Moose Jaw Express, June 21st, 2023

Moose Jaw’s largest summer festival, Kinsmen Sidewalk Days, is coming uptertainment of every kind, but organizers say volunteers are still urgently neededsible. -

brand-new for people — it’s going to it a bit more,” explained Jacki L’Heureux-Mason, executive director of Tour-

“We desperately need at least 15year so we can be sure of being able to

To volunteer at Moose Jaw Kinsmen com/volunteer or call Tourism Moose Jaw at 306-693-8097.

ever, L’Heureux-Mason said. -

Kinsmen stepping up as our title spon-

start to be applied. Tourism Moose Jaw

Javian musicians.

200 retail vendors will be on site, and scores of food vendors will represent -

ade, donuts, BBQ, poutine, gourmet cofand tacos.

you aren’t planning on being in Moose

Sask Minister of Environment speaks at the SPCOA annual convention

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

Hon. Dana Skoropad, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Environment, addressed a packed room at the Moose Jaw Heritage Inn this week. He was the speaker at the annual convention for the Saskatchewan

During his presentation, Skoropad covered invasive species, an update on the Southwest incinerator project, and hunting regulations among other topics. He provided an overview of some regulatory changes and noted what progress is being made.

Invasive species

To provide an example of the impact invasive species have, Skoropad addressed a recent test of Saskatoon stormwater retention ponds.

“So even though it is against both provincial and federal legislation to repeople have done so. Saskatoon has really struggled with this, so we have worked

Skoropad recommended the iMapInvasives mobile app.

“What this is, is an information management tool for invasive species right

get a sense of what is out there, what treatment is being done… and you can down-

This app is ideal for those in the agricultural sector, but anyone can download it to track and report invasive species. Southwest incinerator update

Wagner with the RM of Fox Valley 171 regarded the Southwest incinerator project. the Southwest are already shut down, andmediate remedy.

“RMs and towns in the entire Southwest, including Swift Current, got together 4 years ago to try and get an incinerator think we’ve passed the test, environment comes up with another test. We’ve hauled garbage all the way out to Edmonton… are pretty much all shut down now; there’s we had an incinerator in the area, we could

get rid of a lot of that garbage right now.

except for one issue. reply.

“There is one contaminant that poses a risk to the general public that needs to be

“I will say this… I committed tomitted last week… at Swift Current. My ministry is committed to funding that last round of testing. That’s not going to fall on the backs of the South West Incinerator

“So, we are funding that last round of testing. But it’s important testing, it’s an important piece of technology not just for there but is also a solution for elsewhere.

“We need to make sure we are not

With election coming, NDP’s Wakamow team plans candidate nomination meeting

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

meetings in preparation for the 2024 provincial election and the Moose Jaw Wakamow meeting is scheduled for mid-July.

bers are encouraged to attend the constituency nomination meeting on Saturday, July 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the Timothy Eaton party members can vote for a candidate, residents interested in politics can attend to learn more about who will be on the ballot next year.

Melissa Patterson is the only person so far who has entered the nomination race, although there’s still plenty of time for others to step forward. Patterson was the constituency’s candidate in the 2020 election.

more constituency nomination meetings in the coming weeks and months, which will likely include an event — by at least the fall — to choose a candidate for the

most constituencies like to nominate a candidate early so they can begin door-knocking ahead of the election.

During the 2020 provincial election,

Lawrence with the Sask. Party defeated Patterson with 3,466 votes versus 2,644 ballots, a difference of 822; voters cast 6,491 ballots in total.

McLeod with the Sask. Party defeated 4,733 votes versus 2,532 — a difference of 2,201. In total, voters cast 7,424 ballots.

In Moose Jaw Wakamow, Lawrence generated $59,118.28 in income and spent $40,493.33 during the election, while Patterson earned $32,661.14 in income and spent $50,865.64.

$65,500 in income and spent $49,892.42, while Lichtenwald generated $29,058.64 in income and spent $39,388.34.

More information about the Sask.

explained. Hunting regulation changes

The meeting also addressed hunting regulations in the province.

ulate hunting practices. They have announced a new management tool that is showing promise.

to establish a “temporary management -

son. This approach will differ based on the region and its wildlife population, and will focus on “controlled wildlife management said Skoropad. “So, we are looking at cre-

ating a mechanism where we can create a shorter, temporary management season beyond the regular hunting season… for areas that are seeing continued wildlife

Skoropad announced that the new approach maps wildlife hotspots in the province, and these management zones will be applied accordingly. Currently they are tracking mule deer and elk, with moose populations to follow.

The program should see an update in time for hunting season this fall.

muskrat hunting, as conditions are suitable for their numerical increase this year. Due landowners are only legally permitted to hunt them on their own private property if they prove a nuisance.

The meeting also addressed captive wildlife regulations, disposal of leftover province. -

vember 21, 1991, and serves as an advocate for comprehensive rat eradication in the wake of the hantavirus outbreak. Their goal is to promote public health, safe product handling, and the mitigation of risks brought on by pests.

The association provides a voice to pest control measures.

From its inception, an executive committee was formed to organize an annual seminar where relevant issues from the past year can be addressed, and to provide a focus for the upcoming year.

Lake, SK, and can be reached at 1-306287-8271.

The iMapInvasives app can be downloaded here: https://www.imapinvasives. org/.

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Picking for berry good times: U-pick farms in the Moose Jaw area

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291

468 High St. W., Moose Jaw SK S6H 1T3 www.mjvexpress.com

Publisher: Robert Ritchie - rob@mjvexpress.com

Editor: Joan Ritchie - jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Sales: Wanda Hallborg - mjexpress7@sasktel.net

Gladys Baigent-Therens - gbaigenttherens@moosejawtoday.com

Kevin Ogle - kogle@moosejawtoday.com

Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would not look the same.

Send your stories, events and pictures to: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Joan Ritchie

Joyce Walter

Ron Walter John Kreutzwieser

Jason G. Antonio Saddman Zaman

By the sounds of it, there won’t be a lack of things to do around Moose Jaw this summer with all of the festivals, the Hometown Fair and Parade, numerous car shows and much more.

Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer

The Hometown Parade takes place this Wednesday evening at 7pm down Main Street. Get out there and enjoy a nice summer’s evening event that kicks off this year’s exhibition here in Moose Jaw. The Hometown Fair runs from June 22-25. For kids of all ages, the ‘fair’ and ‘fun’ have always been synonymous. It was always a highlight to attend when I was a kid and continues to be an annual ‘go-to’ event for families each year. Who can favourite treats that only come our way at fair time?

Another favourite pastime for families has always been lounging around the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool and enjoying a dip during a hot summer’s day. The pool is now open for ‘fun in the sun!’ Why not pack a lunch and enjoy the park too.

Don’t forget to spend an evening of enjoyment listening to the live music at ‘Concerts in the Park’ at the amphitheatre on Wednesday evenings starting this Wednesday, June 21st at 7:30 p.m. Thanks to the Hospital Foundation for organizing these evenings for the community to do a little toe-tapping or even kick-up-their-heels dancing at no cost other than a donation if you are able. All donations help for the betterment of our local Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital so please give what you can.

Have you ever checked out our local artists and some of their artwork? The Moose Jaw Art Guild ‘Collection of Creativity’ exhibition is now showing at the Cultural Centre Art Gallery. The exhibition runs until July 5th.

On July 1st, the annual ‘Art in the Park’ will take place outside of Moose Jaw’s Public Library. This is a favourite event to shop and buy those unique pieces that catch your eye. Vendors from all over the province seem to make an appearance to share their creativity for all to appreciate or purchase.

July 1st is a day to celebrate our national pride in our country. Canada Day celebrations will be taking place around town through the weekend, kicking off as usual with the Cosmo Centre Canada Day Pancake Breakfast on July 1st from 8-10 a.m.

The Lynbrook Golf Club Canada Day Golf Tournament will be held during the day Saturday, July 1st, with a putting contest from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30, followed by the tournament that starts at 1pm. Stay around to enjoy some live outdoor entertainment from 7-10 p.m. Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 Second Annual Canada Day Street Party will also take place on July 1st starting at 5pm and goes to 2am on High Street West. There will be a licensed cabaret and street dance

A highlight of the summer continues to be Moose Jaw’s Kinsmen Sidewalk Days that will be held from July 6th to 8th. This year promises to be better than ever with activities for all ages, shopping and food, and lots of community fun.

Summertime is the time to create special memories. It’s the ‘feel-good’ season to remember.

I love what Bon Jovi once said, “It’s like a beach blanket and a bottle of wine, it feels something like summertime.”

Send your letters to the editor to: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com or 888-241-5291

All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express. The contents of this publication are the property of the Moose Jaw Express. Reproduction of any of the contents of this publication, including, but without limiting the generality of the following: photographs, artwork and graphic designs, is strictly prohibited.

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The fruit season is on its way, coming in early- to mid-July, when haskaps and cherries start things off, followed by many other delicious Saskatchewan offerings — to help you get ready, the Moose Jaw Express is highlighting three orchards in the region that shouldn’t be missed!

Bouvier’s Berry Basket

Bouvier’s Berry Basket, owned and operated by Elaine Bouvier, is just about two hours drive south and west of Moose Jaw, between Kincaid and Glenbain. It has been open to the public since 2000.

“I started the u-pick in about ’91 or ’92, and just planted a couple of rows. I was thinking, you know, maybe there will be enough for us, and maybe a couple of neighbours might come by,” Bouvier explained.

“So, every year I just add a few hundred more trees. It takes between six and seven years for things to really start producing, so I didn’t start selling in larger amounts until around 2002 to 2005. It takes a while to get established.”

Bouvier is now retired, and loves putting her time into her orchard, although she notes it is a labour-intensive job, dependent on the weather and often at the mercy of pests such as grasshoppers, which stripped many bushes bare last year.

Haskaps and strawberries are raspberries, and cherries. Apples are in September.

“It’s worth coming down every few weeks in July and August to see what we have,” Bouvier said. “It doesn’t all happen at once. … We quite enjoy having people out. At yeah, you’re inviting strangers into your yard, but we’ve made lots of really good friends over the years. Most people are appreciative and good to work with.”

Bouvier recommends always calling before heading out to a u-pick so you can hear what’s currently fruiting and get advice about what to bring for the outing. She can be fol-

lowed on Facebook and on her website at bouviersberrybasket.com, and contacted at 306-264-7980.

Bend in the River Berries

Bend in the River Berries is located less than 15 minutes south of Moose Jaw and includes the Urban Escape Café and the well-reviewed two-room Orchard View Bed and Breakfast. Their season typically starts between July 5 and 10, depending on the weather.

Saskatoons, haskaps, gooseberfollowed by sour cherries and raspberries. The orchard also offers prepicked bags of Saskatoons and sour cherries.

The Orchard View Bed and Breakfast is open now until September 9, and can be booked by calling owner Lisa Thul at 306-630-7074, or on their website at bendintheriverberries.com.

“We do also post on our Facebook page,” Thul said, “so people can follow us there for when we have a better window of when our picking season will start.”

Bend in the River Berries is at facebook.com/upickberries.

“And then, the Urban Escape Café is only open during berry-picking season, typically just the month of July,” Thul added. “We offer just

desserts there, so pies, frozen pies, milkshakes, sundaes, jams, cheesecake-in-a-jar, that kind of thing.”

Treasure Valley Markets

Treasure Valley Markets is just over two hours drive from Moose Jaw, approximately 50 kilometres south of Swift Current. It is a historic farm, homesteaded by Karl and Adeline Metke in 1912, and still in the family. They grow a bit of everything: strawberries, Saskatoon berries, haskaps, sour cherries, raspberries, plums, pears, apples, and more, which means their picking season can often extend right into October.

They also have a large selection of vegetables, and their own apiary for honey.

“It’s a market garden u-pick, a petting zoo, ice cream shop, playground,” said Linda Metke. “It’s one of these mixed-up farms.”

The farm/orchard is named for its dam, deemed an irrigation ‘treasure’ by the Metke family when they the farm’s irrigation needs, and also provides recreational activities — visitors can take paddleboats out on the water and see ducks, geese, and possibly even a turtle or two.

There are golf carts to take around the farm, pies, jams, jellies, pickles, and sauerkraut for sale, tours showing off the innovative irrigation system and organic farm practices, games to play.

“It’s over 100 years old now, and we’re always improving,” Metke said. “I have a website with some pictures and you can read up on the history of the farm, how the dam came to be and all that.

“Spring was a little later this year, but usually things are getting going in to start welcoming people out.”

Learn more at treasurevalleymarkets.com, and give Linda a call at 306-785-4602 to plan your visit. [Did we miss something? Send us a tip at news@moosejawtoday.com!]

AN UPDATE: Tesla guitar continues musical adventure

Chris and Dagmar have created a website for the travelling Yamaha guitar that was left at the Tesla station in Moose Jaw recently. Check out their story posted at https://can01.safelinks.protection. outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelling-guitar.ca%2F&data=05%7C01%7Ccboys%40moosejawtoday.com%7Cac1c50ab61f143d8aefd08db6dbfa936%7C5a6f30998a9543e9a941e2c7022c9f11 %7C0%7C0%7C638224442157681195%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KAxHjhrO8a4yimYspnXaHNfO0H6P9qTH70iI%2FS1xEG8%3D&reserved=0

Chris says the guitar has made nice progress with a couple of people and some great pictures were submitted. You can send you photos to travelling.guitar23@gmail. com

The Yamaha guitar is on an interesting adventure that started on May 23, 2023. It started its tour across Canada and left Hope, BC, and continued its way as far as Kingston, Ont. but is now homeward bound. It was left at the Tesla Super Charger in Moose Jaw at 8:00 a.m. on June 8th, 2023.

The instructions with the guitar ask for it to be left at Tesla stations westwards so it can continue its travels back home.

or

of any nature

to advertisers and readers of any kind for

due to

Posts on YouTube are encouraged and if you have any photos on the cross country musical adventure of faith and sharing for this guitar, we would gladly publish them too on our online daily MooseJawToday.com. Please send your photos to jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

of

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

On June 12th, Sheila Roy sent these very creative photos in to reveal the whereabouts

the Tesla guitar at the time.

Buckets of fruit from the Bend in the River Berries orchard (Bend in the River Berries/Facebook)

Military investigates sexual misconduct allegation against Snowbirds’ pilot

The Royal Canadian Air Force is investigating a sexual misconduct allegation against a Snowbirds pilot, and the aerobatics team will be performing a plane short for the time being.

The commanders of 1 and 2 Canadian Air Divisions issued a statement on Saturday saying the allegation has been made against a member of 431 Squadron, which is based in Moose Jaw, Sask., and the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is investigating.

Department of National Defence spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande said the member is a pilot with the aerial acrobatics team, but she noted no charges have been laid.

Lamirande said the department isn’t releasing where or when the alleged misconduct occurred.

The department’s news release said the person affected by the alleged misconduct is also a member of the military.

It said the Snowbirds will perform air displays as an eight-aircraft team, instead of nine, for the foreseeable future.

“The pilots do a number of training exercises before the show year begins,”

By the Canadian Press

Lamirande said of why the team can’t just

“To sub someone in, we’d have to have a spare (CT-114) Tutor pilot that is fully trained and underwent the same exercises as the other ones. At this point, we don’t have someone who is trained and ready to go.”

The DND said the member facing allegations has been reassigned to non-operational duties at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. It noted the measure “does not imply any outcomes and is intended to enable a robust investigation.”

It further said the affected person and impacted CAF members are being provided care and support.

“The RCAF takes all allegations of this nature seriously and is cooperating with investigators fully,” the release stated.

The Snowbirds team are scheduled to perform in Dieppe-Moncton, N.B., this weekend.

In a review of sexual misconduct in the military ordered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and released last year, retired Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour

Plan ahead for gas and meals on those Sunday drives into the South Country

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

An early June drive into the South Country proved a heartening experience.

Everything looked so lush and green. The sloughs, potholes and dugouts are full of water. Grass is tall and blowing in the breeze.

The hills haven’t been this green since 2013 when rain was twice the average.

The only exceptions to water bodies were the north end of Willow Bunch Lake where alkali dust hangs in the air and the east end of Twelve Mile Lake.

some farmland around Assiniboia.

The drive sought wildlife photos but the wildlife this day was scarce.

Black terns hovered over water south of Crane Valley. The birds were looking to dive bomb for insects on the water surface. I’ve never seen terns in that area before.

The one white-tailed buck deer we saw was grazing on green grass. Once the car stopped, he bolted and gracefully jumped over a barbed wire fence almost disappearing before the camera was ready.

An antelope was not so shy, standing and staring, running a bit and then posing.

Ducks and geese, not that numerous in the last few years, were abundant.

Several more landowners have ploughed under precious Prairie grass turf to grow grains. Land prices are double on cultivated land so the owners get a bonus by ploughing up the carpet of native grass.

After driving through Willow Bunch,

we thought we’d have a late lunch at Rockglen’s Burning Hills Cafe. It is closed Sundays. No gas at the Rockglen Co-op either on this Sunday.

On the way back through Wood Mountain, we were disappointed to see the regional park concession was closed.

Thinking we’d have an early supper at the Limerick Hotel we were again out of luck. The owners had decided to take the weekend off.

Lesson: If you’re travelling in southern Saskatchewan on a Sunday plan ahead for places to eat or buy gasoline, or take a lunch. Things have changed since the pandemic.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

called for the Canadian Armed Forces to be permanently stripped of its jurisdiction over the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and other related crimes.

Lamirande said the military is not able to disclose reasons why investigations, including the one involving the Snowbirds pilot, may or may not be referred to civilian police “in order to prioritize a victim centric approach and maintain the integrity of an ongoing investigation.”

“There are various reasons that exist as to why a case cannot be referred which include allegations that occurred outside of the country, a victim’s reluctance to participate in a police investigation, or a preference for an investigation to be conducted by the military police,” she said.

Some provinces and municipal police forces have complained about the need for more funding and other resources to absorb the military’s cases into their own systems.

Defence Minister Anita Anand said last month that a federal-provincial-territorial committee has been set up to facilitate conversations between deputy ministers about the transfer of cases of criminal sexual offences.

The military said in May it has referred 93 cases of criminal sexual offences to civilian police since December 2021, and 64 of the cases are under investigation. This report by The Canadian Press was

Andrew Pratt Terri Lamb

Graduation season is in full swing across the province and I want to send my sincere congratulations to all graduates! With a growing province, now is an exciting time to be stepping into the next phase of life and exploring all the opportunities available to you. Whether you want to work is a job and a great quality of life waiting for you. Our government has several programs and services for young people looking to build their careers here in Saskatchewan. In the provincial budget, a total of $112 million was invested in direct support to post secondary students, through tax credits, grants and scholarships. For example, post-secondary graduates who live and work in Saskatchewan are eligible for up to $20,000 in tax credits

through the Graduate Retention Program. You can learn more about supports for post-secondary students and graduates at www.Saskatchewan.ca/studentloans.

If you are interested in building a career in early childhood education, our government recently announced $12 million in new funding to provide tuition-free training. The training and professional development opportunities will be available for both current and prospective early childhood educators, and will offer both in-person and online options. These opportunities are provided through partnerships with 10 institutions across the province and courses will begin this fall.

No matter what industry you are interested in, there are great career opportunities awaiting you. Today Saskatchewan is experiencing economic growth and building trade partnerships in Canada and globally. In fact, the total value of Saskatchewan’s exports reached a record-breaking $52.6 billion in 2022, well above the previous record in 2021 of $37 billion.

That growth is seen across Saskatchewan’s econom-ports are up 75 per cent over the same period last year. Our province’s nearly $1-billion-a-year uranium industry made us the world’s second-largest producer in 2022, ahead of previous forerunners like Namibia and Australia. This growth proves Saskatchewan continues to supply

the reliable and sustainable food, fuel and fertilizer the world needs.

A growing economy allows our government to invest into the programs and services that matter most to people. In response to calls for increased educational funding, an additional $40 million was announced for the 202324 school year. Our government also recently announced funding to establish a Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair kind in Saskatchewan. We are moving forward on plans for infrastructure investments across the province, including new schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, urgent care centres, and highways.

While summer activities and construction season are in northern Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is working hard to protect people and communities. Ground crews, heavy equipment, heliSPSA is ensuring food and fuel is accessible to northern communities.

visit the SPSA website at www.saskpublicsafety.ca/emer-

Chez Nous parent company gives one

Gordon

On May 29, Enterprise 4 Good, parent organization of long-term care home Chez Nous in Moose Jaw, informed residents and staff that Chez Nous would close by July 1.

“The people living in this home, for some of them this place was their last resort,” one care provider at the home said. Staff at Chez Nous agreed to share information under condition of anonymity to protect them from possible employment reprisals.

“If it wasn’t for the managers [of other care homes in Moose Jaw] stepping up and saying, you know, this needs our help, I’m not sure what would have happened.”

our 5 reviews on FB & Google

306.684.1590

MooseJawToday.com spoke with several employees and residents at Chez Nous, who claimed communication from the management at Enterprise 4 Good, formerly the Ability Society of Alberta, had been inadequate. Several residents complained of poor conditions, especially food, leading up to what they termed an “eviction notice” from Enterprise 4 Good.

After receiving the 30-day closure notice, staff at Chez Nous reached out to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health to express concern for their residents. They asked for help with the closure and transition of residents to new homes — and were told the Ministry would assist them.

The Ministry of Health refused MooseJawToday. com’s request for an interview on the subject and instead sent the following prepared statement:

“Personal care homes are private businesses which operate under regulations set out in The Personal Care Homes Act. The Ministry of Health ensures this legislation is followed.

“In this situation, the personal care home operator advised the Ministry of Health that it was closing. The Ministry has appointed an administrator to help wind down the operation and ensure the well-being of the residents. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring they are fed, cared for, and transitioned to new homes as available and appropriate. The administrator is tasked with working closely with residents and families during this transition.”

a Ministry of Health administrator would have taken, but said their understanding was that the administrator would provide guidance on transitional management.

Express/MooseJawToday.com

Rain and heavy thunderstorms marked the last week of crop seeding and development.

Rainfall varied from one-tenth of an inch to 1.5 inches, says the weekly Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture crop report.

The Rouleau area east of Moose Jaw experienced two

About one per cent of the crop was left to seed as farmers overcame the obstacles presented by a late spring, rains and cool weather.

The Eyebrow area had a 1.5-inch downpour that Crop conditions range from fair to excellent. Less where six per cent is poor and six per cent is very poor.

In the southwest and on some lighter soils rain is needed.

Grasshoppers have returned in droves across the

Chez Nous staff said they waited for nearly a week for the promised help from the Ministry of Health — at that point, they were out of staples like milk, so they reached out to the other care homes in Moose Jaw.

The response was generous and compassionate, they said, and with help from retirement homes like Crescent Park and Capilano Court, all the Chez Nous residents continue to be cared for. Homes have been found, everyone is being fed, and enough staff are present to make sure everyone is looked after.

But no one is happy. Residents are angry and upset, and employees are feeling the anxiety and pressure of hav-

“It was a surprise,” another staff member commented. “You could tell stuff was going down, but no one said anything. And then it all went downhill, and it was really sad, because none of the residents wanted to leave. This was their home.”

The Moose Jaw Express is continuing its investigation but has so far been unable to reach any management-level employee at either Chez Nous or Enterprise 4 Good for comment.

Chez Nous has been listed on AvisonYoung.ca for $3.25 million since June 2022.

southwest.

Crop land moisture is good across the province with short and four per cent very short.

Hay land needs rains to develop yield. Hay and pastureland is one per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and six per cent very short.

Edgar - Moose Jaw

Chez Nous on Grafton Avenue in Moose Jaw (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

By Patricia Hanbidge

Cacti are all succulents but are all succulents’ cacti?

Succulents are plants that have the capacity to store water when it is available and then utilize that water when it is not plentiful. They are plants that are adapted to arid climates or soil conditions that are not rich in nutrients. They may store water in their leaves, stems, roots or other underground storage organs like tuberous roots, corms, bulbs or rhizomes. They may also adapt to severe conditions with other growth adaptations.

Succulent plants will often appear different from shape and arrangement of its leaves determines the type of succulent. They may have a waxy, hairy or shiny outer surface that helps them reduce water loss. Their root systems are often very close to the surface of the ground allowing them to capitalize on small water sources such

as dew. They are usually compact, cushion-like, columnar or spherical and will often have ribs that enable rapid increases in volume during wet seasons. If it is a cactus, the type of cactus the plant is will be determined by itsareole, but succulents will not form areoles.

Interestingly enough, the best known succulents are cacti. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are but only some succulents will have spines. The distinguishing factor between succulents with spines and cacti with spines is the grouping of those spines. As mentionedily that is distinct from other succulents. These areoles appear to be small bumps out of which the spines will grow. The areoles are actually specialized branches of the cacti. Originally they were aborted branch buds with spines that had evolved as vestigial leaves. It is from these areoles that branches and even

The saguaro cactus will grow entire new branches from areoles. The areoles are arranged in regular patterns that

areoles arranged along the ribs of the cactus, while the Christmas cactus only has areoles grouped on the tips and sides of the stems.

If you are not yet confused – read on! There is another plant family that is very large and diverse and is often confused with cacti. The Euphorbia family also has spines, very few leaves and green stems. However, they do not have areoles. A very common euphorbia that is often thought of as a cactus is the Crown of Thorns is a cacti or a euphorbia, there is another way to easily determine the difference. Simply make a small cut in an inconspicuous spot: if the sap is milky white and very sticky, it is most likely a euphorbia. Cacti sap is clear and watery.

Whether you are growing a cactus or other succulent in your home, the care is often fairly similar. Most will appreciate a warm, dry and sunny area in the home. Watering is the most critical factor as you do not water them as you would your other houseplants. During the spring and summer months, water enough that the surface does not completely dry out. During the winter months, water very sparingly as the plant will be almost dormant. They are very susceptible to root and stem rot and overwatering will easily cause this problem. Repot when they are in active growth to ensure they can adapt to their new environment.

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?

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Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Random travellers can’t compete with convention

At one time, not so long ago, some hotels/motels set aside a room or two just in case an out-of-town family needed a room while in town for a funeral service.

In fact, on one occasion our room rate was discounted considerably when the reservation person realized why we were attempting to book a room for a couple of nights. We received condolences when we booked, and again when we checked in. The staff told us there was always a room available in such circumstances if the reason for our visit were relayed at the appropriate time.

no room available at any of the “inns” on the two nights we sought accommodations to attend a funeral.

Employees at the eight or so hotels I called were apologetic when they told me, “sorry, we’re completely booked that weekend.” Then they offered ideas where we

ment.

I was excited when one kindly soul found a room for one of the nights and could give me a discount: $500 plus taxes and fees, for only one bed. But there was a microwave, full-sized refrigerator, ironing board, hair the morning.

When I gasped at the price, I was informed I wouldn’tty because there was a huge religious convention in the city and rooms had been scooped up by the convention planners.

I was too shocked to ask what the price might have been before the discount but the clerk didn’t hesitate to tell me that her hotel and every other one nearby raised room prices to take advantage of a captive audience of thousands of convention-goers. That increase was in addition to the higher rates charged during the tourist season, and did not include taxes and a variety of fees to make everyone but the traveller feel better about the travel business.

I chided the clerk a bit about forgetting the regular travellers who support the business, asking if those folks didn’t deserve some consideration, or maybe a room that was set aside for families travelling due to bereavement. She wasn’t receptive to having an extended conversation with me.

After several more telephone calls and searches room for the second night of our journey. The rate was more than the hotel usually charges and CAA meant nothing but I was so happy that I signed up before someone

else edged me out of my room.

the doorstep of friends and relatives? Nope. Or park in the Wal-Mart parking lot, recline the seats and bunk in the SUV for the evening? Nope. How about leaving home really early on the day of the funeral and hope we don’t have car trouble or sleep through the alarm and arrive late at our destination? Nope. None of those options appealed. How about a motel in another community, an hour or so away? One call later and I had a room, a guarantee that the community’s sidewalks only rolled up after 8 p.m. and that restaurants were open in case we checked in late. emergency.”

And in this fairly new establishment, we are not paying $500 but are still receiving all the amenities offered with that previously-mentioned room. We get breakfast to take with us and I have been advised to leave a bit early

Now that is true customer service and an incentive for us to tell our friends and to stay there again.

I do wonder, however, if we would have been shooed away from the Wal-Mart parking lot!! Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Free Parks and Rec summer program registrations opening soon

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Paige Pierce, summer programs co-ordinator with the City of Moose Jaw’s Parks and Recreation department, gives the scoop on three Notorious types of programming — paid Yara Centre Day camps, free Playground Programs, and a free Youth Activity Centre.

“It’s going to be a very fun summer, we’re excited. And we’d love for people to start registering for the Yara Centre day camps, registration is open for those now, and registration opens on June 20th for the rest,” Pierce said. Pierce has been working with the summer programs since 2019 and loves working with kids.

“I love these programs, you get to work in every part of the city and it’s nice being part of the community that way,” she said. “When I’m at Sidewalk Days, or the farmer’s markets, or something like that, I recognize so many kids, and they recognize me, too. It’s fun.”

Paid Yara Centre day camps

The Yara Centre day camps are now open for registration through MooseJaw. ca, with the camps themselves running from July 4 to August 25.

There are two different age group options: The junior group is for ages 4 to 7, and the senior group is for ages 8 to 12. There are 30 spots per group.

“These are paid camps, and they run a little longer,” Pierce said. “Drop off starts at 7:45 a.m. and goes to 9 a.m., and then there’s planned programming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

Pick-up time for the Yara Centre day camps is from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

“We have themes for each week at

the day camps, so, for example, we have a mad scientist-themed week, a beach bash, a ‘got talent?’ theme where we do a talent show at the end of the week, survivor island, things like that,” Pierce explained.

Yara Centre day camp participants

cool places in Moose Jaw.

Free Playground program — registration opens June 20

The 2023 Playground Program is a free drop-off program for children aged 6 to 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, held at six parks throughout Moose Jaw:

1996 Summer Games Playground: 16th Ave SW (Spray Park)

- Elgin Park: 1000 block 8th Ave NW (Spray Park)

- Kinsmen East End Park 9th Ave. N.E. & Ominica St. E (Coop Spray Park)

- Optimist Park: 5th Ave SW & Lillooet St W

- Sunningdale Park: Daffodil Drive (off of Dogwood Road)

- West End Park: 10th Ave NW and Athabasca St W

Registration for the playground programs opens June 20, with the program itself running July 5 through August 23.

Parents and caregivers can register children through MooseJaw.ca, using the City day of attendance.

2023 swimming season

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

“For that one, we are doing two crafts a day, a blow-up pool if there isn’t a spray park at that location, a variety of active games along with some slower ones, and various activities,” Pierce said.

The playground programs all have shade, a place for children to put theirsion, and guest activity leaders throughout the summer.

Children can bring their own lunches, or go home for lunch.

Free Youth Activity Centre

“The Youth Activity Centre is for 13-to-17-year-olds, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it alternates between the gyms at Riverview and Prince Arthur,” Pierce said. trips and do special events, like swimming, or we’re trying to see if we can get them out paddling or going kayaking, for example.”

The Youth Activity Centre is sponsored by Sask Lotteries and the Community Initiative Fund and will run July 4 to August 23. Youth will be at Riverview Collegiate on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at Prince Arthur Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Summer Fun Bash

The Summer Fun Bash on August 24 at Elgin Park is the end-of-summer party. It’s a festival-style event that anyone can attend.

There will be various groups attending for display and demonstration, food trucks, games, and activities.

More details on the Summer Fun Bash will be available as the date approaches.

As the warm weather sets in this summer, you can now enjoy a break from the heat at the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool. The outthe 2023 season.

There was no formal ceremony to open the pool, but as an honorary mention off the 2023 outdoor swimming season.

Located at 200 Fairford St. E. and nestled in Crescent Park, the pool is ideally located along a beautiful city park with walking trails and a nearby spray park for the kids.

The pool is 50 meters in length and features a diving tower, 1- and 3-meter diving boards, and plenty of sunbathing space along the perimeter.

The pool facility is named after local Moose Jaw Olympian Phyllis Dewar and was built in 1966 to provide a space to host swim meets and competitions. Today the pool is home to the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Flying Fins swimming club.

Public swimming at the outdoor pool is available 7 days a week in the mornings from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., but take note that the diving tower is closed until adult

swimming opens at 11:30 a.m.

Adult noon swimming is scheduled daily at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and public swimming re-opens from 1 p.m. to closing at 7 p.m. daily.

At the same time as the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool opens, the Kinsmen Sportsplex will be closed for seasonal maintenance. The Sportsplex closes on June 13 and is scheduled to re-open on July 3.

To contact the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool for a complete swimming schedule or for updates, they can be reached at 306694-4496.

Children play at the Kinsmen East End Park/Co-op Spray Park (photo by Randy Palmer)

On June 12, the Phyllis Dewar Outswimming season.

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

Current funding for mental health and addictions good, but more can be done, minister says

Jason G. Antonio -

provide intensive support to people with

achieve their goals.

health and addictions.

worker to support people struggling with

spaces.

ians.

said. This underscores the need for the

added.

The province also supports free rapid access counselling here for individuals

Union protests health minister’s presence at chamber-sponsored breakfast

Jason

A union representing thousands of Saskatchewan health-care workers picketed outside the Events Centre and handed out

fast.

addictions services.

The protesters’ goal was to highlightcused plan to retain and invest in front-

Members and supporters of Service Employees International Union West (SEIUWest) gather outside the Events Centre on June 15 to protest the presence of MLA Everett Hindley, minister of health and addictions, seniors, and rural and remote health, over his comments about recruitment of health-care workers. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

tering into contract negotiations soon with Saskatchewan’s population is growing.

cation and social services.

facilities and hospitals across this prov-

The province is working to create

a lack of understanding of the work CCAs Cape said.

show a shocking lack of understanding of

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Express

The Hon. Everett Hindley, minister of mental health and addictions, seniors, and rural and remote health, speaks to people at the Events Centre on June 15 during a breakfast event. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

you are always there whenever i call... you meet all my needs!

Federal immigration policies at odds with country’s employment needs TRADING THOUGHTS

An article in the Toronto Star newspaper highlights major gaps in Canada’s immigration policy.

Faced with an aging population and a desire to keep the economy growing, successive federal governments since 2001 have practised what is termed economic immigration policy.

The point system allows easier entry for immigrants with post-secondary education, professional training skills and even more points for those under the age of 35.

Three categories of economic immigrants are highly skilled and trained, skilled trades people and skilled with Canadian work experience.

The article revealed the experience of several immigrants who came with skills and professional training and

One worked for a year at a university in public health and epidemiology research. At the end of his contract, he wound up having to take an administrative job with Statistics Canada.

Once he got a green card to work in the United States multiple job offers came in. He moved there.

Another was an architect with experience but no job because he didn’t have Canadian work experience.

Data backs up the notion that something is wrong with the Canadian economic immigration policy besides inadequate housing.

A recent survey found 30 per cent of immigrants aged 35 and under plan to move from Canada within the next two years.

Almost half of the immigrants (2.99 million) in the

a taxi, or working as a retail clerk is frustrating, and dehumanizing.

Working in low skill jobs does not assist in keeping their skills current with their training.

Previous generations of immigrants were willing to take low skilled jobs for the sake of their children’s future. Now skilled immigrants are courted around the globe. Better opportunities, lower cost of living and lower taxes lure them away.

Existing policy creates a mismatch between jobs and

shortage of highly skilled workers in Canada, except for medical workers.

Finding a way to match skills with jobs would be the

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necthis publication.

solution, but the article quotes an expert source saying that is a complex task. Given that provinces are responsible for labour he is likely right.

The irony is that the one million temporary foreign workers whose sweat ensures we have a locally-grown supply of vegetables and fruits on the table are shut out from immigration to Canada.

Without them we would eat less vegetables and fruits or pay higher prices for imported food, and have fewer employees in the hospitality industry.

Federal bureaucrats and politicians need to revise im-

Ron

Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

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

missioners held an open house-style public meeting to are doing today.

A handful of residents attended the June meeting at the library, where the Moose Jaw Police Service discussed law enforcement-related governance, crime data, its strategic priorities, and its crime prevention unit, internet child exploitation (ICE) unit, Victim Services, tactical response team, Police and Crisis Team (PACT) units, and Governance

Police Chief Rick Bourassa explained that the board oversees the MJPS and develops its budget, while the Saskatchewan Police Commission is the next level of governance. The public complaints commission is after that and gives Saskatchewanians the ability to lodge concerns about their policing agency.

Furthermore, there is the provincial serious incident response team (SIRT), which an agency would call if a death occurred in police custody, and so far, the MJPS has not needed SIRT’s services, he continued. Meanwhile, courts are another level and can tell police agencies to do things differently.

The municipality also plays a role, although it cannot

say how policing should work, said Bourassa. Instead, it appoints board members, gives funding, and provides suitable buildings.

“The message in this province is that policing is overseen at so many different levels, and it needs to be, and we welcome that and we work closely with all those governing bodies on a daily basis,” he added.

cers, 12 special constables and 11 civilian support staff, rate of 190 per 100,000 people, placing it fourth out of seven Saskatchewan cities.

Furthermore, the police service has four provincially

katchewan (CTSS) unit, who patrol provincial highways time in the region and 30 per cent in the community.

Also, the agency has two PACT units, each with one

vide services within a 100-kilometre radius of Moose Jaw. By the numbers

Moose Jaw’s crime rate in 2021 — the most recent data — totalled 10,483 incidents, which placed it ahead of Weyburn, Estevan, Regina and Saskatoon but behind

Prince Albert, data shows.

“We are not inconsistent with other Saskatchewan municipalities,” Bourassa said.

Meanwhile, the community’s crime rate has hovered year at 9,595 incidents.

One reason crime rates are increasing is because sopeople are more accepting of violence to solve problems, said Bourassa.

Jaw ahead of Weyburn, Estevan, Regina and Saskatoon but behind Prince Albert.

Bourassa noted that while data for 2022 isn’t available yet, the police service believes the community’s crime data and CSI likely increased since people are not getting along as in the past. Moreover, police are seeing lead to injuries.

In 2022, the MJPS received 19,143 calls for service, of which 25 per cent were for crime and the rest for other community issues, the chief said, adding the agency expects those numbers to increase this year.

Victim services, tactical unit, crisis teams all important to safety, police say

A trauma dog, tactical specialists and mental health workers are some teams that work with the Moose Jaw Police Service and help bring peace and safety to the community’s streets.

The police service (MJPS) gave a presentation during the Board of Police Commissioners’ recent meeting about the units within the agency. Some sections include Victim Services, the tactical response team and the Police and Crisis Team (PACT).

Victim Services

Terri Roney, victim services co-ordinator, and her three-year-old partner Sven, a black Labrador retriever, are the main employees in the unit. A group of civilian volunteers also contributes to the team. affected by crime, from sexual assaults to violent incidents.

Roney has been co-ordinator since September 2022, while Sven has been working since December. Both must while he requires regular training.

dog that works with victims of crime — including children — and comforts them in court when necessary by putting his head or paw on their laps.

Further, he also supports those in crisis, helps those affected by sexual assaults or interpersonal violence, helps people who give forensic interviews or comforts residents

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

after traumatic events.

Since his arrival six months ago, the trauma dog and Roney have deployed 46 times into the community to help residents affected by crime or tragedy, she added.

Tactical response team

With the drug trade and violent crime increasing overganization decided in September 2020 to create a tactical response team to better respond to high-risk situations, Bourassa said.

So, he tasked Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder to create a teamspond to serious situations instead of waiting for a SWAT team from Regina or the RCMP.

Elder explained that he and Const. Rod Zoerb were -

year; the team is composed of seven men and one woman.

Using provincial funding, the MJPS acquired equipment in 2022 so the unit could bring tense situations to safe conclusions, he continued. Since unit members are

Elder has been with the MJPS since 2009 and has noticed more situations involving gun violence. He noted that there were two times last year when offenders shot at police; both times, he texted his wife to say he was OK.

Elder added that residents should always contact police when they see something suspicious, even if it means

calling daily.

The Police and Crisis Team (PACT) has been operational since October 2018 and attends to scenes if someone is suffering from a mental health crisis, explained Const. Jay Sills.

PACT then connects people with mental health services, such as social services, methadone programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, shelter, or even transportation to the hospital. However, it attempts to divert people away from the hospital and to the proper support services.

and mental health worker who sometimes act like crisis negotiators, he continued. He commended the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Tanya Morland and Kirsten Clark for their knowledge and quick ability to access resources.

The unit has developed partnerships in the health community, including with psychologists who can provide immediate help, Sills said. Furthermore, PACT has built relationships with the community, considering it deals with 10 per cent of the population 90 per cent of the time.

Some relationship- and trust-building activities include visiting with clients, offering them a cigarette and coffee, or taking them for a meal.

“This has been — in my view — one of our most impactful units in regards to our day-to-day policing and how we handle someone in crisis,” he added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

The next police board meeting is Thursday, July

Current drug-bust data may seem low compared to the known quantities of illicit substances in the community, but the police chief expects those numbers to increase as cops complete more investigations.

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) presented May’s crime statistics during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting. The data showed there were three total drug busts last month, compared to four in May 2022 and six in 2021.

Meanwhile, year-to-date (YTD), from January to May, there were 17 total drug busts, compared to 15 YTD last year and 27 YTD in 2021.

In particular, the YTD numbers for 2023, 2022 and 2021 showed:

Cocaine: 3 / 3 / 4

Marijuana: 3 / 5 / 7

Methamphetamine: 2 / 3 / 7

Other CDSA drugs: 9 / 4 / 9; this is a year-over-year 125-per-cent increase

While total drug busts are low so far, the police have recovered large volumes during those busts, Police Chief Rick Bourassa said during the meeting. While he didn’t largest amount of meth ever.

Many numbers are project-driven, which means po-

lice receive information and set up investigations, which can take a while to solve and capture the drugs, he continued. More projects are concluding, so the data will increase later this year.

Furthermore, the MJPS works regularly with other policing agencies — such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) — to solve narcotics-related cases. In particular, the community agency was recently involved

“I can’t speak about it right now (but) we worked with multiple agencies from multiple countries on a resolution,” Bourassa added.

A resident who attended the police board meeting said he thought the crystal meth numbers were too low, based on what’s happening in the community.

In response, Bourassa reiterated that drug-relatedlow many procedures before they can arrest people forlice seize drugs doesn’t mean they will automatically lay charges since it depends upon the quantities found. would be a charge. (But) a lot of times, it’s cases of simple possession, where people possess a small amount,” said Bourassa.

“We have a whole bunch of options that we can employ in addressing these situations. Laying charges is not the only tool. In fact, it’s one of the last tools we use.”

Instead of criminally charging people, the courts can send them to the John Howard Society for alternative measures, which seeks to rehabilitate people, the chief explained. Meanwhile, the province gives cops and courts many options to divert people from jail, from a cautionary warning up to laying a charge.

Bourassa didn’t think the courts were more lenient today on drug-related offences than 10 years ago. Yet, he warned against viewing non-charges as lenient since some rehabilitative measures place great responsibility on people.

“We always try to get the right solution in place, not what someone might think of as the hardest one or the decisions do the best they can.” Service calls

The crime statistics report noted that police have responded to 7,912 calls year-to-date, compared to 7,173 YTD last year and 5,994 YTD in 2021.

Bourassa acknowledged that his members continue to work hard, while many residents are struggling psychologically and call police for help and to be connected to community supports.

The most common topic the Moose Jaw Police Service’s community presence and crime prevention team discusses with residents while on patrol is scams and protecting oneself from fraudsters.

One of the team’s main priorities is to engage in regular foot and bike patrols throughout the community — including the downtown — so it can interact with business owners, tourists and residents and help deter unlawful activity like drug use in Crescent Park, explained Const.

“When we’re doing that, people often approach us and they ask questions, or they want to make a report. And that’s important because sometimes people aren’t comfortable calling the police station or aren’t comfortable going into the police station to make a report,” she said during the board of police commissioners’ June meeting.

“So foot patrols and bike patrols are good.”

Sometimes people don’t want to bother the police since they think the problem is minor and not important enough to warrant a call, said Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, who oversees the community presence and crime prevention team.

However, when cops are on the street, residents ap-

proach to ask for advice on how to handle a situation, he continued. These interactions help build bridges in the community.

Hoffman agreed, saying the goal of bike and foot patrol feel safe. One way police do that is by answering questions, with the most common one focusing on scams. She noted that while seniors and new immigrants are the most vulnerable to fraud, everyone can become a victim.

Fraud can occur through emails, the phone, social media, physical mail and in-person. The most common frauds are cheque scams, supposed lottery wins, alleged grandgift cards or cryptocurrencies and Canada Revenue Agency scams.

“Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is … ,” Hoffman said. “If you don’t want to call us, ask a friend. Don’t feel shame or fear asking someone else’s opinions. It happens more often than you think.”

To protect themselves, people should never give out personal information, banking information, or passwords, and they should check their bank statements regularly for

suspicious transactions. They should also invest in caller ID to know whether to call back an unknown number.

Elder urged residents to contact police if they are ever doubtful about calls. He added that the community presence and crime prevention team has moved out of police headquarters and across the street into the former Times-Herald building.-

out the community.

He explained that the organization became partners in 2014 with Prairie South School Division’s Project 104 Highates large murals that are designed to cover buildings where there is regular vandalism.

So far, the students have produced 15 large artworks — they and police installed a new 150-foot mural recently behind Veroba’s Restaurant on Fairford Street West — and vandals have damaged only one, the chief added. The lieutenant governor has also recognized the group for its efforts with an award.

Local cop Const. Josh MacNaughton never thought he would ever work with the United States’ FBI or Europe’s Interpol, but it often occurs because he regularly investigates child pornography cases.

“The internet as a whole has no borders … . Most countries agree that child pornography is bad, so they’ve all collectively gotten on board saying ‘We don’t want to deal with all the jurisdictional red tape’ and created some directly across the world to get looked at.”

MacNaughton has been with the Moose Jaw Police Service’s internet child exploitation (ICE) unit for nearly two years and is one of two trained investigators. He spoke about the unit’s activities and child sexual exploitation materials in general during the Board of Police Commissioners’ recent June meeting.

Some organizations the investigator works with include the National Child Exploitation Co-ordination Centre (NCECC), CyberTips, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Homeland Security, Interpol, internet service providers, and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

“So the network you need to have to do this job is huge. If you told me when I got into policing that I would talk to someone from the FBI, I’da been like, ‘No, that’s a pipe dream,’” MacNaughton chuckled. “But it’s happening now.”

about social media posts with child porn, while that agency then commands the mostly California-based social media companies to remove the posts.

The provincial ice unit has existed since 2009 and is composed of one provincial co-ordinator and four investigators in Regina, three in Saskatoon, three in Prince Albert and two forensic technicians in Saskatoon, MacNaughton explained.

The unit has a 98-per-cent conviction rate in court. -

who are accessing that,” he said, “and disrupting them and charging them and getting them off the streets.”

However, the province does not fund Moose Jaw’s ICE unit, which forces the agency to support its team with municipal dollars. However, the organization continually lobbies the government to include Moose Jaw

The problem of child sexual exploitation continues to grow, with investigators seeing a trend of younger and younger victims, said MacNaughton.

The data shows 83 per cent of victims are younger and 19 per cent are under age three.

Meanwhile, there are more than 40,000 chat sites defending adult-child sex; are over 14 million websites that depict sex with children; are an estimated 50,000 sexual predators online at any moment; and roughly 120,000 daily searches for child porn in Saskatchewan.

CyberTip also receives 80,000 daily reports, while NCMEC handles 32 million reports annually.

during the past six years, going from 307 in 2017 to 931 last year, which means each investigator is responsibleton said. Also, most cases take six months or more to solve.

issued seven warrants, and charged three people. One person has been released, while two are still before the courts.

During one situation, police encountered a man with 1.7 million images on his computer, with 17,000 of those related to child porn, MacNaughton said. He was tasked with reviewing every image — which is why ICE investigators last only a couple of years because of the psychological stress.

cases of child sexual exploitation through the game Roblox, so parents should monitor their kids’ activities.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

On June 13, 2023, Collective Agreement negotiations between the City of Moose Jaw and Unifor Local 101R have reached a successful conclusion regarding transit employees.

Moose Jaw’s mayor Clive Tolley shared his thoughts on the agreement. “I’m very, very happy that the operators of our busses now have a contract in place until 2025.

“Our negotiations from the City of Moose Jaw were done by TJ Karwandy… I want to thank him for his work.”

Four copies of the document were then handed over to be signed.

“Certainly, it is something that is very important in our community. We have more and more new Canadians… coming to our community. Most of them don’t have cars and need to use the bus service and I think we can all

“I think that’s a very good thing for the City of Moosegether than we do by opposing.

“I’ve seen a marked improvement in our relationship between the unions and management since Mr. Karwandy started here, so I want to congratulate him for helping establish those relationships,” said Tolley. “And of course, the unions for coming to the table with a positive attitude and working with us, so I think good things are ahead for these kinds of negotiations.”

Jim Wiens, the attending union representative and global chair for Unifor Local 101R, also shared his thoughts on the agreement.

“I think it’s a very strong agreement for both sides,”

Both the City of Moose Jaw and Unifor Local 101R reported that the negotiation process went smoothly. Wiens pointed out that transit program members were organized and clear in what they needed going forward.

“It’s something again I really commend the members of the transit program for. They really know what they wanted. They knew very clearly the things they needed out of the agreement and how it made it so much easier for both sides to have frank, open discussions… [They could] really see that there wasn’t going to be a possibility of us going on strike,” Wiens said.

“Both sides knew what we needed, what we wanted,

and how we were going to work our path to get there.”

Wiens had positive things to say about the professionalism shown by all sides during the negotiating process, which is not always the norm in these types of agreements.

“Personally, for a guy who works in the back shop [and works with a group that deals with the public everyday], it speaks to the professionalism… and how they represent this city when they are moving those buses around.”

As these employees were without a contract since the start of 2023, Wiens explained how this agreement was well received. “It adds a lot of security for both sides. The drivers know now that when they come to work, they are going to have a reliable source of income and employment security.”

this agreement states the following wage increases:

• 1.8 per cent on January 1, 2023

• 1.5 per cent on January 1, 2024

• 2.0 per cent on January 1, 2025

Going forward, the city announced that they are also looking into ways to improve the transit system, such as

for passengers.

“Those are the kinds of improvements our city administration and transit system will be looking at in the future. For now, we have a well-functioning transit system… (but) it can always be improved,” said Tolley.

Noting that there are times where pensioners or other passengers are let off so to avoid icy spots or on irregular stops to help in their commute, Tolley recognized the efforts of transit drivers. “I thank our drivers and our management for that. That’s being a good driver and a good citizen for the City of Moose Jaw.”

Wiens was also in agreement with this notion, pointing out that “these drivers can get them to the places not necessarily on a bus route, and get them there safely and

Unifor Local 101R is the representative of 18 current employees working with Moose Jaw Transit. As well, the union represents CP Rail employees and other transit employees across South Saskatchewan.

“(It) is just so refreshing to see two sides so willing to work together and just willing to put everything out there and come to an agreement. It just… strongly helps both sides… and it is a really good agreement for the public as well,” remarked Wiens.

“Sometimes, just leave your car at home and take the bus,” Tolley reminded us.

The City of Moose Jaw is expanding its Narrow Streets Parking Project this summer to include several new blocks as part of its continued efforts better protect city and emergency workers.

The municipality launched the project in 2015, which saw parking on one side of the street implemented be-

tween Henleaze Avenue and Ninth Avenue Northwest from Caribou Street to Laurier Street. The project aims to enhance safety so emergency services vehicles such as properties on narrow roadways. nine metres in width.

trucks must be able to access one face of residential buildings. The project will allow all emergency servicestial properties and our public works vehicles also need the room to properly clean and maintain those roadways,” said Fire Chief Rod Montgomery.

In 2022 city council approved expanding the project to include all municipal roadways under nine metres in width. Parking on one side of the street will go into effect

in July for eight locations and in September for nine other locations. Meanwhile, narrow roads on South Hill will see similar parking in 2024.

The eight roads where one-sided parking will go into effect this July include the 1000 block of Willow Avenue, the 1000, 1200 and 1300 blocks of Third Avenue Northeast, the 900, 1000 and 1100 blocks of Chestnut Avenue and the 900 block of Second Avenue Northeast.

The nine roads where one-sided parking will occur starting in September include the 800 and 900 blocks of Third Avenue Northwest, the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Second Avenue Northwest, the 1100 and 1200 blocks

block of Second Avenue Northwest and the 400 block of Ross Street.

The city will install new signage on the above roadways, restrict parking to the west sides — east-side parking will be prohibited — and deliver letters to affected property owners in advance of the new restrictions.

For further info, visit www.moosejaw.ca/narrow-

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

Photo by Aaron Walker

Photo by Aaron Walker

The trek across Canada continues as travellers try various food items grown in each area. This journey will conclude prior to July 1 in celebration of Canada Day.

bia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

• • •

B.C. FISH CHOWDER

1 tbsp. butter

1 cup diced yellow onion

1 cup peeled and diced carrot

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dried thyme

3 cups peeled and diced potatoes

1/2 cup smoked, candied salmon nuggets

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 oz. white wine

In a large pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots and salt. Cook for 5 minutes to soften, stirring frequently.

potatoes and candied salmon. Pour in stock. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

medium high and cook, uncovered, for 10 more minutes. Stir frequently.

Remove from heat and stir in wine. Serve while hot.

City hall has gained a better understanding of what residents want in a new cultural action plan based on feedback received during the project’s phase 2 community engagement activities.

Phase 2 kicked off in June 2022 and wrapped up this past April. The objectives were to continue expanding the team with diverse representation from the community; infor a vision, strategic goals and action items; and bring together groups to focus on community spirit, inclusion and cultural vitality.

surveys last year during Sidewalk Days and Festival of and 28 people participated in focus groups.

activities and created a report grouping answers into 12 themes. It presented that report during city council’s June 12 executive committee meeting.

The main themes included community building, diversity, heritage, arts and cultural enterprise, events and activities, venues, parks and natural spaces, cultural resources and support, accessibility, urban environment, downtown and municipal governance and leadership. Community building

According to the summary report, respondents focused on positive community characteristics such as inclusivity, involvement, volunteerism, connections, neighbourliness, friendliness, community spirit, open-mindedness, co-operation, support, interaction, and shared experiences.

community today, while others were aspirational and intended to encourage more community-building efforts.

Furthermore, respondents commonly cited events and gatherings as important opportunities to act out, practice and maintain. Volunteerism and involvement in these events and activities were also critical to community building.

Community-based partnerships, strengthening partnerships and improving communications were seen as positives, the report said. Conversely, some people thought there was a lack of community based on divisions, a lack of trust and involvement, and a declining sense of community spirit.

Diversity

Comments about diversity focused on being welcoming or adapting to increased community diversity, the report said. Most respondents focused on ethnic diversity and multiculturalism, particularly with new immigrants and Aboriginal People.

newcomers as a major driver of ethnic and multicultural change over the years and decades.

“Most comments suggested that residents have grad-

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

ALBERTA BEEF SHORT RIBS

5 lbs. bone-in beef short ribs, cut 1 1/2 inches wide

2 cups red wine

2 cups beef stock

1 head garlic, crushed

1 large Spanish onion, peeled and chopped

1 large carrot, peeled and diced

1 tbsp. tomato paste

fresh thyme and rosemary to taste

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

Sear ribs in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to roasting pan. Add chopped vegetables. Mix other ingredients together, bring to a boil, then pour over ribs. Stir to coat.

Cover roaster tightly and roast for 2 1/2 hours at 325 degrees F. Check at 2 hours to ensure meat will fall off bones when done. Serve with rice or noodles.

• • •

SASKATCHEWAN SASKATOON BERRY SLICE

2 cups graham wafer crumbs

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/2 cup sugar

3 oz. pkg. fruit glaze

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups hot water

8 cups saskatoon berries, fresh, or frozen and thawed

Combine crumbs, oats, butter and 1/2 cup sug-

ually become more welcoming, though some suggested more work in this direction was needed,” the report said. “Multicultural events were seen as a constructive way toticultural presence.

Heritage

Most comments focused on local Canadian history or Aboriginal heritage, while others focused on historic Railway structure — as important historic resources. Further, respondents thought preserving these structures — especially downtown — was important to maintain Moose Jaw’s character, the report said. They thought Museum contributed to preserving heritage artifacts and programming.

Local folklore and stories — such as with the tunnels — also received attention.

Arts and cultural enterprise

Among the art forms, events and activities respondents discussed, music received the most attention, including The Band and Choral Festival, the report said. Respondents liked the murals but were concerned about maintenance issues. Literature also received considerable

Further, respondents liked the drama and theatre activities and camps that schools and community groups host, while they thought supporting artists and cultural enterprises was important long-term.

Events and activities

Sidewalk Days, the Band and Choral Festival and Bison Fest as activities they appreciated. The report noted that residents spoke most about Motif and the desire to bring it back.

Other comments focused on improving event participation through better promotions or planning.

Venues

Respondents were concerned that some venues were not properly maintained, including the Kinsmen Sports-

son Theatre, the report said. Other comments focused on upgrading venues and venue design, while others wanted to see the buildings better used.

rent usage and maintenance levels, while slightly less than Parks and natural spaces

vourite spaces since they could enjoy the outdoors and walking trails, the report said.

Some people suggested parks and public spaces could be improved through increased cleanliness, safety and

ar. Reserve 1/2 cup crumbs to sprinkle over the at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Meanwhile, stir glaze into 1 1/2 cups sugar and mix well. Gradually add hot water then whisk with a wire whisk until smooth.

Stir in saskatoons. Stir then pour over the base. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Chill in refrigerator for at least one hour. Serve with whipped cream. Makes 12 servings.

• • •

MANITOBA

STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsps. chopped sweet pickle

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. curry powder

2 cups cooked chicken, diced into small cubes

1 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Combine mayonnaise, pickle, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and curry powder.

Add chicken, celery and onion. Toss, cover and refrigerate.

Just before serving add sliced strawberries and toss lightly to combine.

Serve on lettuce leaves and topped with more strawberries.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

maintenance.

Cultural resources and support -

events. Participants also discussed various funding sources, though most attention was on support from the city and business community.

Accessibility

Participants discussed barriers that limit people’s access to cultural opportunities, including limitations due to people’s work schedules and other responsibilities, the report said.

of cultural opportunities and poor transportation as barriers to attending events.

Urban environment

Respondents focused mainly on negative characteristics in the urban environment, such as safety, crime, drug use, and uncleanliness. Other comments described Moose Jaw as having a small town or small city character.

Downtown

Residents discussed the importance of public places, especially the downtown, which has unique characteristics with a higher cultural resources concentration than any other location, the report said.

Other comments focused on preserving distinct neighbourhood characteristics, which contribute to broader placemaking efforts across the city.

Municipal governance and leadership

Most discussions about municipal governance and leadership focused on funding and the city’s role in culture. Some respondents spoke about distrust of government or government management and a desire for more accountability or fewer restrictions.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, JUNE 26. City hall plans to pursue provincial funding to help supmitigation infrastructure with Spring Creek and the systems that support it.

During its June 11 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve the funding application to the Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Flood Damage Reduction Program for the Spring Creek hydraulic and condition analysis project.

Further, council agreed that the municipality would meet the related legislated standards and WSA’s terms and conditions, conduct an open tendering process, manage the project, fund the project’s municipal share, fund ongoing operation and maintenance costs and follow federal and provincial mitigation measures.

The analysis could provide the city with options to upgrade the system, with work possibly starting in 2024 or 2025.

City hall budgeted $1.405 million this year to address storm sewer infrastructure, including $200,000 for major (overland) systems and $1.205 million for minor (storm pipes and networks) systems, a council report explained.

This project is expected to cost $200,000, while WSA’s funding program would provide a maximum of $100,000 or 50 per cent through a cost-sharing initiative.

Prov. funding could support analysis of

major watersheds — the Moose Jaw River, Thunder the northern part of the city, the report said.

Thunder Creek runs west to east through the Canadithe river on the city’s east side.

tory inundated low-lying areas and caused major property report.

A major part of this mitigation plan saw Spring Creek re-routed from the east-central side of the river to beyond

Furthermore, diverting the creek became possible through a large channel and dyke system that starts at Happy Valley and continues east of Ninth Avenue Northeast. Designers created the dyke to withstand a one-ina valve near Sixth Avenue Northeast and Hall Street East.

However, the city has expanded during the past 50 years to include Sunningdale, Iron Bridge and West Park,puts into Spring Creek, the report added.

This project is divided into two parts, according to the council report.

east through city limits, starting west of Thatcher Drive

and recommend updates to existing storm infrastructure — such as culverts — along the creek, create a channel maintenance plan, review existing channel vegetation, and develop emergency response considerations for onein-100-year and one-in-500-year storms.

The second part will focus on assessing and recommending refurbishment, resizing existing overland and underground storm infrastructure, and developing alternate alignments to avoid buildings or new construction.

There are alignment issues with the pipes since the storm sewer routes through residential streets and alleys before entering Crescent Park at Second Avenue Northeast and Athabasca Street East, the report said. The water moves overland through the Serpentine before eventually exiting through a small tributary near Fourth Avenue Northeast and Fairford Street East.

However, any infrastructure changes would not improve the water quality in Crescent Park’s Serpentine because the project focuses on upgrading pipes.

Saskatchewan weather can be hard on streets and roads, but city crews have been pushing back against nature andstruction season.

With many roads in need of tender lovin’ care, Coun. Crystal Froese inquired during the June 12 regular council date.

Bevan Harlton, director of engineering, replied thatmunity, prompting Froese to say this was turning into a record year.

“It’s an extensive line of work with no end,” Harlton added.

Coun. Dawn Luhning later introduced a motion asking administration to bring to the June 26 meeting a report immediately.

Sidewalk repairs

Coun. Doug Blanc said a resident approached him asking for city hall’s rationale for determining sidewalks replacements. The resident noted that while city crews are replacing sidewalks on Athabasca Street and elsewhere, his walkways are in worse shape.

rects the department’s replacement program, while some-

times staff also combine sidewalk repairs with the paving and upgrading of roads — which is what they did this year.

The engineering director noted that city crews replaced the sidewalks on the 300 to 500 blocks of Athabashazards. Furthermore, combining the road and sidewalk repairs allowed city hall to improve drainage. 13th Avenue concerns

The municipality has had 13th Avenue between Gordon Road and Regal Crescent closed for more than two weeks, which prompted a resident to contact Luhning to express concerns about how long the upgrades were taking.

450-millimetre feeder line that was never decommissioned when the area reservoir was eliminated, explained Harlton. However, there are no records available about what other services tie into that line, which is “odd.”

“We don’t connect services to feeder lines (anymore), but 60 (to) 85 years ago, they did,” he stated. “So a replacement occurred on the service line feeding Regal Park service line also connecting into that feeder.”

There weren’t records of where those services were,

ice needs, city says

City hall’s parks and recreation department is updating its arena usage policy to ensure the existing practices align with the policy’s intent and meet the community’s needs for services at indoor rinks.

The department presented the updates during the June 12 regular city council meeting, with council voting unanimously to accept the document.

The parks, recreation and facilities advisory committee reviews the policy annually to ensure the arena seasons and booking processes remain applicable based on current use and demand, a council report explained. It then sends any suggestions to the department, which forwards those recommendations to council for approval.

During this year’s review, the committee, department and Events Centre collaborated to update the policy to determine ice seasons, schedules, and annual rates. The department also engaged ice users to acquire feedback about the policy; no feedback was received.

The department is responsible for programming, scheduling and maintaining the Kinsmen Arena, the Bert Hunt Arena and the Wally Boschuk Arena. The Kinsmen Arena is the only venue that offers ice and off-season sport court programming.

Changes to the policy last year led to the municipality extending the spring ice season at Bert Hunt and Wally Boschuk, resulting in an extra 228.5 hours booked for

and the Epic Hockey Tournament, the report said.

In March and April of this year, the city booked 619.25 hours of spring ice, compared to 390.75 hours in March 2022.

Policy updates

The arena ice and sport court seasons will remain the same for 2023-24 as they were for 2022-23, the report said.

This means the Events Centre ice starts Tuesday, Aug. 8 and ends when the Warriors’ season concludes in 2024; the Kinsmen Arena ice starts Monday, Sept. 11 and concludes March 17, 2024; the Bert Hunt Arena

Wally Boschuk Arena ice starts Sunday, Oct. 15 and concludes April 7, 2024; and the Kinsmen sport court starts April 1, 2024 and concludes Aug. 18, 2024.

Other policy changes include:

September and October ice times, regular season ice, and spring ice due to different opening and closing dates at the three ice surfaces for 2023-24. Spring ice will continue at the PlaMor Palace due to the success of two tournaments held in April and expected growth of 3 on 3 hockey.

while is a gas line parallel to that pipe, Harlton continued. This forced city hall to use a hydro-vac truck before it could start the work.

That feeder main should not be there, while it’s the it has many services and is prone to leaking, he said. The problem is public works cannot isolate that line, while it’s diameter.

“It is unfortunate. It (also) offers many more challenges to public works than it should. But that is what that repair is now,” Harlton stated, adding 13th Avenue should be open soon.

Building demolition

Michelle Sanson, director of planning and development, provided an update on the demolition of the former Empire Apartments building on Caribou Street West.

She explained that the property owner was prepared to demolish the building and had a contractor lined up but realized neither SaskEnergy nor SaskPower had disconnected their services. City hall worked with the Crown corporations to make that happen, but the contractor left for another project.

Sanson added that the contractor expects to return by Monday, July 17, while her department has implemented an order to ensure the demolition happens.

Knowledge of the spring ice schedules will also alJuly 31 is the deadline for users to return their Sepreschedule allocations; the previous date was Sept.

· 15-minute breaks have been added between sport court users to allow for venue changes due to various nets and boards that lacrosse and in-line skating use Clearer language to support the current practice of not charging for meeting rooms during special events Further wording to support requests from provincial governing bodies for prime-time ice use for new leagues or programs events and allowing arena staff to use their judgment about ice conditions and scheduling implications. The department has also scheduled 15 minutes betransitions

· Clearer wording about the allotment of dressing rooms so there is more responsibility on user groups during each rental

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, JUNE 26.. While electric scooters haven’t yet been spotted zippingparing legislatively to ensure it’s ready when residents

During its June 12 regular meeting, city council voted -

“electric kick scooters” under the provincial The Limited Councillors Jamey Logan and Heather Eby were op-

The bylaw would permit residents to operate an e-scooter on roads with speed limits under 50 kilomeprovincial regulations, including driving no faster than

residents use e-scooters on streets, paths

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

low for private e-scooter use and created a framework for with which to partner, while it has also aligned its restrictions with provincial legislation and allows the devices Council discussion

Logan was concerned about whether e-scooter operators could use the devices in the evenings, while he also wondered whether city administration had contacted the

While a private company wasn’t yet renting e-scooters here as they were throughout North America, she knew some cities were having trouble with renters being thought that shouldn’t dissuade council from allowing

Saskatoon and Regina are the only two SaskatcheThe Bridge City only permits people to use rented e-scooters from companies with which the city has

Saskatoon has also aligned its restrictions on e-scooter use with provincial regulations and allows the devices

Logan also pointed out that e-scooters can have aes) in diameter and weigh roughly 55 kilograms (100 pounds), which concerned him since they would be zip-

The use of scooters at night could be addressed in the bylaw, while city hall has spoken with the Moose Jaw agency’s main concern was enforcement and other issues

Eby’s concern was about impaired people operating devices was probably no more dangerous than riding a bicycle, she couldn’t support the motion until she knew should allow e-scooter users to use pathways and couldn’t

because people want those alternative uses for motorized Discussions about e-scooter use are occurring across Canada, so it’s positive that Moose Jaw is having thisers obeyed the rules of the road since they were sharinglowing e-scooters on pathways through Wakamow Valley

We can see if there are any complaints or issues we have board and recalled discussing this issue with police exec-ers, he noted they believe a bylaw would make their job Blanc also thought residents should be allowed to use e-scooters on pathways since those trails are safer than on

Business owner to appeal after council denies expansion request

The owner of Raydon Castle Building Centres will have to take his expansion request to the development appeals board after city hall denied his application due to zoning

portion of 506 High Street West into two lots, with the newisting property contains a commercial warehouse and other City hall’s planning and development services department received the application, reviewed it and sent a recommendation to the June 12 regular council meeting urging the

After a brief discussion, council unanimously agreed to deny the subdivision application and advise the applicant about the appeal process through the development appeals

The property is zoned M2f2 (heavy industrial districtposed subdivided lot would only be located within the M2f2

Moreover, the proposed building is considered an accessory structure, but the application would subdivide the structure from the property and turn it into a principal dwell-

“The new proposed lot does not meet the minimum building setbacks as prescribed by the zoning bylaw,” the

The existing property’s south side yard would become the front yard of the proposed west lot, although the oridistance of the most westerly accessory building to the rear property line would decrease, it would not contradict the

The proposed lot would create a south front yard that is

Since The Planning and Development Act does not authorize council to contravene the zoning bylaw, council must deny the subdivision application because the proposed property lines would not meet the building setback require-

ance, he will have to apply for a development and building permit to address the fact the accessory warehouse building

to deny this request and encourage the applicant to call upon

for applications like these because they are more technical than political, said Michelle Sanson, director of planninging proposed for a new zoning bylaw, which, along with the

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE APPROACHING

Moose Jaw Arts in Motion reminds students that the deadline for applications for the 2023 Larry Wilson Scholarship program is coming up Friday, June 30, 2023. Students furthering their studies in the performing arts and literary arts are invited to apply for these scholarships.

The Larry Wilson Scholarships are available annually for individuals studying in the elds of Drama, Musical Theatre, Vocals, Instrumentals, Contemporary Dance, Traditional Dance and Literary Arts (Writing). Applicants must be 17 years of age or over and have permanent residence in Moose Jaw or the South Saskatchewan Enterprise Region.

Application forms are available on the website at: www.artsinmotion.ca For more information contact Regina Sagal-Hendry at 306-692-3705.

City administration is looking to speed up the process

Bylaw governing defunct city committee surprisingly surfaces during audit

inated the municipal planning commission, but a bylaw dealing with the group quietly sat on the books unbe-

utes even though reports took hours to create, a council re-

With its elimination, all matters relating to the municipal planning commission would be placed on council’s agenda under Committee of the Whole, administration ex-

ground may be required, it would be appropriate to table that item to a subsequent executive committee meeting to

The planning commission was one of three groups that council shut down in October 2019, along with the economic development committee and the housing advisory com-

One reason for the commission’s elimination was there

After discovering that the bylaw still existed, city administration brought to the June 12 regular meeting a by-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw youth heading to Halifax in August for national French forum

Neyva Abbasi, a 17-year-old Moose Javian, is one of 35 Grade 10 and 11 students selected by French for the Future to take part in the National Ambassador Youth Forum in Halifax, NS, from August 13 to 18.

Abbasi was one of 150 candidates who sent in an application demonstrating their passion for the French language. She will spend a week immersed in a French-speaking environment and will collaborate with her fellow youth ambassadors in activities promoting bilingualism and the importance of Canada’s French heritage.

Ambassadors will also receive training in event management so they can create their own francophone events next school year, as a way to help build future French-speaking Canadian leaders. founded in 1997 that is devoted to proengages with students in grades 7 through 12 across the country. The organization’s

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

National Ambassador Youth Forum is intended to strengthen participants’ sense of belonging to Canada’s Francophile community.

All the costs associated with the forum are covered for the 35 participants.

“It doesn’t even feel real. I’m so, so excited,” Abbasi told MooseJawToday. com.

Abbasi said she is excited to live in a totally French-speaking environment for a week. She has been in French immerwhen it comes to listening, reading, and writing — speaking French is where she needs to improve, she said, and events like these are the best way to do that.

“We live in a town that is primarily English-speaking, I’m surrounded by English all the time, and me and my friends only speak English when we’re in class, so speaking French more is something I’m actively trying to do,” she explained.

“I think there should be more events and programs like this, because there are so

many people who want to learn languages, but they have to rely solely on books and apps for that.

“But you need that in-person connection. You need to speak with people to actually develop the language, to get better

Abbasi said her dream after graduating from French immersion is to live and/ or work somewhere she can use French in everyday life. She hasn’t yet picked out a particular destination, but there are plenty of options, such as France itself, Belgium, Lebanon, Senegal, and of course many places in Canada.

“Honestly, it would be cool to go to all of those places,” she laughed. “It’s just fun to be exposed to different cultures and get to know different kinds of people.

“With French culture, a lot of the events I’ve been to have been, like, celebrations and just fun, joyous activities. I think they have a different mode de vie or way of life, and it’s a nice perspective.”

Seven local students competed for awards during provincial Heritage Fair last week

Seven Moose Jaw students were in Regina this past week attempting to win awards for their history projects as part of Heritage Saskatchewan’s annual provincial Heritage Fair.

The event took place on Wednesday, June 14, at Government House at 4607 Dewdney Avenue in the Henry Newlands Ballroom between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The awards ceremony occurred immediately after the viewing.

This is the second in-person Heri-

tage Fair the organization has held since the COVID-19 pandemic began and is the 10th year for the program.

The fair was expected to feature 45 projects from across Saskatchewan.

Moose Jaw’s Heritage Fair took place May 3 at the Western Development Museum. There were 12 projects that were seven were from Moose Jaw — with two projects tying for runner-up.

Grade 5 Moose Jaw student Camryn

Michener received the top score for her project The History of Dogsledding in Canada.

Tying for second were Grade 8 Kyle student Olivia Dyrland and Grade 8 Moose Jaw student Abby Hogeboom for their projects, respectively, of The Growth of Matador and Elsie MacGill: The Sky’s the Limit.

In third was Grade 6 student Kenzie Crocker for Jordan’s Principle; in fourth was Grade 8 student Kallie New for Taking Action: Angelina Napolitano’s Story; in eighth was Grade 7 student Cassandra Rogers for Viola Desmond; in ninth was Grade 6 student Brynn Topp for The Discovery of Insulin; and in 11th was Grade 5 student Emmerson Forbes for My Great-Great-Grandfather in WW2.

Individual awards were also handed out, including:

- The arts and leisure award went to Michener

- The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame sport heritage award went to Hayden Nidesh in Grade 8 for Canadian Men’s Olympic Hockey

- The citizen and governance award went to Hogeboom

- The society and justice award went to New

- The indigenous heritage award went to Campbell Krosse in Grade 4 for Tom Longboat

- The genealogy award went to Forbes

- The multicultural heritage award went to Erica de Matos Bentos in Grade 6 for Brazilians in Canada

- The science and technology award went to Belle Clayson in Grade 5 for Frederick Banting: The Inventor of Insulin

- The archives award went to Anabia Yousuf in Grade 5 for Vimy Ridge

- The historical thinking award went to Bodie Bolt in Grade 5 for Dieppe Raid

- The digital media award went to Topp

- The innovation award went to Beckett McSween in Grade 5 for Canadian Money

- A local award for a project about the history of a person went to Rogers

- A local award for a diversity project went to Easlynn Topp for Camp Easter Seal

- A local award for history in the making went to Scarlett Zoerb in Grade 7 for Graeme Fish

- A local award for a historical event went to Muaz Yousuf in Grade 4 for D-Day

- A local award for the Catherine Lettkeman Award went to Ciarra Schollar in Grade 7 for Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum

During the provincial Heritage Fair in 2022, Crocker won the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for her proj-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Neyva Abbasi (supplied)

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw

Youth Centre concert raises nearly $10K to support electrical upgrades

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Joe’s Place Youth Centre is one step closer to replacing its nearly 70-year-old power supply that failed last year due to the generous donations of youths and community sponsors.

Dubbed “Project Power-Up,” the organization held a concert in late May that saw more than 200 youths pack into the building to hear the opening indie folkrock band An Unexpected End and poprock headliner The Color, both from Winnipeg.

The Color has played at Joe’s Place several times during its New Year’s Eve “Voltage” parties.

The event generated $8,800, including $4,400 that the youths raised and another matching $4,400 from an anonymous sponsor.

Youth Centre founder Joe Dueck thought the event went well.

“Yes, the ‘Project Power-Up’ concert was surprisingly great, just with how people got on board,” Dueck said, noting Century 21 Insight Realty and Déjà Vu Café sponsored the event and covered all costs.

With the businesses covering those expenses, every dollar the youths raised and every ticket the organization sold was pure revenue and could be doubled, he continued. It was also easy to sell out the concert since the kids knew their tickets would support the centre and this would be their fundraiser.

“… the kids were pretty proud that they were a part of helping the youth

centre in that way because that’s a pretty impressive number ($4,400) for youth to raise,” said Dueck.

The youths partied hard and sang along to many songs The Color — known for well-done cover tunes — performed apps turned on.

“So, it was a great time,” he added.

The power failure occurred in 2022 after one of the circuit boxes melted down.

employee called him to the basement after smelling something odd. They both found one of the boxes crackling and steaming.

“And I’m like, that’s never good,” Dueck recalled.

They called in electricians and SaskPower workers, who then called in an electrical inspector. All three told the centre founder that the system — installed in 1957 — needed to be upgraded, including the transformers.

The electricians performed an emer-

gency repair — the venue was without power for a few days — to address the panel box. While that would hold temporarily, the inspector urged Dueck to make proper repairs, which meant replacing the entire system to meet current electrical codes.

“So we weren’t sure how long we were being given. So we’re trying to raise this money pretty quick and get everything up and running with the current equipment installed,” he said.

The youth organization set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to replace the electrical system and bolster the general operating fund.

Dueck noted that costs for electrical projects in a building of this size could unper cent — if one thing goes wrong. That is why the organization wants to raise as much money as possible before the project starts.

So far, the youth centre has raised $40,000 from matching sponsors and supporters, while other sponsors have promised to match up to $15,000. This means the organization could reach $70,000 immediately if other individuals and businesses donated $15,000.

Joe’s Place is also fundraising to send kids this summer to Kedleston Gospel Camp and its camp in Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Donations can be made through canadahelps.org.

Moose Jaw ranked ninth provincially in per person spending in 2021, new report says

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has analyzed how much money small- and medium-sized Saskatchewan cities spent per person in 2021 and determined that the City of Moose Jaw’s spending landed roughly in the middle.

Moose Jaw’s spending per person ranked ninth out of 14 cities — excluding Regina and Saskatoon — in the province, based on total expenses divided by population, according to a CTF report thatments.

The CTF calculated that based on total expenses of $84,260,577 and a population of 33,665 two years ago, Canada’s Most Notorious City had per person spending of $2,503.

In 2020, Moose Jaw’s spending per person was $2,232, based on $75.1 million in total expenses and a population of 33,665. This represents a year-over-year increase of $271 in per person spending.

In 2019, Moose Jaw’s per person

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

spending was about $2,100.

Meanwhile, Moose Jaw’s per person revenue in 2021 — taxes and user fees collected — was $3,395 based on $114.2 million in total revenues, compared to $2,258 in per person revenue in 2020 based on $96.2 million in total revenue.

This represents a year-over-year increase of $1,137 in per person revenue.

“(Moose Jaw) taxpayers need to pressure councillors to make sure spending doesn’t start to rise. Moose Jaw is doing better than other cities, but it needs to keep spending under control,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF’s Prairie director.

Provincially, in 2021, Swift Current had the highest per person spending at $3,741, followed by Yorkton at $3,108 per person, while Martensville had the lowest per person spending at $1,794.

The average per person spending amongst small- and medium-sized municipalities in 2021 was $2,635.

Haubrich told the Moose Jaw Express

that CTF highlighted Moose Jaw because council has kept spending “relatively low” compared to other municipalities like Swift Current and Yorkton.

“So relative to them, Moose Jaw did pretty well. But, of course, we always want to caution against giving them (council) too much credit because spending has gone up a bit,” he said. “So we’re always going to caution them to keep spending under control and make sure it doesn’t rise too much.”

The CTF obtained every municipaliinformation requests.

In its report, “Which Saskatchewan municipalities spent the most of our tax dollars?” the federation explained it pursued this project because it believed taxpayers deserved to know how their councils were spending their tax dollars — transparency, essentially.

The organization pointed out that the provincial government used to publish mu-

its website — it is the law to submit the documents — but discontinued the practice in 2008. It promised to install a new system in 2021 but hasn’t done it yet.

Since the province has failed to collect -

dian Taxpayers Federation acquired the documents and posted them to its website.

It’s important for taxpayers to know this information because municipal governments are sometimes forgotten about compared to provincial and federal spending, Haubrich told the Express. Residents need to realize their city also spends plenty of tax dollars.

Haubrich added that other provinces, such as Alberta and Ontario, have web portals where taxpayers can access their

CTF hoped the Saskatchewan government would do something similar.

For more information visit www.taxpayer.com.

Families gather for MJ Public Library’s space-themed reading club launch

Families gathered in Crescent Park out front of the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) on June 17 for the annual Summer Reading Club launch, undertaken this year Space Agency (CSA).

Participants in the Summer Reading Club, designed to encourage literacy while on vacation, can earn rewards from the library for their hours spent reading. The club will run alongside a gradual rollout of improvements and opportunities from the CSA grant, which lasts for a full year and includes money for equipment upgrades.

“So, this is our launch for our summer reading, just to kick things off,” explained Andrew Martens, who runs the MJPL MakerSpace lab. “We’ve got Wall-E playing in the library theatre, and face painting and Alka Seltzer rockets, some games, as

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

well as some crafts going on downstairs.

“We have a very exciting grant from the Canadian Space Agency, so we’re going to be space-themed over the summer.”

The MJPL is going to have spacethemed book clubs, playground programs, take ‘n make kits, young astronaut activities, and more after applying last year for the CSA’s Space Awareness opportunity. Grant money will also going to enhance their MakerSpace area with better 3D printing and more robotics projects.

The grant is intended to support and encourage education and awareness around Science, Technology, Engineering,

“I came today with two of my grandkids, and they love the library. They both have tablets, but they still like to hold paper books once in a while,” said Linda Pe-

ters. Peters works at the Palliser Regional Library headquarters as an acquisitions

technician, but it was her grandchildren who heard about the launch party.

“They learned about this at school and asked me to bring them! Which I’m only too happy to do. Our libraries are so important, and modern libraries are a bit under threat, because so many people are going digital. But there’s nothing like holding a real book. ... We don’t know what we got till it’s gone, so we have to try and keep our libraries strong and teach our kids that they’re good for us — they’re good for learning everything.

“So, any chance to get people to come out here is a good thing.”

Summer Reading Club kits, including bookmarks to keep track of reading hours and a program guide, are available all season long during open hours at the MJPL circulation desk.

Winnipeg band The Color was the headliner during a concert to support Joe’s Place Youth Centre. Photo courtesy Facebook

Parents line up with their children for face-painting at the Moose Jaw Public Library’s Summer Reading Club launch on June 17 (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Warriors assistant Burnett to join University of Manitoba Bisons as head coach

Regina native takes over from long-time head coach Sirant after spending past three seasons with Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw Warriors assistant coach Gord Burnett is moving on from the Western Hockey League team.

The 39-year-old Regina native was announced as the new head coach of the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey program last week, taking over from long-time coach Mike Sirant, who retired at the end of last season after 30 years with the team.

“Joining the University of Manitoba Bisons as the head coach of the hockey program is an absolute honour,” Burnett said on the University of Manitoba website. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with student-athletes and contribute to their growth and success, both on and off the ice.

“I recognize the rich legacy and storied history of the University of Manitoba’s hockey program and I’m excited to build upon its foundation. I have a vision that encompasses fostering a culture of

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

teamwork, resilience and continued improvement. We will strive for excellence in every aspect of our game, on and off the ice. I am dedicated to providing our student-athletes with a supportive environment that nurtures growth as athletes, scholars and individuals.”

Burnett -- who largely worked with the team’s defensive corps -- joined the Warriors prior to the 2020-21 Regina Hub campaign and spent the past three seasons with the team. The Warriors went 8-13-3-0 in the abbreviated COVID campaign, but the past two seasons were far better, including a 37-24-4-3 record in 2021-22 and 41-24-0-3 showing in 2022-23 that saw both times.

itself looking to climb up the USports place in the Canada West standings in 2022-23.

Women Fore Women Golf Tournament taking registrations for 2023 event

The Women Fore Women Golf Tournament might be in only its fourth year of existence, but in that short amount of time, they’ve grown exponentially.

All one has to do is look at how many scholarships they’re planning to hand out later this summer for an idea.

After giving out two or three awards to young female athletes each year as funds were available, the plan is to hand this time around -- a product of the more 2022.

Registration recently opened for the event, which takes place on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Hillcrest Golf Club, and it hasn’t taken long for interest to grow once again.

“We were a little bit later getting things going and people are already calling to sign up’, so there’s certainly that interest there,” said tournament organizer Bev Barber. “This is our fourth year, so word has gotten out that this is a fun tournament and for a good cause, so it’s nice to see that kind of support.”

The initial stages of bringing things together are well underway, with members of the Hillcrest Ladies League gathering donations for the scholarship fund, prizes and whatever else is needed to make the day as fun and popular as years past.

“It’s a great group of ladies who work really hard to make this tournament a suc-

cess every year,” Barber said.

A major part of the popularity is the fun format. Players take to the course in teams of two, playing six holes of scramble, six holes of alternate shot and six holes of best score. A hole-in-one could win a lucky golfer an XT4 Cadillac sponsored by Murray GM, and folks can also take a shot at the closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, longest putt and closest-to-theline contests.

All proceeds go to the scholarship program, which gives awards to local female athletes moving on to post-secondary edupresented to Mya Viczko, Malea Kletzel and Summer Okerstrom last summer, but things are in such good shape both those numbers are expected to increase this time around.

Applications have appeared in droves, making the work of Deb Negraiff and her scholarship selection crew a little more addition of the full Prairie South School Division and Holy Trinity School Division as scholarship-eligible.

“We have a lot of people who support our tournament or donate prizes and are from outlying communities, and Moose Jaw is a farming community, so we felt it made sense to include all those students, too,” Barber said.

cludes golf, a post-tournament meal and tons of prizes.

“It always amazes me every year how well it goes and how well it’s received,” Barber said. “I can’t say enough about the Hillcrest Ladies golf league and how

they jump in and get to work and just do a fabulous job of making this tournament a success.”

To register and for more information, call the Hillcrest Golf Course at (306) 693-1921.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Warriors assistant coach Gord Burnett -- here instructing the troops prior to the 2021-22 campaign -- has moved on to take over as head coach of the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Women Fore Women Golf Tournament 2022 winners Jacquie John and Bev Barber with the sponsorship board.

Miller Express drop three of four to West Division teams over past week

Moose Jaw falls 14-10 to Brooks, defeat Bombers 8-5; drop 7-6 and 10-7 decisions on road in Sylvan Lake

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw Miller Express haven’t faced a lot of regular-season adversity in Western Canadian Baseball League action as of late, but this past week was one of those times.

The Millers dropped three of four games to West Division opponents over the last four days but continue to hold on 10-6 record, 2 ½ games up on the Regina Red Sox and Medicine Hat Mavericks heading into play Monday, June 19.

It all started Wednesday, June 14 with a rain-delayed 14-10 loss to the Brooks Bombers before the Express were able to rebound for an 8-5 win on Thursday at Ross Wells Park. Moose Jaw then hit the road for a pair of games in Sylvan Lake, falling 7-6 on Friday and dropping a 10-7 decision Saturday.

Brooks 14, Moose Jaw 10

The two teams ended up playing one of the longest games in recent history, as thanks to a two-hour rain delay, the contest started at 7 p.m. and didn’t until just before 1 a.m.

Despite the slew of defensive miscues, the Express were still in the hunt heading into the ninth inning, with the contest tied 10-10.

Brooks would pound out four hits in the frame off relievers Kaleb Waller and Triston Seitz and scored the four runs to take their big lead.

Ethan Merk got the start for Moose two innings before attempting to return after the break. The Bombers promptly put up four runs to tie the game, and then scored another three in the fourth to take a 7-4 edge.

The Millers got all of that back and then some the next inning, though, sendto take a 9-7 edge.

Moose Jaw reliever Haldon Craig allowed a run over the next two innings, setting the stage for Brooks’ late-game surge.

Tweet had another solid game at the dish, going 2-for-5 with an eighth-inning home run and a double, two runs scored and two runs batted in. Wyatt Tweet had a

trips to the plate, while Christian Yanez was 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Moose Jaw 8, Brooks 5

Dawson Tweet put together a 4-for-5 night that included a pair of runs scored to

inning to lead the Express to their comfortable win.

Younger brother Wyatt was also on form at the plate, hitting a solo home run

3 night that included two runs scored and two RBI.

Dougie DelaCruz also had a solid game against Brooks, putting together a 3-for-5 showing that included a lead-off home run in the second inning, two runs scored and three RBI. Luke Lachance was 2-for-4 and scored two runs.

For all that offence, things were Things changed quickly, though, as the Express sent 11 men to the plate and put Cameron Dunn got the start and al-nings before giving way to Matt Vasquez,

allowing three runs on two hits over the

Sylvan Lake 7, Moose Jaw 6

Defensive miscues were the differ-

Lake this season, as three errors in the bottom of the seventh inning led to the Gulls scoring four runs to tie the game at four.

There things wouldsit until an extra inning, where Moose Jaw took a 6-4 lead in the top of 10th, only to see Sylvan Lake score three in their half for the walk-off win.

The result was especially tough in that it came on the heels of another stellar start from Brayan Villar. The Miller Express hurler gave his team a quality start, holding the Gulls without a run and striking out four.

The Milers gave Villar some run support in the fourth inning, as Bobby Pokorney hit a two-run single and then made it 3-0 by scoring when Thomas Soto reached on an error.

Soto scored the Express’ fourth run in the seventh.

That set the stage for the bottom of the inning, with Express reliever Julian Gonzalez absorbing most of the damage

-- four runs allowed, none earned, on a single hit and a pair of walks.

tossing a scoreless eighth and ninth before the Gulls struck for their three runs in the 10th.

Soto and Dawson Tweet scored Moose Jaw’s runs in the top of the 10th.

Sylvan Lake 10, Moose Jaw 7

Moose Jaw’s Kellan Voggesser and Sylvan Lake’s Tyler Boudreau both brought gaudy numbers in Saturday’s game, but struggled against their opposition’s offence.

The Express got off to a good start, but the Gulls would send 11 men to the plate in the bottom of the inning, taking build a 5-2 lead.

Kaleb Waller took over on the mound in the second and allowed three runs over the next two innings but settled downting down the Gulls the rest of the way and leaving after the sixth having allowed

That gave the Miller Express a chance to battle back, and that they did.

A three-run third inning made it 8-5 Sylvan Lake, and after Moose Jaw scored suddenly a one-run game.

The Gulls picked up an insurance run in their half of the seventh, though, and added another marker in the eighth to wrap up scoring.

Merk pitched the seventh for Moose Jaw and allowed a run on two hits, Gabe Soto tossed the eighth and allowed a run on three hits.

Chaz Poppy led the Moose Jaw offence with a 3-for-4 night that included three runs scored and a pair of doubles, while Wyatt Tweet was 3-for-5 with four runs batted in. Dawson Tweet was 2-for-5 with a pair of runs, Parker Dorrance had a pair of hits.

The Miller Express played Monday in Fort McMurray and are in Brooks Tuesday and Wednesday. Next home action is Friday against Medicine Hat.

Ice down: Winnipeg loses WHL franchise after being unable to secure arena

Team to relocate to Wenatchee, Washington for 2023-24 campaign after dismal attendance in sub-par rink throughout team’s existence

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

In one of the least surprising decisions in recent Western Hockey League history, the league announced Friday morning that the Winnipeg Ice are no more.

The team has been purchased by an ownership group led by businessman David White, and will be moving to Wenatchee, Wash. for the start of the 2023-24 season.

The new team will play in the U.S. Division and will be known as the Wenatchee Wild, taking the moniker of the BCHL franchise in the community..

Right off the hop, the major issue the franchise had in Winnipeg is solved. Wenatchee -- population 35,405 and located two hours east of Seattle -- already has the Town Toyota Centre open and running since August of 2008. The 4,300-seat arena is easily up to WHL standards and will offer a massive upgrade over the heavily undersized Wayne Fleming Arena the team used to play in.

The move will mark the third of its

kind for the franchise, after they relocated from Kootenay, B.C. prior to the 2019-20 season.

The four seasons played in Winni-

peg were done so with the promise of a new arena to be built on the outskirts of the city, but Ice CEO Greg Fettes said in a Twitter statement that things just couldn’t come together.

Matt Cockell) and I,” Fettes wrote. “We in bringing the best possible major junior hockey product to the Winnipeg market. However, despite our success in building the organization, we were unable to con-

Winnipeg that met the WHL standards on a timeline that was acceptable to the WHL.”

The situation is one that has been buzzing around the league all last season and came to a head when Winnipeg me-

new and better arena.

The move takes away what had been, quite frankly, an embarrassing look for the

WHL.

The Ice had put together one of the best teams in the league over the four years in Winnipeg, including a record-setting 57-10-1-0 mark in 2022-23 that saw before falling to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Throughout that run, though, they played to around 1,600 fans on average, far and away the lowest attendance in the league.

By comparison, the Moose Jaw Warriors averaged around 2,884 fans per game in 2022-23, while the team from the smallest community in the league, the Swift Current Broncos, averaged around 1,837 fans.

The move to Wenatchee gives the WHL balanced conferences, with 11 teams in each, including the Warriors, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Brandon Wheat Kings and Prince Albert Raiders in the East Division.

Miller Express veteran Dawson Tweet continued his hot start to the season this week and is hitting over .500 on the season.

The Winnipeg Ice have played theirpaign.

Moose Jaw Mustangs help Regina Reign win

Five players join Reign for provincials, go undefeated on way to claiming gold medal

With how things went in the South Sask Lacrosse League this season, there’s a sense of inevitability that the Moose Jaw Mustangs will see their share of success when the playoffs and provincials come around.

So why not get things started with a

Five members of the Mustangs -Cashton Seaborg, Mason Williams, Braxton Mac Angus, Luke Andrews and Jake Gyman -- joined the Regina Reign this past weekend to claim the Sask Lacrosse

The Reign did it in style, too, going undefeated on their run through the threeteam tournament.

It all started on Saturday morning, as Regina battled to a come-from-behind 1310 win over the Prince Albert Attack. quarter and both teams scored three in the second, giving Prince Albert their onegoal edge at halftime. Three goals in the third made it a 9-8 game for Regina, and they’d keep up the pressure on the way to their three-goal win.

Seaborg -- who alongside Williams suited up with Team Sask at the Canada Summer Games last August -- had a solid

game, scoring four goals. Williams added two goals and an assist, while Ryan Mc- points to lead Regina’s offence.

Things weren’t quite as close in their next match-up, as a 7-3 half-time lead Trojans.

Seaborg scored Regina’s sixth goal in the second period and drew an assist on their opening marker early in the Reign’s second goal, with Jaxson Lenz scoring both.

McDonald had three goals and four points. That sent Regina into the gold medal game against Prince Albert, and they’d make no mistake, overcoming a slow start before rolling to a 14-7 win.

edge extended to 10-7 through three, and Regina would hold Prince Albert scoreless Williams had his best showing in the biggest game of the tournament, putting points. Seaborg had two goals and an assist, and Gyman hit the scoresheet with an assist on the Reign’s fourth goal. Wenz led Regina with four goals, McDonald also had a hat trick.

Professional Bull Riders Canada returns to Regina for second year at Canada’s Farm Show

Regina, Saskatchewan will once again host the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Canada’s elite Cup Series, presented by Wrangler, as the PBR Regina Classic takes place at the Brandt Centre on June 21, 2023.

The PBR Canada Cup Series showcases Canada’s top riders alongside international athletes, pitting them against formidable, intimidating bulls from across the nation. This thrilling one-night event promises exhilarating 8-second rides and awe-inspiring wrecks, as courageous bull-riders face off against their 2,000-pound opponents.

It is never all about the riders, as each PBR event features a lineup of talented bulls selected for their strength, agility, and bucking prowess. These remarkable animals are an integral part of the event, captivating audiences with their raw power and size, and are cared for and given all the comforts expected for the lineages, performances, and history they represent. The connection between rider and bull is

a testament to the central relationship of the sport.

Scheduled during Canada’s Farm Show Regina, SK, hosted at the Brandt Centre from June 20 to 22, the 2023 PBR Regina Classic coincides with one oftural shows. Canada’s Farm Show Regina attracts a global audience and serves as aing action.

The PBR Regina Classic marks the Canada Cup Series. Riders will be seeking every single point they can accumulate to carry them all the way to this year’s national championship.

The return to Regina follows a thrilling battle for the PBR Canada Championship in 2022. At the 2022 PBR Canada National Finals, nine riders vied for the title and the $50,000 bonus that accompanied it.

In the end, Nick Tetz of Calgary emerged as the 2022 PBR Canada Cham-

pion after an impressive come-from-behind surge, surpassing regular-season leader Dakota Buttar of Eatonia, Saskatchewan and fending off Brock Radford points ahead of Radford to secure the title.

The bull-riding action at the PBR Canada Cup Series’ Regina Classic will kick off at 7:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Fans can expect to see top riders like Tetz, Buttar, and Radford back in action, joined by prominent Saskatchewan natives such as Aaron Roy of Yellow Grass and Jared Parsonage of Maple Creek, among others.

Tickets for the event are available at the and online via Ticketmas-

ter.ca.

Fans should stay tuned to PBRCanada.com and follow the tour on Facebook (PBR Canada), Twitter (@PBRCanada), and Instagram (@PBRCanada) for the latest event and broadcast schedule, results, news, stats, and more.

A rider attempts to stay for eight seconds at a PBR Canada event (Covy Moore/PBR Canada/Facebook)

Moose Jaw Mustangs Cashton Seaborg, Mason Williams, Braxton Mac Angus, Luke Andrews and Jake Gyman were part of the Regina Reign for their U20 box lacosse provincial championship win.

Kayak 4 KidSport to make return this July

Event to feature free kayak and canoe demonstrations along with always popular Corporate Challenge race

In its four years of existence, Kayak 4 KidSport has quickly evolved into one of the most popular fundraisers for the local charity.

And if things continue to go as they have in the lead-up to the 2023 event; it’ll also be one of the most lucrative.

Thanks to the ongoing support of their sponsors, Kayak 4 KidSport will once again be able to offer kayak and canoe demos along with a barbecue lunch and a host of prizes draws -- including one for a new kayak from Boh’s Cycle -- free of charge to anyone who wishes to take part.

That’s on top of the highlight of the event, the Corporate Challenge races that will see local businesses go head-to-head to determine who has the best canoe team out there.

It all makes for fun day, and one that KidSport chair John Eberl hopes will once again draw plenty of interest.

“It’s really gratifying to see the traction we’ve been getting, and the Corporate Challenge part of it was really fun last year, so that’s really helped,” Eberl said of the event’s growing popularity. “Then

families really enjoy the free kayaking and canoeing courtesy of Boh’s Cycle, and it’s been really good to see it continue to grow over the years.”

The 2023 event will take place on Sunday, July 16 in Wakamow Valley and will begin at 9 a.m. with the all-ages kayak and canoe demonstration that will see anyone interested able to get in a canoe or kayak and paddle around Plaxton Lake.

“All you have to do is show up,” Eberl said. “We ask for a donation of $10 per family, but we’re not going to turn anyone away. There will be a free lunch,

their names will be entered for the prizes and they’ll get to try out kayaking and canoeing. Then we’ll have lifeguards to help it all stay safe and it’s always a lot of fun.”

The Corporate Challenge takes place at 11 a.m. and will feature boats racing where the Corporate Champions will be crowned.

The Challenge has become one of the most popular parts of the day and there’s still time to enter a team if you wish. The entry fee is $250, with all proceeds going directly into KidSport’s coffers.

As for the race itself, well, expect to have fun.

“It’s just a simple, easy course, it’s a fun race and you could be in a canoe for Eberl said, adding that 19 teams took part last year. It’s a big part of the event and a big part of the fundraising and we always appreciate the support.”

The day wraps up after the races, with the free barbecue taking place at 12 p.m. and the prize draws right after.

The event has enjoyed impressive

sponsorship support throughout it’s existence, and 2023 is no exception. Henderson Insurance and Sandbox Mutual Insurance have pledged matching donations, which will also be matched by the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club, SaskWater is sponsoring the Corporate Challenge and the Moose Jaw Co-Op is donating the barbecue lunch.

“We can’t say enough about the support of our sponsors,” Eberl said. “They make our life easy, they come out and participate and they’re wonderful.”

All that help means that KidSport can do what KidSport does.

In Moose Jaw, that translated into 265 kids registered for sports they otherwise might not have been able to play, to the tune of more than $65,000. And that number continues to grow every year as more families look for help keeping their kids active.

For more information on the event, including to register your Corporate Challenge team, give Eberl a shout at (306) 540-4153 or send an e-mail to kidsportmoosejaw@gmail.com.

Third annual Burns & McDonnell charity golf tournament

Burns & McDonnell, the supervising company for SaskPower’s Great Plains Power Station, kicked off their third annual charity golf tournament on Friday morning, with proceeds going to River Street Promotions’ Homestand ’23 concert this time around.

“This is Burns & McDonnell’s third annual charity event, and it’s also our third annual Homestand concert, so to have the two of them coming together here today is a nice synergy,” said James Murdoch, one of the founders of River Street Promotions.

“And, you know, last year the tournament ended up giving $26,000 to Hunger in Moose Jaw, and the year before that was $17,000 for Joe’s Place, so that’s considerable growth. … In the three years that Burns & McDonnell has had a presence here, you our great city of Moose Jaw, so we’re happy and honoured to have been chosen, and youth in south Saskatchewan.”

This year’s tournament, hosted by Hillcrest Golf Club, reached its capacity of 144 golfers within only a couple of weeks of being announced, organizer Jami-Lee Cuthbert said. Cuthbert, B&M’s site manager, added the tournament has been tremendously well supported by businesses and organizations in the community, as well as all the workers and subcontractors at the power station site.

“We have activities and different giveaways or challenges on 17 out of 18 holes,diately after the golf, everyone will make

their way over to the Heritage Inn where Brad [Butcher, B&M Project Manager] will give a speech, then we’ll hear from James from River Street Promotions, and maybe Amanda [Olson] from Prairie South School Division. Then, we jump right into our tournament prizes,” Cuthbert explained.

prizes and then we have Scott Johnstone, the local auctioneer, coming out to join us for dinner and conduct our live auction. We eat dinner at 6:30, and after that everyone is free to go home or keep partying, so, quite a day.”

Proceeds of the tournament will go to the River Street Promotions (RSP) fund, which is administered by Prairie South School Division and shared with the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division.

The RSP fund enables mental health initiatives such as speakers, activity days, and increased mental health wellness re-

Month for June

sources for the two school divisions. The Homestand series of concerts have also turned into a boost for the entire city of Moose Jaw, bringing international and Canadian performers to the city and supporting the local economy.

“We all chose River Street Promotions and their Homestand ’23 concert because of the great work they do with Saskatchewan youth,” Butcher said just before giving a welcome speech to all the participants. “They focus on improving kids’ mental health, especially with the aftereffects of COVID, that’s their main thing, and that lines up with our priorities and really hit home with us.”

The event was supported by many prominent Moose Javians, with Mayor Clive Tolley and Maryse Carmichael, the new city manager, preparing to tee off to-

gether, restaurant owners Alex Carleton and John Iatridis supplying food and drinks at several holes, Chamber of Commerce president Rob Clark claiming a spot, and representatives from city council and both school boards all there to contribute, among many others.

Murdoch made a surprise announcement of another RSP event for 2023, alon Homestand ’23 for now. That concert, held at Ross Wells Ballpark and featuring Corb Lund, Lindi Ortega, The Mike Plume Band, and Jordyn Pollard, is coming up fast on Saturday, September 9.

“We are excited to announce that we will be doing a repeat of our Nashville night at the Mae Wilson, coming up in December 2023, so we’ll have four Nashville artists coming up to Moose Jaw once again. There are more details to come on that,” Murdoch said.

Homestand ’23 tickets are available now from Sasktix.ca.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Kayak 4 KidSport will once again be raising funds for the charity this July. Getty Images

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Clive Tolley and Maryse Carmichael, Moose Jaw’s mayor and city manager, respectively, preparing to tee off.

Ryan Boughen, director of education, and Amanda Olson, superintendent of learning at Prairie South School Division

Golfers listen to Brad Butcher starting things off, followed by a quick group stretching routine

Winners of the Purposed Financial Corp. Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association High School Athletes of the Month for June include Ninnie Buakaew (back left, Cornerstone Christian School curling), Waverly Demassi (Vanier

tisport), Jadyn Palaschuk (Central multisport), Jasmine Hundeby (Briercrest

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

The Moose Jaw Art Guild “A Collection of Creativity “Exhibition at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre will run until July 5th.

28th Annual Concerts in the Park in Crescent Park Amphitheatre on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

June 21 Band City Band/June 28

Justintyme

July 05 SRW Country & Friends/ July 12 TBA/July 19 TBA/July 26

Bonnie & the Jets

Aug 02 Heritage Fiddlers/Aug

09 Scott Heatcoat and the Entertainers/Aug 16 Timothy Eaton’s

Jam Band/Aug 23 Derald Busse & Friends (6:30 – 8:00 pm)

Mulberry Estates Burger and Games Social on Thursday, June 22 starting at 2pm. Join the fun paired with a mouthwatering menu. Call 306.694.5020 to reserve your spot as there is limited space available. Hope to see you there! Address is 220 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw, SK.

A ‘Flower Power’ Fashion Show will be held at the WDM in Moose Jaw on Saturday, June 24 at 1:00 pm Take a trip through time with You will be treated to 30+ ensemthe people who wore them and the types of occasions they were chosen for. Refreshments to follow. Regular Museum admission applies. FREE for WDM members. Living Springs Church Mooseings – 303 Coteau Street invites anyone interested to attend Griefshare groups. The meetings take place on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. It hurts to lose someone. Find help at GriefShare. To register, go to www. giefshare.org or contact Isaac Nadarajah at isaac@livingsprings.life and attend as many meetings as you like.

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club

Scheduled play is Tuesday and Saturday @9:30am and Mon,Tues, Weds, Thur @7pm. www.moosejawlawnbowling.com or Call 306 690 8739 for additional times .

FREE on CANADA DAY Moose

Jaw Lawn Bowling - everyone

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

ages 6-106 on JULY !st from 10-2

FREE Palliser Regional Library 50th

Anniversary Mini-Fair will be held on July 3rd from 1-4pm at 366 Coteau St. W, Moose Jaw. There will be free admission, Blue Angel donuts, the Cone Artist, Kona Ice, games and activities, birthday cupcakes and a bouncy castle.

N.A.F.R. Branch 23 ( Nat. Association of Federal Retirees) will have a information booth at Sidewalk day ( July, 6-8th,2023)

More members are needed to help man the booth. Have tent table ,and will have lots of water on hand for volunteers.

Member Volunteer Meeting July

5 ( Wed.) 11 am in the card room

Timothy Eaton building,510 Main St.N.to organize shifts and what info we will be giving out. Memsome very good perks for mem631-4236 for info or to volunteer.

email :sprintz@sasktel.net

GRAND OPENING for the RM of Moose Jaw No. 161 New Location for the New Public Works Buildings will be held on Tuesday July 11th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.bon Cutting 2:30 p.m. The new location is located 4 miles West of City limits on Caribou St. West (Grid 735) in Boharm.

Exclusive VIP Experience for Chamber Members through the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, and local chambers across Saskatchewan, have teamed up with the Saskatcheyou will get “skip the line” access to the Terrace Lounge with private bar, game day snacks, fan gear and a chance to network with other Chamber businesses. Get your green on and join us on July 15! Only 215 tickets will be sold. For tickets and information, email Allyson McDonald at Allyson.McDonald@saskriders.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, Doors – Meeting in Rm 103. You Are Not Alone! Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will

Moose Jaw Police invite you to a free lunch on June 21

On Wednesday, June 21, the Moose Jaw Police Service is once again hosting their annual barbecue event

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

The Moose Jaw Police Service is once again hosting their annual barbecue, which has now resumed after being interrupted by the pandemic. This year’s barbecue will be held in the parking lot at the west side of the police station, located at 21 Fairford St. W.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held on Wednesday, June 21.

Menu options include hamburgers, hotdogs, cold beverages, and everything is free.

There are also a few specialty units who plan to attend. Both the K-9 unit and the facility dog are scheduled to be there -- but of course, there are no promises as these units may need to be deployed.

be carefully guarded. Toastmasters clubs utilize communication skill components to create the smorgasbord of beneprovide.

Big Country Toastmasters club meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. Regular training opportunities have resumed with in-person @ saskpolytech in addition to virtual

toastmastersclubs.org

ery 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.

bly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia

through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weighin takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm.

you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendencouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Our scale weighs up to 500 lbs. 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 Club - Interested photographers are welcome and invited to join and Be Focused With Us! For more information: Wanda - 306-693-7440 or Len - 306-693-7685. themoosejawcameraclub.com

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

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

Summer Library Hours MON-

CLOSED

Have you tried Creativebug? Did you know that you have free access to Creativebug with your library card? Enjoy guiltfree inspirational screen time, nurture your creative soul by learning new skills, and learn easy ways to practice your craft every day. Access Creativebug now!

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING IN JUNE:

LEGO WEEKENDS! Saturdays & Sundays in June Time: Open hours in the Children’s Department Ages: 4 and up This is a self-guided activity.

MAKER SATURDAYS Saturday, June 24; Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm in the Herb Taylor Room;

Ages: 8-12 Registration required.

SUMMER READING CLUB! Is now in progress as of June 17; Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in The Library; Ages: All ages; Drop-in program. You can pick up your Summer Reading Club package at the library.

pointment only Location: Information Desk; Ages: All ages To book an appointment, call the Library at 306-692-2787

MJ CHESS CLUB AT THE LIBRARY Sunday June 25; Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the South Meeting Room; Ages: All ages Drop-in program

day June 25; Time: 2:00 pm in the Reading Room; Ages: 15 and up (14 and under with an adult guardian); Registration required.

-

The Royal Canadian Legion –Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restricBingo every Monday evening ining ten regular games with 2 parts friends for a fun night out.

Dart League every Thursday startseason. No membership required. Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm.ister your team by calling 306.693.9688.

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 59Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 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.

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.

Lane, Moose Jaw Sk. Burger and Games Social will be held on Thursday, June 22 starting at 2pm. Join the residents with a mouthwatering menu. Call 306.694.5020 to reserve your spot as there is limited space available. Hope to see you there! Address is 220 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw, SK. Beatlemania event will be held on Thursday, July 6th at 2:00 p.m.. and fun!! Limited space available. to book your spot today!! Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. cosmo@sasktel.net. Check them out on Facebook.

BREAKFAST starts @ 8:00 am to will be the Color Guard and entertainment

JULY 27, BBQ from 5pm-6pmWeekly Activities for JULY, 2023 For this month only there will not be any Dances or Jam Sessions

Club – only on the 1st Monday of the month

Tuesday:9:30am-Jam Session -

leball-

board

Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/ -

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

Darts at 7 pm. Saturday at 4:30 pm Meat Draw, 50/50 and gift card. Everyone including non-members are welcome to join in.

June 23 – Live Music by Brandon Food and drink specials. 7 pm to close.

June 30th – Live music by Donspecials. 7 pm to close. FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395 -

iliary “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 –start time. Singles and Doubles.ing to play. Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. (306) 693-5989.

You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to signeclub/ -

ion Show

Menu options include hamburgers, hotdogs, cold beverages, and everything is free.

Moose Jaw Police Service

Everyone is welcome to attend. Kids will love the chance to check out a police cruiser, take and meet our local police dogs. The barbecue provides an opportunity for the public to meetmunity, ask questions, and learn more about police equipment. See you there!

SUMMERTIME BABY STORYTIME! Tuesdays, June 27 to August 29; Time: 10:30 am in the

0-2 and their caring adults; Dropin program

JUNE:

TEEN “I MADE THIS” Wednesday, June 21; Time: 6:30 pm in the Herb Taylor Room; Ages: 12-19; Snacks provided; Drop-in program ADULT PROGRAMMING IN

JUNE: TECH TIME Ongoing Time: By ap-

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Table Tennis – Monday Afternoon 1pm

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

Thursdays @ 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.

6:30pm

Mulberry Estates – 220 Mulberry

· July: Gopher Seek and Find and Time Hopping Activity Sheet

The Marvel of Medicine Roarin’ Roadsters

It’s All Fun and Games…

Canadian Creativity

July 29 and 30: Brickspo

· August: Yellow and Green Seek and Find

Making Moose Jaw

Steam Day

Hundreds of vehicles descend on Wakamow Valley for Bent Wrench

Run Show and Shine

Annual Father’s Day event brings many visitors to check out cars and truck both new and old Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

It’s become a Father’s Day tradition in Moose Jaw, and one that turns Wakamow Valley into one of the busiest places in the city.

The Those Guys Car Club Bent Wrench Run Show and Shine once again

drew hundreds of vehicles and even more spectators to the Wakamow Oval on Sunday afternoon, taking advantage of a beautiful day to check out vehicles of all stripes, sizes, vintages and horsepower.

You had the traditional Model T

restorations and alterations that always draw plenty of attention, famous muscle cars like the Mustang Cobra II and early-era Corvette, off-the-line sleepers like the 1987 Buick Grand National, and, of course, a handful of horsepower monsters

from the 2010s and beyond. All were on display throughout the day, with visitors able to chat with owners about their cars and what they’re all about. Here’s just a sampling of what you could see on Sunday afternoon!

This 1976 Mustang Cobra II had the look to go along with the horsepower.

This 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was part of a handful of cars from that era in absolute showroom shape.

This 1937 Chevy owned by Gypsy Pipeline Welding is its own driving advertisement for their work.

This 1927 Ford Model T has seen one or assembly line.

This 1987 Dodge ‘Wheatland Fire Department Engine 46’ turned a lot of heads and had a lot of visitors throughout the day.

A look down into the Wakamow oval during the Those Guys Car Club Bent Wrench Run Show and Shine on Sunday afternoon.

The engine bay of this 2020 Toyota Supra was as modern as can be.

Moose Jaw’s Don Nogue had two identical 1979 Trans Am 10th Anniversary cars on display.

The absolutely pristine interior of this 1959 Chevy Bel Air was something to behold.

Care Inc.

Mobility

Foot Care

306-691-0300 (instore)

306-681-3411 (home visit)

428 Main St. N.

& GAMES

3 6 5 3 1 8 1 4 7 8 9 9 2 7 3 8 6 1 2 9 5 3 2 4 7 9 2

HEAD, AROUND, BASIC, BLAST, BULLET, CHANCE, CHIC CHIMPANZEE, CLOCK, CLOSE, COMB, CORRAL, DANCE, DOMINO, ENTRY, EXACT, EXPLORE, FAMILY, FOOD, GREEDY, HITCH, LEGEND, LEOPARD, LOAD, MANAGE, NEAT, NIGHT, OPTIMISTIC, PLANK RACK, RATTLE, READS, REVIEW, SAFETY, SOUL, SPRAY TAKEN, TEAT, TORCH, WILDERNESS

e smallest seed of faith is better than the largest uit of happiness.

-- Henry David oreau --

Moose Jaw Truck Shop

AUTOS

printer $100.00, desk 30” x 36” $50.00, Swivstanding lamp & shade $20.00, white leaf table $10.00, 2 small child lamps $10.00 for 2, 26” TV with remote works well $50.00, picnic cooler $10.00, coffee urn 30 cup $20.00. Call 306693-5003

Call or text 306-6414447

stand $50.00, Wicker 4 drawer storage stand $20.00. Call 306-6310084

Equipment for sale- 1976 Dodge 3 ton, 35,000 miles no rust. Rock EZE rock picker with rake attached Hydraulic Drive. Phone 306-475-2664

WANTED

Reasonable rates, 30

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268

GARAGE SALES

1993 Mazda standard stick shift, new tires, good running. $800.00. Knight left-handed 7 golf clubs. New wheeled cart, $150.00. Phone 306-693-2743

MISCELLANEOUS

For Sale- computer &

Firearms, I am paying cash for guns in the Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Any condition, parts, Ammunition or anything pertaining to unwanted, gas operated lawn, garden, snow blowers, recreational, chainsaws, generators, boat engines, etc., as well as smaller farm equipment, Moose Jaw and surrounding area.

For Sale reconditioned barbeque new burner and connector. Very good condition, ideal for cabin or camping. Must be seen, always inside. $90.00. Call 306-6813304

Sunbeam Mixmaster $20.00, Honeywell por-

Propane deck heater $20.00, Glass top patio table 3.5 x 5 foot with 4 padded chairs $50.00, Patio table umbrella with

Clean, married couple looking for a 2-bedroom apartment with balcony, or a 2-bedroom house. No pets or children. Please call 306-5102788

SERVICES

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-6302268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork,

painting and all conno job too big or small.

Briercrest heritage day observes over a century of settlement

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Folks from Briercrest district gathered June 10 to observe their heritage at the Museum Heritage Day.

The village has 111 years of interesting history to remember.

Briercrest Bible College started there in 1935 with 11 students, later moving to the vacant air base at Caronport.

People still drive into Briercrest, Sask., thinking they are at the Bible college.

Celebrated poet Edna Jacques, who spoke all over North America and penned the reply to In Flanders Fields, is recognized with her tiny

house moved next to the museum

The museum re-uses an eight room school with themed rooms to display the community’s history from farming and military service to churches, school, medical care and the general store.

Walls of the school corridors are decorated with quilts made by women in the area and with murals. A new mural depicting downtown Briercrest is being painted.

A new display with 660 die cast tractor models was just donated by Ernie Gadd. The display shows models from Versatile, Ford, John Deere Case, International, Farm-All, Allis Chalmers and Steiger.

The heritage day was busy with two ball diamonds occupied by the slo-pitch tournament, blacksmithing demonstrations by Larry Paysen, a car show with about 60 vehicles and a parade.

Dusty Old Farmers with Gene

Ward, Sid Huntley and Al Kushner had visitors’ toes tapping.

Local cowboy poet Fred Cockburn sang and recited his poetry. His poems ranged from the story of discomfort with new jeans to memories of his grandmother’s home-made beef hamburgers that tasted like Heaven.

Cockburn praised those who re-purposed the former school into a museum. “The school may have closed but the learning continues,” he commented.

One of the busiest places was the pie shop with home-made pies baked by the local women. Chairs and tables in the shop came from Anderson’s Ice Cream Parlour, that once operated in the village.

The museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Garage Sale- 550B Hochelaga St W. Friday June 23rd 10am- 6pm, Saturday June 24th

10am-5pm. Selling pictures, needlework and others, qiulting, needlework material & patterns, collections of teapots, cows, strawberries & many Xmas decor, pottery, cedar chest, mirrors, household items. Good Sale- something for everyone!

WATKINS, MARGARET RUBY

September 1st, 1929 to June 8th, 2023

M. Ruby Watkins, wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and friend passed away at her home in Moose Jaw, SK on Thursday, June 8th, 2023.

Ruby was born in Vanguard, SK, daughter of Robert (Bob) and Esther Nelson and sister to Lyle Nelson. She attended elementary school in Esme and Hazenmore, SK. After moving to Aylesbury, SK with her family and attending high school, Ruby graduated from Business School in Moose Jaw and was employed as a legal secretary. She met her husband and life-long partner, Dave A. Watkins in Aylesbury and was married December 10th, 1949. Ruby and Dave raised their family of three children, David, Chereen, and Lenard and operated a successful farming operation there. They retired together to their home in Moose Jaw in 1999.

Ruby was an energetic and involved partner in all that her and Dave took on. She was active in the community with Home Makers, Eastern Star, Church, and her families many activities. She loved music and played organ and piano at many church and community functions and family gatherings. Ruby and Dave enjoyed travelling to many parts of the world in their retirement. Together Ruby and Dave were always welcoming to neighbours, newcomers in the area, and friends of their children. Their door was always open.

Ruby was a well known and loved neighbour to everyone on Taylor Crescent in Moose Jaw over the 24 years she lived there. She enjoyed young people and helped celebrate birthdays, graduations, and weddings with the kids on her block. The Grade 1 class at Sunningdale School would come by on special days with their teacher to sing songs on her driveway, exchange gifts, and show their love for a very special lady.

ALLCOCK, TERRY (1954-2023)

Terry Allcock, age 69 of Moose Jaw, passed away on June 6, 2023, at Providence Place (Edgar Hall).

Predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Muriel Allcock, Terry is survived by his sister Lori (Gordon) Knight, nephews Braden (Vanessa) and Matthew (Julia), as well as extended family.

Special thanks to the staff of both Providence Place and Chez Nous for the kind and compassionate care provided to Terry during the last 6 years. Additionally, the family would like to thank Dr. Brown and the countless hospital and home care staff who have known and cared for Terry over many years.

A come-and-go tea and time for fellowship will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church - Lounge & Court, 60 Athabasca St. E. Moose Jaw, on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 2 – 4 PM.

For those so wishing, memorial donations may be directed to Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca).

In living memory of Terry, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director

FISCH, LOIS YVONNE

April 18, 1934 - May 26, 2023

WARD, KENNETH

Kenneth Lloyd Oliver Ward aged 85 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4th, 2023 with his wife Mary and his dog Molly by his side, surrounded by loving family. Ken was born in Mortlach, SK on March 3rd, 1938. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Edith (Conway); daughter, Tracie; and brother, David. Ken is survived by his wife, Mary; children: Corliss, Kelly (Ryan), Darren (Patricia), and Sheri (Dano); sisters: Frances (Tom), Margaret (Lloyd), and Betty (Dennis); honorary sister, Sylvia; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Ken’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Service. Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Ken’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Association of Saskatchewan, 301 - 2550 – 12th Ave, Regina, SK S4P 3X1. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www. moosejawfuneralhome.com

David William Wilson

She was

predeceased by her parents, Bob and Esther Nelson; brother, Lyle Nelson; and her husband and lifelong love, Dave Watkins. Ruby is survived and missed by her son, David (Lori) Watkins; daughter, Chereen (Denis) Delage; son, Lenard (Sharon) Watkins; granddaughters: Carly (Mike) Goodwin, Chantal Delage, Danielle Delage, Rhian Watkins, and Kaitlin (Cort) Daku; grandson, Kent Watkins; and greatgrandchildren, Isobel Watkins and Alex Watkins. We all remember a beautiful and gracious lady who encouraged everyone around her. We take comfort in knowing that hers was a life lived long and lived well

A family graveside service at Aylesbury, followed by a gathering in Moose Jaw of family, community, and friends, will be held at a time to be determined later this her memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth - Intern Funeral Director 306693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Born Lois Urquhart in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on April 18, 1934, Lois died May 26 2023 in Camrose, Alberta. She is remembered for her fun spirit, beautiful paintings and care for her family.

After a life of work as a homemaker, in retail, school boards and hospitals, she graduated from Alberta College of Art and Design at age 65. She had a late career as a painter, known for fabulous colours and intricate design, looking deep into Memory Lane in Camrose, with Alzheimer’s disease. The family wants to thank all the staff there for her wonderful care. She described her late life as being like a “feather in the wind”.

Lois is predeceased by her husband Bob Dykstra, of Urquhart, Roy Urquhart, Marcella Siegersma, Sharon Lois is survived by her children Sherryl Schultz, Gordon

No formal service will be held. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Lois’s memory may be made to Rosehaven Memory Lane. To send condolences, please visit www. burgarfuneralhome.com.

“Dedicated service since 1906”

The family of the late David William Wilson wishes to express sincere appreciation for all acts of kindness bestowed upon him during his illness and then to our family during his transition. Mere words cannot begin to convey how much your phone calls, home visits, hugs, prayers, words of encouragement and other support meant to him and our family. May God’s best be yours.

Sincerely,

Marjorie Anne and his children

Clayton, Lana, Veronica, Cameron and families.

Congratulations New Parents!

Katherine Fellehner & Clayton Joseph Swift Current

June 12, 2023

8:45 am

Female 5lbs, 4oz

Amanda Waldner & Kendric Friesen

Moose Jaw

June 13, 2023

12:05 am

Male 7lbs, 0oz

Rinalyn Sajulga & Glenn Capampang

Moose Jaw

June 13, 2023

5:31 pm

Male 6lbs, 0oz

Michelle & Sean Peters Moose Jaw

June 17, 2023

9:12 pm

Female 6lbs, 12oz

The Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association celebrates record membership

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

with conversation and visiting relatives.

hall rentals and catering.

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.

Cahoot

I believe our two granddaughters are in cahoots to driveCahoot cahoots.’ ItCahootscahoots with certain Cahoot cahute word cohorte cohortem

cahootscahoots on a new restaurant. By using the word cahootswith the venture.

Cahoot gained wide usage in the southwest United cahootscahoot cahoot in the sense that evcahoots cahoot is a noun. cahoots

M

who want to celebrate with a cold beverage. always well-received.

ie

Gib

is 100 years young!

cahoots

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 words will be used. Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to all those who sent wishes for good health, happiness and love on the occasion of my 100th birthday on May 31st, 2023.

Please

her Birthday

A special thanks to my family who did all the planning and organization for my memorable celebrations.

Sincerely, Laurianne

Gaucher

The Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association board members stand for a picture with the cake celebrating their recent 500-member milestone on June 12, 2023.

Photo by Aaron Walker

AUTO RACING

Friday 6 p.m. FSR NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200.

Saturday 7 p.m. FSR ARCA Menards Series Elko.

Sunday

5 p.m. WDIV NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400.

BASEBALL

Friday

9 p.m. NET MLB Baseball

Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers.

Saturday

5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball

Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers.

Monday 5 p.m. TSN MLB Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at New York Mets.

Tuesday 5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball San Francisco Giants at Toronto Blue Jays. 9 p.m. NET MLB Baseball New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics.

BASKETBALL

Wednesday

5:30 p.m. TSN CEBL Basketball Saskatchewan Rattlers at Montreal Alliance.

FOOTBALL

Thursday

6:30 p.m. TSN CFL Football BC Lions at Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

p.m. TSN CFL Football

Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Saturday

5 p.m. TSN CFL Football

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary Stampeders.

6 p.m. WDIV USFL Football Semifinal: Teams TBA.

Sunday

5 p.m. TSN CFL Football

Toronto Argonauts at Edmonton Elks.

HOCKEY

Tuesday

5:30 p.m. TSN CHL Hockey Teams TBA.

SOCCER

Saturday

8:30 p.m. TSN MLS Soccer Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Los Angeles FC.

Bob Heart Children Children Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang etalk (N)

WEATH Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature

WDIV Law-SVU "Intersection" Magnum P.I. "NSFW" News (N) (:35) Tonight Show (:35) Meyers

CBKT Coronation Coronation Dragons' Den (N) Trigger Point The National (N)

WWJ So Help Me Todd CSI: Vegas News (N) (:35) Late Show-Colbert (:35) Corden

WXYZ (6:00) 2023 NBA Draft (N) (Live) News (N) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live! (:35) Nightline

13 CTYS The Chase (N) Law-SVU "Intersection" Mom Mom Brainfood Brainfood

19 TSN (6:30) CFL Football BC Lions at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N) (Live) Sports (N) Jay Onrait (N) (Live)

20 NET (5:30) 2023 NBA Draft Round 1 (N) (Live) Sportsnet 2023 NBA Draft Round 2 (N) (Live)

25 EDACC Big Bang etalk (N) Rookie Blue "I Never" Walker Rookie Blue "Surprises"

W Mom Mom Will & Grace Will & Grace <++ Just Go With It ('11) Adam Sandler 29 ENCAV <++ Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection ('12) Nurse JackieNurse JackieWeeds Weeds 33 CMT Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier Cheers Cheers 35 TLC (6:00) My 600-Lb. Life My 600-Lb. Life "Thederick's Stor y" My 600-Lb "Irene's Journey"

DISC Mark Hi Science How the Universe Works Homestead Rescue Homestead "Shaky Ground" 41 COM Sheldon 'Til Death Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM (6:00) <+++ Holiday ('38) <+++ Little Women ('33) Katharine He pburn (:15) <++ A Woman Rebels 47 AMC <+++ Unstoppable ('10) Chris Pine, Denzel Washington. Walking "All I See Is Red" (:10) Fear the Walking (N)

FSR NHRA Las Vegas NHRA Sportsman Charlotte NHRA in 30 NHRA in 30 Dangerous Log Hauling

Baby Jane? ('62) Bette Davis. (:15) <++ Zee and Co ('72) 47 AMC (6:30) <++ Ghostbusters II ('89) Bill Murray The Walking Dead: Dead City (N) <++ Sahara 48 FSR (6:00) NASCAR Rackley Roofing 200 (N) NASCAR Hub Dirt Dangerous Drives 55 CRV1 <+++ Let Them All Talk ('20) Meryl Streep <+++ Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris ('22) (P) 56 CRV2 (:20) <++ My Lucky Stars ('85) Jackie Chan. RuPaul Drag Race (N) (:10) Naked: Sex (N)

57 CRV3 (:20) Office (:45) Office (:10) Law "Born Again" Billions "The Limitless S..." Gossip "Great Reputations "

58 HBO Movie (:45) < A.rtificial I.mmortality ('21) Red Blue Green White "The Writer's Wife"

SATURDAY EVENING MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

7 PM 7:30 8 PM 8:30 9 PM 9:30 10 PM 10:30

3 CBKFT Les enfants de la télé Valeur (N) Le Grand Spectacle De La Fête Nation (N) Le TJ (N)

5 CFRE Border Border Private Eyes "The Code" Ransom "Justice" News (N) Departure

6 CKCK W5 (N) < Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery ('21) Heavy "I'm On My Way"

7 WEATH Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature Nature

8 WDIV (6:00) USFL Football Semifinal: Teams TBA (N) (Live) News (N) Saturday Night Live Megan Thee Stallion

9 CBKT The Nature of Things Absolutely Canadian < Rustic Oracle ('19) Lake Delisle, Carmen Moore.

NET (5:00) MLB Baseball Sportsnet (N) (Live) Blue JaysMisplaysPlays Week Gotta See It

EDACC Mary Ma Mary Ma (N) Forensic Factor Fear Thy Neighbor Neighbor "Pack Mentality"

W < One Perfect Wedding ('21) Jack Turner, Taylor Cole. < Make Me a Ma tch ('23) Rushi Kota, Eva Bourne. (P)

ENCAV Movie <+++ Fantastic Mr. Fox ('09) (P) <+++ The Royal Tenenbaums ('01) Gene Hackman. (P)

CMT Cheers Cheers Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Frasier Frasier

< Barefoot Contessa

47 AMC (5:00) <+++ The Green Mile ('99) Tom Hanks. <+++ The Perfect Storm George Clooney

48 FSR (5:00) NHRA Drag Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200 Dangerous Border Patrol

55 CRV1 <+++ Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris ('22) Lesley Manville. <+++ Evil Dead Rise ('23) Lily Sullivan. Movie

56 CRV2 (6:30) < A Royal Christm < Peace by Chocolate ('21) Hatem Ali (:40) <+++ Nope ('22) Daniel Kaluuya.

57 CRV3 (:20) Office (:45) Office (:10) Law "Equal Rights" Billions "Implosion" Gossip Girl

58 HBO (:20) < Ice on Fire ('19) < Taylor Mac's 24-Decade History of Popular Music

WEDNESDAY EVENING MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS 7 PM 7:30 8 PM 8:30 9 PM 9:30 10 PM 10:30

3 CBKFT Question (N) L'épicerie Le grand rire de... Bonsoir bonsoir! (N) Le téléjournal

Jay Onrait (N) (Live)

20 NET (5:00) 2023 NHL Draft Round 1 (N) (Live) Sportsnet (N) (Live) Blue JaysMisplays

25 EDACC Big Bang etalk (N) Goldbergs Goldbergs Flashpoint Wonder (N) Shelved

26 W Mom Mom Will & Grace Will & Grace <+++ Hitch ('05) Eva Mendes,Kevin James, Will Smith.

29 ENCAV (:10) <+ Catwoman ('04) Benjamin Bratt, Halle Ber ry Behaviour "Wilder ness" (:55) Run the

Thousands of pie lovers invade Mortlach during 14th annual berry festival

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Thousands of people descended on the Village of Mortlach on June 17 to savour some sumptuous pie and visit the many vendors and food trucks during the 14th annual Saskatoon berry festival.

Friends Pat Gilks and Rosemary Tessier were just two people who stained their teeth blue after snacking on a slice of pie. They both acknowledged that the pastry was the main reason they came — along with the parade.

“The whole thing is fun,” said Gilks. “Small-town events are always fun, which is not always true with big-city events. It’s just a great place to come — and the pie was delicious.”

Afterward, the two seniors left the hall with seven complete pies in their pos-

session, with Gilks taking four and Tessier leaving with three. They added that they could freeze the confections and then pull out one to serve to out-of-province friends as a sign of Saskatchewan hospitality.

for people to do. There were 64 vendors selling everything from jewelry, clothing, woodworking, candles and plants to candy, food and artwork. There were also food trucks, bouncy castles, a clown, and a magician, while community businesses also opened their doors.

About 15 members of Mortlach’s Coteau Hills Bible Church donned aprons and served pie in the community hall during the day. One member was Martha Born, who has volunteered for more than

12 years.

“It’s a good time of meeting a lot of new people and getting to see (the regulars) who comes back every year,” she said. “I like to meet people.”

Prairie Berries Inc. in the community of Keeler makes the pies, with committee organizers placing their orders in late February, explained volunteer Cheryl Searle. A company employee creates the pies by hand, while the business bakes them the day before the festival and delivers them that night.

“Usually, after the parade (around 11 a.m.), it gets really, really busy (for pie sales),” she said.

The festival sometimes runs out of full pies toward the end of the day, so some people purchase six slices to make one full cake, she continued. Other people become grumpy if the pies sell out because they came from places such as Swift Current — but they arrived at 3 p.m. when the event was winding down.

In an average year, the festival will sell 600 slices, which equals 100 full pies. Meanwhile, it will pre-sell 450 whole pies, so attendees are guaranteed to receive one.

Searle noted that the biggest sale of pies was to someone who purchased 10 whole ones.

The most problematic issue for organizers is ordering the pies in winter and not knowing what the weather will be like in the spring or whether they’ll have enough, she added. They want to make people happy but don’t want too many pies left over.

Committee chair Ashley Buckley thought the day was fantastic, especially since the weather this year was much better than last year.

“I think today (went) how we always hoped it would go,” she said.

Seeing thousands of people in attendance was awesome, while the 64 food and product vendors were the most the festival has ever had, Buckley continued. Furthermore, this year featured the most entertainment acts in the festival’s history.

Laughing, Buckley said the committee is already planning for 2024. During the festival, they regularly text each other about how they could improve for next year and the new things they could bring in. They then gather a week later to review everything in person.

“We just want it to be a space where people are entertained, enjoy themselves and want to come back next year,” she added.

Volunteers with Mortlach’s Coteau Hills Bible Church hand out delicious slices of Saskatoon berry pie. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A hand-carved wood dragon sits on a table, as part of Shawn and Joan Draper’s display. The couple’s Wizard Woodworks company is based in Tuxford.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Guitarist Brynn Bessie (left) accompanied well-known Saskatchewan artist Jeffrey Straker during a show at the berry festival. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Emma Newsham smashes the window of a car as part of a fundraiser to help the Mortlach School build an outdoor learning centre.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Sisters and their horses canter in the parade. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A Studebaker glides through the parade. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Trinkets made of polymer clay, at vendor Wild Things by Beth’s table. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Buffy Sainte-Marie is Cree. She was born on the Piapot Reserve in 1941 and has re-established connections with her Cree family in the Qu’Appelle Valley.

Buffy overcame adversity. She became a teacher, a philosopher; an Oscar winning songwriter, world traveler and world-class entertainer.test song of the Twentieth Century, “Universal Solider”. The song is the quintessential anti-Vietnam War song. Written in 1964, it is, in my opinion, the best anti-war song ever written, and my favorite from the Hippy Days.

“Universal Solider” has no ‘hook’. It is simple and to the point. Buffy completed the song while entertaining at the Purple Onion in Toronto. The song was ‘black-listed’ and not played on radio stations until Donovan recorded it and made Universal Soldier a hit.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was not a war against a tyrannical leader like Hitler. It was a war over different political philosophies – at a horrendous cost.

Free Countries Still Need a Modern Military

I write about World War Two Veterans and ‘The Fallen’ – the men and women from Saskatchewan and Canada who fought the tyranny of the Nazis and the

By Richard Dowson - For Educational Purposes

And he knows he shouldn’t kill And he knows he always will Kill you for me, my friend, and me for you

Axis Powers and who died in the process. WW 2 was a ‘just’ war. Hitler had to be stopped! The price was huge.

I am pro-military. Canada needs an Army. It needs a modern Air Force and a modern Navy. Canada needs a military to tyrannical villains like Hitler and his NAZI ‘Henchmen’.

Tyrannical villains and their ‘Henchmen’ exist around the world today. History shows these types never go away. Each generation, somewhere, produces

their own power hungry version of “Hitler”. Nations need to guard against such aggressors.

Buffy’s point, people should not follow, elect or support Tyrannical Leaders.

Universal Soldier – Written by Buffy

Sainte-Marie

He’s all of 31 and he’s only 17 Been a soldier for a thousand year

He’s a Catholic, a Hindu, an Atheist, a Jain A Buddhist, and a Baptist, and a Jew

By Richard Dowson, Moose Jaw

And he thinks we’ll put an end to war this way

He says it’s for peace for all

He’s the one who must decide Who’s to live and who’s to die

And he never sees the writing on the wall

But without him

How would Hitler have condemned them at Dachau?

Without him Caesar would have stood alone

He’s the one who gives his body as a weapon of the war

And without him all this killing can’t go on

He’s the Universal Soldier and he really is to blame

His orders come from far away no more They come from here and there and you and me

And brothers, can’t you see?

This is not the way we put the end to war

On January 31, 2023 I completed the last of my series of Literature Reviews on the Cause of Multiple Sclerosis. Over forty years of Serological evidence, the last in 2022, points to the paramyxovirus family that includes the Morbillivirus, as the Cook and Dowling, goes back more than 50 years.

Testing

In the 1990s the “in-situ RT-PCR Test” was perfected and is an alternative to Serology testing. It could be used to test the paramyxovirus theory.

MS is a Problem

93,000 Canadians have MS. Saskatchewan has the second highest MS rate in the world (Alberta is 1st).

The Beginning of the Project

I began my MS Project in 2015.

I’m was curious; I’m retired, so no need for a Grant. My background is Historical research so my research question was; “What does the Research Literature say about the Cause of MS?”

Initial reading stated there was ‘no known cause’ but that ‘genetics and/or environmental factors’ were probably the cause.

The Literature did not conclusively support genetics or environmental factors as the cause.

A Virus

However, a 1977 Paper in the May issue of a prestigious Medical Journal seemed promising. It was by Neurologist Dr. Stuart D. Cook, MD, and Neurologist Dr. Peter Dowling, MD of Rutgers. They presented the theory that a Virus (Morbillivirus) was the probable cause of MS.

The ‘Virus Theory’ as the cause of MS is supported by Dr. Donald H. Gilden, MD. In his Paper, “Infectious causes of multiple sclerosis”, he argues “…the disorder is acquired…” and adds, “… most likely cause is a virus…”.

Virology, the study of Viruses, is relatively new – less than 90 years old. It is discovery of the cause of many medical conditions. For example, Francis Peyton Rous was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1966 for his 1910 work that connected viruses to certain cancers.

The Epstein Barr Virus

In 2021-2022, Dr. Alberto Ascherio and his team at Harvard researched EBV as the cause of MS. Robinson and Steinman of Stanford University completed a similar study.

Dr. Alberto Ascherio has studied EBV and MS for more that 25 years. In the end, EBV is NOT the cause of MS. However,

I agree with Dr. Ascherio, EBV (Mononucleosis) plays a role.

Canadian Research Papers

In addition to a review of Papers from around the world, I reviewed Canadian MS research literature. I found the Canadian research papers disappointing.

One Canadian Paper suggesting Genetics as the cause of MS motivated me to take a road trip with my buddy, the late observation we ‘tested’ the Paper’s Genetic assumption against the ‘Cook and Dowling’ virus assumption. We concluded the Paper’s Genetic assumption was wrong because it omitted important evidence.

Historic Perspective

The 1916 Paper by Scottish Pathologist Dr. James Walker Dawson (Dawson’s Disease) on ‘brain lesions’, common in people with MS and called Dawson’s Fingers, was ahead of its time. Today his discovery is an important MS diagnostic tools.

6,000 Hours

I spent over 6,000 hours using the ‘Literature Review’ methodology and compiled a comprehensive summary and Bibliography of research on the cause of MS.

Testing the ‘Cook and Dowling’ Virial Cause of MS Theory – Never Done

Although inconclusive, the Literature seems to point to a Virus as the cause of

MS. To the best of my knowledge, “in-situ RT-PCR” testing has never been used to test the ‘Cook and Dowling’ theory. This type of testing could be the next logical step in the search for the cause of MS. Testing is beyond the scope of my research.

I thank Moose Jaw Today and the Moose Jaw Express for giving me a forum to present MS ideas.

Dedication

My Project is dedicated to the late like Roger who make the effort to do the little extras that makes our society a better place.