The Observer February 10, 2023

the

Stoughton Library displays local artist’s work

By Stephanie Zoer

Roqueza Blough was four months old when her biological mother died.

She was quickly adopted by Dominga Maagad, who is now 90 years old, and her father was a military officer, Col. Ramon Maagad.

Blough was raised in Cagayen de Oro City in the Philippines.

As a young child, she loved to draw and sing. Her principal saw her artistic talent and would often have her draw up the posters for the school for any unique events.

In high school, she began to draw cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, but she loved sketching portraits.

Blough attended the Liceo de Cagayen University to get her bachelor of science degree and liberal arts major in economics. She is immensely proud of her education. While in school she entered a talent contest. Most others sang or danced, but she chose to sketch one of the ladies that was present and she placed second.

Once school was completed, Blough began her career in health care.

She continued to create her art as it was a passion for her, and it helped with her frustrations and stress.

Blough meet her husband Kenneth through an online dating site.

They soon fell in love, and he went to the Philippines to marry her and bring her to Edmonton, Alta., in 2005.

She was happy there and worked in health care, while drawing for her clients and co-workers.

In November 2016, she was diagnosed with uterus cancer. Blough had surgery in January 2017, but at the same time her husband was extremely ill. He would

pass away in April 2017.

Now alone, Blough stayed in Edmonton for a few years, and moved to Stoughton in 2022 with a friend.

She has always wanted to focus more on her art, and this gave her the opportunity to do so. Right now, Blough is not working, but is painting as much as possible.

When Blough was given the chance to put her art in the Stoughton Li-

brary, she jumped at the opportunity. Blough does not have her art in any gallery and this would get her name out there.

Blough uses water colour paint pour, which is using acrylic paint and pouring it onto a surface to create a design. She also does paint dragging using a brush or tool which is pulled through a glaze to produce fine blurry stripes. Acrylic painting is also one kind

of art, but portraits are her love. She can sketch a portrait from a photo in person or she will use her imagination.

She hopes to be able to create more landscape pictures as the skies here are beautiful, she said.

As Blough looks for a full-time job, she will continue to draw and look for places to display the artwork, but for now they are displayed in Stoughton at the library.

Roqueza Blough loves to do portraits either in person or from a photo. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Your first stop to find events happening in our community!

February

Hockey

Fri, Feb 10 - Carlyle Cougars @ Oxbow Huskies

Sat, Feb 11 - Oxbow Huskies @ Carlyle Cougars

Mon, Feb 13 - Moosomin Rangers @ Carlyle Cougars

Wed, Feb 15 - Carlyle Cougars @ Moosomin Rangers

Sat, Feb 18 - Oxbow Huskies @ Carlyle Cougars

*Do you have a community event you want listed above?

February 10-12 - Carlyle Oilmen’s Bonspiel

Saturday, February 11 - Valentine’s Tradeshow - Carlyle Memorial Hall

Saturday, February 11 - Brigadeiros Michele Trevisan

- Brazilian Chocolate truffles - Carlyle Library

Tues, February 14 - Join us seniors - Happy Gang Centre - 10am - 11:30am

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. If you would like to include more information than that listed here contact our sales people to see how we can help.

Shake the Winter Blues concert was well attended

By Gord Paulley

The Oxbow Arts & Cultural Committee hosted a well-attended event at the Alameda branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Feb. 3.

Two groups provided entertainment to the enthusiastic crowd at what

was billed as the Shake the Winter Blues concert.

The first group to entertain the audience was Jason and Gary Junk, along with Todd and Marcia Greenwood. The quartet all sang and played the guitar.

They were followed by Dusty Rain, a five-person

band. The lead singer was Gord Young, with Rob Wilson playing the drums, Kirsten Tanghe on piano, Vince Parker the lead guitarist and Blair Wilson the bass player.

All the members of their group also sang. Both bands played some tunes and energized the large crowd.

Brad Mayer is one of the original members of the Arts & Cultural Committee which was formed several years ago. He noted that their organization does more than organize the annual Bow Valley Jamboree.

“The number one goal of our committee is to showcase local entertainment and talent. Not everyone has the time or desire to promote themselves. As smaller centres, we can proudly showcase many of our own on a local stage and in a very big way.”

The Oxbow Arts & Cultural Committee consists of 10 members who are instrumental to bringing talent to the Oxbow and

Alameda areas. In the past, they have attracted entertainment for the Oxbow Farmer’s Market and local schools, and last year they also brought in the Saskatchewan Express.

Mayer was very pleased with the attendance at Shake the Winter Blues.

“The audience filled the Alameda Legion right to the rafters. The entertainment was fantastic, and a great time was had by all. Local entertainment has also been booked for the Oxbow Legion on March 9th.”

The committee also wanted to mention that

the annual Bow Valley Jamboree is set for Aug. 12. Said Mayer, “Last year the jamboree set a record with attendance of nearly 1,000. We are in the process of finalizing our lineup which should be bigger and better than ever for 2023s.”

Jason and Gary Junk, along with Todd and Marcia Greenwood, entertained the crowd. Pictures courtesy of Oxbow Arts & Cultural Committee

The music played by the band Dusty Rain was appreciated by those in attendance.

Vintage snowmobile race held at Carnduff

By Gord Paulley

Nineteen enthusiastic snowmobilers participated in the annual Old Cruisers Snowmobile Club race near Carnduff on Feb. 4.

The event attracted riders from all over southeast Saskatchewan and even North Dakota.

This was the 11th snowmobile race but it hadn’t taken place since 2017 due to warm weather and pandemic restrictions. There were two conditions to the snow machines being entered. The sleds had to be built prior to 1973 and all had to have a single cylinder.

Jigger Kerr of Carnduff was the event organizer. He oversaw grooming the three-mile track, obtaining donations and prizes, and arranging the postrace supper.

Despite only having a single cylinder, these snowmobiles can reach

speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour. Brand name sleds that participated included Arctic Cat, Polaris, Snow Jet and Roloflex. Kerr himself raced a Yamaha but couldn’t compete due to carburetor issues.

The warm weather may have contributed to a few sleds being unable to complete the race.

Kerr was extremely pleased with the turnout and the track.

“It was a wonderful day,” he said. “Most of us who competed know each other well and it isn’t just about winning. We like our sledding and the comradery it brings.”

There are several other vintage snowmobile rallies planned for the coming weeks. In late January, there was an event held in Stoughton. Later this winter, other races are planned for Saltcoats and Letellier, Man. The

Saskatchewan Vintage Snowmobilers Association (SVSA) also has their own Facebook page.

Pat Haddow of Carlyle was the winner of this

Five generations an exciting time for a family

year’s HD class event.

Ryan Iverson of Grand Forks, N.D. won the HR Class. The race was approximately 160 kilometres in length and took

around three hours to complete.

“A big shout out to the local farmers that supplied the equipment to help prepare the track.

Also, we had several local sponsors that really helped with the prizes. Everyone enjoyed the great pork supper at the Royal Canadian Legion in Carnduff after the race. I was very happy to be able to organize this event again after a six-year absence,” said Kerr.

Richard Van Sprundel farms south of Manor and also competed. Early on, his Polaris snowmobile developed an electrical issue, and he was only able to complete a third of the race.

“We had great weather and all of us enjoyed the event. The track near Carnduff is smooth, wide, and fast. I thoroughly recommend it for even the newer riders. We appreciated the prizes and the great supper put on by the Carnduff Legion. And a huge thank-you to Jigger for all you do. We will be back next year.”

River Onufreychuk loves the game of hockey

By Gord Paulley

Manor resident River

Onufreychuk is the captain of the Carlyle Cougar U15 team.

He centres a line which has Rolen Standingready and Hunter Colpitts as his wingers. He has 19 goals and 11 assists in 19 league games. Due to his aggressive play, he also leads his team in penalty minutes.

Onufreychuk is a righthanded shot and wears number nine.

“I feel I read the ice well and have a good shot. I feel I am strong on my skates and good defensively,” he said.

Onufreychuk is the son of Jodi Onufreychuk and truly appreciates his family fan club. Older siblings are sister Presley and brother Jaydon, and he has a nephew and two nieces.

It is not often that five generations have a chance to meet, but according to Deborah Mclenaghan of Stoughton, this opportunity happened for her family.

Kenna Lucille Lynn Barry was born on Dec. 31, 2022, in Regina. Her proud parents are Chelsea Pongracz and Mackenzie Barry of Arcola.

Kenna’s parents have

resided in Arcola for three years with Barry working at Hoffman Elite Enterprises Ltd. as a swamper and Pongracz is employed by Keep them Rollin.

Proud grandmother is Marcie Bott of Corning. She is Barry’s mother.

Mclenaghan is the proud great grandmother and the mother of Bott, and is thrilled to

have the title.

Ida Payton, who lives in Stoughton with her daughter Mclenaghan is the great-great grandmother and she is excited. Payton will turn 90 years old in June of this year.

The family said it was ecstatic to be able to get together and have this special moment that will last a lifetime.

The 14-year-old is in Grade 9 and is in enrolled at Manor School. While hockey is his favourite sport, Onufreychuk also enjoys golfing in the summer. His favourite subject in school is physical education. In all his years of playing hockey, River has never suffered a serious injury.

Onufreychuk is coached by Dallas, Dean, and Branden Lequyer. Dallas is the head coach and had nothing but praise for the captain.

“When I think about

River, a few words come to mind – skilled, great skater, determined, and gritty. This year has been a breakout year for River in my opinion. He has shown how skilled he is as a hockey player all the while being a great kid off the ice.

“River started the year by playing defence for us (which isn’t his normal position) and he never complained one bit. He was there to help the team in any way he could. It wasn’t until mid-December when we moved him back up to his natural position at centre.

“We named River the captain of the team this year, not just because he is a talented player but because he has the extra qualities a captain should

have – leadership, work ethic and determination to name a few. It has been a pleasure coaching him this year, and I am sure he will enjoy continued success with hockey in the future.”

There are 13 teams in the U15 Moose Mountain Minor Hockey League. The Cougars are presently sporting an 8-8-4 record and are in seventh place. They have defeated Indian Head in the first round of SHA U15 B provincials and will now play the Prairie Storm in round two. Game 1 is Feb. 13 in Balgonie. Game two will be played in Carlyle on Feb. 16 at 8:30 p.m. The team has an extremely busy schedule with league playoffs to begin shortly.

Back left, Ida Payton, Deborah Mclenaghan and Marcie Bott. Front, Mackenzie Barry and Kenna Barry. Photo by Deborah McLenaghan

River Onufreychuk is the captain of the U15 Carlyle Cougars. Photo by Gord Paulley

Jigger Kerr, racing his Yamaha snowmobile as rider #67, was the organizer of the event. Photo courtesy of Jigger Kerr

Common sense actually prevailed

David Willberg Willberg’s World

Those who have been lobbying against the proposed amendments to the federal government’s Bill C-21 handgun ban received some good news late last week, when the feds announced it was scrapping the baffling changes.

The amendment would have added even more firearms to the list of those banned in Canada, making criminals out of many more Canadians. And it would have enshrined the changes within the Criminal Code, which would have made it much more difficult for future governments to change.

Granted, there were a lot of people opposed to Bill C-21, too, and they would want to see that legislation scrapped, too, but when it comes to dealing with the feds, you have to take every victory you can get.

The amendments to Bill C-21 seemed doomed from the start. Not only was it viewed by many as onerous and overbearing, but the federal government found itself finetuning the changes.

It seemed lost on certain people within the federal government that far more Canadians will use a firearm as a tool than as a weapon on a daily basis.

You have to wonder how much taxpayer money was wasted on discussing and studying these amendments. How much time did MPs waste on discussing these changes with constituents, listening to lobbyists, researching the issue and attending committee meetings?

Perhaps the Liberal backbencher who brought the amendments forward should repay some of the money that went towards this government waste.

Firearm ownership is one of those issues that requires the government to find a balance. An overly restrictive isn’t going to work. All you’re going to do is make responsible, honest gun owners criminals when they have done nothing wrong.

And you won’t stop people from getting guns if they really want them, and using them for illegal purposes.

Ban all firearms? That’s absurd, although there are some out there clueless enough to suggest such a concept.

But you can’t go too far in the opposite direction, either. All you have to do is look at our neighbours to the south to see what happens when the firearm laws are too permissive.

It’s one of those challenges that stares every government in the face.

Bill C-21 in and of itself goes too far, and these amendments would have been worse.

For example, the alterations to C-21 would have banned any rifle or shotgun that could accept a magazine with more than five rounds, whether it actually has such a magazine or not. And it also intended to ban long guns that generate more than 10,000 joules of energy, or any gun with a muzzle wider than 20 millimetres.

Too many people in urban settings don’t understand that a gun can be a tool. And I’m guessing that a lot of the urban dwellers think hunting should be illegal.

I’m not a gun owner. I likely never will be a gun owner. Given my eyesight issues, it’s likely in everyone’s best interests that I not operate firearms or go hunting. And I can think of other things I’d rather have for displays or collections, such as artwork or books.

I believe that people have the right to have firearms, within reason. There needs to be some limitations, within reason. There are some firearms that the average citizen has no need to own, regardless of purpose.

But my list of firearms for the banned list would be much smaller than the federal government’s.

I doubt that this is the end of this debate, and the feds might try to reintroduce some amendments. If they do, we’ll be in for this unnecessary discussion all over again.

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom,

We got the call that a favourite cousin passed away. I know, we shouldn’t have favourites, but that’s just what she was. Everybody’s favourite.

The funeral was several hours drive away. We couldn’t possibly go. We wanted to, but how could we? We have to go, we said. We can’t, we decided. There’s too much going on. But it’s Sheila. How can we not go? But we don’t have the time. Back and forth, back and forth.

We went, and are so glad we did. We found ourselves smiling and laughing in spite of the sorrow as we connected with others.

Prior to 2020, there was a noted increase in the number of people declining invitations to events or not showing up after indicating they would. It seemed to suggest getting together with family and friends wasn’t a priority.

Enter 2020. Events we

looked forward to and people we wanted to see were no longer a possibility. Emerging from that, we were resolute in not taking each other for granted. We realized what we were missing and made promises to chart a different course.

But now we are told a new obstacle has emerged in the form of economic pressures that are causing people to say no to getting together. The financial crunch is such that paying the day-today bills is already tough enough and many simply can’t afford the costs associated with invitations they are receiving.

There’s no question some big events carry a higher price tag that could include expenses such as gifts, travel or hotels. Certainly, these invites have to be declined if there simply aren’t the dollars to finance it. But something else is going on as well. It has less to do with money for the big events and more to do with time for the smaller ones.

We have currency at our disposal; currency that comes in different forms. Money is one, but there are others too, important ones like time. Unlike money, which we have in differing amounts, we all work with the same budget of 24 hours each day. So how are we spending it?

Studies of the use of

time around the world found some interesting trends. South Koreans sleep less than others, people in China and Mexico spend more hours on paid work, and the French spend more time eating than the English.

The hours spent at work are the biggest chunk of time for those in paid employment. Fully 89 per cent are spending 8 1/2 hours on the job each day, adding another five hours on weekends. Then there are the hours spent sleeping (or trying to) which averages eight hours and 33 minutes.

We spend 28 minutes on educational activities, 18 minutes doing housework, 11 minutes on laundry, 14 minutes on home repairs, 10 minutes reading, 45 minutes on shopping and paying bills, and 34 minutes preparing and cleaning up meals.

The minutes that are left are filled with variations on grooming, volunteering, caring for children, exercise, gaming or watching TV. But the number that really jumped out at me was this: the average person spends three hours and 15 minutes per day on their phones. That is quite a chunk of time. Contrast that with the 38 minutes spent with friends.

It can be argued that some of our time on phones is, in fact, connecting with friends.

That’s true. But then consider the survey question that resulted in this conclusion: a majority of people are more concerned about losing their phone than they are about losing a friend.

My husband and I were invited to breakfast with good friends. As we enjoyed our morning, we were shocked to discover we had been talking for four hours. Did any of us have time for that? No. Would we have changed it? No. It was time well spent.

In a fragmented and potentially isolating world, we should be increasing time spent with others, not avoiding it, or declining invitations.

Time is a unique commodity. What makes it better than money is that we can be truly generous with it and we end up the richer for it.

Friendship boosts happiness, reduces stress, and helps us cope with difficulties we encounter in life. Embracing a phone is of little comfort. Hugging a friend can change a day.

We would be well served to reconsider how we are spending our time, not just our money. If more were to do that, we can correct the equation and demonstrate that from now on the friendships we build will be more important than the gadgets we buy. Time will tell. That’s my outlook.

I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

- Nelson Mandela

Shelley Luedtke

It’s all about the spending

Report from the Saskatchewan Legislature

By Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison

Saskatchewan continues to make progress in attracting healthcare workers from home and abroad as part of the Health Human Resources Action Plan.

Through this plan, we are strengthening our healthcare system to provide the best care possible.

This $60 million investment will add 1,000 new healthcare professionals in the coming years.

A call was made to internationally-educated health providers in Saskatchewan and Canada who may be eligible for additional educational or employment opportunities; over 600 applications were received. Options are being considered for bridging and educational programs.

Following a successful health-care recruitment mission to the Philippines late last year, over 160 conditional offers of employment have been made to Filipino health-care professionals. Recruited registered nurses have begun working their way through the RN pathway, which includes language, bridging education and licensing.

Another 1,000 candidates who attended information sessions in Manila during the mission have been contacted. We are excited these professionals are choosing to plant roots in Saskatchewan and build their careers here, and we are committed to making their transitions as smooth as possible.

A full staff of health system navigators is now in place to help internationally-educated healthcare workers transition into the Saskatchewan workforce. The navigators can be contacted for assistance by email at HHR@Health. Gov.Sk.ca.

We are also investing in training opportunities for healthcare providers in our province. In the fall of 2022, we added 150 new seats to Saskatchewan’s nursing programs. The Saskatchewan Indigenous Institute of Technologies added 20 new seats to its health care aid program. We also added seats at the College of Medicine and Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment.

In addition, our government announced a separate investment of $5.5 million for over 550 new seats

in 18 different healthcare training programs. This is an unprecedented expansion and seats will be available in several programs as soon as fall 2023. These additional seats create exciting opportunities for students to build careers in healthcare right here at home.

Two brand new health training programs are beginning in our province this March. The Indigenous Birth Support Worker Program, through the Gabriel Dumont Institute in a partnership with the SHA, will offer 12 seats for its eight-week course. Southeast College, in partnership with the Assiniboia Union Hospital and SHA, is offering a new 33-week full-time continuing care aid program.

Learning opportunities have been made available for high school students as well. Grade 12 students are eligible for job shadowing and students over the age of 14 can participate in health-care volunteer programs.

To keep our valued health-care workers here in Saskatchewan, our government now offers one of the top incentives packages in Canada. Up

Literacy Day at Wawota School

By Myrna Olson

Wawota Parkland

School held their annual Literacy Day on Feb. 3. Parents and grandparents joined their children at school to read with or to them. Several people attended and were seen in hallways and around corners reading books with their children and grandchildren.

Sympathy to the family of Len Gavin of Maryfield, who passed away on Jan. 29. He was 91 years old and was predeceased by his wife Esther. He leaves behind his children, Kathy and Keith, and their families.

Charlie Drumm of Carlyle celebrated his second birthday recently. Several family members attended including grandpa and grandma Morley and Joan Hamilton.

Congratulations to Jen Werner and Kayle Swanson of Alameda on the birth of their son on Feb. 2. He weighed eight pounds, four ounces, and has been named Rhett Meredith.

He is a grandson for Darren and Barb Swanson of Kenosee Lake and Wade and Melody Werner of Alameda, and a great-grandson for Margaret Gervais of Oxbow and Meredith and Lynne Swanson of Wawota.

Sympathy to the family of Anthony (Tony) Hyde of Medicine Hat, Alta., who passed away Jan. 27. He was 61 years old. Tony moved from Wawota to

Medicine Hat at a young age. He leaves his wife Judy and children Travis and Crystal and their families. His siblings are Pat Linder, Carol Miller, Charlene Reimer, Brian Hyde and Colin Hyde (deceased).

The Wawota United Church held their annual general meeting last Sunday. It was a time to reflect on the past year and plan for the new year. Following this meeting we held a planning for our Time and Talent Night on March 12.

Congratulations to

Brayden Stewart, a teacher at Wawota School, who curls with the Stephen Laycock Team. They played in the finals of the SaskTel Tankard men’s provincial playdowns in Estevan last Sunday.

Wawota would like to welcome our fifth Ukrainian family. Van Knyhnytskyi has been here for several months and his family arrived last Tuesday. His family consists of his wife, Mariana, and children Viktoriia, 18, Marko, seven and Anna, three.

BEST BUYS IN USED EQUIPMENT

to $50,000 is available for new employees in a three-year return-of-service agreement in rural and remote communities. To date, 31 incentive packages have been approved. Saskatchewan communities of all sizes have a lot to offer in terms of healthcare career opportunities and quality of life.

We are also taking steps to keep Saskatchewan graduates in the province to build their careers. The SHA’s new grad nurse expression of interest initiative matches graduates with an area based on their skills and expertise.

Of the 78 nursing gradu-

ates from December, 68 have submitted their expression of interest and 29 have accepted conditional job offers.

Over $210,000 has been paid out in 2022-23 through the Final Clinical Placement Bursary, which is offered to students in an eligible health discipline that requires the completion of a final clinical placement as part of training.

Graduates may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness and income tax credits. These investments demonstrate our government’s long-term commitment to helping

students build their health careers in Saskatchewan. We are investing in new permanent positions in high-priority areas across the province. The SHA has filled over 90 positions in rural and remote areas, which is more than half of the new full-time and enhanced part-time to fulltime positions. Work continues under the Health Human Resources Action Plan, strengthening our province’s health-care system. We are committed to building a strong healthcare workforce to support Saskatchewan today and into the future.

Drilling Licenses

Rig Report

Oilmen’s bonspiel held in Alida

By Edel Cowan

Sincere sympathy is extended to Linda and Dale Potapinski on the death of her sister Rita Germain of Carlyle on Feb. 3 at the age of 56. Rita will be remembered by her brothers, sister and nephews. A funeral service will be held Feb. 11 at the Carlyle Full Gospel Church with internment at the Cantal Cemetery.

Aaron and BettyJo DeJong of Lashburn were in Alida from Feb. 3-5 visiting with friends and participated in the annual Alida Oilmen/Farmers Bonspiel. Kent and Myrla Holland of Moose Jaw were also in Alida for similar purposes.

Congratulations to Aaron Lemieux and Mallory Hawker on the birth of their baby girl

Violet Rae who arrived safe and sound Feb. 3.

It was a very busy weekend from Feb. 3-5 at the Alida Rink when the annual Alida Oilmen/Farmers Bonspiel was held with eight teams participating. After evening draws on Feb. 3, a Calcutta with auctioneer Dellan Mohrbutter was held. On Saturday a beef supper with all the trimmings was served to approximately 150 guests. The final games of both the A and B-events were played after supper, resulting in the A-event being won by Competition Transport of Carnduff, and the B-event winner Shaw Earth Moving Team of Gainsborough.

The Calcutta winner was Kristopher Potapinski and second place was Parry Peet.

Two benches by the ice with an engraved plaque in memory of Lynette Peet were purchased by the club from the proceeds of bracelets made by Heidi Magotiaux and sold at the funeral gathering at the Peet farm.

Later in the evening, the silent auction winners were announced and prizes were picked up to bring this event to a close. Congratulations to all winners.

Kitchen Group 4 was back at the helm and they set a new Breakfast Challenge record of serving up 65 breakfasts. Appreciate all our local regulars who attend this event as well as all guests from the surrounding area, especial those from Redvers. Kitchen Group 1 is in charge next on Feb. 12 from 8-10:30 a.m.

Carnduff & Area Beef  4 H Club enjoys curling

by Fallyn Shier

Our club has started this year off with a bang, with members taking part in various events throughout the month of January.

We held our club Christmas party on Jan. 3 at the Carnduff Bowling Alley. Later that week, many of us took part in the district curling fun spiel in Redvers. We had

members on both the A and B side winning teams, so this was exciting.

We finished off this busy week with our first calf weigh-in, on Jan. 8, at the Thompson farm in Carnduff

On Jan. 11, we held our monthly general meeting combined with our project meeting. The project this time around was to learn how to make rope halters. We each got to

take a rope halter home to use with our calves.

Finally, our junior curling team attended 4-H regional event in Maryfield. Members of the team this year are lead Damion Seymour, second Declynn Allum, third Fallyn Shier, skip Bryler Franken and alternate Dugan Franken. We won the B side event, and will be advancing to provincials in Swift Current in February.

23032GE2

23023GE1

A-event winners at the Alida Oilmen and Farmer’s Bonspiel were the Competition Transport Team out of Carnduff. Photo by Edel Cowan

Members of the junior curling team at the Carnduff 4-H Club have advanced to provincials in Swift Current.

Photos by Laura Kish

PIC Carlyle Atlas facility marks its first anniversary

By Gord Paulley

It has been one year since the first animals were brought to the PIC Atlas hog barn facility southeast of Carlyle.

Joe Jobin is the general manager of both the Atlas and Apex operations, the latter located in Mound City, S.D.

The Atlas hog barn

Alida, SK

is now fully operational and is housing 26,000 animals. Presently there are 2,000 sows, 3,000 piglets and 21,000 either in the nursery or being finished. A total of 1,250 animals are born every week and around 1,000 are sent for slaughter to either Brandon or Steinbach in Manitoba or to Red Deer, Alta. A

semi-load can transport around 200 animals.

To date, the sale of breeding stock has only occurred domestically. In the coming weeks, their first load of animals will be shipped to Panama. The export quarantine barn west of Carlyle is now being utilized.

There are 30 employees working at the Atlas facility. Abdoul Teuw is the assistant project manager and Galen Gueco is the manager. Gueco and his family live in Carlyle and he supervises the entire operation, including the barns, truck wash and quarantine barn.

Last fall, Atlas conducted a minimal manure application on adjacent farmland. A complete spring spreading

SPRING

WINTER WHEAT: AAC Wildfire

FLAX: CDC Rowland

PEAS: CDC Forest

LENTILS: CDC Simmie CL

CONVENTIONAL SOYBEANS: (Non GMO, not glyphosate tolerant) OAC Prudence

operation will occur this April. Local farmers will reap the benefits of highquality hog manure, which can be spread on the same field every third year. The manure and its application are free to the surrounding area farmers.

The truck wash on the west side of Carlyle is being used as a secondary wash and is used prior to transporting animals to protect the health of the farm. According to Jobin, he has not been aware of any odour issues from either Town of Carlyle residents or farmers living near the Atlas facility.

Jobin has been extremely pleased with how the facility has completed its first year of operation.

“Like all startups, there have been challenges but for the most part, our first year has exceeded expectations. We are now fully operational and will be rapidly

expanding our genetic footprint to many countries all over the world,” said Jobin. “The entire process is becoming

more and more streamlined, and we are really looking forward to a great year in 2023 and beyond.”

Galen Gueco is the plant manager of the PIC Carlyle Atlas hog barn facility.

Photo by Galen Gueco

Stoughton’s 4-H Club is focused on beef for the year

By Stephanie Zoer

The Stoughton 4-H Club was first established in 1933.

In 1950 the Rock Lake 4-H Grain Club came to life and in 1965-66 the Stoughton Crossroads Multiple Club came together. The clubs morphed into one and is the club it is today.

Jeryn Tanner is the general leader of the club and has held this position for seven years. Danielle Gibson is also a leader and Carolyn Chaytors is a volunteer.

They have six kids in the club, one intermediate, three juniors and two cloverbuds. The 4-H motto is “Learn to do by Doing,” and they work hard to keep this motto.

Kids ages six to 21 years may join 4-H and can join as many clubs as they choose.

Meetings are held at the Poplar Tree Inn once a month. Right now, they do not have a set night for meetings.

The focus is on beef calves for this season. Each youth selects a calf they will focus on for the year.

They are taught how to select a top-notch beef calf, one that is healthy to raise, show and eventually be sold.

During the next several months the students will be responsible for the feeding program, which includes amount of feed, which feed and how much the calf grows.

Socializing the calf is extremely important as the judge will walk around the calf closely, and touch the animal to check for body condition. The calf must stand still.

As the animal grows it will be halter broken to lead and enjoy many baths and brushed regularly.

The club will host clinics to help the kids learn all the aspects of grooming and showing.

One such clinic is called fitting cattle. Although the leaders are there for guidance, they let the kids try things on their own and figure out a solution, so they can take this and practise on their own yearling.

Fitting cattle is a term used to prepare cattle for the show ring. This includes bathing the animal several times a week to remove the ground-in dirt.

Once clean they are dried, foam is applied, similar to mousse for hair, and then glue is added. This is compared to hair spray for people which helps the hair to pop out.

Cattle are to look fuller and fluffy, appear filled out and well proportioned. It is much different than showing horses, as their hair is to look sleek. Cattle hair is also groomed against the hair as well, this helps the hair to stand up better.

These calves will be finished in 12-15 months. They will be shown in Estevan in July at the annual regional show.

After this event they are sold. The better the animal looks and grades the higher the price. The kids receive the money and must pay the judge and any other expenses incurred.

Next season they will focus on archery in Heward.

Tanner said they are always looking for more members and she will gladly entertain any questions about the Stoughton Crossroads Multiple 4-H Club.

At the 2022 Achievement Day, from left, judge Mason Richaud takes a look at the show cattle offered. Jaden Darveau, Brooke Tanner (standing behind the first calf) with leader Danielle Gibson, Victoria Anderson and Jordyn Tanner. Photo by Jeryn Tanner

Kipling hosts first Oilmen’s Open Bonspiel since 2019

By Stephanie Zoer

A full house was on hand at the Kipling Curling Rink for the Oilmen’s Open Bonspiel from Feb. 2-4.

The excitement began on Feb. 2 when the first games began, and they continued into the following afternoon and evening. Games were played throughout the day on Feb. 3.

Fourteen teams with connections to the oilfield industry entered the tournament. The teams could be men, women or mixed.

Out of the 14 teams, 12 teams would advance to the playoffs, beginning at 4 p.m. on Feb. 4.

Gee Bee Construction took out McKay Welding for the A division win in a tight game.

Ron Perkins defeated Ed Fahlman to win the B division and Canadian Plains took out Duane Lamontagne in the C division.

Winning teams received a jacket, but there were door prizes to be won by the curlers as well, with support by many sponsors.

The rink was a busy place, with spectators and curlers. Some youngsters took the chance to lace up and skate on the rink.

Throughout the tournament, the kitchen was well stocked to take care

of the hunger pains and quench the thirst of those that attended the event.

This was the first time since 2019 that the Oilmen’s Open Bonspiel was held due to COVID-19 restrictions.

According to Sheldon Warner, one of the organizers, it takes many volunteers to make events work and they are grateful to the ones that helped out over the weekend.

The teams that came out were mostly local, although a team from Estevan and a few from Wawota did take advantage of the bonspiel.

Warner was pleased with the turn out of the event and felt it was a great weekend.

By Gord Paulley

Thirteen teams have entered the annual Carlyle Curling Club’s oilmen’s bonspiel, with two draws on tap this Friday night.

Play will continue throughout the weekend with the final games set for Sunday afternoon.

Each team is guaranteed four games. Friday night is banquet night with Rylan and Cindy Weir catering the meal. Saturday night is pizza and wings. Non-curlers are more than welcome to join. The bar will be open throughout the weekend. Brandy East is one of the event organizers.

“Our committee is pleased with the number of teams entered that includes rinks from Alida, Glen Ewen, Kisbey, Lampman and Pierson, Manitoba. The oilfield sponsorship has been strong and greatly appreciated.”

Winners of the three events will take home cash prizes, and all those participating will receive door prizes.

Many women are also employed in the industry and will be curling.

“Thank-you to Michael Lothian, Robin Brown and David East for preparing the ice throughout the weekend,” said Brandy East. “Also, I want

to thank Laura Thompson and Chaelynn Boutin, who helped with sorting the raffle tables and prizes. And, of course, thanks to all who will be participating.”

Winners of A event were Gee Bee Construction, from left, lead Randy Seier, second David Batters, third Derek Meszaros and skip Sheldon Warner.

Come on down to the rink to watch some great curling.

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

MEMORIALS

Cemetery Memorials * 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

LAW OFFICES

Stephen J. Orlowski, B.Ed. LL.B.

VET SERVICES

Dr. Christine Ewert Hill D.V.M.Dr. Rafael Pineda D.V.M.

R. Clarke Hill BSc.

Dr. Karen Cadena

ADVERTISING

OBSERVER

PLACING AN AD

BY PHONE: 306-453-2525

BY FAX: 306-453-2938 In

AD DEADLINES 3:00 P.M. MONDAY

AD RATES

*All classified ads must be prepaid by cash, cheque or VISA/MC.*

OBITUARIES

Jean Lougheed (nee McKellar) 1932 - 2023

With heavy hearts, the family of Jean Lougheed wishes to announce her passing February 4, 2023, at the age of 90 years.

Left to mourn her are her children, Barb (Kerry) Baines, Rodney (Bev) Lougheed, and Rhonda (Brad) Paton, brother Geordie (Penny) McKellar, sisters-in-law Lois McKellar, Marlene (Roy) Lequyer, and Bette Moffat, brother-in-law Bob (Mickey) Lougheed and brotherin-law Allan Spearing.

GG will forever be missed by her grandchildren, their {spouses} and (great grandchildren): Chad {Alina} (Kady); Mardelle {Duane} (Raylie); Dustin {Angie} (Aidan), (Austin); Rachelle {Shaun} (Dominic), (Owen); Kristie (Liam), (Lexi); Scott {Renee} (Victoria); Marcie {Craig} (Kirby), (Titus), (Ryan), (Bo), (Parker), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was predeceased by her husband and best friend of 69 years, Ron, son Rick, brothers Clem, Jim, Bill, and Alf, sisters, Kay Kirkvold and Isabelle Gordon and grandson Trent.

A celebration of Jean’s life will take place at a later date.

Those so wishing may make donations to the Arcola Cemetery, c/o Town of Arcola, Box 359, Arcola, SK S0C 0G0, in Memory of Jean.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Jean’s familyDustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSI-

FIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

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

AGRICULTURE

Integrity Post Frame Buildings

SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More

sales@ Integritybuilt.com

1-866-974-7678

www. integritybuilt.com

HEALTH

LIVESTOCK

GELBVIEH

BULL SALE Red Deer Country

Alberta

WANTED

WANTED: SASQUATCH SKULL!

Also BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS & old money! BUYING large quantities of SILVER. 999+ bullion, ALL sizes, ALL brands, bars, rounds, ingots, coins, sterling, silverware, pre-1968 coins +. BUYING ALL GOLD & SILVER coins, bars, unwanted jewelry, nuggets, dust, scrap +++

TODD 250-864-3521

Feb. 14th 403-588-8620

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT HIRING: AG Equipment Techs, Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices, and CVIP/Truck Techs. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/careers. Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN

SPRING THRASHED

WHEAT... OATS

PEAS... BARLEY

CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

You have to STICK YOUR NECK OUT to get noticed. to noticed.

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-873-0481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER IN RM OF WAWKEN #93

4 adjacent quarters of farmland for sale in the R.M of Wawken #93 near Kennedy, Saskatchewan SW ¼ 7 12 3 W2

NW ¼ 6 12 3 W2

SW ¼ 6 12 3 W2 NW ¼ 31 11 3 W2

• It is estimated that there are approximately 400 cultivated acres and approximately 140 pasture acres in the package

• The NW ¼ 31 11 3 W2 includes a Vermillion Energy Inc. Lease

• Tender must be all 4 quarters

• Contact Tim Daku at 306-736-7178 for further questions

• Tenders must be received by February 28th, 2023

• The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted

• Possession upon full payment and completion of land titles transfer

• Buyer and Seller will split costs of Land transfer fees Mail tenders with a deposit to Osman & Company Law Office, Drawer 280, Moosomin, SK, S0G 3N0

Fax 306-452-3733

Website: keymauction.com

Moose Creek Regional Park Authority

Is accepting applications for the position of Park Manager

This position will commence immediately or before April 1, 2023

A competitive salary based on experience will be offered. Applicant must be bondable, have strong organizational skills, work independently, and must oversee a team of employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Park Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the park and overseeing the park staff. This includes customer service, maintaining the facilities, grounds-keeping, equipment maintenance, and daily water treatment plant operation. A Level 1 water certificate is an asset but not necessary.

Also, is responsible for event planning and projects that are outlined by the board of directors.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023. Email or mail to moosecreekrp@gmail.com or MCRP Box 926 Oxbow SK S0C 2B0

Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

FORM

2 (Section 4)

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

Town

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before 21st day of April, 2023, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

143364R361101402884852,565.789.66$2,575.44

831019812131538848963,840.609.66$3,850.26

431020065931390235698,792.659.66$8,802.31

Dated this 1st day of February, 2023

Natalie Miller, Treasurer

Worship Hours at the Church

Choice Hours at the Church

Kay

Church: 306-739-2313

High school basketball bringing the excitement

By Gord Paulley

High school basketball is back in the South East Public Cornerstone School Division. Recently, Carlyle’s Gordon F. Kells High School Cougars hosted the Arcola Panthers before a boisterous crowd.

Lars Guenther is the principal of Manor School and before Christmas he formed a co-operative team with players from Carlyle, Bellegarde, and Manor. The team consists of Grade 10-12 students and they play an informal schedule against schools such as Arcola, Oxbow, Redvers and Moosomin. They have already played in some weekend tournaments and plan on entering more. The season began in midDecember and ends in March.

Refereeing the recent Panther-Cougar game were Elmer Jove and Tom Broccolo.

“This was my first game as a referee,” he proudly said. “Basketball is a very popular sport in my home country and is by far my favourite. I really enjoy helping.”

Broccolo coached Carlyle student basketball several years ago, but with he and his wife Lindsay raising their young family, decided to step away from the team. Like Jove, he really enjoys the game and is pleased to see it back in the schools.

Jacquie Walbaum has been the head coach of the Arcola Panthers for the past four years and is assisted on the bench by Stoughton resident Shayne Foster.

“Arcola is a K-12 school but we only have a handful of high school

kids that play basketball. Therefore, we need the younger grades to help us build a stronger intermediate team.”

This past summer, 15-year-old Ilya Didur and his family, the Boikos, moved from Ukraine to Carlyle. He has decided to give basketball a try and joined the team.

“My favourite sport back home was Thai boxing, but they don’t have it over here. So, I have decided to try basketball. It has been fun, and I am starting to like the game,” he said.

Guenther is a veteran educator whose primary interest is in physical education and coaching. By far, basketball is his favourite sport and his passion.

“We have a great group of kids to work with and I am enjoying every single minute of coaching them,” he said.

Stoughton Curling Club open bonspiel offers fun for teams

By Stephanie Zoer

The Stoughton Curling Rink had curlers coming and going on Feb. 3 and 4 to take part in an open bonspiel.

Ten teams entered the tournament, consisting of two teams from Lampman, one from Fillmore/Creelman and the rest from Stoughton. There was no age limit for playing and teams could have women, men or a mixed team.

Each game went on for approximately two hours with eight ends played.

Karla Gervais, Jenn Hogg and Reine Clark

organized the event with Jeremy Hogg maintaining the ice.

Lunch could be purchased in the newly renovated kitchen on Feb. 4.

A supper break was held with salads and desserts donated by local curlers and fried chicken supplied by the Crossroads Inn from Stoughton.

Playoffs began with the A division between Stefan Clark’s team against Trevor Willock’s entry, with Willocks squad taking the win. The B division would be won by Bob Prosyk’s team, as they defeated

Kevin Dickie’s team. Jenn Hogg’s entry would take the C division over Team Reine Clark.

A raffle basket was available. It was donated by Lakeview Insurance and won by Stefan Clark.

A toonie broom draw was also held and for $2 one could enter to win the Goldline curling broom donated by the Stoughton Credit Union. The winner would also receive half the pot which went to Rhonda Sangster.

According to Tammy King, it is a great and inexpensive way to have fun.

King said hockey can

get costly with all the equipment needed, but with curling there are often brooms that can be used from the rink and registration is fairly low. Her daughter Shayda, who also plays, can go three times a week and not have to drive any further than Stoughton.

The King family entered a team in the bonspiel.

The event brought several spectators and teams cheered each other on.

For the month of February 50/50 tickets will be sold with the draw being held on March 4 at 6 p.m.

Recent high school basketball action between the Arcola Panthers and Carlyle Cougars.

Photo by Gord Paulley

From left- Taureann Brigden and Reine Clark debate on where the next rock should go. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Minor Hockey Minor

e Carlyle

XPLORER XR 700 LE

There’s some rough stuff out there. Devious dunes, rain-soaked, mucky riverbeds, manure-dotted fields and gullies marred with hulking rocks. That’s why we build the kind of machines we do.

The XR 700 LE offers a 695cc liquid-cooled EFI power plant for plenty of horses. Automatic CVT with engine braking. A smooth ride provided by front and rear double A-arm suspension. Superior ergonomics. Premium 26” tires on aluminum rims. Hand guards, 3,000 lb. winch, 2” receiver hitch, heavy duty steel racks Lots of capacity for gear. There’s a place called Anywhere, and you have a reservation.

Playoff matchups set in the Big Six Hockey League

The regular season has come to an end, and now it’s time for the postseason in the Big Six Hockey League.

Eleven games were played in a four-day span from Sunday to Thursday to wrap up the regular season. The Yellow Grass Wheat Kings knocked off the Arcola-Kisbey Combines 9-2 in the lone game on Thursday.

Four games were played on Friday night. The Redvers Rockets beat the Moosomin Rangers to clinch the regular season title. Also, the Carlyle Cougars doubled up the Wawota Flyers 6-3, the Bienfait Coalers trounced the Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings 9-2 and the Midale Mustangs defeated the Combines 9-4.

Carlyle Cougars U7 - Brent 2022-2023

Back row: Coach Brent McLean

Middle Row: Coach Scott Kirkness, Lincoln Brown, Cecil Shirley, Aurora Kirkness, Renner McLean, Coach Colin Wilson

Front Row: Nixon Sabourin, Bennett Kirkness, Keller Wilson, Sutton George

This team was inadvertently missed from our Salute to Minor Hockey section last week. The Observer apologizes for the omission.

Four more games happened on Saturday. The Huskies routed the Flyers 9-1, the Rockets blanked the Wheat Kings 11-0, the Mustangs defeated the Cougars 10-2, and the Coalers outgunned the

Combines 17-6 in one of the highest-scoring games in recent Big Six memory. Bienfait had a 10-3 lead after the first period.

Two games were played on Sunday to finish off the season. The Huskies defeated the Wheat Kings 6-1 and the Rangers beat the Coalers 8-5.

Redvers finished first overall with a 19-1 record and 38 points. The Rockets have won 19 consecutive games after losing their opening game of the season to Oxbow. The Huskies were second at 16-3-1 for 33 points, and the Rangers were third at 16-4 and 32 points. The Red Devils, who won the league championship last season, were fourth at 15-5 and 30 points.

The Coalers came fifth at 11-9 and 22 points, followed by the Cougars (910-1, 19 points), the Wheat Kings (8-11-1, 17 points) and the Mustangs (8-11-1, 17 points) to round out the playoff teams.

Local athletes to compete at Sask. Winter Games

There will be a healthy contingent of athletes from this area on Team Southeast at the upcoming Saskatchewan Winter Games in Regina.

For table tennis, female competitors will include Maia Wilson, Bailey Baumgartner, Tenley Clements, Madison Richaud and Kierra Goudy, all of Stoughton. Male competi-

tors include Easton Berner, Kruz Brigden, Kaden Piper and Leif Clark, all of Stoughton, and Carter Morrison of Carlyle.

The weightlifting team includes female athletes

Alix Rae and Kristen East of Carlyle, and Talen

Pinacie-Littlechief of the White Bear First Nations. Male athletes are Kalen Greenbank of Wawota.

The wrestling team includes Avery Barnett of Carlyle; Caitlin Cross and Rowan Murray of Wawota; and Kohen Brownridge of Arcola.

The figure skating team includes Rory Greenbank and Nate Greenbank of Wawota.

Over 200 athletes, coaches and their families filled McKenna Hall

in Weyburn for a Team Southeast pep rally on Sunday afternoon. The Saskatchewan Winter Games will run from Feb. 19-25. The first half of the games, from Feb. 19-22, will feature alpine skiing, artistic swimming, biathlon, badminton, Special Olympics bowling, curling, gymnastics, speed

skating, table tennis and weightlifting.

The second half, from Feb. 22-25, will include cross-country and para-Nordic skiing, figure skating, futsal, judo, tar-

The Flyers (4-15-1, nine points), the Oil Kings (416, eight points) and the Combines (0-20) missed the playoffs.

Bud Holloway of the Rangers led the league in scoring with 37 goals and 76 points in 20 games. Presten Kopeck of Redvers was second with 19 goals and 65 points in 19 games.

Cody Matthewson of Redvers led the league in goals against average at 1.70. Mason Plews of the Red Devils was second at 1.75.

The playoff matchups will see the Rockets play the Mustangs, the Huskies take on the Wheat Kings, the Rangers versus the Cougars and the Red Devils play the Coalers. The latter series will be a rematch of their hard-fought first-round matchup from a year ago, which Carnduff won in three games. The quarter-finals will be best-of-three matchups.

get shooting and wrestling.

The games were to be held in 2022, but were pushed back a year due to concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of