Moose Jaw Express, February 5th, 2025

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Volume 18, Issue 6 | Wed., Feb 6, 2025

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Dear Readers and Advertisers,

to Change**

Beginning February 5th, you will notice a change in the appearance of the Moose Jaw Express. For the past 14 years, our paper has been printed in Estevan. Unfortunately, the press used by the Moose Jaw Express, as well as several other regional and national newspapers, is closing.

To ensure uninterrupted publication of the Moose Jaw Express, we have secured a new printing press in Alberta. We will now be printed by the same press used by the Edmonton Sun..

We are proud to call Moose Jaw our home and remain committed to providing our readers with the same trusted news and sports coverage. We will continue to print 13,000 papers each week, delivered by carriers and available in honor boxes, free to our readers.

Our loyal advertisers will continue to see the same great results, and we thank them for their ongoing support in bringing local news to our community each week.

Rob Ritchie Joan Ritchie Owner/Publisher Owner/Editor

Moose Jaw Kinettes invite you to come celebrate eight decades of community service

The Kinette Club of Moose Jaw is marking a significant milestone as the club prepares to celebrate 80 years of dedicated service, camaraderie, and community impact with a come-and-go event at the Grant Hall Hotel this February.

The 80-year celebration will be free of charge and everyone’s invited to attend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.

“We would love to have community members and the public come see what we’re about, what we’ve done over the years, and just help us celebrate that we’ve been around for 80 years,” announced Michelle Duckworth, president of the Moose Jaw Kinette Club.

The upcoming event will feature a meet-and-greet atmosphere and guests from all walks of life are invited to enjoy coffee, tea, and a few light snacks. Highlights will include a few words from current club president Duckworth, a few past members, and possibly a few words from

Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The goal is to help celebrate the club’s history, honour the contributions of past and current members, and bring the community together to reflect on eight decades of service and accomplishments.

The Kinette Club has a long history of impactful community projects that include founding the Meals on Wheels program in Moose Jaw. As well, Kinettes sponsor the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Speed Skating Club, host university scholarship programs, and organize Christmas hampers for families in need.

The Kinette Club continues to support Moose Jaw Family Services, the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, and the Moose Jaw Transition House.

Guided by its mandate of “serving your community’s greatest need,” the club continues to explore ways to address ongoing challenges such as homelessness and supporting local families.

“I would say one of our greatest needs (right now) is (supporting) the

Day on Saturday, Feb. 22, with details to follow. The Kinettes will also support the largest province-wide fundraiser sponsored by the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs,

active members and Duckworth said she hopes to grow the ranks in 2025.

“I would love to see a large club,” she said. “I know that the Kinsmen are very prominent in our community, and I would love it if we had a name that’s just as prominent… Without it, we’re not (able to) support the community. I would just love to see us be able to do so much more.”

The Kinette Club’s success would not be possible without a supportive community. From members joining the ranks to residents donating to its fundraising projects, this involvement has been essential, Duckworth noted.

If you’re interested in joining the Moose Jaw Kinette Club, you can reach out by email at MooseJawKinetteClub@ gmail.com, by phone at 306-631-1403, or through any of the club’s active social media channels including ‘Moose Jaw Kinette Club’ on Facebook. All regular club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Comfort Inn’s meeting room. The club’s next general meeting is

The Grant Hall Hotel is located at

START PLANNING YOUR FUTURE NOW

It’s never too late to start contributing to an RRSP. The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2024 tax year is March 3rd, 2025. Call me to discuss your RRSP portfolio.

Gale Toews, Financial

Advisor

Gale Toews Private Wealth Management of Raymond James Ltd. 602 – 1st Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3M6 306-693-4430 gale.toews@raymondjames.ca www.raymondjames.ca/GaleToewsPrivateWealthManagement

Peavey Mart closing all 90 stores, including outlet in Moose Jaw

Peavey Industries is closing all 90 of its Peavey Mart stores across Canada, including its outlet in Moose Jaw, although the exact closure date is still unknown.

Peavey Mart made a post on its social media accounts on Jan. 28, updating its customers in all the communities it serves about what is happening with the business.

“To out valued customers and communities,” Peavey Industries wrote. “Yesterday (Jan. 27), our company announced that it had sought and obtained an initial order for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) from the Court of King’s Bench Alberta.”

After recently closing 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, the company began liquidation sales at all 90 Peavey Mart and six MainStreet Hardware locations nationwide, the post continued. The decision to seek creditor protection and close its stores followed significant challenges in the retail industry, including low consumer confidence, inflation, rising costs and supply chain disruptions.

“These factors have created significant obstacles for businesses like

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Peavey,” the company said.

It also reminded customers across Canada about the many local initiatives Peavey Mart carried in the communities it serves and called for further local support.

“As a proudly Canadian retailer with nearly 60 years of history, predominantly serving rural communities, we have faced the extreme pressures affecting Canadians across the country. Through it all, we have remained committed to the values that define us,” the company said.

“For decades, Peavey Mart has supported local events, funded charities and worked to strengthen the communities we call home,” it continued. “If you’ve ever benefited from one of our partnerships or seen the impact of our initiatives, we humbly ask for your continued support to help us work through this challenging time.

“Every time you choose to shop locally or support a Canadian retailer, you help make your community more prosperous,” the post added. “By choosing Canadian retail businesses, you ensure that dollars stay within Canada, supporting the people, organizations and liveli-

MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures

TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicures

THURS: 25% o Relax Massage (exc. RMT) FRI: $99 - 60 Minute Facials (including dermaplaning)

hoods that enrich our communities.”

The company also noted that it has seen people’s comments, posts, stories and has “felt all of them at our very core.”

“We acknowledge how difficult this has been for our staff, our customers and our communities. We know how much this brand means to you, and in return we want to say thank you. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of our organization’s history,” the company added.

“Thank you for believing in us. We value our customers more than words can express.”

The Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com attempted to seek comment from the manager of Moose Jaw’s

Peavey Mart, but she declined and directed all comments to the national head office. The head office emailed a news release with comments from the president/CEO and indicated that it had nothing else to say about the situation.

“This was a profoundly difficult decision, but one that allows us to explore the best possible alternatives for the future of the Company,” said Doug Anderson, president/CEO of Peavey Industries LP.

“For nearly six decades, our customers’ loyalty, employees’ dedication, and the resilience of the communities we serve have been the cornerstone of our business,” he continued. “We remain focused on working with our partners and stakeholders to preserve the Peavey brand and the value it represents.”

The company’s immediate priority is to generate liquidity through the closure process while continuing to work with funders, partners, and stakeholders to explore potential opportunities to preserve the brand, the release added. Peavey Industries LP remained committed to providing regular updates as the situation developed.

Raymond James Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc.,

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

No matter who you are, we all go through hills and valleys in life. Not every day is a picnic. Sometimes we are just so overloaded with life our internal circuit blows a fuse. It seems this can happen a little more during the cold gloomy days of winter because of isolation or whatever, but there’s hope. There are some things to help improve our frame of mind.

It’s called encouragement! And according to the Oxford dictionary, it means “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope, persuasion to do or to continue something, incentives and encouragement…or the act of trying to stimulate the development of an activity, state, or belief.

Did you know you can encourage others but also yourselves?

Here are a few practical and

Editor’s Note

thoughtful ways to encourage others:

In fact, one of the best ways to encourage someone is to tell them you “love” them…as an affirmative. Somehow this helps to build them up and also creates a bond between you and them. Speaking those words, “I love you” come back and forth daily for sure in our communications in our household and with those we care about.

If there’s an opportunity to give someone who is discouraged a hug, it’s just letting them know that you care. Hugging is a great affirmation of appreciation and support to an individual.

Telling jokes is also a great way to lift one’s heart and countenance to lighten their burden. By appreciating what others have done vocally is also a wonderful gesture because some people are most encouraged by acts of kindness or service.

If you know or see someone struggling with doing something, do the job for them just because you care.

Listening is a great outlet too, to let people vent. Somehow just getting it off one’s chest helps lighten the load. We

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

all need to vent sometime.

Validating a person is also something that can be done to let them know that they are special and thought of in a respectful and appreciative way.

For some at one time or other, a person can feel so low they “can’t even dangle their feet off the edge of a piece of paper.” How can we find more motivation even to make small positive changes to lift up our hearts or minds? For most, it’s not so much that you don’t know what to do, but rather that you can’t even get yourself started.

Here are a few practical suggestions to get yourself out of a slump:

Self acceptance and recognizing where you are is the first step. Develop hope and look for sources of inspiration.

Take into consideration your strengths and realize that you can overcome any problem or situation. Focusing on the positive rather than the negative will help to build your confidence.

Embrace positive peer pressure. Look for people in your life who have been an inspiration or lift you up and seek them out to spend more time with.

Don’t internalize your feelings but sharing them with someone you trust helps to lessen the burden. Express yourself vocally without blaming others.

In life, it really helps to practice gratitude (along with yourself) because it helps when you encourage someone else for what they have done or who they are, and at the same time realize you have the same potential.

Think positive thoughts and look at the bright side of life.

Baby steps count with positive self-talk. Speak affirmative words to yourself and soon you will embrace and believe them.

Having faith is something that is also very instrumental in helping an individual overcome, feeling that they aren’t alone in a situation but have a God who cares and is there to help.

We are all unique and face different challenges in life, but it is how we handle each situation that helps each of us overcome them. Be of good cheer! There’s always a silver lining in a gray cloud.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic extends a heartfelt thank you to the Yuel family for their outstanding $2M contribution to the Time to Rise campaign in support of the construction of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus.

This generous support enables the creation of the Yuel Family Collaborative Learning Space, a dynamic hub for students to access across all programs on the new campus This modern learning environment will provide a space to foster connections and collaboration to help train the workforce of the future

Thank you, Yuel family, for your dedication to education and community growth. As we raise $100M, we are grateful for your commitment to Saskatchewan, and your support as Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to develop the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators who will push the boundaries of what’s possible Thank you!

First responders campaign to ensure no child goes without essential care products

When members of Moose Jaw’s first responder organizations learned of the need for essential care products among students in both school divisions, they got to work organizing a hygiene product drive to ensure no child will continue to go without these essentials.

The campaign was launched by the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS), Moose Jaw Fire Department, Saskatchewan RCMP, Medavie Health Services West, and the Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Service with drop-off locations available at the physical address of each of these essential services.

The campaign ran from Dec. 6, 2024, until its conclusion on Jan. 15.

“After hearing (of this need), we as an organization, along with (other) Moose Jaw first responders, wanted to try and help the youth in our community by starting this hygiene drive,” said the MJPS in a typed response.

Although exact figures were not confirmed, several boxes, plastic totes, and cloth bags were filled with items ranging from toothbrushes to shampoo to loofas at the conclusion of the drive. In one instance, the Atria Mulberry Estates community donated four boxes on Jan. 15.

“We cannot put an exact number for items donated, but given the volume of donations, many youths within our community will benefit from the personal care products that were donated,” the MJPS said.

“Being a community-first police service, this type of initiative is part of our strategic plan, which is to enhance relationships and engagement with the residents within Moose Jaw.”

The drive was launched in response to reports from the Prairie South and Holy Trinity school divisions indicating that some students lacked access to necessary hygiene products. To address this need, Moose Jaw’s first responder organizations set up drop-off locations at their respective headquarters and encouraged residents to donate unopened items such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and other personal care essentials.

The result was another outpouring of support from a

community known for its generosity.

“We could not have asked for a better response from the community — Moose Jaw answered the call,” the MJPS wrote. “We are so grateful and appreciative of the support that the hygiene drive received from the community.”

These items are now being distributed to local schools to ensure that students in need have access to these essential care products.

The MJPS and its partners expressed their appreciation for the ongoing support of the community.

“We would like to give a big thank you to the community of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw first responders for their support in this hygiene drive. The impact you’ve made on Moose Jaw’s youth will be long-lasting.”

If you missed the opportunity to contribute and would like to help out, one organization that will continue to accept donations is the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) located at 60 Athabasca Street East. Before leaving a donation, the MJMC asks each donor to call ahead to confirm that specific items are being accepted as storage space is limited.

The MJMC can be reached during regular business hours at 306-693-4677.

Tuesday, February 18 th

~ Houston Pizza

117 Main Street North, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

Tuesday, February 25 th

~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room

9th Avenue South & Grandview Street, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

please join us for this 90 minute seminar over a great meal

~ invite a friend or family member as well ~

people make it a priority to look after their own arrangements. Find out how to control costs, provide peace of mind to your family and executor, and fund costs in advance (with a monthly payment or lump sum). Purple Shield Plans are customized to your wishes.

Since a complimentary meal will be provided, we would request hearing of your plans to attend by calling Moose Jaw Funeral Home 306.693.4550

Tuesday, March 4 th

~ Houston Pizza

117 Main Street North, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

Monday, March 10 th

~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room

9th Avenue South & Grandview Street, Moose Jaw 6:30pm (from the menu)

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Photo by: Moose Jaw Police Service/Facebook

HOMEBASE Moose Jaw showcases youth services during open house tour

HOMEBASE Moose Jaw welcomed the community as its youth committee led tours, organized games, and handed out swag bags to the sound of live entertainment by musician Triffy last week.

Following its grand opening on Nov. 14, 2024, a community open house was held on Jan. 31 to help spread awareness of the space just over two months into its operation.

“It has been very exciting,” said Jill Lesuk, director of HOMEBASE Moose Jaw as she reflected on its first few months. “We’re really excited to navigate the landscape of providing integrated youth services. We’re continuing to build partnerships, create awareness,

and work with our youth committee in ensuring that youth receive the services that they need.”

HOMEBASE, a facility for youth ages 12 to 25, embodies its motto, “For Youth, By Youth,” by creating a space where young people can suggest the supports they need through its in-house youth committee.

“Because our mottos is, ‘For Youth, By Youth,’ I think their perspective is so important,” Lesuk said. “They mentioned having a space where youth could develop skills… and receive peer support. They thought it would encourage more youth to get help with their mental health struggles and bring youth together in community.”

One highlight during the open house was the Indigenous room, which is a dedicated healing space where youth can smudge, pray, and feel safe.

Indigenous artist Sadi-Rose Vaxvick unveiled a vibrant new mural featuring the four sacred medicines — sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco — alongside her interpretation of Metis-inspired dot art.

Lesuk said the Learning Lab has been the most popular space so far, and many youths mentioned how they ap-

For its first year in operation, HOMEBASE hopes to establish itself as a trusted community for all youth to meet them where they’re at in their journey and offer needed supports, regardless of background, struggles, or successes.

preciated having somewhere quiet to finish their homework and study for final exams.

The Indigenous room and Learning Lab are only two spaces from a list of many.

“So, this month, we had various drop-in events such as a conversation circle, a paint night, cake pop decorating, and some more things,” Lesuk noted about January’s program lineup.

Every Wednesday, youth can access newcomer services from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The onsite Learning Lab is open for those needing a space to work on resumes, job applications, or other documents requiring computer and internet access. Youth can work independently or receive guidance from peer support staff and may also use HOMEBASE as

On Thursdays, a primary care physician is available to provide general health services including physical checkups, mental health and addiction support, and sexual health care. RBC visits monthly to deliver mini presentations on topics from employment to

banking. The February session planned for Thursday, Feb. 20, will focus on basic banking for newcomers, while a new monthly series set to begin in March will help youth prepare to enter the workforce.

For parents and caregivers, the upcoming Parenting Lunch and Learn series, in partnership with the Prairie South School Division, will offer tips and strategies for navigating the pre-teen and teenage years of development. These sessions will take place on the last Wednesday of each month from March until May and a light lunch will be provided. Registration is available via email at Homebase@Regina. YMCA.ca.

HOMEBASE prioritizes mental wellness and offers drop-in counseling with a mental health lead available daily. Youth can check the calendar on HomebaseSask.ca to stay updated on new developments.

For its first year in operation, HOMEBASE hopes to establish itself as a trusted community for all youth to meet them where they’re at in their journey and offer needed supports, regardless of background, struggles, or successes.

“A successful conclusion of this goal would be high community engagement, increasing our partnerships in the community, growing services, and having a positive impact on the youth in Moose Jaw,” Lesuk said.

To learn more call 306-694-5554, email Homebase@Regina.YMCA. ca, visit HomebaseSask.ca, or follow ‘HOMEBASE Moose Jaw’ on Facebook.

HOMEBASE Moose Jaw is located at 52 High Street West.

Gina Jewelry International

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Indigenous artist Sadi-Rose Vaxvick (pictured) unveils her new Metis-inspired dot art mural during the HOMEBASE Moose Jaw open house tour on Jan. 31. Photo by: Aaron Walker

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Tasty ideas for season of hearts and flowers

It will soon be the season of hearts and flowers and special foods to be served at parties in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

2 tbsps. vinegar

Lion Dance’s return adds extra joy to Chinese New Year banquet

The return of the Lion Dance performance was exciting for people who attended this year’s Chinese New Year banquet, including for the two brothers who brought the animal to life.

Siyuan Zhang, 13, and his brother Sijia, 9, had roughly three weeks to learn the traditional Chinese dance, which is usually performed on big occasions to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. Moreover, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority.

This was Siyuan’s first time wearing the costume — he wore the head and his brother acted as the hindquarters — so he watched several videos to understand how the traditional dance should go.

“I am so enjoying playing with the lion head and I thought, ‘Wow, it’s so amazing,’” the teenager said. “Also, with the instructions, I would like to play with it more. That’s how I feel.”

Learning the simple movements of the dance was OK, but it took more coordination and practice to perform other actions like jumping, Siyuan added. Even with those challenges, he would wear the costume again and perform at future banquets.

Besides the Lion Dance, a three-man band comprised of Jeff Wickenhauser, his son Dylan, and Terry Tian performed several songs, including “Blue Lotus”

and “Chengdu.”

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Although not Chinese, the Moose Jaw-born Wickenhauser sang the songs in Mandarin, a language he picked up — more conversationally than fluently — after teaching in China for 10 years. He moved back to The Friendly City in 2015 with a Chinese wife and young son in tow.

It took the guitarist about an hour to learn the lyrics to the three songs, although he was familiar with the songs for several years, he said. Meanwhile, he began playing at the Grant Hall Hotel last year after Tian asked him to perform at the Lantern Festival.

“I don’t really perform for people; I only play it as a hobby,” said Wickenhauser. “But (Tian) kind of twisted my arm and I said, ‘OK, I’ll

do it.’ … I roped him into playing lead guitar, and then I had my son play drums.

“It was a good sound. And everybody enjoyed it, so we thought, ‘Let’s just keep this going,’” he continued, noting that they practise regularly and add songs when they become more comfortable. “It’s just a hobby; I just like it.”

Wickenhauser is friends with Kelvin Hu, the president of the Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network (MJCCN), which hosted the New Year’s

banquet at Jade Garden on Jan. 27 and welcomed in the Year of the Snake. The latter asked the former to perform at the banquet, with the guitarist agreeing since Grant Hall wasn’t hosting the annual Lantern Festival — where they met in 2024 — this year.

The guitarist thought it was interesting that the “favour for a friend” performance last year had turned into a three-member band receiving more calls to perform elsewhere.

The owner of Casino Regina attended the Lantern Festival in 2024 and, after hearing the group play, asked Wickenhauser if they wanted to perform in Regina for a spring festival. However, they could not.

With a chuckle, Wickenhauser added that he wants to perform at Regina’s casino this year but must convince Tian not to visit China during the spring — as he did last year.

Hu, the MJCCN president, said he was thrilled with how the banquet turned out and thought the addition of the Lion Dance and band made the night a success; he joked that he enticed Wickenhauser to attend with the promise of free food.

“The Lion Dance has (also) been sorely missed by a lot of people in the community … ,” Hu added. “It’s just a good tradition.”

The lion begins its high-tempo dance.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Banquet MCs Qiang (Kelvin) Hu, MJCCN president (left), and Lian Ning hand out door prizes. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Exchange traded funds have become popular BIZWORLD

Exchange traded funds have made tremendous impact on stock markets since the first was introduced in Canada in 1990.

They were introduced in 1993 to the USA. But U.S. literature suggests they were first marketed in that country…without Trump so declaring.

The ETFs have lower management fees, causing mutual funds to reduce some of their fees.

Mutual funds used to charge between two per cent and six per cent management fees. Fees for ETFs range from one-tenth of one per cent to two per cent.

The ETF is a fund based on stocks in an index like the TSX Composite, or the US S and P. Once the index is replicated there are no changes unless the index changes.

As or more money comes into the ETF more of the same stocks are purchased.

These funds offer investors a simple way to diversify their portfolio. In cases where the ETF is based on one sector such as such transports, health care, robotics or mining they offer a way to take part in thar area.

Some fund operators suggest their ETFs are a way to reduce risk. That’s not true.

If the market drops 30 per cent so will the ETF unless it is designed to fall less.

There are may kinds of ETFs including some risky short term funds.

The experts claim ETFs are intended for investors with long term goals — long term being 10 to 15 years.

One ETF analyst Larry Berman has set up a portfolio of ETFs that covers the whole market.

A sample portfolio would buy Canadian and American stock ETFs, global stock ETFs and the same with bond funds.

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

A number of ETFs have been designed to pay substantially more than the dividends from stocks in the fund.

The extra payout is achieved by selling puts on the stocks. Example: the fund owns shares of XYV Co trading at $50. It sells call for someone will buy buy the stock at $68. The few dollars per share raised from selling the call option is paid in higher dividends.

The downside here is if XYV Co stock goes to higher than $68 the ETF misses out on a capital gain. If XYV CO goes to a $72 the ETF misses a $4 gain, or nearly six per cent,

But the payout is juicier. Beware some of the high payouts pay back your capital

Yours Truly once bought a $10 health care ETF with a guaranteed seven per cent payout. After two years the ETF traded at $9. Tax information showed about three per cent of the seven was return of my capital.

One risk in specialized ETF indexes comes from diversity of stocks. The fund holds the best and worst stocks in the index giving the possibility of a less than an average return.

ETFS have a couple of downsides for the entire market.

If stocks in an ETF are hot with money flowing into the fund the ETF’s purchase pushes up prices unnecessarily.

Share prices of smaller companies not included in any ETFs often lag in price.

Investors have a choice if 1,500 ETFs in Canada with a choice of about 3,500 stocks listed in Canada.

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

Users Advised Cockroaches Detected In Kinsmen Pool Area

Users of the Kinsmen SportsPlex (855 MacDonald Street) have been advised by letter that cockroaches have been detected in the Kinsmen Pool area and extermination measures are underway.

By Robert Thomas

In a January 29th, 2025 letter from Derek Blais director of community services (full text of the letter is below) pool users are advised about the cockroach sightings and are “taking comprehensive steps” to eliminate the cockroaches.

The City is undertaking a three step approach to deal with the problem.

Letter sent out to pool users

The measures include:

• consulting with public health and having an onsite visit to ensure to best practices and proper sanitation and control measures

• employ a commercial pest control company to exterminate the cockroaches

• working with Kinsmen staff and the third party concession operator to ensure proper cleaning of affected areas.

Cockroach sightings have been described as “isolated” but the letter re-

quests anyone sighting cockroaches to report it to the front desk so proper control measures can be undertaken.

SCREENSHOT OF THE DECEMBER 17, 2024 SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY INSPECTION REPORT

According to users who contacted MJ Independent as early as January 11th cockroaches were detected in the family change room area and reported to staff. Pool

staff allegedly told users at the time they were water beetles.

A December 17, 2024 inspection by Saskatchewan Health - initiated after a complaint - found the Kinsmen Arena Concession was not in compliance with public health rules and there were pests as well as was not well maintained and are a potential pest harbourage.

http://healthinspections.saskatchewan.ca/Inspection/Details/76e7613b691f-440c-ad38-7b60a00ada2a

A follow up on January 28, 2025 found no infractions.

No date is given estimating when the cockroaches will be eliminated but users are assured the City will continue to work on eliminating the pests.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ new-blog/2025/1/29/sfpabecqsf5ejmxz854s3ex5w9d5j1

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by ‘spaying or neutering your ex’ at the humane society

Love may be in the air this February, but for those looking to redirect some energy toward a good cause and have a little fun, the Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS) has something clever in the works with the return of its “Spay or Neuter Your Ex” campaign.

The second annual campaign kicked off on Jan. 27, and concludes shortly after the big day on Monday, Feb. 17.

“With a $50 donation, we put that into our medical fund, which will help us spay and neuter (cats and dogs) so the next unfixed animal that comes in will be named after your ex,” explained Dana Haukaas, executive director of the MJHS.

“It’s great for us (here at the shelter), and it’s meant to be light-hearted and fun, and just helps people who maybe have had a breakup to give them a little bit of joy during Valentine’s season.”

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The campaign gained attention and was inspired by the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, N.J., who launched a similar “Neuter Your Ex” promotion earlier.

“It was something that kind of popped up over social media last year,” Haukaas explained. “I think it originated out of a shelter down in the U.S., and we decided to jump on the bandwagon and see how it would go.

“It’s a little bit of an edgy campaign, but that went gangbusters last year, so we decided that we will continue to run it,” she added.

“We raised close to $1,000 last year, and that is a big help for us because our biggest medical expense every year is spaying and neutering,” Haukaas said.

In addition to supporting the shelter with one of its largest recurring expenses, the campaign also alleviates some of the burden of naming hundreds or even thousands of pets each year.

Each entry only includes a first name to avoid any embarrassment, but some donors have already been a little creative — and that’s perfectly okay. According to Haukaas, the most interesting entry so far has been “Darryl, with a little ‘d.’”

Aside from your ex-boyfriend or girl-

friend, the campaign can also apply to a boss, teacher, or friend, and the motivation can be entirely positive. At the end of the day, it’s all about supporting the shelter and having a little fun.

After this year’s campaign, the shelter plans to publish a photo album showing all the animals who were spayed and neutered. This will be published on the MJHS Facebook page but won’t be available until all the names have been assigned to a cat or dog. Of course, the names of donors and any last names will never be included to respect everyone’s privacy. You can donate online by visiting MJHS. ca and clicking on the “Donate” tab, call the shelter with a credit card at 306-692-1517, stop by at 1755 Stadacona Street West, or make an e-transfer by emailing Outreach@ MJHS.ca. The album will be published on the shelter’s Facebook page, ‘Moose Jaw Humane Society.’

Extra forestry staff to help address issues like Dutch elm disease

With Moose Jaw’s Dutch elm trees “struggling” because of disease, city hall is hoping that hiring two more forestry staff will enable crews to address symptomatic trees and remove dead wood promptly.

During a recent 2025 budget meeting, city council voted unanimously to allocate $72,356 to the community service department’s operating budget to expand staffing in the forestry division.

This funding will support a fulltime, four-person crew for 30 weeks per year and a two-person crew for 22 weeks during the fall and winter, a budget report said. More staff — there is currently only a two-person, year-round crew — would improve response times for service requests, shorten tree pruning cycles, enhance public safety, reduce property damage and promote the urban forest’s long-term health.

One two-person crew will focus on pruning and tree removals, while the other will focus on clean-up and mulching, stump removals, removing deadfall, planting trees, inspecting trees and updating tree inventories, the report added.

Tree data

The budget report noted that of the roughly 15,000 urban trees, the city had documented 10,811 of them, with 39 per cent considered poor or fair health and

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requiring either immediate removal or long-term maintenance to prevent further decline.

Meanwhile, based on the last four years of pruning, the city’s current pruning cycle is roughly 29 years, compared to the goal of five to seven years, the report added.

Dutch elm disease

Dutch elm disease (DED) represents the most significant threat to the health of Moose Jaw’s urban forest, and while such cases have increased over the past five years, they remain within “an acceptable threshold” of under one per cent affected annually, the report said.

Annual basal spraying has been important to control DED, as the chemical targets the bark beetles that spread the disease, the document continued. However, Health Canada phased out this chemical in 2023, leaving no viable alternative.

An increase in DED cases is anticipated without basal spraying, highlighting the need for more employees to address symptomatic trees promptly and remove dead wood, thereby reducing beetle habitats and mitigating the disease’s spread, the document added.

Derek Blais, director of community services, told council that the city had 85 cases of DED in 2023 and 103 cases

last year. Meanwhile, city crews help Wakamow Valley Authority with disease control by identifying potentially infected elms, testing them and providing results. The authority’s crews then remove the infected trees.

He added that Valley crews conduct their own regular tree pruning and maintenance annually.

“Living 25 years in the Avenues, I love trees, and that’s why I live in the Avenues,” said Mayor James Murdock. “Even though I have to rake leaves, it’s still kind of soothing in its own way to do that.

“And to see squirrels running around (and) the first robins coming back, to me, our urban forest defines our city and we shouldn’t take it for granted,” he continued.

The mayor then inquired about the state of Moose Jaw’s Dutch elm population and whether it was holding its own or requiring the removal of more trees, pointing out that it’s difficult to recover from DED’s devastation.

Moose Jaw is doing “not very good” compared to other communities, as DED cases here are usually higher than in Regina or Saskatoon, said Blais. So, city hall is proactive in controlling the disease’s spread, including planting new tree species on certain streets so the beetles don’t wipe out an entire block.

“Our elm population … is struggling,” he added.

Funding support

Coun. Patrick Boyle asked whether there were “any buckets of funding” to support these two new positions, pointing out that the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities had a resolution requesting financial support from the province for DED control.

Blais said he wasn’t aware of any provincial funding, although there have been discussions in the past. He noted that the province wants municipalities to enforce its legislation with Dutch elm disease without providing anything in return.

“So (extra funding) would be a discussion I would welcome with the province if ever there was an opportunity,” he said.

Blais was unsure what would happen if Moose Jaw failed to enforce provincial legislation, saying it’s an expectation that city hall has fulfilled over the years. He knew the legislation contained a fine option but didn’t know how it affected cities.

“But the biggest risk would be the majority of our trees are elms, and if we don’t enforce the regulations, we’ll lose a significant portion of our trees,” he added.

Rob and Joan Ritchie are pleased to welcome Rick McKeown to our team.

Rick McKeown

I welcome everyone to reach out—whether by phone or email—and I look forward to working with you again. After battling an illness, Kathy and I made the decision to sell our company, but I’m thrilled to be back in the industry with the support of SaskPromo and Moose Jaw Express.

As the Manager of SaskPromo, I’m thrilled to be working with a fantastic team.

Rick McKeown

Matt Hebert

Kevin Ogle

Kevin Olge joins me in Sales, and we’re proud to now offer in-house embroidery services.

On the Print – Production and Design side, Matt Hebert leads the department, supported by two dedicated team members.

Wanda Hallborg

Over at the Moose Jaw Express, Wanda Hallborg manages the newspaper side of the business.

Being back in this profession has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m truly enjoying every moment. If you see me at an event or around town, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello. I look forward to catching up with all my existing clients and building new connections along the way.

Why was Sask. government silent on Bunge-Vittera canola deal?

Governments like to brag about their role in creating economic growth.

They all do it, no matter which political party or what level of government – municipal, provincial or national.

Since World War Two ended in 1945, governments have taken on responsibility for the economy — jobs, growth and managing inflation. Before that the economy was a free-for-all.

The Saskatchewan Party boast about its so-called achievements on the economy (as do all the rest of the reigning provincial governments and so does the federal government).

Government can set the attitude welcoming business, even offering incentive subsidies to locate, but government has little sway in developing business, unless it uses massive subsidies.

Even subsidies fail. Several years ago the province set a goal of developing a helium gas industry, offering subsidies for exploration.

Numerous companies took advan-

tage of the subsidies.

None seem to have done well. One of the most promising just filed for creditor protection. Stock prices of others are in the pennies, reflecting financing issues.

Business prefers to locate in friendly jurisdictions. but the bottom line is viability of location, skilled labour supply and return on investment.

Companies do invest in politically risky jurisdictions. The risk is high, offsetting the returns and outweighing risk.

The recent announcement by Federated Co-ops and AGT Foods cancelling a $2.5 billion canola crushing renewable diesel operation in Regina seems to show just how little influence government has on business decisions.

The plant would have employed 2,500 in construction over two years with 300 full-time jobs plus indirect jobs in transportation. and retail among others.

The Sask. Party balloon-boast in investment seemed to have burst.

OPINION EDITORIAL: TRADING THOUGHTS

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.

Pure economics caused the cancellation. seems to have burst.

The project was cancelled just days after the federal government approved takeover of Viterra’s grain operations by Dutch-based Bunge. Bunge is a world leader in grain commodities.

The deal breaker here was the new field in canola crushing with takeover of Viterra, the former Saskatchewan Wheat Pool

Bunge has just expanded a canola crushing plant in Altona Manitoba, near the U.S border.

Viterra has half completed a huge canola crushing plant in Regina. Richardson recently built the world’s largest canola crushing plant in Yorkton.

Adding that to Cargill’s plant and others creates a possibility of some smaller older crushers closing.

The west has 11.5 million tonnes of

annual crushing with an 18 million tonne harvest every year. That set the stage for higher prices to the FCL/.AGT plant.

Cancelling another plant competing with many existing operations was a no brainer,

The Saskatchewan government is notable for not opposing, even not commenting, on the Bunge takeover of Viterra

The government had nothing to say even though a study by some of the most respected ag economists at the University of Saskatchewan showed less competition from the deal would cost farmers $800 million a year.

That $800 million isn’t exactly chicken feed amounting to about $35,000?? for every Saskatchewan canola farmer. Opposing the takeover is one action the province could have taken to reduce harm to the farmers.

250 by 2050: Cultivator by Conexus aims to support more million-dollar Sask. companies

Cultivator powered by Conexus Credit Union has set an ambitious new goal: to support 250 Saskatchewan-based companies in reaching annual recurring revenues (ARR) of $1 million by 2050.

Since 2019, 15 companies within Cultivator’s business incubator have successfully reached $1 million in ARRs, proving the program’s concept and potential for long-term growth. Building on this success, Cultivator’s first milestone will be to support 35 such companies by 2030.

With this vision announced at Cultivator Community Night in Regina, Sask., on Feb. 1, Conexus aims to foster long-term economic growth by nurturing and scaling innovative businesses across the province.

The $1 million target is based off research that suggests metrics like revenue generated, capital raised, and the number of jobs created — although useful — don’t tell the full story of how strong a given company is.

cause she recognized that there weren’t a lot of great opportunities for careers in her home city at the time.

“We want to keep jobs in Saskatchewan and we want to keep our next generation of youth here,” she said. “(Cultivator) is one of the ways that we can do that.”

this January and, on seeing some of the candidates, Mock said “it’s mind blowing to just see the innovation that’s in the pipeline and how creative and innovative these founders can be.”

“We did some analysis and found out that really, there is a magic number. Once a company meets a revenue target of $1 million in annual recurring revenue… there’s a really high correlation to their long-term success,” said Laura Mock, director of the Cultivator project.

Mock, who was born in Moose Jaw and graduated from A.E. Peacock Collegiate, said she loves the project be-

Cultivator has been operational for six years and was launched to address the lack of a strong technology ecosystem in the province. At the time, Regina was one of the last major Canadian cities without a tech incubator, meaning that local tech startups were forced to relocate to find the resources they need.

Cultivator aims to change this by creating an environment where founders can access a support network, gain access to investment capital, and access program resources to help them navigate the challenges of building successful companies.

Conexus finished recruitment for Cohort 4 of its Cultivator ag program

Cultivator powered by Conexus is Canada’s first credit union-led incubator. Cultivator is dedicated to helping local startups launch, grow, and scale in Saskatchewan, operating under the belief that the Prairies are home to “some of the world’s most resilient founders” and entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2019, Cultivator has supported over 170 startups with resources, mentorships, and guidance. For more information visit Cultivator.ca.

Conexus is a Saskatchewan-based, member-owned credit union with over 80 years of service and is committed to supporting members and fostering thriving communities. To learn more visit Conexus.ca.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Laura Mock (pictured) is the director of Cultivator by Conexus. Photo by: Darkstrand Photography

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, FEB. 10

City administration expects the reconstruction of the Crescent View Lift Station to cost $66.41 million, so it’s hoping that its new application for federal funding is successful.

During its Jan. 27 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to support the City of Moose Jaw’s application to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to support the Crescent View Headworks venue replacement project.

The new structure will have an increased sewage capacity to serve a future population of 45,000 people and the potential to expand to 60,000, while it will help prevent sewage backups and overflows and support new housing developments.

CHIF covers 40 per cent of projects’ required funding needs, up to $100 million, which means if city hall’s application were successful, the fund could provide $26,564,000, a council report said. City hall would then cover the remaining $39,846,000; it has already accumulated $24 million and expects to acquire the remaining $16,440,000 over the next two years.

The fund is available for shovelready initiatives that help develop new housing projects that increase densification, with the initiatives expected to enhance infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste, the report continued.

However, the money is contingent on communities adopting certain requirements, such as:

• Adopting zoning changes before this spring that allow up to four separate

dwelling units to be built on one property

• Not starting construction until environmental assessments or consultations with First Nations occur

• Completing the project before September 2031

• Reporting on climate resilience and adaptation measures during the project

• Supporting a housing needs assessment

“These conditions do not need to have been adopted for the city to apply for CHIF approval,” the report added. “However, the application does call for us to indicate a willingness to adopt the requirements to become eligible.”

Administration told council during the meeting that it will still proceed with the construction of the Headworks venue while waiting to hear about its application status.

Council comments

Approving this request is a “duh” decision and one of good timing, considering the city needs financial support for this project, chuckled Coun. Dawn Luhning. During its recent budget meetings, council discussed the fact it can’t complete all its projects without federal and provincial funding.

Coun. Chris Warren pointed out that the funding stipulation of constructing four units on a property has created tension and concern in larger Canadian municipalities.

“I’m all for densification. It’s better (and) it’s creating more opportunities for our housing needs. It is making the best use of our existing infrastructure as op-

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posed to building new,” he said. “So it makes sense to me.”

Coun. Patrick Boyle said he “begrudgingly” supported the motion because council needed money for the Headworks project. However, he didn’t like that Ottawa was forcing the City of Moose Jaw to change a bylaw to access funding to replace one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the community.

“When in the history of this city has the federal government mandated a bylaw change specifically to hamstring you to (acquire) funding … ?” he continued. Boyle added that this program is designed more to increase densification in bigger cities like Vancouver because they have very little space to build outward.

25022DS0

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, FEB. 10

City council has unanimously approved the 2025 budget, and while some acknowledge that it isn’t perfect, they note that it provides transparency and accountability about the work the city will do this year.

Coun. Heather Eby felt confident about approving the budget, saying they identified major items to complete — like the Crescent View Lift Station

(CVLS) reconstruction project — and didn’t push them down the road.

Furthermore, she highlighted council’s support for “long overdue” urban forestry enhancements, while she was pleased that city administration planned to continue installing hundreds of new street-name signs. However, she found approving the increases to the wa-

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the TOWN OF PENSE intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 2/2023 known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT

The proposed bylaw will add clarity to side yard setbacks development regulations for duplexes and semi-detached dwellings , townhouse, triplex/fourplex dwellings units that require separate title.

AFFECTED LAND

The a ected land is all Districts that permit duplexes, semi-detached, townhouse, triplex/fourplex dwellings within the legal municipal boundaries of the Town of Pense.

REASON

The reason for the amendment is to provide for clarity to side yard setbacks development regulations for duplexes, semi-detached, townhouse, triplex/fourplex dwellings units that require separate title.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the municipal o ce at 243 Brunswick Street Pense, SK between 9:00 am to 4:00 PM on M, T, T, F, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost.

PUBLIC HEARING

Council will hold a public hearing on February 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Town Council Chambers, 243 Brunswick Street Pense, SK to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal o ce before the hearing.

Issued at the Town of Pense this January 22, 2025.

Jennifer Lendvay Administrator

2025 tax hike ‘reasonable’ and supports important projects, council says

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

terworks and sanitary sewer utilities difficult, even though she knew they were self-funding.

Having been on council for 12 years, Eby was pleased with what those councils had accomplished during those budgets. Meanwhile, she hoped that in 12 years’ time, future councils approved of the things this council had done, even though they faced their own challenges.

“(I’m) not taking it lightly that it (the budget mill rate) is an increase for citizens — I 100-per-cent understand that — but this again is the accountability piece where we need to take care of the work that … needs to be looked at this year,” Eby said.

Eby noted that residents would likely notice some small projects and see how the city is paying attention to their wants. Furthermore, council approved using $6.5 million in investment earnings to cover expenses, which was “so huge” because work couldn’t be done and there would be a tax increase “that you couldn’t even imagine” without that money.

“Overall, she thought the mill rate increase was “reasonable.”

Blame Ottawa

While the rate hike was 5.17 per cent, the federal government was taking two per cent in carbon taxes — which should make residents “mad” — so the hike was actually 3.17 per cent, said Coun. Patrick Boyle. However, the carbon tax is increasing 20 per cent annually and “it’s not going to die until it’s dead” and Ottawa gives back the revenue it’s taken from municipalities.

Boyle added exasperatedly that the city’s 2025 budget contained no federal infrastructure funding even though Ottawa took 50 cents of every dollar from taxpayers.

Future project updates

Coun. Dawn Luhning said the budget wasn’t perfect, but none truly was. Meanwhile, what she wanted was for administration to provide a report in the fall summarizing how the approved projects were doing.

She pointed out that, over the years, council approved projects and sometimes knew — or didn’t — how they were faring. So, before the 2026 budget, she wanted updates on projects or positions like the new chief of staff, new forestry team, and extra pool lifeguards.

“There are things the average citizen isn’t going to see a benefit immediately from (in this) budget,” Luhning stated.

Meanwhile, the cost of everyday goods is increasing, including the City of Moose Jaw’s services, which didn’t make it easy for council or administration, she continued. She disagreed with some initiatives, but supported the overall budget since many “very, very important” capital projects needed completing.

Another summary report she looked forward to was the updated snow-clearing policy, as she noted that leaving snow ridges on streets damaged them because of the freeze-thaw cycle. She hoped that a future council understood the importance of clearing those windrows.

A new perspective

Said Mayor James Murdock, “This has been an eyeopener for me. I had no idea of all the moving components that went into everything of putting a budget together.”

The mayor thanked administration for its hard work in crafting the budget, while he thought that, based on the initiatives that council had approved and the knowledge and guidance shared, members would continue working to put “even more of

(its) thumbprint on future budgets.”

“We are trying our best,” Murdock added.

Never an easy task Coun. Jamey Logan said approving budgets never becomes easy over time, nor was this budget easier than past ones. Instead, it was more difficult because of surprises that required attention.

While a 5.17-per-cent mill rate increase was “a lot,” he felt good about the budget and how council had good discussions.

Some highlights for him were the new CVLS, stormwater utility, urban forestry staff, lifeguards, equipment purchases, Moose Jaw Police Service budget, Centre for Arts and Culture upgrades, road repairs, landfill changes, information technology upgrades, a permitting system, and others.

Improvements in budget process

Coun. Chris Warren appreciated that administration would provide project updates this fall, which would give council a framework for its 2026 budget discussions to determine what was working well and celebrate those successes.

Council talked about “transparency and accountability,” which were good components to have since the additional projects were now on paper for residents to see, he continued. He also appreciated how the budget process had changed since he was last on council in 2019, saying administration had answered every question council asked and offered good analysis, insight and data.

After approving the budget, administration said this was finance director Brian Acker’s last budget as he was likely retiring this year after 34 years at city hall.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, FEB. 10

Approving the 2025 budget was a new experience for Mayor James Murdock, who highlighted the many moving pieces with the process and promised to continue learning and growing for future discussions.

“It was overwhelming at times, but to see the process to everything (was eye-opening),” Murdock said during a media scrum after council unanimously approved the budget on Jan. 27.

“Even before our municipal election (in November), I was a citizen, just like everyone, and sure, it’s easy to make a (negative) comment,” he continued. “But, when you’re actually here and you see everything and what goes into the final process … you don’t know that until you’re here.

“I have the utmost respect for the administration team that put (in) the time and effort to bring things forward to us so we can combine our thoughts to make those final decisions.”

Council approved a municipal tax

Budget talks an overwhelming process for new Moose Jaw mayor

hike of 5.17 per cent, which means the “average single-family residential property” will likely pay an extra $13.97 per month or $167.60 for the year.

The mill rate’s monthly and yearly increases include:

• Municipal tax hike of 3.66 per cent: $5.67 / $68.02

• Moose Jaw Police Service tax hike of 1.51 per cent: $2.34 / $28.06

• Recycling fee: 10 cents / $1.20

• Garbage fee: 31 cents / $3.72

• Water utility increase of four per cent: $3.09 / $37.08

• Wastewater utility increase of four per cent: $2.46 / $29.52

Furthermore, council approved the continuation of an annual waterworks infrastructure levy of $100 per taxable property for all property classes, except for multi-unit classes, which will have a levy of $100 on each dwelling unit within that multi-unit building.

The monthly cost to most taxpayers from this levy is roughly $8.33.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Also, council approved the continuation of an annual parks and recreation infrastructure levy of $65 per taxable property for all classes, except for multi-unit classes, which will have a levy of $65 on each dwelling unit within that multi-unit building.

The monthly cost to most taxpayers from this levy is roughly $5.41.

Asked about approving the 5.17 per cent, Murdock said council discussed many issues and worked to keep the increase “as citizen-friendly as possible.” Moreover, he thought the budget showed “a great need” for pursuing capital projects that had been neglected or put off for too long and that forced council to make decisions now.

“… but 5.17 (per cent), for some, that will be a lot, but we have to really get serious a lot about investing back in the city — and we’re doing that,” he added.

Asked about the levies as additional ongoing taxes, the mayor pointed out that everything increases in cost, but he

hoped those levies would be temporary until they finished being useful.

“But we just don’t have the dollars we need to contribute to projects. And until we bring other industries into this city to help alleviate that, we all have to feel the burden,” Murdock said.

The mayor noted that he was also a citizen and understood how the budget affected people, but reiterated that council needed to make tough financial decisions. Moreover, he pointed out that many projects and taxes were already in place when this council started, so he asked for patience as this group worked to influence that process.

“We’ll try our best to alleviate strain, but for now, this is where we are this year,” he said.

Murdock added that he appreciated approving the third-party funding requests since those groups wanted to support the community and provide solutions for issues, so council gave them the opportunity to do that.

City council approves tax hike of 5.17%, adds over $160 to most bills

City council has approved the 2025 budget and landed on a municipal tax hike of 5.17 per cent, which will add more than $160 to most residents’ bills this year.

During a special budget meeting on Jan. 27, council voted unanimously to approve the 2025 operating budget and the 2025-29 capital and equipment reserve budget as amended, while it authorized city administration to tender and award the capital and equipment purchases set out for this year in those reserve budget schedules.

From the pocket, most taxpayers — the “average single family residential property” — will likely shell out an extra $13.97 per month or $167.60 for the year based on this budget. This mill rate increase is expected to generate an extra $2,003,253 for the city’s operating and capital budgets.

The money from the mill rate in-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

crease will cover the original opening budget shortfall of $1,114,853 and budget changes of $888,400.

One percentage point of taxation this year is $387,402.30.

The mill rate’s monthly and yearly increases are broken down as follows:

• Municipal tax hike of 3.66 per cent: $5.67 / $68.02

• Moose Jaw Police Service tax hike of 1.51 per cent: $2.34 / $28.06

• Recycling fee: 10 cents / $1.20

• Garbage fee: 31 cents / $3.72

• Water utility increase of four per cent: $3.09 / $37.08

• Wastewater utility increase of four per cent: $2.46 / $29.52

Furthermore, council authorized administration to tender the Crescent View Headworks venue wastewater project this year and start construction in 2026, while it also approved the 2025, 2026 and 2027 operating re-

quests for this initiative.

Moreover, council approved the use of $1.4 million in traffic safety reserve money to fund $400,000 in roadways projects and $1 million in traffic control measure initiatives.

Meanwhile, council voted to increase the waterworks utility rate by four per cent and the sanitary sewer utility rate by four per cent.

Also, council approved the continuation of an annual waterworks infrastructure levy of $100 per taxable property for all property classes, except for multi-unit classes, which will have a levy of $100 on each dwelling unit within that multi-unit building.

The monthly cost to most taxpayers from this levy is roughly $8.33.

Lasty, council approved the continuation of an annual parks and recreation infrastructure levy of $65 per taxable property for all classes, except

for multi-unit classes, which will have a levy of $65 on each dwelling unit within that multi-unit building.

This levy is expected to generate $1,092,905 in additional revenue to support venue upgrades; the monthly cost to most taxpayers is roughly $5.41.

Combining the increases for the mill rate, police service, recycling, garbage, water and wastewater leads to a monthly increase of $13.97 or an annual increase of $167.60.

If the two levies are also included — they are not new but are re-occurring taxes — then most taxpayers will be paying roughly $27.71 per month and $332.60 annually.

The Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com will have more comments from city council about the approved 2025 budget in the coming days.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, FEB. 10

Purchasing snow traps for graders, installing a new parking lot fence and removing dead trees from Rosedale Cemetery and Smith Park are some special projects city administration will pursue this year.

Administration presented a report during the Jan. 27 budget meeting with potential one-time operating and capital budget initiatives that city council could support using $300,000 in extra investment earnings.

The report contained nine items worth $381,000 that were already in the budget and nine items worth $605,228.33 that were not included in this year’s budget.

After discussion, council voted unanimously to allocate $65,000 to partially fund the Moose Jaw Police Service’s 2025 capital budget request; the total request is $344,000.

Furthermore, it voted 6-1 to allocate $10,000 to hire a consultant to create an indigenous procurement policy, $30,000 to hire a consultant to create an accessibility plan, $30,000 for recruitment services, and $25,000 to hire a consultant to acquire a federal grant.

Coun. Heather Eby was opposed.

Moreover, council voted:

• 5-2 to spend $16,500 to remove 51 dead mature trees from Rosedale Cemetery; opposed were councillors Dawn Luhning and Chris Warren

• 4-3 to spend $15,700 to remove 34 dead trees in Smith Park; opposed were Mayor James Murdock and Luhning and Warren

• 5-2 to spend roughly $42,000 to replace a wood

Budget25: Council uses extra reserve funds to support nine one-time projects

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

fence around the city hall parking lot; councillors Warren and Jamey Logan were opposed

• Unanimously to spend $40,000 to purchase three snow traps for graders

With the remaining $25,800, council voted unanimously to keep that money invested for future initiatives.

Other initiatives

There were other in-budget initiatives that council declined to support, such as covering a Workers’ Compensation Board surcharge ($85,000), new signs for street sweeping and winter maintenance ($25,000) and three water/wastewater projects totalling $136,000.

Some non-budgeted items included rail crossing upgrades at 24th Avenue ($32,908.33), a feasibility study for zero-emission buses ($38,120), audiovisual updates in the Events Centre conference room ($70,000), cemetery irrigation upgrades ($225,000) and adding a fifth dressing room at the Kinsmen Arena ($125,000).

Council even considered using investment earnings to cover $95,135 in extra requests from some third-party groups.

A birthday present

Having an extra $300,000 is like receiving a birthday present since council can use it to support projects it wouldn’t normally do, said Eby.

She wanted that money used on initiatives that residents could see, such as removing dead trees and repairing wood fences. Moreover, since council regularly receives complaints about snow removal, purchasing new equipment would show residents that councillors are listening.

Coun. Chris Warren also thought it was great to have this earnings surplus, which he thought was a

good news story since it helped council reduce the mill rate and lessened the effect on taxpayers.

Unsightly fences

Some councillors expressed concern about the high cost of replacing the wood fence and wondered whether it could be removed.

Administration replied that the estimated cost includes removing the structure and adding a barrier so motorists don’t drive over the sidewalk into the parking lot.

Coun. Logan, who operates a fencing business, added that that work also includes removing the posts and repairing asphalt.

Eby said she noticed the fence’s condition recently and thought it “looks horrible” with all the missing wood slats. While the proposed cost may be high, any leftover funding would be reinvested. Also, she noted that a second nearby wood fence “looks equally as lovely” in condition.

“These are city structures and it’s embarrassing,” she said, pointing out that tourists who shop downtown park in those wood-fenced lots.

Contract negotiations

Logan expressed concern about using one-time funding for the extra third-party requests, especially for the Humane Society, which wants extra money to address increasing expenses. He then inquired about when the city could renegotiate that contract.

The agreement is for 25 years and should be revisited every five years, so opening it to renegotiate is a possibility, said finance director Brian Acker. That would be the appropriate thing to do instead of giving the organization a one-time sum of $15,091.

One concern with just covering that cost, though, is that all third-party groups could make the same argument that their operating expenses have risen and they want increases too, which would set a precedent, he added.

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CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, FEB. 10

The Moose Jaw Police Service and the Moose Jaw Public Library had their 2025 budgets approved by city council during a recent budget discussion meeting.

During that meeting, council unanimously accepted the police service’s budget, which asked for operating funding of $12,830,258 — an increase of $584,355 or 4.77 per cent over last year — and capital funding of $234,431, plus $330,000 from the automated speed enforcement fund for traffic safety initiatives.

The agency’s budget request added 1.51 per cent to the mill rate hike, which is 5.17 per cent this year.

MJPS, public library have 2025 budgets approved by council

Furthermore, council unanimously accepted the library’s operating budget request of $1,327,858 — including the Palliser Regional Library levy — which is an increase of $38,398 over last year. This extra funding will cover higher wages and library acquisitions, higher telephone costs, and insurance for the library’s physical collection.

Police presentation

Acting Chief Rick Johns was present to answer council’s questions, of which council had two.

One pertained to legal fees and why that category increased to $172,000 this year over $160,000 last year. Johns explained that that was the police service’s contract for legal services.

A second question was about long-term disability insurance, as that increased to $195,737 this year over $184,792 in 2024. Johns explained that that was to meet requirements in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Mayor James Murdock thanked Johns for the amended police budget, saying the agency listened to council’s request for a reduced operating funding request while keeping the community’s safety in mind. He didn’t think any of the reductions would affect residents’ well-being.

Luhning said it would be better if

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

officers paid their own long-term disability insurance since it was a taxable benefit, but she understood that this was a CBA issue.

Police budget particulars

In next year’s operating budget, the police service plans to focus on technological and communication upgrades and operational strategies and enhancements.

With tech upgrades, this includes:

• In-car reporting and enhanced computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software

• Enhanced risk management and prisoner safety through new biometric sensors in cells to monitor highrisk prisoners

• The communications centre’s new answering systems will allow the centre to receive calls by text, picture and possible GPS locations

• Phase 1 of the body-worn cameras project

With operational upgrades, the

MJPS will focus on:

Serious crime, in particular, a partnership with the RCMP

Public safety: An enhanced police presence in parks and public spaces

Recruiting strategies

Professional standards: A full-time non-civilian professional standards officer to address the demands for timely and thorough investigations of complaints, to promote enhanced accountability and to regularly review and update policies

Community response: The agency is developing a strategy to enhance further its community presence and the response times of victim services’ staff

Meanwhile, the capital upgrades include firearms range maintenance ($10,000), office renovations ($69,431), detention centre renovations ($40,000), annual contributions to the reserve account ($85,000) and contributions to an elevator upgrade fund ($30,000).

No extra funding for Humane Society until contract reviewed, council says

City council declined to give the Moose Jaw Humane Society extra funding this year to cover wage and expense increases and wants to reopen the fee-for-service contract to address that issue.

During a 2025 budget meeting, council discussed whether to approve the animal organization’s request for an extra $15,046 as part of a larger conversation about providing additional money to other third-party groups.

In the end, council voted:

• 6-1 to give the Cosmo Senior Citizens Association an extra $30,000; Coun. Dawn Luhning was opposed

• 7-0 to deny giving the Humane Society an extra $15,046

• 5-2 to give the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery an extra $2,299; opposed were Coun. Jamey Logan and Luhning

• 6-1 to give the Downtown Moose Jaw Association an extra $26,790; Luhning was opposed

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

• 6-1 to give the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority an extra $25,000; Luhning was opposed

Luhning said that while the groups have good initiatives, she didn’t want to give them extra increases since they would demand the same thing next year.

Meanwhile, including the police service, council approved giving most other third-party groups the funding they had requested in November.

Animal funding

Coun. Heather Eby said she wanted the opportunity this year to review the contract with the Humane Society, because if the organization was short this much money, council needed to address that.

Administration replied that the community services department had flagged this issue in its work plans since it needed to update language in the bylaws governing this organization. Furthermore, the contract isn’t expected to expire until

the 2030s, while reviews are supposed to happen every five years — however, that didn’t happen in 2022.

“The fact (the contract) wasn’t renegotiated in 2022, we’re kind of both at fault for that,” said Coun. Jamey Logan.

Administration noted that third-party groups that overspend must cover that overage since they are independent organizations. If the Humane Society had a deficit, it’s not the city’s normal practice to cover that overage.

Coun. Patrick Boyle pointed out that council isn’t against the Humane Society, it simply doesn’t want to provide more funding until it renegotiates the contract.

Seniors’ funding

Eby pointed out that the Cosmo seniors’ group wants $30,000 extra to install two new furnaces, something she supported since the association is always fundraising and supporting the community.

Coun. Chris Warren agreed, say-

ing the city owns that building and new furnaces are “supercritical” to the venue since it’s a busy place.

Logan was concerned that there was no mechanism to ensure the association spent the money on upgrading the boilers and not something else. His preference was to specify that the group must use the funding for capital upgrades and nothing else.

Eby agreed, but said council could ask Cosmo leadership how it spent the money during 2026 budget discussions, a sentiment that Mayor James Murdock echoed.

“These are reputable people. I trust them. They have a lot on the line here,” he said. “They say the money is for the (heating and cooling system) and I believe that.”

Administration later told council that it would send a letter to the seniors’ group stipulating how it should use the money.

Female entrepreneurs could receive up to $200K with WESK business loan

If you’re a female entrepreneur with the next big idea in business, a loan program by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) could be the key to turning that idea into reality — especially for those who may face challenges securing funding through traditional financial institutions.

“WESK has offered this loan program for… 30 years. We are a non-profit organization (that was)… founded because women struggled to get loans through the banks,” said Cara Cote, the organization’s client services manager.

“The loan program itself is very successful, because what happens is a woman will borrow money, and the interest goes right back into the pool, which gets lent out to the next woman entrepreneur,” she explained.

The WESK loan program operates differently from traditional financial institutions and focuses on a model of “women helping women.” Female entrepreneurs can apply directly to WESK for loans up to $150,000 to start or grow their own business, and through

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

a partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) national loan program, an additional $50,000 can potentially bring that total up to $200,000.

Unlike traditional bank loans this program is managed internally by WESK, which gives the company more control and flexibility in supporting women-owned businesses.

Getting a loan through WESK comes with several perks including competitive interest rates with the possibility of receiving discounts based on the strength of each applicant’s business plan.

WESK will not automatically deny applicants who have a poor credit score. Instead, the organization takes a holistic approach and considers what factors led to the lowered credit score and the potential of the applicant to get back on track.

Another major benefit is the repayment flexibility. Borrowers can start with reduced payments until their business starts to generate its own revenue,

thereby helping to ease initial cashflow challenges. There are no penalties or fees for an early loan repayment.

“The beauty of being a nonprofit is that we recognize when folks (operate a) seasonal business. We can make a custom payment plan and, if they are struggling, we will absolutely negotiate something to help them out,” Cote said.

Female entrepreneurs continue to face challenges securing business financing due to historical inequalities, including limited asset accumulation as compared to men, Cote said. This impacts their ability to qualify for larger loans. To address this, WESK’s loan program is available to entrepreneurs even in the planning stages with the only requirements being proof of Saskatchewan residency, a valid photo ID, and your business must be officially registered.

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) has partnered with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) national loan program to offer female entrepreneurs up to $200,000 in potential business financing. Photo by: Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan

impressive.

Once accepted, WESK business advisors will guide members through the entire process. As well, the organization can help draft a business plan for your new startup.

In her concluding remarks, Cote shared a few observations following a recent visit to Moose Jaw.

“I would like to mention… how impressive the business community in Moose Jaw is,” she said. “Specifically, we got the chance to hang out this summer in Moose Jaw, and even walking down Main Street and seeing how many businesses are women-owned was super

“The city of Moose Jaw is also very supportive,” she added. “It’s notable. This is a wonderful city to actually do business (in), and… they’re setting an example for other cities across the country. So, I just want them to feel proud of what they’re doing.”

WESK supports women entrepreneurs with advising, financing, training, and networking, with specialized help included for newcomers. Membership is $125 yearly and is open to individuals from any business sector.

To learn more visit WESK.ca or call the Regina office toll-free at 1-844-900WESK (9375).

MOOSE JAW BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTES

THE NEXT POLICE BOARD MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 AT 3:30 P.M. AT THE POLICE STATION.

Police board names Deputy Chief Rick Johns as acting chief

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

With Police Chief Rick Bourassa retiring earlier than expected, the Board of Police Commissioners has appointed Deputy Chief Rick Johns as acting chief until it can hire someone permanently.

The board held a special meeting on Jan. 31 to officially appoint Johns as acting chief as of Saturday, Feb. 1, and adjust his pay to reflect his temporary role.

A board report said The Saskatchewan Police Act, 1990, requires a police board to appoint a chief of police who is responsible for the management, administration and operation of the police service; the maintenance of law and order in the municipality; and the maintenance of discipline within the police service.

Board chairman James Murdock told reporters that the board had spoken several times with Bourassa about his future with this organization. The chairman noted that the now-former chief suffered a severe leg injury in midNovember, and since then, his recovery has progressed slower than expected and prevented him from being in the building.

Furthermore, Bourassa’s physician had determined that it could be another six to 12 months before proper healing occurred, the mayor said.

Bourassa had always said he planned to retire by June 2025, but because his health setbacks were too frustrating, he decided that Feb. 1 was the appropriate time to step away and enjoy the next stage of life, the board chairman added.

Johns told reporters that he had no concerns about being the acting chief since he normally filled that role whenever the actual chief was away. The only difference this time is he is filling the role on a temporary, full-time basis until the board hires someone new.

The deputy chief has been with the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) for all 27 years of his career after starting in January 1998. He was named deputy chief in 2018 and has become familiar with the agency’s administration aspects.

Johns had many opportunities over the years to work with Bourassa, who arrived on Oct. 4, 2013, and has worked closely with him since 2018. The acting chief noted that they pursued several good initiatives, including growing the force and purchasing new technology.

The deputy chief acknowledged that he would be filling two roles for several months and would have to monitor areas such as budgets more closely, but he thought all this was “easily managed.”

“Change is always a positive thing. A former supervisor told me that two things you can expect in life is for

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF 2025 ASSESSMENT ROLL VILLAGE OF CHAPLIN

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Chaplin for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the o ce of the assessor from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on the following days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from January 27 – March 31, 2025

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to le his or her notice of appeal with

The Secretary of the Board of Revision ADR Saskatchewan Centralized Board of Revision Inc.

P.O. Box 328 Nokomis, SK S0G 3R0

By the 31st day of March, 2025

Dated this 27th day of January, 2025 Raegan Mini e, Assessor

Property Tax Pre-Payment Discounts Available Now

The City of Moose Jaw reminds residents that discounts are available for property owners that make property tax pre-payments.

things to stay the same and change,” Johns added. “… we’ll ensure the organization has a sense of stability moving forward with this change.”

The police board’s next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 3:30 p.m., so commissioners will begin discussions about finding a new chief, Murdock said.

“But we know that the Moose Jaw Police Service is in great capable hands with Acting Police Chief Rick Johns,” he continued.

Murdock noted that he had never met Bourassa in person — they communicated by phone and text — since becoming mayor because the latter injured himself the night of the 2024 municipal election and had only appeared on video during two police board meetings.

“I know that Chief Bourassa committed almost 12 years of his life to the betterment of the Moose Jaw Police Service and protecting our community, so I thank him for that,” the mayor added.

The police service issued a news release after the meeting with a comment from Bourassa.

“It is with mixed emotions that I decide to retire,” said Bourassa.

“I have been grateful to have been in policing for so many years, worked with so many exceptional people, and welcomed by the amazing community of Moose Jaw,” he added. “After a lengthy career, it is time to move into the next chapter of life and whatever that may hold. Thank you.”

Discounts of 1% will be provided on the municipal portion of your property tax* for any payment made between January 1 – March 31, 2025. (* Unless your account is in arrears or on the TIPPS/ Tax Installment Payment Plan Service (https://moosejaw.ca/tipps/), as per the Property Tax Bylaw.)

The City of Moose Jaw o ers multiple payment options:

• In-person at City Hall, 228 Main St. North, during regular business hours: 10:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (except Statutory holidays).

• Deposit a cheque in the mail slot in front of City Hall 24 hours a day.

• At Your Bank – payment of property taxes can be made at your nancial institution or through their online and telephone bill payment services.

• Regular Mail – Property tax payments can be mailed to City Hall. Please mail all payments to 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 3J8.

• Credit Card Payment – Property Tax payments can also be made via credit card through a third-party provider (https://moosejaw.ca/pay-utilities/).

To view the current tax status of your property, (Full details can be found at Moosejaw.ca) or use the Property Tax Search button on the free City of Moose Jaw app.

If you have questions, use the Contact Us feature at www.moosejaw.ca or phone 306-694-4410.

Deputy Chief Rick Johns speaks to reporters after the police board named him as acting chief. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

ANAVETS club gives financial support to Moose Jaw’s U18 curling teams

February’s U18 national curling championship in Saskatoon will be a family affair for Moose Jaw’s female team, as the group has two sets of sisters being coached by one of their mothers.

Nationals take place from Sunday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 23, with The Friendly City’s Team Hogeboom representing Saskatchewan on the female side of the tournament.

The group qualified for nationals after winning provincials in early January.

The U18 girls team includes skip Kaylee Hogeboom, third Payton Fisher, second Abby Hogeboom, lead Kelsey McQueen and alternate/lead Callista McQueen. They are coached by Barb Owens, the Hogebooms’ mother.

Moose Jaw is also sending a U18 boys team to nationals; the group — which placed second at provincials — is comprised of skip Dayne Heisler, third Blake Montgomery, second Riley Cushway and lead Laine Burnham. Their coach is Rod Montgomery.

nothing too serious.”

Hogeboom added that it is great to have two sets of sisters competing together since it makes being a team easier as they know each other already.

Coach Owens agreed that there are “dynamics” and challenges with coaching her daughters, but they’re thrilled to compete together because of how special the situation is. Meanwhile, she was proud of how the team handled itself.

“… We put a lot of pressure on these teenagers. They’re in some really highpressure games (and) high-pressure situations,” she added. “And I’m incredibly proud of the way they’ve responded.”

Moose Jaw’s Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) Club No. 252 recognized both teams recently with a $500 cheque.

‘Quite the honour’ Kaylee Hogeboom said it was “quite the honour” to compete at nationals, especially since she is graduating high school and it is her last year of

competitive curling in Saskatchewan. So, she thought it was great to attend this event as Team Saskatchewan.

This is the first time the A.E. Peacock Collegiate athlete and her team have attended nationals — this is their second year together — as they finished fourth in 2024. Their goal at nationals is to make playoffs and hopefully win.

“We’re so excited. It’s such a wonderful opportunity … ,” said Hogeboom, who has curled for 11 years.

With a smile, the Grade 12 student said it’s interesting to have her mother be the coach, while it helps with communication and discussing strategies since she learned everything she knows from her mom. This also makes it easier to have conversations at home.

“But … as it is with family, it is a little bit different. And I would consider myself to be very much like my mother, so that’s a little hard to navigate,” Hogeboom smiled. “But, overall, it’s a really good dynamic.”

The skip said competing with her younger sister offers a similar dynamic since they work well together and know each other, which is a strength. But, as with most sibling relationships, “sometimes there’s a little bit of trouble, but

Callista McQueen, in Grade 12 at Peacock, has been curling for four years and thought competing at nationals was exciting after such a short time on the pebbled ice. She noted that she’s been curling with Kaylee since Grade 9 and that’s also been great.

With a laugh, McQueen said it’s been good curling with her sister — who’s younger by 13 months — and, even with the occasional sibling spat, she wouldn’t change that situation since she likes having Kelsey around — a sentiment that Kelsey echoed.

Meanwhile, they also play basketball together, so both acknowledged that they’re together “a lot.”

“But it’s nice to experience these new opportunities together. And it’s good because I feel like I have someone to talk to,” said Callista, adding while they were nervous, they looked forward to this once-in-a-lifetime tournament.

Don Purrington, the ANAVETS’ president, said the organization was thrilled to support the curling teams since the youths were the future leaders of Canada, and, could potentially represent Team Saskatchewan or Team Canada as adults.

To support both teams financially, email teamhogeboom@gmail.com and mju18boyscurling@gmail.com.

Members of Moose Jaw’s U18 boys and girls curling teams and executive members of the ANAVETS Club No. 252 gather for the cheque presentation.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Moose Jaw Warriors snap losing skid with shootout win over Brandon Wheat Kings

Moose Jaw product Carson Deichert scores first as a Warrior in 4-3 home-ice victory

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

For Moose Jaw Minor Hockey product Carson Deichert, Friday night was a special one.

The 16-year-old forward hit the scoresheet for the first time in his Western Hockey League career with a firstperiod goal and the Warriors would go on to a 4-3 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Moose Jaw Minor Hockey product Carson Deichert leads the flyby after scoring his first Western Hockey League goal.

The win was a morale-booster for the home squad, too, as it snapped a 12game losing skid and saw the Warriors improve to 11-30-4-2 to sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Brandon improved to 23-16-3-3 and sit seventh in the Conference.

Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors split weekend set with Saskatoon Blazers

Warriors take 7-3 win Saturday, fall 6-5 in a shootout Sunday to take three of four points

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

It was another productive weekend for the Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors, as they picked up three out of a possible four points against the Saskatoon Blazers in Sask Male AAA Hockey League action.

The Warriors took a 7-3 victory in the opener Saturday but dropped a 6-5 shootout decision in the rematch Sunday afternoon at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

WINMAR Warriors logo

Moose Jaw is now 27-7-3 on the

season and sit a point back of the Regina Pat Canadians for second place in the 12team league. The Blazers are now 22-9-2 to sit in fifth place overall.

The WINMAR Warriors are back in action Friday when they travel to Swift Current to face the Legion naires. Game time is 8 p.m.

The Blazers return to the ice Thurs day when they host the Warman Wild cats. Puck drop is 7:45 p.m.

Moose Jaw Warriors offence comes up short in shutout loss to Red Deer Rebels

Chase Wutzke records shutout as Rebels take 3-0 win on Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Moose Jaw Events Centre

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Red Deer Rebels found themselves in a goaltending battle on Saturday night, and it wouldn’t be until the third period that things were finally settled.

Red Deer scored three times in the final frame and Chase Wutzke would stop all 16 shots he faced for the shutout as the Rebels took a 3-0 victory in Western Hockey League action at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

The result was almost secondary to the rest of the evening, though, as the contest also served as the Warriors’ annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The team wore special lavender jerseys -- the colour for cancer awareness in Canada -- with faces of those who have or are battling cancer inside the player numbers.

The jerseys were raffled off throughout the night, with fans also able to sign ‘I Fight For’ placards that will be displayed in the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Warriors defenceman Nolan Paquette battles for the puck with Red Deer’s Ty Coupland during action from Saturday’s Hockey Fights Cancer game. Nick Pettigrew

As for the result itself, the Warriors fell to 11-31-4-2 and remain in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, while Red Deer improved to 18-25-4-2 and are in nine place, 10 points out of a playoff spot.

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‘We’re going to do everything we can to improve our team’: Roughriders GM Jeremy O’Day talks CFL free

agency

Negotiating window opens Sunday, free agency period begins Feb. 11 as teams hit high gear in preparation for 2025 season Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

It’s one of the busiest times of the year for Canadian Football League general managers, and one that can go a long way into turning a team into a champion.

With the free agency negotiating window opening on Sunday and the free agent signing period set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day will be fielding many a conversation with agents and players as plans come into place for how the team will look in the coming season.

Not only will ‘Day be looking at resigning his own crop of free agents and the wealth of talent there in, it’ll also be a matter of attempting to entice players from throughout the league to come to Regina -- all while dealing with the CFL’s $5,750,000 salary cap.

A balancing act, to be sure, and one O’Day is confident will turn out well for his crew.

“The last number of years with oneyear contracts and the salary cap that was implemented years ago, I think it’s kind of changed free agency in general. Just the fact that you can really change your team around when you go into free agency now,” O’Day said during a media availability on Thursday.

“So we were very active last year and as I said before we’ve got a lot of those guys still in a contract, which is great. But we’re going to do everything we can to improve our team within the restrictions of the salary cap that we have to abide by.”

First things first, the current roster. The Roughriders have 20 free agents listed on the official CFL free-agent tracker site -- https://www.cfl.ca/fa25/ -- and O’Day is interested in bringing as much top-tier talent as he can back into the fold.

Things kick into high gear in the CFL off-season next week with the opening of the free-agent negotiating window opening on Sunday, with Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day expecting busy times. MIchael Scraper.

“It’s important for us this year to work through our own free agents and get our guys back which we still continue to do,” he said. “There’s some that we’ve already offered contracts to and I’d say that we still have some offers out there that we’re we’re still working on. Then there are some players that we may still offer and there are some players that we probably won’t offer… So they’re they’re all kind of ongoing.”

As to figuring out who to pursue and take a shot at signing from other teams, well…

“It’s a lot of conversations, a lot of tracking, a lot of talking to agents, talking to your own players, your coaching staffs,” O’Day explained. “When someone gets released or someone gets presented to you it kind of sets off a domino effect of ‘okay I have the information

now I’m going to talk to our head coach and then we’ll bring positional coaches in we’ll have a discussion about the roster’. Then of course at the very end is the discussion with me over whether a player would fit in salary cap-wise or not. But you have to really just get into the window so you can have open, honest conversations with the agents and what’s going on with the player.“

And, of course, every team in the CFL is doing the exact same thing, which means the situation can be extremely fluid even from moment to moment.

“It’s a lot of moving parts and it changes kind of really by the hour when someone signs back somewhere or you know a different direction is happening,” O’Day said. “We always kind of shift and pivot so there’s a lot just a lot

of moving parts around.”

One thing that’s for certain is how important free agency has become -- it seems almost unfeasible for a team to succeed in today’s game without dipping their toes into the pool.

“You’d love to have a situation where you’re just building through your drafting and scouting but it doesn’t always happen that way,” O’Day said, adding that sometimes contracts just don’t work out at the right time under the salary cap

“You have a good player in a position that makes a good contract and another player is coming up that also needs a good contract and you’re not able to provide two guys in the same position with the starting money that they would be asking for. So I think that you’re always going to have to do something in free agency.”

At the same time, a revolving door can damage a team’s continuity and familiarity, throwing another aspect into the free agency balancing act.

“Ideally we don’t want to be in a situation where we’re super heavy in free agency because you want guys to feel comfortable and be building towards something, which is a championship,” O’Day said. “You want them to be around the same guys for multiple years and if you can do that I think it pays off…if you have tough years then obviously you’re going to be more active, if there’s a change in the coaching staff, if there’s a change in the general manager then then there’s obviously going to be heavy activity.”

Be sure to keep an eye on www. sportscage.com for all your Rougriders free agent news as it happens in the coming days.

15 Wing Moose Jaw earns silver in CAF Canada West Basketball regionals

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Canada West Basketball Championship took place for the second consecutive year at the 15 Wing Community Fitness Centre from Jan. 19 to 24, bringing with it five military basketball teams from across the country.

Intense competition defined the tournament that resulted with Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt emerging as gold medalists and Moose Jaw placing second to secure silver.

“We had participation from… all the Western provinces, all the way from Esquimalt and Comox (in B.C.) to Shilo, Man., with Cold Lake representing (Alberta) and Moose Jaw (representing) Saskatchewan,” said Chantelle RouaultGibson, the tournament’s personnel support program, sports, and facilities co-ordinator.

Rouault-Gibson said national championships are held every second year, meaning this competition was on the regional level with no further advancements.

The championship kicked off with round-robin play. Esquimalt dominated to finish with a perfect 4 — 0 record. Cold Lake followed closely with a 3 — 1 record, while Moose Jaw and Shilo ended the round with 2 — 2 and 1 — 3, respectively. Comox finished at the bottom with a 0 — 4 record.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

David Fahlman earning the title for Moose Jaw.

Shilo secured a 68 — 51 win over Comox with Shilo’s Pte. Hans Librando and Comox’s Sgt. Micheal Lovatt named outstanding players.

In the last match of the round-robin, Esquimalt crushed Cold Lake 92 — 56 with S3 Isaac Bailey of Esquimalt and Cpl. Nathanael of Cold Lake acknowledged as players of the game.

Despite a 16-point loss in the final match, Coach Gowen remained optimistic, stressing that “It’s just basketball. (It’s)… about having fun.”

Leading up to the tournament, Capt. Dennis Gowen, coach of the 15 Wing men’s team and full-time air operations officer, said the team prepared mentally and physically ahead of the match.

“When I took over the team two years ago… we were a team that was frankly unorganized,” he said. “Morale was low and we finished dead last in the standings. Last year we did a little bit better. We’ve made it to the semi-final round, and then this year we made it to the final.”

On Jan. 23, the playoffs took centre stage. In the first semi-final, Esquimalt defeated Shilo 71 — 43. Lt(N).

Owen Murphy was named player of the game for Esquimalt, while Shilo’s Cpl. Carlin Schulenberg earned this honour for his team. In the second semifinal, Moose Jaw

triumphed over Cold Lake with a 67 — 62 victory.

Cpl. Norman Sigua was recognized as player of the game for Moose Jaw, and Cpl. Tyus Hamilton received the honour for Cold Lake.

The final match later that evening saw Esquimalt face off against Moose Jaw. Esquimalt emerged victorious with a 75 — 59 win to secure the gold medal. Moose Jaw’s 2nd Lt. Derek Haines earned player of the game for his team.

In the round-robin matches, Moose Jaw’s Capt. Peter Mallalieu was named player of the game in the team’s opening win against Shilo.

Esquimalt’s dominance was evident in the team’s crushing 104 — 44 victory over Shilo when Sub-Lt. Phillippe Foh was named player of the game. In the tight match between Comox and Moose Jaw, Cpl. John Tacderas and Cpl. Brandon Reaburn were named their respective team’s standout players.

The final day of round-robin play saw Esquimalt defeat Moose Jaw 81 — 50 with S1 Peter Iporoo earning player of the game for Esquimalt and 2nd Lt.

“The tournament was great,” he added. “We had a great turnout from the other bases. Again, sports is part of the military culture (and is) one of the benefits of joining the military. Hopefully, we can use this as part of a campaign to attract more recruitment in the forces.”

Until next season, Moose Jaw’s team of air traffic control officers, student pilots, and instructor pilots will continue to play with the Moose Jaw Men’s Basketball League on Sundays. Gowen’s optimism was also shared by Rouault-Gibson. “This was a very good showing, and (we’re) very excited to have advanced to the final championship. We were silver medalists and that’s a strong showing to be able to build (on) next year.”

You can watch the recent tournament at ‘PSP Moose Jaw’ on Facebook.

15 Wing Moose Jaw earned silver at the CAF Canada West Basketball Championship that concluded Jan. 24 in a promising comeback after placing last two years earlier. Photo by: Canadian Armed Forces

Photo by: Canadian Armed Forces

Photo by: Canadian Armed Forces

Public library announces program options and events for February

The Moose Jaw Public Library is set to welcome February with a special guest presentation to honour Indigenous Storytelling Month, alongside a lineup of regular program options to engage the community and inspire a love of reading.

Movie club

The library’s movie club meets twice monthly to watch a film and engage in short discussion starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.

• Origin: Showed on Feb. 3.

• Anora: This Palme d’Or winning film was nominated for six Oscars and follows a Brooklyn sex worker and her complicated romance with a Russian oligarch’s son. As his family intervenes to tear them apart, the film blends thrills, raw emotion, and eccentric characters guided by Sean Baker’s signature empathy for marginalized communities. Show date: Tuesday, Feb. 18. The library’s Documentary Night showcases documentary films that rarely hit theatres and takes place on the last Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.

• Storming Caesars Palace: Storming Caesars Palace highlights Las Vegas activist Ruby Duncan’s battle against the U.S. welfare system and her pursuit of a guaranteed basic income. The film showcases the timeless power of standing by one’s principles. Show date: Thursday, Feb. 27.

A few movie matinees will be shown for audiences of all ages in the library’s theatre starting at 2:30 p.m. Admittance is free and everyone’s welcome.

• (rated PG).

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

• The Wild Robot: Saturday, Feb. 22 (rated G).

Maker nights

Maker nights provide an evening dedicated to learning and creating with others. Register by calling 306-6928210. The program runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 13 and up.

• Maker night: Guests will make clay charms on Monday, Feb. 24. Advance registration is required.

• Teen Makers: Guests will create Minecraft papercraft projects on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

• Maker Saturdays: Guests made clay models on Feb. 1 and will make LEGO Spike Prime on Saturday, Feb. 15. Advance registration is required. Children’s programming LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the library’s regular business hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In this self-guided activity in the Children’s Department, children can have fun building wild LEGO creations that they’re invited to put on display. Children’s Storytime programs run on separate days in the Children’s Program Room starting at 10:30 a.m. Here, young readers can enjoy a short story, rhymes, and songs as caregivers learn ways to improve early childhood literacy.

• Baby Storytime: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25.

• Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26.

• Daycare Storytime: Thursday, Feb. 6, 13, 20, and 27.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent. Photo by: Aaron Walker

animated, talking picture books to teach children the joys of reading in the Digital Library. Stand alone events

• Indigenous Storytelling Month: Celebrate Indigenous Storytelling Month with special guest Carol Rose GoldenEagle on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s theatre.

• The Band City Archives Week: An open house with archival resources from Moose Jaw, formerly known as “The Band City,” will take place in the Archives Room from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

• Valenslime: Guests will make Valentines Day-themed slime creations in the Children’s Program Room on Saturday, Feb. 8.

• Unicorn Playdough: Guests will make unicorn playdough in the Children’s Program Room on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Youth programming

The library’s Teen Anime+ Club meets every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 to watch anime, read manga, draw, chat, and eat Asian snacks. Anyone ages 12 to 19 is welcome to attend in the library’s theatre and yes — cosplay is welcome.

Next Anime+ meeting: Featuring “D.Gray-man” on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The Teen Arts & Crafts program takes place once a month for youth ages 12 to 19 and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The program features art, crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet new friends.

• Paper heart decorations: Wednesday, Feb. 19.

The Teen Gamers program provides an

evening of video, card, and board games for youths ages 12 to 19. The program is held once a month in the Herb Taylor room with snacks provided from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no registration is required.

• Next Teen Gamers meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Regular events

The Moose Jaw Chess Club provides bi-weekly chess games every second Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.

• Upcoming chess games: Sunday, Feb. 2 and 16.

Magic the Gathering is held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room. No registration is required, and all experience levels are welcome.

• Magic the Gathering: Saturday, Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Archives Room and players ages 12 to 16 across all experience levels are invited.

• Digital D&D: Will take place Fridays on the youth Discord channel for ages 16 to 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Email Youth@ MJLibrary.ca to inquire.

• D&D: Rise of the Elements: Group one will meet on Tuesdays from Feb. 4 to Mar. 25 starting at 7 p.m., and group two will meet on Thursdays from Feb. 6 to Mar. 27 starting at 7 p.m. Registration is required.

Tech Time: Classes provide one-on-one instruction for modern-day electronic devices and are available by calling the library.

French-language programs

L’heure du conte is a French-language program for children ages five and under with their caregivers. The program is held in the Children’s Room starting at 10:30 a.m.

• L’heure du conte: Took place on Feb. 1.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary.ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@MJLibrary.ca. It’s advisable to check the library’s Facebook page for updates as programs are subject to possible cancellations or rescheduling.

Western Development Museum announces programming options for February

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) is announcing its lineup of programs and events for the month of February. Upcoming events

• Community Heritage Day: The WDM will be inviting different community heritage groups to set up a table and speak with curious guests. Volunteers will also be called on to help with old typewriter demonstrations, butter making, and similar heritage projects on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum. If you’re interested in registering a booth for the event, contact programs co-ordinator Alexis Jones at AJones@WDM.ca.

• Smarter Science, Better Buildings: The Saskatchewan Environmental Society has partnered with the WDM to offer a two-hour program for Grade 7 students. The program features six workstations exploring energy efficiency and water conservation methods. Students will spend one hour at the workstations and another hour exploring the museum’s galleries to compare historical and modern building techniques. The program runs for three weeks starting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and schools must book in advance by contacting AJones@WDM.ca.

Seek and find

The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet and visitors search through the galleries for clues that can be found on interpretation signs or display cases. Check the museum’s website for updates.

• Porter caps seek and find: Guests can seek out the tell-tale grey caps worn by train car porters. These employees who were almost exclusively Black men responsible for every aspect of customer service except for taking tickets. This seek and find event will be available Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 75th anniversary accession numbers seek and find: Guests are invited to seek out accession numbers on various artifacts throughout the museum and enter for a chance to win a prize. The event runs Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Courses and workshops

Several educational courses are offered

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Birthday parties

The museum may just be the perfect venue for your child’s upcoming birthday party. For a fee of only $200, children ages five to eight can experience a two-hour transportation-themed party and up to seven friends are included in the price. You can book by calling the museum.

Volunteering

The WDM is always looking for volunteers to help make programming, summer events, and numerous specialized roles at the museum possible. At the museum’s regular volunteer intakes, volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones will provide a tour of the facility, review safety protocols, and find suitable opportunities for everyone’s training and interests.

• Next volunteer orientations: The museum’s latest volunteer intake took place on Feb. 1, and the next intake is anticipated for early March. To inquire, contact Alexis Jones at AJones@WDM. ca.

seasonally and teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction engine operation, with certificates typically earned on completion.

• Introductory blacksmithing: Although fully booked, you’re invited to join a cancellation waiting list by contacting the museum for an introductory-level blacksmithing course held at the corporate office in Saskatoon. The course fee is $525 per person and is intended for guests aged 16 and over.

The next intake will be on Friday, Feb. 7, with another to follow on Friday, Mar.

7.

K+S Short Line 101

To showcase the raw power of steam energy, the WDM showcases its fully operational K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train each summer and guests can catch a ride on a piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive.

• Upcoming train schedule: The Short Line 101 is finished running for the winter season.

Reminiscence Kits

The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. Containing day-

to-day artifacts from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, these kits can be rented by care homes and other organizations over two weeks for $75 and an additional $25 for a one-week extension. Visit WDM.ca/ Reminiscence to book your kit.

Teacher resources

Several resources are available to teachers from information packages to field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw/Learn/ForTeachers for more information.

History album

The museum’s history album tells the story of Saskatchewan’s past though the stories of families, small towns, and community organizations across the province. To view the album, visit SaskHistory.ca.

The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.

The museum’s winter hours are now in effect and the museum and gift shop will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding Mondays and statutory holidays.

For more information, visit WDM.ca/ Moose-Jaw or reach out to Alexis Jones, the museum’s program and volunteer co-ordinator at 306-693-5989 or by email at AJones@WDM.ca.

The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.

Ashley Ackerman & Tanner Arnold

Andrew & Evelyn Ochoa Moose Jaw, SK

The K+S Short Line 101 steam train at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw undergoes maintenance as it waits for the start of its operational season later in 2025. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Legion branch announces student winners

For Moose Jaw Express

The Mose Jaw Legion. Branch 59. recently announced winners of the 2024 school poster, essay and poem contests.

Over 300 entries from Moose Jaw and district schools focused their work on Remembrance Day

Avonlea School students won the most awards with 16. Sunningdale School was second with nine awards.

First place winners went on to judging at the district level. Winners from there go on to the provincial level with those winners judged at the national level.

First three placings were awarded cash prizes.

The Legion hopes even more students and schools participate next year.

In the coloured posters primary division first was Zhihan Tang of Sunningdale School; second, Blakely Watson of Avonlea, third, Sage Thomas-Thul of Avonlea.

In primary poster black first was Emilia Galbraith of Sunningdale.

In junior coloured poster, first was Kate Buckley of Mortlach, second, Amarissa Chukwuelue, Sunningdale; third, Bellemy Clayson. Sunningdale.

In junior black and white poster first was Cassidy Mullin, Sunningdale; second, Gloria-Mae Skoczylas, Avonlea; third, Grace Aghamelu. Sunningdale.

In junior essay first was Katie Grant, Avonlea, sec-

ond, Jax Armstrong, Avonlea.

In junior poem first was Brendan New, Lindale; second, Emily Wood, Avonlea.

In intermediate coloured poster first was Camryn Michener, Sunningdale; second, Kheann Conales, Sacred Heart; third, Emily Blatz, Avonlea

In Intermediate black and white poster first was Iyah Sanguan, Sunningdale; second, Aneeshka Conales, Sacred Heart; third, Mia Martin, Sunningdale.

In intermediate essay first was Wyatt Gravelle, Avonlea; second, Jett Nelson, Avonlea; third, Breia Nelson, Avonlea.

In intermediate poem first was Gabriella Gonzales, Avonlea; second, Laya Dyckson, Sunningdale; third, Dylan Wickenhauser, St. Michael.

In senior coloured poster first was Colin L. Perales, Avonlea; second, Olesia Dunn, Phoenix Academy; third, Andrew Paranuik, Avonlea.

In senior black and white poster first was Jinjn Li, Central Collegiate; second, Cameron Morrison, Avonlea.

In senior essay, first was Colin L. Perales, Avonlea. second, Stella Popescu, Avonlea.

In senior poem first was Steven Daniel, Avonlea; second, Morgan Bumphrey, Avonlea; third, Logan Stevens, Avonlea.

Recycling for a cause: Help support TeleMiracle with SARCAN’s Drop and Go program

Residents can start making a difference long before this year’s TeleMiracle campaign kicks off thanks to an ongoing partnership with SARCAN Recycling and its “Drop & Go” program.

TeleMiracle 49 is scheduled to take place at the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, Sask., including Shailynn Taylor and Lisa Franks from Moose Jaw, with the 20-hour live telethon kicking off at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 1, and concluding at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 2.

“TeleMiracle is SARCAN Recycling’s charity of choice,” said Jane Hubbard-Richards, the communication and culture co-ordinator at SARCAN. “For roughly 20 years we’ve partnered with them… (by) selling Helping Hands, promoting the telethon, and just supporting them in any way that we can.

SARCAN is accepting deposit beverage containers for the campaign, and other recyclables including paint, electronics, batteries, flexible plastic packaging, and non-deposit glass won’t be included but can still be recycled as per

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

normal.

All proceeds from the Drop & Go campaign will be forwarded to TeleMiracle 49.

Last year, SARCAN handed TeleMiracle a cheque for $116,411 — it’s best year to date — which was a major improvement from the $79,000 donated in 2023. SARCAN always hopes to raise as much as possible, but hopes to keep this year’s total trending above the $100,000 mark.

SARCAN maintains TeleMiracle as its preferred charity as both organizations share a similar vision.

“They (TeleMiracle) do a lot of work supporting people experiencing disability in the province, ensuring their quality of life, and (reminding them) that they’re a valued and included member of our communities. That’s one of SARCAN’s main goals as well,” HubbardRichards explained.

“We’ve seen a lot of our customers who come in have benefitted from TeleMiracle as well, and so from our

employees to our customers, to just everyone in Saskatchewan, we want to see them succeed and just have the best quality of life possible.”

SARCAN’s Drop & Go program has been “a game changer,” HubbardRichards said.

“We have over 100,000 accounts now throughout the province (and) it saves so much time. You can be in and out of the depot in under three minutes… It’s a great option for those on the go.”

Drop & Go is simple: create an ac-

count online using your name, email address, and phone number, then select your refund method that includes an e-transfer option for auto-deposit payments. The next time you visit a SARCAN depot, log in at the Drop & Go kiosk, print your tags, place them on your bags, and simply drop them off. The team at SARCAN will then count the items and automatically issue a payment.

If you have a sports team, club, or non-profit organization, you can also sign up for SARCAN’s Drop & Go program to collect donations in the same manner as TeleMiracle.

Anyone can sign up for a Drop & Go account by visiting MyDropAndGo. ca.

SARCAN Moose Jaw is located at 52 Highland Road and can be reached at 306-692-4285. For more information visit Sarcan.ca or ‘SARCAN Recycling’ on Facebook.

For more information about TeleMiracle 49 visit TeleMiracle.com.

Moose Jaw and District School Winners: Back Row left to right Legion Steve Richardson - Sergeant-at-Arms, Iyah Sanguan, Olesia Dunn, Amarissa Chukwuelue, Aneeshka Conales, Kheann Conales, Jinjn Li, Sue Knox – Poppy Chairperson. Front row left to right, Mia Martin, Laya Dyckson, Grace Aghamelu, Brendan New, Dylan Wickenhouser, Cassidy Mullin. Norma Richardson photo

Avonlea Winners: Back Row, left to right Stella Popescu, Emily Blatz, Jett Nelson, Wyatt Gravelle, Logan Stevens, Steven Daniel, Andrew Paranuik, Cameron Morrison, Morgan Bumphrey. Front Row, eft to right, Sage Thomas-Thul, Gabriella Gonzales, Breia Nelson, Emily Wood, Katie Grant, Jax Armstrong, Colin L. Perales. Norma Richardson photo

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

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

2025 KrazyDad.com

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

ABSURD, ALIBI, COMFORTABLE, DANCE, DEVICES, DIFFERENT DOUGHNUT, DRINK, EXOTIC, FIRST, FORMAL, GRUB MARKETPLACE, MEDIA, METAL, MISERY, MONEY, NOVEL, PARTY PULSE, PURE, QUICK, RIFT, RIGHT, SHIFT, SIFT, SMOKE, SPINE, TOIL, TROUBLE, VANITY, WALKING, WHERE, WOULD, WRITE

ACROSS

1. Chasm

6. Frozen precipitation

10. Snakes

Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.

14. Throng

15. Carry

16. Military stronghold

17. Keen

18. Dogfish

19. One more than three

20. Data

22. European volcano

23. Acquire

24. Shun

26. Distribute

30. South southeast

31. Ignited

32. “Oh dear!”

33. Detail

35. Plays the bagpipes

39. Gin and vermouth

41. Pardon

43. Caper

44. Walking stick

46. Require

47. Encountered

49. Large

50. Back talk

51. Flail

54. “Go away!”

56. Miami basketball team

57. Perspicacity

63. Hindu princess

64. Don

65. Majestic

66. Therefore

67. A Great Lake

68. Fortuneteller’s card

69. Biblical garden

70. Lairs

71. Footwear DOWN

1. Anagram of “Sage”

2. Spoiled child

3. Eastern discipline

4. Tallow source

5. Bit of parsley

6. Data point

7. Candidate

8. Ear-related

9. Sneaky type

10. Positive feelings towards another

11. Truth (archaic)

12. Dried plum

13. Grain stubble

21. Antelope of India

25. Small mouthfuls

26. Mother

27. Distinctive flair

28. Fruity pastry

29. Approximation

34. Beauty treatments

36. Request

37. Nights before

38. Scarlets

40. Frosts, as a cake

42. Gave birth to

45. Desist

48. Unfroze

51. Half of six

52. Discovered

53. Scope

55. Canvas dwellings

58. Arid

59. He built the ark

60. River in Spain

61. Blackthorn

62. Adjusts

205 WANTED

Seeking Born Again Christian Business partner with potential ownership in Second Hand and Flea- Market business. Male, Female or Family must be interested in Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Outreach Ministry . Serious enquiries only please. 306-684-1084, 5 pm- 8pm ONLY (because of scam calls) I pay cash for unwanted firearms, ammunition, and other firearm related items. Also, free pick up of unwanted yard, gar-

CLASSIFIED ADS

den, and acreage equipment, chainsaws, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc.. Call of text 306-6414447.

Looking for outdoor TV antenna, 5’x6’. Please call 306-6934704.

Looking To Rent - Garage/warehouse/ or unused semi-trailer unit. Prefer downtown area. Will consider other options. Can be reached at 306-684-1084.

210 SERVICES

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306630-2268 Need work done? Contact Bill at 306630-2268 . Interior/ exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years expe-

Cursive Writing

By Richard Dowson

There’s talk of bringing back the teaching of Cursive Writing – the ‘flowing penmanship’ where the characters are joined.

I am a Left-handed Dyslexic, so never got the knack of cursive writing, or legible handwriting of any kind, for that matter. I still have problems reading my own notes.

My fabulous high school principal, Mr. Taylor, solved my Cursive Handwriting problem. He put me in Typing Class. Today it’s called keyboarding and it works great! In my emails people don’t have a clue I can’t do Cursive Writing.

Want to Bring Back Something? Bring Back the Times-Tables.

Up to the 12 times tables; makes

rience.

Cleaner with 20 years experience, professional and bondable, please call Rebecca at 306-990-0387

Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw, $60 and up. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. 306-6818749

160 MISCELLANEOUS

FOR

SALE

- Sunset Cemetery Last Supper Cremation Plot #212. Asking $1600, open to reasonable offers. Please call 306-693-2003. Fur rugs for sale, 2 bears, fox, coyote, skunk. 9 grandfather

clocks. Queen Ann Chesterfield with 3 chairs in good shape. Oak table with 6 chairs. 2 oak China cabinets. Please call 306-692-0825.

105 AUTOS

2011 Jeep Liberty 4x4, 245,000 kms, 3.7L, remote start, many new parts, well maintained. Asking $5200 OBO. Call 306630-8118

135 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

6 metal poles 14’ x 3” heavy wall steel only $100. each, it’s a steal of a deal. Call 306-6941322.

more sense.

Learning the Times-Tables disappeared when the calculator was introduced in elementary schools. Knowing basic arithmetic and the times-tables means people can make intuitive math decisions regarding money, finance and general calculations. No need to pull out a calculator or phone and type numbers. Surprise! The brain is quicker than all the fumbling. Bring Back the Time-Tables.

Obituaries / Memorials

RUBY MACLEOD

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Injustice? Speak Up

By Richard Dowson

On Saturday, January 27, 1945, a unit of Soviet Union Troops arrived at Auschwitz, the NAZI Concentration and Death Camp. The horror of the NAZI mass murders carried out at the Camp was overwhelming for the liberating, war-hardened Soviet troops.

Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak up, Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak up, Because I was not a Jew

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Ruby MacLeod, on Friday, January 10, 2024. Ruby was born in Halifax, NS on May 11, 1935. She is survived by her husband, Gordon MacLeod of Moose Jaw; her children: Barbara Boyas, Susan (Billy) MacLellan, Marie MacLeod, and Gordon Jr. MacLeod. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Lesa, Barry, Kimberly, Shannon, Lee, Shane and Shaeni; great grandchildren: Brooklyn, Nicholas, Kazden, Zaylee, Saphira, McKinley, Olivia, Aidan, and Kendra. Sisters: Colleen, Doreen, Shirley, Lillian and Betty; brothers: Ronald, Douglas and Dennis as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruby is predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Hazel Brine; sisters: Donna, Audrey, Debbie and Sharon; brothers: Wayne, Michael, Kevin, Gordon and Lionel; grand daughter, Christine MacLellan and son in law, Steve Boyas.

Ruby loved all animals, gardening and walking everywhere and volunteered where was needed. She had such an amazing sense of humour. She loved life. We would like to thank all the staff at Providence Place on Guardian Grove for their amazing care. Special thank you to Tracy for her knowledge and compassion.

In keeping with Ruby’s wishes, no Funeral Service will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550

People seeking domination over others is historic. It continues. Humankind must always be on guard and speak up when dangerous humans rise to power and persecute others.

This poem was written by Martin Niemoller (1892-1984), a German Lutheran minister. A version of the poem is inscribed on the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston. This wonderful poem explains why we must speak up.

First, they came for the Communists

And I did not speak up, Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak up, Because I was not a Socialist

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.

Please contact us for more information.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation 55 Diefenbaker Drive

Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2

Phone (306) 694-0373

www.mjhf.org

Then they came for me And there was no one left, To speak up for me

Credit: Wikipedia – New England Holocaust Memorial

according to its Greek roots. Oxymoron comes from the Greek word oxymoros, meaning pointedly foolish. The Greek oxys (sharp or keen) is joined to moros (foolish), both words with opposite meanings.

William Shakespeare (15641616) used oxymorons (or oxymora according to some linguists) in his plays but the term oxymoron was not yet used to describe the literary device.

Oxymoron

Whenever I reach deep into the freezer for a package of meat, I always check for freezer burn. That is a condition that occurs when frozen food has sections that are dried out with a leathery texture caused by exposure to air. Freezer burn is usually caused by improper packaging or storing food for too long. Freezer burn doesn’t make food unsafe to eat, but it can affect the flavor. Freezer burn is an oxymoron, a combination of contradictory or incongruous words. The phrase combines the word ‘burn,’ which typically refers to damage from a hot source, with ‘freezer,’ which signifies a cold environment.

Oxymoron was first used in English in 1656 and is itself an oxymoron

Claudius in Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 says, “Have we (as ‘twere with a defeated joy, with one auspicious and one drooping eye, with mirth in funeral and dirge in marriage . . .). In Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare uses the familiar phrases, sweet sorrow, loving hate, heavy lightness, sick health, and cold fire.

Some oxymorons are used for satire or sarcasm, such as military intelligence, jumbo shrimp, deafening silence, and intelligent liberal or intelligent conservative (depending upon your political persuasion).

Oxymoron is not used to refer to a person, just a set of contradictory words. Oxymoron is not the same as a paradox. A paradox is a statement that seems to be contradictory or to go against common sense but is perhaps true. ‘Less is more’ and ‘the only constant is change’ are examples of a paradox.

Song titles that are oxymorons include A Hard Day’s Night by the Beatles, Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel, and Hello I Must Be Going by Phil Collins.

Oxymorons can also be sentences that imply contradictory actions or thoughts. Mark Twain wrote, “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” Yogi Berra had many oxymoron statements attributed to him. He said, “Why don’t you pair ‘em up in threes?” “The best cure of insomnia is to get a lot of sleep,” comes from W.C. Fields. Anthony Haden-Guest wrote, “Of course I can keep secrets. It’s the people I tell them to that can’t keep them.”

Phrases that you might hear, or even use yourself, that are oxymorons consist of almost exactly, awfully good, only choice, open secret, pretty ugly, and same difference.

Comedians often introduce a segment of their routine with an oxymoron when they talk about happily married, honest politician, Microsoft Works, plastic silverware, and working vacation.

If you’re learning English as a second language, you might be confused by oxymorons. Read literally, they contradict themselves such as minor

crisis A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. But in comparative situations the crisis might be minor. But once you become more familiar with the English language, it is often easy to recognize such oxymorons as figures of speech. Richard Watson Todd, said, “The true beauty of oxymorons is that, unless we sit back and really think, we happily accept them as normal English.”

I end with a few more oxymorons that intrigue me: cheerful pessimist, clearly misunderstood, crash landing, deceptively honest, dull roar, exact estimate, genuine imitation, ill health, loosely sealed, original copy, plastic glasses, random order, small crowd, true fiction, and wise fool.

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.

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

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

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

Town and Country Singles Dance will be held on Saturday February 8 at Church of Our Lady Community Center at 566 Vaughan St. SW from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The band will be Len Gadica! CMarried couples are welcome! Cost $13 for members and $15 for non-members. Coffee and bottled water are provided. For more information contact Marion at 306-630-1492.

The Moose Jaw Camera Club February meeting kicks off the second half of the season at 7:00 pm on February 10th at Cosmo Sr. Citizen’s Centre. The meeting will have a Critique on images depicting “Action/Speed/Motion” followed by a Post-Processing Presentation by amazing local photographer Michael St. Laurent. New members always welcome! Half-season rates for new members now apply. Guests welcome for a $10 fee. For more information: Rachel at 306-6930159 or Betty 306-371-5220.

Square One Community Inc Walk For Warmth will be held on Thursday, March 13 from 7-9pmStart at Square One Community 138 Fairford St. W. Walk as an Individual. Walk as a Team. Raise pledges as an Individual. Raise pledges as a Team. To register and receive your pledge forms and walk information, please visit: https:// www.squareonehousingmoosejaw.com/walkfor

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) third annual “Healthcare Rocks!” fundraiser will be held at the Mae Wilson Theatre on Saturday, March 15. Doors open for 7pm and free hors d’oeuvres will be provided courtesy of the Grant Hall Hotel. Elton John-themed merchandise will be available in a silent auction and a specialty drink called “Rocket Man” will be offered at the bar. There’ll also be “a few surprises” in store for guests.

Tickets are $50pp plus applicable taxes and fees, and can be purchased online at MooseJawCulture.ca or at the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture box office at 217 Main Street North. For more information call 306-693-4700.

Superannuated Teachers of Sask. Moose Jaw Branch Future Meetings: Wed. March 19, 2025/ Wed. May 21, 2025

Lawn Bowling is a sport for all levels of ability. During winter, Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling club invites everyone to try it on the turf at Yara Centre now at @10am - Instruction & play (at your pace) will be available Tues & Thurs mornings@ 10am. For more info phone or text 306-630-8160 or visit www.moosejawlawnbowling.com

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: January, February, March, April and May. No meeting in December. Call or text 306 756 2819.

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm at St Andrews Church until May. Learning, comradery, fun challenges, quilting and Community Projects.

New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw “The White Heather” for youth aged 8 to 12. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@hotmail.com

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club will resume meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The first meeting will be at 6:30pm, in Lindale

School staff room, 1322 11th Avenue NW (north entrance). Phone 306-693-5705 for information.

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. Winter 2024 Program on Monday nights from 7-9pm at St. Mary’s School, 720 –5th Ave. SW. Dance in a square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles or doubles welcome!

Scottish Country Dance Classes for all ages on Thursdays at 7pm at 510 Main St. N (T. Eaton Bldg). No partner required. Call Val @306.630.5790.

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis to take place on the third Friday of each month

Church of Our Lady Bingo takes 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.

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. For questionsCall or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com. Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/ Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/ Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for 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 twelvestep 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 Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

TOASTMASTERS organization provides communication and leadership skill training that fosters confidence building, personal and professional development in a supportive environment. Moose Jaw is home to 2 clubs: TAP and Big Country.

TAP meets on line on Tuesdays@7. TAP club is transitioning to a resource for building environmental awareness.

BIG COUNTRY meets Wednesdays@7 at Saskpolytech & on zoom(hybrid). For information text 306-690-8739

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss

Support Group Meets at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave. N.E. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8-8:45 am. Meeting to follow. . scale weighs up to 350 pounds. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to www.tops.org

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA

Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@ moosejawlibrary.ca

CHILDREN’S PRGRAMMING:

BABY STORYTIME Tuesdays 10:30 am in Children’s Program Room Ages: 0 to 2 and their car-

ing adults! Drop-in Program.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Wednesdays 10:30 am in Children’s Program Room Ages 2 to 5 and their caring adults! Drop-in Program.

DAYCARE STORYTIME Thursdays 10:30 am in Children’s Program Room Ages: 2 to 5 and their caring daycare providers! Drop-in Program.

LEGO WEEKENDS! Every Saturday and Sunday Open hours in Children’s Department Ages: 4 to 12 self-guided activity.

CSA TOOLKITS & ACTIVITIES Available in the Digital Library Check out toolkits and curriculum linked learning activities for youth and educators like OBJECTIVE: Moon. Learn about the moon from an Indigenous perspective, command a rover in a simulated environment and more!

YOUTH PROGRAMMING:

DIGITAL D&D Fridays Time: 4-6pm at MJPL Youth Discord Channel Ages 16-25 Registration required Email youth@mjlibrary.ca to inquire.4

HOOPLA Retro Crush BingePass - Relive the golden age of anime with the RetroCrush BingePass on hoopla digital. Whether you’re nostalgic for Astro Boy or seeking out Martian Successor Nadesico, stream your favorites and discover something new!

ADULT PRORAMMING:

TECH TIME Available by appointment Time: Open hours Location: Main Library Ages: Adults By appointment only - please call the Library at 306-692-2787 to schedule an appointment.

MAGIC

GET INSPIRED WITH KANOPY Films for New Year’s Resolutions! Explore inspiring documentaries and instructional videos on Kanopy that will ignite your passion and elevate your spirits as we head into 2025! Access this collection with your library card today.

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

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

CRIBBAGE –Tuesday @ 1:30 pm - Please sign-in by 1pm

MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pm - Everyone welcome

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca . The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open MThurs 8am-8pm and on Fri 8am-4pm Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards daily 8a.m. – 4p.m.; Monday & Thursday evenings 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 9a.m/Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m./Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m./ Weds pickleball @5pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.; Whist – Tuesday @ 9:30am; Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.; Mah Jong –Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm;

500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m; Spades – Tuesday and Fridays 1pm ON HOLD

Full Body work out – Monday’s 10am

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

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

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Circle Dancing – Thursday 2:15pm

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm

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

Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @1pm

Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @1pm

New to the Centre is BINGO every Monday at 1:30pm

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 2nd Monday of the month

Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30amPickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard

Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball

Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball

February 15 - SOCIAL DANCE/Cabaret - FOG/ Steel Toed Booty from 7:30pm - 11:00pm. Cost: $15.00 per person includes lunch.

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

Starting February 3rd, new hours will be added, Monday and Tuesday from 1 pm to 6:30 pm.

Every Wednesday, open 12-6 pm, Smear –Starts at 1 pm

Every Thursday, open 12-7 pm, Smear – Starts at 1 pm, Crib starts Sept. 5th; registration at 1 pm; Crib starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner or sign up as a spare.

Every Friday, open 1-10 pm, drop in shuffleboard. Register at 1 pm. Play starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner. Drop in pool and darts. Register by 6:30 pm. Play starts at 7 pm. Bring a partner. Every Saturday, open 1-7 pm. Meat draw starts at 4:30 pm, 10 meat draws, 4 free draws, gift card and 50/50. Everyone welcome. Hall rentals available – book now!

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

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm

DROP IN DARTS - Every Wednesday evening and continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, draw for partners, starts at 7:00 pm. DROP IN CRIBBAGE - Every Monday evening and continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, registration between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm – play starts at 7:00 pm.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

The Flag of Canada

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