Times
Fife Lake Hotel
owners host final
New Year’s Day event
Muriel Fehr Freelance Reporter
The end is drawing near and last events have started for Fife Lake Hotel with Gail and Lawson Harkness. Every year the couple hosted a feast for New Year’s Day as a customer appreciation free meal.
The festivities started in the afternoon of New Year’s Day and were held until midnight. There are three turkeys, stuffing, salads and buns as well as a cold cut plate that feeds people all day. A good number of people dropped by for a bite along with a bit of music and dancing. The day operated as a come and go for the whole event.
This event has been running for a good many years since 1982 so, it is with sadness that Gail, Lawson and their staff host the last time they will put on a free meal for their loyal customers and friends.
As with most of the events the Fife Lake Hotel hosts there was entertainment. This round it was an open mike night with a jam session. Anyone who wanted to could come up
to the bandstand and play some music. A singer from Fir Mountain performed and it was reported that all would have enjoyed hearing her sing for the entire shindig. The dance floor was full for the entire time with the majority of dancers belonging to the older set as there doesn’t seem to be any place to spin to that type of music.
While this day is enjoyed by many every year it was likely attended by a few more than usual since this was the last time for the event, as there won’t be another. The total count was approximately 200 including families and the older generation too.
The loyal waitress, Lyndsi, stated that working for the Harkness’s is an unforgettable experience as “they treat you like family” and are there for you every step of the way. Although there is mutual respect, apparently, there is a good deal of banter and friendly teasing among the staff and owners that creates the type of atmosphere that is home to the small town bar at the Fife Lake Hotel.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader after almost a decade at the helm of the party. During a meeting with media on January 6, Trudeau announced he has asked Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24. He will step down as party leader once the Liberals have chosen a new leader in a national leadership race. Trudeau said it’s become clear he cannot carry the party standard into the next federal election.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
Not the news anyone wanted to see before Christmas. Fields Assiniboia announced that their last day of business would be January 19.
Until then, a clearance sale is taking place and all stock was being reduced.
The multi product department style store carried clothing, household items
and much more.
Residents sounded the alarm bell because earlier in the year Red Apple experienced a roof collapse and the retail store was still not open by Christmas, leaving residents to wonder what will become of this location.
Red Apple also carried clothing, household items and ran like a variety store serving the community for
a number of years.
The store made a post on social media on July 24, stating, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the store will be closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
Some residents felt that a Red Apple store slated to open in 2025 in a neighbouring town would be too close of radius for two similar stores to make a go of it.
However, Red Apple Stores (Assiniboia, Saskatchewan) page on Facebook responded to a question about reopening in 2025, that yes, they would be re-opening in the new year.
However, no news has been updated on this location leaving residents to wonder about their shopping opportunities.
Entertainment was shared at the Fife Lake Hotel for their New Year’s Day celebration.
Our Town
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
Lisa Reid was a well known and well-loved Assiniboia resident.
The Assiniboia Com -
posite High School inducted her into their Wall of Fame during a ceremony held in 2024. Reid had a national class career as a volley -
ball player with both the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Team Saskatchewan. Her love of teaching kept her in Assiniboia and she took
the OC Rockets (pictured above), lead by Matt Lothian. The fundraiser raised $2,400.
Remembering Lisa Reid - fundraiser for community members fighting cancer
her volleyball passion to the school system, coaching young athletes to enjoy the sport as much as she did.
Tragically, Lisa passed
2024-2025 Regular Season Schedule
away in August of 2019, but her legacy lives in the enjoyment and opportunities for young athletes to follow their passions of education and sport
An adult recreational volleyball tournament was held in Assiniboia on Dec. 21 in Reid’s memory. Eight teams encompassing 73 players ages 18 and up raised $2,400. The money raised was being donated to two local community members fighting cancer.
The winning team was Bold and Beautiful, led by Sherry Saxton-Richards.
January 10, 2025 Civic News
Happy New Year! We look forward to what 2025 will bring, we wish you all the Best!
2024 PROPERTY TAXES
on
paid on or before May 31st. Reminder when paying Property taxes, Utilities or landfill accounts by online webbanking, send payment earlier to
BUSINESS DAYS for processing to ensure making the deadline.
They beat the OC Rockets, led by Matt Lothian, in the final, winning 1513 in the third set. Participants and volleyball fans not only enjoyed some excellent volleyball action, lots of laughs and fun but some great food from the canteen. The event also provided a great opportunity for alumni to reconnect. One of the organizers, Darla Peterson, said they are hoping to make this an annual pre-Christmas event judging by the positive response received from this one.
All unpaid 2024 property taxes are now in arrears as of January 2, 2025 and have received a 10% penalty.
Call us at the Town Office, 306-642-3382, for remaining balance prior to payment to ensure all arrears are paid in full..
PROPERTY & UTILITY PAYMENTS
Payments for utilities/property taxes are accepted ANYTIME by the Town of Assiniboia during the year. Try making payments at regular intervals on or before the billing due date to keep it manageable! Give us a call to get advice on increment payment estimates.
Reminders:
→ Voyent Alert is the town wide instant messaging service to inform you of important information immediately. Sign up today! We currently have 1293 subscribers!
→ Submit your event’ on our events calendar - www.assiniboia.net/events_calendar All submitted events will be shared on social media!
→ COUNCIL MEETING: The next Council meeting will be January 14, 2025. Council meetings are held in Council Chambers in the Asaskan Complex, 131 3rd Ave West.
The winning team of the memorial tournament was ‘Bold and Beautiful’, lead by Sherry Saxton-Richards (pictured at left). They defeated
Senior Rebels ready for Notekeu Hockey League playoffs
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
The Assiniboia Sr. Rebels have dominated the first half of the season in the Notekeu Hockey League, sitting atop the Wood River Division. However, they know that there is a target on their back and other strong teams in the league are looking to unseat them from the top.
With the last game of 2024 played Dec. 22, the senior hockey team enjoyed a holiday break and returned to the ice on Jan. 3 for the last games of the regular season.
The Senior Rebels
dropped two games in their matches in the new year.
The Yellow Grass Wheat Kings defeated Assiniboia 6-4 on Jan. 3.
Three goals were scored by Travis Marit, with Braydon Delorme getting the other single goal.
During a home game on Jan. 4, while hosting Rouleau Ramblers, the Rebels lost 8-7 in overtime. Goals for Assiniboia were scored by Travis Marit (with three), Jacob Eger, and Erik Paradis, The Rebels are on the road this weekend with games in Avonlea on Jan. 10 and playing Coronach
Merchants on Jan. 11. An uncharacteristic weekday game against the Mossbank Blades will be played in Mossbank on Jan. 15.
The last of the regular season for the senior hockey team will be played Jan. 18 and 25, with the last game at home on Jan. 31, hosting the Mossbank Blades. Playoffs will be determined at that time so watch the club’s social media or league’s website for details.
New Roster Addition
The new year brought a new addition to the roster as the league website shows Assiniboia adding
Gravelbourg
Public Notice
Pursuant to The Planning and Development Act Sec 207 (1) (c) this is notice that the Town of Gravelbourg will consider adopting Bylaw 1531/24 a Bylaw to amend Bylaw 1403/15 known as the Zoning Bylaw to:
• Rezone commercial property to residential as indicated below outlined in red on the map.
A copy of the bylaw may be viewed or obtained at the Town of Gravelbourg Office located at 209 Main Street, Gravelbourg, SK.
The Bylaw will be considered at a meeting to be held February 4, 2025 following a Public Hearing concerning Bylaw 1531/24 to be held on that same date at approximately 7:05 PM.
Carol White, CAO
Chase Dahlman. League stats continue to show the Rebels with the top scorers in the league.
Check out the Rebels Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest team and game updates while the league’s website contains the complete schedules for all teams playing this season.
Assiniboia RCMP Crime Stats
The Assiniboia RCMP responded to 12 calls of service during the week of December 30 to January 5.
These included:
- Animal Calls - 1
- Fail to Stop or Remain at Accident - 1
- Failure to comply - 1
- False Alarms - 1
- Operation of MV while Impaired - 1
- Traffic infractions - 2
- Theft Under $5,000 - 1
- Wellbeing Check - 4
The Assiniboia RCMP responded to 14 calls of service during the week of December 23 to 29.
These included:
- Assault - 2
- Assist to Other Police Agency - 1
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - 2
- Coroner’s Act - 1
- Family Law Act - 1
- Mental Health Act - 1
- Mischief - 2
- Traffic infractions - 2
- Traffic Collision - 1
- Wellbeing Check - 1
To report a crime, local residents can call the Assiniboia RCMP office at 306-642-7110. One can also report anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by going online at saskcrimestoppers.com. Call 911 only during an emergency.
Gravelbourg
Public Notice
Pursuant to The Planning and Development Act Sec 207 (1) (c) this is notice that the Town of Gravelbourg will consider adopting Bylaw 1532/24 a Bylaw to amend Bylaw 1403/15 known as the Zoning Bylaw to:
• Rezone Highway commercial property (C2) to Mixed use (MU) as indicated below outlined in red on the map.
A copy of the bylaw may be viewed or obtained at the Town of Gravelbourg Office located at 209 Main Street, Gravelbourg, SK.
The Bylaw will be considered at a meeting to be held February 4, 2025 following a Public Hearing concerning Bylaw 1532/24 to be held on that same date at approximately 7:05 PM.
Carol White, CAO
VILLE DE - TOWN OF
VILLE DE - TOWN OF
Business Services Guide
& Opinions
Provincial government aims to make life more affordable in 2025
The Sask. Affordability Act and ongoing annual indexation are two ways the Government of Saskatchewan is taking action to ensure the province remains the most affordable place in Canada.
“Every year our government adjusts the provincial income tax brackets and basic tax credits to protect Saskatchewan citizens from the rising cost of inflation, which is also known as indexation,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter said. “This provides safeguards against the inflationary pressures that would otherwise push taxpayers into higher tax brackets and reduce the actual value of tax credits. Given the current affordability concerns, it is important we take these steps to help make life more affordable for the people of Saskatchewan.”
The level of indexation in 2025 will be 2.7 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2023 to September 2024. In 2025, Saskatchewan residents will see $40.5 million in annual tax savings from indexation.
“A family of four will not pay any Sas-
katchewan income tax on the first $63,200 of their income, the highest tax-free threshold for a family of four in Canada,” Reiter said. “We have more than doubled this tax-free amount during our time in government, which continues to provide significant savings for people throughout the province and helps make life more affordable.”
Indexation was also incorporated into The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, which was recently passed in the Legislative Assembly. The Act reduced personal income tax in Saskatchewan by increasing rates for the basic personal, spousal and child exemptions, as well as the seniors supplement, by $500 a year for the next four years on top of annual indexation adjustments.
The Act provides significant benefits to pensioners and others who are on fixed incomes by indexing and increasing the rate of the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit, while persons with disabilities, as well as their caregivers, will also benefit from increased tax credits.
Rock Talk - New Year’s Eve ‘Rock Party’ a success for curling club
Submitted by the Assiniboia Curling Club
The ACC New Year’s Eve “Rock Party”, under the guidance of Travis and Nicole Eldstrom, successfully kicked off the 2025 year with 12 teams participating, and many others joining in for some friendly socialization and celebration. All in all, a great time was reportedly held by all.
The ACC Seniors Master Spiel kicked the bonspiel season with eight teams participating.
The Reg Jepson quartet edged the Brent Blackwell troops in the “A Event” final. The Tom Mountain/ Ian Coghill rink got by the Garth Ward crew in the “B Event” final. The Tim Cobbe rink won the “C
Event” and Doug Hanstock rink won the ”D Event”. Thanks to Shai and Frosty’s for keeping the weekend nutritionally sound.
The first day for Gr. 2-4 Junior Curling under the leadership of Cole Payant and other parent volunteers will be Sunday, January 12.
Information went through 7th Ave News just before Christmas. It will run at 4 p.m. this year on the selected Sundays. Give us a call if your son or daughter is interested as it is never to late to join in.
All leagues are merrily ticking along. Next Family Tuesday curling will be held on January 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Don’t forget that the Assiniboia Curling Club are
hosting the Curlsask “Last chance Mixed Doubles” play at the end of January. Local residents can watch for further information on Facebook and Instigram.
Watch for information regarding the Canadian Mixed playoff (next November in Assiniboia). A kick off night for ticket sales will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6.
For those that plan far ahead, the Assiniboia Curling Club will now be taking entries for this year’s Ladies Spiel to be held on March 14 and 15, and the Men’s bonspiel on March 21, 22, 23. Interested curlers can call 306-640-9655 to get your rink entered.
Until next month, keep those rocks “a sliding”!
Don’t push the limits when it comes to snowmobile safety in the winter
Freelance Reporter
Snowmobile Safety week reminds sledders to enjoy the sport safely.
Each year, snowmobile clubs, associations and even companies are encouraged to participate by drawing special attention to the safety considerations of riding, particularly focusing on the need for safe, responsible behaviour.
This year Snowmobile Safety Week will take place from Jan, 12-18. It’s during this week we should all take time to focus on the best practices, safe riding habits, and pass them along to new
riders; whether it’s family or friends. This week is an opportunity to spotlight this important topic.
The Sask. Snowmobile Association has 62 member clubs in the province and more than 11,000 km of snow-covered trails.
The website sled-sask. com states, “Despite all the snowmobile training and warnings, there are still snowmobile related fatalities each and every year.”
This is one of the reasons a specific safety and awareness week has been created. With trespassing laws, permission is ultimately necessary before doing any
population andincreasednoise pollution are potentialreasons why
It’s not just an ‘old age’ issue Over one billionyoung adultsare at risk of permanent,avoidable hearingloss.1
Commonbarrierstogetting hearingaids
•Denialofhearing struggles
•Financialcostorother priorities
•Self-consciousnessabout using hearing aids
•Misperception of hearingaidsas uncomfortable, bulkyand unattractive
•Expectation of sound being unnatural or not working in noise2-4
riding on private land.
Consider Before
Hitting The Snow
Whether you are on a groomed trail or not, safety is paramount whenever riding or operating a snowmobile. The exciting family activity enjoyed by thousands of people across our province and Canada can be dangerous, though the sport “is a safe and enjoyable form of recreation if done properly and with respect” according to the SSA.
Safe Snowmobiling means riding within your own capabilities, operating at safe and appropriate speeds for the terrain,
Too many are missing out Only1 in 5people who couldbenefit fromhearing aids actuallyuse them, leaving many to miss outonthe sounds of life,communicatingand socialising 1
Personal and emotionalimpacts
Untreatedhearingloss can affect physical andmental healthand result in increased social isolation, loneliness and depression;5 acuteorchronic fatigue;6 relationship issues;7 and difficulties at work 8
Untreated hearing loss Hearing loss is the potentially biggest modifiableriskfactor for dementia.9 Studies have shown hearingaidsmay normalise dementiarisk in peoplewith hearing loss.10
The holistic benefitsofhearingbetter Enhanced communication
• Boostedconfidence andself-image
•Improved social life
•Bettermentaland cognitive health
• Feelinghealthier andless fatigued
•Improvementsinrelationships
and never riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Always wear a helmet and adequate clothing, stay within designated riding areas, and always snowmobile with another person, never alone. Snowmobiles can quickly become dangerous if not used with the necessary precautions.
Whether you are taking in some of the many trails in the province or heading to the mountains for a bigger adventure, knowing your terrain and how best to be prepared for safety is a key component to enjoying the experience.
Snowmobiles can speed
up to 125 miles per hour with higher end models, used exclusively for sports and racing, can go up to 150 mph.
While many believe that snowmobiling at night is more fun and peaceful because it is less crowded and can seem more adventurous, those riding need to be extra cautious with the machine’s headlights working in top condition. Additionally, some riders also choose a head mounted torch for extra light and protection.
During Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week encourages communities
to do their part in educating people, especially young adults, on the importance of following safety precautions using the snowmobile. Using social media is a great way to help raise awareness for this safety week. Most accidents reported with snowmobiles were shown to be due to negligence in following safety precautions.
The SGI website outlines rules and regulations for snowmobiles (and ATV’s). Operate a machine that is the right size for you. Never give a young person a machine with more horsepower than they can safely operate.
Hearinglossaffec ts 1in8 of us.Thatmeans we alllikelyknowsomeone whoishaving some troublehearing.Tohelp, we arejoining hearingcareprofessionalsnationwide to help individualsinour communitybydonatinga setofReSound hearingaidsto thosewho cannot afford them
If youknowsomeone whocould benefitfrombetterhearing,pleasenominate them fora free setofReSound hearingaidsusing thefor mbelow
Nomination form
Your Name:Phone Number:
Email:
Relationship to person youare nominating:
Please provide thefollowing infor mation aboutthe person youare nominating: Name:Phone Number:
Email:
Brieflydescribetheir experience with hearingloss, whyyou decidedtonominate them andhow they wouldbenefit if selected (Maximum of 150words)
Drop off, mail or emailthisfor mby:
to:PracticeName:: Contac t: Address Email: Phone: 5pmonJanuary 15, 2025 Coolidge HearingCare GeraldineRuzicka (306)642-4242
101-3rdAve East Assiniboia,SK. S0H0B0 geraldine@coolidgehearing.com Each participatinghearing care
Sherri Solomko
The Senior Spiel Winners gathered at the Assiniboia Curling Club. From left are Shelly Urquhart, Norm Rogers, Gloria Bakke and Reg Jepson.
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
In a year end newsletter to residents, the Assiniboia RCMP Detachment provided several important updates for residents in their quarterly publication released December of 2024.
The newsletter outlined that Assiniboia’s RCMP Detachment recorded 1305 calls for service from Jan. 1 to December when the newsletter was written.
“That works out to almost four calls a day. Of course, some days went with no calls for service while other days, we answered up to six or seven calls.”
Assiniboia’s Detachment continues to work tandem with Coronach
A fun fact, from Jan 1 to Nov. 30 of 2024, Ashley and Christine completed 410 CRC’s.
A reminder to residents, as slip and slide winter conditions can create fender benders or wildlife collisions, there is a difference between reportable and on-reportable collisions, as outlined in this newsletter.
Police are required for hit and run type situations, if there are injuries of any type, the vehicle is not driveable and requires towing from the scene, the vehicle is registered outside of Saskatchewan, drugs or alcohol are a factor. You will be required to complete a Vehicle Collision Statement and a file number will be provided
Assiniboia & District Arts Council
Elizabeth Watson Ross
Elizabeth was born on the family farm at Oxbow, SK on February 21 1928 the third of seven children Her parents Bill and Pearl fostered a love of knowledge, as well as an expectation for higher education The prairie values they taught and lived, influenced Elizabeth all her life She began nurses training in February of 1947 at City Hospital in Saskatoon Her time and experience as a student would mold her into a nurse, which she not only saw as a profession, but as a life-long blessing of service to others Her experiences were eye opening demanding exhausting and intellectually taxing but as her 3 years of training came to a completion, her confidence had grown and she was ready to take on the world Her first position was at the Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Saskatoon Then she and her fellow classmate were offered positions as Public Health Nurses in the town of Assiniboia She was on the front lines when the miracle of administering penicillin cured infections that otherwise would have caused death She was in the first group of nurses to receive the Tuberculosis vaccine and to administer it to children As a twenty-two year old nurse, she drove the Government issued manual transmission car down unpaved, sometimes muddy, sometimes snow blocked gravel roads to towns like Rockglen, Fife Lake, Willow Bunch, and others that no longer exist She went to many rural farm homes with only a piece of paper with directions on it because they didn t exist on a map She loved her work and had great responsible pride in it Shortly after arriving in town, a handsome returned sailor knocked on her door with a telegram He had just talked his friend, who ran telegraph office, into letting him deliver it The delivery man was Marlow Ross, who would become her husband and companion for 48 years They married on March 24, 1951 They raised their family and remained in Assiniboia their entire married life
Because of the nature of Marlow s business Elizabeth was often called to assist a patient in the ambulance on calls in the middle of the night They would go out into the dark of night together to the injured and infirmed and bring them to the hospital Early on, she taught Marlow how to properly prepare the stretcher so the blankets were more comfortable Elizabeth continued to work casually while she raised her family In 1973 she was honoured to serve on a Saskatchewan Commission that toured the Province and gathered information on the needs of Nursing homes She travelled with the other commissioners and visited Nursing homes and Seniors homes, and together filed an official document with the Ministry of Health on the condition of these facilities In 1974, she returned to work full-time at the Assiniboia Union Hospital where she remained till 1993 Throughout their life Liz and Marlow loved to travel and had many adventures They bravely packed the five kids in the station wagon and attended Expo ’67 in Montreal then toured Quebec and Eastern Canada In 1969, they took the family to London for Christmas and toured the city, towns, and country side for 10 days With Ross and Kay Jack, they went to Cuba, and Mexico and other warm destinations When Darryl and Christine lived overseas, they had great trips to England, Spain and North Africa In later years they travelled to be with grandchildren and enjoy adventures with them Elizabeth was able along with her sisters to accompany their parents to England and Scotland Summer gatherings at the family cabin at White Bear Lake were the source of many extended family memories, and strong cousin relationships were formed that exist to this day In later years, Elizabeth and her four sisters created their own series of adventures including travelling together to the Maritimes in a motorhome driving to Memphis para sailing in Mexico and many wonderful winters in Hawaii Elizabeth’s love and willingness to travel, cultivated a great knowledge and interest in the world we live in It also gave her great pride in her Saskatchewan roots and her love of Assiniboia and its thriving community These last few years, the TV was tuned to CBC news, and she wanted to discuss her views of the politics of Canada and the world She became quite adept on her iPad and kept up with all the news of family and friends despite some unintentional late night calls to unexpecting Facebook friends in various international time zones (You know who you are!) Anyone who was touched by the light and love of Elizabeth, recognize that she had a life-force that was unique She had a steal-vault-memory for people s names and dates of important family events This gift allowed her to connect with people in many different situations Many were often surprised at her familiarity and ability to know the name of their grandmother or the town they came from Her sense of humour, her infectious laugh, and her ability to tell a tale in great detail, were enchanting As our family matriarch, she ruled with a sense of pride and great expectation for each of us Her 17 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren really think she is Queen Elizabeth Her knitting ginger snaps Christmas cake generous birthday cards are cherished Her homemade mustard plasters for a chest cold making a bread poultice to remove a sliver and placing a heated pop bottle over a boil to pop it, and the dreaded annual de-worming ritual after a summer at the lake-are some of her home remedies that kept us alive, along with a spoonful of cod liver oil each winter morning Her loving arms wrapped around you in a warm hug with the essence of Estée Lauder YouthDew perfume in the air or offering sage words of advice were part of her everyday expressions If she loved you - you knew it! Elizabeth is predeceased by her husband Marlow, son Darryl, her parents Bill and Pearl Watson; sisters: Phyliss and Charlotte; brothers: David and Billy She is survived by her sisters Violet (Gary) Rees, Joy (Paul) Deering; her children: Janet (Hugh) Harding, Liz-Ann (Dan) Payant, Robbie (Rhonda McLean) Patricia (Bob) Hamilton; 17 grandchildren 46 greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews The Ross Family is indebted to Alyssa Willis and the healthcare angels at Assiniboia Home Care for the support and love Mom has received from each and every worker Your diligence, professional care, and friendship allowed Mom to live life on her terms, and remain in her beloved home on 6th West Also, Faye Hanstock Bishop, Sandi Kimball, Jade Loucks, Marsha Warken, Dr Carulei and the staff at Assiniboia Hospital We are so very grateful to each and every one of you A Celebration of Liz s life will be held at a later date Donations in memory of Liz may be made to South Country Health Care Foundation for Home Care, Box 1750, Assiniboia Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Ross family may be shared at www rossfuneralservice com Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service Assiniboia SK 306-642-3373
mom passed away in 2017 Dad is survived by his four children: Laura (Gordon), Randy (Brenda), Trevor, Wanda (Cameron); grandchildren: Ashley (Tyson), Justin, Malcolm (Morgan); great grandchildren: Emma, Kieran, Parker and Rory As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Dad’s great joy was sharing the promise of the New World and his faith in resurrection hope remained strong until the day he fell asleep in death A Celebration of Leon s Life was held on Sunday, December 22 2024 at 2:00 p m at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah s Witnesses 200 Mulberry Lane Moose Jaw SK The family would like to give a huge thank you to the wonderful staff at Pioneers Lodge for their excellent care of dad Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home 268 Mulberry Lane Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www moosejawfuneralhome com
Margaret Harkness
Margaret (Margie) Harkness (Breuer) passed away peacefully at the Assiniboia Hospital on December 22nd, 2024 at 98 years young She is survived by four sons and one daughter - Lawson (Gail), Morton (Kathy), Beverly Sweeney, Melvin (Pat) and Kevin 15 grandchildren 22 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren Also survived by her youngest sister, Gladys Sanderson of Olds, Alberta and many nieces, nephews, cousins and her long time neighbor and friend, Dorothy Brillion and other friends both young and old She was predeceased by her husband Adry, three sons - Dwight Lorne and Allan her parents George and Christina Breuer nine siblings Annie Hamilton Mary Sell Henry Breuer Dorothy Smith Hedwig (Het) Robson infant George Emma Tindall Catherine (Kay) Fiddler and Harold (Chub) Breuer and her sisters-in-law Isabel Harkness and Penny Hansen Margie was born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan October 9th, 1926 She grew up on a farm six miles north of Fife Lake and attended Diamond Stone School She married her neighbor and school mate, Adry Harkness They were married 64 years when he passed on in 2007 Margie was one remarkable daughter wife Mom Grandma great and greatgreat Grandma aunt cousin sister and friend Her No 1 love was her family She was the hub of our family She kept in contact with everyone and kept us all informed She was interested in what everyone was doing Whether it was jobs, activities, trips, or ups and downs, she had time for everyone She had a sharp memory as well and many deferred to her with their questions So if it was just a bit of advice, a shoulder to cry on or just a listening ear she was there She was a very hard working feisty lady with a big heart Remarkable cook and homemaker always busy gardening raising chickens milking cows meals to the field doing hair and the list goes on and on But no matter how busy she was she always had time to stop and chat over a coffee I remember our coffee pot always on, friends and family filling our kitchen We used to say our yard was like grand central station - as one vehicle was driving in one gate there was one driving out the other and she loved it!! She has left a big void in our hearts but oh so many beautiful memories to treasure You are greatly missed! A Celebration of Life will be held at Ross Funeral Chapel, May 17th 2025 Details to follow Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Harkness family may be shared at www rossfuneralservice com Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service Assiniboia SK
“Howard” Bornholdt, on December 14,2024, passed
Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires
Duties involve cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/ maintenance area, and general laborer duties. Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided. Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844
Adopt-a-Resident program was huge success at long-term care facility
Muriel Fehr Freelance Reporter
The 2024 Christmas Adopt-A-Resident program was a huge success as it rounded out its fourth year serving the needs of the residents that call the long term care facility at the Union Hospital home.
Donna Rapp, a CCA, started this program in 2021 when COVID restrictions didn’t allow families to come in and spend Christmas with the residents.
The evening started with Chinese food from New Moon restaruant in Assiniboia, held December 23. This was purchased by the Ladies’ Auxiliary. The menu was the residents’ choice for supper.
Entertainment was provided by Broken Arrow Youth Ranch. Residents sang along to Christmas music and very much enjoyed the festivities.
Santa appeared with his elf and handed out the gifts from the adopt-a-resident program. Donna offered a “big thanks to Chris Olson
and his daughter Paige!”
Residents enjoyed opening their gifts and were in awe at how much was in each of their presents. Lunch after the gift opening was paid for by E. Bourassa and Sons which was buns, cheese, sliced meats and pickles with Christmas punch and eggnog to drink.
Dessert was bought from Ann Kinchen in Assiniboia which consisted of two large trays of baking.
Donna offered a “thank you to the Assiniboia Kinsmen for the donation,” which will be used for a KFC supper at the long term facility in the near future. Donna said it is “a favourite of the residents.”
Donna expressed her feeling stating “there are so many to thank for making this year successful, however, a huge thank you goes to Renee Clermont for all her help with posters, invites and helping with serving the meal and cleaning up afterward, and to the CCA’s working that day
LAND FOR RENT
320 acres of farmland located seven miles west of Mossbank, SK. This land has been continuously crop and well maintained. We would like a cash rent agreement on a yearly basis.
Please e-mail
David at: panthermechanical@hotmail.com or Carole at: cerfle@telus.net with questions about offers to rent. All offers to be submitted by Jan 2, 2023. Februar y 2, 2025.
that helped decorate tables, served food and sat down with the residents to enjoy a meal.”
“Thank You to Krista Borgerson for being a strong advocate for our residents and being part of the joy with the residents,” added Donna.
Success of the program is spelled by each resident being adopted. The bonus here is lots of extra treats and candy to last a long time along with months of toiletries supplies.
Santa arrived with his elves to hand out gifts to the residents of Assiniboia’s Long Term Care Facility.
Above: Broken Arrow Youth Ranch provided entertainment for the evening’s singalong.The 2024 Christmas Adopt-a-Resident program was a huge success for everyone that participated and donated. Photos Courtesy Muriel Fehr