substantial donations to the community. In October, the club donated $2,200 to STARS. This was 100 per cent of the earnings from their annual quilt raffle ticket sales. The quilt was on display at Synergy Credit Union in Maidstone for several months before the draw. Secondly, on Dec 18, the group donated $700 to the local food bank. This was the entire earnings made by the club for running the kitchen at the craft sale held at Maidstone Legion Hall in November. As well, in the fall, the group donated 26 quilts to Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. (submitted by Shannon Smith) Maidstone Kin Club thanks all who registered

sasktoday.ca

for their first-ever Twinkle Tour. There was an impressive amount of community voting and they’re looking forward to doing it again next year. Congratulations to the top entries: Most Creative Display – Halls; Brightest Display – Boyers; Best Inflatable/Plastic Display – Rhineharts; Most Traditional Display – Maidstone Museum; and Most Festive Display – Crokes. We hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy all the lights this season. Maidstone Senior Jets’ next game is Saturday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. in Radisson followed by a game in Glaslyn on Friday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. and home games on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. against Radisson and Friday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. versus Perdue. Minor Hockey Day in Maidstone is on Saturday, Jan. 20 with a Jets game against Neilburg at 8

p.m. All times are MST. As I write this on the first day of the new year, it’s a time of reflection on the past year with many good things that occurred in our lives and, of course, some we’d like to forget. We anticipate better things to come in 2024 for us and hopefully for all of you. There is one week left of

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024 - Page 11

the school break so I hope many of you will be able to enjoy extended family time together. School resumes Monday, Jan. 8. Other events: Next week: All leagues resume at Maidstone Bowling Alley. Jan. 8 (Monday): Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club general meeting at 7

p.m. at Waseca Community Centre. Jan. 11 (Thursday): Grace Community Church Youth Group starts up again at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 (Sunday): Grace Community Church Sunday School resumes and it’s their New Year’s Potluck. Please bring a favourite dish to share.

More Mayfair News

Continued from Page 10 This ambitious teenager’s plans include a college education and joining the rodeo team so he can pursue his passion for bull riding along with advanced education. The first 2024 rodeo will be the CCA Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo in North Battleford the last part of April. Spiritwood curling bonspiels for 2024 are — Jan.

26 and 27 Derryk Franson Memorial; Feb. 2 and 3 Spiritwood of the North High School Curling; March 9 ladies’ bonspiel; March 14 to17 open bonspiel. Sign up early as this sport brings in curlers from many nearby towns. Congratulations to a former Mayfair resident who tied the knot Dec. 31. A large wedding took place in Moose Jaw as Ashton

Lehman married Jillian Switzerl. They both do the rodeo scene and have ongoing success. Welcome to January as everything starts with new beginnings including months, chapters, lessons, mindset, blessings, focus, attention, inspiration, opportunities and new results. May this be a snow month for everyone who is praying for it to come.

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

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

TerriTorial Drive alliance church 306-445-5158 www.tdac.ca

306-446-1695

PASTOR: Rev. Fr. Phinh Do

Corner of Scott & Territorial Dirve Sun. 10:30 am Ministries for the whole family

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

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

ANGLICAN PARISH

306-445-5901

St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. St. George’s Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. Watch the Sunday Morning Service on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/battleriverparish Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

Rev. Trevor Malyon Rev. Jan Trost

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Pastor: Dean Covert

Church Phone 306-445-4181

Notre Dame de Lourdes Church

12th Ave. & 104th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 1S8 PASTOR: Rev. Father Millan Sajonas Office: 306-445-3836 Mass Times: Saturdays: 7:00 pm Sundays: 11:00 am & 5:00 pm (except July & August) Sundays: 9:30 am St. André’s Church Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com • www.notredameparish.ca

902 - 108th Street, North Battleford

Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Leonid Malkov Phone: 1-306-229-1755

52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK

306-937-3177

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Third Avenue United Church Rev. Jo-Ann Hills

Sunday Worship Services at 10:45 am

306-445-8171

Live Streaming Available at www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

Everyone Welcome

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

Sunday Afternoon Service 3:00 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

LIVING FAITH Sunday Services 10:30 am CHAPEL

Ukrainian Catholic Parish of All Saints

Battleford United Church

Living Water Ministry

Battlefords Cowboy Church

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month

Pastor FADY FAKHOURY

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

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

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

Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am and 6:30 pm Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Corner 1611 & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Marriage and family counseling is available by appointment.


Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 4, 2024

JANUARY at The Club

O O Let’s start the New Year off COOL! On behalf of BGC Battlefords we wish you all a safe, happy & healthy New Year!

DID YOU KNOW: 96% of children and youth say they are more excited to try new things because of the Club! New Horizons Curling has crowned the first half (October to December 2023) champions. In the photo are lead Shirley A. Smith, second Wayne Rafus, third Bruce Chadwick and skip Ed Kjargaard. New Horizons is always looking for new curlers. | Photo submitted CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Rural Municipality of Turtle River No. 469 Employment Opportunity The RM of Turtle River is now accepting applications for the positions of Seasonal full-time equipment Operator/Maintenance The successful applicants to this position will maintain and construct municipal roads as directed. Equipment operation and maintenance will be required as per equipment manual or as directed while ensuring that safety regulations and policy are adhered to both while working on roads, municipal infrastructure and in shop. Preference will be given to applicants that have the following requirements: • Minimum 2 years equipment operator/construction experience • Valid Class 1A license • Mechanical experience • Gravel Spreading Experience Hours will be 7am-5pm Monday- Friday. Seasonal term will run from April to October, weather permitting. Wages will be dependent on experience, skills and education. Benefits package is offered. Please submit a resume stating experience, including a list of all equipment operated, work references and expected wage by February 9, 2024 to: RM of Turtle River No. 469 Box 128 Edam, SK S0M 0V0 phone (306)397-2311 fax (306)397-2346 rm469@sasktel.net

January dates to remember: • Thursday, January 4th – WE ARE OPEN! Non-School Days Program: Our Members are Friends Furever! • Friday, January 5th – WE ARE OPEN! Non-School Days Program: I’m Glad We Share the Same Space! • Saturday, January 6th – WE ARE OPEN! IFCU Saturday Program: This Year We Sparkle! • Sunday, January 7th – Hockey Program Begins! (Equipment Fitting at BGC Battlefords gymnasium from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, and first session of Hockey Program from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at the Don Ross Arena). • Monday, January 8th – First Day back at School! • Saturday, January 13th – IFCU Saturday Program: I Have a Dream. • Sunday, January 14th – Hockey Program. • Saturday, January 20th – IFCU Saturday Program: We’re Smitten on Saturday! • Sunday, January 21st – Hockey Program. • Wednesday, January 24th – Early Dismissal Day (programming is open at class dismissal)! • Saturday, January 27th – IFCU Saturday Program: There’s Snow-one like You! • Sunday, January 28th – Hockey Program. • Wednesday, January 31st – Non-School Days Program: Some People are Worth Melting For! • Winter Clothing Reminder – Reminder that we do our best to still go outside during the winter months! Please remember to pack the proper winter gear for your child(ren)! • As a reminder, our school year hours of operation are as follows: - Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm - Satellite Site Before School Programs: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 8:30am (Bready & EMBM) - Satellite Site After School Programs: Monday to Friday, class dismissal 5:30pm (Bready, EMBM & Holy Family) - Drop-in Program (Main Site): Monday to Friday, class dismissal – 8:30pm and Saturdays,1:00pm – 4:00pm Continue to watch our Facebook page (BGCBattlefords), Instagram @ bgcbattlefords and website (www.bgcbattlefords.ca) for more updates.

Opportunity Changes Everything AD SPONSORED BY -

Only applicants granted an interview will be contacted.

www.bgcbattlefords.ca

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djshynkaruk@gmail.com

GET YOUR BUSINESS GROWING!

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306.441.1980 306.445.3144

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