The Observer January 24, 2025 by Carlyle Observer

OBSERVER

By Stephanie Zoer

The Carlyle Gordon F. Kells High School U18 women’s curling team had an exciting weekend in Estevan when they entered a U18 Bonspiel on January 17 and 18.

Robin Brown has been coaching this team for the past four years, but the team has played together for ﬁve years. Devin Brown also helps coach the high school program this year, but he started with the team last year.

The Estevan Curling Club hosted a U18 bonspiel which began on the Friday evening.

The ﬁrst game that Carlyle played was against Team Allen from Regina. This game was ﬁlled with excitement, but Carlyle came ahead in the end with a 14-8 win.

Saturday morning the games began once again, with Carlyle playing the Estevan Comprehensive Schools Senior girls team. This was an extremely intense game, but Carlyle pre-

Carlyle High School U18 curling team takes silver at bonspiel

vailed with a 6-5 win.

This placed the team ﬁrst in their pool, and they went into the semi-ﬁnals against

the Estevan Comprehensive schools boys team. The tension in this game was felt by all that attended.

Carlyle came out ﬁghting and although the boys team gave them a run for their money, Carlyle took another

win 8-5, sending them into the ﬁnal game.

The ﬁnal game was played against Team Fonstad, and it was a good competitive game, but Carlyle could not quite get the win, with a loss of 10-4.

Carlyle took home the silver medal, and the team and coach are proud of how the weekend went.

“We had a great weekend overall,” said Brown. “We had to use a couple of diﬀerent lineups due to illness with the girls, but they all came together and performed amazing.”

The high school program has been highly successful, and they also have one at the Carlyle elementary school for the grade ﬁves and sixes. Justine Kyle looks after that group.

On Saturday January 25, Carlyle will host a junior bonspiel which is open for grades 2-12.

If anyone is looking for something to do, spectators are welcome to come and support their teams.

From left, coach Robin Brown, Ella Johnson, Tiana Delalleau, Alyssa Bee, Kirsten East, and Kiera Brown make up the U18 Women’s Curling team. Photo courtesy of Robin Brown

January

Sat, Jan 25 – Youth Funspiel

Carlyle Curling Club

Sat, Jan 25 – 32nd Annual Arcola

Optimist Snowmobile Rally

Sun, Jan 26 – Carlyle Minor Ball Pitching Clinic

Donuts •Coffee •Pizza•Soups•Sandwich’s&more! •Pizza•Soups •Sandwich’s &more! MondaystoSaturdays:6am -5pm

CarlyleBaker yc an also be foundatthese Retailers

Estevan -Little J's Food Town -938 EvaStreet

Estevan -Pharmasave -1239 5th Street

Weyburn -Pharmasave -30-3rdStreet

Oxbow -SouthernPlains Co-op -405 ProspectAve

Your rst stop to nd events happening in our community!

February

Sun, Feb 2, 9 & 23 – Carlyle Minor Ball

Pitching Clinic

Fri, Feb 14 – Redvers Legion Valentine’s Day Supper and Concert

*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.

March

Sat, Mar 15 – Arcola High House – The Leftovers

Tues to Sat - Mar 25 -29 – 125th Arcola Curling Club Bonspiel

April

Sat, April 12 – Lions Supper and Auction Sat, April 19 – Arcola High House – J.J. Voss

Making Valentine’s Day special at Lampman School

By Stephanie Zoer

Last fall, Nicole Quinn’s 28 students from kindergarten, grade one and grade two classes learned about Christmas in diﬀerent countries from around the world.

Quinn has been teaching this age group for the past three years at Lampman School but has been teaching this combination for the past 16 years, and before this taught kindergarten for 10 years.

Using Google Earth, they ﬂew to diﬀerent countries and learned how each country celebrated the season.

When they travelled to the country through google earth it was located on a world map, so the students could see where it was.

This was very intriguing for the students and Quinn wanted to explore further on how to teach the children about the world map.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, Quinn felt the students

could learn more about kindness and being good friends through this special day, and Valentine’s Day seemed to be the perfect day to do this.

She thought the two could be connected through valentines with trying to get valentines from diﬀerent provinces, and territories in Canada, but hoping for people to send some from out of country.

Each time they receive a card or email they go to the world map and log the places

were a card is received from.

So far, they have received messages from Mesa, Arizona; Lloydminster, Alberta; Sault Ste Marie, Ontario; Maribyrnong, Victoria, Australia; Stephenville, Texas; Denmark; Leduc, Alberta; Abbotsford, B.C., and the students from the Lampman Playschool.

The students are thrilled with the response and get really excited to read the cards from all the new places.

One of their favourite ques-

tions is “Ms. Quinn, did that come from across the ocean.”

Anyone who wishes to send a card to the school can do so at the following address, K/1/2 Students-Lampman School, Box 370, Lampman, Saskatchewan, Canada, S0C 1N0, or can send an email to Nicole.quinn@secpsd.ca

It is hoped that people will spread the word about this special event for the students, so they can see how far the cards and emails can come from.

Nicole Quinn’s kindergarten, grade one and grade two classes look forward to seeing Valentine’s from around the world. Photo by Nicole Quinn

Living the life on a funny farm of animals

By Stephanie Zoer

Sheri

Matthies

knew that one day she was going to own a farm, as she had a passion for animals ever since she was a little girl.

Born and raised in Estevan, she attended the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS).

She always had pets as a child, but when she turned 15 years old, she bought her ﬁrst horse.

The horse’s name was Nash, and she was the furthest from being a beginner’s horse, but Matthies loved this horse with all her heart.

Nash came from a SPCA rescue. She was a standardbred that was malnourished and was skin and bones upon arrival and had a belly full of worms. Her hooves were terribly overgrown, which took months to try and get close to being in good shape.

She was dewormed regularly and fed a well balanced diet to help her gain the much needed weight.

She was a hard horse to catch, but after one week she trusted Matthies and they became bonded.

The horse was boarded, and Matthies went out to visit Nash every day after school.

“I never cared for riding and still do not,” said Matthies. “I prefer the communication and company of a horse, it is therapeutic.”

Matthies sat on the lawn as the horse grazed, and she taught Matthies so many things about horses.

Sadly, Nash had a bout of colic and passed away eight short months after Matthies bought her. Matthies, although sad over the loss of her horse, was grateful she was able to show Nash what love was all about.

Matthies soon met another love of her life in April of 2015, and that is her husband, Logan Matthies. They have been together for almost ten years.

Logan has worked at the same job since he was 16 years old, as a repair technician at TS&M Supply. He was also raised in Estevan and attended the ECS.

In 2018 they bought a farm near Bienfait, ironically it was the place that Matthies had boarded her ﬁrst horse for ﬁve years.

She is immensely proud of her farm, which she lovingly calls the funny farm, as it houses many diﬀerent animals.

Although Logan loves the farm, he is not as in tune to the animals like Matthies is, although it was his idea to get the goats and cats.

Their 80 acres are enough to harvest hay for the animals, and at present they have two house dogs, three house cats, two farm dogs and three goats.

It does not end there as they have four horses, two donkeys, with one expecting this year and too many chickens to count.

With owning animals there also comes the heartbreak of losing one, and this past summer Evander, their 24 year old horse passed over the rainbow bridge. Matthies had owned him for seven years. Shortly after this, Rio came into their lives. He is a19 year old horse that is suited for beginners to ride.

The newest addition is a bunny, for their one and a half year old daughter Stella. She as well loves the animals and goes to the barn to help mom out.

They did have ducks, but after an unconﬁrmed tornado ripping through their yard, taking their duck coop, and tossing it 80 feet away, along with the fencing, they decided to rehome the ducks until they could build again.

A new coop has been constructed by Logan, which is now heavily anchored to the ground.

“We never thought in a million years that something like this could happen,” said Matthies.

With the extreme cold weather Matthies has a routine to shelter the animals. The stalls are cleaned out and heavily bedded, the chicken coop is also cleaned with fresh bedding to keep the chickens dry, as it is moisture that kills them, not so much the cold. They monitor the heat in the coop and if need be, will plug in the heat lamps.

The horses and donkeys are blanketed, but the horses will be outside and have shelter, while the donkeys want to be in the barn, along with the goats.

The farm dogs and cats have heated areas that they can go to, with plenty

of food and water. It is a lot of work, but Matthies does not want to be unprepared when it comes to her animals.

Matthies also works at Happy

might be added to the funny farm this year, but Matthies is always ready to take in another animal.

Smiles Pet Resort and loves it. One never knows what

Stella Matthies is one and a half years old and she loves to sit on her 19-year-old horse Rio while her mom Sheri Matthies stands close by. Photo courtesy of Sheri Matthies

Sheri Matthies and her horse Evander. He was 24 years old when he went over the rainbow bridge last summer. Photo by New View Photography

Views

Small Town, Saskatchewan

First of all, I’m thrilled about writing for the Carlyle Observer – again! I wrote for this paper a few years ago, then stepped away for a season. I’m thankful to Dolores for giving me this opportunity to write again.

For most of my life (and it is getting longer and longer), I’ve lived in large cities. First it was Toronto, then it was Winnipeg, a somewhat smaller city.

Occasionally, I heard about small-town life but never paid much attention. After all, I thought, it wasn’t something I would ever experience. Mostly what I heard was negative. “Small towns are cliquish and gossipy…there’s no such thing as privacy”. That sort of thing. Everybody knew everything about everyone and people weren’t hesitant sharing what they knew or thought they knew, if you know what I mean.

Well, I did end up in one of those places…Carnduﬀ. And I discovered that a lot of what I had heard was true. Family connections give the appearance of cliquishness and the gossip wire is very active…and fast! There are very few secrets in small-town Saskatchewan.

An elderly lady whom I visited at our local personal care home from time to time recently passed away. Following our visits, I would return home amazed at how a ‘shut-in’ knew so much and knew it so quickly. I often felt that she knew about things before they even happened. Small town news gets around faster than social media, it seems.

As uncomfortable as these small town ‘negatives’ may be, I’ve discovered many beneﬁts that are missing (or scarce) in large cities. To be honest, the beneﬁts are such that I’m not sure I’d ever want to return to a large city. I’m now used to the so-called negatives that I’d heard about and even appreciate some of them.

And I’ve really enjoyed the ‘untalked-about’ positives. For example…

A few weeks ago, my wife and I received the tragic word that her younger brother in Winnipeg had passed away very unexpectedly. We had been with him the week before and everything seemed to be ﬁne. We both were in a state of shock, unable to think of much else.

We both had to work that day but our minds were in Winnipeg. When she got home, we couldn’t even think about what to have for supper. I suggested that we go out to eat. We went to a restaurant the next town over and as we entered, we saw some fellow Carnduﬃans that we knew distantly. We exchanged ‘hellos’ and they asked how we were doing (surprisingly, for a small town, they hadn’t heard the sad news yet) and we told them about my wife’s brother.

They returned to their table, we ate our meal, and thought nothing further about our brief conversation… until we went to pay the bill. Our meal had been paid for! When we dropped by their place later to thank them, they told us it was the least they could do for us.

Although hardly knowing us, they wanted to be there for us. A beautiful thing that one sees far more often in small towns than in those urban centres.

The following day, we went to Winnipeg to mourn with my wife’s parents. While there, a lot of snow fell in Carnduﬀ. When we returned, our driveway had been shoveled clear. We ﬁgured out who did it - another family that we knew better than the couple at the restaurant. It was their way of encouraging us in our season of mourning.

Just recently, a local teen was diagnosed with leukemia and as is often the case in small towns, the community has rallied to support her family ﬁnancially and in other ways.

Small-town life comes with many beneﬁts that you don’t hear people talking about in those large cities.

And those beneﬁts make small-town living such a great thing!

“Everyone

can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

It takes a team to make it happen

In searching for the name of a business in a city I lived in growing up, I came across the obituary of a man who was not only the father of a friend in elementary school days, but also a former softball coach.

He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame years later so our team certainly beneﬁtted from the coaching skills of a great player who had, and would continue, to make his mark on the game in the province.

He and my dad were asked to step in and coach our softball team for the ﬁnal games of the season, including the city championships, when our coach had to step down following surgery. We were 11 and 12-yearold kids playing for fun but we were a pretty good team and had our sights set on winning. We made it to the championship game, playing on the “big diamond” in our small city. Normally teams in our age group were assigned to ball

diamonds connected to elementary schools but on this particular weekend we had made it to the venue where the senior teams played. It had its own concession, sets of bleachers for fans and actual dugouts for the teams. It was pretty thrilling.

I was one of the pitchers on our team and when I wasn’t pitching, I could usually be found at third base. I got the call as starting pitcher on championship day and was pretty proud of what that meant. I was enjoying every moment of the experience. Until I was pulled in the 5th inning. The coach came out to the mound to talk to me with two outs and no one on base. He asked how I was doing and I told him I was great. But he had a keen eye. He was also co-coaching with my dad and it was common knowledge I had been having problems with my knees for a while. They were going to bring in someone else to finish off the game because he was noticing something different in how I was throwing and didn’t want me risking an injury. I was crushed. Why couldn’t he have let me finish the inning at least, and send someone else out in the 6th? Then I wished I hadn’t gotten the start at all. If I had been at third base they might have kept me in and I could have finished the game.

I headed oﬀ the ﬁeld knowing my day was done. Disappointment hung on me like an oversized jersey as I sat down beside a couple other players who hadn’t yet been put in the game. I watched one girl in particular. She was a good friend of mine who wasn’t interested in sports but decided to play because that’s where her friends were. She was a musician—not an athlete—and today is a concert pianist in Vancouver. But on that day she was one of the most earnest cheerleaders you could ever want. She knew what it meant to be part of a team. She got a chance to play during the season, but as she waited for her turn in the big game she was doing everything she could to cheer on players to victory.

I was reminded my day was far from done. I had completed what I was asked to do on the ﬁeld, and now I needed to complete what I could do from the bench.

A report in 2023 indicated there has been such a dramatic drop in people willing to volunteer in our country it is causing a crisis. Statistics from Volunteer Canada says 65% of volunteer-supported organizations are “waving a red ﬂag as they desperately run short on help.” This shortage has resulted in 35% of organizations reducing services as a

result. In some places, Meals on Wheels programs have been shut down, there is a waiting list of more than two years for Big Brother/ Big Sister programs, and community groups are challenged getting people willing to sit on boards and committees.

I have spent time with many different teams, groups and organizations in my life and have seen time and time again the effort it takes to make things happen. But when everyone sees they have a part to play in it, much can be accomplished— and there can be a great sense of satisfaction along the way. As a member of the local community group Equinox Theatre, we have often laughed that as soon as you get off the stage you likely need to pick up a broom or empty garbage cans or straighten chairs. That’s what it takes. So much of the success of any venture is the countless people doing things behind the scenes to make it happen. Without all of them, it wouldn’t get off the ground.

There’s little quite as gratifying as being part of an eﬀort that allows you to work together, encourage one another, and cheer each other on. Sometimes you are called on to pitch. Sometimes you are called on to pitch in. Give me the second option any day of the week. That’s my outlook.

Nelson Mandela

Shelley Luedtke

Carlyle Minor Hockey hosted all 11 teams from Carlyle in celebration of Minor Hockey Day

By Stephanie Zoer

Minor Hockey Day in Canada is a cherished annual event that brings communities across Canada together to celebrate the sport that unites all people who love hockey, and this was no diﬀerent in Carlyle.

This day brings young athletes, dedicated coaches, sportive parents and grandparents and the countless volunteers together to enjoy a day ﬁlled with hockey.

In Carlyle on January 18, 11 teams came to play oﬀ against other teams in recognition of this day, and a donation to the Carlyle Food Bank allowed a person a day’s admission.

It started with the U7 Cougars Mclean playing against Kipling, and at the same time Cougars Kirkness versing Cougars Rasmussen. There were so many goals scored that they could not keep track of them all, but they were exciting games for the fans who could be heard loud and clearly cheering these young teams on.

Next up from 10-11 a.m. was the U9 Cougars Curries verses the U9 Redvers Drew, and the Cougars Geiger against the Redvers Kourtlin. These games again had the crowd up and cheering the entire time.

The excitement continued with U11 Cougar Lemieux verses U11 Cougar Sauter. These two teams played hard, but it was Blue Lemieux taking the win.

When the U18’s came on the ice, it was Finley Sauter and Hadley Blaise that carried the Wildcats Battle Flag on the ice. This is in connection to keeping female hockey alive.

Scott Kirkness has a daughter that plays hockey and the second season she played for the U7 team, she was the only girl out of 26 players.

Kirkness said that his daughter struggled but the Wildcat women’s team invited her out, gave her autographs and warmed up with them. This was a game changer for the young player.

The anticipation began to build when Balcarres Barracudas took on the U18 Carlyle Wildcats. Balcarres has been undefeated this year and it was a tough game for the Wildcats, losing 12-0, but they gave it their all.

The U13 and U15 Cougars each took on a Wawota Team. Both games were ﬁlled with excitement, but in both games Wawota came out ahead with the win.

At 8 p.m. the U18 Cougars came on the ice to play against Weyburn. Many spectators stayed all day and watched all the games, giving their support to all the players, and this included the ﬁnal game.

The game kept the crowd alive and into the game each time the Cougar’s scored. The Cougars defeated Weyburn with an 8-4 score.

As minor hockey day ended, it served as a reminder of hockey’s enduring place in Canadian culture. Minor Hockey Day in Canada is a celebration of everything that makes the game great. It is not just about hockey, it is about community, connection, and the pure joy of the game and this was the case in Carlyle.

The U11 Carlyle Sauter played o against the U11 Carlyle Lemieux on Minor Hockey Day in Carlyle. Photos by Scott Kirkness

From left, Finley Sauter and Hadley Blaise, both from the U11 Cougars carried the Wildcats Battle Flag to celebrate female hockey in Carlyle.

the Bear Claw Community Development Corporation grant

The Board of Directors distributed $50,000 to the rural portion of the Bear Claw Community Development Corporation.

The rural area consists of the following: Village of Keno-

see Lake, Manor, Carlyle and the RM of Moose Mountain #63.

We had applications totaling $175,000 for the area. Unfortunately, not all applications were successful. Some applications were rejected due to application not being filled

out properly. not signed or not following the guidelines on the board’s decision on how to fill out your application. When you are considering applying and you are unsure of something please read the guidelines on the application form. If you have any questions get

in touch with your community rep for help.

These communities have a great opportunity to benefit from the BCCDC grant. We always wish there was more funds to give out but we are limited, as I like to tell people if you have a need apply for what you need, you may not get all the you ask for but be grateful for what you get and promote what you get from the BCDC.

The Town of Carlyle and #63 Moose Mountain were successful to have $25,000 to distribute in this area.

Chaelynn Boutin accepts on behalf of the Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre.

Submitted by Jack Wilson

Christie Hislop accepts on behalf of Moose Mountain Chillers Ladies Hockey.

Danielle Steele accepts on behalf of the Carlyle Sports Arena. Jarred Riddell accepts on behalf of Carlyle Community Complex Foundation.

Lane Newell accepts on behalf of Carlyle Fire Department.

Wayne Wilson accepts on behalf of Southerland Cementary.

Kale Newell, Jack Wilson, Jarred Riddell, Chaelynn Boutin, Danielle Steel, Christie Hislop, Wayne Wilson and Wayne Orsted accept on behalf of the Communites of Carlyle and RM #63.

Lane Newell and Chaelynn Boutin accept on behalf of Carlyle Curling Club.

Thomas Roy Johnston

Born May 30, 2024

Parents: Lane Johnston & Mariah Brown

Brady Blayne Germain

Born: August 26, 2024

Parents: Jesse & Dayna Germain

Amelia Dione Martel

Born: June 16, 2024

Parents: Mitchell & Desiray Martel

Daisy AnnLynne Wilson

Born: October 14, 2024

Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz

Proud parents: Kelsey Rydberg & Steven Wilson (Estevan)

Grandparents: Shelly & Tim Cowan (Alida)

Great-grandparents: Edel & Gray Cowan (Alida)

Carlyle Cougars Powered by 306 AG select provincial team

By Stephanie Zoer

The Carlyle Cougars Powered by 306 AG have selected their provincial team and they are excited about the high quality players they will have.

Presently in the regular season the Cougars are in fifth place, but according to co-head coach and general manager Tyler Fleck, they hope to end up in third place, but it will be a race to the final game.

On January 18 they played against Wawota in their barn, and the game started off pretty grim, falling behind 3-1 in the first period.

Going into the final periods they gained ground and by the end of the second it was 5-3 for Wawota, but in the third period the Cougars pulled up their socks and tightened their laces to pull off a victory with a 10-7 win.

On January 25 the final game of the season will be played in Wawota, and this is a must win game, to keep the team moving forward.

They must also focus on the provincial series coming up and the roster is based around the leagues team.

Fleck said that this year the league team was comprised of players from some larger centers which has put them in the highest category based on population.

They spent considerable time finding guys

that would give them a shot at this.

There are a few factors that go into the roster.

First, how is the league team doing in the regular session and this will dictate how aggressive the team is.

They take the best from what they have from the league team and supplement that with the best players they can find.

The core will always be local players, and seniority is also a factor.

In the “A” category, they need three highend lines to even compete, and this year they were able to find some extremely high-quality players to help the Cougars.

Added to the roster is a total of seven players, five of them are ex professionals and three of the five have signed contracts with the NHL at one point.

Forward David Dziurzynski was once signed by the Ottawa Senators and appeared in 26 NHL games. They also have Darin Dziurzynski as a

forward. He was drafted in the 5th round, 141st overall by the Phoenix Coyotes from the NHL.

Another forward is Jesse Gabrielle, and he was once drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2015. He signed a three year entry level contract with the Bruins in 2016.

Zeanan Ziemer is a member of the OCN Blizzard and the Dauphin Kings of the MJHL, scoring an impressive 116 goals and 139 assists.

Three defensemen will join the roster, Austin Crossley who played two seasons in the ECHL as a member of the Florida Everblades. He will be joined by Eric Bollefer who played five seasons at Minot University registering 25 goals, and 52 assists.

Eric Soar played for the Minot State University, and he has 15 goals, and 68 assists. He played for Team Canada in 2023.

In total the Cougars have rostered the full 25 players allowed by provincials.

Fleck thinks that this

is likely the first time that has ever happened with the team, and this in itself is exciting.

“It is going to be a great experience for our players to play at this higher level and we love the support from the community,” said Fleck.

Their first round of playoffs will begin in February, with the first game in Carlyle against Raymore on February 9. The game will start at 2:30 p.m. and Fleck as-

sures that people will be home in time to watch football.

Game 2 and 3 will be played in Raymore on February 14 and 16, if necessary, as it is the best out of three games.

The provincial play offs team roster is Curtis Meger, Landon Audet, Adrien Riddell, Ben Johnstone, Brett Turgeon, Zach Brown, Cade Bendtsen, Brent McLean, Josh Romanyk, Austin Crossley, Ri-

ley Niven, Marc Shaw, Branden Lequyer, David Dziurzynski, Randen Schmidt, Tyran Brown, Darian Dziurzynski, Jon Gaudet, Taysen Holt, Eric Soar, Eric Bollefer, Jesse Gabrielle, Zeanan Ziemer, Kaelan Holt and Dakota Rose.

Coaching staff is Tyler Fleck, Brad Pierson, Chris Meger, Allan Fleck, Todd Holt, Connor Hewitt and Marlee Cormier.

At the same time, they will have their league playoffs as well, which is the best out of five.

“We are excited about out roster and will give it everything we have to compete with the best senior teams in Saskatchewan once again,” said Fleck.

“The support is fantastic in Carlyle, and we love playing in front of a sold out house,” he said.

District #41 4-H Curling

District #41 4-H Curling was held in Oxbow, Sask on Fri., Jan 3, hosted by Glen Ewen Mixed 4-H. There were two Senior Competitive Teams and two Junior Competitive teams – Alameda Beef and Carnduff Beef. The senior and junior team from the Alameda Beef Club will be competing in East Regional 4-H Curling – January 24 & 25, 2025 in Lumsden, SK. There were 9 teams that competed in Fun Curling. Following the curling games, winners were drawn from the raffle auction, which had items donated by each Club. Certificates and medals were handed out to all the participants of the curling teams. A fun day – enjoyed by everyone.

On December 13, 2024, four McLeans and three Holts started off the game in Carlyle. Photo courtesy of Facebook

Submitted by Myrna Babbings

Jaso Frey (President of SJ 4H, Alameda Seniors - Rachel Tober, Addison Hammermeister, Joran Frey, Dylan Frey. Not pictured is Katelyn Rutten.

Alameda Juniors – Bryn Chapman, Fallyn Shier, Dane Tober, Marlee Gervais. Not pictured is Bryler Franken.

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Community Futures Sunrise gathers SE Sask Champions to Foster Collaboration

Weyburn, SK – On Monday, January 13th, Community Futures Sunrise brought together 40 dedicated individuals, united by their enthusiasm for the vibrant potential of southeast Saskatchewan.

Representatives from 17 communities who met in Carlyle —including elected oﬃcials, municipal staﬀ, business leaders, community organizers, and passionate advocates—joined forces to share ideas and work toward a stronger, more connected region.

“These were true Community Champions,” said Andria Brady, General Manager of Community Futures Sunrise. “The energy and optimism in the room were truly inspiring—it was a powerful moment for everyone involved.”

Participants engaged in dynamic breakout sessions to celebrate their communities’ strengths, identify areas for improvement, and explore opportunities for

collaboration. Throughout the afternoon, the theme of “support and collaboration” resonated strongly, emphasizing the power of working together to amplify regional success.

The insights gathered from the session will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will guide the group’s next steps. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th, via Zoom, and everyone who is interested in contributing to the future of southeast Saskatchewan is encouraged to join.

“Within just 24 hours, we had several more people express interest in being part of this initiative—it’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm,” Brady added. “Everyone is welcome—whether you’re from a town, city, village, First Nation, or rural municipality, if you’re passionate about helping southeast Saskatchewan thrive, we want to hear from you!” To get involved, contact Community Futures Sunrise and join this growing movement to shape the future of the southeast region.

Submitted by Andria Brady

Facilitator Jackie Wall with Inspire Strategies for Business

Attendees at the Community Futures Sunrise event

on your faith

The promise of the New Year is still with us: “May corn be abundant in the land to the peaks of the mountains. May its fruit rustle like Lebanon” (Psalm 72).

In “That’s the way it is” Celine Dion sings “Don’t give up on your faith / Love comes to those who believe it / And that’s the way it is.” When you’re in doubt and ready to give up, when loneliness comes, Don’t give up on your faith.

There is a process involved in renewing our faith and receiving the blessings of grace. The Catholic Mass begins with a procession, a symbolic gesture of our lives as a pilgrimage. This procession symbolizes and leads into the penitential rite where Kyrie Eleison (Lord have Mercy) is sung or recited.

The priest ascends the altar steps. This too is symbolic of lifting up our eyes (and hearts) to God and reminding us of Jesus’ ascent to Mount Calvary.

Pause for Reflection

KEN ROLHEISER

www.kenrolheiser.com

The priest assumes this role and ascends to a “mystical” Mount Calvary to offer the sacrifice of the Mass, participating in the one sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Going forward in the Mass or worship is like going forward into the New Year. Going forward in trust is easier if we have faith. We do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. When your heart’s left in doubt / Don’t give up on your faith /

Carievale 4H Beef Club get together

Love comes to those who believe it.

The impossible should not stop us. Native American Olympian Jim Thorpe had his shoes stolen on the morning of the competition. He found some shoes in the garbage. One shoe was larger and so he wore an extra sock. He won two gold medals that day.

We are all on a journey this New Year, a journey that involves searching. Love is the key to that brighter future. Love comes to those who believe Journeying with God is the way to go in 2025. The magic happens when we cooperate with God’s grace in the Holy Spirit. Examples abound.

During World War II (1945), a Japanese boy stood in front of a funeral pyre and waited his turn to cremate his little dead brother. He held the infant’s body across his shoulders. A photographer gave witness.

He saw that the boy was biting his lips so hard to keep from crying that blood was dripping from the corner of his mouth. When the guard offered to free him from his heavy burden, the boy said, “He ain’t heavy, he is my brother.”

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Reciprocity No. 32 Municipal Elections 2025

Whereas the following have been nominated for the office(s) of:

Councillor for Division Two Justin McNish as the only candidate(s), I hereby give notice that no voting for the office(s) will take place on February 19th, 2025.

Dated this 16th day of January, 2025

M.J. Larsen Returning Officer

After we clear our eyes, we realize how love works. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. That makes service to others easier. Take for example the life and ministry of evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.

In his ministry, Bonnke converted 89,025,314 people to follow Christ. Decision cards filled in by converts support these numbers. Startling stories of deaf people regaining their hearing, blind people regaining their sight and paralysed people suddenly walking again accompanied his ministry.

As Christians we are empowered to move forward through pain, suffering and setbacks. Charlie Chaplin once told a joke. Everyone laughed. He told it a second time; only a few laughed. When he told it a third time no one laughed. Then he said, “If you can’t laugh and laugh at the same joke, why do you cry and cry at the same pain and sorrow?” Don’t

Church of Our Lady, Carlyle

Father Chris Juchacz

Carlyle: Sunday at 11 a.m.

Kenosee: Saturday at 5 p.m Forget: Sunday at 9 a.m. 306-453-6200

The Carievale 4H Beef Club held their monthly meeting on January 13. The members all had a chance to present their speeches. An excellent job was done by all. A few of our members will continue on to districts. Submitted by Cole Green

46. on (love excessively)

48. Puton, as clothes

49. Liquidrock

50. Flower suppor t

51. Tread the boards

52. Muck

53. Elec trified par ticle

54. Ruby-hued

ACROSS

1. Tableland

5. Flowsback

9. Handful

12. Arena shape

13.Invalid

14. Historic epoch

15. Monk ’s quarters

16. Romantic ones

18. Legjoints

20.Evaluate

21. Shaggy ox

23. Brewing vessel

27. Slip

31.Capture

32.Get an “A”on

33. Clear liquor

35. Aggravate

36. Comes together

39. Least messy

42.Allows to enter

44. Gooey liquid

45. Require

47. Stadiums

51. Provoker 55. Orderly 56. Bill and 57. Guitar’sk in 58. Overhanging roof part

59. Shipping weight 60. Droveover thelimit 61. Small por tion DOWN 1. Mimic 2. Fifty-fifty 3. Bargainoffering 4. Sidestreets

5. Come to a close 6. “Perry Mason” star

7. Lamb’s comment 8. Blackboards

9. Attorney ’s charge 10. Botch 11. Hadbeing 17. Nasty 19. Posedfor a pic ture 22. Barrel 24. the way 25. Mineral resources 26. Printed matter 27. Cass 28. Frozen 29. Appear 30. Cherry seed 34. Young bug 37. Dye 38. Robs 40.Small quantity 41. Pressed 43. Raise: 2wds

HOWTOPLAY:

Fill in the grid so thateveryrow, every column and every 3x3 box containsthe numbers 1through 9 only once.

Each3x3 boxisoutlined with a darker line. Youalreadyhavea few numbers to getyou started Remember: you must not repeat the numbers1 through9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.