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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; editor@mjvexpress.com Joan Ritchie Jason G. Antonio Randy Palmer Joyce Walter Larissa Kurz Wanda Smith

This past week, the Hillcrest Golf Club hosted the Golf Saskatchewan Juniors’ Provincial championships. The young guns shot the lights out and showed their expertise on the course; congratulations to all the winners. Twenty-five years ago or more, I made a decision to be one of those golfing wives that wasn’t initially keen on spending a few afternoons on the golf course throughout the summer. It was painstaking business, some tears and frustration, a little embarrassment on occasion when I swiped at the ball numerous times or duffed-it when seasoned peers were present, but in the long-term, it was a decision that has paid off in aces over the years. After all these years, I can personally attest to the many benefits golf can provide for an individual. My initial reasoning to golf was because it is a relationship builder and provided an opportunity to spend more time with my hubby, maybe a little selfish but never-the-less, a good time to get some exercise, have some fun together and bond. He was graciously patient with my skill level, too, offering a little advice at times that was either appreciated or ignored, depending on the level of frustration experienced during the game. He continues to coach because I am still a work in progress. As one knows, it seems that not all games are equal. On certain days, the golf clubs and ball align to accommodate a good game and pleasant outing; other times, the rogue ball avoids any semblance of order. One thing is for sure, during the ‘rough’ games, a person’s character is challenged so you decide whether to push-through or give-up; it becomes a suck-it-up or-else experience. After awhile, pride goes out the window and a person realizes you’re only playing against yourself so perfect your swing and lessen your strokes and putts, set new goals and make new friends. That has been one of the greatest benefits for me. After playing in a women’s league for a few years, faces become acquaintances and friendships develop. It has become an afternoon a week that I look forward to as we share the few days’ goings-on in-between the swings and sometimes swears, but all with smiles in camaraderie. On other days, it’s fun, too, as we golf with our sons and grandsons, sistas and bros and games with others of-likekind. It’s just an all-round good time and it’s so great when people can bond around something that is healthy and challenging. The ‘19th-hole’ is probably my favourite, though; that’s when we debrief, refresh and recoup. We should consider ourselves very fortunate to have three golf courses within city limits that offer different strokes for different folks. Within an hour or so, the list of courses is astounding for golfers at all levels. It matters not if you are young or old, golf is a sport made for you. One of our 5 ½ year old grandsons has embraced the game wholeheartedly and is already working past his first set of lessons. It seems, the love of golf is contagious from generation to generation! Joan Ritchie

EDITOR

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Fundraising continues for new Regal Heights Spray Park with upcoming 50/50 draw Just over $253,000 to be raised for park construction and landscaping, opening date aimed for 2023

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

With the blast furnace heat smothering Moose Jaw and all of southern Saskatchewan in recent weeks, it seems rather fitting that the North West Community Association will soon be launching a major fundraiser for their Regal Heights Spray Park project. The organization will begin a 50/50 draw through EchoLotto on Aug. 1, with a prize of $50,000 going to the winner with a complete sellout. It’s just the latest step in what’s been a rapid launch for the park, which will be located in the area behind the outfield of Blackwell Diamond and the nearby outdoor rink on the 1200 block of 13th Avenue Northwest. “We received a grant and that’s good progress, and we’ve received some individual donations, so we’re getting there,” said Sandra Stewart with the NWCA, referring to $5,000 received from TC Energy for the project. “We haven’t made any big jumps yet, but it’s coming along.” Interest has steadily grown since the project was first announced in early June, and $20,000 has already been raised. The City of Moose Jaw designated the park a municipal project during their June 28 executive committee meeting, meaning charitable donation receipts can be

issued to individuals and businesses that contribute to the project. All told, the community fundraising campaign plans to raise $253,000, of which just over $185,000 would be used to build the park itself and a further $67,250 will be needed for landscaping and finishing.This could be a scene from the brand new Regal Heights Spray Park in the summer of 2023. Construction is hoped to begin in fall of 2022, with the park opening in 2023. That’s where the 50/50 comes in. The draw will begin on Aug. 1 and run through the month until Aug. 31, with tickets available online at $10 for one and $50 for six. Links and further information will be provided closer to the date. The NWCA is also currently holding a bottle drive. To be added to their pick-up list, email mjnorthwest2020@ gmail.com, or bottles and cans can also be taken to SARCAN using Drop and Go and the phrase ‘Regal Heights Park’. Be sure to follow the NWCA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mjNorthWest2020 for more information, including a pick-up date. The above e-mail can also be used for general donations to the spray park through e-transfer.

Prairie South Schools taking registration for First Rider program Annual event designed to introduce young children and parents to school buses and how they work

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

When you’re a young child getting ready for the first day of school, one of the biggest steps can be getting on the school bus for the first time. What will it be like? What rules do you have to follow? And what’s the safest way to make the trip every day? The Prairie South Schools First Rider program is an annual event, that is designed to introduce children and their parents to school buses in a safe, comfortable and fun environment, well before they have to make the trip by themselves for the first time. In addition to getting kids comfortable with the whole process, it covers some of the important basics, like when and where to cross the street, getting on and off the bus and riding the bus safely. All in a fun environment with mom or dad right there beside them.

The first date will take place Wednesday, Aug. 18 at St. Margaret School (495 Fifth Ave. N.E.) with sessions at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., followed by Thursday, Aug. 19 at Lindale School (1322 11th Ave. N.W.) at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Assiniboia will also host a session on Thursday, Aug. 26 at Assiniboia 7th Avenue School (300 7th Ave. E.) at 6 p.m. Getting on a school bus can be scary at While there is no cost, pre-registrafirst, so Prairie South Schools is hop- tion for the event is required. You ing to make it a bit easier through their can do so by visiting www.surveyFirst Rider program. Getty Images monkey.com/r/FirstRider. It is asked that masks be brought for both the student and parent/guardian to wear while riding the bus. For more information, visit www.prairiesouth.ca or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/prairiesouthschools210.

Business owner Kyra Klassen makes first court appearance on voyeurism charges Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw businesswoman Kyra Klassen made her first appearance in Regina provincial court on July 14 concerning two allegations of voyeurism. Klassen’s lawyer, Talon Regent, appeared by phone on her behalf. Her presence was waived, which means she did not have to appear personally. Regent entered pleas of not guilty for Klassen and told the judge that he was still waiting for disclosure. Disclosure is a copy of the evidence that the Crown and police have collected to prosecute a case. The Crown prosecutor indicated that he had asked the Regina Police Service for additional disclosure the day before and suggested that Klassen’s case be adjourned to Wednesday, Aug. 4. Regent agreed to the adjournment date. That ended Klassen’s matter for the day. The only release conditions Klassen faces include having no contact with the victims and not being anywhere near their home, work, or school. Klassen, 35, from Caronport, owns Dance Fitness with Kyra in Moose Jaw. Based on information previously reported, Klassen is facing allegations that she secretly photographed two nude women last year and posted the images to an online chat group without their permission. Regina police became involved in the case on April 16, 2020, although the allegations stem from an incident on Feb. 1, 2020, according to the Regina Police Service. The victims are two adult women, and they reported that they and Klassen were friends and had been attending a learning event in The Queen City. All three stayed together during their trip. The two women allege that Klassen took photos of each of them either during or after their showers when they were not clothed, the police service said. Klassen is then alleged to have posted the pictures to a social media chat group without the women’s consent. The two women are from Moose Jaw and the surrounding area and initially contacted the Moose Jaw Police Service on Feb. 9, 2020, which then transferred the file to Regina. Police then took Klassen into custody on March 2 and charged her with two counts of voyeurism.