Regional News-Optimist July 27, 2023

Re-opening proved a chance to build community bridges

Stakeholders share history

By Jayne Foster News-Optimist SASKTODAY.ca

Spanning from the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River to Finlayson Island, connecting to yet another span that links to the river’s south bank, the structures commonly referred to as “the old bridges” once again represent a community coming together.

Ames Leslie, mayor of the Town of Battleford, which has had custody of both spans of the 115-yearold bridge since the province built a new traffic bridge upstream, described its unique position Friday when re-opening the north truss Friday to pedestrians and cyclists.

“Where we’re standing now we’re in the Town of Battleford. Take a few steps this way, technically, we’re in the province of Saskatchewan, soon as you get halfway through the bridge and you’re over the water, you’re in the federal jurisdiction,” he said. “You cross the bridge, and as soon as you touch foot on the bank again, you’re in the City of North Battleford.

Putting together the funding, a total of $3.6

million, saw the usual roll call of the three levels government, and officials such as two MLA’s and two mayors. But bringing the federal component in was significantly advanced by working with local Indigenous officials. Letters of support from surrounding First Nations were part of the campaign to secure almost $1.4 million in federal funds.

“As our communities are all starting to talk about various things, whether it’s new hospitals, whether it’s new sports facilities, it’s not just the city and the town talking anymore. We are talking with the RMs and a lot of our Indigenous communities are coming to the table as they feel welcome to finally come to the table and I’m glad o see that happening. It’s been a goal of both myself and His Worship [David] Gillan to truly bridge our communities. I know that’s a cliché that’s getting thrown around here today a lot, but I just truly appreciate the amount of people who came and supported us here today for this grand re-opening.

Chief Lori Whitecalf of Sweetgrass First Nation said she was happy to be at the re-opening ceremony

Continued on Page 5

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It’s Pride Week in the Battlefords

SASKTODAY.ca

Battlefords Area

Pride kicked off a full week of activities for their fifth annual local Pride Week with a flag raising Monday at North Battleford City Hall.

Mayor David Gillan said, “It’s really important. It’s our privilege, actually, to be raising the flag today. We really do encourage diversity in our city and this is just proving that we do believe in diversity and inclusivity in our city and everybody belonging in our city and feeling welcome in our city and safe in our city.”

Candice Toma, public and intergovernmental co-ordinator for the city, said, “We have such a good a mandate in the city of North Battleford to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible, and Battlefords Pride are certainly an instrumental part of that. We are always pleased when we can do any sort of proclamation with the city but to have such a great turnout and have such a good community-minded group here to support it really makes all the difference world. It helps us be as diverse and friendly and welcoming as possible.”

Organizers have said the question is sometimes raised as to why a separate week is dedicated locally. Their answer is that many of the rural pride groups in Saskatchewan choose to create this option. During the national Pride month of June, the larger centres of Saskatoon and Regina have large scale

events that attract people from all over the province. Rural centres cannot compete so by hosting a local week to celebrate outside of that timeframe, no one is torn between attending the large scale events in the city and supporting local events.

Battlefords Area Pride did create rainbow crosswalks in North Battleford by the public library and in Battleford in front of the town hall in honour of Pride month.

July’s Pride Week kicked off with two events Monday — a ceremonial flag-raising at City Hall free disc golf event at Centennial Park planned for the evening.

Tuesday evening, karaoke was hosted by the Downstairs Bar & Grill with DJMarc.

Wednesday, July 26, was another new activity offering for this year; free swimming at the Aquatic Centre beginning 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 27, at the Battlefords Community Players Playhouse Theatre in Battleford, drag artist Celine returns to host a 19+ Drag Show event along with other friend artists from Saskatchewan. This event offers a cash bar and food from The Prairie Fairy food truck. Tickets are $10 and available on Eventbrite or at the door. Though Celine currently resides in Edmonton, she hails from the Battlefords and is excited to bring her artistry back home.

On Friday, July 28, a family-friendly event is scheduled in the lecture

theatre at the Public Library starting 11:30 p.m. running through the lunch hour. Two entertainers will showcase their talents. There will be a selection of Drag Royalty Story Time books read aloud for the purpose of promoting acceptance and celebration of diversity. Additionally, local magician Dr. VonHouligan will share juggling, balancing, and illusion. Kids of all ages are welcome!

Saturday sees an elaborate fun-filled day at Kinsmen Park with a variety of offerings. For anyone unsure of the location for Kinsmen Park, it is just off 18th Avenue and west of EMBM School. There is a playground and spray park along with an abundance of mature trees making it a fantastic outdoor location. The event runs from 1 to 9 p.m. Due to generous sponsorship and donations, there are a variety of free

activity offerings during the afternoon and into the early evening. In addition to bouncy castles on-site and a Big Top Circus tent, look for face painting, caricature drawing, live Zoltar fortune telling, an interactive arts experience, and airbrush tattoos. There will be vendors and food trucks on site.

Under the Big Top tent, live entertainment is scheduled from 2 to 9 p.m. along with celebrity MC Shawn Cuthand. Cuthand is a Cree/Mohawk comedian, podcaster , writer, and actor. The lineup includes: 2 p.m. Dr. VonHouligan Magic; 3 p.m. local The Lances; 4 p.m. LadyStrange out of Saskatoon; 5 p.m. Dr. VonHouligan Magic; 6 p.m. local Gypsy Moonbird; 7 p.m. Cupid’s Heart the headliner warmup; and 8 p.m. headliner LJ Tyson.

For those who like to participate in actions such

as walks or parades in support of local Pride, Sunday, July 30, is the date to mark on your calendars. The informal “parade” can involve whatever form of transportation you prefer whether that be walking, biking, or decorating your vehicle for driving. Anyone wishing to participate simply needs gather in front of

the Public Library before 1 p.m.

More sponsors for Pride Week came forward than in previous years. This year’s sponsors are BATC, Discovery Coop, SIGA, Innovation Credit Union, Sask Lotteries, Toronto Dominion Bank, Sask Music, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Sobeys.

Surgical services to resume at half capacity Aug. 1

SASKTODAY.ca

The Battlefords Union Hospital operating room, which closed Friday for renovation, is expected to be ready for half capacity services by Aug. 1.

According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, major capital infrastructure improvements are underway at the BUH operating room. The authority described the enhancements as a significant step towards improving patient care, en-

hancing safety, and delivering exceptional health-care services.

To facilitate the improvements, temporary changes to surgical services are in effect. Beginning Friday, surgical services were made temporarily unavailable at BUH. The SHA says surgical services will resume at half capacity 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Full resumption of surgical services is expected on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 8 a.m.

In a release, the SHA says no surgeries have been cancelled, as

this is a planned improvement project. The SHA also said obstetrical patients whose pregnancy is considered high-risk should contact their obstetrician or family physician in advance of their due date to discuss their birth plan.

In the event of an emergency, patients should call 911. If residents have questions regarding their health or mental health, professional advice is available by calling 811 to reach the Saskatchewan HealthLine toll-free 24 hours/day.

Above, Kelly Waters, secretary for Pride Week, and Mayor Gillan hold up the Pride flag. At right, in the evening, a free disc golf event was held. | Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

Mayor Gillan reads out the proclamation to start Pride Week in the Battlefords while Candice Toma, public and intergovernmental co-ordinator for the city, helps to keep it from blowing away in the wind.

Letter Early days of interaction with Fort Battleford

Dear Editor

When I was 14, I had three people whom I of course never met who were subjects of my admiration. These were King George, Queen Elizabeth and Chief Poundmaker. My mother was interested in history and our neighbour down the road, Totie Bergey, was a history buff. We also had a teacher for some years, Miss Janus, who also appreciated Western Canadian history.

One day she received an interesting proposal in the mail. The first curator of the newly opened site of Fort Battleford was an enterprising young man, Jack Herbert, who had letters sent to all the rural schools (and there were many) offering the opportunity to win a collection of books on the history of Western Canada. All the students had to do was submit the history of their school district.

Miss Janus offered me the responsibility. At age 14, I was considered clever at a number of things; it’s been downhill ever since.

I had wonderful help from our pioneers near and far, photographs and stories poured in. Of course by then many of the original settlers were dead. I wrote and wrote and wrote. (Two years later I became a typist but it was at least one year before the ballpoint pen was introduced; a messy tool at first which our teacher forbade us to use.) I wrote day after day with a steel point pen until my fingers were numb.

Totie Bergey, my main fountain of knowledge, suggested I call the work “When the Golden West was Young.” One of my brothers made a wooden cover with butterfly hinges.

Well, we won.

Jack Herbert invited the teacher, the students and the parents to spend the day at Fort Battleford. Looking back, I wish we’d asked for an invitation for our neighbour.

The district then was closely knit; they bought me a camera. A fellow student presented it to me at the event. I was speechless except for “Thank you.”

The neighbours didn’t know that much-treasured camera, a Yashica, was at the time the favourite make for professional newspaper photographers.

At Fort Battleford, another student and I wandered the whole site and suddenly I saw in the dirt some square hand-forged nails. We gathered them but before we could take them to, I expect Jack Herbert, we saw a man walking near us who looked like he had some authority so we offered the nails. He thanked us and told us what building would once have stood there. We found out that we had been speaking to Campbell Innes, the man who saved Fort Battleford from extinction.

That collection of books was greatly appreciated by the school children and is now in my library. And that first curator? He said it was my writing style which won the prize and said, “Never stop writing.”

He visited us later and stayed a few days. He did work on more historic sites, was promoted and moved to Ottawa.

Years later I wrote something I thought worthy perhaps to dedicate to him. I got in touch with the curator of the day, Mrs. Simpson. She was very sorry to tell me that kind Jack Herbert was dead from cancer. I never got over the feeling of loss; I’d wanted to repay him even just

a little.

So now, what about Fort Battleford today? Where is another Campbell Innes?

Governments can never be trusted; they chop and change with the latest and biggest noise. Museums run by governments are liable to sell off artifacts trustingly given by families. They are capable of glossing over some events and glorifying others, then reversing.

Perhaps the most unfortunate problem is often the inability to understand an era, to be ignorant to the fact people of each era think, as a general rule, as do other people of the era.

I also remember seeing in one building at the fort, the lack of knowledge of whoever was curator at the time and complete lack of knowledge of the summer students.

And that prize-winning essay?

It and the runners-up were hidden away. Where are they now? In the administration building? Many years ago, knowing some of the photos in our story had no copies and should have, I asked to see it and arrange for those copies to be made.

I was refused.

I wasn’t allowed to see, to touch it.

A little power goes to the heads of some people, as with governments.

Now I’d raise hell about that refusal. Not enough people raise hell about the right things.

Christine Pike Waseca

P.S. At 14, I was charmed by the place called Battleford. To be sure no fancy houses, but it was surrounded by aromatic prairie wool and the song of the meadowlark which trilled constantly around the little North West Mounted Police Cemetery. The prairie wool is nearly all gone and the meadowlarks and I wouldn’t be surprised to see houses right to the cemetery edge. The magic is gone.

Jon Sloan: Teacher, seeker, friend

Dear Editor

I had known Jon Sloan (Jan. 19, 1949 to May 31, 2023) for only about six years but the Jon I knew was a man who had lived through many types of lifestyles.

As a teacher, I know that his way was to treat his students as equals and to try to fill their needs and make their school lives more fun.

Religion is something we don’t talk about much, but Jon told me that as a boy forced to go to church, he saw religions as organizations taking money from the poor and making life easy for those who were at the top.

Continued on Page 5

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

Kylie Cooke • Elisha Parkinson • DTI/Receptionist

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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 Flabbergasting

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

Unlike last week this article is serious and doleful and contains no contrived levity. Here are some things creating problems for the burdened.

We ourselves are grateful immigrants to this country but can’t understand why half a million are to be brought here each year when we hear of the settlement problems that many newcomers are experiencing.

Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance and prime shuffle material is crowing

that the core inflation rate has dramatically fallen to 2.9 per cent and the Bank of Canada governor is

Poundmaker Museum

equally chuffed. Who exactly are they kidding and what exactly do they have in their basket – not groceries that’s for sure! Don’t deceive us - inflation is everywhere. House insurance has gone up another 10 per cent this year due to replacement values. Mortgage renewal differences will be unaffordable for many as are rental rates. I honestly don’t know how some people can afford to live.

In many countries, Canada included, taxation is a real problem as the concept is so ingrained, it is no longer challenged. Taxation on tax is present in this province (examine your energy and power

bills) and if you are not careful any automatic percentage tip you give in a restaurant will be based on the tax-included amount of your bill – a small but irritating detail. We meekly pay taxes without demur or remonstration and governments take full advantage.

Minister Freeland has no formal financial training nor has our most serene self-satisfied much travelled Prime Minister who apparently believes budgets take care of themselves. This explains the national debt and deficit which render me gastlyflabbered. Fiscal restraint is not too obvious at the top as shown by our P.M.

who travels in a motorcade and Environment Minister Guilbeault, the climb-it zealot, who did not know if his non-electric limousine supplied by his department has a six- or eight-cylinder engine. After announcing new regulations, as Canada burns, he “polluted” off to India this week. Our much-revered Governor General is also not known for frugality over victuals and limo costs ($71,000) as on her recent Iceland trip.

In my view it will prove impossible for a change of government to reduce the civil service and unravel and dismantle the plethora of support payments now

being handed out. These cover carbon tax rebates, grocery bills, childcare, and tooth decay from consuming sugar instead of aspartame, and pharmacare is yet to come. What would happen to the additional civil servants recruited over the past eight years at an inflationary rate grossly exceeding the Bank of Canada 2 per cent target?

It is to be hoped that the B.C. dockers will find the new tentative strike terms palatable. 260,000 containers await unloading and 71,000 await dispatch – this amounts to a container for every federal civil servant – Flabbergasting!

Honouring Exoneration Week for Chief Poundmaker

By Floyd Favel Curator

Poundmaker Museum

In December 2016 I entered the abandoned museum with then Councillor Milton Tootoosis and we asked ourselves if it was possible to revive the mu-

Bridges

Continued from Page 1 and to be a partner with the Town of Battleford, the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of North Battleford.

“Projects like this are all about reconciliation and working together,” she said. “I was first elected in 2011 and I strived to — and [then MLA] Herb Cox, he heard this a lot — but I always wanted to work together. We’re not going anywhere as First Nations people. The town, cities, RMs are not going anywhere as well, so we might as well all work collectively on projects like this.”

Leslie said Chief Whitecalf has always lived up to that dream of working together.

“When I was first seek-

Jon Sloan

Continued from Page 4

To win church-sponsored trips to Vancouver and Los Angeles he did a lot of Bible memory work that taught a lot to the farm boy who had only seen North Battleford. He also helped his brother and sisters win trips. When Jon left for teachers’ college, he said in a recent letter to me, “I was

seum and revive the exoneration process for Chief Poundmaker.

The hope for an exoneration along with the museum were forgotten in our community. We were even told ‘there’s no money in it’. Councillor Brandon Favel remodeled

ing the office of mayor, at our debate she came up to me and she said, ‘What are you going to do to bridge our communities?’”

Chief Tanya AguilarAntiman Stone of Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadLean Man First Nations said, “We are pleased to see this happen, as many of us around here today, we have many fond memories of this bridge.”

It was sad when it had to be closed down, she said, but opening it up for walking was important for wellness of people in the community.

“We have a lot of rich history here in the Battlefords and I really truly believe it’s only going to enhance the relationship in the future, promoting the history of the Battlefords, and it’s always been home.”

happy to leave my church behind me.” He added that he “found a whole new life without altar calls and continually doubting salvation.”

Some of you know that Jon had life problems. I will quote again from a letter he wrote to me. “I took a number of years and a very deep dive into alcoholism before I got over the notion of throwing out the baby with the bathwater. In AA I met

Letters welcome

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.

the museum and together with volunteers we cut with axes, the battle-site overgrown with willows.

We received the blessing of now deceased Tyrone Tootoosis along with his research and letters and Chief Duane Antoine signed the BCR to ask

Stone said, “In the short period of time I’ve been in this role, I’ve seen nothing but positive when we do come together and when we do work together and when we have that mindset of building that healthy individual, promoting that wellness and targeting the spiritual, mental wellness of individuals to break those cycles of that history, because we’ve got a lot of dark history here in the Battlefords, but we have an opportunity to share it with the country in a good way.”

Wayne Semaganis, chair of Battlefords Tribal Chiefs. was unable to attend, but sent remarks for Mayor Leslie to read.

“Lately we have all struggled because of our imperfect past. While these imperfections exist in all societies around the world,

with a whole new God that loves me unconditionally and I could love in return. Having lost my first son at birth, the notion of giving your son for my salvation took on a new meaning. So, instead of going to church, I spend more time thinking about how to treat others and respect my Saviour and God. Judge not, lest you be judged, is specially painful for me. I know what awaits me after death so I neither fear it nor desire it.”

Jon ended his letter with this, “My second wife Connie was a great inspiration for me and the gift of having Thelma in my life makes me thankful every day.”

We all will miss Jon’s musical talent and friendship and we can learn a lot about living with our neighbours by remembering Elmer Leslie William (Jon) Sloan. Fred

Grant North Battleford

the AFN to support our request for an Exoneration in the winter of 2016/2017.

We began a festival in the summer of 2017 where we publicly asked for the Exoneration of Chief Poundmaker, to ‘correct history’.

The Exoneration then

we cannot forget the positive and beneficial things that we all share. There are many good things since the settlers came to be our neighbours, this bridge and this island are not only good historical symbols that pull us together, today these bridges remind us to continue to build bridge of all kinds in order for our Treaty relationship to truly prosper for all people into the future.”

Elder Noel Moosuk from Red Pheasant Cree Nation smudged to start the grand reopening as well as giving a prayer in Cree.

For more, see Page 10.

took on a life of its own with the help of Blaine Favel, and by the autumn of 2018, it was certain that Chief Poundmaker would be exonerated. Then, finally our community and leaders came on board on the Exoneration and this bring us to where we are today.

Poundmaker Cree Nation will be celebrating the

Exoneration starting with a Pow Wow Aug. 1-3.

We are grateful for this event and this celebration, as we remember that in the early days of 2017, there was no support for our efforts.

But today we all stand proudly at the celebration week and we ask and invite all Peoples to come and visit our community.

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You’re going to lose access to local news on Facebook and Google.

Dear readers,

Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.

And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.

Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta — the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram. Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard.

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:

1. Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code. (And encourage your family and friends to do the same.)

2. Follow us on Twitter.

3 . Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

4. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source. In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever.

Thank you. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

The Battlefords News–Optimist team

Kurt Miller faces 15 years for Sask., Alta., drug charges

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

In a recent Alberta court ruling, 43-year-old Kurt Elliott Miller was sentenced in Edmonton court to seven years in prison on a drug trafficking charge. The seven-year sentence is to be served consecutively to the eight-years he was handed in December 2022 in a Saskatoon court, also on drug trafficking charges. This means Miller will serve 15 years.

Miller had accumulated the Alberta drug trafficking charge when he was wanted by Saskatchewan police after he skipped out on his sentencing hearing in North Battleford Provincial Court February 2022. He had been granted bail to “get his affairs in order” before he was to receive a lengthy prison sentence, but instead, he went on the run and racked up the additional drug trafficking charge in Alberta.

Miller managed to evade authorities for 10 months until Saskatchewan RCMP’s elite Warrant and Enforcement Team [WEST] started to search for him.

On Nov. 1, 2022, RCMP WEST, as well as officers from Moose Jaw RCMP Crime Reduction Team, and Saskatoon F-SOC, headed to Red Deer, Alta., and worked in collaboration with Red Deer ALERT [Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team]. The different police agencies in Saskatchewan and Alberta worked together and determined Miller was in Edmonton.

The next day, acting on intel, RCMP WEST deployed to Edmonton to track down Miller. They found him within a day, and on Nov. 3, 2022,

Kurt Miller

RCMP WEST stopped a vehicle on Whyte Avenue.

Miller was in the back seat, and in the vehicle, police found a suitcase and duffle bag containing drug preparation equipment and approximately 10.6 kg of fentanyl.

Miller was arrested and taken back to Saskatchewan where he was sentenced the following month in Saskatoon Provincial Court to eight years in prison.

The Saskatchewan charges stemmed from a May 2020 Regina traffic stop and a raid of Miller’s rural property north of Biggar where an RCMP officer was shot.

In the Regina traffic stop, Miller was charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and breach of probation.

After the Regina traffic stop, the Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit raided Miller’s property in the R. M. of Glenside. Miller was then additionally charged with possession

of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, alazopram (Xanax), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for the purpose of trafficking, and 16 weapons-related offences.

In both the Regina traffic stop and raid north of Biggar, police seized 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 444 grams of fentanyl, 3,035 ml of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), 500 alazopram (Xanax) pills, 400 tabs of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), $16,080 in cash, two money counters, scales, packaging for drugs, eight cell phones, several computers and tablets, a semi-automatic assault rifle, a shotgun, a sawed-off double barrel shot gun, a spent light anti-tank weapon, a revolver, and body armour.

At the rural property, Mitch Hutchinson was also arrested. Hutchinson was sentenced to seven years in prison in Saskatoon Provincial Court in July 2020 after he pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm loaded with ammunition, and four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, GHB, LSD and meth.

During Hutchinson’s sentencing hearing, he admitted to shooting an RCMP officer when they had surrounded the rural home. His lawyer told the court that it was dark, he couldn’t see, and thought the officer was a coyote. The officer was treated immediately for minor injuries. Hutchinson surrendered shortly after shooting the officer. Court heard that Hutchinson sold drugs and it was his job to protect the rural house and property owned by Miller.

Battlefords RCMP make arrests in Kaylee Crookedneck’s murder

SASKTODAY.ca

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes and the North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force have located and arrested two individuals responsible for the homicide of 32-year-old Kaylee Crookedneck from Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation.

Kiara Mooswa, 21, from Poundmaker First Nation, was arrested by Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes and the Saskatchewan RCMP High Risk Offender Unit on July 18 on Poundmaker First Nation without incident. She is charged with manslaughter.

Janine Wapass, 34, from North Battleford, was arrested by the North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force on July

20 in North Battleford without incident.

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes appreciates the support received from the community, and the investigational assistance provided by North Battleford RCMP Forensic Identification Services (FIS), Saskatchewan RCMP Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST), Saskatchewan RCMP High Risk Offender Unit, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT), North Battleford RCMP’s Gang Task Force (GTF), Battlefords Municipal General Investigation Section (GIS), Battlefords Provincial GIS, Police Dog Services, Digital Forensic Services, Battlefords RCMP and Cut Knife RCMP, and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

Growth That Works For Everyone

Saskatchewan Sees 32 Straight Months of Wholesale Trade Growth

The total value of wholesale trade for May 2023 was $7 billion, up 89.8 per cent from May 2022. Saskatchewan’s economic momentum continues as we provide sustainable and reliable food, fuel and fertilizer.

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Bridge between Finlayson Island and north side of the river re-opens to pedestrians, cyclists

SASKTODAY.ca

Friday, the grand reopening of the north truss bridge across the North Saskatchewan River to pedestrians and cyclists was celebrated. The section of the 115-year-old bridges had been closed to traffic some years ago and eventually closed to even nonvehicular as well due to safety issues.

Rehabilitation of the north bridge began in 2022. The Government of Canada invested $1,387,320 toward the project and the government of Saskatchewan contributed $1,155,984 million. The Town of Battleford was responsible for funding the remainder of the project, which Mayor Ames Leslie said worked out to $1,000,095 million. The total project cost was $3.6 million.

Work on the north truss bridge included reshaping the eroded bridge abutment slope, installing new guardrails on the south side for increased safety. The project was completed in June of 2023. Once again, the project relinks

pedestrians and cyclists to the nature trails and picnic areas on Finlayson Island as well as the town of Battleford and the city of North Battleford.

The Town of Battleford has been responsible for the bridges since a new bridge was built across the North Saskatchewan River to the upriver from Finlayson Island. Traffic had been served before then by the two spans that were built in 1908, and which, when considered a single entity, comprise the oldest existing highway bridge in the province, the longest of its type.

Its care was downloaded from the Department of Highways to the Town of Battleford in 2003.

The town has addressed numerous expenses since then, allowing them to keep the span over the north channel open to foot and bicycle traffic until recent years. The south channel span has been kept up to standards needed to keep it open to motorists to access Finlayson Island.

Associated Engineering has been involved in the

work on the bridges since the early 2000s and were represented at the opening Friday. Professional engineer Justine Meyers, who has been on the team since 2018, said critical repairs included work on the washed-out embankment of Finlayson Island to give the river more room to flow, protecting the bridge for years to come.

She also explained that work had been done on the south span as well to ensure it was safe to bring equipment and vehicles across.

The City of North Battleford was also represented and Mayor David Gillan, who was the interim CAO for Battleford when the decision was made to close the north truss to pedestrians and cyclists, said he congratulated the town on completing the project. He also explained the town and the city had entered into an agreement for ongoing maintenance, making them partners in the future use of the bridge.

MLA Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Highways, said, “I spend a lot of my

time going around the province talking with different communities about roads and bridges and culverts and for many people, they just look like pieces of infrastructure, but what I’ve learned is every piece of infrastructure has emotional connections and I think this bridge is a great example of that.”

Cockrill also acknowledged his predecessor Herb Cox who was there for the re-opening as well.

Mayor Leslie said an instrumental part of procur-

ing funding from the federal government funding for the project was the support of surrounding Indigenous stakeholders.

“Through proper consultation with them they wrote us letters of support, which made it very possible for us to get the funding,” said the mayor.

The chiefs of Sweetgrass First Nation and of Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation, Chief Lorie Whitecalf and Chief Tanya Stone were on hand to speak as

well, indicating the project is an example of the community coming together to make things happen.

Mayor Leslie said the Battlefords Art Club had been to the bridge to adorn the deck with art in advance of the re-opening and added he hoped others in the community would add to the artwork as well.

Elder Noel Moosuk from Red Pheasant Cree Nation smudged to start the grand reopening as well as giving a prayer in Cree.

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

Concrete armouring was installed to keep the embankment from eroding away. Justine, project manager, said this should protect the bridge for years to come.

North truss bridge with the new expanded jump span in the foreground. It needed to be extended as the embankment was washed out due to a flood. This would give the river room to flow.

Dignitaries gather around while Elder Noel Moosuk cuts the ribbon to officially open the bridges. For more photos, visit SASKTODAY.ca. | Photos by Averil Hall/ Freelance Photographer

Operation Christmas Child

B’fords resident to travel to Costa Rica for Xmas in July

Submitted by Shauna McGifford

Soon I will be celebrating Christmas in July in a most memorable way. The snow will not be falling, the temperature won’t be -40, the Christmas tree won’t be decorated and there won’t be any Christmas carols playing; but what there will be is the joy and laughter on children’s faces as they receive what, for some, is their first gift ever. This summer I will be joining Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child as they deliver shoebox gifts in Costa Rica. Every fall, various churches, businesses, schools, clubs and individuals in the Battlefords and area join together and pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. It is a fun and simple way to share the excitement of the holiday season and experience the joy of giving. Samaritan’s Purse has been collecting these shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items since 1993. Last year Canada collected 415,072 shoeboxes to be distributed to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Senegal, Guinea, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Ukraine and Philippines.

Perhaps you have wondered what happens next, once these boxes are packed. I am excited to be able to experience the final leg of the journey myself and to share that

Art Notes

experience with you. For one week I will be joining a team of 26 members from across Canada, ages 12-84. We will visit various communities in Costa Rica and hand out shoeboxes that perhaps you and your groups have packed.

Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local churches to host special community events, inviting the local children to be a part of it and to receive their very own Christmas gift. Over 462,000 shoebox gifts have been handed out in Costa Rica since the partnership began there in 2000. There are so many touching stories about the impact Operation Christmas Child gifts have had on the life of a child, their family and their communities. There’s the shoebox that was delivered to a blind child and was filled with everything to do with sound; the young girl whose shoes were worn out and taped together and her shoebox gift held a brand new pair of shoes; the shoebox that was delivered to an orphan who was sharing a bar of soap with the other children and received a bar all his own; the young boy who was scared to walk home in a rough neighbour in the dark and received a new flashlight to light his way; or the one shoebox that was left to hand out to twin girls and had two of everything in it so they could share. The stories could go on that show every shoebox gift is

delivered to just the right child who needs it.

Thank you for taking the time to pack a shoebox and be a part of Operation Christmas Child each year. Not only is it a wonderful project to be a part of, but the difference these simple shoeboxes can have to a child in another country is great.

I look forward to letting you know how my trip goes, seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and sharing the joy of Christmas in July with you all!

Opening up paths to creativity

If you would like more information on Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child, go to samaritanspurse.ca or contact Life Church, North Battleford, 306-445-7777. They would be happy to provide more information and help you start packing a shoebox for this Christmas season. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-19, 2023.

By Pam Beaver Battlefords Art Club

The Battlefords Art Club boasts all kinds of artists; professional, amateur, beginner and some of us who are still figuring out in what medium to express ourselves. Members offer instructional classes exposing the wannabe artist to techniques and ideas setting them on their own artistic path. Future classes at the Don Ross Center might include paint pouring, alcohol ink, geli printing, mandala drawing and more. You

A recent mandala class offered by the Battlefords Art Club evoked a wide array of creative results. |

Photos submitted

just need to show up at the scheduled times and create; we provide everything else. Dates for classes are to be determined.

Here are examples from a recent mandala class. While everyone received the same instruction, look at the beautiful and creative differences each mandala evolved into. For more info on how you can be a part of the fun, contact the Battlefords Art Club at battlefordsartclub@gmail.com. This could be the beginning of your own artistic journey.

add pasture to an existing land base; the choice is yours.

Starting Bid: $575,000.

Shauna McGifford during Operation Christmas Child season. | Photos submitted

Above, a packed OCC gift box. Below, a packed shoebox.

Meryl McMaster’s new work: A tribute to her grandmothers’ legacy

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Staying connected to her history, ancestry and culture is something Meryl McMaster has always worked on both as an award-winning Canadian photographer and in her personal life. But now, in her newest body of work, nôhkominak âcimowina or Stories of My Grandmothers, which includes nine photographs, and for the first time, two short films, the artist with ties to Red Pheasant First Nation is killing two birds with one stone.

McMaster’s new collection of work on exhibition at the Remai Modern until Dec. 31, 2023, is inspired by the lives and stories of her paternal grandmothers Bella Wuttunee, Matilda, and Lena, spanning 130 years in the Red Pheasant

community.

“I was inspired by personal belongings of theirs that my family came into possession of once my grandmother passed away,” Meryl McMaster told guests at an off-site event on July 20 at the Chief Poundmaker Museum and Gallery coinciding with Miyawata Culture’s annual Indigenous performance festival and a sneakpeek of the Bloodlines exhibition that opened to the public at the Remai Modern on July 21.

She added that simple moments were captured in her great-grandmother’s diary ranging from farming, hauling wood, caring for sick children, or baking bread while interviews with great aunts and uncles, and recounted family stories ranging from seeing King George VI to flattening pennies

AUGUST at The Club

Summer’s not over yet!

There is still SO MUCH FUN to be had! –There are only 4 weeks left of Summer Adventure Day Camps! This is your last chance for some FUN in the SUN! These camps are for our members 5-14 years of age and operate Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided at NO EXTRA COST! $150/week or $50/day. Reminder the fee for week 6 is reduced to $120/week due to the stat holiday. Check out our weekly themes (and field trips) below! There is LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE, so register your child(ren) NOW!

Weekly themes and field trips:

WEEK 5: JULY 31-AUGUST 4, BARNYARD PALOOZA

Field Trip: Prairie Oasis Petting Zoo (Wilkie)

WEEK 6: AUG 8-11, MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Field Trip: Wanuskewin (Saskatoon)

WEEK 7: AUG 14-18, FEAR FACTOR

Field Trip: Battlefords Provincial Park

WEEK 8: AUG 21-25, FRIENDSHIP FRENZY

Field Trip: Capital Theatre (North Battleford)

Reminder we are CLOSED Monday August 7th for the Saskatchewan Day holiday.

Don’t forget about our Summer Parks Dropin Programs! – This amazing summer program is offered at 3 locations in the city- Senator Herb Sparrow Park, Kinsmen Park, and Centennial Park. It is FREE OF CHARGE and runs Monday to Friday, 11:00am to 4:00pm (weather permitting, closed stat holidays). We offer games, crafts, fun activities, themes, and so much SPLASH PARK FUN. This is a great opportunity to keep your children ages 5-14 busy throughout the month of August. We are thrilled to be offering a bagged lunch and snack for each attendee this year, at NO COST! For more information on our summer programs, check out our website: www.bgcbattlefords.ca.

Sadly, it’s time to think about back-to-school!

– Don’t forget about our before and after school programs at Bready, EMBM and Holy Family. These operate Monday to Friday from 7:30am – 8:30am and class dismissal to 5:30pm. Join us for outdoor play, games, crafts, experiments, nutritious snacks and so much more! Check out our website: www. bgcbattlefords.ca. for more details and information on how to register.

As a reminder, our summer hours of operation are as follows:

- Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm

- Summer Adventure Day Camps: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 5:30pm

- Summer Parks Drop-in Programs: Monday to Friday, 11:00am – 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 - www.bgcbattlefords.ca

direction of nôhkominak âcimowina.

“To me, it sounds a little bit like ... you have written a voice for your ancestors to speak to you. Which, to me, feels like a profound act of care. And sort of honouring their voices, but also kind of supporting yourself,” Tara Hogue, the co-curator for the exhibition said at the event after sharing a snippet of one of her newest films that was inspired by her greatgrandmother’s relationship with trees.

Other stories that are highlighted in the series of nine photographs and two short films include one of her grandmothers (who was Battleford Industrial School student) possibly witnessing the mass hanging at Fort Battleford in 1885, her grandmother’s connections with trains, or the sense of place Indigenous women have always sought.

“And so you see in that film, I’m kind of reenacting some of these anecdotes and stories and then perhaps stringing them together into this narrative,” McMaster said.

“Indigenous peoples are made to feel invisible, and, you know, especially Indigenous women and our stories, and so I think working with my grandmother’s words … I’m looking at the other stories of these women trying to kind of reverse that trajectory,” McMaster said, adding that, “...they’re kind of speaking through me.”

McMaster noted that nôhkominak âcimowina helps her to stay connected to her culture and family here in Saskatchewan while working and living in Quebec and that finding a sense of belonging is a long-term theme in her work. She added that her first-time foray into video is exciting as her prior photographs felt like still frames of a larger narrative or film that are now encapsulated in her new work.

“It [a sense of connection] is something that’s been instilled in me as a young child as my parents would always travel back to Red Pheasant to Saskatchewan to visit family members because it was important for them for me to know where I came from,” McMaster, told SASKTODAY.ca

“So before I was creating art, it was something that was instilled in me ... I’ve continued that process. And I think, again, it’s just important for me as an individual and not just as an artist to continue to create that connection.

The photos and videos that form her new body of work are only a small part of the larger exhibition at the Remai Modern that stretches across all of her work, something the gallery calls a “survey exhibition of Meryl McMaster” whose photography reflects her heritage and Plains Cree, Metis, Dutch and British ancestry.

“This exhibition includes works from throughout her career and brings us up to date on her current explorations of

family histories, in particular those of her Plains Cree female forebears from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in present-day Saskatchewan,” reads information on their website.

“I still can’t believe that I have enough work to fill the whole gallery space,” McMaster told SASKTODAY.ca

“I am so proud and honoured to have this opportunity. And I don’t take that for granted. And, yeah, I’m excited for where it’s gonna go,” she said, noting that the travelling exhibition will travel to Hamilton, Calgary, Montreal, and other cities and museums across Canada.

McMaster also noted that she was excited to be taking part in an event on Poundmaker First Nation before the official opening on July 21 in Saskatoon.

“Floyd [Favel] has been one of my mentors for a very long time. And I remember coming here for the very first Storytelling Festival several years ago. And, you know, I think it’s just, even to come and share ... means a lot and just to be so close to fam-

ily,” she said.

Hogue also noted her appreciation for the Chief Poundmaker Museum and other stakeholders who helped make the exhibition a reality.

“Well, we’ve [The Remai Modern] been a fan of Meryl’s work for a long time. And when the McMichael [Canadian Art Collection] approached us about this project, it was just such a great opportunity to be able to represent an artist whose practice is so connected to this place,” she said, describing the travelling exhibit set to leave Saskatoon at the very end of 2023.

“And you know, how great is it that we can be able to tell a richer story about the place that the museum is located? ... I think while they connect very much to Meryl’s personal, family and history, they have so many entry points into them and speak to, I think, really universal ideas about family and belonging, and lineage and place and all these different things that make us up as people.”

Glaslyn area pasture tour

SASKTODAY.ca

Plan to attend the Saskatchewan Forage Council’s 2023 Pasture Tour will take place in the Glaslyn area on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Attendees should meet at the Cochin Community Hall by 8:30 a.m. for coffee

and registration. The bus tour will include Hatherleigh Pasture, Rising Sun Ranch, Siklenka Enterprises and Sunset Bison, with discussion topics that will cover native and forest plant identification, grazing management strategies,

forage seed production and cover cropping and multi-species grazing, and more. The tour will include lunch and conclude with a beef supper at 5:30 p.m.; all for just $75 per person. Register at https://www. saskforage.ca/sptregister

Meryl McMaster (right) and Tara Hogue, (left) laugh while McMaster shares stories of her great-grandmother as they look at pictures of her diary. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

Meryl McMaster, author of nôhkominak âcimowina or Stories of My Grandmothers. | Photo submitted

The packed room at the Chief Poundmaker Museum and Gallery on July 20. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

on train tracks inform the

Health auxiliary fundraising boosts local care

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Dennis Presley passed away on July 15 at Maidstone Health Complex at the age of 74 years. The celebration of life for Dennis was held at Maidstone Legion Hall on Friday, July 21. Dennis will be deeply missed by Ruth, his wife of 55 years, daughters Kerry (Brian) Olson, Ronda (Rick) Zinger and Kim (Calvin) Smith, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dennis was a man of admirable strength and courage who never complained once in the face of tremendous adversities. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

Congratulations to Kayden Kasprick and Dallyn Huxley of Maidstone on the birth of their first child, Hudson AJ Huxley on July 19 (weight 7 lb. 10 oz., length 22 in.)

Proud grandparents are Kynda Pollard, James and Danielle Kasprick, Larry Huxley, Tanya and Jason Ankney.

Ryden and Brooke (Cox) Ross were married in a beautiful pasture ceremony July 22. The reception and dance were held in Paynton gym with fireworks lighting the night sky. Ryden and Brooke

reside in Maidstone where Brooke is an elementary school teacher. Ryden works with his father and brother on the Ross farm near Paynton. Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness.

Maidstone Health Care

Auxiliary hosted a demonstration and donor appreciation Tuesday, July 18 in the hospital atrium. The auxiliary co-ordinated fundraising to purchase a Lucas 3 chest compression unit which can be used to deliver consistent chest compressions in the event of a cardiac arrest. Five information packages and requests were delivered to corporate entities in our community. Dona-

tions were received from G3 Elevators, Synergy Credit Union, RM of Eldon and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. which enabled the purchase of the equipment. The Lucas 3 is fully portable and can be used at the health complex or by ambulance service. CNRL also purchased a UVB hand, foot and spot phototherapy machine and cart for the treatment of skin conditions. In the past, patients had to travel to Lloydminster or Saskatoon for treatments which sometimes took only two minutes. With this donation, treatments will be done at the medical clinic and time and travel will be

A historical adventure: From B’ford to Fort Pitt

By Vicki Dutton

Bresaylor Heritage Museum

From Battleford to Fort Pitt, the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Association will walk and stop and explore history all along the way from Aug. 9 to 18.

On Friday, Aug. 11

Bresaylor Heritage Committee will host a traditional Métis meal of stew and bannock sponsored by FCC. At the end of the day’s walk, the group will gather at the Bresaylor Museum site to reminisce, and story tell. The meal sponsored by FCC is open, but registration is required so the committee can prepare the proper amount of food. Please register on Facebook on the Bresaylor Heritage Museum site. Bring a chair.

The amazing historic tour will begin with a selfguided tour of Fort Battleford, on Aug. 8. In the evening Historic Battleford townsite and Indian Residential School location and cemetery will be walked.

There will be tours of the Fred Light Museum, and the Baseball Hall of Fame, which will be hosted by the Battlefords North West Historical Society.

The group will make

their way to the next overnight stop at Delmas stopping at the hall on the site of the Thunderchild / St Henri Residential School and the iconic St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church.

As they make their way west, they will stop at Bresaylor, a community formed in 1882, and tour the museum. Along the way they will experience the actual Fort Pitt trail where Red River carts ruts on the prairie are still preserved in Charlie Sayers’ pasture, travelling on to the site of Father Cochin’s Mission where Harris Sayers erected a buffalo-shaped field stone with a plaque. Local guide and historian Bob Peterson will guide them past many sites including where the telegraph office was set up, markers of the original school and some of the oldest farm sites in the area — Bremner, Sayers, and Taylor.

Poundmaker Cree Nation’s renowned author, historian and storyteller who is deeply involved in preserving the culture of the indigenous people, Floyd Favel, will host the group at Poundmaker. They will see the museum and art gallery, the Cut Knife Hill battle sites and where the

Bresaylor people encamped under the protection of Chief Poundmaker. Here is the final resting place of Poundmaker. There is an interpretive centre as well.

Moving west and north to Silver Lake, the stories and beauty of Pine Island and African Canadian history at Shiloh Baptist Church will be shared.

Also visited will be the Kenderdine homestead and Imhoff church paintings at Paradise Hill.

At Frenchman Butte is the museum and the National Historic Site of the 1885 battle.

The tour winds up Aug. 18 at the Fort Pitt National Historic Site.

Hugh Henry, organizer of the tour and many historic walks across Saskatchewan welcomes walkers, storytellers and history buffs along the way to join or stop and visit. Further information can be obtained by emailing h.henry@sasktel.net.

Bresaylor Heritage Museum welcomes you to register for their gathering Aug. 11. Registration is required for the evening meal sponsored by FCC.

Please follow us: Bresaylor Heritage Museum on Facebook.

saved. Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary would like to thank these generous donors for supporting our community and rural health care by providing dedicated staff with muchneeded equipment. (submitted by Jill Churn)

Maidstone Disc Golf League drawn winners on July 19 were Drake Silvester and Troy Donovan. Leaders (by average) are Tier 1 Matt Sayers -8.78, Tier 2 Kerigan White +1, Tier 3 Wes Bolig +12.

Maidstone 13U Lakers results from the 13U AA

Tier 1 provincials in Prince Albert July 21-23: win over Humboldt 9-4, losses to Saskatoon 10-7 and Moose Jaw 12-6, putting them in a tie-breaker against Humboldt for second place in their pool which they won 11-1. The semifinal against Prince Albert went scoreless till the sixth but they lost out 7-1. The boys have had an exciting and wellplayed season of ball.

Standard Hill Lakers were back in action at Silver Lake for round 2 of the NSRBL playoffs last Thursday, winning

9-6 over Unity Cardinals. Game 2 is Tuesday, July 25 at Unity and game 3 is Thursday, July 27 at Silver Lake.

This heat wave for the past week is taking its toll on people, animals and plants. Coupled with smoke in the air, it hasn’t been a healthy environment for many of us. Hopefully, it lets up a bit so Doug and I can enjoy our 32nd anniversary on Thursday. Remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself and your pets whenever you’re outside.

Lucas 3 Chest Compression Unit Demonstration by EMTs Brenna Giesbrecht, Rose Nash and Sheri Thorimbert at Maidstone Health Complex July 18. |

Photos by Brenda Reifferscheid

Corporate donors to Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary’s fundraiser for health care equipment: Kim Foisey (CNRL), Crystal Rosenthal and Lee Townsend (RM of Eldon), Jody Zerr and Danielle Hollingshead (Synergy Credit Union) and Mike Gallon (CNRL). (Missing: G3 Elevators.)

Wait for it! Scan the horizon

Disabled sailors come to Jackfish Lake

Crystal’s head is barely visible in the left boat and Joe hasn’t come off the launch’s chair yet. It was great that they had a decent wind on their first time out.

By Trudy Janssens

Meota

Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail are excited to be involved with a group of disabled Sailors from Saskatchewan. Joe Gerlinsky has a disability but it hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the best sailors in the province. He also

can manufacture the equipment necessary to launch the sailboats that a disabled sailor would need.

The boats have a single hull which makes them stable in the water. Most sailboats can be tipped over in the water, but these boats will self-right themselves. The person sailing sits deep in the boat, rather

than leaning on the edge of the boat. Joe’s launch device uses a track system to bring the boats well into the lake before sailing off the boat lift.

The motorized lift is specifically designed to accommodate someone who is in a wheelchair. A chair lift brings the person up to the top of their boat,

so they can then slide themselves into position in their boat. Once the person is in their boat, Joe used tracks to manoeuvre the lift for a considerable distance into the lake before the boat can be pushed off of the lift.

Crystal, who is wheelchair-bound, has been sailing for the last nine years on various lakes in the

province. Last year she went to the Canada Summer Games in Ontario. She won a silver medal in her class. Sask Sailing has been promoting sailing for disabled individuals for several years and Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail are thrilled they are coming out to sail on Jackfish Lake.

Angela, Crystal and Joe plan to be out as much as possible for the remainder of the season. They are an inspiration to all those who aspire to sail in Saskatchewan. I know that the people of Meota and district will be pleased to witness these new (very expensive) boats out on Jackfish Lake.

Joe’s disabled boat launcher, minus the boats. | Photos by Lefa Sproxton

Vern Burgardt and Cam Loveless helped Joe get the boats onto the boat launcher.

Hydrology tech helps mitigate climate change

vere drought, including the forest fires associated with those droughts, is growing dramatically,” Pomeroy said.

“It is costing us many billions of dollars each year in Canada and impoverishes us as a country.”

These are the primary considerations of Pomeroy and the team conducting research at the U of S Global Water Futures program. The team has engineered software that studies water movement and can turn it into a predictive forecast, helping cities and towns forecast floods, issue advisories and better prepare for emergencies.

By Kimiya Shokoohi Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Saskatoon StarPhoenix

University of Saskatchewan academics have used experiences in the Yukon in recent years to inform a hydrological model that

could help prepare a local plan of action for extreme flooding.

Prof. John Pomeroy was in Whitehorse, Yukon in 2021 during a sweltering heat dome and a record flood from a glacier melt. Flood incidents have been ongoing in that ter-

ritory over the last three years in particular, according to teams studying the hydrological and climatic records.

“It’s a part of the considerations we have to make — the cost of the larger floods that we’re getting — and the more se-

The research in Saskatchewan has helped Yukon government agencies respond with more precise advisories, and the team continues to work to make it more accurate and consistent.

“We need to make sure we are continuing to marry this academic research with operations and that operational flood forecast

centres don’t fall way behind academic research,” said Anthony Bier, Senior Hydrologist for the Yukon government.

“We don’t have the most sophisticated and the newest technology.”

The forecasting program based in Saskatoon relies on meteorological forecast data from Environment and Climate Change Canada. That data is processed based on a model of the Yukon River system, lakes, and glaciers and then automated on an Amazon cloud system.

The SaskatchewanYukon collaboration dates back to 1992 when Pomeroy and Yukon hydrologist Rick Janowicz started working on a project called the Wolf Creek Research Basin. It’s a northern hydrological model that serves as a means of advancing the study in cold regions.

“It’s one of the tools we would use to make that judgment call, a very important one,” Bier said.

The same program, titled MESH, has also been used to predict the flow of water in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and the Saint John River basin, as well as in the Fraser Valley in British Columbia.

In Saskatchewan, the research has been applied to the Saskatchewan River Basin from headwaters in the Rocky Mountains, down through to Lake Diefenbaker, and onwards to Prince Albert and Cumberland House.

The work has been revealing the effects of climate change and the costs of counter-acting extremities like forest fires, floods and droughts.

“These costs add up and many of the extra costs are associated with climate change, and that is something we can control by controlling greenhouse gas emissions, by reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere,” Pomeroy said.

“We’re seeing the effects all over the world.”

Water management data platform questioned

By Kimiya Shokoohi Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Data for water management across sectors is now open for public use through a platform by the Water Security Agency of Saskatchewan, but at least one group is sceptical of how useful it will be for their

businesses.

The Saskatchewan government earlier this week announced the launch of what it calls a GeoHub portal for access to data for better water management. The portal combines geographic information systems to provide greater access to information, primarily when making decisions around agricultural

operations, planning, or research in the province.

A local agricultural organization says the platform wasn’t particularly useful for its targeted group.

“It’s just not something farmers will use the WSA for,” Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan spokesman Ryan McNally said in an

email.

“If farmers are reaching out to WSA, for the most part, it’s for things around digging wells and stuff for irrigation projects, not so much for drainage and lake levels/streamflow maps.”

Proponents of the platform said that with the right digital infrastructure or third-party service operators that can provide those

monitoring resources, agricultural producers could benefit from the data being made available.

“Having that information out there is very useful for Saskatchewan for researchers like myself,” said John Pomeroy, professor and Canada research chair in water resources and climate change at the University of Saskatchewan.

Pomeroy noted the data can help to quantify moisture levels in soil, quantify the drought, and generate predictive models, such as the type of work he and his team have been doing at the Global Water Future Observatories.

Other groups that may take an interest in the platform are

Continued on Page 18

University of Saskatchewan professor John Pomeroy conducted research in Whitehorse, Yukon in 2021. | Photo courtesy USask

Ag. organizations protest grains commission changes

Submitted

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commissio and the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan oppose a recent decision by the Canadian Grain Commission to tighten the primary elevator tolerances for test weight and total foreign material to export tolerances for most western Canadian wheat classes and are calling for a quick reversal of this decision.

In early June, the CGC announced that longstanding separate primary and export standards for test weight and total foreign material for most western Canadian wheat classes would

be harmonized at the tighter export tolerances, effective Aug. 1. A release issued by SaskWeat and APAS says wheat producers will potentially face significant negative financial implications as harmonized test weight and foreign material standards may lead to quality downgrades and lower prices at primary elevators. Test weight is of particular concern, states the release. With the primary standard tightened to export standard, CWRS wheat that previously would have graded a number one could be downgraded to as low as feed if test weight is the determining grade factor. The current separate pri-

mary and export standards recognize that blending and cleaning throughout the grain handling system naturally and economically improve grain quality for grain handling companies. Producers do not have the same ability to improve the test weight of their grain.

“Sask Wheat is calling on the CGC to reverse the decision to harmonize the test weight standards at export standards before it creates additional production and price risk for Saskatch-

ewan’s wheat farmers,” said Bret Halstead, Sask Wheat chair. “Not only was this decision ill-considered and finalized hastily but it was also done without proper consultation with producer groups and individual farmers who will bear the costs of the tighter standards.

This decision failed to consider a motion that was carried at the most recent Western Standards Committee meeting asking for such a decision to be delayed until an economic analysis is

completed and the results are considered in the decision. Sask Wheat has repeatedly asked the CGC to undertake an economic impact analysis, especially of the impact on producers. This needs to be completed and made public by the CGC before harmonization of these standards is considered again.”

The release states that, contrary to its messaging, the CGC has provided no evidence that tightening these primary tolerances

to align with export tolerances is necessary to maintain export quality, nor has it shown how this change will support or is neutral to its mandate to act in the interests of grain producers. Even though Sask Wheat believes that this work is the CGC’s responsibility, Sask Wheat commissioned a preliminary study that provides a framework to evaluate the economic and marketing impacts of the harmonization of differing primary and export tolerances.

GeoHub practicality questioned

Continued from Page 17 engineering groups, municipalities, other provincial or federal agencies and academic researchers, in addition to agricultural producers.

“Why we put our data out there is that it’s an open portal, open data, open government,” said Water Security Agency spokesman Patrick Boyle.

“That’s what we’re looking for, is to make our data available to those who could potentially make benefit of that.”

The portal would allow access to information that could help protect water quality, reduce floods and damage from droughts, and manage water supply channels such as those across

the province’s 72 dams, according to the WSA.

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan accounts for more than 43 per cent of Canada’s cropland, with 40.3 million acres reported in 2021.

There are 34,128 farms in Saskatchewan, comprising 18 per cent of Canada’s total farmlands. In 2020, 21.9 per cent of farms in the province reported using variable-rate input applications.

The platform’s uses in farm management include making more precise decisions, creating yield maps, monitoring crops, and managing direct water resources.

Boyle said the data is there to be used based on

Data for water management across sectors is now open for public use through a platform by the Water Security Agency of Saskatchewan, but one group questions its practicality.| Photo by Troy Fleece, project type.

“Nothing is the same in Saskatchewan for each area. We have a very diverse province and land-

scape. When we look at his data that’s available, it depends on what water management project you’re looking at.”

Polycrop potential: improved soil, resilience

Submitted

Beef Research Council

Polycrops, intercrops, cover crops and cocktail crops are different terms that all encompass planting mixed crop species for livestock feed.

Proponents of polycrops have found that mixing different plant species when growing crops can help improve soils by adding more root systems, microbiological communities and organic matter. Compared to single-species crops, polycrops may also show resilience against pests and disease. While benefits are well-publicized, as with any farming practice, trying something new requires a realistic approach.

Jocelyn Velestuk operates a multi-generational family farm with her husband, two children and her in-laws. The mixed grain and commercial cow-calf operation in southeast Saskatchewan has used polycrops for a few years, with the primary goal of improving their soils.

Jocelyn, who has a background in soil science research, was excited to include polycrops in their rotations. “We had to figure out how to get our land to be more productive, so I started learning about intercrops and polycrops,” she says. “When we were

first deciding whether we wanted to jump into them with both feet, we had many conversations,” she adds. Jocelyn admits she was somewhat skeptical because there wasn’t a lot of science backing some of the polycrop claims.

They had an opportunity to try polycrops when they rented a new field that needed some improvements. “There had been heavy tilling,” she describes. “It was definitely hurting, that spongey organic matter was missing,” she says. “Nutrients were non-existent, there was a very low nutrient supply in our soil, so knowing all this, my husband and I asked, how are we going to be profitable?”

They decided the lowest-risk way they could incorporate polycrops was with an annual blend they would make into silage bales.

“I can put whatever in there as long as we get the material,” Jocelyn reasons.

“I wanted to make sure we were adding root systems,” she says. “My goals were centred on getting that rhizosphere and getting that soil working again.

“We did try some kale and clovers and did a mix of cereals with oats and barley together, and it didn’t turn out really great,” she admits, adding that flea beetles knocked

Polycrops can be baled, grazed, or put up as silage. Mixes can be simple and comprised of a few common annual forage plants such as cereal grains, a pulse and a brassica. They can also be complex and customized and include twenty or more species in the mix. Many producers are seeding polycrops of three or more species in hopes of improving production, soil organic matter, microbiology and resilience.   | Photoscourtesy Beef Research Council

out the kale which was supposed to make up the bulk of the material. It did still make decent feed despite not being as productive as they had hoped.

The rhizosphere is the immediate zone including and between plant roots and soil. Sometimes it is called the “root-soil interface” and is the area that is influenced by roots, root secretions and soil microbes.

The following year, they decided to simplify the mix more. “We kept with

• Pumping sloughs early allows full fields to be seeded

• Increase yield and acreage during seeding and harvesting

• Saves wear and tear on seeding and harvesting equipment

• Soil salinity is decreased and saline soils are rejuvenated

• Grasshopper and mole infestation around potholes and sloughs can be reduced

• Water basins formed during flash rains can be pumped to prevent drowning of plants

red clover, oats and barley which made great feed with huge production,” she says. She also added that in doing so, they found less rust in the cereals compared to when they were grown as monocultures.

Despite having some past successes with polycrops, this year the Velestuks simplified their cropping decisions even more and decided to stick with straight barley. “With the price of barley being so high and not knowing how your crop is going to be

if we have enough silage and greenfeed then we can combine the rest,” Jocelyn explains.

Dr. Bart Lardner with the University of Saskatchewan says his team has been looking at polycrops since they started gaining popularity around five or ten years ago.

The principle behind polycrops is to keep the land covered for longer throughout the growing season and into the dormant season, he says.

“Along came the different new mixtures, species and blends, with some that may or may not have been adapted to western Canada,” Lardner adds.

“You can get pretty well anything you can dream up in that mixture, and you’ll see mixtures from three species to 27 species,” Lardner says. “I always challenge producers if you buy the complex versus simple mixtures, are you sure that species 17 or 23 gave you anything for biomass? If you’re paying for it, you want to make sure it works,” Lardner says.

“Based on our experiences there are a lot of claims [about polycrops], but as a research community, we should look at those and validate and be truthful about what’s happening.”

Through collaboration between the Livestock and

Forage Centre of Excellence and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lardner and his team are assessing polycrop mixes at two different Saskatchewan sites for yield, biomass and quality. The research compares three treatments of a single oat monoculture; a simple four-species mix of oats, pea, brassica and hairy vetch; and a complex mix with eight species, adding red proso millet, teff grass, chicory and barley to the four-species mix.

After looking at the results, Lardner found that yields were quite comparable among all three treatments of oat, four-species and eight-species mix, coming in at around two tonnes of dry matter/acre during some very dry conditions. “We also saw pretty good crude protein, 13 to 14% and lower [neutral detergent fibre] of around 46 to 48%,” he explains.

Science is showing that polycrops have promise below ground as well.

“The good thing is the different rooting systems, the fibrous versus taproots,” he says. “We’re seeing more root biomass with these polys than monocultures,” he says, adding that in the short term, they’ve noticed in areas that previously had low soil organic carbon, the polycrops have increased those levels.

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VICTOR HULT FARM EQUIPMENT

306-893-7600

Opens: July 28 at 10AM Closes: August 4 at 3PM (Soft close)

Viewing Dates: July 29 from 10-5 Pick-up Dates: August 5 from 10-5

Location: From Waseca, SK - 2 miles East on Hwy 16 to RR3242 - 1.5 miles South

List of equipment: 1993-1995 Cat Challenger 75C Tractor 8707 hrs 325 HP, 4 Hydraulics • John Deere 8640 Tractor, 8561 hrs, 3 Hydraulics, PTO • John Deere 8820 Titan II Combine, 214 Pickup Header, Cyclone Chaff Spreader

• John Deere 569 Baler, Mega Wide Plus, Net wrap & Twine, 12,504 Bales • 16 foot Kello built Breaking Disc, Model 225-3726 Oil Bath Bearings • John Deere 1820/1910 Air Seeder, 61 foot, 430 Bushel, Conveyor, 10” spacing, DBL Shoot • 2007 International Eagle Truck, 99001 Cummins, 15 x 475 PTO & Pump, 13 Speed, 1,316,670 Km, 18070 hrs • 1977 Ford 9000 Truck with Bunk, 400 Cummins Engine, 13 Speed • 1993 International 9400, 60 Series Truck, 13 Speed • 1994 Doepker Super-B Grain Trailers, Spring Ride, llR 24.5 Tires • John Deere 2360 Swather, 30 foot with Pick-up Reel & Mover, Swath Roller, Double Swath • 1981 Ford Louisville Truck with 20 foot Box & Hoist, 800 Diesel, 3208 Cat, 175 HP, 5&4• John Deere 930 Straight Cut Header, with transports • Morris CP 731 Cultivator, 35 foot, 16” shovels • Morris CP 743 Cultivator with NH3 Kit, 47 foot (needs meter) • Morris 543 Cultivator, 43 foot, 16” Shovels • GMC Single Axle Truck with Steel Box & Hoist (not running) • 1991 Ford F150 XLT Extended Cab Truck, 5.0L , V8, 278,000 Km • Caterpiller 966 Wheel Loader, 6 cyl Turbo Diesel • Caterpiller D7 with Winch (needs motor work) • Caterpiller D6C with Winch (needs motor work) • 16ft Blade to fit John Deere 8640 Tractor • John Deere 930 Straight Cut Header plus transports • IH 620 Press Drill (seed shaft seized) • John Deere 301 Fertilizer Spreader • Homebuilt Fuel Trailer with Electric Fuel Pump, Approx 500 Gallon Tank • Tandem Axle Stock Trailer with Steel Floor & Rubber Mat • Single Axle Dually Fuel Trailer, Approx 500 Gallon Tank • Ford F350 Extended Cab, Dually, Manual, 189,000 Km (good 460 motor) • Brandt 50 foot Grain Auger, 28 HP Kohler Motor (new), Hydraulic Mover, Electric Clutch, Wheathart Sweep • Brandt 8” x 40 ft Grain Auger, Kohler Command 20, Hydraulic Mover, Bin Sweep • Wheathart Hydraulic Transfer Auger • Batco Conveyor Auger, 45 foot, Electric 12” Belt • DriAII Continuous Flow Grain Dryer, PTO Drive • Homebuilt Swath Fluffer • #35, #36, #37, #38, #39 & #40 BBL Oil -Tanks • Travelaire Mini Home, 460 Engine, Low Oil Pressure • Chrysler New Yorker • 2023-12ft Electric Sprayer, 60 Gallon Tank, New Cost $2600 16ft Blade to fit John Deere 8640 Tractor • John Deere 930 Straight Cut Header, Plus Transports • John Deere 568 Baler • John Deere 2360 Swather 30 ft Pick Up Reel • 100 ft Flexcoil Sprayer Disc Marker. For any questions about items, please call Victor at 306-893-7600

JEANMAYRILEY(NEEMACGILLIVRAY)

FEBRUARY20,1931-JULY17,2023 JeanRileypassedaway onMonday,July17,2023,attheageof92years,withher belovedfamilyandfriendsbyherside.Sheissurvivedbyhertwo grandsons,Jared(Angie)RichesandRory(Chelsea)Frazer; alongwithhergreat-grandchildrenCarson,Lincoln,Anitaand Connor;stepsonTerry(Donna)Riley;andcousinsMarilynand DougMacGillivray,Lorraine(Don)Nordstrom,MattThomas(Reta Palmer)andEarlMacGillivray.Sheleavestocherishhermemory ofher"chosen"daughterandson,JeanineandJeffWilson(along withthewholeWilsonclan,includingfourhonorarygreatgrandchildren),aswellasanother"chosen"sonanddaughter-inlaw,JimandCherylRamsay.Jeanwaspredeceasedbyher parents,JohnnyandRubyMacGillivray;sonEarlEmbury; daughterNancyFrazer;andhusbandRonRiley.Agraveside servicewasheldattheRedcliffCemeteryonThursday,July27, 2023.Inlieuofflowers,donationsmaybemadeinJean'smemory toCNIBortheSPCA.Toleaveamessageofcondolence,you mayvisitwww.pattisonfuneralhome.com. ArrangementsarebythePATTISONFUNERALHOMEAND CREMATORIUM,540SouthRailwaySt.SE,MedicineHat,T1A 2V6.Pleasecall1-866-526-2214forfurtherinformation.

REMEMBERING JON SLOAN

JANUARY 19, 1949 - MAY 31, 2023

I had known Jon for only about six years but the Jin I knew was a man who had lived through may types of lifestyles. As a teacher I know that his way was to treat his students as equals and to try to fill their needs and make their school lives more fun. Religion is something we don’t talk about much, but Jon told me that as a boy forced to go to church, he saw religions as organizations taking money from the poor and making life easy for those who were at the top.

To win church sponsored trips to Vancouver and Los Angeles he did a lot of Bible memory work and helped his brother and sisters win trips that taught a lot to the farm boy who had only ween North Battleford.

When Jon left for Teachers College, he said in a recent letter to me, “I was happy to leave my church behind me”. He added that he “found a whole new life without alter calls and continually doubting salvation”.

Some of you know that Jon had some life problems. I will quote again from a letter he wrote to me. “I took a number of years and a very deep dive into alcoholism before I got over the notion of throwing out the baby with the bathwater. In AA I met with a whole new God that loves me unconditionally and I could love in return. Having lost my first son at birth, the notion of giving your son for my salvation took on a new meaning. So, instead of going to church I spend more time thinking about how to treat others and respect my Savior and God. Judge not, lest you be judged, is specially painful for me. I know what awaits me after death so I neither fear it or desire it.”

Jon ended his letter with this, “My second wife Connie was a great inspiration for me and the gift of having Thelma in my life makes me thankful every day.” We all will miss Jon’s music talent and friendship and we can learn a lot about living with our neighbours, by remembering Elmer Leslie William (Jon) Sloan.

-Fred Grant

CHERNIAK: Joyce Cherniak

(Dirksen) of North Battleford passed away June 23, 2023 at the age of 73 years old. Joyce is survived by her children Kelly (Amanda) Cherniak- their children Shelyse, Brook and Cash, Madison and Raigan; Alan (Rhonda) Cherniak – their children Joshua and Jesse; Chad (Misha) Cherniak – their children Zachery and Lexi. Joyce will also be remembered by the father of her children Edward Cherniak; her siblings May (Jim) Schultz and Ron (Colleen) Hawkins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her parents Henry and Ruth Dirksen. Joyce was born on May 15, 1950 in Qu’Appelle, Sk., where she lived until she was 7 years old. Her mother, Ruth went to Teacher’s College at that time in Moose Jaw then moved to Spinney Hill to start her teaching career. Joyce lived there for the next 5 years and made many friendships there. This was where her interest in horses began. The family moved to Cochin when Joyce was 12 years old, where her mother continued with her teaching. Joyce’s father Henry passed away when Joyce was 15 years old. While living in Cochin Joyce got her first horse. Any of those who knew Joyce knew her love for horses. She had many more horses over the years and her interest grew as she started team penning. Joyce moved to North Battleford where she met and married the father of her children and they had three boys together. She started work at the Youth Care Centre in the early 90’s and continued to work there until the last couple of years. She also attended massage school and had her own business working as a massage therapist. Joyce loved her children and grandchildren and spent time with them whenever she could. Joyce also loved hockey and would watch her favorite team on T.V. but also spent a lot of years watching her sons and grandsons play the game. She could also often be found at the rink watching her granddaughter figure skate. Unfortunately, Joyce’s health took a turn a couple of years back however she persevered and fought for as long as she could. She spent a short time in River Heights Lodge when things became too hard for her to manage. Many thanks to the staff at Home Care, River Heights Lodge and the Doctors and Nurses that all helped care for Joyce.

FENDELET: Cecile April 16, 1920 – July 19, 2023 Cecile Fendelet (nee Bedier) passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Wednesday July 19, 2023 at the age of 103. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rose Marie Zadorozny, Kathleen Prystupa, Ernest (Margaret) Fendelet, Irene (Walter) Shewchuk, Alfred Fendelet (Karen) and son-inlaw Rob Koltek, her 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and many other family. Predeceased by her husband Emile, daughter Margaret, son-in-law Renie Prystupa and Walter Zadorozny and her six brothers and two sisters. Donations in Cecile’s memory may be made to the Hafford Special Care Home or the St. Solange Parish Cemetery. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday July 27, 2023 at St. Solange Catholic Church in Hafford, SK. Rite of Committal to follow at St. Solange Cemetery in Hafford, SK. Arrangements entrusted to Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca

CAMPBELL: Mrs. Maureen Campbell was born July 24, 1940 in Rosetown. She received her RN from the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton and her BN from McGill University in Montreal. Nursing enabled her to work in Santa Barbara, California, Baltimore, Maryland, Zweibrucken, Germany, St. John, New Brunswick, Toronto & several locations in Saskatchewan. Eventually her desire was to live in a small town, in an old house that looked onto a body of water –she found all of this and more in Meota, her paradise. Maureen is survived by her daughter, Cora (Gage) Bird; grandchildren: Paige, Faith & Rocsyn; great-grandson, Hudson; brother, Clayton (Diane) Campbell & family. As per Maureen’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Memorial donations in memory of Maureen can be made to the Battleford Interval House2092 102 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 1H7. 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.

WILSON: Ardyth Wendy Wilson passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family. Ardyth lived a beautifully chaotic life, full of friends, fellowship, love and travel. Ardyth had a number of successful careers, but her compassion and heart for helping others led her to founding Leipzig Serenity Retreat where she helped hundreds of people heal from addiction. Ardyth shared her life with many people. She was known for being a gypsy and made her home in many communities. Ardyth will be remembered for being passionate, adventurous, committed, headstrong, determined, and ambitious. Her love of her family was evident, and towards her end, she was proud that her two daughters took over her life’s work of helping others by running Prairie Sky Recovery Centre. She is predeceased by her parents and siblings and is survived by her two daughters, their husbands, her many beautiful grandchildren and her first husband, Larry. A celebration of life for Ardyth will be held on the grounds of Prairie Sky Recovery Centre on July 29, 2023 at 2:00PM. All are welcome. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.

Come and Go 95th Birthday Celebration for Ann Ewanchuk

At Ruth Whyte Manor

1191 - 104th Street

On August 10th From 1 till 5

A time to visit and share some great memories.

Happy 40thAnniversary

James and Helen Srayko

Congratulations and love from all your children and grandchildren.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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RM

of

Mervin No. 499 Public Notice

Sale of Municipal Reserve

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Mervin intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, (PDA). One bylaw to allow for the sale of a Municipal Buffer Strip (MB2), and one bylaw to allow for the sale of Municipal Reserve (MR).

INTENT: Proposed Bylaw 02-2023 would sell a portion of a Buffer Strip to the adjacent landowner. The sum of $1 would be received by the RM in exchange for this land, as it is being exchanged for a Dedicated Road to cover an existing encroachment onto said landowner’s property. Additionally, a portion of Buffer Strip would be Dedicated as Road.

Proposed Bylaw 03-2023 would exchange an existing Municipal Reserve lot for a larger area of private land, which will be dedicated as Municipal Reserve. As the RM is receiving a larger area land than is being sold, of a similar market value, no funds will be exchanged.

AFFECTED LAND: Bylaw 02-2023: A portion of Municipal Buffer Strip –MB2, Plan 102313976 Ext. 0, within N.W. 26-52-19 W3M (South of Kopp’s Kove).

Bylaw 03-2023: A portion of Municipal Reserve Parcel MR1, Plan No. 94B14755 Ext. 0, within SW 32-53-18 W3M (Horseshoe Bay).

REASON: Bylaw 02-2023: A portion of road, constructed and maintained by the RM, encroaches onto Lot 15, Block 1, Plan 102313976. The landowner has agreed to exchange the portion of that lot covered by the encroachment for a portion of the buffer strip to eliminate this encroachment. The area of lands being exchanged are similar. Bylaw 03-2023: A publicly built and maintained park in Horseshoe Bay is currently located on private land. This Bylaw will exchange existing Municipal Reserve land, which is not currently being used by the RM, for the land being used for the public park. The parcels being exchanged are adjacent, and the area of land being received by the RM exceeds that of what it is providing.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RM of Mervin No. 499 office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost, by emailing the contact below, or on the RM’s website. Copies of the proposed amendment are available for viewing here: https://rmofmervin.ca/planning_development/planning_development_public_ notification.html.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 1:30 PM in the RM office located at 211 Main St. in the Town of Turtleford to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment; a digital participation component will be available to the public. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person and digital representations. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for online representation must be received by the RM office or its Planner by Thursday, August 3, 2023. For additional information, please contact the administrator at (306) 8452045 or rm499@rmofmervin.com. Box 130 Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for online representation must be received by the RM office or its Planner by Thursday, August 3, 2023. For additional information, please contact the administrator at (306) 845-2045 or rm499@rmofmervin.com. Box 130 Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0. Issued at the Town of Turtleford this 17th day of July, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit CAO

RM of Mervin No. 499w

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I’m a sweet cat, I love cuddles and playing with toys! I get along really well with dogs, and am okay with other cats, I know I just have to stand out!

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Resort Village of Aquadeo Public Notice - Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of Aquadeo (RV) intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 19/89, known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

INTENT: The intent of the amendment is to clarify the use classification and circumstances of when a Recreational Vehicles can be placed on a residential site in the RV within the R1 - Residential District. Two categories of uses would be created: Recreational Vehicles as permitted accessory use to an existing principal dwelling; and, discretionary temporary use while constructing a principal dwelling. New regulation and guidance for evaluation would be added for the latter.

AFFECTED LAND: All lands within the R1 - Residential District would be affected.

REASON: The ZB does not explicitly indicate whether a discretionary Recreational Vehicle use is temporary, accessory or permanent; the amendment would clarify this matter. The current provisions for a Recreational Vehicle as accessory would be unchanged. The RV is seeking to allow a Recreational Vehicles as a temporary principal use during construction of a principal permanent dwelling as a discretionary matter where Council deems appropriate.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RV office between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Wednesday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost or by emailing aquadeoadmin@gmail.com and asking for a copy. The office can also be reached at (306) 386-2942. A digital copy of the amendment is available at the following web address: https://aquadeo.net/public- notices.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on August 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at the RV Office. Written submissions and requests for verbal representation must be received by August 16, 2023. For additional information, please contact (306) 386-2942 or aquadeoadmin@gmail.com. Written submissions can be mailed to Box 501, Cochin, SK, SOM OLO, or emailed to the address above.

Issued by the Resort Village of Aquadeo this 24th day of July, 2023.

Gina Bernier, Chief Administrative Officer - Resort Village of Aquadeo

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Service Managers, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices and Sales roles. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

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TAX ENFORCEMENT

FORM C [Section 2.3]

NOTICE

(The Tax Enforcement Act)

TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The City 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 190909851 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the City 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 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 City. Dated this 10 day of April, 2023.

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD

Per:

Margarita Pena, Administrator

FORM C [Section 2.3] NOTICE

(The Tax Enforcement Act)

TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The City 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 190996903 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the City 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 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 City.

Dated this 10 day of April, 2023.

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD

Per: Margarita Pena, Administrator

FORM C [Section 2.3] NOTICE

(The Tax Enforcement Act)

TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The City 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 190909996 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the City 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 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 City.

Dated this 10 day of April, 2023.

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD

Per:

Margarita Pena, Administrator

Name

Christopher Klima & Sherri Klima

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS:

Lot 53 Blk/Par 239 Plan No 78B06784 Extension 0

Title Number: 116882422

FORM C [Section 2.3]

NOTICE

(The Tax Enforcement Act)

TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The City 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 192037293 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the City 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 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 City. Dated this 10 day of April , 2023.

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD

Per: Margarita Pena, Administrator

Name Ricky Clarke & Gayle Clarke

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS:

Lot 3 Blk/Par 8 Plan No F2183 Extension 0

Title Number: 148036046

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum invites applications for:

1) Manager

Name Tyler Degerness

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS:

Lot 14 Blk/Par 106 Plan No C4240 Extension 0

Title Number: 146186758

Name Furlie Turkey (Junior)

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS:

Lot 22 Blk/Par 108 Plan No 101488237 Extension 10

Title Number: 132063409

2) Summer Staff •

To apply, contact Jane Shury at 306-441-5886 292-22nd Street West, Battleford, SK. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Spiritwood hosting a street dance Saturday

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

With all the different weather patterns in Canada we have to always expect the worse. Two weeks ago there were tornadoes near Ottawa and last weekend torrential rainfall wiped out bridges and roads, demolishing buildings and sadly causing loss of lives due to raging bodies of water sweeping people away in Nova Scotia. Most provinces are still experienc-

ing wild forest fires and two firefighters and one helicopter pilot have died. When is all this destruction going to end?

The family of Marcel Stroo (Nancy) is sad to announce his recent passing.

The 88-year-old, Mayfair retired farmer succumbed to illness July 18 at North Battleford River Heights Lodge. The Stroos moved to North Battleford a few decades ago. A celebration of Marcel’s life is to be held at the Western Devel-

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Twin Rivers Health Care Foundation Inc. (TRHF) is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to increase public awareness and support of locally delivered health services in the communities of Maidstone, Neilburg, Cut Knife, Turtleford, St. Walburg and Paradise Hill.

TRHF is looking for a dynamic, outgoing, and organized individual to fill a flexible part-time (6 days/month) position as Executive Director.

DUTIES INCLUDE: Monthly receipting of donations, preparation of monthly financial statements, Board meeting preparation including agenda, minutes, and other relevant reports, audit preparation, Charitable Tax Return presentations to community members, create and distribute newsletter, maintain website.

opment Museum Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. Deepest sympathy to his wife Nancy, Becky, BJ and families.

My apologies to the ladies who run the concession at Meeting Lake Regional Park. A misprint of a name. Tammy (not Lorraine) and Sandy work diligently to satisfy their many customers.

Who doesn’t love a small-town street dance where the crowd has great times meeting old acquaintances that they haven’t

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION: Verbal, written and public speaking skills, accounting knowledge, PC proficient, data entry skills, and attention to detail, self-motivated

PREFERRED: Simply Accounting (SAGE), Raiser's Edge, and Microsoft Office

We welcome you to send your resume (or questions) to:

ATTENTION:

Carol Watson - TRHF Board Chair, c.watson@sasktel.net

Application Deadline: August 15, 2023

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

TWIN RIVERS HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION

RM of Round Hill No. 467 Full Time Grader Operator

Qualifications:

Must poses a valid driver’s license and have their own transportation. Have knowledge of grader operation and service. Have a working knowledge of road building and maintenance. Have a full working knowledge of grading techniques. Must be capable of working with a minimum or without supervision.

Duties:

- Operate equipment and work in compliance with the Saskatchewan Employment Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

- Maintain and repair all roads on a priority basis as required by road conditions.

- Blade all roads in a professional and safe manner.

- Service machinery and assist in repairs as the case may be.

- Do work as per the road maintenance schedule or as directed.

- Road maintenance personnel are required to work 10 hour per day during certain seasons.

- Ensure shop and work areas are kept clean and organized at all times.

- Communicate any unsafe conditions or accidents/injuries in a timely manner

- Demonstrate contiguous effort to improve operation and work cooper tively and jointly with the rest of the crew.

- Diagnose / identify defects in heavy duty equipment.

- Clean, lubricate, and perform other minor maintenance work.

- Maintain a working knowledge of changes in technology and operation techniques.

- Perform trip inspections on equipment operated and load, ensuring safety and roadworthiness.

- Other duties as assigned by council and administrator

- Any other skills (carpentry, electrical, welding, etc.) would be considered an asset.

- Looking with someone to take leadership.

The RM of Round Hill No. 467 is willing to pay top wages in accordance with qualifications and experience.

Applications are currently being accepted at the Municipal office in person, or by e-mail to:

rm467@sasktel.net or mailed to:

RM of Round Hill No. 467

Box 9

Rabbit Lake, SK S0M 2L0

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired.

seen in years? Mark your calendars for this Saturday, July 29 and head to Spiritwood where Brody Siebert, who grew up in that town, is the featured entertainer. Gates open up at 8 p.m. and everything starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 with food being sold by Northern Meats, a well-known thriving business established two years ago. This popular summer street dance is a fundraiser for the Spiritwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Burgers are an all-time favourite for outdoor barbecuing. Rabbit Lake’s “burger and bunnocks,” hosted every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. weather permitting, is becoming popular. Come enjoy the great food and fellowship while playing a game of bunnock or simply sit and watch.

Horses are always a delight to see in a parade. Chitek Lake’s July 1 display wasn’t a disappointment. The Marsh family who farms near Leoville entered a wonderful big horse with a skilled rider which the crowd appreciated. Some vintage cars and many children with brightly coloured decorations on their bikes were also in the parade. It’s great to see the kids involved. Every year before the parade, there is a hearty breakfast served by many volunteers.

Local gardeners who choose not to sit at farmers markets still get the support of neighbours who purchase freshly grown produce. Nothing like bringing a supply of veggies home that you know was just picked early that morning. The producers do not have to advertise as word-of-mouth spreads like fire.

Oh, how I wish summer could be stretched to another two months. We need rain again but there’s none in the forecast.

Meota and District News

Seniors’ golf at Meota draws 24 duffers

By Eric Callbeck Meota

Rain, rain come again. Our gauge showed less than one-half inch for the past three weeks. We need more to fill in the crops and to keep the flowers blooming. We see some wheat crops along Highway 4 starting to change colour. The field corn to our west looks great.

It was another successful week for our golfers. The course was in great shape and the weather cooperated to bring 24 golfers out. Top scores of 35

were shared by the Larry Dyck, Marcelle Duhaime, Lynn Boucher and John Patterson team with the Gerry Goodheart, Annette Duhaime, Kent Morton and Eric Callbeck team. The money went to the Dyck group on a count back. The consolation team of Conrad and Noreen Bernie and Julliette Tebay took the other money.

Canasta on Friday had the team of Linda Ard and Albert Hutson first. Second place was won by Nestor Fransoo and Stella Rendle. Seventeen people came out. The Tuesday af-

ternoon bridge group at the Pioneer Centre had 18 people competing. Top score went to Vern Iverson and Rudy Wiens. Second were Donna Scherman and Linda Ard. Thursday evening bridge with 14 players, had Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan in first. Second place went to Ann Marie Wallbilling and Barb Mitchell.

Meota was fortunate to be able to host the Dayle Oborowsky family celebration. The two-day event provided many happy memories over a fun weekend.

A horse getting groomed and stamped with red maple leaves in preparation for a Canada Day parade in Chitek Lake.

A “beauty” in Chitek Lake’s parade drew attention.

Big tree branches were viciously torn off by Mother Nature in Ruddell later in the afternoon of July 1. The devastation was widespread. No humans dared to go outdoors in this wild wind. | Photos submitted by Elaine Woloshyn

Borden and District News

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

At a recent Radisson Recreation Association barbecue, citizen of the year plaques were presented to Daryl Amey for 2021 and to Cliff Wilkie for 2022.

The Borden Lions Chase the Ace winners for July were Jim Olinyk, Joyce Olzewski and Jean Graham. The Ace of Spades has not yet been drawn and the jackpot is over $2,400. The Borden Farmers Market weekly 50/50 draw winners for July were Ruben Rempel, Karen Kerr and Tom Hrenkiw. Winning the BCCPC summer fun basket draw was Casen Sutherland (Michael).

July 19, Borden Health Centre hosted an educational talk on depression with Jody Wipf as leader. The next health talk will be Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m. and the topic is Living with Arthritis.

Borden music nights are now held in Carrie’s Troubadour Shoppe on the second Thursday of each month with the next one Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. The music nights will be held there until cold weather sets in when they will go back to the Seniors’ Room in the Community Centre.

The Borden Community Centre, which houses the library, Friendship Club Centre and bowling alley

The Friendship Centre donated $3,000 to the village to help defray some of the cost of a new air conditioner. Sandra Long, representing the club, presented the cheque to Mayor Jamie Brandrick. |

along with the main hall, is operated by the Village of Borden. Recently the air conditioner that cools the library and Seniors’ Centre quit. The Friendship Centre donated $3,000 to the village to help defray some of the cost of the new air conditioner. Sandra Long,

representing the club, presented the cheque to Mayor Jamie Brandrick at a Village Council meeting July 11.

Get well wishes go out to Rev. Sheldon Carr who has been confined to RUH for a few weeks. There have been no church services at

St. John’s Anglican for July and possibly into August. The care home service on the last Friday of each month, which Sheldon usually oversees, will still go ahead with the Lutheran ladies taking care of it in his absence.

Upcoming at Radisson is a show and shine July 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street featuring vintage cars, trucks, tractors and snowmobiles on display, food to eat and raffle draws. The Radisson Ag Fair is Aug. 12 and 13, with entries in on Thursday afternoon and Friday by 10:30 a.m. in the curling rink. There is a parade on Saturday morning, then ball games and gymkhana. The light horse show is Sunday. The fair features a tractor pull, kids’ activities and much more.

Radisson Seniors’ Club has bingo nights Aug. 14

and 28 in the Goodrich Centre at 7 p.m. Radisson TOPS club meets every Thursday in the Radisson town office at 10 a.m. Officers for the next year are leader/secretary Lorraine Olinyk, treasurer Tina Hessel and weight recorders Bev Boden and Ilene Youchezin. New members are always welcome and you can contact any member for details.

Borden activities include the library summer program for kids five to 12 years on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Aug. 17. the Friendship Club supper is July 27 at 5:45 p.m. at the acreage of Ed and Dianne Rawlyk. There will be a potluck Aug. 31 in the Community Centre. Every week in the Seniors’ Centre is the farmers market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch available and weekly 50/50 draws.

Photo by Lorraine Olinyk