Weyburn 4-H Days to begin over the weekend
Weyburn area 4-H clubs will be wrapping up their year at the Weyburn exhibition grounds, starting on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, prior to the Regional 4-H Show which is part of the Weyburn Fair.
On Saturday, the Weyburn, Brokenshell, Cymri and Lomond 4-H clubs will hold their Achievement Days in the Souris Valley Industries Show and Sale Arena, then on Sunday, Radville and Milestone 4-H clubs will hold their Achievement Days.
These are opportunities for each age level of 4-H to show off his or her animal project for judging.
In addition, the 4-H Light Horse Show will be held on Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. in the rodeo arena in front of the grandstands.
The 4-H Interclub regional show will begin on Canada Day, July 1, with the weighing in of 4-H steers at 8 a.m., as well as weighing of 4-H sheep and goats. The Interclub judging competition begins at 10 a.m., along with 4-H sheep showmanship, the showmanship class and team grooming class, and 4-H regional judging.
The Weyburn Ag Society will hold a movie night, with the doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, starting at 7:45 p.m., to finish in time for everyone to see the City of Weyburn’s fireworks show at dusk.
The regional 4-H show continues on July 2 and 3, with the 4-H Interclub fed calf show at 9 a.m. on July 2, the interclub sheep and goat show
at 2 p.m., and the jackpot market lamb show and market goal show at 3 p.m.
The jackpot market calf show, jackpot market heifer show, the jackpot steer show and commercial pen of heifers will start at 3:30 p.m.
The 4-H Interclub Female Show will go at 8 a.m. on July 3, with the breeders herd award and 4-H Awards presented at 1:30 p.m.
A highlight for many 4-H members is the 4-H Interclub fed calf sale, and the sale of the market lambs and goats.
Sale guides will be posted on www.weyburnagriculturalsociety.com website, and the sales will be conducted in the show and sale arena, starting with the Grand Champion Steer and reserve champion.
Eagle Claw drummers open tourney
Photo — Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
The Eagle Claw Drumming and Singing Group performed a number of traditional First Nations songs to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day last Friday. They also helped to open the three-day South Sask Lacrosse League playoffs, held in both Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena.
Pretty as a princess
Three-year-old Paisley Kenway was happy that she was made up like a princess by face-painter Kendra Ellingson, at the Yellow Grass Summer Solstice event last Saturday in Allen Park.
WCS JA companies earn awards
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Junior Achievement companies and students won a total of eight awards from the 2024 Junior Achievement Provincial Awards, including an honour for Company of the Year to first semester company Sweets and Treats.
The Company of the Year award is presented to “the company that achieved the minimum standards of 80 per cent attendance, strong sales, a high degree of production and commercial development of the product, prompt payment of wages and invoices, meeting of shareholders report requirements, general spirit and participation by all.”
Student Jenna Knupp was a double winner, taking home the Achiever of the Year and Salesperson of the Year awards.
Achiever of the Year is presented to an outstanding achiever who has displayed dedication and overwhelming commitment to the company program.
As Salesperson of the Year, she brought in sales of over $2,800 for her company, Sweets & Treats Co.
Luminate, the second semester company, won the award for product design, and co-president Kaitlin Demchynski won the Leadership Excellence award.
Kaitlin presented a positive business approach with exceptional public relations and dedication to ensuring the success of her JA company. She had shown outstanding leadership not only in the company but in the program as a whole.
The product design award recognized the
company whose product best incorporates a combination of imagination, creativity, marketability, constructability and materials cost.
Max Crane (of Luminate) won an award for Human Resource Management; Emmanuel Pallarca (of Luminate) won for Marketing Excellence; and Emily Edwards (of Luminate) won the award for Environment-Health and Safety.
Max’s award was to recognize that he “maintained accurate, orderly records and took pride in his position in a professional manner. This achiever has displayed exceptional ability to motivate and train staff, to facilitate teamwork, and to ensure that each team member played a meaningful role and was valued for his or her contribution to the company.”
Continued on page 5
Photo — Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
COMMUNITY
By Norm Park, Contracted Reporter
for SECPSD
A variety of topics were discussed during the June 19 meeting of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board of trustees, their last meeting before the summer break.
During an opening round table discussion several board members reported on a variety of Grade 12 graduation exercises and their outcomes as well as a basketball team citizenship award for the ECS Elecs girls’ team for fundraising for cancer research over a 10-year period.
Next academic year will be an election year for school board members, so the current board passed a motion during this session to appoint their Chief Financial Officer/Division Services
Superintendent Shelley Toth to the position of Returning Officer, a position that she has been
assigned to in previous board elections.
The evaluation of the Director of Education, Keith Keating, a task that was completed and accepted in an earlier session, was given formal approval and unanimous acceptance by the attending board members.
The board will not be meeting in an open business session format until September 18 when they have a 1 p.m. meeting planned. But that doesn’t mean the board members won’t be busy during the summer, since they have an early July national meeting on Indigenous Education and Canadian School Boards Association Congress to send delegates to, as well as an annual strategic planning meeting slated for midAugust and again in early September.
There is also the annual meeting upcoming for the South East District Athletic Association delegates.
Free burgers at City’s open house
Weyburn city clerk, Tina Clay (left) and utilities foreman Kim Wilkes served up a free barbecue to residents visiting an open house on June 19. Weyburn police and fire departments, as well as Public Works, provided information on their respective areas.
Mini HorseShowinthe BigBarn
11:00a.m GatesOpen
11:00a.m.- 5:00 p.m.SafetyZone
1:00 p.m. -8:00p.m Ol’McDale’sFriendlyFarm& Petting Zoo
1:00p.m.- 4:00 p.m. KnockerBalls
1:30 p.m. -4:00p.m
2:00
4:00 p.m.
6:00p.m.- 10:00 p.m. KnockerBalls
6:30 p.m. Souris RiverRodeo Performance
9:00 p.m. Tequila Mockingbird LIVE BAND
Saturday, July 6
8:00 a.m. Catholic Church BoothOpenfor
9:00
1:00p.m.-
6:00
7:00
9:30
12:00 p.m. Food vendors, HouseholdArts, TractorTown, Ag Pavilion, CanuckAmusementsMidwayOpens
Bike rodeo to be hosted in Jubilee
The Weyburn Police Service, in conjunction with the Weyburn Public Library, will be putting on a bike rodeo at Jubilee Park on Wednesday, July 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Organizers are requesting that parents preregister their children to enable a staggered start time.
Preregister at weyburnpubliclibrary.weebly.com, or in person at the library,
or by phoning the library at 306-842-4352.
Helmets are required, and a free barbecue will be provided by the Weyburn Police Service.
There will be 14 stations set up in Jubilee Park, at the west entrance, starting with registration and a helmet fit. The cyclists will then have the mechanics of the bike checked out, then will be tested on driveway
and intersection safety.
There will be a pylon dodge, a ramp, scanning, and surface change, an observation course, a free ride, and a slow race. There will be bike decorating, and a Question Wheel to finish off the course.
Those taking part can enter their names for prizes provided by Canadian Tire, the Weyburn Police Association and SGI.
By Rev. Doug Loden, Calvary Baptist Church.
I studied theology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. One summer, near the end of my studies, I worked as a student pastor in Grand Cache, Alta.
After the summer, I stayed and worked in the coal mine to pay off my school bills. One of my jobs was driving the supply vehicle carrying what was needed into the mine.
One day I took the supplies down quite a steep hill inside the mine. At the bottom of the hill, I unloaded five pails of hydraulic oil for the mine machines. Going back up the hill, the brakes failed and I came racing down the hill. I hit a bump, and my hardhat and light fell down at my feet. I was racing down the hill,
unable to see, expecting to smash into the wall at the bottom, thinking the wall and the ceiling would come down upon me.
To my astonishment, I came to a rapid but gentle stop. I got the hardhat and light back on my head, climbed out of the machine to see what happened. There was oil everywhere, on the wall, the ceiling and all over the back of my machine. The pails of oil, just unloaded at the bottom of the hill, had cushioned my crash into the wall.
As well, there was a significant amount of coal dust against the wall that also cushioned the crash. I stood there, wondering what to do. At that moment, the foreman came walking by. He listened to my story and said, “It looks like you have everything
under control”, and walked off. That did surprise me, as it didn’t seem that everything was under control. But not too long after that, another driver, in another supply vehicle arrived and towed me and my machine out of the mine.
I believe that God kept me safe in that situation of very real danger. I had no sense that God was with me, but I believe that it was God who kept me safe that day. There has probably been a time when you were in danger and God kept you safe. Perhaps you are now thinking of that occasion. Perhaps God is now reminding you of His protection and speaking to you and calling you to believe in Him.
God is the one who has given us life and truly, God is the Good Shepherd who watches over us.
Photo — Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Hugging a Paws Patrol mascot Noah hugs Skye, one of the PAW Patrol characters, during a Party in the Park celebration held at Don Mitchell Park. The City of Weyburn hosted a barbecue and many fun activities during the event.
Photo — Sabrina Kraft
EDITORIAL
ENJOY SUMMER IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Written by Sabrina Kraft
School is out for summer.
The last day for students was Wednesday, and there are a couple of Professional Development Days for teachers today, June 27, and tomorrow, June 28.
We are fortunate enough to live in a community that offers many summer programs - providing a lot of opportunities to explore for families with young children.
Some of the available programs include the Spark Centre Summer Camp, a Fun in the Sun Camp offered by Inclusion Weyburn, the reading program at the Weyburn Library.
The CMHA Weyburn branch recently announced a ‘Youth Inspiring Kindness’ youth program, that will run Thursdays throughout the summer.
Crocus 80 Theatre is hosting a Summer Youth Theatre, and a final performance will be staged in August.
We should also add in the free swims at the Weyburn Leisure Centre, or getting to beat the heat at the spray parks at the Don Mitchell Tot Lot and River Park.
There is lots to do for our young residents, no matter how bored they might claim at times.
There is also a lot in our city for the ‘young at heart’. The annual Weyburn Agricultural Society Fair is just around the corner, which includes the ever popular demo derby.
There are also lots of fun summer events held in our small communities, to the point where you could have something to attend every weekend, and could take a few road trips.
Adults can also enjoy the many activities and programs offered at the Weyburn Public Library. Or take in a card game at the Weyburn Wheatland Centre.
Then there is just driving out to Nickle Lake or Mainprize Regional Park to get some time in the sun, and enjoy yourself.
The thing I enjoy about living in this community is that there is enough quiet that one could just enjoy a sunny afternoon in their own backyard. That could include firing up the grill, or relaxing in the sun with a good book, or even enjoying a fire pit (as long as you
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have the correct permit).
Summer is usually a popular time for vacation requests too. There is lots to explore in our readership, such as the interesting landscapes in the Big Muddy, or going back in time on the Southern Prairie Railway.
Some people say that ‘there is not a lot to see’ in Saskatchewan, but have you ever just taken a trip down a grid road and watched our hard-working farmers in the fields? There are times we forget to appreciate the bountiful crops that are grown in the southeast.
There are still opportunities to volunteer during the summer too. We have many great organizations that would love to get some new ideas at their board meetings.
The Weyburn Humane Society will be busy fundraising for their new shelter, and I know they are always looking for pet-loving volunteers on their board.
Weyburn is also blessed to have community groups like the Young Fellows Club and the Rotary Club, who organize amazing community events, and find a way to give back to our city.
One way to help out to the
community is by donating nonperishable food items to the Salvation Army. They will be offering their Summer Lunch program again this year, and when it gets closer to ‘back to school’, they will be organizing their popular backpack program.
One does not have to look far to find an activity that is close to your passions. For sports, there is baseball, soccer, lacrosse, pickleball, football, hockey, and even cricket enthusiasts.
For arts and culture, one can take in the exhibits at the Weyburn Art Gallery, or sign up for a class at the Spark Centre. The Weyburn Concert Series is also gearing up for another wonderful season.
Plus, we will have a couple of ‘Stronger Together’ community potlucks to look forward to.
As your local newspaper, we strive to cover all these amazing community events to the best of our ability. We also encourage people to contact us to promote a new program to our readers.
I hope that everyone has a safe and happy summer, and have a chance to make some memories.
How to survive a panic attack
By Stan Popovich
A person can experience a panic attack when they least expect it. This can cause a great deal of fear and anxiety for the person. Many people do not know what they should do when dealing with a panic attack. As a result, here are six easy steps a person can follow when a panic attack strikes.
1. Take a break: A panic attack can be very uncomfortable and can affect a person’s thinking. The best thing to do when this happens is to take a break in order to calm down. You don’t want to do anything when you’re not thinking clearly.
2. Take deep breaths: A person should take some deep breaths to help feel better and to get rid of some of the excessive fear and anxiety. There are many kinds of breathing exercises a person can learn to follow with the help of a mental health counselor. Taking some deep breaths can help a person relax right away.
3. Distract yourself: A person should try to distract themselves from the panic they are experiencing. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, take a brisk walk, read the newspaper, or do something
relaxing that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
4. Visualize a red stop sign: A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fearful thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.
5. Get the facts of your situation: Many people feel helpless when they experience a panic attack for the first time. The fact is that you will be okay and that it takes a few minutes for the anxiety to go away. Talk to a counsellor and get the facts of what a panic attack is and what you can do when a panic attack occurs.
6. Don’t dwell on your thoughts: A person must not dwell or focus on their thoughts during a panic attack. The more a person tries to reason out their thoughts the longer a panic attack will last. Read some positive statements to help overcome your negative thoughts during a panic attack.
Junior Achievement progam is a ‘real life’ hands-on experience
Continued from front page
Emmanuel was recognized as an achiever “who displayed outstanding efforts in the fields of promotion and marketing, and had shown a creative ability in sales, promotion and marketing.”
Emily “played a significant role in the development, implemen -
tation, monitoring and ongoing improvement of the company’s plan for a healthy and safe working environment.”
Entrepreneurship teacher Margot Arnold, who is retiring at the end of this school year, also noted that from 2014 to this year, 25 JA companies have donated back
a total of $17,625.47 to charities and non-profit organizations, including $700 from Luminate, the last company, to Envision Counselling.
“I believe the Junior Achievement program is invaluable. It is a ‘real life’ hands-on class where students repeatedly say it was their best
class in high school. I encourage my students to not only make a profit, but to make a difference. Ten per cent of their company profits must be donated to a charity/nonprofit of the company’s choice,” she said.
“The growth I have seen in many students is exponential. I always
Sweets & Treats named Company of Year
Some of the members of the JA company, Sweets & Treats gathered to receive the winning certificate as the JA Company of the Year for the province. From left are VP of Finance Wylie Kopec, Co-VP of Sales/Marketing Brasen Sim, VP of HR Keaton Husband, Co-President Hudson Bourassa, and Co-President Jenna Knupp, Co-VP of Sales/Marketing Sophia Jordens, and Assistant Production VP Kail Kater.
tell them to apply YOGO WYPI to their company program experience: ‘You only get out what you put in’. Therefore, go outside your comfort zone, so that you will grow, enhance existing skillsets, and acquire and develop new skillsets to benefit your future,” said Arnold.
“I have enjoyed my 25 companies, and it is so gratifying when I hear a student say, ‘I didn’t know what I wanted to
do after Grade 12, and thanks to my JA experience, I am now headed for post-secondary to obtain my Commerce degree’,” she added. “Many students stay connected and that is also further heart-warming, as I learn about where their future has taken them applying what they learned from their JA experience. I believe this is the best reallife, relevant class for students in high school.”
Student a double-winner of JA awards
Jenna Knupp of the Weyburn Comp displays the two awards she won in the Junior Achievement program, as she was named Achiever of the Year and Salesperson of the Year for her work with Sweets & Treats Co.
Photos — courtesy of Margo Arnold
24065GE0
SPORTS
Weyburn lacrosse teams busy hosting playoffs
The Weyburn Lacrosse League had a busy three-day tournament for the South Sask Lacrosse League playoffs, from Friday to Sunday at both Crescent Point Place and Tom Zandee Sports Arena.
At the end of the tournament action, the Weyburn U17 Panther Drilling Thrashers won silver, and they won two and lost two games.
The Weyburn U15 Young Fellow Thrashers placed fourth; the Weyburn U15 Completely Branded Thrashers placed sixth.
The U13 Weyburn Securities Thrashers came fourth, losing the bronze medal to the Weyburn U13 Young’s Equipment Thrashers, who won bronze. The U11 Weyburn Credit Union Thrashers placed fourth.
In game action, the U11 Credit Union Thrashers had a 5-2 loss to the Moose Jaw Mustangs Black on Friday; a 3-2 win over Moose Jaw Red, and a 7-3 loss to the QCMBL Grizzlies.
The U13 Young’s Equipment Thrashers had a 5-3 win on Friday over the QCMBL Riot Squad, while the Weyburn Securities Thrashers had a 7-2 win over the Swift Current Rampage, and a 6-4 loss to Moose Jaw Red. The Young’s Equipment Thrashers had a 4-3 loss to
Moose Jaw Black.
On Saturday, Young’s Equipment had a 6-3 win over the Swift Current Rampage; the Weyburn Securities Thrashers had a 4-3 win over the QCMBL Riot Squad; and the two Weyburn teams played each other with Young’s Equipment winning 6-3.
On Sunday, the Young’s Equipment team had a 5-4 loss to Moose Jaw Red.
The U15 Young Fellows Thrashers had a 5-2 win on Friday over QCMBL Snipers, and Completely Branded had a 4-2 win over the QCMBL Waterdogs.
On Saturday, the Young Fellows had a 6-2 loss to Moose Jaw Mustangs; Completely Branded had a 9-4 loss to Swift Current Rampage; the Young Fellows had a 5-1 win over the QCMBL Waterdogs, and Completely Branded had a 1-0 loss to the QCMBL Snipers.
On Sunday, the Young Fellows had a 6-1 win over the QCMBL Snipers, and a 4-3 loss to the Swift Current Rampage.
The U17 Weyburn Panther Drilling Thrashers had an 8-6 win over the Swift Current Rampage on Friday; a 12-7 loss on Saturday to Moose Jaw; and on Sunday, a 2-1 win over the Swift Current Rampage, and an 11-2 loss to Moose Jaw.
Weyburn U15 Reds win Regina league title
The Weyburn U15 A Red Team are repeat Regina Minor Baseball league champs, after the weekend tournament.
Staying ahead of the defender
Weyburn Securities U13 Thrashers player Cruz
er, during a playoff game on Friday at Crescent Point
Weyburn Beavers start Alberta road trip
The Weyburn Beavers hosted the Brooks Bombers for a pair of weekend games, and both were highscoring losses, before hitting the road and starting their Alberta road trip in Edmonton on Tuesday night.
Weyburn was downed 7-4 by the Edmonton Prospects, with the Beavers scoring single runs in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings. The Prospects’ bats came alive then, and they scored six of their runs in the sixth inning.
Ian Heck of the Beavers had a home run and two RBIs on the night, with Ryan Muizelaar and Dallas Cummins also getting single RBIs.
loss on the mound, and was on the mound for six innings, allowing nine hits and nine runs, and getting four strike-outs.
Mathieu Rocheleau came on in relief for an inning, allowing two hits and three runs, getting one strike-out; McConnell threw for an inning, getting two strike-outs; and Wortman pitched for the last inning, getting three strikeouts, allowing two hits and no runs.
In Sunday’s game, which Brooks won 20-12, both teams were scoring
runs inning by inning, with the score 8-6 at the end of the fifth inning, before Brooks brought in six runs in the sixth inning, three more in the seventh and two in the eighth, while Weyburn added three in the seventh as well. Otte had three RBIs, Heck had two, Nick Teng had three and Ryan Webster added one.
Ethan Webster took the loss on the mound for Weyburn, pitching for five innings and allowing 12 hits and eight runs, and getting three strike-outs.
Joe Hart came on brief-
ly, allowing three hits and six runs; Angel Fragozo pitched for one and twothirds innings, allowing four hits and three runs; and Jordan Bauer pitched for the final two innings, allowing two hits and two runs.
The Beavers are now on their Alberta road trip, as they headed up to Fort McMurray on June 26-27, then they will be back in Edmonton on June 28, and down to Sylvan Lake for games on June 29 and 30. On Canada Day, they will in Medicine Hat before coming back to Weyburn on July 3.
The game scores from the playoff weekend are as follows: In the game versus Regina A’s, Weyburn won 26-4; against Rouleau, the score was 15-8; versus the Regina White Sox, Weyburn edged them out 20-19; in the semi-finals versus Moose Jaw, the score was 11-7; and in the final game versus Lumsden, Weyburn won 18-8, including a grand slam from Jack Grad. Other home runs on from the weekend were by Reid Kosior and Nate Missal.
The team includes Coach Ernie Parisien, Head Coach Nathaniel Parisien and Coach Shawne Daviduk; and players Austin Schimmel, Rylen Daviduk, Reid Kosior, Preston Roncin, McLaren Istace, Nate Missal, Jack Grad, Dallan Colbow, James Grad, Weston Whitford, Bennett Weger, Korbyn Peterson, Colton Hicks, and Kaden Miller.
Owen McConnell was the losing pitcher, and was on the mound for five and a third innings, allowing six hits and four runs, and getting two strike-outs.
Tanner Coddington came on for the balance of the next inning, allowing three hits and three runs, getting one strike-out; and Logan Wortman pitched the last two innings, allowing no hits or runs, and getting two strike-outs.
In Saturday’s game, with Brooks winning 12-7, the two teams traded home runs and kept pace with the score 5-5 at the end of three innings, then Brooks scored four runs in the fifth, and added another three runs in the seventh inning.
Home runs were hit by Ian Heck, Halen Otte and Carter Schellsmidt, providing most of the runs batted in, along with River Smith.
Ryan Meyer took the
Crossing the plate to score for the Beavers
Weyburn Beavers player Carter Schellsmidt crossed the plate to score a run for the Weyburn Beavers during their home game versus the Brooks Bombers on Saturday evening. Weyburn had two high-scoring losses, by scores of 12-7 and 20-12 over the weekend.
Carter keeps a wary eye on a Moose Jaw defend-
Place.
Photo — Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Display this flag in your window for a
Birthday, Canada!
Celebrate Canada’s birthday at Leisure Centre, regional parks
The City of Weyburn will host its annual Canada Day celebrations on Monday, July 1 at the Weyburn Leisure Centre, with a full day of family fun.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with a special flag ceremony led by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Colour Guard at 10 a.m., with remarks by dignitaries.
Birthday cake will be served at 11 a.m., and children can enjoy bouncy houses, crafts, facepainting and meet Paw Patrol characters from 11 to 4 p.m. Everyone can cool off with free swimming from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Southeast Advocates for Employment will be putting on a barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a fundraiser to assist their community initiatives.
“The Canada Day festivities in Weyburn are a fantastic way for families to create lasting
memories,” said city clerk Tina Clay.
“We’re really proud of the wide range of activities we have lined up, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our goal is to create an inclusive an exciting celebration that appeals to the entire community.”
The evening will wrap up with the fireworks display at dusk, located at the exhibition grounds.
Prior to the fireworks show, the Weyburn Ag Society will have movie night at Exhibition Hall, featuring Kung Fu Panda 4. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the show starts at 7:45, at a cost of $5.
At Nickle Lake, there will be a bike parade at 10 a.m., Canada Day activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a magic show at 2 and balloon sculpting from 2-4 p.m.
There is also a site decorating contest with prizes for first and second place, an open-air market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as a show-and-shine.
The Souris River Smoke Barbecue Showdown will precede Canada Day, held on June 29 and 30.
In the evening, there will be live entertainment by the Dennis and Curtis Ficor Band from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
There will also be a site decorating contest at Mainprize Regional Park, with a draw to be made on July 1 for one of four gift certificates. There will be a slow-pitch tournament at the park from June 28-30, with a pancake breakfast on June 30 from 9-11 a.m. by donation. There will also be a cabaret on June 29, featuring Lone Rambler.
On Canada Day, there will be a golf cart parade at 2 p.m., bouncy houses, a Plus One Market, a free barbecue from 4-6 p.m., and fireworks at dusk.
Retiring school administrator receives gift
Truancy an issue for Holy Family school division, board hears at meeting
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Out-going education director Gwen Keith spent some time recently as the attendance officer for Holy Family school division, she reported at her last board meeting before her retirement.
“I’m spending a lot of time as attendance officer. This has been very very challenging. We’ve had some interesting complexities,” she said, noting it didn’t involve a large number of students, but some issues were very difficult to resolve.
“We’re challenged with students not going to school, and we want to get them to school,” said Keith.
“The expectation is that students are to go to school. We try everything we can, talking to the parents, the teachers, and the school counsellors are bending over backwards to try and
provide support and incentives,” she added.
Keith noted the division monitors attendance from the division office, and if it doesn’t work, then they try to have a face-to-face meeting with the parents, along with counsellors.
One situation has gone through numerous layers and has gone all the way to the Children’s Advocate for the province to try and help a family get their child into school.
Keith said it hasn’t involved a massive number of students. Superintendent Chad Fingler noted the provincial law is for children between the ages of seven and 15 are to be educated in school or home-schooled.
Asked how much of a school year would be considered truancy, Fingler said the number they use is 10 per cent more of any given school day.
The process begins with the teacher contacting the parents, then the school counsellors will get involved. If there is still no success, ministries such as Health, Justice and Social Services may get involved, and the matter may go to the HUB committee, which includes many of those ministries.
“We have a pretty good response generally,” said Fingler.
“Then we get into accommodations for mental health or medical concerns. It gets pretty messy sometimes,” added Terry Jordens.
“Sometimes parents cooperate, sometimes they don’t. They’ll do lots of things to keep us away,” said Keith. “I have to commend the dedication of the counsellors. They try to support and advocate for the family for sure.”
Where it may get com-
Highways hay salvage continues
The Government of Saskatchewan reminded farmers and ranchers about some key dates as the annual highways hay salvage and ditch mowing clips along for the season. Landowners or lessees adjacent to a highway ditch have the first option to cut or bale free hay prior to and including July 8.
After July 8 anyone may cut or bale material without the permission of the nearby landowner or lessee, as long as the same activity or mowing is not underway.
Benefits include:
• Optimal snow storage in ditches, which reduces drifting on the highway surface during the winter.
• A neat appearance, which improves visibility of signs.
• Better control of brush and noxious weed
Carbon tax removal keeps inflation rate low in province
In May 2024, Saskatchewan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.5 per cent compared to May 2023. This is the second lowest rise among the provinces and significantly lower than the national average of 2.9 per cent.
“Our Government will continue to stand up for Saskatchewan with the elimination of the carbon tax on home heating as a significant measure in the fight to tackle inflation,” Minister of Trade & Export Development Jeremy Harrison said. “The federal carbon tax negatively impacts the interests of this province and the people who live here. Our priority will always be the defense of our economic wellbeing against the out-oftouch federal Liberal/NDP coalition government.”
2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.2 billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.
Saskatchewan continues to see strong economic outcomes, with the province’s exports totaling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 20202021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.
Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.
plicated is if the family moves out of the school district without informing Holy Family. Fingler noted that the last school a student was registered in is responsible for the whereabouts of that student until they know where that student and their family has gone. growth.
• Safer intersections and highway curves by maintaining acceptable sight distances.
• An opportunity for producers to salvage feed for livestock.
The Ministry of Highways will deliver the mowing program with the assistance of contractors and work with local rural municipalities. About 44,500 hectares will be mowed in 2024.
The CPI measures changes in the price of goods and services over time. Inflation is indicated by the growth of CPI, which helps assess changes to the cost of living. An individual’s ability to buy goods and services is affected by changes in income and prices.
Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s
The Government of Saskatchewan also recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.
Lynn Colquhoun, left, the religion coordinator for the Holy Family Roman Catholic School Division, received this gift of a blanket from board chair Bruno Tuchscherer at her final board meeting last Wednesday evening.
Photo — Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Agricultural water management funding now available
The Water Security Agency (WSA) is renewing the Agricultural Water Management Fund to support agricultural producers and local governments to develop water management projects. Since 2022, it helped 21 projects across the province to support the continued growth of a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Saskatchewan.
“We are pleased to offer a program that will help Saskatchewan producers manage water responsibly and sustainably,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency David Marit. “Saskatchewan producers are the best stewards of the land and we believe supporting our agricultural sector with programs like this leads to a growing and vibrant agricultural sector.”
Applicants can receive up to $95,000 per project based on a cost-sharing approach. It can be used for qualified persons support, technical and engineering costs, and mitigation and rehabilitation works for agricultural water management projects.
This program is part of WSA’s ongoing commitment to supporting
the agricultural community in developing and maintaining responsible agricultural water management projects in Saskatchewan.
Eligible recipients include: individuals or corporations registered in Saskatchewan who own, lease, or rent property for agricultural production purposes; First Nations in Saskatchewan; Saskatchewan rural municipalities; Conservation and Development Area Authorities; Watershed Association Boards; Watershed Stewardship Groups; Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds; Irrigation Districts; and consultants recognized by WSA.
The Water Security Agency is a unique organization in Canada – bringing together the majority of government’s core water management responsibilities in one place. They manage the province’s water supply, protect water quality, ensure safe drinking water and treatment of wastewater, own and manage 72 dams and related water supply channels, reduce flood and drought damage, protect aquatic habitat and provide information about water.
Setting sun peeks through curtains of rain
The setting sun was partially obscured by the rain of a thunderstorm, as it approached from the west last Sunday evening towards Weyburn. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rain and lightning to the area, including hail in the Midale-Mainprize area, and downing some trees in the city.
STF campaign to raise funds for food banks
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is partnering with the Food Banks of Saskatchewan for the Food to Learn campaign, for the second year in a row.
Last year, the campaign raised $71,000 for food banks in 36 communities across the province.
While food bank do -
nations slow down in the summer months, the need remains, particularly for children, as 40 per cent of food bank users are under the age of 18 and do not have access to schoolbased nutrition programs in July and August.
Food to Learn aims to fill that gap, raise awareness of the issue and help ensure no child goes hungry.
“There is a significant amount of data that shows a very clear link between access to nutritious food and student learning outcomes,” said Samantha Becotte, STF president.
“During the school year, it is not uncommon to hear of teachers buying students breakfast or lunch out of their own pockets. While this is a kind gesture, it shouldn’t be the
norm. No child should ever have to learn on an empty stomach. Food banks play an important role in our communities and we’re proud to support this work again this year with Food to Learn,” she added.
The fundraising goal this year is $44,000, representing the 44,000 people who use food banks in Saskatchewan each month.
OILFIELD DIRECTORY
Drilling Licenses
STF has donated $20,000 to kick off the campaign. Last year, staff also donated over 900 pounds of food, and contributed 65 volunteer hours at the Saskatoon Food Bank, and will be engaging in other volunteer work in July and August.
“We know families are facing challenges putting food on the table. Food banks across Canada are anticipating further increases in food bank usage due to ever-risig food prices,” said Michael Kincade, executive director for Food Banks of Saskatchewan.
“Historically, the donations we receive slow down significantly over the summer months, but the number of people accessing our services remains high,” added Kincade. “We have a real need for financial support this time of year, and we deeply appreciate the STF’s partnership, donation and willingness to help us get the word out about how many people rely on our services.”
Food Banks Canada and member food banks across the country are anticipating at least a 30 percent increase in food bank usage due to economic circumstances, including increased costs of inflation in food and other necessities. Last year, Food Banks of Saskatchewan saw a 37 percent increase in usage.
Photo —Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
SECPSD administration team walks board through progress reports
By Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
They call it the “wall walk” and it’s done on a regular basis by a team of South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) administration leaders. The purpose of the “walk” is to bring board members up to date on the progress being made on various educational fronts through the process of “walking” them through a series of colourful graphs and charts that bedeck the school division’s conference room’s west wall.
The “walk” on June 19, during the board’s monthly business meeting, began with superintendent Catherine Hiltz going through details of the school survey system and student learning processes as the educators find out how and what students are absorbing or, as she said, “do they value what they’re learning?”
She said SECPSD is around the provincial average of overall success and that has been consistent over the past four years, or since Cornerstone started submitting detailed data that are accumulated and put into the graph and chart templates.
“We are pretty well on track but with a little bit of work to do yet,” she told the board.
Jacquelene Gibbs, the early years co-ordinator, noted the Early Learning-ECIP program has seen significant caseload growth over the past three quarters as families reconnect with their communities.
As children enter kindergarten, teachers use the Early Years Evaluation (EYE) system to learn about each student’s learning needs and reassess in the spring to support each student’s transition to Grade 1. Gibbs reports, kindergarten students were able to achieve
steady growth over the school year.
However, in comparison to the past four years, she noted a slight increase in children who required additional assistance. What had been a five per cent need was now around the 10 per cent mark. Gibbs noted, “The EYE allows us to monitor and carefully plan for student success at the division-, school-, and classroom level.”
ECIP caseloads and EYE results are shared with the Ministry of Education, so too are reading results at Grades 1-3 levels. Gibbs was pleased to report the highest level of achievement at the Grade 3 level over the past four years.
Cheryl Anderson, co-ordinator of student services, spoke about early literacy needs and the progress being made within that file using a basic benchmark system known as STARS to measure progress from Grades 1 through 6 and again for middle years students. She said historically, the data indicates a stability factor at Grade 7 and 9 levels as well as progress in other categories.
Hiltz returned to the colourful wall again to point out areas where the data helps inform the superintendents who can then look at grade results throughout the entire division and also look at the progress being made at individual schools.
Kevin Hengen, another area superintendent referred to the charts and graphs to outline progress being made within the world of mathematics from Grades 2 to 9, noting how the case studies are showing some “encouraging results in Grade 9” while also stating that by tracking yearly they are “improving year over year.” That has led to
some encouraging reports overall in the Grade 8 and 9 levels.
Hiltz also noted that later years literacy results were also very encouraging.
Superintendent Jeff St. Onge took note and pulled data from the charts that focused on Indigenous students and how that data was incorporated into the overall sectors for First Nations students and others.
St. Onge added that similar trends were noted on the Indigenous student front compared with the non-Indigenous, including attendance.
Raylene Forseth, mental health co-ordinator, spoke about anxiety elements, using the data gleaned from the graphic examples.
She pointed out how there was a strong collaboration with counsellors regarding conflict resolu -
tions within the schools as well as an overall reach and how advocacy measures in the schools would be deployed.
Nathan Johnson, superintendent of human resources, talked about behaviour and emotional supports and those that screen as requiring assistance year-over-year for the past four years, are provided assistance. He said he was happy to report an increase in
the “green” zone on the charts, indicating positive results in the Grades 4 to 7 sectors, meaning some positive things were happening in most schools. He also spoke briefly on attendance figures, telling the board that “across the board, it’s better than last year,” and that students who are absent more than 20 per cent of the required time, are then listed as having a chronic problem that needed addressing.
Car show held for Summer Solstice event
A show-and-shine on Main Street was held in front of Allen Park in Yellow Grass, as part of the town’s Summer Solstice fundraiser event on Saturday. All proceeds from this event will go towards upgrades at Allen Park.
•Withchoreographed exteriorlighting,a sleek glass roof andabold newgrille,you’realwaysinthe spotlight in the 2024all-electricLYRIQ
• Lead the charge in the2024All-electricLYRIQ A true originalbuilt from the groundup, LYRIQ is changing the game with its one-of-a-kind extraordinary style. Our all-electric futurestartsnow
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Photo —Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
for classified submissions is Tuesday at 12 Noon
Joan Fradette It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Joan Fradette announces her passing on June 19, 2024, at the age of 89
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years Lucien; parents Remie and Agnes Daenckaer t; and siblings Don Louise Nora and Dennis Joan will be lovingly remembered by her children Rodney (Janis), Donna (Darrell), Gar th (Deanna) and Br ian; grandchildren Breanna, Alana, Zachar y, Michelle and Logan; brother Eldon (Margaret Ann) Daenckaer t and sister-in-law Andrea Riviere; as well as many nieces and nephews
Joan was bor n in Radville on Febr uar y 8, 1935 She attended Troy School for Grades 1 and 2 and then attended Radville Public School and Radville Regional High School, graduating in 1953 Joan marr ied Lucien Fradette on October 27, 1956 They raised their 4 children on the far m 12 miles south of Radville that Lucien’s parents’ homesteaded They later built a house in Radville and moved into town in 1987 After Lucien s passing in 2012 Br ian moved in with Joan to provide living assistance and in 2014 Joan moved into the Radville Mar ion Health Centre where she resided until her passing The family wishes to thank the staff of RMHC for the care they provided to Joan over the past 10 years
Joan loved to cook and garden She loved when her family visited and nobody could hold a candle to the fabulous tur key meals she prepared as well as her legendar y pumpkin pie One of her greatest loves was babysitting her grandchildren They held a ver y special place in her hear t and it showed Joan loved spor ts as a young gir l and was a passionate Saskatchewan Roughr iders fan her whole life She always joked that the only Grey Cup she didn’t see was the one she attended with Rod in 1995 because it was so cold and windy she covered up with a sleeping bag! Joan also enjoyed cur ling and bowling She loved to play cards and enjoyed much fun and laughter playing cards with fr iends and relatives Joan was active in her communit y She was a member of the CWL as well as the Soda Lake Communit y Club and volunteered her time in the communit y such as deliver ing Meals on Wheels Joan had a sense of adventure and enjoyed traveling Some of the places she was for tunate to visit were Europe Alaska Hawaii Califor nia the Car ibbean Flor ida and Minnesota where ver y dear fr iends of our family resided
Joan will be remembered for generosit y, her kind hear t, her sense of humour, her love of music and most of all her beautiful smile
A Mass of Chr istian Bur ial was held Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 1:00 p m from Holy Family Par ish Roman Catholic Church, Radville, SK with Celebrant Fr Hyacinth Okafor Pallbearers were: Rodney Fradette Gar th Fradette Darrell Mack Zachar y Fradette Logan Mack and Bar ton Daenckaer t Inter ment was held at the Laur ier Cemeter y Radville SK Luncheon followed at the Holy Family Par ish Roman Catholic Church, Radville, SK For family and fr iends so wishing, char itable donations in memor y of Joan may be made to the Alzheimer Societ y of Saskatchewan, #301 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4R 3X1 or the Radville Mar ian Health Care Auxiliar y, Box 459, Radville, SK, S0C 2G0
Arrangements were entr usted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Cremator ium Weybur n SK (848-0333 1-888-848-0333) Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at: www rdfuneralchapel com “Honour ing Life and Celebrating Memor ies"
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
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deadline is Tuesday at 12 noon
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5lb. “Maurer’s” Burgers
5lb. “Maurer’s” Sausage
5lb. Pork Chops
5lb. ChickenDrumsticks
2lb. ChickenSouvlaki
2lb. PulledPorkwithSauce
14-4oz. “Maurer’s”Burgers OR 10-6oz. “Maurer’s”Burgers 4-8oz. StriploinSteak 2pkgs. “Maurer’s”Sausage 2pkgs. Bacon
3lb. Lean Ground Beef
“Maurer’s”Sausage
Lean Ground Beef
