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Thursday, March 15, 2018
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John Gormley takes a bite out of the CBC
Most Valuable Player
Staff Prominent radio talk show host John Gormley laid into the CBC’s coverage of the Gerald Stanley case during his radio show Monday morning. CBC has found itself having to do a retraction.
Battlefords North Stars president Shandon Reichert presented captain Layne Young with the team’s most valuable player award prior to last Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Kindersley Klippers at the Civic Centre. For more on the other award winners, please see Page 15. Photo by Lucas Punkari
Sports High school curling Page 13
News SHNB delayed Page 3
Feature
Special report on 101st Street Pages 8-9
New four-screen theatre construction to begin ... Ready for Christmas
By John Cairns Staff Reporter
A new agreement between the city and Magic Lantern Theatres has been approved by city council, clearing the way for construction of their new fourscreen movie theatre this spring. The agreement was approved by a unanimous vote at council Monday night. The new deal replaces a previous agreement dated July 7, 2016. That came about when
Magic Lantern made the initial announcement that they would build a new five-screen theatre on the empty lot between 11th Avenue and Railway Avenue. The original deal called for Magic Lantern to acquire the land from the city for a dollar. But the transfer of title to the land to Magic Lantern was held up for a number of months. Contamination was found on the western por-
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tion of the lot, forcing the theatre location to move to the northeast corner at 11th Avenue and 101st Street. In February of last year, construction plans were altered again when Magic Lantern completed the purchase of the Capitol Theatre. The company then concentrated on renovating and upgrading the old theatre. Continued on Page 3
Gormley, who hails from the Battlefords and was former MP for Battlefords-Meadow Lake, roasted the public broadcaster for a story that ran last week on the CBC website. The story was titled “RCMP ‘sloppy’ and ‘negligent’ in investigating Colten Boushie’s death, say independent experts.” The original story reported that, after being taken into custody by Biggar RCMP, Gerald Stanley, the man who has since been acquitted of murder in the case, was photographed, released shortly after, and allowed to return to the detachment the following day to file his statement. Gormley has proven this to be untrue using official court documents. The CBC story included a comment from homicide investigator Michael Davis. “You’re telling me that he was immediately released no sooner than getting to the detachment? I’d say that’s not much of an investigation,” Davis was quoted in the original story.
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The CBC story also stated the RCMP never seized Stanley’s clothes; in fact, they had, Gormley pointed out, again referring to a court document. As of Monday afternoon, CBC News had issued corrections on their website to both items in the original story. But on CKOM and CJME radio, Gormley had already skewered the CBC for both mistakes. “Those two references are fake news,” Gormley said. “Not in the Donald Trump ‘I disagree with it’ fake news - fake, made-up stories.” Gormley pointed to the factual background outlined in a Dec. 13, 2017, pre-trial decision by Chief Justice Martel Popescul. It noted that on Aug. 10 at 2:09 a.m., Stanley was awakened so police could take swabs of his hands and to seize his clothing, and that he “remained in his cell alone” until 1:20 p.m. in the afternoon, when he underwent a fourhour interrogation by an RCMP constable. Continued on Page 5
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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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LEISURE SERVICES FREE PUBLIC SKATING Civic Centre - Saturdays 12:15 - 1:45 pm Don Ross Arena Monday, Mar. 19 1:15 - 3:00 pm
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Sask Hospital completion delayed By John Cairns Staff Reporter
It has been confirmed that the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford project will not be able to meet its June 1 target date. The P3 vendor for the SHNB project, Access Prairies Partnership, is anticipating a two to three month delay, due to a subcontractor unable to deliver according to the overall schedule. The news was confirmed to the News-Optimist by an email from the government, ahead of a scrum with reporters by Premier Scott Moe and minister of SaskBuilds David Marit. The province is saying other subcontractors are already in the works to complete the work. All costs related to the delay will be the responsibility of Access Prairies Partnership. The government is also saying that under the project agreement it is the private sector partners who are assigned responsibility for risks and all related costs to deliver the build on time and on budget. Mechanisms are in place for government to recoup costs relative to delays as well. SaskBuilds minister Marit confirmed to reporters in Regina that his office had heard of issues with the hospital build, but “didn’t hear formally until recently.” “The SaskBuilds officials were working with the partners on trying to figure out what the concerns were and what the delays were. So we do know that the partners have hired extra staff and they’re working a night shift now to try and work through this. This is a big thing for them as delays do cost them money.” Marit noted the penalties to the consortium are on a per-month basis. “To my knowledge it’s in the neighbourhood of $1.25 million per month that they’ll be penalized for the delays.” Marit did not express concern that the delay could extend even longer. “Obviously, every delay is costing them money also, so they want to get this resolved as quick as possible.” He reiterated there was no further cost to the people of Saskatchewan. As for when it is finally completed, Marit said there would be a transition period of two or three months to “get people moved from one facility to another.” In speaking to reporters, Premier Moe acknowledged it was “challenging, as we were hoping it would be finished so that we could start our move into that facility.” “But in saying that this is, you know, I think it bodes well for the agreements that we signed and the value for money audits that we do prior to building infrastructure like this, as the costs of this delay will be borne by the consortium, not the people of the province of Saskatchewan, so I think that’s important to note.” Moe further expressed confidence in the process. “We feel the process is sound. It’s been looked at not only by internal auditors in the government but external auditors as well.”
The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 3
New theatre agreement approved Continued from Page 1 The Capitol was closed for three months for renovations before re-opening in June. City manager Jim Puffalt was delighted to see the new agreement come before council. “We’ve been able to complete all the necessary discussions and put the agreement together and present it to council today.” Puffalt noted the theatre complex’s importance as an anchor to their downtown redevelopment efforts. “An anchor was a huge important part of it and this is the anchor that we are looking for. We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to present this to council and encourage council to sign, and construction will start this spring.” Director of planning and development Jennifer Niesink said the plan was to build this spring and hopefully be open by Christmas of this year. In speaking to reporters Mayor Ryan Bater was upbeat about the agreement. “City residents have been incredibly excited about this project and now we’re going to see it happen,” said Bater. Bater was also upbeat about the prospect of the theatre serving as an anchor to encourage people to come into the downtown area. It was “a much needed asset in our city’s downtown, and will do a lot to improve both the environment there but the environment for business as well.” Much of what was in the original agreement from 2016, including the one dollar sale price for the land, is in the new deal. But it has been updated to reflect the cinema’s new location. Bater said the new agreement also incorporates the city’s parking strategy. “The idea was just to update it to reflect Magic Lantern’s desires, as well as the city.” The city has already allocated money in its 2018 budget for a new paid parking lot that will be built on the west side of the lot beside Railway Ave. That will serve as the Magic
The plan to build a new theatre in downtown North Battleford was first announced in July of 2016 at an occasion pictured above. Photo by Jayne Foster
Lantern parking lot when movies are shown. Section 5.1 of the agreement between the two parties addresses the parking issue by stating as follows: The City shall pave, light and maintain a minimum of one hundred seventy-five (175) parking stalls within two (2) blocks of the Cinema (the “Parking Lot”) for the non-exclusive use of the Cinema’s patrons. The City shall pave, provide lighting, drainage, snow removal, sweeping and maintenance to the Parking Lot. Cinema management will work cooperatively with the City on any system to monetize or control parking. Cinema patrons will be allowed free parking during their visit to the cinema regardless of the control system invoked from time to time. Section 5.2 states: In the event patron demand for the Parking Lot increases, making parking difficult for Cinema patrons, supported by
patron complaints, the parties shall work collaboratively to conduct a parking study or assessment to determine what additional parking is necessary. Upon completion of the study,
the City shall be required to develop and provide such additional parking as determined necessary by the study for the Cinema patrons within a two (2) block radius of the Cinema.
New book by former resident
Former Battlefords area resident Elinor Florence’s latest book, Wildwood, is out. See Page 16 for information on her new venture.
Court notes March 13
First appearance for Cutarm Staff There is news about a couple of provincial court matters stemming from prominent criminal cases in the news in the area: The man accused of a robbery from spring 2016 at Landis made his first appearance in court Tuesday. Avery Cutarm faces charges of robbery, disguise with intent to commit an offence, forcible confinement, break and enter, and theft of a motor vehicle. He appeared before Judge Dan O’Hanlon in
North Battleford court Tuesday. Cutarm is currently serving time on another matter in the federal penitentiary in Prince Albert. Cutarm has been remanded to April 12 when he is due to appear again by CCTV. He will continue to serve in the Prince Albert penitentiary until then. As well, one of the individuals accused in connection to an early-January robbery on Mosquito First Nation, Jamieson Wahobin, entered guilty pleas on other charges he faced
stemming from May and July of 2017, respectively. Wahobin entered guilty pleas to counts of driving while disqualified and failure to appear stemming from the summer of 2017. He was sentenced to a $1,000 fine on the driving while disqualified charge and a $250 fine on the failure to appear; Wahobin also was handed a two-year driving prohibition. As for the robbery charge, Wahobin is due to come back to provincial court April 3. He remains remanded in custody.
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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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Letter
‘Talking gun culture’ disappointing Dear Editor ‘Talking gun culture with American friends’ by Brian Zinchuk (The Battlefords Regional Optimist, March 8) was a disappointment from an author usually well-grounded in reality. If, as Mr. Zinchuk suggests, Canada has less gun related violence than the United States it is because “… our gun laws are a lot more restrictive, especially for what we categorize as restricted or prohibited weapons; pistols and assault/submachine gun types,” he is woefully ignorant of many basic facts. For one thing, what he and most other media types almost universally refer to as ‘assault style weapons’ are no such thing. They are semi-automatic firearms without the capacity for full auto fire, and they are readily available for purchase right here in Canada, and classed as ‘non-restricted’ firearms. Not only is Mr. Zinchuk ignorant of such basic facts, his belief that tougher gun laws would make Americans less violent is also at odds with reality. Mexico and Belize, countries with which I have some familiarity, both have stricter gun control laws than most American states and cities, and much stricter even than Canadian gun laws, yet they respectively have intentional homicide rates of 218.49, and 418.02 per 100,000 population. The Americans by comparison, have 42.01 per 100,000! (They are in 99th place) Canada is in 142nd place but there are fifty-one countries, some such as Switzerland with very high gun ownership, which have even lower homicide rates. Perhaps Mr. Zinchuk should re-examine his views on “bullying” and reflect on how Americans are viewed in that light by most other countries; perhaps such reflection would shed light on why Americans in general appear to be a more violent society than Canadians. The American leadership and vast military establishment routinely uses violence to achieve objectives, and to me
The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Regional Optimist staff.
it only seems reasonable some of that behaviour would be reflected in its citizenry. James Wiebe Sonningdale
Commentary
Moe proves he’s listening by taking the PST off many insurance premiums By Todd MacKay, Prairie Director Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Premier Scott Moe is soft-spoken, but he’s clearly listening and his actions are speaking volumes. In the early days of the Saskatchewan Party leadership campaign, Moe heard from an entrepreneur who explained PST charges on insurance benefits for employees would mean hiring fewer employees. “It was at that point in time that I really realized the impact of what we were doing on small business,” said Moe. “That’s when we started to search real hard for some other alternatives.” Cynics always question epiphanies on the road to election that too often fade while in office. But Moe didn’t forget what he heard on the campaign trail. Nor did he procrastinate. “Our government will help families and small businesses save money, invest and help our province grow,” stated Moe in a release issued less than a month after becoming premier. “Part of that commitment is to exempt agriculture, life and health insurance from PST.”
Optimist The Battlefords Regional
The government’s decision to take PST charges off life, health and agricultural insurance, will save Saskatchewan taxpayers $65 million this year and $120 million per year thereafter. The province is even refunding PST charges on those premiums collected so far. Everyone with life and health insurance will save money, but this is particularly important for farmers. Insurance bills for farmers can easily run into six digits so PST on those premiums run into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Taking the PST off farm insurance makes producers more competitive, but it also makes it easier to get the protection they need if they get hit with drought or hail. Moe is doing the right thing by taking the PST off many insurance premiums and he’s also doing it the right way. All of the Sask. Party leadership candidates agreed that they needed to address the issue, but they presented very different plans to accomplish that goal. Some suggested replacing the PST on insurance with other tax increases while others suggested taking longer to balance the budget. Moe is taking the harder, but better way. Continued on Page 6
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 5
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Hello? I’d like to buy an aircraft carrier, please “Hello, Newport News Shipyard? I’d like to buy an aircraft carrier. “No, I’m not joking. I represent the Canadian government. I would like to buy a Ford-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier. You know, the one with the fancy schmancy electromagnetic catapults and arresting wires. Not one of those old Nimitzclass ones. They’re soooo 1970s. I want a 21st century carrier. “Yes, I know it’s nuclear powered. We mine uranium in Saskatchewan, remember? We can handle that. “What’s the cost you say? US$13 billion? That’s about C$17 billion? Okay. I’ll just keep talking Yankee Doodle Dandy money here so we don’t get confused, then convert to Monopoly money at the end, eh? “Very good. Okay, so, like, when I go buy my pickup, they always have these bells and whistles, so can you tell me what those might be? Oh, yes, planes. I might need some of those. About 75, you say?
A Voice For Victims Battlefords Victim Services is a non-profit organization, mandated by the Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Justice and overseen by a Board of Directors. We work closely with the RCMP to assist victims of crime in our community. In response to the incidents happening in our community Battlefords Victim Services welcomes anyone to set up an appointment by calling 306446-1550.
From the top of the pile By Brian Zinchuk Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net And you call that an air wing? I thought those older Nimitz carriers carried 90 planes. Don’t need that many anymore? Okay, fine 75. I might get a few more. Where do I get them from? Call Lockheed Boeing and Grumman, then call you back about some of the other stuff I might need, like floor mats, undercoating and escort vessels? Okay. Be right back.” >Click< “Hello Lockheed? I’m from the Canadian government. I was just talking to your good buddies down in Newport News about buying a new carrier, and they tell me I need some planes, so I should call you first about some F-35Cs. Yeah, I need 36. That’s right, 36. Yes, I know
that’s about half of what Canada was talking about for buying for the whole country, but we want this to be a gooder, so give me the full 36. Three squadrons. Right. US$121 million a pop, eh? So that’s $4.4 billion, give ’er take? Okay, put us down for 36. “Oh, and you now own Sikorsky, too, right? I need 19 of those Seahawks helicopters. No, not those piece of crap Cyclones you sold us. Seahawks, got it? R and S models. About US$45 million each? About US$855 million. Okay, put me down for that, two. I might have to get back to you, cause I’m buying some escorts that will need choppers, too. Okay, bye.” >Click<
“Boeing, old buddy! Yeah, it’s me, your Canadian hoser! Yeah, that guy. Remember we got all pissy about that Bombardier C-series tariff thing? Well, we’re over that, and we need some Super Hornets. Yeah, that’s right, the whole shebang – F-18E, F and G models. That’s right, G for Growler. I want a couple 12-plane squadrons of Es and Fs, and another five Growlers. How much? US$70 million each? So that’s US$2 billion? Okay. Get ‘em to me quick and we’ll throw in a case of Crown Royale. Later, gator.” >Click< “Grumman! How’s it going? I’m calling from Canada! We’d like to buy some of your planes. Yes, I know it’s been a very long time since Canada flew Grummans off a carrier. We’re trying to make up for that now. We need four E-2D Hawkeyes and two C-2 Greyhounds. You say they’re US$176 million and US$40 million a crack, eh? US$784 million. Okay. Get ‘em here
quick. >Click< “Okay, Newport News, you said you had some escorts for me? You can relay a message to your other division of Huntington Ingalls in Maine? Okay. We’re going to need some escorts for a carrier strike group. I guess we can’t get any more of those Ticonderoga Class Aegis cruisers, so we’re going to keep it simple and use Arleigh Burke Class Aegis destroyers instead. No, I don’t want any frigates, that’s the whole reason we’re in this mess in the first place. How many do I need? Five? At US$2.2 billion each? Done. And I need two choppers each? Okay, I’ll call Lockheed back and add them. And you say I might want a couple subs for escorts. How about the ones we already have? Too slow, eh? Okay. I’ll call Electric Boat. “Yes, we have a new supply ship. We’re good, but thanks for offering.” >Click< “Electric Boat?
Yeah, Canadian government here. We need two Virginia-class subs. How much? US$2.7 billion? Done. Build ‘em, please. Yes, we’re polite that way. >Click< Muttering to self: “Okay, carrier, US$13 billion; air wing, US$8.5 billion; surface escorts, US$11 billion; sub escorts, US$5.4 billion. That comes to US$37.9 billion. We’re going to need some bombs and bullets for all this, so let’s throw in another, oh, US$6 billion. That should cover it. So about US$43.9 billion gets a new and fully armed carrier strike group. What’s that in Canadian? C$56 billion. “And the Royal Canadian navy figures it’s now going to cost us C$60 billion, give or take, for just 15 surface combatants, i.e. big frigates or small destroyers. “Something’s not right here…” Brian Zinchuk is editor of Pipeline News. He can be reached at brian. zinchuk@sasktel.net.
Gormley lambasts the CBC Continued from Page 1 “If the CBC had pulled up Queen’s Bench decision 367 from the Chief Justice, they would have ascertained that Mr. Stanley was never released. Or, maybe the CBC’s telling us the Chief Justice, the Crown and the defence are making this up, because their source – and we all know who that source is, by the way – told them he was released,” Gormley said on the air. “I wanted to set the record straight. Canada’s state broadcaster has an agenda on all of the cover-
On-air host John Gormley
age of the Colten Boushie killing, and they got caught on this one.” Later that night, CBC’s The National issued an on-
air retraction to the two items in the original story. The controversy has drawn the attention of another radio talk show host. Brian Lilley, host of a talk show on CFRA in Ottawa, had Gormley on as a guest on his Monday show. Lilley condemned the story as well on the air and at his website brianlilley.com. “The worst part is, these aren’t simple mistakes, these are huge mistakes aided and abetted by CBC chasing a story that fits their existing narrative,” Lilley wrote.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 - 7 PM DEKKER CENTRE NORTH BATTLEFORD
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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
Regional Optimist
www.newsoptimist.ca
Leg resumes with new Premier, Speaker and Opposition Leader
The legislature resumed on March 12 and it was very different from the last time it met. It was the first sitting day for Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA Scott Moe as the new Premier of Saskatchewan. It was also the first sitting day for Saskatoon Meewasin MLA Ryan Meili as opposition leader, after he defeated Trent Wotherspoon to become leader of the New Democrats on March 3. But the immediate business on March 12 was the election of a brand-new Speaker to replace Corey Tochor, who had stepped down in order to seek a seat in Parliament. Just a couple of days before, Tochor successfully toppled MP Brad Trost for the Conservative nomination in SaskatoonUniversity, to be that party’s candidate in the 2019 election. A total of seven MLAs allowed their names to stand in the balloting for speaker: Danielle Chartier, Mark Docherty, Glen Hart, Delbert Kirsch, Warren Michelson, Eric Olauson, and Colleen Young. The balloting began and consumed much of the afternoon. As each ballot took place, one by one the candidates with the lowest vote totals dropped off: first Michelson, then Kirsch, Young, and finally both Chartier and Hart. The final fifth ballot came down to a choice between Docherty and Olauson. After finishing the final count the clerk made the announcement, as recorded in Hansard. Clerk: —Members of the Legislative Assembly, it is my duty to inform you that you have elected as your Speaker Mr. Mark Docherty, member for the
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constituency of Regina Coronation Park. As is tradition, both Premier Moe and opposition leader Meili had the duty to drag a reluctantlooking Docherty up to the Speaker’s chair, where he donned the Speaker’s hat. The Speaker: — This is actually the reason I ran, is to put this on. Okay. Members of the Legislative Assembly, I wish to express my grateful thanks and humble acknowledgement of the high honour the Assembly has conferred upon me. While I leave the floor of this Assembly to take the Speaker’s Chair, I leave behind all political partisan biases in order that I may discharge with impartiality to all, and to the best of my ability, the various important duties pertaining to the high office of Speaker. The first remarks Scott Moe made in the legislature as Premier were words of encouragement to the new Speaker. Hon. Mr. Moe: — I ask for leave to make remarks regarding your election. The Speaker: — Is leave granted? Some Hon. Members: — Agreed. Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to members of the Assembly for granting leave. And first of all, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the members on this side
of the Assembly, our most sincere congratulations on your election. And we appreciate your remarks now very, very much. And I know, working with you — we were elected in the same year, in 2011; we served as MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly]; we served in cabinet together, served on various committees — that you will now, in this service, bring great honour. And I look forward to serving with you in this capacity over the next number of years… Mr. Speaker, you leave no doubt that you understand how important the role of Speaker in our parliamentary democracy truly is and that you intend to carry out your duties in a spirit of impartiality and fairness. And I think this Assembly is confident, all of us are confident, that you will be true to that word. Meili’s first words in his new role as opposition leader also acknowledged the election of the new Speaker. Mr. Meili: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a sunny day outside for those of us who haven’t spent hours deciding who the next Speaker will be, and it’s a new season. We have a new Speaker in that Chair. We have a new Leader of the Opposition, three new members about
t decided what of Canadians have no er tonight. they’re having for dinn
to join us, a new Lieutenant Governor soon to be named, and a new Premier. And this new season I think is a great opportunity for us… And you know, at the opening of this session, it is a new season. It’s a season of political change. And I know the people of Saskatchewan will be watching closely as we do our work, and they’ll be watching to see how we conduct ourselves in these new conversations and these new roles. And of course that conduct is up to us, the members. The Speaker can’t decide how we behave. And the call is on us to make sure that we do what we need to do. And this is my commitment and the commitment of our caucus is that we will be here in vigorous debate. We’ll be here working hard. We’ll also be doing everything we can to make sure that we stay focused on the ideas, on the issues, and not on the personalities, try to make your work just hard enough, but not so hard that it’s not enjoyable. And we’re looking forward to working with you. Congratulations. Let the speaking and the listening begin. After the opening prayer was done, the first order of business for the legislature was the introduction of bills. The bills were the constituency byelection acts for Swift Current, Melfort, and Kindersley, the three seats where by-elections were recently held on March 12. At 4:10 p.m., Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield entered the assembly to grant royal assent to those bills. The Assembly then recessed to allow the new members to take their oaths, and at 4:33 pm they were introduced to the Speaker. The new members are Everett Hindley, representing Swift Current; Todd Goudy, representing Melfort, and Ken Francis
representing Kindersley. All three are Sask Party MLAs. After more speeches thanking family and supporters, and after MLAs made their statements and petitions, Question Period began with the long-awaited first exchange between Meili and Moe in their new roles. The Speaker: — Just before question period, I’d like to make a quick statement in regards to decorum. So let’s start off this session . . . Spirited is okay, but let’s be respectful and let’s be role models for some young people watching. Mr. Meili: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And in that spirit, I mentioned earlier that this is a new season for this House, and it’s an excellent chance for us to take a new approach to how we do politics. When I was elected as Leader of the NDP, the Premier tweeted to me. He said, “I look forward to working with you on areas where we agree and to a vigorous debate on areas where we disagree.” This is a welcome sentiment and it’s one that I share. Because for all of our points of disagreement on the approach, every member in this House is here to serve the people of this province. So I commend the Premier on the signal of this constructive approach, and I’m eager to work with this government wherever possible to make lives better for people in Saskatchewan. So I ask the Premier, Mr. Speaker, I ask him: what points of agreement does he see across the aisle? And because my caucus colleagues and I stand ready and committed to serve the people of Saskatchewan, what are the issues where the Premier sees us finding common ground? The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I think there’s
numerous places where we could work with the opposition. And we look forward to the opportunity to work with the opposition within the constraints, the budgetary constraints that we have as we look forward through . . . as we enter into our year 2 of our three-year plan to balance here in the province of Saskatchewan. And we must always remember that we need to balance that budget, Mr. Speaker. And we’ve put forward this three-year plan to balance on behalf of the people of the province so that we can continue with the investment that we have enjoyed the last decade, continue with that investment not just out over the next year, not just out over the next couple years, Mr. Speaker, but ensure that we have the fiscal ability to continue with that investment for the next generation and set it up for the generation after that. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of initiatives that I look forward to working with the Leader of the Opposition and the opposition caucus in general — most notably, Mr. Speaker, as we see with an issue with a fentanyl overdose this past weekend in the city of Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward with some of the crime issues that we have, Mr. Speaker, some of the mental health and addiction . . . The sources of those crime issues quite often are mental health, addictions, alcohol abuse, things of that nature, Mr. Speaker. As we look to really approach these in a more holistic manner if you will, Mr. Speaker, not just from an enforcement point of view — enforcement will be part of it — but also, Mr. Speaker, from some of the root sources that are affecting, some of the challenges that we see in communities across our province right now within the confines, the budgetary confines that we have.
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Moe proves he’s listening
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Continued from Page 4 “Our fiscal plan remains on track, even with this reinstatement of the PST exemption on crop, life and health insurance,” stated Moe. During the campaign, Moe committed to controlling spending by reducing the size of government primarily through attrition. He had enough confidence in his plan to sign a taxpayers’ protection pledge to balance the operational budget on schedule next year and start paying down the debt a few years later. He also promised not to raise
taxes. There is, of course, more work to do. Saskatchewan families and businesses will be left paying millions in PST on home and auto insurance. That question came up on the campaign trail as well and Moe agreed it would be “ideal” to take the PST off all insurance premiums after the budget is balanced. But cutting the PST bill on insurance by more than $100 million is an important first step. It’s also important to consider Moe’s move in the national context. Saskatchewan’s neighbours in
both Alberta and Manitoba are raising taxes, especially through the carbon tax. Both are running deficits of hundreds of millions of dollars with no specific plan to get back to balance. After less than a month in office, Moe is already taking Saskatchewan in a much better direction by lowering taxes and dealing with the deficit. Moe is listening. He heard people when they said it’s wrong to charge PST on insurance. He acted accordingly. If Moe keeps listening, the province will be better for it.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 7
BURRsting Into Polar Play!
Winter Is SNOW Much Fun! Submitted
Oyin wonders what will happen when she blows bubbles into the cold air.
On Thursday, March 1, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., a winter Pop Up Playground was organized and hosted by partner agencies Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program (Colleen Sabraw), Battlefords Family Resource Network (Elaine Sonmor), Treaty Six Education Council (Brenda Sparrow), Light of Christ Catholic Schools (Nadine Anderson), Living Sky School Division (Angela Yeaman), and
North Battleford Public Library (Richard Bee/ Korrine Heyden). A number of toddlers and preschoolers along with their families circulated through stations of ice and snow play in Central Park next to the public library. Stations included a sto-
ry walk of The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, sculpture building using different shapes and sizes of coloured ice and containers, snow art using coloured water and paint and an ice station where children chipped away to free polar animals. In addition to all the
exploring, discovering and creating that occurred, the children went home with a winter book donated by Treaty Six Education Council and a bag of story props for a retelling of The Snowy Day. Winter play is definitely SNOW much fun!
Let’s take Storytime outside! Nothing like a good book to warm us up!
Even if it’s cold outside, we remain CHIPPER!
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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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Regional Optimist
Special Report Part One: 101st Street First in a series on the rehabilitation work that has been done on 101st Street in downtown North Battleford, how it is being received, and what plans for the future might see.
By Josh Greschner and John Cairns Staff Reporters
The afternoon of Tuesday, March 6, a Cadillac was stuck in the snow outside BMO along 101st Street. Snow fell heavily over the weekend, and graders pushed snow off the street into parking spaces. People who were in the area shoveled and tried to push the Cadillac free. There weren’t expletives, only jokes. “Get yourself a tow truck and charge it to the City of North Battleford,” yelled a man from a truck, then drove away. Banks, shops, bakeries and a bingo hall occupy some of the buildings along 101st Street. Other buildings are empty and have been for some time. Trevor Stone, who was walking down the street as the Cadillac continued its attempt to escape, said he’s been around the city for over 35 years. He said the reputation of 101st Street and downtown isn’t what it used to be. He remembers when there was a disco parlour, arcades, and more bars than the Beaver and the Travelodge. 101st Street used to be called King Street. It was a commercial hub with hotels, restaurants, department stores, and corner stores. Out-of-towners who were riding the train would shop on King Street. Cars became the main method of transportation, and department stores closed, and economic activity shifted to the east side of the city. Shawn Gratton, who owns Second Chance Goods (the bright purple building beside RBC), grew up in North Battleford and remembers what 101st Street used to be. “When I was a kid, there would be a thousand people down here every day,” Gratton said. “You walked past and you’d meet your neighbours. It was busy down here.” Some recent news stories about 101st Street include a 21-year-old male being lowered from the roof of the former Longhorn Steakhouse after looking down as if to jump, and the former Dollarwise being demolished. It was later announced the former Longhorn Steakhouse will also be demolished. Gratton said he’s seen crime and other behaviour from his shop window. He said he’s seen drunk people, people panhandling, and even people having sex near the entrance of the Longhorn.
The City of North Battleford’s Downtown Revitalization Plan is a 122-page document outlining how to create a business-friendly, walkable downtown. Ideas from the plan are then turned into actions by the city. Some parts of the plan are followed closely, city officials say, while other sections are used as guidelines. Plans about revitalizing downtown have been on the minds of residents, business owners, and city councilors at least since Ian Hamilton’s days as mayor. The public saw plans materialize into construction work this past summer as the street and sidewalks along 101st Street and along 12th Avenue were reworked, and benches, bollards and trees were added. Construction, which caused the roads and sidewalks to be closed for a period over the summer, lasted longer than residents and business owners expected. “We almost closed our doors,” Gratton said. “We lost so much business because nobody [was] going to drive through the back alley.” Occasionally, there were weeks in which Gratton said the store made $10. Gratton said business has been slowly coming back, but said there are other things about downtown keeping businesses and shoppers away. Stone said he isn’t sure why the changes were made along 101st Street. “Why would they want to do something they don’t really change?” Stone said. “There’s nothing changed about it.”
The Plan
Attracting business and pedestrians to create a more walkable downtown has been a process dating back at least five years, plans of which are found in a number of documents. Among those include
the Business Improvement District releasing its “Downtown North Battleford Strategic Plan” in August 2013. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis was released in May 2015, and a visioning session was conducted in February 2016. An interim report was released in March 2016. Strengths and weaknesses, according to the SWOT analysis, include the location of the liquor store – which brought people downtown, but was associated with social problems – and the amount of parking downtown, which was good for businesses that rely on vehicle traffic – but too much parking “detracts from the streetscape and doesn’t encourage window-shopping.” Also noted was “an apparent neglect of downtown,” due to a perceived lack of safety and upkeep of some properties. Results from the visioning session (participants of which included community members and city officials) noted the city’s nightlife should be expanded, especially with sidewalk cafes, unique boutique shops, and restaurants “catering to the existing office crowd.” Findings from such documents culminated in the Downtown Revitalization Action Plan (the Plan), released in February 2017. The 122-page document was prepared by Crosby Hanna & Associates. Pages 59 to 122 contain plans from SEPW Architecture.
The Plan was commissioned during Ian Hamilton’s time as mayor and was completed during the first month of Mayor Ryan Bater’s tenure. Director of business development Jennifer Niesink has told the Regional Optimist that the goal of downtown revitalization is to create a friendly atmosphere that will entice pedestrians, in which businesses play an important role. However, the Plan notes there are challenges to attracting business downtown. More than 50 per cent of the city’s downtown buildings were built prior to 1950, according to the Plan, and 12 per cent of them since 1980. As of February 2017, approximately 20 per cent of the space available in the city is vacant, “which poses difficulties in attracting and retaining tenants in the downtown.” The city’s property taxes are among the lowest in the province, according to the Plan. The price is about six times lower than the average found in the central business districts of Saskatoon and Regina. Continued on Page 9
Character zones for downtown. Character zones are intended to “guide future design and development.” Character zones have distinctive purposes and design elements. Construction work in 2017, referred to as Phase 1, took place in what is referred to as the “downtown T,” the north-to-south street in the yellow King Street Character Zone, crossing at 12th Avenue. Phase 1 cost $1,696,000. 2018 work, referred to as Phase 2, will extend north along 101st Street into the Civic Character Zone, but will not pass Central Park. $2.2 million is allocated.
Trevor Stone posing for a photo outside Scotiabank with reporter Josh Greschner. Stone said he’s spent 35 years in North Battleford. He said he doesn’t notice much change to 101st Street, except that the east sidewalk feels lopsided. Photo by Noah Cooke
First Nations Downton
Shawn Gratton owns Second Chance Goods beside RBC. Gratton remembers 101st Street as being much more bustling when he was a kid. He said he hears a lot from residents and shoppers who stop by at Second Chance Goods. He said things including public drunkenness and panhandling impede shoppers from going downtown. Photo by Josh Greschner
North Battleford’s Downtown Revitalization Plan recommends reaching out to First Nations. The city’s Indigenous population has been growing exponentially in the past decade, with fully 42 per cent of all children in the city identifying as Indigenous, according to the Plan. “North Battleford is well-situated to support Indigenous reserves throughout the province and surrounding area. A number of First Nations have expressed frustration in the lack of office/ retail space designed for Indigenous business, but new construction on their rural land holdings is prohibitively expensive and often risky. “Targeting and collaborating with these groups and marketing downtown North Battleford as a hub for Indigenous business development may help pave the way for downtown regeneration and increased business activity in the city as a whole.” Trevor Stone calls North Battleford “an Indian town.” “It’s not just a little town. You come here you see Indians whenever you go. The mall, the hospital, wherever you may roam.”
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 9
View for the future - A walkable downtown
An image from the Downtown Revitalization Plan showing an artist’s rendering of a patio along 101st Street. According to the Plan, 101st Street should have sidewalks which are four metres wide, while Main Street (100th Street) should have sidewalks which are 2.9 metres wide. Larger sidewalks are to encourage more pedestrian activity, especially as the city tries to attract new businesses to the street.
Continued from Page 8 Yet, the Plan also states the most significant challenge for all development in Saskatchewan is cost of construction, which is 30 per cent more expensive than other regions in the country. “The current rental rates in North Battleford are not at levels that reward the risk and cost of redeveloping a property in the downtown,” noted the Plan. An idea that gained importance in steering committee discussions and the visioning session was businesses and/or attractions that act as anchors, which attract traffic downtown. “Once you have anchors, the ancillary businesses around it will develop,” Mayor Ryan Bater has told the Regional Optimist. Proposed ideas for anchors included a multi-use hockey arena/community complex, education providers such as North West College, the Battlefords Education and Training Centre (which has built a new space on Railway Avenue), a movie theatre, and a farmer’s market. A possible location for a multi-use arena/events complex, according to the Plan, is the area south of 12th Avenue and north of 11th Avenue, between 99th Street and 100th Street. Businesses currently located in the proposed area are Gutters, Milbanke Flowers, and B and D Meats.
In bold, italic text, the Plan states “proposed locations for arena and theatre development do not include or imply removal or replacement of any existing properties. Specific and detailed development options, including sensitive repurposing and preserving of valuable and historic existing buildings are to be fully considered during the planning stages for future facility development.” According to Niesink, anchors such as a new arena or college downtown might not happen. Magic Lantern, however, is set to begin construction of a movie theatre in April, to be located on some of the space currently used as a de facto parking lot between provincial court, the liquor store and the RCMP detachment. Niesink said at a recent council meeting the theatre could be completed by Christmas. Among other recommendations in the Plan are 10 steps to achieving walkability, from Jeff Speck’s book Walkable City. Top recommendations refer to vehicle use and parking. Taken from the book and used in the Plan: “For the past half century, automobiles have been the dominant factor in deciding the shape and design of cities. Conceptually speaking, relegating vehicles to their proper role as a servant rather than a
The shape of the guards installed on the new trees along 101st Street emulates the water tower on 104th Street. “You know, I just noticed that now,” Shawn Gratton says.
master of the streetscape, and beginning to plan for cities around pedestrians first and foremost, in all development decisions, is essential to cultivating a walkable downtown.” Parking has an “enormous impact” on downtowns, according to the Plan. A quote from a book by scholar Donald Shoup notes downtowns would be improved if cities charge the right, market-value price for on-street parking; if they make right-priced street parking popular by spending the meter revenue in the metered neighbourhoods; and if they remove minimum parking requirements. Other recommendations in the Plan refer to purposing downtown for mixed use (employment, retail, entertainment), considering future transit planning and bike lines, and streetscaping. To organize downtown revitalization, SEPW Architecture divided the downtown area into different character zones. As seen on the previous page, the Main Street Character Zone runs north of 11th Avenue along 100th Street until 14th Avenue. The King Street Character Zone extends from 11th Avenue north along 101st Street to just south of City Hall. The Civic Character Zone extends north from approximately halfway through the two blocks between 101st Street and 103rd Street north toward 14th Avenue (including the library and the small parking lot extending north), and King Street Crossing Character Zone is triangular, extending south of 11th Avenue toward the CNR building. Zones are used “to guide future design and development; each street, intersection and open space area must be analyzed and detailed individually to ensure the streetscape responds to the unique characteristics for each space.” The Plan includes de-
101st Street in March 2018, with a rebuilt sidewalk. There was heavy snowfall over the March 3 weekend. Vehicles were stuck along the street as graders plowed snow into parking spaces. Shawn Gratton, who owns Second Chance Goods, says some of the new brickwork along the street is more slippery than the previous sidewalk. Photos by Josh Greschner
tails on how each zone will look, including architecture, lighting, signage, and facades. Walkers along 101st Street have noticed things that weren’t there before, including trees and bollards. Such “elements,” as the plan calls them, are part of a larger idea called streetscape character framework. “Moving people out of their cars and encouraging them to move throughout downtown by walking is critical to a successful downtown,” states the Plan, “and successful streetscape design strives to find a balance to suit the needs of all pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular users, and how spaces are used for civic functions, cultural needs, and other public land uses. “Streetscapes include more than just roadway design: the quality and relationship between all elements including walkways, roads, lighting, site furniture, trees and other plantings, signage, together with the character
and quality of the buildings that form the vertical walls of the streetscape, create the character of the streetscape.” In the Plan, similarities among character zones include tree plantings; “maximum walkway widths to encourage high pedestrian volumes,” along with site furnishings; “street light standards to include banners for downtown branding,” with hanging planters and pedestrian lighting; and “walkways accents at regular intervals, aligned with tree planting, to create rhythm and patterns within the pedestrian realm.” Differences in the Plan among the zones include Main Street Character Zone and Railway Avenue curving north toward the courthouse being prioritized for vehicular traffic, while other streets in the character zones prioritize pedestrian traffic; Main Street sidewalks are to be 2.9 metres while King Street and King Street Crossing Character Zone
sidewalks are to be 4.0 metres; Main Street, King Street, and Civic Character Zones are to permit patios and other spill-out activity; and Civic and King Street Crossing Character zones should include “highly visible public art installations.” Parts of the Plan were interpreted by the city into “phases.” The work on 101st Street was part of Phase 1, which took place this summer. Of the people he’s heard from, Gratton said they haven’t had much positive to say about the new construction work along 101st . Gratton said there are bigger issues the city must address if downtown is to be more walkable. “You can make this a billion dollar street, people aren’t going to come down because they’ll be harassed,” Gratton said. Next week, Part Two will address crime and safety, how the city is interpreting ideas from the Plan into phases, and future direction.
101st Street facing south. Some say the street feels smaller than before. Shawn Gratton, of Second Chance Goods, said he’s heard complaints from people trying to turn the corners.
Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
By Lynn Strendin Thank you, Rita, for the monoprints workshop. Art Club members enjoyed the opportunity to learn something new and to create their own prints. Next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s noon video: Drawing Gesture in Charcoal and Pastel.
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Julie LaGreca found two snow angels shovelling sidewalks for other people last week. Pictured (above) are Mariah Applegarth and (below) Ron Olsen. Photos by Julie LaGreca
Hon. Scott Moe, Premier MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 1-855-793-3422
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randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca 1-877-948-4880
News Optimist Feb. 26, 2018.indd 1
Our government has moved to reinstate the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) exemption for agriculture, life and health insurance premiums. The exemption retroactive to August 1, 2017, includes crop, livestock and hail insurance premiums, as well as, individual and group life and health insurance premiums. More information about how the refunds will be administered will be available by April 10.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 11
Pioneers Chooses BUHF Donation
St. John Ambulance
A donation has been received by the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation from SaskTel Pioneers on behalf of Jim Millar, retired SaskTel employee. Every year SaskTel Pioneers enter their volunteers’ names into a draw and select a lucky winner. That person chooses what charity will receive the grand prize of a $1,000 donation. Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation is grateful to be the recipient of this year’s donation, as selectat work, home and play ed by Jim Millar, who understands the importance of healthcare in St. John Training Centre - Located at our community and knows that, if it’s not him, it’s likely 1225C 100th Street. Proud to offer someone he knows that is going to need healthcare services. “Thank you, Jim, for your support and for choosing to enrich patient care and by giving to the We Don’t Want to Miss a Beat capital campaign to purchase new courses. heart monitoring equipment for BUH,” says a release from the BUH Foundation. If you would like to give too, please contact the Foundation office at 306-446-6652. Left to right, Chris Etcheverry, nurse Call and register manager emergency/ambulatory care/intensive care/ respiratory therapy; Dr. Clinton Meyer, emergency departtoday! ment service lead; Jim Millar, retired SaskTel employee and donor; Shauna McGifford, BUH Foundation fund development officer. Photo submitted
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Festival announces vocal and musical theatre adjudicators By Kelly Waters
Battlefords Music Festival Committee
The opening of this year’s Battlefords area Music Festival is right around the corner beginning on Saturday, April 14, with vocal entries in Logie Hall at Third Avenue United Church. Adjudicating the opening vocal classes is Karen Langlois. Originally from La Ronge, Karen grew up playing the piano and singing with her mom and sister at home and church. Throughout her early years she studied voice and piano with Cheryl Tradewell. Karen went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree with Great Distinction in Vocal Performance from the University of Saskatchewan, studying under Janice Paterson. She later went on to complete the Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from Trinity College of London. She is currently a member of the SRMTA (Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association) as well as Vocal Co-ordinator and Piano Scholarship coordinator for the Prince Albert Kiwanis Music Festival. Karen keeps busy maintaining a private voice, piano, theory and history studio of over 50 students, several of whom have received gold medals for
Festival Fanfare Battlefords Kiwanis Musical Festival
Karen Langlois
Kevin Power
their exam work with the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has both directed and accompanied children’s choirs in the past. In the summer, Karen and her husband host an intensive theory school where students have the opportunity to learn one grade of rudiments in a five-day period. Musical theatre has always been a great love. Karen currently teaches music through Broadway North Theatre Company’s musical theatre program for youth and teens. She has also directed the music for Broadway North Theatre Company’s Alice in Wonderland Jr., Elf Jr., Peter Pan Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Willy Wonka
and the Chocolate Factory Jr., Aladdin Jr. and Annie. Past performing credits include Summer Stock performances of Vi Moore in Footloose, Laurie in Oklahoma, Miss Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof and Grace Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Karen currently resides in Prince Albert with her husband Mike and kitty Poco. The festival welcomes Kevin Power once again as our Musical Theatre adjudicator! He has received critical acclaim as a singer/ actor from the Times of London to the Globe and Mail and Opera Canada, and performed extensively in Canada, the US and UK. For decades he has
PRO-FILE
appeared as a character actor (mostly the villain!) on stage, television, and movies – most recently in the 2017 movie Incident in a Ghost Land, which premiered on the big screen in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Stage credits include M. André, The Phantom of the Opera (Original Canadian Cast); Tiny Tom, Urinetown: the Musical (Original Canadian Cast), Thenardier, Les Miserables; Rooster, Annie; Cogsworth, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast; and dozens more. He has appeared in concert with some of Canada’s finest orchestras, and toured his self-produced jazz show throughout Canada. He has originated sev-
eral roles for the Canadian Operetta Company, The Banff Centre, and Welsh National Opera. He has appeared in lead and principal roles with film studios such as Lifetime Network, Lionsgate studios, the SyFy network, CBC, Bravo and the USA networks. He has worked with really fun actors like Dennis Quaid, Patti Labelle, Sarah Chalk, Sarah Brightman and more. Kevin can be seen in the first season of the smash television hit Suits. And, yes, that is Kevin as the vampire in the Kellogg’s commercial for YoGo’s candy. Kevin is creative producer and host of the podcast series SaskScapes, available on iTunes
(and all podcasting apps) and featured on CBC’s national radio and Radio Saskatchewan. www.kevinpower.net Note that the schedule for this year’s Festival has been adjusted and finalized: Vocal April 14-16 (Saturday - Monday), Musical Theatre and Speech Arts April 17 (Tuesday), Band April 17-19 (Tuesday - Thursday), Strings April 20 (Friday), and Piano April 20-22 (Friday - Sunday). “I’m a really good team player. That’s what it takes to work in the theatre. That’s what it takes to work in a band with musicians and writers.” – David Cassidy.
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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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Cheer Legacy athletes place well at Warman Staff Cheer Legacy Athletics from North Battleford had a great weekend at the Warman Cheer Classic on March 2, 3 and 4 in Warman. Cheer Legacy Athletics is a youth fitness centre in the Battlefords that specializes in competitive cheerleading, ninja/parkour and tumbling classes. All eight competitive cheerleading teams attended the Warman Cheer Classic and had great results. The Youth Level 1 team, Royals, a team made up of young girls ages 8-11, placed first in their division. The Mini Elite team, Supremes, made up of girls ages 6-8, placed first in their division on day one but third in their division on day two. Another four teams from Cheer Legacy placed third in their divisions and the other two teams placed fourth and fifth, respectably. Mikaela P, from Cheer Legacy, also competed an Indy (individual tumbling routine) on Friday night in the Youth Level 4 division and also earned first place with a score of 90.7 per cent. Cheer Legacy Athletics has been operating in the Battlefords for seven years. In July 2017, they moved into a brand new, custom built, training facility on 109th Street where they train athletes of all ages.
The Mini Elite team, Supremes, made up of girls ages 6-8, placed first in their division on day one at the Warman Cheer Classic.
The Aristocrats up in the air.
It’s a long way to the top!
Anglers reminded to remove ice fishing shelters by March deadline As ice fishing season winds down, anglers are reminded that all fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15 and shelters in areas north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31. Every year, ice fishing shelters are abandoned on the ice, which can later pose a danger to boaters If shelters are not removed, owners may be prosecuted and the structure and contents may be removed and confiscated. Litter must also be removed when ice shelters are taken off the ice. Structures must be moved to a location where it can be loaded and
removed to the individual’s residence or property. Ice fishing shelters must have the owner’s complete name, address and phone number on the outside in legible letters that are at least 2.5 cm high. Anyone travelling on the ice should take extreme caution. Slush indicates that ice is eroding from above and below at an advanced rate. Changing temperatures can cause thermal cracks and pressure ridges, which are indicators of unsafe conditions. Ice fishing season closes on March 31 in southern and central
18033JJ0
Saskatchewan and on April 15 in the north. Information about fishing in the province can be found in the Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide and online at www.saskatchwan.ca/fishing. If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s tollfree TIP line at 1-800-667-7561, call #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip reward program.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 13
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sports
Memorable weekend for Spiritwood high school curling By Lucas Punkari
9, but they have some experience under their belts already from playing on the junior circuit. “As you can imagine, they were pretty excited about coming away with a medal and they are really looking forward to next season.” With two more provincial banners set to hang in the Spiritwood Curling Club, expectations are high around the school for their success to continue in the years ahead. “We have a strong group of Grade 9 teams in the
Sports Reporter
In a town the size of Spiritwood, it’s easy for everyone to get involved in making sure that a major event goes off without a hitch. That was especially true this past weekend at the Spiritwood Curling Club as eight teams battled it out for a provincial title at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association boys’ curling championship. “It’s so much more than just the athletic department organizing things behind the scenes,” Spiritwood co-curling coach and event co-commissioner Nancy Caffet said. “We have a big curling community here in Spiritwood and we had a ton of support from outside of the school. “Having the provincials here is a huge deal for Spiritwood. There was a lot of buzz in the community in the weeks leading up to it and it also bring in a lot of revenue for the town.” Spiritwood previously hosted a provincial high school championship in 2009 when they played host to girls’ curling playdowns. “We tried to take some of things that worked then and improve upon it this time around,” Spiritwood co-curling coach and event co-commissioner Brad Nemish said. “For instance, we wanted to make sure that we had an actual piper bring the teams in for the opening ceremonies on Friday, as we felt that really adds
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Spiritwood High School boys curling skip Garrett Reddekopp delievered a rock during round-robin play at the SHSAA boys curling championships in Spiritwood Friday. Photo by Lucas Punkari
to the experience.” Helping to add to the excitement was the fact the Spiritwood boys high school curling rink of skip Garrett Reddekopp, vice Devyn Thompson, second Derryk Franson and lead Rian Caffet would be competing at their home club after winning a provincial silver medal last year. “Nothing’s ever guaranteed in curling but with all four guys coming back from last year’s team, we felt like there was a good chance that they would be playing in the provincials once again,” Nemish said. After gaining a measure of revenge in the semifinal over Lane Newell’s rink from Carlyle that beat them in last year’s final, the Reddekopp foursome went up against James
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Hom of Regina LeBoldus in the championship game. “We didn’t know this until after the fact, but LeBoldus had gone undefeated all season so they pretty much had a dream campaign going,” Nemish said. “Both teams are really good at hitting so there wasn’t a ton of chances for multiple points. Their shot stone was buried in the full four foot so it came down to Garrett’s draw to force the extra. He had a great shot, but it was just on the right side of the inch for us at the end.” Meanwhile, the Spiritwood mixed team of skip Dalton Wasden, third Emma Beaulac, second Jordan Tuttroen and lead Payge Galambos captured a provincial medal as they
boys’ and girls’ category that made it to the regionals but just missed out on making it to the provincials,” Nemish said. “We have a lot of good young curlers in the community and it’s one of those cycles that you hope to take advantage of. “The success we’ve had as of late is pretty awesome to see,” Caffet added. “There was a big gap of provincial high school curling banners from 1947 until 1979 at one point, but now we’re starting to add to it pretty regularly.”
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took home the bronze at their provincial playdowns in Rosetown. “They kind of flew in under the radar compared to some of the older teams,” Nemish said. “Jordan’s in Grade 11 and the rest of the team is in Grade
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Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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Crusaders senior boys to host 4A regional hoops tournament By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter
The John Paul II Crusaders weren’t expecting to be playing on their home court this weekend. However, due to the Weyburn Eagles senior girls’ team hosting the 5A regional event, the Eagles senior boys’ were in need of a gym to host the 4A regional tournament and the Crusaders stepped up to the plate. “It all came together over the weekend after Weyburn got in contact with us and the bracket was set,” Crusaders head coach Shalen Fox said. “We weren’t going to leave them in a lurch.” The Crusaders will enter the 4A tournament as the seventh seed and go up against the 10th ranked Lumsden Devils at 6 p.m. Friday night. “Lumsden is a team that we haven’t faced this year,” Fox said. “They were in 3A last year but they had higher enrolment numbers than expected and ended up moving up a category. “Meadow Lake played them at a tournament in December so we got some information from them on what to expect. However, our main focus is with our own game. If we can do the little things right, good things will happen.” The winner of that game will then move on to the regional final game at 12 p.m. and face either the
second ranked Eagles or the 15th seeded Martensville Royals for a spot at the Hoopla tournament in Prince Albert next weekend. The Eagles will be entering the regional round as favourites as they won the 4A provincial title last year and finished second to the Melfort Comets in 2016. “We played Weyburn four times this season,” Fox said. “We got crushed by them in our first meeting but our last three games we were within single digits of them at the end of the game. “They aren’t quite as deep as they were last season, but when they have their starting five out on the court, they are tough to beat.” Meanwhile, the Crusaders senior girls earned the fifth seed for the 4A senior girls regional tournament and will travel to Moose Jaw to face the 12th ranked Martin Monarchs of Regina Friday night. The winner of that game will then face either the fourth ranked Central Cyclones of Moose Jaw or the 13th seeded Martensville Royals. The North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings boys’ and girls’ teams will be on the road this weekend to try and nab one of two spots in the 5A Hoopla bracket at rural regional tournaments.
After finishing third at last year’s provincial in the 4A category, the Vikings have made the jump to 5A this season and earned the third overall seed. They will find themselves facing the host Weyburn Eagles Friday in the quarter-final, in a rematch of last year’s 4A provincial bronze medal game. The winner of that contest will then face either the second ranked St. Mary’s Mauraders of Prince Albert or the seventh seeded Yorkton Raiders Saturday for a spot in Hoopla. Having reached the provincial quarter-finals last year, the Vikings’ senior boys squad enter this weekend’s regional round in Warman as the second seed and will play the seventh seeded Mauraders Friday. If they win that game, they will face either the third ranked Carlton Crusaders of Prince Albert or the sixth seeded Estevan Elecs for a Hoopla berth Saturday. Meanwhile, a bevy of schools from around the region will be battling it out for provincial spots this weekend at regional tournaments. In the 3A girls’ division, the Maidstone Huskies have earned the 11th seed and will travel to Caronport to face the sixth ranked Indian Head Broncs, who finished fourth at last year’s provincial. The winner of that game
will then go up against either the third ranked Caronport Cougars, who won the 3A crown in 2014 and 2015, or the 14th seeded Se Se Wa Hum. Over in the 3A boys’ tournament, the seventh ranked Unity Warriors will travel to Regina to take on the 10th seeded Delisle Rebels. Awaiting the victor of that game will be the second seeded Regina Christian Grizzlies, who won last year’s 3A provincial crown and have won the tournament three out of the last five years, or the 15th ranked Oxbow Black Knights. In the 2A boys’ event, the Maidstone Huskies are back in the tournament after making it to the final last year and picking up a silver medal following an exciting 79-69 affair against the Saskatoon Ecole Canadienne Patriotes. This season, the Huskies are the 10th ranked squad in the province and will head to Saskatoon to face the seventh seeded Southey Screaming Eagles. If the Huskies win that game, they will face either the second seeded Saskatoon Christian Cougars or the 15th ranked Wynyard Bears for a chance to make a second straight trip to Hoopla. Meanwhile, the 2A girls’ tournament will see three teams from the area
batting it out for a spot at the provincial final. The highest ranked school is the ninth ranked Lashburn Lobos, who will be traveling to Wynyard to face the eight seeded Saskatoon Christian Cougars. The winner of that contest will face either the top ranked Wynyard Bears, who have captured the last three straight 2A titles, or the 16th seeded Kinistino Blues, who lost to the Bears in last year’s final. Meanwhile, the Unity Warriors have earned the 12th overall seed and will go to Canora to play the fifth ranked Foam Lake Panthers, who won a bronze medal 12 months ago at Hoopla. Awaiting the victor of that contest will play either the fourth ranked Canora Cougars or the 13th seeded Rocanville Rara Avis. Rounding the trio of area schools are the 10th ranked St. Walburg Saints, who will be travelling to Regina to face the seventh seeded Shaunavon Silhouettes, who finished in fourth place last year. The winner of that game will then face either the second ranked Harvest City Christian Academy Reapers of Regina or the 15th seeded Norquay Nikes. The Hafford Viqueens will be competing in the 1A girls’ tournament as the 14th ranked team and will face the third ranked and regional host Birch Hills
Mauraders. If the Viqueens can pull off the upset, they would then go up against either the sixth seeded Lake Lenore Lancers, who finished fourth at Hoopla last year, or the 11th ranked Gladmar Falcons. Over in the 1A boys category, the Paradise Hill Panthers and the Glaslyn Jets will head to Buffalo Narrows as the 12th and 13th ranked teams respectively. The Jets will be taking on the fourth seeded and tournament host Twin Lakes Eagles, who finished fourth at last year’s Hoopla, while the Panthers will be matched up against the fifth ranked Davidson Raiders, who won the 2016 provincial tournament. All 10 provincial championships in high school basketball will be decided in Prince Albert, who will be the hosts of Hoopla for the first time since 1996. Tournament play will begin with the 5A boys’ and girls quarter-final contets Thursday night. The semifinals in all 10 divisions will take place Friday and the medal round games will be held Saturday. The full bracket for Hoopla, which will be hosted by the Carlton, St. Mary and Saskatchewan Polytechnic Schools, will be announced early next week by the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletics Association.
Staff
in a series decider. After losing in overtime Sunday in Weyburn, the Red Wings bounced back Tuesday in Melville as they picked up a 2-0 win over the Millionaires. Goaltender Arik Weersink was stellar for the visitors as he turned aside all 46 shots he faced to give his team the win. Meanwhile in Wilcox, Brandson Hein kept the Bombers season alive as he scored in overtime to give his team a 4-3 win over the Hounds. Jack Flaman turned in an impressive showing in the loss as he scored all
three goals for the Hounds. The North Stars will face the higher ranked team of the two that advance in the quarter-finals, which are expected to get underway Friday. The top-ranked Nipawin Hawks will face the lowest seeded team that moves on from the first round. The other two quarterfinal matchups are slated to begin Friday. The third ranked Estevan Bruins will face the sixth seeded Kindersley Klippers, while the fourth ranked Melfort Mustangs will take on the fifth seeded Humboldt Broncos.
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As of press time, the Battlefords North Stars were still waiting to find out who their opponent will be in the quarter-final round of the 2018 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs. Both of the best-of-three first round series were going the distance as the seventh seeded Weyburn Red Wings were facing the 10th ranked Melville Millionaires in Weyburn Wendesday, while the eighth seeded Notre Dame Hounds were hosting the ninth ranked Flin Flon Bombers
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North Stars players recieve team awards By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter
It was a memorable week for Battlefords North Stars captain Layne Young. In addition to wrapping up a dazzling 107-point campaign to lead all players in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the 20 year old Frenchman Butte native was named the league’s most valuable player and player of the year winner for the 2017-18 campaign. In between those accolades, Young also received the North Stars’ most valuable player award as the team handed out accolades for the past season prior to Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Kindersley Klippers at the Civic Centre. “It’s obviously a huge honour,” Young said. “Right now the main focus is to repeat as league champions, but getting those awards from the league and the team is always nice.” Young was one of six players to receive year-end awards, which were decided upon by the North Stars coaching staff and members of the team. After a campaign that saw him win a gold medal with Canada West at the
The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 15
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World Junior A Challenge and commit to the NCAA’s Maine Black Bears, Levi Kleiboer was named the team’s most valuable defenceman after finishing fifth among SJHL blueliners with 42 points. “We have a lot of good defencemen on this team so that’s a big accomplishment to come away with the award,” North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck said. “He has great poise with the puck, he defends so well by using his stick and his first pass is excellent. The point total that he has this season speaks for itself.” Fellow blueliner Cody Spagrud, who had 30 points this season, was rewarded for his work away from this ice as he received the team’s humanitarian award. “Cody’s one of the greatest kids I’ve ever met,” Heck said. “He’s a very motivated and humble guy. He always wants to give back and he’s one of those special character that you wish you had 25 of on the roster.” Taryn Kotchorek, who will leave the SJHL after this season as the league leader in shutouts, was rec-
ognized on Thursday as he took home the most dedicated player award. “His preparation and determination really stands out to me,” North Stars assistant coach Boyd Wakelin said. “He missed some time with a hand injury earlier in the season, but he bounced back right away thanks to some hard work off the ice.” The rookie of the year award went to Matthias Urbanski after he put up 42 points to finish fourth among first year players in the SJHL. “He came in the last part of training camp and we saw that he had the skill and IQ to play at this level,” Wakelin said. “His work ethic is unmatched for a guy his age. He’s played a ton of minutes and he has that physical edge you need to play in the SJHL.” Fellow rookie Elijah Loon-Stewardson won the team’s most improved player award after a 17-point campaign. “He’s become a difference maker for us heading into the playoffs,” Heck said. “Elijah can play anywhere in the lineup and he has a bright future.”
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Hawks take lead in SPHL final By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter
Although they weren’t playing in their own rink, Tuesday’s third game in the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League final felt like a home contest for the Hafford Hawks. With warmer temperatures affecting the natural ice surface in Hafford, the Hawks played host to the Meota Combines at the Battleford Arena, which is the home rink for the Battleford Beaver Blues. “Even though it’s not Hafford, this rink is like a second home for us,” Hawks forward Brandon Lesko said. “We always seem to have a lot of success here and we wanted to capitalize on that tonight.” Lesko, who joined his hometown team this season following two campaigns with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Flin Flon Bombers, was the dif-
ference maker Tuesday as he scored with 8:45 left on the clock in the third period to give the Hawks a 4-3 win. “It wasn’t our best effort compared to the first two games of the final, but we were able to find a way,” Lesko said. Ryan Schaefer led the way on offence for the Hawks with a pair of goals, while Kyle Rathgeber also found the back of the net. Brody Tatchell, Daxen Collins and David Greyeyes all scored for the Combines in the loss. With the victory, the Hawks now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five final. They can clinch their first SPHL title since 2015 on Sunday as they’ll visit the Combines at the Civic Centre for a 5 p.m. battle. “We have two cracks at winning the league now, but we want to get it done as quickly as possible,” Lesko said.
“If we can come out strong like we did in the first two games, I think we have a good shot at it.” The date, time and location for the fifth game in the series, if needed, has yet to be finalized. Prior to the clash with the Combines Sunday, the Hawks will look to keep their provincial hopes alive as they will take on the Drake Canucks in the second game of their Senior C semifinal series. After the Canucks won the first game of the bestof-three series in Hafford Thursday by a score of 5-2, the Hawks will have a chance to tie things up on Friday in Drake. If the Hawks win that game, a third and deciding contest is currently slated to take place in Hafford Saturday night. Awaiting the victor will be the winner of the other semifinal between the Eatonia Huskies and the Theodore Buffalos.
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New book by former resident now on sale Staff
about this book.” Wildwood tells the story of a single mother from Arizona who inherits an abandoned farmhouse in rural Peace River, Alberta. She must live off the grid for one year in order to collect her inheritance. With grim determination, Molly teaches herself the basic pioneer skills while she battles the brutal wilderness. Only the journal written in 1924 by her courageous great-aunt, the land’s origi-
Former Battlefords area resident Elinor Florence’s latest book is out. “Wildwood has arrived at my mountain home, and I’m very pleased with the response so far,” says Florence, who now lives in Invermere, British Columbia. One reviewer has said: “Wildwood by Elinor Florence is now in my top 10 all-time favourite novels. I loved everything
nal homesteader, inspires her to struggle on. Wildwood retails at $20 or less. “Here are your options,” says Florence. “Call or visit your local bookstore. If it isn’t in stock yet, they can order it for you.” Or, “Purchase online from Amazon with your credit card. You’ll have it within a few days.” Or, “Email me at this address if you want a signed copy, bearing in mind that Canada Post charges $15 to
mail a book.” Or, “Reserve it at your public library. (The Phoenix Public Library ordered six copies!) Florence’s local library hosted a pioneer-themed book launch in Invermere on March 14. “I love to hear from readers, says Florence, “so email or call me at 250342-0444 after you have finished the book to tell me how you liked it!” Florence has deep roots in the Battlefords. She grew
up on a farm near Brada on one of the two wartime relief airfields, with her family home located in one of the barracks buildings on the property. Her brother Robert and his wife Wendy Florence still own the family farm in the area. Her mother was a member of the Light family and her grandfather was once the postmaster at the Battleford Post Office. Florence began a journalism career at the Battlefords Advertiser-Post in
1973. She went on to write for several daily newspapers and magazines including Reader’s Digest. Her first wartime historical novel called Bird’s Eye View hit bookstores in October 2014. You can read her weekly blog called Wartime Wednesdays at: http:// www.elinorflorence.com/ blog. She is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/elinorflorenceauthor.
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Thursday, March 15, 2018
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Everyone’s glad Chase is home Radisson teen H&R BLOCK ADS 2007 (New Tax Laws) 4 Color Page 2 of 6
vows to keep looted rock museum open
By Josh Greschner Staff Reporter
Armed with a golf club, Shirley McMillan of Cochin carefully opened the bathroom door after a neighbour said a big animal had gotten into her house, which was for sale. McMillan opened the door and her beloved dog Chase jumped out. As of Tuesday, March 6, Chase had been missing for 23 days. “I didn’t go in, I was afraid to go in, I pushed the door as far as I could and out came my dog,” McMillan said. “It was unbelievable.” Chase went missing on Feb. 11. McMillan had phoned police and the radio station, driven to nearby First Nations, Medstead and Glaslyn, put up posters, and made Facebook posts. She’d even posted a reward. McMillan isn’t sure how Chase got into the vacant house. She said she thinks a family member of the homeowner was at the house around Feb. 11 and might have left a door open by mistake, allowing Chase to sneak in. “The doors were locked and nothing was broken into,” McMillan said. Chase drank the water in the toilet. A window in the bath-
H&R BLOCK ADS 2007 (New Tax Laws) 4 Color Page 2 of 6
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Staff The Sesula Mineral and Gem Museum and Rock Shop in Radisson, which was started and is run by 13-year-old Judah Tyreman, has been broken into and looted. But Judah vows to keep the shop and museum open. Early Sunday morning his museum was broken into and looted, says the Tyreman family, with $6,000-$8,000
worth of goods stolen. He started a GoFundMe page the next day to help recoup his costs and the community is rallying around him. The teenager spent the last two years building up his rock collection, doing odd jobs and selling specialty jewelry to pay rent for the museum facility he and his sister Avi opened in 2016.
Bryan Wright and Shirley McMillan with Chase outside the vet’s office. After being missing for 23 days, he had lost nine pounds but was still in good health. The story has been up on the News-Optimist website for several days and Chase has received lots of well wishes by online readers. Photo by Josh Greschner
room faced McMillan’s house. McMillan said it was upsetting to think that Chase was “trapped there all this time and watching us.” “He must’ve seen us going in and out all the time,” McMillan said. Another neighbour one night heard a dog barking,
then said he looked out the window and saw no dog. On March 6, family members of the homeowner went to Cochin to check on the house. McMillan said they shovelled their way into the house. After realizing an animal was in the bathroom, they asked McMillan for help.
After taking the dog to the vet’s, McMillan said Chase lost nine pounds but was in good health. McMillan said she left Chase’s bed out for him along with food in case he came home. “I’m happy he’s home,” McMillan said.
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Judah Tyreman has started a GoFundMe page to help recoup costs after a break-in to his museum and rock shop. RCMP are investigating.
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Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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Regional Optimist
Poundmaker representatives attend Indigenous language conference on Cape Breton Island By Floyd Favel, Curator
Chief Poundmaker Museum
From March 5-7, I was part of a group from Poundmaker Cree Nation that attended the Strengthening and RevitalizingIndigenous Language and Culture conference in Membertou, at the northern end of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Membertou is a Mi’kmaq community on the edge of the city of Sydney, which was once the staging point for the merchant marines conveying supplies to the Allies during World War 11. A former industrial city known for its steel plants, it has now re-emerged as a tourist destination where cruise ships stop by on their Atlantic routes and the city has preserved its unique Cape Breton characteristics; quaint wooden houses and a well-developed harbour for evening strolls and sight seeing. A cab driver said that formerly Membertou was no different from any part of Sydney, a little run down maybe but now over the years through the visionary leadership of its past chiefs, Membertou has been reborn as a unique Indigenous community bringing economic
opportunities not only to its own people, but to all peoples of Sydney and beyond through its development projects. One of these projects is the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre where the conference took place. There were delegates from across Canada representing many Indigenous Nations and all there with the goals of networking and sharing ideas for revitalizing our Indigenous languages. Some communities, like the Lenne Lape Nation of Ontario, have only two language speakers left and many, including Poundmaker, have most people only over the age of 40 (with a few notable exceptions) able to communicate fluently in their language. The reality is that our languages are in a precarious state and we must do all that we can to preserve and promote our languages. Evidence shows that speaking your Indigenous language is in no way an impediment to higher educational learning as many in our current generation who have succeeded in the broader society demonstrate. Who would’ve thought that speaking your own language would to-
day be considered an admirable asset when in our childhoods speaking our language was often times discouraged. One of the touching and most profound moments was when the youths took the stage to share their hopes and dreams of language revitalization. One young man whose first language was Mi’kmaq taught to him by his parents and grandparents, his voice cracking, shared his hope to carry his language one generation further by teaching his own children. This area of Canada was initially colonized by John Cabot in the 15th century and thereafter villages of Portugese settlers lived in the bays of the rocky shores, sealing and fishing for their livelihoods. Despite 500 years of colonial threat the Mi’kmaq language has survived and is thriving mainly due to deliberate and conscientious efforts on the part of Mi’kmaq language speakers. Continued on Page 23
Poundmaker council man Milton Tootoosis, elder Austin Tootoosis, Métis elder Norman Fleury. Photos submitted
At left, LLRIB Delegation – Jeanine Patterson, Gladys Christiansen, Councillor Linda Charles, Chief Tammy CookSearson and McIvor Eninew Jr.
We want your
PHOTOS
We want to highlight the young athletes of our community who won medals in the Saskatchewan Winter Games hosted by North Battleford this year. Proud parents and grandparents are invited to submit photos, naming the winners and the medals they received, to be included in a upcoming special section of the paper. Please email your photos to claude@newsoptimist.ca or mail them to PO Box 1029, North Battleford, S9A 3E6 or drop by our office at 892-104th Street, North Battleford. Deadline is March 30, 2018
Optimist
The 2018
The Battlefords Regional
Winter Games
Regional Optimist
www.newsoptimist.ca
The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 19
Wilkie gets out and p plays! By Helen Urlacher Correspondent
Wilkie In Motion members descended onto the Wilkie Regional Park on a sunny Saturday, March 10, to set up for Capture the Flag and A Town Wide Snowball Fight. The Regional Park looked like a sea of sparkling snow, and the five deer that were enjoying the grounds quickly rushed away from their morning rituals as we filled the air with our chatter. The course for Capture the Flag was soon mapped out by team leader Helen Urlacher and helpers. All there was to do then was to wait for the bundled-up parents and children to arrive. Parents and children
started their descent into the Regional Park just shortly after 11 a.m., and soon everyone was split into two teams and taking their sides to ensure what would be a great fun game of Capture the Flag in the snow-filled park. After the game of Capture the Flag, the hot dogs and hot chocolate soon arrived, and everyone was soon enjoying the noon sun, the hot dogs and the hot chocolate. As the organizers tried making snowballs, the plan was to just let the kids enjoy the snow, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy the whole day! Wilkie in Motion appreciated the kind donation from the Wilkie Delta Coop for the hot dogs and hot
chocolate for everyone that came out for the event. We are awaiting to hear how Wilkie did on logging in minutes for the Go Out and Play Challenge. Thank you to everyone who participated in this challenge for Wilkie. Let’s continue to Get Out and Play, not just for a chance to win something, but a chance to change something in your lives and the lives of others as well! Wilkie In Motion is still looking for motivated people to join us! Please contact Helen Urlacher at:hellcat1976@outlook. com or on our Facebook page at Wilkie Saskatchewan In Motion. Let’s start getting more active, Saskatchewan!
Frost Day
—Photo by Louise Lundberg
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Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
Regional Optimist
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 21
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Most of Saskatchewan expected to experience near normal to above normal run-off levels On March 13, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released an updated spring runoff outlook for 2018, confirming that the early March snowfall across much of southern
Saskatchewan has raised projections for a near normal to above normal snowmelt runoff across most of the province, except some drier pockets in southwest and south cen-
Waiting
For
Spring
—Photos by Louise Lundberg
tral Saskatchewan. Due to below normal moisture conditions across Southern Saskatchewan at freeze-up in 2017 and low snowfall through early winter, WSA had initially projected a below normal runoff for these areas in its February forecast. However, snowfall from March 3-5 brought between 20-45 centimetres to the southeastern areas of the province, bringing the snowpack to near or above normal levels. Assuming near normal conditions going forward to the melt, a band stretching through the North Battleford, Saskatoon, Regina and Yorkton areas is now expected to receive a near normal snowfall runoff, as is anticipated in the northern boreal forest area. Above normal runoff is expected in pockets of the province which received above average precipitation through 2017 and winter, including the Buffalo Narrows areas as well as the Prince Albert/ Hudson Bay/Nipawin area and the extreme southwest corner of the province. While flows are anticipated to be higher than normal in these areas, flood levels are not anticipated at this time. While the early March snowfall improved conditions somewhat, a band stretching southeast from Kindersley through Swift Current and Moose Jaw, down through to Estevan is still projected to experience a lower than normal spring runoff. Additional significant late winter and early spring moisture before summer months would be necessary to address potential agricultural and municipal water supply shortages in these areas. The WSA will con-
... but drier areas to remain
tinue to work proactively with municipalities and producers on solutions to manage water supplies effectively as we move into the spring season. At this time, WSA projects that all major water supply reservoirs will have adequate supplies in 2018, due to previous years of high runoff and
careful water management. WSA will focus on maximizing storage at most managed lakes and reservoirs across southern Saskatchewan in 2018. Additionally, good flows on the Saskatchewan River system are anticipated in 2018 due to an above average snowpack throughout
Student of the Week
Shawn Whitney Grade 8 Fav Subject: Gym Fav Sport: Volleyball Last Book Read: Boy 21 Fav Free Time Activity: Go Outside
Pine Island Apartments news By Margaret MacEachern Correspondent
Denise Newton was to Prince Albert last weekend with her with her bowling team of Frances Wright, Esther Jesse, Doreen Hope and Barry Melchert. They had a good time and were pleased to come home with the bronze medal. Denise was able to take in her grandson Shea’s hockey game in Shellbrook. Shae’s team won and are now able to go on
to the finish. Monday shoppers in Lloydminster were Val Morris and Colleen Koski. Colleen Koski had Sunday supper with Riley and Chantal. I was to Lloydminster Monday with Claire and Keith Paton and Joyce Weston. The weather was just great and so was the shopping. Our sympathy goes out to the Day family on the passing of Arthur Day. Ar-
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the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. WSA will continue to monitor the 2018 spring runoff conditions across Saskatchewan. Further updates will be issued as the spring runoff progresses. For more stream flows and lake levels information, visit www.wsask.ca
Harwood Manor
thur was a member at the group home and his friendly smile will be greatly missed. The St. Patrick’s Day Tea will be held at the Atrium at the hospital on Saturday, March 17. Everything will be in a green theme. See you there. There is a saying beware the Ides of March (March 15) for what you dream that night is supposed to come true! Time will tell.
AGING IN PLACE AT HARWOOD MANOR, a Licenced Personal Care Home!
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Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
Regional Optimist
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Leko’s Conservation Corner
Hunted animals with CWD should not be eaten Hunters are becoming more aware of the effects of chronic wasting disease on certain big game species in Saskatchewan, and that harvested animals with this disease should not be eaten. So, the following is a Coles Notes version of this pretty complex subject. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of deer, elk, caribou and moose, also known as cervids. CWD was first identified in a wildlife research facility in Colorado in the 1960s. The disease was first confirmed in captive animals (cervids) in Saskatchewan in 1996. The first case detected in wild animals was a mule deer in the fall of 2000 in the Lloydminster area. It has since spread to other areas of Saskatchewan. CWD was most likely brought into the province by an infected elk imported from South Dakota in the 1980s. While animals appear healthy in the early stages of the disease, CWD is invariably fatal and is shown to have negative impacts on deer and elk populations in North America.
to prevent its spread. This disease is expanding on the landscape and remains a concern for wildlife management in the province. Although a human case of CWD has never been identified, hunters are encouraged to test all harvested animals for CWD. Preliminary results of a recent experimental study show that macaque monkeys, which are closely related to humans, developed the disease over time when fed muscle meat from CWD-infected deer. The study is ongoing and the results will be subject to scientific peer review. As a precaution, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommends that people not eat meat or other parts of a CWD-infected animal. In Saskatchewan, more than 800 animals were tested from the 2017 fall harvest, with 98 animals testing positive for the disease. CWD was also confirmed in 10 new wildlife management zones. The newly identified zones are 1, 2E, 3, 4, 6, 7W, 22, 30, 39 and 44. Again, this is why it is so important that hunters have their harvested animals tested for the disease.
Conservation Officer Lindsey Leko
The disease is transmitted from one animal to another through contaminated saliva, feces, urine, soil and water. CWD has been found in Saskatchewan, Alberta, North Korea, Norway, and as many as 24 states in the United States. It is also referred to as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which is quite a mouthful. The disease is caused by infectious proteins, called prions. These infectious proteins accumulate in the nervous tissue of the animal causing microscopic holes in the brain. In deer and elk populations, there are no viable tests to detect CWD in live animals. There is also no known cure or vaccine
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Marla Degenstien
Debby Dolney
Hyaluronic (hy-a-lu-ron-ic) Acid is a carbohydrate occurring naturally throughout the human body. It binds to water, giving it a stiff viscous quality similar to gelatin. Its function in the body is, amongst other things, to lubricate movable parts of the body, such as joints and muscles. Its consistency and tissue-friendliness allows it to be beneficial in skin care products as an excellent moisturizer. Because Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most water-loving molecules in nature with numerous benefits for the human body, it can be described as ‘nature’s moisturizer.’ If we compared the joints of the human body to an automobile engine, the joint fluids in the body mimics the oil in a car engine. At regular intervals we replace the oil in our car engines because the heat and friction breaks down the oil’s viscosity. The oil becomes thinner and less able to protect the metal surfaces from the excessive wear. Hyaluronic Acid benefits our joints in the same way. As we age, the viscosity of the joint fluid in our body lessens. Hyaluronic
Nutritional Advisor
Q: When does testing typically take place? Testing is generally done from September until February. Hunters would fill out the CWD submission form at www.cwdsk. ca and submit the animal’s head, along with the unique CWD ID number, for testing to a Ministry of Environment office by mid-February. Hunters need to ensure that the head is double marked with the unique CWD ID and follow the suggested packaging instructions. The hunter would receive a number to track the submission online to determine if they have an infected animal. Q: How is testing done? Lab staff examine the animal’s tonsils and lymph nodes, as these organs will show CWD first. From here they will examine a portion of brain stem called the obex, which is located directly under the cerebellum. This part of the brain is the first area that will show CWD. All samples are sliced and preserved through freezing or formaldehyde. These samples are examined under a microscope. Lab staff look for holes in the brain tissue, which are very easy to distinguish. Q: Does feeding deer increase chances of CWD? Yes. In many places feeding deer where there is
Cooperative Center in Saskatoon. Of those samples, 467 mule deer, 115 whitetailed deer, 12 elk and one moose have tested positive. These samples do not include submissions that were not deemed viable for testing due to brain damage, or decomposition. They also do not include any samples of cervids under the age of one year old, as CWD infections were difficult to detect in young animals. So there you have it … CWD 101 is in the books. I think this column just made my grade 12 biology teacher, who gave me a 61 per cent fi—Photo by Louise Lundberg nal mark, pretty proud. If you have any queseases. tions, you can go to saskQ: If I harvest a deer atchewan.ca or the Cainfected with CWD and I learn of the results after the nadian Wildlife Health season, do I get reimbursed Cooperative web page. Both have lots of great infor my licence that year? Yes. If it is during the formation on the issue. Until next time . . . don’t season and the results come back you may be issued a drive on ice where someduplicate to allow you to one hasn’t gone before you! Editor’s note: Ministry harvest another deer, or of Environment conservayou can get a refund. If the season is over and tion officer Lindsey Leko you learn of the positive has spent more than 26 result, you will receive a years as a conservation officer in Saskatchewan. refund for your licence. Q: Since testing start- For many years, Officer ed in Saskatchewan, how Leko contributed a colmany positive cases have umn to local papers on a variety of issues related to been discovered? Since testing started hunting, fishing, and other in 1997, there have been resource-related issues. If over 46,500 samples of you have questions, please wild cervids tested by the contact lindsey.leko@gov. Canadian Wildlife Health sk.ca. CWD is unlawful because of its ability to spread. While there is currently no law against this activity on private land, it is important to remember that CWD is transmitted through saliva and other body fluids. Feeding groups of animals, or putting out salt blocks, can only increase the chances of the spread of CWD and other dis-
Healthcare volunteer opportunities Submitted The volunteer service department for Leoville, Spiritwood and Hafford is in need of caring, compassionate and committed volunteers to fill the following service positions: Parent-Tot Program –
Evergreen Health Centre, Leoville, 306- 984-2136. Mothers and/or fathers along with their young children may visit residents on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Parents are responsible for their children at all times. Shifts: Flexible, once or twice per week. 18033MM2
Pet Therapy – Spiritwood and District Health Complex, 306-883-4432. Volunteers with welltrained, friendly pets may visit the residents at the nursing homes. The pets must meet the necessary requirements prior to visiting. Shifts: Once or twice per week: Flexible hours. Special Groups or Individuals – Hafford Special Care Home 306-549-2108. These volunteers entertain, provide interesting educational presentations, assist with special events, sing, etc. and have fun with the residents. Shifts: Flexible. If you are interested in this or any other volunteer service position, or if you have a particular skill or talent you would like to share with the patients, residents or clients, please call your local health care facility to apply. You can also reach the volunteer services department at 306-765-6010, by email at volunteers@ paphr.sk.ca, or find us on the web at www.paphr.ca. We look forward to matching your talents and interests with the right position.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 23
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Medstead hosts International Women’s Day event On Wednesday, March 7, Medstead Central School lent its facilities to host the International Women’s Day event. The facilities were arranged by Chris Weber, and the program itself was organized by Marcella Pederson. The program was sponsored by the National Farmers Union, Region 6, where Pederson is the Woman’s Advisory Chair. Pederson applied for a grant through the Status of Women’s Office. Marcella noted that the central theme of the event was to be Press for Progress with weight on gender parity; though, because the event was being sponsored by
the NFU, she wanted the event to focus on environmental, indigenous and youth issues. Speakers included Lori Nicotine who discussed her work with the Unity Flag and how she uses that to spread positive change in spite of life’s many challenges. Judy Ternier spoke to health issues as a result of food products. Due to a conflict of scheduling, Christine Freethy, one of the arranged speakers was unable to attend. As a result, Marcella Pederson
spoke to issues of GMO crops and the importance of cognizance of what we consume. Rachelle Ternier spoke on taking over her father’s seed business and that, growing up, she would see him cleaning the seeds and the woman of the house running everything else. Now, she is tasked with both roles and notes that situations such as this are a good example of the unique challenges women face. The international scope of women’s issues is being acknowledged, though much of the focus, even in positive events continues to be very negatively directed. The act of a woman taking over the role of a man, not forging a new one
Continued from Page 18 One of our purposes in attending this conference was to also meet with the language group of the La Ronge First Nation, headed by Chief Tammy Cook Searson. They, too,
are searching for ways in which to promote their language and we, Poundmaker, are their partner in finding ways to meet, talk and strategize potential strategies for language development. We are two
of the partnering groups in Canada that are part of the long range planning of Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, who organized this conference. Melanie Dean, director of executive training was the
By Corrina Murdoch Correspondent
M
edstead News
and the resiliency brought to advocate unity as a result of hardship, are both examples of the ways women have been disenfranchised. While a healthy understanding of gender parity is important, it runs the risk of losing focus of all the positive strides women have made, even just in Medstead. In a community of this size, women contribute massively. To name a few notable locals, Medstead’s Village Administrator, Colleen Kitching, local tavern operator April Fudge, Librarian Chandra Pederson, and the countless women who raise their children, keep their houses and gardens and home businesses. Many local jobs are done by women. The local store,
the village’s water system and maintenence, local childcare and a plethora of volunteer work are all done by women. Events such as Women’s Day can highlight the road yet to be travelled but must also lend focus to the achievements made. When gender equality is achieved, that deserves recognition. Some attendees, however, did not agree entirely with the message. Men and women work together to make Medstead functional and whole. The regard is not for gender, but what each person contributes. The mayor, Abe Schmirler volunteers countless hours to the village’s upkeep. Both genders work in a variety of roles out of town
to sustain households. Our previous first responder was female. Our principal and vice-principal of the school are male. The elected council is male. The butcher is female. Gender parity and pressing for progress is about equality and success. When this is achieved and a village is functional, with a good quality of life, gender regardless, progress has been achieved. The need to “press” is not measured by milestones achieved but rather barriers to them. Medstead has well showed the lack of barrier to a non-traditional gender based life and continues to show its focus thereto with events such as this past endeavour.
main contact and organizer for this very well-managed event. It was quite the task to bring 300 delegates from near and far to this remote area of Canada. The delegates from Poundmaker, Austin Toot-
oosis, Milton Tootoosis, Beverly Moyah, Isobel Weenie, Clarence Semaganis and yours truly, were very inspired by this conference and many came back with future plans and ideas in promoting our
language and furthering the discussion and also being part of the world wide movement in preserving our Indigenous languages. We finished the conference all thinking of our parents who had the bravery and foresight to teach our Cree language despite the outside colonial pressures. We left hurriedly in a taxi as all local flights were cancelled due to a snowstorm. The taxi ride took five hours through some very beautiful landscapes, including the Cape Breton Highlands and many views of the bays strewn with ice floes upon which baby seals would be soon resting and sleeping while their parents dove in the waters for food. It was a remarkable journey and it was accented by the winter storm that grounded all flights and stranded many of the delegates, some of whom only made it home four days later.
Poundmaker representatives attend Indigenous language conference on Cape Breton Island
Thaw safely: Tips to protect your home in the spring melt SGI Mother Nature’s latest wallop has left huge piles of snow in its wake. Managing the white stuff as it melts will help to keep your home safe. “There’s a lot you can do to make sure that when the snow melts, that water makes its way to the drain and not into your home,” SGI Canada Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson said. “A little time spent now could save you a big headache as the weather warms up. This much snow so late in the season could result in a very fast melt.” Managing snow around your property and checking on a few key pieces of equipment in your home will help with keeping melt water running smoothly: • Rake remaining snow off your roof. • Check your eavestroughs and gutters for signs of ice dams and/or remove debris that could slow the flow of water. • Shovel snow away from the foundation of your home. • Check the grading in the yard to see that it is sloping away from the foundation, allowing melt water to lead away from your home. • Extend your downspouts away from the home by at least two meters. • Check your backwater prevention valve on the main line of your sewer, if your home has one – is it in working condition? • Check on your sump pump and pit to make sure everything is in good con-
dition and ready for melt water. • Check your basement regularly for signs of water. When it comes to water damage, be sure to check with your SGI Canada insurance broker to see if you have coverage for overland flooding. Sewer back up and flood coverage is optional, so for peace of mind, check on what you opted for in your policy. Following these steps should make your home spring melt ready. If your home does ex-
perience flooding or other damage, contact your SGI Canada insurance broker as soon as reasonably possible to file a claim. One of our adjusters will contact you to make an appointment to come out and assess the damage. While waiting to see an adjuster, you can take steps to protect your property from further damage or loss if it is safe to do so. SGI Canada has the following tips: Clean up as soon as possible. Seek professional
advice on how to clean up and take whatever reasonable steps you can to minimize the extent of the damage. Don’t throw anything out. Store damaged items in a reasonably safe place so the adjuster can see them when he or she arrives. Have any appliances (including furnaces) that have come in contact with water checked by a qualified electrician, dealer or service person before you use them. 18033TS1
Do not touch any electrical systems or panels until you know it is safe to do so, especially in wet or damp conditions. Move damaged belongings to a dry area with good ventilation. You should keep track of cleaning expenses as they are considered part of the insurance claim. SGI Canada also encourages customers to take photographs or video of their damaged property to give to their adjuster. Visit www.sgicanada.ca/tips to learn more about how you can protect your home.
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OBITUARIES SWANTON : Shirley Swanton (Harris) February 2, 1937 February 26, 2018 With sadness we announce mom's passing. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, son Lyle Swanton (Kit), daughter Penny Will (David) , grandchildren, Courtney (Aaron), Tyler (Jo), Stacey (Kyle), Natasha (Travis), Brittney (Joey), great grandchildren Sadie, Kayson, Tyvan, Dexin, Sawyer and Raya, partner John Kalesnikoff as well as his extended family, brother Bruce Harris (Joyce) and sister Joyce Shaw. Mom was predeceased by her parents Lyle and Alice Harris and husband Young Swanton. Shirley bequeathed her body to the Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology and as per mom's request there will be no funeral. Her wishes are to have a family gathering after her cremation which we will honour. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Shirley's memory can do so to the Heart and Stroke Fund or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
ACASTER: Mr. Wayne Acaster of North Battleford, SK passed away February 26, 2018 at the Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 68 years. A Celebration of Life for Mr. Wayne Acaster took place on Friday March 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alex Dillabough Centre with Conrad Hunchak officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Wayne is remembered by his loving wife of 48 years, Vickie, children Jennifer (Geordy) McCaffrey, grandchildren Carson, Jared and Kirby of Saskatoon, SK; Patti (Greg) Grzybowski, grandchildren Joel and Breanna of Hafford, SK; Paula (Terry) Rawlyk, grandchildren Brett and Ally of Whitkow, SK; Kelly (Jocelyn) Acaster, grandchildren Richie, Owen, Jase and Gracie of Ruddell, SK; Shauna (Stephen) Ceslak, grandchildren Jeter and Kinsley of La Salle, MB; his brother Gerald (Linda Lamb) Acaster of North Battleford, SK; sister Hazel Illingworth of North Battleford, SK; brother-in-law Ken Meena of Maymont, SK; sister-in-law Victoria Acaster of Coronation, AB; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents George and Agnes Acaster, siblings Clifford Acaster, Edith Pruden, Shirley Meena, Kathleen Acaster and Sharon Acaster, parents-in-law Douglas and Beatrice Sparrow, brothers-in-law Douglas Illingworth, Ray St. Onge and sister-in-law Lillian Acaster. Memorial Donations in memory of Mr. Wayne Acaster may be directed to the BUH Foundation 1092 107 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 1Z1; The Canadian Diabetes Association 104-2301 Avenue C North, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5Z5 For those wishing to leave condolences you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium. Card of Thanks Thank you for the many acts of kindness from those who have called, sent messages, flowers and have brought us food. The love and support that we have received is amazing. Thank you to Dr. Mehboob, Dr. Abdul and the nursing staff at BUH. We appreciate the dignity and compassion given to Wayne during his days in the hospital. Thank you for the comforting support for our family by Conrad Hunchak and Eternal Memories Funeral Service.
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BIRTHDAYS
HICKSON: It is with profound sadness the family of Lana Dawn Hickson, beloved daughter of Ray and Donna Hickson, resident of North Battleford, SK announce her peaceful passing with family by her side on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Battlefords Union Hospital. Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Lana’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from Living Faith Chapel – North Battleford, SK. Interment will take place at Prairie Willows Columbaria – City Of North Battleford Cemetery. Memorial donations are requested to Living Faith Chapel, 1371-103rd. St., North Battleford, SK S9A 1K9 Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (306446-4200) __________________________________________________________
In Loving Memory
Pearl (Wintonyk) McGregor April 21, 1921 - March 16, 2016
Come celebrate
Arlene Russell Traves 80th Birthday Sat., March 17
Love your family
Valley View Tower 1
Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium 2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-7570
Trevor Watts - Director/Owner
The Battlefords only Locally Owned Funeral Provider
“The only crematorium in the Battlefords area” Traditional Casket Burial and Cremation Services Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion Counsellor for Bronze and Granite Memorials Free pre-planning guides available, assistance with pre-planning services
TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
CALL 306-445-7261
Coin Collectors Auction Sat March 17th 10am, Legion Hall, 197 Company Ave, Fort Qu’appelle, SK.. Provincial and Canadian Coins, 1948 Silver Dollar, Proof Like Sets, Shinplasters, one to one thousand dollar bills, 450 items, Complete listing www.doubleRauctions.net, Robert 306-7957387 PL#334142
FOR SALE - MISC 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.
WANTED
Deep in our hearts you’ll always stay, loved and missed each day.
FUNERAL SERVICES
AUCTIONS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
FARM STRESS LINE
Rose City Memorials Ltd.
BOOK NOW FOR SPRING INSTALLATIONS
Ph.: 306-445-7265 / 306-445-7266
on
2:00 - 6:00 pm at No gifts please
All wild fur (coyotes, etc), beaver castors, old traps, shed deer antlers. Phone Bryan 306-278-7756 or Phil 306-278-2299. WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older. Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition. CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393. WANTED: REWARD paid on info leading to purchase of 426 Hemi motor from 1970 Road Runner serial # N-RM27R0G15756 also 1970 Road Runner/GTX/Satellite/Charger complete or parts car. Also old advertising/dealership signs, antique gas pumps, etc. Call 306-221-5908 or 306-3692810.
LIVESTOCK
COMING EVENTS BIG RIVER FISH DERBY on Cowan Lake. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 For info visit: www.bigriver.ca or email: k r i e n k e m a i sie@sasktel.net To register call: 306-479-7424.
Black and Red Angus yearling and 2 year old Bulls on moderate growing ration - Performance Info available. - Adrian or Brian and Elaine Edwards. Valleyhills Angus - Glaslyn, SK. Phone 441-0946 or 342-4407
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Professional
D I R E C T O R Y CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS
300 - 1291 102nd Street North Battleford, SK, S9A 3V4
Phone: 306-445-6234 Fax: 306-445-0245 PARTNERS
Suzanne L. Odishaw, CPA, CA Jacques la Cock, CPA, CA Derek Sieben, CPA, CA Stephen Mann, CPA, CA
Let Us Help You Keep Your Business Rolling! PLACE YOUR AD ON THIS PAGE
306-445-7261
Fax: 306-445-1977 Email: newsoptimist.sales@sasktel.net
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LIVESTOCK
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Butcher for Hire
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Will come to your farm to slaughter Beef, Bison or Lamb (slaughter only!!) Phone/Text 306-386-7874
In the Estate of GEORGE FINDLAY, late of North Battleford, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased. ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 12th day of April, 2018. Migneault Law Office Barristers & Solicitors Box 520 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8 Solicitors for the Personal Representative
CHAROLAIS BULLS FOR SALE Easy calving, polled and hairy. Phone Craig Jones 306-386-2728. Cell 306-441-4652 Cochin, SK.
HEALTH SERVICES DISABILITY? ADHD? Do you have a DISABILITY? We can help you get up to $50,000 back from the Canadian Government. BBB Accredited. FOR DETAILS CALL US TODAY Toll-Free 1-888-8754787 or Visit us at: disabilitygroupcanada.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the Estate of DORIS IVERSON, late of Battleford, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased. ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 12th day of April, 2018. Migneault Law Office Barristers & Solicitors Box 520 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8 Solicitors for the Personal Representative
BUSINESS SERVICES
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
LAND FOR SALE
CALL ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 446-6166 PETS
In the Estate of LLOYD ANTHONY KONSTANTY PIROT, late of Cochin, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased. ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 23rd day of March, 2018. Demmans Baldwin Friedman Frank Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291-102nd Street, Box 905 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix
APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT 2 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Battleford, mature quiet working adults, no pets, no children, no smoking, reference required. Phone 445-2943
SENIORS AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PETS! Check out all our Shelter animals in need of homes at: www.battlefordsanimalshelter.com
REGISTRATIONS
Le Petit Monde Prescolaire
REGISTRATION Early Registration:
Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405 for the year 2018 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the assessor from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, March 19, to April 23, 2018.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal accompanied by a $250.00 fee per appeal, which will be returned if the appeal is successful with: The Assessor, RM of Great Bend No. 405 Box 150 Borden, SK S0K 0N0 Dated at Borden, Saskatchewan this 19th day of March, 2018. Valerie Fendelet Assessor
Le Petit Monde Prescolaire Classroom (Portable at EMBM School) Spots are limited.
Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
REGISTRATION Light of Christ Catholic School Division is accepting students into the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs for the 2018-19 school year. Students must meet the following criteria: Kindergarten: Children who are five years old as of December 31, 2018. Pre-Kindergarten: Children must be 3 or 4 years of age at the time of enrollment. Please see the LOCCS website at www.loccsd.ca for further Pre-K criteria. Please contact your local school for registration details. North Battleford 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)
For Sale by Tender The Rural Municipality of Frenchman Butte No. 501 & The Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499 Offer for sale the following property: 4.99 acres within Parcel 164254282, located on NE-22-51-23-W3, as highlighted in black 164254282
NE-22-51-23-W3
1. A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Fly Ash Property Tender - Attention: Ryan Domotor” delivered to the R.M. of Mervin No. 499 office at 211 Main Street, Turtleford, SK before 3:00 pm Central Standard Time on April 9, 2018. Mailing address: Box 130 Turtleford, SK, S0M 2Y0.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2. A certified cheque for 5% of the tender amount, payable to the R.M. of Frenchman Butte No. 501, must accompany the tender, along with your name, address, telephone number, email address & bid price plus amount of GST
Monday, March 26, 2018
3. Sealed tenders will be opened and awarded at 2:00 p.m. C.S.T. on April 11, 2018 at the R.M. of Frenchman Butte No. 501 office.
Livelong Hall Supper ~ 6:30 p.m. Meeting to Follow Please RSVP to the office by March 16, 2018
TENDERS
for GRASS CUTTING
Light of Christ Catholic Schools
TENDERS
A 60’ x 150’ Pole shed is included with property. No utilities on site.
TENDERS
March 15, 2018 at 5 - 7 pm
Call Mel 306-490-7414
R.M. of Great Bend No. 405
For any family that has had a child previously registered in the preschool. Contact: embmpetitmonde@gmail.com Registration starts March 2, 2018
Open Registration:
New easy access 2 bedroom unit in a four-plex 6 appliances $ 876/month. Must be 55+ and make under $44,500 per household.
LEGAL / PUBLIC NOTICES
ADOPT A PET
Hey guys me and my other 6 brothers were brought here to the shelter because our mommy was shot and was no longer able to care for us. So we were brought here so that we could have some help finding our own forever homes and families. We are very sweet boys with gentle loving dispositions. We love to play and be outside and we also love to snuggle and cuddle. If your thinking of adding a new furr baby to your home and family then come on down to the shelter today. Hey guys my name is Kit - Teacup and I am here at the shelter searching for my forever home and family. I am a very sweet girl that loves attention and affection. I am also quite happy and content to just lay around and take long naps in that big bright warm circle that shines through the window every now and then. Do you have one of those? I sure do hope so if not you should look into getting one. I’m sure you will be very happy with it. If your thinking of adding a new furr baby to your home and family then come on down today.
SUITES FOR RENT 1 Bedroom Basement suite F,S, W+D, Private entrance. Available immediately. Rent $850.00 with utilities included, No pets please. Phone 306-446-1398.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passes and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help.
The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 25
Living Sky School Division No. 202 is inviting tenders for three grass cutting and trimming packages. These large tender packages are for a two year term commencing the spring of 2018 to the fall of 2019. The tenders will cover the grass areas for the following communities:
BATTLEFORD CANDO HAFFORD MAYMONT WILKIE
UNITY LUSELAND KERROBERT MACKLIN CUT KNIFE
Full tender packages, with property layout maps outlining details, can be emailed or picked up at Living Sky School Division Office, 509 Pioneer Avenue, North Battleford, SK. Tenders are to be submitted in writing or by email by 2:00 p.m., March 26, 2018 to the attention of the Facilities Department, Living Sky School Division No. 202. No late tenders will be accepted. For additional information please contact Brian Bossaer, Facilities Manager at (306) 937-7702 or by emailing brian.bossaer@lskysd.ca.
4. Highest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted. 5. The successful bidder will have 30 days to provide the balance of cash to complete the purchase. 6. GST will be added to the purchase price. 7. Fly ash/cement mixture was stored in the building and was loaded from various areas on the property with spillage outside of the building. The Agreement to Purchase documents for this property will state this fact. Material Safety Data Sheets for fly ash and cement are available upon request. Dated March 8, 2018 Rita Rogers, Chief Administrative Officer Rural Municipality of Frenchman Butte No. 501
NOTICES / NOMINATIONS
Village of Glaslyn Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Glaslyn for the year 2018 has been prepared and is open for inspection in the municipal office from 8 am to 12 pm and 1pm to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday, March 8 to April 12, 2018. 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 or classification to the board of revision is required to file his or her notice of appeal by April 12, 2018 with: Village of Glaslyn Box 279 – Glaslyn SK S0M0Y0 Dated this 8th day of March, 2018. Kate Clarke, CAO Administrator
Page 26 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT
Two & One Bedroom Apartments Adult Complex Two Bedroom Apartments $800 One Bedroom Apartment $700. Total Reno’s, References, No Pets, Available March 1st. Call to View 306-4812836
HOUSES FOR RENT Available for rent 2 bedroom home. Monthly rent or Sign one year contract get one month free. Ref required. Call 306-441-6728 or 306-937-7252. No Text please. Two bedroom house Damage deposit and required. $900 a month tached garage. Call for ter 5, 306-481-6464.
for rent. references Small dedetails af-
FEED & SEED Alfalfa Seed - Common #1, Taproot, 97% Germ Leafcutter Bees Premium quality, zero parasites & chaulkbrood Business opportunity - great time to enter industry. Call Reg Greve 306-528-4610.
FEED & SEED
HEATED CANOLA WANTED!! - GREEN CANOLA - SPRING THRASHED - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS WANTED!! - BARLEY, OATS, WHT - LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!! HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252
NOTICES / NOMINATIONS
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 invites expressions of interest for the supplying of road gravel during the year 2018. Interested parties shall submit the expressions of interest including the following: • Unit prices per cubic yard for the gravel • Confirmation that the gravel will be made available as soon as possible in May, 2018
HOUSES FOR RENT
The expressions of interest must be sealed and received at the office of the undersigned no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 10th day of April, 2018. Any questions may be directed to the Reeve at 306-441-9330.
1&2 Bedroom Suites
The R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 reserves the right to refuse any and/or all of the expressions of interest.
• Fridge, stove, washer, dryer • Some are air conditioned Rental rate: $650 to $1,200 per month Complete application: 1441 - 100th Street Or Phone 306-445-8571 or 306-441-0950
Dated this 15th day of February, 2018 in North Battleford, Sask. Debbie Arsenault, Administrator R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 #4 - 1462 - 100th Street, North Battleford, Sask. S9A 0W2 Phone: 306-445-3604 Fax: 306-445-3694
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS for the Board of Directors
FEED & SEED CERTIFIED SEED. Go early HRS Wheat. Super hardy Pintail, Winter Wheat. AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang & Derby Oats. Busby, Seebe, Sundre Barley. Very early yellow peas. High yielding Silage Peas. Polish Canola. Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.
The responsibilities of a director include regular monthly meetings, policy development, review operations and future planning. For more information, you may contact Mike Nord, General Manager, (306) 445-9800, or e-mail mike@discoverycoop.com or one of the following members of the Nominating Committee:
Bryan Clair - 306-827-7577 Seton Winterholt - 306-441-7076 Rosalie Payne - 306-441-7455 NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL MONDAY, APRIL 2nd, 2018
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!
Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM
Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @
www.westerncommodities.ca STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES
LAND WANTED
POST FRAME BUILDERS - Prairie Post Frame’s premium laminated post buildings with competitive pricing has resulted in an unprecedented growth. We are looking for additional outstanding builders. Hundreds of projects sold per year. Contact howard@prairiepostframe.ca.
AUTO MISCELLANEOUS Wrecking over 250 units... cars and trucks. Lots of trucks... Dodge... GMC... Ford... Imports... 1/2 ton to 3 tons... We ship anywhere... Call or text 306-821-0260. Lloydminster.
DOMESTIC CARS
PAWLUS Saskatchewan
Motor Licence Issuer
INSURANCE SERVICES LTD. 1292 - 102nd Street, North Battleford
306-445-8059 “serving ALL your insurAnCe & motor LiCenCe needs”
READERS COMMUNITY
Discovery Co-op is seeking eligible members who may be interested in running for vacant positions on our Board of Directors.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
EARLY VARIETIES. Want to be finished combining in August? Go early HRS Wheat. AC Juniper Oats. Busby & Sundre Barley. AAC Peace River Field Peas (earliest yellow pea). Early One Polish Canola (one month earlier); mastinseeds.com. 403-556-2609.
CHOOSE PRINTED
Discovery Co-op
Regional Optimist
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NEWSPAPERS FOR EVERYTHING
LOCAL AS WELL AS
ADVERTISING!
91%
Choose LOCAL information as their main reason for reading (editorial,news, sports, entertainment, events)
63%
Read for advertising (flyers, inserts, ROP)
55%
Reading for Classified ads, Employment & Real Estate
Source: News Media Canada
TENDERS
FOR SALE BY TENDER Farm Land The following property will be offered for sale by tender under the direction of Randy Kirkham, Barrister and Solicitor NW 17-47-18 W3 - Surface Parcel #131003659 RM of Meota #468, Saskatchewan (155 cultivated acres) Assessment value - $180,700.00 1. All bids must be submitted in writing by registered mail or delivered personally to Kirkham Law Office at the address below by 12:00 noon on Friday, March 16, 2018. 2. Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified cheque or solicitor’s trust cheque in the amount of 10% of the bid made payable to Kirkham Law Office - Trust. If the bid is unsuccessful the certified cheque or the solicitor’s trust cheque shall be returned to the bidder. 3. Within 15 days of the opening of bids, the successful bidder shall provide either: a) the balance of the purchase price; or b) payment of a sum equal to the difference between the balance of the purchase price and any mortgage financing, together with an unconditional and unequivocal letter of commitment form a recognized financial institution to the mortgages to finance within 15 days of the confirmation of sale, the successful bidder’s purchase of the land for the price slated in the bid. 4. If the successful bidder does not complete the purchase on the terms and within the time specified, the deposit will be forfeited. 5. The successful bidder/purchaser shall be responsible for all 2018 property taxes. 6. The highest or any bid may not necessarily be accepted. KIRKHAM LAW OFFICE 1652-100 Street NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK., S9A 0W6 Att: Randy Kirkham Phone: (306) 446-2900 Fax: (306) 446-2242
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Regional Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 27
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COMING EVENTS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Mower operator wanted
Brightsand Lake Regional Park
Temporary position offered with the
RM of Parkdale No. 498 To operator a tractor and mower for completion of the 2018 Mowing season.
Visit our website
Interested persons are asked to email resumé to rm498@sasktel.net or fax to 306-342-4442
for more community events
Applicant must have valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate equipment.
www.newsoptimist.ca
Community Events Calendar Alcoholics Anonymous
Knowledge of general maintenance and care of equipment is considered an asset.
Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.
is accepting applications for the following positions:
1. Working maintenance supervisor: Preference given to someone with some mechanical and carpentry skills; must be able to work weekends; must have supervisory skills. List expected salary for 40 hours a week from May 1 to Sept.30. 2. Maintenance: Must be able to work well with others; be able to work weekends; must be physically fit and enjoy the outdoors. 3. Office staff: Must enjoy working with the public; must have computer skills; must be able to work as part of a team. AND TENDER for Garbage Collection TENDER for toilet/shower/laundry cleaning TENDER for rental cabin cleaning
Al-anon Family Groups
These tenders may be applied for separately or as one tender. Tender to include expected cost of services provided.
If someone’s drinking troubles, attending Al-Anon Family Group provides understanding and support. Meetings Monday at 7:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, corner of 15th Ave. & 108th Street. Contacts 306-937-7765, 306-937-7289 or 306-441-9324.
ALSO TENDER for Concession Operator to operate concession from May 15, 2018 until September 15, 2018. Applicant must have food handling certificate.
Relay for Life - Friday, June 8
All positions must have a valid driver’s licence Deadline for applications March 24, 2018
Relay for Life on June 8 at the North Battleford City Track - it’s not to early to start getting your teams together or register as a survivor. For more information call Laura at 306-481-5395.
Additional information is available by emailing cvschell@sasktel.net
Tuesdays, February 20 - March 27 Lenten Lunch Series 2018 - The Nails of the Cross at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 1302 - 99th Street, North Battleford at 12:00 noon. Soup and sandwich. Everyone welcome.
Email cvschell@sasktel.net or mail to Verna Schell R.R. #3 North Battleford, Sask. S9A 2X4
Friday, March 16 St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Borden Senior’s Room from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Celtic County playing, hosted by Borden United Church.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Saturday, March 17 Borden Parks & Rec. Board Winter Fest, bowling, games, cards, food. Borden Community Centre at 8:00 a.m. - playoffs at 6:00 p.m.
The R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 invites expressions of interest for the hauling and placement 10,000 to 15,000 yards of road gravel on designated municipal roadways during the year 2018.
Saturday, March 17 Club 70 - Driftwood (John Chipak) at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford at 8:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. Lunch served at 12:00 p.m.
Interested parties shall submit the expressions of interest including the following:
Saturday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Bake Sale at the Co-op Territorial Mall starting at 9:30 p.m. Delicious home baking. Sponsored by the St.Vital Catholic Women’s League Coordinated with the St.Vital Parish, Battleford.
Saturday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Supper at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 1302 - 99th Street at 6:00 p.m. Stew, biscuits and all the trimmings including dessert and entertainment. Only 100 tickets will be sold, so get yours early. Contact St. Paul’s Office at 306-445-4155.
Saturday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Stew Supper at Battleford United Church, 52 4th Ave. West, Battleford from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 20 Paint Nite at the Blend, 1602 - 100th Street at 7:00 p.m. Visit PaintNite.com to view this painting, access event details and to purchase tickets. Use coupon code SAVESK to save 40% of your tickets.
Wednesday, March 21 Bingo at the Borden Senior’s Room starting at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 21 Need legal help? Need to talk to a lawyer? FREE LEGAL CLINIC from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Unit 4, 5009 - 49th Ave., Lloydminster, SK. Call toll free 1-877-314-9129 to book an appointment.
Saturday, March 24 Topline Social Dance Club with Leon Ochs at the Sloan Auditorium in Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford from 8:00 - 12:00 p.m. Minimum age is 19. Lunch served. Phone Sharon at 306-446-0446, Leela 306-445-7240 or Jean 306445-8815.
Saturday, March 24 Tea Hold’em Tournament at the Maidstone Legion Clubroom, 102 - 108 - 1st Ave. West. Registration 6:00 p.m. MST. Tournament 7:00 p.m. MST. To register call Royal Canadian Legion Clubroom at 306-893-4048.
Saturday, March 24 Borden Museum Supper & Silent Auction at the Borden Community Centre at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 27 Kaiser Tournament at the Borden Senior’s Room, 303 - 1st Avenue starting at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 28 Borden Senior’s Potluck Supper in the Club Room, 103 - 1st Avenue at 5:45 p.m.
Friday, March 30 Good Friday Service at the Borden United Church at 11:00 a.m. Lunch to follow. This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear. Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.
Redberry Lake Regional Park is accepting applications for the following positions:
CONCESSION OPERATOR: Rent building and run your own business with some regulations from the Park Board. Must have valid “Food Handling Course”; at times will need 2 workers. MAINTENANCE: 40 hour weeks: 8 hour days from May 1st to Sept. 30th. Must have valid driver’s license; be able to work well with others; be able to work weekends. List expected salary. QUALIFIED SWIM INSTRUCTOR: Required certified lifeguard, CPR and first aid. Needed for one week starting 3rd week of July or 1st week of August, to teach all levels.
• Unit prices per cubic yard/mile for the hauling and placement of the gravel • A list of equipment and machinery (with proper pricing) guaranteed to be made available and used for the purpose of completing the work in a timely and workmanship manor • Proof of insurance and workers compensation coverage • Confirmation that the graveling of roads will commence as soon as possible in May, 2018 with a completion date of no later than June 1, 2018 with hauling to run continuously until completed Please note: • Contractor agrees that loads will not be paid until such time as they have been verified by a gravel checker contracted by the R.M. and verified by an R.M. employee. No hauling will take place unless checkers are available • Contractor agrees that all crushed gravel piles will be measured by a certified surveyor before any gravel is to be hauled from it • If there is a fuel surcharge or increase after a price has been accepted, the increase must be approved by council before the haul commences. Fuel increases must be proven and justified
This position you must provide a “Criminal Check” before being hired.
The expressions of interest must be sealed and received at the office of the undersigned no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 10th day of April, 2018.
Apply as soon as possible.
The R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 reserves the right to refuse lowest and/or all of the expressions of interest.
Send to email: redberrylakepark@xplornet.com or by mail to Box 250 Hafford, SK S0J 1A0. For more information call Bernedette Harach 639-317-4346
Dated this 15th day of February, 2018 in North Battleford, Sask. Debbie Arsenault, Administrator R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 #4 - 1462 - 100th Street, North Battleford, Sask. S9A 0W2 Phone: 306-445-3604
Page 28 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
VILLAGE OF MEOTA is now hiring a
SENIOR LEVEL ACCOUNTANT Battleford office Interested in an
ACCOUNTING CAREER
The right candidate will be working toward or have an accounting designation. Preference given to those with experience in AUDIT, public practice, statement preparation and corporate taxes. Cogent Chartered Professional Accountants LLP Contact Rhonda at rhillstead@cogent-cpa.com
Full-Time Seasonal Foreman Assistant & One Summer Student Wages are negotiable. Please apply with resumé and references by email or fax by March 31, 2018 Village of Meota Phone: 306-892-2277 Fax: 306-892-2275 Email: vmeota@sasktel.net
R.M. of Redberry No. 435
ADMINISTRATOR The Rural Municipality of Redberry No. 435 is accepting applications for a qualified Administrator with a start date in 2018.
Living Sky School Division No. 202 Growth Without Limits, Learning For All
Now accepting applications for the following positions: Caretaker • McKitrick Community School - North Battleford • McLurg High School - Wilkie Teacher - Cree • Spiritwood High School
Student Services Teachers • Across the division Closing noon, Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Details and link to online applications can be found on our website at www.lskysd.ca. All applications must be submitted online. We are looking for casual Bus Drivers for our rural locations! Training opportunities are available. Please call our office at 306-937-7931 for more information.
The position requires a minimum Class “C” certification. The office is located at Hafford, Saskatchewan with accommodations available in the community.
Delivery Driver Class 1: North Battleford, SK
Gordon Food Service is currently hiring Delivery Drivers to operate company owned vehicles and deliver food service products to our awesome customers! You are home every night with your family! Not your typical driving job: 30% of the shift is spent driving/operating company owned vehicles. 70% of the shift is spent unloading and delivering our products to the customers. Hours & Shifts: 4 x 10 Hour shift. Start Time: 5:30am. Availability: Monday to Saturday or as per occupational requirements. Must have a valid Class 1 license with a clean commercial drivers abstract. Must be physically fit and able to repeatedly lift, stack, pull and carry heavy items (up to 60 lbs). Must be 18 years of age or older (required). Must have strong communication and customer service skills (able to read, write and speak English). Must pass a Road Test, and a Background Check. Previous professional driving experience is preferred. Starting Wage: $24.35/hour To apply send you resumé and commercial driver’s abstract to: roger.clarke@gfs.com
Interested candidates please submit a detailed resumé including qualifications, past and present work experience, salary expectations and three work related references. A current criminal records check must accompany your application. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Little Loon Regional Park
We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Is accepting applications for the following positions:
R.M. of Redberry No. 435 rm435@sasktel.net Box 160 Hafford, Sask. S0J 1A0 Phone: 306-549-2333 or Fax: 306-549-2435
Greens Keeper Golf Course Worker Campground Worker Concession Worker Must hold a valid drivers licence; be willing to work weekends; excellent public relations is a must; experience in the field you are applying for is good but not essential.
MEOTA REGIONAL PARK is seeking applications for
Park Office Staff
Send your resumé to: llrp@littleloon.ca or by mail to Little Loon Regional Park Authority Box 458, Glaslyn, SK S0M 0Y0 For more information call Irene 306-342-4456 Deadline for job applications is March 20, 2018
Meota Regional Park is seeking applications for park office staff. Full and part-time positions are available from mid-May to early September. Preference will be given to mature individuals 18 years of age or greater, who are willing and able to take on unexpected tasks as necessary and whom are able to multi task. Duties will include, but are not limited to, telephone attendance, booking of campsites on online reservation system, checking in of campground patrons, relaying requests and issues to maintenance staff, administration, collecting of fees and recording of daily revenues.
Reporter Correspondents required for all rural areas
• • • • • • • •
All District First Nations Cando Cochin Cut Knife Glaslyn Hafford Lashburn Livelong
• Mervin • North of the Gully • • • • •
(Maidstone)
Maidstone Paradise Hill Medstead St. Walburg Turtleford
NOTE: These are freelance opportunities, not salaried positions. Ideally, reporter correspondents should reside within the communities listed above.
For more information contact:
Becky Doig (Editor)
email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net or toll free 1-866-549-9979
Part time positions for gate attendance will be considered for qualified applicants of lesser than 18 years of age. Meota Regional Park considers all employment positions to be probationary for no less than 90 days. Wages: Negotiable Number of Positions: 3 Seasonal Full-Time and Part-Time Employment Length: Mid May 2018 - Mid Sept. 2018 Deadline for Applications: March 31, 2018
Campground Maintenance Staff
Successful applicants will work under the direction of the Park Manager but must be self-motivated and reliable. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate most types of lawn/garden care equipment. Duties include, but not limited to, garbage collection, cleaning facilities, painting, mowing and general grounds maintenance. Weekend and shift work will be required. Meota Regional Park considers all employment positions to be probationary for no less than 90 days. Wages: Negotiable Number of Positions: 4-6 Seasonal Full-Time and Part-Time
TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
CALL 306-445-7261
Employment Length: Mid May 2018 - Mid Sept. 2018 Deadline for Applications: March 31, 2018 email resumés to: meotapark@sasktel.net
Meota Regional Park Box 92, Meota, Sask. S0M 1X0
CALL NOW • 306-445-7261 FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY
• DOOR-TO-DOOR • CARRIER SERVICE • TOTAL COVERAGE OR PERSONALIZED COVERAGE
Regional Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 29
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Chamber event recognizes local businesses By Sherri Solomko Correspondent
March came in like a lion and some say that is a prediction for how much winter we still have coming to us. With my press deadline, I missed marvelling at the $7,151,236 Telemiracle total, which was a record high; we really are an incredible province. I often write in our local paper about everything there is to celebrate about Unity including events, volunteer efforts, sports success stories, business additions, continual growing community and much more, and thankfully the local Chamber of Commerce puts on a recognition night each year to celebrate many aspects of what is great in our town. This year’s event held March 5 showcased the following: Milestone Business Awards to Masterhand Signs, 30 years; Micheal’s Photography, 35 years; and Cargill for 45 years. New businesses: Carda Communications, Joe Poitras; Fresh Paws Grooming, Amanda Gavel; Ganter’s Plumbing and Heating, Colin Ganter; Jan’s Catering, Jan Taylor; Jelasco’s Restaurant; K3 Property Solutions; Dwaine Kopp; Ostrom Photography; Sure Stop Auto Supply. New Owners: Kevin and Debbie Ackerlund, Polar Pure Water; and Dan Wilgenbusch, Grumpy’s Music. Host Committees: Senior Men’s Baseball; and Bantam Boys Baseball Provincials. Retirees: Flowers by Joan Haughian; Noella Chase, Welcome Wagon (Sharon DelFrari is now doing this community service work. Exemplary Service Awards went to AG Foods, Glenn Heitt and the Unity Lions Club for 70 years in Unity. The Unity Ministerial Association’s final in the series of Lenten lunches is at Unity Baptist Church on March 22 beginning at noon and ending at 1 with
U
nity News
a silver collection at the door. UPS news: March 16 Report Cards Sent Home; March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day; March 19 - Staff PD - No School; March 21 Student Led Conference from 3:30-8:30; March 22 - SCC Hot Lunch; March 28 - Spirit Day- Backwards Day; Mar. 28 – Assembly; Mar. 30 - Good Friday - No School; Apr. 2-6 - Easter Break - No School. St. Peter’s continues on their Lenten journey mixing in their faith studies with regular curriculum learning. The school will host a book fair in conjunction with upcoming student led conferences March 2022. As well, the always popular and quick sell-out Easter bake sale fundraiser is coming up at the Co-op on March 29, giving families a good chance for some delicious Easter goodies before their company arrives. At UCHS, so many things on the short agenda leading up to Easter Break that starts March 20. The football team is into their Moms Pantry fundraiser, always a popular seller with the community, helping to raise money for the next Warrior football season. UCHS had their ski trip from February postponed due to extreme cold temps so they are related for March 22 if the warm weather hasn’t ridden the hill of all the snow by that time. Track team starts practicing April 10 as it is a short season from practice/ training to meets starting up in May. UCHS basketball teams who are looking to further their season through district and regional competitions. Track team has been practicing indoors and it won’t be long before badminton resumes in the gym. Yesterday UCHS held a culture fest as part
Daryl Eddingfield, UCC member, part of Team Eugene Hritzuk who won the Master’s Men’s Provincial curling championship sending them to Nationals in White Rock BC starting April 1. This is a repeat title for Daryl as he was also part of the winning squad in 2017. Left to right are team members skip Eugene Hritzuk, third Colin Coben, secind Verne Anderson and lead Daryl Eddingfield. Photos submitted by Sherri Solomko
of their ACTIVATE goals for kindness and inclusion and it was a great success. The ACTIVATE team is in their final stages of preparation for ACTIVATE day upcoming in April. The drama students are also in the last leg of their preparation for both spring public performances and their drama festival presentation. The robotics team are also entering a busy competitive season so are continually finetuning their machines in preparation for this. There were many lucky curling fans who were able to take in the Brier in Regina – some meeting Team Koe together for the last time, some cheering on Team Sask or watching Sandra Schmirler’s daughter deliver the opening rock. March means, although the curling club is busy, it is also the final few weeks of this year’s curling season. Hopes are high for enough entries for the yearend fun spiel, which has sadly been cancelled the past few years due to low entries, entries can be
taken now. Hockey games are getting fewer as the season has finished for some teams while others are in the tail end of their series. The Midget AA Lazers continue to be in the top three of their league as they head into playoff season. Also, congratulations to current Unity Midget AA player, Colby Ralston, who has committed to the Battlefords AAA North Stars for next season. The Museum wants to remind residents the Sunday pancake brunches will continue until the end of April and they always count on your support as this is one of the main fundraisers for the museum each year. Coffee row folks are conversing about winter and spring in the same statement as this time of year, one never knows which season we will get. As talks turn from the Brier and winter sports, anticipation of upcoming ball season including the Jays and Riders, as well as local teams and upcom-
Makayla Bakken, UCHS curler and Twin Rivers curling club member, smiles widely after enjoying her experience as SaskEnergy junior star with Team McEwen at the Saturday evening draw at the Brier in Regina.
ing events. A multitude of March events has been a regular topic as well. So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity
and our friends at coffee row sharing this traditional part of our community culture. Until next time…
Thank you for your support!
18033KK0 18033KK1
2018 Ducks Unlimited Banquet Sponsors & Donors
18033CC0
• Gold Eagle Casino • Scotiabank • North Battleford Power LP • Berry Holdings Inc. • Garry’s Construction • Hammond Realty • KARE Ag Services Ltd. • Arnold’s Sand and Gravel Ltd. • Swanson Gryba & Company Chartered Professional Accountants • Holm Raiche Oberg Chartered Professional Accountants • Vantage Chartered Professional Accountants • Dr. Jerry Breker • Sky Tech Equipment • Mark’s Work Warehouse • Discovery Co-op
• Meridian Surveys Ltd • Kramer Auctions Ltd. • Battleford Furniture • Jackfish Lodge Golf and Conference Centre • Gold Eagle Lodge • Lakeland Veterinary Services • Guy’s Furniture • Milbanke Flowers – Urban Accents • Cabelas Canada • NAPA Auto Parts • Battleford Bait & Tackle • Zeke’s Jewellers • Norsask Farm Equipment • TAGG Storage • B & D Meats • Jean Dunn - Reflections Dunn on Canvas
Page 30 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
Regional Optimist
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Sometimes the hardest person to love is me Ed, my old neighbour in Saskatchewan, wanted to know when he called last if I would like to contribute five hundred dollars towards his purchase of a new boat and motor. He assured me that I could use it anytime I visit Saskatchewan. It seemed to be a great plan for him since we don’t get back to visit in Saskatchewan often. Another thing in his favour is that I’m not a fisherman. My connection to fish is salmon and tuna out of a can. Generously, I offered to loan him five hundred dollars for six months at twenty per cent interest. Ed felt that I needed to learn a lot more about
loving my neighbor as myself. I agree with Ed that it often seems other folks don’t treat us as we would like them to treat us. There is a lot of talk about the love of neighbour, but it is far easier to talk about love than to act in love. Love is natural to promise in love songs like the old song that promises: “I’ll be loving you, always – not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always.” Everyone wants to hear someone tell them, “I love you.” Everyone wants to feel loved by the way they are treated.
N
eighbourly Advice
According to Ed By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com
revraymaher@accesscomm.ca Children ages four to eight years old were asked, “What does love mean?” Their answers showed that they saw love as how people act toward each other, for example, Danny, age 7, said: “Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy, and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to
make sure it tastes okay.” Tommy, age 6, offered, “Love is like a little old woman and a little man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” Jessica, age 8, stated, “You really shouldn’t say, ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People
forget.” As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus who acted in love towards everyone meaning that he showed love to those who loved him and those who didn’t. Jesus acted like a good shepherd who would die to protect and save his sheep. Some will die for a loved one, like a child, or a friend but who will die for a hateful enemy? Jesus died for all people in that all are sinners unable to save themselves before God. Jesus was God’s sacrifice of love to take away our sins before God. That is why Jesus said, “Greater love has no one
than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Love one another as I have loved you.” Loving others begins by loving ourselves in the truth that God loves each of us personally like the unique individuals that we are. In grace or undeserved love, God does not count our sins against us because we have faith or trust in Jesus. Showing love is like the Good Samaritan in the Bible who helped a beaten stranger at the side of the road. It sees yourself as the one who needs help. It is passing our grace on to others.
Worship Together Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.
(RC) St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish 1942 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0N4 306-446-1695
PASTOR: Fr. Anthony Afangide, M.S.P.
DAILY: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted WEEKEND: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Battlefords Grace Community Church
1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK
306-445-5901
Pastor: Bill Hall
191 - 24th Street W., Battleford, Sk. 306-937-7575
SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.
WORSHIP SERVICES - 11 a.m. Sunday
Everyone Welcome
Everyone Welcome
Hope Mennonite Fellowship
Pastor Patrick Carty
1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford
Sunday School - 10:00 am Sunday Worship - 11:00 am
SUNDAY - 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service Pastor Gerhard Luitjens & Abel & Sonya Zabaleta (Spanish Ministry)
1231 - 104th Street North Battleford Phone 306-445-7777 www.emmanuelfellowship.ca
Church Phone 306-445-4181
All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish 902 - 108th Street, North Battleford
DIVINE LITURGY Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Contact: Fr. Ivan Derkach 306-937-3767 or 306-317-8138
TerriTorial Drive alliance church
52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK
306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley
SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.
Third Avenue United Church Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 1301 - 102nd Street, Phone 306-445-8171 Rev. Frances Patterson
Everyone Welcome
www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net
“A Community of believers seeking more of God’s presence”
Notre Dame (RC) Parish Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m. Sundays - 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.
OFFICE 306-445-3836
Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME
ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK
Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Roque S. Concepcion Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.
Battleford United Church
Various weekly programs
ANGLICAN PARISH
Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay
1372 102 St 306-445-3009 nd
Living Water Ministry
Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385
1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)
Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church
SUNDAY SERVICES Rev. Trevor Malyon
St. George’s Anglican Church - 9:00 a.m. 191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK
St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 11:00 a.m. 1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK
St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle Roman Catholic Church DELMAS - Fr. Roque S. Concepcion SUNDAY MASS - 9:00 a.m.
Box 10, Delmas, SK
S0M 0P0
Phone 306-937-7340
Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca
Pastor James Kwon
Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford
Phone 306-445-9096
Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.
Regional Optimist
www.newsoptimist.ca
Ice is cracking at the lake By Lorna Pearson
M
eota News
Correspondent
Lots of snow machines around on Saturday when Vawn held their rally. I hope they send in their results. Duplicate bridge was played in Meota March. 6 with top score by Eric Callbeck and Dave Creegan, second high were Robert Iverson and Linda Ard and third were Catriona Winterholt and Cletus Sherman. Then on March 8 they played in the Pioneer Hall in the city with top scorers being Margaret Dyck and Gerry Craig, second were Anne Crozier and Cletus Scherman and third were Julie and Glen Moore. Canasta was played at the Do Drop In March 9 with high score by Pat Chapman and Paulette Neale, second high were Cora Christiansen and Evelyn Dutton, third were Faye Goll and Arlene Walker. Another nice friendly evening with lots of visiting and lunching. The monthly shuffleboard tournament was held March 10. Top marks here went to Cora Christiansen and Lorna Pearson, second were Donna Lambert and Albert Huys and third was Sven Christiansen and Jack Stewart, fourth going to Maurice Bru and Linda Ard. This was a fun day for everyone. For $3 we got to play three games each, and
between games played Tile Rummy, Scrabble, Kaiser or Chit Chat. The pot luck luncheon with chicken soup, salads and desserts was outstanding and enjoyed by all. We were happy to have Ken Tucker join us again as he’s been missed and the many folks that came out from town were appreciated. There were 20 folks all told and I’m sure everyone had a good day. A report out of Calgary said that it snowed there for 44 hours, straight, maybe breaking a record, but also making for days of depression with no sunshine. It’s the most it has snowed at any one time in 10 years for sure. Back to North Battleford for the funeral service for Marlene Bilous, on March 8, were Donna and Al Lambert from Leduc. They were her neighbours out there and had been friends here years ago. Al stayed on in Meota to work on his building but Donna went home on Monday. They appreciated the break in the weather for travelling and visiting around. The old maple trees are still being taken down and it does change the appearance of the village, but
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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Page 31
Alan and Laura Tucker’s grandson Rio (above) with his four medals and granddaughter Eve (left), a torch bearer. Photos submitted
we’ll get used to it. The snow banks in and around the village have grown considerably as the clearing of roadways continues. We have a remarkable crew that love to get out and make life easier for those who have to go to work and use our streets. Walking is pretty safe without glare ice anywhere. It is reported that there is a large crack across the lake in the area where the fish shacks are located so
some people have removed their fish-shacks. The water is coming up and will be freezing the shacks in and maybe the situation could become dangerous or at least make for slippery, icy places. Alan and Laura Tucker and family attended many of the events at the recent Saskatchewan Winter Games. There were many interesting sports they
hadn’t attended in person before such as speed skating and weightlifting. Their granddaughter, Eve, was lucky enough to be chosen to help carry the games torch along with other students from the Battlefords. Their daughter, Alanna, and son-inlaw, Brennan Lampitt, helped with organizing, designing and running the snowboarding event.
Their son, Rio, competed in the U14 snowboarding and border cross events. He won a gold and a silver in slope style snowboarding and a silver in border cross. He also won the gold for overall points in U14. Everyone they talked to at Table Mountain, during the three days of snowboard competition, commented on what a wonderful facility it was.
ATTENTION NORTH WEST SASKATCHEWAN! We are gathering information and advertising for our 2018 Edition Circle The Northwest. Business owners this is your chance to be included. Do you have an interesting story? Call 306•445•7261 and ask to speak to Valorie Higgs. Deadline for submissions Wednesday March 28, 2018
Page 32 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 15, 2018
Regional Optimist
www.newsoptimist.ca
Thank You to our valued sponsors DIAMOND SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSORS:
Dallan & Amanda Oberg
PLATINUM SPONSORS: BRONZE SPONSORS:
H2O Pure Water To Go
Friends of the Games: • Anderson Construction • Andre’s Meat Shoppe • Austin’s Saddlery • Battlefords Bearing Ltd. • Battlefords Chamber of Commerce • Battlefords Funeral Service • Battleford’s Handi-Bus • Battlefords Animal Hospital • Bayer • Ben Nelson
• Berniers Millwork • BMO • BMO Global Asset Management - Michael Mccormick • Bridges Chevrolet • Canadian Seed Coaters • Canoe Financial • CI Investments • Council of Battlefords Realtors
• Destination Battlefords • Dougs Paint Shoppe • E & L Building Contractors • Elements Design • Fabricland • First Rate Financial • Fountain Tire • Four K Auto Service • Gerry Lastowski • Gloria Winterhalt • Good Sense Computer
• Greg Lightfoot • H. Zamonsky Insurance Ltd. • Hair Trends • Historic Battleford Lions Club • Home Hardware Building Centre - Battleford • Jane Zielke de Montbrun • Kitchen Zone Inc • Kiwanis Club of the Battlefords • Luk Plumbing, Heating & Electric • Marks Work Wearhouse • Maunula Electric Ltd. • Minute Muffler
• Mr. Ribs • NAPA Auto Parts • North Battleford Agencies • North Battleford Hyundai • North Battleford Lions Club • Oasis Insurance • P & W Mechanical • Pennydale Junction • Pure Water Delivery • Rainbow Toyota • Remax of the Battlefords • Royal Canadian Legion No. 9 • Scotiabank • Scott Campbell Dodge
• Second to None Catering • Sound City • Splish Splash • Styles By Gail Hair Salon & Barbershop • Sunchild Law • Super A Foods • The Perk • Tim Hortons • Valley Ford • Vitality Acupuncture Ltd • Western Development Museum
A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE CLOSE TO 1200 VOLUNTEERS OF THE 2018 SASKATCHEWAN WINTER GAMES!