Regional News-Optimist June 15, 2023

Bangladesh murder appears to have Battleford connection

Town has fired CAO

By Jayne Foster SASKTODAY.ca

As news of the murder in Bangladesh of former Estevan resident Afroza Begum has reached Saskatchewan, SASKTODAY. ca has obtained credible information that the man described as the husband who f led after her death is a Battleford man who has been out of touch with his employers for some time.

Ashraful Alam has been a resident of Battleford for about three years working as the chief administrative officer for the Town of Battleford, but has been fired from his position.

At press time, the whereabouts of Alam were unknown to SASKTODAY.ca, however news

reports from Bangladesh indicate the deceased woman’s husband had fled to Canada.

News stories from Bangladesh say Afroza Begum had been buried at the home of her husband’s family, and her body was uncovered May 31 after being reported missing by her brother May 28.

The reports say Begum’s husband had not been immediately arrested and was believed to have fled to Canada. Local police are reported in the Bangladesh press as suspecting her husband of the killing, however Alam’s father, brother and sister-in-law were all taken into custody.

Begum’s brother told the press his sister, sister-

in-law and niece had come to Bangladesh about three months ago and that they were all Canadian citizens.

Tuesday,Battleford town council issued a statement that Alam had been let go from his position of CAO as of Friday, June 9, due to an extended unapproved absence. Council said Town Hall has to have a certified CAO on staff in order to move ahead with council business, and in the best interest of the community “...the decision was required sooner than later to not delay summer projects and funding.”

The recruitment process for a new CAO is underway and council hopes to have a replacement in place before fall.

Earlier reporting indicates Alam told council when he left, apparently in March, that he was going to the United Arab Emirates to attend to a family emergency, however he had attended meetings virtually for a time after he left, with the last of those being on April 10.

When he hadn’t returned by April 27, an acting CAO was appointed.

Klimosko to continue as North Stars coach

SASKTODAY.ca Staff

The president of the Battlefords North Stars says the best thing they ever did was to hire Brayden Klimosko five years ago, and they announced last week they

have signed him on for another five years.

In what Kyle Kellgren said was an exciting day in the Battlefords, he and Mitch Hawtin, vice president, welcomed head coach and GM Brayden Klimosko,

his fiancé Katlyn and their son Jake to a press conference making the announcement.

“Five years ago we hired Brayden Klimosko to come on board and it’s the best thing we’ve Continued on Page 5

A photo from the Bangladesh Posts English website showing Afroza Begum and Ashraful Alam.

North Stars Head Coach and GM Brayden Klimosko with fiance Katlyn and son Jake. | Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

Mitch Hawtin, vice-president; Brayden Klimoski, coach; and Kyle Kellgren, president, last Thursday morning in the North Stars dressing room.

UPAR CONSTRUCTION TENTATIVE TIMELINE

Son’s killers getting ‘slap on wrist’ difficult to accept, says mom

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

The grief-stricken mother of murder victim Ryan Gatzke expressed her dissatisfaction with what she believes to be lenient sentences handed down to her son’s killers.

June Gatzke, visibly distraught, spoke out Monday outside the Battleford Court of King’s Bench following a joint sentencing submission for 28-yearold Jacob Ballantyne, one of three men and a youth charged in Gatzke’s October 2019 murder.

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For more information, call 306-445-1757, or e-mail galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca.

The Chapel Gallery is located at 891-99th Street, North Battleford.

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“It’s an incredibly difficult struggle to accept that these individuals can rob someone of their life and receive nothing more than a mere slap on the wrist,” she said.

Ballantyne, from Edam, was charged with seconddegree murder but entered a guilty plea June 12 to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Approximately 10 of Gatzke’s family members were in the gallery to hear Ballantyne’s sentencing hearing. About eight victim impact statements were read before the court and at times, several of Gatzke’s family members left the courtroom in tears. Ballantyne sat in the prisoner’s box expressionless while the victim impact statements were read.

There is a ban on publication until all four accused have been sentenced.

In April, a trial was held for a young offender charged with second-degree murder. Following his trial, Justice Heather MacMillan-Brown found the youth guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter, break and enter, and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.

In October, Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt will argue before

the court to have the youth sentenced as an adult instead of a young offender. He can’t be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

In February 2022, Charles Lewis McLean pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. With credit for time served while on remand, McLean had just over 600 days left to serve.

In February, Isaac Melko pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12-years in prison. With pre-trial credit for time served on remand, he had about 7.8 years left to serve.

Ballantyne’s joint sentencing submission proposes 2,922 days, or eight years, in prison less remand time. Ballantyne has been in custody for 1,124 days since his arrest in May 2020. This means he would be given 1,686 days credit for time served while waiting for his trial and would have 1,236 days, or 3.8 years, left to serve as of June 12.

Justice Daryl Labach reserved his decision until June 22 on whether he would accept the joint sentencing submission before the court.

Ballantyne is represented by defence counsel Tim Nolin.

Outside of the court-

June Gatzke, visibly distraught, spoke out Monday outside the Battleford Court of King’s Bench following a joint sentencing submission. |

Photo by Lisa Joy

house, June Gatzky told reporters that coming to court for the appearances of the four accused in her son’s death is difficult.

“It rips my heart every time. It rips my heart every day.”

She said her son was working at two jobs to support his fiancé and the baby they were expecting. He owned the house where he was murdered.

“He had that house and he had a business going. He was a hard worker.”

RCMP found Gatzke in his home in the 100 block of 26 Street West in Battleford on Oct. 18, 2019. He was badly injured and taken to the North Battleford hospital by EMS where he was later declared deceased.

Skid steer, tools recovered

SASKTODAY.ca

Two North Battleford residents were arrested following a police raid on a home in North Battleford, looking for stolen property.

Kyle McCaw, 43, and Trebor Swindler, 47, are facing numerous charges and have been remanded in custody. They were scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court June 12.

McCaw and Swindler are believed to be responsible for thefts at three businesses in North Battleford. On April 24, a vehicle was stolen from a business on the 2500 block of 99 Street. On May 11, a

vehicle was stolen from a business on Highway 16.

On May 18, a Bobcat skid steer was stolen from a business on the 1100 block of 100 Street.

RCMP say at first the thefts didn’t appear related.

Then, on May 12, the RCMP Gang Task Force found both stolen vehicles at a home in the 1000 block of 110 Street in North Battleford. This prompted the North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force, along with RCMP General Investigation Section, and the RCMP Crime Reduction Team to execute a search warrant at the home on the 1000

block of 110 Street. Police found a stolen Bobcat skid steer and multiple pieces of commercial-grade electronic tools/equipment.

McCaw was charged with three counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a weapon contrary to a court order.

Swindler was charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and failure to comply with an undertaking.

An RCMP officer escorts Jacob Ballantyne into Battleford Court of King’s Bench June 12 for his sentencing hearing. | Photo by Averil Hall / Mcphedran Phocus

2023 North West College graduates celebrated

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

After facing the challenges of demanding course work, late nights, and the pressure to excel academically and the triumphs of embracing diversity, nurturing talents, and fostering relationships, the 2023 graduates from North West College were celebrated on June 7, as over 100 students crossed the stage.

Members of the faculty,

Mayor David Gillan, and Rob Rongve were in attendance as Eli Ahlquist, CEO and president of the college shared his words with graduates, congratulating them on this milestone.

“On this momentous occasion, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each of you,” he said.

“You are leaving this institution not only armed with a diploma, you are equipped with the skills to adapt to an ever chang-

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

ing world, to navigate uncertainty and to embrace innovation. You have been encouraged to think critically, to ask difficult questions, and to challenge the status quo.”

Second time keynote speaker at the NWC’s graduation ceremony, Rob Rongve, also congratulated graduates as they countinue their adult lives.

“I truly believe the best investment ever is education. Like you’ve all accomplished today ... it will be one of the best investments you’ve ever made, to invest in yourself,” Rongve said.

He noted that their education is portable, mobile, transferable, and can be converted to cash.

“Someone somewhere will be willing to pay you for your knowledge,” he said, as he encouraged them to never stop learning, to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

“Happiness creates success.”

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

A delegation to North Battleford city council aired their frustrations at Monday’s meeting about the way water and sewer billing is done in North Battleford.

Local resident Jane Nielsen, who appeared with Darryl Williams, as a delegation at Monday’s meeting, expressed concerns about the coupling of water and sewer rates and expressed her opinion that they should be treated as separate.

One concern she pointed out was that the summer watering discount program — meaning a drop in the per cubic metre rate to reflect increased usage of water — had disappeared in 2010.

She also raised con-

cerns that the city had tied in water consumption with the sewer rate. Nielsen said she noticed on her bill was during the summer that both her water and sewer bills were up.

But nothing had changed about her own usage other than the fact she watered her lawn in the summer. Her sewer usage didn’t change at all.

Nielsen contends she was being charged not only for the increased water usage but also for increased sewer usage.

“It’s going in my lawn, I’m not increasing use of the sewer at all. So why am I paying for it?” she told council.

Nielsen believed the city was overcharging for water and sewer, and she also pointed to the Town of Battleford which she said has in place a struc-

tured discount on both its water and sewer quarterly charges.

“I am not getting what I paid for. How is that ethical?” Nielsen said.

Council didn’t have any immediate answers at the meeting Monday but there was interest expressed in seeing administration look into the issues raised of a potential disparity, as well as on the summer discount.

Mayor David Gillan said “we’ll see what we can do in the future.”

As for the Town of Battleford rate structure, Gillan could not comment on that, but he said “the two communities are quite different, capital investments are different. Rates are structured differently for different reasons. We just have to keep in mind that’s it’s not always an applesto-apples comparison.”

An honour song is played by Indigenous drummers as the graduates enter behind them.

Jane Nielsen, seen here with Darryl Williams, expressed concerns about North Battleford water and sewer billing to council Monday, | Zoom screenshot courtesy City of North Battleford

Keynote speaker Rob Rongve speaks to graduates.

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.

First Nations people deserve right to fee simple land ownership

Fee simple land ownership by First Nations would unlock real gains in terms of increased land values and economic opportunity

By Joseph Quesnel

It is time for Canada to confront its colonial legacy and take decisive steps toward ending it. Granting the 630 First Nations in the country full and unconditional title to their reserve lands is a crucial and necessary first step. This issue should no longer be a subject of controversy and must transcend partisan politics. It is a matter of fundamental justice and reconciliation.

However, granting title to reserve lands is – again – just the first step. Individual First Nations must also go further by providing their people with the right to own land in fee simple, as all other Canadians can. This would ensure true equality and empower First Nations individuals to participate fully in the economic life of the country.

The need to do so became clear to me when I appeared as a witness before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs last April. The committee was looking at how the housing shortage was impacting Indigenous peoples. No surprise: testimony kept coming back to how First Nations on reserve were locked out of modern economic life by provisions of the Indian Act that prevent land from being bought and sold on the market.

Fee-simple land ownership is the norm in Canada, allowing owners to rent or sell their land and use it as collateral for loans. It is unjustifiable to deny individual First Nations people the right to fee simple title when many of the country’s 43 fully self-governing First Nations already possess this privilege.

Examples like the Tsawwassen First Nation in British Columbia, self-governing since 2009, the Labrador Inuit Nunatsiavut Government, and the Metis settlement governments in Alberta and Nunavut demonstrate that all First Nations, regardless of their governance structure, should have the option to receive title over their lands in fee simple.

Critics often argue that granting property rights on reserves will lead to the dispossession of First Nations’ lands. However, this argument has been debunked by real-life examples. Self-governing First Nations have shown their ability to ensure that land remains within the community by imposing restrictions on land transfers and non-Indigenous land ownership. They

exercise their land rights responsibly, safeguarding their communities and protecting their lands from external interests.

The Nisga’a Nation in British Columbia serves as a successful example. Through the implementation of the Landholding Transition Act in 2012, Nisga’a members were given the opportunity to own residential lots, comprising only 0.05 per cent of their total lands. Data indicates that this cautious approach has been successful, with no defaults on mortgage payments and all 76 parcels of land owned by Nisga’a citizens. This is far from the doomsday scenario of mass privatization often invoked by opponents.

Another example is the James Bay Cree government, which removed the 75-year limit on land leases in 2019. This change has empowered Cree members to build equity in their homes without relying on band guarantees for mortgages. However, it has been cautious in the roll-out of this new housing strategy. For example, it helps teach new owners and renters about financial literacy and home maintenance.

During the Harper government years, the First Nations Tax Commission proposed the First Nations Property Ownership Initiative. This initiative aimed to transfer title from the Crown to participating First

Nations, giving them the power to grant individual property rights or adopt protective measures to safeguard communal lands. Such an approach would respect existing treaty and Indigenous rights, as the land would always remain under First Nations jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, the law was never introduced, and the Liberals did not take it up again.

While some argue that the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act (FNLMA) renders full property ownership unnecessary, adopting the FNLMA framework alone falls short of addressing the underlying issues. Although it allows First Nations more control over land management, the land remains as reserve land. Opening up even a small percentage of reserve lands to fee simple ownership would unlock real gains in terms of increased land values and economic opportunity.

Adopting the FNLMA framework is a great option for First Nations, but ending colonialism means full property rights to individual First Nations people and trusting communities to make correct decisions. Joseph Quesnel is a senior research associate with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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The Johnston-gate

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

“My goodness, my Guinness”, so carols the famous libation advert – what muddles we have before us! Firstly, the much-vaunted Rapporteur has quit before the end of his term or semester. Next, sweet Nicola, Scotland’s last first lady has also quit before the end of her term and was under suspicion for financial jiggery-pokery. Mr. Trump is in big trouble for having national secret reading material in great quantity

WoodPile

in his toilet. Finally, the Bank of Canada has raised its interest rate to 4.75 per

cent and is threatening to raise it further if we don’t all smarten up.

As I understand it, the opposition parties have caused the rapporteur fiasco and are therefore responsible for sorting out the mess. The pundits are telling us that a general election can not be held if there is a public enquiry going on into election matters which means that Mr. Trudeau can remain in office without challenge for perhaps another three years – what a blessed relief this is.

If you study Mr. Johnston’s resignation letter, you will note that it emanated from the most high Office of the Special

Rapporteur. Further, Mr. Johnston offers assistance to Mr. Trudeau from himself and his legal team. This unmitigated arrogance is astounding, and one has to wonder who exactly is paying for all this. Does it also mean his office will not close at the end of June and that his staff will be retained for the use by a replacement rapporteur or public enquiry committee? Since David Johnston is the epitome of all that is wise and good, anyone chosen to replace him by definition has to be inferior and substandard and their opinions will be of no great value. We are so fortunate, are we

not, that Pristine Trudeau with all his abilities and wisdom will emerge unscathed by Johnstongate.

Those who annually gleefully ring the forest fire fire-bells and prophesy apocalyptic doom even by smoke alone are having a field day this year. Yes, of course, the fire situation is not good and one feels for those directly impacted but has the carbon tax levy been of any value? It seems that more tax is in lockstep with more fires – will this trend continue as carbon tax is increased? Cheap daycare, kids without caries, emancipated mothers now with time

enough on their hands to hold two jobs to combat inflation in part due to carbon tax all seems rather tail chasing and a fond hope for Liberal vote enhancement.

Boris Johnson, the U.K.’s former prime minister, was forced from office over a few stress relieving drinkies in the back garden of 10, Downing Street. He has now relinquished his position as an elected M.P. midterm. Perhaps David and Boris should get together with others who have quit mid-tenure to commiserate over a jar or two of Guinness – I know that Boris would really enjoy that!

Battlefords North Stars vice-president Mitch Hawtin, Brayden Klimosko’s fiance Katlyn, son Jake, Klimosko and Kyle Kellgren, North Stars president, at a press conference last Thursday. | Photo by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

Klimosko to continue as coach of the North Stars

Continued from Page 1 done. We won a league championship that first year, we had a little struggle with COVID but everybody did … and we’ve just finished off this last year with the most successful season ever for the Battlefords North Stars.”

He said, “A league championship, the most points, you name it, it was that year, the best year ever and it’s something [that] really resonated with the board and obviously with the community … and this has been something I’ve been working on since January. Brayden was going into the last year of his contract. I was not going to let that happen. Luckily, we’ve had some discussions with Brayden and I’m here today to officially announce Brayden Klimosko and his family have committed to the Battlefords for the next five seasons. So it’s a very exciting day.”

Kellgren said, “This is a commitment from our board, this is a commitment to our fans, to our sponsorship, and everybody involved and I couldn’t be happier to announce this and keep

Braydon and his family in the Battlefords for the next five years.”

Klimosko said, “The first five years was a really good five years. We had a lot of good discussions, us and our family — the community has taken us in, welcomed us like it’s our home now.

He said he was looking forward to working with the board and the team for another five years.

“I think it’s been a great relationship and partnership so far. Obviously it helps with having great fans and great community support. As a family we’re excited and looking forward to where this journey takes us in the next five years.”

Coach of the Year

During the Centennial Cup, where the Battlefords junior club placed second, it was announced that Klimosko was named the CJHL Coach of the Year and with it received the Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award. Head coach Haugan and assistant coach Cross were among the 16 lives claimed in the April 6, 2018, Broncos bus crash. It was an honour for Klimosko, a Humboldt product, as he

was an assistant coach for Haugan on his hometown Broncos.

This past season

Klimosko led his team to a 48-5-2-1. The squad was ranked No. 1 in the country for 15 weeks. They did not lose a contest in regulation in the 2022-portion of the SJHL schedule. The North Stars lost the first game of the playoffs and then reeled off 12 consecutive victories. Klimosko, who led Battlefords to a 2019 league title, was named the SJH Coach of the year in 2020, 2022 and 2023. The CJHL Coach of the Year award will be officially presented in person at the 2023 National Hockey League Coaches’ Association’s Global Coaches’ Clinic on June 28.

As the CJHL Coach of the Year, the bench boss and the North Stars receive a $5,000 contribution to the team on behalf of the NHLCA and $5,000 worth of Bauer Hockey equipment.

Klimosko and an assistant coach are also invited to attend the 2023 NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic in Nashville, Tenn., prior to the NHL Draft as guests of the NHLCA.

Everybody has a story

Gordan Bland’s vision of divinity

and Society, which runs at the Chapel Gallery until June 25.

“I think I inherited this from my father, a questioning of religious beliefs and feeling like a lot of what we are presented with in organized religion is, in some way or other, a little bit superficial, and the things that really matter are a lot deeper than what many people would consider.”

And the word OHM plays a large part in the first piece of the series, which starts viewers down a road of meditation.

“Keeping the description of OHM in mind, there are three letters embedded in the picture,” Bland said, which is, of course, the mantra of some eastern religions, the sound of selfawareness.

Nothing and Everything

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

In Grade 7 or 8, while fascinated by the famous fantasy novel, Lord of the Rings, Saskatchewan artist Gordan Bland decided to try drawing a picture of Gandalf confronting Balrog at the Moria Bridge.

“...[it’s] the first thing I can remember, specifically painting … It was an awful painting, really hideous as far as I can remember it,” Bland told the News-Optimist/SASKTODAY.ca, laughing.

But the Prince Albert artist and teacher of over 30 years never really had that much to do with art beyond his early foray into drawing wizards. That is until 1985, when Bland bought his first computer, a Macintosh roughly the size of a toaster.

“That really got me back into doing visual art,” Bland said, describing his experimentation with the then state-of-theart MacPaint and its count-

Art Notes

less limitations with 576by-720 pixels and black and white graphics.

But now Bland wanted to see what he could do, and he sought out courses summer art courses at the University of Saskatchewan and Kenderdine Campus at Emma Lake, where he was taught by artists such as Degan Linder, Donna Kriekle, Myles MacDonald and Kevin Quinlan.

“...some very good artists in their own right.”

And Bland describes himself as a ‘jack of all media,’ using his talents mostly for landscape-style artworks featuring sometimes man-made, other times actual scenery, but all with natural elements. That was until he and his wife moved to North Battleford in the 2010s and decided to purchase a new car.

“I started sketching shiny cars in the showroom and didn’t find them all that exciting,” Bland said.

“...but I started a little

Fabric paint fun

By Dona Lukas Battlefords Art Club

Pam and Linda, members of the Battlefords Art Club, offered a fabric paint party last Tuesday in the craft room at the Don Ross Center. We had a large turnout of creative artists with unique ideas. We had fun designing and painting on aprons, T-shirts, bags and bandanas with fabric paint.

The Battlefords Art Club’s Summer Sizzler Art Show and Sale is happening at the end of the month, June 29 and 30 from 10:30 each day. Bring a friend on a walk-through at the Chapel Gallery and see what our members have been up to!

It’s never too late to try something new, no matter what your age is. The outcome might surprise you and you may find your new passion.

exercise of just drawing geometric shapes and had no direction to it. I was just putting down a rectangle, then another rectangle, playing around with the balance of the various shapes,” Bland noted.

Religion, Mythology and Society

“Ultimately, I drew up a little picture that had a number of circles and a big long rectangle with a triangle on top. That one kinda bothered me, and I thought, ‘why, what does it mean, what is it trying to tell me?”

The figure Bland describes shows up in almost every painting in this series of geometric paintings that he’s coupled with a long-standing passion for mythology and religion.

“...I’ve always been interested in mythology, various cultures, and basically the stories that people have told over time. So those all came together,” Bland said on the theme of his newest body of work, Allegories

- Meditations on Religion

It doesn’t bother Bland that no one can seem to agree on what his body of work is trying to say.

“I think that’s tremendous. I think it’s really, really, really fascinating that we don’t all think alike, and we don’t all, when presented with something that is trying to say something, that we don’t all interpret it the same way,” Bland said.

“That’s a fascinating aspect of human nature.”

And whether the guests at the exhibition notice it consciously or unconsciously, they seem to recognize that it’s saying something. While one guest might say that painting 11 scares them and fills them with dread, another might say that they feel elevated. Some seem to find clarity in the exhibition, while others find fear.

“By the time I got to the second last painting there, I gotta say I, was in kinda a dark mood. I was feeling like this was a real downer,” Bland said, noting that he felt it necessary

to find a way to lift up the viewer’s experience. Something that in the requests for comments at the end of the show, a viewer noted that it feels like a cop-out, while others enjoyed a breath of levity.

“...the viewers enter into some of the thinking ... and people see something there, [they] just disagree. And after you’ve wandered the gallery, and pondered religion and society, wondering what it all means, you’re greeted with a painting of a sweeping landscape, trees rustling, still waters, and mountain tops. This picture and an image of fruit in a bowl.

No one agrees on this artist’s message, and he’s OK with that

The ‘palate cleanser’ that finishes his series.

Gordon Bland pictured with the first of his series, In the Beginning, AllegoriesMeditations on Religion and Society. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

The figure based on the word OHM.

The Battlefords Art Club had a fabric paint party last Tuesday in the craft room at the Don Ross Center. | Photos submitted

USask archeologists use ground penetrating radar at The Ridge

ation within Canada and its relation to residential schools and inter-generational survivors of residential schools herself.

By Miguel Fenrich and Averil Hall Staff Reporter/Freelance Reporter

Weeks after ground penetrating radar took place near the Ridge, four archeologists from the University of Saskatchewan were back in the Battlefords June 4 to 11, performing ground penetrating radar in search of missing children at Battlefords Industrial School Children’s Cemetery, the resting place of over 50 children who passed while attending the former residential school.

This comes weeks after Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Economic Development Corp. began a radar search near the ridge before ground was broken on the development of a $5.8 million interpretive centre with the support of MGBHLM chief, council, and traditional knowledge keepers.

“[We’re] looking for additional graves that may be unmarked, some of these graves may have been purposely concealed from those with not great intentions,” Micaela Champagne, member of Canoe Lake First Nation, and grad student at the anthropology department, said.

There are only 51 names on the cairn in the graveyard and 72 markers, but there are 74 graves. The group of four archaeologists from the universi-

ty feel there are more there, which marks the reason for the search.

“Currently, we’re scanning the grounds to locate some of those missing children ... to make sure we do find these children who are not recorded and that their story is going to get known,” Champagne said.

Working until June 11, the USask team has survivors directing them to areas where they’ll be searching for bodies, places where residential school survivors have identified where children have gone missing or have stories that suggest children might have been buried there.

“From every place that we’ve worked at, every residential school across Turtle Island, we have heard and listened to survivors, and know that in areas of known graves, those priests and nuns all used these areas [gravesites] as a way to conceal additional children’s bodies, because it’s somewhere where it’s not obvious to look.”

The ground penetrating radar searches the area for signs of ground disturbance, distinct from pipes, rodent burrows, or tree roots, then the team uses their knowledge and other evidence to comb through the data and identity areas that are likely sites.

Champagne also noted that, “...(we) eliminate areas that have less confidence we have experience and the knowledge to know that

what we see are children’s graves, and not anything else.”

Champagne, who’s been working on her master’s thesis since 2021, work that examines reconcili-

A lot of the work Champagne does is motivated by wanting to carry some of the weight, the burden from survivors, and making sure they know that they’re heard and that their

truth and experiences are valued.

The GPR team has worked closely with other first nations across Western Canada, though they don’t disclose the locations of missing children.

“We don’t disclose the locations just because there is a very large uptick of denialism

in Canada, and we’ve had threats of people wanting to dig up children’s remains to prove or disprove, but we know that even physical evidence for these denialists, it’s not enough for them.

“...just hearing the truth from survivors should be enough for people, but unfortunately, it’s not.”

Noggin the ground imaging radar.

Milton Oxebin counts the names of the children listed on the Cairn at the gravesite. He counted 51 names.

Kathleen Willie, Angela Durant, Micaela Champagne and Lennon Sproule from the U of S Anthropology department to ground imaging radar to find unmarked graves at and around the Children’s Gravesite of the Battlefords Industrial School. | Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

Bent Rodz Car Club Show & Shine

The Battlefords

Bent Rodz Car

Club Show & Shine was the place to be Sunday, as the many who attended can attest. There were more than 200 vehicles on display.

Half-day gallery camps

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The North Battleford galleries a re holding half-day art camps for children in the coming months from July to August. These include:

Outdoor Painting Camp, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for $30

Art is Messy Camp, July 18, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $40

Sewing Camp, July 25 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $40

Printmaking Art Camp, Aug. 9, 9

a.m. to 12 p.m. for $30

Summertime Art Camp, Aug. 15 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $40

Exploring Paint Cam - Let’s Paint!, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $40

The galleries have been holding half day art camps for the last six years, and is planning on running free river valley programming for youth and adults in the coming months, with more information coming soon.

Pre-registration is required, and for more information call 306-445-1760 or email galleriesofnb@cityofnb.ca

This truck was in the Gatzke Tire-Shredder. If it didn’t create the desired smoke then water would be added to the ground underneath the tires to help it along. The Burnout Box was by far the most popular event of the day.

Op Red Nose seeks sponsor

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Operation Red Nose is already working to prepare its 40th safe ride campaign and is looking for an organization involved with youth or amateur sports interested in hosting the safe ride service in the Battlefords, from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31.

“Not only will such an organization be able to offer financial support to their favourite local cause, but they will also be able to enjoy an experience that brings in a wealth of stories and memorable encounters,

all while ensuring their fellow citizens a safe ride home,” reads a June 13 release from the organization.

In addition to improving road safety by offering safe rides home during the holiday season, client donations are entirely kept by the host organization and used to support local youth or amateur sports initiatives.

To receive an application form, or for further information, organizations are invited to contact Marie-Chantal Fortin at canada@ operationrednose.com Organizations wishing to be certified must apply by July 15.

230636C1

Old time bicycles were on display such as this banana seat bike. 1966 Corvette Stingray.

Lyle Meckling and his 1956 Chevy Bel Air Convertible. Last week Meckling lost his house to a fire. Luckily the fire didn’t spread to the garage where the car had been stored.

Wayne and Shareen Morrison came with their unique Spiderman car.

Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

THE ENNIS SISTERS - CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 2, 2023

JESS MOSKALUKE CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 13, 2023

Growth That Works For Everyone

Saskatchewan Sets Surgical Records

Saskatchewan performed over 90,000 surgical procedures from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, the highest ever recorded in Saskatchewan for a one-year period. We are thankful for the combined extraordinary efforts of our surgical teams and surgical support staff to ensure thousands more patients receive the procedures they need and we will continue to invest in our provincial surgical system and set aggressive surgical targets. Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca

306-445-5195

306-893-2619

Election needed after mass resignations of Reford council

SASKTODAY.ca Staff

After a mass resignation at a recent RM of Reford meeting, the Ministry of Government Relations is looking at appointing enough people to meet a quorum to serve until an election can be held.

After an in-camera session dealing with harassment claims and human resource issues, the regular meeting of council for the RM June 8 in their Wilkie office ended early when almost everyone resigned, including two staff.

The meeting followed two months of the distribution of a newsletter, edited by an unknown person, called the RefordGate Gazette, which, naming names, called out council members’ alleged actions, as well as staff, on issues described as “horse trading” and “monkey business.”

According to the Ministry of Government Relations, when a municipality experiences a loss of quorum due to resignations, section 14 of The Local

Government Election Act, 2015 and section 97 of The Municipalities Act authorizes the minister to issue an order to appoint one or more persons to act as members of council and hold office until the vacancies are filled at an election. The Minister’s Order will also fix the date for an election to fill the vacancies.

In response to a request from SASKTODAY.ca/ Wilkie-Unity Press-Herald, the ministry said in an email, “As this loss of quorum happened very recently, identifying potential appointees and a date for an election is currently being determined.”

The email continued, “Once the Minister has made a decision to resolve this municipality’s loss of quorum, an order will be issued to the municipality with the applicable details.”

Regarding the resignation of two staff members, the ministry said, “Resignations of the employees are handled by the employer, the municipality. Once the loss of quorum has

been resolved, the council will be able to fill the administrative vacancies at its discretion as the employer.”

As earlier reporting on SASKTODAY.ca, indicated, the June 8 meeting of the RM of Reford No. 379 ended dramatically when Reeve Gerald Gerlinsky tendered his resignation, effective immediately. That resignation was quickly followed by councillor Evan Johnson resigning. Quentin Sittler tendered the resignation of Nathan Keller, who was absent, and then also resigned himself.

Acting administrator Curt Kowalchuk asked if anyone else was resigning, and Deputy Reeve Greg Sutherland asked for a minute to write out his resignation, did so and left the council chambers, as had all others who resigned.

With only Lyle Ulsifer and Daryl Glackin remaining, quorum was lost and the majority of the items on the meeting agenda were not dealt with.

To compound the issues of governance of the rural municipality, an earlier in-

camera session saw resignations tendered by Kowalchuk and by assistant administrator Wanda Laturnus, both effective June 29. A motion was passed by council to accept those resignations prior to the reeve’s resignation.

Gerlinsky referred to the resignations of the office staff before tendering his own, saying he didn’t

want to put in the time to find new staff.

That there was some dissension in the room was evident from the start of the meeting as Ulsifer made a motion to remove Gerlinsky as chair. That motion was defeated.

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted, following which council went in-camera,

six minutes after the meeting started, to deal with a number of harassment complaints and some other human resource issues. It was following the in-camera session, after passing some regular motions arising from that session such as the hiring of a new grader operator, that the wave of resignations began.

ACT Supports Sports Hall of Fame

Concert proceeds to support clubhouse upkeep

By Trudy Janssens

Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail

Saturday, June 17 the core group from Louisiana Hayride will be performing at the Meota Community Complex, hosted by Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail.

Tickets are selling fast now but we still have some left. Call Elaine Iverson at 306-892-2229 to reserve your seats. All proceeds are going to Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail. The facility is in desperate need of new windows and patio doors on the lake side. The wind and water coming off the lake have not been kind to the openings. MLPS board mem-

bers would like to see the issues addressed soon.

Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail are encouraging anyone who would like to learn how to sail to sign up on the Sask Sailing Website. This is looking like it will be a unique opportunity because it’s an enormous amount of work to pull it off. If you are at all interested it’s imperative that you sign up soon. We need to have 10 registrants in order for it to be a go. If you have any questions you can call Trudy Janssens at 306-374-0843.

It’s very exciting to see the development of a convenient boat trailer parking facility in Meota.

I counted room for 14 vehicles on the lower section

Above left, These two users of the new boat launch at Meota were real pros. They were out of there in minutes. At right, a new parking area developed at the

and likely that many once the boat owners are educated on how to park on the upper level. Residents in Meota who live near the boat launch were always having trucks and boat trailers parked all along

their property once boating season started. Sometimes it was even difficult to fit in the boulevard grass mowing because someone was out in their boat while their trailer was parked on Beach Avenue.

This new launching and parking layout has solved the problem. I’ve been told that it’s even much better launching because there are two entry points, and it’s been dug down so that the larger boats are easier

to get in and out. It’s always been a standing joke that if you want to have some summer entertainment, just go watch the activity at the boat launch. Hopefully now it will become less entertaining.

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

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca

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

Meota boat launch should alleviate parking problems in the area. | Photos by Trudy Janssens

ACT members, Bryan Corlei, Don Damont, Wayne Lambie, Clayton Cambell, Don Christopher and Terry Mitchell present a $5,000 donation to the Don Hilsendhiger, executive director North Battleford Sports Hall of Fame. |

Photo submitted

CELEBRATING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

This year marks the 26th anniversary of celebrating the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Canada ’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The leadership of the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition (BRCC) invites all to join us in honouring Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.

The BRCC brings together five First Nations and two municipalities to build respectful government-to-government relationships in the Battlefords region. Proudly located in Treaty Six Territory and the Traditional Métis Homeland, we are building a strong regional community based on effective communication, respect, and mutual understandings. Together, we are working for system change.

The Battlefords Regional Community Coalition

“Standing together for Change”

WE ARE ALL TREATY PEOPLE Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

The BRCC’s members are Saulteaux First Nation, the Town of Battleford, Lucky Man Cree Nation, Little Pine First Nation, Sweetgrass First Nation, the City of North Battleford, and Moosomin First Nation.

The City of North Battleford is humbly located in Treaty Six Territory and the Traditional Heartand of the Métis.

The City celebrates Indigenous Peoples diverse histories, achievements, cultures and the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

"As long as the Sun Shines, the Rivers Flow and the Grass Grows."

Library hosts coffee time and local honey

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

MAYFAIR — Yahoo rain has finally hit our area and this should make for greener lawns and healthier crops. The downside is having to mow the grass more often.

Don’t we all like to get our hands dirty pulling weeds, some of them with two-foot roots? Oh, the joys of spring and summer! When the end of August arrives we ask ourselves “What did we do in those short, hot, hazy, lazy days of summer?

Most didn’t sit most of the day in the shade drinking lemonade and reading a good book in a swaying hammock.

Mayfair Library is hosting coffee time from noon until 2 p.m. next Wednesday, June 21. Local honey can be purchased at the library again in a few different size containers.

Another birthday is being celebrated by a former Mayfair resident, Doug ( Alice) Grigor who resides in Spiritwood’s Idylwyld Seniors’ Home. Doug turned 92 April 29, when the lodge had a birthday cake and colourful decor-

ations in the large visiting room. Some of his family members and other well-wishers attended this special occasion. Belated Birthday wishes, Doug, and enjoy being pampered by the efficient staff. If one doesn’t want to spend the money on an overnight stay in one of Saskatoon’s accommodations and have a trailer then try staying at Campland RV Resor on Highway 16 approximately 10 miles west of the city is an option. There are signs on the highway and one travels a wee bit on a well-gravelled grid road to get to this newer campsite.

Former residents of Meadow Lake, Wes and Diana Baerg, have a fully established site that offers many amenities. I met them last month. What a remarkable friendly couple. They’ve had people from all over North America stay because of the proximity to Saskatoon. It’s in a quiet, peaceful setting. They have city people who have booked a seasonal for all summer without having to spend money on fuel just to be out on the prairie. The new large exceptionally clean store has

everything one needs in case they forgot to pack an item. The only downside is that there is no lake or swimming pool to cool off when needed. Go to the website www.camplandrvresort.com for complete information.

Condolences to Laurie, Wendy and their families on the passing of their 84-year-old mother, Irene Wohlberg. The Wohlberg family farmed in the Mayfair area for many years, then relocated to Saskatoon.

Congratulations to two very talented people that I know.

Former Mayfair teacher Doug Sylvester of Chickadee Songwriters Circle in North Battleford won the Songwriter of the Year a couple of days ago with Running Away. In the group with Doug are Dan Sully and Justin LaBrash. The Saskatchewan Country Music Awards were held in Assiniboia.

Talented 26-year-old Shantaia Poulin formerly of Spiritwood, Saskatoon and Toronto (briefly) and a permanent resident of Nashville, Tenn. earned the Female Artist of the Year. These are presti-

gious awards and both recipients deserve them.

I’ll depart Prince George B. C. in four days after a great visit with Sally Wilson (nee Demyon ) who grew up in the Hatherleigh district as a kid. She attended COCJ for three years then the Comprehensive High School for Grade 12. I hadn’t seen her in 23 years.

My younger sister Janet and I flew from Saskatoon to Prince George for one week of visiting and sightseeing. The weather was terrific but temperatures at night were chilly. Barkerville is a high-demand tourist attraction that brings in thousands of people through the gates. It is a living testament to British Columbia’s golden beginnings. There are 125 heritage buildings, satellite museums, decades of changing things a few decades at a time, restaurants and shops. So much to explore, so I’d suggest budgeting a full day to take in everything. I liked walking from one old building to another on the well-maintained boardwalks.

Many workers and volunteers dressed in 1800s attire. The city of Quesnel has many attractions also.

Now home to overgrown grass to mow, weeds to pull and other much-needed yard work.

For a half hour, two entertainers performed live theatre at the watershed show regarding gold mining during a presentation at Barkerville, B.C. Events at the tourist attraction ended with an Indigenous drumming circle following many other shows which started at 9 a.m.

Historic Barkerville, B.C. includes 125 period-specific buildings.

Fun amusement outdoors park for kids and the “young at heart” in Prince George, B.C. where I have been visiting an old friend. | Photos by Elaine Woloshyn

DAY: Glen Marion Day beloved wife of Raymond Day of Cochin, SK passed away at the Battlefords Union Hospital on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the age of 90 years. She was the loving mother of BeverleyAnn, Gordon (Georgette), Kenneth (Dolores), Mark (Mickey), Barbara (Brian), Sarah (Brian), Christine (Wayne) and will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sister, Beverly Ford (John). She was predeceased by her parents: Winnifred and Cyril Riddell; in-laws: Margot and Philip Day; brother, Cyril (Ricky) Riddell; sister, Shirley Riddell; and Christine Tucker Day. Glen was born and raised in North Battleford. Once married (1954) she moved to the Day Farm by Cochin, SK. She loved the lake, her garden, and the birds that stopped by to snack at the feeder. She was an active member of her community, especially the school and church. She was never without a book to read. Her needlework and knitting were extraordinary. She loved baseball and her Blue Jays (Toronto). Ray, her children (by birth and association), grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were her first and greatest love always. If so desired memorial donations in Glen’s name may be made to the Cochin Cemetery Po Box 88 Cochin, SK S0M 0L0. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Rose de Lima Roman Catholic Church Cochin, SK on Saturday, May 27, 2023 with Rev. Father Greg Elder as celebrant. Interment followed at the Cochin Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Elle Dell.

BAHREY: It is with profound sadness to announce the unexpected passing of Mr. Kelley Bahrey on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the age of 48 years. Survived by the Love of his Life, Carolynn Froats; Daughters: Ava and Layla Bahrey and their Mother, Trina Bahrey. Loving Mother, Verna Chatfield. Sister, Carmelita Stafford and her Husband Randy, and their children: Addison and Samuel. Uncle, Ray Bahrey; Cousins: Wayne and Audrey Bahrey, Al and Denise Bahrey, Dustin and Paulina Burnett. Cousin, Cindy Bahrey (Loc), Linh (Adam) and Kim (Kevin). Special (Big) Brother, Wade Franks. Predeceased by Grandfather, Tom Bahrey; Grandmother, Mary Bahrey; Aunt, Sonia Globa; Uncle, Ed Globa; Uncle, Theodore Bahrey; Aunt, Pauline Bahrey and Cousin, Monica Burnett. A Celebration of Life Service took place on Monday, June 5, 2023, held at the Don Ross Gymnasium with Reverend Janice Trost officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Mr. Kelley Bahrey can be directed to Canadian Mental Health Association - Battlefords Branch 1602 103rd St. North Battleford, SK S9A 1L7. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & CrematoriumTrevor Watts Funeral Director.

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PEARSON: PEARSON, Lorna Jean of Meota, SK. Passed away on June 2, 2023, at the age of 97. Lorna is survived by her sister Linda Ard and children Donna (Al), Beth (Norm), Joyce, Sally (Jerry), Gordon (Shelley), Brad (Kelly) along with several Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews. Lorna was born in North Battleford December 2, 1925. Grew up in Prince, attended normal school in Saskatoon when finished she taught at log cabin #4963 back in 1944-45. She met and married John Pearson in 1945. Then in 1946 they moved to the Pearson Family homestead where they raised their children. In 1976 they sold the farm and moved to Green Lake where they managed a government pig farm. They later retired in Chitek Lake, Saskatchewan. Lorna was always an avid writer she would sit at the end of the day write in her journal. She for years would write hand-written letters and send them snail mail. As she had correspondence with people all over the world when internet became a thing, and she got her first computer she could start sending emails that was very exciting for her. If you were travelling somewhere she probably knew someone there you should look up. She kept a daily journal, wrote a weekly newspaper article for the Spiritwood newspaper while living in Chitek Lake. When she sold Chitek Lake and moved to Meota she then wrote for the North Battleford newspaper providing them the Meota news. She loved living in Meota made many great friends, was very active with the Do Drop Inn Seniors Hall. Never missed an event or Friday cards unless she herself was away. She loved learning new things, camping, traveling in the motor home, knitting, crocheting, card games, computer games, her I-pad with her always for emails, jig saw puzzles, words with friends and time with family above all things. Funeral Service was held on Monday June 5, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Meota Community Hall, Meota, SK. With Rev. Nora Borgeson officiating. The Eulogy was given by Carrie Sandstrom and Sonya Bouvier. Honorary pallbearers were considered “All those who shared in Lorna’s life”, active pallbearers were George Shepherd, Dave Shepherd, Avery Shepherd, Scotty Shepherd, Jim Shepherd, and Trever Poole. Interment followed at the Meota Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Meota Do Drop In Senior Centre or Charity of Choice. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Delores Beaulac- Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

KNOWLES: Raymond Allen

Knowles June 13, 1949 – May 4, 2023 Ray was born June 13, 1949 in North Battleford, SK and attended school at Alexander Public and North Battleford Collegiate Institute. He was a good student and excelled at track and field events, bringing home ribbons and medals. He joined Boy Scouts at an early age and played football in High School, the NBCI Mustangs. At one point Ray learned how to play the bagpipes, which his mother was well pleased with. Ray’s military training was in 1972-CFB Gagetown in Gagetown, New Brunswick, Again, Ray excelled at basic training, gaining 1st in his class, and earning him the right to pick his first military posting. He chose Calgary. Ray was a proud member of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry-The PPCLI. Later in his career he worked in Logistics, serving on the HMCS Provider, which was stationed in Halifax. Ray retired June 2, 2001 with the rank of Sergeant and Master Sailor. His achievements are many and his medal collection extensive, including SSM-Special Service Medal; CPSM-the Canadian Peace Services Medal; CD1-Canadian Forces Decoration; UNEF-United Nations Emergency Force, Middle East, Egypt and Israel; Canadian Contingent United Nations Cyprus; United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda, Africa, serving 3 consecutive tours in Rwanda. Ray served a 4-year tour in Germany – 1984-1988; two Nato tours in Norway; served on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; Ray was a member of Lord Mount Batten’s funeral parade in London, England; a member of the Parloff Relay Run from Victoria, BC to Calgary, AB, and the list goes on and on. Ray’s retirement took him to Meota where he became active in the community, serving on Town Council, participating in the local curling club and attending the local coffee row. Ray enjoyed the community; he was happy and he was content. He appreciated anything he had and would comment, “life is good.” Ray passed away on May 4, 2023 at the Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, AB. The family would like to thank the members of the CFB Wainwright for their professionalism and care for Ray. Ray died surrounded by his military family, the family he devoted his life to, a most fitting end for a brave soldier. Ray is survived by his two sisters, Linda Startup of Trail, BC and Pam Knowles of North Battleford, SK. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Graydon and Rosella Knowles. Ray’s life was celebrated on May 12, 2023 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in North Battleford, SK, officiated by Reverend Trevor Malyon. Tributes for Ray may be made to The Battlefords Human Society Animal Shelter. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service. “Take a breath…it will be ok.”

Moore: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Moore on May 16, 2023 at the age of 77. Jean was born on March 28, 1946, to Robert and Isabel Sinclair in North Battleford, Sask. Jean is lovingly remembered by: Her children: Sharleen Moore (John Salamon) and their son: Jesse, Edward “Ted” Moore, Kimberley Moore, Tyrel (Reshall) Moore and their children: Corbin, Ryker, and Quinn, her brother: Jim (Gail) Sinclair also numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was predeceased by: Her husband of 52 years: Clifford Moore, her parents: Robert and Isabel Sinclair, her brother and sister: Robert Sinclair and Liz Jensen, her sister/brother-in-law: Cathy and Ron Dryhorub, her niece: Patti Jensen, her parents-in-law: Harold and Marjorie Moore, her brother-in-law: Lorne Moore, her sister/brotherin-law: Lorraine and Tom Deveries. She was predeceased by: Her husband of 52 years: Clifford Moore, her parents: Robert and Isabel Sinclair, her brother and sister: Robert Sinclair and Liz Jensen, her sister/brother-in-law: Cathy and Ron Dryhorub, her niece: Patti Jensen, her parents-in-law: Harold and Marjorie Moore, her brother-in-law: Lorne Moore, her sister/brother-in-law: Lorraine and Tom Deveries. In the spring of 1948, the family moved into North Battleford from Bresaylor. Jean attended school in North Battleford and worked alongside her mother at the lunch counter in the old Kresgie’s department store, she worked at the Snack Shop. She also took on the job of cashier at OK Economy and Norwood Bakery. Jean was very active in a couple of local area clubs that being Whitkow Bucks Only Club, Whitkow Ladies Association, as well she maintained a membership in the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 for numerous years. Jean was very active with the outdoors she could be found out working in her garden and flower beds in the summer. As well enjoyed years of camping and fishing with her family and the “group”. She would go hunting with her husband and kids to where one year she went out and was successful while Cliff was away hunting else where she had to get assistance from the neighbour to load it. Jeans love for her kids and grandchildren was undeniable she would spend as much time as she could with them and through the years kids had moved away, she always stayed in touch through phone calls and special occasion cards which were always signed with “xoxoxo”. On July 4, 2019, Jean was diagnosed with cancer. She spent the next 4 years courageously fighting it through radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and surgery. This fight was right up to the end when she was admitted into Battlefords Union Hospital. Where she passed away surrounded by her family. A Funeral service to celebrate Jean’s life was held Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 1:00 pm in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, North Battleford, SK with Reverend Trevor Malyon officiating. The Eulogy was given by Wilbert Fennig, Honorary pallbearers were Agnes Woroch, Murial Nachtegaele, Connie Fennig, Kathy Gagne, Doreen Rawlyk, Jeanette Swistun and Hedy Wing. Active pallbearers were Murray Sinclair, Jimmy Sinclair, Wyatt Fennig, Michael Sinclair, Mark Fennig and Chance Fennig. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Jean Moore may be made to the STARS Air Ambulance or The Canadian Cancer Society as tokens of remembrance. The family would like to thank the numerous individuals who came to see mom while in the hospital as well the exceptional care by the nursing staff in the COPS section and the staff on 2nd Floor West and 3rd Floor East it was very much appreciated. As well to Dr. Hullar for his exceptional bedside manner and visit from his special little pup which brightened mom’s day. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome. com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir & Delores Beaulac Funeral Directors, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

Landscaping rock for sale must load yourself. Call for information

306-226-4646

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS.

186 Telegraph Road Battleford (behind

Tim’s)

Nykiforuk-Mazurek: In loving memory of Leona Marie Nykiforuk-Mazurek. Born September 7, 1939 at Hafford passed away June 5, 2023 at the Battleford’s Union Hospital. Leona was born to Mike and Mary Chayka on September 7, 1939 in Hafford Saskatchewan. Leona was the middle daughter of three girls. She spent her school years attending a country school near her family homestead in Speers called Tilson School. Later, Leona met the love of her life Stephen Nykiforuk at a local Richard dance. They were married in 1956. They farmed in the Dominion District. Leona continued to farm until her passing. Leona managed family life and had three children. Robert, Diane and Stephanie. She was often involved on the farm. She could drive all machinery as needed at the farm homestead. Leona kept busy raising children while running a farm. Over the years Leona and Stephen acquired more land and cattle. The farm was always a family operation. Leona’s family expanded as the years went by. She loved her family dearly and worked hard to provide for them. Leona loved family gatherings. There was always an abundance of food and ample opportunity to create lasting memories. Christmas was always a special time for the family. Leona always looked forward to church carollers coming to the home to sing, share fellowship, food and drinks. The home was always filled with laughter. Leona and Stephen purchased a home in North Battleford in 1973. They planned to live in town while continuing to farm. Leona was quickly bored living in town, when Stephen left for the farm. Thus she began her career in retail. Her first job was at the Metropolitan Store. She later progressed to manage Reitman’s Ladies wear at the Frontier Mall. She managed Reitman’s from 1975-2010. She loved working in retail. Leona definitely flourished in the retail industry. She received countless awards for her ability to surpass selling targets and for her excellent customer service. Everyone loved her! She had finesse for style and fashion, she quickly becomes known as “Mrs. Reitmans.” Leona and Stephen continued to grow the family farm, while Leona managed the store. Stephen predeceased Leona in 1987. In 1991 Leona married Edward Mazurek and her extended family grew to 34. Leona and Ed loved to connect with family and friends. Leona enjoyed her trips to the United States, Ontario, British Columbia, and Mexico. Leona was thrilled when she was able to travel to Europe to celebrate her 70th birthday. She loved to share about her trip to Rome, especially when she saw the Vatican and the Pope. Leona could also be seen at local auctions and sales. She loved looking for unique treasures. She soon became an avid collector of coke products, beanie babies, and dolls. Her amazing Hummmil collection continued to grow over the years consisting of 400 pieces. Ed predeceased Leona in 2013. Throughout Leona’s life she had a deep reverence for god and the church. She was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic League Association. She enjoyed helping at church functions and held many positions on the church board. She assisted preparing pierogi and cabbage rolls for the church fair booth. Leona loved cooking! She loved to entertain and often had parties with neighbours, friends or colleagues. Leona definitely had a green thumb. Her gardens and flowers definitely kept her busy during the summer months. Her lawn was always well manicured, as she took pride in her outdoor space. We always enjoyed receiving the home grown vegetables in our regular care packages when we visited her. Leona’s laughter was infectious. She loved to visit with others, sharing stories, wisdom, and daily events. She would spend many hours talking on the phone with her sisters about family, politics, and farming. She enjoyed the support of her dearest friend, Zonie Krawchuk as she coped with daily life challenges. You could often find Zonie and Leona sharing laughter and stories with their coffee crew at McDonalds. Leona’s life changed drastically after the loss of her leg in April, 2019. With determination, and persistence she overcame many obstacles to regain her independence. Her strength and positive attitude were inspirational during her recovery. In her final years, Leona resided at Harwood Manor then Caleb Village in North Battleford. The support of home care, allowed her to live independently until her final days. Her independence was very important to Leona. She was able to enjoy her favorite passions of being around family and friends. She continued to go out for coffee, and attend family holidays and celebrations. She enjoyed her trips to Turtle Lake. Leona could often be seen in the evenings playing Kaiser with her Caleb family . Leona has been noted as the Kaiser Queen! Everyone always wanted to be her partner at family gatherings. Left to cherish Leona’s memory: her loving children and grandchildren: Robert Nykiforuk –Justin, Lance, Trey & Chayse; Diane and Bill Newell – Tyler (Vanya), Tanya; Stephanie (Bill) Lewis - Brandon & Kolby; two sisters: Annie Swystun & Muriel Gruber; her nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents: Mike & Mary Chayka; husbands: Stephen Nykiforuk & Edward Mazurek. What a legacy, what a life!!! Leona will be missed by family and friends. She will be forever living in the hearts of those she touched…….”for nothing ever loved, is ever lost” GOOD BYE BABA------WE LOVE YOU!!!!

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of a wonderful man named Ted Tylucki. Ted passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023 in Hafford, Saskatchewan

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of CLARENCE

MELVIN SPENCE, late of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, deceased. ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 14th day of July, 2023.

Battle River Law

KOPP: Mrs. Violet Kopp passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 97 years. Left to cherish Mom’s memory are her six loving children: James (Judy) Kopp, Debbie (Jim) Anderson, Sandra (Alvin) Kopp, Mildred (Terry) Nyholt, Wayne (Cathy) Kopp, Matthew (Maureen) Kopp; 15 grandchildren, 26 greatgrandchildren and three greatgreat-grandchildren; her sisters: Jane Tirk, Lillian Nydeggar; brother, Roman Beckman; brother-in-law, Edward (Regina) Kopp; sisters-in-law: Rose Kopp and Joyce Kopp. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bud Kopp; her grandson, Keith Kopp; her parents: Ben and Mary Beckman; brother, Joe and sister-in-law, Tillie Beckman; her brother, Eugene and sister-in-law, Janet Beckman; brother, Lloyd and sister-in-law, Perry Beckman; her sister, Marianne and brother-in-law, Lyle Hammond; sister, Darlene and brother-in-law, George Malner; sister-in-law, Gladys Beckman; brother-in-law, Joe Tirk; along with all of the families on Dad’s side that have gone before us.

Farewell and thank you Mom we all love you -

James, Debbie, Sandra, Mildred, Wayne, Matthew Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, held at St. Vital Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Sebastian Kunnath as celebrant. Private Family Interment followed at the Town of Battleford Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Violet Kopp can be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 100-119 14 Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium - Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

-Adrian Edwards 306-441-0946 Valleyhills Angus - Glaslyn, SK

HIP/KNEE

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Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix of the Estate of Clarence Melvin Spence

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of TAMMY MARIE MACCORMACK, late of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, deceased. ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 23rd day of June, 2023.

Battle River Law

Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executors of the Estate of Tammy Marie MacCormack

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of KELLEY RAY BAHREY, late of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, deceased. ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 14th day of July, 2023. Battle River Law

1948 - June 9, 2016

Eternal

In MemoryLovingof

FOR SALE - MISC OBITUARIES GARAGE SALES OBITUARIES FUNERAL SERVICES WANTED LIVESTOCK HEALTH SERVICES IN MEMORIAM FINANCIAL SERVICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca 2691 - 98th St., North Battleford (306) 445-7570 24 hours 1332 - 100th St., North Battleford (306) 446-4200 24 hours Trevor and Adria Watts - Owners

May 26, 1920

June 20, 2004

Neilson Families

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of ALBERT RONALD DARRAGH, late of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 14th day of July, 2023. Battle River Law

Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors

201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3

Solicitors for the Executors of the Estate of Albert Ronald Darragh

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THE ESTATE OF DON CEY HIGHPLAINS CLYDSDALES

TIMELINE AUCTION OPENS JUNE 15th

8 AM CLOSES JUNE 25th NOON

Unity, SK NW 01-38-23 W3rd

DIRECTIONS: From Unity 31 km south on Hwy 21 to Grid # 380, west 1.7 km to Rge Rd 231 North 1 km

• SHOW HARNESS • SHOW WAGONS

• ANTIQUE TRACTORS FRONT END LOADER TRACTORS

• FLAT BED TRAILERS STOCK TRAILERS AND MUCH MORE FOR EQUIPMENT QUESTIONS CALL DAN 306-270-8834. www.fellauctions.com

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Meota No. 468 (RM) intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007. A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 02/2011 known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

battlefords humane society

I have a tonnn of energy so I like to spend my free time outside playing with my doggy friends!

Boy am I ever excited to tell you a bit about myself! I am a huge lover, and need to be in a home with another feline to play with and hopefully become buddies with!

battlefordshumanesociety.com

INTENT: To add Communal Boat Docks as an allowable accessory use within the Lakeshore Residential Districts. Rezoning all of Lots 18A & 19A, Block 2, Plan 102399767, lying within NW ¼ 17-47-16-W3M to LR1 – Lakeshore Residential [currently zoned partially A1 –Agricultural District and LR1 – Lakeshore Residential District].

AFFECTED LAND: Lands within the LR1 & LR2 – Lakeshore Residential Districts will be affected by the amendment.

REASON: The Zoning Bylaw did not outline communal boat docks as an allowable use. Council wanted to allow Communal Boat Docks as a use to accommodate options for residences to have access to boat docking facilities. Communal Boat Docks will not require a development permit where licencing is required. Additionally, a definition has been added for Communal Boat Docks.

Correct the split zoning of Lot 18A & Lot 19A, Block 2, Plan 102399767.

AUCTIONS

BOECHLER-SCHIRA AUCTIONEERING

Join The Auction Action Team

Upcoming Sales:

June 17th- Alma & Kevin Latus Farm Sale- Spiritwood

2006 Case IH MXM 130 Tractor w/ Loader, Case IH HDX 162 16ft Haybine, Morris 14 Bale Wagon/self loading, Full of farm machinery, 2016 Duralite Stock Trailer, Cattle handling, Shop, Yard.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM Office during regular business hours, excluding statutory holidays. Hard copies will be available to the public at a cost at the RM Office. Digital copies can be obtained by contacting the Municipal Planner (robin@northboundplanning.ca; (306) 873-2200).

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

www.buhfoundation.com at Blend Kitchen & Bar Wed., June 21/23 at 6:30 PM

To reserve your spot to attend the AGM, please contact the BUH Foundation office at:

The 22/23 BUH Foundation Annual Report will be available for pick up at the BUH Foundation

July 8th- Rene & Pauline Nicolas Acreage, Shop Sale – Shell Lake

August 26th

Consignment Sale Medstead Hall, 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

Check our Website and Facebook page for sale details Call Kelly @ 306-386-7110 or Marlene @ 306-883-8610

www.boechlerschiraauction.com

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing at 1:30 PM on July 5th, 2023, in the RM office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Public may attend meetings via teleconference or in person. If you wish to attend the meeting via teleconference, please contact the RM Administrator, Kirk Morrison, at cao@ rmmeota468.ca requesting a meeting link invitation. Council will also consider written comments received on or before June 30th, 2023, by the undersigned at the RM office by hardcopy or email before the hearing. The RM office is located at 300 1st Street East, Meota, SK, S0M 1X0. The RM Office contact information: (306) 892-2061 or development@ rmmeota468.ca.

Issued by the Rural Municipality of Meota No. 468 this June 8, 2023.

Robin Bloski, BA (Hons), RPP, MCIP Development Officer / Municipal Planner RM of Meota No. 468

SK LIC.#316339

AB LIC.#348325

From the Pastor’s Desk

Fathers to be celebrated

By Pastor David L. Walker Turtleford Baptist Church

Hello there once again. No, you didn’t overlook last month’s write-up, but we do have some catching up to do. Due to surgery, I was unable to submit an article for last month. I believe we only had 19 out for the last GGMH but as always lots

FARM SERVICES

Integrity Post

Frame Buildings

SINCE 2008

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

1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www.

brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

of good music, singing and fellowship. We had a great Mother’s Day, and although many mothers were away, that didn’t stop us from giving a special gift to the oldest mother, the youngest mother and the mother with the most children present. Every woman also received a long stem carnation. One

LAND WANTED

of the greatest blessings of the day was handing out a carnation to many ladies in a local restaurant. Although we ran out of flowers, the appreciation was overwhelming. Next year we hope to see that every woman receives one.

The morning message was taken from Genesis chapter 4, where we talked about Eve’s hope, her heartache and her happiness. Her first child, the loss of a son and a substitute son

CAREER

whose son brought revival. Eve couldn’t forget, but she did recover. God always brings recovering love, because His grace is always sufficient.

The next GGMH will be June 25 at 6 p.m. Why not come prepared to sing or play?

We are happy to announce that we had 40 present at the Victoria Day weekend worship service even with some away. If you are looking for a no-

Transfer Station Operator (CASUAL)

The R.M. of Meota No. 468 requires a casual transfer station operator.

Transfer Station

Location – Highway #4 just north of Cochin

Hours – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

nonsense church to attend, without drama and where the God-inspired word is taught, look no further. Services are at 11 a.m. each Sunday with coffee at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday is Father’s Day, and every man will receive a token of appreciation just for being present. June 25 will also be a busy day. Peter and Linda Stuart and family, who are missionaries in Brazil will be with us. Peter is a pilot and they will be sharing in the morning service. A pot providence meal will follow in the lower auditorium. Everyone welcome. Until next time, keep looking up, Jesus is coming back.

Baljennie News

By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent

TENDERS

TOWN OF BATTLEFORD

OFFERS FOR SALE BY TENDER TAX TITLE PROPERTIES:

LOTS 18-31, BLOCK 12, PLAN H2770

TITLE ACRES .98 IN BATTLEFORD, SASK.

LOTS 18-31, BLOCK 17, PLAN G3984

TITLE ACRES .98 IN BATTLEFORD, SASK.

LOTS 25-27, BLOCK 23, PLAN G3984.

TITLE ACRES .21 IN BATTLEFORD, SASK.

The above lots are being offered for sale by tender. Highest or any offer not necessarily accepted. Purchaser is responsible for costs of Title transfer.

SEALED TENDERS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED BY MAIL ONLY TO: TOWN OF BATTLEFORD

BOX 40, BATTLEFORD, SASK. S0M 0E0 TENDERS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN JULY 10, 2023

IF ANY QUESTION, CALL 306-937-6200 Dated June 15, 2023

GAIL ADAMS FINANCE SUPERVISOR

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

North West College North West College is Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Position: Manager, Learning Services

Posting #48-BC-2324

Our clients come to North West College with the goal of improving the quality of life for themselves, their families and communities.

As the Manager, Learning Services you will play an integral part in supporting those goals by providing leadership to the areas of Adult Basic Education, Learning Services – Education Resources and Education Technology, and English as an Additional Language throughout the College region.

North West College is looking for an energetic, progressive individual to reflect our values of Excellence and Innovation; being Responsive to the needs of our clients while maintaining the Integrity of program content and delivery. This is an out-ofscope position reporting to the VP Academic

This full-time, permanent position can work out of either our Battlefords Campus or our Meadow Lake Campus.

This position offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package. For a complete position profile visit www.northwestcollege.ca

Applications will be received until Tuesday June 27, 2023, noon, via email to nwrccareers@northwestcollege.ca or fax to (306)445-2254.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.northwestcollege.ca

Days – Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday

Pay Rate – $18.40/hr

Duties include selling garbage tags, receiving payment for bulk waste disposal, record keeping and directing customers to the appropriate waste and recycling bins.

Interested applicants must forward a resume by email to cao@rmmeota468.ca by Friday June 23, 2023 at 10:00 am.

We thank all interested applicants, only the successful applicant will be contacted

THIRD AVENUE UNITED CHURCH requires a Part-time OFFICE CO-ORDINATOR approximately 20 hours per week

• The successful applicant will be a mature individual with good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

• Computer experience in word processing and accounting is necessary

• Responsibilities will include secretarial and financial functions, as well as management of the rental of church facilities

Closing date for applications is June 30, 2023

Position to commence at a date mutually determined with successful candidate

Please send resume with references to: Ministry and Personnel Committee Third Avenue United Church 1301 – 102nd St. North Battleford, SK S9A 1G4

For further information you may call 306-445-8539

Visiting with Stanley and Dorothy Mills was their only daughter Elaine Theriault of Mississauga, Ont. and their youngest son Glen Mills of Penticton, B.C. They spent nearly a week at our place. Clean-up day was held at St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Baljennie. Not too many turned out so a big thank you goes to those who did the job.

A car club show was held at Fred Light Museum in Battleford. There were many entries of all sorts and models of cars and trucks. It was well attended.

The Western Development Museum in North Battleford had two busy days June 8 and 9 with school days for busloads of mostly Grade 4 students. They had activities inside and outside to help keep the children interested. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who came out.

Coming up June 21 is Indigenous Peoples Day. People are holding a traditional powwow. There will be competitions for all age groups. All proceeds go to Star Children. Everyone is welcome.

July 12 at 6 p.m., the Western Development Museum is holding a volunteer appreciation night in the Heritage Hall. Please let Heather know if you can attend before June 30.

Continued on Page 23

AUTO MECHANIC

A & M Auto Center is looking for a full time Auto Mechanic - will train.

This person will learn to perform repair and maintenance on vehicles.

You must have a valid driver’s license, and be mechanically inclined.

Hours are 8am-5pm Monday to Friday

Salary is paid hourly

Apply in person with your resumé by June 30th.

Students explore historic school days

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Congratulations to Maidstone Ice Arena’s June Trip of the Month winners: Jasper, Alta. trip ($3230.76 value) – Nadine Nichol and Holly, Saskatoon; ticket money back - Stephen and Christine Myer, Maidstone.

Check Maidstone Disc Golf’s league leaderboard for current standings. Last week’s lucky league-drawn prize winners were Carley DeJong and Matt Sayers.

Ms. Whiting, Mrs. Rhinehart and Mrs. Stonehouse brought the pre-kin-

dergarten class to Maidstone Museum on June 8. The children dressed up in old clothes, played outdoor games and went on a “Teddy Bear Hunt.” One teddy was getting a haircut in the barber shop and another was in jail in the Stone House. More school tours will be happening in June. The museum board held their monthly meeting June 12 with seven members present. With regular business taken care of, Canada Day plans were the main topic. The town will be alive with action and the museum will be no exception. Posters outlin-

ing all the activities will be out soon. Remember to get your tickets on the museum’s raffle with the draw being made July 1. The programs we provide can only happen with your support. We’re looking forward to an exciting summer.

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club held awards night Friday, June 9 began with a potluck supper. Awards were presented as follows: questionnaireJayce Myer; record books, Cloverbuds - McKennley Rhinehart, runner-up Jason Mosher; Junior MultipleLogan Gerlinsky, runner-

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club celebrated achievements with an awards night June 9. Back row - Lucas Kinchen, Tristan Blyth, Saidai Mosher, Emily Young, Jayce Myer, Kayden Tuplin, Logan Gerlinsky; middle row - Jason Mosher, Harper Johnston, Kayden Valliere-Cooke, Kyden Rhinehart, Karli Myer, Mickey Blyth;

up Jacob Gerlinsky; Intermediate Multiple - Jayce Myer, runner-up Tristan Blyth; Junior Livestock, Kayden Tuplin; Intermediate Livestock, Isabelle Harbin, runner-up Mickey Blyth; Grand Aggregate, Cloverbuds - Olivia Carson, Jason Mosher, Landen Myer, McKennley Rhinehart, Charles Sutherland, Kacey Valliere-Cooke;

Junior Multiple - Karli Myer, runner-up Logan Gerlinsky; Intermediate Multiple - Jayce Myer, runner-up Jayce Myer; Junior Livestock, Kayden Tuplin; Intermediate Livestock, Mickey Blyth, runner-up Isabelle Harbin. Twenty members received completion plaques. Sponsors were thanked and those attending re-

ceived certificates. Leader plaques were given to Deiedra Blyth – general leader; Mary-Ann Carson – Curious Cats, Woodworking and assistant general leader; Christine Myer – assistant general leader; Mark Gerlinsky – Archery; Kristin Shantz – Canine and Vintage Cooking; Heather Gerlinsky – Cloverbuds

Continued on Page 23

More Maidstone News

Continued from Page 22 and Coffee Club; Kaitlynn Johnston – Crafts; Louise Sroka – Lighthorse; Amanda Tuplin – Outdoors; Colette Carson –Sheep. Thank you to all the sponsors, leaders and parents for a fantastic year. The year-end wind-up will be celebrated on Saturday, June 17 starting at 11 a.m. at Explosion Gymnastics followed by an afternoon picnic and fun at Bud Miller Park.

There are 10 minor ball teams in town, all Maidstone Lakers and I’ll do what I can to find game results, but it will sure help if a team rep sends results to me on FB Messenger.

The U11 Maidstone Lakers girls took gold in their home tourney last weekend. The out-of-town teams had great things

to say about Maidstone’s diamonds and facilities. Thanks to everyone who stepped up to the plate to get things in tip-top condition.

U11 provincial Lakers boys were in Macklin last weekend for a tournament.

In the first game, they played Unity 2 and won 142, second game they won 7-3 against Macklin 2, took the third game on Sunday 11-2 over Luseland and clinched the championship with a 9-5 win against Unity 1. Way to play, team!

On June 10, The U13 Maidstone Lakers boys had a great day at the diamonds, taking both games against Meadow Lake Sox 13-2 and 21-12. In Meadow Lake for another doubleheader on June 11, they won 26-7 and 28-13. It’s off to Okotoks, Alta. next

weekend for the Dawgs 13U Father’s Day Classic. If you can’t get there to watch this top-notch tournament, check out the live action at www.seasoncast. com under 13U Maidstone Lakers.

The U13 girls had a winning day last Saturday to gain a trip to the semifinals in Lloydminster on Sunday.

U13 girls’ provincial team played Battleford Bandits in their semifinal but lost out on a place in the finals.

The U15 Lakers had a doubleheader against Prince Albert Royals, losing the first game 12-9 but pulling out the win in the second 18-13.

Standard Hill Lakers are tied 5-0 at the top of the NSRBL. They played North Battleford Beavers

June 6, winning 11-8 and won over Lloydminster Twins 12-5 on June 8. They play in Meadow Lake June 13 at 6:30 p.m., host Glaslyn at 6:30 on June 15 and Unity June 20 at 6:30.

The Standard Hill Lakers slo-pitch tournament at Silver Lake was a success with seven teams playing over the three-day event.

Team “No Simpily” came out on top. Everyone looks forward to next year’s tournament June 7 to 9, 2024.

More Baljennie

Continued from Page 21

Many have been plagued with ticks. The bugs like to feed on humans and pets, so take care while out in wooded or grassy areas.

Many fires are burning in many parts of Canada resulting in smoky conditions that make it difficult for some to be outdoors. We do need rain and wind

Water safety instructor, Sadie Taves, will have two rounds of swimming lessons at Silver Lake from July 31 to Aug. 4 and Aug.

7 to 11. Preschool $45 and swimmer $50. Etransfer or cash payments are accepted. Contact sadietaves@ icloud.com or 1-639-8447454.

Waseca Community Day will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a full day of activities for all ages. For

to move the smoke along. Spring seeding is complete. Farmers are now busy with spraying operations.

A big thank you to Becky Doig for her recent letter to the editor on the loss of some of our country correspondents. Just too bad no one seems to be interested in taking over. Our readers who receive the Battlefords Regional

more information email wasecacommunitycenter@ gmail.com. Vendor registrants for the outdoor market, please call Gloria at 306-830-0861, Sandra at 780-872-8008 or Shannon at 306-208-0665.

Reminders

June 16 - Waseca Community Centre Father’s Day Baking Bingo 7 p.m.

June 18 - Waseca Recreation Board Father’s Day Brunch 11 a.m. at Waseca Memorial Hall

News-Optimist first look for the country news. The local newspaper goes out to many homes and those people who have left their original communities are looking for news from home and find it good reading. Thank you to those who are still reporting. Just keep it up. Readers look for that type of news.