Vol.114 No. 45 - Weyburn, Saskatchewan
weyburnreview
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - 14 Pages
Centenarian reminisces
Susan Mailhiot shares stories as she approaches her 100 birthday. Page 3
War Mother honoured
Betty Knibbs is very honoured to represent War Mothers on Nov. 11. Page 8
Singing of the ‘Bear Necessities’
The leading characters for the stage musical version of “The Jungle Book” sing of the “Bear Necessities”, for the production at Legacy Park Elementary School by their Performing Arts Club. In front are Baloo (played by Rhys Fowler), Mowgli (played by Erica Ryan) and Bagheera (Mariella Maddigan). The musical was first performed on Tuesday night, and will be on stage tonight, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. in the school gym.
Weyburn candidates field questions on attracting more businesses
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
The candidates running for mayor and city council in Weyburn fielded a series of questions by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce at a forum on Wednesday evening at the Weyburn Legion Hall.
Due to the number of candidates, each question was answered by a group of candidates, and questions were posed for the mayoral candidates separately.
The forum had all but one candidate present, with Jeff Richards and Marcel Roy for mayor, and for council, John Corrigan, Larry Heggs, Dana Pretzer, Laura Morrissette, Kellie Sidloski, Ryan Janke, Todd Bedore and Lorri Wiberg. Mayoral candidate Bruce Croft did not attend the forum.
Only one question presubmitted by the public was asked, and no questions were allowed from the
floor due to the time and the number of candidates.
The first group of candidates were asked about the need for downtown revitalization and what they think the next steps should be.
Janke pointed out that downtown businesses told him the biggest day of the year for them is when the car show is on in mid-June. The city could be putting on many more similar type of events to expand on this,
he said, such as street fairs or sidewalk sales, with the Chamber and downtown businesses working together to put events on.
Morrissette suggested having a dialogue with the members of the Chamber to see what works for them for revitalizing the business community.
Wiberg noted she used to work with the City of Prince Albert, including with the downtown business association and other
groups, and said events in the downtown could be held on a regular basis.
In addition, the city could bring forward more programs and have dialogue to find out what the business require.
Heggs said the city could help by being more open about the processes to apply for development permits, or how programs like Weyburn Builds is available for use in the city.
“We certainly should look continuously at some fo the policies we have,” he said, noting it’s important the city stays competitive with other cities to attract residents and new businesses here. A group of candidates were asked what should be done to make Weyburn more attractive in terms of tax levels, to bring in more investments to the community.
Continued on page 2
Singer-songwriter’s fan base expands to include King Charles
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
singer Jeffery Straker has been expanding his fan base with his current tour of the United Kingdom, and includes a new very high profile fan, namely King Charles. Just before he put on a sold-out show in London on Wednesday, Straker received word that not only had King Charles heard his latest CD, but he was
touched by the song Straker wrote for his coronation, and wished him good luck for the remainder of his tour in England. In a phone interview just before he went on stage on Thursday night at a venue
meets the High Commissioner
show in London on Wednesday night. Straker was amazed as King Charles said he was touched by the song he wrote for the coronation, and gave him best wishes for his tour in England. Photo
in Northumberland, Straker explained how this came about.
As the king’s coronation approached, he was asked by Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty if he might write a song in honour of the event.
“It’s a big challenge to sing about someone starting a new position,” he said, and he ended penning a song of encouragement that can apply to any person starting a new major chapter in their life, called “Better Than What We Had.”
Straker included it in the CD he released that October, and Lt-Gov. Mirasty arranged to send the CD to Buckingham Palace, to the Royal household, which Straker found out about a month and a half ago, just before he was to start his UK tour.
“I thought, ‘this is amazing! Is King Charles listening to it? Does he have a CD player?’ I knew it was in the palace, and the suspense was killing me,” said Straker.
While on his UK tour,
he received a note by email from the LieutenantGovernor’s office, telling him that not only had His Majesty heard the CD, but he was touched by his song written for the coronation.
“He also sent good wishes to me for my tour in England, and was signed ‘Charles R’,” he said.
He has been talking about the song in his performances, and will now make note of the King’s approval of it.
At his London show, special guests in the audience included the High Commissioner from Canada, former MP Ralph Goodale and his wife Pam, who are also from Regina, and the Agent General for Saskatchewan, who has an office in London.
Explaining more about the song, he said it came from what he was taught by his parents, namely that people should strive to leave the world better than they found it, and his wish for King Charles is that he will do the same.
Straker has been tour-
ing with guitar player Bryn Besse, and they play as a piano-guitar duo, which helps make a tour economically more feasible.
“I’m more of a folkroots singer, so the piano and guitar work really well,” he added.
After Thursday night’s show, they have nine more in 12 days, and they will return to Canada on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11.
The response from his British audiences has been really good, said Straker, noting he had done a tour there two years ago, and some of the fans he made then have returned for his current set of shows.
“We’re seeing people come back, and there’s lots of new faces. In my repertoire I’ve got quite a few songs about Saskatchewan, and people are seeming to really appreciate them,” he added.
“These British audiences listen, and they’re friendly and they buy my merch,” Straker said, noting one fan even brought him a Yorkshire dessert pie.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Singer
Singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker, and his guitarist Bryn Besse, met up with Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ralph Goodale and his wife Pam, after performing a sold-out
– courtesy Jeffery Straker
Weyburn candidates field questions on attracting more businesses
Continued from front page
Bedore thought Weyburn is tax competitive now, and said he doesn’t believe there is any cookiecutter way way to attract investment to the city.
“We are a beautiful great community,” he said, adding some tax incentives would be good, but the city needs to figure out what businesses want, “not what we think they want.”
Corrigan also thought Weyburn is very competitive in terms of tax levels, and pointed out that a commercial incentive program is available for businesses to improve their facilities, their façade or to do some renovating, along with incentives for new construction.
Tax abatements are also available for vacant buildings, he said, but added the city needs to evaluate their programs and update them as needed, and collaborate with the Chamber and the community to see what the needs are.
Sidloski responded, “I think it’s important to spend
the dollars we have wisely,” and wondered if there are new or different ways they could do things to attract businesses here, such as seeing what works in other communities.
Pretzer noted the provincial chamber has programs available, and the newly-elected provincial government should also be approached to see what programs they have available.
He added people are going to be looking at their tax bills and asking, “How much do I have to pay? We have to pay for things, and maybe some things will have to be put on the backburner.”
Posing the question on downtown revitalizing to the two mayoral candidates, Richards responded, “Small business is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It’s a bloody hard job,” adding he
and his wife had done it and knows how difficult it can be.
He suggested that if every business in the city hired one new employee, overall there would be hundreds of new jobs available, and there would need to be an influx of new residents to fill all the spots.
Thus the question for the city should then be, “what do we need to do, and what can we do for you? Adding
1,000 people to the population wouldn’t hurt one bit,” said Richards.
Roy said the city looks great right now, and the city is helping to ensure Weyburn is a safe city, plus the roads are improving.
The issue is, for the city today, is they have to pay up to 40 per cent of projects that are shared financially with the province and federal government, where the mu-
nicipality only used to have to pay 20 per cent years ago. Having to pay more, with increased costs of everything, means there is a limit to what improvements the city can do, he said.
“We need to show the city is a wonderful place to do business, that is what we have to do,” he said, noting as more people come to the city, the more the tax revenues will be.
Driver charged with impaired driving, exceeding
The Weyburn Police Service responded to 74 calls for service during the period of Oct. 27 to Nov. 3, resulting in a total of 18 charges. Of the charges, 10 were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada and eight under the Traffic Safety Act.
In the early morning hours of Nov. 2, police attempted to stop a vehicle to check the driver’s sobriety. The vehicle fled from police at extremely high rates of speed. Due to the dangerous driving of the vehicle, police did not pursue the vehicle for public
safety. A short time later the vehicle was located and able to be safely stopped by police. The male driver was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, evading police, impaired driving and exceeding the legal alcohol limit. The male accused was released for a future court date.
Police received a report of a suspicious male on the south side of the city during the day on Nov. 2. After further investigation it was determined that the male was performing an indecent act in public. Police quickly located
and arrested a 55-yearold male who was charged under the Criminal Code for committing an indecent act. The male accused will be appearing at a future court date.
Weyburn Police Service received a call for assistance from EMS staff on Oct. 28 as they were having issues with an intoxicated female who had become difficult. Police attended and assisted EMS, and the female was ultimately arrested for public intoxication and held in custody until sober. The female was released
RCMP: Two trucks, snowmobile stolen
The Weyburn RCMP has been notified that two trucks and a Black Polaris 1999 snow machine was taken from a site south of Stoughton.
The trucks are a 2007 white Ford F250 Super
without charges.
Weyburn police received a Report Impaired Drivers (RID) complaint on a vehicle within Weyburn on Oct. 28. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The female driver provided a sample of her oral fluid, which tested positive for THC. Due to the positive result, the female driver’s license was suspended for three days and vehicle was impounded.
Police received a call from a medical facility for an unruly patient on Oct. 29. Police attended
and their presence assisted with calming the patient. Through investigation it was determined that there was nothing criminal that had occurred, and the police presence was all that was needed to de-escalate the situation.
Police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at a residence within the city on Thursday. Police found two individuals in a verbal argument, and they assisted with mediating the situation and provided further guidance to help both individuals. Also on Thursday, po -
lice received a report of a missing youth. Police began a missing persons investigation and within 30 minutes located the missing youth safe. The youth was brought home and reunited with their parents.
*Anyone with information regarding one of these matters, or any other matter of a criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 848-3250, the local RCMP Detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Duty that had a slip tank in box, and a 2000 Ford F350 regular cab. Anyone in the area that has any information are asked to call the Fillmore RCMP at 306-722-3400 or Crimestoppers.
If you have information related to this advisory please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or you can report anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Refresher course for mature drivers
A free six-hour refresher course for mature drivers will be held in Weyburn on Thursday, Nov. 7 by the Saskatchewan Safety Council.
The class is strictly informational, and will be held in a positive open class environment at the Weyburn Credit Union’s community room. It will go from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1-4 p.m.
Registration is required as space is limited, and refreshments and lunch will be provided, sponsored by Prairie Sky Co-op.
The Mature Driver Refresher Course helps to reinforce safe driving habits, and will increase their confidence when navigating traffic on the highway or in cities and towns. It provides insight into how to adapt your driving habits based on the physical changes your body goes through as it matures.
Some of the topics discussed in the course include the following:
• Normal driving situations such as intersections,
The class is available for anyone over the age of 55 in Saskatchewan. Driver’s licenses are not affected, and there are no required exams.
following distance, and maintaining an “open gate” around your vehicle;
• Hazardous driving environments, such as skids, head-on collisions, hydroplaning, and how to protect yourself while driving;
• Traffic guidance such as sign recognition and pavement markings;
• Review of safety devices, such as seat belts and air bags;
• Medication awareness, vision, and effective use of your eyes
Those interested can register at www.sasksafety.org, or call toll-free at 1-855-280-7115.
Introducing an animal ambassador
Students and staff at Legacy Park Elementary School watched as a lizard was introduced as the first animal ambassador, during a visit by the Earth Rangers to a school assembly on Wednesday afternoon. There were a number of presentations about how students can learn more about nature, and do more to preserve the natural habitats of plants and animals in Canada and around the world.
City council candidates ready for forum
Monica Osborn, executive director of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, made some introductory remarks before starting the candidates’ forum on Wednesday evening at the Weyburn Legion Hall. The candidates are, from left to right, John Corrigan, Dana Pretzer, Larry Heggs, Laura Morrissette, mayoral candidate Jeff Richards, mayoral candidate Marcel Roy, Kellie Sidloski, Ryan Janke, Todd Bedore and Lorri Wiberg. Voting day will be Nov. 13, at the Credit Union Spark Centre.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
A big gathering taking flight
Thousands upon thousands of snow geese rose up en masse, as they were resting on their southern journey through the region for the winter.These geese were
ted in a field between Halbrite and Ralph, near Highway 39, on Saturday afternoon.
Weyburn centenarian shares memories, set to celebrate a good, full life
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn resident Susan Mailhiot will be sharing a lot of stories and memories as she marks her 100th year with a party on Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Wheatland Seniors Centre.
Her actual birth date is Nov. 13, but friends and family can see and congratulate “Glamma” on Sunday between 1-3 p.m.
Asked if she was looking forward to reaching the century mark, she laughed and said, “It’s just another day. I never realized I would live that long.”
In an interview at Eden Homes, where she has resided for the past few years, she reminisced over some of her favourite memories, including climbing the Rock of Gibraltar as part of a memorable trip to Europe she took after winning some lottery money, and riding in the Weyburn summer parade.
Susan recalled winning a $10,000 jackpot after buying some Nevada tickets at Buzz Bent’s Smoke Shop in the 1960s, and took a trip that included a visit to family in Germany, along with Spain, Portugal and Austria.
She watched bullfighting in Spain, and took a side-trip to climb the Rock of Gibraltar as part of this memorable journey to Europe.
Susan went with her second husband, Lucien Mailhiot, with whom she did other travelling, including to a number of the islands in the Caribbean.
Growing up on a farm at Bruno, Sask., she recalled having to milk 10 of their cows before going to school, while her mother milked the other 10. She attended school at Pleasant Grove School, which was a one-room school, and then took her high school at a girls convent school.
Once Susan graduated, she went to Winnipeg to take training as a registered nurse, and hearing of an opening at the Weyburn Mental Hospital, she transferred here.
She worked there for two years until she married her first husband, Bob Abel, who also worked at the Mental Hospital.
He had served in the Navy during the war, and worked at the hospital upon his return to civilian life.
One of the stories he told from his war years was, while stationed at Esquimalt on the West Coast, they were told of the presence of a Japanese submarine spying on their operations.
After they were married, they lived at 22 Prairie Avenue in Weyburn, a short walk from the Colosseum. They used
to billet players from the Weyburn Red Wings, and one day they came home to find smoke filling the house from the furnace in the basement. At the time, she was billeting Mike Sauter and the Bennett brothers.
“Everything was smoke-damaged, and I had to replace all those kids clothes. Even though we had insurance, some things I only got 10 cents for. We spent over $600 trying to get the smoke smell out of the sheets and towels and stuff,” said Susan.
She said the boys would walk over for hockey practice, and would often come back by their house, and if she had pies in the cupboard or on the counter, they were gone once the boys came through.
Her son, Doug Abel, played for the Red Wings, and went on to play for the Dixie Flyers in Tennessee.
One story her family likes to hear was about a Weyburn-Estevan hockey game. “Our seats were just in front of the Estevan Bruins bench. I was so excited with my program that I hit the coach, Ernie McLean, on the shoulder. Next thing I knew, two policemen came and they were going to escort me out because I had tapped Ernie McLean. It was all
Duplicate bridge help Monday evenings and Thursday afternoons
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club plays on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. and on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre. All bridge players are invited to come and play bridge. The Duplicate Bridge Club is offering bridge lessons on Friday afternoons at 1 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre. Anyone interested in learning about bidding and playing bridge is welcome to come and learn this interesting game. If you have any questions, contact Barry Mactaggart at 306-8612121, and join the lessons on Nov. 8. October 3 started the month with four tables playing and Denis Tremblay and Nancy Paulson placed first, Marg Stewart and Diane Bell took second, and Jeanne Molnar and Bev Johnston were third.
On Oct. 7 there were three and a half tables and a tie for first place between the pair of Theresa Istace and Lucie Nickel, and the pair of Warren Betker and Jim Kaz, while Erskine and Mildred Sandiford followed closely to place third. Three tables played on Oct. 10 and Gord Bell and Marg Stewart claimed first place, followed by Barry Mactaggart and Jim Kaz who came second.
October 14 had just two tables and first place went to Gord Bell and Jim Kaz while second place went to Barry Mactaggart and Marg Stewart.
Three and a half tables played on Oct. 17, and Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart took first place; Jerry Ponto and Millie Nimegeers came second; and Diane Bell and Marg Stewart were third.
On Oct. 21 with three tables playing, Barry Mactaggart and Diane Bell finished in first place edging out Warren Betker and Jim Kaz who placed second.
With three and a half tables playing on Oct. 24, the leaders were Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart; Marg Stewart and Diane Bell took second; and Jerry Ponto and Millie Nimegeers were third.
October 28 had three tables and taking first place were Barry Mactaggart and Gord Bell, followed by Marg Stewart and Diane Bell who placed second.
On Oct. 31 there were three tables and again Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart were first place finishers followed by Shirley Sparks and Dave Frayn who placed second.
over Weyburn,” she said, adding when she got home, her mother-in-law asked her about the incident as she was listening to the game on the radio.
“She said, ‘imagine, there was a woman they were going to kick out of the hockey game’,” said Susan, noting her motherin-law was quite shocked to find it had been her.
After her first husband passed away, she met and married Mailhiot, who was from Alida. He also served in the Second World War with the army.
Susan was asked to represent the War Mothers for the Weyburn Legion one year, because both of her husbands served in wartime.
Getting to ride in the Weyburn parade was a definite highlight for her, as she rode in the back of a convertible with her grandson Cory, and his stepdaughter, and an escort of four motorcycles, two in front and two in the back.
She laughed as she noted she was told to “wave like the queen” to the crowd lining the streets.
“The parade was so long!” she said. “I think
that was the biggest parade they’ve ever had.”
Asked if she had any secrets to her long life, she said she watches what she eats, and she stayed active for a long time with a love of dancing with Lucien.
“We enjoyed dancing. It was good exercise, and we met people from all over,” said Susan, noting they used to go the Legion dances, as well as at White Bear. One winter they went to Phoenix and Apache Junction, and were able to do a lot of dancing there.
“It’s been a good life, lots of ups and downs,” said Susan.
spot-
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Centenarian shares memories
Susan Mailhiot has many memories, both good and bad, as she approaches her 100th birthday on Nov. 13. She and her family will mark her 100th birthday with a gathering on Nov. 10 at the Wheatland Seniors Centre from 1-3 p.m.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
4 agriculture, oil &business
Selling baking at Homestead market
With the 2024 harvest completed in the southeast region, crop quality and yields were good for most crops while oilseed and pulse crops yielded below average, according to the final crop report for the year.
Spring cereal crops yielded higher than provincial averages, as they are seeded earlier and benefitted more from wet conditions in May and June. Unfortunately, the southeast region didn’t receive timely rainfall during the critical crop growth stages like in years past, which led to lower yields than producers were expecting in the spring.
Estimated crop yields in the southeast are as follows for the various commod -
ities. Winter wheat has an estimated average yield of 52.9 bushels per acre; durum, 36.5 bu/ac; flax, 20.1 bu/ac; fall rye, 37.8 bu/ac; oats, 88.5 bu/ac; canola, 30.7 bu/ac; hard red spring wheat, 46.9 bu/ac; barley, 66.6 bu/ac; soybeans, 23.7 bu/ac; other spring wheat, 54 bu/ac; and field peas, 31.9 bu/ac.
Yields for mustard are 788.7 pounds per acre; 1,520.3 lbs/ac; lentils are 1,276.2 lbs/ac, and chickpeas are 1,337.9 lbs/ac. While crops were coming off, fall cereals were going into the ground. In spite of reduced acres of fall-seeded cereals in the province, they remain largely unchanged in the southeast from last year.
Crop quality was good
Building the futureofCanola
for most crops this year. Most fall and spring cereal crops graded in the 1CW and 2CW categories, while all oilseed crops also graded in the top two categories and exceeded provincial averages.
Lentil and field pea quality was on par with provincial averages as most were either 1CAN or 2CAN grade.
Silage yielded 7.85 tons per acre in the southeast, which is high compared to most of the province, however most hay yields in the southeast were slightly lower than provincial totals.
Alfalfa yielded 1.6 tons per acre, brome hay yielded 1.68 tons per acre, tame hay yielded 1.32 tons per acre, baled forage yielded 1.73 tons per acre, and greenfeed yielded 2.13 tons per acre.
For the first cut of hay crops, 19 per cent were
SaskPower resumes electric heat carbon tax relief
SaskPower is once again providing a 60-percent reduction in the federal carbon tax for customers who rely on electricity as their primary source of heat.
This relief took effect as of Nov. 1, and will be in place until April 30, 2025.
The 60-per-cent reduction to the carbon tax rate rider was calculated based on the typical percentage of power consumption required for home heating.
Depending on weather conditions during the winter months and levels of power consumption, cus -
excellent quality, 67 per cent was good, 13 per cent was fair and one per cent was poor quality. Producers who were able to get a second cut largely reported good to excellent quality.
In addition, hay prices in the southeast are some of the lowest in the province.
For alfalfa, the average price in the southeast is $112.31 per ton; brome is $114.44; greenfeed is $97.50; straw is $45.36; and standing hay is $47.50.
Some areas received notable precipitation in the fall, which caused harvest delays and temporarily improved soil moisture conditions, but limited rainfall over the past few weeks caused topsoil moisture levels to decline.
Cropland topsoil moisture is 38 per cent adequate, 56 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 35 per cent adequate, 56
tomers could have their carbon tax lowered by up to $21 a months through the 2024-25 electric heat relief program.
Based on last year’s program, SaskPower has estimated that up to 35,000 customers rely on electric heat.
The program will be automatically applied to bills for residential customers previously identified as relying on electric heat. Last year, the program ran from Jan. 1 to April 30, 2024, and provided $1.3 million in relief to SaskPower customers.
per cent short and nine per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil is 35 per cent adequate, 52 per cent short and 13 per cent very short.
The dry conditions over the summer hurt pasture conditions in the southeast. Heading into the winter, 29 per cent of pastures are in good condition, 42 per cent are fair, 22 per cent are poor and seven per cent are in very poor condition. The southeast would benefit from more rain this fall and lots of snow over the winter.
Most producers have been done harvest for a few weeks, and continue to wrap up field work before winter. After harvest was complete, producers pivoted to fall spraying, applying fertilizer and tilling fields. Livestock producers were also busy this fall, as they continue to haul bales and move livestock home for the winter.
Weyburn-Estevan area has most interest in oil-gas lease sale
leases posted plus the exploration licence.
The Government of Saskatchewan’s Crown oil and natural gas public offering, held on Oct. 29, raised $7,304,936.95 for the province, with the Weyburn-Estevan area generating the majority of the revenue.
Of the 112 parcels posted for this offering, 93 received acceptable bids, covering a total 15,347.639 hectares.
The Weyburn-Estevan area generated the most financial interest, bringing in $5,417,916.25 for 56 leases and one exploration licence, for a total of 8,330.517 hectares. There had been 67
Surge Energy Inc. made the highest bonus bid and the highest dollars-perhectare bid in its offering of $1,369,276.03, or $5,284.76 per hectare. This was for a 259.099-hectare lease nine km northeast of Macoun, within the Bryant Frobisher Beds Oil Pool.
Millennium Land (444) Ltd. won the single exploration licence posted in this offering, bidding $407,670.71 for a 2,318.023-hectare licence four km south of Minton.
After four public offerings this fiscal year, the provincial government has raised $37,382,523.18 in revenue. The next offering is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2024.
There are six scheduled public offerings of oil and natural gas dispositions held each fiscal year in Saskatchewan. This process uses an open and competitive bidding system to issue oil and natural gas dispositions. Several factors affect public offering activity, including changes in oil and gas prices, land availability, geological and technological constraints and various market conditions.
Amanda Mitchell and her son Ethan had a variety of baked items for sale at the Homestead Popup Market and workshop on Saturday, at the Collabartive Studio downtown.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
editorial opinion review weyburn
Our freedoms came at a great cost to others
For many people, Remembrance Day is a day off work, and not much thought is given as to what the day is all about.
The very purpose of this day is embedded in its name, as we need to remember all that has been done for us, and those who gave of themselves for future generations.
In years past, there have been many large, horrific conflicts, with two world wars, plus smaller wars in Korea and Viet Nam, in Bosnia and Afghanistan, and in the Middle East.
For each of these wars, many young men and women have trained in the military and have been sent over to fight. Some of the fortunate ones were able to return home to their families and loved ones, while many, many others did not.
For these sacrifices and for much more, we need to remember what was done on our behalf, so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have in Canada.
Many human lives have been lost to preserve our freedoms, which include freedom of speech, freedom to worship, and freedom to pursue our dreams and aspirations, or to stand up for what we believe in.
The danger is that with the length of time from when the wars took place to today, people do not remember as they did not live through that time. They don’t know what it is to have everything controlled by rationing, and to anxiously wait every day for news of how the war effort is going.
Waiting for the dreaded telegrams that spelled out if a loved one was killed in action or is missing was a weight that many families had to bear.
A significant milestone was marked on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the armistice was signed to end the First World War, or the Great War as it was then known.
To this day, November 11 is observed as a day to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
It’s true that since that momentous agreement was signed, we had the horrors of the Second World War, and many other conflicts since, many still ongoing today, in the Middle East and in Ukraine.
War is not something to aspire to or to glorify, as it involves many horrific ways to kill and maim people in the name of power struggles and conflicts over land and other ideological differences.
It remains that people who grew up here and were important to their families and loved ones felt it was important to defend our freedoms, and we need to think of them, of what they gave up in terms of families and careers, and be thankful that they took this on.
We must never take for granted that we live in a peaceful land with many opportunities and freedoms — they came at a great cost. — Greg Nikkel
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Enjoying the love of cats
MY NIKKEL’S WORTH
By Greg Nikkel
gnikkel@sasktoday.ca
It’s difficult to understand sometimes the love that a pet will have for an owner — but it’s something pet owners should never take for granted.
Not only that, it’s pretty special when it happens, that a cat or a dog (or other animals, for that matter) just loves you unequivocally and without reservation.
For us, we have two cats, an older black cat named Nigel (who’s a girl) and a golden tabby cat named Layla.
Layla gets into habits of being with the person she loves, and since she was a kitten, she’s loved jumping up onto my shoulders, most times when I’m sitting at the kitchen table.
Sometimes, however, she won’t wait for me to sit down somewhere, and will literally launch herself up onto me, without any warning.
Just a few days ago, she scared me half to death, because I wasn’t even aware she was there. I came in the house and, in one smooth action, leaped up onto the arm of our loveseat and up onto me.
My wife Tracy thinks it’s funny that many times when she does this leaping up onto me I’m surprised by it - but it’s because there’s no warning
or premeditation, she just runs across and leaps, whether I’m ready for her or not.
The difficulty comes with her sharp claws, which she uses to land on me and pull herself up onto my shoulders.
If I have a jacket on, I have some protection, somewhat, but somehow I still feel those claws if she’s trying to hang on or climb up on me. What surprises me is when I don’t have a jacket and she does this, and it’s a painful landing.
Not only that, she’s no longer a tiny kitten, but is a full-grown cat. Still, it’s kind of nice to have her up there rubbing her head on mine while purring, very clearly giving me her love.
Lately, the older cat, Nigel, has also started being much more affectionate, as her favourite human, James, has moved into his own place but she’s been left behind at our place.
Nigel has always been very particular, as she is not a cat who will let you pick her up, but on her own terms she may jump onto your lap for petting. She’s been doing a lot of this lately, including putting her paws up on my chest and kneading them as I pet her. One thing’s for sure, life is not boring with two cats to love and care for.
A WRITER’S ODYSSEY
By Sabrina Kraft
Even though we do not change our clocks, I try to stay aware of the two times Daylight Savings Time is implemented a year. We do not fall back, nor do we spring forward.
My brother, Shawn, and his family do adjust their clocks, as their small community of Maidstone is closer to Lloydminster as a major shopping and business centre. It can be a little surreal at times when I am up north visiting my family, because even though my mom’s farm near Cut Knife is only a half hour distance drive, as I enter territory that is on a different time zone.
Since all the major television networks are based in states that observe the time change, I have to adjust for a different schedule to my regular shows. No wonder so many people have gone to streaming services, where they can watch what they want, when they want.
I also play online DnD (dungeons and dragons) with a few American friends, and they all fall back to Daylight Savings Time, so it will change the start time for my weekend games (as my clocks do not change).
Outside of Canada, (a few places in Europe, and the majority of the United States) - most countries do not observe Daylight Savings Time. In the last
decade alone, Azerbaijan, Iran, Jordan, Namibia, Russia, Samoa, Syria, Turkey and Uruguay have all ended their seasonal time changes.
There are many states that are considering abolishing the practice, especially since the world clock is so different now in terms of advanced technology allowing us to send messages around the world, timed to arrive when the recipient is awake and at their computer.
Our world is definitely different than when Daylight Savings Time was first introduced. In fact, some policy-makers in the European Commission and in the U.S. Congress have proposed doing away with Daylight Savings Time. Hopefully as a country we can align to the rest of the world within the next couple of years.
Even though it only happens twice a year, experts have warned that a time change can negatively impact your sleep schedule in the long run. It would also be a benefit for those who have to change every clock in their house because they do not adjust automatically. It is a discussion that will continue to come up on coffee row (twice a year in fact), with a lot of different opinions on the usefulness of continuing with Daylight Savings Time.
Weyburn Lacrosse award winners
The award winners for Weyburn Lacrosse gathered onstage following the presentation of awards on Oct. 29 at the
award recipients from this year’s box and field lacrosse seasons.
Weyburn Lacrosse presents season-end awards, host annual meeting
The Weyburn Lacrosse Association presented their season-end awards on Oct. 29 at the Weyburn Legion Hall, along with holding their annual meeting.
At the AGM, long-time board members Chuck Hignett, Lanny Stinson and Randy Labrecque stepped down from the board. Weyburn Lacrosse thanked them for all of their time and dedication.
The awards for Field Lacrosse were as follows by
each age category team: For the U11 Rattlers, the MVP was Roman Quigley; the award for Most Sportsmanlike went to Brycen Lefort-Lynx, and for Most Improved to Warner Ripplinger. For the U13 Rattlers, the MVP was Ryder Stepp; Most Sportsmanlike, Cohen Baumgartner; and Most Improved was Dirk Pouteaux. For the U15 Rattlers, the MVP was Leo Missal; the Most Sportsmanlike
was Quinton Stinson, and Most Improved was Korven Pouteaux. For the U19 Rattlers, the MVP was Ryder Hignett; the Most Sportsmanlike was AJ Bratrud, and Most Improved was Kyro Klapak.
The awards for Box Lacrosse teams were as follows: For the U11 Weyburn Credit Union Thrashers, the MVP was Owen Eberle; the Most Sportsmanlike was Maclean Hillstead, and Most Improved, Tayja Pehl.
Lacrosse female athlete of year
Grant Risling of the Weyburn Credit Union presented the award for Female Athlete of the Year for Weyburn Lacrosse to Julie Labrecque, at the awards night.
Weyburn
The Weyburn Red Wings took over first place in the SJHL overall, after posting two weekend wins over the Kindersley Klippers.
For the U13 Young’s Equipment Thrashers, the MVP was Harrison Baumgartner; the Most Sportsmanlike was Mayhem Haider, and Most Improved, Leighton Mason.
For the U13 Weyburn Securities Thrashers, the MVP was Julie Labrecque; the Most Sportsmanlike was Paislee Besharah, and Most Improved, Ben Cote.
For the U15 Weyburn Young Fellows Thrashers, the MVP was Shiloh Mick-
ler; the Most Sportsmanlike was Ella Johnson, and the Most Improved was Elena Olvera.
For the U15 Completely Branded Thrashers, the MVP was Leo Missal; the Most Sportsmanlike was Hunter Moon, and Most Improved, Caycen Wyatt.
For the U17 Panther Drilling Thrashers, the MVP was Brody Morrice; the Most Sportsmanlike was Nash Hignett, and Most Improved, Bode Pretty.
For the top Association Awards, the Female Athlete of the Year was Julie Labrecque; the Male Athlete of the Year was Alex Labrecque; the Volunteer of the Year was Grant Risling; the Coach of the Year was Devin Baumgartner; the Minor Volunteer of the Year was Callie Dammann, and the Team of the Year was the U11 Rattlers Field Lacrosse Team, who went undefeated at provincials this year.
Jaxson Ruthven rounded out the scoring from Simon Martin and Betson.
Red Wings claim two wins in Kindersley, first place in SJHL chosen for Team SJHL at the SJHL Showcase tournament this week. Coming up this weekend will be the first game
The Red Wings won 5-4 on Friday night, and 3-2 on Saturday night to maintain their winning ways. In Friday’s game, Luke Dekay scored in between two Klippers goals in the first period, assisted by Blake Betson and Lucas Schmid.
The second period was all Weyburn with three goals, from Dallen Oxelgren, assisted by Braigh LeGrandeur and Cyprus Smith-Davis; Turner McIntyre from Jerome Maharaj and Ethan Dekay; and Liam Fitzgerald, assisted by goaltender Angelo Zol.
Zol was in goal for the entire game, making 32 saves on 36 shots on net.
In Saturday night’s game, Luke Dekay scored first, from McIntyre, then in second period, the Red Wings scored twice.
Smith-Davis scored, assisted by Maharaj and Max Chakrabarti, and Ethan Dekay scored, assisted by Smith-Davis and Maharaj.
Dazza Mitchell was in net, stopping 47 shots out of 49, a performance that earned him the honour of the SJHL Player of the Week. He had a 2.00 goals-against average, and a .959 save percentage in the game.
Meantime, Chakrabarti and Zol were
Team Sask has split results at U18 nationals
Team Sask has won one and lost one in the early action at the 2024 National Women’s U18 Championship in Quispamsis, N.B.
Addison Greve of Weyburn is on the squad, along with Kiah Shields and goalie Amy Swayze of the Weyburn Gold Wings, and Kate Williams from Milestone. In their first game on
Sunday, against Team Atlantic, they won 2-1 in overtime. Their second game was a 5-2 loss to Team Ontario Red. Addison Greve scored one of Saskatchewan’s goals, and Swayze was in net, stopping 34 of the 38 shots on goal. Their next game was against Team Alberta on Tuesday.
in the Highway 39 Cup series versus the Estevan Bruins, on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Crescent Point Place. The annual Teddy Bear
Toss will also be held at this game, with the teddy bears collected to be donated to the Salvation Army for their Christmas
hampers. Those bringing bears are asked if possible to put them in plastic bags, to help make the cleanup off the ice easier.
by a score of 25-19.
Weyburn Legion. See the story for the full listing of
Photos – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Lacrosse male athlete of year
Alex Labrecque holds the trophy for Male Athlete of the Year, presented by Grant Risling of the Weyburn Credit Union at the awards night for Weyburn Lacrosse.
Tipping the ball over the net
A St. Michael Tigers player made sure this ball ended up on Yellow Grass’s side, during a girls volleyball tournament on Friday at St. Michael School. The Tigers lost their first game 25-21, then won the second one
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Directing the Honour Band
Jeff Lunde, band director for St. Michael School, led the Honour Band through an after-school rehearsal in the band room recently. The students take part in this extra-curricular band to learn new songs and gain experience as musicians.
Wheatland Senior Centre holds activities
The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre held a number of games and activities the week of Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, with the following results.
The centre’s games of Spades was cancelled on Oct. 28, due to the provincial election.
The winners of Kaiser on Oct. 29 were Betty Knibbs and Jean Knibbs in first; Theresa Istace and Jean Fahlman in second; Norma Kapusianyk and Melba Bent in third; and Marge Schultz and Sheila Wendel in fourth.
In Canasta on Oct. 30, first went to Jean Reich; second was Eveline Porte; third was Sherrill Taylor; fourth was Trina Maas; and fifth was Marlene Szczecinski.
The winners of Hi-Low Whist on Oct. 30 were
Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson in first; Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum in second; Brenda Paul and Dave Frayne in third; and Willa-Mae Donald and Yvonne Von Hagen in fourth. The winners of Thursday crib on Oct. 24 were Garth White and Marlene Szczecinski in first; Fay Johnson and Marge Schultz in second; and Ray and Connie Boucher in third.
In a cribbage tournament held on Oct. 19, first went to Rose Levesque and Shirley Sparks; second was Elaine Frasz and Bernie Frederick; and third was Emily Stadler and Gerry Thompson.
The winners of bridge on Nov. 1 were Erskine Sandiford in first; Shirley Sparks in second; and Mildred Sandiford in third.
Family Place to mark 25th year of
The Family Place of Weyburn will be marking the silver anniversary of their annual major fundraiser event, the Festival of Trees, with a return to an in-person auction.
The decorated Christmas trees will be set up for viewing at the Great Plains Ford auction building, along with the silent auction items.
The auction building is located at 285 First Avenue SW in Weyburn.
Tree setup will take place on Nov. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., then the trees will be open for public viewing from Nov. 20-23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The gala evening will have cocktails from 6 to 6:30 p.m., a presentation at 6:30 p.m., followed by the in-person tree auction, with all proceeds going to support the Family Place.
Tickets will cost $150 for a table of eight, or individual tickets will be $20 each, and a charcuterie board will be served to each table at the intermission. A cash bar will also be available that night. For those who wish to donate items for the silent auction, or a decorated Christmas tree to set up for the auction, contact the Family Place at 306-8427477.
The viewing will be closed on Nov. 24, to reopen for viewing on Nov. 25, from 1-7 p.m., and on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The silent auction will be online on Facebook from Nov. 20-25. The pickup of silent auction items will be on Nov. 26, and the tree auction itself will be a ticketsonly event on Nov. 27.
City candidates chat with residents Candidates in the City of Weyburn’s council elections met with various residents for one-on-one chats following the forum hosted by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday night at the Weyburn Legion Hall. The municipal election will be held on Nov. 13, with voting at the Credit Union Spark Centre.
WCS to host annual Career Fair
The Weyburn Comprehensive School will have about 40 local presenters for their annual Career Fair today, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the theme of “Empowering Futures, Building Careers”. The presenters will have information on all areas of work like agronomy, pharmacy, aviation, oilfield, social work, optometry, trades, engineering, business, and fashion – to name a few.
The Cugnet Centre will be filled with approximately 70 booths from post-secondary institutions from across the prairies as well as local industry exhibitors.
Students will sign up for sessions this week and all Grade 10-12 students will have the opportunity to learn from experts in areas that matter to them.
Grade 9 students will also have the opportunity to visit the booths in the Cugnet Centre.
SaskEnergy expands grants in Share the Warmth program
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of SaskEnergy’s Share the Warmth program, the Corporation is investing $100,000 in grants to charitable organizations that help the province’s most vulnerable through the cold winter months.
Starting out as a sweater recycling program in the ‘90s that redistributed more than a million articles of clothing, Share the Warmth has transformed over the last decade into a grassroots initiative that supports charitable organizations in bringing warm shelter, clothing and mental health services to those who need it most.
“We are very proud that the program has reached this milestone anniversary,” said Mark Guillet, SaskEnergy’s President and CEO. “As the province’s natural gas utility,
we understand the importance of staying warm and we are proud to support community-based groups that are also committed to sharing warmth throughout Saskatchewan.”
Up from $50,000 in grants provided last year, this year’s $100,000 commitment will bring SaskEnergy’s total investment in Share the Warmth grants to nearly $550,000 since 2012.
Through the years, Share the Warmth has evolved in both its reach and impact. Program recipients are diverse and province wide, and they all have one thing in common – bringing warmth and comfort during the cold winter months.
“It’s incredible to witness this once small initiative blossom into a lifeline for so many people across Saskatchewan,” said Allix
Schweitzer, Community Engagement Supervisor who has been involved with the program for nearly 20 years. “I am proud to have had the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community through this program that demonstrates the true community spirit of SaskEnergy.” Applications are now open for charitable organizations that are looking to make a difference this winter. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2024.
In the New Year, SaskEnergy will host “Share the Warmth Days,” in honour of the 30th anniversary. Six events will be held in communities throughout the province that will celebrate the hard work of Share the Warmth Grant recipients and distribute essential items for those in need.
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If you’re lookingtostart or grow your operation, give us acall.
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Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
‘Very honoured’ to represent War Mothers
Betty Knibbs of Weyburn was “very honoured” that she was selected to represent War Mothers at the Remembrance Day service, to be held on Nov. 11 at the Weyburn Legion. On her lap is a history compiled by her brother, Siegmund Stach, who served for many years with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Weyburn woman ‘very honoured’ to represent War Mothers
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn resident Betty Knibbs will be laying the first wreath at the Remembrance Day service for the Weyburn Legion on Nov. 11, as she was chosen to represent War Mothers for the annual ceremony.
Betty (short for Elsbeth) turned 90 years on Friday, and is extremely proud she has been chosen for this honour. She is hoping to have several family and friends at the service, which will include the War Mother luncheon afterward in the Vimy Room.
Her brother, Siegmund Stach, served in the Canadian Armed Forces, retir-
ing as a warrant officer in 1982 after a distinguished career that began in the Armoured Corps in 1959.
Betty related how Siegmund and two friends were wandering around in Regina one day, and they tried to enlist with the navy and air force (which rejected them) before finding the army recruiting office, and of the three, only Siegmund was accepted for service.
“My dad was just livid when he found out he was in the army. We came to Canada to get away from war,” said Betty, noting they tried but were unable to get Siegmund out of the enlistment.
Siegmund went to
Pembroke, Ont., to be trained at CFB Petawawa, then ended up in Germany as an instructor for Leopard tank drivers. As he had grown up and worked on a farm, he was one of the few able to drive a heavy, large tank, and he was trained to be a tank instructor.
He served in the Armoured Corps from 1959 to 1978, then he was a regular support staff for the Pacific area in Vancouver, and taught in the Canadian Forces Officers School from 1980 to 1982, when he retired as a warrant officer.
In addition to tank driving, he also taught orienteering and topography, and winter survival training in the Arctic and in Germany. He served as a bylaw enforcement officer in Abbotsford from 1982 until he retired in 2000, and he continues to reside in Abbotsford.
The family was reunited with her dad in Germany after some work by the Red Cross to find him, as they had been separated some years before. Betty immigrated to Canada with her mom Anna, dad Berthold, and siblings Ursula, Kurt and Siegmund in 1951. As she was 16 when they arrived after a long journey by ship in Halifax, she did not attend school here.
The family took a train across country to Saskatchewan, and they rented a farm in the Stoughton area from Harry Richardson, a distant relative.
Continued on page 9
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Siegmund Stach is shown in his uniform, as he served with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1959 to 1982, retiring as a warrant officer. A special plaque for a tank trainer
This special plaque was presented to W/O Siegmund Stach upon his retirement
while posted in Germany.
A Leopard tank
This is a Leopard tank, and W/O Siegmund Stach taught Canadian soldiers how to drive and operate this state-of-the-art tank while posted
War Mother notes importance of Remembrance Day
Continued from page 8
Betty worked briefly on a farm in the Bienfait area, then worked for a year and a half for Harry and Sally Abells in Weyburn, housesitting and taking care of their son. Harry was the son of Bill Abells, who ran the Leader store in downtown Weyburn.
“They were so nice to me and so patient with me,” said Betty, noting that Mrs. Abells taught her English in that time.
She then worked in a café in Stoughton for a time, and first met Dale Knibbs in the store next door in December of 1954, as she was trying on a Hudson Bay coat. He came in, covered in coal dust, and said the coat looked good on her as he had one also. They struck up a friendship from that point, getting married the following April of 1955. They lived on a farm between Griffin and Midale, and raised two children, daughter Debra and son Darwin.
Her husband Dale had two uncles who served in the Second World War, Max Brown who served with the Canadian Army, and Wesley Brown, who served in the U.S. Navy. Max is buried in Holland in Flanders
cemetery, while Wesley was aboard the ship USS Oklahoma that was hit and sunk at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A cousin of Dale was able to provide DNA, by which authorities were recently able to identify Wesley’s remains, and he was given a service in Smithland, Iowa, where he was laid to rest.
Asked how she felt to be asked to represent War Mothers for the Legion, Betty said, “I was so honoured. It’s amazing they picked me.”
She noted it is very important that the Legion is continuing its tradition of honouring those who sacrificed in wartime, and in peacetime, to serve their country.
“Younger people should never forget. I would hate to see the stories forgotten. My children should know what I went through, and what the soldiers went through,” she said, noting that she owes everything to her mom, as “she held us all together” in the years after the war until they were able to make the journey to a new life in Canada.
“I feel so grateful and feel so honoured that I can do this,” said Betty of this honour.
The Royal Canadian Legion Weyburn Branch #47
November 11, 2024 10:55 a.m.
All attendees must be seated in the Auditorium no later than 10:45 a.m.
REMEMBRANCE DAY ORDER OF SERVICE
The congregation is asked to stand as the Colours are marched on, and to remain standing until the Prayer of Invocation is concluded. Thank You.
Sergeant-At-Arms March on the Colours
Sergeant-At-Arms Deposit the Colours
“O Canada”
The Last Post
The Silence
The Act of Thanksgiving
Reveille
Welcome by Brian Glass, President of Weyburn Branch #47, The Royal Canadian Legion
Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation: Chaplain: Rev. Victoria Mwamasika
Song: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Introduction of War Mother: Mrs. Betty Knibbs
Introduction of the Dignitaries and Deposit of Dignitary Wreaths
Reading of Wreath Donations: Jerry Ponto
Greetings from the Government of Canada: Yvonne Jones on behalf of Dr. Robert Kitchen, MP
Greetings from the Province of Saskatchewan: Michael Weger, MLA
Greetings from the City of Weyburn: Mel Van Betuw
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12: Chaplain: Rev. Valentine Amobi
Song: Christ be our Light
Speakers: Dennis and Loraine Trembley
Ministerial Prayer: John Smith
Offering for the Veterans’ Poppy Trust Fund: Variations
5th Weyburn Scouting Group distribution of Dignitary Wreaths
Sergeant-At-Arms prepare to March off the Colours
“God Save the King”
Sergeant-At-Arms March off the Colours
Closing Remarks: President Brian Glass
Commissioning and the Benediction: Chaplain: Rev. Victoria Mwamasika
Pianists: Gail Murray
Trumpet: Bailey Roy
Following the Benediction, the congregation is asked to remain in place until the platform guests have retired to the back of the hall.
The War Mother’s Luncheon to follow in the Legion Lounge.
Weyburn Legion Branch #47 wishes to thank everyone for participating in the service.
Special thanks to 5th Weyburn Scouting Group and Access Communications.
Lest we forget!
BRANCH 47 WEYBURN
Pheasant Rump First Nation to unveil veterans monument
An unveiling ceremony for a war veterans monument will be held at Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11.
The community will unveil a bronze Nakoda warrior statue holding an eagle staff and bearing arms in the other, standing proudly on a grandfather rock. This is the only statue of this design in Canada.
The unveiling ceremony will take place in the Teepee area at
exactly 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11, with the honour guard of veterans walking into the monument area.
The ceremony will open with the national anthem, accompanied by the Lament Bagpiper, the “Last Post” on trumpet, and the traditional drum to honour this time in history.
A lunch will be provided with guest speakers in the community building at Pheasant Rump First Nation.
Three Indigenous war heroes to salute on Remembrance Day
Over 7,000 Indigenous Peoples in Canada served in the First and Second World Wars. Many Indigenous men brought valuable skills with them when they joined the military. Patience, stealth and marksmanship were well-honed traits for those who had come from communities where hunting was a cornerstone of daily life.
Indigenous troops left a remarkable record of wartime accomplishment. Several were commissioned as officers, and many served as battle-hardened platoon leaders and combat instructors. At least 50 were decorated for bravery on the battlefield. Many acquired near-legendary status as scouts and snipers, drawing on prewar hunting skills and wilderness experience.
The most decorated, Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa from the Parry Island Band near Parry Sound, Ontario, received the Military Medal and two bars for his bravery and effectiveness as a sniper.
Francis Pegahmagabow’s medal set includes the Military Medal, with two bars, the 19141915 Star, the British War Medal 1914-1920, and the Victory Medal 1914-1919. Pegahmagabow was Canada’s most decorated Aboriginal soldier in the First World War. Peggy, as his fellow soldiers called him, enlisted in August 1914 and went overseas with the First Contingent. He served for most of the war as a scout and sniper with the 1st Battalion, acquiring a fearsome reputation as a marksman.
Former rodeo performer Henry Norwest, a Metis, was credited with 115 kills before his death. Alexander Smith, Jr. and his brother Charles, the sons of Six Nations Cayuga chief Alexander G. Smith, were both awarded the
Military Cross.
Of the many who distinguished themselves during their service, here are three more war heroes that stand out.
Tommy Prince: Earning 11 medals in World War II and the Korean War, Tommy Prince of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is the most decorated Indigenous Canadian war veteran. He’s renowned for his marksmanship and covert abilities, skills he learned on the reserve from his father who was a hunter and a trapper. Among Prince’s numerous celebrated exploits was locating an enemy camp during a 72-hour trek without food or water, an action that led to the capture of more than 1,000 German soldiers.
Charles Tompkins: he was one of many Indigenous “code talkers” working for the Allies in World War II. A Métis who spoke fluent Cree, Tompkins was in charge of transmitting vital messages using a Cree code he helped develop. The practice involved one code talker translating a message into Cree and transmitting it by radio to a second code talker who would then translate the message back into English. This allowed the allies to share integral information with each other without exposing it to potential radio eavesdroppers.
Edith Anderson Monture: A Mohawk from the Six Nations Grand River Reserve, Edith Anderson Monture was one of 14 Canadian nurses who served as part of the United States Army Nurse Corps in World War I. She worked at a hospital in France, treating soldiers injured in trench warfare and gas attacks. After the war, she became the first Indigenous woman to become a registered nurse in Canada.
Officers look over war memorabilia
Members of the Weyburn Police Service look over some of the military memorabilia on display by Weyburn Legion president Brian Glass, during an open house for Legion Week in late September. At left are Const. Darcy Cleasby, Brian Glass and deputy chief Shane St. John, and at right is police chief Brent VanDeSype.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Edith Anderson Monture
Where do your poppy dollars go?
Poppy etiquette
Canadians wear poppies in November to honour veterans and soldiers who gave their lives fighting for freedoms abroad. The Royal Canadian Legion has a Poppy Protocol Guide, with tips on how to wear a poppy appropriately and respectfully. Here’s what it recommends.
How to wear a poppy
A poppy should be worn on the left side of your chest over your heart. The poppy is a sacred symbol and therefore shouldn’t be affixed with any type of pin that obstructs it.
When to wear a poppy
Wear your poppy from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day on November 11. You can also wear a poppy at a veteran’s funeral or war memorial service such as one held at the anniversary for the Battle of Vimy Ridge. How to remove a poppy
It’s fine to continue to wear your poppy after November 11. However, many people choose to remove their poppies and place them on a cenotaph or wreath at a Remembrance Day ceremony’s conclusion. This has become a poignant tradition at many war memorials.
Always ensure you store or dispose of your poppy respectfully. If you see a poppy on the ground, please pick it up, clean it off and dispose of it in a respectful way.
The Royal Canadian Legion supplies the poppies for free but encourages donations to its Poppy Fund, which helps Canadian veterans and their families.
Wearing a poppy is a good way to not only pay tribute to Canada’s veterans but also to give back to them. The poppies sold every year in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day are provided by the Royal Canadian Legion, who use the money collected to provide assistance to veterans.
Here are some of the excellent uses to which this organization puts donations collected for Remembrance Day.
Veteran transition programs
For many veterans, returning to civilian life proves to be a challenge. They confront estranged connections with friends and family, feelings of isolation, difficulties adapting to new workplaces and mental illnesses like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Royal Canadian Legion helps fund the Veterans Transition Network, a program that assists veterans through the tumultuous period after leaving active duty, providing them with helpful tools and resources as well as a welcoming community.
Financial assistance and housing for veterans
Some veterans have an especially difficult time adjusting to civilian life and end up homeless or at risk of homelessness. In addition to providing financial support to such individuals, the Legion supports numerous outreach programs, food banks, drop-in centres and meals-on-wheels programs.
Medical support
The Legion provides funds for medical equipment, medical training and medical treatment focused on caring for injured and infirm veterans. It also helps pay for accessibility modifications that assist veterans with disabilities.
Educational bursaries
The Legion grants bursaries to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of veterans who require financial assistance to be able to pursue a post-secondary education.
Remembrance activities
With the help of our donations, the Legion finances activities that shine a light on our past and commemorate our veterans.
COLOUR ME
A festive app to satisfy guests this season
There is excitement in the air as the Saskatchewan Roughriders will face the Winnipeg Bombers in the CFL West final this weekend. As you gather around to enjoy the game, consider serving your guest bite-sized appetizers that are tasty yet not too filling.
Charcuterie boards and tasting menus continue to be all the rage. In addition to a platter of fruit slices, figs, aged cheeses and crostini, treat guests to “Mini Cheese Ball Bites”, which offer various textures and flavors in bite-sized morsels. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Spectacular Spreads: 50 Amazing Food Spreads for Any Occasion” (Rock Point) by Meagan Brown. Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Makes 12
8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons drained, chopped pimentos
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Pinch kosher salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup crushed pecans
1/4 cup chopped chives
12 pretzel sticks
In a large bowl, stir together the cream
saskfarms@shaw.ca or visit www.sellyourfarmland.com
cheese, cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Place the crushed pecans and chives in a small bowl. Set aside. Roll the cheese mixture into 12 1-inch balls. Evenly coat each ball with the pecanchive mixture. Press a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball just before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
this week
13 community lifestyles &
Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts for children
The 2024 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season is underway. Individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups are now packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos, to be delivered to children in need around the world.
Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries.
National Shoebox Collection Week is Nov. 18-24. Each gift-filled shoebox packed, donated, and delivered to one of hundreds of dropoff locations throughout Canada will make a long journey into the arms of a child in need.
In Weyburn, the collection depot is located at the
Weyburn Free Methodist Church on the corner of 14th Street and Coteau Avenue.
The building will be open on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 6-8 p.m., and Saturday from 2-4 p.m.
There are shoeboxes and lists of items that can and cannot be included in the shoebox gift at the church, and in a display at the Wholesale Club, just inside the front entrance.
Last year, Canadians filled more than 425,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and the Philippines. In a world weighed down with inflation, political turmoil and the effects of war, children need joy more than ever.
Thanks to the items that Canadians lovingly put in their shoeboxes, and the $12-per-box they
donate to cover shipping and other program costs, Samaritan’s Purse is able to deliver the boxes to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 220 million shoebox gifts in more than 130 countries.
“Struggling children and families need hope,” said Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child. “This is the essence of Operation Christmas Child. Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that he or she matters to Canadians and, most importantly, matters to God. That’s why I want everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoeboxes.”
Canadians can also pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.
Envision encourages people affected by domestic violence to reach for
November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. is committed to raising awareness about the pervasive issue of domestic violence within the southeast region. This important month serves as a reminder that violence is not confined to any one demographic, as it touches lives across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
“As an IVA Counsellor practicing in Saskatchewan, I see firsthand the alarming reality that domestic violence affects far too many in our own communities. Statistically, women face higher rates
of violence, but it is important to understand that men and other genderidentifying individuals can experience domestic violence as well. While many incidents remain unreported, the growing demand for support services highlights the urgent need for awareness and action,” said Erin Haaland, Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Counsellor.
This is not just a women’s issue – it is a community issue that requires collective awareness and action. Domestic violence can lead to devastating emotional and physical consequences, and it often remains hid -
den behind closed doors.
The goal at Envision Counselling and Support Centre this month is to shed light on this issue and provide accessible resources for those in need.
Envision understands that anyone can be affected by unhealthy relationships and the trauma of violence, whether directly or indirectly. The Centre wants to assure everyone living in the southeast that they are here to help. Their agency offers free, confidential support services for those affected by violence or the potential for violence, as well as secondary survivors— those who support or are impacted by someone
else’s experience with domestic violence.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. encourages anyone who feels trapped in an unhealthy relationship or who has been impacted by family violence to reach out to the office nearest you. Their trained professionals are available to provide support, guidance, and a safe space to talk about the challenges facing survivors and their loved ones.
“There is no shame in asking for help. Together, we can create a society where every individual feels safe and valued, and where domestic violence is no longer tolerated,”
Hospital Foundation holds fundraiser event
A casino night was held at McKenna Hall on Saturday evening for the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation. A jazz group from Regina, the Carter Powley Quartet, entertained on stage, and casino games were open for the evening along with a silent auction, with proceeds going towards the Hospital Foundation, raising funds for equipment for the new hospital under construction.
said Haaland. Envision offer sa variety of programs at each of their four office locations in Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle and Oxbow. They offer counselling for adults, families, individuals and couples. They also offer family support programs, presentations and workshops for the community. For more information about Envision’s services or to schedule a confidential appointment, please contact their office at 306-842-8821 or by email at support@envisioncounsellingcentre.com. Privacy is protected, as they do not subscribe to call display. Collect calls are accepted.
personal violence and abuse counsellor at Envision Counselling.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Erin Haaland, an inter-
Costa Rican children happy with gifts
Children in Costa Rica were all smiles receiving these shoebox gifts from Canada last year. For many children, these gifts are the only Christmas presents they will receive.
Photo – courtesy Frank King
Photo – Raven Daer, Envision Counselling
Fantasy writer started young as an avid reader, books are a big hit
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Jaclyn Kot has always loved stories, both as an avid reader and Disney fan as a girl, and as a writer, as she would come up with her own stories.
“I loved to read as a girl, and was a huge Disney fan, along with books like the Lord of the Rings,” she said.
Today, the 32-year-old has produced three books with plans for more, and her books are getting a big response on Amazon.
She lives on a farm with her husband about 20 minutes east of Weyburn, and raises chickens and cows.
Kot writes what is described as “dark fantasy
romance” stories, with the first one, “Between Life and Death”, in the works for over 10 years before she finished it, and it was released in March of 2023.
The second book in the series, “Between Sun and Moon”, came out in February of 2024, and her most recent release, a prequel to these two books, “Between the Moon and Her Night”, was released in October and had an instant large response with readers. She was given an Amazon “Bestselling Author” banner due to the large response of her latest book, a response that has continued.
“I hit a pretty big milestone (for me) yes -
The three novels written and released by Jaclyn Kot so far are shown here, with plans for another book in this series, and a book she will be co-writing with another author.
terday with my Kindle Unlimited page reads. I hit 10,000,000 pages read through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program. In terms of books, it equals 20,758 books read. In truth, I’m having a bit of a hard time processing that number,” said Kot on Monday.
She had written her first book when she was 21, then had it on the backburner for a little while until COVID hit. The pandemic curtailed her business of doing weddings, and with more time on her hands, she went back to her story have another look at it.
She had been writing as part of an online writers group, which she found she greatly enjoyed as she interacted with other aspiring writers.
After having an editor go over her story again, “it changed a lot from what it was.”
The online writing forum “is a great way to expand your stories, because you get to see how other people write,” said Kot.
Through this forum, she had developed a bit of a following, and when she released her first book, it blew up on Tik Tok, particularly on BookTok. According to her website, “It hit numerous top 100 categories and had over one million Kindle unlimited pages read within the first month of release.”
In addition, Podium Audio came to her and bought the audiobook right for her series, fur -
on the
She has had a huge response to all three of her books, recently hitting 10 million pages read through Kindle Unlimited page reads.
ther expanding the reach she was having in developing new fans.
“It was a little surreal,” Kot admitted as the popularity of her works continues to amaze her.
She noted her second book was at first intended to be a novella, but as she wrote the story and developed the plot, it just kept getting longer and longer, and she ended up releasing it as a fulllength novel.
Kot’s future plans include working on the next
book in her series, plus she is co-writing a book with another author.
Some of the writers she emulates and who influence her include Sarah J. Maas, Raven Kennedy and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Kot noted one of her writing instructors said whatever she writes, it should reflect the world she lives in, and as such, she wants to address such issues as domestic violence.
“I want it to be empow -
ering, especially for my female readers,” said Kot, noting she has had women tell her that the stories have been that for them.
One reader in particular was inspired to leave an abusive relationship as a result of her story.
She has also had readers respond to her from around the world, from South America, India, Japan and Australia, to name a few.
“It’s a little surreal, but it’s been an amazing journey,” said Kot.
Stacking apples in a
St. Michael
Carefully stacking dice
In this “minute to win it” game, St. Michael students Bradie, Olivia and Emma had to stack dice on a small stick in their mouths in a minute or less.
Photos– Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Blowing a cup with air
One of the “minute to win it” games on Friday involved St. Micheal student Lux using the air in a balloon to blow a cup around these two sticks on a table, in under a minute.
minute
students Madden, Tenley and Ava participated in onne of the games for the Tiger Time-out on Friday. Teams had to stack apples and have them stay, with less than a minute to complete the task.
Jaclyn’s books so far
Photos courtesy Jaclyn Kot
Weyburn writer with first book
Writer Jaclyn Kot shows her first book,“Between Life and Death”, the first of three she now has
market.