Moose Jaw Express, June 14th, 2023

Those Guys Car Club will once again be bringing one of the most popular events of the Father’s Day weekend to Wakamow Valley.

Hundreds of vehicles of all vintages, values and vroom-ability will descend on the Wakamow Oval for the eighth annual Bent Wrench Run Father’s Day Show and Shine on Sunday, June 18.

And folks can expect to be a little bit wowed by what they find on site.

Past shows have featured everything from tricked-out rat rods to perfectly maintained family cruisers from the 1950s and plenty of supercharged monsters -including a 760-horsepower ‘67 Pontiac Beaumont that dropped many a jaw last summer.

Best of all? It’s all completely free to stop by and check everything out.

The show and shine runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a host of vendors on site, selling a wide variety of car-related items and trinkets. One stall in 2022 even offered custom-made cartoon prints

of your vehicle in the old Hot Rod magazine style, with the artist reporting brisk sales throughout the day.

Visitors can get up close and personal with the vehicles, with many owners hanging around to answer any questions or queries interested folks might have. Patrons are often drawn to some of the oldest cars in the show, with Model T and Model A owners more than happy to regale onlookers with tales of restoration and sourcing surprisingly easy-to-find parts to keep

their ancient cars in perfect running order. Another highlight of the weekend comes the day before, as cars and trucks participating in the Show and Shine will cruise Main Street in the early evening. The entry fee to show off your car is $20 per vehicle, with all proceeds going to Hunger in Moose Jaw.

Here are a handful of cool scenes from 2022 and be sure to check things out on the weekend!

but this 1967 Pontiac Beaumont has 760 horses under the hood.

What legacy will you leave BEHIND? legacy behind

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Arts community celebrates official re-opening of Peacock’s 92-year-old theatre

A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s Centennial Auditorium has been a fixture in the drama and music scene for 92 years, and with its recent renovations, it should serve the community for another century.

Prairie South School Division held an official auditorium re-opening on June 6 — former drama teacher Lyle Johnson was MC — with roughly 70 people packing into the 1931-built theatre to hear speeches, watch several musical and dance performances and view a ribbon cutting.

Afterward, attendees had cake and toured the upgraded venue.

The special performances included a musical theatre piece by Emma Cherney and Kolby Adams performing “Anything You Can Do” from the show Annie, Get Your Gun; a jazz dance from the Doris Sitter School of Dance; a musical theatre piece by Brooke Zarubin singing “This Time” from the show Glee; two songs by the Prairie South Jazz band; and a performance from Dance Images by BJ.

This was the first major auditorium upgrade since 1966, with these renovations occurring in two phases between 2019 and 2020.

The renos included updating the stage rigging, modernizing the stage lighting, installing new fireproof curtains, enhancing the sound system, upgrading the house

lighting and replacing all the seating and flooring.

Historic photos of the auditorium and past student drama groups were shown on a screen during the evening, which attracted the attention of sisters-in-law Marj Staples and Muriel Tolley.

When one photo of drama students from around 1971 appeared, Tolley pointed to a girl in the front row — possibly Staples. With a laugh, Staples said that might have been her, but she couldn’t recall since she was in several plays in high school.

The most notable change for the women was the seat upgrades, which added significantly more leg room — there are now 600 beige seats instead of 800 blue and orange ones. Tolley explained that before, if people wanted to leave their seats, others had to stand up or shift their legs to the side. However, those acrobatics are no longer required.

“I think they did a great job (and the theatre is beau-

DISCRETIONARY USE APPLICATION

TheCounciloftheCityofMooseJaw,pursuanttoZoningBylawNo. 5346isconsideringanapplicationtoallowforaproposed “Warehouse”on,Blk/ParD,PlanNo.84MJ09669,Ext.0,civically knownas11WoodLilyDrive,MooseJaw,Saskatchewan,whichisa discretionaryusewithintheC3–VehicleOrientedCommercial District.Additionalinformationregardingtheapplicationmaybe foundonthe“announcements”pageatwww.moosejaw.ca.The application,andanyrepresentations,willbeconsideredbyCity CouncilonMonday,June26,2023at4:00p.m.intheCouncil Chambers,CityHall,228MainStreetNorth.

Written submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca.

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tiful),” said Staples, adding her family made a significant donation to the project to honour their late mother, Marion.

Prairie South renamed seven rooms to honour the project’s largest sponsors, with two areas named after Kerry DePape and Jacquie Ackerman, who were heavily involved in Peacock’s drama scene years ago.

Ackerman’s family — father Richard, brother Patrick and sister-in-law Donna — gathered in the green room to honour the woman who died in 2018.

“She spent many a day here doing theatre and choir … . And then during the summer holiday, she run something that Lyle worked on called ‘The Moose Jaw Thing,’ and it was all summer theatre,” explained Richard.

“She did that for five (or) 10 years at least because she was in university and she came back and run that.”

Jacquie loved acting and eventually taught theatre and choir at Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School for 14 years before she worked as a vice-principal for 14 years, her father continued. There were 15 drama students when she began teaching and 115 when she became a vice-principal.

Due to that commitment, Richard and his late wife Agnes — who died in 2022 — wanted to ensure a room was named after their daughter.

Dustin Swanson, superintendent of operations and renewal project chairman, explained that DePape was a wellknown resident connected to the school whose family supported fine arts.

“Kerry unfortunately passed away suddenly a few years ago and many people donated in honour of Kerry. And so we feel very blessed to have the opportunity to put something in dedication in Kerry’s name here at the Centennial Auditorium,” Swanson said.

“Annie, Get Your Gun.” Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Swanson — who knew DePape and his family well — thought DePape would be impressed with the renovations since they honour past students and staff and ensure future arts opportunities for the community.

Cops continue to investigate three sudden drug-related deaths

By Moose Jaw Express staff

The Moose Jaw Police Service dealt with three sudden deaths during a 48-hour period between June 9 and 10, which the agency believes was due to tainted or compromised Fentanyl.

The police service is reminding residents that anyone can be at risk of a drug overdose, so don’t use drugs alone. For people who are drug users or know people who use drugs, seek help for them immediately and don’t let the addiction lead to a near-fatal or fatal overdose.

Friends and family should learn the signs of an opioid overdose, which can include difficulty walking, talking or staying awake; blue lips or nails; pinpoint pupils; cold and clammy skin; dizziness or confusion; extreme drowsiness; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds; slow or weak breathing; and inability to wake up even when shaken or shouted at.

The Good Samaritan Overdose Act will protect peo

ple experiencing a drug overdose from charges of posses

sion of a controlled substance. That’s also true for anyone present while someone else is experiencing an overdose, the police service said. Residents should not hesitate to call 911 in an overdose situation.

Learn more about the Good Samaritan Overdose Act by visiting www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/ opioids/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html.

People can access a Naloxone kit if they are concerned about experiencing a drug overdose or witnessing one. Learn more at www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids#utm_campaign=q2_2015&utm_medium=short&utm_source=%2Fopioids.

If residents have information about people trafficking drugs in the community, they can give authorities that information and remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Police continue to investigate the deaths.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

As part of the renovations, the green room was renamed in honour of the late Jacquie Ackerman, who was heavily involved in drama at Peacock. Pictured are her father Richard, brother Patrick and sister-inlaw Donna. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Peacock graduates Emma Cherney and Kolby Adams argue over who does it better, during the song “Anything You Can Do” from the play

A view of the upgraded auditorium from the balcony.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Performers with Dance Images by BJ. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

TracyWittke–CityClerk

your investment plan today.

National Indigenous History Month begins with teepee raising at Sacred Heart School

Students at Sacred Heart School walked outside to discover a school bus and poles to construct a teepee on June 5. The teepee raising ceremony was led by Lyndon Linklater, who is a traditional First Nations knowledge keeper and storyteller.

Prior to his opening address, Linklater was presented with a customary gift of tobacco from students and faculty at Sacred Heart School.

“In partnership with our knowledge keeper Lyndon Linklater, we have been working on more Truth and Reconciliation work within our school division,” explained Ward Strueby, director of education for Holy Trinity. “We are looking at developing more light in the community, and also teaching students about the truth of what happened in the past.”

“Lyndon Linklater is going from school to school this year to show students how to put up a teepee, and then take students inside and teach them about… how it relates to the First Nations ways of knowing,” said Strueby.

“Last year we opened a community garden in partnership with the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre to work with our functionally integrated students. This year, our partnership with the Inclusion Centre won our board the Premier’s Award for Excellence for the Saskatchewan School Board Association.

“In the future… for National Indigenous Peoples Day, we are looking to do a sleepover… with students so they get the experience of actually sleeping in a teepee,” Strueby announced.

Once the teepee was set up with the help of volunteers, students were invited inside.

“It’s a very different way to grow up and a different way to think, but this is how the First Nations people did it…,” Linklater explained to his students.

Spirituality can be a great way to draw connection and understanding between cultures. “There is one thing about the First Nations people, we love God. I love God.”

When asked about the circular shape of both the teepee and the drum he held, Linklater spoke about this symbolism.

“So, when you come into our teepee, see the shape you see? A circle. That teaches us that God is at the foundation of our homes; God is at the root of our families… So, when we come into the teepee, the first thing we see is the circle. What that teaches us is never, ever forget about God, because God is everywhere.”

Inside the teepee, guests were greeted with the pleasant scent of freshly cut wooden poles and smoked, tanned hides which Linklater passed around the group. “Have you ever heard of moccasins? This

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / Moose Jaw Today.com

story and humor. He is the longest serving member of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Speaker’s Bureau, a citizen of Thunderchild First Nation (Plains Cree) in Treaty 6 territory and has spoken to tens of thousands of people.

He currently works with the Remai Modern Art Museum in Saskatoon as their Indigenous Relations Advisor to offer advice for the delivery of cultural programming.

Last week and up to Tuesday of this week, there were many teepee raising ceremonies across the Holy Trinity School Board.

is a special moccasin, because this is made from what is called a smoked, tanned hide… it is like leather. A long time ago this is what we used to make our teepees.”

Linklater also talked about the appearance of teepees. “Some types of wood burn white, so we could have a white teepee, or brown, or dark brown, and it all has to do with the smoke that we use to tan the hides.”

Linklater included a fun song for the students and answered their questions, all part of the role of knowledge keeper.

“How I became a knowledge keeper, and how I see others become knowledge keepers, is the community will visit me with that title or that role. Over a period of time… things will happen in the community… ‘Oh, ask Lyndon Linklater, he knows how to put up teepees.’ In time, what will happen is they will just start calling you a knowledge keeper.

“And then there are other areas-there is ceremony, craft-making, protocols, powwows, and singing; there’s just so many different areas that require a special mixed skillset of knowledge, so that’s

what knowledge keepers are, and they have different areas of expertise.

“I guess another way of explaining a knowledge keeper is ‘an elder in the making.’ One day I will be an elder, but I’m in no rush!”

Lyndon Linklater is a powerful storyteller who shares the knowledge of Indigenous culture through a mixture of

teaches Sacred Heart students about First Nations life and culture inside the

as part of his role as knowledge keeper.

Student volunteers who helped raise the teepee with Lyndon Linklater’s guidance are presented with a cut portion of a

or Moose Jaw North

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Students of Sacred Heart School listen to Lyndon Linklater’s opening address on June 5, 2023. Photo by: Aaron Walker

teepee pole. This pole will be kept in the school and each year, students who volunteer to help raise the teepee will have their names added. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Linklater

teepee

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Season 10 of survivalist show ‘Alone’ filmed in northern Sask wilds

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Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer Jason G. Antonio Saddman Zaman

All the years of my life, I have always referred to my father as ‘dad’. Somewhere over the years, the endearment changed to ‘papa’, as I found it more familiar to my lips and a little more affectionate and informal as dad aged. I am so blessed to still have my dad in the here-and-now, turning 90 years this year. He is also a ‘gedo’ to his grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved by all.

The main man in my life, the father of our sons, has also been a ‘dad’ to our boys throughout the years providing unconditional love, advice and support. He is making a good ‘grandpa’ and ‘bobo’ too, as he represents the ‘crazy fun stuff’ and kids in-general usually gravitate toward him. They only come to me for the cookies and treats I can make…but it’s somewhat true that the ‘way to a man’s heart is through their stomach’. I know this for a fact because even though they live on the coast, I get regular solicitations from the grandsons for the cookies they like…monster cookies, bear-paw cookies, or chocolate chip cookies.

The other very special men in my life are our sons and grandsons, and I can’t even express how much love and affection I have for them all. Both of our sons are stepping up to the plate as ‘dads’ in all the affairs of life as their kids know it. They each have a seven-yr-old son, one has a four-yr-old and the other has a two-yr-old.

I would be amiss to not mention my only brother and brother-in-laws as they continue to fulfill their roles as ‘dads’ and ‘grandpas.’ They are all admirable examples of what the title means to their children and grandchildren.

This brings me to expounding a little on the difference between a ‘father’ and a ‘dad’. As I did a little research, the basic distinction between the title seems to be that ‘father’ is a biological title and the title of dad is earned and can be someone who has taken on the role of ‘dad’ through hard work – nurturing, bonding with, and supporting their children through the long run.

In an article I read, Dad Fixes Everything found online at https://dadfixeseverything.com/father-vsdad/, it says, “So essentially, the difference between a father and a dad is a cultural one that stems from the feelings, memories, and emotions that those words evoke in the people who hear them.”

The article goes on to say, “The word ‘dad’ to me is full of love… A dad shows up and does what’s required of him as a parent, but he goes above and beyond to form positive, healthy relationships with his children. He’s a force for good in their lives, bringing laughter and unconditional support.”

There is an emotional attachment established.

“Dads are present. Dads are leaders and examples for their children to admire and strive to become. Dads are ready with the kind words, the hard truth, and the necessary silence. Dads establish balance and peace. Dads are inclusive and encircle the whole family. Dads teach and provide.”

In all of the genetic male testosterone displayed in my family, I can certainly attest that these guys are good ‘dads’ and excellent examples of what a father should be.

To them and to all the ‘dads’ in this world, keep up the good work! We need you as the nurturing force in the children and offspring in their lives and as good role models for them to emulate.

Happy Father’s Day!

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The popular reality survival series Alone premiers its 10th season on Thursday, June 8 on the HISTORY Channel, and this season features the ultra-remote Saskatchewan wilderness areas around Reindeer Lake, in the harsh landscape of the province’s boreal shield.

The show takes a far more intense approach than is usual to the survivalist/tough-it-out-in-the-wilderness format, placing contestants in real danger and actual isolation. Parcipants are warned the show could last for up to a year, although so far no one has made it past 100 days. They must survive with only a few tools, camera gear for self-documenting the experience, a satellite phone for tapping out, and occasional medical checks.

Produced by Canadian media company Wavelength Entertainment in collaboration with ITV and Creative Saskatchewan, season 10 of Alone follows ten survivalists who were dropped off last fall in undisclosed, remote locations near Reindeer Lake, approximately 220 kilometres northeast of La Ronge.

Welcomed by the Woodland Cree First Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and the Government of Saskatchewan, shooting Alone landed the participants in an extremely rugged location. The winner of each season is the last person remaining who has not tapped out or been medically evacuated — that winner takes home $500,000.

The format of Alone varies slightly depending on the season and location, but generally involves 10 participants who are dropped off in separate, pre-scouted areas, far enough apart that they do not come in contact with each other. They pick 10 items from 40 available options and must source food, water, shelter, and fire, while coping with isolation, weather, predators, and physical and mental challenges.

Canadian locations have featured in many seasons of Alone, along with other prominent wildernesses around the globe, including northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina, Patagonia, Northern Mongolia, Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, and Chilko Lake in interior British Columbia.

The appeal of Alone lies in its authenticity and unpredictability. Unlike many other survival shows, there is no crew, no interference, and no time limit. Participants drop out because of starvation, loneliness, illness, or injury. Viewers witness their struggles, successes, failures, and emotions as they try to endure as long as possible. Contestants are typically experienced outdoorspeople who have a passion for survival skills.

“We are thrilled to be able to support productions that are filmed in Saskatchewan,” said Laura Ross, Saskatchewan minister of parks, culture, and sport. “The benefits of

projects like this are numerous and cast a wide net in terms of the positive economic effects to our province.”

Creative Saskatchewan provided $818,534 to the production through the Feature Film and TV Production Grant. Ross noted that only Saskatchewan labour, goods, and services are eligible for that support.

“This means that every dollar invested is spent here — on facilities, crews, rentals, digital services, and in our hotels, restaurants, and catering services. It’s an investment that grows our economy.”

Alone has an estimated Saskatchewan spend of over $2.3 million, mainly in the northern region.

In the last two years, annual funding for Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film and Television Production Grant has grown from $2 million to $12 million.

“This is one more example of Saskatchewan’s film and television sector beginning to bloom,” said Erin Dean, CEO of Creative Saskatchewan. “We’ve been promoting the diversity of Saskatchewan’s topography, and production companies are taking note of what our province has to offer, from sand dunes to prairie grass, and now our remote wilderness. We’re so excited to see these come to fruition!”

The investment could see up to $4.3 million of positive economic outputs back into Saskatchewan when all is said and done.

Chris Triffo, producer at Wavelength Entertainment, which is based out of B.C., said that film is an industry, like oil and gas, agriculture, and mining.

“I want all the young people to know that this is a viable career,” Triffo added. “I love Saskatchewan, and I’m not leaving.”

A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for both the series and the format for Alone. It airs on The HISTORY Channel on Thursday nights.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation begins ‘Imagining a Brighter Future’ campaign

Campaign to raise funds for breast cancer MRI imaging and surgical technology to Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital

Submitted

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s Imaging a Brighter Future campaign will raise funds to bring breast cancer MRI imaging and surgical technology to the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

The new Philips Breast Cancer Coil for the MRI will provide a clearer, more defined digital image that can, with pinpoint accuracy, detect breast cancer better.

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation will also bring a new Navigator Lymphatic mapping probe to help to improve surgical precision by locating and discriminating cancerous tissue even in the most complex cases.

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to thank the Central Collegiate Senior Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams for the first donation to the upcoming campaign. Their $600 gift will inspire others to support the upcoming campaign. These future leaders of our community raised funds through wearing pink, donut sales and community donations to help in the early detection of breast cancer.

With the help of the Central Collegiate Senior Girls Volleyball and Basketball teams, the Foundation begins its campaign to bring the next generation of breast can-

Central Collegiate Girls Senior Volleyball and Basketball teams support the Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s Upcoming Breast Cancer Campaign.

cer detection technology to our community. Thank you to Central Collegiate Girls Senior Volleyball and Basketball teams for your hard work and generosity. You are helping healthcare professionals “Imaging a Brighter Future” for breast cancer patients.

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

‘Alone’ Season 10 cast teaser poster from The HISTORY Channel (Alone on HISTORY/Facebook)

Inquest To Be Held Into Sudden Death Of Man In Police Cells

The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Office will be holding a coroner’s inquest into a sudden death of a 40 year-old man that occurred at the Moose Jaw Police Service’s holding cells on October 7, 2021.

In a written statement to MJ Independent, the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Office said “A decision to hold an inquest regarding this death in custody was made subject to the requirement set out in Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999.”

Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999 “states that the Chief Coroner shall hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate at a jail or a correctional facility, unless the coroner is satisfied that the person’s death was due entirely to natural causes and was not preventable.”

The statement from the Saskatchewan Corner’s Office said the inquest is not to find blame but to determine the causes of what happened and to prevent a reoccurrence.

“The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The jury and the inquest coroner may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.”

No date(s) were given as to when the coroner’s inquest would be held.

In addition to the statement from the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Office the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety issued a statement that the investigation into the death by the Regina Police Service is now completed.

“This investigation was conducted by the Regina Police Service and is now complete,” the Ministry wrote in a statement.

The statement also included the role the government had in observing the investigation.

“The investigation was monitored under the province’s independent observer program, prior to SIRT coming into force in January 2023. The previous legislation required investigations into police-related incidents involving serious injury or death to have an investigation observer assigned to them by the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General,” the statement read.

The statements were issued in response to questions from MJ Independent.

By Robert Thomas

In those questions, MJ Independent asked about the validity of the man identified as the alleged deceased as well as the alleged details of the sudden death provided by reliable sources.

The Ministry did not respond as to the validity of those details along with documentation provided by MJ Independent.

The details provided to the Ministry additionally included disciplinary actions allegedly already taken at the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) in reaction to the findings by the Regina Police Service (RPS). Those findings included not following appropriate search procedures of a prisoner according to sources familiar with the incident.

According to a press release issued by the Moose Jaw Police Service at the time of the sudden death, officers had been speaking with the 40 year-old man just

moments before his body was discovered.

Immediate attempts were made by officers to resuscitate the man, who were quickly joined by EMS.

Those resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Under the Police Act, the MJPS requested an outside police force - the RPS - to conduct an investigation.

The MJPS also requested the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety appoint an investigation observer.

No cause of death was ever given, with the MJPS stating they could not provide further comment citing the ongoing investigation.

https://www.mjindependent.com/new-blog/2023/6/5/ k2krm3ri84ncu9orjj3o53o5c442hj

A recap and three lessons learned from the 2023 Band and Choral Festival

The Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival concluded on May 18, 2023, and nearly three weeks later we can look back on how the festival went and explore a few lessons for future events.

“This year, the highlight I think, was what we call ‘Party in the Park’,” said Janie Fries, chair of the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival. The portion of the festival hosted in Crescent Park drew 750 students between the ages of 11 and 18.

“We had the Bromantics playing. From the moment the first note was played, the front of that stage packed with kids up dancing, and they danced until the end of the evening. It was just so much fun for everybody.

“And at that presentation, the Sas-

katchewan Band Association presented an award to the City of Moose Jaw, which was presented to the mayor for supporting the festival for over 70 years.”

Initially, festival organizers feared that the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic would mean a reduced turnout and added problems, but this was not the case.

“Initially we weren’t sure what was going to happen after COVID... we weren’t sure if all the groups were able to come because they couldn’t afford it, or if they felt the students weren’t ready [because] they didn’t have the same rehearsal time as they have had prior [to COVID].

“A number of groups came in saying: ‘we aren’t at the level we’re usually at, but we know that going to this festival will help the students with their musical performances’.”

The pandemic introduced one positive lesson-- that digital media can help include groups who are otherwise unable to attend in the future.

“We had two bands from Peace River, Alberta, which is a 12-hour drive one way. They were unable to come because of the wildfires up there, but they were able to run their band sessions and clinic sessions via Zoom... we’ve never done that before,” explained Fries.

A second major lesson regarded volunteers.

the week of the festival.”

A third lesson reflected on various requests to include the traditional parade.

“In the days of the parade, band programs at that time were more community-based than school-based,” explained Fries when asked about the parade. “So, now they are school-based, and marching is not part of the curriculum. So, that’s one issue.

“And another issue is that years ago, every band that registered for the festival had to participate in the parade. You could not enter the festival and not march down Main Street, which meant that all those groups had to be in town at exactly the same date. Logistically, the city just can’t handle that.

“I remember way back when my dad was [in the festival] and they spent days moving bands into gymnasiums and the armories and things like that, so that every student would have a place to sleep during the festival. There’s no way we could do that now.

“Everyone loves the parade, but it’s a tough one to pull off!”

Even without the traditional parade, Moose Jaw proved to be an excellent host and lived up to their reputation as the Band City.

“One group arrived and saw the banner across Main Street and said, ‘That’s for us!’ They were so excited that the City of Moose Jaw was welcoming them,” said Fries. “Sometimes I think the City [of Moose Jaw] downplays the importance that they play, but they play a really big part in the festival.”

Sara, a student from Forrest, MB, receives a swag bag of Moose Jaw souvenirs donated by local businesses. Festival administrators estimate that Moose Jaw has hosted close to a quarter of a million people for the festival since 1950. Photo by: Submitted photo

“One thing we realized this year is that we really need volunteers to help with moving equipment. We have a lot of equipment to move, and we have a very involved committee. A lot of members of the committee are still working full-time throughout this week. It was tough to get all the equipment moved, and we could probably use a crew of about 8 [additional members].

“They just have to be willing to work

“This year we had 100 groups,” she said, “and it will be 100 groups, possibly more, during the four days [in 2024]. We anticipate being equally as full or more full next year.” said Fries. “It’s a very popular festival.”

As a final word looking back at the 2023 festival, Fries said: “It was very much a success.”

The 2024 Band and Choral Festival is scheduled for the week of May 13-16. Anyone willing to help is reminded that additional volunteers are needed.

To volunteer for the 2024 festival, you can reach the festival organizers at 1-306-681-3850.

Variety displayed at Sukanen Ship show and shine event

Two young people walked down the main street of Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village looking at cars in the annual show and shine.

“Gorgeous,” said one of them. The other nodded approval.

Weather in the form of thunder and rain threatened to spoil the day but organizer Rob Downton said: “It turned out to be a fairly decent day.’’

The 62 registered entries and a half dozen non-registered cars were less than some years but “everybody had a good time.”

He thought the threat of bad weather may have deterred some owners from coming.

The show of vehicles 1980 or older

offered plenty of variety.

“We had some muscle cars, some classic, some old, and some special interest. We didn’t have many hot rods.’’

Cars included Douglas Smith’s 1972 Mercury Marquis Deluxe sold by Maccam Motors of Moose Jaw in 1971 for $5,595 to Ken and Lily Smith. Still in the family, it has driven 63,286 miles.

Gord and Elaine Green of Regina had their 1956 Thunderbird made in Michigan and sold by a California dealer.

It boasts a three-speed tranny, 215 hp engine, retractable soft-top convertible, magic air heater, air conditioning, padded dash and visors.

Greg Down had a 1962 s55 Mercury Monterey convertible with 390 hp engine,

power windows, electric clock, two speed wipers and remote control mirror.

The museum’s new shop was buzzing with noise from steam engines at the model show..

“The exhibitors were pleased with the new shop,” said organizer Dean Redman. “They liked the concrete floors. They liked having more exposure.”

Five exhibitors showed the result of their painstaking work. The real stationary steam engines were used to drive pumps, factories or generate power until gas-powered engines took over.

Merv Young. a retired teacher from Estevan, is one of the newest at model engine building.

He became interested in machine

lathing while helping his cousin in his shop and took a short course at the Weyburn Community College.

He was convinced to attend a model show in Rapid City, North Dakota. “I was sold on it. The people who wrote the magazines would sit down and talk to you. I had a lot to learn.’’

The hobby needs “patience and lots and lots of hours’’ making parts from scratch and from drawings.

“Sometimes you make a part several times. I like solving problems.”

Winner of the 50-50 draw for $195 was Tyler Barbour.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / Moose Jaw Today.com

As a final word looking back at the 2023 festival, Fries said: “It was very much a success.” Photo by: Facebook

Moose Jaw Mayor Clive Tolley receiving an award from the Saskatchewan Band Association, presented by Janie Fries. The award is for Moose Jaw’s role in hosting the festival for over 70 years. Photo by: Submitted photo

Sask Polytech CEO responds to Provincial Auditor report

Following the release on June 6 of Provincial Auditor Tara Clemett’s 2023 report, MooseJawToday.com spoke with Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech, for his response to Clemett’s assessment of the school’s Indigenous student policies.

Clemett evaluated Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s processes for supporting the success of Indigenous students and made four recommendations based on her findings.

“I thank, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic thanks, the Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan for the report and for the recommendations,” Dr. Rosia said. “Many of the recommendations coincide with what our Indigenous strategy is currently working on with their next five-year plan.

“We’ve made some great strides in the first five years, and this sort of feedback will only help improve student success moving forward.”

The report recognizes several initiatives that Sask Polytech has made with the aim of increasing Indigenous student success rates, but Clemett also noted that the school has not established thresholds for investigating fluctuations in key performance measures.

As an example, Clemett said that Indigenous program enrolments fell by almost 30% between 2019 and 2021.

“We expected Sask Polytech to document its evaluation of the reason for the

decline, and establish actions to help improve enrolment. It has not done so,” the Provincial Auditor’s office said in the release.

“Reducing disparities in educational outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students will support more equitable outcomes in attaining higher education,” Clemett said, “as well as lessen gaps in their employment earnings and overall success.”

Clemett’s other recommendations were for Sask Polytech to:

• Expand performance measures’ targets to evaluate whether its strategies support Indigenous student success. There

are no targets around Indigenous student enrolment and program retention rates, with both measures declining since 2019.

• Conduct ongoing Indigenous community engagement and consultation to encourage enrolment and to report results on its Indigenous student successes.

• Verify Indigenous identity of staff in Indigenous-designated positions beyond using only self-identification.

“I don’t take [these recommendations] as criticisms. I think they are opportunities and feedback for us to continue to improve,” Dr. Rosia said. “We’ll be graduating probably 5,000 students this year, and our employment rate is at 96 per cent. And 95 per cent of our graduates are staying in Saskatchewan and working in Saskatchewan, so, all is good.

“In our last five-year plan, we’ve seen some real improvements in our Indigenous students success. We’ve closed the completion gap by 10 percentage points, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. I’m really proud this year that our Indigenous employment rate is 94 per cent, and that’s up from 84 per cent. We’ve got more students, once they’re enrolled, graduating and getting jobs now than we ever have.”

‘Gutting’ of Indigenous Student Centre at Moose Jaw campus

The Provincial Auditor’s report comes on the heels of a growing buzz at

the school alleging that the April layoffs at the Moose Jaw campus had an oversized impact on the Indigenous Student Centre.

MooseJawToday.com has independently confirmed with sources at the school that two members of the Indigenous Students Centre had been given notice.

Sources said staff and students were disheartened by the layoffs in the department and that it was a huge loss to the campus’ students.

Rosia would not answer specific questions about the layoffs and reiterated Sask Polytech’s prepared statement from April that “Out of respect for employees, we do not share positions, departments, or programs impacted.”

Nevertheless, he reassured anyone concerned that there will be no impact on the supports offered to Indigenous students.

“The important part is that our Indigenous Students Centre is not closed down,” Rosia said firmly. “Indigenous students will have all the supports that they’ve had in the past and we’ll continue to support our Indigenous students on an ongoing basis.

“Indigenous students at the Moose Jaw campus will have assistance as needed from the Indigenous Strategy Group, with career planning, with funding, housing, childcare, and much more — the help that they need.”

Sask Polytech’s 2023 Moose Jaw convocation held at Events Centre

Saskatchewan Polytechnic welcomed more than 200 graduates to its 2023 Moose Jaw campus convocation ceremony, held at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, with more than 1,300 students invited to attend.

The ceremony honours the learning journeys of this year’s graduates, as well as award recipients including teachers.

Convocation began with land acknowledgements, the singing of the national anthem, and an honour song by Aaron Tootoosis, program head of Indigenous student advisors at the Sask Polytech Regina campus. Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech, held the Eagle Staff as Tootoosis sang.

“It is important for us to celebrate and incorporate these wonderful Indigenous cultures,” said Alice Miller, associate vice president of student services and the event’s MC. Tootoosis’ song, Miller explained, honoured all of the accomplishments of the day.

Rosia’s President’s Address welcomed and thanked the Saskatchewan Polytechnic staff and faculty, students and their families and friends, and everyone else watching the ceremony. He then addressed the graduates and offered them some advice for the future.

“Each of you has achieved a milestone, and one that you should all be very, very proud of,” Rosia told graduates. “As you continue on with the next stages of your life, I’d offer you the following ingredients for success.”

Rosia told students they should strive for integrity, curiosity, and kindness.

“People with integrity are trustworthy and honest. Always strive to perform your duties consistently and to the best of your abilities. Demonstrate your integrity in everything you do, and others will notice.

“The second ingredient to success is curiosity. … Curiosity is the very basis of education. It drives a desire to learn more. A curious person is more inclined to learn from their mistakes, to attempt new things, to be more observant, tolerant, adaptive, resilient, and innovative.

“And the final ingredient to success I will leave you with is this: Be kind. Kindness is highly valued in all areas of life.”

A complete listing of the convocation

program, including a graduate list, speakers, dignitaries, honorary degrees, and presentations, is available at saskpolytech. ca/student-services/student-life/convocation/program.aspx.

Award winners

Lynda Stykel and Adrienne Bodnarchuk, both specialty instructors in the Business – Accounting program, received Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Stykel and Bodnarchuk were recognized for their success and leadership in treating students and colleagues with respect and kindness. They were also honoured for their expertise in their fields and teaching excellence.

Bodnarchuk is a Chartered Professional Accountant originally from Ontario. She has been a designated accountant since 2000, working primarily in public practice, but loves teaching more than anything else.

“I taught part-time at Confederation College for the better part of 15 years before I came to Saskatchewan, specifically to take a full-time teaching position,” Bodnarchuk said. “I feel very fortunate to have relocated to Moose Jaw for this job and this opportunity, and I very much enjoy what I do, and working every day with

the students at Sask Polytech.

“So, getting acknowledgement for that is just icing on the cake to me.”

The Applied Research Award for Excellence went to Lindsey Boechler, an advanced care paramedic and research chair for Cultural Empowerment. Boechler was

awarded for breaking new ground as a researcher in paramedicine and distinguishing herself as a leader in health research in Canada.

Ujjval Chavda, a graduate of the Supply Chain Management post-graduate certificate, received the Outstanding Citizenship Award. Chavda served as the vice president of Sask Polytech’s Students’ Association (SPSA), served as a member of the Youth Advisory Committee for the City of Moose Jaw, and volunteered regularly at local community events.

Chavdal earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in India and worked in that field for two years before choosing Sask Polytech to help him transition to the management side of things.

“My degree was a great experience for me,” Chavda said. “I learned a lot from my instructors, and also my fellow students. We came from many different backgrounds, so we had to learn to communicate and build networks across different cultures and communities.

“Now that I am graduated, I got the job … in a mechanical field, but I mostly do management stuff as well, so, it was a great learning opportunity.”

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, speaks at a 2019 convocation ceremony (photo by Randy Palmer)

Dr. Larry Rosia holds the Eagle Staff as Aaron Tootoosis sings an honour song for the 2023 Sask Polytech Moose Jaw graduates (photo by Gordon Edgar)

By Patricia Hanbidge

The Hummingbird

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.

On the prairies, there are two species of hummingbirds – the Ruby-throated and the Rufous. The male Ruby-throated hummingbirds have green backs and heads, grey-white bellies and throats and green and black rounded tails with white tips. The Rufous hummingbirds are similar in size with males having reddish-brown backs and bellies, white chests, brown and black rounded tails with orange-red throats and a shiny green patch on their head. The females of both species are slightly larger and less showy. Amazingly enough, both of these tiny birds migrate on an annual basis to Mexico and

Get

Central America. Sometimes before you can see these little beauties you can hear the beat of their wings which “buzz” as they are beating 12 to 80 times each second. Due to this rapid wing pattern, they can hover and manoeuvre quickly.

These tiny little birds need to consume 1.5 to 3 times their body weight daily and feed on small insects, flower nectar and tree sap. Anyone who hangs up a hummingbird feeder can appreciate how wonderful this food source is to these birds. If you sit quietly and watch the birds feeding you can also notice that they will aggressively defend their food supply.

Male hummingbirds do not help to raise the young. The females build tiny cup-like nests that are difficult to see as they are concealed among branches. These nests out of necessity are often close to a food source. The females will lay two or three pea-sized eggs and within a couple of weeks the young will hatch. The young birds are fed by the females and will fledge within the next 2 to 4 weeks. Nesting pairs and their young will often return to the same site each year after migration so once you have these birds used to your feeding stations, it is a good idea to continue to offer this food source.

Our boreal forest is a supreme natural habitat for these little lovelies. Some essential food sources for them in addition to nectar include small insets, larvae, insect eggs and spiders. These nutritional components are necessary for a balanced diet – especially for the rapidly growing hatchlings. It is essential for adult hummingbirds to eat several dozen insects on a daily basis.

Sap is another food source when food is scarce. You can often see them sipping sap from wells drilled by woodpeckers. Some hummers have been observed eating ashes and sand in small quantities as well. However, it may be that instead of the ash or sand itself, the birds were consuming small insects that were present.

In general, hummingbirds are attracted to brightly coloured blooms that are in tubular shapes as these flowers typically produce lots of nectar. They will frequent areas with consistent blooms throughout the growing season so they are ensured of a constant food source. Another added benefit is while these birds move among plants sipping their nectar, they also spread pollen. Hummingbirds do not directly consume pollen but much pollen can be stuck on their bodies while sipping nectar. There are over a hundred native plant species which rely on hummingbirds to be their chosen source of cross-pollination.

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

#NotoriouslyActive as mayor proclaims June Parks and Recreation Month

Moose Jaw residents are invited to participate in the Community Challenge initiative

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / Moose Jaw Today.com

June is Parks and Recreation Month, and this year’s announcement was made earlier in the month at the new pickleball courts adjacent to the Kinsmen Sportsplex.

Mayor Clive Tolley made the announcement alongside Curtis Dumont (recreation program supervisor), Donna MacQuarrie-Bye (GM of Wakamow Valley), Nicole Walchuk (recreation program supervisor), and Shelly Howe (recreation services supervisor).

This year, Moose Jaw residents are invited to get #NotoriouslyActive.

“June is Parks and Recreation Month, so we put together a Notoriously Active calendar of events. What it is, is ideas for locals to get active in the month of June. There are ideas for every day… and include a variety of affordable options as well,” says Nicole Walchuk, recreation program supervisor with the City of Moose Jaw.

“This is a good resource to use this June,” she says regarding the calendar. “When the kids say they are bored, this gives an idea of what you can do with them.”

As a fun and engaging part of this initiative, residents are invited to take a selfie while completing any of the activities on the calendar, and then post those pictures to social media throughout the month of June.

Of course, the event calendar is meant to be a guideline only and offers a few suggestions to get started. “Participants can take a photo during any recreational activity in June… anywhere in the city or in Wakamow,” Walchuk explains.

All participants are asked to include the #NotoriouslyActive hashtag with all photos, and the #ExploreWakamow hashtag with photos specific to the calendar contest portion of the initiative.

By using these hashtags, the Wakamow Valley Authority will pool all entries and draw for your photo to be entered in their upcoming calendar. Twelve winners will be chosen at random and receive a free calendar, and their photo will be featured on their winning month.

All photos specifically for the calendar contest must be taken in Wakamow Valley in Moose Jaw and include the hashtag #ExploreWakamow to qualify. Unlimited entries are permitted for the contest.

The Wakamow Valley Authority contest runs throughout the month of June and ends on midnight, June 30th.

To further assist with individual fitness goals, whether your focus is on weight loss, improving cardio, or simply getting outdoors more often, the ParticipACTION app is a worthwhile download and is also required for residents to participate in the Community Challenge initiative.

“Everyone is encouraged to join the app. It’s a very great resource and gives ways you can get active…,” Walchuk says. “And it is offered on a throughout-the-year basis.”

The Community Challenge initiative takes place across Canada every June, and this physical activity challenge aims to discover which of Canada’s communities are the most active. The results are gathered through use of the ParticipACTION app, and every contributing individual helps their local community improve its score.

The most active community at the end of the month will be granted the title of Canada’s Most Active Community and will be awarded a $100,000 cash prize. The 12 runner-up communities will each receive between $7500 and $15,000 to support local sport and physical fitness initiatives.

Among individual participants, 15 Walmart gift cards are available to be won, each worth $100. Additionally, two team prizes are available per team member in the selected group. Team prizes feature a $200 Decathlon gift card.

During the challenge, participants who have downloaded the app can track the progress of their local community.

Not only can you check your own progress and that of your community, but you can also find friends and neighbours who are on board with the challenge. There is a link to facilitate this search.

If you download the City of Moose Jaw app., you can book fitness events in town and view the calendar here too.

“The weather is warming up,” Walchuk reminds us. “There are lots of options: parks, spray parks, pickleball, the bike park, Wakamow, Crescent Park…”

To get the ideal break from the warm weather we’ve been having, Walchuk also notes that the outdoor pool opened on June 12th.

A schedule of June events is available with the city online and if you prefer to have a free printed guide, stop by either the Yara Centre or Kinsmen Sportsplex and inquire at the front desk.

To download the ParticipACTION app, visit: https:// www.participaction.com/app/.

Don’t forget to include hashtags with your photo submissions!

Moose Jaw mayor Clive Tolley formally declares that June 2023 is Parks and Recreation Month. Photo by: City of Moose Jaw

Cuteness overload: McMaster Studio’s 2023 Cutest Baby Contest wraps up

McMaster Photography Studio is establishing a popular annual tradition with its Cutest Baby Contest each May — the 2023 edition is now concluded, and the winners have been declared.

“We had 41 entrants this year, lots of beautiful kids, a really good reaction from the community,” said Mark Duffy, the owner and photographer of McMaster Studio. “The judging went really well. We had [Mayor Clive Tolley] again, and

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Wanda [Hallborg] from the Moose Jaw Express, and Courtney [Fielder] from the radio.

“And they enjoyed that; they all picked their top five, and then once we got the results from the judges we just calculated the winner.”

The contest was for families with children aged newborn to 18 months. When the shoot is over and the images have been edited, the album is uploaded for parents

to browse online. After finding a photo to enter into the contest, they received 50 per cent off regular prints and 20 per cent off everything else.

The top prize of $500 went to Hiyan Pandey, who was born premature in February and was three months old when he went for his photoshoot. Second and third places won free family photoshoots and large prints.

“One of my friends brought their son

to the contest last year, so whenever I was seeing his picture on Facebook, I was thinking about it, too,” said Gagan Pandey, Hiyan’s mother, who traveled from Regina to participate. “And then this year, we had a son, and I saw the ad again.

“It was a beautiful experience with them. They were so nice and friendly.

When we went, I was like, OK, this will just be an outing to go there and get the photos done. And it was good, and then we won! Which, you know, we didn’t expect that, but it was so nice.”

Pandey said the photos turned out beautifully and passed on her thanks to McMaster Studio.

“It was just really successful, no glitches, you know, it’s a lot of fun,” Duffy said. Duffy heaped praise on his office manager, Trudy Thiele, for her work and communication during the process.

“Trudy really does all the behind-thescenes work. She puts it all together and gets everything on Facebook and promotes it and all that. She prepares all the sets and everything for the little babies, and the wraps, and communicating and getting the smiles, and all of that.”

The contest will definitely be going ahead again next year, Duffy confirmed.

Vanier’s year-end band concert, directed by a dinosaur, was ‘dino-mite’

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

organizers.

Selections included the “Shrek Dance Party,” which was a mash-up of several popular pieces, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme song, “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” among others.

The concert saw a lot of positive feedback from those in attendance and the performance was altogether “T-Rexcellent”.

A big thank you is extended to all who helped organize and support the program, and for all who attended the event on Sunday.

On June 11, Vanier Collegiate Institute (VCI) held their year-end concert at the Mae Wilson Theatre in Moose Jaw.

Vanier’s year-end band concert was directed by David Selensky, the new band and choir director at the school, and featured performances from students in the concert band, jazz band, and choir program.

During the second piece presented, he walked off stage to be replaced by a Jurassic-era dinosaur who conducted the theme from “Jurassic Park” and put on a “T-Rextra” special performance.

After the performance, he returned to the stage in his regular attire to continue directing.

Performances were held by the Vani-

er concert band, jazz band, and choir, who played for a packed room which was ap proximately 80 per cent full, according to

The cutest baby voting page (courtesy McMaster Studio)

The winning babies of the 2023 McMaster Studio Cutest Baby Contest (courtesy McMaster Studio)

Vanier band concert dinosaur.

Photo by Aaron Walker

year end band concert.

Photo by Aaron Walker

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Tour across Canada for foods popular in those regions

Visiting other regions of Canada introduces visitors to cultural history as well as the foods that are specific to those provinces and territories.

On this trek across Canada leading up to July 1, foods from Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are featured this week.

• • •

YUKON BERRY BANNOCK

6 cups white flour

4 tsps. baking powder

1 1/2 tbsps. white sugar

1 1/2 tsps. salt

1 cup berries (such as saskatoons, blueberries, chopped strawberries, chopped wild cranberries)

2-3 cups water oil for frying

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix then add berries.

Add water, a little at a time and stir until mixture forms a soft dough.

Heat oil in frying pan. When hot, drop dough by spoonful into oil. Cook until lightly browned. Turn and brown other side. Drain on paper towels and eat while still warm with honey or jam.

This recipe may also be oven baked in a greased pan at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes. Leftovers may be frozen for later use.

• • •

NWT BISON BERRY BURGERS

2 lbs. ground bison meat

1/2 lb. bacon bits, freshly made

1 tbsp. ground sage

2 tsps. ground, dried cranberries

1 cup fresh saskatoon berries

salt and pepper for topping

By hand, in a large bowl, mix bison meat, bacon bits, sage, ground berries and saskatoons. Form into 8 patties and sprinkle tops with salt and pepper.

Cook on a medium high grill or in frying pan, until done. Do not over cook. Turn burgers only once and do not press down.

Serve on bannock buns, with wild cabbage relish or berry compote.

• • •

NUNAVUT ARCTIC CHAR

3 tbsps. soy sauce

2 tbsps. honey

1/2 tbsp. minced ginger

2 tsps. sesame oil

1 tsp. sriracha

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 lbs. arctic char fillet, one inch thick, skin on, bones removed

In a small dish, whisk soy sauce, honey, ginger, sesame oil, sriracha and garlic.

Pat fish dry with paper towels to remove excesss moisture. Place in a large baking dish. Pour marinade over fish and turn to coat both sides. Let stand 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Remove fish from marinade and reserve marinade. Place fish onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake 12-15 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily. Do not over cook.

While fish is cooking, place reserved marinade in a small pan and heat until thickened. Drizzle over cooked fish. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onion or lime wedges.

Note: salmon or steelhead trout fillets may be substituted if arctic char is unavailable. Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Beef producers try to corral issues damaging the sector

Beef producers face a drove of issues impacting the industry.

Tyler Fulton, vice-president of the Canadian Cattle Association outlined the issues and some victories to the annual Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association convention in Moose Jaw.

“We cannot underestimate the value of (international) trade on our industry,” he said. “Obviously the United States is a big part of that.”

The CCA opposes the “one sided” trade deal between Canada and the United Kingdom.

“It was a watershed moment when we opposed the Canada trade deal with the United Kingdom

“We have been the biggest advocates for trade but it has to be fair and open.”

The Manitoba rancher said the UK negotiated bilateral agreements with open access directly for beef from Australia and New Zealand.

The Canada trade deal gives the UK unlimited access to Canada but limits Canadian beef exports to 3,000 tonnes annually.

The European Union trade pact has been disappointing with new non-tariff barriers continually coming up.

Voluntary product of USA labelling impacts would hurt. Fulton said Canada and Mexico may need retaliatory tariffs as with Country of Origin Label plans.

“Only beef from cattle born, raised, slaughtered and

processed in the United States can carry the (USA) label.”

Several conversations with national beef cattle associations in the U.S. found they are not in favour of the label plan.

The plan is in a comment period now. Packers agree it would have pretty significant impact on cross-border trade.

Meetings in Mexico showed concern over Brazilian beef moving in large quantities to Mexico and United States and possibly Canada. Brazil is laggard in reporting disease in livestock.

On a positive trade note: Japan and Taiwan have opened to beef from Canada.

New Canadian regulations on traceability of livestock are in public comment period. They will require movement reporting and more record keeping

“How will this work?” he asked

An employee of Moose Jaw’s JGL Livestock said existing regulations are a problem. Trucking cattle from Kelvington, Sask. to southern Alberta requires an eighthour stopover.

The regulations are “part of the picture in preparing and being prepared for an animal disease outbreak and actually have value,” said Fulton.

One victory for beef producers this past year was eliminating the proposed fat content label on retail meat packages.

“It was a big win for us. Why did we have to fight this out? It was not grounded in common sense.”

Another victory was a federal budget item for a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.

The CCA looks for improved business risk management and low barriers to entry for new packers to bring competitiveness.

Social media campaigns and The Other Side website are used “to move the dial on negative connotations that in large part come from outside Canadian boundaries and migrate through media and just get into public perception.”

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Near future beef price outlook may be cloudy for producers

Brenna Grant, executive-director of Canfax, describes the beef market outlook as if it is on a roller coaster ride.

“Are we going to see a repeat of 2015” when prices plummeted after peaking at $2.50 a pound for calves?” she asked the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association convention.

“Will high prices be the cure for high prices?”

That experience “was an anomaly.” Prices hit highs

in the first half of that year only to fall by 20 per cent in the second half.

Last year’s contraction of the cattle herd has been driving prices. The U.S. beef herd has declined nine per cent since 2019 and is forecast to drop 5.4 per cent this year.

The central U.S. plains cattle country remains dry, driving prices through smaller supplies.

“If we get rain and heifers are held back we may not see such supplies.”

The Canadian herd is expected to continue declining, she said. On the demand side, much of beef price levels depends on “willingness to pay” by consumers.

“Are consumers really looking to continue to have protein and beef on their plates?’’

Last year per capita protein consumption was 79.8 kilograms with beef up 3.6 per cent; pork up 6.6 per cent; and sea fish up 20 per cent.

“In 2021 we saw beef price inflation that took us out of the price relationship with other meats. In 2022, a lot of commodities caught up to beef and closed that gap.’’

This year the average Canadian family will pay an additional $1,000 on groceries.

International beef markets were good last year with Japan and Taiwan opening to Canadian beef. South Korea subsidized beef imports to fight inflation.

The South Korean subsidies are no longer in effect.

Higher prices have impacted international consumers’ ability to pay. Unfavourable exchange rates with the U.S. dollar have made Canada uncompetitive in some markets.

In an effort to fight inflation, some countries are importing cheap Brazilian beef and buffalo from India. That can reduce Middle Eastern markets.

She said high beef prices are partly a consequence of feed prices. Feed prices are 183 per cent higher than average.

Lower feed prices will likely cut into beef sales. Chicken and pork production can increase faster than beef and flood the market.

Grant noted that large pork supplies might eat into beef markets. Everyone geared up pork production to meet the Chinese demand when influenza decimated pork herds over there.

China is back to full production and other producers need to find a home for their supplies.

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Cattle Markets Shift From Bear To Bull - Ranchers Set To Benefit

By Robert Thomas

What a difference a year makes,

A year ago, ranchers were being squeezed by tight margins and profits - if any - were slim at best.

This year market prices for calves have been rocketing upwards into the stratosphere and with any luck later this fall ranchers are set to cash in.

“There is a fair bit of optimism this year. The markets have improved. They are much stronger this year right across the board compared to a year ago,” Garner Deobald president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association said.

The two day AGM was held Monday and Tuesday, June 5-6, at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds.

Improved soil moisture conditions, as well as access to water, has most ranchers looking forward to what is shaping up to be a better year, he said.

“With that and improved conditions as far as water and grass conditions go they are better generally,. There are still pockets of dry here and there where people are still in a drought situation but for the most part we are better off than a year ago.”

“There are a lot of things to be optimistic about. But there are always challenges. It may change from month to month but generally we’re feeling better than a year ago”

— GARNER DEOBALD PRESIDENT SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Drought and it’s effect on the number of cows in the US is a major factor in the strength in Canadian cattle markets.

A major drought in the midwestern United States and other traditional cattle rearing areas in 2022 and into 2023 had US cattle producers reducing their herd numbers. At the same time consumer demand for beef continues.

“They’re (US cow numbers) down significantly due to the severe drought conditions they’ve gone through for a couple of years now,” Deobald said.

“With that there is a supply and demand issue. The demand has been good for beef, And just the supply of market ready cattle and calves are down enough to bring the market up quite a bit.”

Deobald pointed out how cow numbers are also down in Canada due to drought conditions that existed here.

Drought has meant there is less hay and feed crop production driving prices for feed to near record levels. The drought has also reduced the amount of grass where cattle pasture putting pressure on Canadian ranchers and cattle producers looking to feed their herds.

Areas such as the southwestern regions of the province have been majorly affected he said.

“You’re seeing the affects of the drought and so cow herds have been reduced in numbers.”

Asked if he worried that the rally in the North American cattle markets is not built upon consumer demand, but a herd reduction due to drought, Deobald said there is also strong consumer demand for beef in Canada and internationally.

“If the demand wasn’t there, even with lower (cattle herd) numbers, the markets wouldn’t have jumped to where they are. Supply and demand still drives it in the end,” he said.

The strong cattle markets have more money coming back to the primary producer but at the same time, profitability for ranchers and farmers has not jumped as high as cattle prices.

Deobald said it’s due to the overhead for primary producers having also spiked along with cattle prices.

Consumers might notice food inflation and record prices in the grocery store for many foods, including beef, but ranchers and farmers have also been impacted by inflation and higher costs, he said.

AGM held Monday and Tuesday in Moose Jaw - MJ Independent Photo,

“The production costs are so much higher due to higher fuel prices. Transportation costs are higher. Feed, fertilizer (prices are higher) there are so many of those things yet that are much higher than a year ago.”

“Inflation hits all of us. It’s hit consumers across the board. But on the ag side, the production side, they talk about a 10 or 11 percent inflation rate year over year. ”

—

Deobald said the costs have risen higher for primary producers especially in such areas as parts, the cost of transportation and the carbon taxing of everything.

“That has just increased the cost of production. It’s limited the profitability somewhat…but we are in a better position than a year ago with money coming through the chain (to producers).”

Support For Farmers and Ranchers

Consumer demand is not the only support ranchers and farmers have received from ordinary non-farming people. It is support much appreciated by producers.

“I think it is something Canadians have been good at.

They’ve definitely been we’ll support local.”

Food inflation has impacted what many people are able to afford in the grocery store, he said with some people moving towards other protein sources due to their financial resources.

It’s something ranchers and cattle producers understand and empathize with.

“Especially lower income people they have to be able to afford to feed themselves and so I think they’re fairly price conscious. They have to shop where it makes the most sense for them,” Deobald said.

He said ranchers and farmers appreciated the large outpouring of public support when they questioned who had been profiting in the beef market during record high retail beef prices and primary producers were financially suffering.

Potential Impact Of Pork’s Market Problems

Alternative sources of protein, such as pork and chicken continue to be a major competitor for consumer dollars at the grocery store.

China’s rebuilding of their pork herd is also having an effect on meat prices in Canadian grocery stores, China has rebuilt their hog numbers to the point where they have adopted a policy of relying upon domestic production and shutting out foreign imports the AGM was told during one of their information sessions.

There was talk about a potential fire sale of pork in the early fall, and it’s effect upon grocery store prices and consumer demand away from beef,

“Pork is really taking it. They really are in a tough situation right now. Again, a lot of that is due to feed prices and the overall cost of production being so high. There is fall out because of that there have been some operations that have shut in for the time being,” Deobald said.

Despite the shutting in of pork production and the potential of “fire sale pricing” of hogs into the market there is still optimism for Canadian ranchers and cattle producers. The AGM was told the impact of any quick sale of pork has yet to be determined.

“On the beef side I guess we are fortunate in that way. We are enjoying some better markets right now and that can change overnight,” Deobald said.

During a session, discussing price insurance offered by the government’s Crop Insurance Corporation ranchers, feedlot operators and order buyers expressed confidence in a continued strong cattle market.

But the feelings about the cattle market being strong, were tempered with other concerns about the potential of the market going sour.

One participant commented that even purchasing the lowest market price guarantee product that ranchers and cattle producers would be able to lock in insurance guaranteeing a higher price than they received for last year’s calves.

Weather

Also A Looming Threat

Despite the optimism like their American counterparts Saskatchewan’s ranchers and cattle producers still face weather concerns.

Hot temperatures and little or no rains could mean a reduced amount or lack of grass to pasture beef on as well as higher feed grain costs impacting overall producer profitability.

He said there is hope improved soil moisture conditions will mean lower prices for forage and feed prices for the industry.

“We are so dependent upon what the weather does and it’s something for sure we’re looking ahead to the fall. I don’t think there’s anyone with more of an optimistic outlook than a cattle rancher. You have to be.”

Most Recent United States Department of Agriculture Map Showing A Severe Drought Persisting in Many Areas - MJ Independent Photo

https://www.mjindependent.com/new-blog/2023/6/6/gdk2rxrdru3mv1ew71xafftm2cok3d

Margins selling cattle have shrunk by one-third over time

Ranchers have lost one-third of their share in the retail beef dollar since 1970.

A dissection of who shares the retail dollar indicated the beef producer received 64 per cent of the dollar in 1970, slipping to 41 per cent by 2022.

“The packer share hasn’t changed much” at 1.2 per cent,” said Dr Melanie Morrison, founder of Saskatoon-based BetterCart Analytics.

The retailer doubled market share at the produce’s expense, going from 23 per cent in 1970 to 48 per cent last year.

Morrison is working with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association using her artificial intelligence technology to create price transparency.

Her operation focuses on crunching price data from e-commerce sites of major Canadian retailers in 42 Canadian cities. She develops price comparison charts from

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

353,000 data points on local, regional and national levels. The BetterCart data showed “huge price differences” in price increases within regional markets.

In Saskatchewan, pot roast per kilogram increases between 2020 and 2023 were from just under 50 per cent

in Moose Jaw and Prince Albert. Yet in Regina and Saskatoon pot roast increased by just over 11 per cent.

In Alberta, Calgary and Edmonton saw increases around 50 per cent but Red Deer pot roast only went up 9.8 per cent.

The cities of Kamloops, Kelowna, Surrey and Vancouver in B.C. saw the price increase 10.35 per cent. Abbotsford, Nanaimo and Victoria had just under 50 per cent price hikes while Richmond came in at 27.4 per cent.

In Manitoba, Brandon and Winnipeg saw near 50 per cent hikes.

Her data analysis showed variance in 2022 regular ground beef prices from a high of $1.56 per 100 grams in Quebec to a low of $1.18 in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

GARNER DEOBALD PRESIDENT OF THE SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Garner Deobald, President of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, speaks at the Group’s

Tourism Moose Jaw partners with Battle Creek for Father’s Day fun

Tourism Moose Jaw has partnered with Battle Creek Adventure Park for a unique Father’s Day fun plan and will be offering free trolley rides to and from Battle Creek on the hour, starting at noon and running until 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 18.

“We are partnering with Battle Creek to run the trolley from Tourism Moose Jaw out to them, and that’s a free ride out there, and once they’re out there, they can enjoy $5 mini golf, and I believe there are a few other options as well,” Tourism Moose Jaw executive director Jacki L’Heureux-Mason said humorously.

Battle Creek Adventures started as the small, family-run Prairie Storm Paintball, and over the last 20 years has grown to include an amazing variety of fun family activities that can easily fill an entire day with no repeats.

“We’ve always specialized in paintball, but now we’ve branched into mini golf — we’ve got Canada’s longest and largest mini golf course, with recent additions this year,” said Levi Dombowsky, owner of Battle Creek. “Recently, we add-

ed a coffee bar and ice cream shop … our newest activity is a 2.5 km hiking trail, so that’s bike friendly, you can walk, and it’s stroller friendly, too.”

Beach volleyball at Battle Creek Adventure Park is also new this year, with plans for leagues and tournaments coming soon. There are batting cages and a paintball shooting range in the works, set to open in time for the Father’s Day event, fun lawn games galore, an indoor lounge area with chess sets and ping-pong, and there are plans in 2023 for an off-road dune buggy racing track.

At the peak of their season, Dombowsky said, the park can have upwards of 500 people in it, with room to spare.

“It is a lot,” he laughed. “But I think that’s what a tourist destination really needs, is flexibility and versatility, and we can really offer that now. It’s awesome when a workplace calls or a big family reunion needs a venue, and they think they’re coming just for the paintball, but then we start telling them about everything else.

“That’s a nice thing about the mini golf, as well, people come and drop in for that, and the course takes about an hour and a half, but then they can be surprised and end up staying for three or four hours.”

The heart of Battle Creek is the 20acre paintball field, with many intercon

nected maps offering different challenges and themes. Paintball equipment packages are available for rent, and Prairie Storm Paintball stays busy with deathmatch, domination, zombie, capture the flag, and historical battle re-enactments throughout their season.

Dombowsky is hoping to see plenty of dads doing dad-type things this Father’s Day, and credited Tourism Moose Jaw for the idea.

“Obviously, we’re also not limiting people to only joining in through the trolley rides,” he noted. “They can drive out and park in our parking lot.

“It’s really just a no-pressure event where people can come and treat dad to a nice time. Or maybe it’s dad treating the family to a nice time — it’s whatever gives people a great day.”

Learn more about Battle Creek Adventure Park through their links: facebook.com/battlecreekadventures battlecreekadventures.ca

https://www.instagram.com/battlecreekadventures

Home sales in May dropped nearly 20 per cent year-over-year, data

While May was a poor month for housing sales in Moose Jaw, as sales dropped nearly 20 per cent year-over-year, other data categories increased year-over-year by nearly double-digit percentages.

There were 67 home sales last month in The Friendly City, a decrease from 80 units — a 19-per-cent decline — from May 2022, data from the Saskatchewan Realtors Association shows.

Specifically, there were 57 sales of detached homes, one sale of a semi-detached home, two sales of townhouses,

shows

By Moose Jaw Express staff

six sales of apartments and one sale of a mobile home.

There were 101 new listings, an increase from 91 units — a jump of 10 per cent — last May. Further, there were 172 units in inventory, which was a jump from 150 homes — a 13-per-cent increase — from the year before. Also, there were 2.57 months of supply of homes compared to 1.55 months of supply last May and homes stayed 42 days on the market.

The benchmark price stood at $222,000, which was a decrease from

$230,880 — a drop of four per cent — year-over-year, the data showed. Meanwhile, the average home price stood at $241,208 last month, which was a drop from $267,740.88 — a decrease of 11 per cent — compared to last May.

“Benchmark price reflects the price of a typical or average home for a specific location. Average and median prices are easily swayed by what is sold in that time frame,” the SRA explained. “As a benchmark price is based on a typical home, price changes more accurately represent true price changes in the market as it is an apples-to-apples comparison.”

The report indicated that the 10-year average for May shows there are usually 63 home sales, 114 new listings, 303 units in inventory, 5.21 months of supply, 57 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $220,040 and an average price of $265,736.

Meanwhile, year-to-date (Jan. 1 to May 31), there have been 199 homes sold, 337 new listings, 140 homes in inventory, 3.52 months of supply, 49 days of units on the market, a benchmark price of $211,000 and an average home price of $242,852.

The 10-year year-to-date average shows by this point in the year, there are typically 210 home sales, 464 new listings, 253 units in inventory, 6.37 months of supply, 62 days of homes on the market, a benchmark price of $213,380 and an average price of $246,762.

Provincial housing sales

There were 1,736 sales across the province in May, a four-per-cent yearover-year decline. However, sales levels were 20-per-cent above long-term, 10-

year averages, the SRA said.

Stronger sales in May were possible due to recent monthly gains in new listings. While that also caused inventories to trend upward, inventory levels remain lower than in 2022 and are at their lowest level since May 2008.

While year-over-year inventory levels have improved for homes priced above $300,000, more was needed to offset the declines occurring in the lower price ranges.

“Saskatchewan continues to benefit from a strong economy which is helping offset some of the impacts of higher lending rates, keeping sales activity above levels seen before the pandemic,” said CEO Chris Guérette. “Despite ongoing inventory challenges, our market is once again showing its resilience as sales remain above long-term averages.”

Adjustments in sales and inventories caused the months of supply to fall below four months. As expected, tightening conditions contributed to gains in the benchmark price. As a result, Saskatchewan’s benchmark price reached $329,600, nearly two-per-cent higher than April.

“Supply levels do vary across different regions of the province. For example, much of the inventory declines have been driven by the Regina and Saskatoon markets, while other parts of the province are reporting year-over-year gains,” said Guerette.

“For any buyer or seller active in this market, it will be important to work with a professional to understand how market conditions can vary depending on property type, price range and location.”

Lightening lights up Moose Jaw sky

Tourism Moose Jaw partners with Battle Creek for Father’s Day fun (Tourism Moose Jaw/Facebook)

Photos submitted by Jackson Anderson

During the storm on June 7 that blew in with high winds and heavy downpours, angry lightening lit up the sky in Moose Jaw; not sure where it struck but it sure looked close.

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Grad class photograph of olden days tells story

Graduation season is under way and an old friend and I were recently thinking back to 1968 when we part of the large graduating class at our high school.

I suggested we looked “grand” in the photo that still hangs in the school hallway. She did not disagree although she didn’t seem overly impressed with our hairdos and dresses.

Indeed, I think both represented the year and the styles of that era and that for the most part, we did look unusually dolled up for this special evening as our 12-year sojourn came to an end.

With our grad date set in early May, it wasn’t as though the graduation dance would be the last time we’d see each other. With another six weeks of school remaining we had plenty of time to say whatever

goodbyes were appropriate. Some in the class seemed to walk off into the sunset as June wrapped up while others stayed close and at least from a distance, kept in touch via mail, phone and eventually e-mail and Facebook.

In the dark recesses of a spare closet, my graduation dress hangs there as a reminder of that banquet, ceremonies and dance in the community hall. It also reminds me of how close I came that night to having dirt and grime all over me as I thought about helping my escort change the flat tire on his old car enroute to the banquet. Thankfully Dad soon came along and he had the dirt on his hands when we finally arrived at the hall, just in time to take our seats for the turkey dinner.

That dress got a second wearing as

a bridesmaid’s dress at my friend’s wedding. The barely visible grease stain on the front is where the perogy slipped off my fork at the after-dance reception at the home of the groom’s parents. His mother helped me remove much of the stain but some evidence remains.

Why do I keep the dress? I was brought up not to waste and so the dress is there. Maybe someday I’ll have someone remove the lace train to make doilies. And the blue peau de soie (skin of silk) fabric could possibly be used in a family quilt, along with old pyjama tops, house dresses, blue jean fabric and embroidered dish towels.

I don’t think anyone I know would be grateful to receive the dress as a bequest. The size is beyond my recollection, maybe

this publication.

a 6 or 8. Most of me would never, ever begin to fit inside now and there would be more than cleavage protruding. Speaking of cleavage: in our class photo, there was none revealed, another sign of how times have changed. I am relieved that cleavage was not part of the grad package of that year. I would have been horribly inadequate and would have required a fair bit of tissue stuffing to keep up competitive appearances. In fact, if cleavage had been a requirement, my mother would have knitted me a shawl to wear over my shoulders, with a front fastening, to conceal what might have been revealed.

Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association reaches 500-member milestone

The Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association Inc. (MJDCSA) has just announced its recent 500-member milestone, as the association broke a new record this past week.

“I am excited to say we sold our 500th membership card on June 7, 2023,” said Tanya Legare, administrator for the MJDCSA.

To mark the occasion, the association planned a commemorative public event at T. Eaton Gardens offering cake and coffee to celebrate with their members on June 12.

The MJDCSA serves an active role in the community through its ongoing dedication to local senior citizens aged 50 and over. In their mission to provide the best possible support to the social, physical, and mental needs of seniors, they have always listened to member input.

When a member brings forward a new suggestion, MJDCSA administrators listen and are eager to find ways to

constantly improve the association. “We are always open to new ideas and suggestions,” Legare affirmed.

“One of the suggestions was to be open longer throughout the day. So, we extended our hours Monday through Thursday to be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” she said. This is “so seniors (50+) who are still working can access the indoor walking track and gym equipment.”

This receptiveness to member input is just one quality of the association and helped contribute to its current rise in membership.

“I believe that the positive, high energy and family-like atmosphere has attributed to the increase of the centre,” Legare added.

With these positive qualities to define the association and its respect for members, it is always popular and currently the trend in numbers is increasing.

“This is not the first time our (membership) has been this high, but from the

records I can find, this is the first time in ten years it has been,” she explained.

When asked about any plans for the future growth of the MJDCSA, Legare said: “There is no particular membership number we are reaching for. We are excited for each and every membership we receive.”

The MJDCSA was initially founded by Moose Jaw citizens who wanted to offer “a multitude of daily activities” for their members. “With this, our founders have formed a fellowship to share as our seniors (50+) grow older together.”

On the occasion of their recent 500-member milestone, Legare wants to show all members her gratitude, which is also felt by the association as a whole. “All of our members have helped us get to this number. We would like to thank all our members for getting us to reach this milestone here at the centre.”

The association is located at the Timothy Eaton Gardens at 510 Main St. N. in Moose Jaw and focuses on providing support for seniors over the age of 50.

The MJDCSA can be reached at 306694-4223 or by email at mjsenior@shaw. ca.

You can also visit their Facebook page for announcements and more information.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / Moose Jaw Today.com

MJDSCA members have lunch at the association’s facilities at 510 Main St. N. in Moose Jaw. Photo by: File photo

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Investment manager study shows incredible demand for critical minerals

A review of global markets for critical minerals suggested this sector can be a “powerful opportunity for investors” in the coming years.

The study by Sprott Asset Management Inc. notes a new commodities super cycle driven by demand for critical minerals is in its early stages.

Sprott is controlled by Canadian billionaire Eric Sprott, who made his fortune investing in gold, oil and other minerals.

The global conversion to clean energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions provides investors these opportunities. Globally, $1 trillion was invested in clean energy last year.

More than 190 countries have policies and subsidies geared to develop increased clean energy. Investments will increase worldwide demand for electricity by 76 per cent within 17 years.

Even fossil-fuel focused Saskatchewan set policy to make the province important in critical mineral production.

Four trends in the attempt to reduce global tempera-

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, JUNE 12. City hall’s special needs advisory committee is no more, and instead, the accessible community advisory committee is now providing advice about how to make the community more welcoming.

During a recent regular city council meeting, council voted unanimously to accept Bylaw No. 5687, the accessible community advisory committee bylaw. This changes the name of the group and aligns it with the accessibility principles within the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the new federal Accessible Canada Act.

“Accessibility involves designing systems to optimize access while being inclusive and is about giving equal access and opportunities to everyone regardless of their abilities (and) to ensure all people have the same opportunities and experiences in all aspects of life, including education, employment, transportation and social activities,” the committee said.

The committee initially passed a recommendation last October authorizing the city clerk to review the bylaw to update the name and language to focus on improving accessibility and inclusion for all residents, including

tures are: a move away from fossil fuels, increased battery storage, transition to electric vehicles and interest in modular nuclear power.

All use critical minerals.

Electric vehicles have reached 16 million units but will be at 350 million in eight years. Demand for critical minerals will grow to incredible levels by 2040.

Lithium demand is expected to grow up to 4,500, per cent, graphite by 2,500 per cent, cobalt by 2,000 per cent, nickel by 1,000 per cent, rare earths by 1,000 per cent and copper by 500 per cent.

Supplies of critical minerals are tight, needing investment in exploration and development.

Not all are equal. Cobalt and graphite are the standard today but research and development is investigating alternatives to them — silicon for graphite.

Cobalt is not only short in supply but 70 per cent of known reserves are located in the politically unstable Republic of Congo.

The Sprott report deals with only 10 pf the 50 minerals listed as critical. The full report is available at Sprott.

com

Sprott does not delve into strategies but my take on various options for investors follows.

Conservative-minded investors have prospect of investing in current producers of critical minerals. They may want companies with new or expanding mine production in the near future.

Moderately riskier investors might want to invest in companies developing new mineral deposits.

Or the speculators might want to dive into exploration companies. Caution: this is the riskiest option. Some well-heeled investors might try all three options.

My most successful tactics have been investing in operations nearing new production, or existing miners with expansion or new development at hand.

CAUTION: Remember when investing, consult your adviser and do your homework before buying any security. Bizworld does not recommend investments. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Special needs advisory committee changes name, updates duties

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

those with disabilities. Council later adopted the recommendation as a motion.

“We thought the bylaw was dated and needed refreshing … ,” Coun. Jamey Logan, council’s rep on the committee, said recently.

The committee wanted to be more inclusive, while it wanted other community organizations to be eligible to join, he continued. Some suggested groups included Diversified Services, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw Families for Change, Special Olympics and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Some of the committee’s updated duties and functions include:

Advise council on strategies to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of services, programs, venues and other infrastructure, including persons with disabilities, children, youth, and seniors

Advise on the development, implementation and evaluation of guiding principles, policies and strategies to position Moose Jaw as an accessible community focused on the inclusion of all residents

· Identify and liaise with stakeholders, including other

PSSD expects small surplus by year’s end despite current deficit of $15M

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Prairie South School Division is running “a fairly significant deficit” of nearly $15 million because some provincial funding has not arrived yet but still expects to finish the year with a small surplus.

Division administration presented a report about third-quarter financials and year-end projections during the board of education’s June 6 meeting.

The document showed budgeted revenues this year are $99.3 million, actuals to June 1 are $66.6 million and projected by Aug. 31 is $100 million. Meanwhile, budgeted expenses are $95.8 million, actuals are $81.3 million and projected are $96.8 million.

The budgeted operating surplus is $3.49 million, the actual operating deficit is $14.7 million, and the projected operating surplus is $3.19 million.

Ron Purdy, superintendent of business, explained that the division would use $12 million in cash this year to fund operations until the rest of its provincial grant arrives at the end of the month. Meanwhile, at the end of the third quarter, the division was $300,000 over budget, based on expenses being $1.1 million over budget and revenue being roughly $780,000 over budget.

Purdy noted that most revenue and expense categories were close to budget, which was positive.

Revenues

According to Purdy’s report, grant revenues were likely to be slightly over budget since the Ministry of Education had provided $79,000 for French language instruction.

Complementary revenues were $50,000 over bud-

get due to an increase in provincial funding for the Early Learning Intensive Support (ELIS) program.

The “other revenue” category was over budget by roughly $760,000, with that category including miscel laneous items, rentals, investment income and gains on sales of capital assets, the report said.

Purdy noted that two school buses were written off after being involved in accidents. Also, with how amorti zation works, the cost to the division to replace them was zero because insurance paid for them.

Expenses

Governance expenses were $106,460 under budget in the third quarter and were projected to be under budget by $42,659 at year-end because of fewer consulting fees and less professional development, the report continued.

Administration expenses were roughly $530,000 under budget in Q3 and were projected to be over budget by $351,632 at year-end due to building expenses, the audit, and wages.

Instruction costs — the largest expense that includes salaries — were $8,161,322 under budget in Q3 and were expected to be slightly under budget by $410,143 at year’s end.

Plant/building expenses were $3,424,193 under budget by June 1, although they are projected to be $1,224,117 over budget by Aug. 31. Included in this category was more than $1 million in preventative maintenance and renewal (PMR) funding that PSSD carried into this year from 2022.

“We did all our tenders and stuff earlier … at the end

levels of government, to establish partnerships and collaboration related to improving access and inclusion

· Review potential barriers to accessibility and inclusion within city services

· Provide recommendations on city capital projects, including infrastructure upgrades and retrofits and implementation of accessible features at new and existing city buildings

· Review federal and provincial directives, regulations, and legislation about accessibility and inclusion and identify implications for the city

· Research potential community accessibility issues and current leading practices for eliminating barriers to participation

· Provide advice on public awareness campaigns to promote the city’s efforts to make its services and venues accessible and inclusive

· Provide engagement opportunities for residents with disabilities to raise issues and concerns with decision-makers

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

The next PSSD board meeting is TUESDAY, JUNE 6.

the year.”

Transportation expenses are expected to be under budget by $74,427 by Aug. 31 because fuel costs were lower and there have been fewer repair costs, the report said. Division administration will direct most of those savings to improve the parking lot at the transportation shop.

There is $9 million in the budget this year for capital funding for the new joint-use school, with $4.7 million of that — split between Prairie South and Holy Trinity — to be spent by Aug. 31, Purdy said. Including that latter amount would make the projected operating surplus closer to $750,000 instead of $3.1 million.

Trustee Patrick Boyle asked Purdy whether he considered pulling out the capital expenses from the overall budget so finances were more accurately represented. Purdy said he was only following a template the province provided and expected school divisions to follow.

“It’s just odd to read it that way,” said Boyle.

“It does distort (the overall budget),” agreed Purdy.

Local school divisions rebuilding budgets after province provides unexpected funding

Holy Trinity and Prairie South school divisions are revising their 2023-24 budgets after the Ministry of Education provided an unexpected funding boost to address enrolment increases and “classroom complexity.”

The ministry announced on June 1 that it would provide an additional $40 million for the province’s 27 school divisions. Half the money will become available in the fall once the province collects and verifies actual enrolment numbers, while the other half will help divisions hire more teachers and support staff and address non-staff support.

Catholic division

Ward Strueby, director of education for Holy Trinity Catholic, said in an email that school divisions are interpreting the enrolment-related funding as being unconditional and without strings attached. However, the ministry wants divisions to submit a plan outlining how they will use the other money to improve the classroom environment.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

“This is interpreted to be conditional funding,” he said.

The ministry gave Holy Trinity $494,166 in total funding, including $285,960 for enrolment growth and $208,206 to address classroom complexity. This is an operating increase of 1.9 per cent.

Ward pointed out that this money represents 1.24 per cent of the entire $40 million total. Meanwhile, Holy Trinity expects to have 1.23 per cent of the total provincial student population this fall, with the province expecting around 183,000 students to register province-wide by September.

Holy Trinity’s 2023-24 budget was based on a projected enrolment of 2,346 students, but as of May 31, the division had 2,400 student registrations for next year, he continued. This number exceeds the projection by 54 students or 2.3 per cent.

“The board will be provided with a revised budget for approval at its June 19 meeting that incorporates the

additional funding … ,” Ward added. Public division

Prairie South School Division is receiving $705,363 to hire more classroom teachers and support staff and $275,760 for estimated enrolment growth. The total is $981,123, representing a 1.2 per cent funding increase.

“We’re happy about (the extra funding),” education director Ryan Boughen told the Express. “… if we get the increased student population, we get the funding, but if we don’t, then the funding is conditional, as it’s attached to that increased population.”

Boughen noted that “it’s not the best” to receive this funding after the province released its budget in March and after the board approved its budget last month.

“So now we have to go back into our budget and rebuild it, so better for us to get it right away than to get it now,” he added. “(But) better to get it now than not at all.”

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

The next police board meeting is Thursday, July 6, at 2 p.m. at the Cultural Centre.

Assaults on cops increase for a second straight month, crime data shows

Assaults against police this year have increased by 200 per cent compared to 2022, which the police chief believes is related to society more readily accepting violence to address situations.

This past May, there were four assaults against police, compared to two such incidents during the same month in 2022 and one incident in May 2021, recent crime statistics show.

Meanwhile, during the first five months of this year, there have been 12 attacks on officers compared to four such incidents last year and six such incidents in 2021.

“We talked about this (same issue) last month,” Chief Rick Bourassa said during the Board of Police Commissioners’ June 8 meeting, noting the 12 assaults on cops is the highest number the organization has seen in years.

“This is consistent with what we’ve talked about in terms of the reduction in civility and the increase in violence being seen as a legitimate way to resolve problems,” he continued, noting this is happening in many communities across Canada.

None of the officers were injured during those attacks, while police charged the people who allegedly committed those offences and the courts are holding them accountable, the chief added.

During a media scrum afterward, Bourassa said that

while the number of assaults on police represents a small fraction of the total calls to which cops respond, they still take those situations seriously.

“Our members are equipped to address those sorts of situations … ,” he said. “We will keep working out there and we’ll keep trying to resolve situations as peacefully as we are able to. (But) sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way.

Crimes against the person

Year-to-date data — Jan. 1 to May 31 — for crimes against people for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, show:

· Homicide: 0 / 1 / 0

Attempted murder: 1 / 0 / 2

Assaults (sexual, common, with a weapon, aggravated, against police): 171 / 137 / 103

Robbery: 5 / 6 / 1

· Totals: 232 / 195 / 157; a 19-per-cent increase from 2022 to 2023

Crimes against property

While total break-ins — business, residence and other — rose by 3.9 per cent year-over-year in May to 107 incidents from 103 incidents, Bourassa pointed out that “other” break and enters jumped by 47.8 per cent to 34 incidents from 23.

This is due, he said, to criminals breaking into build-

ings like sheds and storage containers that are difficult to secure and not in visible locations. After receiving those reports, police investigate, search for evidence, and attempt to solve those situations.

“Our preference would be to prevent all those, but that doesn’t always happen,” Bourassa added.

Year-to-date data — Jan. 1 to May 31 — for crimes against property for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, show:

Break-ins (business, residence, other): 107 / 103 / 118

· Motor vehicle theft: 17 / 26 / 24

· Theft over $5,000: 14 / 8 / 7

· Theft under $5,000: 366 / 313 / 229

Arson: 0 / 5 / 6

Mischief under $5,000: 101 / 141 / 124

· Totals: 776 / 777 / 679; a 0.1-per-cent decrease from 2022 to 2023

Other violations

Other violations for 2023, 2022 and 2021 include:

Impaired driving: 35 / 51 / 49

· Failing to comply with court orders: 156 / 367 / 304

· Threats under section 810: 20 / 40 / 19

· Domestic disputes: 23 / 40 / 80

Provincial liquor infractions: 42 / 53 / 68

Vehicle collisions over $1,000: 80 / 121 / 82

New three-year strategic plan to help guide police service’s community work

The Moose Jaw Police Service has released its new threeyear strategic plan, which lays out the objectives it wants to pursue and gives it direction for its work.

The police agency (MJPS) unveiled its 2023-26 document during the Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting at the Moose Jaw Public Library on June 8.

“It will guide our work. And there was a lot of community involvement in creating this plan,” said Police Chief Rick Bourassa, noting the board “worked very heavily” on this new plan in conjunction with police administration and contractor Praxis Consulting.

The board hired Praxis last September for $15,000 to help craft a new strategic plan, which was originally going to be a five-year document.

The strategic map’s “hope and dream” is for the City of Moose Jaw “to be a vibrant, inclusive and safe community,” while the vision is for the police service to be a “diverse, progressive and trusted partner” that ensures community safety for everyone.

Further, the mission is for the MJPS to be a “community-focused safety agency responsible for peacekeeping, crime prevention, law enforcement and community building.”

The document lists five values: integrity, community, service excellence, inclusion, and accountability.

With integrity, the police service wants to “earn the trust” of those its services through reliability and honesty. With community, the organization wants to be a team player that works with the community and residents.

With service excellence, the MJPS wants to be “progressive, innovative and responsive” in meeting the needs of those its serves.

With inclusion, the organization wants to be “respectful and empathetic” where everyone feels safe to contribute. With accountability, the police agency wants to be responsible for its actions.

Lastly, the document’s “strategic imperative” focuses on public confidence.

During a media scrum afterward, Bourassa explained that the MJPS and board have had a strategic plan for years but hasn’t gone through a formal process recently to create a new one. During discussions over the past year, the board determined it was time for a new guiding strategic document.

raxis Consulting conducted interviews with several community groups, including the Moose Jaw Police Service and other social agencies, he continued. With data in hand, the consulting firm helped guide the board and police service to create a plan that included community priorities and important focus areas.

The police service plans to release the full document on its website soon.

“We just sort of wrapped up the final details on it. We’re still working on some of the details of the next steps … in terms of business planning and pieces like that,” said Bourassa. “We’ve got everything in place; we just haven’t pulled it into a cohesive document yet.”

It’s important to have these priorities in written form

since goals and objectives are usually contained in the heads of police administrators who track progress mentally, he continued. With a written document, the police service can now establish performance measures and ensure growth is occurring.

“It’s an important process and I’m happy that we have that in place,” he added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Police service honours community’s ‘good deeds’ during first post-pandemic awards ceremony

For the first time since 2019, the Moose Jaw Police Service held its annual awards ceremony, where it recognized residents and officers for making the community a better place to live.

Nearly 100 friends, family and co-workers packed into the Performing Arts Theatre near the library on June 7 to watch as the police agency honoured people for their contributions to safety and for promoting positive behaviours in the community. The awards were for deeds that cops and civilians performed between 2020 and 2023.

Police Chief Rick Bourassa, police board chairwoman Mary Lee Booth and Commissioner Kim Robinson handed out the certificates.

The awards focused on:

Teamwork: Presented to police or residents whose efforts were effective in resolving a major case or increasing community safety

Chief’s Commendation Award: Presented to officers or residents whose exceptional actions resolved a critical situation

Community Building: Presented to cops or residents who made significant contributions to improving the quality of life in the community

Community Safety: Presented to residents whose contributions have helped make Moose Jaw a safer community Teamwork Award

The Teamwork Award was presented to Staff Sgt. Chad Scheske, Sgt. Jason

Watt, Const. Sarah Kristy, Const. Blair

Torgunrud, Const. Peyton Denet, Const.

Curtis Amiot, Const. Austin Abbott, Const. Brandon Braun, Const. Rodney Zoerb, Const. Jay Sills, Const. Shawn Mohle, Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, Staff Sgt. Kevin Pilsworth and Const. Heino Izaaks. Elder, Pilsworth and Izaaks were absent from the ceremony.

Chief’s Commendation Award

The Chief’s Commendation Award was presented to Robert Hill, Lindsay Hill, Sgt. Jason Watt, Const. Dan Chamberlain and Const. Casey Lea; Allan Tarrant; Owen Nichols, Marshal Ward, Sgt. Randy Boechler, Const. Chamberlain and Const. Jim Biniaris; and Const. Paul

Thunberg, Sgt. Boechler, Const. Lea and Const. Ryan Forbes.

Burleigh and Shirley Hill accepted the award on behalf of the Hills, while constables Lea and Forbes were absent.

Community Safety Award

The Community Safety Award was presented to Heather Segall; police board Commissioner Mary Lee Booth; Darlene Geib; Ryan Boughen, education director for Prairie South School Division, and Ward Strueby, education director for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division; and Travis Phillapation and Nimone Campbell.

Campbell was absent from the ceremony.

The Community Building Award was presented to Tanya Morland and Kirsten Clark with the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) unit.

Chief’s comments

“This is one of the best days of the year for me. It’s so good to be able to recognize people — both within our police service and in our community — (who) have done some pretty amazing things” to keep the community safe, healthy and strong and save lives, Police Chief Rick Bourassa said after the ceremony.

“We always look forward to recognizing people for the things they do because we’re all in this together. We’re all vested in having a safe, harmonious and inclusive community,” he continued. “And so many people contribute without even thinking about it … . We couldn’t be more proud of the people in our city who step up all the time.”

It’s difficult to single out residents and officers for recognition because they regularly perform “good deeds” in the community, Bourassa said. The police service doesn’t always hear about those actions, while of the deeds it knows about, it’s challenging to recognize everyone because the ceremony could go on for hours.

Every year, the police service gathers the good deeds it hears about and evaluates the most deserving ones, he added. The organization will continue to honour its members and residents for their efforts to keep the community safe.

Community Building Award

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

A group of officers — including members of the tactical response team — receives the Teamwork Award. In no particular order are Staff Sgt. Scheske, Sgt. Watt, Const. Kristy, Const. Torgunrud, Const. Denet, Const. Amiot, Const. Abbott, Const. Braun, Const. Zoerb, Const. Sills, Const. Mohle, Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, Staff Sgt. Kevin Pilsworth and Const. Izaaks. The latter three officers were absent.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Chief’s Commendation Award went to Robert Hill, Lindsay Hill, Sgt. Watt, Const. Chamberlain and Const. Lea. Burleigh and Shirley Hill accepted the award on behalf of the Hills, while Lea was absent.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Chief’s Commendation Award went to Allan Tarrant. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Chief’s Commendation Award went to Owen Nichols, Marshal Ward, Sgt. Boechler, Const. Chamberlain and Const. Biniaris.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Community Safety Award went to Heather Segall. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Community Safety Award went to Mary Lee Booth. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Community Safety Award went to Darlene Guy. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Chief’s Commendation Award went to Const. Thunberg and Sgt. Boechler. Missing were Const. Lea and Const. Forbes. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Community Safety Award went to Ryan Boughen, education director for Prairie South School Division, and Ward Strueby, education director for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Community Building Award went to Tanya Morland and Kirsten Clark with the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) unit. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Community Safety Award went to Travis Phillapation and Nimone Campbell. Campbell was absent. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

New anti-graffiti mural honours students’ journeys through high school

A.E. Peacock Collegiate student Emma Rowlinson is excited that an art project on which she and other students have been working for four years is finally being installed in the community.

The Grade 12 student is one of 10 teens from Prairie South School Division who is a member of Project 104 High School Arts Collective’s anti-graffiti team. The group creates large murals that are designed to cover buildings where there is regular vandalism.

The group has created 15 murals since 2014 in partnership with the Moose Jaw Police Service.

Rowlinson and a few teammates — with help from officers — installed their latest mural on the alley-side of the Insight Law building behind Veroba’s Restaurant on June 9.

Putting their muscles to work, officers installed more than a dozen panels, with the artwork measuring 150 feet long, 16 feet high and covering three sides of the building.

The mural’s theme is students journeying through high school and blossoming as people.

“This is a spot that … was a high activity spot for graffiti, so we were tasked with (putting) this one (project) up there,” said Rowlinson, who was responsible for the colour scheme. “Me and the team have been working on painting and cutting the wood and all that for a couple of years now.”

The Grade 12 student thought it was exciting to finally see the group’s work installed, considering some of them — like her — have been working on it since Grade 9. She particularly enjoyed seeing the colours sparkle in the sun.

Rowlinson was grateful to have participated and has included the artwork in

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

her portfolio. This project helped her be accepted into a post-secondary art school in Calgary for next fall.

“Being able to have a mural up before I graduate is wonderful (and) very exciting (to see) … ,” she added. “I’m very grateful for (group teacher) Cori Saas and the opportunity she’s given me to be able to do this. It’s out of this world; it’s amazing.”

While police were installing the murals, Saas, a teacher at Peacock, and Grade 12 Peacock student Sapphire Spicer-Smith were applying a graffiti sealant to protect the artwork from damage.

“When you put art on public spaces that are often sites of vandalism, the vandalism stops. And there’s all kind of research around that,” Saas said.

The high school teacher commended Police Chief Rick Bourassa for reaching out years ago and asking the group to help combat vandalism. Since 2014, the students and police have built positive connections through this initiative.

Saas explained that the anti-graffiti team started on this project more than three years ago, with Josh Burris — who graduated recently — designing the mural

with input from his peers. The pandemic put the project on hold for two years before the students picked it back up.

“And I’m very grateful for Emma because to do a project of this size — of this immense magnitude — when it’s not her work,” she continued.

Saas lauded Rowlinson for making “bold” and “brave” colour choices, including not putting black dividing lines between colours. Rowlinson’s team also had to be brave in pursuing this vision.

The group faced challenges in painting the panels since it had to be done before and after classes and in rooms with

ventilation, which Saas’s room was not. This meant dragging panels throughout the school.

“The dedication of this team is extraordinary … . I’m really proud of them,” Saas said, adding she appreciated the police services’ commitment to supporting the students.

In a separate interview, Bourassa said the police service is planning projects for next year and applying for further funding. He also thought this initiative was important because it gave students meaningful work to accomplish.

Emma Rowlinson, a Grade 12 student at A.E. Peacock Collegiate, puts finishing touches on one of the last panels of the mural. Rowlinson was responsible for the artwork’s colour scheme. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Several officers install another panel on the back of the Insight Law building, including Supt. Taylor Mickleborough and Const. Reggie Pawliw. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Grade 12 Peacock student Sapphire Spicer-Smith (left) and Peacock teacher Cori Saas apply a graffiti sealant to the artwork to protect it from damage.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Volunteers tree-planting at Wakamow aims to help park stay thickly forested

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

A volunteer tree-planting event saw a group of community members finding new homes for spruce, willow, and poplar saplings at three different locations within the park on June 11, helping to restore storm-, winter-, and construction-damaged areas.

“We were a small army, but we managed to get the job done. They worked really hard,” said Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, general manager of the Wakamow Valley Authority (WVA). “I enjoyed myself! It was good to get out, and it’s always good to contribute to the environment. Five hands is just as good as ten hands, so I consider this a successful event.”

The South Hill Community Association, South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association, and the City of Moose Jaw donated nearly 200 trees to the WVA.

Volunteers began planting at the Kiwanis River Pavilion, putting dozens of spruce saplings in the ground around the structure, playground, and boat launch there. Each baby tree was marked with a red-ribboned stake to ensure park staff see the trees while mowing and can get to them for watering, fertilizing, and mulching.

“My grandpa said he needed some help with planting today, so I decided to come and help,” said Harrison Pethick, a 14-year-old Lyndale School student who

came along with his grandfather Lloyd.

“It’s fun planting trees. It’s relaxing.”

“The biggest thing we need to do when planting these young trees is to get the grass cut out,” said Brandon Cochrane.

Cochrane is vice-president of the South Hill Community Association and helped

organize the volunteers. “You have to dig deep enough, cut out the roots from the grass and get the tree some space to grow. And afterwards, they’ll be mulched.”

Volunteers then moved to the Kinsmen-Wellesley Park section of Wakamow and placed many more trees around

the playground structure and field there. Picks, mattocks, shovels, spades, and bare hands carved out space for the saplings in the dry ground, with MacQuarrie-Bye deciding the placements. More trees mean more shade, healthier soil, improved water retention and drainage, and less erosion from rain and spring melts in the park, keeping it green and flourishing for residents and visitors.

The final area was the start of the Wakamow Valley disc golf course on Wellesley Street, where construction last year flattened a broad area and left the soil bare and cracked. Disc golfers rolled their caddies from hole to hole and watched as volunteers worked hard to revitalize the space.

“A big thank you to our volunteers, we love having people come out to help us maintain the park, and I’d like to say a big thank you to South Hill Community Association for their donation and their hands, and the South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association for their donation of trees as well,” MacQuarrie-Bye said.

“Without them we couldn’t have this project running.”

MacQuarrie-Bye hopes to make the community planting a yearly spring event, so keep an eye out for the next opportunity to help improve the park.

Chinese residents honour sledge hockey team with banquet

An inspirational, patriotic fight song blared through the speakers as Moose Jaw’s Chinese community enthusiastically greeted their country’s sledge hockey team during a recent banquet.

Dozens of people filled the Jade Garden Restaurant on June 5 to celebrate China’s para hockey athletes and coaches, who finished fourth during this year’s World Para Hockey Championship at the Events Centre.

The Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network (MJCCN) organized the banquet, with MCs Kelvin Hu and Long Ning conducting the event almost entirely in Mandarin.

The duo introduced the team, welcomed dignitaries, and read a congratulatory letter from the People’s Republic of China’s Consulate General office in Calgary. Meanwhile, a picture slideshow featured players competing and fans cheering in the stands, a musician played a traditional handheld wind instrument, and prizes were given out.

With Hu translating, team manager Tang Nan said she was thankful to see so many people, including the co-chairs of the organizing committee, dignitaries, and residents from Moose Jaw and Regina.

The team has existed for only six years, and when it competed the first few

years, it moved from the C pool to the B pool because of how well it did, she said. During one tournament, the team won five games and heard its national anthem played after each game, which was thrilling.

There were only a few fans in the stands during those early tournaments, but in Moose Jaw, hundreds of Chinese people cheered for the team.

“This is not a foreign country; we feel like we have come home,” Tang said.

The team is young, but that hasn’t prevented it from improving and moving into higher tournament brackets, including reaching the A pool this year, she continued. This achievement is connected to the fans’ support; during the first game, it was great to see Chinese flags and hear chants of “China, go!”

While the team lost the bronze medal game and didn’t hear its national anthem in the rink, outside the stadium, a fan played the anthem on his saxophone. Fans also mobbed the team and asked for autographs and pictures.

Another reason the team felt at home here was because a group of “beautiful ladies” kept everyone well-fed, Tang added. She joked that the team normally loses weight when playing overseas, but because of the women’s sumptuous food,

Herbert MCC Thrift Shop

each member likely gained three pounds in weight.

MJCCN president Hu later told the Express that the group had only a short time to put together the banquet.

“It’s always a Chinese tradition to actually put up some kind of banquet or family dinner whenever you have friends (or) relatives coming from afar,” he said. “So the moment we (knew) they are going to be here competing for the games and we’re saying, ‘Maybe we should put something together.’”

Hu was pleased with how the banquet turned out and the attendance.

Since sledge hockey is not well known in the Chinese community, few people initially responded to the MJCCN’s banquet invite. But as the tournament progressed and the team did well, residents learned more about the game — and banquet tickets began selling quickly.

“We sold out in no time. Even today, people were still asking if (we) still had more tickets,” he continued. “I said no, we cannot sell any more tickets because … we want to make sure we don’t make the banquet room crowded for (the players).”

Hu, his family, and other friends also volunteered to act as team hosts — and put in many hours of work. He was unsure he would have the energy on top of his daytime job, but everything worked out well.

The network president added that he was pleased with how the players performed and that they were the fourth-best team.

Heather Eby, tournament committee co-chair with Marcy Ramage, told the Express that the banquet was incredible, while it was amazing to see the Chinese culture, language, music and support for the players. She pointed out that the fans also treated the players like rock stars after the bronze medal game, which was heartwarming and special to see.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The hockey team was excited to be celebrated during the banquet. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Youngster Torris Wang (right) hands out thank-you cards to the athletes.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Volunteers Greg and Twila plant a spruce sapling (photo by Gordon Edgar)

World Para Hockey tourney was a ‘resounding success,’ committee co-chair says

The 2023 World Para Hockey Championship was the first time the tournament was contested on Canadian soil, and according to host organizers, the event “was a resounding success.”

Heather Eby co-chaired the host committee organization with Marcy Ramage and, during a banquet on June 5 to honour the Chinese sledge hockey team, spoke about how successful the tournament was.

“I don’t think anybody really knew what to expect. Going in, not many of us had actually seen para hockey live, so we were just excited for the opportunity to host an event,” she told the Express. “And once we got to see the players hit the ice and the teams practising, we knew it was

going to be great.”

The crowds at the Events Centre were small for the first few days, but more fans began coming out after hearing how exciting the action was from other fans, Eby continued. The increase in crowd size was most evident during the two games between the United States and Canada, while during the gold medal game, it was exciting to see many Canadian fans with flags, jerseys and painted faces.

The U.S. defeated Canada 6-1 to win the gold medal.

Eby thought the community stepped up to support the event, while she thought the tournament created a dedicated fan base for Team Canada’s para hockey team.

Also, now that the Events Centre has para equipment, it will host similar exciting events in the future.

The volunteer support was also “phenomenal,” she continued. After their first shifts, many people asked if they could work more and encouraged host organizers to call them if help was needed.

“I’m just really grateful to have been part of this event. To me, when I think about the Events Centre, build it and they will come,” Eby said. “And they did and they are going to come again because we knocked it out of the park and Hockey Canada is over the moon with what happened here.

“And I was told by one of the top

guys of Hockey Canada that there are only two (arenas) like (Moose Jaw’s) in Canada that can host this event the way we did,” she continued, “with the number of dressing rooms and with the curling rink attached and (being) able to accommodate the players.”

Eby pointed out that the venue had enough dressing rooms to accommodate every team. This meant when players moved into their rooms on the first day, they stayed there permanently — they could leave their equipment there — until they moved out the morning of June 5.

All told, the United States captured gold, Canada silver and the Czech Republic bronze.

Cornerstone’s Adewumi sets record as South Central wins host of provincial track and field medals

Six gold, nine silver, eight bronze won by district on way to fourth-place finish at SHSAA championship last weekend

If Cornerstone Christian School competitor Ademide Adewumi wasn’t already on the provincial radar as an up-and-coming star in the shot put and discus, she’s most definitely there now.

Adewumi was the standout in an absolutely stellar showing for Moose Jaw and South Central athletes at the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association track and field championships in Prince Albert during the June 3 weekend, setting a new record in the intermediate girls shot put on her way to winning gold.

The win was one of six gold and 23 medals in total -- one of the top showings for South Central in recent years -- and one that saw the district finish in fourth place overall despite having one of the smaller populations.

While you can never expect to set a provincial record, for Adewumi, that was almost the case heading into provincials. All season long, she’d set one record or another in qualifying meets and she’d make no mistake on the biggest stage of all.

First of all, Ademide’s 12.45-metre effort was almost two metres better than her next competitor -- meaning a sixfoot-tall person could have laid in the pit with their feet at the second-place finisher’s mark and Ademide still would have cleared their head.

As for the provincial record itself, Ademide added 96 centimetres to the old mark of 11.54 metres set by Saskatoon Bethlehem’s Brynn Bohmann in 2018. Interestingly enough, Ademide would have won gold in both the junior and senior

girls divisions by nearly two metres, set a new junior girls record and finished a metre behind the senior girls provincial mark set by Canadian Olympian Taryn Suttie in 2008.

Ademide also finished in sixth place in the discus.

For all that success, Ademide was arguably eclipsed by the showing Central competitor Katie Rogers put together.

The Cyclones junior won two gold and a bronze in the distance races, with Peacock competitor and South Central teammate Nikolina Kapovic right behind her for silver in both gold medal wins.

Rogers took top spot in the junior girls 1,500 metres in 4:53.47 and followed up by winning gold in the 3.000 metres with a time of 10:42.09. She then finished

third in the 800 metres in 2:24.31, giving her the junior girls overall aggregate title.

Kapovic -- who set city and district records in the 3,000 m -- won silver in both the 1,500 and 3,000, finishing two seconds behind in the former and eight seconds back in the latter.

Reigning senior girls cross country champion Jadyn Palaschuk is now the reigning senior girls 3,000 metres champion, with the Central competitor crossing the line in 10:41.84 to claim top spot. Palaschuk finished her weekend with a complete set of medals, winning silver in the 1,500 metres in 4:54.65 and bronze in the 800 metres in 2:24.07.

Also winning gold for South Central was Lafleche’s Jerzey Watteyne, with the

Sask Female AAA Hockey League standout winning the quadathlon with 1937 points.

Assiniboia’s Brett Knudsen claimed gold in the senior boys high jump, putting together a 1.91-metre effort.

Central’s Javin Boynton was unable to win an event in his slate of junior boys competitions, but ended up coming home with the overall aggregate title just the same, thanks to a trio of silver medals. Boynton was second in the 100 metres in 11.37, followed by a 23.60 in the 200 metres and wrapped up his run of medals with a 12.13-metre throw in the shot put.

A trio of youngsters also won silver medals in the intermediate triple jump, with Keaton Belsher clearing 12.04 metres and Blake Maltais 10.56 metres. Zayden Anderson rounded out the run of South Central silver with second in the 100m hurdles in 14.24 after also setting city and district records in the run-up to provincials.

Glentworth’s Katherine Robichaud won a pair of bronze in the junior girls discus (25.71m) and shot put (9.41m), while Central’s district record-setter Paul Barth was third in the senior boys shot put (12.39m), Central’s Emily Lin won bronze in the intermediate girls triple jump (10.06m) and Vanier’s Waverley Demassi landed third in the junior girls javelin (30.49).

Provincial double gold medalist Katie Rogers leads triple medalist Jadyn Palaschuk down the back stretch during the South Central championship 1,500 metres.

The 4x100m relay team of Watteyne, Peacock’s Jessica Selensky and Kylie Howe and Briercrest’s Danae McCroy also won bronze.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer

Cornerstone Christian School competitor Ademide Adewumi atop the podium after setting a provincial record in the intermediate girls shot put.

Potholes are being filled... it's Alignment Time. Potholes are being filled... it's Alignment Time.

Canucks split doubleheader with Sask Five Giants in SPBL 18U AAA action

Moose Jaw takes 9-3 win in opener, drop 15-3 decision in rematch at Ross Wells Park

For the Moose Jaw Canucks in the Sask Premier Baseball League 18U AAA division on Saturday facing the Sask Five Giants in a doubleheader at Ross Wells Park, the Canucks would open the day with a 9-3 victory before dropping a 15-3 decision in the rematch.

The Canucks are now 2-12 on the SPBL season and are back in action Tuesday when they travel to Regina to face the White Butte Broncos.

Canucks 9, Sask Five 3

After so many games where the Canucks simply couldn’t catch a break, things finally went right on Saturday morning at Ross Wells.

Moose Jaw built a 5-0 lead through three innings and kept up the pressure, scoring at least one run in every frame the rest of the way to finish off their com-

manding win.

Every player had at least a hit, with Owen Varjassy going 3-for-4 with a

run and two runs batted in while hitting eighth in the line-up. Ty Reid also had a solid game, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI, and despite all their offence, Nathan Pisio had their lone hit for extra bases, that being a double.

Noah Thul also crossed the plate twice.

Owen Csada turned in a stellar showing on the mound with the Canucks’ first quality start of the season. He’d allow three runs, one earned, on four hits while striking out seven and walking five over six innings. Nathan McDougall closed things out with a scoreless seventh.

Sask Five 15, Canucks 3

Errors were a major difference in game two, as the Canucks would commit six defensive miscues and allow six unearned runs in the tough loss.

Sask Five got things going quickly with four in the first inning before extending their lead to 8-3 through three. A fivespot in the sixth would invoke the mercy rule after six innings.

Keaton Hillmer led the offence with a 2-for-3, one run scored showing, while Varjassy had another pair of hits.

Caleb Newkirk got the start and allowed four runs on three hits in an inning before Thul allowed four runs on four hits over the next two frames. Cameron Beisal stopped the bleeding a bit by allowing a pair of runs in two innings of work, but Reid was only able to get a single out in the sixth, allowing the aforementioned five runs. Varjassy got the last two outs and allowed a hit.

Miller Express back in win column thanks to comfortable win over Medicine Hat

After taking back-to-back one-run losses in previous two games, Moose Jaw rolls to 10-3 victory at Ross Wells Randy Palmer -

After taking a couple of tough losses in their previous Western Canadian Baseball League outings, the Moose Jaw Miller Express got back on track in style on Sunday afternoon.

Less than 24 hours after struggling to create any offence in the late innings and falling 7-6 to the Medicine Hat Mavericks, the Miller Express scored early, often and steadily on their way to a 10-3 victory over the Medicine Hat Mavericks.

Earlier in the week, the Express had seen their seven-game winning streak snapped by a 7-6 loss to the Regina Red Sox in Regina on Thursday.

Moose Jaw is now 8-3 on the season and remain two games up on Regina Red Sox for first place in the East Division.

lead. A two-run double from Wyatt Tweet helped made it a 10-2 game in the seventh, and it was all but academic from there as Moose Jaw went on to their seven-run win.

The victory also marked a return to form for the Miller Express pitching staff.

runs on five hits and a walk.

Jake King closed things out, pitching three innings, allowing three hits and seeing his earned run average fall to 0.82 over five appearances.

and eventually set the stage for the extra inning.

Moose Jaw 10, Medicine Hat 3

The Miller Express wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Dawson Tweet hit a solo home run as the second batter of the game. It was a sign of things to come, as Parker Dorrance hit a two-run single in the third to key a four-run inning, and Moose Jaw was off to the races.

Chaz Poppy led off the fifth inning with a solo home run of his own, Dougie DelaCruz had a run-scoring double in the same frame and the Millers had a 7-2

Matt Vasquez continued his solid start to the season, overcoming some early control issues to hold Medicine Hat to two runs on two hits over five innings of work. Cameron Dunn was just as good over the next three innings, holding the Mavericks to a single run on four hits, and Gabe Soto closed things out with a scoreless ninth. Medicine Hat 7, Moose Jaw 6

Medicine Hat scored three runs in the top of the sixth to take a 7-6 lead and rode a stellar performance from reliever Kyle Calzadiaz to the one-run win on Saturday night at Ross Wells.

It was a back-and-forth contest early as both teams quickly got on the bats, leading to Moose Jaw taking a 6-4 lead out of the fourth inning.

There things remained until the top of the sixth, when a two-run triple off the bat of Nathan Tarver would key the three-run inning and give the Mavericks the lead for good.

A major part of that was Calzadiaz, who came on in the fifth and was lights out, holding the Express to a single hit the rest of the way, allowing only three baserunners and striking out seven.

Kellan Voggesser got the start for Moose Jaw and allowed four runs on eight hits through four innings of work. Kaleb Waller took over in the fifth and escaped a bit of a jam before Medicine Hat put up their big inning, eventually allowing three

Austin Gurney had another good night at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a run scored and RBI, while Tweet continued his fast start with a 2-for-4 outing that included a pair of runs scored. Dorrance also had a pair of hits and scored a run.

Regina 7, Moose Jaw 6

The Regina Red Sox scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the 10th inning to snap Moose Jaw’s seven-game winning streak.

Things started out well enough for Moose Jaw, as Gurney hit a two-run home run to key a three-run first inning for the visitors.

Regina got two back in the fifth, but the Millers rebounded with a pair of their own the next inning to restore the threerun lead. That set the stage for the seventh, where a three-run home run off the bat of Regina’s Easton Romero tied things 5-5

There, Nate Mensik knocked home Bobby Pokorney with the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th, but Romero would tie the game in the bottom of the inning and one batter later Cameron Brantley knocked home Dylan Edmands with the game-winning run.

Brayan Villar gave Moose Jaw a solid start on the mound, going 4 ⅓ and allowing a single run on five hits and striking out four. Julian Gonzalez pitched the next 1 ⅔ innings and allowed a run before Haldon Craig surrendered three runs on a hit while finishing off the sixth.

King had two scoreless innings of relief to send things to extras, where Regina was able to score their pair of runs off Zach Sigmon.

The Miller Express are back in action Wednesday and Thursday when the Brooks Bombers make their lone trip of the season to Moose Jaw. Game times are 7 p.m. at Ross Wells Park.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Canucks pitcher Owen Varjassy delivers against the Sask Five Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Moose Jaw Express

Miller Express pitcher Matt Vasquez delivers during second-inning action on Sunday afternoon.

Dougie DelaCruz hits a single up the middle to bring home Chaz Poppy with Moose Jaw’s second run Sunday.

Kellan Voggesser delivers against Medicine Hat in the third inning Saturday.

Miller Express baserunner Nate Mensik avoided the tag on the first part of this second-inning rundown on Saturday night…

… and nearly beat the tag diving back to first, but was called out.

Miller Express hitter Wyatt Tweet ducks away from a pitch up and in during Saturday’s contest

Canucks sweep East Central in 15U AAA doubleheader

Moose Jaw 6-5 win in opener before taking walk-off 9-8 victory in rematch at Blackwell Diamond Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw 15U AAA Canucks found themselves in a pair of nailbiters in Sask Premier Baseball League action on Sunday afternoon but still managed to come away with a pair of impressive wins.

The Canucks held off the East Central Dodgers for a 6-5 victory in the opening game of the doubleheader before taking a come-back walk-off 9-8 win in the rematch at Blackwell Diamond.

Things got a little too close for comfort in the first game of the day, as despite taking a 6-1 lead into the final inning, the Canucks would see the Dodgers get the tying run to second base before holding on for the win.

Things had been pretty comfortable to that point, as a five-run fourth inning gave Moose Jaw a 5-1 lead, and they’d tack on what would be an all-important sixth run in the sixth.

Luke Pratte led the way at the plate

with a 3-for-3 game that included a pair of runs scored. Spencer Craig added a pair of runs batted in.

Hunter Scott got the start for Moose Jaw and turned in a stellar performance, allowing a single unearned run while scattering seven hits and striking out eight over six innings. Marcus Capili attempted to finish things off but could only get one out as the Dodgers scored three runs, and East Central would score another off Ronan Tonge before he got a ground ball for the final out.

The rematch played out in almost exact opposite fashion, only this time, the team chasing completed their comeback.

A four-run first inning had paced East Central to a 6-2 victory through four innings, and they led 7-3 when Moose Jaw put up three runs in the sixth to get back within one. The Dodgers added a run in their half of the seventh, setting up the late-game dramatics.

East Central quickly got the Canucks

down to their final out, but a walk, pair of errors and a base hit would see Capili and Kyren Ernest come around to score the tying runs.

Scott would then send a single into right field to score Brettin Hutchinson with the game-winning run.

Capili went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored twice, while Tyson Ross had a double and knocked in three runs. Scott was 2-for-5 on the day, Ernest’s game-tying run was his second of the game.

Craig allowed four runs on five hits over the first two innings before Tonge tossed the next three and surrendered three runs on three hits. Ernest pitched the final two innings and allowed one run on two hits.

The Canucks are back in action on Wednesday, June 13 when they travel to Regina for a doubleheader with the White Butte Broncos.

Busy weekend sees a number of wins for Moose Jaw lacrosse teams

Mustangs 1 take win over Mustangs 2 in U11 action; Mustangs 2 defeat Swift Current, lose to Queen City; U13 Mustangs sweep doubleheader with Standing Buffalo

With the South Sask Lacrosse League and provincial playoffs coming up in the near future, the Moose Jaw Mustangs are quickly seeing their respective regular seasons come to a close.

The Mustangs 1 and Mustangs 2 faced off in under-11 action on Sunday afternoon and saw the Mustangs 1 come away with a 7-5 victory. The Mustangs 2 were also in action in Swift Current Saturday and won 4-1 over the Rampage before dropping an 8-2 decision to Queen City.

The U13 Mustangs capped off an unbeaten season with a pair of wins over Standing Buffalo on Sunday, taking a 5-1 win in the first meeting and 8-5 victory in the second.

Mustangs 1 7, Mustangs 2 5

With the two teams sporting almost identical records, it stood to reason any game between them would be close, and that was the case Sunday at the Kinsmen Arena.

The Mustangs 2 took a 2-0 lead out of the first period, but the Mustangs 1 rallied with four unanswered goals in the second to take a 4-3 edge into the final frame. There, the eventual victors would make it a three-goal lead before the Mustangs 2 got back within one with 6:45 to play. A late insurance marker would put things

away once and for all for the Mustangs 1, and they’d have their two-goal win.

Kipton Tremblay had a solid game for the Mustangs 1, scoring six goals, while Kayden Howes had their other marker.

Sterling Stewart scored a pair for the Mustangs 2, Austin Duncan, Bennett Dunlop and Clark Alexander also scored.

The Mustangs 1 are now 4-3-2 and close out their regular season Monday in Weyburn.

Mustangs 2 4, Swift Current 1

A pair of first-period goals set the tone, and Moose Jaw would add single markers in the second and third to take their relatively comfortable win.

Stewart and Dunlop scored for the Mustangs in the first, Duncan had their lone marker in the second, and Stewart closed things out with the only goal of the third period.

Queen City 8, Mustangs 2 2

The Regina squad came into the contest with an unbeaten record, and they looked the part, scoring a pair of goals in each of the first and second periods and tacking on four more in the third.

Axton Gebhart scored on the power play for Moose Jaw’s lone goal in the opening period, Silas Calibaba had their other goal with 36 seconds to play in the game.

The Mustangs 2 cap their regular season with a 4-4-2 mark and will finish in fifth place heading into the league playoffs in two weeks’ time.

U13 Mustangs 5, Standing Buffalo 1

The Fighting Sioux raised a few eyebrows by taking a 1-0 lead out of the opening frame, but goals from Ryder Seiferling and Cruz Seaborg gave Moose Jaw a 2-1 lead and they’d never look back.

Seiferling, Jaxyn Houle and Rhett Hazell scored for the Mustangs in the third period.

U13 Mustangs 8, Standing Buffalo 5

It was another relatively close one in the rematch later Sunday, as a back-andforth first period saw Moose Jaw take a 4-3 lead. The Mustangs extended that edge 7-4 through two before the two teams exchanged single goals in the final frame. Seiferling had a hat trick and four points, while Houle picked up a pair of markers. Rylan Deichert had a goal and two assists, Cash Bellefeuille and Connor Hart-Livingston rounded out scoring for Moose Jaw.

The Mustangs wrap up their regular season with a 10-0-1 record and will be the top seeds when Moose Jaw hosts the league championship at the end of June.

Mustangs cap South Sask Lacrosse League U17 regular season in first place

Moose Jaw rolls to 12-4 win over Swift Current at Kinsmen Arena to finish with 9-1 record; playoffs begin in two weeks

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw Mustangs lost their opening game of the South Sask Lacrosse League U17 season back at the beginning May, but things have gone pretty well since then.

The Mustangs reeled off their ninth straight win and capped the regular season in first place thanks to a 12-4 victory over the Swift Current Rampage at the Kinsmen Arena Saturday afternoon.

As a result, Moose Jaw will finish with a 9-1 record -- including an impressive plus-57 goal differential, twice as high as any other team in the league -- and will be the top seeds heading into playoffs in two weeks time.

The Mustangs looked the part of a first-place club Saturday, roaring out to a 6-0 lead in the first 20 minutes and never

looking back, building a 9-1 edge through two before dialling things back a bit in the final period.

Sam Wilson enjoyed one of his best

games of the season for Moose Jaw, scoring eight goals and finishing with nine points on the afternoon. Ryder Gilroy played Wilson’s set-up man, racking up eight assists.

Cooper Bruce picked up a goal and four points, while Riley Bender and Lachlan Clark each had a goal and an assist. Carter Hudyma rounded out Mustangs scoring.

League scoring leader Brodyn Pladson had a single assist, but capped his campaign with 26 goals and 43 points across the Mustangs’ 10 games to easily win the scoring race ahead of Gilroy, who had 11 goals and 30 points. Bruce rounded out the top three, scoring 11 goals and 29 points.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Action from the South Sask Lacrosse League 11-and-under contest between the Mustangs 1 and Mustangs 2 on Sunday afternoon.

The Mustangs’ Cooper Bruce fights off the check of a Swift Current defender.

Marcus Capili delivers for the 15U AAA Canucks during seventh inning action from game one.

Canadian musical collaboration ‘Lunch at Allen’s’ coming to

Mae Wilson Theatre

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Celebrated Canadian singer-songwriters Murray McLauchlan, Marc Jordan, Cindy Church, and Ian Thomas are Lunch at Allen’s, a musical tour group coming to the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre on Wednesday, June 14.

These individual artists have written for and sung on over 25,000,000 albums, writing hits for acts like Chicago, Josh Groban, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher, and Rod Stewart, among others. Together, they create an evening showcasing the unique styles and abilities of each member, with an informal, humorous, storytelling dynamic that draws audiences in.

“It’s a communal experience, and I think we’re still at the stage of feeling especially grateful to be together after COVID,” Marc Jordan told MooseJawToday.com. “Lunch at Allen’s is a show that everybody experiences differently, but we do it together.

“It’s a great vibe. I think human beings are meant to do things together. If we do it alone, does it really exist? But together, something good always happens.”

Reserved seating tickets for Lunch At Allen’s are $72.00 on Sasktix.ca, or by calling the Mae Wilson box office at 306-693-4700. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Marc Jordan has written songs appearing on more than 35 million records. He is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who has been captivating audiences since he began. He is married to singer-songwriter, producer, and actress Amy Sky. Jordan and Sky have both acted alongside and worked with icons like Olivia Newton-John, Diana Ross, and Anne Murray. Known for hits like “Marina Del Rey” and “Rhythm of My Heart,” Jordan’s contributions to Lunch at Allen’s bring emotional

depth and storytelling to the ensemble.

Jordan’s latest album, Waiting for the Sun to Rise, was released in April 2023.

“The way [Lunch at Allen’s] came about was that Murray was asked to put together songwriter’s circle for something or other,” Jordan explained. “And he said, ‘No, I don’t like songwriter’s circles, but I’ll do it if I can do it my way.’ So, he asked Ian and I to do it with him, but we would do it like a band, you know, everybody performing on everyone else’s songs, instead of the usual one-personat-a-time, going-down-the-line thing.”

After that first performance, an agent in the audience asked the trio to make some more bookings. Realizing they needed another singer, Jordan, McLauchlan, and Thomas recruited Cindy Church — and the act has continued ever since.

“Murray’s idea was quite a brilliant one, because it made everything better,” Jordan said. “And as soon as

we added Cindy, it was sort of like the Mamas and the Papas in a way. Her voice just blended with ours. You take Cindy’s voice away, and it’s not even close. She just transformed us.”

The members of Lunch at Allen’s have combined many decades of professional musicianship and entertainment savvy to create their show.

McLauchlan is a revered Canadian folk artist with 11 Juno Awards to his name. Over a 40-year-plus career, he has played every major hall in Canada, circumnavigated the country in Floating over Canada,” was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1993, and has 18 albums to his name.

Thomas, an accomplished singer-songwriter, is currently working on his 19th album. He has had many top40 hits in Canada and around the world, composed music for 22 films, done extensive voice acting, was a member of the Red Green Show for six seasons, and has authored two novels.

Church, one of Canada’s top vocalists and a multi-instrumentalist, has lent her voice to countless musical projects. Recognized for her work with Quartette, her solo career, and her versatility across genres, Church brings a captivating presence and harmonies that elevate the performances of Lunch at Allen’s.

For more information and upcoming tour dates for Lunch at Allen’s, visit their official website at lunchatallens.ca.

“I hope everybody can make it out, and I would say to just make sure you clap loudest for my songs,” Jordan laughed.

Farm visit lets students experience sights, sounds, smells of agriculture

A little mud couldn’t stop hundreds of young students from immersing themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the agriculture industry during a visit to an area farm recently.

Students in grades 2 to 4 from Sunningdale and Lindale schools visited Gordon Knox’s farm east of Moose Jaw on June 8 to participate in Agriculture in the Classroom — Saskatchewan’s (AITC-SK) Food Farm Program. The initiative teaches children from where their food comes and has them participate in ag-related stations.

At the Knox farm, students answered questions about agriculture, learned about farm safety, explored a combine, identified crops and seeds, learned about soil levels and root systems, discovered how watersheds work, planted seeds and turned milk into butter.

Sunningdale teacher Alicia Huschi brought her Grade 3 students because they have been learning about plants, while she thought the Farm Food Program meshed well with the curriculum. She appreciated the station-based activities and thought attending would be a nice field trip.

“What’s interesting is to know what the kids have retained. I think that’s my favourite part … and also how engaged they are at learning the different things,” she said, “because all my students aren’t from farms, so a lot of it is new to them.”

Student Carter Peterson thought it was “pretty cool” to spend time on a farm — he’s a city kid — while his favourite part was sitting inside a combine because it had many buttons and was tall.

“I (also) learned there are other foods (and liquids) that can look like chemicals, so you have to be careful about what you eat,” the Grade 3 Sunningdale School student added.

Student Ruby Campbell thought the trip was fun, especially making butter — which saw her and other students furiously shaking a small tube to turn milk into a solid.

Another activity the Grade 4 Lindale School girl enjoyed was learning about farm safety using a toy-sized hopper — a trailer —filled with canola seeds and a Lego person the students named “Karen.” The activity leader showed the students that people could sustain injuries — or death — if they played in the machine.

“She (Karen) died because she went through the middle of the hopper (out the bottom) and she didn’t make it out alive,” Campbell exclaimed, adding while she lived on a farm, she still learned new things.

The Knox family has hosted the Food Farm Program since it started 10 years ago because they think it’s important to remind students that their food doesn’t originate in a grocery store, explained Gordon Knox, a third-generation Saskatchewan producer who works with his dad and sister.

“They’re (students) pretty detached from the farm and how our food is grown nowadays … ,” he said.

Knox likes working in agriculture — he has been a producer since 1996 — because it’s challenging, rewarding and frustrating. For the past 30 years, they have grown yellow peas, durum wheat, chickpeas and small and green lentils.

He commended the organization for its efforts to educate youths, while it was great to host the students since they could

experience an active farm site.

Jordyn Leib-Minto, AITC-SK’s site spokeswoman, thought it was great to see how eager the youths were to participate and learn. She estimated that half were from the city and half were from the farm.

“This is just a minute example of what is in the farming world. Lots of the stations we provided today (were) more so reflective of a grain farming operation,” she said.

“We don’t have any kind of livestock operations here with us today, but … they (now) have an idea of what happens in the spring, summer and the fall and (this) takes them through that full cycle of farming.”

Leib-Minto hoped the overall experience would convince some to consider agriculture as a career; the youths will return in the fall to learn about harvesting.

Drayson Koski and Kane Schwabe learn more about a combine. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Lindale School’s Brenden New fills his cup with dirt so he can plant sunflower seeds. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

(l-r) Marc Jordan, Murray McLauchlan, Ian Thomas, and Cindy Church on stage as “Lunch at Allen’s” (courtesy Shantero Productions)

New

leads to see many visitors to South of the

When plans were first being put together for the 2023 edition of South of the Bridge Day, one of the major changes saw the event moved to little-used Kinette Peter Pan Park on Coteau Street West.

That decision proved to be a very, very popular one on Saturday, with the annual celebration of all things South Hill drawing hundreds of visitors throughout the day.

“I think we’ve probably had the best turnout we’ve had since we’ve been doing this,” said Crystal Froese chair of the South Hill Community Association. “We’ve had so many young families come today, which is so great to see. Kids are getting their bikes decorated, the fire truck is here, we have a constable from the police station that has been handing out frisbees… there’s so much going on and it’s so much fun.

In the past, the event had been held in the parking lot next to South Hill Fine Foods. Rather than setting up on baking tarmac, the move to a tree- and shadefilled park immediately paid off as folks took advantage of the beautiful day to hang out on the grass and just enjoy themselves.

“I don’t think a lot of people know about the beauty of Kinette Peter Pan Park, the trees here are unbelievable, the shade is so nice,” Froese said. “So we’re

drawing some attention to a cool little playground that needs some TLC, and we’ve been getting ideas from people who have come by, too, things that’ll help the park become even nicer.”

Some of those ideas surrounded big ticket improvements like a water park or splash pad, with others looking for more accessibility, more play structures, more picnic tables… plenty of ideas that could turn Peter Pan Park into something spe-

cial.

The event was supported by the Friendly City Optimist Club, who were on hand to sell drinks and hot dogs, but other than that, everything involving South of the Bridge Day was completely free -- including the wildly popular South Hill Heritage Trolley Tour.

“it’s about eight or nine stops highlighting some of the history on South Hill and the trolley has been full all day, so

that’s turned out really well,” Froese said.

Another popular event was the scavenger hunt, which saw youngsters checking out sites on South Hill and vying for prizes.

The event was once again an undeniable success, offering another sampling of late-spring enjoyment in Canada’s Most Notorious City.

“It’s just a nice day for families to come out and have fun without having to spend a whole bunch of money,” Froese said.

Here are some of the sites from a beautiful afternoon, and be sure to check the South Hill Community Association on Facebook for regular updates on what they have coming up in the future.

Members of the Moose Jaw Fire Department show off the jaws of life to a group of

The Moose Jaw Police Service were on hand to give youngsters a push on the swing set.

The bike decoration station led to many a snazzy ride being created. Members of

The Moose Jaw trolley was on hand to offer

Philthy Philly’s fast food restaurant open with unique menu new to Moose Jaw

Founded by two young entrepreneurs, their focus is Canadian cuisine and Philadelphia-inspired cheesesteaks

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / Moose Jaw Today.com

Philthy Philly’s has been open for around three months prior to their formal announcement held last week. “We put off the grand opening for a long time, like for over 3 months, until we perfected everything in there and our staff is good and said they can handle lots of customers,” explained Jay, co-owner of Philthy Philly’s.

Rajdeep and Jay are close friends who met in school, and now they are both owners of Philthy Philly’s in Moose Jaw.

“Back home we studied together, in grades 11 and 12,” they explained. “We took the same course back home, and that’s why we planned to go forward with the same course here.

“We were planning it from the start. If we were going to start something, then we were going to start it together.”

Both Rajdeep and Jay are originally from Gujarat, India, and came to Canada to pursue their dream in 2018. From there, Jay studied in Ontario while Rajdeep continued his studies in Manitoba before they both met up again in Yorkton, SK, to conclude the course.

While pursuing their studies in Canada, they each worked in the restaurant industry to gain experience and kept vigilant in the search for new ideas and the ideal location to start. After some time, they came across Philthy Philly’s and knew this was the right option.

On reviewing the market, they both agreed that Moose Jaw is the ideal location.

“We have been living in Saskatchewan for almost 5 - 6 years. Moose Jaw is a growing city… a bigger version of Yorkton, and so many nice people. We love Saskatchewan,” said Jay. They took note

that Moose Jaw did not yet have an established Philly cheesesteak-focused option.

Philthy Philly’s is a franchise, but individual locations can customize their menu with corporate approval.

“We can make a request to our franchise; we are open to do that. If you want to introduce something new, like something local that is famous up here, then we can introduce that in our menu.

“We keep trying to grow our menu. So, we get reviews from customers, like ‘you should have that,’ and we try to get those items to fit in our menu.

“So far, our menu is large. We always have choices for the customers. If they

don’t like one particular thing, they can just check out different kinds of meat… everyone can try it out, not just the one specific person who likes one particular thing.

“We have cheesesteak, poutines, burgers, appetizers, cakes, desserts — we’ve got everything in there.”

They gave one example of an item they already customized. “The most popular (item) we have is the cheesesteak. That (inspiration) is from Philadelphia in the US.

“We make it like our community likes it, how Moose Jaw likes it,” explained Jay.

Rajdeep added: “The traditional Philly

cheesesteak is soggy. They mix the meat and bread and everything and eat it with a spoon or fork, but here, people don’t like it. They like the bread crispy, and that is why we always ask. We do little changes according to how they like it.”

The grand opening for the Moose Jaw Philthy Philly’s location took place over the weekend of June 9 – 11, 2023.

“We had a deal for the grand opening: buy one Philly cheesesteak (with a coupon) and get the second one for free.

“Even after the grand opening we have coupons… This will run from June 12 after our grand opening to August 31, 2023. So, they can give us a coupon and get all those deals.”

The restaurant has already received a lot of good feedback from customers, and as of June 9 holds a 4.9 rating on Google. They mentioned that Moose Jaw has given them a very warm and welcoming reception and they are both very glad to have chosen our community to start their careers.

For dine-in or pick-up, Philthy Philly’s is located at 345 Main St. N., across from Subway and Joe’s Place.

Philthy Philly’s is also available to order on the Skip the Dishes app.

Philthy Philly’s is holding their formal grand opening event June 9 – 11, 2023.

Owners, staff, and family celebrate as Philthy Philly’s opens in Moose Jaw. Co-owners Jay (front left, kneeling) and Rajpreet (front and second from left, kneeling) say Moose Jaw has given them a warm welcome to the community and appreciate the hospitality. Photo by: Submitted photo

Photo by: Submitted photo

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

ACCUSE, ARTERY, AWAY, BATHE, BECAUSE CHEEK, CLOTHE, DORMANT, ENRICH, FLAME, GIGGLE GIVEN, GRAND, LARIAT, LAST, LAVISH, LIGHT LISTEN, LODE, MOPS, NEAT, OBEY, PERSPECTIVE, PETTY, POLICE, SCOURGE, SHAME, SIMULATION, SINFUL, SIPS SPIN, TARDY, THEFT, TOBACCO, TORCH, WATER WATTLE, WHERE

dear!” 32. Adriatic resort 33. Tall thin people (slang) 34. 30th 37. Rotate 38. Distressed cry 40. Death notice 41. Metric unit of length 43. January’s birthstone 44. Days to come 46. Desert watering holes

Yellowish-brown

The business of selling goods 49. Secret meeting

1 7 6 3 9 6 1 8 7 4 8 3 1 7 6 8 4 2 8 7 6 8 3 9 2

6 5

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to so Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

Moose Jaw Truck Shop

we

AUTOS

lamps $10.00 for 2, 26”

TV with remote works well $50.00, picnic cooler $10.00, coffee urn 30 cup $20.00. Call 306693-5003

For Sale- 20 ft. extension ladder $65.00. Kenmore sewing machine in cabinet $40.00. 2 fans 17in $15.00 each. Collection of dolls from different countries, approx. 75 dolls $150.00. Call 306-693-3129

$20.00. Call 306-6310084

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

1993 Mazda standard stick shift, new tires, good running. $800.00. Knight left-handed 7 golf clubs. New wheeled cart, $150.00. Phone

306-693-2743

For Sale- 2008 Chrysler Sebring 4 cyl,2.4 L, good condition. 1998 1500 pick up diesel truck 4 x 4, $3000.00. 1993 Ford Ranger 4L automatic 4 x 4 complete with topper, $3000.00 or offers. Call 306-313-4772

MISCELLANEOUS

For Sale- computer & printer $100.00, desk 30” x 36” $50.00, Swivel office chair $25.00, standing lamp & shade $20.00, white leaf table $10.00, 2 small child

Firearms, I am paying cash for guns in the Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Any condition, parts, Ammunition or anything pertaining to firearms. Free pickup of unwanted, gas operated lawn, garden, snow blowers, recreational, chainsaws, generators, boat engines, etc., as well as smaller farm equipment, Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Call or text 306-6414447

Sunbeam Mixmaster $20.00, Honeywell portable humidifier $10.00, Propane deck heater $20.00, Glass top patio table 3.5 x 5 foot with 4 padded chairs $50.00, Patio table umbrella with

For Sale reconditioned barbeque new burner and connector. Very good condition, ideal for cabin or camping. Must be seen, always inside. $90.00. Call 306-6813304 equipment for sale- 1976 Dodge 3 ton, 35,000 miles no rust. Rock EZE rock picker with rake attached Hydraulic Drive. Phone 306-475-2664

SPORTS

Clearance Sale- NASCAR 1-24 scale die cast replicas, also 1-24 scale funny cars & hockey figurines by MacFarlane. By Appointment Only call 306-631-7698

WANTED

Clean, married couple looking for a 2-bedroom apartment with balcony, or a 2-bedroom house. no pets or children. please call 306-5102788

For Sale- Walnut China Cabinet with glass shelves. 47” tall x 23” wide by 11” deep. Asking $225.00. Call 306-6939304 or 306-630- 9304 Panasonic cordless phones x 3 with answering machine. One phone needs new battery. $50.00. Please call 306630-8192

SERVICES

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-6302268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/ sidingno job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years’ experience. Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Volition

I have always liked the rock group Rush. I have most of their albums on vinyl in my collection from the late 1970s to early 1980s. Neil Peart, the drummer of the 3-man band, wrote a song on the Permanent Waves album of 1980 called Freewill. The chorus is, “You can choose a ready guide, in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears, and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill.” There’s nothing like Geddy Lee’s voice singing songs.

The philosophical point of the lyrics is that people are always making decisions about life. You can delude yourself into thinking you won’t decide, but even that is

still making a choice. The clear path is chosen by your own volition Volition means the power of choosing or determining. The word comes from the Latin volitio, a form of Latin verb velle, to wish or to will. When you do something of your own volition, you do it voluntarily. Both volition and voluntary come from the Latin velle. English speakers borrowed volition from French in the 17th century. At first it meant an act of choosing. Herman Melville wrote in Moby-Dick (1851): “Almost simultaneously, with a mighty volition of ungraduated, instantaneous swiftness, the White Whale darted through the weltering sea.” Volition developed an additional meaning, the power to choose, which is now more common.

Freewill, in philosophy and science, is the supposed power or capacity of humans to make decisions or perform actions independently of any prior event or state of the universe. In theology, the existence of freewill must deal with God’s omniscience, His all-knowing mind. The conundrum is that if God knows all things in the past, present, and future, do humans being really have any freewill at all. Because God knows how things will turn out, is there any decision that people make that is not determined beforehand.

The underlying questions are whether we have control over our actions, and if so, what sort of control, and to what extent. These questions puzzled the early Greek stoics in the 3rd century BC. Modern philosophers lament the lack of progress over all these centuries in trying to solve the issue. On one hand, humans have a strong sense of freedom, which leads them to believe that they have freewill. On the other hand, an intuitive feeling of freewill could be mistaken. Can you really make any decision of your own volition or is everything predetermined by the

mind of God?

“Dr. Murray surrendered to the Winnipeg police services on his own volition.” He alone made the choice to turn himself in. But did he really have a choice?

Our granddaughters are coming soon for a weeklong visit. It is common that young children put small objects into their mouths of their own volition. We need to be careful what we leave lying around. Have they really made a choice or is it reflex?

We would like to think that we make our shopping purchases of our own volition. However, how much of our will is determined by marketing strategies of which we are unaware? It seems that sometimes when we go buying things the decision has been made without conscious thought.

Theology indicates that our minds, our understanding, our hearts, our will and volition are all corrupted from the perfection of creation. Is anything really done by our own volition?

Are the freedoms we think we have really free? Is volition a reality or a fantasy? Can one truly choose freewill, as Neil Peart craves? Some deep things to ponder.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Obituaries / Memorials

SMITH, ELLEN (SCOTTY)

February 14, 1926 - May 30, 2023

It is with profound sadness that the family of Ellen (Scotty) Smith announces her passing on May 30, 2023. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, this Valentine baby lived an amazing life. A twin, who was the youngest of nine, born in a poor, working-class area of Glasgow.

After the war, Ellen married Jim Smith, a returning war veteran with the British Royal Air Force. Finding housing hard to attain after the war, Ellen and Jim, with toddler Allan, immigrated to Canada in 1952. The decision to come to Moose Jaw was a result of following the path of Ellen’s best friend in Glasgow, who had married a Canadian soldier from Moose Jaw. Knowing no one, Ellen, Jim and Allan embarked on a new life in Canada. Ellen worked at the Uptown Cafe, Harwood Hotel, Grant Hall, and later the Army and Navy Vets. A second son, Murray, was born in 1960. With strong family friendships built over the years, Moose Jaw quickly became home, but always had a strong connection to her birthplace Scotland.

Ellen’s grandchildren, and great-grandson, held a special place in her heart. Always present to be part of their lives, Grandma was a strong supporter of her children and grandchildren’s interests and activities.

The grandchildren have fond memories of hearing Grandma tell her stories of her remarkable life.

Ellen is predeceased by her husband Jim, and daughterin-law Susan. Survived by her sons, Allan and Murray (Jennifer); grandchildren: Lindsay (Scott) Moerike, Leah, Kendyl and Jared Smith; and great-grandson Chase Moerike.

Ellen’s family wishes to acknowledge the amazing, compassionate care that she received from the staff at Extendicare Moose Jaw over the past few years. Thank you for being so kind to “Scotty”.

A family interment is planned for a future date.

In living memory of Ellen, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director/ Cerys Doan – Funeral Director Intern

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

FLAVEL, BETH

It is with sadness that the family of Beth Flavel announce her passing on June 8, 2023, at the age of 82. She left us peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Beth was born to Alex and Luta Burrows on March 29, 1941. She grew up in Silton, and in 1959 she moved to Regina to take a secretarial course. She married her high school sweetheart Lyle Flavel in 1960. In the spring of 1963 they moved to the farm in the Marieton District. It was here they began their family and enjoyed the farm life until 1978 when they moved to Moose Jaw, where they continued to raise their family and Beth cared for her husband Lyle. Beth enjoyed knitting, reading, gardening, and baking but her greatest joy was her twin granddaughters and hearing them giggle. Beth is predeceased by her parents and her husband Lyle. She will be sadly missed by her children Wendy Flavel and Paul (Trina) Flavel; granddaughters Paige and Mackenzie; sister Marj (Stan) Acton, brother Bob (Helen) Burrows, brother David (Virginia) as well as many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Beth’s life will be held on Wednesday June 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM at W. J. Jones & Son Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St W., Moose Jaw. Those unable to attend the service can view the livestream by clicking the link prior to 10:50 Saskatchewan Time https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9827558167. Reverend Dave Moore will officiate. Beth will be laid to rest beside her husband Lyle at Rosedale Cemetery. For those so wishing memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. In living memory of Beth, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www. wjjonesandson.com(Obituaries). Dayna ChamberlainFuneral Director

BALLER, F. MARION (HARVEY)

November 1, 1922December 13, 2022

Frances Marion Harvey was born on the family farm, Rossclair, south of Pasqua. Her parents, Will and Evelyn had come from Ontario to Eyebrow in 1914 and then to Pasqua in 1919. Marion attended Pasqua School, Central Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. She taught high school in Assiniboia, Grenfell and Yorkton before marrying Harold Baller in 1949. In Grenfell they raised 3 children and were involved in many community activities. Marion and Harold, her brother Ross, her sister Yvonne and brother-in-law Ken Jorgensen, maintained an active interest in the Harvey farm, doing maintenance there every summer, until the farm was sold to the McDougall family in 1998. They enjoyed keeping in touch with former Pasqua neighbours as well as making new acquaintances in Moose Jaw. Marion was predeceased by her husband, Harold (2006), her parents (Will - 1956, Evelyn - 1967) and her brother Ross (1998). She is survived by her sister Yvonne, her children - Carol Gardner, Blair Baller and Barbara Lanz, 7 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on June 17 at 2pm, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Grenfell. Interment at Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw at 2 pm, June 18. Memorial Donations may be made to the Pasqua Community Club, Box 1214, Moose Jaw, S6H 4P9.

COGHILL, RAYMOND

April 25, 1939 - June 6, 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Raymond Harvey Coghill, who passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023. He was predeceased by parents, Harry and Gwen; brothers: Cyril, James, and George; and sisters, Pearl and Beth. Raymond is survived by his sisters, Marj and Faye; as well as many nieces and nephews. Raymond was born and raised in Stony Beach, SK where he lived his whole life. He had a very kind soul and always enjoyed a tease or joke. When Raymond wasn’t watching sports, Blue Jays and Riders, he was enjoying happy hour with Marj and Sunday suppers with family. Oh, how he loved socializing at Chubby’s, especially wing night Friday. A special thank you to Moose Jaw Special Care Home for taking care of Raymond, always making him comfortable. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Stony Beach at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Backyard Celebration of Raymond’s Life with family and friends on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Marj’s in Stony Beach. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Raymond’s name may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre c/o Pasqua Hospital, 4101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4T 7T1. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome. com

Rain, warmth producing strong crop development

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Crops are progressing well with warm days, high nighttime temperatures and general rainfalls across the province.

Significant rain in the Moose Jaw region varied from 32 mm to 62 mm. Marquis led with 62 mm, Avonlea had 40 mm and Eyebrow had 32 mm.

Rain delayed some of the little seeding left. Only four per cent of the land remains unseeded, according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture crop report for the Week ended June 5.

Much of the unseeded land in in low places needing water to evaporate first.

Cropland soil moisture conditions improved with only 15 per cent short or very short.

Hay and pastureland topsoil moisture is five per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and three per cent very short.

Forty-two per cent of the fall cereal crops are emerging with 12 per cent in the heading stage. Canola crops are 42 per cent emerged, flax is 34 per cent up and almost half of pulse crops are growing out.

Some grasshopper damage was noted during the week.

Sacrifices of local airmen and soldiers contributed to victory in France 79 years ago

The success of the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, during the Second World War can be attributed to the contributions — and sacrifices — of thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen before, during and after the battle.

Nearly 150,000 Allied troops participated in D-Day 79 years ago on June 6, 1944, including 14,000 Canadian soldiers landing on Juno Beach. The Royal Canadian Navy contributed 110 ships and 10,000 sailors and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) contributed 15 fighter and fighter-bomber squadrons.

Total Allied casualties were more than 14,000, including 1,074 Canadians, of whom 359 were killed. By the end of the Battle of Normandy on Aug. 21, the Allies had suffered 209,000 casualties, including more than 18,700 Canadians, of whom over 5,000 were killed.

Air attacks

Allied air forces began attacking German targets in France in the months leading up to the invasion.

One such airman was Warrant Officer Francis Basil Dennis, who served with the RCAF in 427 Squadron.

The pilot was born on March 12, 1924, to parents John Basil and Helen Myrtle (Irvin) and lived at 1191 First Avenue Northeast. He was single, a Roman Catholic, and worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Dennis was one of seven airmen flying in a Halifax bomber to attack a train yard in France on April 18, 1944. They took off from their airbase at 8:50 p.m. but were never heard from again.

The military was unable to establish a cause for their loss but knew the plane crashed in the target area.

Dennis was 20 when he died and was buried in Clichy, a town near Paris. A tragic end

Another Moose Javian who gave his life was Flying Officer Richard Gainford Askew, who flew with 69 Squadron.

Askew was born in Briercrest on

Jason G. Antonio

March 12, 1923, to Edward and Mary Agnes (Black) and was the brother to William, John and Dorothy. After his mother died in the 1930s, the family moved to 511 Ominica Street East.

The boy was 5-6 in height, weighed 135 pounds, and had blue eyes and brown hair. He was also single, an Anglican and worked as a laboratory assistant with the British American Oil Company when he enlisted on Oct. 10, 1942, at age 19.

Askew was one of eight airmen flying in a Wellington bomber during an attack

the Bayeux War Cemetery, 24 kilometres northwest of Caen, a city where Canadians were engaged in heavy fighting.

Bayeux was the first French town of importance that the Canadians liberated from the Germans in June 1944. A monument was later erected to honour the 1,803 soldiers with no known grave who died fighting in Normandy.

Ground attack

A soldier who died during the Battle of Normandy was Lt. Charles Douglas Grayson Jr., who was serving with the South Saskatchewan Regiment (SSR).

He was born on March 12, 1920, to Charles Douglas and Retta May of 138 Hochelaga Street East. He was single, stood 6-1, was 165 pounds and had blue eyes and fair hair. He was working for Blackwood Hardware as a salesman and warehouse manager when he enlisted on July 18, 1940.

Grayson was killed on July 20, 1944, at age 24. He was buried at the Brettville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery near Calvados, France.

A family mourns

Another soldier killed was Capt. Aubrey Conrad Cawsey, who was with the King’s Own Rifles of Canada but was serving with the British Army’s 5th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment as a CANLOAN officer.

The man was born in 1912 to Frederick Lewis and Barbara Jean at 1219 Redland Avenue, and had three brothers, Benjamin, Emery and Ralph; the latter two served in the war.

He attended King George Public School and Central Collegiate Institute while he worked with the Canadian Pacific Railway, the T. Eaton Company Limited, and Slater and York.

Cawsey later married Kathleen Elizabeth Baylis and they had a daughter, Joan,

3 ½, and a son, Thomas Frederick, 1. According to the online Wartime Memories Project, Cawsey went overseas with the Saskatoon Light Infantry Regiment in 1940 as a lieutenant and was promoted to captain. He was recalled to Canada in 1942 and joined the King’s Own Rifles of Canada after the first battalion was mobilized.

He took a course at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont., graduating as a major, but relinquished that title to return overseas. He eventually landed in France on June 13, 1944, and immediately entered battle.

In a letter to his parents dated July 24, 1944, Cawsey spoke hopefully of the war’s end and rejoining his wife and family.

On Aug. 7, 1944, at age 32, Cawsey was killed in action and buried at Ryes War Cemetery in Calvados, France.

The battle’s end Meanwhile, Sgt. Ronald Edward Jinks was killed several days before the Battle of Normandy finished. Jinks

was born on May 17, 1922, to William and Elizabeth of 1319 Grafton Avenue. His brothers were William Alfred and James Albert; they later joined the Royal Canadian Navy.

He stood 5-11, weighed 160 pounds, was Anglican, had worked for the Regina Leader-Post for nearly three years in circulation and as a carrier, and was a student when he enlisted on Jan. 23, 1942. He also enjoyed baseball and hockey and could play the mouth organ.

over Lisieux, France, on July 25, 1944. At some point, the plane was shot down and the Moose Javian was one of four members killed.

They were initially listed as missing before the air force declared them “presumed dead.” Residents buried the men in

“He seems eager and well-adjusted to army life. He has ambitions for promotion,” his records say. “A move to a higher rank is doubtful unless experience and a quality of leadership would warrant it.”

Jinks, 22, was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Scottish Regiment attempting to capture a German army group when he was killed on Aug. 15, 1944. He was later buried in Brettville-sur-Laize Cemetery.

Sunflower sales result in $1,010 donation for Ukrainian newcomers

Len and Bernie Mintenko had another successful ‘Sunflowers for Ukraine’ spring sale, selling 1,750 sunflower seedlings in only a couple of weeks to raise over $1,000 for a local group that helps Ukrainians resettling to escape Russia’s war.

“We planted about 1,800 sunflowers, so the ones we didn’t sell we used in our yard and for our family, and we sold 1,750,” Len Mintenko explained. “And then when people came to buy, a lot would give extra donations, and we ended up with $1,010.”

The sunflowers went extra fast this time after Conexus Credit Union bought 200 at once for their Customer Appreciation Day, and then the Wakamow Valley Authority bought another couple hundred. They gave many away during a Wakamow Farmer’s Market, and the rest are being planted through Wakamow Valley.

Mintenko presented the cheque to Christy Schweiger and Brenda Tuplin on June 7. Schweiger and Tuplin are two members of ‘Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw,’ a group that co-ordinates local efforts to help Ukrainians who have ended up in Moose Jaw after being displaced from their homes by last February’s invasion.

Schweiger was the original creator of the page and remains one of its chief organizers.

“Brenda is my partner in crime, we actually work really well together,” Schweiger said, “and we’ve been helping newcomers to our community. Brenda has been hosting them, and then we just help them along from there with whatever they need.”

Boryslava Ivashchenko and her son Mark also came to thank the Mintenkos for their fundraising. Ivashchenko is from the Kyiv region and arrived in Regina on a humanitarian flight in December 2022.

“I feel myself lucky since I came here,” Ivashchenko said, “and people here are just amazing, just angels … I was afraid to ask about help in the group at first, but after that I’ve felt support in every moment. I didn’t have anything when I came here, and within two days of getting my house, it was filled — with bedding, and furniture, and even they found for me a piano, which I need for my soul. And we are so grateful.”

Schweiger said she has been continually impressed by how the community of Moose Jaw unites behind good causes.

“We’re just a volunteer group on Facebook,” she said. “We don’t have a centre, really, for dropping things off, and we’re not like the bigger centres in Saskatoon and Regina, but the community’s been overwhelming in its support for the families that come here.”

“We’ve actually had a lot of people contacting us since we started selling the sunflowers,” Mintenko noted. “They contact us to say, you know, ‘we have donations for Ukrainian newcomers, what do we do with them, Len?’

“And I’ve just been passing them along to Christy.”

The money raised by the Mintenkos will be used to host a picnic for newcomers in Wakamow Valley, Schweiger said.

“I don’t think everyone has met each other, because they’re so busy working or with their families,” Schweiger said. “And we really think building a community is important, so on a Sunday afternoon sometime, we’re going to host the newcomer Ukrainian families to come and just get together.”

The most pressing need for newcomers is housing, Schweiger said, by far. They are always looking for more host families who can give newcomers a place to stay until they find a permanent place to live.

To see how you can help, join ‘Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw’ on Facebook and participate in the discussion.

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

(l-r) Len Mintenko, Boryslava Ivashchenko and her son Mark, Brenda Tuplin, and Christy Schweiger (photo by Gordon Edgar)

- Moose Jaw Express

Flying Officer Richard Gainford Askew. Photo courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada

Francis B. Dennis (second from the right top row) poses with his crewmates. Photo courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada

Sgt. Ronald Edward Jinks. Photo courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada

Canadians landing during the D-Day invasion. Photo courtesy Juno Beach Centre

Warrant Officer Francis Basil Dennis. Photo courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada

AUTO RACING

Saturday 6 p.m. FSR ARCA Menards Series Berlin.

BASEBALL

Thursday

8 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers.

Saturday

5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox.

BASKETBALL

Thursday

6:30 p.m. WXYZ 2023 NBA Finals Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat.

Sunday

6 p.m. NET WXYZ 2023 NBA Finals Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets.

Tuesday 8 p.m. TSN WNBA Basketball Connecticut Sun at Seattle Storm.

FOOTBALL

Thursday

5:30 p.m. TSN CFL Football Calgary Stampeders at Ottawa Redblacks.

Friday

7 p.m. TSN CFL Football Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Saturday

5 p.m. TSN CFL Football Edmonton Elks at BC Lions.

GOLF

Friday

6 p.m. WDIV 2023 U.S. Open Golf Championship Second Round.

Saturday

7 p.m. EDACC WDIV 2023 U.S. Open Golf Championship Third Round.

Sunday

7 p.m. EDACC WDIV 2023 U.S. Open Golf Championship Final Round.

HOCKEY

Friday

6 p.m. CBKT 2023 Stanley Cup

Final Vegas Golden Knights at Florida Panthers. NET 2023 Stanley Cup Final Vegas Golden Knights at Florida Panthers.

Monday

6 p.m. NET 2023 Stanley Cup Final Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights.

8 p.m. CBKT 2023 Stanley Cup Final Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights.

SOCCER

Wednesday 7:30 p.m. TSN MLS Soccer Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Colorado Rapids.

Fear the Walking Dead (:10) < The Perfect Storm 48 FSR All Wheel Dr. All Wheel Dr. DRL Drone Racing Level 8 Dangerous Drives 55 CRV1 <+++ Dream Horse ('20) Damian Lewis, Toni Collette. (:55) Expecting "And Birth" Clone High Clone High 56 CRV2 Movie (:25) <+ Prey for the Devil ('22) Just Like (:40) Just Like (:20) And Just Like That... 57 CRV3 (:20) The Office (:45) The Office (:10) Law "Pre udice"

TCM (6:00) < Do the Right Thing (:15) <++ Alma's Rainbow ('94) Kim Weston-Moran. (P) <+++ A Patch of Blue

AMC (6:00) <+++ Pitch Perfect ('12) Walking Dead (:40) Fear the Walking "All I See Is Red"

"New Beginnings" Homestead Rescue Homestead Rescue

41 COM Sheldon 'Til Death Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM Movie (:45) <++ Barbarella ('68) John Phill ip Law, Jane Fonda. <+++ Simon ('80) Alan Arkin.

47 AMC (5:00) <++ U.S. Marshals Walk:Dead "Lockdow n" (:05) The Walking Dead (:10) Walk:Dead "Variant"

48 FSR Of. Racing Of. Racing Extreme E Highlights Extreme E Highlights Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 (:20) < Villeneuve Pironi: Racing's Untold Tragedy (P) < Gaia ('21) Monique Rockman. (P) Movie

CRV2 (:10) <++ DC League of Super-Pets ('22) RuPaul Drag Race (N) (:10) <++ Antlers ('21)

CRV3 (:20) The Office (:45) The Office (:10) Law "The Collar" Billions Gossip "Final Canc ellation"

(N) Departure

6 CKCK W5 "The Cocaine Buttons" < Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Honeymoon Honey Heavy "A Hell of a Pull" 7 WEATH Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature 8 WDIV U.S. Open Golf Third Round (N) (Live) News (N) SNL Brendan Glees on; Willow

9 CBKT Standing Standing The Nature of Things < Wildhood ('21) Joshua Odjick, Phillip Lewitski. (P) 11 WWJ 48 Hours 48 Hours SEAL Team "Pattern of Life" Magnum P.I. 12 WXYZ

< The Wedding Veil Legacy ('22) Alison Sw eeney < The Wedding Contract ('23) Becca Tobin. (P)

29 ENCAV (:15) <+++ My Girl ('91) Anna Chlumsky (P) < Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shag Movie

33 CMT Cheers Cheers Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Frasier Frasier

35 TLC Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple "Cystic River" Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple "The Ex orcyst"

38 DISC CSI: NY CSI: NY "Child's Play" CSI: NY "Happily Never After" 41 COM Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang 42 TCM (6:00) < Time After Time <++ Repeat Performance ('47) Joan Leslie <++ Flaxy Martin ('49) 47 AMC Movie <+++ The Matrix ('99) Larry Fishburne, Carri e-Anne Moss, Keanu Reeves Movie 48 FSR (6:00) ARCA Berlin (N) (Live) Motorcycle Racing Of. Racing Ultimate Disc

55 CRV1 (6:00) <+++

2 ('04) Tobey Maguire. <+++ A Single Man ('09) Colin Firth (:45) < Blow 33 CMT Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier Cheers Cheers 35 TLC 7 Little Johnstons (N) Doubling Down (N) You, Me & My Ex 7 Little Johnstons 38 DISC Hoffman Family Gold To Be Announced Homestead "Line of Fire" Homestead Rescue

41 COM Sheldon 'Til Death Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM Movie (:45) <+++ Bombshell ('33) Lee Tracy, Jean Harlow <+++ Hearts of the West ('75)

47 AMC (6:30) <+++ Back to the Future Part II ('89) Walking Dead (:10) < Back to the Future

48 FSR (5:00) Motorcycle Racing Dirt Dangerous Storm Chaser s

55 CRV1 (:55) <++ Police Story 2 ('88) Jackie Chan. <+++ Bros ('22) Luke MacFarlane, Billy Eichner

56 CRV2 (6:40) Framing Britn < Doula ('22) Troian Bellisario. (:50) <+++ Lamb ('21) Noomi Rapace.

57 CRV3 (:20) The Office (:45) The Office (:10) Law "DR 1-102" Billions "Opportunity Zone" Gossip "Gossip Gone, Girl"

58 HBO (:55) < The Scheme ('20) < The Exchange ('21) Ed Oxenbould. (:35) Finding

WEDNESDAY EVENING MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

7 PM 7:30

3 CBKFT Question (N) L'épicerie

8 PM 8:30 9 PM 9:30 10 PM 10:30

Sports (N) Jay Onrait (N) (Live)

20 NET (5:00) MLB Baseball Sportsnet (N) (Live) Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers at Los An geles Angels (N)

25 EDACC Big Bang etalk (N) Goldbergs Goldbergs Flashpoint Flashpoint

26 W Mom Mom Will & Grace Will & Grace <+++ My Best Friend's Wedding ('97) Julia Roberts.

29 ENCAV (6:35) <++ Spider-Man 3 ('07) Tobey Maguire. Bad Behaviour "Exeat" (:55) Run the Movie

33 CMT Raymond

CONGRATULATIONS DORIS SITTER SCHOOL OF DANCE

The Doris Sitter School of Dance (DSSD) Team has just experienced their most successful dance season to date and their Dance Family really stepped up to make this happen. Without the full support and co-operation of the DSSD students, teachers, parents and families this could not have happened.

Doris Sitter School of Dance has won high marks and First Place in the Senior Division of the “DANCE OFF” in Moose Jaw for four consecutive competitions. However, this year DSSD Seniors won First Place in the “DANCE OFF” in all three competitions at Regina, Moose Jaw and Fort Saskatchewan. Their Junior Groups also worked hard and brought home more First and Second Place Awards this year along with Choreography Awards. Many students were rewarded for their hard work, dedication and commitment and won individual Awards and Scholarships at all three competitions. DSSD Teachers won over ten (10) Choreography awards this year!!

At the Fort Saskatchewan Competition, Doris Sitter School of Dance (DSSD) groups received the highest marks of the entire festival in Pointe, Classical ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acro categories.

Submitted

First Place in the “Dance Off” in Moose Jaw and Fort Saskatchewan. “Medusa” also won Outstanding Choreography awards at all three competitions.

“Dance Off” in Regina. In Moose Jaw and Fort Saskatchewan, this group received a First Place with the highest mark ballet group. “Symphony” received Outstanding Choreography awards at all three competitions.

“That’s Alright” their Senior Large Tap Group won a high mark plus First Place in the “Dance Off” at the Diamond Dance Xtreme competition in Regina. This group also received the highest mark in Tap at Moose Jaw and a Platinum First Place Award at Fort Saskatchewan.

“Le Jardin Animee” an Advanced Pointe group received a Diamond First Place along with an Outstanding Choreography Award in Regina. This group placed Second in the “Dance Off” in Regina, received the highest mark pointe group in Moose jaw, and a platinum First Place in Fort Saskatchewan.

Doris Sitter School of Dance ended this awesome dance season with two Recital Shows, ”Every Child A Star” on May 26th and 27th.

Doris Sitter School of Dance is looking forward to an even more exciting dance season starting on Tuesday, September 5. The Doris Sitter School of Dance welcomes and invites all students to their Registration for the 2023/2024 dance season on Wednesday, August 30th and Thursday, August 31st from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day in their studio location at 55 first AVENUE N.E.

“Medusa” their Senior Large Jazz Group won the Helen Tait Memorial Award for the highest mark plus

“Symphony” their Senior X-Large Classical Ballet group received a First Place and was a winner in the

On-line registration is available for Tiny Tots, Preliminary Classes and Primary Classes on their website at www.dorissitterdance.ca

May building permits issued from city hall worth over $4 million

Building permits worth $4.46 million were issued by city hall during May.

That increased year to date values to $12.3 million, still $1.26 million shy of last year’s amount.

Five buildings worth $3.3 million were on the list.

A new restaurant at the Moose Jaw Inn by the Highway Two clover leaf will cost $525,000.

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

An indoor recreational permit for $394,000 was issued at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

A structure at the Hillcrest Apostolic Church is worth $650,000 and an office building at 110 Ominica Street West is worth $775,000. Renovations at the casino are worth $394,000.

Sask. Polytech office renovations are $75,000.

Work started on an apartment building for $365,000 on Trinity Lane in the

VLA section.

Only one single family residential house was started worth $305,000 and $160,000 alterations to a residence at 106 Athabasca Street East were approved.

Single family housing with 10 units last year was $3.1 million more than the three units so far this year.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

THE FAIR IS BACK!! 4

Hometown Fair $50 advance tickets available until June 21

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

COME SEE

The Moose Jaw Hometown Fair, a tradition in the Notorious City for nearly 140 years, begins with the Hometown Parade at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 — also the last day for a $50 advance ticket, a one-day pass combining the gate fee with all-day rides.

The Hometown Parade is one of the biggest events in the city each year and always includes floats from an expansive list of businesses and organizations, including emergency services, local businesses, non-profits, and charities, clubs and groups of all kinds, horse-drawn carriages, and more. It will begin in the parking lot of the Town ‘N Country Mall on Main Street, behind the Canadian Forces armoury. Parade applications are currently open through moosejawex.ca.

After the Hometown Parade, the Fair itself begins in earnest on the grounds of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Centre on Thatcher Drive. Day one starts at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, and the Fair ends on Sunday, June 25 at 8 p.m.

“I’ve always enjoyed the Fair,” said Judy Wilson, chair of the Hometown Fair committee, “even before I was on the committee or the Exhibition board. I just enjoy the activity, all the lights at night, and what a fun weekend it is.”

This is the second return of the Fair after closing down during the pandemic, and Wilson and her fellow committee members have been busy for months organizing vendors and entertainment.

Wilson explained a bit of the Fair’s packed 2023 schedule. She noted that due to the nature of the fair and carnival business, details such as what specific rides will be at the midway, operated by West Coast Amusements, won’t be certain until set-up is completed.

• Thursday, June 22

Midway carnival rides — 3 to 10 p.m.

Family Fun Zone, with air conditioning, bouncy castles, and seating — 3 to 9 p.m.

Petting zoo and pony rides — 3 to 9 p.m.

• Friday, June 23

Midway — 3 to 11 p.m.

Family Fun Zone — 3 to 9 p.m.

Petting zoo and pony rides — 3 to 9 p.m.

Hunter-Jumper Horse Competition — starts at 10 a.m.

• Saturday, June 24

Midway — 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Family Fun Zone — 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Petting zoo and pony rides — 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hunter-Jumper Horse Competition — starts at 10 a.m.

4-H Steer show — 10 a.m.

• Sunday, June 25

Midway — 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Family Fun Zone — 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Petting zoo and pony rides — 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hunter-Jumper Horse Competition — starts at 9 a.m.

4-H Showmanship show — 10 a.m.

4-H Cattle Sale — 3:30 p.m.

“For food, we’ve got mini doughnuts, we’ve got a lemonade stand, we’ve got Mexican food, we’re going to have some smoked meats, a BBQ place, Asian food, and elephant ear [fried bread],” Wilson said. There will also be other concession stands with standards like water, hotdogs, and hamburgers, and West Coast Amusements will have additional food vendors for the midway, she added.

Other attractions include Magic by Chris, who will be roving the Fair each day, three dog shows per day by Canine Stars, and roving performances by Indigo Circus, who end each day with a fire show. Notable volunteers at the Hometown Fair include Infinity Athletics, whose members will look after the Family Fun Zone, and the Moose Jaw Skating Club at the gates.

Advance tickets for the Hometown Fair are available at Pet Valu Moose Jaw, Family Pizza Moose Jaw, and the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds office. A $50 pre-sale ticket gets visitors one full day of rides and includes the gate fee.

A guitar’s cross-country musical adventure of faith and sharing

Submitted

An interesting adventure for a Yamaha guitar started on May 23, 2023. It started it’s tour across Canada and left Hope, BC, and continued it’s way as far as Kingston, Ont. but is now homeward bound. It was left at the Tesla Super Charger in Moose Jaw at 8:00 a.m. June 8th, 2023.

The instructions with the guitar ask for it to be left at Tesla stations westwards so it can continue its travels back home. Players and transporters are asked to email comments and photos to travelling. guitar23@gmail.com to track its progress. Posts on YouTube are encouraged and if you have any photos on the cross country musical adventure of faith and sharing for this guitar, we would gladly publish them on our online daily MooseJawToday. com and in our weekly publication Moose Jaw Express. Please email photos to jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Happy travels!

The Midway at the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair (staff file photo)