Regional News-Optimist May 11, 2023

B’fords behind Lloydminster, Onion Lake on reconciliation: judge sentencing Lesmeister

Kritzer not pleased with some remarks

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A judge who presided over a sentencing hearing for a man guilty of a violent unprovoked attack against an Indigenous man made a striking comparison between the progress of reconciliation efforts in North Battleford and the advances made by Lloydminster and Onion Lake.

The judge presided Friday in North Battleford Provincial Court over the case of 46-year-old Adam Lesmeister charged with assault causing bodily harm against an Indigenous man in Battleford last year.

“I go to Onion Lake every day and see positive things and I’m heartened,” said Lloydminster Provincial Court Judge Stephen Kritzer, shedding light on the state of reconciliation in the region. “And I come here and see cases like this and I know we are not all the way there.”

Judge Kritzer also condemned comments in two letters of support for Lesmeister that were submitted to the court, saying “I’m not extremely pleased by those remarks.”

In one letter of support, a woman said she “would do the same thing” as Lesmeister had and another letter said, “I may have done the same thing.”

Judge Kritzer said this raises the issue of a fitting sentence that would act as a general deterrence.

“We don’t want a repeat of this,” said Judge Kritzer. “This [assault] was horribly, horribly, horribly wrong and yet we have letters saying, ‘I would do that.’”

Indigenous man now fears coming to Battlefords

A Poundmaker First Nation man told North Battleford Provincial Court how he now fears coming into the Battlefords after the assault that had occurred in front of his six-year-old daughter.

Court heard that on July 17, 2022, Colby Tootoosis had just backed a trailer into the backyard of his friend, Eleanore Sunchild, in Battleford when he was unexpectedly confronted and “sucker punched” by Lesmeister.

“It was supposed to be an enjoyable father and daughter trip into town,” Tootosis said as he read

his victim impact statement during Lesmeister’s sentencing hearing on a charge of assault causing bodily harm.

“My daughter was excited for this trip to town as we were very careful during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were in isolation in our family bubble.”

Tootoosis said his partner, Andrea Landry, was pregnant with their child and trips to the Battlefords were rare. They had home schooled their daughter during COVID-19. The attack destroyed Tootoosis and his young family’s sense of safety in coming to the Battlefords, he told the court.

“Instead of enjoying the trip it turned into disaster,” he said, adding that members of his family now avoid travelling alone to the Battlefords.

“The Battlefords feels like a dangerous place. I fear for my life in the Battlefords.”

Tootoosis told the court that he and his partner live a sober life. As part of their culture, he said they were focused on protecting her from any form of violence and surrounding her with peace and love during her

high-risk pregnancy. Court heard that their daughter had even stopped playing violent video games to protect the unborn child from violence.

“All that was shattered that day my daughter and I experienced this,” said Tootoosis as he became visibly overwhelmed with emotion, stopped speaking, and reached for Kleenex to wipe his eyes.

Lesmeister, who sat beside his defence counsel Randy Kirkham, lowered his head.

Court heard that Tootoosis’s nose was broken in the assault. He also sustained injuries to his ears, head, nose, teeth, upper lip, and eyes.

Tootoosis told the court

that he believed the fact that he was Indigenous contributed to the assault.

“I feel the opportunity presented itself to attack an Indigenous man and Adam took that opportunity. Discrimination against the Indigenous is a reality. I think Adam seen a thief through racial stereotypes and made choices based on those racial stereotypes.”

Daughter witnessed attack

Tootoosis asked Judge Kritzer if his six-year-old daughter could come into the courtroom as his partner Andrea Landry read her victim impact statement. Judge Kritzer granted the request.

“She began to sob when she saw me,” Landry told

the court.

“She said, ‘I was so brave, Mom, I was so brave,’” Landry said adding that their daughter sobbed for 15 minutes.

“She said to me, ‘I bet the police are chasing the bad guys right now to put them in jail.’”

Landry said her daughter saw all of the blood on her father’s shirt and was afraid for him.

“I was worried for my dad when I saw those men so I prayed,” Landry said her daughter told her. “If those guys were kind they would have stopped to see if I was OK.”

The assault

The assault was caught on video by a home

Continued on Page 3

MOTHERS DAY

SUNDAY MAY 14TH MOMS SWIM FREE AT THE BATTLEFORDS CO-OP AQUATIC CENTRE

INSTRUCTORS

We are looking for you!

The Allen Sapp Gallery and The Chapel Gallery are seeking talented art instructors and cultural leaders to facilitate programs fitting our mandates.

Do you have an art practice or cultural tradition that you would like to share and teach others?

Do you live in the Battlefords and area?

We are looking for local contract instructors who can teach painting, drawing, beading, cultural arts, traditional games, etc.

Flexible Hours! Earn Extra Money! Create!

Please send your ideas and proposal to Igarven@cityofnb.ca

Proposals should include: Information about yourself, Bio, Program Description, Images of work/outcomes, resume if applicable. Clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check is required. For more information, please call 306-445-1760.

INTERNATIONAL

DAY May 15th

Glaslyn man sentenced to 2.7 years on drug, weapons offences

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A 38-year-old Glaslyn man was sentenced in North Battleford Provincial Court Wednesday morning to 985 days for drug trafficking and weapons offences.

A trial for Christopher Daniel Ludviksen was scheduled to start May 3 but instead, federal Crown Prosecutor Tom Brannen and defence counsel Nicholas Stooshinoff entered a joint sentencing submission to the court, which Judge Michelle Baldwin accepted.

“I want to start a new chapter in my life and better myself,” Ludviksen told the court as he appeared by CCTV from Saskatoon Correctional Centre.

With 620 days credit for time served while waiting for trial, Ludviksen has 365 days left to serve. This means he will stay in a provincial correctional facility instead of going to a federal prison.

Ludviksen was arrested in March 2022 after Battlefords RCMP got a call about an unwanted person inside a home at 351 - 33 Street in Battleford. Ludviksen was found in the home. Court heard that the police investigation led the RCMP to obtaining a search warrant of a home in Glaslyn and they seized four firearms, a significant amount of cash and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.

In honour of International Safety Day this year, the Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre will be doing a colouring competition!

From May 1st-15th Bring your children (age 3-13) to pick up a colouring page from the front desk at the Aquatic Centre.

Once it is complete bring it back to the Aquatic Centre front desk and put your name and number in for a draw to win a prize!

The completed artwork will be put on display at the Aquatic Centre. Have fun!

2023 CITY OF NORTH

WATERMAIN

City areas scheduled for the 2023 flushing process include the western part of the City between Territorial Drive and Peyak Trail and Riverview. The northeast from 100th Ave/20th Ave is excluded. Watch for “WATER MAIN FLUSHING” signs on your block indicating that you will be affected by the unidirectional flushing that night.

Residents in the affected block can continue to use water regularly until 7:00pm that night. In some cases, water main flushing of a block may take a few nights. In these cases, residents may use the water as normal from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The process of unidirectional line flushing should be completed on or before May 19th, 2023.

Contact City Hall with any questions at 306-445-1700.

Brannen told the court that Ludviksen had an SKS rifle that was modified. The firearm was cut, which

then made the weapon prohibited due to its length. The rifle wasn’t functional because it was missing a bolt but could have been made operable by adding the missing bolt. At the time, Ludviksen was under a firearms prohibition.

The joint submission took Ludviksen’s criminal history into consideration.

“He has a significant record,” said Brannen, adding that he has two prior convictions for drug trafficking in 2017 and 2019.

Stooshinoff told the court that Ludviksen has significant Gladue factors. Following a landmark Supreme Court Ruling in R. v. Gladue in 1999, lower courts must consider Indigenous offender’s background when sentencing the offender. The factors include discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, loss of culture, separation from family, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Stooshinoff said that his client was born and raised in North Battleford to a Metis woman from Green Lake. His father was Caucasian. Ludviksen was placed in foster care. At the age of six, he along with his younger brother and sister, were subjected to long periods of sexual abuse that had a significant impact on him. He only has Grade 9, which he completed at North Battleford Comprehensive High School, and struggles with reading and writing.

“As a young person he lashed out quite a bit,” said Stooshinoff, adding that his mother had a difficult time handling him and he ended up on the street at a

Wild’s Window

very young age.

His sister, who was subjected to the sexual abuse, recently committed suicide, said Stooshinoff. Since Ludviksen has been in custody, his uncle, sister, partner, and grandfather died.

“His spouse was killed by a hit and run driver when she was four months pregnant with their child,” said Stooshinoff.

Since being incarcerated, Ludviksen has taken grief and loss counselling, participated in drug and alcohol counselling, and has signed up to take Grade 10.

“His plan is to go back to school and get upgrading,” said Stooshinoff.

“He wants to take training in welding and receive a journeyman’s ticket for welding.”

Ludviksen has worked in construction in North Battleford, Glaslyn, and Meadow Lake areas, said Stooshinoff.

Judge Baldwin said the joint sentencing submission was at the bottom range for the offences Ludviksen had pleaded guilty.

“Drug and firearms offences are taken very seriously by the court and often garner lengthy jail sentences,” said Judge Baldwin.

She acknowledged, however, the issues the Crown admitted there were with taking the case to trial, including circumstantial evidence and uncooperative witnesses.

Judge Baldwin banned Ludviksen from owning firearms for life and ordered that he provide his DNA to the National DNA Data Bank.

Taking

|

a few moments before the green traffic light to admire the lustre of this massive raven with my camera. One of the smartest birds around, yet it is confused as an ugly pest. Many great things seem to hide in very tall shadows.

Photo

and text by Blake Feist

Battlefords falling behind on reconciliation: judge

“This was not a racially motivated incident,” insisted the defendant’s lawyer, Randy Kirkham. “It was out of frustration in terms of the police not showing up and being the victim of a theft.”

Continued from Page 1 security system at Eleanore Sunchild’s residence in Battleford. The video online sparked outrage across the province.

The video evidence showed Adam Lesmeister “roaming around the area” and taking off his hoodie looking for a confrontation, said Crown Prosecutor Stephen Larocque. A truck with a trailer driven by Colby Tootoosis could be seen backing into Eleanore Sunchild’s yard in Battleford. There were two men with Lesmeister in the backyard. Dane Lesmeister, 18, was also arrested and charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The charge was dealt with through alternative measures and in January the charge against him was dismissed.

Some parts of the video evidence had sound and Lesmeister could be heard hollering at Tootoosis, “Where are my [expletive] bags? Someone stole bags from my truck and it leads here. Give me my [expletive] bag.”

Tootoosis was heard repeatedly saying, “I don’t live here.”

The video evidence then showed Lesmeister climb onto the bumper and trailer hitch of Tootoosis’ truck and “sucker punching” him.

Tootoois was taken to the ground – in front of his six-year-old daughter – and Lesmeister grabbed Tootoosis by the hair and delivered “another strike to his head,” said Larocque who called Lesmeister’s actions a “cowardly move.”

He told the court that Tootoosis was “clearly not a threat and was not fighting back and outnumbered.”

Tootoosis was driving a nice truck, wasn’t involved in the theft, and appeared confused when he was initially approached by Lesmeister, court heard.

After the attack, Lesmeister drove away and didn’t offer any help, apology, or assistance to the person he just wrongfully attacked, said Larocque.

There was no suggestion that anyone at Sunchild’s home was involved in the theft of the bag that ended up in their backyard, court heard.

Sunchild moves family out of Battleford

Tootoosis’s friend Eleanore Sunchild –who is a lawyer – spoke directly to Lesmeister as she read her victim impact statement.

“Adam, I am extremely disappointed you came into my yard July 17 and brutally assaulted my friend Colby. We were at the lake that afternoon.

“You had to show your superiority and assault him and boss him around like it was your house.”

Sunchild said she moved her family out of the Battlefords after the assault on her friend. She said Lesmeister’s actions were the last straw in the “racist and dangerous actions” she said she sees in the Battlefords. Sunchild acted as the lawyer for Colten Boushie’s family. Boushie was shot and killed by Biggar area farmer Gerald Stanley in 2018. Stanley was acquitted.

“Battleford is no longer a safe place to raise my Indigenous sons. I don’t want to wonder if they will be harmed given the state of racism in the Battlefords. I moved to Saskatoon. It is peaceful, safe, and quiet.”

Lesmeister sat looking forward and didn’t look at Sunchild as she read her victim impact statement.

Denounce vigilante justice: Crown

Crown Prosecutor Larocque said vigilante justice was an aggravating factor in the assault and increased the need for denunciation and deterrence.

“It was an assault moti-

vated by retribution.”

The fact that Tootoosis and his family are Indigenous is another aggravating factor, said Larocque as he pointed out the trauma Indigenous people have experienced due to colonialism. The impact on an Indigenous victim and the assault’s impact on his young daughter in the truck increased the gravity of the offence.

He told the court that Tootoosis was “violently attacked” even though he had no connection to the theft Lesmeister was a victim of, other than being in the area after the stolen bag was found.

The Crown asked for a six-month suspended sentence followed by 12 months of probation and $16,000 in restitution for lost wages Tootoosis suffered.

Truly remorseful: Defence

Defence counsel Randy Kirkham told the court that his client was “truly remorseful” and had wanted to reach out to Tootoosis and his family early on to apologize but was prevented from doing so by a court order that prohibited any contact.

The nature of the unprovoked assault isn’t disputed, Kirkham told the court, adding that he wanted to explain the events that led

up to the assault.

Lesmeister had returned home from the lake and was in the process of taking items into the house when he had observed someone on a bicycle and noticed that the passenger door of his truck was open, as well as the center console, court heard. A duffle bag had been stolen from his vehicle.

He called the police to report the theft and his wife started using the find my iPhone app to locate the cell phone that was in the stolen bag.

“While she was doing that he ended up heading off with directions from her to locate the phone while she remained on the phone with the RCMP updating them.”

The bag was eventually located in the Sunchild’s backyard and this was communicated to the police and Lesmeister waited there for them to arrive.

The police, however, advised Lesmeister that they weren’t coming, Kirkham told the court. The cell phone and bag were recovered but Lesmeister’s pants with his house, trailer, toolbox and shop keys weren’t.

“When the police didn’t respond he became upset and frustrated and someone was then noted to be backing into the yard.”

on my part and for that I sincerely apologize. Had I had the opportunity to apologize sooner I would have jumped at the chance.

“The actions of July 17 are not an accurate reflection of my character,” added Lesmeister.

“Do I regret my actions?” asked Lesmeister. “Absolutely. I live with it daily.”

Lesmeister said he had read the victim impact statements and it was “gut wrenching to know how I caused them such stress. I would like to relay my sincere apology. I hope they find some comfort in knowing how sorry I am.” Kirkham told the court that Lesmeister now suffers from bouts of depression and sleeplessness.

Sentencing adjourned

Kirkham admitted that Lesmeister made “quick judgments and assumptions” and an unprovoked assault occurred.

“This was not a racially motivated incident,” insisted Kirkham. “It was out of frustration in terms of the police not showing up and being the victim of a theft.”

He added that Lesmeister had been the victim of three thefts prior to this incident.

“Race has nothing to do with it,” said Kirkham. He also told the court that it was not an act of vigilantism but rather an instant reaction to the situation.

Kirkham told the court that Lesmeister has many Indigenous friends and employees and his grandfather had married an Indigenous woman. In addition, several Indigenous people came to the sentencing hearing to “dispel the notion” that Lesmeister is racist.

Kirkham told the court that the Lesmeister family received death threats following the incident. In addition, their home was egged and vehicles vandalized.

Defence asked the court for a suspended sentence and nine to 12 months of probation.

Lesmeister’s apology Through his lawyer, Lesmeister apologized to the court how his actions affected Tootoosis and his family.

“It was a chaotic and emotional event that resulted in a poor decision

Judge Kritzer reserved handing down a sentence until May 15 saying he had at least “100 pages of material to go through.”

Judge Kritzer acknowledged there is no evidence to substantiate that the attack was racially motivated. He added, however, that when the victim is from a population that does feel “put upon” it’s certainly reasonable that they would feel the assault was racially motivated and it is an aggravating factor.

“Mr. Tootoosis, I do consider your feeling that this may be racially motivated and consider that real feeling. I can’t sentence this individual based on that,” said Judge Kritzer, adding that he will consider that fact.

Encouraged by judge’s comments Outside the courthouse, Eleanore Sunchild told reporters that she was encouraged by Judge Kritzer’s comments during the sentencing hearing.

“I was really pleased with what he said about general deterrence and vigilante justice. It’s clear that he seen what happened in my yard to Colby Tootoosis as an act of vigilante justice so that is good. I was very surprised to hear that from a judge sitting in North Battleford.

“You could tell that he was very thoughtful in his comments and what he was saying and I’m looking forward to a very thoughtful decision from him.”

Eleanore Sunchild, right, with Colby Tootoosis in front of North Battleford Provincial Court Friday following a sentencing hearing for Adam Lesmeister. |

Photo by Lisa Joy

“Do I regret my actions?” asked Adam Lesmeister. “Absolutely. I live with it daily.”

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II a

bright event

Legacy of a school teacher lives on

Dear Editor

Last week I happened to turn the radio dial to one of the numerous U.S. stations that clutter up our airwaves. An announcer was about to interview a male English person about something but first, he just had to ask him his thoughts on the coming coronation. The fellow was indifferent although he condescended to say, “The queen was a nice old lady.”

A nice old lady? Had I been next to him I would have been tempted to kick him where it would do the most harm. (By that sentence I’ve proved no one will call me “a nice old lady.”)

Why did that man come out with such an ignorant, patronizing crack? Queen Elizabeth II spent her life doing her duty, living up to her vows and holding together to Commonwealth only to be called “a nice old lady.” All it lacked was a pat on the head for her.

When Elizabeth II was crowned it was a bright event in our lives because so many of us involved ourselves in it. The teacher in our one-room schoolhouse was of Dutch descent and a firm supporter of the constitutional monarchy. On the day of the coronation she had the school radio on all day and there was no, or little, oral work. We listened while we worked.

The next Saturday was the day for which we had prepared to take part, for the rural municipality and the nearest large town together gave a big party which included the adults.

There was no indifference or apathy then. There is now. That one-room schoolhouse became a busy community centre for years. Now it stands empty and derelict although other country centres are used and busy.

So many people who are indifferent or even hostile to our system of government just don’t understand how it works and what safeguards it gives us. The question is why don’t they know? Why do they think it would be so simple to throw the baby out with the bathwater and not question what would happen to the empty bathtub? I also wonder why broadcasters give so much time to people who have come here from other countries, who come here and then tell us we should change the system under which they are doing quite well. What is their reason for coming?

I recall a Canadian interviewing a person who came here from Jamaica and who was watching Charles and Camilla on their Canadian visit. He was going on about how wonderful it was for Jamaica to be a republic (after one year only). The reporter failed to ask the man if he was anit-royalist why was he watching a Charles and Camilla event and also if it’s so great in Jamaica how come he’d moved to Canada?

Well, May 8, there will be the funeral of that school teacher whose loyalty became deeper when the Commonwealth country, Canada, liberated her mother country from the hideous occupation by Nazis. They were the product of a country which definitely was not a democracy with a constitutional monarchy. During that time one of her cousins died from starvation as did other

Dutch people. One of those Canadian soldiers in time became her husband.

She became my sister-in-law and it was disappointing that she couldn’t experience a second coronation. It would have cheered her greatly for she was one of those who might have said “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” except would not use the word “ain’t” even in jest.

I still have a little flag which was given to all school children at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Canadian flags now bear the maple leaf. It should still stand for something other than apathy and indifference.

Christine Pike Waseca

Letters welcome

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Regional Optimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or emailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

Kylie

Editorial

Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca

Lisa Joy Reporter • Miguel Fenrich Reporter

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

WoodPile The Coronation Day

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

What did you find memorable and what did you do on Coronation Day one may be asked in the future – not too much would surely be the response of most people round here. We ourselves watched the TV coverage from about 3 a.m. I thought the pomp and circumstance was overdone and unnecessary.

King Charles, like Queen Victoria, appeared largely “not amused” and his expressions showed tolerance and resignation.

The photographs of the newly crowned couple on the balcony with the crowns perched on their heads made them look like a pair of finger puppets and rather ridiculous. In comparison, submitted with this article is a photo-

graph of Camilla taken by my wife on their wedding day after their blessing in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2005.

In the afternoon, we joined in Battleford a small Royal Canadian Legion group honouring the occasion. Next day we enjoyed a very nice British

North Stars Head Out

lunch and tea at St. Paul’s Anglican Church again held to mark the royal event. That afternoon we also took in the hugely popular Community Youth Choir concert in the Logie Hall at Third Avenue United Church but were disappointed that the program contained nothing relevant to the coronation event.

The World Health Organization, recognized as an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom, has declared that the COVID pandemic is over. Where, one might ask, have all the COVIDs gone? Well, they haven’t gone anywhere –they are simply fewer in numbers, resting up and commuting if that is the right word, ready to return at the behest of the WHO or China (according to Mr. Trump). As with all the other microbes they have simply melded into the vast, varied, virus diaspora for the time being.

Meanwhile. our elected intelligentsia, determined to provoke China by word and action, seem forgetful that the Chinese population and armed forces outnumber us by 35 times and that this country is indefensible and could be easily overrun. I have been saying for years that the next war will be one of occupation – are our leaders that stupid? By the way, are we to believe that Mr. Trudeau was unaware of the extent of Chinese involvement in our elections and that Mr. Chong and his family and others are specifically targeted or so we are told.

On a lighter note, Charles, Camilla and myself were much concerned that the precariously perched crowns were at great risk of falling off over the balcony parapet. Now that would have made Coronation Day truly memorable for me anyway!

Walking for Mental Health

A photograph of Camilla taken by Sarah Wood on the wedding day of Charles and Camilla after their blessing in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle Coronation Day.

Residents of the Battlefords were cheering the North Stars out of town on Monday, May 8, as the hockey team headed to Portage, Man. to compete for the Centennial Cup. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Battlefords residents were walking for mental health awareness on May 4, with this year’s theme focusing on everyone’s individual story with mental health. |

Photo submitted

Newest Blend member stays for music, friendship

By Andrea Stewart Battlefords Blend

Last spring Battlefords Blend, a Sweet Adelines International chorus, started a campaign to grow the chorus because the pandemic had dwindled numbers drastically. Since then, six members, two who had been members in previous years and four who are brand new, have joined the chorus.

One of the newest members is Oksana Parkhomenko, although you wouldn’t know it by the way she has fit into the group.

Parkhomenko was born and raised in Ukraine and immigrated with her family to Saskatchewan in 2008. They spent four months in Estevan, then moved to North Battleford.

She received a personal invitation from director Jo Carter to check out the chorus.

The invitation came when Parkhomenko was playing around with her guitar on their deck. Carter heard her and asked if

she’d be interested in singing with a chorus. Her love of music made that an easy “Yes.” She came to a few rehearsals and hasn’t left since.

Parkhomenko started singing in school and her first experience on stage was when she was six years old. She was hooked. The more the adults around her asked her, the more she sang. She grew to love the stage so much that she decided to become a teacher. Now she teaches for Northwest College and still enjoys being in the spotlight. At one time Parkhomenko taught drama and performed plays on a large stage in a theatre that seated about 1,000 people.

When Carter first asked Parkhomenko to join a Battlefords Blend rehearsal, she came because of her love of music. She still loves music but, as she put it, “I have stayed because of the people that are involved with Battlefords Blend. So, I guess the sisterhood.”

Parkhomenko has en-

joyed being a part of the chorus and performing in the community. “I think performances are important in a community like ours. This is a diverse community with people

coming from many different backgrounds. It is important to find something in common to bring the community together. Yes, sport would be one thing, but music is another.”

Parkhomenko considers herself a life-long learner so the opportunities to learn new things and try new experiences are captivating for her. Last fall Battlefords Blend hosted a regional workshop with people coming from Regina, Saskatoon, Alberta and British Columbia. This allowed her to learn about the other choruses in the area and the options that are available for these singers. She also enjoyed learning about one’s abilities and techniques to sing.

“Also, it was fun to spend time with the ladies from Battlefords Blend. Their yummy treats were really good,” said Parkhomenko.

Another new experience was competing against choruses across Western Canada. This year’s competition took place in Saskatoon which allowed the chorus to display their skills and compare themselves to other choruses of different sizes. In addition to the competition, there were workshops put on by some of the best

in barbershop singing. Learning how to blend voices and improve one’s voice is always a good way to improve the overall performance of the group.

As one who “crossed the stage” for the first time at this year’s competition, Parkhomenko commented, “It was a great experience to perform and see the other choruses.”

Even though she’s still fairly new to Battlefords Blend, she is already encouraging friends and coworkers to come and try it out. She’s invited some to come to one of two guest nights May 16 and 30 at Battleford United Church at 6:45 p.m.

The United Church in Battleford has wonderful acoustics and one can sometimes hear overtone notes that nobody is singing. It can bring shivers to some and it’s always wonderful to hear.

Everyone is welcome to come to guest night to learn more about this wonderful group of friendly, talented singers.

Scholarships presented to two local students

Submitted

BDCF

Battlefords and District Community Foundation (BDCF) recently presented annual scholarships to two students from the Battlefords.

Ethan Nolin is the 2023 recipient of the award from

23052WW0

23052WW1

the Hazel Asmussen Fund. In September 2023, Nolin will be entering the second year of the Music Performance Honours (Flute) program at Western University in London, Ont. His goal is to be a professional orchestra player and he said, “I appreciate this award because it allows me the opportunity to study in the field I love.”

The Hazel Asmussen Fund was established with BDCF in 2007. Hazel, a retired nurse and local artist, had long been involved in community building. She created this fund to help post-secondary fine arts students with their school expenses.

The Peter Lewochko Fund provides annual scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture, education or engineering. Peter’s profession was farming, and he established this scholarship in 2013 as a legacy of his belief in the value of education.

Josh Fransoo is the recipient of this year’s award from the Peter Lewochko

Fund. Fransoo has been accepted into the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. He thanked BDCF for the financial support and said, “This scholarship will lift a burden off my shoulders and help me in my university career.”

Battlefords and District Community Foundation currently manages more than 30 funds that will contribute to a range of interests from the arts and health care to postsecondary scholarships

and recreation. BDCF will distribute over $60,000 in annual community grants

and scholarships this year. To date, their donors have provided over $1,900,000

Supporting Mental Health

to community groups and projects. The foundation website at www.bdcf.ca

On Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m., CMHA Battlefords Branch kicked off mental health week in the Town of Battleford with a flag-raising ceremony at Town Hall. In attendance were Town of Battleford councillors, CMHA Battlefords staff, board and members. Both the City of North Battleford and Town of Battleford shared proclamations declaring May 1-7 Mental Health Week. Left to right back row: Councillor Doug Laing; CMHA board member Kathy Gerbrandt; CMHA board president Marion Palidwor; Councillor David George; CMHA member Kirby. Left to right front row: Councillor Kevin Russell; CMHA member Maxime; CMHA executive director Michele Winterholt; CMHA coordinator Tiffanny Moosuk; CMHA member Larry; Deputy Mayor Councillor Alexis Christensen. | Photo submitted

Oksana Parkhomenko is one of the newest member of Battlefords Blend. | Photo courtesy Battlefords Blend

Ethan Nolin is the 2023 recipient of the award from the Hazel Asmussen Fund. | Photos courtesy BDCF

Josh Fransoo is the recipient of this year’s award from the Peter Lewochko Fund.

Four K Auto Service

Four K Auto Service

Thank you to our everyday heroes

The 5 ethical principles of nursing in Canada

In Canada, National Nursing Week takes place from May 8 to 14. The weeklong celebration draws attention to the courage and commitment nurses display daily on the front lines of the Canadian healthcare system. Nurses are guided by core principles outlined in the Code of Ethics for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada. Here’s a look at what they entail.

1. Responsibility to the public. Licensed practical nurses, as self-regulating professionals, must commit to providing safe, effective, compassionate and ethical care to members of

the public.

2. Responsibility to clients. Nurses must provide safe and competent care for their patients.

3. Responsibility to the profession. Licensed practical nurses must commit to their profession and foster the respect and trust of their healthcare colleagues and communities.

4. Responsibility to colleagues. develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with nursing colleagues and other

health professionals.

5. Responsibility to oneself. Licensed practical nurses must take care of themselves, recognizing and functioning within their personal and professional competence and value systems.

This year, the theme of National Nursing Week is Our Nurses. Our Future. The theme speaks to the many roles played by nurses in a patient’s

BUH Womens Health & Birthing Staff

Growth That Works For Everyone

SPSA Invests in Water Bomber to Help Fight Wildfires

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has invested $37.3 million in a CL-215T air tanker to provide a stronger wildfire response in the province. This will allow our responders to better protect lives, communities, and major infrastructure as part of its wildfire and grassfire fire response program. The CL-215T can reach speeds of approximately 329 KPH and collect 1,200 gallons of water from an open water source in about 10 seconds. Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca

Art Notes

Experience the calming effects of neurographic art

By Brianne Hager

Have you ever heard of neurographic art? It’s a form of art therapy that was developed by a Russian psychologist in the early 2010s. It combines drawing, mindfulness and neuroscience principles to help you focus on the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety. Some therapists believe the practice can help change thinking and behaviour patterns by creating new neural pathways in the brain, and help people bring their wishes into reality through the meditative focus that happens while they draw.

I recently took a short class on the topic and really enjoyed it. There are many different steps with meanings behind each of them, but the basic idea is to start by drawing lines, allowing them to flow freely without trying to control

dee Hobsbawn-Smith’s poetry tour brings her to B’fords May 25

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

the direction and without lifting the marker from the paper. Next, you can add simple shapes, and then you round out all of the corners and edges until the entire design is made up of completely smooth lines. Finally, you use coloured pencils to fill in all of the spaces.

One of the things I loved about this technique is that it doesn’t require any prior artistic experience or drawing skills. My favourite part was rounding out all of the lines, I found it meditative and relaxing. For my next piece, I will be experimenting with filling in the shapes with watercolour instead of pencil.

Neurographic art is often used in therapy and self-care settings, but it’s also a fun activity that can be done individually or in a group and it is an easy way for anyone to make beautiful pieces of art.

dee Hobsbawn-Smith started writing terrible prose and poetry in her teens. Now, an author of 10 published books, and an avid writer of short fiction, novels and creative nonfiction, Hobsbawn-Smith has published her second poetry collection. Her newest work, Among the Untamed, launched in April is now touring the province. You have a chance to hear her read from a collection that has been described as, “intricate textures of rage and domestic ritual” and “fierce and passionate ... beautiful to read and think about.”

Her tour includes North Battleford Public Library May 25 at 7 p.m.

“When I realized what

this collection was becoming, it seemed like a natural fit with the times, and that’s sad because much of this work is about the tragedies some women’s lives are, the violence women face the racism and sexism,” she said, noting that violence is as prevalent now as in the past

“... and (it’s) getting worse in some countries as women’s rights are eroded. So sexual politics and gender identity are on the page, but as poetry, not as polemic.”

The collection, which has been in the works for years, began as a poem about Marylin Monroe in 2008 after viewing a collection of her dresses in Calgary’s Glenbow Museum.

“I wrote the first draft of the 20-poem series, ‘Jeanne

Remembering the Missing

Dark Comes of Age on the Prairie,’ in 2016. For me, most poetry takes years to gestate, and figuring out where a poem is going to ultimately land its ending.”

So far, HobsbawnSmith said that the support for Among the Untamed has been overwhelmingly positive, for its content, its language and its emotional and intellectual weight.

“The Canadian poet Susan Musgrave recently said in an interview that one of the great things about poetry is the tension between beautiful lounge and tough or difficult subject matter,” Hobsbawn-Smith said.

“She was absolutely right, and I hope that readers come away from reading Among the Untamed with that kind of appreciation.”

BATC’s walk for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was well-attended on May 5, with many wearing the symbolic red clothing known for marking MMIWG.

After the event, a BBQ was held with Deputy Mayor Bill Ironstand and FSIN Senator Jenny Spyglass speaking to the crowd. | Photos submitted

#2 11204 Railway Ave East (306) 445-5700

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

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

Ryan Domotor, MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford domotor.mla@sasktel.net 306-893-2619

Battlefords Art Club

Examples of neurographic created at a recent class. | Photos submitted

Halting The Monster

12th Avenue East construction underway

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Downtown revitalization work continues ahead of summer. May 9 was the start of an anticipated three-week demolition and installation of a new sidewalk, curb, gutters and paving stones on 12th Avenue east of 102nd Street.

The city has closed 12th Avenue from 102nd Street, east to the lane behind In-

novation Credit Union and the Kramer Building, though the city noted in a release that the lane behind Innovation Credit Union, and the front door on 102nd Street, will remain open and accessible during construction.

...(we) apologize for any delays that this may cause for pedestrians and drivers.” the city said in the release.

The front door of the

Building a full loss

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture building on 12th Avenue will be closed May 9 and May 10 for sidewalk removal and will be closed for another three days for pouring of new sidewalks.

The city anticipates this project will take three weeks to complete and thanks impacted businesses for their cooperation and patience..

Garage fire investigated

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The North Battleford Fire Department is investigating the cause of a singecar garage fire on May 8.

The garage on the 1500 block of 106th Street has been deemed a full loss, and the residence on the property, along with surrounding properties, sustained no damage.

“All NBFD units were back in service at 12:45 a.m. today,” reads a May 9 release from the City of North Battleford after being dispatched at 10:40

p.m. May 8.

The city also noted that no injuries were sustained by residents or emergency responders and that the lack of damage to property

was due to the quick response of firefighters. Further updates on the investigation into the cause of the fire will be issued when available.

Dr. A. N. Rodriguez

MD, M. MED, LMCC, GP/OB 181C. 22nd Street, Box 1480 Battleford, Saskatchewan S0M 0E0 Phone: 306-445-3226 Fax: 306-445-3131

Please take notice that Dr. Rodriguez will be relocating to Ontario in August.

As a result of this, his last day for the office will be August 7, 2023 It has been a great pleasure to have provided all my clients with health care in Saskatchewan.

Resources from Moosomin, Saulteaux, volunteer firefighters, the City of North Battleford Fire Department and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency) co-oordinated firefighting efforts in Moosomin and Saulteaux First Nations after a wildfire began May 5. The fire raged over 9,660 acres before it was contained. At one point sightseers were admonished to stay away from the area as excess traffic was holding up community members and elders as they were being evacuated.| Photos courtesy Sheldon Fox, communications co-ordinator for BATC

Afternoon tea, Mother’s Day dinner, Edam Ladies’ Night

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

The world is getting greener by the hour. The trees are showing their

In Loving Memory of John Merrill Bird

April

new leaves and the world is brighter every day. There are lots of snow geese and Canadas around still, but they’ll be moving northward gradually. There was still some ice on the lake on the weekend, moving around at the wind’s store discretion.

The bridge players were back at it in the Pioneer Hall May 2 with three and a half tables. Top score went to Linda Ard and Vern Iverson. In second eeee Barbara Mitchell and Anna Marie Waldbillig. Tied for third place were Jeannine Beloin and Albert Blais along with Bea Prutti and David Sharpe. On May 4, first in Rank A were Barbara Mitchell and Jean Lawes, withLinda Ard and Albert Blais second. Top in Rank B were Linda Ard and Albert Blais.

MISSING YOU...

Mom,

There were four tables of canasta players gathered at the Do Drop In Friday afternoon. The top couple was Paulette Neale and Bev McCrimmon. Second were Karn Kelly and Vern Iverson and third were Joyce Luckey and Linda Ard.

May 13, the Spiritwood

Lions are holding an English Afternoon Tea in the Pioneer Centre, from 2 to 4 p.m. Advance tickets only at $30. Call 306-883-1212.

The Meeting Lake Regional Park Concession is holding a Mother’s Day special dinner May 14. watch for posters.

The Edam Ladies’ Night is posted for May 12, with Hollywood-themed games, and a best-dressed contest. The dance will follow in the Edam Community Centre. Entry is $20 and doors open at 8 p.m. There will be a silent auction, raffle draws and a booze basket. Come and join these folks for a fun evening.

Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail

The Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail members are excitedly anticipating

another season on Jackfish Lake at Meota. Our kickoff will feature new members of the club, Lori and Gil Risling, who will bring key members of their wellknown group, the Louisiana Hayride Show, to do a fundraiser at the Meota Community Complex Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m. The evening will feature tributes to Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, special guest Shannon Risling as Patsy Cline and so much more.

To reserve an entire table, call Warren or Elaine Iverson at 306-892-2229 or 306-441-0399 or for individual or rush seating visit the Meota Bar or the Meota Credit Union or call the Iversons. Tickets are $25.

Edam Forever In Motion

Edam Forever In Motion has completed its sixth

season with 30 registered walkers. Our group exercised and successfully completed 1,042 walks.

Thank you to Skylar Newton, Janelle Olson and Melissa Stuart from Wellness On Main, who came to share their knowledge of wellness and exercise.

We enjoyed two informative and helpful presentations, from Shania Meyers - exercise therapist and Blaine Bentleyrespiratory educator from Sask. Health.

Thank you to the Edam Community Recreational

Centre for continually accommodating the walkers. Job well done and much appreciated.

Exercises will continue at the seniors’ centre and walkers may enjoy the walking trail for the summer. The Forever in Motion program will resume in the fall.

Special Thank You to all the walkers/exercisers who provided humour, encouragement and fellowship to support this worthwhile project.

“Exercising is an investment not an expense.”

Mayfair and District News Dusty roads, delightful entertainment

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Aren’t those grid and side roads dusty as one

notices it more with these horrific winds? Engaged with seeding crops, farmers are also encountering dust problems but it seems that as years pass by, the winds are more prevalent. I take pity on someone riding a bicycle in the dust having the wind in their face and not at their back.

The nearby village of Medstead will probably have a jam-packed hall next Tuesday, May 16 as Canadian fiddle champion Scott Woods and his band will be putting on a crowdpleaser performance. The show is at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at Medstead Hometown Grocery at 306-342- 4711; Boyd’s Garage at 306 3424610 locally or call with a credit card to Scott Woods Band at 1-855-726-8896. This group intertwines music with a splash of comedy. I have seen them and recommend the show as a great night out.

Maymont Dance Club held their recital this past Saturday in the school gymnasium. The students did a spectacular job showcasing their talents in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary form to an appreciative crowd. Competitive dancers placed well in different dance festivals throughout this province in March. The colourful costumes were second to none. My 11-year-old granddaughter has danced for many years and thoroughly enjoys this form of art.

On May 3, I got to see students at Maymont Central School drama night. There were two excellent performances by the junior and senior groups.

This year the cast in the younger category are: Sarah Welford, Olivia Dzialo, Mya Shipman, Emery Beaudoin, Carey Bunko, Zack Jorgensen, Rebecca Miller, Mackenzie Welford, Lucas Lynda, Keri Sevick, Madison Welford and Adley Domak, with curtain privileges to Madison Lamothe. We in the audience also became the jury deciding if the big

bad wolf played by Lucas was guilty or not by gobbling down Little Red Riding Hood played by Mya. This is a production named “Big Bad” written by Alec Strum and well acted by the above performers. This was a dessert theatre so in between the two plays we indulged in a variety of tempting goodies.

Continued on Page 17

Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail members are excitedly anticipating another season on Jackfish Lake at Meota. | Photo courtesy Lorna Pearson

1, 1991 -

May 14, 2008

“Grieving is like having broken ribs, on the outside you look fine, But with every breath it hurts”

Garret, Stephanie, Orville, Jessica

The senior play’s cast members bowing at the end of their worthy performance as Maymont Central School hosted drama night. | Photos by Elaine Woloshyn

Miss Murfitt testifying to the judge at Maymont Central School drama night.

Prepayment required

KULPA: MaryAnnKulpapassed awayinMartensville,SK,on Sunday,April30,2023.Fond memoriesandexpressionsof sympathiesmaybesharedat www.saskfunerals.ca.

ServicewillbeheldSaturday, May13,2023,at2:00pmat CherishedMemoriesFuneral Chapel,591CentennialDr North,Martensville,SK. Arrangementsentrustedto CherishedMemoriesFuneral Services.

FORESTER: Forester, Heather Lynne - Heather’s family are sad to announce that she passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, on April 23, 2023. She suffered a broken hip before Christmas and had a number of worsening complications and started to leave us on the day of, what would have been, her beloved daughter Jennifer’s 50th birthday. She was 73 years old. Heather was predeceased by her daughter Jennifer in 1992, her husband Larry in 2018, and her brother Tom Colbourne in 2010. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Jason (Marilyn) and Martin (Carmen) along with grandchildren Alysha, Matthew, Darian, Addison, Amelia, LauraBeth, Jocelyn and a great-grandchild Jericho. She is survived by her sister Holly Celeste Colbourne. She was born in Halifax, NS on June 26, 1949 and lived in Edmonton and Vancouver with her family. She attended Notre Dame school in Wilcox, SK for a few years and then struck out on her own. She lived and worked various jobs in places including Winnipeg, Vancouver and Jasper. While waitressing in Jasper she met Larry Forester, who ordered liver and eggs with ketchup for breakfast and yet she still ended up marrying him in 1968. After living with Larry in Edmonton, Yellowknife and Jasper she then embarked on her career as a mom. As she had had a chaotic upbringing and came from a broken home, she vowed to make her kids and family as happy as possible and that is what she did. She had a son Jason, born in 1971 and a daughter Jennifer born in 1973. In 1975 she moved to North Battleford and spent the remainder of her life there, excepting one year in Calgary in the 1990s. In North Battleford she worked part-time at an auction house, a pizza place and later, full-time, at the lottery Kiosk in the CO-OP Mall where she was well known and well liked by her many regular customers. She volunteered at her children’s schools and helped her daughter with getting the S.P.C.A. running. She loved animals and always took in strays and she was especially fond of her many cats. She also took in stray kids of all kinds. Her home was a welcoming place for any of her children’s friends who were experiencing difficulties at home. She was also well read, and especially fond of poetry, and passed that love of reading on to her children who she would often read to. It was a treat for her kids to have her read to them on the long drives out to B.C. on summer holidays as they enjoyed the vacation treat bags that she would prepare with colouring books, games, toys and fruits. Family was important to her, and tragedy struck her family early on when her daughter Jennifer was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 19. This had a devastating effect on her life and would be a burden she would shoulder for the rest of her life. In later years she lost her husband after a long battle with cancer, and this too proved to be a difficult time. They had rarely been apart for over 50 years, and many were worried how she would fare after this, but she quit smoking the day of his funeral and lived a successful life on her own in her apartment, aided by her old friends and the new ones she made there. In her later years she battled cancer and kidney failure and although she feared she wouldn’t be able to handle it she always pulled through. She enjoyed going for coffee and tea and discovered the Internet on her tablet. She liked to watch such shows as Coronation Street, COPS and other reality TV shows and listening to music both old and new. Later in her life her family grew as she was reunited with a son that she had given up for adoption as a teenager. She had a great relationship with Martin Moore and his family and was especially happy that she got to visit with them several times. She also had a chance to visit her sister in Newfoundland a few years ago. It was a trip of a lifetime, and she was very happy that she got to connect with her sister Celeste and her roots. Heather will forever be remembered as a kind soul with a big heart. She will be forever missed by her family and friends. Anyone who would wish to make a donation in her name could donate to the Kidney Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or their local animal shelter. “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” ~ Khalil Gibran Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

PRESCESKY: It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Mrs. Irene Prescesky on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the age of 84 years. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, April 28, 2023, held at Third Avenue United Church with Reverend Jo-Ann Hills officiating. Interment followed at the Ruddell Cemetery. Survived by her husband, Henry of 66 years; her daughter, JoAnn (Trent) Jordan and their children: Justin (Nicole) Bodhi, Lincoln; Tracy (Sean) Weston; Jody (Brad) Brooklyn, Jorja; her son, Kevin (Heather) and their children: Tyler, Dallin (Kayla) Kealan, Emma (Braden), Sara (Bailey); Doug’s children: Amanda (Scott) Norah, Hudson; Brennan (Joelene) Dalton; daughter-in-law, Chris and her daughter, Katy (Tyson) Jayce; sister, Betty (William). Predeceased by her parents: Percy and Janet Phillips; siblings: Bob and Wesley; son, Doug Prescesky; daughter-inlaw, Colleen. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Irene Prescesky are gratefully requested to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 1 – 345 Third Avenue S Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & CrematoriumTrevor Watts Funeral Director.

NIKIFORUK: It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Mr. Yaroslaw “Yaris” Nikiforuk on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the age of 96 years. Visitation will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Eternal Memories Funeral Service 2691 98th St North Battleford, SK. Prayer Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Interment will follow at the North Battleford City Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Yaris Nikiforuk can be directed to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, River Heights Lodge, BUH Foundation or the Charity of the Donor’s Choice. For those unable to attend the service or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 68 years, Stella Nikiforuk; children: Donna Nikiforuk (Carmen Proznick), Debbie Couperthwaite (Jim) and Michael Nikiforuk; grandsons: Nathan Rafuse (Jolene), Sheldon Rafuse (Carmin), their father Clark Rafuse; great-grandchildren: Kip & Rex Rafuse, Jade & Blake Rafuse, Ashley & Austin Bartko; sister-in-law, Olga Nikiforuk. He was predeceased by his parents: Wasylyna & Andrew Nikiforuk and 8 of his silbings. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

DISHKO: It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Baba and Superbaba, Halia Virginia Dishko (née Kuny) on Friday, May 5th, 2023 at her home in Hafford. Mom was born on January 3rd, 1940 at her family home on the farm near Hafford. Mom was the second daughter to Elmer and Betty Kuny and the younger sister to Mary. Mom grew up on the farm and attended country schools in the area while helping with chores, gardening, and looking after the animals. She met a young fella from the Radisson area and on August 3rd, 1957 married our dad, George Dishko. They lived in the Radisson area at first and then moved to the Hafford area to continue farming and raising a family. Later as the family grew older, Mom found employment at the Hafford Union Hospital in the housekeeping department. She enjoyed many years working there and made many friends along with co-workers. Mom enjoyed gardening and was an awesome cook. She also enjoyed many visits with friends and neighbors playing kaiser, singing songs or just having a visit and a sip of her favorite beverage. Mom’s greatest joy was her family. As we grew up and grandchildren came along, both Baba and Gido couldn’t wait for a visit. They were always playing games outside or inside and had food and drinks for all who came over. They retired from farming and after a few years moved into Hafford and enjoyed helping and working in the community. Mom is predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Betty Kuny, her husband of 52 years George, and just lately her son Bill. Mom is survived by her sister Mary, daughter Pat (Sylvester), son John (Holly), daughter-in-law Carla, and son Ron (Joanne). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. We would like to send special thanks to Dr. Kambale & staff at Battlefords Union Hospital, for the care Mom received while she was there. Also, a Thank-You to Mervin and Mary Lesko along with Gary and Brenda Haverchuk and Jim and Jean Epe for all their love, care and help after Mom returned to her home in Hafford. Mom would not have been able to stay in her house for as long as she did if not for the excellent care she received from the Hafford Home Care Division. Thank you very much. We are having a traditional Prayer Service on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 7:30PM with a Funeral Service on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 10:00AM. Both held at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Hafford, with lunch and refreshments at the Hafford Communiplex to follow. Because of Mom’s love and passion for her church community, please make any memorial donations to Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Box 232 Hafford, SK, S0J 1A0. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and CrematoriumElle Dell Funeral Director.

CZUY: CZUY, Daryl 1957 –2023 It is with profound sadness that the family of Daryl Czuy announces his passing at the Red Deer Hospital, on Wednesday May 3, 2023 at the age of 65 years. Daryl battled and overcame many major health issues over the past decade. By the power of prayer and his faithful attitude, he received many miracles in this time. We believe his final battle was God’s time of saying ‘you’ve fought long enough, and it is now time to rest and come home, my good and faithful servant.’ He passed away with the peace of his family surrounding him in love and acceptance. Daryl had an unwavering love for his family, and he will be devotedly remembered by his wife, Raylene, two children Tyson (Sarah) Czuy and their children Jaxon and Bentley, and Joelle (Adam) Slomp and their children Luca, Lauren and Liam. Daryl was a devoted son to his mother Elsie Czuy, brother to Brent Czuy and Chris Morrison (Rick), son-in-law to Helen Elefson, brother-inlaw to Ronald (Joy) Elefson and Michael (Sandra) Elefson and uncle to nine nieces and nephews. Daryl is predeceased by his infant daughter Allyson, his father Ralph Czuy and his father-in-law, Gordon Elefson. Daryl was born and raised in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, where as a teenager he met the love of his life, Raylene. They married at the age of twenty, and in 1980 and moved to Red Deer, Alberta. They built a beautiful life raising their children, growing and settling into life-long careers, and enjoying their circle of amazing friends. Daryl’s career was built firmly upon hard work, honesty and integrity. It was his dedicated and caring reputation that made him so very loved and appreciated by colleagues and clients alike. Daryl was undoubtedly a man of many outstanding qualities, but he will be most remembered for his generous heart, and his unwavering faith in Christ. His faith was a constant foundation for him, and God blessed him richly. His life and his death will leave a lasting impact on those who knew him, and he will be missed by so many. Even though a failing body took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for everyone who knew him. We want to honor him, in a Celebration of Life, held at Crossroads Church, 38105, Range Rd. 275, Red Deer, Alberta on May 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend the service, please go to www. crossroadschurch.ca just prior to 1:00 p.m. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the University of Alberta Lung Transplant Team for their amazing program and compassionate care. If desired, Memorial Donations can be made to the University Hospital Foundation / HOPE Foundation (Human Organ Procurement Exchange) or at givetouhf.ca (type in HOPE Program). Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com.

Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

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.

Burgundy leather couch with hidea-bed(few cat scratches on one cushion)$600, Rocking chair with foot stool $50, Bluish grey couch and matching chair $150, 2 bluish grey recliners $50 each, 6 drawer dresser $50 Table and 6 chairs $650. TV stand $50 For Mechanic tools call 306 951 8440 and speak with Mike. DO NOT TEXT HIM For furniture items please call 306 948 3634.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-6491405 to find out how!

John deer 1850 Air drill 61 feet, 10 inch spacing, double shoot, 1900 air tank - asking $35,000. John deer 8970 tractor PTO big rubber - asking $75,000. Degelman rock picker hydraulic dry rail - asking $6,500. Contact Victor Hult 306-893-7600. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649-1405 or visit

TRUELOVE: Delma Jean Truelove (Bennett) passed peacefully in her sleep at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on May 1 at the age of 80. She is remembered with love by family and friends. She was raised in Lethbridge Alberta, then married her “true love”, Ed Truelove, in 1965 and moved to the Battlefords area. The two of them spent the next 58 years by each other’s side as best friends and sweethearts, first farming in the Richard area for 25 years and then settled in the Battlefords. She loved to garden, bake, travel, doing a wide range of hobbies and crafts, and spending generous amounts of time with family and friends, for whom her door was always open. She loved her kids and grandkids, always putting them first and her imagination for fun things to do with them worked non-stop. She loved making people laugh, was a great storyteller, and had a little helpful advice for every occasion. She seemed to know when people most needed her, and had a way of being in the right place at the right time. Her faith was a grounding factor in her life, the basis for who she was and for all that she did. She was predeceased by her parents, Art and Eva Bennett, and is survived by her husband Ed Truelove, her brother Mike Bennett and family, her 3 children, Deb Davis, Darren Truelove and Cheryl Truelove and their families, and her nine grandchildren, Kashif, Jen, Chiara and Tariq Ravasia, Payton, Lucas and Ethan Truelove, and Jasmine and Malia Poirier. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Habitat for Humanity. Funeral Service Friday May 12th 2023 at 1:00pm. Sallows & McDonald ~ Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home Chapel 1271 103st, North Battleford, Saskatchewan

BUNNELL: It is with sadness the family announces the passing of Mr. David Bunnell on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the age of 86 years. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 held at Living Faith Chapel with Pastor Casey Sitter officiating. Private Family Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery. David is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Diane; along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild: daughter, Donna (Shaun) – Tomas (Michelle), Riley, Jeremiah, Tianna (Jaycee), Jasmine; son, Doug (Kaytlan) – Caroline, Isabella, Diana, Justin, Sarah; sister, Nancy – Rosie, Catherine and family; brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Barbara – Matthew, Ellen. He is predeceased by his parents: George & Kathleen Bunnell; brother, John Bunnell. If so desired, memorial donations can be directed to the Battlefords Humane Society Box 645 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y7 or the Lakeland Vet Clinic 10020 Thatcher Ave North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8 Condolences for the family or to view a recording of the service please visit www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium - Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

Meeting Lake Regional Park Notice of Annual General Meeting

battlefords humane society

battlefordshumanesociety.com

Application for Re: Liquor Permit

Under the provisions of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, 1997, Notice is hereby given that 102158149

Saskatchewan Ltd. has applied to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) for a permit to sell alcohol in the premises known as Big Barrel Tavern 609A Carlton Trail North Battleford, SK.

Written objections to the granting of the permit may be filed with SLGA not more than two weeks from the date of publication of this notice. Every person filing a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address, and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds, and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious or competition based objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing.

Write to:

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Box 5054 REGINA SK S4P 3M3

Dated at North Battleford, Saskatchewan, this 4th day of May, 2022.

HUMPHREYS: With great sadness, the family of Georgina Humphreys (nee MacPherson) of North Battleford, announces her passing on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the age of 81. Service is Friday May 19th at 2:00pm at Sallows & McDonald ~ Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home Chapel 1271 103rd street North Battleford. Georgina was born in North Battleford on September 6, 1941 to Gretta and Robert Stanley MacPherson. She was the youngest of 9 children. She attended Connaught School and NBCI. While attending NBCI, she met Bill Humphreys and they were married on June 30, 1962. Georgina worked at the Saskatchewan Hospital in her early years then decided to remain at home while raising their two sons, Darin and Grant. She returned to the workforce once the boys were in school and retired from SaskEnergy in 2002. She and Bill lived at Day’s Beach on Jackfish Lake for the next 20 years before moving back to North Battleford. Georgina enjoyed curling in her younger years and golfing with Bill at Jackfish Lake in the summer and Arizona in the winter. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Bill; sons Darin (Jeanette) and Grant (Joleen); grandchildren Tyler (Molly), Jaylin (Brady), Renelle (Kristian), Lauren, Jake, great grandson Liam; brother Archie (Simone); sisters-in-law Yvonne MacPherson, Barb Riley, Sandra Humphreys; brothers-in-law Don Humphryes, Chris Riley and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Gretta and Robert Stanley MacPherson; sisters Lovella Murphy, Olive Pulsford and Eunice Miller; brothers Ronald, Gilbert, Gary and Morris; sisters-in-law Theresa MacPherson, Ruby MacPherson; brothers-in-law Bill Murphy, Gerald Carbert, George Pulsford and Art Miller; nephews Dale MacPherson, Ray MacPherson, Brian MacPherson and Bob Miller. In lieu of flowers, donations in Georgina’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A lil spitfire of a kitty! I came to the shelter almost a whole year ago! I’m currently playing with all my friends at the cat café in Saskatoon. If you need more love in your life then here I am!

A bouncy and energetic boy who loves meeting new friends! I am a quick learner and am sooooo much fun! Talk to my buddies at the shelter to meet me! See you soon!

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WANTED LIVESTOCK

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

HEALTH SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

HOUSES FOR SALE

Turn Key Condo for sale, superior condition, Killdeer Court, Many Upgrades. Appliances included, like new condition.

Asking $169,000

Call 306-441-8244

SERVICES FOR HIRE

Will do rototilling at reasonable rates. Call 441-7579

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

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306-445-7261

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL

Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll of the Rural Municipality of Cut Knife No. 439 for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the assessor from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm on the following days: Mondays to Fridays from May 12th, 2023 to June 12th, 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 who desires to appeal against an assessment is required to file associated notice of appeal with:

The Secretary of the Board of Revision, Liana Stephan, P.O. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 12th day of June, 2023.

Assessor for the Municipality, Dana Klus, P.O. Box 70 Cut Knife, SK S0M 0N0.

PH: (306) 398-2353

Dated this 11th day of May 2023.

Dana Klus Assessor

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

Town of Radisson

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the Town of Radisson for the year of 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the Assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday to Friday.

May 3, 2023 to June 2, 2023

Any person who desires to object to their assessment is required to file a notice of appeal, accompanied by a $300 fee for each assessment being appealed, which will be returned if the appeal results in a change to the assessment, with:

The Assessor

Town of Radisson

Attn: Norma Stumborg P.O. Box 69

Radisson, SK SOK 3L0 And

The Board of Revision Secretary

Attn: Mike Ligtermoet

642 Agnew Street Prince Albert, SK S6V 2P1

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

Dated at Radisson, Saskatchewan this 3rd day of May, 2023 Norma Stumborg, Assessor

IMMEDIATELY: Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp. Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food and handling ticket. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca

www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc.

Camp/R & B provided.

Competitive wages.

Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to:

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

Email:

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca

www.

brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405 Municipal By-Election 2023

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act for the offices of:

Councillor Division 4

I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclamation:

Darrel Wiebe, Councillor Division 4

Dated at Borden, this 3rd day of May 2023.

Tonia Derksen (Returning Officer)

Source: News Media Canada

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:

Introduce sign and billboard regulations for the lakeshore (LD1, LD2, LD3), resort commercial (RC) and recreational vehicle (RV) districts into the Zoning Bylaw.

AFFECTED LAND:

Lands within the LD1, LD2, LD3, RC and RV Districts would be affected by the proposed Bylaw 2023-21.

REASON:

Currently signs are not dealt with in these districts, unlike other districts in the Zoning Bylaw. Council would like to clearly indicate how many signs are allowed for different uses in the lakeshore, resort commercial and recreational vehicle districts, as well as the maximum size, height of the signage and other relevant regulations.

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: www.rmofmervin.ca/planning-and-development/public-notification/.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Council will hold a public hearing on Friday, May 26, 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 9:00am on May 26, 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 9th day of May, 2023

Brenda Ottenbreit CAO

RM of Mervin No. 499

Community mourns with Parkinson family

By Dorothy M. Mills

Correspondent

Community residents were shocked to hear of the sudden passing of 52-year old Curtis Parkinson. He died suddenly at the farm

in Baljennie. Sympathy to all the family. He leaves his wife of almost 25 years, Michelle, and four children Elisha, Matthew, Morgan and Christie, all still at home on the farm.

Curtis’s dad, Arthur

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST VILLAGE OF PAYNTON PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before July 12, 2023, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Parkinson, passed away in 1996. His mother Doreen passed away in 2011. The whole family was involved with farming and cattle. Curtis took over the farm shortly after his dad passed away. They are

farming all the Parkinson land plus other close-by farmland.

Funeral service was held at the Territorial Drive Alliance Church in North Battleford Wednesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. Burial is

Crowning Celebration

at a later date. He will be missed by all his family and many friends.

With it so dry and no rain, the RMs have been applying fire and burning bans. Hopefully, it will help things under control until

we get some rain. There have been some out-of-control forest fires in Northern Saskatchewan. Many of the residents were moved out due to the risk and smoky conditions. They are slowly able to return to their homes. Alberta is also dealing with extensive wildfires.

Warm winds have brought out the lush green leaves on most trees.

Stanley Mills had a recent visit with his friends Ivan and Deb Towiss at Perdue.

The tick infestation on Finlayson Island is reported to be serious. It’s not a good place to take a walk with your dogs. Even though it is so dry, mosquitoes are on the way.

Stanley Mills celebrated his 90th birthday at the end of April. The staff and volunteers at the Western Development Museum got together and had a dinner for him complete with a birthday cake. He has been a volunteer there for 35 years and plans more years. Farmers are seeding with many acres completed and more to do. Rain is badly needed in some areas.

A & M Auto Center is looking for a full time Auto Mechanic. This position will perform skilled repair and maintenance on vehicles including tune-ups, brakes, tire replacement and balancing, steering components, oil changes, electrical, and much more. No experience is necessary. Must be mechanically inclined, and have a valid driver’s license.

Hours are 8am-5pm Monday to Friday

Salary is paid hourly.

Apply in person with your resume by May 26th.

* Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.

Dated this 8th day of May, 2023

Stephanie Knorr, Administrator

TENDERS

FOR SALE BY TENDER

2002 Kubota

F2560E Mower

3 Cylinder 25 HP Kubota Diesel Engine, 2WD, Hydrostatic Transmission, ROP with Canopy. Hi-Pro 3 72” Side Discharge Deck. Approximately 2,880 operating hours. Unit will be sold “as is”. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. The Town of Battleford reserves the right to refuse or reject any or all bids and will not be responsible for any costs incurred by any provider preparing its bid. All sales final, no returns, credits, or price adjustments will be permitted.

Please submit offers in a sealed envelope or via email to:

Battleford Parks and Recreation Department

432 25th Street West (South Side Alex Dillabough Center) Battleford, SK S0M 0E0 parks@battleford.ca

Tenders will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on May 23rd. Offers submitted via email will not be opened until after May 23rd. Offers should include price and bidder contact info (phone & email). The purchaser agrees to remove the mower from the Battleford Parks compound within (5) business days of acceptance.

For more information or viewing of the mower please contact: Battleford Parks & Recreation Department Phone: (306) 937-6216

The Western Development Museum village is now open for the summer months. It opened May 1. Some visitors have been stopping in. The museum recently hosted Giddy Up and Whoa, an event for school students May 5. Volunteer horsepeople brought in teams to pull wagons to give students rides. There were two or three busloads of kids attending.

The museum is getting ready for School days June 8 and 9. They are in need of volunteers on different projects throughout the village. Anyone interested can contact the museum. They include lunch each day.w

23052GP1

Phyllis Cunningham of Speers at the Lakeland library, Speers branch, dressed in her finery to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. | Photo courtesy Colleen Wicks

HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE FOREMAN

THE RESORT VILLAGE OF KIVIMAA-MOONLIGHT BAY REQUIRES THE SERVICES OF A PERSON INTERESTED IN PERFORMING A VARIETY OF MAINTENANCE WORKS i.e. ROAD MAINTENANCE, GRASS CUTTING, GARBAGE PICKUP AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE IN THE VILLAGE, AS WELL AS SUPERVISION OF SUMMER STUDENT VALID DRIVERS LICENCE IS REQUIRED FULL BENEFITS INCLUDING PENSION PLAN, GROUP INSURANCE AND 3 WEEKS HOLIDAYS TO BE TAKEN DURING OFF-SEASON

INTERESTED PERSONS ARE ASKED TO APPLY IN WRITING, STATING QUALIFICATIONS AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS TO THE ADDRESS BELOW BY 4:00 P.M. MAY 12, 2023

RESORT VILLAGE OF KIVIMAA-MOONLIGHT BAY BOX 120 LIVELONG, SK SOM 1J0 OR

EMAIL: rvkmb@myaccess.ca.ca

Contact Persons:

Steven Nasby - 639-844-7606

Dot Andrews - Administrator

Monday's, Tuesday's and Wednesday's 10 am - 4 p.m. (306)845-3336

Borden and District News

Farmers market open every Friday

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

A small-town quilters’ retreat was held in Radisson from May 3 to 5, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day in the basement of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with quilters from many areas of Saskatchewan participating. Innovation Credit Union of North Battleford gave a $350 sponsorship to create a charity quilt which was completed and on display. They also gave each quilter a cloth carryall bag and the meals were brought in by quilters from Langham and Radisson.

Borden Farmers Market started up for the season on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Senior’s Room in the Borden Community Centre, with a full house for the first one. Having tables were Karen Kerr with preserves, Carrie Harkness baking and selected items, Kathy Young with baking, Martha Rempel with buns, Donna Ridgewell had jewelry and pies, John Ridgewell sold hotdogs,

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FISHER’S DRUG STORE

Marie Polischuk had baking and sewing, Brooklyn Gader had candles and picture frames, Joyce Olsewski had Tupperware, Great Bend Acres had baking, tomato plants and preserves and Bev Assman was selling Chase the Ace tickets for the Borden Lions.

Since 2023 is the 35 anniversary of the market, there was special cake, free beverages and door prizes won by Dorothy Fouhy, Conner Walker, Joyce Olzewski, Dianne Rawlyk, Debby Kasahoff, Kari Carpentier, Stella Hawryluk, Lynne Allard and John Ridgewell. Outside of the centre, Little Sprouts Early Childcare sold hamburgers to raise money for their centre hoping to open in the fall of 2023. The market will be held every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until October, and the Little Sprouts may have another burger sale later in the summer.

Borden Dance Club held their recital April 29 in the Borden Community Centre with dancers from many surrounding communities participating. Many had participated in competitions at the Aberdeen Festival and at MeetinYXE, earning gold, silver and bronze awards. Performing solos were Katelyn Worona – jazz (A gold), Justin Worona – jazz (A-G and most promising), Jasmyn Elgersma – lyrical (A gold and adjudicators’ choice), Kyra Cheney – lyrical (A gold), Promise Agdomar – jazz (A silver), Danie’l Bekker – tap (A-G with distinction and MYXE adjudicators’ stand-out), Natalia Johnston – ballet and Blaire Dolsen – lyrical (A gold).

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.

Pharmacists

We are looking for staff pharmacists to join our team to provide a high level of personal, professional service to our customers. We provide a wide range to services to our clients, including compliance packaging, ostomy products, athletic and injury bracing and many more.

Duties will include filling and counselling on the safe use of prescription medications, counselling on the safe and effective use of OTC medications, minor aliments prescribing, medication assessments and other duties related to the pharmacy area.

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, RRSP plan, and a friendly work environment with a fairly flexible work schedule. There are many opportunities to develop your leadership skills, expand your scope of practice and advance your careeer.

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

Beginner Jazz members Blaire Dolsen, Charleigh Rideout, Lyla Golding, Tessa Urbina, Ivy Hauk and Taylor Pidwerbesky

Patrons at Borden Farmers Market on May 5 enjoying burgers outside the Borden Community Centre sold by the Borden Municipal Childcare (Little Sprouts).

won gold at Aberdeen. Beginner Hip Hop with Blaire, Charleigh, Lyla and Addison Elliot won gold. Beginner Ballet dancers were Tessa, Ivy, Taylor,

Addison, Rebecca, Rylie and Kinsley and Beginner Tap dancers were Promise, Oleana, Lyla, Ivy, Taylor and Cadence.

Continued on Page 18

More Mayfair and District

Maymont Dance Club students receiving roses at the end of their recital. The kids thrilled the audience with their skills. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn

Continued from Page 12

“The Most Viewed Least-Watched Talk Show In History” written by Kenneth R. Preuss was performed by the seniors. This cast includes Brooklyn Large, Lindsey Pain, Rylan Voegeli, Emily Stotz, Mason Porter, Talon Cheney, Arellia Laviolette, Hayden McKenna and Karista Stotz with sound technician Kaelee

Schmidt. This second play was performed with expertise getting loud applause from the audience. A big thank you to the staff who were in charge of drama at Maymont Central School. They are Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Baird, Mrs. Gillatt and Mrs. Walker.

There is coffee from noon until 2 p.m. at Mayfair’s library located in the hall on Wednesday, May

17. Please use the back door to enter.

I’ve been alerted of the many restrictions on fires in most rural municipalities. Central Saskatchewan has been dry. Fires on Moosomin and Saulteaux First Nations near Cochin didn’t result in smoke in this area.

Grass fires are common in the spring so please be cautious.

Some of the quilters at the retreat in Radisson busily sewing on their quilts.

A charity quilt sewed with a donation from Innovative Credit Union, North Battleford. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk

More Borden and District

Kyra and Aliyah — won gold at Aberdeen. Acro dancers were Abbie, Jasmyn, Bella, Halle, Elise, Blaire, Mark, Charleigh, Promise, Oleana and Natalia.

Continued from Page 17

Junior Hip Hop and Junior Jazz won gold at Aberdeen – Mark, Elise, Bella, Halle, Brielle, Promise, Oleanna and Natalia, along with Taya and Lyla in jazz. Junior Tap dancers were Mark, Elise, Bella, Halle, Blaire and Charleigh winning A gold and MYXE bronze. Junior Ballet won gold at Aberdeen. Senior

Jazz members Katelyn, Justin, Jasmyn, Kyra, Blair, Rachel, Danie’l, Jasmine, Piper, and Aliyah won gold and adjudicators’ choice at Aberdeen and bronze at MYXE.

Senior Hip Hop members Blaire, Rachel, Abbie, Alexah, Piper and Aliyah won A gold and MYXE silver. Senior Contemporary members Jasmyn,

Alex, Emery, Daniel and Piper won A gold and MYXE silver. Senior ballet – Blaire, Rachel, Emery, Alex, Daniel, Jasmine, Piper and Aliyah — won gold at Aberdeen and MYXE along with the most promising small group award. Senior Tap won A gold and Bronze at MYXE. Senior lyrical – Blair, Rachel, Alex, Jasmine, Jasmyn E,

St. John’s Anglican Church at Borden held a vestry meeting after church May 7 and talked of sending kids to summer camp, work that needs to be done at the manse which is rented out and a fundraiser for a Syrian refugee family that the church is helping out to bring to Canada. They should arrive in the next month or so. A donation was made to Borden Municipal Daycare (Little Sprouts) which will be given to the group at the Lions Mother’s Day brunch May 14. The brunch is in the Borden Community Centre from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds go to diabetes, so plan to come out and enjoy

In 2022 St. John’s Church in Unity was deconsecrated. The parish was looking for a home for their lovely sign. Ray Latimer thought it should come to Borden so Ron Tumbach and Tom Hrenkiw brought it to Borden last fall. The sign was sanded and received several coats of varnish in Ron’s shop over the winter. Ron and Tom of St. John’s Borden, with the help of Josh Wilson, BJ Berg and Sheldon Delorme, installed it at the east end of the church on the afternoon of April 25. |

a great meal and support the Borden Lions. There will also be a children’s activity table and draw for a basket of goodies.

Fifty-five senior club members and younger adults from Borden, Radis-

son and elsewhere boarded a Charlie’s Charters bus May 6 outside the Borden Community Centre to travel to Meacham for a dinner theatre. Everyone reported having a great meal and enjoying an interesting play.

Borden dance recital performers from April 29. | Photo by Lorraine Olinyk

Photo by Ron Tumbach

Maidstone and District News

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Maidstone High School’s SADD Chapter held its semi-annual P.A.R.T.Y. (prevention of alcohol and risk-related trauma in youths) Program May 4. Students witnessed a mock accident, went to presentations from the RCMP, addictions, physiotherapy and emergency room, and finished the day by listening to an injury survivor’s story. Special thank you to all the volunteers who helped at the mock crash and the presenters who donated their time to make this day possible. Copied with permission from Kerry Olson, MHS Disc golf is open for the season at Delfrari Park with league members playing

a round (nine or 18 holes) every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Stats are kept to compete for year-end awards for top averages and scores in each tier (the group you compete against is determined by your average). There are also two weekly prizes drawn randomly for a pool of specifications. Last week’s winners were Chase James and Drake Silvester. There will be six “fun” nights which will not affect players’ averages. In September, a year-end tournament will take place for league members only with rules making it possible for any player to win, not just the top players in the league. There will also be a wind-up/supper/awards ceremony at the bowling alley. More than 20 players have signed up so far with plenty of room for more.

Cost to play is $20 for the season which helps to cover costs for awards, prizes and supplies. The drop-in rate is $5 per night. Those older than 60 and under 18 are free. Contact Ryan Donovan at maidstone. disc.golf@gmail.com or on Facebook Maidstone Disc Golf if you need more information.

Maidstone Girl Guides bottle drive May 6 was a huge success. The girls worked hard all day, sorting. We are always impressed by the amazing job they do – they sure aren’t afraid to get messy. Thank you to Gord Banks and Hancock Petroleum for lending their shed for sorting and parents who volunteered their time. Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders would like to thank Maidstone and area

for the generous donations.

The Town-wide Garage Sale is set to go on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With more than 35 houses in Maidstone and Paynton as well as rural and business locations, everyone will be hardpressed to take it all in. Stop for lunch at the vo-op to donate to their fundraiser barbeque for non-profits in Maidstone. Maps are posted around Maidstone and Paynton or can be picked up at AG Foods, CIBC and Maidstone Pharmacy.

Kin Club of Maidstone and Maidstone Legion No. 142 are holding a steak night Saturday, May 27 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Legion Hall with proceeds to the playground fundraiser (to replace the one by the ball diamonds which was removed for safety rea-

A mock accident was a component of the Maidstone High School SADD P.A.R.T.Y. Program May 4. | Photo courtesy Kerry Olson

sons). Advance cost is $20 by May 22 (etransfer maidstonekinclub@gmail.com) or the at-the-door cost is $25. Call Jeff 306-9037270 or Barb 306-821-7147.

Maidstone Health Care

Auxiliary Strawberry Tea and Bake Sale is on Friday, May 12 at the Seniors’ Drop-In Centre on Main Street from 2 to 4 p.m.

It’s a tasty opportunity to treat your mother or other special people in your life, pick up some delicious treats and enter to win the raffle and door prizes. Remember to go for brunch at Waseca Community Centre Sunday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Have a very Happy Mother’s Day everyone.