Regional News-Optimist June 29, 2023

Reconciliation shutters one of

oldest historic sites – The Fort

less-thansavoury parts of Canada’s history run the risk of being forgotten, including the seemingly abandoned Fort Battleford National Historic Site.

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

BATTLEFORD — A

line of children with red

face paint swirled in the shape of a maple leaf wait

impatiently for Canada Day cake, anticipating scavenger hunts or seeing cannons fired during live demonstrations. The late autumn ghost tours see tales of long-dead settlers

recounted to teenagers by candlelight inside buildings reeking of old sweat and dried wood sap. Scores of guests from across Canada line up at gifts shops and for horse-drawn wagons, or mull over artifacts and read signs at one of Saskatchewan’s three oldest national historic sites.

Or at least, they used to.

The Fort Battleford National Historic Site, a former stronghold for the North West Mounted Police, currently celebrating its 147th birthday following its establishment in 1876, reeks of history. The site is desperate to tell the story of Colonel Otter and his attack on Chief Poundmaker and his people, the 1885 rebellion as Indigenous people sought to stand up to the Canadian Government and the subsequent largest mass execution in Canada.

The site looks north toward the Town of Battl-

eford, nearly 400 kilometres northwest of the province’s current capital of Regina, and south toward the remnants of a residential school and the former capital of the North West Territories.

This year, 2023, marks 100 years since the fort and many other NWMP strongholds across the country were among the first sites to be recognized for their historical value in 1923.

Today, all that remains of the once-thriving historic site are locked buildings and boarded-up windows, pamphlets that walk guests through self-guided tours of the grounds, and

Continued on Page 6

Traditional Powwow

The Western Development Museum in North Battleford hosted a traditional powwow on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Visit SASKTODAY.ca for more photos. | Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

The flags of 11 local Indigenous communities are flying at Fort Battleford, but not much else is happening. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

Diamond rededicated as Al Keller Field

Ballantyne gets 8 years for Gatzke murder

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, 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.

By Lisa Joy

SASKTODAY.ca

Verna Onofriechuck (wife of Dwayne), Crystal Onofriechuck (daughter of Verna and Dwayne), Dwayne Onofriechuck (Vickie’s brother), Miranda Onofriechuck (daughter of Verna and Wayne), Vickie Keller (Al’s wife), Nancy Keller (Al’s mom), Shay Keller (wife of Nathan), Rory Keller (Nathan and Shay’s daughter), Nathan Keller (Al and Vickie’s son), Josh Keller (Jason and Shannon’s son), Brett Allan Keller (Nathan and Shay’s son), Alexis Keller (daughter of Jason and Shannon), Shannon Keller (wife of Jason) and Jason Keller (Al’s brother).

By Averil Hall

Freelance Photographer / Reporter

On Sunday, June 25, at the Civic Centre number 4 diamond, the Battlefords Minor Baseball Association hosted a ceremony to rededicate the diamond, officially naming it “Al Keller Field”. The Keller family was in attendance for the event.

Clint Gieni, past president of Battlefords Minor Baseball, mentioned this is only the third time in Battlefords baseball history that he can recall where a venue has been renamed as a reminder of someone’s contributions. The first was the Ken Nelson diamond (player and coach and baseball builder), the second was Ray Hickson, a real supporter of baseball and a true builder of the sport (the building behind known as the Hickson Hut).

Nathan Keller (Al and Vickie’s son) said that Al was a player, a coach and an umpire throughout his whole life and he loved

Vickie Keller cuts the ribbon to officially name the number 4 diamond as Al Keller Field as Clint Gieni, past president of the Battlefords Minor Baseball Inc., looks on.

| Photos by Averil Hall / the game. This re-dedication means a lot to have his name on this diamond and is a testament to the amount of time he helped with baseball and related

activities in this community and others.

Gieni described Keller as a player’s umpire.

“He always chatted with the coaches, batters, and particularly the catchers. Al spent a lot of his time as a catcher in his time so he knew how important the outside corner pitch was to the catcher and to the pitcher.”

Vickie Keller (wife of Al Keller) said her husband was modest, but that she has a “box of trophies and loads of baseball memorabilia and a scrapbook of stats that would speak to Al’s many, many accomplishments as a player and later on as a coach.”

He was a team player, she said, who always did everything he could to make baseball the best experience possible for everyone.

Al Keller passed away Nov. 9, 2019, at the age of 50 years.

A 28-year-old Edam man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Ryan Gatzke’s death was sentenced Thursday of last week in Battleford Court of King’s Bench to eight years in prison.

With credit for 1,134 days he served while on remand, Jacob Ballantyne has 1,221 days left to serve, or three-and-a-half

years. Justice Daryl Labach also banned Ballantyne from owning weapons for life and ordered him to provide his DNA to the National DNA Data Bank.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt and defence counsel Tim Nolin had entered a joint sentencing submission to the court last week.

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

In April, a trial was

In February 2022, Charles Lewis McLean pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. In February, Isaac Melko pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12-years in prison.

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.

COPP volunteer serves 100 patrols

being another set of eyes and ears for crime prevention. The main activity is conducting vehicular patrols within the Battlefords and reporting suspicious activity directly to the RCMP or CSOs.

Battlefords COPP member Don Elliot has participated in 100 patrols in his role of keeping the Battlefords safe and secure for citizens. | Photo courtesy Battlefords COPP

SASKTODAY.ca

Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) presented patroller Don Elliot with a ceremonial medal at their recent monthly meeting in recognition of him surpassing 100 volunteer patrols.

COPP is a non-profit, volunteer crime prevention organization whose vision is to support crime-free communities where everyone feels safe and secure.

COPP works closely with the RCMP, Community and Public Safety Officers within the Battlefords in

COPP also operate a secure, confidential security camera registry whereby property owners may register information about their outdoor security cameras for more efficient use by protective services within the Battlefords.

What’s remarkable about Elliot’s achievement in surpassing 100 patrols is that he also volunteers large amounts of time with other groups such as Battlefords Search and Rescue, Northwest Hockey Development Association, the Dekker Centre and the Western Development Museum, while working part-time.

Jacob Ballantyne was sentenced in Battleford Court of King’s Bench to eight years in prison. | Photo by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

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.

Embracing food forests as sustainable solution to food security

Reprinted from Yorkton This Week

Much has been written in recent years about the need to ensure food security.

The idea has led to far more rules and regulations for producers and processors in terms of being able to trace food virtually from the kitchen table back to the producer should a problem arise in regards to food safety. That’s generally a good thing although some will question who ultimately pays for the systems put in place.

Still when food is being delivered from countries half way around the world, and hauled in trucks across the continent to fill local store shelves, a level of trust has to exist for consumers, and traceability plays a big part in building that trust.

But there is another way to address food security, and that is by taking a greater level of self control over the food we source and eat.

Somehow over the years we have largely abandoned growing our own food.

Go back even a couple of decades and backyard gardens were rather common in a city like Yorkton.

Today, they are an ever-rarer occurrence.

We have largely given up on hoeing the weeds in a vegetable garden in favour of mowing some grass, or sitting in the sun over a patch of crushed rock.

Instead of spending time preserving what we might grow in our yards we opt to head to the grocery store – a trip that recently has seemed to be an ever more expensive outing.

There are signs we might be edging back toward growing some of our food.

For example, one needs to applaud local efforts to get the city on side with allowing backyard honey bees.

Of course one might not applaud the city too loudly in that one since backyard laying hens – safe in multiple major cities – was deemed unsafe for our rural-based community.

But, back to a positive, with Parkland College hosting a grand opening of their recently planted Campus Food Forest June 14.

The concept of ‘Food Forest’ – established at College Trades and Technology Centre in Yorkton -- is a step toward food security for college students and the community, offered Kami DePape, Vice President, Academics with the college.

“Food insecurity is a growing concern across Canada and around the world,” she said.

The trees in the small ‘forest’ is a way to help, with the fruit once the trees become productive, being available for anyone to harvest.

It’s a small step, but one which could ripple through our city in a positive way.

Imagine Food Forests at each school yard in the city – providing not just food, but educational opportunities regarding healthy food.

Or, how about at the Scout Hall, churches, or for example at Patrick Park where some have suggested a few more trees would add to the disc golf course – why not apple or pear trees?

And, there are city boulevards. In Saskatoon there is a program where boulevard gardens can be established, so why not here?

Collectively, we could inch back to greater selfcontrol of our food. Let’s hope the college effort starts the ball rolling.

Letter Bless neighbours

Dear Editor

In my golden years of existence, a man violated me by purposely exposing himself to me completely naked atop a fence cackling while playing with himself. He was criminally charged, cuffed and taken away; sentence pending. Law prevailed. Kind neighbours are blessings.

Adela Vibar Battleford

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher Administration

Kylie Cooke • Elisha Parkinson • DTI/Receptionist

Editorial Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca

Miguel Fenrich Reporter

Advertising Sales

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

In 1870, i.e. 153 years ago, Jules Vern’s novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea” became obligatory reading for the young. Fourteen years before 1912 a novel about an ill-fated ship which hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic was published. The ship named Futility was subsequently renamed Titan. The fatal fascination for exploring led to the recent Titan submersible disaster. The Titanic itself claimed eight lives during construction, 1,500 lives when it sank and has now claimed another five.

Here is a rhetorical question – would I allow myself with others to be bolted into a sealed container less than the size of an extended SUV with no way of escape and free float untethered to the bot-

tom of the ocean? I would not even go in the submarine in the West Edmonton mall. Equally, would I rocket into the stratosphere in a small capsule designed to parachute into water for the pleasure of 15 seconds of gravity-free terror or excitement?

The 1912 Titanic disaster was evidence of man’s desire to push boundaries coupled with recklessness and overconfidence.

Auxiliary Donates

As with the Titan capsule which imploded, the design of the Titanic was faulty as it broke in two because it was perhaps too long and flooded uncontrollably once its hull had been ruptured. Would the hull have folded if the ship was only supported at each end? The Titan capsule was making its fourth dive – was it structurally assessed after each dive? It seems to me that ultra-deep diving is about as safe as early flight.

When in Edmonton in 2012, we took in the centennial Titanic exhibition and extravaganced on two egg cups which are replicas of those supplied to the White Star line by the famous Liverpool tableware merchant called Stoniers.

In the photograph you can see the White Star flag and crest. The date underneath has an error – the Titanic disaster occurred in April, the fourth month and not

in March, the third month. Am I sitting on a fortune?

Three disasters at sea – the Titanic, the sinking of the Princess Victoria off Scotland in 1953 and the sinking of the Italian cruise ship, the Costa Concordia in 2012, all were blamed on one person, namely the captain. Captain Smith of the Titanic sailed recklessly into a field of icebergs. Captain Ferguson of the Princess Victoria, determined to maintain a schedule, set forth into a gale in a ship of a design known to be inadequate. Captain Schettino of the Costa Concordia foolishly changed course and sailed into a channel too narrow for his vessel. These are examples where major decisions were made by a single person. In the case of the Titan capsule, Stockton Rush, co-founder, promoter and captain aggressively promoted a new, relatively unproven design.

I have been reflecting that at the helm of this country for the last eight years, we have had a determined, charismatic, illprepared visionary whose ideas seem to predominate and who appears to govern single-handedly. Some might make a comparison as to how Putin has been governing Russia. Captains are fallible – we must choose wisely.

A replica of an egg cup supplied to the White Star line by the famous Liverpool tableware merchant called Stoniers. | Photo submitted

The Villa Pascal Ladies Auxiliary recently $1,500 to the Villa Pascal Recreation Department for a fire table to enjoy in the courtyard and for transportation to resident outings. The group also recently presented a $7,000 donation to the Villa Pascal Administration for life-enhancing needs of the residents. Standing: Koreen Bauer - recreation staff; Lorraine Douville - Villa Pascal Auxiliary member; Iris Wog - Villa Pascal Auxiliary member, and; Karen Pernala - recreation coordinator. Seated: Manda and Ron Moffat - Villa residents. | Photo submitted

Reconciliation shutters Fort Battleford

Continued from Page 1 the sound of the wind as it whistles over gopher holes and not-so-recently mowed grass. Peering in dark windows at the shuttered visitor centre shows cluttered tables and ladders lying on the floor. All you hear as you wander the empty grounds, other than the odd John Deere tractor piloted by one of the few remaining employees or volunteers, is the flapping of newly erected flags on shiny metal poles staring out over the empty grounds, bearing the flags of 11 local Indigenous communities.

The History of Fort Battleford?

The story often told in the Battlefords about the fort’s historical importance in Canada follows Chief Poundmaker marching to Battleford, with the terrified residents of the Battlefords scuttling behind the safety of the fort’s walls. This ended in the “sack of Battleford” and the valiant defence of Colonel Otter at the Battle of Cut Knife. This is while the government viewed the formation of a Métis government at Batoche as an open attack on its sovereignty and Big Bear at fault for the Frog Lake Massacre.

It’s important to note that this story was integral at the time as the Canadian

A

government sought to enforce the Indian Act. John A. Macdonald said, “The great aim of our legislation has been to do away with the tribal system and to assimilate the Indian people in all aspect with other inhabitants of the Dominion as speedily as they are they fit for the change.”

Fort Battleford grew from 12 men to over 200 in just over 10 years, becoming a hub for the Canadian government’s military operations during the 1885 Rebellion.

The three-month rebellion ended with the fall of Batoche, the surrender of Louis Riel, the Battle of Loon Lake and Poundmaker’s

National Historic Site warns of

surrender in the span of a month. Fort Battleford then became known as the site of the largest mass hanging in Canada, with eight Indigenous leaders charged with treason and executed on Nov. 27.

| Photo by Miguel Fenrich of the time believed there was value in telling this story, and the Government of Canada began to run the facility, most recently issuing an updated management plan in 2017 that might explain the recent changes to the Fort.

“The executions of the Indians ought to convince the Red Man that the White Man governs,” said MacDonald, finally cementing the government’s hold over Indigenous people as they sought to “settle” what they considered empty prairies.

Fort Battleford maintained a police presence in the area but was decommissioned in 1924, a year after its designation. In 1951, the government

Public Presentation about the land of Israel

You are invited to attend a public presentation about the land of Israel and why it plays an important part in the history of the world, why is it important today, and what does the future hold for this nation?

The Story That Remains for Fort Battleford

“The Government is committed to preserving our natural and cultural heritage ... At the same time, we must continue to offer new and innovative visitor and outreach programs and activities so that more Canadians can experience Parks Canada places and learn about our environment, history and culture.”

That is a quote from then Minister of Environment and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, taken from the foreword of Fort Battleford’s 2017 management plan, a plan likely undertaken during the first two years of a new government following the 2015 election the saw the Liberals sweep to a majority government — a government that thought the 94 calls to reconciliation should be undertaken in full.

The newly elected government, and by extension Parks Canada,must have still seen value in Fort Battleford at the time of the plan, noting that they antic-

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Beginning Friday, June 30th at 7:00 pm

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ipated the continuation of programming and hoped to see an increase in visitors above the yearly average of 5,000. They imagined a future in the 2030s where the fort is thriving and tells the history of the government on the prairies and its role in the “events” of 1885.

“As visitors explore the site, they feel a connection with its history, and the larger national narrative that comprises the network of historic sites across the country,” notes their website, further noting that visitors would discover meaningful Indigenous presence related to the site.

“That enriched visitor experience is achieved through the significant involvement and engagement of Indigenous partners,” their website says, though there is no information as to who these partners are.

The 2017 plan noted three concerns for the park in the future, including: need for additional stakeholder support; decline in visitation over the last several years attributed to a lack of awareness in local and regional communities and interaction with programming;

and despite a desire to continue working with Indigenous partners, a weakening of those relationships.

Essentially, they were expecting and working towards seeing Fort Battleford grow and develop, attracting more visitors, undertaking more development in their programming, and continuing to educate Canadians on a dark chapter of our shared history, not unlike the government’s recent push to never forget about residential schools.

Now, instead of being open from Mid-May until September, with residents engaging in Canada Day festivities and ghost walks, touring the buildings and learning about that history, the Fort’s season runs from June 5 to Sept. 1. On a warm sunny day in the middle of June, only two cars were sitting in the staff parking lot.

The odd visitor posting

on Facebook or Twitter notes that the place feels abandoned, and with the joint desire to grow the fort’s programming and attract more people, with the capacity the site boasts, holding approximately 8,000 to 10,000 visitors, the question is what happened between 2017 and 2023?

Fort Battleford in 2023

Now, only six years after an ambitious plan, a self-guide leaflet tells the story of the now-called 1885 Resistance in both English, Cree and French, while the flags from Red Pheasant, Poundmaker, Sweetgrass, Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man and Stony Knoll First Nations fly above plaques detailing the stories of Indigenous people with ancestral ties to the land.

Now, the story represented at Fort Battleford says that after being denied food despite their treaty rights after the decimation of the buffalo, Chief Poundmaker and his band make the 65-kilometre walk while starving, begging the Indian Agent for food. Upon arrival, they were denied, and a few young men and women took some food from the empty town, where white men later looted the town.

Chief Poundmaker, despite his attempts to show that he was loyal to the Crown, was tried for treason and found guilty by a jury after a two-day trial and a 30-minute deliberation.

But not unlike other governments, ranging from Japan’s denial of World War II war crimes or the U.S. government still not having officially apologized for their actions against Native Americans, is it wrong for Canada to be uneasy about telling dark stories about our history and the actions of that government?

Inexplicably, Fort Battleford is the only government-run national historic site in Saskatchewan that has fallen trap to this sense of abandonment.

Continued on Page 8

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Pursuant to subsection 56(1) of The Bank Act (Canada) (the “BA”), notice is hereby given of the issuance, under section 35 of the BA, of letters patent continuing Innovation Credit Union, a credit union incorporated under the Credit Union Act (Saskatchewan), as a federal credit union under the BA, under the name INNOVATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION effective June 23, 2023; and under subsection 48(3) of the BA, of an order authorizing Innovation Federal Credit Union to commence and carry on business, effective June 23, 2023.

This will be a FREE PRESENTATION based upon historical facts and prophecies made in the Bible that have come to pass before our very eyes.

sign at the walkway entering Fort Battleford

the gopher holes proliferating the grounds.

T’Neale Bosman

Alex Whitton Dana Bjornsson

Kim Pooyak

Thomas Schwab

Courtney Winfield

Esther Sunchild

Meighan McGraw Raynee Whitecap

Henri Bernier

Fort Battleford’s future?

Continued from Page 6

Fort Walsh, another fortress for the NWMP described as having the primary goal of establishing a government presence specifically to implement Canadian law, is thriving via guided tours, interpretative exhibits, workshops, and Indigenous Culture Camps. Fort Walsh will even see The Steele’s Scouts Commemorative Militia Cavalry arrive at the end of July, recreating a militia that was part of putting down the “rebellion”, “resistance” or “events” of 1885.

The Motherwell Homestead has motorized vehicles for those with accessibility needs available in their open visitor centre, Barred Rock chickens and other farm animals are cared for and available for viewing, and guided school groups can explore the buildings and purchase souvenirs. Batoche’s cafe is open, and the site has hiking trails, weekend activity plans, an interpretive journey through time tours, their cultural shuttle experience, and the upcoming Back to Batoche festival are just a few highlights.

Each of these other sites all have published visitor guides for 2023, and Parks Canada’s own Canadian Prairie Vacation Plan touting Saskatchewan’s heritage sites, mentions Batoche, Wanuskewin, Duck Lake Interpretive Centre, the Prince Albert and Grasslands National Park, Motherwell Homestead, Riel House and other areas. Fort Battleford’s self-guided tour is mentioned only once, in their directory on the 13th page out of 16. Al-

though some have held Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations, none have plans for Canada Day.

And why is this? Some would suggest that Fort Battleford doesn’t have the people to support it after losing the Friends of the Fort volunteer base in 2016. Ohter site have volunteer groups who help run gift shops and administer programming. Others say that the fort is suffering from budget cuts, as Mia Rabson noted in a Canadian Press article from 2022, that showed COVID-19 had reduced visitors and facilitated a massive cut to funding.

“The government’s main estimates ... allocate a capital budget of $138 million, down from $448 million spent last year and $556 million in 2020-21,” reads the article that noted the budget was slashed by two-thirds, while 30 per cent of Parks Canada’s assets remain in poor or very poor condition.

Most noticeable, however, is Parks Canada’s push towards reconciliation, something they say is a key priority. A recent Canadian Press article published by SASKTODAY. ca, says that Parks Canada may be cracking to pressure to be politically correct in a ‘new woke perspective,’ claims Larry Ostola, former vice-president of heritage conservation at Parks Canada, as the government wants to see hundreds of historical plaques changed.

“The rationale for the changes, as well as a list of priority sites, is outlined in a document obtained under Freedom of Information

Boards on the walkways rise up just weeks after the fort opened for the season on June 5, weeks later than usual.

legislation. The document says that out of 2,192 historic sites, about two-thirds of plaque texts are fine. Of the remainder, more than 200 are considered high priorities for change,” reads the article, seeing words like Indian and Eskimo updated or information about controversial figures re-written and represented differently.

And if Canadians could expect to see aspects of history re-written, will Fort Battleford actually remain into the 2030s, or is the seeming abandonment of the well-known historic site just a precursor to what is coming?

The Future of History in Canada

That seems like an unanswerable question. But Parks Canada is continuing to make movements to see reconciliation instilled into the narrative of the agency. Bill C-23, the Historic Places of Canada Act, is currently undergoing its second reading in the House of Commons and, if passed, would see inclusion, sustainability, and transparency embedded via legislation into Parks Canada.

Some highlights include shared stewardship of heritage sites, renewed legislation and policy that respects Indigenous

rights, and updated financial practices to support treaties.

“Through these actions, heritage places will support an approach to reconciliation that is informed by Indigenous partners,” reads their website, noting that in the future, decisionmaking and governance around conservation will be grounded in collaborative approaches that reflect both Indigenous and Western values and knowledge.

And it’s not just Parks Canada that is working to foster inclusivity and diversity while representing history. Joan Kanigan, CEO of the Western Development Museum based out of Saskatoon, was recently named one of the top 20 women leaders, with her efforts with diversity noted as a factor in her selection.

The Museums Association of Saskatchewan is also steadfast in their work to ensure Saskatchewan museums foster inclusivity, diversity and reconciliation, as documented in their Standards for Saskatchewan Museums, saying, “Inclusion means recognizing the lack of representation that has traditionally occurred within museums and making concrete efforts to change these marginalization practices. Indigenous, Black, People

of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, Newcomers, and people with abilities should be regularly included in your exhibition schedules.”

MAS, in an email with the News-Optimist/SASKTODAY, speaking broadly about industry standards and expectations when regarding reconciliation in museums, not commenting on the action of specific museums, added, “Museums have never been neutral; every exhibition is a deliberate choice about which stories to tell and those that will not be shared.”

“There is power in choosing, and it can be detrimental to tell some stories over others,” said MAS, quoting the opening remarks from their June mini-conference, “No Stuff Without Stories”.

“There is value in reexamining the stories we tell, even when those stories may be difficult. The choice to tell stories that have long been ignored can build bridges, provide a starting point towards meaningful reconciliation ... personal and impactful stories are a reflection of the diversity of our province, and it is crucial to seek and preserve our unique history.”

But MAS did note that there is no simple answer to this question and that collaboration between mu-

seums and the communities whose stories they are telling are essential, “... this spirit of meaningful relationships between museums and those whose stories they tell is expected and encouraged at all levels of museum operations.”

So if history sometimes serves as a reminder of what should never be done again, should a dark part of our government’s history be regularly updated to conform with the times or should the negative effects of colonialism be recognized and pulled front and centre rather than being swept under the rug or ignored as Fort Battleford sits empty on a patch of prairie south of Battleford?

As Canada’s 156th birthday is celebrated in some areas and sects across the province and country, the sun will set over Fort Battleford without visitors, and in the distance, the thunder of fireworks will echo off the old wood and the gopher hole-laden ground that once fostered a sense of pride. In their most recent 2023-24 Developmental Plan, Parks Canada outlined their plan to continue with their push for reconciliation at their historical sites while the stories of settlers, Indigenous people, and our historical government sits in silence.

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The buildings are locked and the windows are boarded up. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

VOICE OF BUSINESS

Connecting Voices. Building Business

Phone: 306-445-6226

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www.battlefordschamber.com

P.O. Box 1000

North Battleford SK S9A 3E6

The Battlefords & Area Re-location Guide – What You Need To Know!

The Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch its new online “Re-location Guide” for the Battlefords and area. The intent is to provide a one-stop information location for people looking to relocate to the Battlefords, with a source for key pieces of information to assist them in finding all they need for or in a move. There will also be a postcard circular to support the website and drive traffic to the website.

A Co-op student from the Edwards School of Business (University of Saskatchewan) has been with the Chamber since January and has been working on this project. The website is nearing the population phase with the basic framework established. The student, Sarah, pictured below, has been working hard to initiate contact with businesses and organizations to gather information key to the website. The website itself, has a robust site plan, that includes tabs for Living; Education; Services; Business Resources; Arts & Recreations; Indigenous/First Nations; and Newcomers, all in an attempt to cover off basic information and provide contact and links to the needed services when first discovering a new community.

The Chamber sees the postcard support piece as a recruitment tool for businesses when they are interviewing people or offering jobs to those who may consider moving. It will provide a positive first impression of the area and link them to needed services and products. Our student has also been working to secure “welcome” messages from elected officials in the area and hopes to share their thoughts on relocation to the Battlefords.

The online re-location guide will also serve as a tool to encourage exploration of the communities and surrounding region with key notes on some history and perhaps some answers to the age-old question “what is there to do” in the community. We anticipate that the Arts & Recreation tab, with its information and ‘get involved’ page will show new arrivals to the community there are a wealth of options when it comes to becoming involved, volunteering, or being active.

Keep a watch over the next few weeks for more information and the actual launch of the website. We know that Sarah will be returning to school in the fall, so we anticipate an August timeline for her initial product. While we know that more information can and likely will need to be added to the site, it will be easily updated to provide the most up-to-date information possible.

The Chamber of Commerce has been pleased to work on this community project and particularly happy with the support it can provide business members in their recruitment efforts. The Battlefords and Area Awaits!

Policy Matters: Economic Reconciliation

GET CONNECTED IN 2023!

Calendar of Events:

Upcoming Chamber on Tap Dates:

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Blend Riverside

North Battleford Golf & Country Club

Thursday, October 26th, 2023

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Blend Riverside

North Battleford Golf & Country Club

Sponsored By: The Power Hour

Thursday, October 12th, 2023 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Western Development Museum

June has marked National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about and honouring Indigenous Peoples in Canada is also an important part of Canada’s Reconciliation journey.

We are all responsible for helping to build a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership. The business community has a major role to play, especially when it comes to economic reconciliation.

For centuries, the economic vitality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada was actively and purposefully suppressed. This legacy of colonization has led to a society where Indigenous People continue to be at a disadvantage and cannot fully share and thrive in the economy. Economic reconciliation is complex, and while policy solutions may seem far-removed in the realm of politics and government bureaucracy, there is no shortage of tangible actions businesses of all sizes and sectors can take. For example:

• Identify and create opportunities for mentorship programs that can support Indigenous employees and foster their professional growth.

• Establish committees or mechanisms to create culturally safe work environments that accommodate the diverse needs and backgrounds of Indigenous employees.

• Recognize that the Indigenous community is not homogenous. Each Indigenous nation, reserve or community has different traditions and tailored approaches to address their specific needs and challenges are necessary.

• Encourage the development of ideas and initiatives that promote collaboration and modify training programs to facilitate the hiring and inclusion of Indigenous individuals.

• Recognize and support initiatives like Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness about the experiences and challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

• Address and eliminate abusive behaviours and practices in the workplace.

The Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to have two of its board of directors participate in the celebration of the National Indigenous History Month nationally, through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce with the following quotes on what ‘economic reconciliation’ means to them. Thank you Harris and Tracy.

Mayfair and District News

Communities gearing up for Canada Day

tles and children’s games, food vendors, beer gardens, and birthday cake at 6 p.m. and ending with fireworks. Come out to whichever birthday celebration as this beats sitting or working at home. Work never seems to go away, but Canada Day is only once a year. Enjoy everyone!

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Whitkow and Mayfair districts just missed the downpour of rain and hail this past Sunday. A strip in between Highways 376 and 40 received a blasting and it went through to Prince Albert. In some places damage was extensive.

June 24 was a wonderful day for Faye Liebaert and me as we ventured to Paradise Hill to be at Father Frederick’s religious 25th anniversary with the Catholic church. He was assigned to Our Lady of Sorrow Roman Catholic Church approximately three years ago after leaving our parish. There was a mass which engaged many clergy of higher ranking from Prince Albert diocese and a priest from the United States. Most of the black priests come from Kenya/ Nigeria and South Africa and love Canadian living (except for the winters).

A Saskatoon African band with all unusual instruments (other than two keyboards and a violin) entertained during the service and the delicious noon meal. There were speeches by dignitaries and dancing while the large crowd was served a special cake to honour Father Frederick’s anniversary. This cake was prepared by Patricia Fink.

En route home, we stopped at Berthold Imhoff’s famous heritage

studio. The two original buildings (put together as one) dating back to 1920 are well kept. I remember my parents and us kids ventured to view the paintings but when young I didn’t appreciate them as I do now. Also toured this famous touristy site in August of 2007 while at the St. Walburg Blueberry Festival.

Canada Day is fast approaching this Saturday and most Canadians want to partake in a nearby celebration. Here is a list of some fun places to be on July 1 within reasonable driving distance for Mayfair people.

Meeting Lake Regional Park has a program starting at noon and mini golf and a bunnock tournament are taking place in the afternoon. There are other activities and a busy day ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. The concession will be open until later that evening.

Glenburn Regional Park south of Maymont is offering some fun-filled activities but no bunnock tournament. Ruddell is celebrating its 119th annual July 1 starting at 2 p.m. There are games and other fun-related activities at 3 p.m. ending with a potluck supper at 5 p.m. Please bring your lawn chairs, plates and cutlery.

Radisson is starting the big day at 4 pm. in the curling rink with bouncy cas-

There will be no summer Reading program at Mayfair’s Lakeland Library branch this year due to not many young ones in our area. A scheduled coffee time will be later in July and I will keep everyone posted as to when at the library.

Going fishing and need bait? Stop by Rabbit Lake’s

Art Notes

hotel and owner Joan Dzialo’s daughter Hannah can assist you. Her business of selling leeches, minnows and other bait is wellstocked. If one wants a certain type, she will gladly order it. Call Hannah at 306-441-2967

Since summer is here and one doesn’t hear much about COVID anymore and there is a lot of traffic on the highways again. Everyone seems to be in a big rush to get to their destination, please be a wise defensive driver. Everyone needs to get to wherever they are going in one piece. Accidents can be avoided if one slows down. Happy Canada Day everyone!

Members of the Hafford team that won a ball tournament at Glenburn Park recently were: back row - Shannon Flath, Kole Welsh, Koen Cherwinski, Carter Burton, Justin Moore, Carter Prystupa, Gordie Moore; front row

Artist’s work spans prairie beauty to digital designs

Submitted Battlefords Art Club

Brianne Hager, is one of the artists featured at the Battlefords Art Club upcoming show and sale at the Chapel Gallery June 29 and 30, Thursday and Friday.

Hager is an emerging digital and mixed-media artist living on a farm south of the Battlefords. First picking up a paintbrush in the late 1990s, she’s recently returned to art full-time after raising two sons as a

stay-at-home mother. As she begins to develop her work and style again, she has begun to explore the intersection of geometry and its relation to nature in various mediums including acrylic, resin, watercolour and digital.

She is inspired by the sweeping beauty of the prairies, the commanding energy of the Rocky Mountains, the expanse of the night sky and the shapes, colours and energy present in seemingly unassuming elements of nature. She

frequently uses texture in her work from creating jewelry out of paintings to sculpting mountains onto canvas.

Hager has also designed two book covers for northwest Saskatchewan’s leading publishing company, Supernova Press, is the owner of a small business selling her art as digital prints, stickers and more, and is the proud parent of two fur babies. Her digital prints can be found atwww.etsy.com/shop/brihagerart.

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

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

Father Frederick, fourth from the left, was honoured by many present and former parishioners during a service in Paradise Hill June 24. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn

- Morgan Dubyk, Summer Dewart, Karter Johnson, Steele Johnson and Afton Lafreniere. | Photo courtesy Tiffany Cherwinski

Brianne Hager is inspired by shapes, colours and energy present in seemingly unassuming elements of nature. | Photos submitted

Poundmaker sees new cultural lodge opened on summer solstice

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The summer solstice marked the blessing and grand opening of Miyawata Culture’s cultural lodge on Poundmaker First Nation, celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with cultural teachings, and spoken word performances.

“Today is the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day ... I wanted to open it [the lodge] to prayer and ceremony, because our art, our writing, performances and songs, I see them as prayers as well,” Floyd Favel, director for the company and curator of the Chief Poundmaker Museum told the News-Optimist.

Favel’s lodge, which has been built by hand, has been in the works for years. Without a blueprint,

everything down to the 365 wooden poles harvested from the land, the four large beams at the heart of the lodge, or the crossshaped skylight all hold a special significance.

The hour-long grand opening on June 21, preceded by a pipe ceremony, included the performances of Aerial Sunday-Cardinal from Whitefish Lake First Nation in northern Alberta, and Janelle Pewapsconias, or ecoaborijanelle, from Little Pine First Nation.

“I wanted to invite these two young ladies because I admire their work, they’re going in a direction you don’t see anywhere in Canada. It’s sort of like a post-colonial performance. It goes beyond colonial definitions of Indigenous performance.

“We’re an experiment,

an Indigenous performance in an Indigenous community within an Indigenous structure,” Favel said, explaining that ceremony and performance aren’t two separate things, but instead complement each other in some contexts.

Aerial Sunday-Cardinal performed by making seven circles out of sand representing different generations before rising and singing the Grandmother Song, while Janelle Pewapsconias, or ecoaborijanelle, shared her spoken word poetry from the anthology, “When the Condor and the Eagle Meet,” published in 2022.

Pewapsconias was inspired by Khodi Dill who shared his work in 2012 at the Idle No More demonstration in Saskatoon.

“It just gave me goose-

bumps because of the way he performed and orated, and just the message of having solidarity from the black community felt so powerful and special,” Pewapsconias said, describing her dream of being an artist.

“To be held by the community of poets I shared my words with gave me the confidence to know that my words could be shared beyond this and eventually the anger goes away.”

“And so that’s what I want to do with the world and my words ... I want my words and stories to be for the kids and the women and the people who need to feel powerful, and want to see themselves represented known that they’re valid and loved and that there is always space [for them] in the circle.”

Janelle Pewapsconias, or ecoaborijanelle, from Little Pine First Nation, stands beside Sunday-Cardinal to share her spoken word poetry from the anthology, “When the Condor and the Eagle Meet,” published in 2022.

The cultural lodge on the Summer Solstice.

Aerial Sunday-Cardinal from Whitefish Lake First Nation in northern Alberta, shaping seven circles out of sand representing different generations before rising and singing the Grandmother Song.

| Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Paul, Charles

Joseph,

Moosomin, Jeremy

Chief, Angel

Okemow, Rianne

Growth Without Limits, Learning For All PH: 306-937-7702 I www.livingskysd.ca

Graduation Day 2023

Mayor’s Message

On behalf of Council and residents of Battleford, we would like to acknowledge and congratulate all those individuals who are graduating this year. Even though graduation is a significant milestone in your life, it really is just the beginning of your journey. We wish you the best of luck whether you are, joining the workforce, going off to college, university or trade school.

Take time to celebrate your successes this summer, make time to spend with your parents before you venture off and make a few lifelong memories with your friends.

Remember, no matter where your travels take you into the future, the Battlefords will always be home, a great place to live, work, play and to raise a family.

Ames Leslie, Mayor – Town of Battleford

THE STAFF AND GRADUATES OF THE NORTH BATTLEFORD COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO OUR GRADUATION AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:

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Strengthening agricultural systems through plant-breeding and tools for farmers

Staff

Farm productivity is subject to a complex web of conditions. On the economic side of the balance sheet, there are factors like supply chain woes, inflationary pressures and supply-and-demand imbalances.

On the environmental side, there are the impacts of climate change, including severe and unseasonal weather events, and everevolving disease pressures.

Aiding farmers in the quest to navigate this host of interconnected challenges are researchers at

the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC), which is at “the epicentre of working on a range of crops – such as smallgrained cereals, flax, pulses and forage crops – that fit well into sustainable production systems across the Prairies,” says Curtis Pozniak, professor, director and wheat breeder at the CDC in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

“Farm productivity and crop yields are obviously very important, but so are sustainability and stability of performance. That’s why we need to breed crops that

are resistant to disease and that can withstand abiotic stresses, such as heat, cold or drought.”

Plant breeding represents the translation of scientific knowledge into solutions for farmers, he says. “It’s about making plants more resilient to enhance food systems – and to ultimately boost food security. And this requires anticipating the needs of food producers as well as consumers since it takes anywhere from eight to 10 years to develop new varieties.”

As the world is undergoing rapid changes, this

may seem a significant length of time, suggests Dr. Pozniak. “Future weather patterns can be hard to predict. In some years, we may see a cool spring followed by rapid warming or more rainfall closer to the harvest, so the best strategy is to screen and identify breeding materials for different types of environments – and select those varieties that show promise to be successful under stressful climatic conditions.”

Outcomes can be enhanced when forecasting efforts are informed by the views of different stakeholders. “We have to understand the problems farmers are experiencing or anticipating in their fields,” he says. “We also have an eye on the needs of everyone across that entire value chain – from the

grower and food processor to the consumer – so when we develop varieties, we’re hitting all the meaningful targets.”

A focus on disease resistance

While the Prairies are often referred to as “the world’s granary” due to the amount of wheat grown here, pulse crops – such as peas, lentils, dry beans and chickpeas – are also a significant part of the local agricultural economy, says Sabine Banniza, professor and pulse pathologist at the CDC.

A major factor that can affect the environmental and economic performance on farms is disease pressure, notes Dr. Banniza. “Diseases can cause significant yield losses, from an average of about 40 per cent to a complete wipeout of 100 per cent, so

that’s a big issue. For some diseases, we do not have chemical solutions, so we have to take a different approach.”

One of the “most environmentally friendly methods of managing diseases is resistance breeding,” she says. “Disease resistance, to enhance a plant’s ability to fight off disease, is high on the list of breeding objectives since it can lead to stable farm productivity in the long run.”

Plant breeding includes resistance screening, trying to find strains of a plant species with natural resistance, as well as crossbreeding with wild relatives to transfer resistance into varieties that can be useful for commercial production, she says. “To make the process more efficient and faster, we use

Continued on Page 18

Dr. Sabine Banniza, professor and pulse pathologist at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre. | Photo by Christina Weese

Efforts to improve outcomes for farmers, such as the Kernen Farm, at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre include research on disease pressures on wheat and pea crops and plant breeding. | Photo by Airscapes

Dr. Curtis Pozniak, professor, director and wheat breeder at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre. | Photo by Christina Weese

Strengthening agricultural systems through plant-breeding and tools for farmers

Continued from Page 17

molecular research to decipher what genes convey resistance to the plant.”

“Diseases can cause significant yield losses, from an average of about 40 per cent to a complete wipeout of 100 per cent, so that’s a big issue. For some diseases, we do not have chemical solutions, so we have to take a different approach.”

Dr. Sabine Banniza, professor and pulse pathologist at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre

Since plant breeding takes time, efforts need to align with emerging conditions on farms, starting with determining what pathogens are putting crops at risk today – and projecting their future impact, Dr. Banniza explains. “Since many fungal and bacterial diseases depend on certain environmental conditions, we may see a change in what diseases show up due to climate change. We’re monitoring different pathogens to see whether their prevalence is changing and whether new pathogens are popping up.”

In addition, through coevolution, a pathogen can adapt and break down existing plant resistance, she

adds. “It’s a constant race between the plant breeder and the pathogens to stay ahead of the curve.”

A toolbox for farmers

From understanding how pathogens interact with a plant at a molecular level – and what genes can help the plant resist a particular pathogen’s invasion – scientists can then work on solutions to ensure yield stability or yield increase, says Dr. Banniza. “This knowledge allows us to put together a toolbox for farmers.”

In addition to diseaseresistant varieties, the team can identify other measures to address pathogens, she explains. “When we understand that some fungi infecting pea crop species can only survive for three or four years without a pea crop in the field, farmers can plant a different crop, one that isn’t susceptible to this kind of pathogen, for that period.”

More diverse cropping systems, especially those designed to break up disease cycles, can serve to enhance the health, performance and resilience of agro-ecosystems, and enable more stable food production, says Dr. Banniza, whose team also works

closely with the provincial government to organize disease surveys and provide recommendation on disease management and policy.

“There is a lot of communication between the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the CDC when it comes to pests and diseases,” she notes. “They rely on us for expertise and research capacity, and we rely on them to disseminate whatever we find to the farming community.”

International collaboration

Disease surveys can provide valuable information about the presence of diseases on the Prairies, across Canada and beyond, and Dr. Pozniak says international collaboration “can provide insights on how pathogen populations are changing globally.”

What’s more, exchanging germplasm – the seeds, plants or plant parts used in crop breeding, research and conservation efforts – can help facilitate the sharing of genetic material and information, he explains. “Plant breeding programs focus on different conditions at different times during plant development, so working together with international research centres can help

us identify useful material suited to different environments.”

With AI technology, in the context of genome fingerprinting and field-based digital measurements of performance using drone technology, we can generate large real-time datasets, which are analyzed for patterns that are useful for predictive breeding.

Dr. Curtis Pozniak, professor, director and wheat breeder at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre

Through adding genetic diversity into breeding programs, such collaborations can result in more resilient varieties, according to Dr. Pozniak. “Most of the crops we work with have wild relatives in nature, for example, the wild wheat varieties found in the Fertile Crescent in Israel and Turkey,” he says. “Sometimes, these wild relatives have genes that are important for nutrient-use efficiency or disease resistance. Integrating them into our breeding programs allows us to develop varieties with traits that may have been lost during domestication.”

The result is a “cumulative effect that is becoming even more valuable in light

of current tools and technologies that allow us to strategically utilize that diversity,” says Dr. Pozniak, giving the example of DNA sequencing as “a blueprint of the genome that we can use as a guide to advance predictive breeding.”

Multidisciplinary approaches

In addition to genome sequencing technology, plant breeders can turn to drones for digital imagery documenting breeding trials, which “can reveal more information than the human eye,” says Dr. Pozniak. “The sky’s the limit. With AI technology, in the context of genome fingerprinting and field-based digital measurements of performance using drone technology, we can generate large real-time datasets, which are analyzed for patterns that are useful for predictive breeding.”

One of the advantages of USask is the ability to bring together diverse teams across various disciplines with a common goal: to boost food security, says USask vice-president research Baljit Singh. “In addition to our considerable strength in plant breeding, we have specialists working at the water-food nexus.

We also have significant competencies in data analysis and technology development that could all help to make agricultural systems more sustainable and resilient to climate change.”

With an impressive array of expertise – and worldleading research infrastructure – USask has the “aspiration to be the university the world needs,” says Dr. Singh. “We see ourselves as partners in the global effort to find solutions to pressing problems, since there is no single university or single country that is in a position to deal with such complex issues alone.”

The CDC’s impressive contribution to the ability to feed a growing global population against the backdrop of a changing climate includes the development of more than 500 commercialized crop varieties across 40 different crop types over the past five decades. “We’re proud of our role in translating our scientific findings into tools that can help society,” says Dr. Singh.

“Hunger is a significant global concern,” adds Dr. Pozniak, “we’re all part of a global system – and we need to do our part to create better outcomes.”

Pest Detective: Monitoring data to model climate change impacts

and provide insect distribution maps and forecasts so farmers know where these pest criminals can be found.

Pest profiling: Predicting their next move

Above, adult pea leaf weevils chew ‘u’-shaped notches into the edges of field pea and faba bean leaves, and are an invasive insect to western Canada, At right, an adult two-striped grasshopper collected in a sweep net sample in Saskatchewan.

Submitted

AAFC

In the agricultural ecosystem, insects are represented by two groups: the hungry pests that cause major crop losses, and the beneficial bugs that hunt them (and pollinate plants). Pest insects including grasshoppers, bertha armyworm, diamondback moth and cabbage seedpod weevil are just some of the serious offenders in field crop agriculture, especially in the Prairies. These insects can cause devastating damage to field crops by feeding on leaves, flowers, and seeds. Pests are also expensive foes. Managing an infestation comes with significant costs and damage also impacts the bottom line through reduced crop yields (amount of

agricultural product). For example, the flea beetle, a notorious canola pest, can cause crop losses in North America that are likely to exceed $300 million annually. Another offender, the wheat stem sawfly can cause up to $450 million in economic losses in grain crops for the same region. These are just two of the insect pests that Prairie farmers are up against.

Crimes of opportunity

Field crops are highly dependent on weather and climate, and so are pest insects. Increased temperatures, longer growing seasons, shifting rainfall patterns and increased extreme events from climate change will create a new environment for opportunistic pests in Western Canada. Longer, warmer summers and milder win-

ters will result in greater overwinter survival of pests as well as a northward expansion of pests not currently found in Canada. While farmers and agronomists can manage pest insects using a variety of controls (such as pesticides, weed management, irrigation practices or natural enemies), early detection of climate change impacts and risk to field crops is critical to making informed decisions.

Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a field crop entomologist with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada and the Chair of the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN), is on the case. Her investigations use historic and current data to model the impacts of climate change on western Canada’s most wanted pest populations

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Dr. Vankosky’s research draws from decades of detective work by the PPMN and builds on its legacy. The network is a group of field crop entomologists who conduct research and actively monitor insect pest populations to support crop protection programs on the Canadian prairies. Established in 1997, the PPMN has developed a vast dataset of pest insect activities in the region with priceless contributions from volunteers including farmers, agronomists, researchers, industry commissions, and provincial experts. The network also uses models to predict when insect pests will be active and to help farmers time their own, onfarm scouting during the growing season. New models for other hungry insect pests that require more investigation are currently in development.

For example, Dr. Vankosky and her team are conducting field and lab experiments to create detailed profiles of the cabbage seedpod weevil, pea leaf weevil and other pest partners in crime. While species like the grasshop-

per are infamous pests and well-documented, lesser-known pests like the cabbage seedpod weevil and pea leaf weevil can also make a big impact on farmers’ bottom lines. They are also adapting to the changing climate in Western Canada, moving into wetter areas of the province and away from hotter, drought-impacted areas. The information that Dr. Vankosky and her team collect includes examining pest behaviour, growth and population dynamics as well as how the pests interact with other insects and their surroundings, like temperature and rainfall. These clues are necessary to identify the cycles and patterns of pest species, and create the models that predict their next moves.

“Annual in-field insect monitoring and research to understand pest biology and population dynamics is necessary to forecast insect outbreaks from year to year and into the future. Our goal is to conduct research that can be used to help farmers and agronomists stay a step ahead of insect pests on the prairies,” said Dr. Meghan Vankosky.

Using the new profile data generated by the project, existing research and surveys from the PPMN, new insect distribution

and abundance maps and forecasts can be developed. By cross-referencing models with historic data, new models can be validated and then used to project areas at risk of insect pest damage between 50 and 100 years from now. These tools will better equip farmers and agronomists with the information they need to monitor for pest invasions in areas that are at an elevated risk and plan long-term to reduce the potential for new infestations.

Using deduction, observation and scientific reasoning, Dr. Vankosky is hot on the trail of hungry pest insects, helping farmers protect their crops and their bottom line now and into the future.

Key takeaways

Climate change will create a new environment for opportunistic insect pests in Western Canada.

Dr. Meghan Vankosky’s team is using historic and current pest monitoring data to model the impacts of climate change on insect pest species in the prairies and provide high quality insect distribution maps and forecasts to farmers.

The data generated by this project can validate new models that project areas at risk of insect pest damage between 50 and 100 years into the future.

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Borden and District

Awards celebrate achievements

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Lions Chase the Ace jackpot has grown to more than $2,000. Weekly prize winners were Leanne Sargent June 22, Andrew Hess June 15 and Ivan Youchezin June 8. Get your tickets at the Borden Village Office, Roadside Inn or Bev Assman or you can go online to bordenlionsraffle@gmail.com

At Radisson Seniors’ Goodrich Centre, activities are going on in July: bingo July 10 and 24 at 7 p.m. and backyard concerts outdoors July 9, 16 and 23 at 1 p.m. (admission by donation, bring lawn chairs).

Radisson celebrates July 1 with kids’ games, ball and food vendors. It all begins at 4 p.m. at the ballpark and curling rink. Cake is served at 6 p.m. and fireworks go off at 10:30 p.m.

With July 1 holiday on a Saturday, several businesses in Borden are closed June 30: village office, health centre and library. Closed Monday are Block’s Agencies, RM and village office, credit union and post office. The co-op is closed July 1 and 2. Gas Plus is open every day.

Sunday, July 2, St. John’s Anglican Church and Riverbend Fellowship will have a joint service

outdoors at the Borden Care Home backyard, so please bring lawn chairs if attending.

Borden School Awards Night was held June 15 in the school gym hosted by Esther and Joanna. Principal Trevor Gerwing gave an address thanking the many talented and hardworking students for their achievements and congratulated them on their great work ethic

Earning the Governor General’s Award for 2022 was Sadie Funk. The William H Johnston Scholarship went to Jack Donegan.

Earning parks and recreation P bursaries were Kaitlyn and Bill H.

Citizenship awards went to: kindergarten – Kaci, Grade 1 – Hadley, Grade 2 – Abby, Grade 3 –Myla, Grade 4- David, Grade 5 – Steel, Grade 6 – Eve, Grade 7- May, Grade 8 –

Zoe, Grade 9 – Alexandra, Grade 10 –Tyler and Grade 12- Bill H.

Most Improved Awards: K – Loki, Grade 1- Rebecca, Gr.2 – Liam, Grade 3 –Shelby, Grade 4 – Carsten, Grade 5 – Milavna, Grade 6 – Nathan, Gr . 7 – Cailey, Grade 8 – Tatum, Grade 9 – Ryder, Grade 10 – Cael and Grade 12 – Raylene.

Sports medallions were presented to students in Grades 7 to 12: junior

boys’ volleyball and curling to Tatum, senior curling to Bill H., junior badminton to Zoe and senior to Owen, junior track and field to Boh, senior to Bill and Owen and junior cross-Country to Madison.

Athletes of the year were: junior female to Zoe and Madison and male to Treyton and Josh, senior female to Sydney and male to Bill and Owen.

Certificates for honour roll went to Alexandra, Treyton, Sam, Tyler, Ben, Emma, Cael and Noah; honour roll with distinction to Isabelle, Esther, Owen, Bill, Sydney and Katelyn; and highest average to Alexandra, Esther and Owen.

Heart of a Bruin in kindergarten to Grade 6 went to: kindergarten - Taylor P., Grade 1 and 2 – Cadence and Charleigh, Grade 3 and 4 –Mason and Grade 5 and 6 to Daniel and Ivan.

In Grades 7 -12 the junior humanities award went to Abbey, junior analytics to Madisson, junior artist to Joanna; senior humanities to Bill, senior analytics to Sydney and senior artist to Isabelle.

The school community council gave gifts to staff, recognizing years of service – eight years to Angelina Lukan, nine years to MacKenzie Martel, 12 years to Nicole Kaufman,

17 years to Marylee Mikituk and 19 years to Linda Yuskiw.

The SCC for 202324 will be Gwen Dyck, Melissa Braun, Kandice Walker, Brooke Rideout, Beth Usselman, Kim Worona, Melissa Hosegood, Alana Gunsch, Lynette Schmidt, board member Ken Crush, community rep Karen Kerr, staff Angelena Lukan and Terri TroupeLogue. Leaving the council are Chanda Chabot and Pam Constantinoff.

In closing the hosts thanked all the sponsors of their awards program — the Hosegoods, Orchards, C. Chabot, Larners, Schmidts, Tracksells, Village, farmers market and co-op.

The Borden Co-op held its annual meeting June 20 in the Borden Community Centre with close to 60 enjoying a turkey supper catered to by the Borden Lions before the meeting.

On the co-op board are president Luke Walker, vice-president Brett Larsen, secretary Julia Orchard and directors Glenn Sutherland, Darrel Wiebe, Melissa Braun and Di-

Grade 12 students who received multiple awards at Borden School Awards Night were Sydney Schmidt, Bill Hosegood and Owen Dyck. | Photo by Lorraine Olinyk

ane Tracksell. The terms of Luke and Darrel terms expired but Luke was reelected by acclamation and Jason Rempel went on in place of Darrel.

Chairing the meeting was Glenn Sutherland and the recording secretary was Julia Orchard.

Darrell reported on 2022 activities, thanking Luke for his leadership. He said the co-op has had challenging and exciting times and the manager Robbie Schmidt and staff are doing great.

Randy Graham, District 4 director, spoke on what Federated had done over the past year, with $12.5B in sales, and $411M net income. Federated Co-op has 160 retail outlets.

Manager Rob Schmidt reported the co-op had $4.8M in sales last year

with sales at the grocery store just under $1M, and petroleum sales of 3.2 million litres compared to 2.2 million in 2021. But because of an increase in operating expenses and lower margins, they had slightly lower net savings. They allocated $58,000 in patronage dividend.

They are doing feasibility studies on adding to the cardlock, but due to the size and cost, they will complete it over a couple of years, with the estimated cost of the groundwork for future expansion of $255,000 which will be financed from operations.

Total membership is 824 with 556 as active purchasers in 2022.

Maidstone and District News Canada Day blast July 1

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Synergy Credit Union held a member appreciation barbecue at the Maidstone branch June 15 with staff cooking and serving guests. Synergy mascot, Fat Cat, was on hand to cavort and visit with the kids and young-at-heart. Be-

sides providing lunch to a large crowd from our community, Synergy fed the entire elementary school a burger/hot dog, chips, drink and cookie. Several Grade 11 students helped, resulting in branch manager Jodi Zerr and member service representative Candace Martin presenting a $500 cheque to the

Maidstone 2024 grad class. Thank you, Synergy, for all you do for our community. June 24 was a beautiful day for a wedding when Jason and Rachel Tuplin exchanged vows at St. Faith’s Church on the Maidstone Museum grounds. We wish the newlyweds and their children a lifetime of happiness.

Congratulations to Dave Speirs on being awarded the Merit Award from Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association for his many years of service in school athletics. Maidstone High School athletes excelled under his guidance and we are grateful for Mr. Speirs’ superb dedication to sports.

Continued on Page 26

Door prizes were won by Bob Krueger, Jean Longmore, Corinne Szwydky and Lynn Cutting.

SWISTUN: Kathy (Catherine)

Swistun passed away peacefully at the Battlefords Union Hospital on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the age of 77 years surrounded by her loving family. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Leslie; son, Terry (Christina) –Riley, Danica and Cole and their father, William Swistun: brother, John (Sandra V) sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews. She was greeted in Heaven by her parents: Harry and Mary Iwanchuk; siblings: August ‘Gus’, Mike, Natalka; common law, Garth Wirth. As per Catherines wishes the family will come together at a later date to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Catherine may be made to the ALS Society- 2430 8th Ave Unit “C”, Regina, SK S4R 5E3. Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium - Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director. We would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful nurses on the third floor at the Battlefords Union Hospital for your tremendous care and support over the years. Your friendship and love made our mom feel safe, loved and cared for. In

HYND: John Robert Hynd passed away peacefully at RUH Saskatoon on June 12, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. He felt strongly he was safe in the arms of Jesus. John found contentment with his common-law wife Robyn McGregor of 17 years and made their home in Milden, SK, with their much-loved dog Bazel. They went to concertsRolling Stones and Meatloaf (one of John’s faves) and enjoyed camping. Robyn’s son Nathan and granddaughter Bailey, who loved Grandpa, live nearby and they were able to spend a lot of time together. John was born in Saskatoon on December 15, 1943 to parents Sadie and Arthur Hynd. His Dad immigrated with his parents from England in 1912 to Borden, SK. After moving to Saskatoon, his dad lost part of his arm in 1940. His dad started a painting business and John began helping him when he was a teenager. Through an unfortunate car accident in his late teens, John was seriously injured and unable to pursue his passion and what would have been a promising career in football. He joined Hynd Painting and took over the business after his dad passed away in 1975. John honed his craft and became exceptional in his work… so much so that his striving for perfection and sometimes, his admitted procrastination, jobs took a little longer! John married Val Bauer of Saskatoon in 1963. They made the perfect Fred and Wilma Flintstone one year for Halloween. Together they had three children - Leanne (Jeff), John (Denise) and Janine (who Pops later visited with her, Dana and their fur babies in NB). They lived in beautiful City Park for many years. Holidays were filled with extended family and raucous games of cribbage, bid whist and Kaiser. In 1977, they took a long summer family vacation through the western United States and had many adventures on that camping trip. Leanne had their two grandchildren, Jarret and Olivia (Curtis). The chaos of alcoholism led John and Val to separate in 1978. In 1985, John joined AA and began his sobriety. At the time of his passing, he celebrated 38 years in the program. He poured his heart into becoming sober and later helped many others in their struggles. John developed lifelong friendships and support. Some of his closest friends include Eldon and Jeanine, Ben, Kelly and Laura, Brian and Susan. In 1990, John met Laurie Calder of North Battleford, SK. The next year he moved in with her and immediately became part of the family - Shari (Neil), Jamie (Jeff) and Tomi (Erin). John and Laurie went to AA together for many years. Family vacations, sports, fishing, house renovations and special occasions were all part of the fun. John was there for the births of grandchildren Kyle, Kelsie, Tanner and Jacob. John was predeceased by his parents, his brother Roy and Roy’s wife Arleen. John loved his nephews Robert (Sarah) and children Ava, Keira, Nadia and Nora; Kevin (Sara) and children Savannah and Parker; and David. John loved the Serenity Prayer, music and all the people in his life. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, big heart and quick wit. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Milden Alliance Church with Pastor Ryan van Reeuwyk officiating. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Arrangements entrusted to Shanidar Funeral Services, Rosetown, SK.

Mitchell: Gereldine Enid (Gerry) Mitchell Gerry passed away May 25, 2023 after 3 1/2 weeks stay at Battleford’s Union Hospital at the age of 92 yrs. She was born March 16, 1931 along with twin sister Patricia Ann. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Don; Daughters and their families: Pamela (Steven) Meighan (Lily & Matthew) & Harlee; Shelda (Robin) Saunders - Riley (Erica); Sisters: Elaine (Brian) Miller and Phyllis (Frank) Abbott - & numerous nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Harley Ray & Annie Stewart and twin sister Patricia Ann Carr (Mickey). Gerry loved to play games: Dominoes, Cribbage and especially Scrabble. She really enjoyed going to Meota on Tuesday mornings when the Hobby Band practiced at the Do Drop Inn and she and her friends would play scrabble. She loved choral singing and was a member of the Battleford United Church choir for many years, also the chapel choristers and the Hillcrest Singers. She loved spending time at the cabin at Loon Lake enjoying fishing, swimming, B.B.Q’s and Happy Hour with our dear friends & neighbors Chec & Yvette Young. Music played a large part in her life & she was her husband’s No. 1 fan. Her funeral service was held Mon. June 12, 2023 at Battleford United Church with Rev. Nora Borgeson officiating: Music Ministry: Pianist Joan Harrison, Choir Hillcrest Singers. Shared Memories: Daughter: Shelda Saunders; Grand Daughter: Meighan Arsenault; Great Grand Daughter: Lily Royko. Mom: We will always love and remember you and know that the difficulties you had with macular, dementia & hearing loss over these last years (of which you never ever complained) are now gone and you are with our Lord & Savior, family & friends. May God Bless & Keep You Evermore. Internment Town of Battleford Cemetery

GIBBONS: Christopher Patrick Walter “Pat” Gibbons passed away at Cut Knife Health Complex, Cut Knife, Saskatchewan on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the age of 87 years. Pat was survived by: his loving wife of 63 years, Lucille; their children, Wendy Gumpinger (Greg) of Unity, SK, Mark Gibbons (Cez) of Kitscoty, AB, Lana Landreth (Rod Woodland) of Saskatoon, SK and Aaron Gibbons (Stephanie) of Neilburg, SK; grandchildren, Tenille Gibbons, Miranda Gibbons, Shelby Harms (Troy), Lexie Landreth (John) and Lindsay Gibbons (Eila); great grandchildren, Jordan Gibbons and Azalea Melnychuk; numerous nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law; as well as many friends. Pat was predeceased by: his father, Lindsay Earle Gibbons; mother, Rose Damaske; brother, Don Gibbons; sister, Cynthia Baker; and son-in-law, Doug Landreth. The Funeral Service for Pat was conducted from Neilburg Community Hall, Neilburg, Saskatchewan on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Gary and Verna Johnson officiating. If you were unable to attend in person, you may view the live streaming of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under Pat’s obituary. Donations in memory of Pat may be made to any Neilburg group such as Neilburg Community Hall, Neilburg Rec Board, Neilburg Legion or Manitou Pioneers Museum. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

Card of Thanks

The Gibbons Family would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt support during this difficult time; for all the cards, flowers, food brought to our homes, for the many phone calls and visits and for the donations in memory of Dad. A big thanks to Manitou Pioneers Museum and Catholic Ladies groups for catering such a fantastic lunch; to Gene Smithson for giving the Eulogy, it was beautiful and will be forever etched into our minds; to Gary and Verna Johnson for the amazing service they provided for Dad; to McCaw Funeral Service for the caring and professional way we were treated, your team is amazing. A special thank you to the whole family of Joe and Shirley Nuspl for the special part they all played in Dad’s life. We would also like to send a huge thanks to all of the Doctors, Nurses and all of the staff at Cut Knife Health Care Complex. The kind and compassionate care that Dad received there was amazing and something we will always remember.

MCLEAN: Dustin was born in Saskatoon, SK on May 4, 1981, to Mark and Susan McLean, who were living in North Battleford, SK at the time. After Mark’s untimely passing in 1983, Susan and Dustin moved to Denholm, SK and this is where Dustin spent his early years. During this time, Susan met and married Doug Tady, and the family lived in Denholm until 1993 when they moved to Battleford. Dustin took all his schooling in the Battlefords and graduated from the North Battleford Comprehensive High School in 1999. Dustin always had a love for carpentry and woodworking, so after high school he worked with his Uncle Gregg and learned much of the trade that would become his lifelong passion. He worked for various construction companies until his job took him to Alberta in 2005 to work in construction, and later in the oilfields. Of his many accomplishments, Dustin was most proud of the Red Seal Journeyman Certificate for Rig Technician 3 he earned in 2014. At the time of his passing, Dustin owned and operated his own company Rafter M Contracting. On August 12, 2006, Dustin married Kelly Anderson, and they continued to make their home in Ponoka, AB. Their first son, Kian, was born in May of 2007, and Kahl, their second son, was born in August of 2009. Dustin, Kelly, and the boys continued to live in Ponoka until Dustin’s passing. Dustin is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife Kelly and their two sons Kian and Kahl; his parents Doug Tady and Susan McLean Tady; by his brother Drew Tady and fiancée Robyn Peter; and by his parents-in-law Gordon and Debbie Anderson. He will also be fondly remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Dustin was predeceased by his father, Mark McLean, by his grandparents Don and Eileen McLean, Alex and Margaret Beveridge, and Jack and Bernadette Tady, as well as his aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Phillip Guest. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to those who attended the Memorial service, that sent condolences, flowers, food and cards. Thank you to McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes and Eternal Memories Funeral Services for their assistance with Dustin’s services.

In Our

ARSENAULT: How do you summarize 94 years of mom’s life in a few short pages? It will be difficult because she was so much more and meant so much more than what I can say today, but here it goes. Margaret Irene Bandurka was born on October 28, 1928 in Edam, Saskatchewan to Fred & Kay Bandurka. She was one of 5 children, 4 girls, Eileen, Dorothy, Mom and Ruth and their brother Don. In 1949 Dad met Mom at a track and field meet at Medstead school as Mom became a teacher at a very young age. Dad was quite the jokester and charmer already at that time and Mom was smitten. They married in 1950 in Medstead and drove to North Battleford on a muddy dirt road to have their wedding pictures taken - the roads were in terrible shape and they had to stay in the ruts the whole time. In 1952 Mom and Dad moved to Powell River where he worked in the mill for a short time and in February, 1953 Valerie was born. In June of that same year mom and dad bought the family farm from great grandpa Arsenault for the sum of $3,000.00 and they returned to Medstead. Mom got her teaching certificate from what was then called Normal School at the age of 17 and sometimes taught students older than she was, she also upgraded her education from time to time in Saskatoon. At the beginning of Mom’s career, she lived in a teacherage near North Battleford so that she could teach at Mount Hope and then McMillian School while dad remained on the farm. She moved back home to the farm and taught at Pine View, Cater, Glenbush and ended her career in Medstead in 1987 when she retired. She did go back to sub the odd time but preferred her time at home. Mom was lucky enough to be retired longer than she had taught. It’s seems kind of crazy but not only did mom teach a lot of students over the years but she also ended up teaching the kids of some of those students! Times were different back then as Debbie remembers mom coming home from school and carrying loads of books to mark in the evening. In 1956 their second daughter Judy was born. Mom decided with this handful she had better stay home and not continue teaching for a while. And then, they finally got it right and had their favorite child when I was born in 1962. Mom went back to teaching when I was around 3 or 4, but I don’t think that was to get away from me, she just knew she had an exceptional child that she could finally trust. In 1974 Valerie married Delmar and a year later Mom and Dad’s first grandchild Jason was born followed by Jolyne 2 years later. She loved all her grandchildren and took pleasure in every visit she had with them. They visited with Valerie and Delmar quite often when they lived in Battleford and then in Leduc, Alberta. After working and living in North Battleford for quite a few years Judy eventually moved to BC and married Craig. Mom and dad loved their trips out there and she enjoyed sitting in their bar visiting with customers and playing break opens. I remained on the family farm as I loved the life as much as Mom and Dad. In 1983 I married Debbie and we became Mom and Dad’s neighbors for the next 35 years. Mom loved having Ryan, Amy and Mathew living so close as they kept her busy, they helped her in the garden, baked with her and played many card games. Hockey was never Mom’s favorite sport but would go to the rink to watch Mathew play from time to time. Mom and Dad loved to travel no matter where it was too. They made many trips to Las Vegas, with the first trip being with Bill & Ruby Hill, Lin & Albert Dunser, Yvonne Schultz and Judy as their tour guides. Judy was thinking during that trip that her and Yvonne would play out the elders so they could go party after they had turned in but it just so happened that the “elders” were booking shows like Bill Cosby at 2:00 a.m., It was the tour guides that got totally played out! Mom and Dad really enjoyed their motorhomes and put a lot of miles on them over the years. They had traveled to Yuma at different times with Alphonse & Joyce, Alfred & Lil & Bohdan & Eileen, some of those trips were to visit with Bill & Yvonne while they were down there. They made a trip to Alaska with Lil & Alfred which they talked about often and enjoyed many smaller adventures out to Phoenix, Powell River, Salmon Arm, Texas, Kamloops and Leduc. Before and most likely during those many road trips Mom was quite the back seat driver. She liked to tell dad how fast or slow to go, where to turn and the best way to get there. A story I remember dad telling years ago is of Mom again telling him to slow down, so one day when he didn’t listen to her (which was most times) she just reached over and turned the key off while in motion! That showed him...or did it?! Even when dad likely shouldn’t have been driving anymore she would navigate him along the way...with the destination normally being the casino. During these times at the casino however they were fortunate enough to make a lot of good friends. A highlight for Mom and Dad were their annual fishing trips to Waterhen Lake with Albert & Lin Dunser & families which they did for many years. Mom didn’t think much about camping but she loved those visits with Lin and spending time together. One incident in particular she talked about was when Albert thought he was going to be funny and throw the women in the water, first went in Lin, but when Albert came back for Mom she was threatening him with a cast iron frying pan over the head so he thought he best back off as he knew “magpie” was serious. I think I remember her saying later “I wouldn’t have hit Albert...too hard”. People remember Mom using that cast iron pan for better things than that though, like cooking the best fried fish and chicken. Mom was always proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments, attended graduations, celebrated with them when they got married, and she couldn’t have been happier when they had children of their own. She was always willing to help out wherever and whenever she could and was the most loyal person in phoning everyone up and asking how they are and what is happening in their lives. She loved getting a seeding and harvest report from Debbie and I on a daily basis as well. Nothing meant more to Mom than her family and she couldn’t get enough visits or family time with them. Mom decided it was time for her and Dad to leave the farm to us and move into North Battleford when she had her first heart attack in 2013. Dad wasn’t overly anxious to go but knew his place was at Mom’s side, you rarely saw one without the other and people would comment that they were joined at the hip. That definitely explains how lost and lonely Mom felt when he passed away last September. In June of 2021, after Mom’s second heart attack and dad’s onset of dementia Mom knew she needed more help so they moved into Harwood Manor. They remained side by side until dad moved into his own room on a separate floor, it was definitely an involuntary separation but a necessary one at the time. Mom would go downstairs to visit Dad multiple times a day and brought him the “treats” he loved but we know all he wanted was to see her. It’s very hard saying good bye to Mom, who took over the leadership of our family, an inspiration to us all and a person who knew the true meaning of the term family first. We have been truly blessed to have had her with us for so long and it’s hard to imagine life without her. It does however make our hearts happy knowing that she is now reunited with dad, the love of her life for 72 years.

Cards of Thanks:

We would like to acknowledge the Palliative Care Team at BUH. We think those people are amazing at what they do and the compassion they show their patients but most importantly our mom. When we told them that we wanted her to have care and comfort, the nurses, doctors and home care team most definitely came through until she passed away very peacefully on Monday. We can’t thank them enough. Thank you to Trevor Watts and the staff at Eternal Memories for the care and compassion they show, not only to our loved ones but the family left behind as well. They make everything seem that much easier by taking so much out of our hands. Thank you to K.C.’s for providing the lunch after the service and the Wildlife Federation for setting everything up for us at the hall. Last but not least thank you to everyone for attending the service, visiting Mom and us at the hospital, your calls, texts, cards, messages, words of encouragement and your love and support which we would never want to be without.

In Loving Memory of

René Henry Cramatte

April 26, 1937 - July 4, 2019

God saw you getting tired

When a cure was not to be.

So he wrapped his arms around you

And whispered "Come to me."

You didn't deserve what you went through, And so he gave you rest.

God's garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best.

Sadly missed and forever remembered.

Marion & Family

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The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum

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June 27, 2019

We love and miss you always. Missed by Ray, Sheri-lyn, Macey, Shanti, Stewart and LoriAnn.

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

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Thank you for your donations in memory of

Robert Lesko ..................................................... Hafford

Doreine Kulpa .................................................... Hafford

Janice Lawrence ....................................North Battleford

Raymond Nikiforuk ................................North Battleford

Richard Kachmarski............................................ Speers

Emily Toews Mayfair

Ricky Hon Wai Cheung................................... Battleford

Donna Hickson ......................................North Battleford

Lana Hickson .........................................North Battleford

Charlotte Lahti .......................................North Battleford

Walter T. Nelson North Battleford

Al Gotto ..................................................North Battleford

Dr. Iain Weston North Battleford

Dean Williams North Battleford

Jacquelyne Byers ..................................North Battleford

Jimmy Dean Pollard .............................................. Edam

Ralph Lange ....................................................... Mayfair

Bill Lloyd ........................................................ Saskatoon

Julian Goyan ....................................................... Mayfair

Anne Pollard

Jean A. Grove

Catherine Dryhorub ........................................ Battleford

Leo LaFreniere ................................................... Mayfair

Frank & Eva Winterhalt ..........................North Battleford

Allan & Edna Carnahan ........................North Battleford

Debra Thompson Battleford

Larry Symynuk................................................. Denholm

Delma Truelove Battleford

Yaris Nikiforuk ........................................North Battleford

Donald LaClare.....................................................Meota

Terry Shury ...........................................................Meota

Maurice Bru ..........................................................Meota

Trevor J.E. Quinn ..................................................Meota

Irene Prescesky ............................................... Maymont

Jean Moore ............................................North Battleford

Myron Swistun .................................................... Mayfair

Ron Basset ..................................................... Battleford

Gary Kopp ...................................................... Battleford

Given with Love to enhance patient care Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation 306-446-6652 Charitable #13936 3626 RR0001

LEGAL / PUBLIC NOTICES

TAKE NOTICE THAT; any ONE with a prior, equal, or superior right, interest, CONDUCT, treaty or Convention in/to/for/of the NAME and property of: MARTY DALE COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, MARTY DALE Estate, or: JACKIE LYNN COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, JACKIE LYNN Estate, or: JACKIE LYNN OGILVIE and/ or OGILVIE, JACKIE LYNN Estate, or: HUDSON DALE COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, HUDSON DALE Estate, or: PHOENIX LYNN COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, PHOENIX LYNN Estate; in any style or variation thereof capable to confuse, suspend, or clog said NAME, Title and/or Estate is hereby WARRANTED to present their said claim to Witness: Jenay Larsen c/o; box 815 Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1Y6, before 21st day of July 2023.

AUCTIONS TAX

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA NO. 468 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

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Lots of shop tools, yard & maintenance, 2 children quads, Big Bear 350 Quad, 325 Polaris Quad, Snapper Zero Turn Lawn mower, Yard Machine riding mower, 1977 Citation Motorhome, trucks, Skidders, vehicles to be restored or parts, household and much more

Cheque

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Title No.Total Arrears* Costs Total Arrears and Costs  NW 02-46-16-3 EXT 0 155376973 1,026.71 375.00 1,401.71  SE 13-46-16-3 EXT 22 SE 13-46-16-3 EXT 31  155376692 155376704  388.22 375.00 763.22  BLK/PAR A-PLAN 101600345 EXT 38  120186783 1,995.53 431.00 2,426.53  BLK/PAR A-PLAN 101609401 EXT 60  152720669 3,004.24 431.00 3,435.24  NW 23-48-17-3 EXT 0 118950093 1,082.71 431.00 1,513.71  BLK/PAR B-PLAN 102366468 EXT 0  154604268 4,946.38 431.00 5,377.38  LOT 15-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 78B11263 EXT 0  152949752 1,892.61 431.00 2,323.61  LOT 6-BLK/PAR 1-PLAN AB3717 EXT 0  155669541 2,367.46 431.00 2,798.46  LOT 4-BLK/PAR 3-PLAN 79B12596 EXT 0  120288641  2,064.26  431.00 2,495.26  LOT 31-BLK/PAR 1-PLAN 77B11607 EXT 0  120288900 26,889.71 431.00 27,320.71  LOT 1-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 75B05843 EXT 0  152031170 5,093.41 431.00 5,524.41  LOT 6-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 75B05843 EXT 0  120297977 1,250.47 431.00 1,681.47  LOT 24-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 83B17393 EXT 0  149506791 1,512.48 431.00 1,943.48  * Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable. Dated this 26th day of June, 2023 Wanda Boon, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer 2022 ARREARS news-optimist Regional Serving the Battlefords since 1908 SASKTODAY.ca 892-104th Street North Battleford 306-445-7261 If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. CALL ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 306-446-6166

I have a tonnn of energy so I like to spend my free time outside playing with my doggy friends! battlefordshumanesociety.com 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! Hi I’m Fiona! Hi I’m Wiley! SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

JULY at The Club

SUMMER is HERE!

Happy Canada Day! Reminder, we are CLOSED Friday, June 30th in lieu of the Canada Day Stat Holiday (Saturday, July 1st).

We’re ready for some SUMMER FUN! – Our Summer Adventure Day Camps are ALMOST HERE!! Starting July 3rd and concluding August 25th, we are offering 8 weeks of FUN for our members 5-14 years of age. REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN! These camps run Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are provided at NO EXTRA CHARGE! $150/week or $50/day. Please note the fee for week 6 is $120 as this week is a shorter week due to the stat holiday. Check out our weekly themes (and field trips) below! There is LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE, so register your child(ren) NOW!

Weekly themes and field trips:

WEEK 1: JULY 3-7, WE ARE HAVING A BALL!

Field Trip: NationsWEST Field House (North Battleford)

WEEK 2: JULY 10-14, ANYTHING GOES

Field Trip: Kinsmen Park (Saskatoon)

WEEK 3: JULY 17-21, A BUG’S LIFE

Field Trip: Finlayson Island (North Battleford)

WEEK 4: JULY 24-28, STEAM

Field Trip: Nutrien Wonderhub (Saskatoon)

WEEK 5: JULY 31-AUGUST 4, BARNYARD PALOOZA

Field Trip: Prairie Oasis Petting Zoo (Wilkie)

WEEK 6: AUG 8-11, MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Field Trip: Wanuskewin (Saskatoon)

WEEK 7: AUG 14-18, FEAR FACTOR

Field Trip: Battlefords Provincial Park

WEEK 8: AUG 21-25, FRIENDSHIP FRENZY

Field Trip: Capital Theatre (North Battleford)

Remember our Summer Parks Drop-in Programs are back again this year! These are offered at 3 locations- Senator Herb Sparrow Park, Kinsmen Park and Centennial Park. This FREE OF CHARGE program for members operates Monday to Friday, 11:00am to 4:00pm (weather permitting, closed stat holidays). We have crafts, fun activities, themes, and a TON of SPLASH PARK FUN that will keep your children aged 5-14 busy throughout July and August. This year, we are excited to offer a bagged lunch and snack for each participant, at no cost! For more information on our summer programs, check out our website: www.bgcbattlefords.ca.

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

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

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

- Summer Parks Drop-in Programs, 11:00am – 4:00pm

Continue to watch our Facebook page (BGCBattlefords), Instagram @bgcbattlefords and website (www.bgcbattlefords.ca) for more updates.

Opportunity Changes Everything

AD SPONSORED BY - www.bgcbattlefords.ca

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL RM of Mayfield No. 406

Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Rural Municipality of Mayfield No. 406 for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection by contacting the Assessor from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday, June 30th to July 31st, 2023.

A bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the Assessor at the RM of Mayfield No. 406, Box 100 Maymont SK S0M 1T0. All appeals must be filed with:

Secretary to the Board of Revision, Liana Stepan Western Municipal Consulting PO Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0

Email: secretary@westernmunicipal.ca

The appeal form must be completed and accompanied by the appeal fee; which is $75.00 per 100,000 assessed value to a maximum of $600.00 by the 31st day of July, 2023.

Dated at Maymont, Saskatchewan this 30th day of June, 2023.

Chyanne Hawkins Assessor

PUBLIC NOTICE

RM of Mervin No. 499 Public Notice

Zoning Bylaw Amendments

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Mervin No. 499 intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 94-3, known as the Basic Planning Statement (BPS), and Bylaw No. 94-4, known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

INTENT: The proposed BPS amendment (2023-22) would introduce land use planning objectives and policy regarding the temporary principal use of a recreational vehicle (RV) on a site while in the process of conversion to a permanent allowable use. The proposed ZB amendment (2023-23) would: introduce general evaluation criteria for development permit extensions; introduce a new discretionary permitting and evaluation process in the Agricultural (A), Country Residential (CR1 & CR2), Lakeshore (LD1, LD2, and LD3), and Conservation Districts (CON), for the placement of a RV as a temporary principal use on a site for a one year with potential permit renewable for up to four additional years; specific permit fees would be added for the temporary RV permits and renewals; regulation regarding accessory placement of RVs would be replaced; min. floor area requirements for principal dwellings in said Districts would be reduced to 20.44m2 (220 ft2); the definition of “Dwelling Unit” would be modified to clarify its basic components and to specifically exclude RV (and similar) uses; and, several other changes would be made to effect the intent of the new temporary principal RV permitting scheme (eg. renaming of uses and section heading, application and permitting requirements or exclusions, re-ordering of existing content).

AFFECTED LAND: Lands within the A, CR1, CR2, LD1, LD2, LD3, and CON Districts would be affected by the proposed bylaws.

REASON: The current scheme of the RM to allow RVs as a transitional use is set to expire January 1, 2024. In response to ratepayer inquiries and concerns, the RM is proposing a new scheme to allow the temporary placement of a RV as a principal use subject to landowners progressing towards establishing a permanent allowable use. The proposed policy and implementation are explicit in that conversion to permanent principal use is the objective and the basis for allowing the temporary RV use, and will only be considered where a clear plan for permanent use conversion is presented for evaluation in both initial permitting and any renewal. Min. floor areas would be reduced to allow for smaller principal dwelling options for initial placement on a site for more flexible and less costly build options. The balance of the proposed amendment is intended to support the new proposed permitting scheme for temporary RVs.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM of Mervin No. 499 office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost, by emailing the contact below. Copies of the proposed amendments are available for viewing here: https://rmofmervin.ca/planning_ development/planning_development_public_notification.html. Additionally, the RM has created a Frequently Asked Questions document to help understand the details of the amendment.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Livelong Community Hall, located at 1532 Main Street, Livelong, SK, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person representations. Only those who have made arrangements to speak on behalf of themselves or a group may be heard at the public hearing. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for in-person representation must be received by the RM office or its Planner by Wednesday, July 12, 2023. For additional information, please contact the administrator at (306) 845-2045 or rm499@rmofmervin.com. Box 130 Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0.

Issued at the Town of Turtleford this 1st day of June, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit CAO RM of Mervin No. 499

Town of Radisson

Notice of Call for Nominations

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office of:

1 Councillor: Town of Radisson will be received by the undersigned on Wednesday, the 9th day of August, 2023 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Town of Radisson Office located at 329 Main Street and during regular business hours from July 4, 2023 to August 8, 2023 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 26th day of June, 2023.

Norma Stumborg Returning Officer

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA NO. 468

Public Notice for Discretionary Use

Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to section 55 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that the RM of Meota No. 468 has received an application for a discretionary use. The application is to construct a new residence on a site that is less than a quarter section within the SW ¼ Section 02-47-16-W3M: Parcel A, Plan 101700267 as represented in the attached map. The proposed residence is located within the A1 – Agricultural Zoning District, section 5.2.2 a of the Zoning Bylaw lists residences on a site that is less than a quarter section as discretionary uses.

Council will consider this application at the regular scheduled Council meeting on July 5th, 2023 at 2:30pm in the RM of Meota office. If you wish to comment on these proposals, please do so in writing prior to Monday, July 3rd, 2023 to the RM of Meota No. 468, Box 80, Meota, SK, S0M 1X0. For additional information please contact the office at (306) 873-2200 or at robin@northboundplanning.ca.

Robin Bloski, RPP, MCIP Municipal Planner

June 21, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

RM of Mervin No. 499 Public Notice Zoning Bylaw Amendments

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Mervin No. 499 intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 94-4, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT: To introduce gas bar regulations for the LD1, LD2 and LD3 districts into the Zoning Bylaw, and update gas bar regulations in the CON district. Additionally, the ability to place Multiple Complimentary (Vertically Integrated) Uses (MCU) on a site will be added. Definitions for Gas Bar, Service Station, and MCU will be added.

AFFECTED LAND: Lands within the LD1, LD2, LD3, and CON Districts would be affected by the gas bar regulations, and all districts will be affected by the MCU regulations in proposed Bylaw 2023-31

REASON: Currently gas bars are not dealt with in the Lakeshore districts, unlike some other districts in the Zoning Bylaw. Council wishes to clearly indicate how gas bars uses are allowed in the Lakeshore districts, add regulations for that use, and update the regulations for that use in the Conservation district. Additionally, MCE uses are being brought in to allow situations such as a service station with a gas bar on one site.

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

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 1:30 PM in the RM office located at 211 Main St. in the Town of Turtleford to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment; a digital participation component will be available to the public. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person and digital representations. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for online representation must be received by the RM office or its Planner by Thursday, July 6, 2023 For additional information, please contact the administrator at (306) 845-2045 or rm499@rmofmervin.com. Box 130 Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0.

Issued at the Town of Turtleford this 5th day of June, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit CAO

RM of Mervin No. 499

CAREER OPPORTUNITY FISHER’S DRUG STORE

Fisher's Drug Store is a large independently owned pharmacy operating under the Pharmachoice banner. We offer a friendly work environment and have very attractive store hours. We are open from 9am to 6pm during the week and closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Pharmacist Assistant

• Are you looking for a new Career with advancement opportunities?

• Are you detail minded?

• Do you like to meet new people?

• Do you like to to help people?

• How about working in a friendly work environment?

• No experience is necessary. We provide all the training for you in your new role as Pharmacist Assistant.

• We offer a great wage and benefits package, RRSP plan plus a fairly flexible work schedule.

For further information, for both opportunities, please contact Darren Erbach at 306-445-6153 or send resume to fishersdrugstore@sasktel.net

Continued from Page 20

Congratulations also to Gordon Laybourne on winning the RCMP bicycle award for volunteering in our community. As a volunteer myself, I’m heartened when young people reach out to lend a hand to others. Constable Emily Kessler presented the Nakamura mountain bike to Gordon on June 23 at Maidstone High School.

More M’stone tiple 4-H Club held their last function for the 202223 year June 17. Explosion Gymnastics was a big hit with all the kids. They spent 45 minutes in each of the front and back gyms. Next, it was off to Bud Miller Park where a site had been reserved. Following a tasty picnic feast, the afternoon was spent on the playground equipment, enjoying outdoor games families had brought, cavorting in the splash park and visiting. It was a beautiful sunny day... perfect for a year-end wind-up. See you all on Oct. 2.

Maidstone pre-kindergartens held their graduation ceremony June 20 at Maidstone High School gymnasium. Pictures of the grads were taken with their families, the class performed two pieces, ceronce again organizing an excellent program, to all the terrific volunteers and to Turtleford School for a fantastic visit.

Maidstone Gully Mul-

After a couple of years of hiatus, Waseca Recreation Board held a Father’s Day brunch at Waseca Memorial Hall June 18. The turnout was good and the food was delicious. Congratulations to Neil Morrison on winning the cooler. It is hoped this will

again be an annual event. At the brunch, a presentation was made to Waseca Hall Board as a result of the tremendous success of the ninth annual fish fry in April. They helped with the event so the recreation board decided to split the proceeds 50/50 and presented a cheque in the amount of $11,473.18 to the hall board.

Standard Hill Lakers played in Meadow Lake June 13 and took their first loss of the season to Meadow Lake Sox 19 to 9. June 15 they hosted Glaslyn Orioles, winning 13 to 2. The Lakers and Sox are tied 6-1 at the top of the NSRBL.

Disc Golf League night in Paynton June 14 was a big success. It’s a fun course, slightly more beginner-friendly than Delfrari, and despite the threat of thunderstorms, good weather prevailed.

Congratulations to leaguedrawn winners, Chase James and Jacquie Ross. Current leaders are: Tier

1 Adam Bolig (Tier 1 is averages better than 0, under par). Tier 2 Jake White (Tier 2 is averages between 0 and +9, even with par to 9 over par). Tier 3 Wes Bolig (Tier 3 is averages +10 or higher, 10 over par or more). Top scores: Tier

1 Matt Sayers, Tier 2 Jake White, Tier 3 Wes Bolig. Overall top score to date: Matt Sayers -13 (13 strokes under par on 18 holes). Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary is offering a $500 bursary. Applicants must be graduates of Maidstone High School entering their second year of study in a health-care-related field. Send a letter application to Gill Churn, Box 2, Maidstone Sask. S0M 1M0 by Aug. 1, 2023. Good luck to all applicants.

Students and teachers: enjoy your time off, make fabulous summer memories, be safe and spend quality time with family and friends.

(Editor’s note: This item was omitted from the June 22 edition of the Battlefords News-Optimist in er-

ror. It has been revised and submitted for this week’s edition.)

Denice Krepps (Merryweather) passed away in Lloydminster Hospital June 18 at the age of 58. Jim, her husband of 33 years, and sons Austin, Dillon and Kendall are

Together

Constable Emily Kessler presents a Nakamura mountain bike to Gordon Laybourne in recognition of Gordon’s volunteer work in the community. | Photo courtesy Kathy Utri School break starts next week.

Continued on Page 27

More M’stone

Continued from Page 26 devastated by the loss of their cherished wife and mother. A celebration of Denice’s life was held at the Catholic Parish Hall in St. Walburg June 24. Denice was my husband Doug’s cousin and lifetime friend. We were their witnesses when Jim and Denice were married, enjoyed many escapades together and she was one of my nurses when I had cancer. Denice was a devoted mother and grandmother, a loving caregiver, a reliable friend and coworker, a tough-as-nails pillar of strength for many and an angel of mercy to others. Her memory will live on in the hearts of many of us in Maidstone, Paynton, Lloydminster, St. Walburg and much further afield.

Maidstone Legion

Branch No. 142 president Dennis Noble, presented veteran Byron Lott, with a scooter. Thank you for your donations to the Poppy Fund which made this possible.

Maidstone Museum recently received a donation of a mural that hung in the entrance at Pine Island Suites. After a couple of long days and a revamp of half the main floor of the museum, it is finished and looks amazing. When you get the chance, stop in and take a look at the new and improved station.

Maidstone Museum was thrilled to have two busloads of Turtleford students and adults visit June 16. Eleven stations were set up: dress-up deck (Matilda Nyame), grain elevator (Bill McGilvery), jail (Constables Devine and Mitchell), blacksmith shop (Dave Huber and John An-

derson), barber shop (Bill Foster), general store (Deb Biggart), snack time (Val Morris), old-time games (Eileen Anderson), ice house (Kathy Utri), school house (Carol Lundquist) and CN building (Christine Carlson). The visitors spent a few hours at the museum, ending with their picnic lunch and a serving of ice cream. The last hour was spent frolicking in the splash park before they boarded the buses and headed home. Thank you to Eileen Anderson for once again organizing an excellent program, to all the terrific volunteers and to Turtleford School for a fantastic visit.

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club held their last function for the 202223 year June 17. Explosion Gymnastics was a big hit with all the kids. They spent 45 minutes in each of

the front and back gyms. Next, it was off to Bud Miller Park where a site had been reserved. Following a tasty picnic feast, the afternoon was spent on the playground equipment, enjoying outdoor games families had brought, cavorting in the splash park and visiting. It was a beautiful sunny day... perfect for a year-end wind-up. See you all on Oct. 2.

After a couple of years of hiatus, Waseca Recreation Board held a Father’s Day brunch at Waseca Memorial Hall June 18. The turnout was good and the food was delicious. Congratulations to Neil Morrison on winning the cooler. It is hoped this will again be an annual event. At the brunch, a presentation was made to Waseca Hall Board as a result of the tremendous success of the ninth annual fish fry

in April. They helped with the event so the recreation board decided to split the proceeds 50/50 and presented a cheque in the amount of $11,473.18 to the hall board.

Standard Hill Lakers played in Meadow Lake June 13 and took their first loss of the season to Meadow Lake Sox 19 to 9. June 15 they hosted Glaslyn Orioles, winning 13 to 2. The Lakers and Sox are tied 6-1 at the top of the NSRBL.

Disc Golf League night in Paynton June 14 was a big success. It’s a fun course, slightly more beginner-friendly than Delfrari, and despite the threat of thunderstorms, good weather prevailed.

Congratulations to leaguedrawn winners, Chase James and Jacquie Ross. Current leaders are: Tier

1 Adam Bolig (Tier 1 is averages better than 0, un-

der par). Tier 2 Jake White (Tier 2 is averages between 0 and +9, even with par to 9 over par). Tier 3 Wes Bolig (Tier 3 is averages +10 or higher, 10 over par or more). Top scores: Tier

1 Matt Sayers, Tier 2 Jake White, Tier 3 Wes Bolig. Overall top score to date: Matt Sayers -13 (13 strokes under par on 18 holes).

Maidstone Health Care

Auxiliary is offering a $500 bursary. Applicants must be graduates of Maidstone High School entering their second year of study in a health-care-related field. Send a letter application to Gill Churn, Box 2, Maidstone Sask. S0M 1M0 by Aug. 1, 2023. School break starts next week. Students and teachers: enjoy your time off, make fabulous summer memories, be safe and spend quality time with family and friends.