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Teagan Littlechief makes history at SCMA Awards
By Stephanie Zoer
There was a lot of excitement at the 35th annual Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) Awards on June 23 at the Vic Juba Theatre in Lloydminster, when Teagan Littlechief of the White Bear First Nation (WBFN) was nominated for three separate awards, Indigenous Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Fan Favourite.
At the ceremony, Littlechief wore special beaded items that had been created just for her by Shaylee Shepherd and represented her White Bear community. The earrings she wore were made by her aunt Angel McArthur.
Littlechief’s manager Pinky Simms flew in from B.C. to be at the side of Littlechief during the week and at the awards night.
Littlechief performed at the gala affair by singing Need you to Go, which she wrote. She was introduced as having a voice bigger than White Bear. Simms said that the excitement of the night is something she will always remember, and the anticipation of wins was exhilarating.
For the third year in a row, Littlechief won the Indigenous Artist of the year award, but she also made
history that night. Littlechief became the first Indigenous woman to win Female Artist of the Year Award. To say
she is excited is an understatement. She cried and has dreamt for many years about winning this award.
Once Littlechief was out of shock, she said, “I am completely honoured, quite surprised and just overall excited.” Simms said that Littlechief has worked so hard to get where she is today.
“I am honoured she has asked me to be part of her journey, and I cannot wait to see the doors these wins will open,” said Simms.
Littlechief is a school teacher at the White Bear Education Complex.
In the past, Littlechief has struggled with alcohol addiction but her sobriety has brought her to the high in her life now. She often speaks at functions about these issues to bring awareness.
Over the past several weeks, Need you to Go, has hit the number 1 spot on the Indigenous radio station and this has also given Littlechief something to celebrate.
The SCMA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting, developing, and enhancing the aspects of Saskatchewan music at the local, national and international levels.
Cornerstone board receives update on new Carlyle school
It was a two-pronged approach to a topic that has captured the attention of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board of trustees and most certainly the general population of Carlyle.
The new school is now in the design phase of development.
The board passed a motion that included the exchange of land in Carlyle to accommodate the upcoming construction. The town has agreed to transfer land to the board, as of Jan. 1, 2025, for the purpose of meeting the location plans
for the new school.
Six months after the opening of the new school, the board will transfer the ownership of the Gordon F. Kells High School and associated lands and buildings to the Town of Carlyle, and that will be followed by the completion of the demolition and clean-up of all existing buildings on the Carlyle Elementary School land.
The board will transfer ownership of the lands associated with the elementary school to the Town of Carlyle. Andy Dobson, the manager
of transportation and facilities, offered an update on the new Carlyle school design and plans.
He said Number 10 Architects from Winnipeg and a branch from Edmonton have engaged the teachers in the design plans, while working around the difficulties that arose during the teachers’ job action and sanctions during negotiations between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and the GovernmentTrustee Bargaining Committee.
Dobson said the planners met with students as well to perhaps include items they would appreciate.
“The total construction budget is $34 million,” Dobson said.
The one-year design phase is to be completed by July or August and the ensuing two-year plans will hopefully see the new school opened for operation in September 2027.
Dobson noted the Carlyle community is currently fundraising to add to the complexities of the new project similar
to what was done in Oxbow and Carnduff. These usually included additions to gymnasium space from 600 square metres to 700 or 840 square metres so the gym usage could be enhanced.
Dobson said the community has already asked the architects to give them cost increase estimates for gym size increases as well as potential other features such as a walking track.
“They will discuss this and come back to tell us what they want,” said Dobson.
Marcel Macfarlane’s Run PAGE 14
From left, Teagan Littlechief and her manager Pinky Simms set the bar high by winning two awards at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. Photo courtesy of Pinky Simms
By Stephanie Zoer
For more than 20 years, the towns of Stoughton, Manor, Arcola and Kisbey have had a friendly beautification competition called the SMAK Attack.
The name came from taking the first letter of each town to form SMAK.
This year the host town was Kisbey, and town administrator Nathalie Neal was excited about the event, as this was the first time she was to be the host.
Each town prepares for this day for weeks in advance, if possible, by cleaning up garbage, trimming trees and cleaning up the streets.
The towns’ residents are asked to clean up their yards by cutting the grass and pulling weeds.
Glenda Johnston and Susan Burgess, both from
June
Fri-Sat, June 28-30 - Canuck Amusements
Midway - Carlyle
Your rst stop to nd events happening in our community!
July
Friday, July 12 to Saturday July, 14 - White Bear Pow Wow Sat, July 13 - Kenosee Lake Show & Shine
*Do you have a community event you want listed here?
August
Sat, Aug 17 - Carlyle Fun Dayz Fri, Aug 23 - Arcola Rodeo
Sat, Aug 3 - Wawota Heritage Day
Fri & Sat - Aug 9 & 10 - Manor Fun Dayz
Send us the name of the event, date, and what community it’s being held by emailing: observer@sasktel.net OR calling: (306) 453-2525.
Arcola SMAK Attacks three other towns for the win
Carlyle, and Pat Jackson from Kipling were this year’s judges.
Starting in Manor early on June 19, they drove each and every street in the four towns, ending with Stoughton.
Once they had done so, they returned to Kisbey to gather with the group from the towns to enjoy a cold plate luncheon.
Kisbey Mayor Kalvin Nankivell welcomed everyone but had his administrator and village employee Yurii Mondych with him. Mondych is from Uzhorde, Ukraine.
Manor Mayor Lucille Dunn and administrator Callista Johnston came and represented their village.
Arcola was well represented by Mayor Scott Tessier, administrator Cathy Burton, Elaine Hislop and town foreman Josh Sim.
Stoughton had Danielle Hoffman, the town’s administrator, and Stephanie Zoer from town council and Krystle Zoer.
Johnston spoke for the three judges by saying each town looked amazing and the decision was difficult. Each community had something that stood out.
She loved seeing neighbours helping neighbours, and it was still happening when they were driving around. People waved and watched them go by.
With the weather having gale-force winds lately, they were surprised to only see one tree down and it was being cleaned up. The rain didn’t dampen efforts on getting lawns mowed.
They enjoyed how this friendly rivalry brought the four small communities together and how the luncheon was such an enjoyable social.
For the judges, a clean entrance into the com-
munity was important. Was it neatly trimmed and were flowers planted? Was the grass mowed, and edging weed-whacked.
It was also mentioned that power poles had all the grass trimmed around them and the towns offered free dump days.
In the end only one town can win, and even the cookie bribes did not help one community.
Manor was last year’s winner and they had to hand the trophy over to Arcola as this year’s SMAK Attack champions.
The happy group thanked their employees Josh Sim and Justin Drapeau for going above and beyond to make the town look great. They also applauded all the residents that did their part.
They congratulated the other three towns for such a fun community event and making it a fun way for the communities to get clean and freshened up.
Next year Arcola will be the host for SMAK Attack, and they will see whether they get to keep the trophy for another year or if it will find a new home.
School to have over 500 students
Trustee Tami Scott noted that trades training is something that is needed within the division, so that might be an element of increase to consider.
Dobson said enrolment projections for Carlyle will be around 525 students, and the school will be built accordingly with a core increase pro-
jection of up to 575 students, so the design will be conducive to the 575 figure with the potential installation of portable classrooms that would
include washrooms and exit and entrance doors. The total size would be approximately 7,160 square metres or around 77,200 square feet. « A1
The Town of Arcola was pleased to win the 2024 SMAK Attack award. From left, Cathy Burton, Elaine Hislop, Scott Tessier and Josh Sim. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Annual fair brought lots of fun to Arcola
By Stephanie Zoer
Once again, the town of Arcola held their annual fair, beginning with a pancake breakfast at the Ag. Pavilion before the parade began.
Jason Dukart, along with his chefs and waiters, made sure to have everyone served before the parade started. The breakfast was well attended and sponsored by the RM of Brock.
Everyone in the Arcola area knows it’s parade time when the antiquee tractors come rolling, which included the popular sound of the Rumley. The parade was well attended with 62 entries from local and out of town businesses.
The Arcola Co-op gas bar acknowledged recent retirements on the float. The sky was suggesting that it might rain, but in the end the sky cleared, which was welcomed by the parade committee.
For the first time, Doug Wyatt entered his 1962 Thunderbird that he had cleaned up for his granddaughter Teleah Wyatt’s graduation. The Oklahoma Express Horses joined the parade once again this year. They return to Canada for two months to join local parades and will also enter the Calgary Stampede parade. Doug and Brenda Sauter were from the Fairlight and Wawota area at one time.
At this time, the slopitch tournament was also well underway at the grounds, keeping teams working hard for the end prize.
The new food booth was a welcome addition. It is now located on the west side of the pavilion.
Jim and Brenda Milligan take care of the kitchen and they are pleased with the size and ease of the kitchen for volunteers to
work in. The Optimist Club of Arcola donated $15,000 to the project, while B & A Holdings donated the floor in the kitchen. The old food booth will be removed to find a new home.
The kitchen staff was happy to accommodate people who had allergies and tried their best to make sure everyone was fed and hydrated.
In the exhibition hall, the entries kept coming in and Judy Naylen said this is the best she has ever seen since she began organizing it.
Ninety-one adults and children received prizes and 72 students received prizes for the schoolwork they entered.
The talent show needed to be canceled but they did hold an open mic for those who were interested.
At noon, the junior steer and heifer show was underway. This had young adults grooming, bathing and getting their cattle ready for the ring.
This show is one of the highest payouts with prizes and is well worth the effort to get into.
Each class had five or six entries, and judge Chad Hallinger was pleased with each participant in the quality of the cattle.
Hallinger is a fifth-generation rancher, has 250 head of cattle and works 5,000 acres.
With competition being tight, it was a difficult choice for the judge. The winner of the grand champion steer was Kehler Eaton, and the grand champion heifer went to Cheyenne Symers.
Reserve champion steer was Calder Jones, while reserve champion heifer went to Rowyn Shier.
It takes a great deal of dedication to get these animals ready for the show ring and it begins once the calf is weaned.
The silent auction was organized by Autumn Downey and her crew, and they had 30 items available to bid on.
Throughout the day a 50/50 draw was taking place and the lucky winner of the first draw was Jeff Lees. Another 50/50 was held later in the evening. At the time of publication, the second winner was not announced.
Janine Houston and her Grade 11 students ensured the grounds remained clean and did an amazing job.
Later in the afternoon, Rodney and Crystal Cutler hosted the Tanner Robertson Memorial team roping competition. It was a welcome addition to the day.
Luke and Karley Hislop and their crew kept the hitching post in order well into the night when the dance took place.
Zane Vanderhulst and his team organized the
was
slow pitch tournament, and the winning team
Manor Mayhem.
The day takes a team to make it happen and the Arcola Fair Society is
proud of those that they have to make this an exceptional day.
The Town of Arcola was proud to display that they won the 2024 SMAK Attack competition with their oat in the parade. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Kyla Lees has her heifer checked by the judge. She placed in the top two at the Arcola Steer and Heifer Show. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Views
After all, it is just an opinion
Stephanie Zoer
Just a few words
We all have had an opinion about something and what people need to realize is, no matter what, it is only an opinion, and it does not make it right or wrong.
Opinions are personal beliefs or judgments that are not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
They reflect an individual’s thoughts or feelings or interpretations.
There are many people who believe their opinion is right and that it is etched in stone, and no matter what, will not change their minds. They are right, you are wrong, and they will not listen to what others have to say. This is a personal opinion that is based on the individual’s experiences, tastes and feelings.
Sometimes, another person’s opinion can shine a light on the situation and people may view the circumstances differently.
There are informed opinions based on evidence, research or expertise in a particular field.
People are quick to state their opinions without knowing all the facts, so does this remain an opinion or does it become something else?
I am sure everyone has heard the saying, “I did not ask for your opinion.” This is a sure way to tell someone that you are not interested in what they have to say, and simply should keep their mouth shut about the topic.
What if this person has the facts and they actually know what they are talking about, does this mean you just do not want to hear the truth? There are times when someone may ask for an opinion, and you clearly do not want to give it, as your experience in the matter was not pleasant. Is this because you feel you might offend the other person, or they are not prepared to hear what might come out of your mouth?
An opinion can be hurtful, so do you say it anyways, not caring if it does affect the other person?
I rarely ask my daughter about her opinion on how I am dressed or whether she likes my outfit. First off, we do not have the same taste in clothes, at all. Secondly, am I prepared to hear what she has to say about it? She is brutally honest.
Nine out of 10 times, I do not like her answer, but I still value her opinion as this is how she sees it.
Valuing another person’s thoughts should be done without anger; you did ask for it.
People have a habit of saying, “What do you think about this?” You just asked for their opinion.
A loaded question is asking someone how they feel about another person. We do not perceive all people the same, and the person that was asked may not like the other person at all, and their opinion is not going to be particularly good.
Ask another person the same question, and they might think a certain person is great, and give you a different opinion on the same individual.
Although it is their opinion, it could be regarded as gossip, and some will take it this way even if it was not intended to be this way.
Opinions are not always vocal. They can be expressed in many ways, through written articles, social media and artistic creations.
Respectful and well-reasoned expressions tend to foster constructive dialogue, while aggressive or disrespectful expressions can lead to conflict and misunderstanding.
Critical thinking is essential for evaluating opinions. This involves considering the source, evidence and logic behind an opinion. Open-mindedness and a willingness to engage for a healthy exchange of ideas are important.
While opinions play a vital role in personal and societal dynamics, they can enrich conversations and drive progress. They also require careful consideration and respectful exchange to avoid division and promote understanding.
So, the next time you ask for an opinion, are you really ready to hear what others have to say?
After all, it is just an opinion.
“Resentment
is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
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More than what a thermometer says
You may remember me writing about a mission trip I took to Constanta, Romania on the Black Sea, with my daughter and sister a few years ago.
One of the places I enjoyed meeting people and spending time was a charming venue called the International Café; a coffee house where young adults came for language lessons, games or movies nights, as well as special presentations.
When they heard we were coming, we were asked if we would organize a Canada Culture night. Along with sharing information about our country, we were told how much people would appreciate some type of snack; one that would be identified as Canadian.
We filled every available nook in our suitcases with a supply of dried Saskatoon berries, maple-leaf shaped cookies, and the ingredients needed to make puffed wheat cake. That was the easy part. Deciding what to talk about was much tougher. So we shared pictures of Canada’s natural
beauty, talked about history and government, bilingualism and culture, and touched on actors, athletes, landmarks and fun facts.
We were asked to do the presentation again a week later, this time to a group of youthS. I came across notes from those evenings and asked myself if we would give the same presentation today or how it might be different five years later.
It’s quite interesting talking to people from other countries, and hearing their comments or fielding their questions when they find out you are from Canada. We’ve talked about oil and gas with people from Houston, Anne of Green Gables with a woman from England, the beauty of Victoria with a German family, and on and on.
But the one that still makes me laugh is when we were talking with two other couples on a day cruise. In the course of introductions, everyone mentioned where they were from, which prompted comments about the weather.
The couple from Florida answered questions about a recent hurricane and said that while they escaped damage this time around, they hadn’t been quite so fortunate previous years and have had to rebuild sections of their property on multiple occasions. The ones from Ohio could commiserate, having experienced the devastation and clean-up that accompanied tornadoes a few different times.
But when they found out
we were from Saskatchewan, they were beside themselves wondering how anyone could live through the cold winters. Personally, with decent resources and good decisions, I like our chances against the cold as opposed to hurricanes, tsunamis, fires and typhoons. Yet somehow they felt sorry for us.
What we think we know about another country is likely based on some little snippet of what we’ve heard or seen, but obviously that’s a rather narrow perspective. I think about my own limited knowledge of Romania even though my life has been so greatly impacted by the nation, given this is where my daughters were born.
Romania is so much more than the revolution that overthrew a dictator, overcrowded orphanages that once dominated media coverage, the Carpathian Mountains, or the story of Dracula.
Similarly, Canada is more than natural resources, fictional characters in charming settings, or the appeal of one particular city over another. All these things are part of our country’s story, but small pieces to be sure.
Canada is its explorers, leaders, Indigenous peoples, settlers, immigrants, history, progress, policies, charter, transportation, waterways, landscapes, education, health care, inventions, art, language, geography, climate, culture, reckoning, reconciliation, pain and promise. Canada
is its people and how we have shaped our nation and its place in the world. Standing in a room with citizens from Romania, the United States, Brazil, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Scotland and Syria, and speaking about my life as a Canadian was an honour. So, would I give the same presentation today? To a large extent, yes. Yet five years have passed and Canada has experienced things in that time that could have been included. Good and bad. That is true of every country on the planet. Nothing is static. Sitting on the shore of the Black Sea or the riverbank of the South Saskatchewan stirs similar feelings. Beautiful landscapes to care for, good people with talent and skill contributing to the community, and important goals for each nation. Problems and struggles, yet with a vision to the future, all requiring effort on our part to make it happen.
Speaking in another part of the world about the country we were from, and the difficulty in selecting from a long list of things to talk about, was a reminder of the breadth of what Canada is from sea to sea to sea. It gave me renewed appreciation for all this nation has to offer.
But even beyond that is the realization that it gives the 41 million who call it home a chance to offer something in return. Happy Canada Day! That’s my outlook.
Nelson Mandela
Shelley Luedtke
Carlyle artist’s orange T-shirt design selected by charity
By Stephanie Zoer
The Ronald McDonald House Charity Saskatchewan (RMHC-SK) was looking for a T-shirt design for its orange shirts that they will wear in recognition of their Truth and Reconciliation efforts.
Emilee Steffensen, owner and operator of Moonemis Cree-ations, felt she was able to design a special logo for the shirt. Steffensen is from the White Bear First Nations (WBFN) but presently lives in Carlyle.
Steffensen’s designs were shown to the committee as she donated three of her art pieces to the RMHC-SK. They reached out to her, and she was very eager to share with the group what she had in mind.
They then reached out to their knowledge keeper Lyndon Linklater for his support on the project and after some back and forth communication, Steffensen produced a beautiful design. Over several weeks, Steffensen communicated with the design team to produce a logo for RMHC-SK and Every Child Matters. They had requested a heart and gender-neutral figure with one wearing a ribbon skirt, and for it to look like a silhouette
The child is to represent the Every Child Matters movement, whether this child be a survivor from the residential school, or they may have a child of their own.
She feels that this design can tell many stories and that is why she created it for the viewer to make up their own conclusion about the storyline and still honour the movement that it represents.
Braids are included in all the hair as this is sacred to Indigenous people and is a symbol of connection with the ancestors, the Earth and its Creator.
Included in the design is a ribbon skirt as it is an iconic piece of clothing, and all Indigenous
people have their own story behind this.
For Steffensen it represents resilience, survival and identity. This is a reminder to them of their sacredness of a woman and the power in that, but the meaning changes with each person who wears the skirt and shares their story.
Prairie lilies were added, as this is the official flower of Saskatchewan, and she wanted to honour the land. The flower vine is for the growth of the Indigenous people, their roots on the land and how they overcame trauma.
The detailed artwork was sent in to the RMHC-SK team and they were incredibly pleased with the outcome and the
detail in Steffensen’s design. RMHC-SK is committed to reconciliation and to the TRC Calls to Action.
Kelly Humphery from the reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion committee said the Saskatoon Tribal Council encourages organizations to wear the orange shirt the last Friday of every month, to honour and acknowledge the harm done to survivors and their families through the residential system.
Once the logo was completed, t-shirts were ordered in with the design. They have decided to wear the orange tshirts every Friday in honour of Every Child Matters movement.
OILFIELD DIRECTORY
so that it stood out on an orange shirt.
With those requests, she went to work and designed two-gender neutral adults and a child in the middle. The youth is in the centre of the heart and the adults are on each side, holding the child’s hand. RMHC-SK is all about
helping families, so Steffensen wanted her design to focus on the importance of family, whether it be a single parent, an elder, parents of the opposite sex or same-sex relationship. It was especially important to Steffensen that no one be left out in her design of this important shirt.
RigRep or t
From left, Kelly Humphrey and Karen Zinkiew with the reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion committee from the Ronald McDonald House Charity, proudly display the T-shirt designed by Moonemis Creeations. Photo by Courtney Hufsmith
The overview budget numbers for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) appear promising but when it comes to operations and actual cash situations, not so much.
Shelley Toth, the SECPSD’s chief financial officer and superintendent of division services, submitted the 2024-25 budget to the board of trustees for their approval on June 19 during their regular open meeting.
Total revenue is anticipated to be $126.3 million while operating expenditures should come in at $122.1 million she said.
Capital expenditures, including a $10 million as-
signment for a new school plan in Carlyle, are part of the process she added.
The majority of the expenses go toward teachers and administrative and other support staffers which amount to 1,105.83 full-time equivalent positions.
The Public Sector Accounting Board standards met with this budget, shows a surplus of $4,200,783 for the next school year that includes the $10 million grant for the new school with costs not expensed until the construction is complete and then amortized over a period of 50 years.
On the actual operations side though,
Toth highlighted the expected cash deficit being $2,743,766 for the next school year signalling another year of diminishing surplus that is expected to leave the division with an accumulated surplus of $14.30 million, down substantially from the peak available surplus that was registered as $32.30 million in the 2016-17 school year. The surplus has been steadily declining annually since the 2018-19 academic year she noted.
During the budget review for the benefit of the board members, Toth pointed out that provincial grants still amount to the lion’s share of the in-
come with $109.5 million or 87 per cent of the total revenue coming from that source since the government took over the collection of school taxes.
Besides the $10 million set aside for the new school in Carlyle, another $2.7 million in revenue is school generated while another one percent or $1.2 million arrives from tuition paid for students from outside the division’s boundaries. Another $2.8 million is derived from a variety of sources.
On the expense side of the ledger, Toth said $88.2 million, or 72 per cent, is spent on salaries and benefits, as expected with another $26.1 million
Bear Claw supports snacks for kids
The Bear Claw Casino & Hotel is supporting the Carlyle Public Library with its Healthy Snacks for Kids Program. With the increasing cost for families in the area, this is one of the ways the business can give back to the community. Bear Claw looks forward to supporting more initiatives like this in the future. Participating in a presentation on June 19 were Marion Littlewolf, Peggy Slykhuis, Loradel Tinno and Naomi Twietmeyer.
by Dolores Young
devoted to the purchase of goods and services, making up about 21 per cent. Another $7.2 million is assigned to amortization requirements and just $500,000 is used to service debt.
Toth pointed out that Cornerstone has 506.10 full-time teaching positions to fill along with about 600 non-teaching positions.
On the teaching side of the equations, she noted there was an increase of 4.23 classroom teachers in the division’s system along with an increase of just under 15 (FTE) educational assistants.
Other notable capital purchases will include
new school buses for $1.5 million and another $1.4 million for computer hardware and equipment for five schools that require refreshed network equipment and access point upgrades, Toth said. Further on the capital expenditures side, Toth said the purchase of furniture and other equipment will come with a cost of $301,00 and another $110,000 will be spent on fleet vehicle replacements and another $30,000 for the completion of a relocatable classroom at Assiniboia Park elementary school in Weyburn. The motion to accept the budget was passed unopposed.
Photo
Lots of festivities planned for Canada Day
People in the southeast will have lots of opportunities to celebrate Canada Day on and before July 1.
The Carlyle Fun Dayz committee will provide a head start on the weekend by hosting the Canuck Amusements midway from June 28-30 at the Carlyle Sports Arena. In addition to the midway, people can look forward to carnival games and food.
The midway will be open June 28 from 2 p.m. to close, and June 29 and 30 from noon to close. Closing time depends on crowd volume and at the operator’s discretion. Wristbands will be sold up to a half hour before closing.
Beer gardens will be open until midnight on the first two nights of the fair, with live music courtesy of Switch on June 28 and Prairie Revolt the following night.
The Carlyle and District Lions Club will serve a pancake breakfast at the Carlyle Happy Gang on June 29 from 8-10 a.m.
Oxbow has two days of activities planned, with Multiculturalism Day on June 30 and Canada Day on July 1.
The June 30 activities will be happening at Bow Valley Park. They include a disc golf tournament at the course at 1 p.m.; kayaking and canoeing at 3 p.m.; an Indigenous beading workshop starting at 3:30, 5 and 6 p.m.; children’s activities at 4 p.m.; beer gardens at 4:30 p.m.; food trucks and vendors at 4:30 p.m.; and music on the stage at 5:30 p.m. featuring the Oxbow Lighthouse Fellowship, bagpipes, the Leftovers, and C. Hill & The Gang. Fireworks will occur at dusk, and people can tune into 106.9 FM for choreographed music.
Most activities for July 1 will also be at Bow Valley Park, although some will be happening in Oxbow. There will be a pancake breakfast at the Oxbow branch of the Royal Canadian Legion at 8 a.m. and a parade in the town at 11 a.m.
Then the attention will shift back to the park. A duck derby will occur on the Souris River at 3 p.m. to support the campaign to purchase a new fire truck. Music will be on stage at the park from
Nightlife Country and Métis music at 1 p.m. and the Powells at 4 p.m. There will be beer gardens at 1 p.m., a bouncy castle and petting zoon also at 1 p.m., children’s activities and games with a cool-down station, a fish pond, fire trucks and a dunk tank, and a karate demonstration courtesy of the Red Dragon Kenpo Karate group at 1:30 p.m., Canada birthday cake at 2 p.m., and food vendors.
Redvers will have a homecoming during the Canada Day long weekend from June 29-July 1. Activities on June 29 will be a history display at the Redvers Public Library at 9:30 a.m., a trade show at the rink at 11 a.m., a concession and a DJ at 11 a.m., plus food trucks, a bouncy castle and colouring contest at the tourism office, sand and water stations, and a car and motorcycle show.
Starting at 1 p.m. will be toonie swimming. The Golden Age Centre will have an art show and town tours, also at 1 p.m. A kids’ mini tractor derby will be at 2 p.m. and a cabaret will happen with a DJ at the beer gardens later in the day.
Fireworks will begin after dusk.
A slow-pitch tournament will begin June 29 and wrap up the next day. Many of the activities from June 29 will also happen on the 30th, but there will also be a breakfast at the ball concession at 8 a.m., a ranch rodeo at 2 p.m., a library tent at the tourism booth at 3 p.m., a catered dinner at the
rink at 6 p.m., a “horse race” at 7 p.m. and live music with Quinton Blair from 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Canada Day will offer a Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., a children’s fireman rodeo at 10 a.m., a history sign presentation at 10:30 a.m., face-painting at the tourism office at 10 a.m., a Canada Day parade at 1 p.m., Canada Day birthday cake at 1:30 p.m. and a ranch rodeo with a performance by the Truco trick riders at 2 p.m.
The White Bear Lake Resort will also be busy on Canada Day with activities at the hotel beach. According to the event’s Facebook page, there will be a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m., the opening honour song at 10:15 a.m. Chief Nathan Pasap will welcome visitors at 10:20 a.m. A parade will occur at 11 a.m.
Children’s activities will run throughout the day, and there will be horseshoe and volleyball tournaments for adults and youths, a free barbecue, and Keer’s bouncers and inflatables for children.
The Town of Stoughton will have an event at Taylor Memorial Park starting at 4:30 p.m. Hamburgers, hotdogs, salads and drinks will be served by the Stoughton Lions Club, with all proceeds to be donated to the Stoughton First Responders. Entertainment will be provided by the Caragana Ramblers. Fireworks will happen in the park at dusk.
Photo by Darwin Brandis / iStock / Getty Images Plus.
Stoughton Tecumseh FD gets a new re truck
By Stephanie Zoer
In an exciting development for the town of Stoughton and the RM of Tecumseh, the fire department recently acquired a brand new fire truck.
This significant addition to the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department (STFD) marks a major step towards enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities.
On June 20, the STFD’s members rolled around the town on their new wheels, sounding the siren in excitement and showing the residents their new addition. The smile on the firefighters’ faces showed the excite-
ment of this major purchase.
Firefighters held a barbecue at the STFD hall to welcome the truck, give residents the opportunity to see it up close and present two deserving awards.
Vik Katay and Devon Brigden received their 20 years of dedicated service awards from STFD Fire Chief Pat Slater, who thanked them for their serve to the department.
Both men could not believe that it had been 20 years already, but they are ready to volunteer for another 20 years, helping in the community to stay safe. Katay has also been on the first responders’ team for 20 years.
Brigden was born and
raised in the area, and lived in Stoughton for 10 years, but now lives just
outside of town, while Katay moved to Stoughton 21 years ago from Calgary.
Katay also stepped forward to be a deputy chief, along with Doug Turner, Leon Gilbertson and Randy Coderre.
Approximately 60 people attended the event, which included Stoughton Mayor Clarence Hoffort and RM of Tecumseh Reeve Zandra Slater. Also in attendance was the fire department board and members from Acres Fire Truck, which built the equipment and came from Wawanessa, Man. They were on hand to help guide the firefighters on the new addition.
The new fire truck is a top-of-the-line model designed with the latest firefighting technology, which boasts an array of advanced features.
It is equipped with a powerful pump system that can deliver water at high pressure, crucial for tackling large fires.
The truck includes an extended ladder facilitating rescue operations in multi-story buildings and hard-to-reach areas.
It is designed with modern safety features such as improved seat harnesses, advanced air bags and stability controls, and reduce physical strain on firefighters dur-
ing long and challenging operations.
The acquisition of the truck has been met with enthusiasm from all those involved.
The new truck will enhance the ability for the STFD to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies and it will improve the safety of the firefighters. The old fire truck that is 10 years old has been sold and will go to its new home in northern Saskatchewan.
The arrival of the new fire truck marks a proud moment for the STFD, and it is a leap forward in public safety and emergency preparedness.
Two re ghters from the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department received awards for 20 years of dedicated service. From left, 20-year member Vik Katay, Deputy Fire Chief Ray Coderre, 20-year member Devon Brigden, and Fire Chief Pat slater. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
The Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department, the re board and crew from Acres Fire Truck were proud to display their new re truck. Photo by Amanda Brigden
Arcola Kisbey 4H Beef Club enjoys demonstration day
By Jackson Lees
The Arcola Kisbey 4-H Beef Club met at the Charltons farm near Weyburn for a demonstration day with all club members in attendance.
The senior members of the club organized the day and mentored younger members. We split up into two groups.
The first group was shown pointers how to get better at
showmanship and the other group was how to wash our cattle. Then we switched so that we all got to do both washing and showmanship.
Thank you to our senior members Emma Lees, Kyla
Lees and Matthew Charlton for doing this for us, as we learned a lot.
We then had a general meeting where we discussed our Achievement Day and got our questionnaire study sheets to get prepared for the test. After that we had cheesecake and drinks.
We will see everyone at our annual Achievement Day on June 29 at the Arcola Fair Grounds. Everyone is welcome.
Three people charged in drug bust north of Carlyle
A recent traffic stop in southeast Saskatchewan resulted in drug and firearm charges against three people. According to information released by the Saskatchewan RCMP on Monday, Carlyle RCMP were conducting proactive patrols on June 9 at approximately 9:45 p.m., and performed a traffic stop on
Highway 9 south of Kenosee Lake.
An investigation determined the vehicle was not registered. Further investigation showed the driver of the vehicle was wanted on a warrant from the Ponteix RCMP for a January livestock-related fraud.
The investigation con-
tinued, and officers located and seized approximately 25 grams of cocaine, approximately eight grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, a compound bow, a sword and drug trafficking paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Two men and a woman were arrested at the scene.
Mathew Lowry, age 20,
Hayleigh Neumann, 18, and Zachary Hillis, 31, all from Carnduff, are charged with one count each of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and one count of possession of a firearm/prohibited
weapon when knowing possession was unauthorized under the Criminal Code. Hillis was also arrested on his outstanding warrant. Lowry, Neumann and Hillis are scheduled to appear in Weyburn Provincial Court on July 24.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Showmanship lessons were an important part of the recent demonstration day for members of the Arcola-Kisbey 4-H Beef Club. Photo courtesy of
Back row: Todd Brady (assistant coach), Hosanna Sparrow, Shane Valentine (coach), Gavin Thomas (assistant coach), Jeff Faber (assistant coach).
Middle row: Atarah Sparrow, Rylee Brady, Abigail Thomas, Aubree Kachur, Andie Valentine, Jorja Puskas, Sloan Mryglod,
Carlyle U11 softball (Grimes & Ryan)
Back row (L to R): Erica Grimes (head coach), Krystal Fehrenbach (assistant coach), Raya Fehrenach, Zara Nistor, Hayden Smith, Tally Mcarthur, Lucy Caldwell, Bree Ryan (head coach)
Middle row (L to R): Samantha Korchinski, Ahvery Lang, Emma Ryan, Oaklyn Van Meer, Kylie Winters
Front row (L to R): Hadley Blaise & Scarlett Nistor
**Missing - Kirsten East (assistant coach) & Cali Cameron
U13 Girls Cardinals
Back row (L to R): Sara East (assistant coach), Aliya Faber, Reese Rutten, Brynn Chapman, Olivia East, Jessie Humphries, Hadlie Grodecki Middle row (L to R): Kylin Hoffman, Emme Brownlee, Measha Arthur, Cozi Perrot Front row (L to R): Leighton Thompson, Skylar Lachapelle Missing: Wanda Humphries (coach), Todd Thompson (assistant coach), Kyle Millions
U11 Softball - Shane’s Team
Ellexah Humphries, Parker Mack. Front row: Peyton Faber, Avery Husband, Tatum Hoey.
U7 Softball Brady Coach - Dawn Brady
(L-R) Sadie Efford, Khloe Brady, Ava Bryant, Lennon Blaise, Clara Fuller, Aubrey Cappo
U9 Softball
Back Row (L-R) Coaches: Assistant Coach Taigan Fowler, Assistant Coach Katie Mryglod, Head Coach Lucas Brady, Manager Carlee Brady
Second Row: Eden Jones, Ripley Fowler, Grace Fuller, Macie Faber, Nova Winkler, Finley Sauter Front Row: Quincie Englehutt, Palmer Mryglod, Charlie Brady, Maddison Simmons, Kamryn Toms, Claire Winter
U15 Softball
Back row: Asst Coach Tracey Handley, Abby Thompson, Avery Barnett, Jayda Light, Dannie Eaton, Maisy Kennedy, Charlotte Bee, Toree Knockaert, Coach Nigel Gervais Front row: Ella Neuman, Chandler Sutherland, Taelyn Cutler, Tenley Gervais, Alix Rae, Layla Shire Missing: Asst coaches Nicole Gervais & Evan Handley
U17/U19 Girls
Back row: Coach - Lainey Levesque, Zadie Gervais, Bella Kennedy, Taya Lavallee, Kirsten East, Hayley Rutten, Alyssa Bee, Coach - Katie Rowley Front row: Lacie Mcarthur, Jenayva Dangstorp, Syah Sutherland, Lily Cormier
U7 - Team Josh
Back row (L-R): Josh Hohn (coach), Colt Mack, Oliver Sauter, Lincoln Hohn, Carter Tomaszewski, Rekyn Fowler, Ty Currie (asst. coach), Joel Mack (asst. coach), Morgan Currie (asst. coach)
Front row L-R- Nixon Sabourin, Thatcher Toms, Huckston Hohn, Kitt Currie
Missing - Lennox Armstrong, Fritz Sauter (asst. coach) Blair Toms (asst. coach)
Carlyle U9 Senior Rally Cap - Team Scott
Back Row (L-R): Clay Geiger (Assistant Coach), Scott Nicholson (Coach), Carver Brown, Hendrix Berg, Jagger Blaise, Brecken Cameron, Coy Geiger, Connor Caldwell, Parker Cameron (Assistant Coach)
Front Row (L-R): Kingston Boulet, Jayce Menard, Joe Ryan, Connor Nicholson, Marco Magtubo, Hale Foster, Missing Cooper Ryan (Assistant Coach)
U9 Junior Rally Cap - Team Randy
Back Row (L-R)James Hislop (assist. coach), Liam Hislop, Kendrick Dormuth, Nash Vindevoghel, Sedric Moore, Rhys Shortland, Sutton George & Dana Brown (assist. coach)
Front Row (L-R)Head Coach • Randy George, Jaxon Grado, Sully Moore, Walker Brown, Macsen Saville & Onyx Maxie Missing: Assistant Coach • Mike Shortland
Back Row (L-R): Tyson Morson (asst. coach), Curtis Johnston (asst. coach), Heatley Burton, Jordan Hewitt, Connor Johnston, Weston Dormuth, Declan Zilm, Kip Geiger, Clay Geiger (head coach)
Front Row (L-R): Keegan Morson, Kayden Drumm, Kyann Horri, Gunner Lees, Jasper Blaise, Orlando Horn.
U13 Cardinals Baseball (Rams)
Back Row: Rams Tremblay (Coach), Colt Pasap, Luke Tremblay, Jayce Kachur, Grayson Bloomfield, Nik Brown, Nash Faber, Evan Bloomfield (Asst. Coach)
Front Row: Reed Coffey, Hayden Puskas, Boston Shire, Carter Workman Missing: Jason Shire (Asst. Coach)
U11 Baseball
U9 senior rally cap - Team Danny Back row (L-R): Tyson Morson (assist. Coach), Danny Rasmussen (coach), Brent McLean (assist. Coach)
Middle row (L-R): Jase Aldred, Braden Morson, Noah Rasmussen, Cade Dayman, Luke Johnston, Donivan Humphries, Wyatt Korchinski
Front row (L-R): River Leslie, Rogan McLean, Kendyn Rekken, Luka Sabourin, Renner McLean, Rian Standingready
13U Baseball (Joey)
Back Row (L-R): Joey Eaton (Coach), Griffin Eaton, Owen Light, Knox Valentine, Kane Zilm, Wyatt Fuller + Bill Fuller (Asst Coach). Front Row (L-R): Keenan Winkler, Ryan Russell, Greyson Grimes + Ethan Grimes.
11U Boys
Front row from left to right: Gannon Dyrkis, Cohen Carlsen, Doughty
Second Row from left to right: Oskar Hjertaas, Jackson Dyrkis, Luke Sutter, Lyndon Leatherdale, Ethan James-Poirier, Crue Garnier, Hunter Birch, Gracelynn Bayliss.
Back Row from left to right: Assistant coach Jessica Bedecs and Coach Bryce Birch. Missing from picture is Manager Christine Birch.
15U Boys
Christian Lambert, Assistant coach Tricia Pickard, Kelton Sorenson, Jack George, Ryker Gavelin, Will Sutter, Coach Lindsey Jensen.
Back row from left to right: Hudson Lincoln, Kyson Gavelin. Missing from photo: Manager Pauline Lincoln.
18U Boys
Front row from left to right: Jacob Ulrich, Ryatt Huynh, Cooper Godiner, Peyton George, Carson Gervais, Rylan Lawless. Back Row from left to right: Assistant Coach Mike Swayze, Assistant coach Jeremy Krainyk, Grady Sutter, Teagan Bookout, Koby Krainyk, Quentin Cop, Tristan Swayze, Carter Ewert, Coach Aydan Lawless and manager Angela Gervais. Missing from the picture: Players Blaise Jorgensen and Cade Mohrbutter.
7U Craig
Front row from left to right: Oaklen Godiner, Rylan Millions,Owen Boettcher, Brooks Gaudet, Zeppelin Yates, Jake Gaudet, Haze Rutten. Back Row: Manager Kayleen Gaudet. Missing from photo: Coach Craig Gaudet and assistant coach Cooper Godiner.
Dr. Robert Kitchen MP Souris-Moose
7U Jeremy
From left to right: Coach Jeremy Rintoul, Liam Reiner, Sorren Toms, Maddox Hoff, David Soroka, Arri Reddick, Kane Purvis, Rory Rintoul, Ethan Martin, Manager Katy Soroka. Missing from photo is assistant coach Samantha Matthewson.
13U Boys
Front Row from left to right: Dane Campbell, Zuma Gervais, Breckin Frecon, Arjen Van Der Wall, Huxton Cameron. Back row from left to right: Coach James Cameron, Manager Tiffany Millions, Jacob Finkle, Jack Millions, Nathan Quenelle, Camden Carlsen, Drayden Yates, Hunter Kamp, Assistant Coach Greg Quenelle.
9U Bradey
Front row from left to right: Henri Hjertaas, Max Carlsen, Memfis Miller
Second Row from left to right: Coach Bradey Fidierchuk, Keegan Laich, Nash Bennett, Karter Carrier, Beau Fidierchuk, Haze Campbell, Wyatt Boettcher. Last row: Assistant coach Derek Campbell and manager Mila Miller
Front row from left to right: Daxson Packard, Jhace Blerot, Regan Gervais, Raif Henrion. Second row from left to right:
Bryce
Toms, Barrett Poirier, Avery Bedecs, Alex Finkle.
Saluting Redvers Minor Ball Teams!
U7 Kendra
Front row from left to right: Sophie Hutton, Mia Rodrigues, Dakota Frison, Quinn Miller, Henley Gallagher, Kayley Millions, Jami Culbertson, Reece Cowan, Ainsley Henderson.
Back row from left to right: Coach Kendra Miller and assistant coach Danica Frison.
U9 Katrina
Front Row from left to right: Blake Toms, Brandy Englot, Braeley Hoff, Elizabeth Soroka, Jaylynn Lynch, Lauren Hannah, Kenna Gervais, Bailey Richards. Back row from left to right: Assistant Coach Kim Toms, Coach Katrina Lynch and assistant coach Derek Soroka. Missing manager Jamie Richards.
U9 Christina
Front row from left to right: Irelyn Gallagher, Abby Reiner, Laiklyn George, Madison Birch, Alexis Bedecs, Ariel Van Der Wall, Nadia Dekeyser, Mikah George. Back Row: Coach Christina Birch. Missing: Assistant coach Jessica Bedecs and Manager Jessica George.
U11 Ryan
From left to right: Assistant coach Raechelle Chicoine, Coach Ryan Toms, Rayah Smith, Layla Blerot, Sasha Toms, Emma Hutton, Arilynne Real, Brandy Englot, Savannah Martin, Sierra McColl, Penelope Henderson and assistant coach Brandy George.
U11 Brittany
From left to right: Coach Brittany Yates, Brayleigh George, Emma Gavelin, McKenna Richards, Alexine Reddick, Allie Cosgrove, Gracelynn Bayliss, Charliegh Fidierchuk, Aubree Garnier, Harlow Gervais and assistant coach Liberty Bayliss. Missing from picture: Alexis Gavelin.
U13 Girls
From left to right: Emlynn Poirier, Lexus McKennitt, Ava Lambert, Adley Raymond, Chloe George, Hadley Garnier, Rylee Garnier, Brynn Gervais and Coach Kelsey Raymond. Missing from picture: Assistant coaches Travis Garnier and Chantelle Garnier and manager Brooklyn Garnier.
U15 Girls
Front row from left to right: Olivia Pirlot, Rylee Garnier (AP), Kamri Kirby, Kinsley Hoff.
Back row from left to right: Assistant Coach Jayda Fowler, Kyler Kamp, Serenidee James, Hayden Henderson, Sophie Martin, Ashlyn Ulmer, Halle Pospisil, Zailey Bennett and Coach Joanne Williams.
U17/19 Girls
Front row from left to right: Camdyn Pickard, Fin Eckersley, Coach Tricia Pickard, Jayda Fowler, Macy Henderson.
Back row from left to right: Assistant coach Stephanie Zelionka, Avva Steenbruggen, Cydney Stewart, Jennifer Davis, Trinity Sylvestre, Assistant coach Amber Sylvestre. Missing from team photo: Kadie Cossgrove, Frankie Millions, Presley Nord.
Carndu re ghter completes Big Horn 100-mile race, helps raise $15,000 for mental health
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
Marcel Macfarlane, a 10-year-plus veteran of the Carnduff Fire Department (CFD), crossed the finish line of the Big Horn 100-mile ultra-marathon on June 15, after two gruelling days of running through the rugged terrain of Wyoming. His achievement was not just a personal milestone but a significant step in raising awareness about mental health and fighting the stigma associated with it.
Macfarlane, 52, who has been dealing with clinical depression, embarked on this challenge to spotlight mental health issues and raise funds for the Carnduff Fire Department’s mental health initiatives.
His journey to the Big Horn 100, which became his fifth 100-miler, was marked by perseverance and a deep commitment to breaking down the barriers around mental health. Macfarlane, who
has been a runner all his life and has participated in ultra-marathons since 2007, decided to turn his passion for running into a platform for advocacy after his own experiences with depression and the support he received from the fire department’s mental health services.
In 2019, Macfarlane attempted the Big Horn 100 but had to drop out due to severe weather conditions. Following the race, the physical injuries he suffered prevented him from running for a long time and put the entire possibility of returning to his passion at risk. That, along with work-related stress, pushed his preexisting condition even further.
“I enjoy the challenge of distance running and shortly after the 2019 attempt, I began to get a variety of different running injuries that impaired my ability to run in much of a significant way,” Macfarlane recalled. “I probably would have been a marginally
clinically depressed person before that, but then, with the inability to run, my depression got quite a bit worse.”
Thankfully, the CFD offers a variety of mental health support and counselling services for the members, so Macfarlane was able to receive the help he needed at the time.
“I was utilizing some of those just to try to combat the difficulties that I was having. And so, I began to think in 2021-22, as I began to physically recover, that if I had another opportunity to do another long-distance 100-miler, I would try to give back to the fire department, and give back in a way that would allow them to put together more resources for other individuals that might need something,” he shared.
a larger campaign that included a community awareness effort to promote mental health awareness. The CFD organized a community run to engage local residents and spread the message about the importance of mental health support.
port team, Macfarlane completed the race in 30 hours, 33 minutes and seconds.
the Carnduff RCMP.
And even more people, including his mother, were following his progress online at home, thanks to the addition of GPS trackers that allow people to see the runners move through the route.
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“I had a team to help me,” he said. “My wife ran with me, as well as friends and colleagues from the fire department and local RCMP. Their support was crucial.”
“I had thought a lot about my clinical depression as a sign of weakness. But then I started to think a lot more in terms of the context of the runs that I do. And I decided that no, I’m not a weak person. I can endure a lot and am good at enduring a lot of adversity,” he added.
“So, I thought that maybe I could give that example to other people. You’re not a weak person just because you have this condition. And then maybe they’d have some positive feelings about it too and won’t be so ashamed of it.”
After a lot of thinking and with four months of successful training under his belt, Macfarlane told the CFD about the idea, which they were supportive and appreciative of.
“They got behind me and we made it a departmental and a community-wide initiative. We started to talk about mental health and some of the negative stigma that sometimes goes along with it. And I was willing to talk openly about it,” Macfarlane recalled.
His run was part of
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“I’ve had individuals come and speak to me and thank me and say, ‘Hey, I have this too, and I didn’t know that you did. And now because of you, I’m willing to talk [about it],” Macfarlane shared.
Macfarlane’s efforts also focused on fundraising to enhance the mental health services provided by the fire department. Thanks to the community support, as of June, the campaign has attracted over $15,000, tripling the goal of $5,000, all of which will directly help their members.
With better weather and a dedicated sup-
Macfarlane’s team members were Brad and Eliza Belke, Neil and Jamie Sorrestad, Cory Meredith and Tammy Ignatiuk. His pacers for the race were his wife Dawn Pauwelyn (23 miles, miles 30-48 and 95-100), Warner Ignatiuk (18 miles from 48-66), daughter Leah Macfarlane (17 miles from 66-83) and Jenn Meredith (12 miles from 83-95). Macfarlane noted that Brad Belke, Neil and Jamie Sorrestad, and Jenn Meredith are his colleagues with the CFD, while Warner Ignatiuk is a friend and member of
HAWK
Out of the 343 100-mile runners starting the first day, about 190 crossed the finish line the second day, and Macfarlane was 81st, a result he was happy with.
“I was in a really good position at 82 miles to go. But I had some problems for about five or six miles, so I lost a lot of places. But I also wasn’t racing for a place. When you get to be my age, that’s not the number one priority. And my number one priority was to keep myself in a position to finish, because we had a lot of people who had made donations, and we wanted to make sure that I didn’t fail,” he shared.
The town expressed its gratitude to Macfarlane and his impact on the community.
“On behalf of our mayor, council, staff and community, we would like to congratulate Marcel Macfarlane on completing the Big Horn 100 this weekend,” the town wrote on social media. “Marcel has been training hard for this event and seized the opportunity to help raise awareness, lift stigma for those that live with mental health conditions, and act as a fundraiser for our local fire department. Great job Marcel, your community is so proud of you.”
While the fundraising campaign is gradually wrapping up, donations are still accepted. People can either e-transfer the Town of Carnduff at info@carnduff.ca and a tax-deductible receipt will be issued, or check out the “Burning away mental health stigma, one step at a time” GoFundMe page. For more pictures and videos from the event, check out RM #2 and
Carnduff Fire and Rescue’s Facebook page.
Marcel Macfarlane covered a 100-mile distance through the Big Horn mountains, which is considered one of the most di cult mountain ultra-marathons in the U.S.
Pictured here are Marcel Macfarlane’s crew and pacers. Front row, from left, Jenn Meredith, runner Marcel Macfarlane and his wife Dawn Pauwelyn. Back row, Warner Ignatiuk, Cory Meredith, Jamie and Neil Sorrestad, Brad and Eliza Belke, Leah Macfarlane and Tammy Ignatiuk. Photos courtesy of Marcel Macfarlane
New manager for Arcola Co-op c-store and gas bar
By Stephanie Zoer
The Arcola Co-op has been a busy place with many changes happening over the past few weeks, one being the retirement of longtime employee Gary Nelson.
Nelson began his coop career in Assiniboia, delivering groceries to locals. From there, he became the manager of the Willow Bunch branch. This was a store that had groceries, hardware and a gas bar.
Next, he took employment at the Whitewood Food Store and became the manager. Each time, Nelson needed to move to be closer to his place of work.
For a year, Nelson was the general manager in Carnduff, and then moved to the Carlyle area
to manage the co-op food store, which was located in the old building. When Co-op purchased the IGA, he then became the assistant manager.
He made the move to the c-store and gas bar in Carlyle and remained there until he left for a few years, to do his own thing.
The Arcola Co-op c-store and gas bar took him in as the manager, and he stayed there until his retirement on June 28.
“It is time to throw in the towel,” said Nelson. “I want to travel and spend time with my family.”
He is also going to be a grandfather for the first time in October, which he looks forward to.
His wife Laurie Nelson manages the Stoughton grocery store and is not ready for the move into retirement yet.
The new manager at the Arcola Co-op will be Tanya Pongracz, who moved to Arcola 15 years ago.
At first, she was the Arcola librarian, but needed something that had more hours to offer, so she joined the co-op team eight years ago. Starting as a cashier and gas jockey, she moved up the ladder to become the assistant manager.
She was surprised to get the position although her co-workers knew she was the one for the job, with her position beginning on June 3.
Her laughter can be heard throughout the store, and she feels it is important to acknowledge everyone who works there. Pongracz wants everyone who works at the store to love their jobs, the way she loves hers.
Kassidy Schultz awarded bursary
By Doug Waldner
Gordon F. Kells High School in Carlyle held its annual awards ceremony on June 12.
During that ceremony, one of the awards given was a $500 bursary to Kassidy Schultz by the Carlyle branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The legion bursary requires the recipient to be a descendant of a former or serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Forces or the RCMP, and to be enrolled in a postsecondary institution. The recipients are also evaluated on academic performance, financial need and community involvement.
Schultz is the daughter of Steve and Jolyn
Schultz and granddaughter of George Schultz, who served in the Canadian Air Force for six years. She has spent her school years in Carlyle, and she is enrolled at University of British Columbia in September and will be studying anthropology.
During her life in Carlyle, she has been involved in student leadership.
Schultz was also involved with the Cornerstone Theatre, and deeply involved in the theatre program at G.F. Kells.
In addition to maintaining an exemplary set of marks during her high school career, she also worked at Carlyle Pharmasave, which is her family’s business.
Schultz is an excellent recipient for the legion bursary for her first year in postsecondary education, and we wish her well in her future studies. Congratulations.
The legion also has a $1,000 bursary available for students going into their second year of postsecondary education. Anyone interested can apply to the Carlyle branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
She praised Arcola Coop general manager Matthew Almey for always being supportive and having the time to answer anyone’s questions. She said he does not just hear a person talking, he listens to what they have to say.
Brittnay Hislop has also been a great deal of help to Pongracz, as Hislop is the store’s administrator and is full of knowledge.
Having 20 people on the employee list, Pongracz says they all have stepped up to the plate and offered their views on things in the store.
Pongracz wishes Nelson an enjoyable retirement and hopes he will have fun with his new adventures that lie ahead.
From left, Gary Nelson will retire from the Arcola Gas Bar and Tanya Pongracz will take over the position.
Photo by Matthew Almey
Kassidy Schultz. Photo courtesy of Doug Waldner
RM of Tecumseh pulls out all the bells and whistles for its 115th anniversary and grand opening
By Stephanie Zoer
It was an afternoon and evening of celebrations for the RM of Tecumseh, as they held their grand opening of their newly-built office space and celebrated 115 years as an RM.
The celebration began with a ceremony at the new building on June 22 when the council, reeve and friends gathered for the ribbon cutting.
Reeve Zandra Slater welcomed those in attendance in front of the new structure that houses several offices, meeting rooms, storage space and headquarters for the emergency measures organization, if they are ever needed.
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Division 1 director Bob Moulding was present, and he had
a few words to say.
Moulding commented on the building, how it is a milestone for the RM and that it took the reeve, council and ratepayers a great deal to make this happen. He congratulated them on 115 years of being an RM. This took years of councils before them and will continue with the council and reeve they have now and into the future.
Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison also congratulated the council, reeve and ratepayers on such a big accomplishment, and thanked the people before them on the hard work they had done as well. Harrison felt it was very important that the RM building was also the emergency centre if a disaster should happen.
“Hopefully it will never be needed for this,” Har-
rison said. “But it is great that it is in place and will serve well if needed.”
Slater spoke on the history of the R.M. of Tecumseh with it forming in 1909. The RM, like many areas, struggled through the years of drought in the 1930s and again in the 1980s, and also faced high interest rates.
They have had infestations of grasshoppers and made it through a pandemic, and they will continue to move forward. She thanked the people before them who worked hard and went through difficult times more than most people will ever know.
The official ribbon cutting took place shortly after Slater’s speech with the council at her side.
Festivities continued at the Stoughton Curling Rink. Valerie Creighton was the MC for the
Waterworks Revenues for 2023 - $69,489.00
Waterworks Expenditures for 2023 - $153,468.00
Debt Repayment to the R.M. - $85,891.00
Comparison of waterworks revenues to expenditures expressed as a ratio:
Revenues $64658
Expenditures $239359
This means that for 2023, water and sewage work revenues covered 29% of the total expenditures. Overhead costs of the water treatment plant can be attributed to the reason expenses exceeded revenues.
Turbidity numbers ranged from 0.26 to 1.94
The Drinking Water Quality and Compliance Report, and other information on the Village of Glen Ewen’s Water & Sewage Works, as required under The Municipalities Regulations is available for viewing at the Village Office
evening. Weir’s Catering served the meal. The guest speaker was retired radio talk show host John Gormley.
During his career, Gormley had 6,000 shows, and each show was roughly four hours long. That is 24,000 hours of talk radio. There were 25,000 guests, 60,000 callers and 36,000 topics.
Today Gormley is living in Saskatoon and is a lawyer but still does guest appearances.
Gormley spoke on how far Saskatchewan and the RM have come over the years, and that is something worth celebrating.
Settlers came to this province to buy quarter sections of land for $10, and the first grader that the RM purchased was for $150.
In the early 1900s, there were 97,000 people here and in 1941 Saskatchewan was the thirdlargest province behind Ontario and Quebec. Today there is over a million people and each year the province continues to grow, even if it is only small amounts.
He noted it is also known in this province
that a person does not leave someone in the ditch in the winters, one stops and helps.
Gormley explained the growth of the province and how we are the largest producers of potash in the world. He then spoke about the media and how it has changed and not for the better.
According to Gormley the government, media and large newspapers are not reliable sources, but the small newspapers are. Gormley said at one time the media was a trusted and honest outlet, and he feels it will only get worse.
In closing Gormley said we need to focus on the right and not the wrong.
“It is not money or possessions that makes a person truly happy,” he said.
“It is having a trusting and good relationship.” He feels if we have this, we will live a long and happy life.
Slater thanked the special guests, council and those who attended for celebrating this important event with the RM of Tecumseh.
Moosomin Constituency
Main Street,Moosomin, SK
306-435-4005
stevenbonk mla@sasktel.net Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9a.m. -12noon;1p.m. -4p.m.
The RM of Tecumseh reeve and council o cially open their new building in the town of Stoughton. From left, Councillors Tom Breault, George Ingram and Rick Bowes, Reeve Zandra Slater, and Councillors Ed Young and Jerry Wilkes. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Special guests attended the 115th anniversary of the RM of Tecumseh. From left, SARM Division 1 director Bob Mounding, guest speaker John Gormley, Reeve Zandra Slater and Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
James F. Trobert, B.A., LL.B.
Kathryn E. A. Gilliss, B.A. (Hons.), J.D. 1339 - 4th Street * Estevan, SK S4A 0X1
Phone: (306) 634-2616 Stoughton – Tuesday morning Fax: (306) 634-9881 Oxbow – Tuesday afternoon E-mail: tglaw@sasktel.net Kipling – Every 2nd Friday afternoon
* In Cemetery Lettering Memorial Benches * Cenotaphs * Columbaria Cemetery Improvements * Memorial Restoration
MICHAEL REY 306-901-7440
LAURIE REY 306-901-7000
Call, text or email mrey@sasktel.net No obligation in-home consultation
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PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252
Cornerstone looking for bus drivers
The transportation report for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) was in the hands of transportation and facilities manager Andy Dobson on June 19. Dobson spoke to the board members during their regular business
session in the division’s head office in Weyburn.
The ongoing problem of retaining bus drivers was part of the presentation, with Dobson noting that one Wawota route had been eliminated due to lack of driver(s) and then later reinstated while one route in the Lampman area was merged with another, again due to the lack of a driver in the previous school year.
The current unfilled routes are in the Bienfait Weldon and Estevan Comprehensive School areas, and two are in the Carlyle region.
A total of 1,213 routes were cancelled in the
last half of this academic year, with 42 half-days lost due to mechanical needs and 249 full days due to weather. Another 172 half-day route losses due to weather. The lack of a substitute driver accounted for 173 half days and 577 full days. There are currently 155 transportation routes covered by the division’s buses, carrying 4,593 students, well over 50 per cent of the total student population. Total coverage is 25,000 kilometres on a daily basis.
The average rural oneway ride time remains at approximately 48 minutes. Dobson also went over an extensive list of driver recruitment initiatives, and recruitment bonuses for current drivers and signing bonuses.
I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines.
Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
Artist loves to recycle and upcycle when possible
By Stephanie Zoer
Alexandria Blatter lives with her partner Tyrell Barkway in Burgis Beach, a small hamlet on the shore of Good Spirit Lake.
Born in Lethbridge, Alta., her family moved several times when she was a child, which brought them to the grasslands of Alberta, then to the chilly Baffin Island of the north and eventually to Fort Qu’Appelle.
Blatter graduated from high school in Lipton and then returned to Alberta to get her education degree to become a teacher.
Blatter is a full-time teacher who looks forward to teaching the Grade 5/6 class at the Fort Qu’Appelle Elementary Community School, but she is also a part-time artist.
Always maintaining an interest in art, Blatter viewed the world in a unique way, and her parents were always supportive in the things that set her heart on fire.
Being a perfectionist, it limited her growth in the art department, but life experiences changed this and improved her ability and her love to create.
In 2017, her interest in art really took off and she has not looked back since.
When Blatter sits at her drawing table, she has one thing on her mind and that is the piece she will work on, and she allows the idea to take over her mind. Blatter wants her pieces to tell a story that her viewers might see, and this is her ultimate goal. Her classroom and home reuse, upcycle and recycle many items, and this is applied to her art.
Her favourite medium
is the stylograph pen and anything natural like skulls, birch bark or
old wooden ores. The art she creates is all done freehand
and has extensive detail when it comes to flowers, nature, bison or fish.
All her pieces are framed in items found at local thrift shops. If they look good, she leaves them alone, but if they are rough looking, she will sand them down and give it a coat of paint to bring them back to life.
Blatter and her business Forever Awry will
attend the Artist Colony of Moose Mountain Provincial Park from July 2-8, and this is her first time at the cabins.
She had attended the art show at Kenosee Lake last summer as a vendor and this is when she was asked to come to the colony this year.
“Camping and art are right up my alley,” said Blatter.
Having spent many summers hiking across
Canada, up to the Yukon and sleeping in her van, her family teased her about being on the move or wandering.
“I just followed my heart,” she said. Being forever a wander, she incorporated that into her name as Forever Awry.
She is looking forward to the excitement of the artist colony and being able to meet many people.
Alexandria Blatter loves to create items by using recycled material and make it look like new. Photo by
Marlene Blatter
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9. Adam’s mate
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13.Adrif t
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15.M et allicvein
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20. Hy mn finale
21.Pot tery oven
23. Smallest
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30.Average sk ir t
32 .T iger
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37.Pre cinc t
38 .Huf fe dand puffed
40.D ue tnumber
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55.Ledge
56 .Row ingtoo l
57.D efendant ’s answer
58 .G iveout
59.Fitness sp ot 60.Cause to go
61.Flightlessbird
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2. Ruckus 3. Went on hors eb ack
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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 mustnot repeat the numbers 1through9inthe same line, columnor3x3 box.
LEO You’ll soon face aprofessional challenge that will make good useofyourskills andexperience. You’ll havetoadapt but will manage to achieve your goals and improve your financial situation
VIRGO
Aspiritualquest could bring youimmense fulfillment andhelp youexpand your horizons. You’llalignwith your principlesand beliefs andfeel aprofound sense of peace.
LIBRA
Don’t be ashamed to seek professional help whendealing withemotional problems or other worries. Aprofessional can help youheal. You deserve to feel better andlive life to the fullest.
SCORPIO
Yourrelationship may be going through arough patch. Yourpartner must show youmore affection.Don’t overlooksmall details during anegotiationatwork, as they could change everything.
SAGITTARIUS
Many healthcare professionals believe that mental health is essential forphysical well-being. If youhaveachronic illness, try to find outifitstems from your life experiences or your subconscious.
CAPRICORN
You must boost your self-confidenceto achievesuccess. Learn to value yourself andexhibit infectious charisma to attract admiration andrespect.
AQUARIUS
You’llhaveabusyweek.Between moving and takingona project close to your heart, you’ll need the support of your significant other. An organized space makes for aclear mind. Make sure yours is clean anduncluttered.
PISCES
You’llhavethe courage to speak your mind, even if it makes some people mad Withyour charisma and eloquence, you can persuade andinspire people to support your ideas. Art is apowerful means of communication that can touch hearts andminds.
PUZZLE NO. 245