Regional News-Optimist May 2, 2024

Governor general ‘building bridges’ in Saskatchewan

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

A focus on building bridges and connecting with people has been among the priorities for Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon during her official visit to Saskatchewan this week.

Simon spoke to SASKTODAY.ca on Tuesday about her three-day tour of Saskatchewan. During that conversation, she outlined what her objectives were on this first official visit to the province.

“I guess the main point I would make first is that when I do my visits to provinces, I really find it important to connect with Canadians across the country. And I feel that is an essential part of my job, and also meeting Canadians in their communities really allows me to get a better and real understanding of the issues they are facing.”

Simon touched down in Saskatchewan Monday, starting her tour at the Legislative Building in Regina where she inspected a full RCMP guard of honour. She was greeted by Premier Scott Moe and met with him inside the Premier’s Office. Moe would later tell reporters that a main focus of their discussion was mental health and addictions.

Soon after, Simon met Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty at Government House and later visited the First Nations University of Canada. That evening, both Lt.-Gov. Mirasty and Donna Mirasty hosted Simon and her husband Whit Fraser at a reception at Government House, with over 200 invited guests attending.

On Tuesday morning, Simon and her entourage made their way to the Regina Open Door Society. There, the governor general toured the Regina Open Door Society Mural located on the buildings outside wall, alongside the lead artists who painted the mural.

She then toured the building and was the guest at an English language class attended by several new Canadians, who were there to learn not only language skills but also Canadian customs and culture.

Simon spoke to the class and revealed that, like those students, she was also in the process of learning one of Canada’s official languages — in this case, French.

For those involved with the Regina Open Door Society, an organization whose mission is to help immigrants and refugees who are coming to Regina, it was a memorable and exciting day.

“I think it is the experi-

ence of a lifetime not only for the organization, but most importantly, for our learners,” said Ricardo Arisnabarreta, manager of Language Services at the Regina Open Door Society.

“She got to engage with our learners, and our learners got to experience a significant moment with the language. They are trying to learn, be able to use the language. They are learning in the country that is welcoming them.”

“I think it was a lifetime experience for both our students and the staff,” said Tatiana Zotova, director of Language, Employment and Daycare Services at the Regina Open Door Society. “It was an amazing opportunity to put a human face to the title … I think our clients, as newcomers to Canada, it’s very important for them to participate in Canadian life, to understand the levels of the government, and here to have this firsthand experience was really amazing. And it was, I think, very relatable, because the governor general tried to share her experience in learning a second language and the clients had a wonderful opportunity to share their personal experiences and their stories in language of how they came to Canada and what they’re trying to do here.”

Publication ban lifted in Tiki Laverdiere case

SASKTODAY.ca

The last of the 10 people charged in the murder of Tiki Laverdiere in North Battleford was sentenced on April 26 in Battleford Court of King’s Bench.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Chris Browne said it was too soon to tell how Laverdiere’s murder has impacted the Battlefords.

“I can’t speculate on how it has impacted the community. I can say obviously the community doesn’t necessarily know all the details because of the publication bans at this point. I think we will see the impact on the community once they are aware of this.”

Laverdiere’s murder was a gang murder by Westside Outlawz, which had ties to Redd Alert, and court heard that she was tortured for hours.

Continued on Page 3

Firefighters putting out a car fire this weekend during annual spring fire training that took place in North Battleford this year. For more photos, turn to Page 3. |

Photo by Freelance Photographer Averil Hall

VOICE OF BUSINESS

Connecting Voices. Building Business

Find us on Facebook www.battlefordschamber.com

P.O. Box 1000

North Battleford SK S9A 3E6

Phone: 306-445-6226

10th

Food, Fuel, Fertilizer Global Summit

- Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, Regina

Registration: 9:30 a.m.

Shot-Gun Start: 10:30 a.m.

Meals included Cost per golfer $125 plus taxes

Join in the fun, including the “Fastest Hole in Golf”, a Caddy Shack Hole, and more.

Confirmed guest speakers for this 2nd annual Food, Fuel & Fertilizer Global Summit include: Premier Scott Moe; Tim Gitzel, President & CEO of Cameco; the Right Hon. Stephen Harper, Former Prime Minister of Canada; Hon. Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development and Immigration and Career Training; Bruce Bodine, President & CEO, the Mosaic Company; Hon. David Wilkins, Former Ambassador to Canada; Murad Al-Katib, President & CEO of AGT Foods & Ingredients; Hon. Brad Wall, Former Premier of Saskatchewan; Ranjith Narayansamy, President & CEO, Petroleum Technology Research Centre; Adam Engdahl, VP Community, NexGen Energy Ltd.; Ryan Hill, COO, Saskatchewan Research Council; and to kick off Day 2, there will be remarks from the Hon. Francois-Phillipe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Summer Season Set to Begin

- Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce

The summer season is set to begin here at the Chamber facility with the arrival of two interns, home for the summer from the U of S and U of A. The interns will work on a bevy of projects that will include a national re-accreditation application for the Chamber, Chamber member updates and of course, work on the 30th BBEX Awards upcoming in November 2024.

One very exciting new project the Chamber is moving forward with in the community is a very much needed information network. Watch for an upcoming announcement with more information, locations, and how you can be involved.

There is a lot of excitement in the business community as well, as properties are selling, there’s a buzz about new businesses opening, and lots of activity heading into a very busy farming season of seeding, and more.

The Chamber will welcome visitors, residents and newcomers to the community picnic and park area – Rotary Park. Please be sure to take advantage of all the great things there are to see and do in the Battlefords over the next several months.

Regulatory Burden on Canadian Businesses

-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Alex Greco, Senior Director, Manufacturing and Value Chains

Earlier in April, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Director, Manufacturing and Value Chains, Alex Greco, appeared before the OGGO Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to highlight the pressing issue of regulatory burden on Canadian businesses.

While Canada was ranked 4th in the world for ease of doing business in 2006, it has since slipped to 23rd (as of 2020), primarily due to the increasing burden of government regulations. This stifling regulatory environment, now ranked 53rd globally, is impeding economic growth and investment.

We need a more ambitious approach from the government to accelerate modernization and streamline regulatory processes. The current complex and slow-moving regulatory environment is driving up operating costs for businesses, particularly small businesses, which lack the resources to navigate these challenges effectively. Mr. Greco proposed three key recommendations to the committee.

• Implementing an economic and competitiveness mandate for federal regulators;

• Ensuring regulatory alignment across domestic and international jurisdictions; and

• Providing regulatory certainty to businesses through evidence-based regulations. He emphasized that these measures are crucial to create an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute to Canada’s economic success.

“It goes without saying that the right policy environment can help businesses succeed and generate long-term economic growth for the country. Making Canada an attractive destination for business investment that supports economic growth requires getting the fundamentals right.” Greco said.

The regulatory burden is troublesome in several ways, but two stand out. First, we can’t continue to move at a snail’s pace – we need the government to be more ambitious. We need the government to accelerate modernization and ensure approvals and permitting can meet our public policy ambition.

Second, the ongoing ability of companies to comply with complex regulations is increasing operating costs. It is consistently one of the biggest barriers to economic growth.

According to the SME Regulatory Compliance Cost report, the total regulatory compliance cost to small businesses was nearly $5 billion in 2011, which at the time

Nominations for the 30th BBEX Awards will be open soon. Nominate your favorite business in any of the open categories.

was approximately $3,500 per business. That number has no doubt increased over the past decade along with the regulatory burden overall.

We cannot afford for more private sector investment decisions to be sidelined because of the complex regulatory environment in Canada. Too often, we hear from Chamber members about the investments they have on hold while they wait for direction from the government. Lack of clarity and speed on the new investment tax credits is a good example: while other jurisdictions, such as the United States move quickly to create the conditions for investment, Canada is falling behind. Investment will not wait – it will go where it is wanted.

Many Chamber members also cite increased red tape and differing certification and technical standards as major obstacles to doing business within Canada. Complying with a complex network of overlapping regulations from all levels of government is expensive and time-consuming. When combined with inefficient and unpredictable regulatory processes, this sets businesses up for failure.

All of these issues are especially potent for small businesses, which usually lack the resources of larger companies to manage regulation and compliance.

While he commended the government for pushing a regulatory modernization agenda, he noted we must move more boldly and urgently. We cannot just talk the talk—we need to see real action that will move the needle.

Evidence-based regulations can both protect the public interest and promote market success.

And for companies looking to invest billions of dollars in developing new pipelines, new mines, and other large-scale infrastructure projects, this is not a “nice to have”. It is a “must-have.”

Canada needs smarter regulatory systems, better processes, and well-designed regulations to help minimize the costs to business and unlock economic growth while improving public health and safety outcomes.

Sustained collaboration with all levels of government and our international partners will make it easier for businesses to do what they do best—produce.

CMHA promotes compassion during Mental Health Week

Submitted

Canadian Mental Health Association the Battlefords

Mental Health Week is May 6- 12. This week provides the Canadian Mental Health Association the Battlefords an opportunity to host events and mental health initiatives to raise awareness and the profile of mental health in the community.

We hope to promote behaviours and attitudes that foster well-being, support good mental health and create a culture of understanding and acceptance. This year’s theme is #COMPASSIONCONNECTS - A Call to Be Kind. We all can be compassionate, and doing so makes an enormous difference. This week we focus on the healing power of compassion; it’s free, accessible and something that can be learned.

Here are the initiatives we are hosting to help raise mental health awareness in the Battlefords and we welcome

members and organizations in the community to join us.

• May 6 – Flag Raising at Battleford Town Hall, Battleford at 9:30 a.m. and North Battleford City Hall at 10 a.m.

• May 7 – Mental Health Awareness Walk, starts at CMHA 0ffice, 1602 - 103rd St., North Battleford, 11 a.m.

After the walk, participants may purchase a hot dog, chips and soda for $5. Proceeds to CMHA Battlefords. Please call 306-446-7177 to pre-register to help us in planning.

• May 8 – Mental Health Learning Forum at the Saskatchewan Hospital, hospital tours at 5:30 p.m. (registration is required, space limited, call and speakers start at 6:45 p.m. Speakers include Dr. Erica Dyck, Dr. Nathan Pyle and Alan Corbeil.

• May 9 – Join CMHA in spreading acts of kindness throughout the day.

• May 10 – Dress green to help raise awareness of mental health.

Publication ban lifted in Tiki Laverdiere case

Continued from Front

During one of the accused’s sentencing hearings, the prosecutor called her murder a real life ‘horror movie,’ and defence counsel for one of the women convicted said Laverdiere’s murder was the “most horrific gang murder in Saskatchewan history.”

Her murder was in retaliation for the murder of Tristen Cook-Buckle in Edmonton, Alta. He was the “commander” of the street gang Redd Alert in Edmonton, and Laverdiere was his “right-hand” woman, court heard.

A North Battleford woman, Valene McCallum, who is now deceased, helped RCMP Major Crimes at the start of their investigation.

Many people came and went from the three houses that Laverdiere was tortured at in North Battleford, but no one called

the police.

Laverdiere’s last contact with her family was on May 1, 2019, according to RCMP. On May 12, 2019, Laverdiere’s mother reported her missing to Battlefords RCMP.

On July 11, 2019, a police dog found Laverdiere’s remains in a rural area outside of North Battleford while RCMP were conducting a ground search.

From July 2019 to August 2020, police arrested 10 people in Saskatchewan and Alberta and charged them in Laverdiere’s murder. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes led the investigation, with support from more than 20 RCMP units and four partner agencies.

The investigation spanned two provinces and nine crime scenes, and saw over 120 witnesses interviewed.

Missing North Bat-

Sask. firefighters train in North Battleford

By Miguel Fenrich Editor

Residents of the Battlefords might have seen a few more firefighters and fire trucks around the community this past weekend, but there was no cause for concern.

From April 26 to 28, the North Battleford Fire Department’s training grounds became one of the host venues for the Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Associations (SVFA) spring training events.

tleford woman Ashley Morin was mentioned by some witnesses during the preliminary hearing and trials of the 10 convicted in Laverdiere’s murder. Morin was last seen in North Battleford on July 10, 2018. Court heard that two women convicted in Laverdiere’s murder were “hanging out with Ashley up until the day that she went missing.”

To see dozens of photos and read never before published details in Laverdiere’s murder, go to SASKTODAY.ca for the following five stories: Torture, murder of Tiki Laverdiere a real life ‘horror movie’: Prosecutor; Tiki Laverdiere murder: Who are the 10 people convicted?; The Alta. Murder that led to Tiki Laverdiere’s murder in Sask.; and Prosecution of 10 people in Tiki Laverdiere’s murder lasted five years.

“We have 215 students at the fire school this spring in North Battleford, which is a great number,” Aaron Buckingham, the head of the SVFA Region’s activities told the NewsOptimist.

“It’s good for the community when the community hosts the fire school, for the economic spin-off that comes from that, for sure.”

The SVFA’s mandate is to train those people who are out doing the job across the province, Buckingham noted, adding that they do these training schools once in the spring, and once in the fall.

“And just this last year, we have branched our and done some more regionalized trainings.

“Let’s face it, somebody in the far south-east corner of the province has a long way to come here. We do try and rotate the schools north and south in the prov-

Repelling down a wall.

ince.

The weekend featured several outdoor training exercises took place, ranging from high-angle rescues, two live fire events, and

heavy vehicle extrication.

“Seventeen courses we’re putting on here this weekend,” he added. With Files from Averil Hall

Lifting a bus after a car was wedged underneath. | Photos by Freelance Photographer Averil Hall

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

Opinion

Are you lonesome tonight?

By Cliff Burns

Back in the 1980s, media theorist Neil Postman wrote an influential book titled Amusing Ourselves to Death. The author painted a depressing picture of a culture that derived all of its news and information from television. Surely this heralded a new Dark Age, where the intelligentsia were discredited, society dummied down, its perspective corporatized and narrow-focused, soundbites replacing substance, bread and circuses substituted for intelligent discourse and attention spans shrinking commensurately.

But Mr. Postman’s misgivings were rendered inconsequential thanks to the rise of the internet, a far more immersive, intimate and addictive medium than the “boob tube” could ever hope to be.

Remember when all our wonderful technology was going to bring us together into one giant, interconnected world, a global village defying geographical and political borders, a virtual town square where we could meet and exchange ideas?

Instead, we find ourselves enslaved by gadgets, desperately trying to keep up with what’s going on in the world, more anxious and fearful and angry than we’ve ever been, directing our rage and frustration at every hotbutton issue popping up in the zeitgeist.

Perhaps it has something to do with the flood of texts, posts, links, ads, spam, recommendations, feeds, updates, notifications, prompts, trailers, teasers and so on that are constantly inundating us, overwhelming our ability to absorb and process it all.

So many headlines to scroll through and no time for in-depth reading, an opportunity to employ critical thinking to separate fact from speculation, truth from yet another conspiracy theory.

And why, if you have so many “friends” and “followers” on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, do you feel so alone and detached from even those closest to you?

It’s not just you: the current U.S. surgeon-general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, has issued warnings about the “epidemic of loneliness” plaguing our society, a growing sense of isolation that adversely affects our bodies, minds and spirits, directly impacting our quality of life. In his preamble to a 2023 report released through the U.S. Public Health Service, Murthy noted, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling — it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.”

Exchanging brief emails and text messages with various friends and acquaintances is nice, but all those cute, winking emojis and goofy gifs don’t, can’t take the place of sitting across the table from a close confidante and having a meaningful, heartfelt conversation about things that matter.

And in-person chats are always more frank and sincere, there’s less of a sense of walking in a minefield.

Don’t you find when you’re on your favourite social media platform it’s often necessary to tiptoe around controversial issues or opinions because, let’s face it, everyone has such a short fuse these days, exhibiting hurt and outrage at the most innocuous remark? Shaming and blaming, rather than asking someone to explain their opinion, seek some kind of rapprochement or common ground. For that reason, it’s better to keep such exchanges superficial and bland — that guarantees no hard feelings (and no risk of public embarrassment).

The dearth of discussion and debate, of genuine dialogue between passionate, well-informed people, is a depressing and unsettling side-effect of a world that is increasingly polarized, folks retreating into personal bunkers, filtering out any news or views that don’t jibe with their current mindset.

So, instead of talking, we “post.” Instead of analyzing, we “like” and instead of thinking for ourselves, we follow influencers and place our trust in commentators who talk louder than everyone else while continually advancing the notion that there’s something wrong with the world and it’s up to ordinary, decent people (insert dog whistle here) to put things right.

Sadly, most of us seem unaware (or indifferent) to this state of affairs.

I know this because I see it every day: folks walking around, hunched over smartphones, oblivious of their surroundings. Good friends meeting at a local sports bar to watch a hockey game and catch up on each other’s lives — yet each of them can’t help repeatedly pulling out their phones, checking their messages, only half present, like absent-minded ghosts.

lives not amusing ourselves to death, but distracting ourselves to the point that we have the attention span of infants and the patience of puppies.

We have no ability to pause and focus and reflect, let alone fact-check the latest ridiculous pronouncement by Candidate X, or false promises of Party Y.

Always racing to keep up, scanning headlines, filling in the gaps with speculation and invention, furious and defensive when anyone questions our opinions or challenges our alleged “facts.”

Not long before Neil Postman penned his famous takedown of TV, some wise man or woman (the provenance is still vague) came up with the phrase “Think globally, act locally.”

The updated, 2024 version of that famous slogan would read: “Think globally, interact locally.”

So, how about putting away your phones, tablets and screens, just for an hour or two? Go out for a stroll, talk to your friends, neighbours, the gal delivering your mail. Reconnect with the real world.

Y’know, the one artificial intelligence and robotics will shortly supplant. Now is probably a good time to stop and smell the roses: in an era when technology is running rampant, the environment under siege, resources getting scarcer and governments more overbearing and repressive, who knows how much longer such things will even exist?

We’ve lost touch with each other, spend most of our

— Cliff Burns has been a professional author for nearly 40 years, with 16 published books to his credit. He hosts the podcast “Standing At An Angle to the Universe” and has also written for the radio and stage. For more information on his work, visit cliffburns.com.

The Problemists

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

I am pathologically besotted by the national debt and Mr. Trudeau’s cavalier attitude to it. It is not discussed or even mentioned. It is a millstone. With a curl of his lips and face he instructs Mr. Poilievre to “say it, say it”. In turn, Mr. P should instruct Mr. T to say – “Yes, I have doubled the national debt “.

Doubling the debt means Mr. T. spent on our behalf some $600 billion. The interest on this over nine years would amount to some $100 billion, making a total of some $700

WoodPile

billion. The interest on this extra amount of debt is $30 billion a year. Again, he should say – “all this

debt increase was justified and is fully accounted for.”

The National debt interest is now $1 billion a week.

My question is $700 billion was spent for what exactly. Could Mr. T’s government have done better? The debt increment is the result of spending which apparently is the current budget cure. Like it or not we are heading for a financial nightmare.

Meanwhile, we have a health minister with no relevant training whatsoever, justifying the increase in corporation taxation which will affect the retirement incomes of professional groups and physicians in particular. Some years ago, restrained fee increases were agreed

to by the Canadian Medical Association when permission to incorporate was granted to physicians. Now this group is politely being asked “to pay a little more tax” on their savings. It is no wonder there is outrage and prognostication of decreased recruitment, frustrated early retirement and departures from Canada by physicians who do not receive government pensions unless salaried.

The NDP coalition demands for social programs, however altruistic, are making this country’s financial state worse by the day and yet, incredibly, further social programs are being thought up. Someone has to get a grip on how this country is be-

ing run. For years I have been searching for a word to describe people who create problems and then merit praise for solving them.

“Hegelian” was suggested but this is totally inappropriate so don’t bother looking it up. The internet also suggests “hero complex or syndrome” but this has a clinical inference. I have decided to call these people “Problemists”. Here are three examples. My first example is Mr. T. himself who has greatly increased uncontrolled spending and is making the situation worse with even more spending. My second example is the new Minister of Health, Mark Holland. The recent

budget which he fully supports has the potential of reducing physician numbers. He will now be working on recruitment. My third example is Sean Fraser, the previous immigration minister who oversaw close to half a million a year increases in our population thus adding to the housing crisis. Unbelievably he is the new minister of housing saddled with creating 3,900.000 new dwellings.

I hope my term “Problemist” is accepted into popular Canadian parlance and that it will appear in next year’s language dictionary with my name receiving appropriate Right Honorable recognition.

Mental Health Forum planned at Sask. Hospital

By Miguel Fenrich Editor

It’s a two-faceted conversation for some on the Saskatchewan Hospital Legacy Trail project as they try to memorialize the old Saskatchewan Hospital demolished in 2021.

On one hand, they want to remember the original Saskatchewan Hospital built in 1912 and on the other, they want to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in 2024.

The gro, which has been fundraising to build a trail formed from bricks saved from the hospital since 2021, plans to focus on phase one of the trail, which would focus on the remaining chapel.

“The Northwest Historical Society really worked hard at trying to keep the buildings alive … that didn’t pan out,” Jackie Etcheverry told the NewsOptimist

“As a result, we’ve come up with this subcommittee, which is the Legacy Trail Committee,” she added.

The project would begin with a courtyard focused on the remaining chapel, and wind towards to the new hospital. The trail would be marked with benches, engraved bricks and storytelling pedestals that would mark the history of the patients, the early Assyrian population that settled on the banks of the North Saskatchewan or other people in the Battlefords who have deep connections to the site.

“[It’s] just to commemorate that area … for me, it’s an important part of my history. Both my parents moved here in 1947 and worked at the hospital,” Etcheverry said, noting the impact the hospital has had on the community.

“I also think it’s more than just the Battlefords,” she added.

“It’s a Saskatchewan [thing.] And I mean, we all know where mental health is nowadays. And I think it’s important that we can memorialise, commemorate that with this [trail.]

Though the process isn’t without its hiccups. The

committee noted that work between different levels of government regarding the transfer of land has been tricky and may have slowed the process down.

“But we’re kind of concentrating more on the courtyard area this year and hopefully getting it started so that we’ve got something concrete there,” she said, noting that the courtyard is expected to cost roughly $88,000 which they hope to have soon.

Children’s Mental Health Forum

Now, as Mental Health Week in Saskatchewan is set to run May 1 to 7, the committee, the Saskatchewan Hospital, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords Branch want to elevate the topic of mental health in the community.

As such, they’ve planned an event will feature presentations from Dr. Erika Dyck with the University of Saskatchewan to discuss the history of advancements in medication, while Dr. Nathan Pyle, and social

worker Alan Corbiel will discuss the importance of mental health for children.

The event, free and open to the public will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 8. A free tour of the Saskatchewan Hospital will also be offered, though with limited spaced people can call the Saskatchewan hospital to book a spot.

“The Saskatchewan Hospital … was not just for our community, it was for the whole province. And it was a cornerstone of our community,” Barb Lilly, Continued on Page 6

Selling a Beautiful Hunting Lodge Nestled in on 160 Acres M/L in Scenic Saskatchewan!

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The Property has a 10' (W) by 10' 3" (L) Shed with AC, a Slanted Roof & Insulated Tin Walls (Currently Used for Cooling Animals). Plus a Seacan with Solar Power & Backup Generator, 8 1/2' (W) by 24 1/2' (L) Cooler with Rails & Hooks.

The Property is Totally Game Fenced & Presently Licensed as A Game Farm with Many More Possibilities for Future Development or other uses.

Open Houses: Sunday - April 14th & Saturday - April 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Dream Realty North Battleford Devon Oborwsky - (306) 445-5555 or

‘Mission Possible’

Updating laparoscopic equipment

SASKTODAY.ca

Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation’s “Mission Possible” campaign is shooting for $530,000 to fund three new laparoscopic towers for the operating theatres at BUH.

The surgical teams at BUH are committed to caring for and providing the best outcomes for their patients, says Leanne Ducommun, BUH Foundation executive director.

“If we can support them in this by helping to provide the best in medical equipment and technology, it will have a significant impact on patient care in the Battlefords.”

Laparoscopic towers contain equipment for laparoscopic procedures, including video display, camera and light source.

The current laparoscopic towers are 12 years old and have reached their end of life. Replacing the laparoscopic towers will expand the technological capabilities within the Surgical Department, providing increased benefits to the surgical teams and thereby the patients, according to BUH Foundation.

The expanded technological capabilities include monitors with brilliant 4K resolution providing crystal-clear images for improved visualization during surgeries. Surgical teams will see in greater detail with superior image clarity, more accurate colour reproduction and enhanced light quality.

New auto-light technology is designed to automatically adjust to provide consistent lighting

Thursday - 8:00 pm - Third Avenue United Church - 102nd St and 13th Ave - use East door and ring buzzer - Best to call Carol B. 306-481-5263 if meeting is on.

Saturday - 7:00 pm - Welcome Group - Third Avenue United Church - 102nd St. and 13th Ave. - Use East door and ring buzzer.

based on anatomy, enabling surgeons to focus on the procedure at hand and nothing else. These new and improved benefits will allow surgeons to make critical decisions that can reduce the risk of complications; enhance precision during procedures; and continue to provide quality surgical care close to home by supporting surgeons within The Battlefords and encouraging visiting surgeons to serve at BUH.

Donor support and special events, including the upcoming 9th Annual “On Air: for Healthcare” Radio-thon will go towards “Mission Possible” capital campaign and the new laparoscopic towers. “On Air: for Healthcare” Radio-thon will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 10, live from the lobby at BUH. Donors may pledge their support in person, via phone, 306-446-6652, or online, buhfoundation.com.

“Every individual, business and community organization can play a vital role in enhancing the surgical services available to the residents of the Battlefords. Together, we can create a brighter future for healthcare in our community. Thank you to everyone who supports this latest campaign,” shares Cheryl Mitchell, BUH Foundation board of directors chairperson.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a camera and light inside the patient.

Results vary, but confidence builds when taking on a two-minute warmup exercise. | Photos submitted

Time’s Up, You’re Done!

By Treena Knelson Battlefords Art Club

Ever sat down to draw something but just couldn’t get past the white page staring back at you? Sometimes we need a boost to get started. Recently a group of Battlefords Art Club members gathered around to participate in a fun, simple and stress-free warmup exercise to help overcome these roadblocks. You can do this at home and it’s more fun with a friend. You can have a good laugh as well as encourage each

other. We used calendar pictures or you can use any photo you wish. Grab some scrap paper and anything you’d like to draw with. Any pen or pencil will do. You could use crayons or coloured pencils too. Set the timer for two minutes and quickly draw what you can of your chosen photo. You’ve only got two minutes, so there’s no time to second guess your marks and no time to fuss with details. Just draw! Hurry, time is almost up!

Time! There, you did it. That wasn’t so bad, was

Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Registration

Light of Christ Catholic School Division and Living Sky School Division are accepting students into the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs for the 2024-25 school year. Students must meet the following criteria: Kindergarten: Children who are five years old as of December 31, 2024. Pre-Kindergarten: Children must be 3 or 4 years of age at the time of application. Please see the LOCCSD website (www.loccsd.ca) or the LSKYSD website (www.livingskysd.ca) for further Pre-K criteria.

Please contact your local school for registration details.

North Battleford Schools –

Light of Christ Catholic Schools

Holy Family (Pre-K & K) 306-445-2360

St. Mary (Pre-K & K) 306-445-5152

Notre Dame (Pre-K & K) 306-445-0283

Ecole Monseigneur Blaise Morand 306-446-2167

French Immersion (K only)

North Battleford/Battleford Schools –Living Sky Schools

Battleford Central (Pre-K & K) 306-937-2112

Bready (K Only) 306-445-4954

Connaught (Pre-K & K) 306-445-3661

Heritage Christian School (K Only) 306-446-3188

Lawrence (Pre-K & K) 306-445-4944

St. Vital Catholic School (Pre-K, Michif Pre-K & K) 306-937-2233

it? Now keep going. Do it again with a different picture or the same one you just used. Notice how you become more confident as you continue and your lines become looser and more free-flowing. How did you feel after a session of say, five or so twominute sketches? Repeat this exercise and see if it changes how you approach a drawing session. Anyone can do this exercise no matter what your skill level and it’s a great warmup before you get into a bigger project that you want to work on.

If you would like to join our ever-growing art club so you can participate in fun activities like this and so many more, please do not hesitate to email battlefordsartclub@gmail. com for information.

Continued from Page 5 another member of the Legacy Trail Committee told the News-Optimist.

“And we want it to generate [a] discussion … it’ll maybe be a jumping off point for some people to talk about some mental health issues,” she said, explain the reasoning for the event.

“And as much as we’d like to think there isn’t a stigma, there is still a stigma around mental health,” Etcheverry added, noting that they’re pleased to be able to work with other partners in the community to bring this event to the Battlefords.

Veterans Service Club Support Program Intake Period Open

Our province’s veterans service clubs work tirelessly on behalf of our communities, and we are thankful for the important work they do year-round. Introduced in 2019-20, the program provides grants for repairs and upgrades, special events, operations, programs and activities to engage communities and advance the work of veterans’ service organizations across the province. Applications being accepted until May 15, 2024

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

306-445-5195

TheatreFest 2024 wraps up with award ceremony

By Miguel Fenrich Editor

A whole week of performing theatre in the Battlefords wrapped up on Sat. April 27 at the Dekker Centre, as TheatreFest 2024 came to an official close.

The week featured four workshops coupled with daily two-hour production workshop focused on the previous night’s performance, parties, an apprenticeship program with groups from across Saskatchewan, and of course a different performance from a community theatre group each night.

Nena Hawkes, the executive director of Theatre Saskatchewan told the News-Optimist that she’s overwhelmed with the results of the awards ceremony and with the whole week in its entirety.

“Obviously the performances that were brought were so strong and so varied. I loved that we had drama and intrigue and comedy, but I think that the highlight for me was the incredible education pieces that came this week,” Hawkes said.

“The feedback we’ve received from the folks that … came out to those events

has been phenomenal. And I honestly cannot wait to come to the Battlefords.

“I am honestly just buzzing. This has been an incredible experience.”

The winners of the award ceremony are as follows:

• Technical Merit Award. Winner, Yorkton Paper Bag Players

• Best Visual Presentation. Winner, Battleford Community Players.

• Asipriant Award (given to a novice participant who has shown remarkable progress in a performance.) Honorable mention, Nolan Fehr with

Odyssey Productions. Winner, Lorna McComber with Melfort Amateur Dramatics.

• Outstanding Female Performance in a Supporting Role. Winner, Bailey Lemcke for her performance in Agnes of God.

• Outstanding Male Performance in a Supporting Role. Winner, Lynn Wagner for his performance in The Tin Woman.

• Outstanding Female Performance in a Lead Role. Winner, Jenn Gritzfeld for her performance in The Tin Woman.

• Outstanding Male Performance in a Lead

Role. Winner, Rick Kostiuk for his performance in Looking.

• Excellence in Characterization. Winner, Chris Wagner for her performance in The Tin Woman.

• Best Stage Manager. Winner, Ivy Sheward with Moose Jaw Community Player’s production of Spirit Control.

• Runner Up Best Director. Winner, Pam Willerton with Yorkton Paper Bag Player’s production of Agnes of God.

• Runner-up to Winning Entry. Yorkton Paper Bag Player’s production of Agnes of God.

• Winning Entry. Last Mountain Theatre Company’s production of The Tin Woman.

“This year’s festival in the Battlefords honestly feels like a really key, pivotal moment post-pandemic. The arts are coming back in Saskatchewan, we’ve had an incredibly successful week,” Hawkes added.

“We can build on that next year, and the year after that.”

• Best Director. Winner, Lorne Goittselig with Last Mountain Theatre Company’s production of The Tin Woman.

Jenn Ritter, Chris Wagner, Len Taylor, Lorne Gottselig (best director), Jenn Gritzfeld (best leading actress), Krista Loydl, Vicki Cornwell, Rob Gwillim, and Ian Harmon pictured on April 27 when Last Mountain Theatre Company’s production of The Tin Woman was awarded the Mcintosh Memorial Cup for their winning entry.

Lorna McComber won the Margaret Corbett Aspirant Award for her role as Gwen opposite Emery Nelson playing John Cumming in Here on the Flight Path. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

Cochin Community Players production of Looking netted Rick Kostiuk (right) the award for best leading actor. The cast included Cheryl Olson, Danielle Barrett, Greg Kwong, and Rick Kostiuk. The play was directed by Clint Barrett. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

The Battleford Community Players (BCP) production of An Inspector Calls opened TheatreFest 2024 on April 21. The play, directed by Jim Walls, with set, sound, and light design by Darren Olson, won best visual presentation. The cast included Kali Weber, Fraser Glen, Holly Briant, Tom Claxton, Miguel Fenrich and (not pictured) Lewis Eckerman and Marie Taylor. | Photo by Freelance

Photographer Averil Hall

Mayfair

and District News

Eclectic High Tea served up in Blaine Lake May 5

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

The gardening season has arrived although as I write this there may be snow arriving. The weather forecast is what we listen to and at times in disbelief. Remember the large dumping of snow April 18, halting school buses plus other businesses facing another day of hardship? Moisture is a blessing on the prairies and we will take it in any form.

This Saturday, May 4, Mayfair Library is holding a Spring Tea and Social at our community hall. The time is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5 there is a fundraiser at Blaine Lake seniors’ centre starting at 2 p.m. titled “Eclectic High Tea” with advance tickets selling quickly. One can obtain a $30 per ticket, with admittance by advance purchase only, by calling Corienne at 306-931-9949 or the library 306-497-3130. Are any ambitious local students between ages of 15 to 30 years looking for summer employment?

Meeting Lake Regional Park is taking applications and by emailing: rm 66@sasktel.net one can obtain more information. Deadline for applications is May 8. All parks (regional and provincial) are advertising for responsible summer students who possess some of the following skills: installing signs, grass mowing, rock picking and more. A driver’s licence is an asset. Above all parks are looking for candidates showing professionalism with a positive friendly attitude who want to work.

Please mark this on your calendar as an important fundraiser for a rural community wanting to refurbish their old school to make it functional for future social gatherings.

Resolute Community Club (south of Spiritwood) is hosting a plant and pie sale on Wednesday, May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spiritwood Legion Hall.

A good assortment of bedding plants and excellent homemade pies will bring in a good chunk of muchneeded cash. No e-transfers will be accepted but cash and cheque payments are great.

Mother’s Day teas are always fun. Ruddell’s local ladies’ hall group is hosting one on Saturday, May 11. Cost is $5 per person. Entertainment and tasty desserts are provided throughout the afternoon tea.

Effective May 1, there are new hours at the Rabbit Lake Hotel and Liquor Store. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday is “wing night special” opening from 2 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

The owner is closing Tuesday, May 7 at 4:30 pm and is closed all day Wednesday, May 8. Seeding is underway and one can see a lot of big farm equipment on major highways, grid and dirt roads. Motorists, please be aware of the dangers of trying to pass. In our soci-

ety, we are all in such a big rush to get from point A to point B. Let’s show respect to one another as life is too precious to be taking careless actions.

Being outdoors doing spring yard work is refreshing while listening to the songbirds busily chirping and making their nests. Leaves are starting to appear and grass is turning green dotted by the pretty yellow wild weeds called dandelions. The dandelion flowers and leaves are edible. One shouldn’t eat the toxic chemicals sprayed to kill the plants. Expensive restaurants have been successful with arrays of mouth-watering salads consisting of a few weed leaves and flowers tossed in with the rest of the ingredients.

Hats off to the Battlefords Community Players and Theatre Saskatchewan Inc. for hosting a successful week of live theatre at the Dekker Centre last week. The performing arts are indeed an important part of our society. There are countless hours of hard work and sacrifice to prepare for the performanc-

es. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing most of the seven shows held during the evenings. Something like this requires many volunteers. The event was professionally done. Thank you.

I had the privilege of taking my three grandsons to the indoor rodeo in North Battleford this past Sunday. Many cowgirls and boys volunteered (over 60 volunteers) to make this rodeo a big success. Sunday afternoon there were many small babies and young children in attendance with their parents which was so wonderful to see.

Non-School Days Programming: A reminder that our office and programming are open, even on non-school days! Programming runs at our Main Site from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Come join us for indoor/outdoor play, arts & crafts, experiments, games and so much more! Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided!

Summer Programming: Guess what?! Our highly anticipated & attended Summer Adventure Day Camps are BACK and NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION! These camps run for 8 weeks (July 2nd – August 23rd) Monday to Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm (excluding stat holidays). Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are provided at NO EXTRA CHARGE for our members, 5-14 years of age! $150/week or $50/day. Each week has an awesome theme and an amazing field trip, we have LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!

Don’t forget about our Summer Parks Drop-in Programs at the three Splash Parks in the City: Kinsmen Park, Centennial Park and Senator Herb Sparrow Park. These programs are FREE OF CHARGE and operate on a drop-in basis, only a valid 2024 Membership Form is needed! Operating hours are July 2nd – August 23rd, Monday to Friday, 11:00am-4:00pm (weather permitting, excluding stat holidays). All participants will be provided with a nutritious bagged lunch and snack!

For more information on these programs and how to register, visit our website www.bgcbattlefords.ca May dates to remember:

• Saturday, May 4th – IFCU Saturday Program: Thank You Teachers!

• Sunday, May 5th – Soccer Program.

• Monday, May 6th to Friday, May 10th – Mental Health Week.

• Monday, May 6th – WE ARE OPEN! (Non-School Days Program: Fun In The Sun!) and Piano Program.

• Thursday, May 9th – National Child and Youth Mental Health Day.

• Friday, May 10th – BEAR Witness Day.

• Saturday, May 11th – IFCU Saturday Program: Our Moms are Quali-Tea!

• Sunday, May 12th – Happy Mother’s Day and the last session of the Soccer Program.

• Monday, May 13th – Last session of the Piano Program.

• Wednesday, May 15th – Early Dismissal Day (programming begins at class dismissal!).

• Friday, May 17th – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

• Saturday, May 18th – IFCU Saturday Program CLOSED for Victoria Day.

• Monday, May 20th – Office and all programming CLOSED for Victoria Day.

• Friday, May 24th – Teddy Bear Clinic! We cannot wait to see our early years families and kiddos at the Library Park soon!

• Saturday, May 25th – IFCU Saturday Program: Practicing Mindfulness.

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

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

- Satellite Site Before School Programs: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 8:30am (Bready & EMBM)

- Satellite Site After School Programs: Monday to Friday, class dismissal – 5:30pm (Bready, EMBM & Holy Family)

- Drop-in Program (Main Site): Monday to Friday, class dismissal – 8:30pm and Saturdays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Continue to watch our Facebook page (BGCBattlefords), Instagram @bgcbattlefords and website (www.bgcbattlefords.ca) for more updates. Have a question? Call us at (306) 445-0002! Opportunity Changes Everything

Excitement at the recent rodeo as the cowgirls wait on their well-groomed horses to assist when required. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn

MCLEOD: Norman Stanley Stan was born on the family farm in the Buckland District on April 28, 1935 to Norman and Gladys (Forshner) McLeod. Stan sadly passed away April 22, 2024 just shy of his 89th birthday. He lived a very full and colorful life with his loving wife, Kaye McLeod by his side for 70 years. Stan loved the field of aviation. He was in the RCAF and was stationed in many provinces throughout his career. He designed and built the Cavalier Airplane and sold the plans to other enthusiasts all over the world. Stan was a man of many talents. He had a passion for creating art and particularly loved painting and wood-working. He loved spending time with his family, camping, quadding, rock picking, gravel running, cooking and gardening. Stan is lovingly missed by his wife, Kaye McLeod; his four children: Norman (Denise) McLeod Airdrie, AB, Kimberley (Brian) Clifford, Shelby Caron and Jeri (Cliff) Primeau, all of Glaslyn SK; his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a few great-great-grandchildren; his brother: Wilbur (Anita) McLeod Castlegar BC; and his nieces and nephews. He is previously deceased by his parents Norman and Gladys (Forshner) McLeod; sister, Evelyn Sanderson; brother in-law, Sandy Sanderson; and his son in-law, Marcel Caron. A private Celebration of Life will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Stan can be directed to STARS Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Elle Dell Funeral Director.

Whenyouaresorrowful,look againinyourheartandyou willshallseethatintruthyou areweepingforthatwhich hasbeenyourdelight.

-KhalilGibran

Wishingyouwerehere! Mom,Dad,Jane,Mitch, Nico,Andi,HayesandBanks

ADVERTISING

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2014 Morris C2 airseeder with Bourg. 4350 air cart. $90,000 obo. 306-717-3297. Hafford, SK

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

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Black and Red Angus Yearling and 2 year old bulls. -Adrian Edwards 306-441-0946 Valleyhills Angus - Glaslyn, SK

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

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I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

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Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines. Lots of work all season. 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

battlefords humane society

RETRACTION

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

Rural Municipality of Redberry No. 435

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Rural Municipality of Redberry No. 435 for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday, April 25 to May 27, 2024. 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 Rural Municipality of Redberry No. 435, Box 160, 17 Main Street, Hafford, SK. S0J 1A0. A notice of appeal must be filed with Mike Ligtermoet, Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nor Sask Board Services, 642 Agnew Street, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, S6V 2P1 by the 27th day of May 2024. The assessment appeal fee of $200.00 is to be made payable to the Rural Municipality of Redberry No. 435, Box 160, Hafford, SK. S0J 1A0. If the appeal is successful, the appeal fee will be returned.

Dated this 23rd day of April, 2024.

Mark Misquitta Assessor

RESORT VILLAGE OF METINOTA NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Resort Village of Metinota for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday May 1 to May 30, 2024 (excluding statutory holidays)

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 appeal against their assessment is required to file their notice of appeal with:

Mike Ligtermoet, Secretary to the Board of Revision c/o PO Box 47 Meota, SK S0M1X0

The appeal fee of $150.00 per property must accompany the appeal and be addressed to the Resort Village of Metinota.

Dated in North Battleford, SK this 30th day of April, 2024. Carmen Menssa Assessor

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

Village of Krydor

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Krydor for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection. Inspections will be by appointment only. Please email your request to village.krydor@gmail.com or call 306-280-6626.

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 appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal accompanied by a $50.00 fee per lot to: The Assessor, Village of Krydor, Box 12, Krydor, Saskatchewan S0J 1K0 by the 3rd day of June, 2024.

Dated this 3rd day of May, 2024.

Wendy Tanchak Assessor

The R.M. of Blaine Lake No. 434 would like to retract the ad placed in the Thursday, April 25, 2024 edition for the Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll. We will post an advertisement once it is complete. Thank you for your patience.

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL

Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll of the Rural Municipality of Cut Knife No. 439 for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the assessor from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm on the following days: Mondays to Fridays from May 3rd, 2024 to June 5th, 2024.

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

Any person who desires to appeal against an assessment is required to file associated notice of appeal with:

The Secretary of the Board of Revision, Marlene Hassard, P.O. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 5th day of June, 2024.

Assessor for the Municipality, Dana Klus, P.O. Box 70 Cut Knife, SK S0M 0N0. PH: (306) 398-2353

Dated this 2nd day of May 2024.

Dana Klus Assessor

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL 2024

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BATTLE RIVER No.438

NOTICE is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Rural Municipality of Battle River #438 for 2024 has been prepared and is open for inspection at the office of the Assessor from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday, from April 30th to May 30th, 2024.

A Bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the Assessment Notices sent as required. Questions regarding your assessment are to be directed to the RM Office.

Any Person who wishes to appeal their assessment is required to send by mail

The Notice of Appeal, accompanied with a $50.00 fee for each assessment being appealed by May 30th, 2024.

TO: Secretary of the Board of Revision Western Municipal Consulting c/o R.M. of Battle River #438 Box 159, Battleford, SK. S0M 0E0.

Dated this 30th Day of April, 2024

Aspen Johnson / Assessor

NOTICE

The Tax Enforcement Act

CINTHIA STEPHANIE JOY GRAINGER

TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Hafford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as LOT 1-BLK/ PAR 4-PLAN N2670 EXT 22, LOT 2-BLK/PAR 4-PLAN N2670 EXT 23, Title No. 141655800, 141655811.

The municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 181225201, 192874720 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a certificate of title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land. The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113.

Dated this 25th day of April, 2024.

Devan Shorrock, Treasurer Town of Hafford

JOB OPENING

Lots of variety in this position! We will train.

• Filling propane cylinders

• Chainsaw and small motor repair

• Maintaining rental equipment

• General cleaning and building maintenance

• Mechanical experience is an asset but not a requirement

Drivers licence is required Apply in person with resume to:

83 Railway Ave. North Battleford, SK. Phone: 306-445-3534

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 is accepting resumes for:

- Seasonal Equipment Operator Position

Valid Class 5 Experienced license required with preference to applicants with a Class 1A license and heavy equipment experience. Interested individuals should submit their resume including a Driver’s Abstract, qualifications, work experience, three references and wage expectations, no later than 4:00 p.m. MST on May 16, 2024, to:

R.M. of Eldon No. 471

PO Box 130, 212 Main Street Maidstone, Sask. S0M 1M0

Phone: 306-893-2391

Fax: 306-893-4644

Email: rm471@sasktel.net

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Community Safety and Crime Prevention

GET

have a responsibility to

male violence against women. A message from the Canada Safety Council

Summer Student – Maintenance Services

The Resort Village of Cochin is looking for two (2) Summer Student employees over the age of 18, who will perform various maintenance duties and report directly to the Maintenance Foreman.

The Summer Student(s) shall safely perform various duties as assigned by the Maintenance Foreman; and will be responsible for the general maintenance of all aspects of the Public Works Department, assisting as required.

Requirements: Must be over 18 years of age; hold a valid driver’s licence; have a willingness to learn and the ability to communicate with co-workers and residents; and work with minimal supervision.

Duties: Handling of tools and operating / maintaining equipment; perform periods of strenuous physical work; and ensure that health and safety is the number one priority.

Successful candidates are ideally available from May to the end of August. Hours of work: Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information, contact (306) 386-2333. Forward resume / letter of application in confidence to: cochinadmin@sasktel.net; or Box 160, Cochin, SK S0M 0L0; or in person at Resort Village of Cochin office at 1006 Highway 4 North.

Closing Date: May 17, 2024

R.M OF ROUND HILL NO. 467 SUMMER STUDENT

The Rural Municipality of Round Hill No. 467 is seeking to fill two Summer Student Position. The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Class 5 Drivers License

• Have good organizational, communication and record keeping skills

• Some knowledge of how to run and lawn mower and grass trimmer

Duties may include but not limited to:

• Cutting Grass

• Grass trimming

• Painting

• Installing RM signs

• Tree Trimming

• Organizing and Cleaning

• Rock Picking

Skills and Abilities

• Oral communications

• Working with others

• Continuous learning

• Working independently

Applicants are invited to submit a resume with references and proof of a valid Class driver’s license to:

RM of Round Hill No. 467

Box 9

Rabbit Lake, SK S0M 2L0

Fax: (306) 824-2150

Email: rm467@sasktel.net

Application Deadline is June 7th, 2024

Editor/Reporter Wanted

If you are a good writer with a strong sense of curiosity and a love of meeting people and telling their stories, we want to hear from you.

The Regional News-Optimist has an immediate opening for a dedicated and enthusiastic full-time reporter/editor. Our small but mighty newsroom is responsible for delivering solid news coverage and compelling photos to the Battlefords region, and working to find stories that matter to our readers.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, a person who’s not afraid to go the extra mile to capture and tell human-focused stories.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• generate story ideas

• write up to 10 stories a week (sports, news, and features)

• take compelling, eye-catching photos

• be a team player who is flexible to changing work needs

Qualifications:

• a driver’s license and working vehicle

• proficiency in English and CP style

• adherence to journalistic ethics

• ability to write accurate and fair stories to deadline

• computer skills

• a post-secondary qualification in journalism or a related field would be an asset

• basic knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign would be an asset

• possess excellent communication skills

Deadline for applications is May 3rd, 2024

We thank all applicants for their interest. Successful candidates will be contacted to set up an interview. If this job seems right for you, please email your resume, writing and photography samples and references to:

Gord Brewerton

Employment Opportunity – Deputy Foreman

The Resort Village of Cochin is seeking a full-time Public Works Deputy Foreman, who will perform various maintenance duties and report directly to the Foreman and Council.

The Public Works Deputy Foreman shall be involved in the general management of all aspects of the Public Works Department including the Water Distribution System.

Requirements: Must hold a valid driver’s license and ideally hold or be willing to obtain a large equipment operator’s certificate; possess good organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a safety-focused environment; and will preferably reside in or close to the municipality.

Duties: Develop and maintain a good working relationship with the Foreman, Council and office staff; handling of tools and operating / maintaining equipment; perform periods of strenuous physical work, including heavy lifting; and ensure that health and safety is the number one priority.

Successful candidates are ideally available from Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Start date and wage are negotiable.

For more information, contact (306) 386-2333. Forward resume / letter of application in confidence to: cochinadmin@sasktel.net; or Box 160, Cochin, SK S0M 0L0; or in person at Resort Village of Cochin office at 1006 Highway 4 North.

Closing Date: when filled

KEYANOW CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE INC. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES

Keyanow Child and Family Centre Inc. (KCFC) is seeking applications for highly motivated, resourceful,courteous and compassionate individuals to fill the following positions:

Family Enhancement Unit (FEU):

FEU Program Aide Worker (1 position): This individual will work with and provide a variety of supports to the family enhancement team. The individual will assist with purchasing for events and activities such as weekly programming, cultural camps, trips and land-based outings; promoting, assisting with and participating in community activities; preparing lunches; providing transportation when required; inventory control; following safety regulations and others duties as assigned by the FEU Manager. The successful candidate will have a Grade-12 or combination of education and relevant experience;First Aid/CPR; Safe Food Handling; strong organizational skills with ability to record keep, ability to multi-task and work independently.

Family Services Unit (FS):

Family Service Worker (1 position): The Family Services Worker is responsible for investigating allegations of neglect, physical or sexual abuse; assessing family functioning; determining risk factors to the children’s safety; implementing intervention plans; providing support services to the family; working with the courts; managing the needs of children admitted into care; placement in foster and alternate resources, assessment and treatment planning to ensure that individual health, social psychological and education needs are met and preparation to return home. On-call emergency duty work is required in this position.

The successful candidates will have a Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work. Consideration will be given for candidates with other degrees that would involve working with children and families. Experience in Emergency Duty (EDW) work. EDW supervision an asset. Will be required to travel and work flexible hours.

Emergency Duty Worker (1 position): Applicant must possess a strong knowledge of human services related policies, practices, and procedures. This position is responsible to provide after-hours emergency services to families including investigation of child abuse/ neglect referrals; assess risk for child safety; determine involvement and safety plans for families in crisis; and transportation where required. This position will report to a Child and Family Programs Supervisor. Applicantmust be available for call-in shifts during all hoursincluding evenings and weekends.

SCHEDULE: The main office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm however, schedules will vary dependent upon work location.

WORK LOCATION: primary locations include main office in North Battleford, Little Pine, and Poundmaker Outreach. Includes travel to other locations where where KCFC has children in care.

SALARY: Competitive salaries; determined upon Education and Experience

CLOSING DATE: May 11, 2024

Please submit letter of application,resume with 3 professional references, a clear RCMP Criminal & Vulnerable Sector Record Check, class 5 driver’s license and driver’s abstract to: hr@kcfcentre.com; fax (306) 445-5568 or drop off at 691 – 109th Street, North Battleford, SK

***Only persons selected for interviews will be notified***

Borden and District News

Borden Dance Club shines on stage

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Dance Club held their recital Saturday, April 27 in the Borden Community Centre with 37 dancers enrolled in the club. Instructors Miss Kendall and Miss Tara choreographed the many dances. Dancing jazz solos were Justin, Promise, Elise and Blaire. A jazz duet was by Jasmyn and Jayden and a solo tap was by Daniel who also did a ballet solo. Lyrical solos were by Jasmyn, Molly and Kyra, contemporary solos by Emery and Jasmyn, hip hop solo by Mark and a hip-hop duet by Bella and Brielle.

Tiny tots dancing to Picnic were Kassie, Sybil and Morgan. Beginner tap dancing to Three Little Birds were Rebecca, Talor and Tessa. Joining them for a ballet number were Addi, Hadley and Kinsley. Beginner hip hop dancing to Walk Like a Dinosaur were Abby, Addi, Evander, Rebecca, Taylor and Tessa. Junior/intermediate tap dancing to Boogie Shoes were Blaire, Lyla, Bella and Mark. Junior hip hop dancing to Robot were Blaire, Cadence, Lyla and Promise.

Junior jazz dancing to Make You Happy were Blaire, Oleana, Promise and Taya and doing a lyrical dance were Blaire, Oleana, Taya, Promise, Bella, Emily, Mark, Molly and Natalia. Intermediate jazz and intermediate ballet dancers were Bella, Elise, Emily, Halle, Mark, Molly and Natalia. Blaire, Cadence, Oleana, Promise and Taya danced for junior ballet.

Dancing acro to Run Like the River were Addi, Lyla, Oleana, Promise, Bella, Brielle, Elise, Halle, Mark, Natalia, Abbie and Jasmyn. Senior jazz dancers were Aliyah, Daniel, Emery, Jasmine, Jasmyn, Justin, Kyra, Piper and Rachel, Senior lyrical members dancing to Iris were Alex, Aliyah, Emery, Jasmine, Jasmyn, Kyra, Piper

and Rachel with the senior dancers doing a contemporary dance to Too Late. Senior ballet and tap dancers were Daniel, Jasmine, Justin, Kyra, Maggie and Rachel and senior hip hop was performed by Abbie, Aliyah, Emery and Piper.

All the dancers joined in for the grand finale and then flowers were presented to the dancers, instructors and one graduating student. Many awards were also given out to individual dancers by the instructors.

The Borden Friendship Club held their monthly potluck supper and annual meeting on April 25 with close to 60 members and guests out for the supper and program. Blowing out the candles on the chocolate birthday cake were Velora Friesen, Irene Hamp, Mary Thiessen, Ed Neufeld and Bob Wardhaugh. The annual meeting was presided over by Ed Neufeld and secretary Jackie Meister. A bylaw was passed stating that officers who are elected on an annual basis could hold office for three consecutive years only, and a motion was passed that the annual fees be raised to $20. Life members who are 85 and over do not have to pay annual fees.

A Nominating committee of Sandra Long and Brenda Tumbach conducted the election and in by acclamation were president Sandra Long, vice-president Ed Neufeld, secretary Brenda Tumbach

and treasurer Florence Neufeld. The caretaker is Peter Thiessen. Other tasks assigned were: bookings - Florence Neufeld, email - Sheldon Carr, bingo –Bev Assman, Ron Tumbach, Mel Brooke, Sandra Long, Ruben Rempel and Gary Palmer; entertainment – Ruben, Ed Neufeld and Peter; cards – Rosann Carr and Lorraine Olinyk; lunch - Bev Assman, Doreen Flath, Dianne Rawlyk, Barb Leschyshyn, Rosann, Jean Brooke, Ann Lennon and buyer Bev Hrynuik; decorating - Brenda Tumbach, Sharon Assman and Donna Johnson; flower barrels - Brenda, Dianne Rawlyk, Dianne Tracksell, Peter and Mel Brooke. After the meeting entertainment was by Charlotte Dubkowski on keyboard and Carrie Harkness and Archie Wainwright singing several songs.

Radisson Seniors’ Club held a pancake and sausage breakfast the morning of April 27 in their club room with over 30 in attendance. Their executive is president Barb Leschyhsyn, vice-president Donna Ridgewell, secretary Jeanette Pauls and treasurer Tina Hessell. They hold executive meetings the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m., tea and games on the third Thursday, potluck supper on the first Thursday and music night every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. with Phil Miller coming May 8. They also hold bingo every two weeks.

Borden Friendship Club members celebrating April birthdays are: back rowBob Wardhaugh and Ed Neufeld; seated - Irene Hamp. Mary Thiessen and Velora Friesen. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk

Carrie Harkness, Archie Wainwright and Charlotte Dubkowski entertaining at Borden Friendship Club’s potluck supper.

Maidstone and District News

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Congratulations to Justin Wiltermuth who scored a hole-in-one at Maidstone Disc Golf’s hole No. 15 in Delfrari Park on April 23. Disc golf league play started April 30. Everyone is welcome to become a member (maidstone.disc. golf@gmail.com) or drop in to play on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Northwest School Division honoured a deserving group of educators at their 18th annual awards gala on April 26. Local recipients of retiree awards were Carmen Sperling (Ratushniak Elementary School) and Betty Dekker, Michele Lundquist and Paula Malfair (Maidstone High School). With 22

schools in 15 communities in our school division, many long-service awards were also presented. Our communities are extremely grateful to all of you. Maidstone Legion Club Room’s Chase the Ace came to an end for this season last Thursday. Tristan Cox won the weekly prize ($1,590) but didn’t find the

ace of spades. Draws continued until Jim Johnston finally found the ace worth a whopping $11,505. Way to go, Jim! The third annual Legion cornhole tournament on Saturday, April 27 was a fantastic success. Thanks to everyone who participated — spectators, Kin Club Maidstone for tables, beer trough and

help throughout the day, door prize sponsors and all the Legion members who donated their time. Winners were: first - Riley Curry and Scott Glawson, second - Doug Wichman and Clayton Klein, third -Morgan and Dan Brelje, fourth - Kassidy Doepker and Colby Janus.

Continued on Page 15

Worship Together

Pastor FADY FAKHOURY

Kara Wakefield of Bloomers Greenhouse is open for business. | Photos submitted

A motley crew at Paynton Tropical Cruise Murder Mystery April 27.

More Maidstone

Contnued from Page 14

Jeremy Kenyon won the 50/50 draw taking home $1710. Congrats to all the winners. See you all in the fall. The bloomers were hoisted high on the flagpole on April 27 as Kara Wakefield opened her greenhouse for the season. I didn’t make it there for opening day but couldn’t resist a quick flower fix on Sunday. Bloomer’s Greenhouse is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until they run out of plants. Custom potting services are available. Stop by or call Kara at 780-205-5243.

The Village of Paynton and RM of Paynton held their ratepayers’ supper and annual meeting on April 27 with 72 attending. Supper was provided by Sigstads Prairie Catering. The meeting was run by Mayor Joey Mosher with the RM report by Reeve Kevin Garrett and the village report by the mayor. Paynton community cleanup will be on Saturday, May 11. Following the meeting, comedian/magician Super Ron hosted a murder mystery-themed “Tropical Cruise.” Many dressed to fit the theme and the best costume was won by Tyler Webb. Fun names were given to the partici-

pants – the unfortunate victim was Nick Doff (aka Joey Mosher). The murder was solved by an adept team of sleuths (Chris, Evan, Jon, Kevin, Kristin, and Lisa). Thank you to the door prize sponsors and all who came. It was an amazing turnout.

Doug and I attended Waseca’s 10th annual fish fry April 27. It was a packed house with a scrumptious meal, silent and live auctions and several draws.

Doug Arden entertained us with a combination of comedy and magic including some hilarious involvement from the crowd. The live auction drew a flurry of bidding as auctioneer Glen Harbin enticed potential buyers with an appealing variety of items. Draw winners were: half cards – Hailey Cardinal, Norm and Patti Blanchette, Barb Christianson; 50/50 ($1,000) – Kim Lines; door prize (a three-day Keely Lake fishing trip with fuel and booze gift cards) –Austin McLaren. Thank you to Lance Weisner for being a terrific MC, Kin Club Maidstone for running the bar and providing a DD bus, Waseca Recreation Board and Waseca Hall Board for the meal and a fun evening and Maidstone grad class for

setup and cleanup.

April 28 the Waseca Recreation Board put on a community and volunteer appreciation barbecue. The door prize of two swinging hammock chairs and cooler of treats was won by Katie Trochova.

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club’s Social Committee held a fun day for members and their families at Milleton Community Hall on April 28. They participated in five outside activities: potato sack race, egg and spoon race, hula hoop contest, cracker whistle contest, jump rope race, and five inside activities: crabwalk relay, clipboard ping pong, cup stacking, chocolate chip eating game and Jello eating without hands. They started with four teams but then changed to two teams and swapped back and forth so many times they weren’t sure who won. (information submitted by Saidai Mosher)

Silver Lake Summer Market will open May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be open every Saturday all summer. Vendors can contact Christa Dean by private message on FB Messenger.

Reminder:

Thursday, May 9 Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary Strawberry Tea and Bake Sale at the seniors’ centre from 2 to 4 p.m.

Meota and District News

Kicking it up at Pioneer Hall

By Eric Callbeck Meota

A journey to Lloydminster to celebrate an aging birthday was without incident. Celebrating with one son from Lone Rock and another from Fort St. John helped to alleviate existing disability discomforts and lifted spirits. The trip saw a few sloughs almost full of white geese. At the rate the ice is clearing off Jackfish Lake the northern water bodies should become open, so the geese can continue their migration. The roadside grass is becoming green and sloughs are being pumped out so we finally have spring.

The photos above show one of our elderly couples, Fred and Connie Grant, at the Pioneer Hall supper and dance. Fred passed the 90 mark a while ago and is still going strong. The second couple are Vern Iverson and Carole Spence. All enjoyed a great outing to the music of The Old Timers.

Fred and Connie Grant “cutting a rug” at the Pioneer Hall.

The Old Timers are Doug Sylvester, Raymond Seib, Willie Leonel and Gary Wappel. The great potluck

supper was topped off with a great night of dancing.

Weekly activities included: bridge - first David Sharpe and Ann Marie Wallbilling, second Vern Iverson and Albert Blais, third Barb Mitchell and Terrance Dasilva; Canasta - hf first Albert Huys and Cora Christianson, second Judy Schmidt and Gail Hilderman; HKF canasta - first Stella Rendle and Marion Ottas, second Louise Doom and Carmen Doiror and third Vernon Iverson and David Ottas.

Doug Sylvester, Raymond Seib, Willie Leonel and Gary Wappel comprise The Old Timers who provided music for dancing at Pioneer Hall. | Photos courtesy Eric Callbeck