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Thursday, July 28, 2022
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Some will pay more, some less By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca
The City of North Battleford performed a redo of its 2022 mill rate bylaw after it was found they would be collecting more revenue than expected. In a special meeting held Monday over the Zoom platform, council approved revising the mill rate bylaw, so that the mill rates accurately matched revenue in their budget. City Director of Finance Brent Nadon explained that during the preparation for tax notices, they discovered an issue with some property tax adjustments not being taken into account in the new rate, which could potentially result in collecting about 1.2 per cent more revenue than required. He said a small change to the mill rates would mean a reduction or no change to all but the multiresidential, personal care home subclasses, which will see a small increase. Nadon outlined to council what the revisions mean compared to the rates that had been approved at coun-
cil last Monday. According to Nadon, the mill rate impact on average residential properties will be reduced from an increase of 4.3 per cent down to 3.8 per cent, or a dollar increase of $78. For average commercial, instead of a 3.94 percent average increase, it will be 1.66 percent or $136.39. For most rate categories, there will be either no change or a decrease compared to what was originally approved last week, but the multi unit residential subclass will see its mill rate revised up from 1.9583 to 1.0780 mills, and the personal care home subclass is revised up from 1.0583 to 1.0780 mills. For the residential/condo class, c om mercia l /i ndust r ia l class, and the commercial/ industrial large retail subclass, there will be a slight decrease in the mill rate as a result. The revised bylaw passed in three readings at the meeting Monday. The expectation was that tax notices would go out to North Battleford residents later this week. The deadline to pay remains Aug. 31.
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Despite the leap by North Battleford’s Skyler Dimmick, the ball passes him by and Unity’s Carter Johnson’s slide will get him to second base safely, in the first game at the U22 provincial championships in Unity, July 23. Unity won the best-of-three series but both teams will compete at Western Canadians in Manitoba Aug. 12-14. | Photo by Helena Long
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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
City of North Battleford (Official)
cityofnb.ca
@citynb
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1291 - 101st Street | PO Box 460 | North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y6
Parks and Recreation
River Valley Programming Presents
SPRAY PARKS ARE NOW OPEN
Bubble Painting in Nature
at Finlayson Island Trail Head Create beautiful art by playing with nature’s elements of air, water and colourful pigments.
KINSMEN PARK 1701 94TH ST CENTENNIAL PARK 2001 106TH ST
Wednesday August 3rd • 1:30pm
- 3:30pm
All ages - Free to attend!
SENATOR HERB SPARROW PARK 1202 104TH ST
Please register by August 1st so we can calculate supplies. To register, or for more information, call 306-445-1760, e-mail galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca, or visit https://cityofnb.ca/parks_recreation/bookings_registrations.html
WEATHER WEATHER PERMITTING PERMITTING PARKS ARE ARE UNSUPERVISED PARKS UNSUPERVISED
OPEN DAILY 10:00AM – 7PM
Charley Farrero
A Certain Detour
For older adults. Improve and Wednesdays: 7 – 8pm maintain July 13 – August 31 your health with gentle Credit Union CUplex exercises NationsWEST Field House For more information call: 306 445 1790
Curated by Heather Benning
River Valley Programming
Adjacent to the CUplex
FREE ITY N U M M O C DRIVE-IN MOVIE More details coming!
Featuring the artwork of: Kathy Smith • Rosemarie Stadnyk • Grace Gerein Lorraine Voegeli • Jean M. Dunn
July 24th - September 11th
Bubble Painting in Nature Create beautiful art by playing with nature’s elements of air, water, and colourful pigments. Wednesday, August 3rd, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Finlayson Island - All ages - Free
For more information, call (306) 445-1760, e-mail galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca, The Chapel Gallery is located at 891 99th Street, North Battleford.
Nature’s Art Tools Create your own mark-making tools using elements found in nature. Wednesday, August 10th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Finlayson Island - All ages - Free
Seeds to Blossoms
Expressive Painting with Holly Hildebrand
Plein Air Painting with Grant McConnell Experience this classic technique of landscape painting over the North Saskatchewan River alongside artist Grant McConneI. Saturday, August 13th, 10:00am - 4:00pm Finlayson Island - For Adults - Free
Come and celebrate the wonders of nature by exploring the lines, shapes and explosions of colour that surround us in summer. We will experiment by making a variety of expressive drawings with fun, loose techniques and then further explore by adding colour.
Clay Hand Building Project with Charley Farerro and Bonnie Gilmour
Thursday August 4th • 1:00pm - 5:00pm Cost: $80 + GST
Thursday, August 11, 9:00am - 12:00pm Chapel Gallery Patio - For Adults - Free - Space is limited.
Materials Included. Please register by August 1st so we can calculate supplies.
To register, or for more information on any of these activities, call 306-445-1760, e-mail galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca, or visit http://cityofnb. ca/parks_recreation/booking_registrations.htm
To register, or for more information, call 306-445-1760, e-mail galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca, or visit https://cityofnb.ca/parks_recreation/bookings_registrations.html
Interested in teaching a class or program with the Parks and Recreation Department?
Scavenger Hunt
Call 306 445-1754 or email centralbooking@cityofnb.ca
Start using TIPPS to make property tax payments easy and stress free. Instead of making a large single payment by the tax due date, you can spread your payments out over the whole calendar year. Just ensure your tax account is current and you can start today. For more information visit www.cityofnb.ca or call 306-445-1700 today.
Walk, Bike, or Drive for Art
Monthly Draws: July 31st August 31st
If your organization is a
we want to tell the community about you.
Call the Parks and Recreation office at 306 445 1755 or email: centralbooking@cityofnb.ca
Thank you to Canadian Heritage for providing funding for the Canada Day Fireworks
Bike, walk, run, or drive around North Battleford to discover our local public art.
Choose between two versions: a competitive hunt for a chance to win a prize, or a more laid-back hunt for those wanting to explore! For more information or to access the scavenger hunt, check The Chapel Gallery’s Facebook page event. Or you can call us at (306) 445-1760 or email us at galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca.
GET IN THE GUIDE non profit sport or recreation group
Reception: August 11th • 5pm - 8pm Artist Talk & Tour at 6:30pm Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. For more information, please call (306) 445-1760, e-mail galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca, or visit our website at www.chapelgallery.ca The Chapel Gallery is located at #1 891-99th Street, North Battleford, SK.
Our Western World
Pre-Registration is required for all programs. Simple Sketchbooks with Holly Hildebrand Explore nature and create a simple, elegant sketchbook, filling it with the imagery around you. Tuesday, July 26th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm - Finlayson Island All ages - Free
July 24th - September 4th, 2022
· · · ·
NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES
Monday, August 15 Monday, September 12 Monday, September 26 Tuesday, October 11
These meeting are available to watch/listen to live on Zoom. Visit www.cityofnb.ca for Zoom information.
The 2022 Tax Notices have been sent. If you do not receive yours in the next few days, request a re-print by email at taxes@cityofnb.ca or call us at 306-445-1707.
Note that Tax Notices are due August 31st, 2022.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 3
A weekend to remember in North Battleford By Greg Campbell News Editor
July 3 to Aug. 11 marks the dog days of summer. While the previous phrase may be an idiom referring to Greek and Roman mythology, this past weekend was certainly one of the hottest eventswise in the area since the pandemic began over two years ago. From the arts, to county music, to Pride Week, to sports, the Battlefords was buzzing with activity on the third weekend of July. I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y- a c claimed local products Cole Knuston and Jaya Hoy returned to Third Avenue United Church for the second consecutive week, this time putting on a duet piano recital for those in attendance. The former piano teacher-student combo now colleagues and friends wowed audiences with an afternoon of worldly talent that those across the globe (including London, United Kingdom) have been able to experience.
The first annual country cowboy gospel music presentation took place on July 23 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 in Battleford. While music was ringing in the legion, others were on the road taking in the Prairie Art Road Trip. With more than 15 activities and pieces of significance listed on the trip’s WordPress page, the sixhour trip saw participants visit four different venues to check out various art, artists, artisans, studios, a flower farm, and an alpaca farm in west central Saskatchewan. The U18 North Battleford Beavers hosted the 2022 18U AA Tier 2 Provincials 8-Team Championship over this past weekend. North Battleford was grouped with the Estevan Brewers, Saskatoon Athletics, and White Butte Broncos in pool play. Battleford, who had a large number of players much younger than 18 on the roster, battled it out. The team lost their first two
contests to Saskatoon and Estevan respectively, before defeating White Butte on July 23 by a final score of 11-5. Three of the four Saskatoon entries reached Sunday’s semifinals, with the Saskatoon Blue Jays topping the Saskatoon Cardinal Sluggers 6-4 to claim the championship. In other sports, the Shoot for the Worlds 3D fun shoot took place at the Archery Club in Battleford on July 23. All money raised will help Jay Djukic and Blair St. Amant travel to Italy for the Shoot Worlds 3D Archery Championships in September. Pride Week, which began with the painting of the sidewalks both in Battleford and North Battleford respectively wrapped up this past weekend. On July 23, Battlefords Pride had their parade begin and end at Kinsmen Park, where following the parade, those who took in the grounds were treated to festivities all day and long into the evening. The circus family
A simple message that laid the grounds to a weekend full of fun in the Battlefords. Photo by Kelly Waters
fun event began at 2 p.m., with airbrush tattoos, vendors, and face painting among the various forms of entertainment provided. Taking to the stage were Dr. Von Hooligan, Dance Whitecalf, and Gypsy Moonbird. Singersongwriter LJ Tyson was
the featured headline, with his new release, “Home On A Rainbow”, a fitting tribute to the celebration. Pride Week concluded with the Prairie Invasion Tour by YXE Drags Collective on July 24, with a familyfriendly show at 7 p.m. followed by an adult show
at 9 p.m. While the weekend was hectic in some ways, it shows that this community is more than capable of playing host to a number of small and large-scale events at the same time. If the opportunities are there, people will come.
WDM to preparing to host History of Motion Greg Campbell News Editor
The summer is well underway in North Battleford, and in August, the Western Development Museum will be front and centre when it hosts the History of Motion event on Aug 20. After being affected by COVID-19 for the past two years, the cultural event returns. For Branch Manager Joyce Smith, the goal
of the event is to make inclusivity accessible to a greater percentage of the population. The vision of the organization as a whole is to have a Saskatchewan where everyone belongs and histories matter, as people’s lives can be enriched through interconnecting, diverse histories. The Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services are one of the main partnerships working
alongside the Western Development Musueum. Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services and BATC Star Children came together alongside WDM to present a traditional powwow on museum grounds on National Indigenous People’s Day. So far this summer, the Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services have constructed four tipis in the village, providing “Tipi Treachings.”
This instruction will continue during the History in Motion Event. Included will be demonstrations of traditional games, which the public are encouraged to participate in. Smith believes that sharing activities with the general public shares knowledge about different cultures and promotes understanding. For those who recall, the WDM previously put on the event Those Were
the Days, which revolved around the 1920s farm life of a settler. While familiar activities such as farm demos, the Parade of Power, ice creaming making and blacksmithing will continue to be showcased, the organization is looking to expand its children’s activities area and involve more community groups. As it currently stands the WDM is the largest human history in Sas-
katchewan, housing nearly 80,000 artifacts. The group’s doors are open and welcome to those who want to volunteer for the day. Currently, the museum is looking for new recruits interested in museum and Saskatchewan history. For more information or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact 1-306-445-8033 or email nbattleford@wdm.ca for more details.
Wondering what to do this long weekend? By Greg Campbell News Editor
Already at the end of July? It’s time to get out and explore what North Battleford and the surrounding area have to offer this long weekend. Battleford Proms The finale of the fourpart series by Cole Knuston and company takes place on July 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Third Avenue
United Church. Clara Daly Donnellan from Cork, Ireland is on trombone while Knuston remains on the piano following his duet performance last week with Jaya Hoy. Admittance is via donation. This will be the last opportunity to check out world-class talent before Knuston returns to Europe to play for the summer. NBCHS Come Together Reunion 2022
A reunion of the 19711982 alumni of NBCHS takes place this weekend. July 29 will feature an opening reception at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts. July 30 will involve mini reunion gatherings at a local venue for different graduating classes, as well as a dinner fun night and dance at the Western Development Museum in the BATC Summer Hall, North
Battleford. Tipi Workshop From July 30 to 31, Kelly Daniels will lead a tipi workshop at Ford Battleford. Daniels, who is a singer, ceremonialist, and cultural leader from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, will guide a session that will encompass generational teachings in relation to the tipi and honouring of history. Those interested are asked to register in ad-
vance by phone to 1-306937-2621, or by stopping at the fort. Cost is free with site entry, and each day’s session will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. World Bunnock Championships Known as the game of bones, or simply bones, the long weekend in August sees the residents of Macklin dig their bones out of the closet to host the approximately 320
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teams who enter the World Championship. The threeday event will take place from July 29 to July 31. Outside of the competition itself, the championship will include a car show and shine, a trade show and craft fair, kids’ activities, food booths, beer gardens, fireworks, and much more. Check out the instagram page @bunnockmacklin for a complete list of activities.
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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
Share your view! Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net
Letter
Sask. offers up exceptional health care
The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Regional News-Optimist staff.
Dear Editor On a recent visit to my family in North Battleford I experienced a surprising emergency intervention for my heart. Thank you to the health care workers in North Battleford and Saskatoon. From the moment I arrived at Battlefords Union Hospital until I was discharged from Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, I had exceptional care. It was reassuring that nurses, doctors and ambulance employees all introduced themselves, told me what they were doing and what I could expect each step of the way. The teaching was explicit. I felt reassured throughout the whole time and I felt I was in good hands. I am a former nurse from Montreal, Que. I can say from experience, the care in Saskatchewan was excellent. S. Lacoursiere Montreal, Que.
Letter
Universal health care anniversary
Dear Editor Our health system is under attack. With emergency units shutting down due to understaffing, overworked, and underappreciated existing staff, it is important that not only on July 23, but each day that people in Saskatchewan recognize and celebrate the 60 year anniversary of universal health care. It is more important than ever that we keep our health care publicly funded. If we don’t “stand on guard for thee (it),” we could it by doing nothing. Our system might have problems, or could be improved, but at least we have it. Over the years, everyone would have benefitted from Medicare brought in by the NDP. Pocket issue problems will be even greater if we lose this publicly-funded universal health care principle. Join the barbecue celebration with music, stories and history on Aug. 6 in Unity on the museum grounds. Marcella Pedersen Cut Knife
Letters welcome
T H E B AT T L E F O R D S
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.
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news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908
Commentary
Government liquor tax hike bender needs to end By Robin Speer
Canadian Taxpayers Federation
If you thought the taxes you paid on your favourite case of beer or bottle of wine or liquor were high today, the Trudeau government is now saying, “Hold my beer!” Imagine hearing two bartenders whispering about running up your bill. That would probably lead to an animated conversation if not incite some sort of hullabaloo at the bar. But that’s exactly what politicians are doing with liquor taxes. While the federal government is about to binge on a huge and sneaky increase in excise taxes, it’s important to know how high liquor taxes already are when all the federal and provincial taxes are added up. When you crunch the numbers, about half of what you pay for beer is in federal and provincial taxes. It’s more than 60 per cent of the retail price for wine and about 80 per cent for liquor.
A community newspaper published Thursdays Owned & Operated by Prairie Newspaper Group LP a division of GVIC Communications Corp. 892 - 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 Telephone: 306-445-7261 • Fax: 306-445-3223 E-mail: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Picking up a case of beer on the way to the beach in Prince Edward Island this summer will cost you more just in taxes on a case than the total retail price of a case of beer in 25 American states. That’s only one example of how outrageous some of the provincial liquor markup or consumption taxes can be. All provinces have them. To rub margarita salt in the wound, the sales tax is a tax-on-a-tax added onto your liquor tax bill. But as if this isn’t enough, before your favourite tasty beverage even leaves the manufacturing facility where it’s made, the federal government has already been tippling, charging among the highest alcohol excise taxes in the world. And the Trudeau government is going to be spiking that tax in a big way, without a vote, every year. The most important job of your Member of Parliament is to stand and vote in Ottawa. That’s especially Continued on Page 5 Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher
Administration
Kylie Cooke DTI/Receptionist
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Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca Greg Campbell News Editor Lisa Joy Reporter
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The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 5
The Pope’s Visit ... and More By R.H. Wood
North Battleford
It is a most remarkable and historic moment to have His Holiness the Pope visit Canada. The visit is testimony indeed to the perseverance of First Nations leaders. Colonialism has always been a divisive issue – we in Canada hope that the Pope’s words will bring resolution to discord stemming from the past. As a Scot I can appreciate, and to some degree understand, that the rights and wrongs of history resonate even today and that resolution is difficult. Poor Mr. Biden caught the Covid. The diagnosis may be simple but the implications are not. Did Mr. Biden take the Covids to the Middle East with malfeasance in mind or
W
The
ood Pile
did the potentates have him secretly infected or did each side use Covids in an old fashioned gentlemanly modern form of duel? The FBI, CIA, WHO, CTV, LBS, W5 and Lisa LaFlamme must get on this question right away. Like L.N.G. the Covids have been weaponized. Nitrous oxide,
according to Mr. T., is now threat Number 1. It used to be the gas used when you got your teeth fixed, which is or was and certainly wasn’t a laughing matter. Nitrous oxide and methane are produced by fertilizer usage and by hyperflatulent cows and pigs respectively and even more especially by careless farmers. Older people may remember the freneticism surrounding the ozone layer and its holes and thinness. Today, all we ever hear about is global greenness – surprise — laughing gas is the problem par excellence. The new fixation is laughing gas. We must produce less, how doesn’t really matter to the politicians, but it matters a great deal to farmers, the world population and food supply. Certainly,
nitrous oxide producing fertilizers have to be used efficiently but not in a way that reduces food production especially with the Ukraine crisis deepening. Mr. Trudeau is pressing for new heavy-duty restrictions in this regard similar to the ones in Holland and elsewhere which are producing trucker styled demonstrations. The emergency measures act may be needed to control farmers and animalia alike. Sir Henry Wood (1869-1944), no relation, introduced the concept of promenade orchestral concerts in England and conducted them for 50 years. He was knighted for his services to music. Today we have the Battlefords “proms” concert series which continues a
Cole Knutson and Jaya Hoy entertained at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford Saturday. | Photo submitted
similar tradition. For me, the highlight of last Saturday’s prom was Mozart’s Concerto in F major. The performance was spectacular and actually quite emotive. It is such a pity the appreciative audi-
ences are so small. Why, I ask, are these promenade concerts so called when they are “sits” — similarly why are sports stands not called “sits” – who knows and apart from me who greatly cares?
Northwest Territorial Days Parade
The 134th running of the event goes Aug. 16 Greg Campbell News Editor
The Battlefords Agricultural Society will be presenting the 134th rendition of the Northwest Territorial Days Parade Aug. 16. This year’s celebration will begin and end at the Civic Centre. For those in the parade, the organization is asking all participants to arrive
Tax bender
Continued from Page 4 true for taxes. If the government is going to take more of our money, our elected officials must take responsibility for the decision. That’s the cornerstone of responsible government. However, on April 1, the federal government is automatically increasing liquor taxes without a single vote in Parliament. The excise tax will rise by the rate of inflation, which was running at 8.1 per cent in June. This increase will happen every April 1. No joke. That’s the definition of unaccountable government. If the government thinks liquor taxes are too low, it could easily increase them in the budget and MPs could vote on it. This annual and automatic escalator tax isn’t about efficiency, it’s about cowardice. Taxpayers have a right
between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with the parade beginning around 7 p.m. The rationale for the early arrival is due to the 6 p.m. hard deadline for judging to begin. Any individuals who show up after that time will not be judged. Entries received after Aug. 8 will be placed at the end of the parade and not be included in the society’s news coverage.
The best entry, as voted on by the society’s president, will be presented with a plaque. Currently, the 2022 parade route will be posted and finalized on the society’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The Battlefords Agricultural Society has also put out several reminders for the general public and applicants. Among them are ensuring public safety
to know how much tax they’re paying when they crack cold one or sip a Sauvignon blanc. They have a right to hold their MPs accountable if they push sky-high liquor taxes even higher. Politicians are hoping taxpayers don’t notice the escalator tax, but we can’t let them get away with running up our bar tabs. Excessively high levels of liquor taxes and the new skyrocketing escalator tax increase hurts you, the consumer. The tax hurts the brewers, distillers and vintners who employ thousands of Canadian workers and contribute billions of dollars to Canada’s economy. The tax hurts the hospitality and tourism sector
while restaurants and bars try to recover from the rollercoaster of pandemic rules. The tax even hurts the agriculture value chain, including Canadian farmers who grow the barley, rye, wheat and corn for this important market. While the federal government laughs all the way to the bank. There’s one thing that will stop politicians from jacking liquor taxes: people noticing. On the undemocratic escalator liquor tax hikes, it’s time to tell the federal government they’re cut off. They’ve had enough. Robin Speer is the Prairie Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
This paper is proudly printed locally in Estevan.
A MEMORIAL
Candy or any other items are being refrained from being distributed during the parade. If this does occur, the society is warning that participants will be heavily fined. All entries can be submitted to the Battlefords Agricultural Society Box
668 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y9. Those interested can also call 306-4452024 or email jocelyn@ agsociety.com. Watch for more information on Northwest Territorial Days event in an upcoming issue of the News-Optmist.
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As a family, we enjoy the quick trip to Table Mountain for skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing the river trails in the winter. In the summer we take in hiking, biking, and kayaking. And of course, the 20-minute drive to the lake to relax! After completing an Administrative Assistant Certificate Program in 2006, I have had many years of experience in administrative and customer service roles. I have met a lot of amazing customers, clients, co-workers, friends and mentors along the way! After several years in the banking and client service industry, I decided to accept a position as an Administrative Assistant for a Real Estate brokerage. Overseeing all aspects of buying and selling sparked my interest in the business and led me to pursue the path of becoming a REALTOR®. I look forward to working with my clients and providing friendly, professional, efficient service alongside The Dream Realty Team! I am just a phone call away and I am beyond excited to help you with all your Real Estate needs!
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and cleanliness. For starters, the general public and applicants are being asked not to move any barricades put in place for traffic control and safety. Additionally, any garbage created is asked to be cleaned up on an individual onus.
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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
The Baha’i Community of North Battleford sponsored a two-day conference on July 23 and 24 in North Battleford at the Don Ross Centre.
Music was part of the conference focused on building communities at the level of the neighbourhood and villages. | Photos submitted
Conference: Working together to build vibrant communities Submitted The Baha’i Community of North Battleford sponsored a two-day conference on July 23 and 24 in North Battleford at the Don Ross Centre. The conference focused on building communities
at the level of the neighbourhood and villages, based on the importance of education and building capacity for service through social action directed at the “betterment of society.” This was one of 80 conferences held across Cana-
da, and of more than 10,000 conferences held throughout the world, called for by the international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, which explained, “Given that millions of people at the grassroots
These two young Swainson Hawks will soon leave the nest to become two of the most stealthy fighting forces in nature’s realm. The hawk on the right is not blind. This hawk has closed its third eyelid (the nictitating membrane) which is unique to birds. This third eyelid produces tears to clean and protect the surface of the eye. I was lucky enough to capture this membrane sweeping across the hawk’s eye. | Photo and text by Jim McLane
Submitted
Members of Little Pine First Nation are preparing for Honour Walk, a 40 kilometre trek to Delmas, the former site of the Thunderchild (St. Henri) Indian Residential School Site Friday. Organizers invite the public to join the families and community members of former students during their second annual walk to honour ancestors. The walk will begin at Little Pine First Nation and end at Delmas, where the St.Henri (Thunderchild) Indian Residential School was in operation 1901 to 1948, when it was burnt down and never rebuilt.
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Have lessons of the past finally been learned?
Joyce Milgaard (left) fought a decades-long crusade to exonerate her son David Milgaard (centre, as a prisoner, right, today) of a rape and murder he was wrongfully convicted of in 1970. Turn to Page 9 for the story.
Nature is Awesome
Moose often frequent Finlayson Island in the North Saskatchewan River. The moose is the largest species of the deer family, weighing in at between 400 and 700Kgs when mature. Moose often live 15-25 years in the wild. The world’s largest moose population is found in Canada. Cow moose can have twins and the calves stay with their mother for at least one year. Magpies have a symbiotic relationship with moose in that they will eat parasites off the animal’s back for the benefit of both species (see photo). Nature is truly amazing. | Text and photo by Jim McLane
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Thoroughbred racing returning to Marquis Starts Monday, Downs in Saskatoon for a January 3, 2022 10-day run starting Aug. Looking forward to the new year ... 27. Moosomin Downs and all its taxes? A raft of tax hikes coming & Entertainment Limited Partnership (MD&E) plans to finish the meet the weekend of Sept. 25 with Elite Indian Relay Championships and the FSIN chief’s mile race. MD&E and its partners Weekly In-Store Deal have secured a thorough40% bred racetrack operator licence from the Saskatch2497 ewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. |
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2022 is almost here — and that means more taxes to pay. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released its annual New Year’s Tax Changes report last week to highlight the major tax changes that will occur in 2022. “If you’re making more than $40,000, you’ll see your federal income tax bill go up thanks to rising payroll taxes,” said Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director with the CTF. “From higher carbon taxes to rising alcohol, payroll and property taxes, there’s a raft of tax hikes coming in the New Year.” The report outlines the major tax changes from the federal and provincial governments in 2022. Key takeaways from the report include: Taxpayers making $40,000 or more in 2022 will see the federal government deduct more money. The Canada Pension Plan tax increase will cost workers and businesses an extra $333 each in 2022 (for maximum pensionable earnings). The Employment Insurance tax increase will cost each worker an extra $63 in 2022 and businesses an extra $89 (for maximum insurable earnings). The increase in the federal personal basic amount will save taxpayers $89. The federal carbon tax will increase for the third time during the pandemic to 11 cents per litre of gasoline on April 1, 2022. Alcohol taxes will increase for the third time during the pandemic on April 1, 2022. Taxes already account for about half of the price of beer, 65 per cent of the
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Attendees at the meeting came from the Battlefords and Cut Knife area, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Rosetown, Outlook, Fox Valley, Maple Creek and Beauval, as well as one member visiting from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
The group began its fouryear commitment to honour their ancestors on July 28 of 2021. “We are grassroot community members of Little Pine First Nation. We are survivors and relatives of former Residential School students. We choose to honour our ancestors and students of the Indian Residential School system,” states the group’s release. “Our 40-km journey begins in a good way at 7 a.m. at Little Pine Community Hall following cultural protocol and a community breakfast. Our walk will commence at 8:30 a.m. after opening words and a smudging circle. We will travel as a
group to Delmas with water, nutritious snacks stops, a midway lunch, and a supper meal with an evening event to commemorate our ancestors with a cultural performance, stories of survivance, and hand drumming songs. Care for our community and walkers are important to our team. Mental health, first aid, and security will be on-route at all times.” The release also states, “We welcome allies, learners, and all relatives of former IRS students to our walk to show their support. Find more information on our Facebook event ‘2nd Annual Delmas Walk “Honoring our Ancestors.’”
Thoroughbred racing back on track at Marquis Downs
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pattern of community life is giving rise to vibrant and purposeful new communities wherein relationships are founded on the oneness of mankind, universal participation, justice and freedom from prejudice. All are welcome.”
2nd annual walk to honour Delmas residential school students and survivors
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across the globe are engaged in a collective pattern of activity that fosters a vibrant community life in villages and cities, the conferences should be organized such that as many of these friends as possible are able to attend ... This
price of wine and more than three quarters of the price of spirits. The governments of Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island impose a sneaky form of income taxation known as bracket creep. Bracket creep happens when governments don’t move tax brackets with inflation and inflation automatically bumps taxpayers into a higher tax bracket even though they can’t actually afford to buy more. “A pandemic is the worst possible time to be raising taxes,” said Terrazzano. “Many Canadians lost their job, closed down their business or took a pay cut during the pandemic, and that’s why all politicians should be reversing their tax hikes.”
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“Acquiring this licence and going through the rigorous application process is the first milestone on a path to building to the long-term vision of Moosomin Downs and for our participation in the economy of our First Nation,” said Chief Cheryl Kahpeysewat of Moosomin First Nation. MD&E is a horse racing and entertainment joint venture that emerged from the partnership between Ontario-based Pan Am Horse Racing Corporation and Moosomin First Nation Economic Development Corporation in Treaty
No. 6. MD&E is developing an equine racetrack in the RM of Corman Park that will replace the phasing-out Marquis Downs track destined to halt operations in the last quarter of 2022. Saskatchewan’s home market. Patrons will be able to place wagers onsite and through the HPIbet Network with racing being simulcast outside the province using the HPIbet network. Groundwork will be starting for the development of the new racetrack. at the end of its inaugural racing season.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 7
Bresaylor Happenings
Mortar and thatch: early building materials for settlers By Robert Peterson
Bresaylor Heritage Museum
House building at Bresaylor settlement was quite different from today. These days you buy a blueprint and hire a contractor, who sources materials from your local lumber yard. This was not the case in the late 1800s. First, the settlers had to search out tall straight trees, ideal for log cabins. Next, they had to cut them down using a hand saw or axe, and strip all the branches off. The logs were then hauled to the building site either by horse or ox. The settlers then peeled off the bark and let the logs dry. Each log was then cut to the desired length and fitted together to form the main part of the structure. Doors and windows would then be cut out. Most of the homes in the Bresaylor settlement were large twostory homes. This was to accommodate their large families, often around a dozen kids each. After the log structure was built, the cracks would be filled with a homemade
clay mixture. Small oneinch-thick willow sticks were then nailed to the outside of the home. A lime mortar was then plastered onto the outside leaving a smooth white finish. The lime was made by the settlers themselves. First a pit was dug in the side of a hill. Large white to yellow limestones were gathered from the area and hauled to the pit. A fire was made in the pit and kept going for seven days, never allowed to go out. On the last day, the fire would be kept very hot, and cold water would be poured onto the limestones. The cold water would break the stones into pieces, which would then be crushed into powder. The lime mortar was also used for cementing bricks together for their chimneys. The bricks would come from the brick plant in Battleford. Some of the houses also had thatched roofs made from long grass taken from sloughs, and sometimes rye straw. Clay was then used to bind the straw or grass together, and to the roof. Some of the houses may
The Bresaylor Heritage Museum is open again for the summer by appointment only from June 30 to Aug. 31.
have been painted on the inside with paint sourced from the natural paint mine northwest of Paynton. This area, used by First Nations Peoples for hundreds if not thousands of years, is now inaccessible. Beavers have dammed the area so extensively that the pigments are now underwater, except for the odd stick of wood in the dam showing traces of pigment. Before, a spring would bubble-up small quantities of pigment which ranged from yellow, orange, red,
and variations in between. These pigments were then mixed with linseed oil and used for paint by the early pioneers. The Bresaylor museum’s annual potluck was held last Sunday. Due to strong rains and tornado warnings, the event was relocated to the Paynton Seniors’ Centre. In spite of the weather, 41 people attended the event. Following the meal, guest speaker Floyd Favel spoke about his background and current work, as well as other topics including indigenous sign language, his new book The Story of Broken Knife Lookout and the Frog Lake massacre. The Bresaylor Heritage
Log and mortar construction was a complex system. Cracks between logs were filled with a homemade clay mixture. Small one-inch-thick willow sticks were then nailed to the outside of the home. A lime mortar was then plastered onto the outside leaving a smooth white finish.
Museum is open again for the summer by appointment only from June 30 to Aug. 31. Please phone Enola at 306-893-8002 or Bob at 306-895-2075 to arrange a
guided tour by one of our volunteer staff. Check out the Bresaylor Heritage Museum Facebook page for more information.
Dream Realty SK is pleased to welcome Virginia Winterhalt to their team.
The Alex Sayer house endured into the 1990s. | Bresaylor Heritage Museum photos
Ditches provide valuable fodder for farmers During summer in Saskatchewan, farmers can salvage hay along provincial highways which provides an opportunity for those in need of feed for livestock. According to the Government of Saskatchewan, anyone may cut and bale hay, any time after July 8, without permission from the nearby landowner, provided mowing/salvage operations haven’t already begun. According to the Ministry of Highways, cutting grass along provincial
highways provides many benefits as it optimizes snow storage in ditches, which reduces drifting on the road surface during the winter. At the same time, it provides a neat appearance improving visibility and control of brush and noxious weed growth. The ministry delivers the mowing program with the assistance of contractors. This year, approximately 41,000 hectares were tendered. The first cut began last month and focused on the northern region. The second cut of mowing will begin as early
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as July 15. Mowing in the west central and southwest regions including Swift Current and North Battleford districts begins Aug. 15. This allows additional time to salvage hay in anticipation of below-normal moisture conditions. The Government of Saskatchewan is planning to improve more than 1,100 kilometres of provincial highways this year, for a total of 3,500 kilometres over the past three years. The government has set a 10-year Growth Plan target of improving 10,000 kilometres of highways.
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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
Art Notes
An art adventure By Pam Beaver
Battlefords Art Club
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. — Pablo Picasso Maybe I’m obsessed, and maybe I’m not! Art is definitely an everexperimental passion of mine. It all started from envelope art and beautifully sparkly pens; friends of mine would throw away the letter and keep the envelope! Next I ventured into mandalas and created my own cards. When you create your own cards for someone it’s not only more meaningful to receive but so much fun to create. My art moved onto canvasses and other surfaces and then I added dots into the mix. Oh, my gosh … dotting is the best ever! The creation of a perfectly round little dot over and over again makes me so happy! Hard to imagine? I’ve spoken to lots of people who are interested in playing with dots, so will be setting up some classes to share the excitement. Anyone can create art, believe in yourself; start small and indulge in the mystery and the wonder of all that art can be to you.
Mayfair and District News
Leoville hosts Timberland Rodeo this weekend By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent
Some of Pam Beaver’s artwork on display. | Photos submitted
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With so many summer activities going on it’s hard to pick and choose especially when events are scheduled for the same day. Blue Rodeo played last Wednesday at TCU Place in Saskatoon. A friend and I had a very good day shopping, visiting my much older sister Lorraine Lensen in Vanscoy and ended with the concert. My vehicle making banging noises from a back tire. I needed repairs on the rotors, which was taken care of professionally the very next day. My main concern was would my vehicle break down en route late at night. Everyone likes the excitement of annual events happening in small towns because it draws in many outsiders. The 45th annual Timberland Rodeo near Leoville is this long weekend, so if you like lots of action this is the place to be. Three days of events include kids, teens and adults, young and old. There is to be a dance on Saturday with a great band. This small-town rodeo draws a large attendance. Our local library has liquid and creamed honey for sale. Also, an assortment of books for 25 cents each and magazines for 10 cents. Come see the cheerful librarian Theresa. If the book you want isn’t on the shelves, she can order it in.
July 23, three young local people got married. One wedding was at Mayfair Hall, one in the groom’s large Quonset on the farm site and the other in North Battleford. I will touch upon these special occasions in next week’s column. Get well wishes to RM of Meeting Lake’s maintenance supervisor Kolin Bulmer. Ryan Woloshyn found the fishing trip in the Fraser River, B.C. a wonderful four-day adventure. This was sponsored by a local farm supply business. Farmers from different regions were chosen to attend Summer holidays are always a treat as it was for Peter and Sharon Babiy and son Curtis
who travelled to Malpitas, Calif. Peter has an older brother Gene Barrie and family who were thrilled to have Canadian relatives stay for an extended visit. They left July 8 and, due to car trouble, returned 14 days later. Now with gardening and loads of yard work, they are busier than ever. A few showers passing through the countryside have been a real blessing as we do need moisture. Some mornings there is plenty of dew on the grass and it has been foggy early mornings, but the sun manages to peek through, so we are enjoying what Mother Nature brings.
Nothing can be prettier than roadside flowers bursting into glorious colours on rural roads. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn
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The Battlefords, Thursday, July 22, 2021 - Page 3 The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 9
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Happy Saskatchewan Day Mr. Speaker, the second improvement included in the Bill before you is an additional statutory holiday, the first Monday in August which shall be known as Saskatchewan Day.- G.T. Snyder, Minister of Labour in 1975 Hopefully it will also inspire us to pause, Mr. Speaker, and reflect upon our own good fortune to share in that peaceful prosperous land that we call Saskatchewan.- G.T. Snyder
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Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
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More Jobs. More Homes. More Wholesale Trade. Saskatchewan’s economy is moving forward with significant strength. More residents are employed than ever before with nearly 593,000 jobs being reported, urban housing starts are up 87 per cent, while wholesale trade grew by 44 per cent. Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca Hon. Scott Moe, Premier
MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 306-747-3422
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MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca 306-445-5195
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Meota and District News 20220720_News Optimist Ad_JobsHomesTrade.indd 1
2022-07-20 11:00:30 AM
Flowers making a splash as July wanes By Lorna Pearson Correspondent
A drive around the village presents a pretty picture as the flowers have done so well this summer. Nearly every yard shows off their bit and the little park downtown is looking nice, also. When everyone pitches in and does their bit to tidy their place up, the results are good. Now there are some hay bales here and there, all
looking great. The bridge club played in the Pioneer Hall July 19, with two and a half tables. Top score went to Linda Ard and Vern Iverson, second to Cletus and Donna Scherman. Individual games were played July 21 with top score going to Anne Crozier and second to Donna Scherman. With the temperatures in England going up to 40 C came complications. The rail lines for
This is a puffball found by Larry Iverson. It is over nine inches long and weighs in at five and a quarter pounds. | Photo submitted by Lorna Pearson
Vernon Iverson has constructed this model of a Mississippi steam boat. Photo submitted by Lorna Pearson
the trains buckled causing cancellations, and flights were cancelled because the tarmac was melting. Needless to say lots of other complications come with this type of weather. July 30 and 31 the action will be at the Timberland rodeo grounds east of Leoville. For information call Anita at 306-9848000. This was an annual affair before COVID and folks are happy to see it happening again! The Do Drop In was the place for Canasta July 22 when five tables took part in this interesting game. Top score went to Nestor Fransoo and Jack Stewart. Second were Bev McCrimmon and Gwen Lacerte and third were Vern Iverson and Lillian Sorenco. This is always such a nice social event with lots of visiting taking place. Many folks are entertaining their summer company, family or friends, so there’s lots of traffic in the village and everyone is driving carefully. That was some storm that went through here late on Sunday afternoon. No rain gauge could have measured accurately as the rain was blowing parallel to the ground at times. the wind may have caused some damage within the village, but no reports in yet. There were people out on the lake that did not appear to be in any hurry to get off the water. Hope they made it OK. Those at lakeside enjoyed watching the action of the water and boats in hangers. The winds were not kind to the flowers, but they will revive, mostly. Try-a-Kayak Demo Days Submitted by Trudy Janssens – Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail had a wonderful two-day event with Jonas Hildebrandt from Classic Outdoors Saskatoon. Jonas come with his wife Laura and
their four children. They brought out a whole array of beautiful equipment which was impressive for anyone in the market to buy a kayak. There were expensive kayaks, affordable kayaks, kayaks with foot paddles and stand up paddle board kayaks. A whole range of price points as well as features. Jonas and Laura were really nice to work with and their children motivated all those who came out to try kayaks. Jonas was hoping that there would be someone here who would take him sailing. People came out from Saskatoon, Edmonton, Bigger, Cochin and Aquadeo, as well as several from Meota. It’s amazing how putting the information on Facebook, What’s Happening at Jackfish Lake, lets everyone know the dates and times. The biggest plus was that the weather was wonderful both days. No sooner were we off the water and the storm clouds moved in and the winds went wild. Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail volunteers spent the day peppering participants with questions, such as “will there be a sailing revival?” The answers were a resounding “Yes.” The price of gas is forcing people to go to alternatives and non motorized boating is the way to go. One guy told us that this lake is always windy and sailing is a lot of fun when you know how to do it. On the calm days the kayakers and paddle boards will head out and on the windy days those who know how to sail will enjoy the waves. That’s the next challenge. To teach those who are interested how to sail. The first week of July 2023 there will be sailing lessons on Jackfish Lake and Sask Sailing will be coming to help us with in-
It’s more than drops of water, it's a chorus of raindrops!
Jonas and Laura Hildebrandt shared their knowledge of kayaks with participants in the Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail try-a-kayak event. | Photos by Trudy Janssens
Participants came from a wide area to take in the Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail try-a-kayak event July 22. | Photo by Trudy Janssens
structors and equipment. We already have a commitment from John Steele from Ottawa that he will come to Meota for the learn to sail lessons July 3 to 5 or 3 to 7, 2023. Depending on the registrations it could be a three-day class, or a fiveday class. We are hoping to have a class for youth and one for adults. Meota’s Got Talent Meota’s Got Talent is coming up on Sunday, Aug. 7. The community and MLPS members are invited to come to the Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail Clubhouse and bring their talent — painting, photography, quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, cake
decorating, woodworking, pottery, flower arranging, publishing. Some participants will be comfortable with leaving their talents for display and can bring them in the morning, but if you would like to bring them with you that’s OK too. Everyone is encouraged to bring three to five pieces and doors will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. It would be a real bonus if some would be willing to share their musical talent as well. This will be the first attempt to host and a bit of a learning curve. Hopefully we will all have a lot of fun, showing off how we spend our spare time. See you there.
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Countdown to the Baseball Hall of Fame induction
MacDonalds combine for 51 years of service to baseball
Leo and Jean MacDonald and family, Mitch, Geoff and Stephanie, have loomed large on the baseball scene in Regina for more than two decades. | Baseball Hall of Fame photo
Mitch MacDonald of Regina has several amateur league titles and awards to his name, as well as signing with the Florida Marlins in 2007. | Baseball Hall of Fame photo
the game. Other areas in baseball that they worked together include: mosting committees for provincials; Baseball Saskatchewan’s Long-term Athlete Development Committee in 2010-11, implementing skill development and improvement and participation of youth; Legasse Annual Tournament -growing it to the premier AAA tournament for 11U, 13U and 15U in Saskatchewan that draws teams from Manitoba and Alberta; and Managing Lions Park. As the 2011 Baseball Sask Builder of the Year, joint award, Fall Ball is a project both Leo and Jean are most proud. Leo was disappointed with empty ball parks in September and was convinced that not all players wanted to pack their gloves away in early August. In 2006, with the support of Baseball Saskatchewan, they put Fall Ball into place and has attracted players from all over Saskatchewan and even Manitoba to come to Regina for Saturdays of ball. Leo coached baseball for 25 years, the last nine years as a non -parent coach. He was with Baseball Regina from 1995 to 2019, boasting many gold and silver provincial and western championships. Jean was involved in Regina North East Baseball Association, Baseball Regina and Baseball Saskatchewan in many and various positions and committees since 1996. Mitch MacDonald will be inducted as part of the family and as an individual
player. He was with Baseball Regina from 1994 to 2005. He was on several provincial, western and national teams throughout minor baseball including the 1998 11U AAA provincial champions. Mitch also umpired from 1999 to 2005. Mitch was awarded the 2005 Prairie Midget Baseball League batting title and MVP. He played on Team Saskatchewan 17U 2004 Canada Cup and the 19U 2005 Canada Summer Games. Drafted by the Florida Marlins [MLB] in 2006, Mitch received many awards and records. He was also a Professional Rookie and A Ball from 2007 to 2009 and attended St. Louis Cardinals [MLB] tryouts in 2011. Mitch also instructed for Baseball Saskatchewan 2011-2012. He won various Western Major Baseball League awards through to 2018. Geoff MacDonald was with Baseball Regina 1996 to 2009. He played Rally Cup18U; White Sox 11U to 15U AAA 2000-2006; 13U AAA provincial silver 2003 and 2004; 13U AAA western silver 2004; World Children’s Fair in Wakayama, Japan 2002; World Baseball Gala Nettuno, Italy 2003 as Team Canada head coach [bronze medal]; Team Canada 13U [bronze medal]; Canada Cup 18U 2002 - Team Saskatchewan, Assistant coach. He was also involved with numerous non-coaching positions and committees. Stephanie MacDonald was a member of pee wee girls Team Saskatchewan at Nationals in 2005.
Submitted
Sask. Baseball Hall of Fame
Leo and Jean MacDonald have given a total of 51 years to baseball in their community. They and members of their family will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in a ceremony Saturday, Aug. 20 in Battleford. Since arriving in Regina, Leo began substitute teaching in both the Regina public and separate school systems, a career he continues today. Jean’s career is also in education having worked in the Adult Basic Education Department at Saskatchewan Polytechnic [formerly SIAST] where she instructs math and science. When first-born Mitch took Leo and Jean into their first experience with organized baseball, they decided coaching would be a great way to have some summer fun. Little did Leo realize that he would actually find his passion. At the end of June, when the ball season was over, Leo wanted to carry on with ball so he started a drop-in for July and August evenings and would play some version of the game depending on whether there were 10 or 25 kids. A year later, Jean joined in the administrative role of their local ball zone, then later coached when needed. Now, 26 and 25 years later, respectively, far removed from having their own children in minor baseball, both Leo and Jean continue to support
New Horizons Golf report By Bernie Meisner
Seventeen hardy golfers turned out to play in the New Horizons weekly golf scramble Monday, July 25. The day began with cloudy skies and light rain, but this failed to deter these members. The morning actually turned out to be very nice, warm and no rain. Taking first place, with a score of 37, was the foursome led by Don Murray, including Dave Page, Peter Pauls and Barry Werth. Don Murray upped his game and went from last
place last week to first this week. Second place with a 38 was the team of Ron Falcon, Ed Kjargaard and Bill Swiderski. This week the consolation was taken by Merve Zulynik, Anne Bernier, Lyle Whitbread and Glenn Hunter. Anne Bernier relinquished her hold on the longest putt and this week won the closest to the pin on No. 8, while Glenn Hunter was the proud winner of the Discovery Co-op car wash, making the longest putt on No. 9. New Horizons will play
again on Aug. 2 at 9:30 a.m. Last week, first place had to be determined by a countbac, thus giving first place to the Meisner team and second place to the Taylor team. The much sought-after consolation went to the foursome of Don Murray, Dale Donald, Lorence Willness and Diana Griffiths. Bernie Meisner won closest to the pin and Anne Bernier won her second longest putt of the year on No. 9, winning her a second Delta Co-op car wash.
The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 11
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Page 16, 2019 Page16 12--The TheBattlefords, Battlefords, Thursday, Thursday, November July 28, 2022
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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 4, 2019 The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 -- Page Page 17 13
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Page 16, 2019 Page16 12--The TheBattlefords, Battlefords, Thursday, Thursday, November July 28, 2022
Regional News-Optimist
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Book an Interior Detail with Splish Splash Auto & Pet Wash Present this coupon for a 10% discount when you purchase a Supreme Interior Detail or Ultimate Interior Detail.
If you want to keep cool on the road this summer, make sure to have your car’s air conditioning system inspected.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 4, 2019 The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 -- Page Page 17 13
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For piece of mind transportation & for alternate transportation when you get there!
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Don’t forget to do your routine maintenance before you go out on the road this summer. Give your car a full service oil change to keep things running smooth.
Hwy 4 North, North Battleford, SK
306-445-6640 • scottcampbelldodge.com
If your next road trip will lead you down bumpy roads, have your shocks inspected to ensure they’re in top shape.
GREAT OLD FASHIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE
Please CALL to schedule your repairs 370 Railway Avenue East North Battleford
306-446-2777
• Full Service Changes • Check and Inspect • Check and "Top Up" • Other Fluid Services
A & M Auto....doing our part to help keep you safe!
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If you tracked mud, twigs and leaves into your car after a weekend camping trip, give the exterior and interior a good cleaning to make it shine again.
Specializing in all Insurance Claims Complete Auto Body Repairs Foreign & Domestic Auto’s Frame & Wheel Alignments
Your Vehicle is in Good Hands 2652 99th Street, North Battleford Highway 4 North
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When was the last time you had your shocks inspected? Call us to have your vehicle at it’s best while you travel.
“Specializing in Automatic Transmissions”
10% OFF
“Know your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance recommendations.”
Maintenance Service Oil Change Tire Rotation Steering/Suspension Check Fluid: Top Off Fluids and Belts Check Starting at
$
If your turns feel unstable even when the road is dry and the sun is shining, get your differential serviced as soon as possible.
CRACK K&K Glass is a locally owned family business.
We have over 80 years of Combined Experience. “No Hassle Warranty!”
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WE ALSO HANDLE • Standards • Clutches • Transfer Cases • Differentials • Coolers
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For a Transmission Check Up Call
306-445-3445
9901 Thatcher Ave. • Parsons Industrial Park North Battleford
1601-100th Street
ALL INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME
#
If you have an upcoming road trip and want to avoid an unexpected breakdown, bring your car to our mechanics for a tune-up.
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Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
Regional News-Optimist
sasktoday.ca
Unity News
U19 Panthers compete in Western Canadians By Sherri Solomko Correspondent
That is a wrap for ball season folks. Five teams of softball and six teams of baseball competed for provincial titles in July. The last competitions took place July 22 to 24. The community is excited for the U19 Unity Panthers who are travelling to Richmond, B.C. for upcoming Western Canadian softball championships Aug. 4 to 7.
Macklin is hosting senior provincial baseball Aug. 5-7. Some former Unity Cardinals players are part of the Wilkie Brewers who will be competing in Kindersley for their chance at a provincial title. See baseballsask.ca for the live updates from these events. Stand Out Dance Collective, Unity’s newest dance studio, held an open house July 14 showcasing their renovation work and what they will be offering. There will be a second
The Unity Jr. Cardinals looked to capture a 22U provincial title on home diamonds July 23. | Photo by Sherri Solomko
dance studio option as well under the direction of Amy Briggs and Caprice Sherwood. Unity Motocross track
will play host to the Mid West Am series on July 30 and offers some exciting action on the track. Another event is set for Sept. 10
A new name and a new owner for Unity’s dance studio on Main Street. Stand Out Dance Collective, now owned and operated by Courtney Smith, welcomed people to an open house to highlight their renovated studio as well as talk about what they have to offer. | Photo by Sherri Solomko
Borden and District News
Rev. Sheldon Carr honoured on his 70th birthday Rev. Sheldon Carr celebrating his 70th birthday at Borden Community Centre July 22. | Photo by Lorraine Olinyk
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By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent
More than 100 gathered at the Borden Community Centre July 22 to help Rev. Sheldon Carr celebrate his 70th birthday. Sheldon is the Anglican priest serving St. John’s Anglican Church in Borden. A meal was served by the Borden Community Centre Preservation Committee and dessert was five large carrot cakes and ice cream made by Rosann Carr. Happy Birthday was sung to Sheldon while he cut the cake. After supper, Celtic Country played numerous Irish, Scottish and Celtic tunes. In the group are Perry Nicol playing an Irish drum and tambourine, Bob Wardhaugh playing keyboard and accordion, Ed Neufeld playing guitar and Archie Wainwright singing some solos. All four sang together for many of the tunes. The Borden Museum was the site for the second Adventures at the Museum, featuring Archie
Wainwright talking on the CN railroad station. Archie said his grandparents came to Borden in 1905, The CN train bridge over the North Saskatchewan River was built in 1904-05 with many local farmers helping to build it. The railroad station was the hub of the village from 1910 up to the 1940s with everything coming in or going out by rail. In the early days it took about one and half to two hours to get to Saskatoon. Archie remembers his dad getting a wagon off the train and he still has that wagon to this day. Groceries, hardware, mail and many more things came in on the train and there was a dray man who used to deliver around Borden. I remember shipping cream on the train in the 1960s and going in to Saskatoon on the train in the middle 1950s when we had a blizzard and the highway was blocked. Some of the station agents at Borden were
Adventures at Borden Museum July 23 featured Archie Wainwright speaking on the CN railroad station. | Photo by Lorraine Olinyk
Mr. LaGalley, Mr. Stone, Gordon Harris and the last was Bob Robinson whose last day was July 29, 1971. Archie talked to Bob, who is 91 years old and lives at Emma Lake, Sask. The station agents and their family lived in the back and upstairs in the train station. The station closed July 31, 1971 and
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was then torn down and buried. Coming up this week is the memorial service for Daphne Pearce on July 26 at 2 pm, then the Friendship Club have their barbecue supper at the acreage of Ed and Dianne Rawlyk July 27 at 5:30 p.m. The next museum adventure is Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. with Carrie Harkness talking about Foster’s Store and touring the store which is now Carries’ Troupador Shoppe. The last adventure will be Aug. 20, which will be a car tour in the RM of Great Bend, looking at historic sites starting from the Community Centre at 1 p.m. and ending up back at the Friendship Club Room for a cold plate supper, at a cost per carload of $20. For anyone wishing to tour the museum, it is open Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m., with Ethan Fisher the student in charge. Ethan’s last day at the Borden Museum will be Aug. 27.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 15
Your long weekend long read
David Milgaard From conviction, to exoneration, to finding the real killer By Lisa Joy
Staff Reporter News-Optimist / SASKTODAY.ca
Decades after David Milgaard’s wrongful conviction, the question lingers: ‘who is responsible?” Right up to his death in May, David Milgaard wasn’t satisfied with the results of Saskatchewan’s public inquiry into his wrongful conviction and maintained there was a cover-up, which he said the inquiry failed to expose. Milgaard spent almost 23 years in prison for the rape and murder of Saskatoon nursing assistant Gail Miller before DNA evidence exonerated him. Milgaard insisted that the Crown and police knew he was innocent but buried the truth to save themselves, their careers and their reputations. “I believe the prosecutor himself somehow really knew what was going on in this situation and more for his own self-preservation than anything else, he decided to continue to suppress this information,” Milgaard told SASKTODAY.ca in a phone interview in October 2021. “Rather than bring out the truth about [Fisher] and free
me from prison they suppressed the truth,” said Milgaard. “It was terrible what they did to me.” Milgaard was exonerated after DNA evidence proved he didn’t commit the crime and identified serial rapist Larry Fisher from North Battleford as the real killer. Milgaard wrongfully convicted of Gail Miller’s murder Just after dawn on Jan. 31, 1969, a schoolgirl discovered the lifeless body of 20-year-old Saskatoon nursing
assistant Gail Olena Miller face down in the snow in an alley behind 211 Avenue N South in Saskatoon’s west side Pleasant Hill district. It was -42C and a thick greyish haze lingered in the bitterly cold air. That fateful Friday morning, Gail Miller’s life ended on her short one-and-a-half block walk from the boarding house where she lived at 130 Avenue O South, to catch a bus at the corner of 20th Street and Avenue O, on her way to work at Saskatoon City Hospital. She was Continued on Page 16
N.B. wanted man charged in Sask., Alta., seeks bail By Lisa Joy
Staff Reporter
A North Battleford man who was wanted on warrants in Saskatchewan and Alberta is seeking bail. Reagan Racette, 38, was arrested after Maidstone RCMP responded to a break and enter in the RM of Wilton south of Lloyd-
minster July 5. According to police, a black car left the property and was last seen headed into Lloydminster. Another suspect was reported to be driving a side-by-side utility vehicle, which was found damaged and abandoned in a swamp in the R. M. of Wilton, and the suspect was on foot.
RCMP officers from Maidstone, Sask., Kitscoty and Vermillion, Alta., detachments secured the immediate area. The Lloydminster Rescue Squad was called in, as well as Cold Lake, Alta., RCMP Police Dog Services to locate the suspect. Three hours later Racette was arrested. Racette was charged
More court delays for dangerous offender facing weapons charges By Lisa Joy
Staff Reporter
Delays continue in the case against a 44-year-old North Battleford man accused of going to Onion Lake Cree Nation with a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition in a duffle bag. Lega aid lawyer Cameron Schmunk, acting as agent for Brian Pfefferle, told the court that Robin Wuttunee’s matter had just been farmed out to Pfefferle’s office and they only received disclosure a week ago. Schmunk asked the
court for a three to fourweek adjournment. Judge Kim Young adjourned the matter to Aug. 3. In June, Wuttunee’s lawyer, Andrew Lyster, asked for, and was granted, leave to withdraw as defence for Wuttunee telling the court that it’s a conflict for his office to represent him. Lyster said Wuttunee’s case has “become somewhat complicated.” Wuttunee has been in custody since he was arrested July 17, 2021, on Onion Lake Cree Nation after the Nation’s security
checkpoint allegedly found a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition in a bag belonging to Wuttunee. At the time of his arrest, Wuttunee was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants out of Alberta and was prohibited from possessing firearms. Wuttunee is a court designated Dangerous Offender, according to the RCMP. Wuttunee faces weapons and violence-related charges in provincial and Queen’s Bench Courts. The charges against him haven’t been proven in court.
Sentencing delayed for accused in Tiki Laverdiere death By Lisa Joy
Staff Reporter
The sentencing hearing for one of 25-year-old Tiki Laverdiere’s accused killers was adjourned last Wednesday until Aug. 12. In April, Shayla Orthner pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and instead entered a guilty plea to the lesser offence of
manslaughter. Laverdiere was reported missing to Battlefords RCMP on May 12, 2019. Soon RCMP announced Laverdiere’s disappearance was the result of foul play and they would be investigating her disappearance as a homicide. On July 11, 2019, a police dog found Laverdiere’s remains in a
rural area outside of North Battleford while RCMP were conducting a ground search. Ten people were charged with Laverdiere’s murder. There is a ban on publication of all preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings until the trials of all the co-accused are concluded.
with break and enter, flight from police, and possession of stolen property. Maidstone RCMP say that at the time of his arrest, Racette was wanted on outstanding warrants out of Cut Knife, Sask., and Kitscoty, Alta., RCMP detachments for separate
investigations of break and enter, theft, and trespassing. Police say the side-byside utility trailer was reported stolen out of Vermillion, Alta. Racette had a show cause hearing scheduled for July 21 and his hearing
has now been adjourned to Aug. 4. Show cause hearings are held to determine if the accused will be granted bail after the Crown opposes the accused’s release. Details of what is said during bail hearings can’t be published.
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Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
sasktoday.ca
David Milgaard - Your long weekend long read Continued from Page 15 raped and stabbed repeatedly in the back and chest with a small paring knife, which was found under her body. The story of her death started small — a few paragraphs buried inside the pages of a Saskatoon newspaper — but evolved into one of Canada’s most talked about justice stories after a youth was arrested and wrongfully convicted. That youth was David Edgar Milgaard. Milgaard arrives in Saskatoon the morning of Miller’s murder A footloose 16-year-old David Milgaard had arrived in Saskatoon from Regina the morning of Miller’s murder. He was travelling in a car with Nichol John and Ron Wilson. The three teenagers went to the home of their friend Albert “Shorty” Cadrain at 334 Avenue O South. Shortly after noon the three teens, along with Cadrain, left Saskatoon headed for Alberta. Little did they know that Larry Fisher — who was living in the basement suite below Cadrain’s home — had murdered Gail Miller that morning. Four months after the murder, on May 30, 1969, Milgaard was arrested. On Jan. 31, 1970, after a 12-day jury trial consisting of 11 men and one woman, Milgaard, then 17, was wrongfully convicted of raping and murdering Miller and sent to Canada’s toughest prisons for life. Holding power to account: Who was responsible for David Milgaard’s wrongful conviction? Saskatchewan held a public inquiry from January 2005 to December 2006 into David Milgaard’s wrongful conviction for rape and murder. The two-year inquiry consisted of 341,634 pages and 114 witnesses. It produced 40,774 pages of transcript and more than 3,000 exhibits. More than 50 years later, however, the question “Who is responsible?” has never been answered. “It was a dreadful public inquiry,” said James Lockyer, lawyer and co-founder of Innocence Canada during an October 2021 Webinar. “The commissioner had absolutely no sympathy for David. The fact that he served nearly 23 years in jail didn’t seem to have any influence on him at all. “He gave a clean slate to the police, a clean slate to the prosecutors,” said Lockyer. “And so far as blame was placed on anyone, it was placed on David, Joyce, and the media for supposed missteps that they made in the years since Gail Miller had been murdered. “David’s case is truly as remarkable a wrongful conviction that can be imagined,” added Lockyer. In May, in response to Milgaard’s assertions that the public inquiry was a whitewash, Ariane Whiting, Senior Media Relations Consultant for Saskatchewan, told SASKTODAY.ca that a commission of inquiry is established and paid for by the government, but is an independent body. “The Public Inquiries Act guides the Commission in performing its duties without expressing conclusions about civil or criminal liability of any person or organization,” she said. “A public inquiry is not a trial.” Whiting said the inquiry hears evidence by way of a public hearing and functions in much the same way as a court of law but all of the same rules don’t apply. “The Commission of Inquiry had the responsibility to seek to determine whether the investigation should have been re-opened based on information subsequently received by the police and the federal Department of Justice.” The Saskatchewan Government had appointed Alberta Justice Edward P. MacCallum as the commissioner to head the inquiry into Milgaard’s wrongful conviction and Lockyer had represented David Milgaard’s mother Joyce Milgaard at the inquiry. “It was apparent to me from early on that MacCallum, who was the sole decision-maker, was going to absolve the police and prosecutors,” Lockyer told SASKTODAY. ca in an email in October 2021. “That is why I left midway through [the inquiry] and never went back.” Milgaard inquiry a ‘whitewash’ Right up to his death, Milgaard criticized the inquiry for not finding any fault with the police, the prosecutor, or the Saskatchewan government, and instead, only criticized his words and actions, and those of his mother Joyce Milgaard. “What the wrongfully convicted want more than anything else — and you can understand why — they want the people held accountable for doing what they have done to them that is wrong,” said Milgaard during a Webinar in October 2021. “How do we hold power to account, try to somehow tag them for accountability where they have done wrong?” asked Milgaard. Cecil Rosner, Adjunct Professor, former CBC investigative journalist, and co-author of When Justice Fails: The David Milgaard Story also slammed Saskatchewan’s inquiry. “One of the big outstanding remaining questions in this topic is who is responsible?” said Rosner in the Octo-
David Milgaard speaking at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, to law students. | Photo supplied by David Milgaard
ber 2021 Webinar. “The more you learn about the facts of this particular case; what the police did and didn’t do, and what the justice system did and didn’t do, how can you not get outraged?” Lockyer said those responsible for wrongful convictions are never held accountable. “I don’t know any prosecutor, police officer, or expert, or anyone for that matter who has been prosecuted for causing a wrongful conviction.” Whiting told SASKTODAY.ca that determining whether a prosecutor might be civilly liable would depend on several things, including proof the prosecution was malicious, according to the civil test. “Establishing whether a wrongful prosecution was a crime would require specific evidence of criminal intent.” Allegations of a cover-up at the highest level In 1992, The Canadian Press reported that new evidence suggested then-Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow and senior Justice Department officials knew there were doubts about Milgaard’s guilt as far back as 1971. During a news conference, Joyce Milgaard told reporters that a former Saskatchewan Justice Department employee revealed he was present when her son’s file – and the file of serial rapist Larry Fisher – were taken together into department meetings in 1971. Private investigator Paul Henderson – a former Seattle Times reporter turned private investigator with Centurion Ministries and Pulitzer prize winner for his coverage of criminal justice, verified the former Saskatchewan Justice employee’s background, reported The Canadian Press. The secret meetings allegedly included Romanow, who was Saskatchewan’s justice minister at the time, and Serge Kujawa, a former Saskatchewan prosecutor who assisted with Milgaard’s file and who handled Fisher’s rape file. Kujawa went on to be a backbencher in Romanow’s government. Kujawa told the Regina Leader-Post: “Cover-up – well, I didn’t cover up a single solitary damn thing. Therefore, you can’t find anything that says I did.” Kujawa said no one connected the two files until years later. He conceded, however, that Romanow might have seen Fisher’s file because Fisher’s case went by direct indictment. Romanow was away at the time and thenPremier Allan Blakeney signed the order, reported The Globe and Mail. Kujawa told the Star-Phoenix that he was proud of his role and was angry at suggestions his actions were anything less than honourable. In November 1992, CKCK TV reported that the RCMP had been called in to determine whether the provincial Justice Department was guilty of a cover-up in the Milgaard case. The RCMP investigated the actions of Roy Romanow and Serge Kujawa dating back to 1971 when they were involved in the prosecution of the case and found no wrongdoing. In April 1992, a week after the Supreme Court of Canada ordered a new trial for Milgaard, then Saskatchewan’s Conservative Justice Critic Donald Toth called on the NDP government to conduct a full inquiry into Milgaard’s wrongful conviction, reported The Globe and Mail. Toth accused the NDP of being afraid to hold a public inquiry into Milgaard’s case saying it threatened to expose a decades-old cover-up and potentially embarrass high-profile government members. “There are many embarrassing questions left unanswered by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Milgaard case,” Toth told The Globe and Mail. “There are dark clouds hanging over our justice system in this province. It would appear that at one time or another someone, or something, went terribly wrong.” Milgaard’s lawyers released information, which they said pointed to a possible cover-up by police and prosecutors. “We’re alleging the facts indicate there was a coverup,” Milgaard’s lawyer Hersh Wolch told The Globe and
Regional News-Optimist Mail. “Mr. [Serge] Kujawa is admitting it – he had the information [concerning convicted rapist Larry Fisher in 1970] and he didn’t disclose it to Milgaard’s lawyer at the time.” Justice Minister Bob Mitchell had refused to call an inquiry and Wolch suggested part of the reason might be to protect Kujawa, who had become an NDP MLA, reported the Star-Phoenix. Kujawa had assisted in Milgaard’s original prosecution and handled his later appeals. In August 2006, then Premier Roy Romanow defended the conduct of the Attorney General’s office on how the Fisher rape cases were handled at the time of Milgaard’s appeal. Fisher’s trial quietly moved from Saskatoon to Regina In December 1971, Kujawa prosecuted serial rapist Larry Fisher in Regina on three Saskatoon rape charges and an assault charge. The trial was moved from Saskatoon to Regina. At the time, Fisher was in jail in Prince Albert. “There were no media when [Fisher] did his pleas in Regina,” said Lockyer. “After pleading guilty to the Manitoba crimes, Larry Fisher was brought to Regina where he pleaded guilty to four rapes in Saskatoon and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. “David knew none of this,” added Lockyer. “His appeal was heard. The counsel who argued for the prosecution was the same counsel on the Larry Fisher guilty plea to rapes in Saskatoon and it was taking place in Regina. [Kujawa] had always claimed he never put two and two together.” Saskatchewan Party MLA Dan D’Autremont told Leader-Star News that it “defies explanation” that the Department of Justice would have just convicted a notorious serial rapist in 1971 and not told anyone. He also pointed out that the justice department didn’t even inform any of Fisher’s victims – or the Saskatoon Police – that Fisher had confessed to the crimes. The Conservative government also said they wanted to know why the Regina Crown prosecutors dealt with Fisher’s rape convictions 26 years prior by way of direct indictment — a process that allowed Fisher to quietly confess to rapes in a Regina courtroom instead of Saskatoon — without any publicity, reported Leader-Star News. Romanow said it wasn’t unusual to go by way of direct indictment, reported Leader-Star News. Whiting told SASKTODAY.ca that while Public Prosecutions can’t speak to the practices and policies that were in place in the 1960s and 1970s without conducting an in-depth historical review, they can provide general information on how these decisions are made today. She said cases are regularly moved to other parts of the province for resolution for several reasons. Different factors determine where sentencing takes place. Depending on the case, proximity to the place in which the offender is held may or may not be one factor. In a December 1971 memo Kujawa, then head of public prosecutions, informed then Premier Allan Blakeney – acting in Romanow’s capacity as attorney general – that Fisher, while in jail for other rapes, had just confessed to the Saskatoon rapes and wanted to dispense with the charges as quickly as possible, reported Leader-Star News. The memo was written just weeks after Milgaard had exhausted his last avenue to appeal his conviction for Miller’s murder. Milgaard’s lawyers had argued that someone in the Saskatchewan government didn’t want too many people aware of Fisher’s 1971 confession to the rapes because it would have raised questions about whether he was responsible for Miller’s rape and murder. Milgaard wasn’t in Saskatoon at the time of Fisher’s rapes. “The frightening question about this is, how many people were involved in it,” David Asper, Milgaard’s lawyer told The Globe and Mail in 1992. “Who was calling the shots? And why?” In 1992, Kujawa told the Leader-Post that the cover-up scenario was “impossible.” Missing Saskatoon Police files The inquiry revealed that early in the investigation, Saskatoon Police suspected that Miller’s killer was the same person who had committed two rapes and an indecent assault in the three months before Miller’s murder. In August 1991, files, which may have had a crucial bearing on Milgaard’s innocence, disappeared from the Saskatoon Police Department’s computerized records system, reported The Globe and Mail. “Something went on, it’s very bizarre, it’s something that just shouldn’t happen, for every detail like that to vanish,” a Saskatchewan police source told The Globe and Mail. “Somebody’s tampered with the system.” Four files that involved convicted serial rapist Larry Fisher had vanished. The Globe and Mail also reported that there was a missing fifth file that involved an unsolved sexual assault of a University of Saskatchewan student who told Saskatoon Police that on the day Miller was killed, she was attacked a few blocks away. The Saskatchewan Police Commission looked into the Saskatoon Police department’s handling of missing files on Larry Fisher’s rape cases. Continued on Page 17
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Right up to his death in May, David Milgaard maintained the inquiry into his wrongful conviction failed to expose what he believed was a cover-up. Continued from Page 16 Their report concluded the files disappeared due to human error, which may have happened when documents were moved to another building in 1976. Milgaard’s lawyers, however, shot back saying they had documents proving that the National Parole Board couldn’t obtain some of Fisher’s files from the Saskatoon Police as far back as 1974. Saskatoon Court break-ins The Edmonton Journal reported that a court clerk testified at Larry Fisher’s 1999 trial for the rape and murder of Gail Miller that there were at least three break-ins to the Saskatoon courthouse where evidence from Gail Miller’s murder was stored. Dennis Berezosky testified that as far as he knew, whoever broke into the exhibit room in 1984, 1992, and 1993, didn’t tamper with the exhibits from the Miller case but he admitted to Brian Beresh, Fisher’s defence lawyer, that there was no way to know for sure. Fisher, 50, was arrested in 1997 for Miller’s murder after DNA evidence exonerated Milgaard and pointed to Fisher as the rapist and killer. Witnesses coerced Milgaard’s friends and travelling companions Albert Cadrain, Ronald Wilson and Nichol John were all under 18 at the time they were questioned by police. In their book, When Justice Fails: The David Milgaard Story, Carl Karp and Cecil Rosner wrote: “now that police had checked out Cadrain’s story, all they had were three largely similar versions of what happened from Milgaard, Wilson, and John. Nothing in their initial statements suggested that Milgaard was guilty.” All three were initially described as being surprised at the questioning and didn’t seem to be familiar with Gail Miller or the circumstances of her death. Karp and Rosner wrote that the police then pressured Wilson, questioning him repeatedly and accusing him of lying and threatening to charge him with Miller’s murder along with Milgaard. Police interviewed John repeatedly and asked her the same questions over and over. By the time police were finished with Wilson and John, they had statements that were very different from the initial ones they gave police, and now Saskatoon Police had enough evidence to arrest Milgaard and secure his conviction. The Crown prosecutor doesn’t disclose information In 2005, former prosecutor Bobs Caldwell testified at the inquiry that he didn’t know why he didn’t disclose the other Saskatoon sexual assaults to Milgaard’s defense. He said he didn’t recognize the significance of statements from two women – including a nurse – who told Saskatoon Police that they had been groped by a stranger on a street near the scene of Miller’s murder just weeks before she was killed. Caldwell told the inquiry he didn’t see any significance in the statements of a third woman who was groped just minutes after Miller was murdered and a fourth woman who was chased in the area of St. Paul’s Hospital, which was in the Pleasant Hill area. Caldwell also testified he didn’t know why he didn’t give Milgaard’s lawyer a letter written to the RCMP by then Saskatoon Police Lieut. Joe Penkala, which described the similarities in method between the violent sexual attack on Gail Miller and the rapes of two other women months before Miller’s murder. Caldwell had this letter from Lieut. Penalka in his file but didn’t give it to the defence, revealed the inquiry. Other information not disclosed were statements from Margaret and Arthur Merriman. Their living room window looked out at the alley where witnesses Nichol John and Ron Wilson said they got stuck while driving with Milgaard on the day Miller was killed. It was during that alleged time they were stuck – between 6:45 a.m. and 7:05 a.m. – that Milgaard was said to have committed the crime. More police records missing Documents obtained by the Toronto Star under the Access to Information Act in September 1991 revealed that files on polygraph tests of key prosecution witness Ronald Wilson couldn’t be located. Wilson’s lawyer had planned to have the polygraph tapes of Wilson’s cross-examination by police analyzed by a polygraph expert. This would have supported Wilson’s claim that police pressured him to wrongfully give evidence against Milgaard, Watson
told the Toronto Star. Doesn’t matter if Milgaard innocent: Kujawa In February 1991, former prosecutor Kujawa was outraged the Supreme Court was reviewing the Milgaard case and called Milgaard a “guilty kook,” reported the Winnipeg Sun. “It doesn’t matter if Milgaard is innocent of the 1969 murder for which he’s spent 22 years in prison – his case should remain closed,” Kujawa, then an NDP MLA, told the Winnipeg Sun. “The whole judicial system is at issue – it’s worth more than one person,” said Kujawa.
Supreme court orders new trial for David Milgaard Federal Justice Minister Kim Campbell made legal history when she asked Canada’s highest court to re-examine David Milgaard’s case. His case was reviewed by a method never before used in a criminal case. Campbell used section 53.2 of the Supreme Court of Canada Act to look into Milgaard’s conviction - the same section used by the government to get the court to consider questions on the constitution. On April 16, 1992, The Supreme Court of Canada ordered a new trial for David Milgaard. Former Sask. prosecutor condemns Supreme Court decision Kujawa condemned the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision saying, “the court yielded to emotionalism by ordering a new trial and recommending a conditional pardon if Milgaard was found guilty a second time,” reported the Regina Leader-Post. Canada’s highest court ruled that the evidence about Fisher’s sexual assaults against Saskatoon women around the time of Miller’s murder could have affected Milgaard’s trial but Kujawa remained defiant. “I am totally proud of what I did because I worked at the thing carefully and did my job,” Kujawa told The Canadian Press. A few days after the Supreme Court’s judgment in April 1992, the Saskatchewan Department of Justice stayed the charges against Milgaard and he was released from prison. Saskatchewan officials fight Milgaard Inquiry Shortly after the Supreme Court decision, then-Saskatchewan Justice Minister Bob Mitchell announced Milgaard wouldn’t get another trial as the Supreme Court had ordered citing too much time had passed as a reason. Mitchell also said Milgaard wouldn’t get any compensation and there wouldn’t be an inquiry into how his case was handled. Prosecutor prevents Milgaard from getting parole While Milgaard was in prison, the prosecutor in his case wrote to the parole board before all of his parole hearings urging the board not to release him said Rosner in October 2021. During a phone interview in October 2021, Milgaard verified this and told SASKTODAY.ca that at every opportunity, the prosecutor had some form of representation at all of his parole hearings giving the board the impression that he shouldn’t be released. In Joyce Milgaard’s book, she said that during a parole hearing in the 1980s, a member of the board blew up at the Milgaard group. “Looking furious enough to leap over the table in our direction, he screamed about the way that Gail Miller’s body looked and the horrific pain frozen on her face,” wrote Joyce. “How could we take a chance of letting that happen again?” he shouted. “I’ve seen the pictures of that girl.” Then Joyce Milgaard said they wondered how the parole board saw pictures of Miller. “We soon discovered, through our contacts in the system, that every time David was up for parole, Crown prosecutor Bobs Caldwell found out who was going to be sitting on the hearing and sent them a big brown envelope with the pictures of Miller’s body. They were just absolutely gruesome photos, accompanied by a letter describing what a monster David was and why he should never be allowed to walk free.” Caldwell never did this in any of his other cases, said Joyce Milgaard. In Caldwell’s letters to the parole board, he told the board that he “came to know a great deal about the personality of the accused, Milgaard.” Caldwell told them about Milgaard’s loose attitude towards sex, saying, “This was only one example of the almost unbelievable lifestyle
The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 17
Milgaard had before Miller’s murder. “In my view, there is not just a possibility, but rather a certainty, that he will return to crime on his release since he is unqualified for any other occupation,” wrote Caldwell. “Milgaard is an extremely dangerous and unpredictable person and I for one would not care to be in the position of allowing him to be released from custody on any terms whatsoever during his lifetime.” DNA evidence exonerates Milgaard Lockyer said when DNA evidence came into the court system in the late 1980s, Milgaard told him he wanted a DNA test done to prove he wasn’t Miller’s killer. “It took two years for the Department of Justice to release the exhibit,” said Lockyer. Semen samples from Miller’s clothing were only available because the court clerk working during Milgaard’s trial was so convinced of his innocence that she ensured evidence was preserved, said Lockyer. “She had thought David was innocent and so she made a point of ensuring that exhibits were kept and not destroyed.” Fisher had provided his DNA to the Supreme Court of Canada during Milgaard’s appeal so his DNA was on file, said Lockyer. He added that Miller’s nurse’s uniform had enough DNA from semen to do 1,000 tests. “It was never examined before,” said Lockyer. “In the past, they [police] were always looking at the dog urine in the snow but never thought to examine the nurse’s uniform.” The DNA was sent to the United Kingdom and Lockyer was provided the results. “The result was David Milgaard was cleared and the semen came from Larry Fisher. There was no doubt whatsoever. The results showed to the billions that the DNA, the semen, came from Larry Fisher.” In July 1997, Serge Kujawa, the former head of prosecutions who handled Milgaard’s appeal, and Bobs Caldwell who prosecuted Milgaard at his trial, finally apologized to Milgaard and called for a public inquiry. They wouldn’t, however, admit to any wrongdoing when they prosecuted Milgaard in 1969, reported the Star-Phoenix. Private investigators uncover a trail leading to Fisher In 1991, private investigator Paul Henderson and Centurion Ministry head Jim McCloskey assembled a case against Larry Fisher showing the similarities between his crimes and Gail Miller’s murder. They said they also found evidence authorities hid Fisher’s conviction from his victims. The inquiry revealed that police were alerted to look for a construction worker wearing a hard hat and who usually caught the bus at Avenue 0 and 20th Street, but was not on the bus the morning of the murder. Fisher was identified in this connection as he stood waiting for his bus, wearing a yellow construction hat. When interviewed on Feb. 3, 1969, he told police he went to work on the morning of Jan. 31, 1969. He wasn’t interviewed as a suspect but rather as a witness who may have observed something that morning and police never followed up to see whether Fisher had gone to work that day. RCMP take over Fisher file from Saskatoon Police Despite DNA evidence exonerating Milgaard and pointing to Fisher as the real killer, the Saskatoon Police wouldn’t arrest Fisher, said Lockyer. “There were newspaper editorials in The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star and other papers demanding that Saskatoon Police be taken off the case,” said Lockyer. “They were after five days. The RCMP took on the case and immediately arrested Larry Fisher as he was driving from Calgary to B.C. They arrested him on the highway. He was fleeing, hoping he wouldn’t get caught.” Milgaard suffered inhumanity and horror In prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Milgaard was ill-prepared for Canada’s toughest prisons. Many initial psychiatrist prison reports described him favourably. On March 9, 1970, a report said he was a “quiet, softspoken individual who impresses as being a person who is extremely depressed but hides the depression behind a smile… He repeatedly insists on his innocence.” On March 13, 1971, a caseworker, said, “Very difficult to believe that this boy could be guilty of this offence … A defenceless, immature, young man, incapable of facing a life sentence at this time. Deeply depressed, very emotional.” On Aug. 4, 1971, a prison psychiatrist report described Milgaard as a “frightened young inmate,” adding, “He claims his innocence vehemently and does not appear to me to be the criminal type.” In March 1972, Milgaard was transferred to Dorchester in New Brunswick. Not long after, Joyce Milgaard said she “got a letter from a doctor telling us that David had been gang raped and that the doctor was worried this would keep happening if he wasn’t moved.” Milgaard was also often put in solitary and “guards would entertain themselves by throwing tear gas into the solitary confinement cells David quickly learned to place Continued on Page 23
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The Resort Village of Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay Would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting Picnic in the Park. Caylee Trucking, Barb Jones - The Band Orion Machining, Shawn Davidson - Sprinkles the clown Prime Fleet & Auto Lloyd, Kirk Murray - Bobo the clown Precision Control, Carey Herner - Ginja Ninja Magician Gilbert & Barb Blaquiere - Wagon Rides
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Town of Radisson Notice of Call for Nominations PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office of: 2 Councillors: Town of Radisson will be received by the undersigned on Wednesday, the 10th day of August, 2022 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Town of Radisson Office located at 329 Main Street and during regular business hours from July 25, 2022 to August 9, 2022 at the Town of Radisson Office located at 329 Main Street. Nomination forms and Public Disclosure Statements may be obtained at the following location: Town of Radisson Office 329 Main Street, Radisson, SK Dated this 22nd day of July, 2022. Connie Henning Returning Officer
RESORT VILLAGE OF AQUADEO Public Notice –Zoning Bylaw Amendment Notification 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 (PDA), to amend Bylaw No. 19/89, known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB). INTENT: The intent of proposed bylaw is to: eliminate the R3–Residential District and rezone these lands to the R1-Residential District; introduce a wider variety of residential options in the R1 District as permitted and discretionary uses along with related regulation and evaluation prescriptions – notable changes would include Park Model Homes, Ready-to-Move Homes; replace and reformat the site regulation table with the overall goal of allowing more flexible site development within R1 and R2 Districts; introduce surveyor-prepared development permitting requirements for lakefront lots and potential hazard lands; introduce general discretionary use evaluation criteria; introduce and revise a number of definitions related to the matters above; and, include a number miscellaneous housekeeping items for clarity. AFFECTED LAND: The entire Resort Village would be affected by the textual amendments. The following lands are currently zoned R3 District would be rezoned to R1 District: • Lots 3, 9-14, 20|Blk 1; Lots 4 and 5, 11-13|Blk 2; Lots 12-15, 22-25|Blk 6; Lots 10-12|Blk 7; all part of Plan 59B05537. • Lot 6|Blk 1; Lot 1|Blk2, Lot 2|Blk 5; all part of Plan 62B06879. • Lot 18|Blk 3; Lot 18|Blk 7; Lot 8|Blk 9; all part of Plan 84B09835. • Lots 21 and 22|Blk4; Lot 1|Blk 10; all part of Plan 84B14643. • Lots 18 and 19|Blk 10 Plan 86B17785. • Lot 20|Blk2 Plan 101608354. • Lots 30 and 31|Blk 3 Plan 102135103. Copies of the draft bylaw with the related maps showing the affected lands are available for public viewing here: https:// https://www.aquadeo. net/ OR https://www.northboundplanning.ca/public-notification REASON: Council wanting to: update its ZB to be more flexible in allowing various forms of residential development throughout the community; introduce more flexible regulation for residential sites within the RV; survey information (specifically topographical) will help the RV ensure that its planning decisions are being made in accordance with provincial legislation in the protection of people and property; update the ZB to include general discretionary use evaluation criteria; and, definitions and housekeeping/clarity items are supportive of those matters above. PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw and map at the RV Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. 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 also available at the web addresses listed above. PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing at 1:00 PM on August 26, 2022, in the Aquadeo Community Hall, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received prior to the day of the hearing, by the undersigned at the RV office by hardcopy or email before the hearing. Mail in submissions can be sent to Box 501, Cochin SK, S0M 0L0. Issued by the Resort Village of Aquadeo this July 25, 2022.
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22074MM6
BOECHLER-SCHIRA AUCTIONEERING Join The Auction Action Team UPCOMING AUCTIONS Sat, August 6 - Flora Pages- Case IH 1100u Tractor,
DO MEANINGFUL WORK
Sat, August 27 - Andy & Carol Serhyenko- Farm Machinery,
At First Student, our School Bus Drivers are an integral part of the communities they serve. We are your friends, family, and neighbours!
WE’RE HIRING SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
7740 Ford Tractor, 3000 Ford Tractor, Truck, 688 NH Baler, Case Haybine, Bergen Gooseneck Trailer, Farm, Equipment, Shop, Yard, Boat, Motor, Lots of Horse Related items – Debden, Sk. Tractors, JD Cat, Shop- Hafford area
Sat, October 1 - Consignment Sale, Medstead,Sk.
Terms of payment; Interact Debit, Cash, or Cheque with ID. Boechler-Schira Auctioneering does not charge buyers fee on items sold at our sales
We are proud to offer: Competitive Wages • Flexible Hours • Free Training
SASKATCHEWAN’S BEST
ONLINE
BOECHLER-SCHIRA AUCTIONEERING
BOECHLER-SCHIRA AUCTIONEERING
For all your sale inquiries or to book a sale Contact Kelly @ 306-386-7110 or Marlene @ 306-883-8610 Check out our Website and Facebook page for more details
www.boechlerschiraauction.com Classified advertising 306-445-7261
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. CALL ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
446-6166
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Hiring
Journey-Person Ag/ Heavy Duty Technician
a family owned and operated business is seeking to hire a journey-person ag/heavy duty technician to add to our ever-growing team in North Battleford. Offering a out going positive work atmosphere with the flexibilities and offerings no other company can compete with. We offer: • Competitive wages • Yearly tool allowance • Health and dental plan • RSP plan Responsibilities: • Providing service to customer and dealer machines • Being able to work as a team and independently • Able to read and understand hydraulic and electric schematics • Drive to never stop learning • Capable of providing tremendous customer service • Willing to go on service calls and work overtime Wage will be determined based on experience. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interview, job may be filled before the closing date. Apply by emailing resume to pfecorey@sasktel.net.
306.445.6660
71 5th Avenue, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0 We are an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce.
Position: District Dream Broker Duration: Full-Time Temporary – Maternity Leave – 18 months Location: North Battleford, SK Rivers West District for Sport, Culture & Recreation is seeking a dynamic and energetic individual to fill a maternity leave position. The District Dream Broker Program targets children and youth in Saskatchewan who are faced with various social and economic challenges that adversely affect their quality of life. These issues create barriers to sport, culture & recreation such as: economic circumstance, awareness, cultural insensitivity, and access to transportation. Children, youth, and their caregivers require more support to provide greater opportunities that contribute to developing children and youth who are healthy, active, successful members of their community. The District Dream Broker will work with children, youth, and their families from selected schools in the City of North Battleford to reduce barriers and gain access to existing sport, culture & recreation activities. The District Dream Broker will advocate for community initiatives to involve children and youth whenever possible. Duties: Reporting to the Executive Director, the District Dream Broker will be responsible for the administration and coordination of all program activities related to the Rivers West District’s Dream Broker initiatives. This includes working in partnership with Connaught & St. Mary’s Elementary Schools, community organizations, and area service providers to assist disadvantaged children and youth to access programs and services within North Battleford. Qualifications/Skills: • Post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant discipline or a strong combination of relevant training and experience. • Knowledge and experience in working with children and families, partnership development and evaluation. • Minimum of two years experience working in sport and/or recreation administration or a related field associated with non- profit organizations. • Knowledge of and/or experience working with the Education system in the City of North Battleford would be a definite asset. • Excellent problem solving, analytical, oral and written communication skills. • Ability to work independently as well as within a team atmosphere. • Strong working knowledge with varied computer applications. • Knowledge of Rivers West District, SaskSport, KidSport, Creative Kids, First Nations culture, and youth at risk issues. Starting salary for this position is $45,000 per year plus pension and benefits package. The position will commence on September 1st, 2022. Training for this position will be provided to the successful candidate. Deadline for application is August 12th, 2022. Please send resume and three references to: Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation Box 1480 Rosetown, SK. S0L 2V0 Attention: Donna Johnston-Genest, Executive Director Email: rwdscr.donna@sasktel.net Please see our website for a complete job description www.riverswestdistrict.ca Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Total coverage or personalized coverage • Door‐to‐door
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Employment Opportunity
THE BATTLEFORDS
Call to book a table Call Kelly @ 386-7110 or Marlene @ 306-883-8610 Check our Facebook and Website for more details
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Baljennie News
WDM honours volunteers By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent
The Western Development Museum in North Battleford volunteers are kept busy in the workshop. They restore antique stationary engines to make them run again. The museum has opened up more for more volunteers to come in to help at the museum. A summer show is in planning stages for later in August.
The museum hosted a supper for workers and volunteers. They gave out service pins to volunteers who have served many years. Some members of the Saskatoon Western Development Museum attended. There was a good turnout. First Nations of the area have been hosting events. Now more and more people from the area and all over the world are coming to learn about the culture of the First Nations people.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES The Village of Mervin invites applications for: Maintenance Person Maintenance Person Duties: - Mow Grass - Fill Pot Holes using Village Equipment - Plow Snow with Village Equipment - Miscellaneous Maintenance Jobs as required on Village owned property Qualifications: Must have a valid Drivers license. Knowledge and Experience in operating Mowers and Small Tractors would be an asset.
Resumes and applications may be dropped off at the Village Office, 9 Main Street, Mervin or email to: villageofmervin@littleloon.ca Phone: 306-845-2784. This will close once an acceptable pool rkland Farm Equipment (2004) Ltd. has been obtained.
They have a teepee set up on the museum grounds. Field crops are developing quickly. The haying season is now on. Cut hay will dry fast with the hot days we have been having. Bales are being made quickly. Ag In Motion was held near Saskatoon after two years absence. It brought in many interested farmers world-wide as well as locals. Many companies were there with displays and large machinery. Many demonstrations were given in the fields. There seem to be some wild saskatoon berries to bring out the berry pickers. Saskatoon berries have been scarce the last few years. I really miss picking and canning saskatoons. A good friend picked a few and brought them in for us to enjoy. Gardens are now starting to produce fresh vegetables and the flowers are beautiful right now. A big thank you to a good friend at the museum for giving us a few new potatoes. What a treat that was. Regular activities have returned to the summer scene. The agricultural society fair is coming back in August. Society volunteers are getting the grounds ready. It’s so nice to see the fair back.
The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 21
Maidstone and district news By Kathy Utri
Correspondent
2022 has been Maidstone’s summer of softball champions, the latest being U13 Lakers who pulled off a huge 9-3 victory over Humboldt Dodgers to win the gold medal on their home diamond at Silver Lake. The U13 AA Tier 1 provincials were hosted by Maidstone July 22 to 24. From the first pitch thrown by veteran fan, Doreen Smart, on Friday to the trophy win under threatening storm clouds Sunday, it was a weekend of entertaining ball games. The Lakers have now won a spot at the Western finals in Estevan Aug. 19 to 21. Congratulations to the boys and their coaches. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor ceremony July 23 when Treana (Weisner) and Brayden Reis tied the knot. All the personal touches to their wedding were amazing, with most of them handmade by Treana. We wish you happiness always. About 40 people braved the storm to attend Bresaylor Heritage Museum’s annual potluck July 24. After hydroplaning to Bresaylor, Doug (Utri) and I were happy to hear the decision to move the event
Maidstone’s U13 Aa Tier 1 Lakers won gold at provincial tournament in Maidstone July 24. Members of the team are: back row - coach Garry Pauls, Logan Gervais, Tanner Rhinehart, Noah Perkins, Kaiden Benkendorf, Ean Alsager, Mason Makin, coach Brett Harrison; front row - Kaden Hutchison, Ward McGilvery, Hunter Weber, Drew Sabraw, Cruz Harrison, Turner Pauls (bat boy) and coach Richard Perkins. | Photo by Jolyne Harrison
to Paynton Seniors’ Centre. Following a delicious potluck supper, we were treated to a thoroughly entertaining hour of storytelling by guest speaker, Floyd Favel, who is also curator of Chief Poundmaker Museum. Intrigued by tales passed down through generations, I bought his book, The Story of Broken Knife Lookout, about a great warrior and a hill on Poundmaker. Several draws were made, including the quilt raffle won by the Dutton cabin. I was lucky to be the final winner of the day: an incredible Fairbank fold-
If you have any Maidstone area news, please let me know. Email duwell@sasktel.net, text 306-893-7378 or phone 306-893-2799. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Is a family owned and operated farm equipment dealership. We are currently seeking an administrative assistant to join our team.
T H E B AT T L E F O R D S
Duties would include: • Answering phone calls • Assisting with processing service department invoices • Maintaining accounts receivable and accounts payable • Assisting the general manager with other items as required
ing chair that fits into a 14.5-inch by 6.5-inch bag (donated by Gold Eagle Casino). Claire Paton and Joyce Weston from Maidstone also attended. Look for a full report on the event in Bresaylor’s news and when you get the chance, make an appointment to visit both the Bresaylor and Poundmaker museums. Please note the change to the open service at Faith Church on Maidstone Museum grounds on Sunday, Aug. 14. It will now be at 3 p.m. with a potluck supper afterwards. Everyone is welcome to participate in this fellowship. (Water, iced tea, coffee, plates, cutlery and napkins provided.) It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through the school break. The first day back is Thursday, Sept. 1. Time to buy those school supplies. It looks like August will be more sunshine interspersed by unpredictable storms, so I hope everyone enjoys the warm weather with family and friends whenever you get the chance. Correction: Last week I said five groups did end-ofyear programs at the museum. It was actually seven. My apologies.
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NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908
Classifieds We offer: • Competitive wages • Health and dental plan • RSP plan
Prior bookkeeping experience would be preferred. Wage will be determined based on experience. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interview, job may be filled before the closing date. Apply by emailing resume to pfecorey@sasktel.net.
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The Regional News-Optimist is looking for
DRIVERS AND FLYER INSERTERS. For more information please call Noah Cooke at 306-445-7261
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Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
Give thanks to God in sickness, as well as in good health Ed, my old neighbour in Saskatchewan, still keeps track of me. He uses his phone to check in with me as he will not email. This past week Ed phoned four times and couldn’t get an answer. Ed doesn’t leave a message on the answering machine. Finally, on his fifth try, he reached me, demanding to know what I was up to since I was avoiding his calls. I explained to him that my wife was in the hospital, and I was at the hospital afternoons and evenings. “What’s the matter with her?” Ed asked. “She had an operation and will be home tomorrow,” I replied. “Was the operation seri-
N
eighbourly Advice
According to Ed By Raymond Maher
www.accordingtoed.com
raymaher085@gmail.com ous?” he probed. “Yes, but they were able to do what they needed,” I said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was having an operation?” he demanded. “It was an emergency operation,” I answered. Ed seemed satisfied he had as much information as he wanted and moved
on to another topic. Other peoples’ operations are mainly a matter of information to us. When? Where? Why? A success? Home or still in the hospital? It is much more intense when it is our loved one having surgery or if we are facing surgery ourselves. As Christians, it is a test of our faith to
thank God no matter what comes our way. The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thessalonians 5:18) It’s easy to thank God when we recognize good circumstances or blessings in our lives. However, when events turn threatening, or things are bad, we may pray for God’s help in facing the threats but forget to thank God for the bad things happening to us. It is not easy to live Psalm 34:1 when you are on your way to the operating room. It says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Unfortunately, most Christians
forget that rejoicing and giving thanks is definitely not based on our circumstances or feelings. In the Old Testament, the prophet Habakkuk rejoiced in God despite terrible circumstances. The Babylonians defeated his land of Judah, leaving the nation in destruction and anguish. A number of the people of Judah were taken into exile. Yet the prophet proclaimed, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” (Habak-
kuk 3:17-18) Whether things are good or bad for us, whatever our circumstances, God is God and worthy of our thanks and praise. God’s divine being is beyond our power and wisdom and anything we know. Whatever happens to us in this life, we trust God for something better in our future. In all things, God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28) Trouble, sickness, and surgery shall not separate us from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:35-39) In all of life, including hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword we give God praise and thanks.
Worship Together Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.
(RC) St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish 1942 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0N4
TerriTorial Drive alliance church 306-445-5158 www.tdac.ca
306-446-1695
PASTOR: Rev. Fr. Phinh Do
DAILY: Tues., 7 p.m. Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted
Corner of Scott & Territorial Dirve Sun. 10:30 am Ministries for the whole family
WEEKEND: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 10:00 a.m.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
ANGLICAN PARISH
306-445-5901
St. Georges Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 11:00 a.m. Battle River Parish YouTube channel Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net
Rev. Trevor Malyon
1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome
Living Water Ministry
Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford
Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385
Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Pastor: Dean Covert
Church Phone 306-445-4181
All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish 902 - 108th Street, North Battleford
Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Celebrant: Very Rev. Janko Kolosnjaji 306-664-2301 (Office) 306-244-2604 (Home)
Battleford United Church 52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK
306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley
SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.
1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)
Battlefords Cowboy Church Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month
Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m. PASTOR - Rick Martin
Third Avenue United Church
ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 am
Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.
Rev. Dexter van Dyke
306-445-8171
Live Streaming Available at www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net
Everyone Welcome
Sunday Afternoon Service 3:00 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
LIVING FAITH Sunday Services 10:30 am CHAPEL 1372 102nd St 306-445-3009
Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church
11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK
Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Sebastian Kunnath
Maidstone/Paynton United Church of Canada WORSHIP SERVICES The second and fourth Sunday of each month at 10:30 A.M.
Church & CE Wing: 306-893-2611 For booking the Wing: 306-893-4729
Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca
1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca
Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford
Phone 306-445-9096
Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.
Regional News-Optimist
sasktoday.ca
David Milgaard - Your long read
Continued from Page 17 his head over the toilet and put a towel on it to minimize the burning to his face and make breathing easier,” wrote Joyce. The hardships in prison led Milgaard to attempt suicide at least three times. On Aug. 17, 1971, staff found him face down on his bunk with several self-inflicted slashes to both forearms, wrote Joyce Milgaard in her book. “He had tried to take his life. He put sheets on the floor of his cell to soak up the blood. He noticed he wasn’t dying so he “reached over and pulled a vein out of his wrist and cut it.” That fall he tried to kill himself again by swallowing wires in the hopes they would tear open his bowels, she wrote. He required emergency surgery. In another suicide attempt, Milgaard drank leather cleaner, she added. Twice, Milgaard tried to steal back his freedom. Milgaard escaped in March 1972 with other inmates, wrote Joyce Milgaard. Their truck broke down and they fled into the woods. Dogs tracked them down. “David told us the guards just stood there and let the dogs chew on them,” wrote Joyce in her book. “He said that afterward when they got back to the prison the guards beat him. He said he had been beaten before, but never, ever, with such brutality.” Following another escape, Milgaard survived being shot in the back when fleeing from police after he had
escaped in 1980 for 77 days as he grasped at the freedom he deserved, Milgaard told SASKTODAY.ca in May 2021. Toronto Police shot him in the back while he had his hands up in the air after surrendering. Prison destroyed his mind and soon he needed medications, said Joyce Milgaard. Milgaard fights for others after being released from prison After Milgaard was freed in 1992, he advocated for prisoner’s rights, lectured law students at universities across the country, and spoke against Canada’s punitive justice system advocating for a restorative justice system. Milgaard repeatedly called on the federal government for an independent Criminal Case Review Commission to make it easier and faster for potentially wrongfully convicted people to have their applications reviewed. Milgaard, and his group, met with Canada’s Justice Minister David Lametti to discuss the commission, and in 2021, Lametti launched public consultations to create the commission. Two weeks after Milgaard died, Lametti announced the commission would be created. In 2020 — 50 years after Milgaard’s wrongful conviction – the University of Manitoba announced they were presenting him with an Honorary Doctor of Law degree. Milgaard died three weeks before he was to receive his honorary doctorate of law degree from the University of Manitoba on June 6, 2022. Winnipeg lawyer David Asper – who led the fight for Milgaard’s freedom – also received an honorary doctorate that day. “Dr. Milgaard…I’m humbled to be receiving this hon-
The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022 - Page 23
our with you,” said Asper during his acceptance speech. “If Canada ever gets an independent commission to deal with wrongful convictions it will be partly because of your advocacy. Your spirit will have not only got you through but it will live in the success stories of others.” Byron Christopher, a former CBC reporter who was the first to get an interview with Milgaard when he was released from prison, said, “Those at David Milgaard’s funeral were hoping the commission would somehow carry David’s name, and perhaps it will.” Milgaard’s passing On May 19, Christopher – who became close friends with Milgaard – attended David’s private funeral of 50 of David’s family and closest friends “When I heard David Milgaard had died, my first reaction was shock and sadness – followed by a sense of peace. My old friend was finally free.” Christopher said even though Milgaard was released from prison – and later exonerated and compensated with a multi-million dollar settlement – he sensed he remained tortured by memories of his time behind bars. “David was never truly free,” Christopher told SASKTODAY.ca. “Up until his final breath, he remained a prisoner to some degree. In his last years, his ‘escape’ was to give a helping hand to others. “David’s ashes will be sprinkled in the Rocky Mountains,” added Christopher. “That’s fitting … The man loved nature, especially fishing, horses, and camping in the Rockies.” For a video featuring never before released interviews with David Milgaard, please visit SASKTODAYca.
WHO DOES IT? Professional Directory CONTRACTOR ROOFERS
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Page 24 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 28, 2022
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