The Observer June 9, 2023

Many danced to drums at White Bear powwow

By Stephanie Zoer

As the drum beat escorted those that attended the White Bear First Nations Youth Powwow, the jingles and song could be heard across the grounds.

On May 31, the powwow was held at the White Bear grounds north of Carlyle on Highway 9.

Students from several local schools arrived just before 11 a.m. to take part in the ceremony that welcomed everyone. They all entered the circle and several carried flags which were placed at the front of the stage. The MC welcomed the students, staff and dancers.

Wacy Lavallee, a Cree teacher from Ochapowace First Nation, explained the meaning of the drums and the beat.

Several drum groups were on hand. The beat of the drum represents a mother’s heartbeat, as it is the first sound that a child hears when in their mother’s womb.

The spirit of the drum reconnects people to Mother Earth, the soothing and relaxing sound is to help people feel good and to let go of their troubles, as the drum beat is to help wash it away.

It is usually the men that beat the drums, and young boys are encouraged to take part in this, while women are welcome to join in song. The singing tells stories of past and present.

The drum groups select names, which has meaning to each of them, as they are sometimes from different First Nations.

Dorothy Joyea follows the powwows with her husband. They often dance in them, but they felt that this day was too hot.

Joyea has sewn many regalia, and the dress alone will take her eight hours to sew, while the beading can take a week or weeks to complete depending on the detail.

She made a jacket for special occasions, such as teaching about the dresses. This jacket was made from deer skin and is completely covered in beadwork with long fringes

hanging from the sleeves. The jacket took her a year to finish.

“It is very heavy and extremely warm, as we often wear layers,” said Joyea.

At the powwow, she had made several of the dresses that the girls were wearing.

During the entrance for the ceremony, Const. Avery South of the Carlyle RCMP was present as one of the dignitaries.

When lunch break came, everyone who attended was treated to a free meal. This included burgers, hotdogs, watermelon, fruits, chips and

drinks. The food and drinks were available through most of the day.

After lunch, the dance competition began with the jingles, pairs and fancy dances. Fancy includes a shawl made of many colours. The dances are traditional and have different styles.

As the afternoon ended, everyone was thanked for coming out and taking part in the White Bear First Nations Powwow.

For more photos of the event, please see Observed At on Page 6.

Gordon F. Kells High School Grad PAGES

From left, Autumn Bigstone and Cheyenne Yuzicappi placed third in of the dances at the White Bear First Nations Powwow. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Your first stop to find events happening in our community!

June

Sat & Sun, June 10 & 11 - Alameda 4H Regional Show & Sale

Wed, June 13 & 27 - Carlyle Library Community NIght

Thurs, June 15 - Rusty Relic Museum Opening BBQ

Sun, June 18 & 25 - Red Barn Market

Fri & Sat, June 23 & 24 - GFK High School Drama - The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon

Sat, June 24 - Arcola Fair

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

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.

Oxbow Pool appreciated an unexpected early start

By Nicole Northild

A line of children and teens, with their towels and phones out taking selfies, came early to wait excitedly outside the doors of the Oxbow Pool for the opening day of the season.

Meanwhile, recreation manager Lane Nicholls was checking the levels of the pool to make sure they were acceptable before letting everyone in.

“It is a balancing act to get the right levels of free chlorine, and the sun and heat eats it up,” he said.

Nicholls explained the delicate process that can change throughout the day, which is why they test the water every three hours.

This is a much different start to the season then it looked like it was going to be only a couple of months ago.

Rubberstone

just before the children descended. Photo by Nicole Northild

“Pool planning for staff starts in April and we knew we were going to be short.”

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Nicholls shared the board’s initial concern about not having enough staff for the pool’s scheduling, due to losing senior lifeguards and Saskatchewan making a province-wide decision

to change the required course to become a lifeguard, from the Red Cross to Lifesaving. This change in requirements made many people’s previous training obsolete.

“But we were lucky this year, the community really came through. We told them our concerns on Facebook getting the word out and a lot of juniors signed up,” said Nicholls.

This will help with this year but also hopefully years to come. The pool has offered to cover half the price of the new course if someone become a lifeguard this year and the other half next year if the lifeguard returns.

A lot of hours have gone into getting it ready.

Repairs were made to the pool lining and general maintenance.

“We had to clean the pool from the winter, get out all the muck and dust. It takes two weeks to hose it down and squeegee and use the shop-vac on it. But the cleaner we can get the pool at the start, the cleaner it will stay,” said Nicholls.

After it was cleaned it then took three days to be filled with town water.

On Aug. 11, for the cost of a swim pass, people can come and enjoy a pool party where the band Winsome Kind will perform and food will be available for purchase.

Taste of Summer barbecue in Alida

By Edel Cowan

Prairie Pride Credit Union held a Taste of Summer Fun-Raiser barbecue on May 31 at the Alida branch with all proceeds donated to the Alida Golden Gate Centre. Your continued support is very much appreciated. The Alida Sports Days was held June 2 and 3 with four slow-pitch teams registered: 361 Café and JAKS Blackouts of Alida, Teau Baylors of Carnduff, and Slum-

dogs of Redvers. The first game got underway on Friday evening.

The recreation board women had the bar and kitchen tables opened. They served up a delicious barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs to all who came. Then June 3 saw lots of action on the ball diamond as all teams soon had their turn. Once again the Vertex barbecue was heated up, and the hamburgers and hotdogs were in great demand and very delicious.

The Teau Baylors won the A-side, Team 361 won the B-side and The Slumdogs won the C-side. A great time seemed to be had by all in attendance.

The barbecue pack was not drawn for at this time, but will be drawn on the Father’s Day weekend, so there is lots of time to get your tickets, but please do so quickly. Tickets are available at the Alida post office for $5 each or three for $10. E-transfer is also avail-

able. For information call 306-485-8527. If interested in booking swimming lessons for the upcoming season, there will be three sets of lessons: July 3-7, July 1721 and July 31-Aug. 1. To book call Shanna at 306485-8647. Lessons are $75 per week. Please remember to give me a call or text at 306-485-8561 with any news. Your news makes my news column interesting. I appreciate your assistance.

Oxbow pool

Construction on Carlyle’s new co-op food store slated to begin this summer; co-op says at annual meeting

By David Willberg

The Southern Plains Coop’s food store in Carlyle received lots of attention during the annual general meeting for the co-op, held on May 30 in Estevan.

Board president Scott Keinlen said the co-op is on track to begin construction on a new food store in Carlyle, with the groundwork for the project set to begin this summer. Enns added the current building and equipment have reached their end-of-life expectancy, and members in Carlyle have been waiting for the new store, which will encompass nearly 20,000 square feet.

“We hope to start construction in July or August of this year and open in April of 2024. This is another major undertaking, but it’s one of the last replacement buildings that is required for our organization,” said Enns.

The new food store is expected to cost around $12 million.

The co-op also celebrated what was a record-setting year at the meeting.

Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending on Jan. 31, 2023, showed the co-op had

nearly $111.29 million in sales last year, which was the best year ever and a substantial increase from the old record of $86.09 million set in 2021-22.

Board president Scott Keinlen said the increase in sales is largely due to the sale of crop inputs –fertilizer, chemical and supplies – at the new agro centre located on the Estevan truck bypass.

“The year 2022 saw the return of pre-pandemic norms,” said Keinlen. “Fuel sales held steady while our fuel litres did increase marginally. Fuel inflation did increase our sales dollars.”

The convenience stores had a good year, Keinlen said, and the new liquor store in Carlyle - located at the site of the convenience store in the town –has proven to be a great addition to the fleet of retail services, thanks to strong sales since opening in May 2022.

General manager Brian Enns noted the co-op should surpass the $2 billion mark in lifetime sales in the next two years.

“I often wonder if the founding members of this co-op would have dreamt that their initiative in 1946 would have realized

this kind of success, both in longevity and growth,” said Enns.

The cost of sales was nearly $96.63 million, leaving the co-op with a gross margin of $14.66 million.

Operating and administrative expenses were $15.4 million and when coupled with $282,799 in net interest, the co-op had a $457,790 loss from operations.

The Federated Coop Ltd. loyalty program brought in $1.68 million in revenues, and patronage refunds were $2.83 million.

Church fundraiser to provide new carpet

“This first-in-class facility was built at a time when agriculture is and continues to be a large economic driver in our trading area. This is an exciting venture for the retail, and a facility our members and customers can be very proud of, and has the potential to be a major player of ours.”

Over the past five years, the co-op has invested nearly $60 million in its different communities.

By Nicole Northild

A community of families and friends came together

on June 3 in St. Joseph Catholic Church’s parking lot to host a fundraiser for new carpet in the church.

A wide variety of Filipino dishes were offered and supporters had their choice of four combo options. Meals consisted of

rice noodles, spring rolls, rice cakes, pork skewers, chicken adobo, or pork sisig. They sold 150 pre-sale tickets, but had many walk-ups on the day. From the food sales alone they raised $4,590, but the 50/50 sales also brought in $170. The lucky winner of the 50/50 was Alona Vistal.

“On behalf of the Oxbow Filipino community, I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported us in our fundraiser.” Jehmaleen Podang said. “I’m also happy to share that we have already ordered the carpet for the whole church and once we got it we will schedule for the carpet replacement.”

Final net savings were more than $3.98 million.

The co-op will have a $1.87 million patronage allocation to members.

It also invested $161,000 into the communities it serves through donations and member engagement activities.

Keinlen noted the coop currently has 215 staff

members, a number that continues to grow, but it also has approximately 20 job vacancies.

Enns said 2022 was a historical year for the coop, not just because of the records that were set, but due to the opening of the liquor store in Carlyle and the agro centre in Estevan.

The co-op also had its election of board members. Lynn Hewitt and Linda Thauberger-Smith were re-elected to another term. Richard Ruetz decided to not seek another term after nine years of service and will be replaced by Marcia Greenwood.

Keinlen, Frances Boutin and David Murray will have their terms expire next year, and Connie Hagel, Rhonda Huish and James Lainton’s terms wrap up in 2025.

The Southern Plains Co-op’s food store in Carlyle will soon be replaced. Photo by Dolores Young

Volunteers serving the meals. Photo by Jehmaleen Podang

Alberta results will be felt here

David Willberg Willberg’s World

The Alberta election is over and the United Conservative Party has been elected to a second straight term as government.

And while it would be a stretch to call the result a “miracle on the Prairies”, as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith suggested on election night once her victory was known, she did manage to snag an electoral victory when it appeared the Alberta New Democratic Party would topple the UCP and form government for the second time in three elections.

It was stunning to see the NDP campaign as frontrunners. After all, this is Alberta. Home of Peter Lougheed and Ralph Klein. The province where Carnduff ’s Ernest Manning was the premier. The province that voted for a right-of-centre party for 80 years provincially and typically votes conservative in federal elections.

Now that Alberta’s primary right-wing parties have merged, it was supposed to make it much more difficult for the NDP to get elected in Alberta. Yet the NDP was favoured, and they still won 38 of 87 seats, 15 more than in 2019.

With the NDP favoured to dominate in Edmonton, and the UCP the party of choice in rural Alberta, it came down to who would win in Calgary. The conservatives picked up enough seats in Cowtown to win, which really shouldn’t be a surprise.

The election has obvious implications for Saskatchewan. Alberta is our neighbour to the west, and in recent years it has felt like they are our political kindred spirits. We share a lot of similarities in terms of our economic catalysts.

We both have an abundance of oil, we both have a strong agricultural base, we both have a strong work ethic and we both seemingly hate the carbon tax that’s been forced on us by the federal government.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe will retain one of his allies in Smith when it comes to fighting the federal government. He undoubtedly finds it easier to work with Smith than NDP leader Rachel Notley, whose philosophies are more closely aligned with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Smith says she wants to have a reset on her relationship with the federal government, but she has also said she would invoke the province’s Sovereignty Act over the federal government’s onerous emissions targets. You have to wonder if Smith can have a good relationship with the feds, and if she can, how long it will last.

Smith and Moe have both been saying a lot when it comes to having greater provincial autonomy. We’ve seen a number of measures pass in Saskatchewan in recent months that reflect a Saskatchewan government that is tired of federal meddling and perceived eastern bias.

Smith’s first few months as premier were far from easy, as she inherited the mess left over by former premier Jason Kenney, and had to deal with consequences from mistakes that she made before and during her term as premier.

Alberta has had a real leadership vacuum for some time. Since Klein’s reign as the 12th premier of the province came to an end in late 2006, there have been seven premiers, one of whom was an interim leader.

It’s begging for stable leadership. It says a lot about Smith and the bumpy road from her time as premier that the NDP was ahead in public opinion polls.

The jury remains out on whether Smith is the one to be the leader that Alberta conservatives have been waiting for. If she isn’t, then the UCP in Alberta likely won’t be able to snag another election victory from the jaws of defeat in 2027.

Did you see Josef Newgarden capture the checkered flag? No? Me neither. But not for lack of trying.

It was the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 the last weekend of May, a race featuring 33 cars and drivers racing at speeds in excess of 220 miles per hour to become champion of this storied race called The Greatest Spectacle in Auto Racing.

I have yet to come across anyone (other than my sister) who shares any interest in the race. We got it from our dad. The memories are rich of sitting together and cheering on favourite drivers. Talking about it with others, however, I am met with blank stares. I get it.

But there’s just something about this race that has me set aside everything else so I can sit and watch from flag

to flag. Except this year. I had another event to get to on race day but knew that if things went smoothly there was a good chance I could watch the whole thing before having to leave. But this is a car race. Smooth rarely happens.

The race started out well; a stellar example of fast cars, great strategy and solid driving. I watched the clock closely and smiled knowing that if this pace continued, I would see the end. No yellow caution flag slowing things down until lap 90. Not a second one until lap 150. But then a massive crash in lap 186. Great concern for two drivers, as well as the landing spot of a tire that was sent spiralling over the fence. Thankfully, no injuries. But this is followed by crashes in pit lane, and all in all, three red flags in the final 20 laps. With 10 laps to go and the race on red, I had to leave. The clock was ticking and the checkered flag was now out of reach for me to see.

I am often asked what attracts me to this event every year. I love the cars and the backstories about the drivers. But what really makes it fun is the performance of the pit crew – a team of athletically strong technical wizards who rap-

idly change tires, insert fuel, and make any necessary wing or engine adjustments at great speeds to keep the car running well. It’s amazing seeing them fly into action.

Watching the race as a child I would wait to see which teams could come in under 30 seconds. Today they can do it in seven. That frenetic pace brings issues of its own but when it all goes well it is poetry in motion. The pit crew is a critical element to the success of the team and a victory on race day.

So what kept me from seeing the end of the Indy 500 this year?

I was part of the backstage team for Outlook Equinox Theatre’s comedy Real Close to Broadway – on a pit crew of my own.

I have been part of many community theatre productions. It has been a great deal of fun, albeit a tremendous amount of work. It takes a team to make these productions happen; dozens of people on and off stage, some whom the audience sees. Many they don’t.

I have found myself doing a wide assortment of tasks: learning lines, rehearsing music, setting up stage pieces, hanging curtains, painting sets, moving chairs,

ushering, serving coffee, washing dishes, on and on it goes. But this past show I added a new one: helping the cast with wardrobe changes. The show required multiple costumes and some changes had to be done very quickly. A flurry of dresses, jackets, hats and jewellery were in motion as a team helped one another get out of one costume and into another in seconds.

We were like an Indy pit crew, working rapidly and seamlessly to get each actor ready to return to the stage.

Only one driver gets their name added to the five-foot tall Borg-Warner Trophy but it takes countless others to get them there: mechanics, tire changers, jack operator, wing adjuster, engineers, manager, race strategists, and on it goes. None of them get immortalized on the prize but they are crucial to the win, and secure in the knowledge they contributed.

It’s what I love about working in community.

It takes each one of us doing our best to make things happen. So go sign up for a pit crew today. It won’t get your name on a trophy but there’s nothing quite like helping the team get across the finish line.

That’s my outlook.

- Nelson Mandela

Shelley Luedtke

No flag can slow us down

Annette Breault says farewell to teaching at Stoughton’s school

By Stephanie Zoer

Stoughton Central School will say farewell to long-time teacher Annette Breault at the end of the school year.

Breault was raised on a farm near Canwood, where she attended and graduated school.

During her elementary school years, she would write questions from the encyclopedia for her parents to answer.

Her Grade 4 teacher was such an inspiration to Breault that it made her decide to become a teacher herself.

Breault attended the University of Saskatchewan to receive her bachelor of education in elementary education.

In 1988, she would begin her career at White Bear First Nations.

Breault taught there for seven years. She would marry Larry Breault in 1994 and move to Stoughton from Carlyle and begin teaching at the Stoughton Central School in 1999. She remained there until now.

Over the years, Breault has taught Grades 2 through 5, even teaching her own two daughters Meagan and Ashley.

In 2010, Breault and Larry moved to the family farm near Forget where Larry was raised.

For 15 years she ran the yearbook in Stoughton. Breault enjoyed this task documenting stu-

dents and staff experiences.

She also helped coach and supervise the volleyball and curling teams in the past years.

Breault did not have a favourite subject, but she loved to see the growth of the students over the years with their reading and writing.

The buddy program was also headed up by Breault where she would match a student to a senior.

With Breault’s daughters now adults, she plans to make visiting them a priority.

Meagan is a historical researcher and lives in Calgary, while Ashley is a neonatal intensive care unit nurse in Saskatoon

Lise Bechard-Fuller retiring from 32 years of teaching

By Stephanie Zoer

After 32 years with schools that are part of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, Lise Bechard-Fuller is retiring.

Bechard-Fuller was raised on a farm south of Lajord. She attended school in Francis and Sedley were she graduated.

She went to the University of Saskatchewan for two years to receive her degree in psychology.

Bechard-Fuller would then attend the University of Regina to get her bachelor of education degree.

Later on in her career, Bechard-Fuller returned to the University of Regina and earned her master of education in curriculum and instruction.

Bechard-Fuller married Grant Fuller, and they have two daughters named Katie and Dawson. Their family includes dogs, cats and one horse.

Her first teaching job would be in Arcola for six months. Bechard-Fuller was then transferred to Stoughton Central School, teaching kindergarten through Grade 3. She would remain at the Stoughton school for 17 years.

Her next stop was the Carlyle Elementary School. She taught Grades 1 and 2 for the next five years.

Bechard-Fuller took the role of early learning and care coach for the east area for the last 10 years of her career.

“I have loved being able to work and play with children for 32 years,” she said.

If she had to pick her

favourite grade to teach, it would be Grade 1.

“I so enjoyed those little light-blub moments when a little one realized they were a reader or writer.”

Bechard-Fuller has no plans for the future after her retirement, except to take a little time to

breath, relax and enjoy family, but is open to all opportunities.

Fuller said, “I would like to thank all the communities and families for welcoming me into their children’s lives and allowing me the privilege and joy of spending time with them.”

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but will be moving to New York City shortly.

She also has travel plans for Europe where she will visit relatives, do some exploring and continue to be a substitute teacher.

“I am thankful to the communities of White Bear and Stoughton for entrusting me with the privilege of teaching their children,” Breault said.

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Annette Breault taught at Stoughton Central School for the last 25 years of her career. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Lise Bechard-Fuller is retiring after 32 years of teaching with the South East Cornerstone Public School Division.

Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Photos by Stephanie Zoer

Hudson Carson

Amelia Genaille

Hallie McGillicky

Jay Cee FerberJoseph FleckJoshua FleckMadison Garton

Kristin JohnsonArvy LacsonBrendan LockerbyJared McbrideSarah Morris

Arianne Raflores

Dexter Saxon Cody Veroba

Mark Balajadia

Yia BautistaKadence DesrosiersTyrell DixonNicholas Erickson Madison GoudyMitch HimmelspachBraydon HourdJacob KirkRench Lafiguera Darcy Rae

Carter Beck adds track-and-field provincial championship to list of sporting accomplishments

By David Willberg

Carnduff ’s Carter Beck is well-known locally for his success in baseball.

The Grade 12 student at the Carnduff Education Complex was named the top player in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s AAA division last year, and has committed to play baseball for the University of Mary in North Dakota this coming fall.

And he was one of the top scorers in the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League’s U18 division this past season.

Now he has added to the list of accomplishments, as he won the gold medal in the tetrathlon at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial trackand-field championship in Saskatoon on June 2 and 3.

This was his first provincial championship.

“It feels super cool that I get to bring home a provincial champion banner and have a banner on the wall that’s not going away soon. That’s one thing I

wanted to have before I graduated,” said Beck.

The tetrathlon has four different components. Beck was first in the shot put with a toss of 13.56 metres, third in the 100-metre dash with a time of 12 seconds, fourth in the 800 metres at two minutes and 12.87

seconds, and eighth in the long jump with a distance of 5.8 metres.

“My favourite is shot put for sure, because I’m pretty good at it and it’s the easiest one,” said Beck. “It’s easier on your body, and the rest of them are hard. I find shot put’s just a little bit of technique

and you throw it as hard as you can.” He finished with a total of 2,587 points, 68 more than Oakland Flodell of Clavet.

Tigers track and field coach Jana McLaren noted that Beck set a provincial record in the tetrathlon’s shot put, eclipsing it by

52 centimetres, but she was impressed with his 800 metres, as he shaved nearly 10 seconds off of his personal best, and ran what she called “a flawless race”.

“Often times … it does come down to the last event, which I think is why they put the 800 metres there. It is, I would say it is the most physically taxing,” said McLaren.

The athletes in the tetrathlon complete the four events in half a day.

“They’re crunching a number of events in a short amount of time, and I think it speaks to their athleticism to be able to do that,” she said. “For a provincial champion in this event, you clearly are a well-rounded athlete to be able to compete and perform in all four events.”

Beck admitted he’s not sure why he was so strong in the 800 metres, as he passed several runners in the second half of the race.

McLaren marvelled at Beck’s work ethic to be able to balance academics with track and field, along with baseball with

the Southeast U18 AAA Twins.

“I know how bad Carter wanted this, and so I just really wanted it for him.

To say I was excited would be a massive understatement,” said McLaren.

After he finished fifth last year at provincials in his first attempt at the tetrathlon, he told her he was bringing home a banner and worked hard to make it happen.

Track and field has helped with Beck’s athletic success. He recalled that when he first started in Grade 7, he couldn’t run. He learned how to run and kept working at it.

“It’s helped immensely in baseball with running. One thing that helps me in baseball is I’m really fast, and all my speed came from track. It also helps in hockey, too. Hockey helps keep me in shape for track, and track helps keep me in shape for hockey.”

McLaren joked that Beck was her assistant coach because he helped young students so much, and she stressed the school and community are proud of him.

Lampman Sports Weekend offered many community activities

By Stephanie Zoer

With thunderstorm watches and warnings, Richard Kochie, the secretary of the Lampman Lions said, they only received enough rain to settle the dust at the Lampman Sports weekend.

Events began on Friday, June 2 with the slowpitch tournament games starting at 6 p.m.

Throughout the weekend which ran until June 4, the Lion’s concession stand was open. It offered an array of food, treats and drinks. The beer gardens would be open each day.

At 7:30 p.m. the movie Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile was played at the curling rink for anyone who wanted to go. This was hosted by the community school council.

Around 10 p.m. Friday night the fire works lite up the sky with colours and sounds heard throughout the community.

The mixed slo-pitch tournament had room for 26 teams, but only seven teams took advantage of the weekend. This number was down from the previous year when they had 20 teams.

Saturday held several games and the fun continued. For the kids a bouncy castle was set up and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. the kids could have their face painted.

At 10 a.m. at the lion’s park downtown, five organizations would receive donations from the lions.

Dena Scott was the representative for the Lampman fire and rescue, Fran Perkowitsch received the donation for the Health Care Auxiliary.

Ann-Marie Tyler was on hand for the Lampman Library and Community in blooms was received by Nyla Saxon.

The new Lampman Director Ashlyn Taillon

would receive the donation for the recreation board.

At the ball diamonds the games carried on with a hardball game in the afternoon, hosting the Arcola Thrashers and Southeast Diamond backs. The Thrashers would be victorious in this game.

From 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. the Lampman Minor sports would host the Level Up escape rooms.

Kendra Lee said it was a gamble to do this on such a busy weekend, but they figured for those who did not play ball would have something fun to do.

It was successful with 53 people going through the rooms. Lee said it is something they would definitely do again.

Main street became the dance hall with the street blocked off for the party. Food would be offered by Carnivores, Scratch and the Harvest Cafe through

the evening, and Crossroads would take to the stage.

Sunday breakfast was prepared and served by the Lampman fire and rescue team.

At 11 a.m. the second annual ball drop would take place by the Lampman Fire and Rescue. The balls would drop from a crane and whoever’s ball landed the closet to the hole or in it was the winner. Kelly Coderre Storlie was the lucky winner.

Campsites were available as well, with serviced sites or tents, and a shuttle service was organized for Saturday.

The final game for the weekend was played by Southeast Beast against Frank and Beanz. The intense game would end in a draw with both teams being the winners.

According to Kochie it was a successful weekend with everyone having a great time.

Carnduff ’s Carter Beck, middle, won a gold medal in the tetrathlon at the recent provincial track and field meet. Photo courtesy of Jana McLaren

The Lampman and District Lions Club made several donations to local organizations. Back left, Larry Loughren, Damon Sutherland, Richard Kochie, Jerry Perkowitsch, Rodney Greening, Cortney Frycz, and Dena Scott. Front left, Ashlyn Taillon, Nyla Saxon, Ann-Marie Tyler, Fran Perkowitsch and Pat Filz. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Golfi ng can be a great social activity

By Stephanie Zoer

Sandi Donnelly began

golfing when the Stoughton Golf Course opened roughly 32 years ago.

Donnelly was raised on a farm near Stoughton. When she became an adult, Donnelly became a teacher and taught in Midale. Later in life she would work at the playschool in Weyburn.

Through this time, she would marry her first husband Melvin Hall, and have her family.

She worked by his side for 10 years at their business, Stoughton Imperial Oil.

Hall died in 2003.

Over the years she has played golf, taking part in several tournaments and playing on several different courses, but

she has always preferred her home golf course in Stoughton.

Donnelly took a job in Weyburn as the assistant post master and after 10 years retired in 2014. She would find happiness once again and marry Garry Donnelly, and they reside on a mixed farm outside of Stoughton.

Garry is not a golfer, but the two do enjoy gardening together and going to their cabin at McBride Lake. It is an A-frame rustic building that is situated right on the lake, which is great for fishing.

When Donnelly goes golfing, her sister Loretta Meagher is close by. They feel it is a great way to be outdoors and do some visiting.

She tries to get in 20 rounds during the season, taking in ladies’ nights and seniors’ mornings.

Although Donnelly no longer goes into tournaments, she still loves to have a good round of golf.

Donnelly loves to socialize and meet new people as well.

“You do not have to be a member to have a nice cold drink on the outdoor patio at the Stoughton Golf Club,” she said.

Donnelly believes this is the only place in Stoughton that one can sit outside and have a drink.

Donnelly said, “It is also a great place to get ice cream and sit in the shade.”

“I truly enjoy going to Stoughton and golf, it is a great place,” she said.

A women’s golf tournament in Oxbow with a twist

By Nicole Northild

A women’s Texas scramble golf tournament, consisting of teams of four women, was held June 3 by the Oil Wives Club of Oxbow.

It was held at the Moose Creek Golf Course, and it was quite the show. Women came out dressed to the nines in costumes matching their group’s theme. They were looking to golf but mostly to have fun. Team costumes that could be seen ran from the 1950s to hippies from the ’60s, a PJ party to hungry hippos, to a construction crew. As well as decorating themselves, many golf carts got the same treatment, all to fit the group theme.

Sherlynne Best’s team dressed as the Pink Ladies from Grease.

“I liked to say it’s a golf tournament where no golf experience is necessary,” she said. “It’s about having fun and enjoying the day and maybe having someone open up to the idea of being a golfer.”

Best found the joys of golfing 40 years ago.

There were nine holes with a prize offered of $1,000 for any hole in one, but unfortunately nobody managed to claim that prize. The clubhouse offered up a supper of chicken, potatoes and salad. There was a putting green contest with circles drawn around the hole and a points system similar to darts. Offering a prize to the winner of the coveted wind spinner, “I just happened to be the lucky winner” Best said. “Businesses were very very generous with many great prizes.”

Though people didn’t have to be a good golfer to win a prize, the team dressed as construction workers, who had also went all out to decorate their golf kart, won for best costumes. Best dressed was an honor that was determined by the women at the golf course. There were also door prizes and a 50/50.

“Each hole had a twist. For one hole it was what colour the ladies underwear was.” Best said “If it was navy, black, or purple, you had to add a stroke to your score. If it was any

colour other than white or neutral you got to take a stroke away.”

The Putting with Help hole had everyone at a disadvantage with the no putters allowed on the green rule. For an alternative option you could choose from a hockey stick or a pool cue.

Being older was an advantage at the ageless hole where the team added up their ages and got strokes off for the total being high or a point added for being a younger entry.

At the end, with all the strokes your team had taken and the fluctuations due to how the ladies had chosen to dress that morning, or the other fun games or questions at each hole, the numbers were tallied up for a team total. This year’s winners were the team of Darlene Carnduff, Karla Haygarth, Lisa Riches and Laurie Fornwald, who won $50 and an item from the prize table.

Summer Student Employment Opportunity

Steven Bonk, MLA for Moosomin Constituency

Steven Bonk, MLA for Moosomin Constituency

622 Main St., Moosomin, SK

622 Main St. Moosomin, SK

Phone: 306-435-4005

Phone: 306-435-4005

Email: stevenbonkmla@sasktel.net

Email: stevenbonkmla@sasktel.net

The Village of Kenosee is now accepting applications for one (1) full time seasonal position. The successful candidate’s duties include, but are not limited to, grass & weed management, general public works maintenance of the parks, roads and buildings. Training will be provided, however yard maintenance, landscaping or light equipment operator experience would be an asset.

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday

Of ce Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 12 noon; 1 pm - 4 pm

Please submit your resume to the Town Administrator, Box 30, Kenosee Lake, SK S0C 2S0 or by email to village.kenosee@sasktel.net by 4:00 p.m. June 14th, 2023.

We thank all applicants for their interest; successful applicant will be notified.

From left, Loretta Meagher enjoys visiting with her sister Sandi Donnelly while she golfs. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Winners of this year’s tournament were, from left, Laurie Fornwald, Karla Haygarth, Lisa Riches and Darlene Carnduff.

Photo by Sherlynne Best

629 Family Restaurant

RD Family Funeral Chapel

OBSERVER

PLACING AN AD AD RATES

BY PHONE: 306-453-2525

BY FAX: 306-453-2938

In Person or By Mail: The Carlyle Observer Box 160, 132 Main Street Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0

OBITUARIES

David Frecon, late of Redvers, SK passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family, at the Redvers Health Centre.

David will always be remembered for his sense of humor and kind heart. All the memories with him will be cherished forever. David is survived by his wife, Bonne and their five children; Tammy (Alain) Poirier and their kids, Catlin, Victoria (Evan) and Adriana (Mason) Blanchette; Corrina (Phil) Dorian and their children, Nicholas, Julieanne and Jennifer; Colin (Meghan) Frecon and their two boys, Lexx and Jaxon; Krista (Chris) Borreson and their 3 children, Ashley (Joel), Brianna and Chase; Allison Eyre and her son Legacie; siblings, Lucille (Louis) Gervais, Irene (Donnie) McLeod, Fabien (Aggie) Frecon, Brian (Wendy) Frecon and Odette (Russ) Annetts along with numerous nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Clarisse Frecon and one brother Emile Frecon.

The Funeral Mass was held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady Of Fatima R.C Church, Redvers, SK with Rev. Ronald Andree presiding. David’s family invited everyone to join them in the parish hall for a time of refreshments and fellowship following the service.

Please visit David’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for the video recording of the service which will be available for the next 90 days.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (Designate to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre) 200 - 4545 Parliament Ave., Regina, SK S4W 0G3 or online at cancerfoundationsask.ca.Hall

Funeral Services in Redvers provided care to David’s familyYvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Thank You Bonne Frecon and family, send a warm thank you during our time of mourning for David Frecon. A heartfelt thank you to the Doctors & nursing staff, from Moosomin & Redvers Health Centers, for the excellent care David received during his time there, it was much appreciated. To Father Ron for the funeral service, Leanne Poirier and Suzanne Millette for the lovely music and the CWL for serving a delicious lunch. To all the family and friends for the loving words and support, it has not gone unnoticed. A thank you to Yvonne Clark, from Hall Funeral Services, for your advice & guidance in planning the funeral service.

COMING EVENTS

BINGO: Kenosee Lake Four Seasons Drop In Centre

Every Tuesday of the Month

Next Bingo is on Tuesday, June 13 at 7pm

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.

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 CLASSIFIEDS. 49 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.

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

FARMLAND WANTED

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EQUIPMENTOPERATOR WANTED KTOilFieldServicesislooking tohireanindividualwhocan runbackhoe,skidsteer,tractor. Pleaseemailyourresumeto ktoilfieldservices@gmail.com

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

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

[Section 82 of the Local Government Election Act, 2015]

The Rural Municipality of Browning No. 34 Municipal By-elections - 2023

Councillor Division No. 4 - Murray Wheeler

Councillor Division No. 6 - Calvin Christensen st

1-844-453-5372

GLASSTECHNICIAN

*Full-Time

*Fast-PacedEnvironment

*CompetitiveWages

*MustbeMechanically InclinedandhaveaValid

Class5Saskatchewan

Driver'sLicense

PleaseSendResumeto: mmautoglass@sasktel.net

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Fax: 306-769-8844

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

CERTIFIED SEED WHEAT AAC GOODWIN, GO EARLY, PINTAIL OATS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY, CDC SO1 SUPER OAT BARLEY AB STANDSWELL, CERVEZA, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, SUNDRE PEAS VERY EARLY YELLOW FORAGE PEAS, POLISH CANOLA, SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

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

WANTED

Rural Municipality of Reciprocity No. 32 Annual Bursary

Greg Wallin, The R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32 will annually offer a $2,000.00 bursary to eligible students upon the completion of the 1st year of post-secondary education and based on the following criteria:

• Parent/legal guardian or applicant is a ratepayer of the R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32 and/or a resident within the boundaries of the R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32, including residents of the Village of Alida.

• Proof of enrollment in the second year of post-secondary studies (University, College, Trade).

• Submission of a one-page essay outlining your chosen impact you hope to make by this choice.

• Submission of a completed application form.

• Two letters of reference, one of which must be from a dean, etc.

The application is available on our website, www.rmofreciprocity.ca. Application must be returned to on or before June 30, 2023

VILLAGE

OF ALIDA

WATERWORKS & SEWAGE WORKS

ANNUAL FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

For the Year 2022

The Drinking Water Quality and Compliance Report, and other information on the Village of Alida’s Water & Sewage Works, as required under The Municipalities Regulations

sewage works revenues to expenditures plus debt payments, expressed as a ratio,

All revenue generated from the utility bills is used to maintain and operate the

The Water Security Agency has advised the Village that we will be required to install an ultraviolet light system in order to achieve a full crypto and giardia

The Village submits weekly samples to the provincial laboratory for bacteriological testing and every three months during the year the water in the water distribution system is tested for Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic acids as per the conditions of be required every two years with the next testing to be done in 2025 under the new

Once every two years samples are collected from the water distribution system for

David “Moose” Albert Frecon 1951 - 2023

1 - Used 2011 John Deere D170 Riding Lawn Mower

1- Used 1998 John Deere LT166 Riding Lawn Mower

Equipment is available for viewing at the R.M. shop in Carlyle, SK

Tenders to be received in the municipal office by 4:00 p.m. June 13th. Sealed, emailed or faxed tenders will be accepted. For inquiries or to view equipment please call the municipal office at (306) 453-6175.

Highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

R.M. of Moose Mountain No. 63 250 8th St West, P.O. Box 445 Carlyle, Sask. SOC ORO

Business promotes agriculture at home and abroad

By Nicole Northild

The heart of the International Rural Exchange (IRE) has always been agriculture and facilitating relationships.

Farmers started it as a solution to find workers for their fields in 1985, and it has turned into an act of fostering international relations.

Executive director Anita Warriner started with the IRE as a host, welcoming young adults from all over the world to her and her husband’s farm. It wasn’t until 2009 that she took over in the running of the IRE, moving it to its current location in Alameda.

“It’s all about connection with the host and bringing people into Canadian culture, bringing them to community events. If people use them as cheap labour it doesn’t work,” Warriner shared. “This develops good and close relationships, if the host can be patient with the English and training, it’s incredibly enriching.”

At the IRE there are two halves of the same coin, inbound and outbound. For inbound, over 200 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 come into Canada on a work permit and are hosted on a farm.

Warriner and her eight staff members get to know the trainees that come from a growing number of countries from Central America, Asia, Australia and most of Europe. South Korea and Finland have recently been added to the growing list. Then they pair them with the optimal host here in Canada.

“We are meeting the needs of the Canadian agriculture community that is limited by labour, with skilled farmers,” said Warriner. “Farming is a trade in Europe with people having gone to school or growing up on a farm.”

“The trainees from abroad want to work on big machinery and big farms because their farms could be as small as a lawn, maybe 40 acres.”

If you are Canadian, Kori Kress can help you go on an outbound placement.

“We are looking for anyone that grew up on a farm or went to school for agriculture who wants to experience a different culture,” Kress said.

It is also a good option to look into if you need to do an agriculture internship for school.

If you find yourself a little too old to meet the age requirements to go, you can still experience it all by becoming one of the 130 current host families. IRE has host farms from B.C. to P.E.I. but most are located in the Prairies.

“Lots of hosts use to be trainees or their parents were. It showcases Canadian

agriculture and lets people know about its excellence and it pays off in the long run when we host well and are good to people,” Warriner said.

She also talked about how there can be ripple effects on a larger scale.

“Once people can experience how we operate, the more it will affect their decision making,” in matters of countries buying our grain and trade, she said.

As one can imagine, maneuvering and organizing the details of over 200 people a year can take a lot of work. IRE also, apart from all the interviews and paperwork, will assist with

details like visas and booking flights. Room and board is provided by the host family, and the IRE partners in any given country take over looking after the trainee on arrival as they do for trainees that come here.

Grow Abroad is a network of international partners that are not just voices on the other end of

the phone. IRE yearly goes over to meet up with their partners to make sure the process is a safe and supported way to travel. This also ensures that they know exactly where they are sending trainees.

“Those that do agriculture exchange are a niche market; there are not many recognized organizations

like us,” Warriner said.

“Our biggest partner is in Switzerland and we are in daily communications with them. We start planning in Nov/Dec for people that are coming for the April start. Then we do more placing in March/April for harvest time.”

Trainees usually stay for seven months or three months if they are just coming for the harvesting, though they can usually come for up to a year.

By being a host for 20 years, Warriner’s life has changed from hosting a wedding for trainees to making lifelong friends. Last year her and her husband retired from farming and asked their old trainees if they wanted to work alongside them again for one last hurrah.

“We had 15 people come back and live on our farm,” she said with a smile.

The International Rural Exchange office in Alameda. Photo by Nicole Northild

Carlyle

&

can also be found at these Retailers

Carlyle Library hosts high tea

By Lucy Davis

The Carlyle Public Library hosted a midday treat of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake on June 3. The high tea, bake sale and raffle had approximately 50 people attend.

There was no cost to attend the tea that was held from 1-4 p.m. and all donations and purchases of raffle and bake sale tickets were graciously appreciated.

Proceeds will be used to support library programs and renovations;

top priority is a need to replace several windows.

This was the first high tea the library has hosted since 2000 and if successful, could become an annual event.

Coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, scones, sandwiches, bake sale and raffle items were graciously donated by librarian Naomi Twietmeyer, her assistants Brenda Daku and Michele Trevisan, library board members, parents and community members.

Twietmeyer notes that

Learning about the ambulance

Supreme Ambulance visited Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre’s children on May 29. Primary care paramedics answered the children’s questions, taught them about the ambulance and explored inside the ambulance with them, trying out different tools and the stretcher.

Submitted by Kayla Brown

the library only functions as smoothly as it does because of the support of these people! She is also grateful for donations and fundraising that keeps the library running afloat; in fact, on June 2 the co-op hosted a barbecue to support the tea.

Five raffle baskets were assembled with three for adults, one for teens, and one for children. Each was overflowing with so many things to mention and each basket had a theme: (summer, self-care, magical youth and child).

Wawota News - young people entertain the town

Submitted by Myrna Olson

Lonny and Elaine Karpick from Salmon Arm, B.C., spent a weekend with Val Puskas and other family members.

On June 2, Marie Jensen of the Maryfield Sunrise Villa joined them.

Tom and Cher Badger have returned home from their winter stay in Texas.

Congratulations to Quinn and Lauren

Eckart of Columbus, Ohio, on the birth of their twin boys on May 17 and have been named Ellis Hall and Arthur Stephen. Grandparents are Stephen and Nancy Eckart of Calgary and Paul and Donna Stadler.

Great-grandmother is Gail Engle of Wawota. Paul and Norma Lamontagne travelled to Regina to attend MacKenzie Lamontagne’s graduation from the Saskatchewan Po-

lice College. He is now Const. Lamontagne and he is employed by the Saskatoon City Police. Cecile Cudmore’s grandson Erik Peterson also graduated with this class. Const. Peterson is working with the Saskatchewan Highway Police.

Sympathy to the family and friends of the late Brad Choquette who passed away on May 26 at the age of 70. Brad was the eldest son of Ron and Louilla Choquette

who were long-time business owners and residents of Wawota.

Sympathy also to Stewart and Connie Dayle of Langbank on the passing of his mother Adele Dayle. She passed away on May 20 at the age of 94 years and was a resident of Deer View Lodge.

Born to MacKenzie and Brenna Lamontagne, a son on May 28. He weighed eight pounds and has been named

Benson Gerard Paul. He is a grandson for Paul and Kym Lamontagne of Saskatoon and Gerry and Rhonda Kirwin of Saskatoon. He is also a greatgrandson for Alex and Marion Toporowski of Prince Albert and Norma Lamontagne of Wawota.

Wawota was treated to a variety of musical entertainment this past week. Nicki Ford and Jaime Finlay and the Grade 11s and 12s put

on Mamma Mia on May 30. I attended and it was truly remarkable, full of great singing and acting. The following evening, the Grade 8s presented Frozen. From all reports another great production.

To finish off the week, Nicki presented her annual Hints of Harmony show on June 4. We are so very lucky to have all of this musical talent in our town.

Jessie Twietmeyer enjoying his tea the British way.

Photo by Lucy Davis