OBSERVER
New co-op grocery store in Carlyle celebrates grand opening
By Stephanie Zoer
Carlyle witnessed an exciting milestone with the grand opening of the new Southern Plains Co-operative grocery store on Nov. 14, a state-of-the-art facility set to serve the community with enhanced retail options. The event was a celebration of local partnerships, cultural respect and community spirit.
The ribbon cutting ceremony began with a heartfelt blessing from renowned artist and elder Michael Lonechild from the White Bear First Nations (WBFN). Lonechild is also a pipe carrier.
Lonechild said his people smudge with white sage every morning, asking for a blessed day, and for people to have the opportunity to get ready for the day ahead. As he walked with the smudge into the front foyer, he asked the greater powers to bless the building and its employees.
His blessing underscored the importance of unity, respect for the land and the significance of his collaboration between Indigenous communities and local businesses.
Lonechild said a prayer in his Indigenous language to complete the blessing.
Southern Plains Co-op general manager Brian Enns said this new facility was a great opportunity for so many people.
Carlyle’s first co-op store opened in 1940, and more than 80 years later, it is still booming with success.
Enns said that Carlyle is a very vibrant town, with growth, a great deal of support and a new school coming soon.
Town Councillors Gord Paulley and Nicole Currie added to the speeches by reminding people that a short time ago, the co-op also opened a new liquor store. The co-op also supports the town with the Fuel Good Day fundraiser.
Next up was RM of Moose Mountain No. 63 Coun. Jack Wilson, who spoke on the history of the store and how it has grown. Back in the day, shares cost $5, which was a big price in those days,
and it began mainly with a group of farmers. The store has continued to do well and now there is a beautiful new store to enjoy and shop in.
Stephanie Kuch has been the store manager for 16 months and she has been in the grocery industry for over 20 years. She was excited to finally cut the ribbon for the grand opening and said a lot of work had gone into getting this store ready for the day.
The project began in September 2023. She visited the project site daily and brought progress to her staff at the store to keep the excitement going.
The 20,000-square-foot store is located on the south side of Highway 13 and can be seen easily from the highway. It was built by Quorex Construction out of Regina, with several trades involved, including Croft Electric and Reinhardt Plumbing.
When it was finally time for the store to be filled with stock, 400-600 hours of preparation took place to get ready. Several Southern Plains Co-op team mem-
bers and managers came from Estevan and Oxbow to help so they could maintain the existing location while preparing for the opening of the new store.
“It truly shows how a local co-operative comes together to take care of the community’s needs,” said Kuch.
At present they have Melissa Johnson-Kurtz as the produce manager, and she has run the department for four years. According to Kuch, JohnsonKurtz is very passionate about her department and strives for perfection.
Nikki Meurs has worked for the co-op for over five years and is the bakery/deli manager. She is known to jump in and help her team in any way she can.
Kuch is not only the store manager but also looks after the grocery department. Although they have all the fulltime positions filled, they still need a meat manager and are always looking for part-time staff, which is an opportunity for students.
“Over the past several weeks I was so grateful for the Carlyle team and all the
help through Southern Plains Co-op,” said Kuch.
“The week of opening, the dedication to push ourselves became stronger every day to ensure that we had the store looking the best we could for the community,” she said.
The store has top-notch equipment, with many new products and the space to move around.
“The day of opening we shared stories of dreams that we had been having about working in the new facility. Many had said how tired they were because they could not wait for the customers to come through the doors,” Kuch said.
Kuch and her team are looking forward to serving their customers in the new place.
While shopping at the grand opening, customers were offered coffee by Michael’s Coffee Shop and an employee walked around the store handing out small bags of chips for customers.
“It was a very busy day,” said Kuch, “But all the hard work was so worth it.”
From left, marketing manager Brooke Spagrud, holds one end of the ribbon, while store manager Stephanie Kuch cuts the ribbon, with general manager Brian Enns at the grand opening of the Southern Plains Co-operative grocery store in Carlyle. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
December
Your rst stop to nd events happening in our community!
- Carlyle Elementary School & That Place on Railway Sun , Dec 8 - Cornerstone Theatre matinee
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Mayors and councillors elected in towns and villages
Elections were held in a number of urban municipalities in southeast Saskatchewan during the Nov. 13 civic election.
The two largest fields were in Lampman and Oxbow. Lampman had two candidates for mayor and 13 for councillor.
Scott Greening was elected as the new mayor, finishing with 153 votes, compared to 92 for John Jones.
In the councillor race, the six elected candidates were Dena Scott, who had 165 votes, followed by Kelly Storlie (148), Roy (RJ) Raynard (123), Ryan Saxon (117), Daryl Runge (116) and Jadon Carnduff (114). The other candidates were Randy Fleck (111), Garrett Woodley (99), Twyla Quantrill (94), Ian Stewart (92), Tanner Frycz (80), Steven Massel (71) and Mark Morrissette (38).
new mayor, defeating Kevin St. John 45-24. Elected as councillors were Sheldon Wyatt with 60 votes, Brody Singleton and Kelvin Nankivell with 57 each, and John Dayman with 56. Garth Randy Graham (23) was defeated.
Stefan Clark will be the mayor in Stoughton, finishing with 174 votes, well ahead of Tyson Slater’s 74.
Oxbow had 17 candidates battling for six councillor seats. Elected were James Fonstad (236), Derrick Menzies (224), Sylvia Mohrbutter (200), Philip Amosah (191), Starr Mercer (193) and Brad Mayer (145).
final
Wednes-
The defeated council hopefuls were Allison Nicholls (143), Derek
Adams (141), Calvin Rosenthal (114), Kim Friesen (113), Rodrigo Rabanal (86), Ken Swanson (80), John Hutfloetz (78), Orlando Vistal (65), Mark Barnes (27) and Amy Backstrom (17).
Carievale and Kisbey had elections for mayor and councillor.
In Carievale, Gregory Martin defeated George Kerr 48-18 to be the next mayor. The four councillors will be Ken Grob-
bink (61), Shawn Gallant (55), Kassandra McNamara (51) and Gary Annetts (42). Scherise Thompson (36) was defeated.
In Kisbey, Elisa Jackson was elected as the
A run-off election was needed in Gainsborough, after a second call for nominations to fill a vacant seat yielded more than one candidate. Four candidates were vying for a vacant seat in Gainsborough. Nicole Jedel won with 28 votes to join three other candidates, ahead of Thomas Rawn with 25, while Kevin Stanley and Teresa Thoring each had 10. In Alida, Sheri-Lee Patton (45), Darryl Dubuc (44), Jason Purves (43) and Dale Jones (41) were elected to council. Kevin Bensette (nine) was defeated.
feated Mary Moffat 11948.
was just one
ballot. Van Dresar joins Mayor Jennifer Sedor, and Councillors John
Brownlee, Hugh Hislop, Lauren Hume, Kelly Lutz and Gord Paulley on town council. Sedor is entering her second term as mayor.
A call for nominations was issued for town council in September. When the deadline passed on Oct. 9, Sedor was the only one to file
for mayor, and Brownlee, Hislop, Hume, Lutz and Paulley had filed for councillor. They were all acclaimed. A second call for nom-
inations was issued, with Van Dresar and Moffat filing papers prior to the Oct. 23 deadline, so the town held an election for the one seat.
Photo by Arnaud Jaegers on Unsplash
The
member of Carlyle town council for the next four years was decided during
day’s civic election. Tracy Van Dresar de-
There
spoiled
Farmer helps rescue injured juvenile bald eagle
By Stephanie Zoer
Ed Young, a lifelong farmer who resides south of Stoughton, was driving home on his gravel road on Nov. 8 when he saw a brown eagle flopping around in the field.
He thought it was a golden eagle and that it had just captured a rabbit or a pheasant, and he continued to his home.
Four days later, Young went into his field to cultivate his land around the caragana bushes and noticed the eagle once again. This time he took a closer look, trying not to startle the bird, and realized that the raptor was injured. It was late, so Young waited until the following morning to call the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan (WRSOS) helpline.
He first went back to the place where he had seen the eagle previously, to ensure it was still
there, and the bird was nestled in the caragana bushes, although he was quite camouflaged in the brown grass.
He said the WRSOS was quick to respond and within a few hours help was on the way from Estevan.
WRSOS president Rhiain Clarke, rescue volunteer Simone Mantei and junior rescue volunteer Lia Mantei arrived at the scene.
As the crew went out to the field to check things out, it was clear that the eagle had a broken left wing, but even with this injury he was still overly aggressive.
Clarke had a large net which was thrown over the bird, while Simone Mantei had the task of reaching under the net to secure the bird. She admitted to being nervous, as this was the first time she had ever handled such a large bird of prey, and the eagle was
clearly not impressed with being handled.
Once the bird was secured and brought to Simone Mantei’s chest, Lia Mantei threw a blanket over the fowl to help calm him, and he was placed in a large kennel with the blanket.
When the bird was captured, he had his hackles up and was ready to attack, but due to his injury he was unable to escape. He measured around two feet in height with a wing span of at least four to five feet.
The eagle was taken to Haven West Rescue in Regina were he was assessed. It turns out he was a juvenile bald eagle, under the age of five years, as he still had the brown head.
Clarke later said that the eagle had been electrocuted, and he not only had a broken left wing, but his right talon was also dead. Without the use of this leg, he was
unable to hunt and was humanely euthanized.
Clarke said with only a broken wing, it may have been possible to pin the wing until it healed, but with the use of just one leg, it was impossible for the bird to grab prey and that is their main source of food.
Bald eagles are seen in this area during the winter but will nest elsewhere in the spring. Golden eagles also spend time in southeast Saskatchewan during the winter. Both birds are similar in size. The bald eagle is protected and the numbers are stable right now.
Clarke has a passion for animals, and this is what got her into this
line of work. It gives her a great feeling knowing that she helped rehabilitate an animal, but there are also times when it is not possible as it was with this eagle.
She stressed that the wildlife hotline is available 12 hours a day, 365 days a year. If a wild animal is in distress, please call the hotline at 306242-7177. Because of people like Young, more than 200 species have been helped with over 5,000 emergency calls received from 303 communities across the province.
By connecting wildlife to rehabilitation centres, it gives an injured, sick or orphaned animal a second chance.
Simone Mantei, a rescue volunteer for the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, had her hands full with the bald eagle. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
This juvenile bald eagle had injured his wing and sought shelter in the caragana bushes by Ed Youngs farm. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Views
Renewing the old
Stephanie Zoer
Just a few words
Taking on the renovation of a 112-year-old house is no small feat.
These homes carry a charm and history that is hard to replicate, but they also come with unique challenges.
My husband and I recently purchased a house built in 1912 that had been empty for several years. The power was no longer on and the water was shut off.
As we walked through the house with our real estate agent, flashlights in hand, we could see potential in the house, although it was going to take a lot of work and time. We checked everything out, going down into the basement and climbing a ladder to check out the attic. It looked structurally sound, but some of the roof rafters had cracked under the weight of snow.
Why were two older people taking on such a challenge? We love the idea of taking something old that is in good shape and making it new again. These old homes have history, and if they could only tell stories of the good old days.
The first step in renovating an old home is appreciating its history. If the old homestead has original woodwork or fixtures, preserving them is always a great idea. This home had seen some renovations before and none of these items remained in the house.
Older homes often lack modern conveniences such as updated plumbing, electrical systems or heating, and these things come at a cost.
Our first item to repair was the roof rafters. Luckily, we work in construction, so this was an easy fix for my husband. I do not do attics, and basements that are old really are not my thing either. We took a pile of photos and went home to work out our game plan.
Of course, people were curious to see who was crazy enough to take on such a task, but we absolutely love renewing the old.
Old homes have character and although it is a lot of work, we enjoy bringing these old homes back to life.
These houses have raised families, and I am sure they have had many good times in them. This is our plan for this old house.
The first day we went to work we had several visitors, which was a pleasure knowing people were interested in what we might be doing to this place. As we took out part of a wall to make the kitchen area bigger, we came across writing on one of the studs in the wall. This wall was put in place in 1967, and the fellow who wrote on the stud was 13 at the time.
The ideas for the kitchen have changed at least 10 times and each time it looks better.
We hope to modernize the house, but also to preserve some of the history by keeping some of the old windows and making them into frames.
Many people today take old barn boards and create a beautiful piece of art with them; we are just doing it in a bigger fashion.
While taking on a home from 1912 can be daunting, the end result is often worth the effort if a person has the time and knowledge to do it properly.
We are excited to see what the finished product will look like, but then again, our thoughts keep changing with new ideas.
This is not just a project, it is a labour of love that breathes new life into the past, creating a space that will stand the test of time for generations to come.
“Poverty
is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.”
- Nelson Mandela
The ABCs and putting I before E
The search is on for the students who will compete at the next Scripps National Spelling Bee, which in 2025 will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The 1925 contest featured six girls and three boys as finalists, with the top honours going to an 11-year-old from Kentucky who successfully spelled gladiolus. Frank Neuhauser received $500 in gold pieces and was welcomed home with a parade.
Last year, 245 spellers earned their spot at the American championship by winning regional events. In the finals they came up against Bruhat Soma, a 12-year old from Florida who received more than $50,000 in cash and prizes, securing the win by correctly spelling abseil, which means to go down a very steep slope by holding onto a rope that is fastened to a projection above. Yes, I had to look that up.
Learning to spell is not an easy task, partic-
ularly in English where we can point to a plethora of oddities that make it challenging. Consider the words quiet, kick and cucumber. They all start with the same sound but have three different ways to spell it.
Then there are the words that start with a p but make you wonder why it’s there. Psychiatrist, pneumonia, psalm and pseudonym. Or think about making words plural. Often simply adding an ‘s’ does the trick, but not always. Medium becomes media, foot become feet, and leaf becomes leaves. Don’t forget moose which, well, remains moose.
Academic studies have found that our ability to spell has declined over the last couple of decades. Some point to our growing reliance on autocorrect, giving us the impression we don’t need to learn to spell. Others say it is a shift in education that has put less of a priority on the teaching of it.
Another suggestion is that our overall attention to the proper written word is declining as we use more clipped phrases and abbreviations. Maybe we are getting a bit too lazy to pay attention to proper spelling.
There are consequences. The BBC pulled no punches with the issue almost two decades ago when announcing, “Autocorrect and spell-
checkers have turned us into a bunch of illiterate idiots.” An inability to communicate properly was making us look uneducated, uninformed and unintelligent. They called for change but we have done little in response.
Heading into my last year of university, I had yet to complete six credits in a language class. I looked through the courses to see what was being offered and the only language class I could fit into my schedule was Latin.
On the first day of class our professor told us what a good choice we had made because a study in Latin would provide a great foundation for future studies in language, science, medicine and law. That got the attention of some in the room who were already pursuing those paths.
Then he said studying Latin helps people become better spellers because they learn to spell based on the roots of words rather than memorizing rules and exceptions. That got my attention because it really bothered me how few in high school and university seemed to be able to spell very well.
I grew up in a family of Scrabble players. We played all kinds of board games, but I’m particularly grateful for the hours around a Scrabble board because I believe
it helped create a love of words and their correct spelling. I would never be able to compete with the 11 and 12-year-olds winning the big events, but I remember some classroom spelling bees that I thought were a lot of fun. In Grade 7, I made it to the final round but lost to my friend Julie. The word that took me down? Vacuum. I haven’t misspelled it since. The question remains: in a world of autocorrect and AI, do we still need to learn to spell? Yes! Reliance on tech that may not be available in given situations could be problematic, and we all have stories about words that got corrected incorrectly, sometimes with humorous results, sometimes with more serious consequences. The best safeguard to ensure we are saying what we intend comes down to taking care of our words ourselves. Can we all learn to become better spellers? We need only to look to the 2024 champion. In 2022 Bruhat Soma tied for 163rd place and then in 2023 climbed to 74th. In 2024 he won it all. Taking care with our words speaks volumes about the value we place on communication. The building blocks of speech are the words we use so we would do well to ensure we are using and spelling them correctly. That’s my outlook.
Shelley Luedtke
Pheasant Rump has good crowd for craft sale
By Stephanie Zoer
The Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation (PRNFN) recently brought together artisans, creators and community members for its annual craft show.
This event was held at the PRNFN community centre on Nov. 16, and it showcased the talents and creativity of 16 vendors who offered a diverse array of handcrafted goods from local artists and traditional Indigenous crafters.
Vendors braved the icy and slush-covered roads to attend the show with their intricate beaded jewelry, dreamcatchers and hairpieces. Handmade moccasins and purses, paintings, wooden mantel pieces and Christmas ornaments
were part of the displays.
A standout among the offerings was the beadwork, a tradition deeply rooted in Nakota heritage. It was a very social event as people chatted with those who came to shop, but it was also a time for the community to offer education on how some of the pieces are made.
A canteen was available with soups, frybread, treats and drinks.
One vendor, Linnea McArthur, is an artist. She had a sign on her table stating she was deaf and did not speak. She spoke with her hands through her paintbrushes and pencils.
She has loved art since she was five years old when she began to draw.
McArthur enjoys portraits, fantasy and native art.
Throughout the event, 50/50 tickets were sold by the powwow committee. The funds raised will help with paying for guest speakers, tiny tots classes and more. Cora Cuthbert was the local winner of the 50/50, taking home $270.
Charlene Cuthbert is on the powwow committee and last year the arbor was taken down due to its condition and to allow for more housing in the community.
At present, they are looking for a new location to rebuild the arbor. This year a large tent was used for the powwow.
The committee was pleased with the turnout at the craft show.
Kisbey Craft and Trade Show hosted 24 vendors
By Stephanie Zoer
The bustling sounds of conversation and the sight of handmade crafts, local goods and community spirit filled the Kisbey Recreation Centre on Nov. 16 during their annual craft and trade show.
The event, which has become a local tradition, drew vendors from across the region, highlighting the best of what the community had to offer.
The venue was transformed into a vibrant marketplace, featuring 24 different vendors, whose tables were adorned with a diverse array of goods, including handmade jewelry, home décor, knitted items, baked goods, wooden Christmas tree ornaments, preserves and locally-grown produce.
There was something
for everyone, and it was just in time for the holiday shopping season.
Visitors enjoyed the chance to support small businesses while browsing through each table and purchasing gifts for their loved ones and friends.
A $2 admission fee was charged, and a luncheon was available
Appendix C FORM CC [Clause 139(1)(b) of the Act] Declaration of Results Councillor: Town of Lampman for the election held on the 13th day of November, 2024. Names of Candidates Number of Votes Acclamation/ Elected
Jadon CARNDUFF 114 Elected
Randy FLECK 111
Tanner FRYCZ 80
Steven MASSSEL 71
Mark MORISSETTE 38
Twyla QUANTRIL 94
Roy (RJ) RAYNARD 123 Elected
Daryle RUNGE 116 Elected
Ryan SAXON 117 Elected
Dena SCOTT 165 Elected
Ian STEWART 92
Kelly STORLIE 148 Elected
Garrett WOODLEY 99
Number of rejected ballots, except those on which no vote was made:.
*Number of ballots counted but objected to:. Spoiled: (e.g Issued to a person who declined to vote). 3
Total number of voters who voted as indicated on each Form Z (or Form AA for voting machines). 249
I declare that this is an accurate statement of the votes cast for the office of Councillor for the Town of Lampman.
Dated this 14th day of November, 2024. Teresa Dyck (Returning Officer)
throughout the day.
Although the roads were not the nicest for travel, by the afternoon the crowds grew, and a steady flow of people
came through the doors. Elisa Jackson was one of the vendors, but she is also on the Kisbey Recreation Board. She said the proceeds from the
BUYS IN USE DE QUIP MENT
event will go towards keeping the recreation centre in top shape.
“It is a well-used building,” said Jackson. “It is the hub of this town.”
The building is used yearly for the Remembrance Day service and bingos through Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation. It holds luncheons, and the village council and the Rebekah Lodge
has their meetings at the building.
Yearly they hold their fowl supper, which is one of the biggest fundraisers. The playpark just east of the building is well used throughout the year and a big attraction.
Vendors and shoppers alike enjoyed the sale, and the committee was pleased with the day.
Linnea McArthur was one of the vendors at the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nations craft show. She communicates through paper as she is deaf and does not speak.
Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Despite the icy roads, people came out to enjoy shopping at the Kisbey Craft and Trade Show. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
School community council fundraises with a craft show
By Stephanie Zoer
The school community council (SCC) from the Stoughton Central School held its annual craft and trade show on Nov. 17, filling the gymnasium with vendors.
Upon entering the school, a $2 entry fee was charged which got everyone entered in several draws at the door. Santa Claus was also present, and kids went and told him what they wanted for Christmas, and had their photo taken with the jolly old soul.
The Stoughton Lions Club was selling tickets for their fundraiser and the Girl Guides were on hand selling cookies.
Vendors from across the province came to set up at the school with wooden treasurers, glass ornaments and gourmet treats.
There was a wide variety of crafts and trades from laser art sketched on glass to jewelry taken from old and made new; and from baked goods to toques that were handknitted and crocheted.
Krystle Prochnow from Saskatoon attended the show for the first time. Usually, she goes to several shows in a year and decided to take this one in when she heard about how well organized it is.
She was overly impressed with the crowd and the friendliness of
the people.
Around 150 people dropped by the school, taking in the sights of all that the vendors had to offer and to begin their Christmas shopping.
The SCC provides support to the staff and students in the school. Often school budgets do not include the little extras that are needed, and this is what the SCC
hopes to provide.
Each school has such a council, which is generally run by parents and/or friends. They are a valuable part of the school.
The Stoughton Bull-
Cornerstone board chairwoman re-elected, vice-chairman defeated
The chairwoman for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board has been re-elected to another term.
Audrey Trombley defeated Cheryl Lake 284-133 to win the election in Subdivision 5 during the Nov. 13 school board election. Subdivision 5 includes Fillmore, Stoughton, Midale and Macoun.
Trombley has been a trustee on the school division’s board
since its inception in January 2006, when six divisions were amalgamated into South East Cornerstone. She has been the chairwoman for most of those 18 years.
A total of 418 votes were cast in Division 5. One was classified as spoiled or declined.
The Cornerstone board’s vice-chairman, Jim Vermeersch, was defeated 418-84 by Velda Weatherald in Subdivision 2,
which includes Arcola, Carlyle, Manor, Maryfield and Wawota.
A total of 506 votes were cast in the subdivision. One was listed as spoiled or declined, and four were rejected.
Vermeersch had been on the school board since 2018. He started as one of the trustees for the city of Estevan, and became the subdivision 2 trustee in 2020 after he relocated to that area.
Kevin Keating and Craig McDonald will be the trustees for the city of Estevan. Keating is a veteran trustee in his second term representing Estevan, and had been a Cornerstone board member prior to that, while McDonald is entering his first term on the board. Eric McCrimmon did not seek a second term representing Estevan.
Other board members returning to the table via acclama-
tion include Devona Putland in Subdivision 1 (Rocanville, Wapella and Moosomin); Jim Henderson, Subdivision 3 (Redvers, Carnduff and Carievale); Tami Scott, Subdivision 4 (Lampman, Alameda, Oxbow and Bienfait); Michelle DeBruyne, Subdivision 6 (Ogema, Pangman, Yellow Grass, Radville, Gladmar and Oungre); and Norma Hewitt-Lendrum and Megan Schick, city of Weyburn.
Candidates elected to rural municipality councils
Elections were held for a number of rural municipality councils during the
Nov. 13 civic election. Saskatchewan RMs held elections for reeve, and councillor in Divisions 1, 3 and 5 this year. Divisions 2, 4 and 6 will
be contested in 2026.
In the RM of Tecumseh No. 65, Christy Goudy won a three-way race for reeve, collecting 104 votes to wind up ahead of Jerry Wilkes (75) and Zandra Slater (43). Mike Picard beat Guy Russell 39-1 in Division 1, and Richard Bowen defeated Tanya Dubois 36-18 to win in Division 5.
The RM of Mount Pleasant No. 2 had an election for councillor in Division 3. Rebecca Scott edged Terry Macfarlane 25-23.
Three people were vying for councillor in Division 1 in the RM of Enniskillen No. 3.
Yvonne Douglas finished first with 27 votes, followed by Leslie Logue (22) and Tyler Fitzpatrick (1).
14-3 to become the councillor for Division 5. Jack Wilson defeated Jessica Shirley 29-11 to win the councillor seat for Division No. 5 in the RM of Moose Mountain No. 63. Gregory Johnston defeated Douglas Ilchuk 20-15 to become the new councillor for division No. 5 in the RM of Brock No. 64.
The RM of Argyle No. 1 had an election for reeve, with John Ryckman defeating George Howden 102-25.
In the RM of Storthoaks No. 31, Bernard Poirier defeated Ivan Moreau
The remaining RMs and subdivisions in the southeast corner were decided by acclamation.
dogs senior girls’ volleyball team were also selling tickets on a raffle basket donated by the Stoughton Meat Market, to help provide funds for travel expenses.
The Stoughton Central School was lled with crafts and trades for an annual show. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
What the Dickens was happening for fun among people living in Canada during the Victorian age?
By Michele Amy Old-time
dances, that’s what.
And we’re having one on Dec. 6 as part of the Dickens Village Festival. A dance with a live dance caller, with fiddles and fun.
Charles Dickens, the founder of our feast, or at least the writer who was the inspiration behind our Dickens Festival, lived from Feb. 7, 1812, to June 9, 1870.
To put that in a Canadian perspective, Saskatchewan as a province did not even exist until 1905, so we were still Rupert’s Land at this time. Many of our settler forefathers came this way by canoes and Red River carts, because the first train only crossed this territory in 1882. And locally, in 1882, Cannington Manor was created.
But before all that, during the Victorian time in Canada, before 1870, the Indigenous people were living traditional lifestyles, and were trading with the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Northwest Company, and the fur trade was thriving. The Métis Nation had been created out of the unions between Scottish and French traders and the Indigenous peoples.
Agricultural settlers from Europe made their way to this area through some of the most adverse conditions for European folk, and only with the help of their Indigenous neighbours did they manage to survive and to make a home in this unfamiliar and often hostile climate.
Some early stories from the Oxbow area even tell about families living in “houses” built by digging into the banks of the river, while the homestead was underway.
The settlers to the area brought very few
possessions, but those who could, brought their musical instruments. Because what is life without a good party?
My friend, John Arcand, tells a story about his Métis grandfather in the mid 1800s, who would host the local gatherings at his house. People travelled from kilometres around on horseback, in buggies and on foot.
They arrived with women and children and food and maybe a jug of something, and there were so many people that the wood stove had to be carried out of the house to make room for everyone.
The fiddler was perched on the table, pushed into a corner of the room, and he played all night, keeping the rhythms with his feet
and playing the tunes as everyone danced their cares and worries away.
Albert Poncelet, from the Whitewood area, related stories that his grandfather told, which would have been at about
the same timeframe, about how all the locals would travel from kilometres around to the schoolhouse. Often by the time they got there in the winter, the fiddles were all frozen up, and would need some time to thaw.
Poncelet told me that sometimes, the fiddler only knew a couple of tunes, but he’d play those same melodies as waltzes, as jigs, as reels, as foxtrots and schottisches – whatever people wanted to dance. And folks didn’t mind. They just wanted the fun and fellowship of the music and the dance.
Children fell asleep on the piles of fur coats under the tables, and dawn was breaking before anyone left to go home for morning chores.
That is a precious part of our Prairie heritage, and one which is still thriving today thanks to music camps like The Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party.
At the Dickens Festival, we’ll have the horse and buggy, and we’ll have the music, thanks to The Happy Wanderers, and this year, we’ll have the dancing. But we’re not
staying up until the wee hours of the morning during the Dickens festival in Carlyle. Instead, we’ll be welcoming our elders and community members in the afternoon, on both Dec. 6 and 7 when driving is a little easier on the nerves and parking is still abundant.
On Dec. 6, from 2-3 p.m., come join us for some fine dancing. Kids from the elementary school are coming over to enjoy the fun. Come again on Dec. 7 from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for a family-style kitchen party and try it again.
Michele Amy and Rowan Teasdale from The Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party will do some dance instructing, if any young (or young at heart) want to get up and give it a try, or people can just watch and copy the pros as they dance to the waltz, schottische, seven-step, polkas and pattern dances. It will be a fun addition to the Dickens festival, and a great way of honouring the Saskatchewan Victorian traditions which bring us together as rural communities.
ACALLOUT FORVOLUNTEERS
TheDickens Village Festival committee has started workingonthe 21st AnnualFestival andweneedlotsofhelp!
Help is needed allaround to make thefestival successful. We arelooking forsomeco-coordinators and peoplewho canhelpfor an hour,two hoursand more! Ittakes acommunity to pulloffanevent and thefestival show cases Carlyle andsurroundingarea.
Watchfor adocumentonsocialmedia that you cansignupfor We will honor youcommitment forhelping out
Thankyou foryour commitment to participate. Festival is December6th &7th
The Dickens Festival has many elements of a Victorian Christmas with activities and period attire. Photo courtesy of Michele Amy
Sask’s largest renewable energy facility is now online
Construction of the new Bekevar Wind Energy Facility north of Moose Mountain Provincial Park is complete, SaskPower said in a news release Friday morning.
Owned and operated by Bekevar Wind LP, a limited partnership between Innagreen Investments and Awasis Nehiyawewini Energy Development Limited Partnership, a wholly-owned Cowessess First Nation entity, the wind facility will provide up to 200 megawatts (MW) of emissions-free power to the grid.
SaskPower will purchase power generated at the facility though a 25-year agreement. At 200 MW, the facility can generate the equivalent amount of power needed for up to 100,000 homes.
“We are committed to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions power system, and we are on track to do so by 2050 or earlier,” said
Rupen Pandya, SaskPower president and CEO. “Bekevar, which is Saskatchewan’s largest-ever renewable energy facility with Indigenous ownership, marks another important step toward that ambitious goal.”
SaskPower plans to add up to 3,000 MW of wind and solar generation by 2035, with 1,000 MW of wind and solar generation currently in various stages of development. For all current and future wind and solar competitions, SaskPower has included a requirement that proposals must have at least 10 per cent Indigenous ownership.
“We are excited to be a part of this important initiative and to see it come to completion. As Indigenous people, we feel it is our duty to not only invest in clean energy, but to place ourselves front and centre as leaders in clean energy,” said Cowessess Chief Erica Beaudin. “Yotin (wind
in Cree) plays an important role in our cultural ways of being and firmly believe this mighty spirit has many more teachings and blessings to be-
stow upon us all.”
“The completion of Bekevar exemplifies the strength of partnerships and innovating financing in driving Canada’s
energy future,” said Innagreen CEO Olly Alexander. “We are proud to work alongside Cowessess First Nation and RES to realize this important project, that will deliver tangible benefits locally for Cowessess First Nation members. Bekevar is our second project in Canada, and we remain focused on developing long-term partnerships that bring forward highquality projects for our investors.”
Bekevar includes 36 wind turbines.
To lower environmental impacts from the construction of wind farms — like birds and bats flying close by — the facility is built in an area with fewer migration paths and less vegetation.
The concrete used to build the turbine foundations includes 3,141 tonnes of fly ash, a coal byproduct sourced primarily from Boundary Dam Power Station.
Project Pride: Devoted to people and communities
By Tanisha Salicon
Prairie Pride Credit Union has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and enriching local communities through Project Pride, a key community investment program.
Each year, this initiative allocates funding to support capital projects and one-time investments that drive progress in areas such as community and economic development, youth and education, health
and human services, arts and culture, and amateur sports.
By empowering local organizations with the resources they need, Project Pride plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth and positive change across the region.
Since its inception in 2008, Project Pride has been a catalyst for community impact, contributing over $500,000
to more than 40 organizations. Through annual applications and a selection process, Prairie Pride Credit Union identifies and supports projects that will provide lasting benefits to the community.
Project Pride is unique in its focus on funding capital improvements through tangible investments that directly enhance the infrastructure and capacity of community organizations. Whether it’s constructing new facilities,
acquiring essential equipment or expanding programs that reach a wide audience, the program aims to make a long-term impact.
Rather than supporting ongoing operational costs, Project Pride seeks to fund projects that will leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that local organizations can continue to serve the community well into the future.
As Prairie Pride Credit Union continues to grow alongside the
communities it serves, Project Pride remains an expression of its mission to invest in local development and empower organizations to thrive. Through this program, the credit union helps ensure that communities have the resources they need to prosper, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and progress. By supporting one project at a time, Prairie Pride Credit Union is a partner in building a brighter, stronger future for all.
The 200-megawatt Bekevar wind facility north of Moose Mountain Provincial Park opened in 2024. Photo by Innagreen Investments
24114GE0
Great shows are coming soon to a theatre near you Funds presented to Carlyle Cubs
By Ray Boutin
It is no secret that small-town theatres face challenges in staying viable.
Yet, in the heart of southeast Saskatchewan, two theatres are bucking the trend, serving as vibrant cultural hubs, offering affordable entertainment and enriching the lives of local residents.
The Mac Murray Theatre in Arcola and the Cornerstone Theatre in Carlyle are examples of what can be accomplished when creativity, passion and community spirit come together. Here, volunteers and community organizations step up to the plate, ensuring that these theatres continue to thrive and provide affordable entertainment to the public.
The Mac Murray Theatre owes much of its success to the tireless efforts of the Arcola Optimist Club. Since its charter in 1983, this dedicated group has raised funds through events like the popular annual snowmobile derby and various community initiatives. Their fundraising has helped maintain the theatre and its state-ofthe-art digital projection equipment, ensuring the community enjoys topquality films in a historic setting. What’s more, thanks to their hard work, the theatre has remained accessible, offering movie nights at a fraction of the price paid in the city.
Similarly, the Cornerstone Theatre in Carlyle owes its continued success to the hardworking
and creative members of the Cornerstone Theatre Group. Volunteers here help maintain the cozy yet vibrant Carlyle Memorial Hall, where both live theatre performances and film screenings take place. The theatre has also em-
Virtual physician program now in place in Redvers
A virtual physician program has been implemented for the Redvers Health Centre.
According to a news release from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, residents in Redvers and area have stable access to emergency room (ER) services thanks to this program.
“The virtual physician program is a temporary measure that helps sustain and support access to emergency health services while the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) continues to stabilize health human resources, particularly in rural and remote communities,” the SHA said in a news release issued Thursday.
During periods when local physicians are not available to provide on-site coverage and local recruitment efforts are underway to fill provider vacancies, the SHA said the virtual physician program supports the Redvers health-care team in addressing the emergent med-
Nicole Currie, Judy Valentine, Chaelynn Boutin, Darlene Olsen, Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre director Kayla Brown, Lindsay Broccolo, Grace Harris and Payton Humphries accepted a cheque for $13,056 from the Creative Tables event held on Oct. 17. Olsen has put together the fundraising Creative Tables event in Arcola for over a decade. Proceeds from the event supported the Breast Screening Program through the Cancer Foundations of Saskatchewan, and the Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre was the other grateful participant for this year proceeds. Lots of money was raised that evening and fun was had by all while supporting two great causes. Photo courtesy of Kayla Brown
braced digital projection technology and sound, enhancing the quality of the viewing experience for audiences.
A beloved tradition, the Dickens Village Fes-
tival play, will take the stage at the Cornerstone Theatre from Dec. 6-8, with performances on Dec. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and a Dec. 8 matinee at 2 p.m.
ical needs of patients presenting to the ER.
Using the existing technology of HealthLine 811, the program provides the local health-care team with remote access to an ER physician located elsewhere in the province, to continue safely and effectively assessing, triaging and providing treatment to patients in the ER.
“Redvers joins many other rural communities, like Broadview and Kipling, where [a] virtual physician is being utilized to support safe, ongoing access to ER services,” the news release stated.
The SHA announced in the summer of 2023 that the virtual physician initiative was being brought in for the Galloway Health Centre in Oxbow, and it is still used when needed.
Individuals requiring emergency services should call 911. Non-urgent healthrelated questions may be directed to the 24/7 HealthLine service by calling 811.
Cara Luft will be at the Mac Murray Theatre on Dec. 13 in a co-sponsored event by the Arcola Optimists & Performance Realty. A Winnipeg-based Juno Awardwinning artist, on her 50 for 50 World Tour, this founding member of the Wailing Jennies and currently one-half of The Small Glories, Luft will be performing live as part of her birthday celebration tour, with the goal of completing 50 performances for her 50th birthday. The evening will also feature a warm-up act and accompaniment by Janelle Boutin, one of Luft’s talented students. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins an hour later.
The Mac Murray Theatre in Arcola. The Carlyle Memorial Hall.
CWE Professional wrestling returned to Carlyle
By Stephanie Zoer
There was a lot of excitement at Carlyle’s Gordon F. Kells High School on Nov. 17 when the Canadian Wrestling Elite (CWE) came to town for their Rumble to Remember tour.
The crowd created the amount of noise one would expect from a gymnasium filled with people. Several kids got right into the action with signs to annoy the wrestlers they did not like.
The show started with the crowd favourite Cam!!ikaze. He squared off against Crude Oil, who thought his power was going to overtake his foe, but in the end Cam!!ikaze came out on top.
Hot Shot Danny Duggan, the organizer of the tour and the CWE Central Canadian champion, came out carrying the American flag and taunting the crowd with his words about Canada. This had the crowd rooting for Adrien “Bamm Bamm” Burton.
“I am the man,” he said. “Just like Donald Trump.” Duggan continued to yell at his opponent to stay down and in the end, he won his match.
Canadian Crusher, a
two-time CWE champion, faced off against a crowd pleaser “The Miracle” Jackson Conway. Conway silenced the crowd so they could hear the slaps that he applied to the Crusher’s chest. Conway won by disqualification.
A special triple threat match was next, when WWE and WCW legend “The Juice” Juventud Guerrera came into play. He squared off against “The Warrior” Bobby Sharp and The Headliner. As they planned to team up against the Legend, this didn’t work out well, as the Legend was quick on his feet, pinning The Warrior. After the match The Headliner had to plead for his robe back from some kids in the front row.
Guerrera began wrestling when he was 15 years old and joined WCW for a four year run with the company. During that time, he was a multipletime cruiserweight champion. He wrestled legends like Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio Jr. In 2005, he joined WWE for a short time with the Smackdown brand. At the time, it was considered to be the Ruthless Aggression era, and at the No Mercy PPV, he won the Cruiser-
weight Championship. This was the only time he won a WWE title.
Today he is building a wrestling centre with his dad in Mexico City. He looks forward to training young people for the business of wrestling.
CWE Champion “The Zombie Killer” Mentallo had his hands full with The Real Deal, James Roth, but the crowd had Mentallo’s back with their chants, bringing a win to the Zombie Killer.
The main event was an over-the-top-rope rumble match, starting with Cam!!ikaze and Duggan. Every 60 seconds another man entered the ring. The only way to be eliminated was by going over the top rope and the last man in the ring was deemed the winner.
All the wrestlers were in the ring, which caused some chaos for the performers as some of the bad guys teamed up.
In the end it was Cam!!ikaze, Duggan and Sharp. Duggan stood on the sideline watching the other two wrestle, but when Cam!!ikaze threw Sharp out, it was show time for Duggan.
Once again, the crowd came alive with their chants for Cam!!ikaze, encouraging the wrestler to stay on top.
Cam!!ikaze took the victory over Hot Shot, which sent the crowd into an uproar.
Cam!!ikaze went around the outside of the ring, hugging his fans and high fiving others.
For the wrestling fans it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Pro wrestling legend “The Juice” Juventud Guerrera joined the Canadian Wrestling Elite for the Rumble to Remember tour. Photos by Stephanie Zoer
From left, Cam!!ikaze overpowered Crude Oil for the win, leaving the crowd full of cheers.
Carlyle Cougars beat Redvers, lose to Carndu
The Carlyle Cougars defeated the Redvers Rockets 6-5 in a shootout Friday night in an early-season clash between two of the top teams in the Big Six Hockey League, but then lost 4-3 to the Carnduff Red Devils the following night.
Redvers had a 3-1 lead at one point in the second period, but Carlyle fought back to tie the game before the frame was finished. The two teams traded goals in the third.
Ben Johnstone had two goals for Carlyle, and Taysen Holt, Cale Adams and Jon Gaudet also scored.
Presten Kopeck finished with four goals on the night for Redvers, and Jordon Miller also scored.
Curtis Meger was in goal for Carlyle, and Thomas Bauche was the Rockets’ goalie.
The following night, Carlyle raced out to a 3-0 lead, with Brett Turgeon, Josh Romanyk and Riley Niven scoring for Carlyle in the opening 15:20 of the game. The latter two goals came nine seconds apart.
Casey Thompson scored
before the first period was out, Cooper Bowman tallied 61 seconds into the second and Matthew Plews tied the game midway through the stanza. Brandon Trask scored the winner with just over six
minutes to play in the third.
Cameron Pateman (Carlyle) and Cody Dumaine (Carnduff) were the goalies.
Two other games were played on the weekend. The Oxbow Huskies edged the
Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings 2-1 in overtime on Friday.
Alex Von Sprecken scored the winner 61 seconds into overtime on a power play.
Cody Davis notched the other Oxbow goal. Carson
Harcourt had the Oil Kings’ goal.
Zack Miller was in goal for Oxbow, and Zachary Barath was the goalie for KiplingWindthorst.
The Midale Mustangs beat the Wawota Flyers 7-4 Saturday in the Flyers’ season opener. Josh Bear scored twice in the opening seven minutes of the first period for the Mustangs, and Sterling Bear had a goal and three assists for Midale. Dallas Kickley, Connor Burk, Matt Geske and Jonas Thomson also scored. Carver Ottenbreit was in goal for Midale.
Brady Dinwoodie, Taylor Ernst, Turner Jacobson and Lucas Hislop scored for Wawota. Brendan Rinn was the Flyers’ goalie.
The Flyers will visit the Huskies on Nov. 22. Three games are slated for Nov. 23: the Oil Kings at the Red Devils, the Moosomin Rangers at the Rockets and the Cougars at the Mustangs. Those games are all expected to start at 8 p.m. Carnduff will be at Wawota on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m.
Envision critically low on gift cards; announces campaign
The Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. says it is critically low on gift cards for individuals and families who are experiencing violence and abuse within their lives.
With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, they are calling for community support.
“Giving Tuesday [Dec. 3] is an international day of giving,” says Envision executive director Lynda Rideout. “This is a day to celebrate the communities in which we live by coming together and encouraging charitable giving.”
Sponsored by Pure Chem Services, Envision is launching its annual Gift Card Drive.
“At Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., we recognize that many of our clients are currently struggling to make ends meet within our communities. The annual gift card campaign is an incredible way to offer a helping hand,” said Rideout.
“We are so fortunate to have our gift card drive kicked off and sponsored by the generous team at PureChem Services. Their support is paving the way for this year’s campaign, and with their help, we are hopeful to bring much-needed relief to those currently living in abusive situations, those who have recently left, and those working toward a healthier future for themselves and their families.”
The overall goal of Envision’s campaign is to offer support and hope during the holidays to the individuals and families they serve and have identified as being unable to meet their basic needs.
Whether it be food, warm clothes, gifts for the children, or even gas for the car, gift cards help to fill the gaps that these families may experience during this colder holiday season.
Envision also disburses gift cards from various businesses to people who
need emergency help, based on their situation. Clients may be going without items such as baby supplies or clothing if they flee a relationship without time to properly pack up. They might need gas cards, specifically to attend counselling sessions, when they are isolated in a rural location. And particularly this year, they may be unable to purchase gifts for the holidays.
“Imagine if every person who was able, donated just one gift card, whether it be gas or grocery,” says Rideout. “We would be able to help an incredibly wide number of individuals and families throughout the holiday season, as well as ongoing throughout the year.”
With gift cards, Envision is able to provide support to as many clients in need as possible.
This campaign gives individuals more choices and an added sense of
empowerment, or autonomy, which is really important to Envision, the organization says. The preferred stores are those with gas or grocery options, such as Walmart, the Southern Plains Coop or Clifton’s No Frills. Director of operations Laura Melle adds, “When we are sitting with someone in our office who has just left an abusive relationship with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, it is incredibly powerful to be able to hand them a gift card to purchase the items they need for themselves and their children. Things like clothing, toiletries, food, diapers, etc. sometimes even gas cards to have the means to travel to where their supports are, where they can feel safe and supported.
“Whatever their situation or unique needs may be, being able to have these gift cards available to those we support is extremely impactful. To
TO WN OF STO UG HTON
see their face lift with a little hope. Together, this is what our community provides.”
Gift cards can be dropped off at Envision offices in Estevan, Weyburn or Carlyle. Please call any office location ahead to make arrangements (option 3 for donations).
Supporters can also put their donation of gift cards in the mail to Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc, Box 511, Estevan, SK, S4A 2A5.
Or they can make a monetary donation on-
line. Visit www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com. Choose the gift card option on the menu, and Envision will purchase cards to distribute during the holidays.
All donations over $25 are able to receive a charitable receipt form.
“We are looking forward to another successful gift card campaign with the incredible support of generous and dedicated individuals within our communities,” Rideout said. “We truly couldn’t do it without you and the support of our sponsor.”
Statement of Results
Councillor: Rural Municipality of Enniskillen No 3
For the election held on the 13th day of November 2024
Division No 1
Yvonne Douglas – 27 votes – ELECTED
Leslie Logue – 22 votes
Tyler Fitzpatrick – 1 vote
Declaration of ElectionResults
Following the Civic Elec tion held on November 13, 2024 forthe office of Councillorand Mayorfor the Town of Stougton, Iherebydeclare the following persons elec tedfor the four year term commencing in Nov19, 2024.
MAYOR
Stefan Clark–174 –Elec ted Tyson Slater–74
COUNCILORS –all in by acclimation: KimButler
Anthony Campbell
Shirley Coderre
Brad Gervais
Chris Griffin
Cory Ohrling
Datedthis 22 dayofNovember, 2024.
Danielle Hoffman,CAO Town of Stoughton
Pamela Bartlett Returning Officer
VILLAGE OF ALIDA
Declaration of Election Results
Following the Civic Election held on November 13, 2024 for the office of Councillor for the Village of Alida, I hereby declare the following persons re-elected for the four year term commencing in December, 2024.
DUBUC Darryl
JONES Dale
PATTON Sheri-Lee
PURVES Jason
Dated this 14th day of November, 2024. Kathy Anthony, Returning Officer Village of Alida
The Carndu Red Devils beat the Carlyle Cougars 4-3 on Saturday night. Photo by Rachelle Apperly
Alida and Area 4-H Beef Club enjoying growth
The Alida and Area 4-H Beef Club has continued to experience growth, thanks to the opportunities it provides for young people in the area.
Club leader Sheldon Kyle said the club has 29 members, up from 27 last year. Not only does it boast members from the Alida area, but there are young people from Redvers, Storthoaks, Maryfield and even Moosomin. The club meets monthly in Redvers, usually at the archery club’s venue on a Monday or a Wednesday. Days and times are flexible to accommodate members’ other commitments, such as hockey and dance.
Kyle believes there are several reasons the club has continued to grow. One is the multi-generational nature of 4-H. Parents who were 4-H members see the value of the programs and get their kids involved. When the children get involved, they enjoy it and try to get their friends involved.
“4-H is a very unique program. It’s not like a sport where you just need to be good at one thing,” said Kyle. “There’s so many more things about 4-H. There’s community involvement. Some mem-
bers really seem to enjoy that and give up their time.”
Other young people enjoy interacting with other youths.
“Some of them [the younger members] get to interact with teenagers, and the teenagers get to interact with younger members as well. Some of the kids enjoy that. There’s the public speaking aspect. You learn to become a more effective communicator, which some kids excel at.”
Other young people enjoy the beef program. They like raising a steer and being part of the agriculture sector.
“Right now is an exciting time in the beef industry, so some kids are excited about that stuff as well, where it’s actually profitable and they’re making a little bit of money that they’re putting towards their education or their first vehicle,” said Kyle.
He believes Alida and other 4-H clubs help build community leaders as well.
“A lot of the families that we have involved are the people that are the volunteers within our community, so they understand that, and they’re trying to foster that within their children
as well by becoming a member of the 4-H club,” said Kyle.
While Alida is listed as a beef club, it has other offerings for its members, including a sheep project that isn’t available in all locations. They also offer various projects, such as poultry and even small animals like rabbits.
Kyle tasked the older members to come up with a fun and educational activity that they plan and organize once the business meeting is finished.
He stressed one of the benefits of 4-H is individual competition. Members work as a team, but they are ranked in the top
three in different categories, such as showmanship, confirmation, record keeping, judging and more.
“Family members tell me they like the 4-H program as well because their kids are still ranked and placed,” said Kyle.
Members learn they might be great at public speaking or grooming their steers, but maybe aren’t as good at showmanship.
“It allows them to testdrive everything and find out what their strength is or where their passion lies. It’s a good life skill at a young age, because it teaches them that in life
there are other things. You don’t need to be good at everything. It’s good to be a well-rounded person and at least try everything.”
The members spend some time volunteering in the fall and Kyle is a big believer in giving back to the community. In the past, the club has held food drives and battery collections. They recently donated money to health care. When members apply for a job, employers will often be impressed if 4-H appears on a resumé. At the end of the year, the kids ask people to come to the regional 4-H sale and purchase their steer.
“Our community is really good to us as far as donations and support and stepping up to the plate during our regional sales to support the members through the purchase of their 4-H calves.”
Kyle believes the club wouldn’t be as strong as it is without the families and their support. It’s one thing to be a member, but parents get the kids to and from the meetings and pitch in when an event is happening.
“I’m blessed with a really good group of families,” he said.
Southeast schools were placed in hold and secure
Two schools in southeast Saskatchewan were temporarily placed in a hold and secure last week due to an incident.
Redvers School and École de Bellegarde enacted the measures due to a vehicle that was reported to be stolen. People were asked to report sightings but not to approach the vehicle. Exterior doors were locked and classes continued as normal.
In the case of Redvers School, the “all clear” was issued at 10 a.m., about an hour after the initial order was issued.
In an email to the Observer and SaskToday, the RCMP confirmed it asked for a hold and secure to be put in place at two schools. The RCMP says the situation was resolved and there was no risk to public safety.
The order was issued after the Carnduff RCMP received a report that two armed individuals were travelling in a 2025 grey Honda Pilot in the RM of Storthoaks. The vehicle was confirmed to be stolen out of Manitoba.
The Saskatchewan RCMP said officers immediately began looking for the indi-
Phone: 306-483-2300 Fax: 306-483-5277 www.oxbow.ca
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 207 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that the Town of Oxbow intends to adopt Bylaw 1155-2024, to amend Zoning Bylaw 1063 as hereinafter provided Intent The proposed amendment would rezone Lot 5, Block 34, Plan AF6939A and Lot 6, Block 34, Plan AF6939A as shown and outlined in RED on the attached drawing dated Oct 1, 2024, which forms part of this Bylaw,
viduals and asked for the two schools to enact hold and secure. At one point, it was seen travelling west from Bellegarde. The individuals and the vehicle were located, but no charges had been laid as of the Observer’s press time.
Any updates will be posted to our provincial news hub at sasktoday.ca.
The Estevan RCMP, Carlyle RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services and conservation officers with the Provincial Protective Services branch assisted with the file.
Appendix C FORM CC
[Clause 139(1)(b) of the Act] Declaration of Results
Mayor: Town of Lampman
for the election held on the 13th day of November, 2024.
Names of Candidates Number of Votes Acclamation/ Elected
Scott GREENING 153 Elected
John (Jay) JONES 92
Number of rejected ballots, except those on which no vote was made:.
*Number of ballots counted but objected to:.
Spoiled: (e.g Issued to a person who declined to vote).
2
Total number of voters who voted as indicated on each Form Z 249 I declare that this is an accurate statement of the votes cast for the office of Mayor for the Town of Lampman
Dated this 14th day of November, 2024.
Teresa Dyck (Returning Officer) 319 Main Street PO Box 149 Oxbow, SK S0C 2B0
Redvers School went into hold and secure for about an hour. Photo submitted
The Alida and Area 4-H Beef Club has nearly 30 members. Photo courtesy of Sheldon Kyle
OBSERVER
John (Jack) Doty 1932-2024
The family wishes to announce that John “Jack” Doty, late of Carlyle, SK passed away at the Moose Mountain Lodge, Carlyle, SK on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the age of 92 years Jack was a loving husband to the late Irene Doty; wonderful father and grandfather to his daughter Shawn Doty (Web Brown), granddaughter Shelby Brown (Jacob Barsalou) and grandson Colby Brown (Myla Bridgeman-Forbes); son Mark Doty (Wendy Poole); son Trevor Doty (Nickie), granddaughter, Halle Matthewson (Sam), great grandson Henry Matthewson; granddaughter Anna Doty (Randy Hamilton); brother Jim Doty (Joy); sister-in-law Sylvia Johnston, and daughter-in-law Jackie Hodges and numerous nieces and nephews Jack was predeceased by wife Irene; parents Elmer and Iva Mae Doty; brother and sister-in-law Daryle and Lyn Doty, sister and brother-in-law Velda & Lindsay Currie, brother-in-law Ralph Johnston and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lucy and Evert Bradbury
A Graveside Service was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1:00 p m at Moose Creek Cemetery with Sandy Dalziel presiding A luncheon was held at the Carlyle United Church, Carlyle, SK following the service
Those wishing to pay tribute to Jack via a donation in his memory may do so directly to the Moose Creek Heritage Church – make cheques payable to Moose Creek United Church Heritage Trust Fund Box 746 Carlyle SK S0C 0R0 Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for the Doty family –Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director
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Jason Frey remains a champion for 4-H
By David Willberg
Jason Frey’s time as the president of 4-H Saskatchewan is coming to an end, and he is proud of what has been accomplished.
Frey was elected to a two-year term as president in March 2023. Since that time, he has been involved with what he called some fairly big changes, including the restructuring of the regions in the province, reducing the number from four to three – east, west and north.
The council has approved a new three-year strategic plan, and now they’re working within the parameters of the document. They’re also trying to redesign their record books and some of their information on the beef projects. The provincial body is also looking to overhaul and modernize its website.
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Notice to Creditors In the estate of Alaura Louise Rich, late of Kenosee Lake, 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 13th day of December, 2024 Bridges & Company LLP 1329 Third Street Estevan, SK S4A 0S1 Solicitors for the Executors
Numbers for 4-H have grown a little bit this year, he said, while the number of volunteer leaders has also jumped. He believes the growth is due to growing awareness about the impact of 4-H.
“It’s a good program, and the more the kids as members enjoy it, the more they bring new members to it,” said Frey.
As for the uptick in the number of leaders, Frey believes it’s because adults want to make sure young people are learning and gaining life skills.
Frey said young people gain life skills through their involvement in 4-H and its motto of Learn to do by Doing.
“Our members are out there physically doing it themselves. They’re not watching other people do it,” said Frey. “The clubs do lots of different things, helping out other people around their communities, whether it’s elderly people or other things.”
Public speaking is a huge aspect of 4-H. Young people have to prepare and deliver a speech every year.
“The kids have the drive and the passion. They want to get out and do things and make things better. When people look at resumés later on in life and they see there’s 4-H experience, that speaks volumes to those employers that these kids are definitely ones they want to hire and look at. It’s a really good and wellrounded program,” said Frey.
The beef component is a big and wellknown part of 4-H, but Frey points out there are other options. Light horse is a common one, but there’s also sheep and chickens. For those who don’t have livestock, options include cooking, mechanics, scrapbooking and sewing.
There are also avenues to meet new people and make new friends. For example, on Nov. 15, District 41, which encompasses the southeast corner, came together for the fall rally. Youths enjoyed a potluck supper, played games,
and had fun and met members from the other clubs.
Throughout the year, they participate in judging competitions on everything from cookies to flowers to cattle, enabling them to learn how to compare and rank items while providing sound reasoning for their selections.
4-H also has scholarship opportunities for graduating members and travel opportunities. A recent membership forum was held in Ottawa.
“It gives kids opportunities to get out and about across the country to see different things and meet different people.”
The Saskatchewan 4-H transformed its annual general meeting into a youth conference, with different speakers who educated the young people on agriculture and other topics. A big dance is a highlight of the event.
“We run a 4-H camp in the summertime, a north one and a south one, and the kids always look forward to going to 4-H camp,” said Frey. A provincial 4-H show was introduced in the summer. Anybody who showed cattle at their achievement day was invited to bring their steer with them and show it one last time while meeting kids from across the province. In 2025, it will happen in Yorkton during the provincial judging competition.
“This year we want to bring sheep into it, and the goal is to try to bring in as many projects as we can from archery to whatever we can get, and give kids a chance to show off what they worked at all year … and to meet kids from across the province.”
Frey is glad he had the opportunity to be the provincial 4-H president, because it’s a very rewarding organization, and to see kids have fun and succeed at what they’re doing is “awesome”, he said.
Saskatchewan 4-H president Jason Frey. File photo
Littlechief performs at southeast MRI fundraiser
Acclaimed musician Teagan
Littlechief of the White Bear First Nations showed her support for the campaign to bring an MRI scanner to southeast Saskatchewan.
Littlechief was the entertainment at this year’s Festival of Trees fundraiser for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation on Nov. 16 at Affinity Place in Estevan. Littlechief, who has won numerous awards during her career, started by playing some Christmas carols, but she also performed some cover songs and her own music during her two sets.
The 12th annual Festival of Trees Gala drew hundreds of people. Proceeds from the event will be directed to the effort to bring an MRI scanner to the hospital; the unit will be used by people from throughout southeast Saskatchewan, and will help reduce the MRI wait times across the province.
“It went fantastically,” said SJHF executive director Lori Gervais. “Everything went off as we had hoped and even better.”
The sold-out gala attracted about 550 guests and volunteers, who, in addition to the music, enjoyed a gourmet meal provided by EB’s Catering, a game of black-tie Bingo, which
was new this year, live and silent auctions featuring unique items, and a wide variety of drinks provided by local vendors.
More than $56,000 was
raised through the live auction alone.
Volunteers and community supporters played an integral role in the event’s success. Gervais expressed gratitude for
the community’s involvement, especially groups like 4-H, who assisted with setup and cleanup.
“The volunteers are instrumental. I couldn’t do what we do without everybody that steps up to help,” she said.
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize major donors, including Elaine Walkom, whose $2 million donation in memory of her late husband Grant launched the MRI campaign.
As of the morning of the gala, the MRI fund had reached $4,300,818 out of the $6.5 million goal, including Walkom’s donation. The Festival of Tree will boost the number, but Gervais noted that efforts to reach the goal continue non-stop, thanks to the support from the southeast.
“Already there was someone in here this morning with a $500 donation,” Gervais said Monday morning, reflecting on the ongoing community support.”
While final figures for the event are still being tallied, Gervais is optimistic.
Border hours amended at North Dakota crossings
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), is adjusting hours of operation for ports of entry (POEs) in North Dakota and Minnesota, beginning at midnight on Jan. 6, 2025.
“This will allow CBP to increase border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and travel. CBP officers
will be deployed to busier ports of entry, enabling the agency to use its resources most effectively for its critical national security and border security missions,” the CBP said in a news release. These adjustments have been made in close co-ordination with the CBSA, the CBP said, to ensure aligned operational hours that further enhance the security of both countries.
Full Gospel Church Welcomes You 202-4th St W. Service Schedule: Sunday morning Service 10:30 a.m.
Jesus Still Heals Today Wed. evening Bible Study 7:30 p.m 306-453-2512
Pastor Rodney & Gail Cox
The CBP says it continually monitors operations, traffic patterns and volume, and analyzes the best use of resources to better serve the travelling public. The CBP went on to say it will remain engaged with local
and regional stakeholders, as well as communities to ensure consistent communication and to address concerns.
The Port of Noonan, which is south of Estevan, will expand its operating hours to 9 a.m.-7
p.m., as will Fortuna, which is south of Oungre.
The CBP says Northgate, which is southwest of Oxbow and Alameda, will permanently maintain its
current hours of 9 a.m.5 p.m., while Sherwood, which is south of Carievale, will permanently maintain its current hours of 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Church of Our Lady, Carlyle
Father Chris Juchacz
Carlyle: Sunday at 11 a.m.
Kenosee: Saturday at 5 p.m
Forget: Sunday at 9 a.m. 306-453-6200
Arcola-Kisbey United Church Worship Times: 10 a.m.
KISBEY: 1st & 3rd Sunday
ARCOLA: 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday
Teagan Littlechief played Christmas tunes, covers and her own pieces to entertain the guests at an MRI fundraiser. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
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9. Food container
12. PBS science show
13. Roof edge
14. Be in debt
15. Fastener
16. Neat
17. Intersected
18. Born first
20. Ham spice
22. Olympic sled
24. Bloodhound’s clue
27. Had being 30. Hairless
32. Fishing string
33. Forever
35. Inheritance
37. Arouse
38. Angelic headgear
40. Doze, with “off”
41. Catcher’s place
42. Out of control
44. Observe
47. Flight path
51. Fruit-filled pastry
53. Banister 55. Likewise
56. Important span
57. Eyeball
58. Black-tie event
59. your request
60. Land document 61. Molt
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1. Single time 2. Teacher’s list
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5. Tennis unit 6. Package 7. Rotten
8. Dealer’s car 9. Funnyman 10. Fill with wonder 11. After taxes 19. Deep red
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Choir member
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HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so thateveryrow, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.
Each 3x3 boxisoutlined with a darker line. Youalreadyhavea few numbers to getyou started Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through9inthe same line, columnor3x3 box.
Confine 48. Dull 49. Florida Key, e.g.
Kermit’s kin
Verve
Illtemper
Commanded
You’ll
GEMINI
Shopping
to buy some early Christmas decorations.
CANCER
Your imaginationwill know no bounds this week! However,you might get into abit of aslump. You’ll immerse yourself in creating awork of artorindulge in binge-watching aTVseries. Creativity is key.
LEO
You may not always thrive in crowds, but you’llcome across inspiringindividu als who’ ll moti vate you to take on new challenges. Expect to develop meaningful new friendships.
VIRGO
You may procrastinate this week, but yourlovedoneswill help you getyour priorities straight while keepingthings light. Youmay have anew leaseonlife after this experience
LIBRA
Aspontaneous trip is on the horizon, even if you think it’s unrealistic. On the job, you’ll work with adiverseclientele thatwill bring youabundance. Keep an openmind whenopportunitiesarise.
SCORPIO
You’ll need to take on many responsibilities at workand home. Your hard work will be acknowledged, and you’ll be rewarded for yourefforts. Recognition andgratitude are coming your way.
SAGITTARIUS
Changeiscoming! Go with theflow, andyour worries will fade away. Sentimental projectswill happen faster than expected. Be open to opportunities
CAPRICORN
Yo um us ta ddre ss fin ancial, prof essional or personal matters; negotiations may become tense. You must strike the right balance in all aspects of your life to findpeace.
AQUARIUS
Love will takeupa big part of your week. Prepare to be romanced! Expect an awkward, perhaps unexpected and unreciprocated confession of lovefrom acolleague.
PISCES
Take some timeoff to recover from a cold. Spend afew days at home and bringsome workhome with youover theweekend to catchup. The moon will boost your imagination, inspirationand intuition.
PUZZLE NO.
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 992