Moose Jaw Express, Sept. 13, 2023

It’s been more than two decades since Moose Jaw had a pipe band, but a local bagpiper wants to create a new youth-focused group to continue that musical tradition.

Michelle Carline, a community piper, former Sprigs O’ Heather Pipe Band member and recently retired teacher, is spearheading the initiative to create a group for kids aged eight to 12 interested in learning to play bagpipes or drums.

The open house occurs Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the library at École Palliser Heights School at 1140 Simpson Avenue. The event is free, and youths who attend can listen and talk to other young members of the Conservancy of Regina Pipe Band. They can also

try instruments under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Youths don’t need to be Scottish to attend or learn to play.

Carline, 54, has played the bagpipes for 46 years after becoming hooked on the instrument at age eight. Her nextdoor neighbour played in the Sprigs O’ Heather and practised regularly, while the militia that her father led had a pipe band that paraded down her street after participating in the band festival’s big parade.

“And I loved the bagpipes. I said, ‘I have to do this … ,’” she said. “So, it’s

Every youth will begin using practice gear to build the necessary skills, while they will start using real instruments after a year.

The long-term goal would be to take beginner kids and develop a lifelong love of music, friends and fellowship while encouraging them to keep playing so they can enter festivals and compete against others while keeping the piping culture alive, the bagpiper added.

Moose Jaw has a long history of pipe bands, and over the past century, there has been the 46th Battalion Pipes and Drums, the St. Andrew’s Society

plans to call the new group the White Heather, which combines the names of The White Hackle and the Sprigs O’ Heather. Interestingly, “white heather” is a plant that grows in Scotland and symbolizes luck.

“So I thought, you can’t go wrong,” she laughed.

Carline noted that the Sprigs folded in the 1980s, while The White Hackle folded in the 1990s after director Jim McWilliams left the group — it was tough to replace him — and the community. An attempt was made to revive the group, but it was unsuccessful.

The bagpiper has lined up several people to help her with this new initiative. She has recruited “really big asset” and fellow bagpiper Angus MacIntosh, a teacher from Prairie South School Division and someone with whom she played in high school band in the 1980s.

Further, Kenna Whelan — a Holy Trinity Catholic School Division teacher and former member of The White Hackle group — plays tenor drum and will instruct on that instrument. Moreover, her daughter, Bryde, will teach for a month — she recently had her second child — how to play the snare drum.

Also, snare drummer Vaughan Robinson is returning from Ontario and will instruct on that instrument.

For more information, contact Mi-

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Members of different Regina-based pipe bands prepare to participate in the Moose Jaw Fair parade in June. Photo courtesy Facebook

What legacy will you leave BEHIND?

legacy behind

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

September Specials:

MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

THURS: 25% O All Waxing

FRI: $99 Facial (excluding Microneedling)

Our Sahara Spa Gift Cards can be used for all our spa treatments and retail including our NEW lululemon!

Six new lawyers welcomed to the profession during tradition-filled ceremony

The legal community officially welcomed six new lawyers to the profession recently in a ceremony steeped in tradition and dating to the 12th century — and the first one held in four years.

A Bar Admission Ceremony was held at Court of King’s Bench on Sept. 9 for Monique Christine Paquin, Connor Michael Ferguson, Zakary Dalton Anderson, Parker Albert Chow, Jeongmin (Jay) Kim and Reagan Francis King, with nearly 40 people — friends, family and local lawyers — present.

The six lawyers swore to uphold their professional duties and signed documents making their appointments official. Greetings were provided by two justices, a judge and representatives from several legal organizations, followed by thanks from the guests of honour.

Paquin is from Regina and is working as a local provincial Crown prosecutor. Ferguson is from Moose Jaw and works as a federal Crown prosecutor at Insight Law Office. Both began their careers during the pandemic — in 2020 and 2021, respectively — so they were denied their ceremonies then.

Meanwhile, Anderson is from Moose Jaw and works as a local Legal Aid law-

yer. Chow is from Moose Jaw and works at Chow McLeod Barristers and Solicitors. Kim is originally from South Korea but grew up in Moose Jaw and now works at Grayson and Company. King is from Saskatoon and works at Chow McLeod.

Moose Javian Justice Darin Chow presided over the ceremony, the first one held since 2019.

Treating everyone equally

“It (the ceremony) was really good.

I’m really honoured to be called with everyone else here and it’s such a great community to be a part of,” said Paquin after the ceremony.

After graduating from university, Paquin articled at Chow McLeod in late 2019 before being called to the bar in May 2020. She noted that it was challenging during those first few years but also good because she acquired important experience.

Paquin worked at Chow McLeod as a defence lawyer for two years before she joined the local provincial Crown prosecutor’s office in August 2022 — a jump to “the dark side” in the legal profession. While she loved working as a criminal defence lawyer — her interest in the profession prompted her to enter that field — she realized the best way to pursue criminal law was by becoming a Crown prosecutor.

“I really enjoyed helping people who were in crisis, which you get to do every day when you’re doing this kind of work, whether it’s defence or Crown,” she said.

Paquin was raised Catholic, so she believes that instilled in her a good sense of ethics, fairness and an attitude of treating everyone equally.

A competitive nature

Ferguson was thrilled to finally participate in his ceremony and join others who had also gone through it.

He articled with MLT Aikens in Ed-

monton when pandemic isolation was the norm, forcing him to connect with mentors and peers over the computer. He thought he would have gained more wisdom in an office but adjusted well once he officially began in that environment.

Ferguson started working with Insight Law Office in July 2021 and has had a great experience. He enjoys living in Moose Jaw again and going home for lunch.

“I like being able to see the same colleagues (and) lawyers every day and I think that’s beneficial, for sure,” he said. Ferguson entered the legal field because he is competitive and grew up playing football and hockey. Once he realized neither would be his career, he wanted to find something equally competitive where he could direct his energies, thus, a lawyer.

Upholding the family name

“It’s truly a momentous occasion … . It was a great honour to have the six of us come out and get introduced to the court and be sworn in as barristers … we’re all very good friends … ,” said Parker Chow. Chow graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2022 and spent a year articling at Chow McLeod under his uncle David Chow, who became a judge recently. The younger lawyer was officially sworn in on May 18.

“It’s (the job) very fast-paced. Now, with Judge David Chow being appointed, I certainly have a lot on my plate to deal with, which is definitely a good thing. I don’t want to be too bored at work,” said the young lawyer.

The Chow family comprises several legal professionals, all of whom attended the ceremony. They included Parker’s uncle David, his father Darin and his grandfather Kerry. The new lawyer said it was a “huge honour” to carry the family torch and he hoped to emulate their work ethic and earn the same respect.

“It’s a lot (of pressure). It’s quite a bit on my shoulders, but my hope is I can use that to fuel myself to surpass them,” Chow said, adding he would be honoured to join the appeals court in 20 years, but — until then — would continue working hard and growing his skills.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

A Bar Admission Ceremony was held on Sept. 9 to officially welcome six new lawyers to the profession. From left are Monique Paquin, Connor Ferguson, Zakary Anderson, Parker Chow, Jeongmin (Jay) Kim and Reagan King. Photo submitted

From rancher to musician, Sask. Polytech student celebrates launch of first album

Bryce Lewis, a student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus, has worked as a ranch hand, mechanic, truck driver and backup musician — and can now add professional recording artist to his resumé.

Born to a ranching family in Kyle, Sask., Lewis, 34, grew up on his grandma’s accordion-playing, Swift Current old-time fiddling, Will James books and Ian Tyson records.

By age two, he was strumming along to Marty Stuart’s “Hillbilly Rock” album on a home-made guitar, while by age 11, he joined the Kyle Lutheran Church String Band as a rhythm guitarist and learned about the “boom-chick” patterns of Luther Perkins.

Lewis learned to play by ear and was introduced to traditional fiddle tunes and musicians Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins. He also learned from older neighbours who took him under their wings.

sic, playing, (and) finding your own voice … ,” he said. “They taught me a lot of really core things as a person, not just as a musician.”

Lewis later moved to Calgary to drive a truck, studied under Dave Hamilton, and toured as a guitarist with Blake Berglund and Belle Plaine while driving the van and fixing gear.

Returning to Saskatchewan, he worked as a ranch hand and mechanic while playing in cabaret bands. He also repaired music amplifiers — and still does — as a side gig, but because he was selftaught, he had to research every fix while his knowledge of electrical systems was limited.

“I just picked it up (repairing amps) because I’ve always liked fixing things and taking things apart and learning how they work,” Lewis said, noting it’s good to know how to repair equipment since it often happens on tours.

Over the years, he also played backup for Colter Wall and Tyler Childers while receiving lessons from his guitar hero, Redd Volkaert.

Working with Wall and Childers was “really cool,” while learning from Volkaert during a guitar camp was “neat,” said Lewis. He later connected with Volkaert for lessons while passing through Texas during a tour.

ing technology program at Sask. Polytech, partly because of his past music-related repair work and partly because the program was close to home. Pursuing the course has proven to be a good choice.

He has just completed his second year of the three-year program — he graduates next May — and credits the co-operative education portion as a major advantage to his learning. While he hopes to establish himself as a career-focused electrical engineering technologist in the power industry, he also wants to pursue music-related opportunities when possible.

He currently works part-time at Long and McQuade repairing guitars.

scribes his style as traditional country mixed with old-school surf rock and bluegrass, completed his album in 2021.

He later spoke with a friend in Kentucky about it and she offered to design an old-school country-style album cover. He sent her the record’s tracks but only heard back from her a year later when she asked if he wanted to sign with La Honda Records.

“The fact that they picked me up as an artist on their label is really overwhelming,” Lewis laughed. “I feel pretty lucky for getting that.”

The label announced Lewis’ album — “Saskatchewan Country Guitar” — last fall and released it this past spring, right in the middle of Lewis’ second work term. Since he was working at a co-op placement and had a young toddler — a second child is expected this October — he was too busy to have a launch party.

The album’s release is “really awesome,” Lewis said, even though his goal was to have recorded an album by age 21.

“So it’s nice that it’s finally out and in the world … . I’m really happy with how it turned out,” he said. “… I can’t think of anything I would fix.”

Lewis said he likely won’t have an album launch party since he isn’t much of a partier. The record has been released, which is something to celebrate.

“My (early) musical experiences formed exactly who I am today … . They (his mentors) really set a solid foundation for listening to music, thinking about mu-

Once the pandemic struck in March 2020, Lewis began losing jobs and performance opportunities dried up. He and his wife agreed that he should upgrade his skills and return to school.

He enrolled in the electrical engineer-

Lewis had wanted to create an instrumental album before the pandemic because his wife was expecting their first child and he was worried becoming a dad would consume his time. He hopes music can help him be a good father but doesn’t think a music career would let him support his family.

Lewis, a rootsy guitarist who de-

Lewis hopes to balance his future music-playing and power-related career with his family life. He also plans to continue recording songs and has another album in mind.

Visit https://lahondarecords.com/pages/bryce-lewis to purchase Lewis’ record and watch some music videos.

Moose Jaw Cycle Association Toy Run Parade

35th Annual saturday, september 16 2pm sharp!

Steak Night to follow at the Crushed Can

All Motorcyclists Needed Bikes must be licensed Helmets are mandatory riders are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy, book or cash donation!

Will start at the bottom of 4th Ave bridge and go North up Main St West on Thatcher and Finish at the Salvation Army Citadel.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 35TH CYCLE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL TOY RUN

Saskatchewan Housing Starts Soar

The value of housing starts increased 50.7 per cent from July 2022 to July 2023 - the second highest growth in the nation. With a strong and growing economy, Saskatchewan continues to be the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Greg Lawrence MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow 306-694-1001 • greglawrencemla@sasktel.net

The album cover of Bryce Lewis’ new album. Photo courtesy La Honda Records

Bryce Lewis is a student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus. His first album was released this past spring. Photo contributed

Dementia seems to be the disease of this age that can steal a life long before life expectancy. While some risk factors for dementia are genetic, there are many lifestyle factors that can help reduce your risk. By taking care of your physical and mental health, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing dementia, or delay its onset.

A recent article put out by the Alzheimer Society of Canada shares 10 ways to reduce your risk of dementia:

Luby Bower, Moose Jaw Brewing partner for Oktoberfest-themed celebration

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Luby Bower Distillery and the Moose Jaw Brewing Company are joining forces to hold an Oktoberfest-themed celebration on Friday, September 22 at the Luby Bower taproom, which received its finishing touches just four months ago.

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

1. “Get Moving! Aim to be physically active each day.

2. “Protect your heart. Working with your health-care provider, monitor and manage your blood pressure and heart health. What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain!

3. “Stay socially active. Stay connected and engaged with your family, friends and community. Social isolation in later life can increase dementia risk by an average of 60%.

4. “Manage your medical conditions. In collaboration with your health-care provider, try to manage complex conditions such as diabetes and obesity as best you can.

5. “Quit smoking. Get support in quitting or reducing smoking. Even in later life, these steps can improve your brain health and reduce your dementia risk.

6. “Seek support for depression. Depression is more than just feeling down. Seeking depression treatment and support will help improve your mood and brain functioning.

7. “Drink less alcohol. Drinking more than 12 standard drinks per week increases dementia risk by an average of 20%. If you need help in quitting or limiting alcohol, speak with your healthcare provider.

8. “Protect and check your hearing. Hearing loss in midlife can increase dementia risk by an average of 90%. Protect your hearing from loud noises. Get your hearing tested. Use hearing aids if you need them.

9. “Avoid concussion and traumatic brain injury. Steer clear of activities where you might put your brain at risk of harm. Play, travel, and work safe!

10. “Aim to get quality sleep. Work toward sleeping well for 6 to 8 hours each night. If you experience sleep apnea or other sleep issues, talk to your health-care provider for treatment options.

“To change the course of dementia in Canada, it’s important that we all take action. Nearly 600,000 Canadians currently live with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. By 2050, that number is projected to increase to more than 1.7 million Canadians.

“According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Landmark study, delaying the onset of dementia by 1 year would avoid nearly 500,000 cases of dementia over the next 30 years in Canada. Delaying the onset by 10 years would effectively avoid more than 4 million cases.

“If you are living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia, free support is available by contacting your local Alzheimer Society.”

I wanted to share this information with our readership as I personally feel we all need to be proactive with our own health and be conscientious in keeping our ‘faculties (mental capabilities)’ as long as we are able.

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

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

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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: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Joan Ritchie

Joyce Walter

Ron Walter

John Kreutzwieser

Jason G. Antonio

Aaron Walker

The event starts at 4 p.m. at 1200 Lakeview Road, featuring The Frying Deutschmann food truck, Luby Bower’s floral gins and vodka, and several varieties of beer from the Moose Jaw Brewing Company.

“So, I ran into these guys at the Celtic Festival in Regina, and the food was amazing. I thought my schnitzel was good, but this guy does some amazing schnitzel,” said Terry Zwarich, brewer and co-owner at the Moose Jaw Brewing Company. “I don’t know what he does with it, maybe it’s an egg wash or something, but it’s super, super good, and he does a southern-style schnitzel as well.

“I got a hold of his business card, and The Frying Deutschmann out of Regina, a very German food truck, will be coming on down for our Oktoberfest party.”

Zwarich said he’s excited to have the food truck confirmed, as The Frying Deutschmann is so popular that October was, in fact, all booked up.

The partnership with Luby Bower comes from the owners encountering each other at various events and deciding to team up and help promote their respective brands.

“It’s worked out very well. I love their drinks, they’re delicious, and they carry our beverages, so we thought, hey, what do you think about having an Oktoberfest par-

ty? And that’s what’s going on,” Zwarich said. “And the Saskatchewan German Council is sponsoring us. We’re going to have games and other things going on, a round robin dart tournament, we’ll have prizes for everything.

“I’ll be wearing my lederhosen, I hope the other business partners will also wear their lederhosen, and we’ll have a costume contest. So, if you have lederhosen or a dirndl dress, you can wear those, and we’re going to have a great time.”

Wakšúpi: Lakota Beadwork at MJMAG to receive fresh look from Ph.D historian

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Dr. Claire Thomson is the guest curator of the Wakšúpi: Lakota Beadwork exhibition at the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG), opening Sep. 22, which takes a new look at items from the MJMAG Permanent Collection through a uniquely Lakota perspective.

Thomson is a field historian with Parks Canada, the volunteer secretary for the Wood Mountain Historical Society, and recently earned her doctoral degree with the successful defence of her Ph.D thesis on Lakota history in the part of North American now known as southwest Saskatchewan.

Thomson received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Saskatchewan before heading to the University of Alberta for her Ph.D.

She defended her dissertation, “Digging Roots and Remembering Relatives: Lakota Kinship and Movement in the Northern Great Plains from the Wood Mountain Uplands Across Lakota Thamakhoche/Lakota Country, 1881-1940,” in 2022, and received the Governor General’s Gold Medal in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement.

“A lot of Lakota history is really American focussed, so I wanted to challenge that and bring back local perspectives, and stories from this area, as well,” Thomson said in an interview with MooseJawToday.com. “And then, obviously, connect those perspectives and stories with the larger Lakota Nation and with their relatives south of the boundary.

“I really pushed against the dividing of Lakota history into Canadian or American historical containers. Instead, I used the landscape itself, and Lakota understandings and language terms for places. Those relationships aren’t captured very well by putting them in a colonial perspective, and in fact, that perspective has done a lot of harm.”

Thomson is from the Wood Mountain area. Her fam-

ily has lived, farmed, and ranched on their own land since the 1880s. Because of her research interests, local roots, and proximity to Moose Jaw, she has had access to the MJMAG archives and collections for several years now.

“I’m definitely not the first person from the Wood Mountain area or the first Lakota person to poke around in those archives, but I was very thankful for all the time I got to spend in there,” Thomson said. “And then Jennifer [McRorie, executive director and curator at the MJMAG], asked me if I was interested in curating an exhibit about some of these pieces.

“A lot of museum collections are not well documented as to who made them, and also tend to be quite divorced from their cultural and historical context. ... This will be a new take on connecting all these pieces and seeing them in the context they were created. There is no Lakota word for art, and I’m not saying that Lakota people didn’t have their own values of aesthetic and craftsmanship, but these were very much part of their personal, everyday lives.”

Thomson was able to get help, including genealogical information, historical photographs, and even personal stories about specific items, from locals whose ancestry in this area goes all the way back. Her boyfriend, for example, is a Lakota speaker and teacher who has helped her with translation work.

Because of all those connections, curating the exhibition has been a highly collaborative process, with input from several communities, MJMAG staff, and fellow Lakota artists and historians.

“It’s not just my knowledge going into this. There’s lots of different people involved and I’m having a lot of fun with it. I do some similar work to this for my full-time job, but I haven’t had the chance before to work with a collection I feel so passionately about.”

Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer

One of her favourite pieces from the upcoming exhibition is a blue trade-cloth dress decorated with ivory elk teeth. Such a dress would have been a status symbol in Lakota society, recognizing prestigious female community leaders.

“We often talk about men gaining honour, typically through hunting, horse culture, and warfare,” Thomson explained. “But women had their own societies and means of earning honour and recognition and status in their families and communities. ... It’s a very beautiful piece, and the quality of the trade-cloth is quite stunning.”

The opening reception for Wakšúpi: Lakota Beadwork, including a walking tour of the exhibit led by Thomson, takes place Thursday, Sep. 28 at 7 p.m. The reception has been co-ordinated as part of the second annual Every Child Matters powwow by the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association (WACA)

Oktoberfest by Moose Jaw Brewing Company and Luby Bower Distillery

Samples of Lakota beadwork from the MJMAG Permanent Collection are seen here in a previous exhibition (MJMAG/Facebook)

The opening reception for Wakšúpi (Lakota for ‘beadwork’) is Sep. 28 at 7 p.m. (MJMAG/Facebook)

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Autumn: the season of my discontent

It is time once again to share some random thoughts:

1. When asked, some individuals claim to love autumn the best of the four seasons. I cannot fathom why the fall of the year would fall into the selected category, but I do agree with the beauty of the different colours of leaves on the autumn trees.

However when those leaves fall to the ground and must be raked and bagged and transported to their final resting place, I see no beauty in the work it entails. The possibility of a joyful shout while jumping into a pile of golden leaves might make some smile. I instead think about the chance of broken bones and dislocated appendages. And the fact those leaves would have to be raked again, would bring a shout from the raker that wouldn’t be joyful.

Autumn, in my opinion, is a sad time, a period of mourning for the spring and summer, a time to experience grief as plants are removed from the garden after providing the household with abundant produce. And even a more mournful time is when the last petunia still standing has tried gamely to provide just one more blossom before it too bites the dust.

Late autumn is the time to get one’s vehicle ready for the snow that will eventually cover the ground. Winter tires, an oil change and a tune-up of all the moving and stationary parts cannot be put off forever but those acts

seem to put the final nail in the coffin of summer.

Winter isn’t my favourite of the seasons either, but with winter comes Christmas and New Years and the knowledge that spring and summer is just around the corner. And my two favourite sports — curling and hockey — are right there, in person or at the flick of the button on the remote control. And don’t forget the hot chocolate with tiny coloured marshmallows.

Sorry autumn, but you lose.

2. A conversation in the grocery store aisle with a long-time friend confirmed what I already knew — that too many of our individual or shared acquaintances are passing away in alarming numbers.

We acknowledged that with advanced age comes not only aches and pains but the spiritual loss of friends and relatives. In the past months, I have lost count of the men and women whose names have appeared in the obituary notices. Some were in their 90s, others in 70-80s, and even some much younger.

The stories of their lives told how they lived, the contributions made in their lifetimes and the personal details of accomplishments and special interests, from sports and workplace achievements, to hobbies and pets and families. If I didn’t know them before, I felt I knew them just a bit from reading their celebration of life stories.

My grocery store friend and I agreed we are blessed

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

to still be able to shop, that we are managing our squeaky joints and other medical problems with a pioneer spirit, agreeing that others are much worse off. And then we toddled off in search of nourishment for our physical souls.

3. Where were we 44 years ago around Sept. 16? We were invited as guests to attend the official opening of Hopkins Dining Parlour on Athabasca Street West.

We were in the company of Stan and Carole Butler, Stan being the publisher at the time of The Moose Jaw Times-Herald. We were impressed with the hospitality that evening and the graciousness of our Host and Hostess, Wayne and Glady Pierce.

Over the years we have visited the restaurant for special occasions, taken out-of-town friends there to perhaps meet the resident ghost, and to enjoy the ambience of a long-time business in Moose Jaw.

On Sept. 16 of this year we might just show up to wish a Happy 44th Anniversary to Hopkins Dining Parlour. And maybe to have a visit with Glady Pierce who has sold the business but will be a special guest at the celebrations. Perhaps she will get me up for a group dance to the music of Bonnie and the Jets.

There is to be a prize for the best 1970’s outfit. Hmmmm: What I normally wear will fit right in!

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Cara Ashworth

The beginning of September means it’s time for more than 190,000 Saskatchewan students to head back to school. Our government extends our warmest welcome to all students and we wish everyone a year filled with fun, learning and new possibilities. Now is an exciting time to be a student in Saskatchewan as our province continues to experience growth.

After the first quarter financial report, Saskatchewan is forecasting a $485.5 million surplus – a strong bottom line. The plan to retire up to $1 billion in operating debt announced at budget remains on track. Our province’s net-debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to be 13.4 per cent at the end of the fiscal year, which is currently ranked second among the provinces. Saskatchewan’s finances remain strong, with a substantial surplus, but we need to continue to be prudent and manage spending carefully.

Our government continues to promote economic growth and work on the development of zero-emission small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. The Crown

Investments Corporation is providing $479,000 to the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association and its partners to prepare local companies for their future participation in provincial, national and global SMR development. Advancing SMR supply chains in our province will open economic and job potential for communities across the province, including rural, northern and remote regions, and Indigenous communities.

Our government maintains its commitment to meaningful consultation with First Nation and Métis communities and supporting investment in the province with changes to the First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework (CPF). The new policy, set to take effect by January 2024, is about our commitment to building positive relationships, respecting Aboriginal and Treaty rights, and supporting economic reconciliation while we continuously plan for growth across the resource sector. To learn more about the revised policy, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

Investing in growth in our health care system remains a priority so that everyone can access the care they need. Plans are moving forward for the Regina General Hospital (RGH) parkade. Regina-based Link Developments Ltd. has been selected as the team that will construct and maintain the parkade project, with construction beginning this fall. The parkade will include a total of 1,005 stalls, and provide safe, accessible and convenient parking for years to come.

To create further growth in our health care system, we are expanding treatment options for those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by listing two common ALS drugs, Albrioza, and Radicava, on the Sas-

katchewan Drug Plan Formulary. Effective September 1, eligible ALS patients who meet certain medical criteria may be considered for coverage of these medications under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.

Our province recently recognized Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. Our government continues to invest in accessible mental health and addiction services for everyone, with a record $518 million this year. This includes increasing treatment options and expanding addiction services across the province in honour of Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.

World Suicide Prevention Day, recognized on September 10, is aimed at promoting understanding around suicide and providing support for those affected by a suicide attempt or loss. The mental health and addictions budget also includes $2.25 million specifically for suicide prevention. We are also working with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health to implement “988,” a national suicide crisis number to be launched later this year. For more information about resources available on mental health, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

As we transition into the fall season, we want you to experience the beauty of camping in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks, easily secure camping spots online and enjoy full services and events all throughout September. To learn more about seasonal discounts, booking, and events, please visit www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.

Our government continues to pursue growth for Saskatchewan. We highly value your questions, concerns, and feedback. Please feel free to reach out to me at 306-692-8884 or mjnorthmla@sasktel.net.

National magazine showcases unique partnership between PSSD and River Street Promotions

A national education magazine is highlighting the partnership Prairie South School Division (PSSD) has with River Street Promotions (RSP) and their collective efforts to address students’ mental health and well-being.

Leaders & Learners, the official magazine of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators, produces a quarterly journal for educational leaders. It issued a call last year for articles about mental health and creative approaches school divisions have taken to address that area.

Prairie South’s Dustin Swanson, superintendent of school operations, saw the call and approached Amanda Olson, superintendent of learning, about putting together an article because she leads the division’s work around mental health.

The two then crafted an 800-word article about the partnership and submitted it.

“Hitting a Home Run: A Partnership to Support Mental Health in Southern Saskatchewan,” appeared in Leaders & Learners this past summer, while division administration highlighted it for trustees during the September board meeting.

Visit www.cassa-acgcs.ca/cms/lib/ON01929128/ Centricity/

Domain/34/LL_Mag-2023-Summer.pdf to read the article.

“It’s very unique partnership we have with River Street Promotions and what we’re doing. It’s unlike what’s happening, perhaps, in other areas of Canada … ,” said Swanson. “We thought, what a great way to showcase something creative in our education sector … .”

Besides being different, the relationship is also based on a unique event, specifically, the Homestand concert at

the historic Ross Wells Ball Park, said Olson. RSP has hosted this multi-genre concert in the outfield since 2021 — when the partnership began.

The concert is a mental health and wellness event for the community since it brings together residents to enjoy each other, listen to music and share some laughs, she continued.

It also allows Prairie South and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division to speak to the crowd during intermissions about initiatives in schools and their effect on communities.

“Our mental health is just as important as our phys-

and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No 5/93, known as the Zoning Bylaw

INTENT

The proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw is intended to allow for dog parks in the Highway Commercial district as a discretionary use.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the municipal o ce between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays.

PUBLIC HEARING

Council will hold a public hearing on 21st day of September, 2023 at 7:45 p.m. in Council Chambers located at 201 Valleyview Drive in the Village of Caronport, Saskatchewan to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal o ce prior to 3:00 p.m. on 20th day of September 2023.

Issued at the Village of Caronport this 21st day of August, 2023. Gina Hallborg, CAO

ical health,” Olson said, noting that the topic should be discussed regularly in Moose Jaw and area.

The partnership has positively affected students because the school division has formed new relationships with other like-minded agencies, said Swanson.

For example, there was a national concert at the Mae Wilson Theatre in March 2022 where musicians performed and discussed mental health topics with youths.

“And it was a very wonderful experience for all involved. And we look to enhance that from this relationship. It’s very impactful,” he added.

Another partnership has been with Burns & McDonnell — the contractor building the Great Plains Power Station — which has held several golf tournaments and donated money to the Homestand concerts.

RSP has donated $135,000 from the concerts to the school divisions for mental health initiatives. PSSD used some money to host an April online mental health and wellness conference for students in grades 6 to 12 in both divisions.

The online event featured two speakers and breakout sessions where youths could discuss what they’d heard.

Prairie South also offers a grant-match program, which funds schools that raise money for similar initiatives. Schools such as Central Butte, Empire and William Grayson have brought in speakers, taught about digital citizenship, enhanced outdoor equipment and developed a “toolbox” with activities students can perform together.

The division has also brought in Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a respected professor who speaks about resiliency and handling stress.

“We are so grateful that we have this partnership with River Street Promotions … . They give our schools the autonomy to do what is needed in their communities,” said Olson. “Not all schools have the exact same needs (and) not all students have the exact same needs.”

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Amanda Olson, superintendent of learning with Prairie South School Division, displays the article about the partnership between the division and River Street Promotions. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Square dance lessons to resume at the Town and Country Square Dance Association

You’re invited to give square dance a try and meet some new friends starting on Sept. 25

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

If you want to learn how to dance but don’t consider yourself a strong dancer, square dance might be the introduction you’re looking for. Square dancing also makes a great date idea for the significant person in your life, and you can both meet some new friends along the way.

The Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association will resume dance lessons on Monday, Sept. 25, and you’re invited to attend. There’s no requirement for any dance experience, and you can come alone or with a partner.

The association has been a part of the community for over 50 years and provides a positive, open environment for anyone looking for that ideal outing.

Square dance is a choreographed dance for four couples, or eight individuals, and involves a caller naming the next move while couples follow the lead.

The dance is fairly easy to learn. “It’s like walking to music. If you can tap your toe, then you can square dance,” explained Valerie Wright, the association’s caller. She said square dance is a better starting point for a novice dancer than other, more routine styles of dance or even freestyle.

“A lot of people have probably seen ‘do-si-do’ or the ‘Allemande left’ move in movies,” Wright said, noting that most new dancers pick up the moves quickly and seem to already be familiar with some of it.

The dance starts with participants organizing into groups of eight. The music then starts and couples wait for the next instruction from the caller. From there, it’s a matter of good listening skills.

Valerie Wright and her husband Lane are the current

‘caller couple’ for the association. The term refers to the dance guides who call out a series of previously learned moves, and dancing couples follow their lead. This means the dance is alive and dynamic, rather than being a matter of rote memorization.

They are the second couple to call at the association and carry on a local tradition. “The caller couple who used to call for the club had been calling for over 50 years by the time they handed it over to us,” said Wright. Wright and her husband have been calling since 2003.

The evening opens with a review of lessons from the previous week, and then a few new movements are introduced. Lessons start with a couple beginner-level dances, and then mainstream dances are called where the more experienced dancers can move at a more rapid pace.

Wright said the association’s focus is on “social square dance,” which means it’s all about enjoyment rather than competing. There’s no competition to train for, and dancers who are looking to take it a step further can contact Wright for more advanced options.

“We’re not nose to the grindstone; we’re there to get a bit of exercise and enjoy the friendship of others, and that’s what is it is all about,” she said. “If we know the move, we know the move and if we don’t, we just do it

again until we learn it.

“It’s all about community and the friendships that you make within that community,” Wright added.

Wright has been attending square dance lessons with her husband for a decade now, and where many couples tend to focus on life’s day to day challenges, they found a way to spend quality time together. This was accentuated when the kids moved out and the couple realized how strongly they maintained their sense of connection.

“I got off the phone and said, ‘Hun, we’ve been having date nights for the past 10 years and didn’t know it’,” said Wright. “We were doing date night before date night was a thing.” She owes this to square dance lessons with the association.

Square dance also gets you moving, and Wright describes this as “discreet fitness.”

“If someone tells me to hit the floor and do 20 sit-ups and 10 push-ups… I might drag my tail across the lawn half an hour later. But if someone asks to dance with me, they hardly have to put the needle down and I’m up there to dance.” The key, she said, is to get started as early as you can.

The season begins with a couple nights where new dancers can immerse themselves in the activity and see if it’s right for them. These first nights are free of charge.

“These first two nights are free and open to the public to attend. We will go full-fledged into more learning and more lessons after we’ve confirmed who is signed up,” Wright explained.

“If you can’t come out on the first night, but wanted to try it, you’re welcome to come out the following night even if you don’t know what a left and right thru is,” she added.

The first night of the season is Monday, Sept. 25, followed by the second night on Monday, Oct. 2. Dance lessons are always held on Mondays, and lessons go from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The membership fee for the season is $50.

The Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association normally holds dance lessons at St. Margaret School, but due to ongoing renovations, they’re being held at St. Mary School.

St. Mary School is located at 720 Fifth Avenue Southwest.

For more information, contact Marcia Wiman at 306681-8648.

23093BF0

A compilation of photos from the Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association. Photo by: John AdamacheSquare dance logo.jpg

Due to renovations at the usual venue, dance lessons are currently being held at St. Mary School. Photo by: Aaron Walker

By Leon Retief

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

Out Cold: A Chilling Descent into the Macabre, Controversial, Lifesaving History of Hypothermia

Phil Jaekl Public Affairs, New York

255 pages

There are probably few books dealing with this rather esoteric subject, perhaps the fact that the author grew up in Canada and now lives and works in Norway played a role in fostering an appreciation of cold.

Just what is cold? We know now that it is the absence of heat, which is a manifestation of the movement of molecules and atoms. The faster these molecules vibrate, the hotter the substance is, and vice versa. When the temperature reaches zero degrees Kelvin (named after a famous British physicist and equivalent to –273.15 °C, or -459.67 °F, for those who still use this outdated, antediluvian temperature scale) all movement ceases and the temperature cannot decrease any more.

It took a while to establish that humans, like mammals, maintain a stable body temperature, known as normothermia. The first known investigation of human

body temperature was by Charles Blagden in 1775. To his astonishment he found that the body temperatures of people in a room heated to 127 °C remained stable.

Jaekl gives a brief description of the interesting history of thermometer development, as well as how the concepts of heat and cold became established in science. This went hand in hand with investigations into the use of cold in medical treatments and Jaekl’s history of these devices and treatments make interesting reading.

Not all these treatments were humane, let alone effective. Even Philippe Pinel, a pioneer of humane treatment of patients with mental illness, wrote: “… one of the major principles of the psychological management of the insane is to break their will in a skilfully timed manner… a formidable show of terror should convince them that they are not free to pursue their impetuous wilfulness and that their only choice is to submit.”

Another rather gruesome example is a 1725 description by a dr. Patrick Blair, about a woman who wasn’t a “dutiful wife,” being “neglectful” and so on. She was “… lifted up by force… and fixt to the Chair in the bathing Tub.”

Cold water was then forcefully rained down on her for 30 minutes until she promised to mend her ways.

A week later this unfortunate woman was given another trial: “… adding a smaller pipe so that when the one let the water fall on top of her head the other squirted it in her face…”

This time it lasted for 60 minutes, the next one 90 minutes. “… I threatened her with the fourth Tryal, took her out of bed, had her stript, blindfolded and ready to be put in the Chair, when she being terrify’d… kneeled

submissively….”

Research into the therapeutic applications of cold continued however, and in 1919 a medical student, Temple Fay, was asked a question which later occupied much of the rest of his life: why is metastatic cancer so rarely found below knees and elbows?

Years later he realized that it may have to do with temperature, and commenced a long series of experiments cooling patients with metastatic tumors, initially using localized techniques, progressing to whole-body cooling. Astonishingly, some patients were kept at body temperatures between 33 °C (91 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) for up to eight consecutive days.

Initial results looked promising, although not spectacular, but then WW2 broke out and Fay’s research never gained traction afterwards. One reason was the widespread revulsion elicited by the horrendous research carried out by the Nazis, which involved putting prisoners in freezing water to find out how pilots who had been shot down over the sea could be resuscitated.

The next impetus for research into the medical application of cold came from a different direction. The space race was gaining momentum and with interstellar journeys regarded as a real possibility, the question arose how to keep astronauts alive for thousands of years. This, of course, would involve hibernation as well as hypothermia. Jaekl describes this research in an interesting chapter but as we all know now, to date this has not been tested.

From here it was a small step to move to the perennial quest for eternal life: cryonics, the storage of human remains, usually at -196 °C (-320,8 °F) in the hope that resurrection may be possible in the future.

Jaekl also writes about the possibility and problems of a head transplant, which, fortunately, has not taken place. Yet.

This is an extremely interesting book, filled as it is with historical vignettes, descriptions of more recent scientific research.

Serendipitously, the National Post published a good article on cryonics while I was reading the last chapter: https://nationalpost.com/feature/cryopreservation-cryonics

The Canadian Cadet Program is set to resume training

Fall training resumes Sept. 12, and membership is open to anyone aged 12 – 18

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

The Canadian Cadet Program will resume training on Sept. 12, and new recruits are invited to stop by and give the program a try. As one of Canada’s largest youth organizations, the Cadet Program offers an experience found nowhere else.

“The Cadet Program is for anybody from the ages of 12 to 18,” explained the commanding officer of #40 Snowbird Squadron, Capt. Clyde Garrett.

The program is organized into three elements: land, sea, and air. Applicants can choose for themselves which element they wish to join, and each element comes with its own unique opportunities.

Regardless of the element, the program seeks to prepare cadets for their next stage of life and teaches the core values of good citizenship. “We focus on citizenship, leadership, general cadet knowledge, physical fitness, good community service, and things like that,” said Capt. Garrett.

Each element also has specialized training in its area of focus. For the 28 cadets currently enlisted in the air cadet program, this means the focus is on aerospace.

“So, for us being air cadets, we focus on aviation activities. We go out flying either in gliders or powered aircraft, and focus on air-related studies like airports, airplanes, and aircraft engines…,” said Capt. Garrett.

Training nights are held on a set day of the week depending on the element, and they follow the same structure. The night starts off with drill practice, and then classes are held in adjacent classrooms.

“We also do classes on physical fitness, citizenship, leadership classes, instructional techniques, public speaking classes, and things like that,” explained Capt. Garrett.

Enrolment comes with several unique opportunities, starting with self-discipline, valuable life skills, and the

chance to meet lifelong friends. Each element also has a selection of more advanced courses.

“For air cadets specifically, once you reach the age of 16, we have a glider pilot scholarship program,” said Capt. Garrett. “Once (cadets) turn 17, they can go through the process to get their powered pilot’s license as well.”

There are courses unrelated to flying as well, and these include leadership and aircrew survival.

There’s a new cadet correspondence course with a focus on media relations. “Cadets can learn about media and social media, photography, and they can become their own reporters in the cadet program,” said Capt. Garrett.

Each element also offers its own scholarship program to help selected cadets pursue their career.

Sea cadets train on Mondays, air cadets on Tuesdays, and army cadets train on Thursdays. All cadets meet at 6:30 p.m. on their respective night, and training ends at 9 p.m.

Training is typically held at the D.V. Currie VC Armoury in Moose Jaw, but due to current renovations, cadets from all three elements are currently meeting at the 15 Wing Community Recreation Centre. Regular training should resume at the armoury by the end of September, but this depends on construction.

Cadets have a formal dress uniform and a field training uniform. The field training uniform is the regular weekly uniform, and the dress uniform is reserved for special occasions. For air cadets specifically, the dress requirement on the first night is the field training uniform.

To sign up for the cadet program, registration works the same for all three elements. New applicants can attend any training night respective to the element they wish to

join, and from there they can ask questions with no pressure to join.

“They can come and see us any Tuesday night… between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.,” explained Capt. Garrett. “They just need to bring a copy of their birth certificate and their health card, and we can provide them with the application papers.”

There is also an online registration tool at https://registration.cadets.gc.ca/get-started.html.

The Canadian Cadet Program is one of the largest youth organizations in Canada, and thanks to a partnership with the Department of National Defense (DND), the program is offered free of charge.

“We have no registration fees. There is no cost for the uniform… it’s almost a free program,” confirmed Capt. Garrett. “There is no cost to join our program and there’s no up-front fee that anybody has to pay.”

To help offset costs and provide new opportunities such as field trips, cadets are asked to assist in fundraising events such as poppy sales or bottle drives. Proceeds from these fundraisers help keep costs as low as possible.

For more information, air cadets can be reached at 306-692-7707 or 40air@cadets.gc.ca; sea cadets can be reached at 306-690-3108 or 99sea@cadets.gc.ca; and army cadets can be reached at 1856army@cadets.gc.ca.

Cadet training is held at the D.V. Currie Armoury located at 1215 Main Street North.

Until renovations on the armoury are completed, the temporary meeting place is the 15 Wing Community Recreation Centre, located just off Ninth Avenue Southwest at the air base.

Leon Retief is a retired physician with clinical and research experience. He likes drinking wine, listening to music and reading.

Book Cover Image: Amazon.

Sea cadets on parade at the D.V. Currie VC Armoury in Moose Jaw. Photo by: Facebook/99 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Assiniboine

Army cadets attending a class during a Thursday training night. Photo by: Facebook/1856 Moose Jaw Schools Cadet Corps

Air cadets with the #40 Snowbird Squadron in Moose Jaw pose for a photo with a Snowbirds tutor jet on Sept. 27, 2022. Photo by: Facebook/#40 Snowbird Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Ripe, red tomatoes waiting to become desserts

Local gardens produced a wonderful crop of tomatoes this year but by now, gardeners are wondering how to use the box of ripe tomatoes just waiting to be enjoyed.

In addition to stews, soups, salsas and relishes, ripe tomatoes may be used to prepare a dessert cake and a tart sorbet. Recipes for those two items are included in this week’s column.

• • •

TOMATO DESSERT CAKE

1 lb. ripe tomatoes

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup salted butter, softened

2 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsps. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cardamom

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2-3 tbsps. tomato juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 10 cup bundt pan with non-stick spray.

Core and peel tomatoes and cut into quarters.

Puree in a blender until smooth. Measure 2 cups of the puree and set aside the remainder.

In a large bowl beat sugars and butter until creamy and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Sift the dry ingredients in another bowl. Alternately, add flour and tomato puree to egg mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Incorporate fully.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto a rack and cool completely.

While cake is still warm, drizzle with glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla and tomato juice from the puree that has been set aside. Cool completely before slicing.

• • •

TOMATO SORBET

10 lbs. ripe tomatoes, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1 red pepper, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 tarragon sprigs

2 basil sprigs

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsps. light corn syrup

6 tbsps. water

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. white pepper

Line a large colander with a layer of cheesecloth and set it over a medium-sized bowl.

In another bowl toss half the prepared tomatoes with salt and transfer to the colander. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the colander from the bowl and reserve 3/4 cup of the tomato water/juice. Save remaining juice.

Working in batches, puree the remaining 5 lbs. of prepared tomatoes with the pepper until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve into a large saucepan. Discard the solids.

Stir in wine, tarragon and basil and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally until the puree is reduced to 4 cups, about 35-40 minutes. Bring sugar, corn syrup and water to a boil. Stir to dissolve sugar. Stir into tomato puree with the lemon juice, pepper and reserved tomato water. Strain into a pitcher and discard the solids. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and refrigerate to chill for at least 4 hours.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions until set but not rock hard, about 25 minutes.

Scoop into bowls to serve. Makes 1 1/2 quarts. Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Sirens were blaring and a wide range of emergency lights illuminated downtown Moose Jaw on Sept. 9, as the second annual ‘Touch a Truck’ event kicked off.

The event was free of charge and provided children a fun outing and the chance to see a wide variety of emergency and construction vehicles up close. “It’s just a fun event for the children and their families,” said Christine Boyczuk, event organizer and coordinator with the Moose Jaw Literacy Network.

The event took place at the Moose Jaw Events Centre along First Avenue Northwest from 11am to 3pm and included indoor and outdoor displays. Unlike a typical car show, children had the opportunity to climb aboard, meet the operator, and even had the chance to honk the horn and turn on the emergency lights.

Outdoor displays ranged from a police cruiser to an ambulance, semi tractors, and farm equipment.

“Inside, Ag West has different activities planned for kids that they can participate in,” Boyczuk explained. “The kids have loved those, and they love being able to get up close and personal with the vehicles that are here.”

“The children have really enjoyed the activities in the trucks, and the drivers have been so wonderful at developing activities the children can participate in,” she added.

Children who attended also received a free book courtesy of the Moose Jaw Literacy Network, and as they went from display to display, each separate company had the opportunity to provide a few free items that children could collect and take home.

Attendance at the event had been steady, and event organizers received a lot of positive feedback from children and their families. “This was our second full year for Touch a Truck, and we think it has exceeded what we had

last year,” said Boyczuk.

Touch a Truck was sponsored by the Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre, along with partner organizations who helped make the event a possibility.

“The Early Years Coalition tries to increase the programs and activities for young children and their families. We also try and assist people who are working with them… we try to educate and increase the activities for the young children in our neighborhoods,” Boyczuk said.

The Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre is located at 1250 Eleventh Avenue Northwest and can be reached at 306-691-0202.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Technology company bets future on organizing complex data files

A small fast-growing Vancouver technology company deserves a place on stock watchlists.

MediaValet Inc. operates in the digital asset management business of tracking, organizing files, making them accessible and improving creativity and efficiency

That sounds like a lot of gibberish but the company claims that with the equivalent of 90 per cent of world data being created every two years, its services are required.

The gazillions of files that end up in storage in the Cloud need proper management.

MediaValet operations run from 63 data centres in 140 countries with more than 500 customers. The company says 100 per cent of customers keep retaining MediaValet.

One area where these services are useful involves 63 per cent of employers who have employees working remotely.

How do you keep track of the files they access, the files they share, the files they create and how creative they are?

DISCRETIONARY USE APPLICATION

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw, pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 5346 is considering an application to allow for a proposed “Truck Terminals and Warehousing” on, Lots 5 & 6, Blk/Par 267, Plan No. EX1152, Ext. 0, civically known as 670 North Service Road, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is a discretionary use within the C3f1 –Vehicle Oriented Commercial and f1 Flood Fringe District. Additional information regarding the application may be found on the “News and Announcements” page at www.moosejaw.ca. The application, and any representations, will be considered by City Council on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 228 Main Street North.

Written submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca.

Dawn Lugrin – Assistant City Clerk

This year MediaValet has added three new programs —notification of applications used, forensic marking and facial recognition. All are key to keeping data files secure.

The company boasts 80 per cent operating gross profit margins for years. The website lists 37 per cent growth in annual revenue.

million shares.

Yahoo Finance indicates two analysts follow the stock, with losses expected this year, narrowing some in 2024. Their estimates of stock price in the coming year are $1.50 and $2.50.

WORKFORCE CONNECTOR

Unfortunately the 11-year old company has never made a penny profit after expenses.

In the four fiscal years ended December 2022, total losses have amounted to over $20 million.

In the six months ended June 30, the company lost $5.16 million on revenues of $12.8 million. Losses did decrease slightly from the previous period.

The company terminated 10 employees — 10 per cent of the work force — for a gain of $.1.8 million over the next 12 months.

Expenses this year have only increased by three per cent.

MediaValet has about $500,000 debt and just under 40 million shares outstanding with insiders owning 25

Current price of $1.22 has shown little movement this year with a low of $1.10 and a high of $1.54.

Cash on the books is less than one year’s needs at the current rate cash is used, suggesting a need for large financing soon.

Still, this company bears watching for the day it succeeds in making a profit on an ongoing basis — if it does.

One question: Is MediaValet expanding too fast?

The company operates in a highly competitive area and requires fast expansion to keep up with competitors.

CAUTION: Remember when investing, consult your adviser and do your homework before buying any security. Bizworld does not recommend investments.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

The RCMP is asking for public assistance in an ongoing fuel theft investigation

If you have any information, contact the RCMP at 306-691-4670 or call Sask. Crime Stoppers For Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is asking for the public’s assistance in an ongoing fuel theft investigation.

On July 28, 2023, the RCMP was notified of criminal activity at a business property west of Moose Jaw. The business is located at the intersection of Range Road 2272 and the Trans-Canada Highway west of the city.

The incident is believed to have happened between the dates of July 25 – 27, 2023.

At this time, one or more individuals broke into the business property after its hours of operation. Several parked school buses were damaged as a result, and an un-

known amount of fuel had been stolen.

The investigation is still underway, and police are asking for the public’s assistance. If you have any information, knowledge of suspicious activity around that date, or eyewitness accounts from the incident, police are asking for your help.

If you have any information, contact the Moose Jaw RCMP at 306-691-4670.

Information on this or any other criminal activity can also be submitted anonymously through the Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at SaskCrimeStoppers.com.

Moose Jaw Police seized an estimated $7,400 worth of illegal drugs

On Sept. 2, police responded to a suspicious vehicle in northwest Moose Jaw resulting in three arrests Moose Jaw Today/MooseJawToday.com staff

On Sept. 2, the Moose Jaw Police Service responded to a suspicious vehicle located in the northwest area of the city. Upon arrival, police found several occupants inside the vehicle. After a search, police discovered quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine estimated to be worth $7,400.00.

Police also seized an air-soft handgun and expandable baton from the vehicle.

As a result, three adults were arrested and all three have been charged with trafficking a controlled substance,

weapon-related offences, and breach of conditions.

The co-accused were released with conditions and will appear in Provincial Court at a date to be determined.

The Moose Jaw Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance during the incident. The public is asked to remain vigilant for any suspected illegal drug-related activity in their neighbourhood.

If you suspect that a drug-related incident is taking place, contact the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-6947600.

A 37-year-old male has been charged after assaulting a female

On Sept. 2, police responded to a domestic incident resulting in one arrest for assault, break and enter Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com staff

On Sept. 2, the Moose Jaw Police Service responded to a break and enter in progress at a residence on the east side of Moose Jaw at approximately 4 p.m.

Police reported hearing screams inside the residence when they arrived on scene. After immediately entering the residence, police encountered a male assaulting a female.

DISCRETIONARY USE APPLICATION

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw, pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 5346 is considering an application to replace and construct a new and taller “Communication Antenna Support Structure” on St/L 57, Plan K2808 Ext 0, land located west of Elgin Park, which is a discretionary use within the P – Parks District. Additional information regarding the application may be found on the “News and Announcements” page at www.moosejaw.ca. The application, and any representations, will be considered by City Council on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 228 Main Street North.

Written submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca.

Dawn Lugrin – Assistant City Clerk

The male was taken into police custody. The female victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was

treated on scene by EMS.

As a result, the 37-year-old male has been charged with break and enter and committing assault.

The male was released from police custody later that day on conditions and will appear in Provincial Court at a date to be determined.

The male is a Moose Jaw resident, but no further details have been released.

Two adults charged with trafficking Fentanyl, other controlled substances

On Sept. 6, two adults were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com staff

The Moose Jaw Police Service made two drug-related arrests this week.

At approximately 9 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2023, officers with the Moose Jaw Police Service conducted a traffic stop involving a 22-year-old female and a 41-year-old male.

On further investigation, police discovered varying amounts of controlled substances including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and OxyContin in the vehicle.

As a result of the search, both adults have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The 22-year-old female has been held in police custody and will appear at the Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. She will remain in police custody due to having several outstanding warrants for her arrest.

The 41-year-old male was released from custody with conditions and will appear in Provincial Court at a date to be determined.

Further updates will be provided as they are made available.

Catholic division’s former religion consultant possible candidate for provincial award

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Trustees with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division are looking for staff to nominate this year for provincial recognition awards, with the organization’s former religion consultant a possible candidate.

The board held its first meeting of the 2023-24 school year recently and reviewed categories of an awards program that the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA) holds yearly. The four categories include the prestigious Julian Paslawski Meritorious Service Award, life membership, long-service award and appreciation award.

Last year, Delmer Wagner, a former education director with Holy Trinity, received the Julian Paslawski award, while Deacon Lamont Dyck received the appreciation award.

During the meeting, trustee Christine Boyczuk suggested that former religion consultant Jodie Bzdel would be an ideal candidate for the appreciation award since she did plenty of good work during her five years at the board office. The precedent for acknowledging this position was set last year after a religion consultant in another school division received that award.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said trustee Allison Bradish.

Education director Ward Strueby pointed out that other individuals from Holy Trinity who have received

awards include Geri Hall, Darrell Zabo and Bernadette Cey. A trustee suggested former board chairwoman Debbie Olson could be nominated since she served 18 years, to which Strueby replied she would be eligible for the long-service or appreciation award.

Since the board unanimously suggested Bzdel for the appreciation award, Strueby said he would speak with her first so she knew trustees were nominating her. He would then bring the application package to the next board meeting so trustees could officially approve it.

SCSBA awards

The Julian Paslawski Meritorious Service Award is awarded each year to individuals who have significantly contributed to Catholic education in Saskatchewan. The individual must be nominated by a member board, the SCSBA board, or the SCSBA board of directors.

School boards that want to nominate a person must complete the appropriate nomination form and provide an accompanying summary statement of activities and service of the person nominated.

The recipient will receive a framed certificate and up to two complimentary banquet tickets.

The life membership award is awarded to the past president of the association in recognition of dedicated service to the organization, as evidenced by faithful commitment to association business, constant accomplish-

THE NEXT HOLY TRINITY BOARD MEETING IS MONDAY, SEPT 26.

ment of all special duties assigned to the president, supportive and continuous service to Catholic education and personal leadership on the board of directors, enabling the association to progress and grow.

The long-service award is awarded in recognition of long service as a trustee of a member board of the association. Awards will be granted for nine and 18 years of service deemed recognizable by the school board and the SCSBA officers. The trustee must be nominated by a member board and/or the SCSBA board of directors.

Recipients will receive an engraved crucifix and a complimentary banquet ticket.

The appreciation award is awarded to an individual in appreciation of the commitment and contribution to Catholic education in Saskatchewan. This award may be presented to anyone not classified in the above categories. The individual may be nominated by a member board or the SCSBA board of directors.

Recipients will receive a plaque and up to two complimentary banquet tickets.

Author urges Catholic teachers to support each other during stressful times

Catholic division staff received a positive boost to start the 2023-24 school year after a motivational speaker encouraged them to find their “swing set” during stressful times so they could acquire rest and renewal.

Terry Hershey, a Seattle, Washington-based author, pastor and inspirational orator who supports people’s mental health and well-being in a Christian environment, spoke to Holy Trinity Catholic School Division on Aug. 30 during its Opening Faith Day activities.

Staff congregated at St. Joseph Catholic Parish that morning for the division’s Opening Day mass.

On Aug. 31, teachers gathered at Vanier Collegiate to work on their annual professional growth plans.

“(Hershey) really encouraged us to make sure we take care of one another and ourselves so that we can be there to support our students,” said Ward Strueby, director of education.

Hershey reminded staff of the children’s song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,” and how they each have goodness inside of them, the education director continued. However, the author also noted that people sometimes dampen Christians’ inner light as the latter moved throughout society.

Furthermore, the speaker encouraged teachers to find their “swing set,” that special place in troubled times where they can refresh and retool and have the energy to be great teachers, family members and citizens. He also urged them to reject the “bunkum” in their lives, or those things that cause stress and second-guessing.

Strueby agreed that the pandemic contributed to the current mental health crisis, noting the school division has noticed that more people are stressed and upset. Yet, he reiterated Hershey’s message that the faith community needs to support its members.

“When we look at education, if we don’t have healthy teachers, they won’t be in front of the classroom supporting our kids,” Strueby said. “So healthy teachers means healthy students, which means healthy communities.”

One positive Strueby spoke about was how Holy Trinity expected to have strong enrolment numbers this year and would likely “blow those (projection) numbers out of the water.”

The division office would have concrete numbers on Sept. 5 — the first day of school — and at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Strueby is pushing staff to have parents more engaged in the classrooms so the latter can support their children’s education.

“… we know parents spend more time with their kids than we do. And if we can work together as teams, students are really going to learn,” he said.

Strueby was also excited that construction on the joint-use school project had kicked off; that a contractor had been hired to refurbish École St. Margaret School, Moose Jaw’s only single-track French immersion program; and that the Ministry of Education’s 2030 provincial education plan was being implemented.

With the St. Margaret School project, its cost has jumped to more than $6 million from $5.1 million. The province is committing $4 million, leaving the division to cover the rest using its preventative maintenance and renewal (PMR) reserve — an account for annual school upgrades across the division.

Further, the board planned to develop a strategic plan focused on inspiring success, mental health and well-being, supporting student learning and student transitions.

“With mental health, we’re really excited with the partnership with River Street Promotions (RSP),” Strueby continued. “We’ll be providing matching grants to schools (from RSP’s donation), as well as supporting teachers and students in mental health symposiums and conferences.”

Meanwhile, this year, the division’s faith theme is “God holds all creation in His hands,” while the organization will continue to focus on caring for the Earth as part of its Catholic social teachings program.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Teachers in PSSD given the power to handle smartphone use in class

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Some Saskatchewan schools have banned using smartphones in classrooms because of how distracting they are, but Moose Jaw’s public division is leaving that decision up to teachers.

During the recent Prairie South School Division board meeting, trustee Crystal Froese pointed out that when it comes to mental health and wellness, news articles and reports show cell phones have limited or non-existent classroom benefits and negatively affect student learning.

Froese then wondered whether the division had a policy to govern smartphone use in schools.

Ryan Boughen, director of education, replied that the division office leaves that decision in the hands of schools and classroom teachers, considering teachers have different approaches to handling this issue.

“My understanding is that it’s quite common now that teachers are asking students to park their cellphones in almost like a cellphone wall bag,” he said.

“And they are only using them when they’re asked

to bring them out to use them for something appropri ate during a learning opportunity. But for the most part, they’re put away during instructional time.”

A similar situation Prairie South faced recently was instituting a dress code because schools were having trou ble with some students’ clothing options, Boughen said.

Division administration met to discuss the situation and then consulted with principals about whether to im plement a division-wide administrative procedure (AP) to handle this issue or let schools have the autonomy to decide for themselves, he continued.

School administrators eventually decided they wanted the power to address this issue and didn’t want something imposed from the top.

“It would have been years ago when we had the conversation … about cellphones,” Boughen added. “That’s why we don’t have our own specific administrative procedure.”

School administrators usually support whatever decision teachers make, whether using a wall bag or hav-

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

The next PSSD board meeting is TUESDAY, OCT 3.

operations. Most students have complied with teachers’ directions about cellphone use.

Dustin Swanson, superintendent of education, said there has been a shift in the past five years in handling this technology and supporting students in managing those disturbances.

“Everyone’s come out with their own strategy that works in the classroom in school to minimize the disruption,” he added.

PSSD trustees to receive a pay bump of over $40 per month this year

Trustees with Prairie South School Division are receiving a bump in pay this year over last year, with the average remuneration increase for duties and activities jumping by over $40 per month.

Regular members will receive $1,431.17 per month this year compared to $1,389.50 per month last year, an increase of $41.67, a board report shows.

Furthermore, the vice-chair will earn $1,510.75 per month, compared to $1,466.75 per month last year, which is a bump of $44, while the board chair will receive $1,590.33 per month this year versus $1,544 per month last year, an increase of $46.33.

These three increases average an extra $44 per month or $580 per year.

Trustees approved their pay increase — and other reimbursement-related topics — during their recent organizational meeting.

Chair and vice-chair

During the meeting, trustees voted unanimously to reappoint Giselle Wilson as the board chairwoman and Darcy Pryor as the board vice-chair.

Wilson is the trustee for subdivision 4 and covers the communities of Bengough, Coronach and Rockglen. Pryor is the trustee for subdivision 1 and covers the communities of Central Butte, Chaplin, Craik, Eyebrow, Mortlach and Huron Colony.

Missed meetings

This year, any trustee may miss up to four half-days from regular board meetings or committee of the whole (COW) meetings without losing pay. However, if they miss more than four half-days, they will lose $150 for every half-day meeting missed thereafter.

The exception to this penalty is for rescheduled meetings after the board approves the yearly agenda.

Out-of-division activities

This year, trustees will be paid $30 per hour to attend

out-of-division functions, meetings and other events not related to PSSD. This includes in-person attendance and virtual meetings.

This hourly rate will be up to $200 per day for members, $225 per day for the vice-chair and $250 per day for the board chair.

Members will also be allowed to submit a minimum charge of one hour for any meeting attended unless another organization — such as their employer — compensates them for attending that function.

Travel time

Remuneration for travel time will be 30 cents per kilometre, while mileage will be 50 cents per kilometre. Trustees and division staff can claim mileage when they use their vehicles for work responsibilities, a board report said.

Meal repayment

This year, trustees will be reimbursed for meal expenses at $10 for breakfast, $18 for lunch and $23 for supper.

In comparison, provincial employees with SGEU, CUPE and Local 600 can claim in-province meal rates of $10 for breakfast, $18 for lunch and $23 for supper, while out of province, they can claim $13 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $28 for supper.

Parking

The parking expense rate for trustees and division staff is $5 daily without a receipt or “actual reasonable costs” with a receipt, according to a board report.

Accommodation

Trustees and division staff can claim accommodation expenses when required and when not otherwise covered. This year’s rate is “actual reasonable costs” supported by receipts, or $35 per night in a private residence outside the home.

Professional development

Trustees will receive an annual allowance for professional development of $4,500 per member, with any unused money carried forward into a new school year.

The funds can cover all trustee PD activity expenses, except for public section executive meetings, Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association meetings, Saskatchewan School Boards Association fall assembly and AGM and board chairs’ council meetings.

Mileage and travel costs will be calculated assuming trustees depart from or near Moose Jaw, the report added.

Board spokesperson

Often, Prairie South requires a spokesperson to communicate to the media or answer public inquiries.

The board decided that the chairperson would communicate to the media and public about governance issues while the education director would communicate about administrative issues.

Cheque signing authority

For this school year, the board chairwoman, vice-chairwoman, and the superintendent of business or director of education will be the cheque-signing authorities for the division.

Borrowing

The board voted unanimously to reaffirm its $15-million operating line of credit (LOC) with the Bank of Montreal; the current agreement expires on Jan. 31, 2028.

Maintaining an operating LOC is a risk-management strategy, and while the division has not accessed that money for several years, having it in place ensures the smooth operation of PSSD if there is ever a revenue disruption, a board report said.

Meeting schedule

This year’s regular public board meetings — on the first Tuesday of the month — will occur on Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 5, April 9, May 7 and June 4.

Education director thankful COVID-19 measures no longer an issue for schools

Education director Ryan Boughen is looking forward to the start of the 2023-24 school year, especially since this is the first time in four years he isn’t focusing on COVID-19 preparations.

“It’s (fantastic and) exciting to get another school year started. (I’m) super excited to be talking about education and learning and not talking about COVID,” he chuckled. “You know, this time last year, the work I do, I was deep in the COVID conversations.

“So, I like talking about learning more than I like talking about COVID.”

The director of education for Prairie South School Division (PSSD) spoke about the upcoming school year during a recent kick-off conference for teachers at the Heritage Inn.

Educators met at the hotel on Aug. 30 and 31 to hear from division administration and discuss the Ministry of Education’s new provincial education plan (PEP; level 1) and how they can implement the plan’s proposed priorities in their classrooms.

Senior administration has felt for years that it was telling teachers what work they would be performing instead of asking them whether it was the right work and whether they could offer advice so both groups worked better together, said Boughen.

Division administration provided teachers with an

overview of the PEP’s four action priorities, while — in groups — teachers discussed the initiatives and provided comments, he continued. Senior administrators will take that input, summarize it, return it to educators for further feedback and implement some suggestions into the division’s level 2 plan.

Educators will then work to implement that information in their schools (level 3).

The four priorities include learning and assessment, Aboriginal education, mental health and well-being, and student transitions into, through and out of school.

Specifically, this would be moving from grade to grade, from Grade 8 to 9 in the city, and exiting Grade 12 into the workforce or post-secondary education.

“So yeah, a pretty cool day,” the education director added.

Boughen provided further explanation of the division’s level 2 PEP plan and how it would pursue that work. He explained that he and HR superintendent Amy Johnson worked with ministry staff and other educational officials for 18 months on the PEP implementation team.

“And so what that allowed us to do is work with our administrators last year to fine-tune our level 2 plans based on what we learned doing the level 1 work,” he said.

“And now we’re saying to our teachers, is our frame-

work right? What do we need to do better? What do you think we need to change? What are your thoughts, recommendations (and) things you’d like to see change?”

The division office wants to implement the teachers’ suggestions at the division level but needs to ensure that input can apply to 39 schools and their different settings, Boughen said. Administration will suggest to educators that they pursue “some really neat (and) specific things” in their classrooms but will understand if some ideas don’t work everywhere.

The ministry had wanted to implement the provincial education plan in 2020, but the pandemic nixed that idea, forcing the government to implement two interim learning plans for the province, he added. The new PEP starts this year and runs until 2030.

Another highlight of the teacher conference for Boughen was hearing from Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a respected psychologist and educational instructor who speaks about resiliency in schools. She spoke in person to PSSD last year and promoted her book, “Calm Within the Storm,” while this year, she spoke by video about ways to handle stress and promoted her new book, “Stress Wisely.”

“It’s neat (because) we have a really nice connection with her,” he added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Trustees with PSSD get report about staff absences during

last year’s second semester

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Attendance in school is important for students’ long-term success, but it’s also necessary for teachers and other school employees to be present so educational institutions can flourish.

Division administration with Prairie South School Division presented a report during the Sept. 5 board meeting that looked at absences of teachers, bus drivers, CUPE employees and out-of-scope staff from Feb. 1 to July 31. This was the second report about employee absences during the 2022-23 school year that administration presented to trustees.

Teachers

Semester 2 ran from Jan. 31 to June 30.

The report showed 433.18 total full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching staff were employed, with 96 total teaching days and 41,585.28 possible workdays for those FTE employees.

The data showed teachers were absent 5,359.35 days during the semester, or 12.89 per cent of all possible workdays. These absences required substitute teachers to work 4,021.27 days, while 75.03 per cent of teachers required a sub.

Bus drivers

There were 106 FTE bus drivers employed during the second half of the 2022-23 school year, with 91 total working days and 9,646 possible workdays.

The data showed bus drivers were absent 801 days from Feb. 1 to July 31, or 8.3 per cent of all possible workdays. These absences required substitute drivers to work 521 days, while 65.04 per cent of drivers required a sub.

CUPE staff

There were 286.13 FTE CUPE staff employed from Feb. 1 to July 31 in PSSD, with 123 total working days and 35,193.99 possible workdays.

The data showed non-teaching unionized staff were absent 3,370.1 days during those six months, or 9.58 per cent of all possible days. These absences required sub stitute staff to work 1,841.71 days, while 54.65 per cent required a sub.

Out of scope

There were 45.02 FTE out-of-scope employees — such as managers and superintendents — employed from Feb. 1 to July 31, with 123 total working days and 5,537.46 possible workdays for them.

The data showed out-of-scope employees were absent 803.25 days during that half-year, representing 14.51 per cent of all possible days. There were no substitutes required to cover those absences.

Adding together all possible days absent for the four groups averaged out to 11.32 per cent of all possible workdays missed due to absences.

Board comments

The production of half-year absence reports has been in place for a year, and compared to the percentage of days missed during 2021-22, there was a decline in absences last year — particularly the final six months, said HR superintendent Amy Johnson.

“So, I think that’s a positive. Some (other staff absences) are on par and there’s not much change, but our school-based staff, we’ve seen a decrease in absence rates, which is (also) positive,” she remarked.

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

The next PSSD board meeting is TUESDAY, OCT 3.

to “live their lives.”

Young also wondered if staff believed the division office was listening to them and their health-related concerns, had the opportunity to work with their school administrators or superiors in that area and could work out a healthy work-life balance.

“There is a paradigm shift there quite a bit many years ago,” he added. “I would hope that if we were a … world-class organization that we’re sort of living up to what we’re saying.”

HR’s message to employees last year and this year was they are a “whole person” and need to balance their needs and those of their families with their work commitments, said Johnson. Staff appear to have done a good job adhering to that balance and commitment.

Meanwhile, she hoped staff would say the division was listening to them since that is how she understands the current mood.

“Would they say that to me directly if they didn’t feel that? I’m not sure. I truly hope they would,” Johnson said, adding PSSD is a world-class organization because most employees want to work there and enjoy their work — all reflected in low absence rates.

Budget shortfall in PSSD nearly $600K less than expected, report shows

Prairie South School Division had budgeted a shortfall of nearly $4 million for the 2022-23 school year, but new data shows that deficit is nearly $600,000 less than expected.

Division administration presented a fourth-quarter report during the Sept. 5 board meeting that looked at total revenues and expenses to Aug. 31 — the end of the 2022-23 school year. Administration noted that the information was a forecast, not the final numbers, since it had not started working on the year-end financial report.

The budgeted year-end shortfall had been pegged at $3,978,969, but the forecasted deficit shows that deficit falling to $3,422,628, meaning the shortfall was $556,331 less than expected, according to the report.

The division plans to cover the deficit using its reserves.

Business superintendent Ron Purdy explained that he removed the $9.25 million in capital funding for the new school from the report because that data skewed the budget. If those numbers had remained, they would have made it difficult to determine how the organization did operationally.

Revenues

The report showed the budgeted revenues, forecasted revenues and differences between the two were:

Grants: $83.8 million / $83.5 million / -$306,768

Tuition and related fees: $285,500 / $297,401 / $11,901

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

School-generated funds: $1.29 million / $1.29 million / $0

Complementary services: $702,458 / $752,813 / $50,355

External services: $3.3 million / $3.5 million / $249,028

Other: $535,000 / $1.25 million / $719,198

· Total: $90.05 million / $90.78 million / $723,714

Grants was under budget because the province cut Prairie South’s PMR funding and requested that driver education be moved to external services, said Purdy.

Meanwhile, tuition and related fee revenues increased because PSSD is busing students from other divisions, complementary services was up because of extra provincial funding for the Early Learning Intensive Support (ELIS) program, and external services increased because of the driver education funding, he continued.

Furthermore, every sub-category in the Other category received more revenues than expected, such as sales of capital assets (buses) and building rentals.

Purdy noted that PSSD is receiving three to four times more money for used buses than in the past. It recently sold 15 such vehicles for $50,000, while it had expected to receive $7,000.

Chuckling, he said it was actually “quite surprising” that there was a big market for used buses.

Expenses

The report showed the budgeted expenses, forecasted

expenses and differences between the two were:

Governance: $410,886 / $387,534 / -$23,332

Administration: $2.78 million / $3.1 million / $325,757

Instruction (salaries): $64 million / $63.4 million / -$557,292

Plant (buildings): $14.7 million / $15.7 million / $966,590

Transportation: $7.63 million / $7.64 million / $10,174

Tuition and related fees: $8,000 / $7,100 / -$900

School-generated funds: $1.2 million / $1.2 million / $0

Complementary services: $1.58 million / $1.68 million / $98,813

· External services: $3.3 million / $3.7 million / $356,058

Other: $13,000 / $10,377 / -$2,623

Total: $95.8 million / $96.8 million / $1,173,245

According to Purdy, administration expenses were over budget because the division upgraded its office parking lot this summer, instruction expenses were under budget because of moving the driver ed program, plant expenses were up because of utilities, caretaking supplies and spending PMR money, complementary services increased because of the added ELIS position and external services was up because driver’s ed was moved into this category.

Prairie South issued over $60M in tender contracts this summer

Prairie South School Division issued more than $60 million in tender contracts over the summer, with the new joint-use school on South Hill making up the bulk of that amount.

The division handed out 16 tenders worth $61,071,370.84 between June 1 and Aug. 31, according to a recent board report.

The largest tender was given to Graham Construction for $52,090,342.46 for the construction of the new school. The second-largest school-related tender was given to ASL Construction for $8,020,246.38 to construct underground infrastructure and upgrade roads in phases 5 and 6 of the Westheath neighbourhood.

Prairie South and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division will split the costs of the Westheath-related tender with the City of Moose Jaw; the educational organizations will pay $5,696,502.68 and the municipality is expected to pay $2,323,743.70.

Other tenders PSSD awarded over the summer include:

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

· $264,703 to Adrien Boire for a new asphalt play surface in Gravelbourg

· A tender for snow removal services at various Moose Jaw locations to Strictly Frences; division administration explained the cost won’t be known until the company clears snow

$16,716 to C&S Builders for upgrades to home economics cabinets at Peacock Collegiate

· $60,710 to Wild Rose Sports to sand and paint lines on Peacock’s gym floor

· $59,419 to Horizon Computers for new Cisco hardware switches

$44,926 to Lenovo for new computer servers for this school year

$203,412 to Access Group for new Chromebooks

$10,814 to Elco Systems for new computer monitors

$97,804 to GenX for Chrome licences, PCs and charging carts

$39,171 to PC Corp for notebook computers

· $51,388 to IBM Canada for the renewal of the Palo

Alto Firewall

· $20,356 to Royal Stewart for the supply and install of new basketball backboards at Lindale School

$21,164 to Inland Audio Video for the upgrade of the sound and video system in the division board room

$48,956 to Genoptics for the supply and install of an outdoor digital sign at Assiniboia Elementary School

$21,293 to Fab-Cut Systems for new welding tables at Peacock Collegiate

Hot Pressure Washers!!

nights that hint at frost. This process will stop the radiation of heat to transfer away from the area surrounding our plants.

By Patricia Hanbidge

Frost in Autumn

There is fall in the air on the prairies. Even though the daytime temperatures are often still warm - at night our temperatures are dipping low enough to stop growth in hot crops like tomatoes and to colour up leaves. It is at this time that we are reminded of the change in the seasons. It is the end of summer and the beginning of the season of no growth!

So how does frost occur? There are actually two types of frost: radiation or inversion frost – either of which can ultimately damage or kill growing plants.

A radiation frost happens as a result of temperatures that decrease right down to the ground. This is the type of frost that will often occur first in the fall with a clear sky that allows any heat trapped to rise to the heavens. A cloudy sky will help to keep the warm air closer to the ground which most often will stop the temperatures from dropping to that freezing point. This same effect is generated by gardeners by covering our gardens on those

Cold air is heavier than warm air which causes lower areas in your garden to typically freeze before areas that might be a bit higher elevation. On cool nights the frosty air will in fact travel down a slope and then pool at the lowest point – and of course causing frost damage. For temperate climates this is why the ideal location for orchards is on a slight slope...thus gaining valuable time for ripening and picking of fruit prior to damage by frost.

The other type of frost is called inversion frost and it is quite often the type of frost that causes damage to orchards. It is the norm for the warmest air to be closest to the soil surface while the air will continue to be cooler the further away from the ground you travel. An inversion frost is when cooler air is trapped below a layer of warmer air above.

When this type of frost occurs, growers will use a number of tactics to “save the crop”. Wind machines are

often used late at night or early in the morning to help mix those layers of air to prevent that cooler air from settling down by the crop. Some very valuable crops may even deploy helicopters to achieve a similar air movement. Smudge pots, heater and irrigation systems will also be used to offset that damaging frost.

If sprinklers are being used to offset frost it brings science back into the process. Prior to the temperatures dropping to the freezing point, sprinklers can be turned on. These sprinklers will remain on for the entire night until the temperature will rise. Throughout the night some of the water will freeze while some will not. This process will ensure that the temperature will hold at 0°C as it is scientific fact that if water and ice are present together the temperature will remain at 0 as long as both water and ice are present. However, if you are protecting shrubs or trees with this method, there is great risk of a build-up of ice that can do a lot of structural damage.

Learning a bit more about how frost works will help you as gardeners to choose your fall activities. Knowledge helps gardeners make good decisions like deciding whether or not to cover the tomatoes or just pick the crop when autumn truly arrives. Perhaps understanding frost will help you to foretell the future - or even just the weather!

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?

Students give mixed reviews as classes resume for the fall

After a warm, smoky summer, students across Moose Jaw are back in class to begin the 2023-2024 school year. For students, the first day back is all about finding a locker, meeting your teacher(s), and reviewing the course load for the upcoming semester.

At the end of classes on day one, MooseJawToday.com asked a few students who agreed to do a brief interview about their experience so far.

Bo H. is going into grade 11 at Riverview Collegiate Institute. She said her first day back to class was “very good,” and she made specific mention of one teacher who stood out by the name of Mr. Senecal. She said that she was looking forward to returning to class, and when asked if the summer break went by too fast, she responded with a definitive “yes.”

Emma R. is going into grade 10 at Riverview Collegiate Institute. When

asked about her first day back to class, she said “It was good, and it was different.” She said it was different because this is her first time trying out the new block system that Riverview offers its students. “I just transferred, so it was my first time being in a block system,” she said. Her first experience with the new system was positive. “I feel like the day goes by faster; time just flies by.” When asked if she was looking forward to going back, she responded with “not so much.” She added that “summer definitely went by way too fast.”

Hannah is also going into grade 10 at Riverview Collegiate Institute. She said her first day back to class was “good,” and

she expressed that she was quite happy to be back. “I like making new friends,” she said, noting that her favourite part of school is the social aspect. She was quite positive about returning, and when asked if summer break went too fast, she responded “not really.”

Moe B. is going into grade 9 at Central Collegiate Institute. He said his first day back to class went well and high school has been a positive experience so far. “It was pretty good,” he confirmed. He said that he was looking forward to returning, and when asked, he said the best part of it was “Seeing friends, meeting new teachers, and seeing new faces.” He agreed that summer break was “a little short” and went by far too quickly.

The experiences may vary, but for all the students returning to class, they are welcomed back.

In both the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and the Prairie South School Division, classes resumed on Sept. 5, 2023.

The Prairie South School Division’s 2023-2024 class calendar can be found at https://www.prairiesouth.ca/schools/ school-calendars/.

The Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s 2023-2024 class calendar can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ykckkb8w.

Students at St. Mary School are

Old Farmer’s Almanac focus on weather and trends in agriculture TRADING THOUGHTS

Changes in agriculture are highlighted in the 2024 edition of the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The changes involve American agriculture but Canadian farm trends aren’t much different.

Labour shortages on the farm will be one of the biggest trends in 2024. Strategies to attract, hire, and keep the best employees are important to farmers.

According to hearsay, some large Canadian farms are paying around $100,000 a year to top employees.

The Texas Farm Bureau indicates concerns with land prices so high that farmers and ranchers have difficulty leasing land at costs that keep the farm viable. Sounds familiar in Saskatchewan.

High input costs of seed, fertilizer, fuel and chemicals, high interest rates and livestock/crop diseases are an issue for farmers.

The use of drones in agriculture is expanding rapidly with operations planting cover crops, applying herbicide on wet soils, dropping cover crop seeds into corn and soybean fields before harvest to give cover crops a head start.

Robots are used to laser weeds without disturbing the soil, to apply fertilizer and pick ripe strawberries.

One trend on farms is development of you-pick oper-

ations as well as growing flowers and hosting events like weddings.

An ongoing trend is growing crops in controlled indoor environments such as multi-storey buildings.

Some city people donate their yards to students who grow food to donate to the community or use in schools.

If you wonder why strawberries are so expensive, an acre of strawberries in California costs the farm $35,000 for labour.

In regards to the weather, the Almanac predicts a colder than normal winter for the southern Prairies and more snowfall than usual — pretty well the opposite of Environment Canada.

Coldest periods will be mid-November, early and late January and mid-February. Temperatures will be three degrees Celsius below average in November and four degrees below average in January, February and March.

Snow is expected in April.

Spring will be colder than usual with below average precipitation in May and June.

Summer will be hotter than usual by about one degree, with half as much rain as average.

September and October will be warmer than average

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

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

with less rainfall.

The Southern British Columbia getaways will be colder and with less precipitation this winter and heavier snowfall in the north.

For snowbirds, Florida and the Carolinas will be warmer than average with above average rain and snow. Arizona and California will be colder with above normal precipitation

The Almanac claims 86 per cent accuracy for last year which compares with 80 per cent claimed by Environment Canada.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

AVIS DE MISE EN CANDIDATURE

Moose Jaw Express staff

The City of Moose Jaw advises residents that northbound parking and lane changes on First Avenue Northwest will go into effect on Monday, Sept. 18.

The project, which city council approved as part of the 2023 Budget, will see parking stalls added to the east side of First Avenue Northwest between Manitoba Street and Oxford Street.

Each block will have a dedicated parking zone number, while drivers can either download and use the city’s HotSpot app to pay for parking or scan the QR code and pay online without the app.

No meters will be installed, but parking lines will be painted.

Motorists are reminded that this change will officially leave First Avenue

Northwest with a single lane of traffic in each direction (north and south), a shared left-turn lane and parking stalls on the outside lanes.

Additionally, at the intersections of Caribou Street, Athabasca Street, Fairford Street, and High Street, the designated right-turn lane will again be available for use with new overhead signage installed on the signalized light poles.

Crews have begun installing the new parking stalls and traffic signage while the new stalls will become available for payment in the Hotspot parking app on Sept. 18.

The City of Moose Jaw asks motorists to exercise caution and slow down in work zones for everyone’s safety.

Conseil de l’École Ducharme

Avis est donné par la présente pour recevoir les mises en candidature aux deux (2) postes à pourvoir au sein du Conseil de l’École Ducharme (Moose Jaw). Ces deux (2) postes ont un mandat de deux (2) ans. Selon l’article 134.2(1) de la Loi sur l’éducation, un (1) de ces postes devrait être assumé par un parent d’élèves de l’École Ducharme et un (1) poste de représentant communautaire par un adulte de langue minoritaire qui réside dans la zone de fréquentation de l’école.

Les candidatures seront reçues jusqu’à 16 h 00, le mercredi 4 octobre 2023 par courriel à election@cefsk.ca et/ou au siège social du Conseil des écoles fransaskoises (201-1440 9ème Avenue Nord), pendant les heures d’ouverture du bureau à compter du lundi 18 septembre 2023.

Pour plus d’information ou pour obtenir un formulaire, avec Cathy Liffran au (306) 719 7482 ou Yvonne Muhabwampundu au (306) 719 7461 ou au 1 (877) 273-6661.

Dans l’éventualité d’une élection, le scrutin se déroulera le mercredi 25 octobre 2023 de 10 h 00 à 20 h 00.

What is your perception of the Moose Jaw Police Service?

Starting Sept. 6, the University of Regina will be starting its 2023 Community Perceptions survey about the Moose Jaw Police Service.

This survey is on behalf of the Moose Jaw Police Service.

It will be conducted by the Prairie Research Associates (PRA) and will be performed using a telephone survey system.

Within this survey, Moose Jaw residents will be given the opportunity to answer a variety of questions on how they perceive different aspects of the Moose Jaw Police Service.

The last Community Perceptions of the Moose Jaw Police Service survey was done in 2019, with over 8,000 numbers called.

The findings of this year’s survey will be released at a later date.

By Moose Jaw Express staff

Fait à Regina, le 1 septembre 2023. Abdoulaye Yoh, Directeur adjoint de scrutin Critères pour une mise en candidature

Critères pour une mise en candidature

Pour un poste de parent au sein du conseil d’école

• Être âgé d’au moins 18 ans ;

• Résider en Saskatchewan depuis au moins six mois ;

• Recevoir l’appui par écrit (signature) de trois parents d’élèves de la prématernelle à la 12e année de l’école fransaskoise ;

• Être le parent d’une ou d’un élève de la prématernelle à la 12e année inscrit.e à l’École Ducharme.

Pour un poste de représentant communautaire au sein du conseil d’école

• Être âgé d’au moins 18 ans ;

• Posséder sa citoyenneté canadienne ;

• Résider en Saskatchewan depuis au moins six mois ;

• Recevoir l’appui par écrit (signature) de trois parents d’élèves de la prématernelle à la 12e année de l’école fransaskoise ;

• Résider dans la zone de fréquentation de l’École Ducharme

Group that helps intellectually challenged residents to celebrate 50

years with tea party

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

In 1973, construction began on the CN Tower, inflation and high gas prices hammered North America, the United States withdrew from the Vietnam War and the average yearly income was $12,900.

That was also the year Citizens All Association (CAC), a registered non-profit organization, began providing residential and supportive living services to adults with intellectual disabilities.

To honour the five-decade milestone, CAC is holding a come-and-go tea party to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Church of Our Lady on South Hill.

Invitations have been sent to residents, participants, families, staff and other agencies and individuals — including people who may have moved away — who have had some connection to the organization during the last 50 years.

“It’s an incredibly great milestone.

We’re very fortunate to have been around for 50 years (and) that families and participants … have chosen us to be their support agency … ,” said Nicole McKenzie, CAC executive director.

“There’s a very good group of individuals — both staff and participants — that I’ve worked with in my time here. It is really great.”

McKenzie has worked with Citizens All Association for 27 years and has been

the executive director for the past few years.

Five decades ago, some parents saw a need to better support their children with intellectual disabilities instead of hiding them away in institutional settings as at Valley View Centre, said McKenzie. It then became a grassroots initiative to help affected people live more in community than an institution.

CAC supports 52 people today, with 27 individuals living in six group homes while others live in supportive living programs.

“The services we provide really are about supporting people to live their best lives (and) to be able to be part of the community for true inclusion,” McKenzie said.

“We can help people develop peer relationships within the organization — and particularly in the community. But then

also just providing daily living supports to keep their independence as much as possible.”

CAC leadership has attempted to ensure its clients participant in community activities as frequently as possible, which has ensured residents recognize the agency more than before, she continued. Sometimes, people think the organization focuses only on seniors, but become better informed when they learn about the group’s focus.

Celebrating anniversary milestones is nothing new for Citizens All Association, which held a similar party in 2013 to honour its 40th birthday.

The executive director added that if residents want to attend the tea party, they are welcome to join clients and their families.

For more information about Citizens All Association, visit www.citizensall.ca.

Library patrons turn out to learn about bats from U of S researcher

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Lauren MacDonald is travelling the province as part of a U of S bat conservation project, and gave two well-attended presentations at the Moose Jaw Public Library on Sept. 7, both for education on bats and to promote citizen science efforts in Saskatchewan.

“I have my undergraduate degree in biology, and a masters of science, and I’m working at the University of Saskatchewan, at the Lane Lab, as a research and outreach co-ordinator,” MacDonald explained after her first session at the MJPL. “This is the very first presentation in a series, and we’re bringing these bat detector kits out to various libraries across Saskatchewan. And we’re doing a bit of a launch event like this at each stop, trying to spread awareness about the importance of bats and teach about the kits themselves. But, yeah, this is my first of about 20 to 25 that I’m doing in the next month.”

MacDonald told an audience of around 30 all about bats, covering the number of species around the world, the various sizes and shapes that bats come in, and why they are important to local ecologies.

Bats are especially important in Saskatchewan because of their incredible capacity for eating insects, helping to keep populations under control. MacDonald noted that in monetary terms, bats save farmers billions of dollars per year in reduced insecticide use and increased crop productivity. They don’t just catch flying bugs, either — they’ll take crickets and locusts right off the ground.

One of the bat facts MacDonald shared is the effects of White Nose Syndrome, which is rapidly spreading across North America and kills 95 to 99 per cent of colonies it infects. Three of Saskatchewan’s eight bat species are hibernators and are especially affected.

“White nose fungus, which causes this syndrome, is absolutely devastating. We’ve never seen anything like it, and it kills very effectively,” MacDonald said.

“It doesn’t actually kill them directly. What happens is that in our hibernating species here, it spreads during the winter

OPINION/EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR LETTERS

RE: POTHOLES CORNER OF COTEAU & 13TH AVE. SW

Two photos are enclosed of the hole just as you turn off Coteau St W onto 13th Ave SW. I sent the first picture to the city on the 1st of August and (up to now) NOTHING has been done. This hole is a hazard, so when the construction crew was replacing about 15 ft. of sidewalk on Coteau, I took one of the cones to mark the spot for drivers taking that corner. The second picture was spruced up by someone (the marked green circles) but the sentiment is coming through loud and clear...FIX ME.

and itches and irritates them so badly that they wake up, when they should still be hibernating. There’s no food to eat, they’re supposed to be sleeping so they can survive, so they use up all their fat reserves and eventually starve.”

Bats are excellent flyers and can range far and wide when hunting, so the fungus, originally from Europe, has gone from Nova Scotia to Alberta in only three or four years.

Another fact is that migrating species can be quite solitary, and even the hibernators aren’t always social. Bats are mam-

paper should not exceed 800 words, although they can be much longer to be included in our online daily MooseJawToday.com . In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.

• A full name and contact information will need to be included with each submission for verification.

The city is doing a terrible job of fixing anything.... Do they not understand that when you are doing a job, do all the jobs in the same area. It is frustrating when you see them doing a little bit of road work, then 2 wks later they are in the same general area doing a little bit more, then again 2 wks later doing a little bit more. This is of course on Coteau St W 900 block (where I) took 2 shots and (on the)1000 block I took another...and I must say what a crappy job it was.

Am I frustrated, you bet! Am I mad that my taxes are high and going higher, you bet!

Heather Clark

mals and have complex social structures and relationships, but male bats in particular still spend a lot of time alone.

“When we think of colonies, what you’re often seeing is a maternity colony of just females and pups, who have gathered to help each other raise their young,” MacDonald explained. “At the same time there’s these colonies of around 100 females and pups, the males are off on their own living on a tree. They aren’t necessarily shunned from the colony, but they aren’t super welcomed. They prefer to be by themselves and we call them bachelor males.”

Anyone can participate in bat counts by visiting BatWatch.ca and helping to record observations. At the next level, however, the bat kits from the University of Saskatchewan have ultrasonic detectors that plug into a smartphone. Paired with an Android app (Apple is incompatible), the kits will identify and record the sounds of bat echolocation. Each species’ echolocating squeaks, precise enough to pinpoint the tiniest of midges, is unique, so the detectors don’t need any help.

“Citizen science can absolutely make a difference,” MacDonald said. “By using community interest in bats to help us do our research, we can learn about bats across the province. I’m going to 20 towns that geographically spread out, so we get these reports of activity and species that help us focus our research and give us a lens into what’s happening.”

• Only the name will be included in publication with the letter as the contributor.

Send your letters to the editor to: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

A teacup and plate. File photo

Researcher Lauren McDonald from the University of Saskatchewan holds one of the bat detector kits, available for loan from local libraries (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Mossbank indie-hybrid book publisher’s Young Author

competition wraps up Sept. 30

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Wood Dragon Books is a multi-limbed, indie/hybrid book publisher whose yearly Young Author Competition seeks out determined writers between 15 and 18 with the goal of helping them launch their literary careers.

Wood Dragon publishes well-received, award-winning, best-selling titles across a variety of genres, including a memoir division and a Christian press division. Some of their best sellers are in non-fiction, but they’ve also achieved success partnering with authors in the arenas of science, politics, finance, and serious social issues such as human trafficking, mental health, and substance abuse.

The very first winner of their Young Author Competition, 17-year-old Payton Todd, saw her first novel The Amnesia Project launch in May 2023.

Jeanne Martinson, publisher and senior editor at Wood Dragon, said Todd’s book is doing incredibly well.

“Payton’s book has been extremely well received. We’ve gotten a lot of really great ratings on Amazon, and her book is going to be submitted for a Saskatchewan Book Award,” Martinson said in an interview with MooseJawToday.com. “A lot of people never get their books published, so, you know, it’s exciting for anyone, but to have your first book published at such a

young age is amazing. And I know she’s already working diligently on a second book.

“To see that, now we know that seven rounds of editing didn’t make her feel like, ‘OK, I’ve written this book, now I never want to write another word again.’ Instead, it created more of a fire inside her to continue in the writing field as a career, which is what we’re looking for.”

The requirements for submitting a book proposal through the competition are not harsh. Firstly, young writers must:

- Live in the Palliser Library Region

- Have a library card

- Be at least 15 years old as of Sep. 30, 2023

- Still be in secondary school as of Sep. 30

- Cannot be older than 18 (as of Sep. 30)

Secondly, submissions must include a book plot outline with a maximum of two pages, a major character backstory summary of no more than one page, and a fivepage writing sample from the book.

That’s it, and it’s all through the website at wooddragonbooks.com/young-author-competition.

“We’ve streamlined the process, so it’s all on the website, and we’re doing one round of competition instead of two, to make things less confusing,” Martinson explained. “Whatever applicants we have, we read through and make sure all the content we need is there. If it isn’t, we’ll reach out and say, ‘Hey, this is missing, do you want to take a couple weeks and get this to us?’

“That’s kind of how we measure their seriousness. And then we have a Zoom call to chat about the project. … We don’t want students to become frustrated halfway through the project and give up, so that’s what we’re trying to judge, initially.”

Martinson emphasized that a perfect first draft is not necessary. It isn’t always about the quality of the writing — what it really takes is commitment, enthusiasm, and determination. In fact, she noted, determination to see the book finished is number one.

“We’re looking for young people like [Payton Todd], who really want to be writers, authors, editors, publishers, who just want to be involved in the world of the written word,” Martinson added.

Police officers raise funds in ‘Jump for Charity’ skydive

Volunteers across two pools helped raise $13,104.00 for Teddy Bears Anonymous

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

Teddy Bears Anonymous (TBA) concluded its ‘Jump for Charity’ fundraiser on Sept. 9, when the three members of Pool B made their jump following the members of Pool A who jumped one week earlier.

Pool B consisted of three officers from the Regina Police Service (RPS): Laurel Marshall, inspector; Greg Hovdestead, staff sergeant; and Pierre Beauchesne, staff sergeant. The officers made the jump in full police uniform. “Wear it proudly,” Marshall said.

The jump took place at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, and was hosted by Skydive South Sask, who is based out of the airfield.

“Skydive South Sask was started 31 years ago … basically when the (Moose Jaw Municipal) airport was being built,” said Craig Macdonald, one of the tandem instructors who went up with the officers.

“It’s a normal, everyday jump but it’s really nice to be able to do it for a cause,” Macdonald said.

“I always like to say that we make people’s day — that’s our business. Next to nobody leaves here without smiling,” Macdonald said about the club. “It feels good for us to be able to make people’s day, and it’s what we’re all about.”

The three RPS officers signed up after they were invited by the CEO of Teddy Bears Anonymous.

“Luke Lawrence, the president and CEO of Teddy Bear’s Anonymous, reached out to the Regina Police Service asking if we wanted to get involved in this crazy idea to jump out of a plane to raise money for (the charity),” Marshall explained.

“We’ve been partners of Teddy Bears Anonymous for years as we give out the teddy bears. Our front line will have them in their vehicles and will give them out to kids in crisis when we attend calls for service,” said Marshall.

The RPS has a long history of working with TBA, and the three officers reflected on their many first-hand experiences working with children in the Regina area.

“I’ve got two kids and I’ve been fortunate enough where they have not needed the teddy bears or to be in the hospital for an extended period of time,” said Hov-

destead. “I know a lot of our RPS family members have children who have been in hospital and made use of the teddy bears, and it’s been a really great organization.

“The kids I know, when they have the teddy bears, they come out of (their situation) and hold those teddy bears for several years after, so it’s been quite an important part of their stay,” he added.

“I think we’ve all seen instances where kids are going through terrible trauma or experiences and something as small as a teddy bear can really make a big difference when they’re going through that. It’s something they can carry with them, and it’s some positive light in the middle of a bad situation. I’ve seen it,” Beauchesne said.

The officers expressed their thanks for the opportunity to give back. “We’re very grateful and very thankful to the people who supported us,” said Marshall.

“Thanks to all the friends and family that are sponsoring us, and (our) co-workers,” Beauchesne said, noting that their co-workers at the RPS also donated to the cause.

Om Majithia was the pilot who flew the Cessna 182 used to make the jump.

“Being a pilot was always my dream since I was a kid,” Majithia said. “Since I always wanted to do aviation, once I qualified for permanent residency, I started working toward my pilot’s license… Here I am getting the hours to get to my dream job.”

After a final briefing and gear check on the ground, skydivers were flown to the jumping altitude.

“We taxi out onto the runway, and after doing some checks, we take off and climb up to 9,500 feet,” Majithia explained. “As soon as we reach altitude, I do a jump run, they step out of the plane, and they jump.”

“For them, it’s going to be about five or seven minutes on their journey to the ground. They open the parachute at a few thousand feet above the ground,” Majithia said. After notifying other aircraft in the area of the intent to jump, the skydivers make the jump within two miles of the airport.

Weather conditions couldn’t have been better, and the jump went off as planned. “(The) first thing I asked was

when do I go again?” Marshall said with a smile.

“It was great… I want to thank Teddy Bears Anonymous for the opportunity,” Hovdestead said after his jump.

The final amount raised was $13,104.00, which translates into 2,620 teddy bears.

Skydive South Sask is a volunteer-run organization that meets up on weekends, and they’re more than happy to host fundraiser events. You can book a jump with them by visiting SkyDiveSouthSask.ca. The deadline has passed to donate to the Jump for Charity event, but this doesn’t mean you should stop making donations to TBA. Donations are always appreciated, and their efforts help support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. For more information or to make a donation, visit TeddyBearsAnonymous.ca.

Pothole Anonymous…

Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com staff

After an anonymous tip by a concerned citizen, MooseJawToday. com visited the site of a pothole that was described as being “unusual”.

The scene was unusual indeed, as a small tree was found emerging from a deep, open pothole and appears to have been there for some time. This was located at the intersection of River Street West and Fourth Avenue Northwest.

On further inspection, the tree was confirmed to be a branch that somebody inserted and isn’t growing there naturally.

Jeanne Martinson, publisher and senior editor at Wood Dragon Books (supplied)

After a thumbs-up is given, Majithia taxis out to begin the take-off procedure. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Officers pose for a photo before making the jump. Left to right: Laurel Marshall, Greg Hovdestead, Chad Mehl (photographer with the RPS), and Pierre Beauchesne. Photo by: Aaron Walker

A final check is made before skydivers taxi out to the runway. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Legendary singer-songwriter Ian Tyson to be honoured at the Mae Wilson

One of country music’s greatest legends will be honoured in an upcoming show at the Mae Wilson Theatre on Sept. 21. The show is called ‘The Gift’ and serves as a tribute to the esteemed career of singer-songwriter Ian Tyson.

Peter North is the producer of The Gift, and he helped start the show 20 years ago.

“A lot of tribute shows are after the fact… we wanted to pay tribute to Ian while he was still with us,” North said.

The show wasn’t expected to last. After a snowstorm closed the roads for one of the first performances, Tyson couldn’t make it and the show seemed to be at its end.

A demanding audience changed that, however, as requests started to come in. “The shows were very well received, and so we planned another one for Calgary a few months later,” said North.

Tyson could now attend, and his impression of the show was very positive.

“Ian was able to make that, and he loved it. He actually got up on stage and sang a few tunes at the end of the night with the house band,” North recalled.

Since then, promoters kept the phones ringing with new requests. “We just kept motoring along.”

Ever since, names like John Wort Hannam, Corb Lund, Blue Rodeo, Gordon Lightfoot, and Jennifer Warnes have made guest contributions on the show.

The Gift captures everything in Tyson’s career from the 60s right up to his passing. “This is the most complete overview of his songbook that you’ll ever hear,” said North.

Inspiration

The show was inspired by Tyson’s impressive career. “I think that was the inspiration — we just wanted to salute him,” said North.

“(H)e meant so much to us. He taught so many musicians the art of songwriting in this province… he had major hits and Four Strong Winds was an anthem already,” North explained.

“I really love the imagery in the song we named the show after, The Gift,” North explained. “He can put you in a place really quickly, whether it’s a bar in the east side of Vancouver in 1970, or back on the

wide-open prairie in the 1800s. His imagery always blew me away.

“What I love about him is that it wasn’t about him. He was always writing about great people in Western culture, or from a historical perspective…

“You can learn something from any Ian Tyson song, and then the musical component is so beautiful. They are impactful pieces — all of them.”

Ian Tyson

Ian Tyson was a complex individual. Driven and always on the move, his life was a balance between being a cowboy and a songwriter.

“He was great to work with. He was a consummate professional. He understood that hits were hits for a reason… (and)

he was one of the best singers we’ve ever heard,” recalled North.

“He was always just there urging everyone on to do the best they could. He could be a taskmaster, but Cindy Church who was in his band… said working with Ian was like taking a master’s program in music.”

Tyson had deep roots, but one of his noteworthy inspirations was Bing Crosby. “If you listen on his last live album, Live at Longview, he closes with a beautiful version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’” North said.

Another inspiration of note was Bob Dylan, who Tyson worked with during his stay in New York in the 60s. “The singer-songwriter thing took a big shift when they started writing,” explained North.

Tyson wrote and performed for six decades, and his creative muse continued up to his final months.

Tyson’s Legacy

Tyson’s passing will doubtlessly resonate across the music scene, but his impact remains to be felt. “The music is still there, and I think that’s what matters the most,” said North. “Eighty-nine years is a good run,” he added.

The show’s format hasn’t changed, but the players have gained a new appreciation knowing that Tyson won’t be in attendance.

“I think all the players just dug a lit-

tle bit deeper after Ian’s passing. There was something about him not being here anymore, and he’s not out there doing his tunes anymore and we’re the ones doing it,” North said.

“I found it very interesting when we did our first four shows after he passed. Something just took it up to another level… we all believe that Ian would be really proud of where the show is at right now.”

“I think his lasting impact will be as a consummate writer. I think he was right up there with Neil Young, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, those top Canadian writers of that era,” said North.

“With all the musicians he mentored, and made them better players and better writers themselves, that was really a big gift to the Alberta roots music scene — not just the country scene…,” said North. “He set the bar so high it’s hard to reach that level of artistry.”

Ian Tyson country

Moose Jaw was chosen as the show’s next venue after local promoters reached out, and it’s no wonder they agreed to it.

“Farm country, ranch country, and agriculture country is Ian Tyson country,” said North.

“I’m always amazed when we get those rural crowds, how you can watch everybody mouth the words to almost every tune… They just know the music intimately. That’s his crowd, for sure.”

Guests of the upcoming show in Moose Jaw will also witness the first performance with the group’s new fiddler, Calvin Vollrath, who is arguably the best fiddle player in Canada.

Vollrath played on Ian’s show, three of his albums, and even wrote half the music for the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics. “The guy is an absolute monster,” North said.

“Anyone who is an Ian Tyson fan won’t be disappointed — I guarantee it,” North said with confidence.

The show is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 21, and starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available on the Cultural Centre’s website at MooseJawCulture.ca.

The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre Inc. is located at 217 Main Street North.

Self-directed, drop-in pottery club fires up the kiln at Cultural Centre

An exciting new program at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre (MJCC) offers amateur potters a place to drop in and work on their own projects using the wheels and kilns in the centre’s pottery studios, and the pilot/trial run has already attracted enthusiastic interest.

“So, one of my priorities as executive director was to open the Cultural Centre up to the community, or invite the community in, rather,” explained Sarah Simison, “and this is one of the projects I’m excited to see get off the ground.”

Simison took the head job in June, 2022, and has since gathered several community groups into the building, including the River Street Potters, Moose Jaw

Community Players theatre troupe, youth art classes with Erin Zimmerman, and the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association.

Now, potters in Moose Jaw who have received some starting instruction and are looking to keep working on their own have a place to do so, with the lowest possible cost.

“We’ve actually purchased some used equipment, so now we have three pottery wheels and two kilns,” Simison explained.

“There’s no instruction, so the people who come are expected to know a little bit about what they’re doing, and can come in to hone their skills. It’s an open studio time, you bring most of your own supplies, although clay needs to be purchased through the Cultural Centre.

“Some clays have more volatile ingredients in them and could damage our kilns, so we do need to control what products are used.”

The idea started up as a low-key pilot project over the winter and spring and proved instantly popular. It turns out there’s a demand for rentable studio time, and the MJCC is happy to provide the location.

The price of membership, tax includ-

ed, is $157.50 for the period of Sept. 6 to Dec. 9. Lockers are available to rent for $31.50 for the same period. Clay blocks cost around $50 apiece from the MJCC box office, which also sells glazes and tools. A pottery assistant takes care of loading and unloading the kilns, for safety reasons and because pieces can break more easily when they’re being removed after glazing and firing.

Pottery drop-in club members can access the workspace on Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays from 12 to 9 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Almost every person who signed up for the pilot project has signed up again,” Simison said. “It’s really popular, it’s a great program so far.

“A lot of them are really very dedicated to the art. Several of them have been practicing at home over the summer, because of [August’s maintenance closure], and they’ve already been in to purchase supplies and make sure they’re on the list.”

There are around 15 spaces available in the club. Contact the MJCC box office at (306) 693-4700 to grab a spot!

The show in Tyson’s honour, ‘The Gift,’ is set to perform at the Mae Wilson Theatre Sept. 21 Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

Performers on ‘The Gift: The Words & Music of Ian Tyson’. Photo by: Peter North

Ian Tyson. “He set the bar so high it’s hard to reach that level of artistry,” North said. Photo by: Red Deer Advocate/Array

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Drop-in, self-directed pottery memberships are now available at the MJCC (MJCC-Facebook)

Two kilns are now available at the MJCC (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Pottery wheels at the MJCC (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Cultural Centre re-opens with new theatre equipment after refreshing yearly maintenance

The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre (MJCC) is looking fresh and clean after a monthlong maintenance shutdown in August, said executive director Sarah Simison, and has also acquired some exciting new equipment to boost the facility’s capabilities.

“Our renovations this year have mostly been cosmetic,” Simison explained. “Some people think we’re tearing downs walls and things, and they come in wondering where the big renovations have happened, but that’s not what’s going on.”

Nevertheless, she said, keeping the Cultural Centre looking and feeling its best is part of being responsible for the facility on behalf of the community of Moose Jaw. The MJCC is a central hub for the city’s vibrant arts, crafts, and performance scene, and it stays busy and sees a lot of traffic.

“So, last year was the first time we just closed down in August, and it’s very common for theatres to do that, actually. I was starting as the new director, and most of the staff were pretty new, and as a resident of the building I had noticed some peeling paint in places, and little nicks and dents in the walls, and it was starting to get just a little shabby, I thought,” Simison

said. Simison took the MJCC executive director job last year, but she’s been in the building for over 13 years already as part of the Saskatchewan Festival of Words literary festival.

“Our schedule is so busy throughout the year, so I asked the city, if we close down in August, can we get some of those things done, and our production manager needs to paint the stage at least once a year, and our art gallery needs painting, and that’s all hard to do with people coming in and out constantly.

“Being able to do all of that in one fell swoop makes life a lot easier for the team and ensures that we’re good stewards of this building for the community and that it stays safe and healthy.”

Last year, the focus was the façade

and a deep clean of some hidden corners — the building is quite enormous. This year, upgrades included: New carpets in the lobbies both upstairs and downstairs, and the staircase between

· Fresh coats of paint on all baseboards, and the Mae Wilson stage

· All 150 lighting fixtures were removed, cleaned, placed, and positioned

· Ice machine deep clean

Emergency fire curtain test and maintenance

· Full professional cleaning of the Mae Wilson seats and carpet

Full testing of the complex theatrical rigging system

Entering the era of digital theatre

Eric La France, production manag-

er at the MJCC, said he’s grateful for the dedicated time to get maintenance done, but he was also happy to share details of a huge upgrade to the Mae Wilson’s projection capabilities.

“It’s exciting, because we’ve entered the realm of digital cinema, which is quite a step up because it follows a quality standard set by movie studios and distributors.”

The MJCC now boasts a Barco SP2K-9 digital laser projector, with a new high-quality projector screen to match. It creates a much better picture for a fraction of the electricity, generates less heat, and the ‘bulbs’ last more than 10 times as long before needing replacement.

“The older projectors made a lot of heat and needed their own exhaust system, so these laser projectors are much more efficient and economical. This is a cinema projector designed to be used every day, and we don’t show movies every day, so this will last us for, you know, 20 years,” La France explained.

“The quality is excellent. We have 2K resolution on a new, 30-foot screen, which is optimized for digital laser projection, so much better colours and contrast.”

Surround sound components have been added to create 5.1 sound in the theatre, as well. La France said that hopefully, within a year or two, they will be completely replacing all the older components of the sound system, completing the theatre upgrade.

“This puts us at the same technology and quality standard as [any commercial cinema],” La France added.

Visit the MJCC website at www. moosejawculture.ca to see the full schedule for upcoming cultural events.

The stage at the Mae Wilson Theatre (MJCC-Facebook)

The Cultural Centre’s downstairs lobby after carpeting (courtesy MJCC)

Homestand ‘23 concert bigger than ever; Blue Bombers fans crow over lopsided victory

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw

The Homestand ‘23 concert on Sept. 9 was a wild success by all accounts, starting off with an embarrassing thumping of the Saskatchewan Roughriders by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and leading into a cheering, enthusiastic concert going late into the evening with Jordyn Pollard, Lindi Ortega, the Mike Plume Band, and finally Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans.

Final numbers for the event, both in terms of concert attendance and money raised for youth mental health, will take a while to determine. However, founding member Shea Jameson said he was shocked by how packed Ross Wells was on Saturday night.

“We’re ecstatic about the turnout by the community this year, I think we’re 150-plus per cent over last year, as far as I can tell right now,” Jameson said. “The support that we’ve gotten from the business community has been remarkable, and then all the volunteers helping us run things smoothly, I mean it’s all just come together and it’s a remarkable day for us so far.

“I briefly chatted with Mike Plume a bit ago, he’s just a really sweet guy who loves Moose Jaw and is happy to be back. I’m looking forward to his set and hearing him with his full band, and it’s always so nice to hear how much he enjoys our city. Jordyn Pollard has been hanging around Moose Jaw for a couple of years,

she opened the evening for us and she was phenomenal.

“Lindi [Ortega] is up there right now, I met her briefly and I hope she’s having fun, and of course Corb Lund is up last, and he’s always dynamite.”

As a Roughriders fan, Jameson had a hard time describing the game — the Blue Bombers did everything right and won 51

- 6.

“Oh, man, the Bombers showed up,” Jameson laughed ruefully. “They didn’t like what happened last week, I guess, and... It was a wreck, is what it was, I don’t know how else to put it.”

“A spanking! Spanked them! Politely, I might add, in a nice way,” a pair of happy Blue Bombers fans chipped in. They de-

clined to give their names, saying they had stirred up too much trouble following the game. “There are t-shirts coming for ‘Riders fans, called ‘shellshock’. It was great, because we drove a long way to be here for the game and the concert, so we’re feeling awesome.”

Volunteers are an essential element of putting the charity concert together. Randy LaRose is a baseball fanatic who sits on the board for Ross Wells Ballpark and has volunteered every year of the concert.

“It’s a good time, and it’s a very good thing for Moose Jaw minor ball and baseball in general here,” LaRose said. “There are a lot more people in the park than I normally see, I really enjoy seeing it full and I suspect it’s going to get even more full as we go on through the night. People are having a good time, nobody out of hand, so it’s all alright.”

Sarah and Lowell Burtnick from Moose Jaw received free concert tickets from a family member. It was their first time at Homestand ‘23 and they said they were impressed with the organization.

“We’re happy to see all the artists, but we’ve always wanted to see Corb Lund especially, so we’re excited for him, for sure,” Sarah said. “It’s a beautiful set-up, I mean, what a great stage.”

“Yeah, great evening for it,” Lowell agreed. “It’s nice so far, lots of people and we’re enjoying ourselves.”

The Homestand ‘23 organizing committee take a group photo as Lindi Ortega rocks the stage

Ross Wells Ballpark was more packed than it’s probably ever been on Saturday night, according to an event volunteer.

SGI was on site offering non-alcoholic beverages for all the DDs in the crowd.

Artist and event merchandise for Homestand ‘23 was a popular attraction, and plenty of concert-goers were sporting the official Homestand ‘23 t-shirt

Food trucks stationed outside Ross Wells Ballpark lent an even more festival-like atmosphere to Homestand ‘23

Lindi Ortega on stage at Homestand ‘23 on Sep. 9.

Organizers said ticket sales just before the event were several hundred above 2022 already, and they anticipated plenty more sales at the onsite box office.

Warriors’ Ripplinger hoping to see improvement from vets

coming out of training camp

Solid showing by rookies could put pressure on returning players as team enters pre-season

Randy

Palmer - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Normally when a Western Hockey League team comes out of training camp, much of the conversation with those in charge revolves around general positivity and a happy look forward to the pre-season.

While things went well for the most part for the Moose Jaw Warriors during their 2023 camp at the start of the month, general manager Jason Ripplinger wasn’t completely satisfied with what he saw from his crew.

And that means more competition for spots on the team than some players were expecting coming into the new campaign.

“It’s been a real competitive camp; there are some players who made some jumps but there are some veterans who right now, in my opinion, aren’t pulling their weight,” Ripplinger said during the Black White Intrasquad game. “I’m a little disappointed and I’m not going to call them out, but I’m hoping to see a little more from our older players.”

That’s what training camp is all about -- creating a situation where players who weren’t as high on the list can challenge those who haven’t improved at the level expected.

“One hundred per cent,” Ripplinger said. “We’ll get some young guys, some 17-year-olds and 16-year-olds who played really well, guys like Pavel McKenzie who was really good. So there are going to be some hard decisions and that’s the business.”

Of course, the news wasn’t all bad for returning players. The NHL drafted guys looked like NHL drafted guys, for example, and there were some returnees who looked every part like they’re going to make some waves this season.

Defenceman Matthew Gallant was one in particular who stood out to Ripplinger.

“I think he’s made a big jump,” he said. “Last year he had a chance to play a little more than he was playing and I

think he came in this year looking like he worked really hard this summer. It’s great to see he put that work in and he’s proven he can play in the top four now.”

When it comes to Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager, well, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them get a long look when NHL camps begin in mid-September. That’s what Rip-

plinger was expecting and the fact they were utterly dominant at times was of little surprise.

“As far as we go this year is as far as they take us,” Ripplinger said. “You don’t want to put all the pressure on them, but they’re our best players and every night if we’re going to win, they’re going to have to be our best players.”

One thing that has become a trend in recent years is the level of physical play in

training camp. While there were a handful of big hits here and there, there were no fights whatsoever as that style of game continues to fall by the wayside.

“At times it was good and at times it was a little dull, too,” Ripplinger said. “The guys had been on the ice a lot, and it gets a bit tiring. Then the way hockey is now, most of these kids know each other coming in, so you’re not going to see too many fights and stuff like that. But for the most part I thought the guys played hard.”

The goaltending situation was ironed out a bit, with Jackson Unger, 18, remaining the defacto starter. He’ll be joined by 17-year-olds Dimitri Fortin and Joshua Banini for the start of the season, with all three netminders having played well during camp.

“They’ve had their moments and right now all three are going to compete for the starting job and the back-up job,” Ripplinger said. “It’s Jackson’s job, but I’m hoping those young goalies will push him to be even better.”

Ripplinger had the hard part of his job to deal with after the Black White Game, though many of his immediate personnel decisions were set in stone thanks to the WHL 15-year-old rule.

“After the game we’ll release 10 to 13 players, and a lot of them will be 15-yearolds since it’s time for them to get back to their U18 teams,” Ripplinger said. “Then we’ll practice and make some decisions before the first game against Swift Current.”

Warriors will next be in action on Thursday night when they travel to Speedy Creek for their first pre-season game. The two teams will then play a neutral site exhibition game in Assiniboia on Saturday, are in Brandon on Saturday, Sept. 15 and play their lone home pre-season game on Saturday, Sept. 16 when the Wheat Kings are in town.

Warriors make pair of selections in Canadian Hockey League Import Draft

For the first time since the 2021-22 Western Hockey League season, the Moose Jaw Warriors will have an import player with a last name that isn’t Rysavy or Baco.

The Warriors made a pair of selections in the 2023 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft this past spring, selecting a pair of forwards in the annual selection of top European-born players.

“We have some good relationships with agents and they’re able to help me out, they’re kind of my source to find European players since we obviously don’t go into Europe to scout,” said Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger. “So I rely on my connections out there and I think they found us a couple of good players.”

With the 48th overall selection in the first round, the Warriors added Slovakian forward Andrej Tomasec. The 2006-born product of Zlina, Slov. has played the past two seasons with KooKoo in the Finnish U16 and U18 leagues and is considered to have exceptional skating ability.

“He’s highly skilled and a great skater and has good hands,” Ripplinger said. “He’s an 06, and going into the draft we probably wanted to get little bit older with the Europeans, just with where our team is

at, but he’ll fit in nicely with that group.”

A 5-foot-11, 181-pound right-winger, Tomasec played for both the KooKoo U16 and U18 teams in 2021-23, putting up 10 goals and 17 points in 21 games with the younger squad and seven goals and 13 points in 20 games with the older. In a full season with KooKoo U18 in 2022-23, To-

masec had 15 goals and 23 points across 33 games.

The Warriors used the 108th overall pick to add Czechia forward Patrik Kral. The 5-foot-11, 163-pound forward played with BK Mlada Boleslav in his home country at both the U17 and U20 levels the past two seasons.

“He has some offensive skill and maybe isn’t as good a skater as Tomasec, but he’s pretty crafty in a hockey sense,” Ripplinger said. “So we’ll see these kids develop and see where they are when they’re 18 and 19.”

Kral had 11 goals and 28 points in 28 games playing for the Boleslav U17s in 2021-22 . He followed that up by putting up nine goals and 28 points in 21 games for the U17s last season to go along with three goals and six points in 22 games with the U20s.

The Warriors have also retained the rights to overage forward Martin Rysavy pending how his NHL contract situation shakes out. Rysavy is hoping to land an entry-level deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but should that not happen, plans to be back in Moose Jaw for the upcoming campaign.

“It’s not for sure, which is why we drafted two Euros, so we’ll cross that path in the future once we know what’s happening,” Ripplinger said. “Marty is a good player and a good person and it’s not like we’re getting someone we don’t want. It would just be another decision we’d have to make with our 20-year-olds.”

Action from the Warriors Black White Intrasquad Game to close out training camp on Sept. 2.

The Moose Jaw Warriors selected Slovaka’s Andrej Tomasec and Czechia’s Patrick Kral in the 2023 CHL Imporrt Draft on Wednesday.

Calvert, Firkus put up hat tricks as Warriors rebound from loss with win over Swift Current

Exhibition game in Assiniboia draws sold-out crowd as Moose Jaw goes on to 7-4 victory after falling 7-2

Randy Palmer

- Moose Jaw Express

in preseason opener

Throughout training camp, the Moose Jaw Warriors’ elite veterans looked like they could be on the verge of dominating any of the scrimmages at any time, and often did exactly that.

On Saturday, Sept. 9 in Assiniboia, they showed just how dangerous they can be.

Both Jagger Firkis and Atley Calvert had hat tricks as the Warriors picked up a 7-4 victory over the Swift Current Broncos in front of 1,300 fans at the Southland Co-op Centre.

While the rest was positive, the vast majority of buzz after the game surrounded the outstanding reception the two teams had in their neutral site battle. Fans were lined up outside the building well before puck drop and packed the rink -- first opened in September 2022 -- to check out a host of potential future NHLers in the line-up for both teams.

“It was awesome,” Calvert told Marc Smith on the UFZ Postgame Show. “Any time you play a preseason game you think you’re going to see 150 people in the stands and then you go out there and it’s jam-packed. It almost feels like a regular season game just because the atmosphere was so great. We really appreciate all the fans coming out, we really appreciate coming here and I hope we can do it again next year.”

Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary was of much the same opinion.

“I thought it was great,” he said. “We anticipated this and it’s important for our guys to have nights like this. You talk about being a small community but it’s the surrounding area as well and I thought it was a great atmosphere and fun. Exhibition games don’t usually have that much

juice in the building, so I thought it was great all around.”

The Warriors wasted little time giving fans what they came to see, as Firkus scored 29 seconds into the game and made it 2-0 just over six minutes later. Billal Noori got one back for the Broncos before the period was out, setting up a wild second period.

Calvert scored his first at 9:54 to make it a 3-1 game, but a three-minute lapse led to Swift Current coming all the way back and then some.

Van Eger, Sawyer Dingman and Mason Fauser all scored in a span of 2:39 immediately after Calvert’s goal, and just like that it was 4-3 Broncos.

“The second period was tough and there were just a few bad bounces,”

O’Leary said.”I thought for 60 minutes tonight we were the better team, we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities early on and we got caught running around a bit in the defensive zone, but I thought it was a good win.”

Lynden Lakovic tied the game three minutes after Fauser’s go-ahead goal, setting up a third period that was all Warriors.

Calvert scored power play goals two minutes apart late in the period to tie the game, and Firkus added an empty netter to finish things off. Firkus capped his night with six points, Calvert with five, while Denton Mateychuk and Josh Hoekstra had two assists each.

“We started the third period a little slow, we were a little slow to checking, but then once we got our legs under us

and started sprinting a bit more we got a few power plays there,” Calvert said. “We eventually capitalized and that was the game.”

Jackson Unger went the distance in goal and turned aside 33 shots, while Joey Rocha stopped 36 for the Broncos.

It was a far different story 48 hours earlier, as the teams took the ice with a pair of youth-filled line-ups in Swift Current and the Broncos took a 7-2 victory.

Harper Lolacher scored in the first period for the Warriors and Ethan Semeniuk had their other goal early in the third. Dmitri Fortin played the first half of the game in goal and allowed a pair of goals before giving way to Josh Banini, who surrendered five in his 30 minutes of work.

The game was tied 1-1 after the first and the Broncos led 3-1 through two.

Maddix McGagherty led Swift Current with two goals and four points.

“I think even going into the game it’s never about wins and losses at this time of year,” O’Leary said. “Every time the puck is dropped you prefer to come out with a win, but I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy and some of the changes to our system and structure started to show up in the third period.

“That’s what we’re really looking for, an individual showing they can follow a plan and then from an overarching theme with the team, we want to play a certain way and it’s starting to show up.”

The Warriors are back in action on Friday night when they travel to Brandon to face the Wheat Kings before the two teams rematch Saturday in the lone pre-season game at the Moose Jaw Events. Game time is 7 p.m.

Warriors Calvert hoping for big season with hometown team

If everything goes completely according to plan for Moose Jaw Warriors forward Atley Calvert, he’ll have played his final Western Hockey League regular season game.

Because if things work out ideally for the 20-year-old Moose Jaw Minor Hockey product, he’ll find himself playing professional hockey at some level in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.

Calvert will be off to Penguins rookie camp later this month and as an free-agent overager, can be signed and sent to any of Pittsburgh’s minor professional affiliates in Wilkes-Barre (AHL) and Wheeling (ECHL).

“It’s definitely in the back of your mind,” Calvert said after the Warriors’ Black White Intrasquad game. “You’re obviously going there are are going to try and stay, that should be your goal as a 20-year-old player, and you just have to go about it the same way… If you know you’ve given everything you have, then you just have to let the chips fall where they may.”

Before he had to think about all that, though, there was Warriors training camp to get through. And Calvert looked the part of a 20-year-old coming off a 40-goal season as he had plenty of scoring opportunities in the scrimmages and picked up goal and assist in the intrasquad game.

“I think it was a good camp and a lot of kids came out and showed what they could do,” Calvert said, adding that the Black White game was a good test. “It’s good for everyone to play against all the

older guys and for all the older guys to be in the line-up since the games (earlier in camp) weren’t full groups. But the pace was good, everyone is getting their legs back and getting their game-touch back, so it’s an exciting time and camp is just the first step.”

Calvert spent the off-season honing his game in and around Moose Jaw, but spent the better part of a week with the Penguins in development camp, taking the ice alongside Pittsburgh first round draft pick Brayden Yager.

Calvert’s showing there led to him

being asked to return for rookie camp beginning next week, where he’ll once again play in the Buffalo Sabres rookie tournament after suiting up for the Sabres last year. “It’s a lot faster, but at the end of the day you’re there for a reason and it’s the exact same as it is here,” he said. “You have to play your game and play your style and be ready to play with new players every night. I was on the home team last year, so I’ll be a visitor there this time.” Having the experience in Buffalo last year will only help this time around.

“I think it’s big, it was my first experience with an NHL camp, I did everything for the first time and even going into this summer I was prepared and knew what to expect a little bit,” Calvert said.”Being in Buffalo really helps and every camp you go to is an experience that you should take pride in.”

Should things go the Warriors’ way and Calvert returns, it’ll be a hard focus on winning, with the former Prairie Hockey Academy standout aiming to take the next jump in his production while contending for a title.

“I think at the end of the day we want to win,” Calvert said. “This is kind of the end of the phase here with a lot of guys who will be moving on, guys who have been here since the COVID bubble and some guys who have been here for a few years now.

“So we just have to take it day-by-day and we can’t take it for granted because all the other teams in the division and conference are going to be tough, too. So we’re going to have to be ready for Game 1 in the season.”

From there, it’ll be a hard push in the playoffs, and ideally taking that final step that has eluded the Warrior franchise.

“The last couple of years we’ve made it to the second round and ran into some good teams, so we want to push for a WHL championship and do something that hasn’t been done before,” Calert said. “And being the 40th anniversary, it’s going to be a big year and exciting one.”

The Moose Jaw Warriors salute the crowd at the Southland Co-Op Centre in Assiniboia after their victory over the Swift Current Broncos.

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Atley Calvert will be a key component to the Warriors success this season -- should he return from NHL training camp.

Ongoing inflationary pressures and difficult rental agreement with city major factors in losses, but Warriors franchise still in solid shape

Warriors show loss of over $280,000 for past season

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw Warriors once again had less than positive news to report on the financial front during their annual general meeting on Thursday afternoon, September 7 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, but as in past recent seasons with similar situations, things are far from looking dire.

There’s still plenty of cash in the bank and plenty of community support, now it’s just a matter of fixing a few things when it comes to money leaving the franchise.

The Warriors reported an overall loss of $280,413, more the double the $106,719 deficit they put up in the 202122 campaign.

Two of the largest hits included $159,000 for rent for the Moose Jaw Events Centre, and a further $441,898 went to the city from signage and suites, shared upgrades and the club seat and community rink split, for a total of $601,481.

With the deficit, the Warriors opted to once again defer their $200,000 payment to their multiplex pledge commitment, with eight of 10 payments totalling $2,100,000 having been made to date.

“Financially, we aren’t happy show-

ing a deficit, but with sports itself and our team, we’re still having challenges with the market,” said Warriors president Chad Taylor. “Expenses are rising and we have to find a way to contain them, maybe address some things behind the scenes.

“Unfortunately fans and season ticket holders will be paying a bit more money coming into next year, but at the end of

the day we need a better agreement with the city on the lease and we’re working towards that.”

Positive changes in that direction could be coming in the near future, even as early as within the next month.

“We’re in negotiations right now for the upcoming year and working toward a new agreement. The new city manager (Maryse Carmichael) has been very receptive and understands the situation we’re in, and it’s also something to acknowledge that with the facility itself, the weight has been put on the Moose Jaw Warriors and we have to find a way to balance things out.”

The news wasn’t all bad financially, as the team continues to have $747,606 in their bank account and the education fund is at a comfortable $308,963.

As a result, fans have little to worry about when it comes to the overall health of the Moose Jaw Warriors.

“The community always steps up for this team, no matter what,” Taylor said. “The Moose Jaw Warriors are healthy; they have money in the bank. But we al-

Moose Jaw Warriors present $11,000 cheque to Hockey Sask

Donation comes after World Para Hockey Championship 50/50 sales

Throughout the World Para Hockey Championship this spring, the thousands of fans who took in games would have recognized many faces working the crowd selling 50/50 tickets.

That’s because it was members of the Moose Jaw Warriors Booster Club who were doing their part to help support the international event.

Those 50/50 ticket sellers were busy, too. With more than 3,500 fans in the

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

building for the two match-ups between Canada and the United States and close to a thousand on hand any time Canada or China took the ice, there were plenty of tickets to be sold.

Recently, just how well those sales went was revealed.

Moose Jaw Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger recently presented a cheque for $11,000 to Hockey Saskatchewan, proceeds from their 50/50 draws

throughout the tournament. The presentation is the latest sign of success from the World Para Hockey Championship, which saw eight teams from all over the world take the ice at the Moose Jaw Events Centre from May 28 through June 4.

The United States won the championship, taking a 6-1 victory over Team Canada in the gold medal game.

ways need to do a better job finding a new fan to become engaged and be part of what the Moose Jaw Warriors bring. It’s about community, getting people out to hockey games and it takes one person at a time…

We have great corporate partners, great fans, great volunteers and this club will be just fine.”

The AGM marked the final one for Taylor as president of the team, as his term comes to an end and he plans to let someone else take over the position.

Naturally, his time with the Warriors has come with a lot of memories.

“Just the amount of people I’ve met over the years, some of the superstars I saw play as they were growing up and some great businessmen,” he said. “It’s a thrill and a great privilege to be one of the four community teams and work with such a great network of businessmen… there have been lots of cool highlights, definitely.”

Three positions on the board of directors were up for election, with Bob Dougall, Maggie Sinclair and Shea Jameson filling those spots by acclamation.

Warriors to celebrate 40th anniversary with special logo, jersey

The Moose Jaw Warriors will have a special look as they celebrate their 40th season during the 2023-24 Western Hockey League campaign.

The team unveiled this summer a special third jersey that will be worn during select home dates in addition to a 40th-anniversary logo that the team will use throughout the season.

The Warriors moved to Moose Jaw from Winnipeg for the 1984-85 campaign and have grown into one of the league’s most stable franchises since despite playing in one of the smaller communities.

“This is an exciting time for the City of Moose Jaw and Warriors organization,” said Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger. “The history of the Moose Jaw Warriors is remarkable, from starting out

playing in the Civic Centre and then moving to the Events Centre, the organization has had many great memories because of the support from the community and everyone who has been part of the Warriors organization.”

The jersey will feature a reverse retro design with ruby red as the main colour -- ruby being the gemstone for a 40th anniversary. The design will be similar to that worn by the team in their inaugural season and will include the Warriors wordmark that was featured on jerseys from 1984 through 1992 across the front. The shoulder logos will include the 40th-anniversary patch as well as the team’s current logo.

The Warriors will also be celebrating the team by bringing back prominent players and individuals for games throughout

the 2023-24 campaign.

“This is a big milestone for the organization and community, and we are all looking forward to being a part of it,” Ripplinger said.

More details on celebrations will be released as the season progresses.

The Warriors play their first exhibition games on Thursday, Sept. 7 in Swift Current and Saturday, Sept. 9 against Swift Current in Assiniboia, with their first action at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Saturday, Sept. 16 against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Warriors are in Prince Albert on Friday, Sept. 22 to open the regular season before playing their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 23 against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger presents a cheque for $11,000 to Hockey Sask general manager Kelly McClintock.

Moose Jaw Warriors president Chad Taylor delivers his final President’s Report with the team.

Vanier makes move to nine-man football for upcoming season

Vikings to take on traditional powerhouses like Maple Creek, Gull Lake in Conference 2 league beginning Sept. 15

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Vanier Vikings football team has seen more than their fair share of struggles in recent Rural 5A 12-Man High School Football League seasons, and for a good reason.

On one side of the field you’d have their opposition, boasting 50 or more players and all the depth they’d need to have only a few of their most talented individuals going both ways.

And then there was Vanier, with maybe 30 players and as many Grade 10s starting as they did Grade 12s, with most of those playing both offence and defence.

The results showed on the scoreboard, and while the Vikings were usually able to pick up a morale-boosting win at some point in their campaigns, contention was all but out of the question.

So this past off-season, the team had some hard conversations, with the end decision seeing the Vikings opting to join the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association nine-man football league for the next three seasons.

“We met in the spring as coaches and basically talked about what would be the best opportunity for our kids to be competitive,” said Vanier head coach Ryan Gottselig. “It’s been a tough few years with our much lower numbers compared to a lot of teams in the 12-man league, so we started crunching some numbers and our enrollment fit pretty nicely with nineman. We explored it and now we’ll give it a try.”

The Vikings have long been the smallest school in the 5A South Rural league and would have had 100 fewer stu-

dents than the next smallest school in 2023 as well as half the population of Yorkton and Swift Current. Conversely, they’ll be one of the largest nine-man schools in the province.

That doesn’t mean they’re predicting instant success, though -- the Vikings will play in Conference 2A, which includes some of the most storied nine-man programs in the province’s history, including Gull Lake, Maple Creek, Shaunavon, Lumsden and Notre Dame.

There’s also the fact that 12-man can be a vastly different game compared to nine-man, something the coaches are working on through pre-season practices.

“We’re kind of being challenged here as coaches trying to refine our playbooks and do some different stuff, but we’re learning as we go,” Gottselig said. “The big thing for me on the defensive side is I’m finding coverages are a lot different.

Zone gets a little bit tougher to play because there are fewer guys to fill some

spots on the field, so we’re playing more man coverage and stuff like that.

“On offense, there are fewer guys to get the ball to and set up some blocking schemes, so we’re using some of our old stuff as a shell but then just modifying assignments and working on a few different things.”

The good thing is that with 33 players currently on the team and a handful more likely to join up once school is in session, the Vikings have something they haven’t had in a long time: depth.

“I like where our team is at, we have guys we need in all our spots and a little bit of depth behind them, so we definitely want to finish way up there and go on a playoff run,” Gottselig said.

It all starts on Friday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. when the Vikings host Lumsden in the first nine-man Friday Night Lights game at Elk’s Field. Vanier is in Gull Lake the following weekend before hosting Maple Creek on Friday, Sept. 29. The Vikings are then on the road for their final two games, as they travel to Shaunavon on Oct. 6 and Notre Dame on Oct. 13.

“There are a lot of unknowns because we don’t have film on teams, which is a little bit tougher on me because I like to prep that stuff,” Gottselig said. “But going by word of mouth, it sounds like the competition is going to be pretty solid and we’re looking forward to seeing how we match up… It’s a three-year commitment and if we can rack up some hardware in those three years it would be pretty unreal.”

Big second half leads Yorkton to win over Peacock in high school football opener

Raiders put up 41 second half points, go on to 47-8 win in first game of regular season for both squads

For the first half of their South 5A 12-Man Rural Football League game against the Yorkton Raiders on Saturday afternoon, the Peacock Tornadoes looked like they might have something going.

While they weren’t putting up a lot of points, their defence was finding a way to get things done, and the Tornadoes went into the half holding an 8-6 lead against the perennial league title contenders.

Then the second half happened, and oh boy.

Yorkton’s offence began to click and then click some more, until 47 points were up on the board, 41 of those in the second 24 minutes.

All told, it ended up as a 47-8 loss, but one that Toliers head coach Bert Redstone could see plenty of positives from.

“Yorkton is good, the usual thing,” Redstone said. “We brought it and we kind of punched them in the mouth in the first half and stuck it to them. Then in the second half, they kind of counterpunched and we had some mental mistakes and guys just got tired. That’s just how she played out, it just fell apart on us.”

The Tornadoes had opted to go with a veteran line-up from the opening whistle to the final play, and that led to a steady wear down that the Raiders were able to take advantage of.

Redstone pointed to Yorkton’s vaunted double tight-end set as an example of how things went.

“The first half we had things figured out and we stopped them, then in the second they

came out and got a couple quick touchdowns off it,” he said. “Then they started bombing the ball over us and the points started adding up.”

It certainly didn’t help that they lost standout linebacker, offensive lineman, spe-

cial teams player and punter Brady Ross to injury during the contest, leading to a less experienced youngsters having to step into that role.

The Toilers’ veterans did their absolute

best to keep things close while going both ways, but with Yorkton featuring more depth and an ability to rotate players in on a regular basis, things began to degenerate as things progressed.

“A guy like Malcolm Hunter, he’s playing slot receiver, middle linebacker and every special team. So in the first half he was flying around and making plays, in the second half he could barely breath,” Redstone said. “Then we had to start making substitutions with our younger guys, and they just kept putting up points.”

Even with how things turned out, Redstone pointed to how close things were in the first half as a sign of what could come as the Tornadoes vets gain more stamina through onfield reps -- especially once the playoffs hit.

“We want to be top four, get into the playoffs, and then with our best guys having played all season and being in great shape, we’ll see how long we can hold a game,” Redstone said. “That’s the goal right now… it’s the goal to improve every game and we’ll see what happens.”

The Tornadoes are back in action this week in one of the most anticipated games of the year -- a Friday Night Lights showdown with the Central Cyclones, who took a 52-7 win over Swift Current in their opener Saturday.

That contest kicks off at 8:15 p.m., immediately after the Conference 2 Nine-Man League season-opening game between the Vanier Vikings and Lumsden Devils at 6 p.m.

The Vanier Vikings will be taking the field in the SHSAA Conference 2 Nine-Man Football League for the next three seasons.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Peacock Tornadoes -- here in action against Vanier last season -- dropped a tough decision to the Yorkton Raiders in Yorkton on Saturday.

Cyclones post dominant win over Swift Current to open season

Belsher scores four first-half touchdowns as Central goes on to 52-7 win at Gutheridge Field

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Central Cyclones receiver Keaton Belsher spent much of his summer playing high-level football at a national level.

On Saturday afternoon at Gutheridge Field, fans were able to see what that hard work in the off-season looks like when it returns to the field in the fall.

Belsher hauled in four first-half touchdowns and nearly hit 200 yards receiving before halftime as the Cyclones went on to a commanding 52-7 victory in the opening game of the Rural 5A 12-Man Football League.

“It was a great team effort and I couldn’t have done it without my quarterback and the o-line,” Belsher said, who scored his first touchdown of the season only 1:47 into the proceedings. “It felt good to get that first play, getting that one down the sideline to get things rolling.”

That major was a doozy, too. Belsher ran a fade route, hauled in the pass and stiff-armed a defensive back into oblivion before going 64 yards to the end zone.

Belsher’s connection with quarterback Brodie Ansell was obvious throughout the first 24 minutes, as he’d haul in an 11-yard touchdown with 2:56 to play in the first quarter, a 64-yard major with four minutes to play in the half and a one-yard quick hitter with 1:24 left in the second quarter.

None of that is a surprise given what Belsher was up to a couple months ago, playing in the U16 Western Challenge and also suiting up at the Flag Football Nationals in Halifax.

“It teaches me how to read defences

and run my routes, that’s the biggest thing playing that level of football,” Belsher said of what he picked up in the off-season.

Of course, a major factor in the success of the passing game is running back Javin Boynton. A lethal ball carrier, Boynton picked up a 20-yard TD run of his own in the first quarter and also ran one in from 19 yards out late in the third. That’s not taking into account his simple presence on the field forcing the Colts to key in on the run game, something Cyclones head coach Colin Belsher was sure to put to good use.

“Most teams in this league know what we have, especially in our running game with Javin, and when we came out it was pretty apparent that was their goal, to stop our running game,” he said. “They overloaded the box which allowed our passing game to open up, and we have talented receivers, a great quarterback, a good o-line and we have Javin. So we’re pretty balanced and moving forward teams will have to be aware of both part of our games.”

With extra space and time to throw, Ansell was sharp from the start, going 12for-16 passing in the first half as Central built a 38-0 lead.

Central opted to play their less ex-

perienced players much of the second half and naturally saw things tighten up. Mason Payne caught a nine-yard pass for their other major, Rylan Schaffer added a 19-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.

As well as things were going for the skill positions on the day, coach Belsher made sure to give the hoggies plenty of credit for their work up front.

“I thought Brodie played amazing today, but so did the o-line,” he said. “To be successful, you have to have a strong o-line and I thought they did really well today, both in the run game and the pass game, and the receivers blocked well down downfield, too, which is something we’ve been working on the past two weeks. I

know they can run and catch, but linemen get big first downs and receivers get Javin touchdowns.”

Colten Hurl scored Swift Current’s lone touchdown on a 14-yard pass with 8:33 to play.

Now, the focus turns towards one of the biggest regular-season games of the year, a Friday Night Lights match-up with the Peacock Toilers at Elk’s Field. Game time is 8 p.m., immediately following the first-ever Conference 2 Nine-Man League game between the Vanier Vikings and Lumsden Devils at 6 p.m.

“Every year, if you’re not striving to be that team, then you’re not going to win anything,” coach Belsher said of the outlook for the rest of the season. “Every year you have to come into the season thinking you’ll be successful and these kids have really bought into playing for the name on their chest instead of the name on their jersey.”

Vanier picks up win over Gull Lake in first nine-man football game

Vikings pick up 40-13 win over Lions in exhibition game, home opener coming up Friday

The Vanier Vikings football team is in the win column.

And given the situation surrounding their first game of the season on Friday night at Elk’s Field, that’s a special thing indeed.

The Vikings picked up their first-ever victory in the Conference 2 Nine-Man Football League, rolling to a 40-13 win over the Gull Lake Lions in an exhibition game.

It was as heartening a win as there could be for head coach Ryan Gottselig and his charges, especially after making the move from 12-man football and into the unknowns of a different style of game with opponents they’d never seen before.

“Obviously there was a lot of uncertainty going in, but we executed well and got a good result,” Gottselig said, adding that team balance was a major factor in their success.

“It was contributions from every-

body, we had four or five different guys scoring touchdowns and we really spread the ball around well. I thought coach Roney did a really good job spreading the ball to everybody and everyone who had it in their hands made some plays with it…. It was a good as we’ve ever executed on offence at this time of year, that’s for sure.”

positions. With nine-man more suited to their smaller roster, Vanier was able to actually have some depth in their line-up, and that combined with a gameplan that was followed to a tee led to the commanding win.

“We were confident the kids would be able to pick up what we’d been teaching them these last couple of weeks and they really showed up and executed,” Gottselig said. “They put all the uncertainty aside and just went out and played.”

solid throughout the year for us.”

The contest also sent a bit of a message to the rest of Conference 2 -- Vanier might be an expansion team with less knowledge of the nine-man game, but they’re going to be a tough out just the same.

Vikings logo

A stellar running game working off a solid offensive line was the major key, as was having almost everyone who touched the ball being effective with it.

“It’s nice to be in the mix, but next week is a huge test when we play (defending Conference champion) Lumsden,” Gottselig said. “It’s looking like they’re one of the favourites from what we can tell so far, so we’ll see how we stack up.”

The Vikings had been through their share of struggles playing the 12-man game in recent years, as a deficit in personnel left inexperienced players in tough

“With our running game, we’re going to have three or four guys and give the ball to each of them, and I think the fact all of them showed up last night and made use of their carries was huge,” Gottselig said. “Then our o-line blocked really well and I think our running game could be pretty

Most important of all, though, is the knowledge that things could be competitive throughout the season for the Vikings now that they don’t have to deal with a bunch of 5A 12-man powerhouses.

“It’s just awesome to be able to compete, the kids are so excited and it’s just a great atmosphere we have around the team right now,” Gottselig said.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Cyclones running back Javin Boynton broke a half dozen tackles on his way a big gain on this third-quarter play.

Central quarterback Brodie Ansell sets up to throw after a fake handoff to Javin Boynton.

… leading to Keaton Belsher hauling in this 64-yard touchdown pass.

Cyclones quarterback Brodie Ansell avoids the Colts’ Jackson Gording-Dovell and gets off a pass…

Central linebacker Paul Barth made sure that Swift Current running back Jake Woods would get no yards on this play.

Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame officially unveils 2023 inductees

John Bozak, Wayne Cormier, Dave Jukes, Jim Little, Garry Ross, Ivan (Amos) Wilson, Brad Hennenfent and Stan Montgomery all enshrined in largest single-year class for Hall of Fame

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Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame

inductee Wayne Cormier has received many an accolade throughout his powerlifting career, but this past Thursday morning he brought something a little bit special.

Cormier had previously been inducted as a builder in 2019 but despite his storied career as an athlete was ineligible for induction for those achievements since he was still competing. With his retirement last year, Cormier becomes the first person to be inducted twice by the Hall of Fame in two different categories.

It means a lot to one of the most dominant powerlifters the sport has produced in the province.

“I was telling Larry earlier that this event is really special for me because I’m being recognized by my community and peers,” Cormier said during the induction ceremony on Thursday at the Moose Jaw Events Centre. “This is where it began, and to come full circle and be recognized here is an honour. This is my fifth Hall of Fame induction for powerlifting and I can’t believe where 45 years went.”

That career saw Cormier win close to a dozen provincial titles to go along with a host of top finishes at nationals, with his top showing coming in 1999 when he won

the Champion of Champions Cup as the top overall lifter, one year after winning bronze at Worlds.

It all began and Dave and Bill Pyle’s gym way back in 1981.

“Dave and Bill Pyle always used to tell me ‘be consistent in your beliefs and you will achieve excellence,” Cormier said. “That was a saying on one of the wall in the gym in the weightlifting corner, and I was fortunate because I was 17 and had just moved here from Lennoxville and little did I know I would be coached by two

of the finest coaches anyone could have.”

While the highest of high echelons of the sport eluded him, a career of consistency is something Cormier will always be proud of.

“I’d like to be remembered as a good lifter for a long time,” he said. “I was never a great lifter, I won a bronze medal at worlds and it took every amount of energy I had for a full year, but I just couldn’t get up to that next level. But I was good for a long time, and here I am.”

The eight inductees mark the largest

single-year class for the Hall of Fame, and president Larry Graham was more than happy with the decision.

“It’s a great class, a great group of folks,” Graham said. “We’ve met quite a few of them today and it’s nice that their family and friends are here. It’s Moose Jaw, everybody knows everybody or has played with somebody along the way and it’s pretty neat… every time we have the banquet, someone can look across the room and say ‘hey, that guy coached me in hockey’ or ‘I played with him’ and that kind of thing. So it’s a nice night and there are lots of smiles at the induction ceremony, too.”

The unveiling included the reveal of a new title sponsor for the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame, with JGL Livestock signing on.

“They’ve been super,” Graham said. “They’ve been involved in the community and are involved in so many community projects, so we’re thrilled to have them partner with us and keep the Hall of Fame running as well as it is.”

Tickets are now on sale for the induction banquet and are $60 each. They can be picked up a the Moose Jaw Events Centre Box Office, sasktix.ca, or by calling (306) 624-2050.

Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees

For Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

JOHN BOZAK

Athlete: Wrestling

John Bozak started wresting in 1954 with the Moose Jaw Wrestling and Barbell Club under coach Dave Pyle, kicking off one of the most storied wrestling careers in local history.

Bozak won the Saskatchewan welterweight title in 1958 and was to attend the British Empire Games before having to decline due to a family illness.

Over the next several years Bozak dominated provincial competition and arrived on the national scene in 1959. He participated at the Canadian Championships, winning bronze in 1959, ‘60 and ‘61. He was voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler at Nationals in 1965 when he won the middleweight title and was named to the Canadian National Wrestling team.

Bozak competed at the World Championships in 1966 where he finished in 10th position. Later that year he was named to the seven-man Can/Am all-star squad that took on the Japanese National team at Expo ‘67 in Montreal.

Bozak joined the Moose Jaw Police Service in 1959 and served the community as a Little League coach. In 1968, he retired to Duncan B.C. and continued to coach minor baseball and hockey.

DAVID JUKES

Athlete/Builder:

Rugby

Starting in the early 1970’s and continuing through the mid 2010’s Jukes established himself as a premier rugby player, coach and administrator. He participated at all levels from local teams to international matches. Jukes was a fixture on the Saskatchewan Rugby team roster playing every year but one between 1974 and 1987.

In 1978 Dave attended the Western Rugby Player Development camp. The following season he was invited to the National Rugby Team trials. Dave made the team as an alternate in 1980. He has played rugby across North America and Europe including Wales and Scotland with various international touring teams.

Administratively, Jukes has spent countless hours supporting the community rugby program and facilities at the MacDonald Rugby Field. He has been an executive member of the Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan Rugby Club boards for many years, and the provincial organization presents the Dave Jukes Award for the most outstanding junior forward each season.

At the inaugural Saskatchewan Rugby Union awards ceremony in 1996, Dave was inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and coach.

WAYNE CORMIER

Athlete: Powerlifting

Already inducted in the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame as a builder, Cormier’s recent retirement from the sport of powerlifting now sees him inducted as an athlete.

The Lennoxville, Que, product moved to Moose Jaw in 1981 and soon before working with Dave and Bill Pyle. After breaking into the upper echelons of powerlifting in the late 1980s, Cormier hit his stride in the ‘90s and began dominating provincial competition, winning the Saskatchewan Powerlifter of the Year in 1997 in and 1998.

Cormier amassed thirteen Saskatchewan provincial titles, one Manitoba Open title, three Western Canadian titles as well as several other top-three finishes. At the Canadian Nationals he had five top-three finishes, winning twice. He attended the World Championships in 1994 and 1997 where he had three fifth places and in 1998 a bronze medal. He also won the Western Canadian and Minot State titles in 1998.

In 1999, Moose Jaw hosted the Canadian Championships, where Cormier captured the Champion of Champions Cup as the number one overall lifter in Canada. Cormier retired in 2018 after accumulating the most medals in Saskatchewan powerlifting history.

JIM LITTLE

Athlete/builder: Hockey

Little played defence for the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors from 1960-65 winning two provincial championships. He signed with the New York Rangers in 1965 and briefly played for the San Francisco Seals and the Toledo Blades. In 1965-66, Jim moved to the Saskatoon Quakers and was picked up for the Western League final by the Calgary Spurs that year. He joined the Regina Caps in 1966-67 where they won the provincial title.

In 1969-70, he won the Allan Cup with the Spokane Jets and received the Spokane Sports Association award. He returned to the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors from 1971 to 1974 winning a Western Canada League first all-star defenseman award in 1970-71. He continued to play rec hockey in Moose Jaw until the early 1980’s.

From there, Little became a coach and instructor at many levels before joining an interesting project in 1984. Little became a member of the organizing group to bring a junior hockey team to Moose Jaw and would eventually help land the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Jim Little was a teacher with the Moose Jaw Board of Education beginning in 1962 until his retirement in 1995.

Members of the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame induction class for 2023 gather for a photo at the Wall of Fame on the second-floor mezzanine at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees

For Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

GARY ROSS

Athlete:

Hockey / Fastball

After a stellar hockey career as a teenager, Ross was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks and played five games for the St Louis Braves before being sent to the Port Huron Flags of the International League. Ross played there for two seasons, winning the Turner Cup in 1966-67. He returned home to play for the senior Pla-Mors (1967-74) and the Regina Caps (1975-76). He was a member of the Moose Jaw Old Timers that won the Pacific Cup in 1973-74.

Ross began his fastball career as a pitcher for the Johnstone Dairy Juniors in 1959 and would become one of the best hurlers in the city’s history.]Ross spent two seasons in the Western Canada Major Fastball League with the Regina Carlings (1973-74) and he continued to pitch locally in the Memorial Field League until his retirement at the age of 63 in 2007. Ross was the league’s multi-time winner as the most valuable player (7), all-star (14) and top pitcher (12). He pitched several no-hitters during his career. Ross gave back to the game locally by providing pitching clinics for minor girls’ fastball and earned the Memorial Field Association Contribution award (1990) for his longtime involvement in the league.

STAN MONTGOMERY

Builder: Baseball / Curling

Montgomery’s love of both baseball and curling led him to a lifetime of coaching youth sport. He coached Moose Jaw Little League champion teams in 1960, ’65, ’68, ’70 and ’71. In 1961, he managed the Colt All Star Baseball team to the Canadian championship and participation in the Worlds in Rockford, Illinois. Stan’s teams also had success winning the provincial Junior title in 1962 and Juvenile championships in 1962, ’72, ’73 and ’82. His teams captured the Western tournament and participated in the National championships in Vancouver (1973) and Sarnia (1982).

In the winter, Stan was an accomplished curling competitor who coached and skipped the Moose Jaw Police Services team to the National championships in 1956 and 1962. He had much success coaching numerous high school, junior and men’s teams to provincial and national championships. The most exciting win was the National Schoolboy championship won in 1971 by the Moose Jaw team including his sons Greg and Jeff Montgomery, Don Despins and Rod Verboom. Stan also coached the Rod Montgomery rink at the men’s Breir in Kamloops (1996) and Winnipeg (1998). The City of Moose Jaw recognized Stan’s contribution to local sports by naming a baseball field in his honour.

Montgomery was inducted into the Saskatchewan Curling Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

IVAN (AMOS) WILSON

Athlete:

Hockey

Wilson was born in Moose Jaw and participated in the local minor hockey program, joining the juvenile Monarchs for the 194445 season. He then moved up to the junior Canucks for the next two seasons, winning the Abbott Cup as Western Canada junior champions in 1946-47 and qualified for the Memorial Cup. The best-of-seven series was played for the first time in western Canada, with the Canucks finishing second to the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors Amos was signed by the Chicago Black Hawks in 1946. He turned professional playing for the Kansas City Pla-Mors (1947-48), Vancouver Canucks (1948-49) and the Tacoma Rockets (1949-50). Wilson was named second team all-star with Vancouver in 1948-49 as well as first team all-star and top defensemen with Tacoma in the1949-50 season. His hockey journey took him to the Kamloops Elks (1950-52), the Moose Jaw Millers (1952-54) and the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors (1958-61) where he served as the team captain. The Millers won the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey title in 1953-54 and the PlaMors captured the Henderson Trophy as the Saskatchewan Intermediate “A” champs in 1958-59.

After his retirement from hockey, Amos became the manager/owner of the TV & Sports Center. He actively supported Moose Jaw minor sports programs and the junior Canucks.

BRAD HENNENFENT Builder: Volleyball

After a stellar career as an athlete himself, coaching came naturally for Hennenfent. He began with high school volleyball in Moose Jaw, His teams won provincial high school volleyball medals at Central (bronze 2000), Swift Current (bronze 2015), (gold 2016), (silver 2017) and Vanier Collegiate (gold 2019) over his 30 years of coaching.

Hennenfent worked hard to improve his coaching talents reaching the level three volleyball coaching standard. This led to an opportunity as assistant coach and trainer with the University of Regina women’s volleyball team from 201416, winning the under-21 Western championship. He also developed his skills as a volleyball official working at all levels from elementary to provincial and regional caliber games.

Hennenfent’s coaching experience extended to coaching the Astro’s baseball team (1988-90) and the STI men’s and women’s badminton teams to Nationals (1987-88). He coached the local ladies fastball team at the Nationals in Surrey B.C. (1995). Brad has coached at the Canada Games in London Ont. (2001) and Regina (2005).

For his lengthy service in Moose Jaw Brad Hennenfent has received several awards including: PAC Top Badminton Coach (1988); PAC Volleyball Top Coach (1989); the SHSAA Service Award (1997); SCDAA District Service Award (2012)

Fred Fox speaks on brother’s legacy leading up this year’s Terry Fox run

Fred Fox, older brother of Terry, joined local organizer Stephanie Meyer at the Wakamow Valley Farmer’s Market on September 9 to help promote this year’s Terry Fox Run, which is being held at the Vanier Collegiate football field on Sunday, Sept. 17.

“I’m happy to be down here to support Stephanie’s hard work, and all the volunteers here who are connected to the Run,” Fox told MooseJawToday.com. “I got invited to come to the [Wakamow Farmer’s Market] to join her in talking to people in the area, maybe share a little bit about Terry, answer some questions people may have about him.

“You know, when Terry started his run on that cold day in Newfoundland in 1980, he could never have imagined where we’d be today, 43 years later. When he had to stop his run, before he passed away, he knew there would be a Terry Fox Run, but he could never have imagined the support that Canadians have given over the years, new generations of students going to school and having Terry Fox Runs in over 9,000 schools, and Terry Fox Runs in over 600 communities. So, he’d be amazed, but more importantly, he’d be so proud that people have taken up his challenge.”

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Terry, now considered a national hero, began his run in Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. He planned to run all the way to Victoria, BC, but was forced to stop on Sep. 1 outside Thunder Bay, ON, after his cancer spread to his lungs.

Despite his determination to get better and finish what he started, Terry died 9 months later on June 28, 1981, at 22 years old.

The Terry Fox Run has become the single-largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research in the world, raising more than $850 million as of September 2022.

“People always have great questions, and a lot of times people want to know what he was like growing up,” Fred Fox said. “We’re only a year apart in age, I’m the older brother, and when I do my presentations at schools and even corporate groups, everyone thinks he must have been very confident, as a speaker and an athlete.

“But Terry wasn’t, he was very shy. He didn’t have a lot to say normally, but he spoke with his actions. I think we saw that during the [Marathon of Hope]. It wasn’t about Terry Fox, it was about making a difference in the lives of people with cancer.”

Fox said that his younger brother would have described himself as an average, ordinary Canadian with average abilities, who accomplished what he did with determination rather than because he was a charismatic, towering figure — that’s part of the power of ongoing legacy.

“I thank people who are involved with the run here and if you want to come participate, it’s not a competitive event,” Fox said firmly. “It’s a family event, we

want people out walking, on bicycles, I’ve even been at events where people came riding their horses. It’s all about people who have been touched by cancer coming together, that’s what Terry wanted.”

“This year’s run is once again happening on Sunday, September 17, and it is at 324 MacDonald St., which is the Vanier Collegiate football field. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., the run will start at 11 a.m. and we’ll go until 1 p.m.,” Stephanie Meyer explained. “We have a walking track option with some bouncy castle obstacle courses, fun and games, face painting, some points of interest for the younger kids to learn about Terry and what he did and how we support that cause through the [Terry Fox] Foundation.

“It would be very interesting if someone showed up with horses, but I do not think we have the insurance or space for that, so please don’t!” Meyer laughed. “We’d like to thank Vanier for supporting us, they’ve been great. We do have a short track option and then a 5 and 10k route for anybody who does want a full run. We enjoy the benefit of lots of run teams coming out each year and we definitely appreciate everyone who attends.”

Stephanie Meyer, one of the organizers of Moose Jaw’s annual Terry Fox event, is joined at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market on Sep. 9 by Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother (photo by Gordon Edgar)

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

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw Branch: For more information contact Rosalie Marcil at 306.691.0696 or email marcilr@sasktel.net September 20/23, Luncheon Mtg on Wed., Sept. 20th starting at 10:30 am at Masonic Hall 1755 Main ST. N Program: Guest Speaker - Jacki L’Heureux-Mason, Exec. Director Tourism MJ. Noon Luncheon: Roast Beef Dinner, Catered by Charlotte’s. Cost: $10pp. for STS member and partner/$20pp non-members. Please RSVP by Friday, Sept. 15th, to Rosealie if you plan to attend. (306-6910696) marcilr@sasktel.net

Next: All Luncheon Dates will be at the Masonic Hall: Wed. Nov. 15/23, Wed., Jan 17/24, Wed.March 20/24, Wed., May 15/24

New EVENTS:

1. *Provincial STS Stitch N’Quilt Retreat Sept 25-28, 2023 in Moose Jaw REGISTRATION deadline Sept. 12, 2023, Email Marlene McBain @ marlenemcb@ sasktel.net for more info.

2. * MJSTS - Teacher’s Talk and Walk2:00 - Tuesday, Sept.12,19 & 26. Meet @ Lions River Park in Wakamaw. Walk the path around Lions Park, or extend your walk and do a longer loop, or just enjoy nature and visit from your lawn chair. Bring your own refreshments and lawn chair.

The St. Andrews Fundraising Committee NOW accepting donations for a Yard Sale running from September 29th to October 1st. Donations accepted until September 29th. Please call Cheryl the office (306) 692-0533.

Launch of New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw on September 12th - An open house for youth aged 8 to 12, interested in learning how to play bagpipes or drums, will take place on Tuesday, September 12th from 7 to 8 pm in the library at Palliser Heights School, 1140 Simpson Avenue in Moose Jaw. You don’t have to be Scottish to learn and play. It’s music for everyone! Moose Jaw piper and former member of the Sprigs O’ Heather Pipe Band, Michelle Carline is heading up the initiative. Moose Jaw has a long history of pipe bands, including the 46th Battalion Pipes and Drums, the St. Andrew’s Society Boys Pipe Band, The White Hackle and the Sprigs O’ Heather. This new band will be called the White Heather, honouring some of Moose Jaw’s history.

The open house is free of charge and youth in attendance will be able to listen to, and talk to, youth members of the Conservatory of Regina Pipe Band. They will also have the opportunity to try chanters and drum pads under the guidance of experienced instructors. Instruments generously provided by Iain MacDonald of Reelpipes.com. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@ hotmail.com

Spring Valley Community Garage Sale hosted by the school will take place on September 16th, 9am-6pm indoors at the school. Tables are free and can be reserved by calling Sandra Runzer 306631-8302 or Patricia McKibben 306-6909706 Please book by Sept. 12th. The Hall will be selling burgers & hot dogs and snacks. Come out for the day, enjoy finding treasures and visiting the friendly folks out here.

The Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) 2nd annual Little Chicago Show & Shine will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10am to 3:30pm with vehicles lined up on Main St. from Caribou St to Manitoba St. Expanded registration this year for up to 300 vehicles and a third live music stage; 12 award categories, along with gift bags and dash plaques for the first 200 entrants. Registration $20 per vehicle, and entrants are asked to select their category and make payment with the online registration link on the DMJA website. If you are unable to complete your registration online, please email: dmja2021@gmail. com or call 306-694-4406.

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club www. moosejawlawnbowling.com or Call 306 690 8739 for additional times. Lawn Bowling is a recreational sport that provides mobility adaptations, as well as opportunities for intensive competitive play.

Everyone from 6 to 106 is WELCOME!

Moose Jaw’s greens are on the east side of beautiful Crescent Park. To Ask questions or register mjlawnbowling@gmail. com

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling fall hours will be (weather permitting) 6-7:30 pm Monday and Wednesday; 10-11:30am Tuesday. Additional Times can be booked.

Saturday Sept 16: Wind Up Tournament

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

Wednesday Sept 20: 6:30pm- Membership Meeting & election of officers Indoor on Turf@YARA- LawnBowls begins Oct 31 @9:30am

Annual Kids Carnival in the Moose Jaw Co-op Food Store parking lot on Sunday, September 17 from noon-4pm for guaranteed family fun! This FREE ENTRY event will include games, bouncy castles, food, and affordable fun for all!

Friends of the Library USED. BOOK.

SALE will be held Fri Sept.22. from 1 pm to 4:30pm and Sat. Sept.23. 9:30 am - 3 pm at the Moose Jaw Public Library Fall Line Dance Workshop will be held on September 23 with dancing from 1-4pm at the Cosmo Senior Centre – 235 – 3rd Ave. NE. Cost $10pp/Watchers $5. Snacks, coffee & water provided. Beginner/High Beginner and Improver Dances – No split floor – Cosmo Instructor Vel Smith; Guest Instructors – Brenda Winter & Cheryl Chow. For more information call 306.642.0015.

Next Gen Car Show Season Closer will be held on September 24 from 12-5pm at Tatawa Park in Moose Jaw in support of MJ Food Bank – pls bring a non-perishable item. Vehicle Registration is from 10am – 1pm. 2-Step Battle/Bass Competition/Limbo. Awards, giveaways, live DJ, food trucks, vendors. Show cars $20/ Spectators $10/Kids & pets free/Competitions $10 each. Town And Country Square Dancing will be held at St. Mary’s School for 20232024 season; 7pm to 9pm Monday nights starting September 25th.

Optimist Annual Fall Dance - Come Rock With - “Runaway Train” on Saturday, October 21st at Church of Our Lady.

Tickets - $40/person. Doors Open: 7 pm.

Dance: 8 pm. Cash Bar. Lunch Served. Sponsored by: The Friendly City Optimist with Proceeds going to Youth Project in the Community. Everyone Welcome! Safe ride home available. Call Brian: 306-631-6127 or Lloyd: 306-631-4129 or 306-694-4121.

Mulberry Estates Oktoberfest will be held on October 21st at 2pm at 220 Mulberry Lane. Please join us for music, photo booth, snacks and beverages. We hope to see you there! For more information call Tricia at 306.694.5020.

Briercrest Fall Supper, Sunday, October 22nd, 5:00-7:00 pm at the Briercrest Community Centre. Adults: $20.00, 6-12 years: $10.00, 5 and under: free. Tickets sold at the door, doors open at 4:30 pm. Sponsored by Briercrest Community Centre and Briercrest Museum. For more information contact Marge: (306) 6304092. Come and enjoy a homecooked meal of turkey, ham and all the trimmings! Griefshare support group for those grieving the death of a loved one on Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:15, Sept. 13 to Dec. 6 at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, corner of Thatcher and 9th Ave. W. To register see Griefshare.org/findagroup.

For more information email Ralph Magnus, rjmagnus57@gmail.com

Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. This will be a safe place to learn, ask questions, receive help, and more. Cory and Brenda have real-life experience in overcoming addictions and feel the call of the Lord to help others find their healing and build their foundation in Christ. If you have any questions please reach outCall or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com.

Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study meetings on Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counsellinCheck out our Facebook or Instagram page as we post updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting in Rm 103. You Are Not Alone! Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded. Toastmasters clubs utilize communication skill components to create the smorgasbord of benefits Toastmasters have potential to provide.

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

For more information text 306-690-8739 or email officers-3418@toastmastersclubs.org

TAP Toastmasters (TAP) meet every Tuesday at 7 pm. Email cathymorrell@gmail. com Church of Our Lady Bingo tales place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. (Corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W.) Please enter through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weigh-in takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm. Meeting to follow. TOPS can help you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendship, weight loss tips and offers encouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Our scale weighs up to 500 lbs.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club will not be meeting during the summer months. The next meetings will be the second and fourth Wednesday nights in September.

Moose Jaw Camera Club - First meeting of the 2023-2024 season is Monday September 11th. You are more than welcome to sit in and see what transpires. No committment. 7:00 PM Cosmo Centre. 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, 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.

ca/

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) regular programming returns and the Book Club. There is now a new youth advisory group called the Board of Library Teens (BOLT).

BOLT is intended to gather teen input to make the library more inviting and appealing for youth. To join, prospective board members must be between 13 and 19, commit 1 to 7 hours a month to the board, and be enthusiastic about working with a team to enhance library services. Chat with library staff to learn about BOLT and apply for the board.

The MJPL Summer Reading Club wrapup party is on Saturday, Sep. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. and will include cupcakes, face painting, and space-themed crafts.

The Summer Reading program benefitted from a Canadian Space Agency (CSA) grant this year. The grant focused on learning about space and space-related topics.

The CSA grant also enabled the purchase of Spike Prime LEGO kits. The kits are programmable and the library will be offering ongoing workshops for kids aged 8 to 12 to learn about designing, building, and programming using them. The first workshop is Saturday, Sep. 16 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The library is also highlighting the return of the MJPL Book Club, a 3D printing workshop using Cura Slicer software, and a new Digital Literacy workshop for Apple/iPhone/iPad devices.

MJPL All-Ages Programs in September

Eraser Stamp Making Tuesday, Sep. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. For all ages, no registration required, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

MJ Chess Club Sunday, Sep. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Meeting Room. All ages and experience levels welcome. Needlework Night Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. Any kind of fabric arts enthusiast welcome, snacks provided, drop-in program. Family Movie Night Wednesday, September 27 in the MJPL Theatre at 6:30 p.m. This month’s feature is James and the Giant Peach (1996).

MJPL Adult programs in September Tech Time By appointment only, call 306692-2787 to book a personalized one-onone session with a tech wizard who can help clients learn how to use their devices and apps.

Magic the Gathering For ages 13 and up, all experience levels welcome, drop-in program. Saturdays, September 16, and 23 at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room.

Digital Literacy for iPhone Bring your own or borrow one from the library and learn how to comfortably navigate the ins and outs of Apple devices. Registration required. Tuesdays, September 12 and 14 in the South Meeting Room at 2 p.m.

3D Printing Workshop Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. For ages 13 and up, registration required, participants should bring a laptop with the software Cura Slicer pre-downloaded.

MJPL Book Club Tuesday, Sep. 26 at 7

p.m. in the South Meeting Room. A dropin program to discuss Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands (2022) by Kate Beaton.

MJPL Youth programs in September

Teen D&D and New Adult D&D for ages 12 to 16, takes place Thursdays in the MJPL Archives at 6:30 p.m. New Adult Digital D&D for ages 15 to 22, takes place Fridays at 4 p.m. on the library’s Discord channel. Both programs require registration: Register by emailing youth@moosejawlibrary.ca. How do I do that?! workshop series Tuesdays, 2 to 4:30 p.m., and every other Saturday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 15 to 25. Get help with everything from scholarships to resume writing to budgeting.

Teen Gamers – Game Night Wednesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19. Featuring card games, board games, and video games in various formats. No registration required; snacks provided.

Teen “I Made This” Art Program Wednesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19.

Teen Anime Club Saturday, Sep. 23 at 2:30 p.m. in the MJPL Theatre. Snacks provided for this drop-in program, for ages 13 to 19. Featuring the wildly popular One Piece anime.

More information on MJPL programs, including the schedule of Children’s Programs in September, is at www.moosejawlibrary.ca.

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

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

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

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

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $5 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.

Drop-in Shuffleboard league every Friday at 7:00pm. Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Saturday. To see the total check out Facebook page on Wednesday and Fridays for the upcoming Saturdays numbers.

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

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 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.

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

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

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday @ 6pm

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

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

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

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

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

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

New – Spades Tuesday and Friday at 1pm

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Table Tennis – Monday Afternoon 1pm

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

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm

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

Jam and dancing (New Name Change) –

Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

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

net. Check them out on Facebook.

Monday: 9:30am - Pickleball / 1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/7pm-Camera Club – only on the 1st Monday of the month

Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pm-Pickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30am - TOPS / 9:30 am- Pickleball/1pm-PONYTAIL Canasta/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard

Thursday: 10 am - Line Dance/ 1pm-Pickleball

Friday: 9:30am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball

September 16: Social Dance with Band Leon Ochs. Cost $15pp includes lunch. Time 7;30-11:30pm.

September 23: Line Dance workshop from 1-5pm. Cost $10pp - $5 to watch. Snacks available.

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net Hours of Operation: Thursday 12-7 pm, Friday 1-10pm and Saturday 1-7 pm

Cribbage played every Thursday at 1:30pm Shuffleboard every Friday at 1:30 Pool and Darts every Friday at 7 pm Rental of our club is available Saturday at 4:30 pm Meat Draws, 50/50 and gift cards. Everyone including non-members are welcome to join in. ANAVETS #252 Membership Drive until November 11th. Half year memberships will be $22.50 for ages up to 64 and $17.50 for 65 years and older. Only those who have never been members of the Association in the past are eligible to apply. Check us out on Facebook.

Rental of our club is available

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary

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

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

SEPTEMBER 22 & 23, 2023 – ORIGINAL COVERS – playing in the Eagles Club Lounge starting at 8:00 pm Seniors’ Centre Without Walls offers a FREE telephone-based program that helps to engage seniors aged 55+ in activities, education, and conversation, all from the comfort of your own home. • No internet or computer is needed, only a phone, just like the old time party lines! To register for programs, phone 306-6314357 or email scwwsask2019@gmail. com

PIANO FAVOURITES with Lorne Jackson from 10am – 11am on Fridays, October through December. Lorne plays all the old fashioned music, eclectic mix of gospel, country, rock, blues, folk, traditional, holiday music, etc. To register for this program, phone 306-631-4357 or email scwwsask2019@gmail.com

Seniors Art Program Over the Phone: Thursday bi-monthly sessions from 10-11am - 8 session program runningSeptember 21 to December 21. All supplies mailed to you at no cost. September 21 – Mosaic jar #1 (mosaic pieces;) September 28 – Mosaic jar #2 & Turtle Island activity (air-dry clay); October 19 - Calligraphy lesson (Calligraphy marker); October 26 – Traditions from Mexico: Día de Muertos(oil pastels & gel pens); November 23 - Vortex drawing (pencil); November 30 - Four Season Tree project (acrylic paints;) December 14 - Winter silhouette Cool and Warm scene study (Oil pastels); December 21 - Christmas Clay with symmetrical shapes (clay and acrylics) Pre-registration is required. Maximum of 20 people that needed to be registered by August 25 to receive a kit. If interested in this program and to see if you are still able to register, phone 306-631-4357 or email swwsask2019@gmail.com Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989. You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free Virtual Coffee Club talks at: https://wdm. ca/coffeeclub/

SENIORS TIME TO REMINISCE September 23, 2023 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Join the WDM Moose Jaw in sharing new Reminiscence Kits, which have artifacts from the 1950s – 70s for you to guess and share memories about. View WDM photo albums and enjoy snacks and refreshments. Pick up a Seniors Activity Book to help you explore Museum Galleries. Information on how to rent the Reminiscence Kit will also be available. Regular Museum admission applies. FREE for WDM members

Wakamow Farmer’s Market vendors chat during last market day in the valley

September 9th was the final valley market day for the Wakamow Farmer’s Market, ending off the third year for the Wakamow Valley park fundraiser, which invites vendors of all kinds and has seen a rotating cast of approximately 75 stalls, food trucks, and stands since beginning in 2021.

“I feel our market was very good this year. It’s starting to plateau over the last couple of years, so you can see, I think on average we’ve had about 25 to 30 vendors every week,” said Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, general manager of the Wakamow Valley Authority. “Our attendance has been around 700 people each weekend, our biggest was 1,000. I consider that a fairly good, successful year.

“The weather has been wonderful. At least, every weekend I’ve worked, it’s been great weather. ... I think there was only one weekend where it was really windy and ugly, and that was a couple weekends ago, so, it’s been pretty good!”

“So, these are Super Dips. Over 45 flavours of veggie dips, fruit dips, meat rubs, and seasonings, and popcorn seasonings, too,” said Amanda Grimard. “The majority of them are salt-free, sugar-free, MSG-free, and gluten-free, so it’s really nice to have these healthy options for people.

“I know the owner, so I’m helping

her distribute into Saskatchewan here, and I’m the only one at the moment. ... I think this market is a great opportunity for those who have items to sell that may not be made in Saskatchewan. I couldn’t do this at the Langdon market, so the Wakamow market is very inclusive and allows other people the chance to sell. There’s new vendors every week, and it’s nice to be out

in the valley in this great location.”

Jeannette Madarash was selling her beadwork and paintings at the market.

September 9 was only her third market day ever in Moose Jaw.

“I do a lot of painting and I’ve done a lot of beadwork, just for fun, and I just decided to sell some of my art,” Madarash said. “I have lots of flowerpots, lots of jars, vases, that I enjoy painting. I actually started beadwork as a way to relieve anxiety, because it requires focus, and then I’ve always painted, and I’ve been doing more since I’ve had the time for it.

“I haven’t had a lot of success here

at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market, compared to the others I’ve been to, but there are a lot of great people here.”

Kayla LeDuc and Chad McNabb had a table set up selling their wirework crafts, which they began making and selling in May. They had a large variety of hand-crafted bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and more using tarnish-resistant copper wire, aluminum, or stainless steel.

“We also have earrings, pendants, vinyl stickets, and these stones which I polished myself,” LeDuc said. “It’s going really well. The market is fantastic, it’s a really great environment down here and we really enjoy attending.”

“Well, we always seem to end up spending more than we make,” laughed Jessica Watson and Gayle McNichol, the mother-daughter team behind With Intent Bodypiercing, which has a permanent storefront location on High St. W. “It’s nice to be able to get fresh food here and everything, veggies and what-not, and the other vendors are great.”

Along with body piercing and body jewellery supplies, With Intent sells fair trade clothing sourced from Nepal and India, hand-poured Made-in-Canada candles, hand-rolled incense, and “lots of other fun stuff.”

“This stall has a much quieter pace than at our store, which is nice, and we enjoy getting outside and reaching a different section of people than usual,” Watson added.

The Wakamow market is now closed for the season. The Homegrown Farmer’s Market on Langdon Crescent in front of the Moose Jaw Public Library runs until Thanksgiving weekend.

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw

Amanda Grimard sold healthy dips, meat rubs, and seasonings at this Super Dips stall

Jeannette Madarash selling her artisinal painting and beadwork art

Kayla Leduc and Chad McNabb selling hand-crafted wire-wrap bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and more

Prairie Bee Meadery at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market

Mother-daughter team Jessica Watson (l) and Gayle McNichol run With Intent Bodypiercing at 252 High St. W, but were happy for a change in scenery at Wakamow.

An artisanal textile vendor at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market

SCRAPS cat rescue at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market

‘CM’s Dreamy Suds’ at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market

‘Luv My Legz’ at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market

‘Maitri’s’ jewellery at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

An exception TESTS a rule; it NEVER proves it. -- Edmund C. Berkeley

AFFECT, ALWAYS, ANGER, AVOID, BONUS, BOUND, CAPTAIN, CARTEL, CHEER, CUTE, DEFENSE, ELEVATE EVERY, FURTHER, GLOAT, GRAVY, GUILT, HAPPY HITCH, HORSE, HUMID, JUDGE, LORE, MUSIC NOISE, RADIO, RELINQUISH, RODEO, SLANT STOLE, SURE, SUSPENSE, TERSE, TICKLE, YEAST

Be mistaken 45. Impales 46. What trains run on

S S S 48. Shoestring 50. Prefix meaning “Within” 51. Whip mark 52. “Oh dear!” 53. Applies lightly

A Great Lake

Moose Jaw Truck Shop

MISCELLANEOUS

Drywall lift for sale

$100.00. Round patio table and 4 chairs, lots of garden tools. Oak table and 4 chairs with leaf, 40” without leaf, 60” with leaf Call 306-6921025 or email hbcave@ sasktel.net

Firearms, I am paying cash for guns in the Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Any condition, parts, ammunition or anything pertaining to firearms. Free pickup of unwanted, gas operated lawn, garden, snowblowers, recreational, chainsaws, generators, boat engines, etc, as well as smaller farm equip-ment, Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Call or text 306-6414447

Ford half ton trailer, cap and winch. Good end gate 1978 $400 moose and quad. Treadmill

Energy 2000-$200.00. Popular Mechanics wood working books 25 books / $25.00. Panther Pro Tour Ladies Bike

$100.00, Older ladies’ bike $50.00. Pole vice $200.00, Call 306-6910050 after 4pm

For sale never used 5 burner gas counter top stove, 36” long, 20” width, dept 2.5”, element

7.5” across, $325.00. Couch folds into a bed, new still in box, beige color $325.00. 64 red oak spindles roughly 1 5/8” x 36” long, $4.50 each or all for $250.00. Call 306-693-3727

HOUSEHOLD

Love seat for sale. Brown in colour, excellent shape, $100.00 OBO. Please call 306694-1967

WANTED

Seeking Born -Again Christian Business partner with potential own-

ership in Second Hand and Flea- Market business. Male, Female or Family, must be interested in Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Outreach Ministry. Serious enquiries only please.

306-684-1084, 5 pm8pm ONLY (because of scam calls)

Wanted Shed Deer Antlers. Call 306-692-0800

CHILDRENS ITEMS

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Some southwest crops yielding half the provincial average

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express Flax

With just over half the crop in the bin Saskatchewan crop yields are all over the map, depending on drought and rainfall.

Spring wheat yields average 42 bushels an acre across the province but in the drought-riddled southwest yields average 28 bushels an acre.

In the southeast, including Moose Jaw, spring wheat is running at 41 bushels an acre.

Canola, averaging 31 bushels an acre in the province, runs at 33 bushels in the southeast, only14 bushels in the southwest which includes the area from Central Butte to Assiniboia and Coronach.

Lentils average 1,058 pounds an acre with southeast yields of 1,681 pounds and a mere 714 pounds in the southwest.

Durum averages 23 bushels, 37 in the southeast and 23 bushels in the southwest.

Average yield on peas is 30 bushels an acre with 37 in the southeast, 17 in the southwest.

Oats runs at 79 bushels across the province with 73 bushels in the southeast,

RD

30 in the southwest.

The southeast barley yield at 58 bushels an acre is one bushel better than the provincial average. The southwest yield is 25 bushels.

Provincial average for mustard is 599 pounds an acre with 469 in the the southwest and 1,373 in the southeast.

Flax averages 19 bushels in the province with 23 bushels in the southeast, 10 bushels in the southwest.

By the end of the Labour Day weekend, farmers had harvested 60 per cent of the crop, up from 31 per cent a week earlier. Long-term average completion is 33 per cent.

The southwest was 81 per cent done with three per cent used as livestock feed. The southeast was 49 per cent done with 21 per cent complete in the rainy northwest and 60 per cent in the west central region.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

tact Bill at 306-6302268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finish-ing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/ sidingno job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience.

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

COMMUNITY, EVENTS, MEETINGS & OCCASSIONS

Antique & Gun Show & Sale. Stampede Grounds Medicine Hat, Alberta. Saturday Oct 7th- 10am to 6pm: Sunday October 8th- 10am4pm

GARAGE SALES

Garage Sale- 286 Wellington Dr. Thursday September 21st - Saturday September 23rd.

Hours: Thursday and Friday 9:00am- 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am2:00pm. Featured items: clothes, gardening supplies, household items, movies, sporting goods, tools, toys. Cook books, Die Cast tractors, Jewellery box, Hunting clothes, 3 Firearms,

Power tools, Mountain Peak shelving, Knives, Toys, Wall & decor Pictures and Collector & wildlife plates, Ironwood Animal figures, Books, Records, all Sports cards, Garden tools, Firearm shells and much much more

Field

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

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

Copacetic

Earlier in the year I bought a hummingbird feeder with hopes of attracting the brightly coloured little birds outside our kitchen window. I fretted most of the summer as no tiny visitors arrived. Then Patti saw one at the feeder a few weeks ago. And just a few days later I observed three of the creatures fluttering around the feeder. All is now copacetic with the world.

The dictionary defines copacetic as very satisfactory. The word has an obscure origin.

The first known use of copacetic was in the early 1900s. A written occurrence of the word (as copasetic) was in A Man for the Ages (New York, 1919), a novel about the young Abraham Lincoln in rural Illinois, penned by writer Irving Bacheller (1859-1950). In the book the word is used by a character named Mrs. Lukins, noted for her idiosyncratic speech. Bacheller emphasizes that copacetic and coralapus are her peculiar property. “For a long time, the word coralapus had been a prized possession of Mrs. Lukins. There was one other word in her lexicon which was in the nature of a jewel to be used only on special occasions. It was the word copasetic. The best society of Salem Hill understood perfect-

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

ly that it signaled an unusual depth of meaning.” While coralapus passed into oblivion after the novel, it was only the beginning for copasetic Copasetic next appeared in 1920, in the lyrics of a song, ‘At the New Jump Steady Ball,’ by the African American songwriters Tom Delaney (1889-1963) and Sidney Easton (1886-1971). “Copasetic was the password for all, at the new jump steady ball,” [a speakeasy]. Thus begins a long association of the word with African American speech. It was used by the tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (1877-1949) in radio broadcasts during the 1930’s. Bojangles popularized copacetic in his vaudeville acts, radio programs, and movies he made with Shirley Temple in the 1930s.

Lexicographer Charles Earle Funke wrote an article in 1953, American Speech, which launched the search outside English for the origin of copacetic. He cites a report by a correspondent from Milwaukee that the word comes from the Louisiana French word coupe-sètique Unfortunately, outside of this claim, such a word is not known to exist in any variety of French. Until more evidence appears the origin of copacetic remains unclear apart from Bacheller’s novel.

There are some phrases that may be described as copacetic; everything is hunky-dory, wallowing in hog heaven, strolling along easy street, and living the life of Riley.

Hunky-dory is an American-coined adjective has been around since the 1860s. Its origin may come from the obsolete hunkey, meaning all right, which stems from the New York slang hunk, meaning in a safe position. It is presumed that this is derived from the Dutch root honk (home). The origin of dory is unknown.

The first print reference to hog heaven dates to 1945. But in 1871 the founders of the town that would become Moscow, Idaho, named their patch of land Hog Heaven. So, the concept must be older than the 1940s date. It’s likely just another of those rhyming or repeat-letter phrases that we like so well (i.e., the bee’s knees).

The expression easy street first appeared in print in 1902, in the novel It’s Up to You, by Hugh McHugh (really George Hobart). It was said of a very wealthy character that he “could walk up and down Easy Street.”

In 1880s America, “Reilly” had become a generic moniker for an Irish American male. In 1883, the vaudeville singer Pat Rooney popularized a song Is that Mr. Reilly, which included the chorus: Is that Mister Reilly, can anyone tell? Is that Mister Reilly that owns the hotel? Well, if that’s Mister Reilly they speak of so highly, Upon me soul, Riley, you’re doing quite well. This associated the fictional character of a “Mr. Reilly” with the idea of wealth and comfort. In 1918, after America’s entry into World War I, the expression living the life of Riley became popular in the military. Harry Pease, a popular British music hall entertainer, used it in his song My Name is Kelly in the verse: Faith and my name is Kelly, Michael Kelly, But I’m living the life of Reilly just the same. New generations were introduced to the phrase when actor William Bendix starred as Chester A. Riley in The Life of Riley, first in a radio series (1944-1951), then in a movie (1949), and finally in a TV series (1953-1958). In the ongoing comedy Bendix played Riley as a lovable lug with an enduring Brooklyn accent who worked on the assembly line at a California aircraft plant. Riley’s character was living a pretty good life. He was part of the generation that had grown up in the rough environment of the tenements of Brooklyn, had endured the Great Depression, and had survived World War II. And now Riley was living the American blue-collar dream, with a good-paying union job surrounded by loving friends and family. When things are going well, everything is copacetic Hope all is copacetic in your world.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage. John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Heartland Hospice holds 2nd annual Heartlights Memorial Ceremony at

Pioneer Lodge

Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, a community-based organization advocating for increased hospice and palliative care options in the city, held its second annual Heartlights Memorial Ceremony on August 30 at Pioneer Lodge.

The ceremony was held in the Serenity Garden that Heartland Hospice conceived, designed, fund-raised for, and completed last year. The full project of the organization at Pioneer Lodge includes the following:

• Three dedicated palliative/hospice rooms

• A family resource centre with reading materials and activities for children

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• A holy space for the use of the en- tire facility

• A dedicated family entrance separate from the long-term care entrance

• A serenity garden

• Essential palliative care training for hospice staff

The non-profit has already built one dedicated hospice room space, which served as a proof-of-concept. After years of passionate volunteer work, Heartland Hospice is now very close to completing all of their goals in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

In a September 9 media release, Amanda Dowling, a Heartland Hos-

pice board member, said that, “Under the warmth of the setting sun and in the calm of the evening, we gathered to honour the memory of those served to date in the Heartland Hospice Room, to honour those who worked as caregivers for their needs, to honour their beloved who grieve, and to be in a safe space with others who understand this grief.”

Local musician Lori McNaughton provided accompaniment for the ceremony, and guests at the Heartlights Memorial Ceremony included Tyler Mudry, SHA’s palliative community care co-ordinator, and Pat Campbell, a registered nurse working in the palliative home care program.

Also present were numerous family members of people who spent their final days in the hospice room and, of course, members of the Heartland Hospice board.

“The evening was meaningful and moving and Heartland Hospice was grateful to be able to support our community’s hospice care through this event,” Dowling said. “We are so thankful to all who helped in bringing the Serenity Garden, and this event, to readiness for this special evening.”

Learn more about Heartland Hospice on their website at heartlandhospicemj.ca.

Heartland Hospice 2nd annual Heartlights Memorial Ceremony, August 30, 2023 The Serenity Garden

Heartland Hospice 2nd annual Heartlights Memorial Ceremony, August 30, 2023 Board chair Angela Sereda

‘Promoted to glory’: Memorial service salutes Al Cameron,

Moose Jaw’s last WWII veteran

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The drone of military aircraft filled the skies as they flew over Moose Jaw to salute Allen (Al) Cameron, the community’s last Second World War veteran who died in late August.

The two CT-156 Harvard II training aircraft from 15 Wing Air Base flew over the Moose Jaw Funeral Home on Sept. 7 after a memorial service for Cameron, who died on Aug. 29 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital at age 98 after a fall.

Friends, family and members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 and Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) Club No. 252 attended to say goodbye.

A dream to fly

Cameron was born on May 18, 1925, in Saskatoon. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1941 and moved to Moose Jaw in 1943, where he performed basic training — and met his wife, Yvonne, with whom he shared 69 wonderful years.

He dreamed of being a pilot, but eyesight problems kept him from that goal. So, he became an airframe mechanic, and on June 24, 1944, he went overseas to work on planes. His service took him to Italy, where he worked with the 417 Spitfire Squadron.

He left the RCAF in 1946 but didn’t like civilian life, so after six months, he returned to the air force and served until 1969. That 26-year career included working under Col. O.B. Philp, who founded 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (Snowbirds) in 1971.

It would be another 50 years before Cameron set foot on the air base, returning in 2019.

Heartfelt tribute

During the service, Chief Warrant Officer Marlene Shillingford gave a heartful

tribute to Cameron.

“There are many who loved Al,” she said, describing him as a storyteller who generated many laughs. She met him in 2019 after that year’s Remembrance Day service and developed a solid friendship.

Shillingford remembers Cameron saying he received his airframe technician training in a downtown building that now houses Rexall Drugs — but formerly housed a dairy. There were planes in there that he and others could disassemble, repair and reassemble.

“So he (later) went over to Italy to fight … (and) he told us the Spitfires were a technician’s dream … and pilots enjoyed them as well,” she continued.

Another story Cameron told was of technicians sitting on the aircrafts’ tails as they taxied down the runway to ensure the propellers didn’t touch the ground and damage the machine. On one occasion, two mechanics forgot to jump off and one fell to his death while another survived.

“He really liked that story. I thought it was pretty cool, too,” Shillingford chuckled.

After the war, Cameron became an aircraft engineering officer — his call sign was “Spanner 2” — and worked at 15 Wing on newer fighters, including the CT114 Tutor plane. Shillingford noted that Cameron was one of only two mechanics allowed to fix Col. Philp’s personal aircraft, a sign of the respect he had acquired.

“He told me, looking back, he wouldn’t change a day in his life. He had a wonderful life and he was blessed by the good Lord,” she said.

Cameron was thrilled to receive an appreciation letter from the federal government in 2021 thanking him for his service, she continued. He believes Ottawa

recognized him for fixing a colonel’s plane in Italy and then joining the officer for a reconnaissance mission over German lines — twice.

That commendation now hangs in the ANAVETS Clubhouse to honour all veterans.

“Al was not just a veteran; to me, he was my friend … ,” Shillingford added. “I’m forever grateful and I will forever love this amazing man.”

‘Promoted to glory’

Majors Clarence and Karen Ingram with the Salvation Army officiated the service.

While giving a sermon, Mr. Ingram said it was OK to grieve Cameron’s death because that showed how much people cared for him. Furthermore, his soul had

Remembering the Fallen – WW II

The Three Vibrank, Saskatchewan, Leboldus Boys

By Richard Dowson

been “promoted to glory” and was now comfortably resting in his “heavenly home” with God.

A son’s perspective

Son Brett Cameron spoke to the media afterward, saying the family was honoured to have 15 Wing perform the flyover to show its respect for him.

“He was a special guy. You know, he certainly enjoyed the military. He certainly enjoyed the church and he enjoyed the Salvation Army and everything he did, especially his singing,” Brett said. “He sang with just about every choir in town and played in almost every band. So, music was very special to him as well.”

Cameron’s obituary indicated he played and sang in the RCAF Concert Band, the Lion’s Club adult band, the Shrine Military Band and the Oriental Band. He was also a founding member of the Bad Boys Sax Trio and sang O Canada twice for the WHL Moose Jaw Warriors.

The younger Cameron acknowledged his father’s special status as the last Second World War veteran in Moose Jaw, pointing out there aren’t many such men still living.

“I can remember him telling me every time he’d get his Legion book how many vets were dying on a daily basis because they have that in the magazine,” he said. “So, he was aware of the situation.”

Cameron’s most vivid memories of his father are from the three years the family lived in Europe while Allen served in the RCAF and all the moves they made across Canada.

The younger Cameron added that he appreciated 15 Wing making his dad feel welcome — especially during the pandemic — because he and his sister lived on opposite ends of the country and couldn’t travel then.

A chance encounter with Mick LeBoldus and his wife Barb led to a discussion about Mick’s four relatives from Vibank who served in WW II. Of the four boys, three served, the RCAF and were killed.

The boy’s Mom served as the 1955 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother, representing all the Canadian Mom’s who had lost children during WW II.

She was terrified of flying but flew to Ottawa to represent all the grieving Moms. She laid this wreathe at the War Memorial in Ottawa.

often simple facts. The ‘emotion’ usually has to be implied. In the case of the Leboldus boys there are two items that help understand who they were and the pain and duress individuals felt over the loss of the three boys.

This letter is from the Dad, John, to the DND and written just 7 weeks before the third son, Martin was KIA on a raid on Leipzig, Feb, 19/20, 1944. The letter drips of despair. There is no answer for his challenge. The reader feels the father’s sadness and pain.

This second letter – and there are more at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial site – is to a ‘lady friend’ of Sergeant John Leboldus. One assumes she was sent information that John was Missing because she was listed as a ‘Family Contact. They may have been engaged.

One can only imagine that Miss White and John had planned a life together – and that the dream was now gone forever.

Sergeant Martin B. Leboldus,

R/61333 was the Flight Engineer aboard this RCAF 419 Squadron Halifax II, s/n JD114, Code VR-V named ‘Medicine Hat’ that was lost without a trace while on a bombing run to Leipzig on February 19/20, 1944. After take-off the aircraft was

never heard from again. All on board were presumed killed.

The Halifax Mark II was an old aircraft. Many versions had been built since. The Bomber would have had new Hercules radial engines installed by ground crew men like Bill Waud of Moose Jaw or Ben Smart of Parkbeg but otherwise, it was a rickety old bird.

Sergeant Martin Benedict Leboldus was born February 10, 1921 in Vibank and enlisted in Regina, May 1, 1940. (Lower case ‘b’ based on documents)

Denouement

Like his relative Martin, Mick LeBoldus also served in 419 Squadron, RCAF.

The family of the Leboldus boys has done an excellent job of keeping their memory alive.

The following was sent to me by Will Chabun of the Regina (Gomme) Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. It is an excellent summary of events and the individuals.

Researching lives lost in WW II is

He retired as a Fighter Pilot and soon after became Director for Ground Based Training and Operations at NFTC Military Aviation Training in Moose Jaw. Mick is now fully retired.

A photograph of Allen (Al) Cameron from his younger days in his Masonic uniform, with his military medals below. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Flight Engineer Martin Leboldus’ ‘Hallie Bag’ Bomber named “Medicine Hat” Credit: Aircrew Remembered

419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, RCAF – King’s Crown Patch

AUTO RACING

Thursday

4 p.m. FSR ARCA Racing Series Bristol.

BASEBALL

Thursday

5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays.

Friday

5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays.

Saturday

7:30 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers at Seattle Mariners.

Monday

9:30 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics.

Wednesday

5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees.

FOOTBALL

Thursday

6:15 p.m. EDACC TSN NFL Football Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles.

Friday

7:30 p.m. TSN CFL Football Edmonton Elks at Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Saturday

5 p.m. TSN CFL Football Ottawa Redblacks at BC Lions.

Sunday

6:15 p.m. WDIV NFL Football Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots.

6:20 p.m. CKCK TSN NFL Football Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots.

Monday

5:15 p.m. TSN NFL Football New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers.

6 p.m. WXYZ NFL Football Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers.

6:15 p.m. EDACC NFL Football Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers.

8:30 p.m. TSN NFL Football Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers.

HORSE RACING

Thursday

3:30 p.m. FSR Horse Racing America’s Day At the Races.

Saturday

3 p.m. WDIV Horse Racing Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

RUGBY

Friday

5:30 p.m. TSN 2023 Rugby World Cup New Zealand vs. Namibia.

SOCCER

Wednesday

5:30 p.m. TSN MLS Soccer Toronto FC at Inter Miami CF.

8:30 p.m. TSN MLS Soccer Minnesota United FC at LA Galaxy.

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TCM (6:00) < French Connection <++ To Live and Die in L.A. ('85) William Petersen. (:15) < Boys in the Band

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42 TCM (6:00) <+++ Cooley High <++ Shag ('88) Scott Coffey, Phoebe Cates. <+++ Diner ('82)

47 AMC To Be Announced (:45) 101 Scariest Horror (N) 101 Scariest Horror (N)

48 FSR (5:30) Drone NHRA in 30 NHRA Pro NHRA Drag Racing Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 (6:45) <++ The Eyes of Tammy Faye ('21) < Brother ('22) Aaron Pierre, Lamar Johns on (P)

CRV1 Movie (:25) < Pil's Adventures ('21) Dalila Bela. <+++ Tár ('22) Noémie Merlant, Cate Blanchett.

56 CRV2 (6:10) <+++ No Time to Die ('21) Daniel Cr aig The Chi "Long Live" Billions

57 CRV3 (:20) The Office "Finale" (:10) Parks (:35) Parks Search Party Search Party Tokyo Vice "Kishi Kaisei"

58 HBO Movie (:25) < Kill Chain: Cyber War on America's < Being Mary Tyler Moore ('23)

WEDNESDAY EVENING MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

3 CBKFT Stat (N) L'épicerie Les enfants de la télé (N) Plan B "Comme avant" (N) Le téléjournal (N)

5 CFRE Big Brother (N) Superfan (N) (SF) So Help Me Todd Global News at 10 (N)

6 CKCK MasterChef "Finale Part One; Finale Part Two"

Matt Damon (P) 33 CMT Cheers Cheers Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Frasier Frasier

TLC Sister "Thanks for Nothing" Sister Wives Sister WivesSister Wives

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306-694-4747

Project Shine raises

St. Aidan Anglican Church was handed a check on Sept. 8 at the Moose Jaw Coop, after the successful first run of Project Shine. The check was co-signed by Moose Jaw Co-op and SaskWater, and the funds will help St. Aidan’s continue to strengthen our community.

St. Aidan’s has provided meals to the less fortunate members of our community for quite some time, and Project Shine is the church’s most recent undertaking.

“Right now, I would say on average we are looking at 50 meals per day that we’re serving, but it does fluctuate,” said Michelle Josefson, the parish administrator at St. Aidan’s. “At one point since we started, we were serving over 100 (meals per day).”

The community’s needs fluctuate based on several factors, including who’s in the city, who else is providing resources, and just the timing of things.

There are other organizations assisting the unhoused, but there’s been a gap on weekends and St. Aidan’s has made its mission to keep resources available every day of the week.

“There was a desire within our congregation to step into that gap, so we started serving lunches by April of 2020, and the need hasn’t decreased whatsoever, so we just carried on with that project,” said Josefson.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to the hunger situation in Moose Jaw, and St. Aidan’s took note. The parish couldn’t raise enough funds alone, so Josefson knew she’d have to reach out to the community.

True to their long history of charitable outreach, both the Moose Jaw Co-op and SaskWater agreed to help St. Aidan’s reach their noble goal. Project Shine is the result of this collaboration.

Josefson said she was happy to have support from neighbours. “SaskWater is literally a block from us, and we’re just a

for St. Aidan’s weekend lunch program

those who are most in need while the next project is being planned.

“We wanted to come up with something that would not be necessarily tied to the specific recipient, and then something that we could attach a logo or an emblem of some sort, so we came up with the sun,” Mihalicz explained.

The sun logo serves as an acronym, and is fitting as the program seeks to strengthen, unite, and nurture everyone in the community.

“This is the first time we’ve done this, and it won’t be the last. We intend to do this on a yearly basis,” Mihalicz confirmed.

The goal was to raise $2,500 at the Moose Jaw Co-op and then for SaskWater to match that amount for a combined total of $5,000. This money will then be used to purchase and deliver food for the meal program.

In total, Project Shine has raised an impressive $7,895.69.

few blocks from Co-op. It’s like a neighborhood coming together” to help those in need, she said.

Funds were raised for the program through voluntary donations made by customers at Co-op’s tills.

“It was a month-long till campaign for the month of August,” explained Maureen Latta, the interim marketing and community relations manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op. “Basically, Project Shine is a new inspiration… to do in collaboration with SaskWater, where we selected a local organization that was doing really good work regarding food security.

“We had great faith in our members and customers because they are very generous… we are very happy with the outcome,” Latta said.

Josefson said St. Aidan’s is grateful for the support. “(We’re) so grateful for everybody, and the community that was willing to give their extra change… for them to make that choice to contribute to this project was wonderful,” she said, noting that it’s even more remarkable with current living costs.

SaskWater then matched the amount raised at the Co-op.

“SaskWater was happy to jump on the success and the experience and the reputation that Co-op has in the community from doing this kind of work…,” Courtney Mihalicz said. Mihalicz is the manager of corporate communications at SaskWater.

The project was given a name designed to keep the door open for future beneficiaries, as support is intended for

Latta also wanted to recognize the cashiers at the Moose Jaw Co-op for their important role in the project. “Without the support and the promotional talents of our cashiers, it just wouldn’t have been the same. They’re already very busy… (and) they did an amazing job of fitting that into their routine…,” she said.

Both SaskWater and the Moose Jaw Co-op have an ongoing community investment program. Interested parties won’t be able to sign up for future Project Shine campaigns directly, but they can get the dialogue started.

The SaskWater application form can be found on its website at SaskWater.com.

The Moose Jaw Co-op has a form for its community support program online at https://www.moosejawco-op.crs/sites/ moosejaw/.

St. Aidan Anglican Church is located at 124 First Avenue Northeast and can be reached at 306-694-5445.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

St. Aidan Anglican Church received $7,895.69 from Moose Jaw Co-op and SaskWater to support their weekend lunch program on Sept. 8, 2023. Photo by: Aaron Walker

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Our m o t t o is Cu s t omer Satis f action!

W e ca r r y a large selection of r eplac e ment pa r ts and acc e sso r ies f or most ma k es and models of t r ailers. B r a k es, lights, elect r ical, sp r ings, U-bolts, bea r ings, seals, sa f e ty c hains, ja c ks, couplers, doors, wind o ws, b r a k e cont r ollers, s t o r age cabin e ts, helm e t cabi n e ts, t r immer r a c ks, sh o v el and b r oom r a c ks, coupler lo c ks, hit c hes, ti r es, r ims and so mu c h mo r e. Our p r o f essional and kn o w ledgeable s t a f f will ensu r e t hat t he job is done r ight. W e use on l y b r and name co m ponents in o r der t o b r ing t he v e r y best in r eplacement pa r ts t o y ou. F r om t he big jobs, t o t he small jobs, our s t a f f is dedica t ed t o y our satis f action. W e n o t on l y p r o vide y ou wi t h an estima t ed co m pl e tion time. Y our time and mon e y a r e as i m po r t ant t o us as t h e y a r e t o y ou.

W e beli ev e in deli v e r ing t o our cus t omers t he highest q uality t r ailer r eplacement pa r ts, t r ailer accesso r ies and se r vice w o r k in t he indust r y . Our mission is t o p r o vide our cus t omers wi t h t he r ight pa r ts and best se r vice f or all ma k es and models of t r ailers. W e s t o c k hund r eds of b r and name r eplacement pa r ts f or s t o c k , horse, cargo and f lat de c k t r ailers. Be f o r e y our n e xt t r ip wi t h y our t r aile r, visit us an l e t us ma k e su r e y our t r ailer is “ r oad r eady”!

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