Regional News-Optimist May 18, 2023

Assault an act of vigilante justice, but not racist says judge

Lesmeister sentence includes house arrest

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

Adam Lesmeister, 46, was sentenced in North Battleford Provincial Court Monday to a fivemonth conditional sentence [CSO], with the initial 75 days under house arrest. He will also be placed on 18-months of probation after his CSO.

Lesmeister had pleaded guilty earlier this month to assault causing bodily harm against an Indigenous man in an unprovoked attack July 17, 2022, in the yard of a home owned by lawyer Eleanore Sunchild in Battleford. Sunchild posted the video online and the video had gone viral and sparked outrage across the province.

“This matter is clearly an act of vigilante justice,” ruled Judge Stephen Kritzer Monday in North Battleford Provincial Court, adding that there’s no evidence the assault was racially motivated.

Outside of the courthouse after sentencing, Sunchild praised Judge Kritzer’s ruling that Lesmeister’s actions were an act of vigilantism, she disagreed, however, that the

assault wasn’t racially motivated.

“Well, as a lawyer, I know that that sentencing was within the range and I think that it sent the message to people that vigilante justice is wrong, and you can’t take justice into your own hands,” Sunchild told SASKTODAY.ca.

“That’s what I’ve always said since Colten Bushie was killed and those are the words that I stand by, ‘vigilante justice is wrong and people, especially when it when it’s race based.’ Even though the judge didn’t have any evidence that it was racebased, in my opinion, it was and race-based vigilante justice kills and it can’t be accepted. It can’t be condoned. The racism in our community needs to stop and I hope that this message was sent that loud and clear to this entire province.”

The assault Court heard that Lesmeister “sucker punched” Tootoosis and after he had fallen to the ground, Lesmeister grabbed him by the hair and put a knee to his head. Court heard that Tootoosis had a broken nose and

injuries to his ears, head, teeth, upper lip, and eyes.

The assault was witnessed by Tootoosis’ sixyear-old daughter.

Judge Kritzer told Lesmeister that what he did to Tootoosis would no way meet any punishment the courts would hand out.

“The courts have to be clear,” said Judge Kritzer. “We do not condone the public taking the law into their own hands.”

Defence counsel Randy Kirkham told the court previously that Lesmeister had returned home from the lake and was in the process of taking items into the house when someone stole a duffle bag from his truck. He called the police to report the theft and his wife used the find my iPhone app to locate the cell phone in the stolen bag. The bag was eventually located in the Sunchild’s backyard. 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.

The police had advised Lesmeister they weren’t coming and he became upset and frustrated.

Continued on Page 5

Historic Case - 60 years later Canada’s Alabama Have we learned anything from a racist past?

1963 murder of Allan Thomas in Glaslyn: Have things changed since Maclean’s magazine said ‘This is our Alabama’?

It has been six decades since a brutal attack that killed a 20-year-old Indigenous man after a First Nations camp was raided by a group of nine white men. Justice was never served, as no one was convicted of the crime. Even the Supreme Court of Canada was brought into the case in a disagreement over inquest testimony.

Just before midnight on May 11, 1963, nine white men raided a First Nations camp near the Glaslyn fairgrounds with fatal results. The story by SASKTODAY.ca court and crime reporter Lisa Joy starts on Page 10.

The death prompted bold headlines in the News-Optimist of the day.

B’ford council updates mileage, per diem rates

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The council of the Town of Battleford approved updated reimbursement rates at for mileage and meals at their May 15 council meeting.

Mayor Ames Leslie noted that council had asked administration and himself about increasing mileages and per diem rates within the last few months.

The previous mile-

age rate was $0.4535 per kilometre and has now increased to $0.5283 per kilometre

The previous meal per diem within Saskatchewan for council was $41 dollars per day and has now increased to $51 per day: $10 for breakfast; $18 for lunch; and $23 for supper.

The meal per diem outside of the province for council was $51 per day and has now increased to $61: $13 for breakfast; $20

Capturing Local Flavour

for lunch; $28 for supper.

“It’s pretty straightforward,” Councillor Doug Laing noted.

“Just to get it straight here, $51 is for the day ... I mean you can’t have supper for $23 anymore,” Councillor David George said.

Mayor Leslie noted that anything over the per diem would have to be approved with a receipt, but if the receipt was lost, it would default back to the per diem.

Staff

The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association announced its winners for 2023 Better Newspapers Competition last Friday, with a number of awards coming the way of the Battlefords NewsOptimist

Miguel Fenrich, the News-Optimist’s staff reporter, earned three first place awards, a second place award and a third place award in his first year on the job.

In the Best Tourism Story or Series of Stories, Miguel Fenrich won first place for the first story he ever wrote for the NewsOptimist “Biggar Museum is a community staple.”

In the Best Saskatchewan Arts or Cultural Story category, Fenrich took another first place with his story “Conversation, unity and truth highlight of Twin Flames Saskatchewan tour.” In the Best Saskatchewan Arts or Cultural Series category, Fenrich of the Battlefords Regional News-Optimist took another first place.

Fenrich also took a third in the Best Hard News Photo category.

Under Best First Nations Coverage, News-Optimist reporters Miguel Fenrich and Lisa Joy won second

and third, respectively, for their stories “Conversation, unity and truth highlight Twin Flames Saskatchewan tour,” and “Thunderchild woman survives ride with ‘The Truck Stop Killer.’”

In the Best Feature category, the aforementioned story by Lisa Joy won first place. Joy has since expanded her role is now a court and crime reporter for SASKTODAY.ca covering the northern half of the province

Freelancer Helena Long won second place in the Best Sports Photo category for her baseball photo in the July 22, 2023, issue of the Battlefords Regional News-Optimist.

In the Class D – Circulation over 6,500 category, Best Editorial Page went to the Battlefords Regional News-Optimist.

About the awards, editor for the News-Optimist and SASKTODAY.ca, Jayne Foster, said, “Some of the most talented and dedicated newspaper people in the province have been honoured today and we are proud that many of them are part of SASKTODAY.ca. These awards prove that local news coverage is still important to our communities, still has an impact, and is still what

readers are looking for.”

About Fenrich and Joy, she said, “Miguel may be relatively new to the news business, but he is a writer at heart and wants to tell people’s stories, which is exactly what the best newspeople do. In contrast, Lisa Joy has had a long and distinguished career in news and continues to seek the truth and follow the ideals she’s held since the beginning of her career. She is an inspiration to Miguel and other reporters across Canada and we are very fortunate to have both of them.”

For those of our readers who are used to seeing John Cairns’ name all over the SWNA awards, know that he continues to produce award-worthy stories in his new role as politics reporter for SASKTODAY. ca, however online stories are not eligible for SWNA awards as they cover print journalism only. But you can find his stories at sasktoday.ca.

In addition, SASKTODAY.ca features additional stories by both Fenrich and Joy, that are not found in the News-Optimist due to the locality of the story, or because there’s not often enough room in our pages to highlight all the excellent work they do.

Council gives go ahead to splash park

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

City council in North Battleford has formally authorized partnering with Battlefords Rotary Club on a new splash park.

ARTrageous, at his May 6 art show at the ARTrageous art gallery

North Battleford. Katerynych noted on his social media that the show was the largest collection of his work yet, with Schmunk noting the event had a great turnout and that with the Battlefords being a hidden gem, Katerynych captures the beauty of the area well. | Photo submitted

The vote was unanimous at council last week to partner with Rotary and proceed with developing the splash park.

The proposed location is the Connaught School area. According to a city memo, the location is subject to permission from

Living Sky School Division, but the general feeling is there is a need for more recreation in the Connaught School area.

At their previous council meeting April 24, council heard from members of Battlefords Rotary Club about the proposal, with Rotary committing $200,000 and seeking the City’s support in amount up to $100,000. The indication from City Manager Randy Patrick, who also is President of the Battlefords Rotary Club, is that

there is no city requirement for funding until the end of the project.

“This is really just the beginning,” Patrick told council. He said they still have to go through the capital process, but hoped do their fundraising based on the conversation that night.

The indication is administration will bring forward any further requests to council in connection to the park’s development.

Local photographer Gilbert Katerynych pictured with Jocelyn Schmunk of

in

Saskatchewan needs to keep cutting taxes

By Gabe Haubrich Canadian Taxpayers Federation

If you ask someone in Calgary where they are from, you’ll probably hear one answer more than you’d think: Saskatchewan.

For years, thousands of Saskatchewanians who were not tied down by a farm, and even some who were, picked up and moved west to Alberta. Jobs were more plentiful, the mountains were a nice bonus and provincial tax collectors took much less out of your pocket.

The government of Saskatchewan has been working for years to change that last one. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer recently stood up in the provincial legislature to call attention to the government’s history of income tax cuts.

Harpauer highlighted the fact that, in 2007, a Saskatchewan family of four making $75,000 would pay $5,015 in income tax. Today, that same family is paying $1,891.

The difference comes from years of income tax cuts. In 2008 and 2011, the government increased the basic personal amount. That means that you could earn more money without getting hit by provincial income taxes. In 2017, the government reduced each tax bracket by half a percentage point.

And the government got rid of bracket creep in 2021. Bracket creep happens when the government fails to change its tax brackets with inflation. That means you could be bumped into a higher tax bracket by inflation despite not being able to afford anything extra. The government is now indexing tax brackets to inflation every year.

In total, the cuts add up to more than $3,000 in reductions on a family’s income tax bill. It’s money that can be used for six months of groceries, the downpayment on a used Honda Civic or a couple of mortgage payments.

The government has meaningfully reduced our income tax bills. But we’re still falling behind on sales, and business tax competitiveness.

Total provincial taxes will cost a Saskatchewan family $4,123 this year. If they lived in Alberta, they would pay $2,603. That’s because while the income tax paid is lower in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewanians pay more in sales tax.

In 2007, that same Saskatchewan family of four paid $1,081 through the provincial sales tax. Today, they pay $1,932. That’s because the government continues to jack up its PST.

In 2017, the government raised the PST from five to six per cent and removed exemptions for used cars, restaurant meals and children’s clothes. In October 2022, Premier Scott Moe started charging the PST on sports games, concerts, trade shows, fairs, rodeos and movie theatres. That means Moe is charging you more to cheer on the Riders.

Contrast this with Alberta, which doesn’t have a

PST. During the Christmas holidays, every Albertan family saved about $80 on gifts because the Alberta government doesn’t impose a PST.

Alberta also edges out Saskatchewan on business taxes. Alberta’s business income tax is eight per cent. Saskatchewan’s is 12 per cent.

That’s a problem. When businesses look to expand and create jobs, they look for low taxes. These are businesses that are less likely to look at Saskatchewan.

Other provincial governments have been providing significant tax relief.

Alberta, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador all recently cut gas taxes. Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick all recently cut income taxes.

Premier Danielle Smith in Alberta is promising to go even further. Smith says she will cut income taxes and expand the taxpayer protection to prevent future tax hikes without a referendum if her United Conservatives are re-elected.

While six other provincial governments are cutting taxes to make life more affordable for taxpayers and increase competitiveness, Moe’s recent budget didn’t provide any relief for Saskatchewan taxpayers.

From 1997 to 2007, Saskatchewan’s population declined by over 20,000. Since then, the province’s

population has grown by 219,000.

The government of Saskatchewan has done good work cutting income taxes and making the province more attractive to job seekers. But as other provincial governments also cut taxes and become more competitive, more work needs to be done.

Saskatchewan has come a long way, but if its government isn’t careful, it might fall behind.

Gage Haubrich is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

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.

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher Administration

Kylie Cooke • Elisha Parkinson • DTI/Receptionist

Editorial Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca

Miguel Fenrich Reporter

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Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

WoodPile The Nellie McClung

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

For some time I have been contemplating writing an article about Nellie McClung (1873-1951), my thoughts being suddenly crystalized by the current controversy surrounding the latest iteration of the Canadian passport. Few of us, myself included, will have studied the old document in detail but it is most interesting. On the back page it states that the innocent looking booklet contains an electronic device and that we have to treat it with care and respect – it must not be folded, allowed to become wet or otherwise damaged.

How many of us knew this?

The old passport contains some 28 photographs all of which have diverse interest, all are very faded, and we are told extremely difficult

to reproduce. In order, recognition is given to Samuel de Champlain, Sir John A MacDonald, the Last Spike, Joseph Bernier, the Vimy Ridge Memorial, the RCMP, the Grey Cup, the Stanley Cup, Nellie McClung, Terry Fox, Billy Bishop and the Bluenose. All those mentioned are accorded honour and respect as is the history

of Canada as a country. I have not seen the new passport document, but we are given to understand that it falls short in its choice of pictures and offers no particular recognition to Canadian history, achievements or war efforts.

Nellie Letitia McClung (nee Mooney) was born in Chatsworth, Ont., into a struggling farm family. Eventually they moved to Manitou, south of Brandon, Man., and prospered largely due to the efforts of her brothers. It is said that Nellie did not attend regular schooling until the age of 10. However, with Irish and Scottish determination she graduated and became a primary teacher. She married a most sensible chap who was a pharmacist and eventually a successful businessman. Nellie, who bore five children, burgeoned into a remarkable lady dedicated to prohibition, social and political involvement and

became a most successful writer. She admired and emulated Emmeline Pankhurst, the famous English suffragette who visited Canada, and with help from others brought the vote to females. The famous group of five placed sufficient pressure on the English parliament for females to be recognized as “persons” entitled to hold public office (1929). This reversed the interpretation of the 1867 British North America Act. She travelled widely on church and political missions visiting England, Scotland (Troon), France, Switzerland and the U.S. Passing through Dalmeny on the Canadian North Railway she noted the area was attractive and observed a large sign adjuring people to alight and settle there. She must have passed through North Battleford on this trip to Edmonton and beyond. No doubt, she was a thorn in the side to many - I wish I could have met her. In 1973

Lesmeister sentence includes house arrest

Continued from Page 1

The cell phone and bag were recovered but Lesmeister’s pants with his house, trailer, toolbox and shop keys weren’t.

Adam Lesmeister, 46, was also ordered to pay Colby Tootoosis $2,500 while he is serving his fivemonth CSO and $7,500 while on probation. He also ordered him to make a $1,000 donation to a charity chosen by Tootoosis.

Judge backtracks on previous comments

During Lesmeister’s sentencing hearing on May

5 court, Judge Kritzer had said that he was encouraged by reconciliation efforts he sees in Lloydminster and Onion Lake Cree Nation but then comes to the Battlefords and “see cases like this and I know we are not all the way there.”

On Monday, Judge Krtizer said he wanted to clarify that he didn’t intend to imply that Lloydminster and Onion Lake are better than the Battlefords when it comes to reconciliation efforts. He said he meant to say that the Lesmeister

case reminds him that there are issues in all of the communities and there’s still work that needs to be done.

He said he meant to say this case, “makes it graphically apparent that we have to do better.”

Sunchild, however, said she believes racism is more pronounced in the Battlefords than other regions of Saskatchewan.

“It is because we have the colonial history here in the Battlefords,” she told reporters outside of the courthouse. “This is where Fort Battleford was and this is where colonialism started, and some of the people sadly [still] have the same attitudes.”

During Lesmeister’s sentencing, Judge Kritzer gave Sunchild an opportunity to speak. She told the court that having acted as the lawyer for Colten Boushie’s family during the Gerald Stanley trial, she sees that incident and trial as being a turning point in the Battlefords with the racism against Indigenous becoming more pronounced. Boushie was shot and killed by Biggar area farmer Gerald Stanley in 2018. Stanley was acquitted.

“There was so much racism directed at Indigenous people [during the trial] and it has carried on. This is the historical point of colonialism.”

Sunchild pointed out that it has only been since

the 60s that the Indigenous and settlers started to mingle.

“The racism that existed at colonialism is still here. North Battleford is very much still of that mindset.

“I want our people to walk freely on our land, in my yard, without fear,” she added. “There has been an underestimating of what treaties were meant. We were meant to live in peace and harmony on this land.”

a Centennial stamp was issued in her memory.

While our indefatigable leader is away in South Korea and Japan, “what is good for the goose is good for the gander” reasoning has broken out in the battery world. Stellantis

wants the same federal largesse as Volkswagen has been promised. This squabble shouldn’t overly distress Mr. Trudeau as, has been established in the past, he himself runs on Energizers, same as the drum beating rabbits.

Adam Lesmeister entering North Battleford Provincial Court May 15. | Photo by Lisa Joy

This statue of Nellie McClung is in the grounds of Parliament Hill in Ottawa is part of the “Famous Five” grouping. | Photo taken by R.H. Wood September 2016.

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Canadian WWII quilts returned to Fred Light Museum

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The Fred Light Museum is the recent recipient of two World War II quilts, of several returned to Canada after over 80 years, and will be holding a June 6 presentation on the history of Canadian women and their quilts as they were taken to the UK to aid in the civilian relief.

On June 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Battleford Le-

gion Branch 9, Pam Robertson Rivet will present a tour through first-hand accounts of the war aimed to inspire new ideas about the preservation of history and educate about the history of these women and their wartime quilts.

“While the threat of WWII loomed in the 1930s, Canadian women mobilized and were ready to respond before war was declared,” reads information from the museum.

“They set to work at a time when materials were scarce ... roads were scraped out of mud, and sewing machines were tough to pack up and carry to a sewing bee.”

Now, three women, Anna Mansi, Jackie Maxwell, and Maxine March, who uncovered this piece of history, have set out to rescue as many quilts as possible, and bring them into the public, distributing them to museums across

Canada.

“I think we’re very honoured to have them and then be able to put them on display, and for more stories to be told about the second world war,” Bernadette Leslie, the museum’s manager, said as two quilts are set to be welcomed into the museum’s collection.

“It will add to the museum (by showing) how Canadian women were willing to help in whatever way they could.”

Learning about evolution of housing sustainability

By Miguel Fenrich

Staff Reporter

Students from École Monseigneur Blaise Morand in North Battleford had the opportunity on May 16 to learn how energy efficiency and sustainability have evolved in buildings through a joint school program among the Western Development Museum, Sask Energy and the Environmental Society of Saskatchewan.

From May 8 to 26, the WDM has hosted Grade 7 students for a half day of learning about energy efficiency in homes, which include interactive ‘Smarter Science Better Buildings’ (SSBB) displays, and exploration of the museum galleries and buildings to better understand how building sustainability has developed over the last 100

years.

“...we just thought it was a great opportunity for students to learn about proper building, and the way that we should be going in the future, with the chance for them to also be able to compare them with our buildings of the past,” said Heather O’Neill, program coordinator for the North Battleford WDM.

“...it’s a good opportunity for them to see the difference in the buildings and the innovate ways we’ve grown over the years.”

Throughout the day, students were asked to consider energy efficiency and sustainable building methods used in the past, comparing them to today.

SaskEnergy has been the program’s sponsor for the last five years as it has toured WDM’s across Saskatchewan.

“We like programs like this because it enriches the community, provides better learning opportunities,”

said Dawn Bebell, the SaskEnergy representative speaking to the students. She noted to the News-

Optimist/SASKTODAY.

ca. that the program also teaches children how their lifestyles have become

more sustainable. “Those kind of goals are really important for SaskEnergy.”

Teddy Bear Picnic hosted May 26

Submitted BECCPN

The Battlefords Early Childhood Community Planning Network (BECCPN) would like you to join us May 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Teddy Bear Clinic behind the library in North Battleford.

The theme this year for the annual Teddy Bear Clinic is “We Are Growing” and we are excited to welcome children and families to this early child-

hood event. The targeted age is birth to school age and children are encouraged to bring their favourite stuffed animal (or choose from any of the stuffies in the park) to visit the many early childhood activities in the park.

Representatives from WPD Ambulance, fire and police will also be in attendance. Children will be able to get up close and see all the features these important safety vehicles have. Children will have

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.

the opportunity to create projects and be involved in various activities, including a Story Walk adventure. A simple snack will be offered at registration with a bag of early childhood information. We look forward to seeing everyone out May 26 in Central Park.

The BECCPN com-

mittee members work together in the Battlefords to support early childhood services and collaborate to bring the best support and activities to families with young children across the Battlefords and area. For more information regarding any early childhood services, please contact 306-446-4545.

Staff

The Battlefords Humane Society has said in a Facebook post that reports have come from Meighen Crescent and 110th Street in North Battleford of incidents of cats being shot at with pellets, and cars swerving not to avoid cats but to hit them.

The society says, “Please keep your furry friends safe by keeping them indoors unless they are being supervised on your property. The only way to ensure your pets are safe is by keeping them home.”

Bernadette Leslie posing with one of the WWII quilts given to the museum. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

Students from EMBM school in North Battleford learn about the advancements in sustainability made in housing. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

A student reaches for an interactive ‘Smarter Science Better Buildings’ (SSBB) display at the WDM.

Enthusiastic response to request for piano donation

Submitted by Reta Rose

Pioneer Hall Association

When the piano at the

Pioneer Hall was no longer usable, I put up two posters in the malls. I couldn’t believe the response from

Battlefords and many surrounding areas. Each person was willing to donate a piano to our hall.

On behalf of Pioneer Hall president Dennis Pidwerebeski and all the senior members of the Pioneer Hall Association, I would like to thank each and every one who phoned me. We would like to thank Maurice and Diane MacGregor whose piano we chose. Also a big thank you to Alain Martel, owner of City Couriers, who moved the piano to the Pioneer Hall for us.

Art Notes

A relaxing exercise

By Faye Erickson

Battlefords Art Club

While in Yuma I took an afternoon class where we did a background using shaving cream and alcohol inks! Then we were to relax and with a marker draw overlapping continuous lines over the background. Everyone had different shapes over their backgrounds which I believe reflected our moods at the time. After that, we were to soften all of the intersecting lines. I thought we were done at that point. However, we then had to trace three circles somewhere over the piece. I used different size circles. We then had to soften each intersecting line

once again. Again I thought we were done. We were instructed to add two lines close together somewhere then fill the middle with small chainlike areas. We were relaxed and chatted the whole time. The end results were very different. Some of the pieces were very bold and

busy, while others were soft, quiet and peaceful. It was a relaxing experience.

The Battlefords Art Club is excited to set up in the Chapel Gallery with loads of art to see and to sell on Thursday and Friday, June 29 and 30, … it’s our Summer Sizzle! Save the dates!

This piece of art came out of a class taken in Yuma, Ariz. | Photo submitted

Dennis Pedwerbeski, Alain Martel, owner of City Courier, and Reta Rose with the Pioneer Hall’s new piano. | Photos submitted

At right are Diane and Maurice McGregor, who donated a piano to Pioneer Hall Association. On the left are Dennis Pedwerbeski and Reta Rose representing the association.

Thank You

For All That You Do

Twin City

TRANSMISSION

1192-101 St., North Battleford 306-937-6700

HDC Contracting & Electrical

Harley Collins

306-480-4330

306-386-3355

“Servicing the Battlefords & Area”

VISTA TOWING

“the Professionals” Get Hooked on Us 306-445-2372

Dogs on duty: Canadian canines keeping communities safe

National Police Week takes place every May. This year, it happens from May 14 to 20. It’s a time for police officers to connect with their communities and increase awareness about their services. Today, officers use advanced tools and technology, including police dogs, to keep the public safe. Here’s an overview of how dogs help Canada’s policing system.

PURPOSE

suspects.

TRAINING

German shepherds are the most commonly used breed; however, Belgian Malinois and Labrador retrievers also make great police dogs.

This National Police Week, take the time to thank the hard-working police officers and dogs helping to keep you and your community safe.

11412 Railway Ave E North Battleford, SK 306-445-6253

Many police units across Canada, including the RCMP, use dogs to track suspects, locate missing people, find evidence and uncover drugs, firearms and explosives. In many situations, police dogs are the first to put their lives on the line and engage armed

Police dogs typically start police training between 14 and 18 months. Each must be carefully paired with the right handler. To perform efficiently, the dog and its handler must form an equal partnership based on loyalty and trust. The handler’s job is to refine the dog’s natural drives and instincts to deal with situations they may confront effectively.

RETIREMENT

Police dogs usually retire at seven or eight

3 technologies the RCMP is using to do better police work

National Police Week takes place this year from May 10 to 16. Among other things, the event affords an opportunity to raise awareness about the services provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This includes the ways in which the organization continues to evolve with the times. Currently, technology is being used to improve and facilitate police work across the country. Here are three types of fascinating pilot projects that are underway.

1. A crime prevention network

Saskatchewan RCMP use the Crime Watch Advisory Network, an online massnotification tool, to improve public engagement and crime prevention. This centralized and systematic alternative to social media

allows police to alert the public of suspicious and criminal activity. In turn, citizens can use the platform to provide police with additional information or report sightings.

2. A crisis intervention app HealthIM is an application used to improve the way police respond to mental health crises. Officers input details about an individual’s emotional state and any signs they display of intoxication, hallucinations or violent behaviour. Within minutes, the software provides an evidencebased assessment of the person’s risk of self-harm, self-neglect or endangerment to others. This data helps officers make informed choices about apprehension, hospitalization and social

service referrals.

3. An emotional support robot

Ard-E is a toy-sized robot used by an RCMP unit in Alberta to reduce stress among young victims of crime before police interviews and court proceedings. Ard-E sings, dances and tells stories to help children relax and build trust. Programmed based on cognitivebehavioural strategies, Ard-E also displays empathy, encourages deep breathing and lets children know that it’s all right to ask for a glass of water or to have a question repeated.

This year for National Police Week, take the time to thank the police officers in your community for their continued service and dedication to keeping Canadians safe.

“The simple act of caring is heroic”.

Growth That Works For Everyone Marking 25 Months of Year-Over-Year Job Growth

Our government is committed to fostering a competitive business environment to encourage economic investments and development throughout the province. Over the past few years, this has resulted in more than $13 billion worth of projects being announced in our province, providing employment opportunities right here at home. Saskatchewan remains the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family. Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca

Canada’s Alabama

Have we learned anything from a racist past?

1963 murder

compared

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

It has been six decades since a brutal attack that killed a 20-year-old Indigenous man after a First Nations camp was raided by a group of nine white men. Disturbingly, justice was never served, as none of the accused were convicted of the crime.

The devastating incident unfolded on the Glaslyn fairgrounds May 11, 1963, and forever etched a dark stain on Saskatchewan’s history. The horrifying episode prompted the renowned Canadian news magazine Maclean’s to shed light on the heinous act of racial violence. In a poignant July 1963 article titled “This is our Alabama,” penned by legendary journalist Peter Gzowski, the underlying racism in North Battleford – a small city about 67 kilometres south of Glaslyn –was unmasked.

“There is race prejudice in North Battleford, and it is an ugly and in some ways frightening thing to behold,” wrote Gzowski after spending time in the Battlefords when looking into Thomas’ murder. “But it is, if this is possible, the race prejudice of gentle, friendly people.

“Many parts of Canada have no Indian problem because they have no Indians,” wrote Gzowski. “But North Battleford and Glaslyn and the towns around them have and their problems are ours.”

Thomas’ vicious murder and Gzowski’s haunting exposé shed light on the systemic racism and injustice that plagued Canadian society during that era. Today, reflecting on

Allan

the 60-year anniversary of this tragic event, it serves as a reminder of the work yet to be done to address and eliminate racial prejudice in all its forms.

“The murder of Allan Thomas from the Saulteaux First Nation near North Battleford 60 years ago is a tragic reminder of the systemic racism our people have faced for many years,” Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief Edward Lerat, told SASKTODAY.ca in an interview.

“We have come a long way from 60 years ago. We currently recognize great work done by police leaders that have taken strides advancing First Nation issues in the Spirit of Reconciliation.

“Although we applaud good work, we continue to experience systemic racism at the hands of others,” added Lerat. “This comment is not only focused on police, when one looks at the incarceration ratio within the province or the

victimization ratio, one realizes that we still have a long way to go to reach equity in justice for our people.”

A prominent Indigenous lawyer, and former Battleford resident, has concerns over the lack of substantial progress in the battle against racism. Eleanore Sunchild asserts racial prejudices persist.

“Not a lot [has changed], but people are more open with their racist views and there are more people denouncing and calling out racism,” Sunchild told SASKTODAY.ca in an interview.

“There is still much racism and it is dangerous because racism continues to kill and hurt Indigenous people,” said Sunchild, adding that more people, however, are calling out murder and violence for what it is.”

Despite hopes that the passage of decades would lead to significant changes, Sunchild affirms that the region still grapples with

the same insidious forms of racism that have plagued it for generations. In a candid statement,

said that he ended up at the local beer parlour, where he joined Alfred Lobe, George Batary, and a few others at their table.

“We had three glasses of beer and it was closing time,” said Hobbs. “We sat there and talked about farming and almost everything until about twenty minutes after eleven.”

The group of men took the party to Jack and Viola Mackie’s home. Hobbs said that while standing outside of their house, “an Indian come up to us he says ‘what the hell you doing.’ Alfred said something to him, I don’t know what it was, and he walked up to Alfred right close and Alfred slapped him. He fell down on his backside.”

That was the extent of the encounter, according to Hobbs’ statement. The Indigenous man left and the group of men went into Mackie’s house and drank more beer.

Sunchild said the fight against racism hasn’t made substantial headway. She said she continues to see “racist and dangerous actions” in the Battlefords and recently moved her family out of Battleford after her Indigenous friend was assaulted in her backyard in an unprovoked attack in July 2022.

The raid on the tentsand murder

Just before midnight on May 11, 1963, nine white men raided a First Nations camp of four tents near the Glaslyn fairgrounds, which resulted in the death of Allan Thomas, a 20-year-old Indigenous man. When the Indigenous tents were raided they were slashed with knives and torn down. | Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench court exhibit

One of the nine accused individuals in Allan Thomas’ murder, Jerry Dale Hobbs, said he came into Glaslyn around 10 p.m. Saturday night, May 11, 1963. The statement provided to RCMP, and obtained by SASKTODAY.ca from court records, sheds light on the murder case.

According to Hobbs’ police statement dated May 19, 1963, he

“We were sitting in the house for a while and then somebody said ‘are we going?’” Hobbs told RCMP. “I didn’t know what they meant. So everybody went outside. They said ‘we’re going to drive down to the Indian tents.’”

Nine men piled into two pick-up trucks driven by Alfred Lobe and Howard McConnell. They drove to the fairgrounds and then back to Mackie’s house.

“We were all in the living room and there was a bunch talking of scaring the Indians,” Hobbs said . “I don’t know who started that.

“A bunch went outside,” he added. “They said ‘let’s go down and scare them, maybe pull down their tents.’”

Continued on Page 11

for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net

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

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

“There is race prejudice in North Battleford, and it is an ugly and in some ways frightening thing to behold,” wrote Peter Gzowski in Maclean’s magazine.

Continued from Page 10

In May 1966, during the trial for Alfred Lobe, Howard McConnell, and Harold Michnik, Jack Mackie testified that he got into the cab of Lobe’s truck with another man whom he didn’t identify. The truck left Mackie’s and drove northwest. Lobe was driving. He turned in a field on the sports ground west of the village, made a circle and returned to Mackie’s. McConnell’s truck followed. The nine men went to the Glaslyn fairgrounds three times, court heard.

Hobbs, in his statement to RCMP, said they first approached Max Bear’s tent and then Bill Gopher’s tent. The tents were torn down and their contents strewn all over the ground.

During the trial for Lobe, McConnell, and Michnik, Crown witness Edward Thomas, a Saulteaux man from Cochin area, testified that he saw Alfred Lobe “running around” between two tents that had been knocked down, reported the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix.

Paul Moccasin, 20, of Cochin, testified at Alfred Lobe’s preliminary hearing in January 1965 that he was with Allan Thomas at the camp west of the village “when some guys came there and were hitting us,” reported the North Battleford News-Optimist.

“I could recognize Alfred Lobe running around against the lights.” The lights he referred to were from the Village of Glaslyn.

During Alfred Lobe’s preliminary hearing in January 1965, Max Bear testified that while they were asleep “some guys tore the tent away and were kicking stuff,”

Bear said he didn’t see who they were because they were shining a flashlight. He told the court that when he asked the men why they were doing that they said, “You aren’t supposed to camp here,” reported the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

Cpl. H. Milburn testified during an inquest into Allan Thomas’ death that

he had few complaints about the “Indian encampment” at the Glaslyn fairgrounds. He said the Indigenous people had been permitted to use the area for some years by consent of the Glaslyn village council.

The inquest into Allan Thomas’ death was adjourned after Batary’s lawyer objected to him testifying. The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal had ruled that the nine accused must testify at the inquest into Allan Thomas’ death. That ruling was taken to the Supreme Court of Canada, which struck down the lower court’s ruling in April 1965. The inquest never reconvened.

At the May 1966 trial of Alfred Lobe, Howard McConnel, and Harold Michnik, Bill Gopher and his common-law wife Marlene Lewis, and William Clifford Martel testified in separate testimony that they had seen Alfred Lobe running around in the vicinity of the downed tents, reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist.

Court also heard that Gopher had hit Lobe and Lobe was seen running away with “Gopher in pursuit” for about 50 yards. In the meantime, Michnik tried pulling Martel from behind the wheel of his car but ran away when he saw Gopher.

Max Bear told the court that he thought he recog-

• Numerous officers from the Battlefords Detachment including regular response officers, First Nations Community Policing officers as well as members of F Division (Saskatchewan) RCMP recruiting officers attended the event in both regular working uniform as well as Red Serge.

nized Donald Michnik’s voice. There were eight or nine men, he said, and one of them hit him in the eye.

Leona Katcheech, from Little Pine near Cutknife, testified that a group of men came to their tents that night and pulled them down. She said that there was a homemade stove in the tent and some items caught fire when the tent was knocked down.

At the time of the raid there was a 79-year-old grandmother and a threeyear-old boy in the tents, court heard.

During the May 1966 trial, Paul Moccasin testified that he and several Indigenous people were drinking beer near the water tower in Glaslyn until about midnight on May 11, 1963, and were met at Bill Gopher’s tent by a number of “whites” who attacked them.

Thomas was running behind him he said when two white men caught them.

“They grabbed us by the hair and kicked us around,” testified Thomas, adding he didn’t know who they were.

Moccasin said him and Allan Thomas became separated as they fled. He testified that the next time he saw Thomas he was lying on the ground near Bill Gopher’s tent on his belly with one arm under him and one over his head and the RCMP were already at the campsite, reported the North Battleford

News-Optimist. He said he helped Gopher load Thomas into Martel’s car.

Hobbs, in his statement to RCMP, didn’t admit to participating in the tearing down of the tents and claimed he hid in a gully with Donny Willumeit, Billy Batary, Donald Tracy Hobbs, and Billy Cadrain. He said while they were in the gully, they heard a noise.

“I heard something pop – thud. It sounded like somebody got hit.”

RCMP officer Cpl. C. Evanoff arrived and patrolled the camp shortly after midnight, reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist. The officer found Thomas lying injured on the ground near the tents of

Bill and Alex Gopher. The officer told Clifford Martel and his wife Antoinette to take Thomas to a hospital at either Turtleford or North Battleford. They took him to the Indian Hospital in North Battleford where Dr. C. L. Chow pronounced him deceased shortly after arrival at 3:15 a.m., May 12, 1963.

Thomas’ skull was fractured and pathologist Dr. W. H. Houston testified in court that the injuries could have been caused by a car tire going over

Thomas’ head. He also said the injuries could have been caused by a fall, reported the Edmonton Journal.

In his autopsy report

Dr. Houston said death was due to cerebral compression from hemorrhages caused by laceration on the left side of the brain as a result of a fracture of the right side of the skull. The fracture was caused by a heavy blow to the head, reported the North Battleford News-Optimist.

Continued on Page 12

• Kathy Wills: Owner/Driver of TNT Monster Truck ( Former Medicine Hat Ab)

• Sharon & Kevin Lubsen: Owners of All Out Monster Trucks (Ontario)

• Bucking Bronco Monster Truck Wadded Up Canadian Crusher S.WA.T. Bucking Bronco Ride Truck

In a statement to RCMP on May 19, 1963, Jerry Dale Hobbs drew a map for RCMP. | Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench court exhibit.

An aerial view of Glaslyn and the fairgrounds. | Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench court exhibit.

Canada’s Alabama

Continued from Page 11

During Alfred Lobe’s preliminary hearing in January 1965, Cpl. Evanoff testified that on his way to the camp he saw vehicles and people standing outside the Mackie home. After going to the fairgrounds, he went back to the Mackie house and all of the accused were there except Harold Michnik who he said was asleep outside in a car, reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist. At the time, the officer didn’t think Thomas was seriously injured but he warned the men that “it might be a more serious matter for them than knocking down a few tents.” He issued them a warning because they had been named as being in the camp area when the tents were torn down.

Cpl. Evanoff testified that Mackie objected to the “Indians pestering people in Glaslyn and to their camping so near to the village.” Objections were also voiced that the police weren’t doing enough about it, reported the North Battleford News-Optimist.

In court, Viola Mackie testified that the men were talking about going to the fairgrounds to “have some fun with the Indians.” She said that she warned Lobe to “leave them alone.” She said that after the raid she heard Alfred Lobe say, “I sure fixed that one,” reported the North Battl-

eford News-Optimist.

George Batary testified that he was at Jack and Viola Mackie’s home on the evening in question. He said that on three occasions during the evening a group of men left the home. Afterwards, he testified that he heard Lobe say, “We fixed up one Indian.”

The arrests of nine white men

Starting the day after the attack, nine men were picked up by RCMP in a series of arrests and remanded in custody.

Lawrence Donald Michnik, 26; Harold Douglas Michnik, 22; Daniel Roy Willumeit, 31; George William Batary, 24; Jerry Dale Hobbs, 26; Alfred Irvin Lobe, 48; William Joseph Cadrain, 32; Donald Tracy Hobbs, 22; and Howard Jo-

seph McConnell, 41, were charged with non-capital murder.

According to the North Battleford News-Optimist, Alfred Lobe and Howard McConnell were business partners in L & M Wood Products of Glaslyn. William Cadrain was an employee of L & M Wood Products. Harold Michnik, Lawrence Michnik, George Batary, Daniel Willumeit, Donald Hobbs, and Gerald Hobbs were farmers. Donald Hobbs and Gerald Hobbs were brothers. Harold Michnik and Lawrence Michnik were cousins.

All nine men were granted bail May 18, 1963, reported the North Battleford News-Optimist. Bail was set between $5,000 and $10,000 by Justice Donald C. Disbery in Sas-

katoon.

Clyne Harradance represented Alfred Lobe, John N. Conroy was Howard McConnell, Lawrence Michnik, George Batary and Gerald Hobbs’ lawyer. John H. Maher represented William Cadrain, Daniel Willumeit and Harold Michnik.

During the bail hearing, defence counsel John Maher told the judge that “all of the accused were respected men in their community,” reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist.

Murder charges dismissed against all 9 accused: Manslaughter charges laid against 3

The non-capital murder charges were dismissed against the nine men because of a lack of evidence, reported the North Battleford News-Optimist.

Three of the men, however, Alfred Lobe, Harold Michnik, and Howard McConnell, were then charged with manslaughter.

Following Alfred Lobe’s preliminary hearing held in the Legion in Glaslyn in January 1965, Judge K. B. Crawford of Meadow Lake said there was evidence that placed Alfred Lobe at the Bill Gopher tent where Allan Thomas had died, reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist.

Tensions between Indigenous and town folk

Back then, many Indigenous families left their winter homes on the reserve in the spring and lived a nomadic lifestyle in tents. Glaslyn, with a population of about 150, served as a regular stop for these families.

The RCMP in North Battleford said the raid followed “some bad feelings between the town people and the Indians,” reported the Regina Leader-Post. The village’s mayor said he believed the raid resulted from a disagreement between one of the Indigenous men and several Glaslyn men.

An RCMP inspector told the Saskatoon StarPhoenix that the Indigenous people had camped in the village and traded there for many years without difficulties. He said this was an isolated incident.

During Alfred Lobe’s

preliminary hearing, a white woman described the Indigenous people as “pests” always asking for money and automobile rides.

Glaslyn residents had also complained that the Indigenous would drink in the village. Federal and provincial laws prevented Indigenous from buying or consuming alcohol on reservations, reported the Regina Leader-Post.

Casting suspicion on an Indigenous man

An RCMP officer testified during the trial that there was a possibility Allan Thomas may have been involved in a fight with another Indigenous man that night. He testified that Albert Moccasin disappeared immediately after Thomas’ body was found, had left some of his personal belongings behind, and hadn’t been seen in the three years since the murder.

Bill Gopher, however, testified that Moccasin was missing because he was in the penitentiary in Prince Albert.

Marvena Lewis testified that Moccasin was her brother and he was now back on the Moosomin Reserve near Cochin, reported the North Battleford News-Optimist. She told the court that at the time of the raid he was hit over the head with a threefoot long club and that he had left with the group of Indigenous people after the incident.

The manslaughter trial of Lobe, Michnik, and McConnell

During the trial in May 1966, prosecutor George E. Noble told the court in his opening statements, that the Crown would prove the three accused were guilty of killing Allan Thomas. He said that four Indigenous families had camped in tents adjacent to the fairgrounds in Glasyn: The Katcheech and Max Bear families from Little Pine First Nation, and two Gopher families, Bill and Alex from the Cochin area.

It was a dark night and identification was difficult, said Noble, but he added that Alfred Lobe, Harold Michnik and Howard McConnell were recognized. After the altercation, Allan Thomas was found lying on the ground, said Noble, as reported by the North Battleford NewsOptimist.

Noble said the Indigenous people had been camping in that general location for a number of

years. He said a group of “whites” gathered at the John Mackie residence, which was located somewhere near the tents. He said Lobe and eight others were present and there were indications that some drinking had been going on. Sometime during the evening, the topic of going to the fairgrounds and “molesting the Indians came up,” reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist.

Jerry Hobbs was declared a hostile witness. He testified that he saw two figures in the darkness. He had made a statement to RCMP saying that Allan Thomas was on McConnell’s back and that he saw McConnell throw him to the ground. Hobbs changed his statement, however, when testifying and said he couldn’t be sure whether the men were McConnell and Thomas, or whether they were white or Indigenous.

Nellie Wilumeit was declared a hostile witness after repeatedly saying she couldn’t remember anything.

Alfred Lobe’s nephew Wayne Dyck, in a witness statement to RCMP on May 13, 1963, said some of the men jumped in the back of trucks and they drove around the field. The group later walked over to the fairgrounds, court heard.

“I guess the general idea was to see how many tents were pitched on the grounds in the field,” Dyck said in his statement to RCMP, which was obtained by SASKTODAY.ca.

“I overheard conversation amongst the remaining men in regards to raising a little hell with the Indians. It’s hard to see who talked. I believe they all talked about it. After a while, Harold Michnik, Alfred Lobe, Howard McConnell, Tracy Hobbs, Jerry Hobbs, Daniel Willumeit, Billy [William] Cadrain, [George] Billy Batary, Jack Mackie and I left the house.

“We sat and talked and drank some beer. Some of the men just at the house had been in the beer parlour, they had been drinking and appeared to be tipsy to me.”

Not guilty of manslaughter

On May 13, 1966, following an eight-day trial at the Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench, an all-male jury found Alfred Lobe, Howard McConnell, and Harold Michnik not guilty of manslaughter.

Concludes on Page 13

Following an eight-day trial, an all-male jury found three Glaslyn men not guilty of manslaughter in Allan Thomas’ murder. | North Battleford NewsOptimist.

Judge K. B. Crawford, left, presided over Alfred Lobe’s preliminary hearing. George E Noble, center, prosecuted the case. Defence counsel Clyne Harradance represented Alfred Lobe. | North Battleford News Optimist 1965.

Canada’s Alabama

Continued from Page 12

The verdict was delivered after only four hours of deliberation.

Justice Walter Tucker, who presided over the trial, said, “This is one place where the rule of circumstantial evidence must be applied. There is evidence for the jury to consider. It is for them to say whether they are satisfied beyond any reasonable doubt as to the guilt or innocence of the accused,” reported the North Battleford NewsOptimist.

“I hope that nothing like this ever happens in this part of the province again,” said Justice Tucker, as reported by the Edmonton Journal.

Justice Tucker also emphasized that he didn’t want the verdict to be regarded by the people of Saskatchewan and Canada as approval of racial prejudice in any way.

The aftermath

Justice has never been served for Allan Thomas or his family as none of the accused were convicted of the crime and as far as RCMP are concerned, the case is closed.

“The Saskatchewan RCMP Historical Crimes Unit has conducted a review of its historical files and can confirm there is no open investigation into the 1963 homicide of Allan Thomas,” Saskatchewan RCMP Media relations

told SASKTODAY.ca in an email on May 10.

Alfred Lobe and Howard McConnell were partners in L & M Wood Products in Glaslyn. The operation had moved from the Prince Albert area to Glaslyn in 1962. L & M Wood Products changed its name to North Wind Forest Products. According to NWFP website, the company was sold in October 2018 to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.

Alfred Lobe died Dec. 9, 2008, in Lloydminster, Alta., at the age of 92 and was buried in the Glaslyn cemetery.

An obituary for the wife of one of the other nine accused stated that she always said, “just because you got away with it doesn’t mean you won’t answer for it [whatever it was].”

Indigenous lawyer Eleanore Sunchild has a unique perspective on this decades-old murder.

“When I was a young girl and in the 60s scoop, my adoptive mother used to go visit one of those men accused in the murder of Allan Thomas,” Sunchild told SASKTODAY.ca.

“I didn’t realize that until I was much older when I started learning about the murder of Allan Thomas.

“The accused was very nervous and he was anxiety-ridden,” she added. “He drank a lot and I used to wonder what was wrong with him. I reflect on the impact of what he did and how he had to live with it.

I think that it really impacted him for the rest of his life. So even though these men were not held accountable for the murder in the justice system they ultimately paid for their act, in some way.”

Sunchild said that racial violence against Indigenous people is rooted in white supremacy and a false sense of that superiority based in fear and ignorance.

“The Treaties put us as equals, two nations who agreed to share the land and the resources, but it’s easier to blame Indigenous people for being ‘lazy’ and ‘drunken’ than actually fulfill the Treaties, allowing us to heal from all the oppression, brutalization and killings allowed in the name of colonization.”

What needs to change

After the murder of Allan Thomas in 1963, the North Battleford NewsOptimist wrote that CBC public affairs series Other Voices, did a documentary about the life of Indigenous people around the North Battleford region. They said CBC was prompted to do the piece after Maclean’s magazine compared the North Battleford region and its racial problems with the American south.

Today, Allan Thomas’ murder continues to shine a spotlight on the systemic issues that persist within the Canadian justice system.

“We believe the answer

Prominent

comes with better representation of First Nations amongst staff and within leadership at all levels throughout the Justice System,” Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief Edward Lerat, told SASKTODAY. ca. “Self-administered policing is also essential for the advancement of healing and reconciliation for First Nations.”

Kim Beaudin, National Vice Chief for Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, said Indigenous people have been dehumanized and he believes racism is worse in Saskatchewan, closely followed by Manitoba and Alberta. An added issue he said, is that newcomers to Canada are also taught to be racist against the Indigenous.

“People from other countries come here and are taught to hate Indigenous people from the getgo. That is a fact and that is a big problem.”

He’s not optimistic

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief Edward Lerat says we have come a long way from 1963 but more must be done. | FSIN photo

things will change anytime soon.

“Not in my life. It’s going to take a while.”

He said change starts with the colonial leadership at not just the national level but also provincial and municipal levels.

“They’ve done a really poor job of bridging the gap,” said Beaudin. “If our leaders don’t want to do the right thing maybe the community should be doing the right thing.”

Eleanore Sunchild said open dialogue and education are needed.

“We need to have frank and honest conversations about the true history of this country and admit the stereotypes and racism that have been taught and passed on.

“Indigenous people need compassion and understanding as we see the effects of racist colonial practices such as the Indian Residential School system, 60s scoop and

Kim Beaudin, National Vice Chief for Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, said Indigenous people have been dehumanized and he believes racism is worse in Saskatchewan than other parts of Canada. | Photo by Congress of Original Peoples.

the Indian Day Schools,” she added. “People have no idea about the level of trauma most Indigenous people went through in this province and these racist institutions continued well into the late 1990s. Our jails are full of survivors and inter-generational survivors and I think people need to think about that.” Sunchild, however, remains optimistic that there will be change.

“I think the younger generations will be more open to learning about each other and improving relations.”

Note: Initial media reports had spelled Thomas’ name as Allen Thomas. Court documents, however, reveal that the correct spelling is Allan Thomas. Also, the term “Indian” is used only when quoting people directly.

“To

you might be just one

but to one person, you might just be the world.“

Indigenous lawyer Eleanore Sunchild knew one of the accused when she was a child. | Supplied photo

I’m very grateful for the honest, kind and generous indigenous gentleman helping me pack my groceries at Walmart and asking if I was ok. A very kind and courteous gentleman. He deserves a big thank you.

From L. Strong

FABRIS: Ines, June 11,1925April 20, 2023. Ines Fabris passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023 at the age of 97. She is survived by her children: Dennis Fabris of Cut Knife, Anne Marie Fabris of Airdrie, Leonard (Michelle) Fabris of Lloydminster and Rita (Ray) Gendreau of Menisino; six grandchildren: Vincent Fabris, Karla (Kendall) Koroscil, Eric (Roginne) Gendreau, Daniel (Mary Panteluk) Gendreau, Sharisse (Chris) Delainey, Shandra (Bradley) Hrabia; and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband John; parents Oswald and Ida Del Frari; siblings Italo, Ines, Peter and Ugo Del Frari and Elsa Bertoia; four brothers-inlaw and six sisters-in-law. Ines was born on the family farm and received her education at Thule School. She grew up caring for her ill mother and grandmother. She spent many hours on the sewing machine and many evenings crocheting and knitting. Her faith was very important to her. She was a member of the Ladies’ Altar Society for many years. Her last ten years were spent in Cut Knife Long Term Care. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 am Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Unity with Father Greg Roth as celebrant. Interment was in the Cut Knife Cemetery.

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. Prayer Service was held Friday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Funeral Service was held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Interment followed 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, Blake & Jade Rafuse, Ashley & Austin Bartko; sisterin-law, Olga Nikiforuk. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

Card of Thanks

The family of Yaris would like to thank the following: The staff at BUH and RHL for their care during his stay there. The Very Rev Bohdan Demczuk for the prayers and comforting words. The Very Rev Taras Makowsky for attending prayers. Donna, Debbie & Michael for the eulogy. John Sendecki as altar server, Jim Shevchuk as cantor & Rhea Good as cross bearer. The pallbearers: Sheldon Rafuse, Nathan Rafuse, Nestor Kowalsky, Myron Nikiforuk, Dale Pluta, Dave Mamprin, Nicholas Mamprin. To Elaine & Roman for looking after the lunch after the prayers and to the caterers for lunch after the service. A special THANKS to the clean up help after both lunches. Greatly appreciated. Our wonderful church family, all the memorial donations, phone calls, visits, flowers & food. Thank you to Trevor Watts & staff of Eternal Memories for their kindness during this difficult time, Thanks Vanessa. God Bless You All.

The Family of Mary Ward would like to Thank all those that attended her Celebration of Life.

Thanks to Rec. Cannon Don Skinner for leading the Service, Casey Davies for providing the Music, the Honorary Pallbearers for always being close to Mom, to Kevin Morozowski for the Cemetery Preparations. Special

Thanks to Elle Dell at Eternal Memories for her Guidance and Expertise, knowing Mom was in good hands. Thank you to the Catholic Ladies for supplying the Lunch. Special Thank you to The Edam Enriched Manor Staff for giving Mom the extra care she needed, which continued after she was moved to The Lady Minto Health Care Centre, staff at both facilities were always like Family. Thanks to everyone that stopped by with their support and food that was dropped off, and to Tyler Mann for letting us gather at his Lodge so we could have a meal together, as Granny would of prepared in younger years.

Raymond and Val Ward, Donna Nash and families.

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2023 ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Village of Speers

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the Village of Speers for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the Assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the following days:

Monday to Tuesday, May 18th, 2023 to June 19th, 2023; excluding holidays.

A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of the Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices sent as required. Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal, accompanied by a $50.00 appeal fee by June 19th, 2023 to:

Mike Ligtermoet

Secretary of the Board of Revision

NorSask Board Services

642 Agnew Street

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, S6V 2P1 Dated at Speers, Saskatchewan this 17th day of 2023. Madison Jackson, Assessor Village of Speers

P.O. Box 974, Speers, Saskatchewan, S0M 2V0

Public Notice of Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Meeting Lake No. 466 intends to consider the adoption of a bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 07/14 under the Planning and Development Act, 2007.

INTENT OF ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT:

The proposed amendment will provide an alternative with regards to development officer, changes to development not requiring a permit, increasing the maximum site area for discretionary non-farm residential and adding temporary living accommodations while having a valid development permit and building permit.

AFFECT LANDS:

The affected lands of these amendments are all lands lying within the jurisdiction of the RM of Meeting Lake No. 466.

REASON:

The reason for the Zoning Bylaw amendment is to update the zoning bylaw for clarity and changes to better the zoning bylaw.

PUBLIC INSPECTION:

Any person may inspect the proposed bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw during regular office hours at the RM of Meeting Lake No. 466 municipal office. Copies are available at cost. The RM office is located on 1 Main Street, Mayfair, Saskatchewan.

PUBLIC HEARING:

The Public Hearing shall be held on June 8, 2023 from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the RM of Meeting Lake No. 466 municipal office to hear any person that wants to comment on the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments. Council will also consider written comments received by the undersigned by June 8, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

Issued at the RM of Meeting Lake No. 466 this 18th day of May, 2023. Janelle Lavallee, Administrator

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

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

time outside playing with my doggy friends!

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

Hi I’m Wiley!

SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

TOWN OF CUT KNIFE

Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Town of Cut Knife for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 pm., on the following days: Monday to Friday, May 12th, 2023 to June 15th, 2023. The office will be closed May 22nd, 2023 for Victoria Day.

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 wishes to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Town of Cut Knife, Box 130, 102 Broad Street, Cut Knife SK S0M 0N0, 306-398-2363.

A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $30 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Marlene Hassard, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 15th day of June, 2023

Dated this 12th day May, 2023

Deborah Schaefer Assessor

VILLAGE OF KRYDOR OFFERS FOR SALE BY TENDER THE FOLLOWING LOTS

LOT 13, BLOCK 2, PLAN R2049 IN KRYDOR, SASK.

LOT 14, BLOCK 2, PLAN R2049 IN KRYDOR, SASK.

LOT 21, BLOCK 2, PLAN R2049 WITH HOUSE IN KRYDOR, SASK.

LOT 22, BLOCK 2, PLAN R2049 IN KRYDOR, SASK.

THE ABOVE LOTS ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER. HIGHEST OR ANY OFFER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED.

SEALED TENDERS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED BY MAIL ONLY TO:

VILLAGE OF KRYDOR BOX 12 KRYDOR, SASK. S0J 1K0

TENDERS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MAY 31, 2023

IF ANY QUESTIONS, CALL 306-280-6626

TENDERS CAREER

TOWN OF CUT KNIFE TENDER OF HAYLAND

Written tenders in sealed envelopes are invited from persons in the cutting of the Town of Cut Knife Hayland property. Tender must be in pounds. All Tenders much be received in the Town Office by 12:00 pm noon on Friday, June 2nd, 2023.

The decision to award will be made by council. The highest or any tender may be necessarily be Accepted and the Town reserves the right to reject any and all tenders. While we thank everyone for their interest shown, only the awarded parties will be contacted. one property are up for tender

1. Parcel C Plan 80B01258 Property Behind Highway Commercial District

Please send Tender to:

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 13, 2023, a tax lien will be registered against the land.

A sum for the cost of advertising and admistrative costs as per current policy have been added to the arrears of each parcel

Roll Number LotBlockPlan Title No Arrears Advertising Administrative costs Total Arrears & Costs 00000016 000 52H376 144827220 $1,837.33 $10.00 $350.00$2,217.33 62H376 144827231 $10.00 72H376 144827242 $10.00 00000031 000 292H376 148753705 $7,574.34 $10.00 $350.00$7,944.34 302H376 148753716 $10.00 00000050 000 14H376 140610372 $2,323.86 $10.00 $350.00$2,713.86 24H376 140610383 $10.00 34H376 140610406 $10.00 44H376 140610428 $10.00 00000062 000 284H376 140610259 $2,062.02 $10.00 $350.00$2,442.02 294H376 140610260 $10.00 304H376 130626468 $10.00 00000112 000 208H376 149568126 $3,493.67 $10.00 $350.00$3,873.67 218H376 149568137 $10.00 228H376 149568148 $10.00 00000161 000 112AJ4076 148320446 $721.72$10.00$350.00$1,081.72 00000205 000 1913BZ5017 155179288 $420.03 $10.00 $350.00$790.03 3413 101534082 Ext 2 155179299 $10.00 00000254 000 31BT5363 142997259 $813.14$10.00$350.00$1,173.14 00000301 000 3678B06117 145169286 $1,202.73$10.00$350.00$1,562.73 00000322 000 5759B00351 141405027 $6,330.10 $10.00 $350.00$6,700.10 87 101533711 Ext 21 141405016 $10.00 00000358 000 N 87B08071 Ext 33 140610338 $1,850.37$10.00$350.00$2,210.37 00000362 000 A102343395 153254987 $10,766.10 $10.00 $350.00$11,146.10 SE 32-43-21-W3 101531720 Ext 24 153254976 $10.00 SW 32-43-21-W3 101531720 Ext 26 153254965 $10.00 00000366 000 126AM3080 149232641 $1,057.51$10.00$350.00$1,417.51 00000378 000 624AM3080 153276295 $10,854.47 $10.00$350.00$11,214.47 00000409 000 22880B06130 119206616 $556.37$10.00$350.00$916.37 $57,403.76 $ 51,863.76$ 290.00$ 5,250.00

Dated this 8th day of May, 2023.

Administrator

Town of Cut Knife, 1-306-398-2363

102 Broad St, Cut Knife SK S0M 0N0

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FISHER’S DRUG STORE

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

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?

SASKATCHEWAN’S BEST ONLINE Classifieds keep you on the right track NEWS-OPTIMIST Regional THE BATTLEFORDS To book Classified Advertising call 306-445-7261

• 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

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment:

ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc.

Camp/R & B provided.

Competitive wages.

Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to:

Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0;

Fax: 306-769-8844

Email:

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca

www.

brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

Mayfair and District News

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

The rain was spotty last week Thursday. I was in North Battleford when later in the afternoon all hell broke loose from the clouds. A downpour felt absolutely refreshing as I was jacketless and purchasing groceries. I dashed to my vehicle upon leaving the store. This did not halt the seeding of crops.

Many people signed the guest register for the come-and-go tea in honour of 90-year-old Irene Polichuk this past Saturday

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY:

Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp. Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food 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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

SEASONAL GRADER OPERATOR

Position Runs Tentatively from May to Late October 2023

• Trained and certified as a Grader Operator

• 5 years municipal experience in grading & road repairs

• Capable of working with others & with minimal supervision

• Willingness to follow direction from senior grader operator

• Attention to detail & safety conscious

Start date: Tentatively May 2023

Wages: Per IUOE pay scale.

Application Deadline: Applications will close once position is filled.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Forward resume and references to:

R.M. of Blaine Lake #434, PO Box 38, Blaine Lake, SK, S0J 0J0 or email rm434@sasktel.net.

FULL-TIME

in the Battlefords Wildlife Federation building. This family farmed in the Whitkow district and all of their five children attended Mayfair School. They range in age from 57. Irene is now living with her eldest daughter Sandra in a house after moving from the River Heights units on 98th Street. Irene is doing remarkable for her age.

Heads up for people all excited about pulling their campers up to Chitek Lake, located 12 miles from Leoville. The government is committed to rebuilding/ upgrading 50 kilometres north of Spiritwood to Chitek Lake, a project costing $7 million. The last time I drove on it was late in October 2022. The Chitek to Leoville portion was reasonably completed. It was a whole different scenario when I came on Mother’s Day. The frost must have wreaked havoc on this newly constructed highway. It’s a rough road with potholes until approximately five miles out of Chitek where it was a pleasure to drive on. I know the construction crews are doing their best and people have to realize once it’s completed, travelling will be slightly faster. People coming from North Battleford should take Highway 4 north, turn right at the highway before entering Glaslyn and proceed until a sign reads Ranger Road (a large grid road). Drive a distance on this grid and follow the signs and you will end up on the last part of the completed excellent highway into Chitek. Coming from Saskatoon continue through Spiritwood on Highway 3 and turn right at the Ranger Road sign. This will alleviate wear and tear on the unit you are towing, and the trip will illicit no swear words.

Two well-known retired farmers from our area who moved to the Battlefords years ago have passed away. Ninety-six-year-old Yaroslaw, better known as Yaris, Nikiforuk along with his family farmed in the Dominion area southeast of Whitkow. He leaves behind his wife Stella, children Donna and Debbie, son Michael and families. Recently Bud, Myron and Bronie and their families lost their mother, 95-yearold Sophie Ewanchuk.

AUTO MECHANIC

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.

They had farmed and resided in Whitkow for many years. Condolences to the Nikiforuk and Ewanchuk clans.

With this overly hot weather, one can not but get excited about going to their cabins and/ or camping. Too bad there is a fire ban because having a wiener roast is part of experiencing the great outdoors.

The long weekend is fast approaching and like every year the regional and provincial campsites quickly fill up. Extra traffic on the roads, plus farmers with big equipment should make a driver more cautious. Please stay safe everyone.

Gardeners like to have everything in the ground during the May long weekend, except the bedding plants. With the above-normal temperatures, many started three weeks ago. We still can experience nasty weather so “Jack Frost” might take us by surprise. For farmers, it’s nothing unusual to reseed crops when there is a hard spring frost.

I had the pleasure of attending a spring concert this past Saturday at Broadway Theatre Saskatoon. The theme “Cruisin’ through the ‘50s, Groovin’ through the ‘60s” was spectacularly done by the Eclipse Chorus Choir and a live band of local musicians. The choir consists of approximately 30 members who dressed to reflect that era. Their director spontaneously included the crowd

for feedback at times.

Retired school teacher and farmer near Whitkow but now residing in Regina was at her sister’s 90th birthday celebration this past weekend. She and Irene Polichuk are sisters. She is an avid reader of Battlefords Regional News-Optimist and has a subscription sent to her

Regina address. Sophie enjoys the local news and told me to keep writing for my rural area because she likes to stay informed. She obviously knows many locals, so yes, Sophie, I will try to do my best at informing people who like to read the newspaper. Her daughter is a retired school teacher who resides in Spiritwood.

Maidstone and District News

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club held a cleanup bee at Milleton Hall May 1 in preparation for their upcoming achievement day. They then had supper followed by the last general meeting for this 4-H year. Questionnaire day is Thursday, May 18. Achievement Day is May 28 with everyone invited to attend the shows starting about 12:30 p.m. 4-H Expo is June 3 to 5 in Lloydminster.

Congratulations to Cody Garnham and Brendan Donovan for taking home last week’s weekly draw prizes at Maidstone Disc Golf and to hole-inone sharpshooters, Chase James (aced hole 16) and Cole Tenetuik (aced hole 7). Check the updated league leaderboard on our Facebook page.

Friday, May 12 was a special day for Ratushniak Elementary and Maidstone High Schools as the new basketball court officially opened. Listening to students’ calls for a new multipurpose court, principal Brennan Becotte took action to gain support from local sponsors, community members and both schools to make this dream a real-

Engraving for

recognition plaques, and to everyone who contributed, whether monetary or Continued

on

Ninety-year-old Irene Polichuk with her five children — Vera Horn (Sherwood Park, Alta). Sylvia Rodrigue (Edmonton). Dale Polichuk (Borden), Sandra Malcolm (recently moved from Nunavut to North Battleford) and Vera Horn (North Battleford). | Photos by Elaine Woloshyn

Irene Polichuck and siblings Orest Dubyk of rural Mayfair, Sophie Choma from Regina and Helen Bodnarchuk from Camrose, Alta.

Amy Campbell and Jacob Gerlinsky, who has shaved his head, raising $850 so far for the Lori Craven memorial cancer fund.

the amazing sponsors, to Y’s Marketing and RDS Laser

making

More Maidstone

-

Continued from Page 17 through hard work. Every donation, big or small, has made this possible. Special thanks to Mark Foster, Alex Pompu and Brennan Becotte for installing the backboards on opening day. This space is for everyone to use and we want it to last a long time. Please be respectful and pick up your

garbage. (It will be under video surveillance.) Most of all, enjoy!

Maidstone Health Care

Auxiliary’s Strawberry Tea and Bake Sale was well attended this year. Two tables were loaded with yummy baking which sold quickly.

Jennifer Alkestrap was the door prize winner. Several ladies went home with their

table centrepiece, a beautiful rose surrounded by baby’s breath. See you next year in May. (submitted by Dorinda Fitzsimonds). I was one of the lucky ones and would like to thank the auxiliary for my gorgeous yellow rose and an enjoyable afternoon.

“Bowl for a Buzz” took place at Lloyd Lanes on May 13, an event which Amy Campbell started last year when she shaved her head to raise money for

the Lori Craven memorial cancer fundraiser which takes place in August. Jaxsen Rowlands and Shawn Whitney of Waseca won the bowling competition and half the prize pot. Jacob Gerlinsky, grandson of Vince and Carol Gerlinsky of Maidstone, shaved his head, raising $850 so far – he is still collecting for the cause. All proceeds go to families who are in need of financial medical assistance.

Maidstone Museum held its monthly meeting May 15 with eight members attending. Spring clean-up has gone well with progress made on several repair/construction projects. Thank you to Ben and Jack Foster, Kellan and Ben Henderson, Sam and his group home worker, Hayley, Jan and Rick Yuill, Joanne and Ben Owens, Matilda Nyame and Doug Utri who all came to help. We’ll welcome four school tours in

May/June as well as Maidstone grads for pictures. Several plans for Canada Day were put in place. Our next meeting will be June 12 at 7 p.m. at the museum. Board members have raffle tickets for sale with prizes of two $500 vouchers from Diamond 7 Meats, a Yeti cooler with refreshments and a dump wagon with accessories. Your donations are greatly appreciated. Anyone who would like to book a tour/event or offer assistance of any kind, please call the museum 306-893-2890, John 780871-1027 or Kathy 306893-7378.

Tuesday, May 30 there will be a Show and Shine at the hospital parking lot to fundraise for the recreation department at Pine Island Lodge. The co-op is doing a barbeque and the Health Care Auxiliary will have a rummage sale.

Students are already enjoying the new multi-purpose court located on Maid

stone school grounds. | Photos submitted by Kathy Utri

Borden and District News

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Lions held a successful Mother’s Day brunch May 14 in the Borden Community Centre with more than 130 in attendance to enjoy a tasty meal. There was also an activity table for children to enjoy making cards or pictures. The Borden Lions presented Borden Municipal Childcare (Little Sprouts) with a donation of $5,000 to assist in their building renovations and a fence to surround the property. A large basket of many donated items from local merchants and Lions members was raffled off and the lucky winner was Gloria Derbowka.

May 12, St. John’s Anglican Church presented a donation of $5,000 to the

Borden Municipal Childcare Committee toward renovations or fencing.

A celebration of life was held May 13 in the Borden Community Centre for Donald Dyck who passed away April 1 at the age of 91 years. Donald and his wife of 65 years, Claudia, had lived and farmed at Borden for many years, volunteering with the 4-H club, local school board, United Church, East Borden Rural telephone company, Friendship Club and Don was a founding member of the Borden Lions Club. Don was also musical and sang at the university, United Church and Borden Lions with Archies Angels. The service was celebrated by Gayle Wensley and helping was Rev. Sheldon Carr, with tributes by son Dean, daughter Lorna

Misselbrook, brother Gerald, Niece Cynthia Leslie and a classmate at U of S George Krenz. A poem, “ I Live On” by daughter Judy Rissling was read and there was a musical tribute by Archie Wainwright and Bob Wardhaugh. Son Shaun had a slide presentation and the lunch was served by the Borden Friendship Club.

The Borden Friendship Club held their monthly meeting on May 10 with president Ed Neufeld presiding and the new secretary Jackie Meister in charge of the minutes. The club donated to the Borden Flower Barrel Committee. All the chairs will be cleaned by a company from the city. A report was given about the bus trip to Meacham for dinner theatre May 6. Sask Lotteries

Lions President Perry Nicol presents a cheque for $5,000 to Municipal Childcare members Jill Orchard and B. Rideout. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk

had given a grant to cover the bus fare. A committee was set up to clean all the tables in the community centre as the tables in the Club Room look much better after being cleaned by Bev Assman and John Longmore. It was moved

to buy potted plants as centrepieces for the June 8 supper and they will be given away as door prizes. The club also will not charge the Borden Library for the use of the room for Lego Club which runs until June. It was decided to

St. John’s Anglican Church made a $5,000 donation to Borden Municipal Childcare (Little Sprouts). In the photo are Emily Saunders, Sharon Assman, Jillian Orchard, Sandra Long and Rev. Sheldon Carr.

not go ahead with the 55 Alive Safe Driving Course as not enough had signed. Omitted from an earlier report on club entertainment was a poem read by Anne Palmer called Encouragement and a reading by Sandra Long on Growing Old.

Jackfish Lake

Jackfish Lake, just north of North Battleford, is a popular pike, Jackfish Lake is ideal for its location, which is easy to access for a quick trip or a weekend. There are several places where shore fishing is possible, which makes it a great place to take the kids.

Murray Lake is a great lake for both pike and walleye. Pike tend to prefer shallower areas. In Murray Lake, the north end is a better spot for pike.

The more of the walleye. Crawlers and minnows are useful for catching walleye. Set up with a lindy rig in the deeper sections. Reports are that right out along the east shore from Lanz Point is a hotspot for walleye. Another good spot to try is along the western shore. Troll slowly with minnows.

Do you have photos, videos or fishing reports for Murray Lake? Head to The Angler's Atlas at anglersatlas.com/ lake/690731.

Western Sportfishing (westernsportfishing.ca) reports that fly fishing for pike is catching on in many parts of Canada. Spring and fall are the best times for this. Good patterns can be minnow imitations, larger Woolly Buggers, or frog imitations.

During the winter, the ice fishing is great. One of the main events of winter season is the Battlefords Northstars Ice Fishing The team hosts this popular event as a fundraiser and there are thousands of dollars in prizes, making it a busy derby. Along with cash, prizes include everything from boats to bags.

From North Battleford, take Hwy. 4 north for about 50 km. The Alternatively, head north along Hwy. 4 and turn left (west) along Hwy. 26 and then turn onto Hwy. 697. After about 5 km, turn right and drive another 3 km or so to the lake.

Battlefords Provincial Park lies along the northeast edge of the lake and provides camping, a boat launch, concessions

Which flowers can you grow in direct sunlight?

All flower species have specific sunlight requirements. For example, too little or too much light can delay blooms or cause premature death. Do you have a bright, sunny patch in your yard and want to show it off with a flash of colourful flowers? Here are some tips and suggestions to guide your selection.

CRITICAL CRITERIA

The species you choose must be suited to the space where you want them to

grow. They must be able to handle direct and prolonged sunlight or at least tolerate it. It’s also important to account for other criteria, such as the plant’s water needs, ideal soil type and the hardiness zone you live in.

FAVOURABLE FLOWERS

There are plenty of flowers that thrive in direct sunlight. The following list is just a sample:

• Echinacea

• Oxeye sunflower

• Iris

• Marguerite daisy

• Peony

• Tulip

If you decide to combine several flower species in your garden, ensure neighbouring plants are compatible and have the space they need to thrive. Plan a trip to your local garden centre to select the flowers you want to grow in full sunlight.

What you need to know about successive sowing

Do you dream of planting a vegetable garden that gives you fresh produce all summer long? Successive sowing is an effective strategy to optimize your precious plot of land.

WHAT IS IT?

The principle of successive sowing is simple: once you harvest mature vegetables, you reuse the empty space to sow new ones. For some vegetables, this means sowing several seeds over three or four weeks. The aim? To enjoy fresh vegetables for a longer period without having to cook or freeze the surplus; preventing waste is an added benefit.

Sowing in succession allows you to get the most out of your garden. Moreover, you can quickly fill empty rows with new plants to prevent your plot from being overrun by unsightly weeds.

WHICH VEGETABLES TO CHOOSE?

It’s important to note that not all vegetables are suitable for successive sowing. Slow-growing vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants won’t work. Instead, choose fast-growing species like lettuce, spinach and radishes.

Check the hardiness zone in your area to find vegetables suitable for successive sowing.

Patio furniture: 5 criteria to make the right choice

Are you looking for the perfect patio set? To make the best choice for your needs, consider the following criteria when purchasing your furniture and accessories.

1. Use. Determine how you’ll use your patio set. For example, a comfortable armchair is a must if you want a spot to read and sunbathe, but you probably don’t need a large table. Ensure your setup has some side tables, chests or ottomans where you can put down a book or glass.

2. Comfort. Don’t hesitate to try out the chairs in the store. The presence or absence of armrests,

the height of the chairs relative to the table, the number of possible adjustments and the depth of the seat are all characteristics that’ll influence your comfort level.

3. Available space. If your patio is small, choose chairs that can slide under the table or be folded or stacked. Multi-functional furniture, such as a storage bench or table with an extension leaf, is also a good choice.

4. Quality. Choose high-quality pieces that can withstand the whims of Mother Nature. For instance, ensure the cushions are UV and

mould resistant. Looking for a set with an umbrella? Ensure the base won’t get carried away by the wind.

5. Materials. Wrought iron, aluminum, steel, wood, composite, synthetic rattan – the list goes on. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of each to make an informed decision. Weight, durability, style, maintenance, cost and weather resistance are just some of the factors to consider.

Happy shopping!

Why fence off your land?

Whether you live in the suburbs, city or country, you have several reasons to consider putting a fence around your property. Here are a few.

• To create privacy. If you live near a busy street or want to block your neighbour’s view of your backyard, a fence with solid panels will help keep prying eyes at bay.

• To enhance safety. A suitable fence that’s impossible to climb limits access to your pool, keeping adventurous neighbourhood children out of harm’s way.

• To enclose an animal play area. A fence built high enough to match your

How to keep your lawn healthy

Do you want your lawn to look great all summer?

Adopt these practices.

• Sharpen your lawnmower blades. Cleancut grass grows back faster than grass that’s been ripped or torn.

• Leave the clippings on the ground. They’ll slowly release nitrogen. However, avoid leaving a layer thicker than half a centimetre. This will smother the grass.

• Mow more often but leave it longer. Cutting your grass to a height of six to eight centimetres promotes root development and grass density. It also makes the grass

less vulnerable to drought.

• Water only as needed. Water your grass to a depth of about two and a half centimetres a week, including rainfall. Water in the morning to limit evaporation.

• Apply compost. This provides essential nutrients, stimulates root growth and increases resistance to diseases and pests.

• Overseed. Apply grass seed to your lawn between late summer and early autumn to ensure lush growth.

• Aerate the soil at the

end of summer. This will improve water and nutrient circulation to the roots.

For expert advice, visit your nearest garden store and speak with a staff member.

pets’ jumping ability will give your little critters space to stretch their legs, without the risk of escaping.

• To povide a wind break. Minimize the impacts of heavy winds by building a well-anchored fence with closely spaced posts and sufficient gaps to allow some air movement.

• To minimize nuisances. A high, thick fence can reduce noise pollution, making your outdoor space more peaceful. Do you want to install a fence on your property? Be sure to research local regulations, get the necessary permits and inform your neighbours of your plans.