Moose Jaw Express April 5th, 2023

Photo Story: Quilters Guild displays previous winners ahead of April show

The 16th biennial Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild quilt show will take place over two days at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Friday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s show is titled Sew Full of Whimsy.

During a recent meeting of the Prairie Hearts Guild, members showed off quilts that have previously won ribbons.

The gallery of award-winners shows the incredible variety available to quilt-makers. Virtually any visual art style can be represented on a quilt, and quilts can be many shapes and sizes. Abstract designs, memorials and tributes, impressionistic natural scenes, stories, accomplishments, optical illusions, Van Gogh’d starriness, Picasso-esque distortions — in quilting, modern technology and

human imagination combine to realize any creative vision. The Sew Full of Whimsy show will feature around 250 brandnew quilt displays, demonstrations and workshops by experienced Events Centre.

Admission to the show is $25 for a two-day pass, or $15 per day. Tickets are available at the Moose Jaw Events Centre

quilt show judge and a juried member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, will be holding a Trunk Show at the Events Centre on Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m. The Trunk Show is not included in the Sew Full of Whimsy show passes and costs an additional $25 to attend.

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RCMP Heritage Centre interim and outgoing CEOs talk National Museum campaign

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Tara Robinson, the outgoing CEO of the RCMP Heritage Centre, and Sam Karikas, the Centre’s interim CEO, spoke with MooseJawToday.com about the campaign to become Canada’s newest National Museum.

Robinson spent two years in the role of Chief Exec-

of national museum status.

Her resignation takes effect March 31. Robinson will be replaced by Sam Karikas, the Centre’s current director of strategic initiatives, who was initially hired as a consultant on the national museum project before becoming a member of the executive team.

“Over the past 20 months, I was brought in to restructure the organization and get us on the path to national status,” Robinson explained. “We built a team, and all of us worked on the national engagement survey, which surveyed Canadians coast-to-coast about what they wanted to see in a national RCMP museum, and then we built the vision and the corporate plan and all of that.

“We’ve been wildly successful in reaching our goals and our deliverables and we’re really well positioned to move forward.”

Robinson is originally from Saskatchewan and said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help create transformational change at the RCMP Heritage Centre. She will now head back to Calgary to continue her work on the Calgary Police Museum, which she helped to design and build.

is not owned or operated by the RCMP. However, it must maintain an intimate relationship with the force — not only because it is located on the grounds of the RCMP National Academy (commonly known as Depot), but because it exists to tell the stories of the RCMP.

That relationship is more vital than ever because the Heritage Centre’s engagement survey revealed Canadi-

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s Minister of Tourism, visits the RCMP Heritage Museum. To Boissonnault’s immediate right is outgoing CEO Tara Robinson, and to Robinson’s right is interim CEO Samantha Karikas (Tara Robinson/Facebook)

ans feel strongly that a national RCMP museum needs Truth and Reconciliation, greater historical transparency, and the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, Black, Caribbean, and other historically marginalized populations.

“The RCMP has 150 years of history in Canada, and they’re directly tied to and woven into the fabric of the country,” Karikas said. “The vision that we’ve built to move forward is to ensure that those stories and perspectives and voices are heard. So, for example, when you school exhibit. But we know that that’s something Canadians want.

“How do you celebrate the unique contributions of the RCMP and of all the Canadians who have chosen to serve Canada as members of the RCMP, while balancing that with the not-so-great, or the more complex and chal-

lenging parts of their history? And the reality is that all of those things exist at the same time.”

Robinson and Karikas agreed the Heritage Centre is well on its way to balancing those narratives and they are corner.

Becoming Canada’s newest national museum would ensure consistent federal funding for the Centre and raise RCMP is this year, so the timing couldn’t be better.

A partial list of the Centre’s initiatives from the last year includes:

• Teaching high school students about things like Métis members of the RCMP, the history of the buffalo and the North West Mounted Police, and the Cypress Hills massacre.

• For Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Day, students met and heard from relatives of MMIW and spoke with a panel of current RCMP members about changes in policy and culture in response.

• Senior RCMP leadership have given their approval and committed to the process, including Rhonda Blackmore speaking at the opening of a temporary residential school exhibit by Indigenous artist Carey Newman.

• A new online learning hub is connecting thousands of students with RCMP members across Canada, such as the detachment in Iqaluit and the Emergency Response Team in Winnipeg.

Karikas said that with all the changes the Heritage Centre is seeing, they hope to make the summer of 2023 their biggest ever.

“We’re a quick drive from Moose Jaw and surrounding areas, and whether you’ve been here recently or never or not in a long time, we have a lot to offer and a lot of new things to offer,” Karikas said. “This is going to be Canada’s newest National Museum very soon … so make the trip!”

Square One announces Walk for Warmth fundraiser raised

$37,451.81

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Square One’s inaugural Walk for Warmth fundraiser took place on March 9 and received tremendous community support, announcing in a press release on Facebook that the grand total raised from the event is $37,451.81.

Almost 250 people took part in the Walk for Warmth, individually and in about 40 teams. Local dignitaries walking in support included Mayor Clive Tolley, Chief Rick Bourassa of the Moose Jaw Police Service, singer/ songwriter Megan Nash, and former Snowbirds commander Maryse Carmichael.

After serving the community of Moose Jaw for nearly 22 years as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nico de Jager will be closing his rooms e ective immediately and will stop practicing orthopedic surgery at the end of April 2023. He wishes to thank the community of Moose Jaw and surrounding areas for their support. All patients les will be forwarded to Drs Pugh and Ghaida at Alliance Health 890A Lillooet St. W., Moose Jaw, Sk. S6H 8B4 . Telephone 306- 624- 2271

Square One Community Inc. is a Moose Jaw since it was founded in 2021 with the goal of advocating for people who do not have access to reliable, safe shelter.

Square One’s achievements include establishing lines of communication between every relevant aid and emergency service organization in the city, creating a Cold Weather Strategy that gathers shelter, food, and warm clothing options into a single, regularly updated document, and initiating collaborations with national programs for the unhoused.

On April 1st, Square One will take possesWilliam Milne Place, with the goal of developing it into a warming space and women’s shelter.

Della Ferguson, Square One board chair, has repeatedly noted that their successes would not be possible without the continuous support, determination, and compassion of the community.

outside Zion United Church (photo by Gordon Edgar)

• Grant Hall

“We cannot thank you enough for every pledge raised, cupcake sold, and text for funds written that led to such amazing totals,” Square One said in its announcement. “You are outstanding and truly prove how a community coming together can make change happen.”

Major sponsors of the Walk for Warmth included:

• Zion United, St. Andrew’s United, and St. Aidan’s Anglican churches

• Moose Jaw Families for Change

• Nutrien Ag Solutions

• Moose Jaw Co-op

• Moose Jaw Police Service

• Unifor 649

• Veroba’s Family Restaurant

• The Mad Greek Restaurant

• Prairie South School Division

The release also said that there is still much work to do to create the infrastructure needed at William Milne Place.

Volunteers for the new warming space and women’s shelter will be needed, as will supplies and furnishings.

Square One is also supporting the Salvation Army on Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. serving meals to the unhoused. Volunteers for the meal time help prepare food, greet guests, serve, and clean up afterwards.

Moose Javians who want to be on the Square One list should email communitysquareone@gmail.com.

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Snowbirds to train at MJ Airport: Restricted airspace times announced

The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority (MJMAA) has announced the approval of temporary restricted airspace use time slots in the skies over their runway as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds begin a training collaboration from April 3 to April 7.

The announcement was made by MJMAA director Laura Lawrence on behalf of the board and board chair Greg Simpson. The MJMAA said the announce-port and co-operation with Canadian Forces Base 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

The board thanked the Snowbirds for the “unique opportunity” to host some of their training.

Over the four training days of April 3 to April, there will two windows from 0900 to 1000 CST and from 1300 to 1400 CST.

A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) will be issued for the airspace restriction. If high-priority aircraft movements

the airspace, the Winnipeg Area Control Centre (ACC), which controls parts of Saskatchewan, will call the Snowbirds to

Gordon Edgar- Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Flying Club members should carefully read the announcement for details, procedures, and radio frequency information. outweigh any negatives,” he added.

Snowbird Safety Pilots Erik Temple and Richard MacDougall will be co-ordinating on the ground and monitoring the ground-level ‘Sterile Air Display Area’ (SADA), which is restricted to essential personnel only. However, normal operations at airport buildings and facilities will not be interrupted, as they are outside the SADA.

co-ordinate early release of the airspace back to NAV CANADA.

No aircraft shall enter the restricted airspace or take-off without permission.

In an email sharing the news with members of Moose Jaw’s Flying Club, club president Roger Blager called the

March “Notoriously Good Neighbour’: Stephen Adkins

Submitted

Stephen Adkins has been named the “Notoriously Good Neighbour” for the month of March by the City of Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce. The program was created to recognize the Notoriously Friendly, Notoriously Generous and Notoriously Kind-Hearted Moose Javians making a Notoriously Positive difference in our community.

Stephen Adkins came to the rescue when his neighbour Kelly Reynolds had an accident that required being rushed to hospital.

“Steve saved my life,” explained Reynolds. “I accidentally cut my arm, requiring 20+ stitches, and Steve not only drove me to the hospital and waited with me, but cleaned up the glass and mess at my house. He also built our shared fence and gave us the ‘good’ side. He is always back for his kids. We LOVE Steve”.

card to Smitty’s Family Restaurant.

Moose Javians can nominate their Notoriously Good Neighbour with the Report An Issue feature on the City’s website, MooseJaw.ca, or on the free City of Moose Jaw app.

Tim McLeod

training trial run an exciting opportunity for the airport, representing mutually ben-

“The timing of these practices both now and possibly in future should represent minimal disruption and inconvenience,” Blager advised, while noting that

23041BS1

23041BS2

23041BS3

Photo from Oct 29, 2022 - the runway has been resurfaced and extended to 4000 feet and taxiways have been added (Moose Jaw Flying Club/Facebook)

Snowbirds diamond formation (Derek Hayes, 2021)

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Joyce Walter

Ron Walter

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Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer Jason G. Antonio Saddman Zaman

Looking back to this past weekend and looking to further on in the month of April in Moose Jaw, it’s going to be a busy spring.

Congratulations to the Kinsmen Club of Moose Jaw who held their 30th Annual Sports Celebrity Banquet on the weekend at the Heritage Inn. It was an over-the-top in-attendance affair with over 500 people attending for a great dinner, fundraiser and the opportunity to meet and listen to a number -

trips featuring Harry Potter,

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Ogema-based Southern Prairie Railway introduced new train tours last year that focused on Harry Potter and distillery-produced beverages like craft beer, while this year, it plans to offer wine-tasting train excursions.

part of the Ogema Heritage Society, Southern Prairie -

tourist railway. Located near Weyburn, SPR travels east and west to the towns of Pangman and Horizon, respectively. Guests travel

ton switcher locomotive pulls.

Other area attractions include the Ogema Regional Park, Solo Italia Fine Pasta Inc. and Bud’s

greatest NHL players in history, and Ryan Getzlaf, hockey player with the Anaheim Ducks and is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Master of Ceremonies and Canadian Sports Reporter Rod Black made a return performance this year. He brought great comic relief in his impersonations of numerous celebrities, and I must say, did an extraordinary job emulating them.

The whole purpose of the annual event is fundraising for all the Kinsmen projects they support, and early numbers indicate the total for this year’s

A General Electric 44-ton switcher locomotive slowly moves down the track. Southern Prairie Railway offers 10 tours with different themes that everyone will surely enjoy. Photo courtesy Facebook

Bunch Golf Club, and Castle Butte and Big Muddy cave tours.

The train tours — which run Saturday and Sunday only — kick off on Saturday, June 3 and go until Saturday, Sept. 30.

The forthcoming wine-tasting train could feature products from area companies such as Prairie Bee Meadery, but the exact lineup of businesses has yet to be determined, said Carol Peterson, board chair of the Ogema Heritage Railway Association.

Meanwhile, the Harry Potter-themed Enchanted 9 3/4 tour and Craft Beer Train Ride — featuring beverages from companies such as Rebellion Brewing and Districtly.

to home. I don’t think they want to spend a lot of money on gas, and there’s lots of things in Saskatchewan to look at,” she said.

Upcoming in Moose Jaw is one of the most heralded events throughout the years that brings out quilters to compete for bragging-rights, if not more.

quilt show will be held at the Moose Jaw Events

hours to put together and by the crowds that attend the event, it is a don’t miss affair. The ‘Sew Full of quilt displays, demonstrations and workshops by a Guild table, and several craft vendors, with conCentre. Tickets are available at the Events Centre

According to its website, SPR encourages tourists to wear their best costumes when taking the Enchanted 9 3/4 tour. The train leaves Ogema and travels to nearby Horizon to enjoy a “charming experience.”

“Bring your wands and wear your school colours!

Be on the lookout for any dragons or cars that maybe adds. “Owls, rats and cats are not welcome on the train ride, just service animals.”

Besides train tours, tourists’ tickets also enable them to visit Ogema’s Deep South Pioneer Museum, so they could spend the entire day exploring the community, said Peterson.

The museum is celeand features 33 buildings on the property, such as a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a farmhouse. There are also more than machinery, including a engine. -

ists visited Ogema last year to ride the train and visit the museum, Peterson said. She encouraged people to book their tours early, considering popular trips such as Morning Robbery Train Ride and Kids’ Fun Train sell out fast. few days or weeks before because they do book up,” she continued. “We also have some tours that are coming and

can also attend the town’s annual fair and museum day, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ogema has attracted attention from the

Baker story, Peterson added. They were checking out the community because it has the heritage train station and museum that suit the story’s period.

ball with the All-American Girls Professional Baseballels for the character of Dottie Hinson, played by Geena Davis, in the Hollywood movie A League of Their Own

Visit www.southernprairierailway.ca to book a ride.

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Residents who shop at the Homegrown Farmers’ Market near the Moose Jaw Public Library this year will be able to purchase craft alcohol from vendors along with their usual food items.

unanimously voted to approve the organization’s request

Just a little fyi in case you hadn’t already heard…senior columnist with the Moose Jaw Express Ron Walter had a birthday this past weekend. Happy Birthday Ron from all of us at the Express and wishing you health and future wanderings around Saskatchewan to share with our readership. I sure hope someone baked you some pies for your birthday!

Don’t forget the celebrations of this upcoming Easter weekend. Many will be sharing tradition with family and friends, as well as remembering the good news that the Story of Easter brings.

Happy Easter to one and all and don’t indulge too much on chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies!

attend each Saturday to enjoy a specially crafted beer that two vendors will brew up.

Municipal approval is required for this request because the farmers’ market must obtain the proper permits from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority

Meanwhile, the city’s alcohol use events policy does consumption, so council approval is required.

With the popularity of craft brewing vendors on the

rise, city administration will review the City of Moose Jaw’s alcohol use events policy this year to ensure policies and procedures are developed for similar requests in the future, the report said.

The department of public works and recreation recommended that council approve the request so long as the farmers’ market follows several conditions.

Some conditions include the organization complying with all rules under the provincial Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, securing and displaying all necessary public liability insurance, and being responsible for all event costs, including provisions for washrooms.

In its application, market organizers said that Loraas Disposal will supply a portable toilet each Saturday until the Thanksgiving long weekend.

“This is a very good initiative,” said Coun. Kim Rob— with Luby Bower and a couple of others — I would certainly like to see this come to fruition.”

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The Southern Independent Riders (SIR/Facebook)

By Patricia Hanbidge

M e

sour cherry cultivar. It is a very attractive shrub with feet). Each spring you will be rewarded with a showytacular against the glossy green foliage. The fruit when in relation to the fruit size. It matures in late July or early August.

cherries do sucker more rapidly than the original cultivar

The cherries also have more disease issues than they had originally. This is expected, as pests and diseases conditions are right, my cherries will develop a number of common fungal diseases of stone fruits. Brown rot, which affects most of the stone fruits and occasionally apples when grown in close proximity to stone fruits has been the largest fungal condition I have experienced and unfortunately, this unsightly condition does affect the amount of fruit suitable for harvest.

about

F

ruit f the P rairies… and cherries!

Among some of the fruits like apples that are hardy enough to grow on the prairies, we can also grow cherries here.

my favourite fruits to grow. The shrubs are spectacular in bloom and even more enticing when the fruit is ripening. In order to understand how this fabulous fruit was developed, it is necessary to understand a little bit of fruit breeding history. Thousands of years ago, the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) was crossed with the Mongolian cherry (Prunus fruiticosa) which resulted in the sour breeding has occurred to increase the cold hardiness of the sour cherry, which results in better survival in cold-

these breeding programs the fabulous dwarf sour cherry is often fondly referred to as the prairie cherry!

The dwarf sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) is truly a dwarf sour cherry and is not grafted but grows on its own after many years of work by people in the Horticulture

All of these cherries are slightly different in size of both the plant and the fruit itself. My personal favourite of larger, making it easier to pit. If you can bear to leave the fruit on the tree until that bright red cherry colour deepens to a dark maroon, the cherries will be much sweeter. After growing this cherry and a number of other cultivars, a few things have become apparent. They do sucker which makes them less attractive due to increased maintenance. I have found that the Romance series of

A secondary concern is to ensure fruit that is picked is appropriately treated to minimize postharvest disease problems. Personally, I like to pick and process in basically the same time frame and usually try to pick whenvesting it is important to reduce the temperature of the

fruit to twigs, leaves and other debris, which could harbor spores or other disease causing factors.

Our harvesting practice is to pick and pit simulta-

fresh cherries through a fruit press either fresh or frozen. commercial wine press used for making wine rather than ago we had such a bumper crop of cherries that we made

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?

Global Direct Realty sees move for new shelter as

Vicki Pantelopoulos, owner of Global Direct Realty, Inc., admitted it was not easy having only 30 days notice to vacate her but said the city needs a homeless shelter and they are happy to be supporting it.

“Global Direct Realty, Inc. and our agents are certainly strong supporters of our Moose Jaw community, and (we) understand that Moose Jaw needs to take care of its citizens,” Pantelopoulos stated in a March 29 press release.

“This new homeless warming centre is going to be open 24 hours a day, but it is also going to be an emergency overnight

How can we not support that and try to make it a seamless transaction? Our city needs that!”

and in Moose Jaw, where they have opInc. will take possession of Global Direct

of developing a warming space and avocating for and supporting people in the city who do not have access to safe, reliable shelter.

of its search for a suitable shelter location to develop.

Luhning voting in opposition. Eby worried about unforeseen leasing and/or taxing complications given the speed of the decision, while Luhning felt the 30-day notice was unfair to Global Direct. Nevertheless, Pantelopoulos and her staff feel the situation is net positive overall.

are excited,” said Tammie Hutchinson, manager of client services and admin withward to having Global Direct Realty, Inc. in its new location while we help support the new warming shelter.

(that) Global Direct Realty, Inc. has opened its doors offering warmth and a cup of warm coffee to get out (of) the cold to some of our most needing — we heads from that.”

“I am not going to say it was easy having 30 days notice to vacate what (we) called home, and a place we loved for the

building and they would miss it.

our Global family, suppliers, and clients, but other real estate co-workers, they all

ownership of the property shortly after-

Global Direct.

city council voted 5-2 to transfer their sub-

lease agreement with the contractually obligated notice of 30 days.

The decision was not uncontroversial, with councillors Heather Eby and Dawn

blessing to the city and us.”

Pantelopoulos said that while she and her team can work virtually, it is nice to have a space for clients and agents to get together.

support of Moose Jaw, our community, and our clients to allow Global Direct Realty, Inc. to make your next move the best move.”

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw

William Milne Place at 138 Fairford St. W, commonly known as the Old Firehall (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Empty grease pail still wins treasure hunt

At the recently-held collectibles show, sponsored by Sukanen Museum, I wandered the aisles checking out the offerings from the dozens of vendors who had patiently unpacked their wares and now looked with anticipation as shoppers meandered through the show.

At a show 10 years ago, I found my own personal treasure. I wrote a column then that is reprised this week, telling of

“These kinds of shows are attended by three distinct guests:

“The serious shoppers, those indiseek, what they will buy and how much they will pay and who are not easily diverted from a pre-set course; the browsers, folks who aren’t really in the market for anything in particular but will know when they see an item that they must take it home; and the critical touchers, the ones who never want to pay the posted price, will argue about the age and value, and an attempt to have the price reduced.

“I might be described as a browser, that person who quickly scans a table of

eye contact with the vendors for fear they might try to talk me into a purchase of something I know I don’t need.

“Thus, on this opening day of the checking out the competitors’ pricing schemes and eyeballing what appeared to be the most popular collectibles of this new season of sales.

“There was an assortment of just about anything one might want to buy, or even trade, if the vendor had a mind to neeye and I checked to see the price without raising the hopes of the seller. The tally was $50, but I thought to myself that I could likely get more for the identical set in the cupboard at home, mine being withaway for future reference in case I ever decided to sell my carefully maintained set.

“As I made my way through another section of tables, a bright yellow pail caught my eye, and I took a second look.

“Oh my gosh,” I thought to myself. “This is my lucky day.”

“There on the table sat three pails, each a different size, each bearing the distinctive symbol of the Western Oil Com-plied greases and lubricants to farmers and truckers and equipment operators.

“I reached out and touched one of the pails, and touched it again and stood there face.

“The vendor noticed me gawking and I quickly started a conversation, learning that he collected this kind of memorabilia on a large scale, and even had a Western Oil sign in his warehouse only a few miles away on the Trans-Canada Highway. I was in heaven to learn that someone else realized the nostalgic value of these items and had preserved them.

Western Oil dealership in my home community and that I had been searching, to no avail, for some mementos of this company. It was a joyous occasion and I returned to our tables with a swing in my step that hadn’t been there at the beginning of the journey.

“I tried very hard to resist the allure

dosition of this publication.

ey clutched in my hand, I made my purchase and even got a bit of a reduction, without even asking, probably because the those pails.

“Of course I got curious looks as I proudly carried my purchase through the hall, and I heard some acquaintances wondering why I would buy a grease pail.

“What is junk to some is treasure to others, and my treasure of the weekend was a grease pail that still had some grease around the edges of the lid. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

I thought happily about that sale of 2013 and envisioned that grease pail that machine. I haven’t found a treasure since then that matches the satisfaction gleaned from the grease pail discovery a decade ago.

Indeed, my treasure is not junk. Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

RCMP arrest two Moose Jaw residents for fraud in Swift Current

Saskatchewan RCMP has charged two Moose Jaw residents with fraud after the duo was caught using fake gift cards in Swift Current.

A Swift Current business contacted RCMP on March 27 about possible fraud after three people used suspicious-looking gift cards.

Upon investigation, RCMP members were able to identify, locate and arrest the warrant for a vehicle and hotel room connected to the three individuals and located several gift cards and equipment that likely helped produce the illegitimate cards.

Michael Joel McKechnie, 39, and Nicole Marie Belsher, 37, of Moose Jaw, and Christopher Johnathan Nesvold, 39, of Saskatoon, now face several counts of fraud.

are each facing one count of fraud under $5,000 and one count of using a forged document.

Nesvold has been charged with fraud under $5,000, using a forged document and failing to comply with a release condition.

Police released McKechnie and Belser on conditions and must appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on Wednesday,

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

April 26. RCMP held Nesvold in jail and he later appeared in provincial court on March 29.

chnie and Belser have been in trouble with the law.

On Nov. 30, 2022, the Moose Jaw Police Service blocked off the 1000 block of Stadacona Street West for a lengthy period to arrest Zackery Marckoski, considered dangerous to the public.

Marckoski had failed to return to a correctional centre in Regina in August and had been considered “at large” since then. He was seen in Moose Jaw on Oct. 3

The MJPS Tactical Response Team, warrant to arrest Marckoski, who was later taken into custody.

That operation resulted in police seizing:

• 320 grams of methamphetamine

• 50 grams of cocaine

• 153 grams of fentanyl

• 387 grams of an unknown powder

• $6,835.25 in cash

• Two sawed-off shotguns

• Multiple rounds of ammunition After further investigations and a sub-

sequent search warrant at the residence, McKechnie and Belsher, with three counts of possession of a drug for the purpose of

Bag Sale April 25-29th

Closed for Easter April 7 & 8th

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All three were released on conditions and were to appear in court later; McKechnie is scheduled for Monday, April 24 and Belsher is scheduled for Wednesday, April 12.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Saskatchewan provincial budget looked after rural base supporters

To some observers, the Saskatchewan Party took a risk when the budget failed to spend all or most of the $2 billion estimated surplus on programs and services.

down $1 billion debt and leaving $1 billion in the kitty for future spending.

An increased demand for the landlocked resources surplus.

Critics are vocal and numerous saying the budget overlooked real needs.

The $1 a day increase for the disabled and seniors’ income plans will buy one box of Kraft dinner a day. Rents for many of the people on these plans have increased more than that.

The health sector is outraged at the 6.7 per cent increase for Sask. Health. Spokespersons say it isn’t enough.

Nurses are ticked-off while the government notes that nurses got nine per cent a year over four years.

One telling failure of this budget appears to be lack greater than the consumer price so the 6.2 per cent inenrolments.

used to boast that we will have lots of tax money for health care, education and other needs when the population grows but never told voters about the costs assohousing.

His successor Scott Moe seems to follow same path.

Paying off $1 billion debt is unnecessary, [as far as I am personally concerned]. Saskatchewan’s debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product at 14.1 per cent is the second lowest in Canada.

Reducing debt is a showcase for the rural base supporters who will re-elect the party. Thirty-three of the party’s 46 seats are rural/small city.

The Sask Party government removed the risk associated with salting away the surplus by looking after the

base. The surplus can buy pre-election goodies in 2024.creased funds were poured into crop insurance and farm risk programs.

Rural Saskatchewan looks to better days ahead in health care with $200,000 grants to attract new doctors, if they are effective, increased funds for rural emergency services and sky high salaries for itinerant nurses working in rural areas.

It seems nothing was in the budget for the average

even with incredible farm input price increases, thanks to higher commodity prices caused by Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The tax revenues lost from sales tax exemptions on farm inputs will be even greater this year, driven by higher input costs. Interesting fact: the budget documents did not publish the loss in revenues from tax concessions to Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Provincial budget reduces PSSD funding by $1M, hikes Holy Trinity’s by $155K

The province may have increased funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 education by 6.7 per cent in its 2024-24 budget, but that increase barely registers for Moose Jaw’s school divisions.

The Ministry of Education is investing $3.1 billion

libraries. Saskatchewan’s 27 school divisions will specifically receive $2 billion in operating funding, an increase

Public division response

This budget does not meet the needs of Prairie South School Division because funding falls short by $1 million, board vice-chair Darcy Pryor told the Express. While the ministry invested a record amount of money this year, it also lumped early learning, child care and libraries into the total pot.

hole, so it was fortunate to have that account so it could continue to “operate (a) world-class organization,” she

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF MOOSE JAW

All Departments in City Hall will be closed on: FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

(Good Friday)

In addition, there will be NO TRANSIT SERVICE on Friday, April 7, 2023

pointed out.

the vice-chair said. However, the ministry is deducting $1 million in fees to support the newly formed Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (SDLC).

Furthermore, the province also reduced the division’s preventative maintenance and renewal (PMR) funding by make minor capital repairs to its buildings.

Prairie South’s major capital project submission for 2023-24 was the joint-use school in Moose Jaw, Pryor said. The board is still waiting for information about how much it will cost to construct the building.

With how upside-down the budget is and the record

will soon discuss PSSD’s current budget even though trustees approved it last September, she said.

we will be OK even though we are looking at a shortfall this year,” Pryor added. “Our core business is our students’ learning and (students’) well-being, and we value every single staff member and support (staff) we have in Prairie South who continuously do amazing work for our students.”

Catholic division response

Ward Strueby, director of education for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, said the division recognized the small funding increase for education but cautioned enrolment growth.

Holy Trinity is receiving an operating increase of 2022-23, Strueby said. However, that money includes

The school division’s enrolment by Sept. 30, 2022,pils or 4.1 per cent. -

pressures, the education director continued. However, it is concerned that the ministry failed to provide adequate money for capital projects and reduced the division’s PMR funding, which could compromise its ability to maintain infrastructure.

24 year.

“We are pleased to see a commitment to fund the upcoming provincial collective bargaining agreement with the (Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation); however, we also need to accommodate negotiated salary increases for our support staff,” Strueby said.

and three minor capital projects for other school divisions will proceed, he added. Moreover, the division hopes the ministry will provide adequate funding for the joint-use school project and the École St. Margaret School renovations.

Hiring begins for the province’s new online distance learning platform

The provincial government’s new Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (SDLC) has started its recruitment drive to hire new staff and

educators, with roughly 60 teachers to be transferred from the Sun West School Division and the remainder to be hired directly.

Work opportunities will be availand the other nine regional campuses in Estevan, La Ronge, Moose Jaw, Neilburg, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Yorkton. There are also several non-teaching roles available, such as in human resources and corporate services support.

“The number of staff available to students through Sask DLC will ensure that students have access to high-quality education,” said Education Minister Dustin Duncan. “The opportunity to have staff connected to stu-

dents across the province will ensure students are supported at the local level.”

Each regional campus will have a principal, teachers and several support positions. Students attending the new online school will continue to have access to their area school division for driver’s licence training, graduation ceremonies and extracurricular activities, as well as access to in-person supports such as educational assistants, speech-language pathologists and/or counsellors.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Saskatcheemployed by the SDLC will be STF members, providing

Student registration for the 2023-24 school year is expected to open in April.

Job postings with the SDLC can be found on www. saskdlc.ca.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw MLAs highlight the positives in province’s 2023-24 budget

Moose Jaw’s MLAs are highlighting the positives in the provincial government’s 2023-24 budget and say there is something in the document that will likely ben-

when you’re able to deliver in practically every area that the government funds,” said Moose Jaw North MLA Tim Mc-

ments in health care and education and

While the budget’s tagline is “Growth that works for everyone,” that message is more than just a tagline — it’s the truth, in various ministries, there is also increased funding for seniors, people with

a growing economy (and) growing population, which, as the budget indicates, is growth that works for everyone,” Mc-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Greg Lawrence, MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow, said this year’s budget is one of the best he’s seen since becoming a

“There’s something in there for $10-a-day daycare and millions of dollars dedicated to construction — including for

The province has provided more funding for surgeries, which should open 6,000 more spaces across the province — including in Moose Jaw — for people backlog that developed during the pan-

When asked how the budget address-

province in which to live in Canada based

He noted that $2 billion is “sprinkled

throughout the budget” that addresses money for policing and justice to keep communities safe, additional funding to hire more educational assistants, more money to hire continuing care aids, funding to build urgent care centres and dol-

The province will have a $1 billion

because of increased non-renewable resource revenues such as potash and oil

penses that we’re not going to have funds

crease in funding of $30 more per month

When asked why those groups didn’t receive a bigger increase to handle higher those individuals incur in the program are

He reiterated that the province can’t rely on resource revenues too strongly and must be careful with how it funds

“We’ve got an incredibly healthyomy is driving incredible populationcreased the provincial population by over

“And with that growing economy and growing population, we have grow-

People living on assistance programs

Greek mixed-media artist and art teacher returning to Moose Jaw

Moose Javians who missed out on Antonishave another chance, as Tzanidakis is re-

Tzanidakis will be in the city from May 18 to 21 — one workshop on Thurs-

Gordon

Denise Helland is the contact for the classes and organizes them with the help

Tickets can be purchased from HelHelland is a local hobbyist and artist

words, there are no mistakes — only crecontact and became good friends, which is

“Denise is for sure one of my best friends since I started nine years ago,”

“Once upon a time, (she) came to my class in Winnipeg and asked me if I would like to visit her town and organize some class-

“I’m very interested in new adventures and different places to teach, meeting

Tzanidakis hasn’t always been an art-

fessional basketball player, but in his early

“I never had an artistic background,” old, a craft shop opened by the house I then, I’ve started crafting on my own and

“And from crafting on my kitchen table, now I have my own brand namegest companies in the world, and I teach in more than 50 countries and 300 cities

Tzanidakis’ art collections can be

and palette with steampunk designs and themes of fantasy and nature into his and he also has online workshops at stam-

“Antonis has a new release on a new inspired by touring in Canada,” Hellandlutely beautiful and includes paper packs

“It’s all about education and learning

Antonis, who is in the industry and teaches learning fun and has a lot of energy and

Tzanidakis said his class participants don’t need any artistic background whatwho keeps his classes full of laughter and enough on their own versus those who

“I love teaching because I feel that I came in this world for that reason,” he them feel comfortable with themselves,

“I love the fact that everyone has their own problems and through the classes I teach they can forget about those problems for a few hours!”

Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Magical Forest is Tzanidakis’ latest collection and will be the basis of his Moose Jaw workshops (Antonis Tzanidakis/Instagram)

Antonis Tzanidakis (courtesy Denise Helland)

THANK YOU for choosing our INDEPENDENT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Regina can outlive criticism regarding recent moniker TRADING THOUGHTS

By Ron Walter For

That fell like a stale beer, too, when the powers that

Exhibition Company Shows Small Paper Loss

By Robert Thomas

On paper it’s a loss, but in reality it was not a bad year for the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company as their 2022 audited Jaw Exhibition Company Limited showed a paper loss of $43,031 on revenues of $1,226,663 and expenditures of as people hesitant to put on and attend shows due to fears

By Robert Thomas

https://www.mjindependent.com/lifestyles/2023/3/29/ tr70e19rmhigm8zvish6kosb0ht0e8

needed before more expensive problems develop as key https://www.mjindependent.com/lifestyles/2023/3/29/ix874npukw0d42bvnd2scpofr8fhha make the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company what it is to their time to the Exhibition and passed away over the past Wherever there was a rodeo, Lee had been there, the well as served as an Exhibition board member at the time

Photo Lee Bellows Out Clowning Around - Photo Credit Facebook

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Lamb and yams with cheerful spring dessert

Lavish Easter bonnets and long Easter parades have lost a certain appeal over the years but some traditions stick like glue: Easter egg treats, chocolate rabbits and home-cooked meals. While many families will embrace the ham as the meat of choice for Easter dinner, others will turn recipes offer ideas for yams and lamb and a simple but delicious dessert.

BAKED YAMS, LIME AND HONEY

3 yams (about 4 lbs.)

1/2 cup water

6 tbsps. honey

4 tbsps. butter at room temperature juice of 4 limes

1 1/2 tsps. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash yams and place in a baking dish with the water. Bake until yams are soft when tested with a fork and skins are puffy, about 90 minutes. Set aside to cool.

When yams are cool enough to handle, peel and place in a medium baking dish. Add honey, butter, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir and mash well with a potato masher. Cover with foil and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Makes 8 servings.

• • •

ROAST LEG OF LAMB

1-6 lb. leg of lamb, trimmed

1/2 cup orange juice

1 cup white wine

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsps. chopped fresh thyme

2 tbsps. chopped rosemary ground black pepper salt to taste

Place orange juice, wine, olive oil, garlic and spices into the blender and mix well. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag and add the lamb. Coat lamb with the marinade, squeeze out excess air and seal. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before roasting. Pat lamb dry. Salt and pepper both sides.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place lamb on a rack in a large roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes then reduce heat to 300 degrees F and continue roasting for 10-12 minutes per pound until meat thermometer reaches 130-135 degrees F. Remove from oven, remove roast from pan, tent with foil and let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve while hot.

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

1/3 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 can sliced pineapple

2 tsps. baking powder

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup heavy cream, unwhipped

Butter a 9x10 inch cake pan. Melt butter and pour into pan. Sprinkle the 1 cup of brown sugar on the butter then arrange the pineapple slices over the sugar.

Beat the eggs with the 1 1/2 cups brown sugar cream.

Turn the batter out over the pineapple, being careful not to dislodge the fruit.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F and cook another 20-25 minutes or until down.

Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Carefully turn the cake onto a serving dish. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

New roleplaying game on Sundays and used book sale: Public Library in April

The Moose Jaw Public Library is introducing a new tabletop roleplaying game set in the popular Cyberpunk universe starting on April 16 and is also excited to bring back the Friends of the Library used book sale this month.

Cyberpunk Red is the fourth edition in a dystopian future 2045 and serves as a prequel to the hit video game by CD Projekt Red.

The program will run every Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. starting April 16 for ages 15 and up. No experience is required and all materials are supplied, but players needs to register through the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) website at www. moosejawlibrary.ca.

The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will offer books, DVDs, audiobooks, on two days: Friday, April 21 from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The MJPL will be closed on April 7, 9, and 10.

Moose Jaw Public Library adult programming in April

• Tech Time

By appointment only, call 306-6922787 to book a personalized one-onone session with a tech wizard who can help clients learn how to use their devices and apps.

• Prisoner of Tehran Book Club

Prisoner of Tehran (2007) is the story of Marina Nehmat, who was imprisoned, tortured, and almost executed the early eighties. Nehmat escaped to Canada and now works to bring attention to the violence against women

To be held in the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre North Studio.

Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m.

• Magic the Gathering

All experience levels welcome, come and learn how to play one of the most popular and intricate deck-building games of all time

Saturdays, April 8 and 22 from 2 to 5 p.m.

ins Everything by Zarqa Nawaz

(2022) is a black comedy about the price of success, and a biting look at the negative results of American foreign policy in the Middle East.

Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.

• MJPL Movie Club: Loving Vincent (2017)

Directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hughsembled from 65,000 paintings made-

Monday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the MJPL Theatre.

Moose Jaw Public Library youth programming in April

• New Adult Digital D&D

Every Friday, online, from 4 to 6 p.m., for ages 15 to 22.

Register by emailing youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

• Teen D&D

Thursdays in the MJPL Archives, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for ages 12 to 16.

Register by email at youth@moose-

jawlibrary.ca.

• Teen Maker Space

Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19. Participants will learn to make wobble bots. Snacks provided.

• Teen Anime Club – By the Grace of the Gods (2020)

Saturday, April 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the MJPL theatre, for ages 13 to 19.

• Teen Gamers – Games Night

Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19.

Featuring card games, board games, and video games in various formats. No registration required, snacks provided.

Teen Writers Circle

Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19.

• Movie Matinee – Strange World (2022)

Saturday, April 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the MJPL theatre, all ages welcome.

Dennis Quaid, and Jaboukie YoungWhite as members of the legendary Clade family of explorers attempting to navigate an uncharted new land.

• Teen “I Made This” Art Program

Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19

snacks provided.

The Moose Jaw Public Library (photo by Jason Antonio)

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 10. It was déjà vu all over again — as Yogi Berra once said — during city council’s recent meeting, as business owners frustrated with their property assessments returned hoping for solutions.

ness owners Bernie Dombowsky and Kristy Van Slyck express further concerns about the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA).

Dombowsky pushed council to establish a tax policyeo comparing various buildings and shifts in their property assessments.

Van Slyck told council that residents deserved a prop-

ing a secondary audit and alleged it refused to conduct a Nancy Wollner, manager of SAMA’s Moose Jaw ofyear’s commercial valuation model. The Express will feature her presentation in a separate story. three reports.

Criticisms of SAMA

cil on Jan. 11, especially the agency’s statements that it successfully supported its valuation models during ap-

tegrity of the appeal process to ensure transparency and

SAMA is failing to live up to its mission, frustrated business owner says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

fairness in the assessment system.”

Further, she denounced SAMA’s decision to reject a secondary audit and for making the city manager think there were no other solutions to this problem.

She also slammed the agency’s newest report to council about changes to this year’s assessment process.

SAMA changed the cap rates and how it grouped businesses, reduced by half the value of retailers that are value of every business category except multi-use buildings, Van Slyck said. It also kicked out one entire business

imate.

SAMA’s four-year valuation period is based on mar-

side the time period? If there’s a sale during that period, are you sure that’s the only error you made?” she asked incredulously.

It confused Van Slyck how SAMA “discovered” sales changes this year that it now needs to consider even

“If this was that important to change this much stuff, when, two weeks ago, (SAMA) stated there aren’t any errors (and) we don’t need a secondary audit, so what happened here?” she asked.

covered during an appeal. That got rid of an entire catego-

Mission failure

Van Slyck highlighted SAMA’s mission statement, which is to develop, regulate and deliver “a stable, cost-effective assessment system that is accurate, up-to-

“I personally don’t think they hit any of those,” she said while giving several examples, including how SAMA

While everyone is concerned about cap rates rent, other areas like vacancies are also important, she continued. She didn’t think SAMA calculated vacancies accurately because its employees simply drive by properties over two weeks to determine their activity — even though she informs them that some places are vacant.

“This is unacceptable; make them accountable,” she added. “I want you (council) to think about what you’re

The crowd then broke into applause.

‘Something broken’

Coun. Kim Robinson agreed with Van Slyck that closing because of the heavy assessment burden. -

bowsky and others were saying, if SAMA followed its with shifts in assessment values.

Fewer cap rate categories just one change in SAMA’s updated assessment model

The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) has made several changes to this year’s commercial property valuation model — like reducing the number of cap rates — using results from last year’s appeal process.

Nancy Wollner, manager of SAMA’s Moose Jaw meeting about those changes and their rationale. Summary of changes

Below are some changes SAMA made to this year’s model.

(arranged) by the number of storeys, with one-storey -

Mixed-used properties — a business and housing in the same building — remain by themselves and are stratby themselves.

Retail multi-storey, retail one-storey and smaller

creased in value.

Groups that have increased in value include retail

ASSESSMENT NOTICE VILLAGE OF TUGASKE

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Tugaske for the year of 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days, Monday to Friday, March 31 to April 30, 2023, except holidays.

A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal in writing by emailing cbor@adrsaskatchewan.ca (ADR Saskatchewan Centralized Board of Revision Inc.). Mail the appeal fee of $50.00 for each assessment being appealed, which will be returned if the appeal is successful, to: The Assessor, Village of Tugaske, 110 Qu’Appelle Street, Box 159, Tugaske, Saskatchewan, S0H 4B0, by the 30th day of April, 2023.

Dated this, 31st day of March, 2023.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

chinery dealerships and various classes of warehouses.

Perhaps most importantly, the number of cap rates has decreased to 11 categories from 14.

Income approach

SAMA does not use a business’ income during its assessment practices, but instead, values commercial properties using their typical rental income-generating potenexplained.

business owner could receive in the market, she continued. Meanwhile, SAMA’s income-based approach consists of the rent model and the cap rate model.

SAMA develops the rent model using income and expense data from business owners. It reviews the reported information and adjusts as needed. The result is the property’s net operating income.

“The net operating income … is not based on the sold,” said Wollner.

SAMA calculates its cap rate model — net operating income divided by sale price — by applying the rent model to sold properties. The agency then groups similar properties by sales cap rates.

affect the values. SAMA then uses the median cap rate

The model’s goal is to generate assessed values that closely represent the actual sale prices of similar proper-

ties, said Wollner. The cap rate represents the ratio between the predicted rent and sale price; the sale price in -

Therefore, a property’s predicted rental income divalue.

Provincial use

The income approach for general commercial properties is only used in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, Weyburn and Estevan, said Wollner. In

are not arbitrary because SAMA determines them using values.

“Careful consideration is given when reviewing the ,” Wollner said. “Changes in the sales data can result in changes to the model.”

SAMA annually reviews the cap rate model to determine whether any re-modelling is necessary due to changes in data from the appeal process, assessment case law and assessment legislation, she continued.

For this year’s valuation, SAMA changed the cap rate model because it discovered sales data changes through last year’s provincial appeal process and because of new case law decisions.

“SAMA acknowledges the importance and integrity of the appeal process to ensure transparency and fairness in the assessment system,” Wollner said.

She added that SAMA staff are willing to speak with property owners to explain their assessments and answer

Daryl Dean, Assessor

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 10. Some city councillors are concerned with the “extreme swings” in numerical percentages with SAMA’s updated 2023 cap rate model and believe the changes will negatively affect even more businesses.

Nancy Wollner, manager of the Saskatchewan Asto city council during its March 27 regular meeting about those changes and then attempted to members’ questions. ‘Wildly different’

SAMA uses predicted net rents and sale prices to determine businesses’ cap rates, but the predicted net rent could be “wildly different” from the actual rent, said Coun. Jamey Logan.

and expense forms, the agency’s numbers could be “way off” until it receives the data. He wondered how that problem could be corrected.

When conducting mass appraisals, SAMA reviews businesses’ market values using the current four-year cycle base date of Jan. 1, 2019, said Wollner. It takes that information, develops the rent model and applies it to the properties. It will create a new rent model after that cycle

“Personally, I think that’s part of the problem that a lot of folks are seeing,” said Logan. “The four-year cycle needs to be addressed … and in my opinion, make it a two-year cycle so the market rent is updated more often.”

“It’s in the legislation,” Wollner replied.

“To a lot of people in this room (council chambers), that’s seen as the problem,” said Logan.

Logan then wondered what was causing the “extreme swings” in cap rate values since, for example, some warehouse categories have increased by 50 per cent and others have decreased by 30 per cent.

Those percentages were based on the 2022 model and, along with successful appeals last year and new case law, helped SAMA develop a new model, said Wollner.

Logan thought the agency should allow owners to submit individual appraisals for their properties’ assessments. He also wondered why the agency combined some property groups to reduce the number of cap rates to 11 from 14, and how the organization accounted for warehouse mezzanines.

Some provinces allow single-property appraisals, but Saskatchewan has written mass appraisal into legislation, Wollner said.

Meanwhile, SAMA reduced the number of cap rates because it looked at sales changes via the appeal process and reviewed recent case law that said it could group properties differently.

Council grills SAMA manager over ‘extreme’ changes to businesses’ property values

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

A weak system

Coun. Kim Robinson thought the weak point with SAMA’s income capitalization rate approach to valuingcurate assessments.

This was best illustrated, he continued, with some property classes increasing in value by almost 70 per cent and some decreasing by 60 per cent under the new model, which would create new winners and losers in the business community.

“For my money, I don’t think we should rely on a tax system that says, ‘While you got stung this year, but better luck next year (when you) roll the dice,’” Robinson said to applause from the crowd.

If a business’ income changes during the four-year cycle, the agency uses that new data for the next cycle, which is why SAMA performs retrospective appraisals under the legislation, said Wollner.

Robinson understood that and that SAMA’s goal was to become more accurate. However, he thought a more reasonable system was needed since he felt the current one was broken. He pointed to Yorkton, which was experiencing similar problems.

or four times why SAMA does what it does. The numbers just don’t make sense to me,” he continued. “… In this day and age with the speed of data, why are we four years behind on data?”

A shorter cycle

Coun. Dawn Luhning — a SAMA board member — told council that the big city mayors’ caucus with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipal Association (SUMA) has requested changes to the assessment process, including shortening the revaluation cycle since other provinces have one- and two-year cycles.

She acknowledged that shortening the cycle may solve issues for only some property owners.

“The unfortunate part in all this is whatever changes do come, it will be four to eight years before we see the changes implemented into the system,” she said. “And I know that will not make anybody here happy, but it’s legislated by the province.”

Luhning also suggested part of the problem was business owners declined to submit survey information that SAMA needed to make accurate assessments.

A hairdresser or retailer cannot wait four to eight years for changes, said Robinson.

“I really don’t agree with Coun. Luhning’s comments

A bizarre situation

Coun. Doug Blanc hoped that SAMA’s updated cap rate model improved the issue but realized a new group of frustrated business owners would likely appear before

council next year due to these changes.

He compared the situation to someone buying a new truck and someone buying a 20-year-old car, with the car owner expected to pay more insurance than the top-notch truck owner.

“That would be bizarre. (But) that is what’s happening here,” Blanc said.

Blanc then wondered how SAMA determined the rent for a property class if several businesses had similar buildings but only one owner submitted survey information.

“This is something that has to be dealt with,” he manner.”

SAMA compiles all the submitted information and, even if business owners submit nothing, it applies the new rent model to those delinquent owners, said Wollner. So, owners should submit their data so the agency has a clear picture of the market in Moose jaw for different rental properties.

SAMA does consider the building’s location when creating the rent model, she added. The model determines whether a building is downtown, on Thatcher Drive, on High Street, on the services roads, or elsewhere.

An intolerable situation

Coun. Crystal Froese was concerned that these large from year to year. She wondered whether SAMA could make yearly adjustments to soften those large swings.

The legislation anticipated that big percentage swings could occur during revaluation years, so the province gave municipalities tax tools to mitigate those issues, said Wollner. This year’s numbers are bigger than previ-

“We’re following the same process every year. Every provider does the same thing,” she added.

“I don’t doubt that,” said Froese. “But a large swing isn’t tolerable for some businesses.”

Unclear problem

Coun. Heather Eby admitted that she didn’t understand the issue when business owner Bernie Dombowsky initially presented his data about how SAMA’s cap rate model had affected businesses’ property values. Howev-

“I understand the legislation and the process, but it’s that part … I really have a hard time understanding,” she said, noting people will be displeased with this year’s cap rate model updates.

This is a complex subject, but the legislation regulates and bounds SAMA, said Wollner. She invited counexplain the process.

“We’re beyond being explained (to),” remarked Robinson. “We need some solutions.”

Near failure of Multiplex’s critical ice plant prompts repair of $53K

The Moose Jaw Events Centre plans to repair its ice plant this summer after the machine suffered a major failure that nearly wiped out the hockey and curling ice sheets — and those respective seasons.

During its March 27 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve the repairs for $53,000. The money will come from the Multiplex and Yara Centre reserve account — $61,078 is in there — while an equal amount will be withdrawn from the municipality’s moderate-term investment portfolio to cover the drawdown.

The emergency repair will cost $12,560, the permanent repair will cost $27,500 and the refrigerant cost will cost $5,500, for a subtotal of $45,560. After including the contingency and PST of $7,440, the total cost is likely $53,000.

Council also voted to discuss creating a reserve fund for both buildings during the 2024 budget talks in December.

Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2022, the ice plant had trouble maintaining ice temperature levels on the WHL and curling ice pads, to where the building nearly lost both ice surfaces, building general manager Ryan MacIvor explained.

Venue staff attempted to address the situation but hired, he continued. It took several months to identify an Authority of Saskatchewan (T-Sask) needed to engineer, review and approve the repairs.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moreover, the Multiplex can only make these repairs June and July.

Events Centre staff also reviewed all critical parts because of ongoing supply chain issues — it takes a minimum of eight weeks for a new pump — and the short window for ice seasons.

purchase — there are no spares — and store for an emergency. It plans to bring forward these items for purchase during the 2024 capital budget talks.

It’s appropriate to investigate how long it would take to acquire new pieces if there were a catastrophic failure of some machinery, MacIvor said. Some redundancies are built into the ice plant, but the venue should have other items on hand to ensure business continuity.

“If it happens in the middle of the season, there’s no ice,” he added.

The contractor’s quote to permanently repair the ice days ago, MacIvor said. No quote changes are anticipated, even though the contractor must cut and weld into the main lines to address the refrigerant levels.

“It’s good practice for us (to include the contingency), so we’re not coming back to ask for additional funds if something unfortunate does go awry,” MacIvor added.

“I would prefer to withdraw the funds that are needed and not the contingency simply because we’re withdrawing from the portfolio,” said Coun. Jamey Logan. “I’d like to leave it in there rather than ask for it back.”

Coun. Dawn Luhning wondered if the ice plant had failed before and wondered what its life expectancy was. of this request.

The ice plant “is very complicated” because it cools be repaired and follow T-SASK requirements, MacIvor said. An additional safety valve must be installed and an ammonia sensor added to monitor for future leaks.

Also, the problem isn’t poor maintenance, he added, since many items are 12 years old and run continually.

The Multiplex and Yara Centre reserve account is the only source of emergency funding for either building, so the city should put aside money for future repairs, said

Since there will be more repairs as the buildings age, Acker recommended that council create a reserve fund during its 2024 budget talks.

The Multiplex has an equipment reserve for physical items, but the ice plant is part of the building itself, he added. There was reserve money for the Downtown Facility and Field House (DFFH) nearly a decade ago, but the city used it and never replenished it.

“It’s unfortunate when these things come up, but as the report states, it’s pretty obvious this is a must-repair -

strophic failure of the plant and impacted all the events

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 10.

City hall plans to spend nearly $140,000 to purchase a new dump truck and snowblower attachment to ensure it pathways and parks.

The parks and recreation department will spend $108,117.30 to buy a new dump truck to replace the current unit, while it will spend $28,400 to purchase a snowblower attachment for an existing front-end loader. Therefore, the total cost will be $136,517.30.

City council had approved the dump truck’s replacement for $95,000 during the 2023 budget discussions. However, when the department issued tenders, the lowest

The existing vehicle is 20 years old and its replacement can no longer be deferred.

To cover this overage, the department plans to use $23,937.80 in surplus funds after the purchase of an ice resurfacer this year also came in under budget.

Meanwhile, the money for the snowblower attachment will come from surplus funds after the purchase of a front-end loader this year came in under budget.

The parks and rec department’s 12 major equipment purchases this year totalled $883,000, while the actual costs were $824,652.62, leaving a surplus of $58,347.38.

City to buy new snowblower, dump truck

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

City council approved these two purchases and their funding sources during the March 27 regular meeting.

The department’s parks division primarily uses the

cle in 2003, so it has reached the end of its life and replace-

Parks and rec has spent an average of $4,300 a year during the past two years to repair and service the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the department issued a tender for $145,000 in January for a new front-end loader, with the lowest bid coming in at $116,600, resulting in savings of $28,400. Staff then realized they could also purchase a compatible snowblower attachment with that money.

snow events and in colder weather,” the report said. “Over the last (two) winters, we have experienced an increase in major snow events and proper equipment is required so that the impact on our service delivery is minimized.”

Parks and rec will use the snowblower to clear pathways, parking lots, and cemetery roads, and whenever a bucket on the loader or skid steer is unable to handle large

‘rollercoaster’ ride

The details are few, but one thing is known: city hall plans make driving on that road like riding a rollercoaster.

portion of High Street West’s water service trench settlements. The focus will be between Second and Fifth avenues but could extend further west based on budget and tender results.

City administration presented a bit more information about repairing that street during city council’s March 27 executive committee meeting while discussing this year’s cast iron water main and feeder main replacement programs.

One highlight of phase 8 of the cast iron program is the engineering department will pave the trench and leave it until 2024, when it will return to perform the overlay or mill the road and complete the overlay.

Contractors suggested this new methodology, while discussions last year with a geotechnical company con-metres per year after initial compaction from underground construction, said Bevan Harlton, director of engineering.

can still see three centimetres per metre of settlement,” he continued. “Or I would suggest maybe three inches of settlement to a water main being nine feet deep.”

Most major soil settling stops after six months, according to discussions with contractors, Harlton added, although there can be smaller occurrences assuming proper compaction.

Coun. Heather Eby appreciated the update about the cast iron project and said she always looked forward to the reports. She was also excited that the city had reached phase 8, which seemed hard to believe.

“The asphalt overlays being completed in the following year … makes sense,” she said. “The line (in the report) that sticks out for me is, ‘Will result in better road product when overlay is complete.’ And that is what everybody in Moose Jaw desires.”

Eby then wondered if completing asphalt overlays a

Senior Captain at

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION TO AMEND OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN NO. 5345 & ZONING BYLAW NO. 5346

A public information session pursuant to the City of Moose Jaw’s Planning Public Notice Policy will be held at the Grant Hall, 401 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0W5 on April 13, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the public information session is to provide information and receive public feedback regarding proposed amendments to the City of Moose Jaw’s O cial Community Plan No. 5345 and Zoning Bylaw No. 5346 to implement the recently adopted Valley View Concept Plan. The proposed amendments include changes to the Future Land Use designation, rezoning and regulations for a proposed Direct Control Direct located at the Valley View site, legally known as SW 29-16-26-2 Ext 4, Blk/Par B, Plan CX1021 Ext 0 & Blk/Par A, Plan 78MJ07626. The public information session is a “come and go” event. All relevant plans, studies and technical information regarding the proposal will be available at the session. Additional information regarding the application may be found on the “announcements” page at www.moosejaw.ca.

Senior Captain Chris Ozog of the Moose Jaw Fire Department (MJFD) has retired as of the end of March, 2023.

3, 1986, and was promoted to Lieutenant on May 1, 2015. Shortly following on October 1, 2016, he became Shift Captain and on April 16, 2019, has served in his current position as Senior Captain until his retirement.

“Throughout Chris’s career, he strived to be a role model and mentor for new employees,” said Rod Montgomery, Fire Chief. “Chris was remarkably talented mechanically and as a welder that enmaintenance which was greatly appreciated over the years.

Chris was awarded, the 20 Year Exemplary Service Medal in 2006, the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal in 2011 and his 30 Year Exemplary Service Bar in February 2016.

volumes of snow, the report continued.

those pathways eventually need to be widened as snow accumulates. Therefore, the snowblower will let the depart-

The department’s current tractors used to clear pathways and outdoor rinks cannot run in colder temperatures or during high windchills since engines can freeze up, added the report. The new front-end loader can operate in colder temperatures, so it can clear snow clearing on frigid days.

When asked whether the snowblower attachment could be used elsewhere, such as downtown, parks and rec director Derek Blais said he would have to speak with the public works director since his department is not responsible for removing the white stuff from that area.

“Because that’s one of the complaints I get, is right downtown,” said Coun. Doug Blanc, who noted that in Moose Jaw recently, there was the world curling championship, a performance at the Mae Wilson theatre and a Warriors’ game, and he saw a video of snow piled high in parking stalls along Fairford Street.

“It does sound like an opportunity there (to use the snowblower attachment),” said Blais.

connections in residential neighbourhoods.

This approach will help, while there were likely other issues on Keith Street that affected compaction, said Harlton. He knew that that contract challenged city administration and the engineering department. Workmanship aside, those service connections run perpendicular to the road, and the soil usually settles within six months, which creates the dips.

“The dipping I’ve seen along curbs at a number of locations should be improved through this,” he added.

Eby then asked whether using this year-delayed asphalt paving method on High Street West would have eliminated the “rollercoaster” feeling on that road.

“No. The settlement that has occurred on High Street is beyond what you’d expect to see with proper compaction,” said Harlton. “That would be despite the best efforts of the city to get in there and rectify what occurred on High Street.”

City manager Jim Puffalt later explained that the project could include cutting out the affected area, squaring it up and then paving over it, similar to how water breaks are handled.

Coun. Crystal Froese thought it was important that city hall’s communications department inform residents about this delayed paving initiative. She noted that some people think the city re-paves the same area twice whenever workers return to do something.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 10.

Viterra Inc. is spending $18 million to upgrade its Britannia Road grain terminal to enhance the venue’s long-term viability and will temporarily close that road whenever it’s loading train cars.

The agriculture company plans to install a 12,500-foot double-loop track north of the terminal — and into an adjacent pasture — that can accommodate high-capacity cars and three locomotives.

The Moose Jaw terminal employs 37 full-time staff and has a payroll of $2 million — which is double more modern venues — while the company pays $320,000 a year in taxes.

The company says this upgraded shipping system will make loading more cost $16.5 million, while other upgrades comprise the remaining $1.5 million.

The new loop will bisect Britannia Road near 24th and 28th avenues, so Viterra will install two lockable gates with loading train cars. Loading is expected to take 16 to 20 hours.

The company estimates each road closure will last 24 to 36 hours and occur 25 to 40 times a year. It will need a street closure permit from city hall for those times, while it will install detour signage and inform area residents ahead of time.

report says only 30 non-Viterra vehicles

Viterra spending $18M on expansion project at century-old grain terminal

will be affected daily during peak hours. Discretionary use

To ensure its project can proceed, Viterra presented a discretionary use application during city council’s March 27 regular meeting because the land where it wants to install the tracks is located within two different zoning districts.

Under the M4f1 environmenfringe, accessory uses — which the zoning bylaw considers the proposed railway track — are permitted. However, under are considered discretionary.

Moose Jaw’s economy, while there will be many economic spinoffs from this expansion, a council report said. The expansion also reinforces the importance of the municipality’s strategic plan to provide value-added agriculture and enhance a healthy ag sector.

After a presentation by Viterra, council unanimously supported the discretionary use application. The company expects to start construction Saturday, April 15

Resident’s concerns

The only concern city hall received about the project was from Brent Lister with Lister Livestock Ltd. The businessman owns a gravel and topsoil near the terminal and uses Britannia Road daily.

In his letter to council, Lister said he

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

was caught off-guard with the city’s recent land sale to Viterra several months ago since no one from city hall called him about it, nor was public notice given. His meeting with staff from planning and development was also uninformative.

“This … development affects my daily business and I am very disappointed we were not informed or consulted with,” he wrote, adding 32nd Avenue — a road “nearly undrivable” — would be his only alternate route to reach Moose Jaw.

Viterra presentation

The grain terminal is more than 100 years old and is important to Viterra, while the amount of money the company is spending on this initiative will ensure the terminal lasts for decades, said Kevin Hallborg, director of special projects.

He has been with Viterra for 38 years and noted that a large trainload used to be 25 cars, then 50, and then 100, while this project envisions servicing 144 units totalling 8,500 feet in length. With the expansion, the company can move 14,500 tons of material versus 10,000 tons — a 40-per-cent increase.

“Without this change, you need more cars. And to get more cars in the industry, it just doesn’t happen,” said Hallborg.

Viterra has worked with city administration for two years on this project, which is complicated because the company must adapt its location and needs

continued. However, the company has developed a plan to address those issues and that works for everyone.

“The closing of Britannia Road is extremely important for this project. If the road closure cannot be accommodated, the upgrade will not happen,” Hallborg added.

Council comments

“We are all very excited about this expansion. How could we not be?” said Coun. Dawn Luhning. “It’s good for the city and good for citizens.”

Coun. Heather Eby thought this project was a “good news story” and thanked Viterra for ensuring the terminal’s longevity for another century. She noted that the company has undertaken this track expansion project elsewhere and made the transportation situation work.

“I’m very happy to see that Viterra wants to expand,” agreed Coun. Doug Blanc.

However, he pointed out that Lister expressed concerns with the project. The councillor wondered whether Viterra had spoken with him, considering the road closure would affect his business.

Viterra has reached out to Lister, but there has been no contact, said Hallborg. The business owner would have to drive an extra 1.5 kilometres a day to reach Moose Jaw when Britannia Road is closed.

Replacement of this year’s cast iron and feeder mains to cost

City hall plans to spend nearly $10 million this year as part of its continued replacement of the municipality’s aging cast iron water mains and outdated feeder mains. Below are some highlights of each program.

Cast iron project highlights

Highlights from this year’s cast iron replacement program include: Project cost is pegged at $5,040,601

· Total replacement is 1.7 kilometres from Skipton Road to Five Avenue Southwest; Skipton Road from Grand-

nearly $10M

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

view Street West to Coteau Street West; Scott Street from Grandview Street West to Coteau Street West

· Site 2 location includes Fairford Street West from Five Avenue Northwest to Eight Avenue Northwesttory that homeowners will fully pay to replace private service connections to homes, with that money going to support the water utility.

Private services have represented an increasing percentage of total project costs, jumping to 20.13 per cent last

directors to water treatment plant board

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

City manager Jim Puffalt will use Moose to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation’s board of directors during its upcoming membership meeting.

City council voted unanimously during its March 27 regular meeting to authorize the city manager to exercise the municipality’s voting rights to nominate the individuals for a three-year term ending in 2026. Those individuals include Daryl Posehn, Ben Boots, Patricia Warsaba, Patricia Wilson and Jessica Theriault.

The cities of Regina and Moose Jaw are the voting membership holders of the corporation and, under a joint agreement, must exercise their voting rights at a membership meeting to appoint board members whom the governance and nominating committee have recommended, a council report explained.

The board revised its appointment process in 2021 by having a third party advise the cities and committee on the suitability of current board members and

potentially recommend certain individuals for reappointment, the report continued. The organization made further changes to the recruitment process to streamline reappointments by including an internal evaluation component.

The corporation’s board wanted to increase its membership by one or two members this year to enhance diversity and assist with succession planning as long-term members’ appointments began to expire, said the report.

The board has recommended two new members — Wilson and Theriault — which increases the group’s size to nine members from seven. Meanwhile, it supports the reappointment of Posehn, Boots and Warsaba.

With these appointments, the terms of Wilson, Theriault, Boots, Posehn and Warsaba expire in 2026, the terms of Judy May and Dale Schoffer expire in 2025 and the terms for Dave Richards and Grant Ring expire in 2024.

Feeder main project highlights

Highlights from this year’s feeder main replacement program include: The project cost is estimated at $4,765,500

· Total replacement is 1.35 kilometres

· The 16th Avenue feeder main will be completed in two phases and will include upgrades to storm and sanitary infrastructure and remediation and replacement of sidewalks and roadways

· Phase 1 will be from Grace Street south to Stadacona Street, while phase 2 will be from Grace Street north to 13th Avenue

· A 75-metre-long section in a threemetre-wide pedestrian walkway easement along Rorison Avenue will be replaced

· A 175-metre-long section in a six-metre-wide back alley right-of-way along 16th Avenue will be replaced

· A 160-metre-long section in the Caribou Heights Park/Elks Fields will be replaced

MJMAG can elect its own members during AGM without city input, council says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Similar to previous years, city hall will not use its membership interest to elect any members to the museum and art gallery’s board during the organization’s March 30 annual meeting.

March 27 regular meeting that the City of Moose Jaw would not nominate or elect anyone to the Moose Jaw Museum and Arting year.

Municipalities have the authority to incorporate companies for several purposes, including the operation of cultural venues like art galleries and museums, a council report explained. Council incorbylaw, which established the organization and its funding structure.

Once it established the corporation, the city signed an agreement with the the parties’ roles, responsibilities and reincluded provisions about how the corpo-

ration’s membership and directors can be selected.

the discretionary authority to appoint a majority of the board of directors of the corporation,” the report said.

be elected from within the corporation’s council member may be appointed to sit on the board; Coun. Doug Blanc is the current council representative.

city wishes to have a voting rep at the annual general meeting — to cast votes for board candidates — that representative cannot be the board’s council member.

“Previous councils have declinedjority of the board of directors,” the report added. “Apart from city council’s representative on the board, the members of the corporation have been allowed to select their own board of directors at the annual general meeting.”

New South Hill church welcomes residents to renovated venue with chili supper

Living Springs Church on South Hill held an open house recently to welcome residents to its newly renovated location and remind people that joining a caring community can help conquer loneliness.

More than 50 people attended the get-together at 303 Coteau Street West on March 30, which featured a chili supper, a short video promoting the Alpha course — an introduction to Christianity — and the lead pastor talking about his back-story, the importance of connection and how

This supper was the organization’sment/hall.

The church took possession of the building last November and began renovations, including painting the walls and lighting. The church then opened its doors on Feb. 12 and began holding services.

Before this location, Living Springs Church had met at Mosaic Place — now

the Events Centre/Multiplex — for more than a year.

Pastor Rob Reimer — who played for the WHL Warriors from 1987-88 to 199091 and was captain in his last year — told the Express that hosting the event was “a real treat.”

“I really believe the Bible teaches very clearly (that) God loves everybody equally, whether they believe in Him or not,” he said. “And so for people just to come and feel this is an opportunity for them to come and have a meal and share some fellowship, it’s wonderful.”

While socializing, Reimer — who has been a pastor for nearly 20 years — met some people he hadn’t seen in many years and interacted with someone who saw him play nearly 40 years ago. He also became which he enjoyed.

It’s important to speak and journey with people because many feel isolated and need opportunities to attend these

types of events, chat with others and leave their comfort zones, Reimer said.

“As a pastor, I talk a lot with people just one on one. And you hear and see what people are going through when they feel safe enough to share with you,” he continued. “A lot of times, even on the outside, people look like they’re doing OK … (but) inside, a lot of people really feel alone. It doesn’t need to be that way.

“So I’m really glad that tonight, the people that were here know the doors are open,” Reimer added. “So I think tonight was a real success if that’s all that happens, that people know they’re cared about in an increased way.”

Having church at Mosaic Place was a good experience because it’s a great venue — “The folks at Mosaic were amazing”

— but there are activities and events that a church can do more economically in its own location, said Reimer.

For example, Living Springs intends to run a grief-share program for the community because, the pastor pointed out, many people are mourning dead loved ones and don’t know how to grieve properly.

The Coteau Street West location is great since it has allowed the congregation to meet nearby residents, some of whom attended the open house, said Reimer. Moreover, coming from a farm near Swift Current, he appreciates South Hill’s treelined streets.

The group jumped at the chance to purchase the building — a former Anglican church for nearly six decades — since it was inexpensive, he added. City hall was also helpful in rezoning the building to a house of worship since it had been a business for the last few years.

Visit www.livingsprings.life for more information.

Pro-life group’s spring banquet to feature internationally recognized speaker

Moose Jaw Right to Life’s spring banquet is near and will feature the founder of Together For Life Ministries, an agency that offers hope and healing to people affected by abortion and pregnancy loss.

The pro-life group’s annual supper is set for Friday, April 21, at Church of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church at 566 Vaughan Street, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and dinner — provided by Charlotte’s Catering — at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a table of eight. To purchase, call Colleen at 306-631-7495 or send an e-transfer to mjrtl@sasktel.net and ensure that “banquet ticket” is included in the message section.

This event is considered PG-13 and not recommended for children below high school age.

The theme for this year is “A Mess to a Message,” and the speaker is Denise Mountenay, the founder of Together For Life Ministries based in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

Mountenay has shared her Mess to a Message testimony of rape, teen pregnancy and abortion more than 500 times over 30 years in universities, high schools, churches, conferences and prisons, and on TV and radio shows.

Mountenay is the United Nafor NGO Endeavour Forum Inc., while she has led many teams to the UN for 16 years, hosted workshops and spoken to UN am-

bassadors.

She also has given inspirational talks all over the world.

Mountenay is also the founder/president of Canada Silent No More, a regmen and women affected by abortion and pregnancy loss. She brings education and awareness to the forefront on an issue some consider prevalent to this generation.

She also teaches fetal development and the humanity of children in utero.

Mountenay uses the latest research on the damage abortion causes to women, such as breast cancer, cervical damage resulting in subsequent pre-term births, infertility, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicides.

Marilyn Schuck, the president of the Archdiocese of Regina’s Catholic Women’s League, commended Mountenay for a speech she gave during the group’s annual convention in Weyburn in 2019.

“Denise gave an excellent presentation at our convention (that) year. Her own story about abortion is compelling,” Schuck said.

Mountenay showed the group the trailer for the documentary “Hush,” which reports on the breast cancer link to abortion, the link of abortion to premature births in later pregnancies and the link between depression and mental illnesses after abortions, Schuck continued.

Mountenay also discussed her international work bringing the pro-life message to the United Nations and many conferences, where she has witnessed to the “gospel of life.”

“Denise is an articulate speaker with a very important message for Catholic women, men, children and families,” the CWL president added. “I enthusiastically support her message.”

Dr. David D’Souza, a physician who deals with chronic pain and palliative care in Toronto, complimented Mountenay for speaking to his medical students at the University of Ottawa on abortion and post-abortion healing.

“Her presentation was articular, thoughtful and deeply moving,” he said. “Many medical students were touched by her personal story and reconsidered their position on the abortion issue.”

D’Souza added that he was privileged that her advocacy for women and the preborn has saved many lives.

Visit https://togetherforlife.net/ for more information.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Pastor Rob Reimer speaks during the chili supper. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A crowd of over 50 attended the church’s open house. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

An old rugged cross hangs at the front of the renovated sanctuary. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Right to Life is a pro-life group located at First Baptist Church on Main Street North. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Shelstad & Harland Lugt of Moose Jaw

Fleur Fashion Show sells out in two days, raises $10k for Transition House

The Fleur Fashion Show sold out 140 tickets in less than 48 hours, received generous support from numerous community businesses, lingered long into the evening, and raised $10,000 to support the mission of Moose Jaw Transition House.

With such an enthusiastic response from individuals and organizations, the question organizers keep hearing is, When is the next one?!

The show raised $5,000 initially through ticket sales, sponsorships, and one particularly large personal donation. Then, Moose Jaw-based transportation company Rockport Carrier Company matched the $5,000 to bring the total to $10,000.

“It was such a wonderful event. We are just blown away by the support we’ve received,” said Jenn Angus, executive director of Transition House. “The ladies from Bella Chic, Clothes Encounters, Cranberry Collective, Rowan Clothing, ShadesofJay, and Untamed Blooms are just amazing. They put their hearts and souls into making the fashion show a success.

“So many others contributed to the table was piled with donations, the drinks and snacks, the models, hair and makeup, photography, and of course the hilarious and talented Megan Nash as emcee! And then we were surprised by a matching donation from Rockport Carriers that just blew us away.”

The Fleur Fashion Show was held at Rowan Clothing and organized primarily by:

Heathir Coakwell — Rowan Clothing

Christine Keck — Cranberry Collective

Lee-Ann Allan — Untamed Blooms + Botanicals

Andrea Amiot — Clothes Encounters

Jaymin Stewart — ShadesofJay

Michelle Strawford — Bella Chic

“It was super fun. A beautiful chaos,” Jaymin Stewart commented. “We had 11 models, each store did 22 looks, so each

We had all the models go around to the different stores the previous week, and

based on their size and what made them feel comfortable, that allowed to get a feel for what they might want to wear.

“And then we would just make the look that we as boutique owners would -

erywhere and it was a very quick pace, you only had maybe a minute behind the curnext look on and then we line up ready to go again. The models had so much fun.”

Further support was given to the event by Annie Kot Hair, Bomb Hair by Brooklyn, Pravda Studio + Spa, Hol ly-Would Rentals, Luby Bower Distillery, Melanie Pasolli Videography, Sam Tran Beauty & Wellness, Stacia Whelan Pho tography, Taste Patisserie by Katrina, and Your Mane Rae.

Local singer/songwriter Megan Nash provided her buoyant, humorous energy as the fashion show’s emcee.

“It was better than we anticipated,” said Christine Keck. “A group of boutique owners in town got together with the intention of creating an event to gather some women and raise money for the Transition House. It was a great group of people to work with, and everyone kind of had a dicommitted to making it happen.

ing an annual thing around this. No one is fully committed to that yet, I don’t think, but we are really happy with how it went

Keck and Stewart both commented on how completely positive the energy of the event was. Everyone was chatting and making friends, and guests lingered for hours afterwards — that’s how you know it went really well, Stewart said.

“As a result of this event, there is also an increased awareness in our community of who the Transition House is and what we do,” Angus added. “That is also so very important for us — so that if someone is living with abuse, they know there is a way out. If you need to leave, or just talk about what is going on, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 306-693-6511.”

Put away your putters for the evening and put on your dancing shoes!

There’s no better time to get into the mood for an evening to kick up your heels and dance to the great music of Run away Train.

The Lynbrook Golf Club is hosting this special evening at the Lynbrook club house; the Spring Fling will take place on April 29th. Cocktails at 7:00 p.m. with a Nacho Bar, and then Run away Train will have you dancing the nite away from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Get your friends together; come as a group or come as you are. Making new friends isn’t hard at the Lynbrook. As you probably already know, golfers have lot of stories to tell. Tickets are available at the Pro Shop for $30.00 per person. For more information call the Pro Shop at 306-692-2838 or Bev at 306-690-4240.

Moose Jaw-based transportation company Rockport Carrier Co. matched the fashion show donation to bring the total donated to Transition House to $10k. Pictured are Rockport representatives Cameron Irwin and Nadene MacAngus with Transition House director Jenn Angus (Stacia Whelan Photography/ Facebook)

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Fleur Fashion Show organizers with Transition House director Jenn Angus: (l-r) Jaymin Stewart, Kassidy Johnson from Bella Chic, Andrea Amiot, Jenn Angus, Christine Keck, Heathir Coakwell, and Lee-Ann Allan (Stacia Whelan Photography/Facebook)

Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Banquet once again an overwhelming success

Early estimates predict over $100,000 raised in one of most successful events to date

Randy

GEAR UP YOUR TEAM WITH

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sional, one of the best in the business; he

items.

Kinsmen’s many, many ventures.

Year in and year out, the Kinsmen Sportsself.

Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Members of the Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Banquet hold up placards showing the total raised in the 30 years of events.

Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Banquet chairman Cory Olafson offering greetings as Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf and Pat Tabler look on.

More than 500 people packed the Heritage Inn ballroom, the largest crowd for the Sports Celebrity Banquet yet.

Rod Black was once again the host for the Sports Celebrity Banquet and helped keep the crowd entertained all night.

The live auction was the most successful yet for the Kinsmen, bringing in well over $30,000 by itself.

The silent auction was also a huge hit, with many items pushing the $1,000plus range by the time the evening was complete.

for O’Leary.

we know he’s going to be there to make

Warriors goaltender Connor Ungar joins his teammates in celebrating after their win in Game 1.

Lynden Lakovic puts a shot on Lethbridge goaltender Bryan Thomson as Atley Calvert looks for the rebound.

Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk celebrates his goal late in the third period.

Warriors defenceman Lucas Brenton scored twice for the Warriors on Saturday night and leads the team with a pair of post-season goals.

Suspended Warriors return to ice in huge overtime win

Four players react to time away from team and return for biggest games of the season

Warriors have seen success with 16th pick in WHL Prospects Draft in the past

Hunt, Brayden Point among players who have been selected in the range of 16th overall in earlier drafts

When the Moose Jaw Warriors took the

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Daemon

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Connor Ungar watches a shot as Max Wanner looks to get the block during action from Game 1 against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Former Moose Jaw Warriors captain Daemon Hunt is an example of the quality of player available in the 16th overall pick in the WHL Prospects Draft.

Mateychuk named Warriors MVP during 2023 Yara Awards Night

For every Warriors home win, Yara donated $1,000 to Hunger in Moose Jaw. That total hit $22,000 this season, with proceeds going to fund lunches for 13 elementary schools in the city. Hunger in Moose

The Moose Jaw Warriors held their 2023 Yara Awards

Moose Jaw Express

Denton Mateychuk accepts the Moose Jaw Warriors Player of the Year award from team president Chad Taylor. Stephen Simon

The Warriors gather for a team photo at their bench with 20-year-olds Connor season.

The Conexus Credit Union Cody Smuk Unsung Hero Award is presented by Darla and Marty Smuk and Brandon Carter from Conexus to Atley Calvert.

Jackson Unger receives the Vanier Collegiate Scholastic Achievement Award from team academic counsellor Leanne Mieli.

Brayden Yager accepts the Moose Jaw Co-Op Humanitarian Award from Geoff Anderson.

The Safeway Top Defenceman Award is presented by Pat Litzenberger to team captain Denton Mateychuk.

Kevin Gibbs presents the Yara Belle Blaine Fan’s Choice Award to Atley Calvert.

Defenceman Cosmo Wilson accepts the JGL Rookie of the Year Award from Chris Olfert.

Jagger Firkus accepts the Tim Horton’s Top Scorer Award from Kathy Howe.

The C&E Mechanical Most Sportsmanlike Player Award is presented by Chris Prebushweski to Brayden Yager.

Warriors forward Jagger Firkus accumulated the most three-stars points through the season and is presented the Emerald Custom Creations Three-Stars Award by Duane and Kiana Hrechka.

The Andy’s Transmission and Automotive Most Improved Player Award is presented to Matthew Gallant by Larry Sentes.

Warriors Lynden Lakovic, Cosmo Wilson, Ben Riche, Harper Lolacher and Ethan Hughes are presented with the Warriors’ Booster Club First Goal Awards by booster club president Randy Nesvold.

Jaw executive director Sharla Sept and Aaron Bourque from Yara Belle Plaine present the cheque to Atley Calvert.

motocross action

When

Moose Jaw High School Athletes of the Month for March

Submitted

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Contractors demolish historic 118-year-old Merchant Block building on River Street

One of the last historic structures on River Street West is no more after contractors demolished the crumbling century-old red-brick building that was once known as the Merchant Block.

Contractors tore down the 118-yearold building on March 27 and continued throughout the week to clean up the site and remove debris from the former building’s well-built basement.

Surrounding the open hole were piles of building materials, including sheet metal on one side and a voluminous number of bricks on the other. Meanwhile, an excavator sat on the pit’s south edge, removing the remaining pieces of wood, stone and concrete.

The property owners had erected a fence around the building within the last year because a large hole had appeared at the front entrance, making it a hazard to anyone walking past.

According to city hall, the cost of the demolition permit was $75, the property’s value is $75,000, the owner plans to recycle some of the materials, and any future property development is up to the owner.

As of April 3, contractors had cleaned up most of the site and were preparing to haul the material to the dump.

The structure had the address of 51nal building in that area that was constructed during Moose Jaw’s early history.

According to community historian Bruce Fairman, in late 1904, brothers William A. and Frank C. Doctor opened their new grocery store and farm implement business next to Simpson’s lumber yard. They were agents for Frost and Wood Grocers & Farm Implements at 15 River Street West, which was the pre-1914 address for this building.

Early in 1905, Simpson’s sold its implement department

to the Doctor brothers. Fairman believes the building in which Simpson’s Company operated that department had existed on that lot for several years — 1902, or possibly earlier — but the structure may have been wood and not brick.

In June 1905, the Doctor brothers determined it was necessary to construct a larger building for their growing business. Ellis & Son were awarded the contract; they constructed a new building that was 50 feet by 70 feet in size and placed it on lots 8 and 8A.

“There was some thought to making the building two (storeys) eventually, so the foundation was made strong enough to allow for that,” Fairman wrote. “The new brick building opened for business on Sept. 15, 1905.

They called it the Red Store.”

In 1921 the Red Store moved to the new McMillan building one lot to the west. It was there until 1924.

In May 1906, the Doctor brothers decided to add hardware and furnishings to their business, so they purchased the complete stock of the Porto Rico Lumber Co. The latter company had recently purchased the E. Simpson Lumber Co. and planned to concentrate on the lumber business.

Meanwhile, the brothers already had a train carload of hardware on the way from manufacturers in Eastern Canada, while they also added crockery to their overall business sales.

“Looking at the brickwork of the building … it is apparent that it has been expanded towards the (back) lane twice over its life to date,” Fairman added. “The

According to a timeline Fairman constructed, some business types that operated in the red brick building included general merchants, a bowling alley, a pool room, a warehouse, a jeweller, a tailor and cleaner, and an auto and transmission shop.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Demolition of the historic Merchant Block building.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A picture of the Merchant Building in 2015. Photo courtesy Bruce Fairman

Another view of the demolition of the historic Merchant Block building.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: jritchie@moosejawtoday. com

Minto United Church and Alliance Church 13-week Grief Recovery Support Groups in Moose Jaw – in person or online - using the GriefShare program which can be viewed at GriefShare.org. Leone Townend has been leading the Grief support ministry at Minto United for several years/Ralph Magnus recently moved to Moose Jaw and brings to the Alliance Church his experience of leading a Griefshare ministry from the Edmonton area. Anyone is welcome from any faith background as well as those who have no provides three opportunities for participants; 1. video teaching by pastors and counsellors, 2. a weekly group discussion and 3. individual workbooks withticipants to complete during between meetings. Anyone continuing to struggle with grief weeks, months or even years

participating in a GriefShare group. Please contact either or both for more information. Minto United Church Online groupLeone Townend, Co-ordinator @ 306-631-9044 or Moose Jaw Alliance Church (MJAC) In-person group meetings at MJAC- Ralph Magnus, GriefShare coordinator @ 780-456-6487 (cell). Meetings have already started and are 13-week groups, but new participants are welcome to join at any time until May 24th (last meeting).

Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters Next Meeting April 06 & 20/May 04 & 18 (last mtg until Sept) in the Masonic Temple at 1775 Main Street North. Membership Fee is $50 per year. For more information write Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild Inc., Box 484, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4P1 or email prairieheartsquilters@yahoo.ca

Town and Country Singles Dance on Saturday April 8, 2023 at Church of Our Lady Community Center 566 Vaughan St. W. from 7:30 to 11:00pm. Band is Leon Ochs. Come on out for an evening of fun!

Married couples are welcome! Cost is $15 per person. For more information call 306-6916634.

Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation Fundraising Dinner will be held on April 15 at the Heritage Inn, 1590 Main Street North. Cocktails: 5:30 pm Supper: 7:00 pm. Tickets- $50pp - Reserved Table of 8 - $450.00. For Tickets contact: Doreen @306-692-4148 or Sandra @306-692-8848. If you need more information, please call me at 306-692-8848.

The 16th biennial Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild Quilt Show will take place over two days at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Friday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s show is titled Sew Full of Whimsy. The Sew Full of Whimsy show will fea[1]ture around 250 brand-new quilt displays, demonstrations and workshops by experi[1]enced quilt, a Guild table, and several craft vendors, with concessions the Events Centre. Admission to the show is $25 for a two-day pass, or $15 per day. Tickets are available at the Moose Jawline at Sasktix.ca

Deb Barlow Trunk Show will be held at the Events Centre on Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m. She is a

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

judge and a juried member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council. The Trunk Show is not included in the Sew Full of Whimsy show passes and costs an additional $25 to attend.

South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association Annual Awards Night Banquet will be held at the Sportsman Center located at 276 Home St E on April 22.

Cost is $25/person, cocktails at 5:00pm and dinner at 6:00.

Contact Gregg for tickets 306631-6600.

Minto United Church Auction & Ham Supper will be held on Saturday, April 22nd in the upper auditorium at Minto United Church – 1036 7th Ave. NW

Doors open at 4pm; Supper at 5pm. Tickets – Adults $20pp/ Children 12 and under - $10. For tickets call Linda @306.694.1209 or tickets can be purchased 12:30pm-4:30pm.

SPRING FLING at the Lynbrook Golf Clubhouse on April 29th.

Everyone is welcome. Cocktails at 7:00pm. Nacho Bar (included). Music by Runaway Train 8:00 - 12:00pm. There will be a 50/50 draw. Tickets are available at the Pro Shop $30.00 per person. For more information call the Pro Shop 306-692-2838 or Bev 306-690-4240.

Lawn Bowls at Yara Centre for the winter. Lawn Bowling is an activity for everyone from age 5itive elements for the competitive athlete, yet is an inclusive activity for the strictly recreation players. It has been described as a cross between curling and billiards. Admission to Yara centre & no outdoor footwear are the only requirements. Join in Monday night@7:00, Tues am@9:30, Wed. & Thurs @1:30. For more info call or text 306 690 8739. Drop in EVERYONE WELCOME. www.moosejawlawnbowling. com

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw NarAnon Family Group) is a twelvestep program for relatives and else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting in Rm 103. You Are Not Alone! Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

Toastmasters clubs utilize communication skill components to create the smorgasbord potential to provide.

Big Country Toastmasters club meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. Regular training opportunities have resumed with in-person @ saskpolytech in addition to virtual experience. For more information textcers-3418@toastmastersclubs. org

TAP Toastmasters (TAP) meet every Tuesday at 7 pm. Email cathymorrell@gmail.com

Church of Our Lady Bingo tales place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:30pm at the Lindale School (north entrance). Call 306-6935705 for information.

Moose Jaw Camera ClubInterested photographers are welcome and invited to join and

Wanda - 306-693-

7440 or Len - 306-693-7685. themoosejawcameraclub.com

Line Dancing every Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

Moose Jaw Public Library, 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary. ca/

The MJPL will be closed on April 7, 9, and 10.

Moose Jaw Public Library adult programming in April Tech Time by appointment only, call 306-692-2787 to book a personalized one-on-one session with a tech wizard who can help clients learn how to use their devices and apps.

Prisoner of Tehran Book ClubPrisoner of Tehran (2007) is the story of Marina Nehmat, who was imprisoned, tortured, and almost executed following the Islamic Revolution in the early eighties. Nehmat escaped to Canada and now works to bring attention to the violence against women still endemic in Iran. To be held in the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre North Studio on Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m.

Magic the Gathering - All experience levels welcome, come and learn how to play one of the most popular and intricate deck-building games of all time on Saturdays, April 8 and 22 from 2 to 5 p.m.

MJPL Book Club: Jameela Green Ruins Everything by Zarqa Nawaz - Jameela Green Ruins Everything (2022) is a black comedy about the price of success, and a biting look at the negative results of American foreign policy in the Middle East. On Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.

MJPL Movie Club: Loving Vincent (2017) - Directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman,bled from 65,000 paintings made in Vincent Van Gogh’s visualry of the aftermath of the great artist’s death. On Monday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the MJPL Theatre. Moose Jaw Public Library youth programming in April New Adult Digital D&D every Friday, online, from 4 to 6 p.m., for ages 15 to 22. Register by emailing youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

Teen D&D on Thursdays in the MJPL Archives, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for ages 12 to 16. Register by email at youth@ moosejawlibrary.ca.

Teen Maker Space on Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19. Participants will learn to make wobble bots. Snacks provided.

Teen Anime Club – By the Grace of the Gods (2020) on Saturday, April 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the MJPL theatre, for ages 13 to 19.

Teen Gamers – Games Night on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19. Featuring card games, board games, and video games in various formats. No registration required, snacks provided.

Teen Writers Circle on Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19.

Movie Matinee – Strange World (2022) on Saturday, April 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the MJPL theatre, all ages welcome. Strange World stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, and Jaboukie YoungWhite as members of the legendary Clade family of explorers attempting to navigate an uncharted new land.

Teen “I Made This” Art Program on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19. This month’s project is scratch art — snacks provided.

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw.

Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events.

Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge. Play starts at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regular games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games are cash prizes. Please invite your friends for a fun night out.

Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required.

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $2 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688. -

ery Friday at 7:00pm.

Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Saturday. To see the total check out Facebook page on Wednesday and Fridays for the upcoming Saturdays numbers.

For current listing of events online visit: Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59- Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@ shaw.ca

The centre is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking

Track open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday’s 8am4pm

Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.

– 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day.

Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards open daily from 8 a.m.

– 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 10 a.m.

- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m.

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday @ 6pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Mondays & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1

p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

New – Full Body Work Out Monday at 9:30am and Wednesday at 9:30 am

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

New – Spades Tuesday and Friday at 1pm Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Table Tennis – Monday Afternoon 1pm

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm

Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jam and dancing (New Name Change) – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

Old Fashion Country Music

Fundraiser - $8 entry fee. Sunday April 23 at 1:30pm Tickets at front desk.

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel.net.

Check them out on Facebook. Weekly Activities for March

Monday: 9:30 Pickleball/1:00

Club – only on the 1st Monday of each month

Tuesday: 9:30 Jam Session/1:00 Pickleball/7:00 Friendship Bridge/7:00 Beginners Only – Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30 TOPS/9:30 Pickleball/1:00 PONYTAIL Ca7:00 Lessons Only for Pickleball

Thursday: 10:00 Line Dance/1:00 Pickleball

Friday: 10:00 Beginner Pickleball/1:00 Regular Pickleball

April 5,12,19,26 Soup and Sandwich Lunch from 11am-12:30. Cost $10pp includes soup, Dessert.

April 15 – Social Dance with band Dennis Ficor; starts 7:30 p.m. Cost $15pp includes lunch. April 29 – Craft and Trade Fair 9am-3pm. Free Admission. Lots of vendors – come and see.

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@ sasktel.net

Thursday at 1:30 pm Crib

Friday Evening Fun Pool and Darts at 7pm

Saturday At 4:30 pm is our Meat Draw, 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun! Saturday meat draw @ 4:30pm50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For More Information on anything Happening at the ANAVETS #252 Call or Text 306-681-5998 or 306-692-4412 email anaf252@ sasktel.net

Everyone Including Non- Members are Welcome to all our events!!

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EA-

GLES #3395

MONDAY EVENINGS: (to April, 2023): Drop in Cribbage – registration 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm –play starts at 7:00 pm. $2.00 per person – two person teams. Bring a partner or spare. Prizes depend on number of persons registered. Everyone Welcome. WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: (to April 2023) - Drop in Darts –play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone Welcome

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY –DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY –Aerie meeting – 11:30 am

APRIL 14 & 15, 2023 – Live Band – Original Covers – playing in the lounge at 8:00 pm Come out and enjoy the music and dance. APRIL 21 & 22, 2023 – Live Band – Brandon & Company – playing in the lounge at 8:00 pm Friday – Jam on Saturday at 4:pm to 6:00 pm – then again at 8:00 pm. Come out and enjoy some really great music and dance your

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989. You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to Club talks at: https://wdm.ca/

FLU & VACCINE CLINICS AT

Location: Moose Jaw Family Wellness Centre, 1000B Albert St. East, Moose Jaw, SK. Contact Phone: 1-833-727-5829.

by John Dowson, Newmarket, Ontario; submitted by Richard Dowson

Luke was owned by Mrs. Latimer who lived in [Toronto] on Bayview Ave at Finch Ave. Her husband and her were had been Missionaries in China and managed to escape the Chinese civil war which was from 1945 to 1949. Luke was a Boxer dog they had purchased in China and brought with them to Canada.

RE: OPEN LETTER TO PREMIER SCOTT MOE AND CITY OF MOOSE JAW

Dear Premier,

change spaces in Saskatoon.

This was copied from the Saskatoon.ca Leisure Centres PDF:

Yes, the City of Saskatoon has a gender inclusive policy that aligns with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

When I met Mrs. Latimer her husband had died and she was living in retirement and kept bees. I delivered the Globe and Mail and Mrs. Latimer was my last customer, at the end of the route. She asked me if I had a dog and I told her about Judy who attacked everyone and had to be put down and that I had kept one of her pups, Butch, a large brown dog. Butch was killed by a car when he ran across the street to greet me. Well she said boys should have a dog and she gave Luke to me to keep. I was, I guess 13 at the time.

Luke came home with me and every morning I up at 6 am, go to the corner of Parkview Ave and Yonge street and collect a bundle of papers that werepers up to our house where I would have breakfast

Patrons can choose the change room or washroom that aligns with their gender identity. Gender identity is a protected right under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.Feb 16, 2023

GENDER INCLUSIVE CHANGE ROOM / WASHROOM FAQ

This is absolutely unacceptable. It creates unsafe and psychologically harmful spaces for women and girls in a very vulnerable space.

I call upon you, Scott Moe to amend the Human

house with Luke and the folded papers. Luke walked sideways alongside my bike all the way to Mrs. La-

When I got older, I handed my paper route and my bike to my Brother Richard and he and Luke would deliver the Globe and Mail every morning. Luke would be up and ready to go every morning at by himself and follow the paper route and come back for breakfast.

Luke lived for 17 years and he was never forgotten by all my friends and the family. A friend, Al Hepburn called him “Luke the drifter”.

My Dad took care of Luke on his last night. In the morning he took Luke over near King City and buried him near a barn on an abandoned farm.

Rights Code to specify the separation of personal facilities - those who wish to identify as other than their biological sex from those who remain in their birth sex assignation.

I ask that all who agree with this standpoint make a copy of this letter and forward it to Premier Moe. We know he wants to do the right thing.

Sincerely,

Ave Justason

Moose Jaw Music Festival wraps up with Sunday awards concert

• piano

• woodwind

• percussion

• multicultural

scholarships and for a place at the

THE DOWSON FAMILY DOG, LUKE THE DRIFTER

Performers at the Major Scholarships Awards competition (Moose Jaw Music Festival/Facebook)

(Moose Jaw Music Festival/Facebook)

Adjudicator Judith Oatway, a professional opera soprana, offers feedback to Alora De Jager (Moose Jaw Music Festival/Facebook)

workroom 44. Coercion 46. Enclosed 47. Ardent 48. Settle down for the night 49. Dings 50. Ammunition 51. Train track 53. Being 57. Stitch

Sudoku

2 4 6 9 3 8 7 4 2 7 3 8 8 6 9 5 8 3 8 4 4 9 ALLUDE, ANGLE, BOUNCE, CABIN, CAREEN, CATCH CHEST, COURTESY, CROSS, DEFENSE, DEPEND EFFORT, FAST, FINANCIAL, FLOCK, FUTURE, HEAR HUMAN, JERSEY, KNOWN, LOOSE, NATURE, OBLIGATION OPPOSITE, ORDER, QUIVER, REDEEM, SCOPE SMACK, STEAK, STOCK, SUDS, TAUGHT, TRANSACTION, WARS

Kn ledge speaks, but wisd listens. -- Jimi Hendr --

AUTOS

For Sale- 2014 load trailer 7 x 16 dump box- tri axle. 10,000 lb capacity, low klm.1979 bluebird school bus

IHC. 446 engine 5 speed trans (no seats), runs on propane tires are all good 900x20”. Heavy duty snowmobile sleigh all metal construction (good shape). 1942-43 N2

Ford tractor restored lots of new parts, good tires changed over from 6 to 112 volt factory hitch.1982 450 Honda motorcycle has only 1006 original miles been in storage for over 40 years, new battery- runs great. Call 306-513-8586

For Sale or Trade 2015

Cadillac Platinum, Senior driven. Has approximately 40,000 miles, excellent shape. Looking for a SUV. Call 306-690-6002

FOR SALE- 1998- 6.5

Chevy Diesel Half-Ton Truck. Good Rubber, Fair Condition, High Mileage. 4-Wheel Drive. Call 1-306-5702714 between 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. and let it ring until answered.

FARMS, SUPPLIES & LIVESTOCK

For Sale - WD5 Ellis Chamber Tractor. Perfect shape asking $4500.00 or OBO. Call 306-690-9433 or 306-990-0808

AUTO PARTS

For Sale; 2019 Dodge Ram Low Rider, Black. Asking $350. 306690-9433

Good condition tires-Nitto Trail Grappler, 6/32 tread, 285/75/16 mounted on Dodge Ram 1500 rims. $400 OBO, Call 306-631-9853

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Tools for sale- floor drill press $100.00, 10” radial saw $50.00,120v wire welder $50.00, 3”

sears planer $20.00, counter top edger $10.00, socket set

$10.00, floor jack

$15.00, 2 hydraulic jacks $5.00 each, kitchen aid stand mixer with food grinder attached $150.00, many hand tools, saws, etc. Call to see if I have what you need.

George 306-693-7935

Tools for sale- craftsman scroller saw $25., 4 1/2” palm sander

$20., craftsman 40cc chainsaw 16” + case

$75.,4 1/2’ RYOBI orbit

sander $30., craftsman 1/4 sht pad sander $25., dewalt RCIP saw & case $60., 10” electric pole saw $35., 10” car polisher $8., 4” angle grinder $10., laser pro level & case $40. Call George 306693-7935

FOR RENT

For Rent- 1 bedroom

suite, close to downtown, partly furnished. Available April 1st. Call Bob 306-692-0000

MISCELLANEOUS

For Sale: 6 drawer dresser with mirror 40.00, Desk/ secretary with drawers 40.00, Metal 5 drawer o ce desk 40.00, Metal 5 ft. utility table 20.00, Corner computer desk with tray 100.00,White colored 4 shelf storage cabinet 25.00, 4 drawer wooden filing cabinet 25.00, Near new futon 175.00, Tan fabric recliner 175.00, Reebok deluxe tread mill 175.00,Heavy duty air compressor 40.00, Shop tool cabinet : 36x36x28

“ 40.00, Shop tool cabinet : 46x42x24

“ 40.00, Work bench : 44x33x30 “, Heavy duty insulated men’s skidoo suit – barely used 75.00, Men’s bicycle 20.00, Call (306) 631-0084

swivel base $62.99 new sale used $30.00. Router, case, table & stand all $50.00. Framed petite point 6 pieces $50.00 for all. 2 rifle cases $5.00. Krupp’s electric meat slicer $ 10.00. I crate for large dogs $50.00. Corner curio cabinet, 4 glass shelves & light oak wood $500.00.All priced OBO, moving must sell. Call George 306- 693- 7935 Junk to the dump in & around Moose Jaw $50. & up. Will pickup, move haul & deliver appliances & furniture in & around Moose Jaw $45. & up. Will pick up move, haul & deliver TV’s & BBQ’s in & around Moose Jaw $25. & up. For Sale 45 gallon plastic barrels great for rain water $20. Each. Looking for vintage Christmas bubble lights (must work), Canadian Tire money (paying up to face value), factory tail lights for 2017 Ford F250. Call 306-6818749

and hard shell carrying case. $40. Singer

Quick Fix sewing machine. Like new. $500 *Black and Decker metal 5 drawer tool chest with assortment of tools. Please phone 306-624-0915. Home all day.

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Chesterfield and matching chair, glasstop co ee and end tables. Asking $300 for full set. 306-990-0808

roofing/ siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience.

HELP WANTED

Seeking Born - Again Christian Business partner with potential ownership in Second Hand and Flea-Market business. Male, Female or Family must be interested in Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Outreach Ministry. Serious enquiries only please. 306-684-1084, 5 pm8pm ONLY (because of scam calls)

For Sale Shoprider Scooter : Approx. 5 years old. One previous owner. New batteries 3 years ago. Durable and reliable. Asking $1200 but will consider all reasonable o ers. Contact Lynne at 306-6309698.

4 cemetery plots in Garden of Devotion at Sunset Cemetery 9th Ave. SW. Moose Jaw Sask. For more information, call or text John at 306-537-7759. For Sale- 4 ton electric log splitter $349.99 new sale used $149.00. Bossons heads 6 each in good condition $50.00 for all. 5” vice with locking

For Sale- 1- 500 galvanized water tank.8 tractor rear 18.4 x 30” tires some new, some used, some on rims.5 snap on large wrenches box ends sizes vary from 15/16 to 1 5/8 also open end 11/4- 1 3/8.4 filing cabinets

4 drawer heavy duty older style. 2 saddles

1 western roping 1 English equestrian jumping saddle. 1 cylinder head and valve grinding machine (snap on) complete with all tooling for cat, Cummins and all large and small engines. Semi truck and trailer 5th wheel inspection gauge. Call 306-513-8586

Retired couple moving. Must sell. B&D 18V power drill with bits, 2 batteries bits and carrying case. $75. Black & Decker finishing sander “7404-04 $25.

B&D 14 Amp Power Saw with 2 batteries

Huge Household Sale; everything must go! Get unique items such as beds, couches, dishes, stereo systems, clothing and much more! Make your best cash o er (cash only) and delight in the various household treasures that need a new home. You don’t want to miss this amazing home sale available for a limited time till May 1st. For more information contact Bev at sangster. bev@gmail.com or call 306-692-3104

SERVICES

Need work done?

Contact Bill at 306630-2268. Interior/ exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction,

/

BODE, VICKI

Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Victoria

“Vicki” Marcele Bode

(née: Ingram) passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26th, 2023 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK.

Vicki was born September 3rd, 1940 in Weyburn, SK to James and Margaret Ingram. She and her younger sister, Louise, grew up in Weyburn, SK and as a young adult, Vicki’s love of travel began with a move to Hawaii for a year. She was drawn back to the prairies and worked at the Canada Agriculture Research Centre in Swift Current, SK. She met Frank in Swift Current, and they were married in Weyburn. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this December. They lived in Regina, SK and Winnipeg, MB before settling in Moose Jaw, where they purchased the John Deere dealership, Atkinson Equipment, which became Nelson-Bode Implts Ltd, Bode Implements Ltd, and now South Country Equipment Ltd. Frank and Vicki built the foundation for the family business that exists today.

There were many family vacations to Hawaii over the years. In the winter of 1991, Frank and Vicki started traveling to Palm Springs, where they would continue to enjoy the warm winters until 2020. Vicki enjoyed lunch on the patio watching the golfers go by and loved spending the weekends shopping and taking in the sights at the Palm Springs swap meet.

They travelled to Asia and Europe over the years. Vicki was an avid royal-watcher; their most memorable trip was to the UK and France in 2014 for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Back at home, Vicki served her community through the Lioness Club and her Church. She had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed socializing over tea while playing cards. Tuesday nights have been reserved for traveling supper club, a night off from cooking. She took an interest in interior design, and their home has always been warm and welcoming to friends and family.

She was predeceased by her parents, James and Margaret Ingram, and infant grandson. Left to remember Vicki with love is her husband, Frank; sons, Cam (Ceddie) and Chris (Cari); grandchildren, Alyssa and Kevin; step-grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren Markewich; sister, Louise Ingram and her son, Darren (Tracy) and their children, James and Ryan; and sister-in-law, Anne Bode.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital, and St. Aidan’s Rev. Dr. Dean Pinter and Rev. Deacon Arleen Champion for their care and support.

The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aidan Anglican Church, 124 1st Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK. Interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Vicki’s name may be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, 2110-439 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8 https://crohnsandcolitis. ca/. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome. com

MAIER, MABEL (MARIA)

HOLNESS, HELEN (née: Sykora)

March 13th, 1926March 28th, 2023

The Lord took the hand of Mabel (Maria) Maier on March 24, 2023 and led her to heaven’s gate. Mabel was predeceased by her husband Waldemar Maier; parents John and Genova Ursu; siblings and in-laws Nick (Mary) Ursu, Rudy (Flossie) Ursu, Minnie (John) Druszcz, Lenora (Robert) Woods, Virginia (Johnny) Brandt, John (Violet) Ursu, Anna (Tony) Massini, Rosetta (Danny) Ursu, and Jeanette (Allen) Weiss. Mabel leaves to cherish her memory her brother Joseph (Shirlie) Ursu; children Karen (Lyle) Hanley, Linda (Edward) Kautzman and Gordon Maier; grandchildren Jason (Sherri-Ann Hanley), Trevor (Richelle) Hanley, Colleen (Scott) Swain, Michael (Centaine) Kautzman, Cheryl (Fraser) Sakowski and Matthew (Savanagh) Kautzman; great-grandchildren: Taryn, Colton, Grayson, Emma and Corbin Hanley; Maksim, Wyatt and Reille Swain; Lincoln, Linnea and Nikolas Sakowski.

Mabel (Maria) was born July 11, 1932 in Kayville district. In 1951 Mabel married Waldemar Maier and they farmed east of Regina and then later moved to Pense and farmed there for many years. After Waldemar’s death Mabel moved to Moose Jaw and resided there until her passing. Thank you to Marcie Nursing Home for their exceptional care of mother. A private funeral will be held. In lieu holytrinitymoosejaw@gmail.com. Family and friends are invited to leave tributes at www.reginafuneralhome. ca. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 789-8850.

2SLGBTQ SUICIDE HELP

Wigmore Hospital Mental Health & Addiction Services

Mon-Fri, 8-5 (except stat holidays): 306-691-6464

MJ Police and Crisis Team (PACT): 306-694-7603 or 911 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566

Text: 45645 or Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca

Regina Crisis Line: 1-306-757-0127

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Text: CONNECT at 686868

First Nations & Inuit Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

OUTSaskatoon Helpline: 1-800-358-1833

Trans LifeLine: 877-330-6366

The 2SLGBTQ community faces higher rates of suicide caused by discrimination and isolation. But you are not alone. Help is a phone call away.

Helen Holness aged 97 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at her home in Chateau St Michael, where she has resided for the last 8 years.

Helen was born to Czech immigrant parents Adolph and Josephine Sykora in the Hay Meadow District in Saskatchewan, Section 9 Township 5 Range 5 West of 3rd. She learned how to speak English when she started school. As a young woman, she left her farm home and joined the Army. She was predeceased by her husband, Ben; son, Wayne; sons-in-law, Ralph Petroschuk and Bill Seida; and all of her siblings and in-laws – the last of her generation in both families. Helen is survived by her daughters, Linda Seida and Loraine Petroschuk; daughter-in-law, Glenna Holness; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Helen’s wishes, a Private Family Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

In Loving Memory

LAURIE (L.J.) AZURE

born in Winnipeg August 27, 1976, passed away April 2, 2022. L.J. will always be loved and remembered by his children, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his many, many friends.

“Forget me not when I am gone In hearts and prayers I will live on Be strong, be brave and dry your tears Remember all our happy years.”

BELLOWS, LEE

Our family and the rodeo community sadly lost a legend with the passing of Lee Bellows on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Bellows and Gladys (Blenkiron) Bellows of Moose Jaw, SK. After an extended illness, Lee slipped away at home, surrounded by loved ones. Lee is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Teresa; children: Casey (Laurelle), Kristin (Dan) and Alvin (Nok); grandchildren: Bryce (Lindsay), Brayden, Jacob (Sarah), Emily, Nikola, and Bohden; sister, Joan; father-in-law, Bill (Norma); as well as extended family members: Marlie (Scott), Raymond and his daughter, Miranda (Ben). Though he is perhaps best known as a beloved rodeo clown and husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Before he met the love of his life, Teresa, he was a proud single parent at a time when single dads were few and far between. He spent his weekdays working as a livestock inspector for the Department of Agriculture, while cooking crockpot suppers, sewing badges on brownie uniforms, and driving back and forth between baseball and hockey practices.

On the weekends, Lee, a self declared “rodeo addict”, spent his time rodeoing every chance he got and his accomplishments and contributions to the rodeo community were immeasurable. This pursuit took him across Canada, performing from Vancouver Island to Ontario and pretty much everywhere in between, including the Calgary Stampede. Lee always noted that he performed there twice, which was a particular source of pride since being brought back a second time took him as far as Melbourne, Australia for a once in a lifetime performance on the other side of the world. When he wasn’t in the arena, he was promoting rodeo one way or another. He was an accomplished cowboy poet and he made TV appearances on Sesame Street, Makin’ 8, One in a Million, Mobile MD, and his cheeky poem on gun control was read in the House of Commons.

Lee never hesitated to lend a helping hand where one was needed. He was tireless in his dedication to his work on various committees, including the Moose Jaw Exhibition Board, volunteerism with the Burrowing Owls’ Habitat, Ducks Unlimited, and more recently his work as a founding member of the Moose Jaw Rodeo School. He was a gold card member with the MRCA and CCA and was recently awarded an honorary lifetime membership with the SAASE in recognition of his tremendous contributions and many years of service in Saskatchewan.

Lee made friends everywhere he went and his trademark rodeo van, (which was later replaced by a much more comfortable RV), was a welcoming signpost everywhere he and Teresa went. And when they weren’t travelling, their door was always open and ready to take in travelling cowboys (or rodeo queens) when they were passing through town and needed a place to lay their heads.

Following his retirement from the barrel in 2017, Lee still loved to travel to rodeos and connect with his rodeo family as much as possible. He and Teresa were able to spend more time with their Boston Terriers and visiting with friends both at home and those they made while wintering in Arizona.

Lee loved to connect with his friends every way he could, and his days were brightened immensely with all the messages, stories, phone calls and visits he received over the past months. Special thanks as well to the Palliative Home Care support team - Pat, Catherine, and the many others who helped us care for him at home throughout his journey. A Celebration of Lee’s Life will be held on Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Convention Center at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds.

in Lee’s name may be made to the FHHR Home Care Palliative Program c/o Crescent View Clinic, 131 – 1st Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0Y9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

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 this publication.

Sweet

It is almost time for the Easter bunny to arrive. I am looking forward to some bunny gummies and perhaps some chocolate covered ginger. The sweet sweets are sweet But I can’t wait to taste the sweet cream egg that will be placed in my Easter basket. That’s what I really crave.

As you can see, the word sweet can have several meanings. As an adjective with a cream egg, it can function in various ways. A cream egg has a very sugary taste. A cream egg is gratifying to those who like them. A cream egg is much loved by some people. All those descriptions of a cream egg can be implied by the word sweet

Sweet entered the English language as swete in Old English around the 12th century. Initially it described one of the taste sensations when eating something. The sensation of sweet is typically induced by sugars such as bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami. Sweet tastes are often the most pleasurable.

Sweet can also function as a verb. To be sweet on someone has been used since 1690. A person with an intense infatuation towards another can be labelled as sweet on the other, a pleasurable experience.

As a noun, sweet or sweets are food or candy that have a high sugar content. I do hope the Easter bunny stops at our house and brings sweetskets. That can cover a lot of different types of candies, chocolates, or food items.

It is as an adjective that sweet has its various uses. Just to remind us, adjectives modify or describe nouns and pronouns.

Sweet can mean pleasing to the mind or feelings,

agreeable or gratifying. A pleasant smell such as roses or perfume could be termed as sweet. By the late 18th century someone smelled sweet if they were perfumed or scented. A sweet aroma is fragrant and generally pleasing. The story of Noah and the Ark in the Biblical book of Genesis records, “Noah built an altar to the Lord . . . and when the Lord smelled the sweet aroma, the Lord said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of

Sweet could also describe the melodious and harmonious sounds of jazz music. In the early 20th century sweet jazz meant playing at a steady tempo without improvisation. The weather can be described as sweet if it is considered warm or mild. Sweet sixteen was recorded in 1767 to describe prettiness and innocence in a girl. In 1897 the phrase ‘sweet dreams’ was said to those going to sleep, in wishes of a pleasant experience.

In the 17th century, sweet was adopted by artists to describe delicate and soft brush strokes in painting. The sweet spot is used in sports terminology, especially golf and tennis, in reference to the prime location for the club or racket to hit the ball. My best shots in golf occur when I hit the sweet spot of the club. Sweet can mean skilful golfers most often have sweet swings whereas mine is not.

Sentimental trivialities whispered into a lover’s ear are called sweet nothings. Using the phrase ‘my sweetie’ is a term of love and endearment for another. Sweet butter is not salted. If the ground is free from excessive acidity, the soil is labelled as sweet Sweet crude oil is free from any excess of acid, sulphur, or corrosive salts. The Bakken Formation of Saskatchewan and North Dakota has sweet crude oil.

When it comes to eating the contents of my Easter basket of sweets, I like to take my sweet time and enjoy the sweet taste of the sweet treats that I am sweet on. Happy Easter!

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 words will be used.

Friday

7:30 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Toronto Blue Jays at Los Angeles Angels.

Tuesday

5:00 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays.

Wednesday 5:00 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays.

BASKETBALL

Tuesday

5:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Play-In Tournament: TBA.

Wednesday

5:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Play-In Tournament: TBA.

HOCKEY

Thursday

5:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights.

Saturday

5:00 p.m. CBKT NHL Hockey Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs. CTYS NHL Hockey Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators. NET NHL Hockey Nashville Predators at Winnipeg Jets.

6:00 p.m. WXYZ NHL Hockey New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins.

8:00 p.m. CBKT NET NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks.

Sunday

5:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers.

6:30 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks.

Monday

5:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey San Jose Sharks at Winnipeg Jets.

7:45 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Nashville Predators at Calgary Flames.

Tuesday 9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche.

Wednesday

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames.

f SOCCER

Saturday

8:30 p.m. TSN MLS Soccer Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

D WINTER SPORTS

Thursday

5:00 p.m. TSN 2023 World Men’s Curling Championship Canada vs Scotland.

Friday

5:00 p.m. TSN 2023 World Men’s Curling Championship Sweden vs Canada.

Saturday

5:00 p.m. TSN 2023 World Men’s Curling Championship Semifinal: Teams TBA.

“New Sensation” NCIS “Head Games” (N) NCIS: Hawai’i (N) Global News at 10 (N)

6 CKCK Big Bang Bob Heart Night Court Shelved (N) (:01) The Good Doctor (N) Big Bang etalk (N)

7 WEATH Nature Candid Candid Candid Candid Candid Candid Candid

8 WDIV (6:00) The Voice (N) To Be Announced News Tonight Show-J. Fallon Seth Meyers

9 CBKT Coronation Family Feud Murdoch Mysteries (N)

Cheers

35 TLC (6:00) My 600-Lb. Life My 600-Lb. Life “Larry’s Journey” My 600-Lb. Life

38 DISC (6:00) BattleBots (N) Lego Masters Australia BattleBots “Jaws and Claws”

41 COM Sheldon ’Til Death Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM “Robin Hood” ››› “Life With Father” (1947) William Powell. (:15) ››› “Jezebel”

47 AMC (6:00) ›››› “The Shawshank Redemption” ››› “Moneyball” (2011) Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill.

48 FSR Motorcycle Race Motorcycle Race Motorcycle Race Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 (6:55) ›› “Police Story 2” (1988) Jackie Chan. “Batman: The Dark Knight” Batman

56 CRV2 (6:55) “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” Drag Race Belgique “Jurassic

Perfect 3” (2017) Anna Kendrick. “Unexpected Grace” (2023, Drama) Erica Tremblay. 29 ENCAV2 (6:25) ››› “Contact” (1997) Jodie Foster. ››› “Curly Sue” (1991) Kelly Lynch This Movie 33 CMT Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek 35 TLC 90 Day: Other 90 Day Seeking Brother Husband 90 Day 90 Day: Other 38 DISC (6:00) Street Outlaws: Fastest in America (N) Homestead Rescue Homestead Rescue

41 COM Sheldon ’Til Death Wipeout Goldbergs Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM “They Won’t Forget” ›› “Storm Warning” (1951, Drama) Ginger Rogers. “Confess.-Nazi”

47 AMC (5:00) “Goodfellas” (1990) ››› “My Cousin Vinny” (1992) Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei. Goodfellas

48 FSR Greatest Races: NASCAR From June 22, 1996. NASCAR Truck Series Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 (:05) ›› “Marry Me” (2022) Jennifer Lopez. “Marry F... Kill” (2023) Maxine Denis Bring It On

56 CRV2 (:10) ›› “A Christmas Story Christmas” (2022) RuPaul’s Drag Race (N) (:10) ››› “Pig” (2021)

57 CRV3 Stay Doyle (:10) Friday Night Lights ››› “Oldboy” (2003) Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae.

58 HBO Black Art: In Bullies Music Box (Season Premiere) (N) Bill Maher: Adulting Walker

SATURDAY EVENING 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30

3 CBKFT En direct de l’univers Professeur T (N) Enquêtes à Morecambe Téléjournal Humanité

5 CFRE New Reality Border Family Law Border (:29) Saturday Night Live (N)

6 CKCK W5 “Chronicle Mysteries: The Deep End” (2019) A Cut Above (N)

7 WEATH Nature Candid Heading Out Candid Heading Out Candid Heading Out Candid

8 WDIV Weakest Link Saturday Night Live (N) News (:29) Saturday Night Live (N)

9 CBKT NHL Hockey NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks. (N)

11 WWJ 48 Hours 48 Hours SEAL Team “Other Lives” Magnum P.I.

12 WXYZ NHL Hockey New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins. (N) News The Rookie “A.C.H.” Nashville

13 CTYS NHL Hockey Food Food Hudson & Rex Paramedics: Paramedics:

19 TSN Men’s Curling MLS Pre. MLS Soccer: Timbers at Whitecaps SC

20 NET NHL Hockey NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks. (N)

25 EDACC Evolving Vegan (N) Highway Thru Hell Fear Thy Neighbor Fear Thy Neighbor

26 W “The Love Club: Tara” (2023) Camille Stopps. “The Professional Bridesmaid” (2023) Hunter King.

29 ENCAV2 (5:50) ››› “King Kong” (2005) Naomi Watts. ›››› “Million Dollar Baby” (2004) Hilary Swank

33 CMT Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek

35 TLC 1000-Lb. Sisters 1000-Lb. Sisters 1000-Lb. Sisters Say Yes to the Dress

38 DISC Naked and Afraid Naked and Afraid “Threesome” Naked and Afraid

41 COM Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM (6:00) “Casablanca” ››› “Destination Tokyo” (1943, War) Cary Grant, John Garfield. Objective

47 AMC (6:30) ›› “The Expendables 2” ›› “The Expendables 3” (2014, Action) Sylvester Stallone.

48 FSR NASCAR Truck Series ARCA Racing Series Bristol. NASCAR Truck Series

55 CRV1 (:15) “Monster Family 2” (2021) Jason Isaacs ››› “The Black Phone” (2021) Ethan Hawke.

56 CRV2 (6:20) “My

Sisters

38 DISC Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail (N) Homestead Rescue Homestead Rescue

41 COM Sheldon ’Til Death Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM (6:00) “Now, Voyager” (:15) ››› “Dark Victory” (1939) Bette Davis. “The Strawberry Blonde”

47 AMC (5:30) ›› “Jumanji” ››› “Beetlejuice” (1988, Comedy) Michael Keaton. Inter.-Vampire

48 FSR Motorcycle Race Motorcycle Race Motorcycle Race Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 (:05) ››› “Dream Horse” (2020) Toni Collette. ››› “The Black Phone” (2021) Ethan Hawke.

56 CRV2 (5:20) ››› “Dune” “Survive” (2022) Sophie Turner, Corey Hawkins. (9:55) ››› “Barbarian”

57 CRV3 In the Mood Doyle (:10) Friday Night Lights Billions “Naming Rights” Your Honor “Part Two”

58 HBO (:15) “Simple as Water” (2021, Documentary) The Last of Us “Long, Long Time” The Last WEDNESDAY EVENING

3 CBKFT Stat (N) L’épicerie Dans l’oeil du dragon Bonsoir bonsoir! (N) Le téléjournal (N)

5 CFRE Survivor (N) Big Brother Canada (N) Accused (N) Global News at 10 (N)

6 CKCK The Masked Singer (N) Sullivan’s Crossing True Lies (N) Big Bang etalk (N)

7 WEATH Nature Heading Out Heading Out Heading Out Heading Out Heading Out Heading Out Heading Out

8 WDIV Chicago Fire Chicago P.D. News Tonight Show-J. Fallon Seth Meyers

9 CBKT Coronation Family Feud Standing Standing Winnipeg Comedy Fest The National (N)

11 WWJ CSI:

MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

Driveway Legends to unleash ‘90s-nostalgic punk rock spirit at Chiller’s

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Driveway Legends, a punk rock band based out of Saskatoon, is taking a mini-tour of the province to promote their second album “Get It Together,” and will play a free show at Chiller’s Brew Pub in Moose Jaw on Thursday, April 6. Driveway Legends will perform alongside fellow Saskatchewan indie punk acts Me the Guts and Ripper and the Jesses. There’s no cover charge; the music starts at 9 p.m.

was released in 2021, with singles “The Days” and “Old Bones.”

They can be heard most places music appears, including Spotify and YouTube:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oy7R6uoiF3bXkQD0dsVrO?si=NkLBVnF1TGihrEHBmN589w

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drivewaylegends/

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC6yLgkqn_ JE6QHYn77ouB_Q

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=icbglnzg7dj2&utm_content=o2lnrmj

• Bandcamp: https://drivewaylegends.bandcamp.com

“I grew up in Moose Jaw playing punk rock bands,” explained Nic Swaok, the founder, lead vocalist, and chief lyricist of Driveway Legends. “I’m 41 years old now, so that puts me in high school in the late ‘90s, right? And that was kind of the heyday of that skateboard, punk rock, punk rock.

“It was kind of the rebellious thing to do, but also kind of in fashion at the same time, you know? And that’s where I started listening to punk rock, and I’ve never stopped. It’s the music I’ve always played and that I grew up listening to.”

Swaok said that growing up, he played at any Moose Jaw venue he could convince to book himself and his bandmates at the time, from the Scouts Hall to the Legion

er, did what you could to get an audience, put up posters on power poles.”

Now in his 40s, Swaok decided he’d “give the music thing another go” and put out a Kijiji ad for fellow musicians.

“I think my ad was like, ‘old guy wants to play punk rock’ or something like that,” he said. “It was a last-ditch attempt, because I had all this stage equipment and a PA system kicking around in my basement, and I thought I’m either gonna sell it all or use it.”

The resulting group is made up of Swaok, bassist and backing vocalist Jace Matlock, and drummer and backing vocalist Ryan Pegg, both from Saskatoon.

Swaok, Matlock, and Pegg hit it off and Driveway pandemic to shut down any possibility of playing shows, Swaok explained. They took the time as an opportunity to

They’re pretty happy to be on the road now, though, and have played shows across Saskatchewan and Alberta, alongside other indie rock bands like Alien to the Ignorant, Swayze, and Bring on the Storm.

Driveway Legends preserve their inspirations with the same fast tempos, heavy bass, and driving drum beats characteristic of genre icons like NoFX, Lagwagon, and Bad Religion. Their music is raw, aggressive, and still reof aging while staying determined to party, for example.

“For 40-year-olds to play as fast and as loud as we do? Yeah, I’d say we’re still rebellious,” Swaok laughed. putting the kids to bed and then going out to punk rock shows.”

Don’t miss Driveway Legends’ latest Moose Jaw April 6th at 9:00 p.m.

(Driveway Legends/ Facebook)

Driveway Legends mini-tour poster (Driveway Legends/Facebook)

(Driveway

Dance Carnival once again a hit for Dance Images by BJ

Hundreds of dancers from 11 studios took part in three-day event at Peacock auditorium, with handful of new twists helping enhance event

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Like any activity out there, the world of dance is always trying to improve and innovate, not only on stage but behind the scenes as well.

That idea was on full display during the 37th annual Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival during the Mar. 26 weekend, with the Dance Images by BJ event offering a handful of twists and tweaks designed to make things that much more educational and entertaining for everyone involved.

And with hundreds of dancers from 11 studios across Saskatchewan taking part in the three-day event, it was a week-

Friday morning.

“It was awesome, just a great weekend. It was so successful, a full three days of lots of great dancing,” said Barb Jackman with Dance Images. “There were a few hundred kids and families, so we’re really happy to see that kind of support not only for Carnival, but the city and all the

One of the biggest changes for Carnival 2023 was the addition of video adjudication. Dance Images enlisted the help of Protec Studios for the project, which saw judges able to give real-time critique of performances as they were happening.

“It’s such an asset for the kids to use immediately,” Jackman said. “By Monday, everyone had their adjudication, so kids could use them right away and grow with it. That all worked out awesome and the future.”

While the Dance Carnival is a full-on competition, with awards and cash prizes for the top performers, there’s also a focus on just having fun and enjoying the expe-

rience.

That’s where the Spirit Awards come into play, where judges from each session were able to hand out a small award for something that caught their attention, whatever it might be.

ber, it could be something that stood out to them, and that gave the dancer or coaches a little bit of a shout-out and a little prize,” Jackman said.

Then there’s the focus on fun backstage. Jackman estimated she had taken well over 100 photos of the performers to post on their Facebook page, and the idea of creating camaraderie was a big part of Carnival right from the start.

“There were so many smiling faces and so much support for each other, even though we’re in a competitive atmosphere,” Jackman said. “I feel like Carnival really focusses on that and it’s great to have that chance to build friendships with people you’re going to see at competitions all over the province.”

Ideas are already being thrown around to help make the 38th edition of the Dance Carnival even better in 2024, potentially building on the solid multimedia work to make an even greater experience.

“Things are changing in the competitive dance world, so we stepped it up this year and Protec Studios was great,” Jackman said. “Everybody enjoyed our new process and updates and we’re already looking forward to next year and maybe throwing in a few more new things.”

For much more from the event, including a rundown of results, sponsors and plenty of photos from the event, check out ‘MJ Invitational Dance Carnival’ on Facebook and check out www.danceim agesbybj.com.