Marketplace 2023-06-02

Steak and lobster sell

Arbor Week in Saskatchewan: Here are four good reasons to make room for trees

By Suzanne Joyce, Communications Specialist,

Ducks Unlimited CanadaSaskatchewan

AcrossSaskatchewan’s agricultural landscape, most forested areas come in the form of aspen bluffs, riparian areas, and planted shelterbelts bordering farm fields, providing what’s been described as the stitching that holds our patchwork quilt together. Within towns and cities, trees increase our

comfort in substantial ways. They reduce air pollution and provide air conditioning, erosion control, and wildlife shelter. In “Growing Greener Cities,” American Forestry Association researchers tallied the value of these services, compounded at five per cent interest for the 50-year life of a tree, at an astounding $57,151 USD. Per tree.

But in farmland, the value of wooded areas is no less remarkable, thanks to ag-environ-

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mental benefits like drought protection, carbon storage and climate change mitigation, as well as pollination and pest control services. While the inconvenience and loss of production associated with farming around a bluff or shelterbelt are clear, here are four reasons why the environmental benefits provided by trees may tip the balance in favour of viewing wooded areas as less of an obstacle, and more of a resource to manage.

1. Trees improve the micro-climate for crops

Particularly important during times of drought, tree bluffs and shelterbelts catch snow, protect crops from harsh summer sun, and slow down drying winds. Additional organic matter associated with these areas extends into the field, and the soils here exhibit better moisture absorption, nutrient cycling, soil organic carbon and earthworm activity.

And while there is a narrow zone in which trees compete with crops for water and nutrients, this effect is limited; the zone in which crops are bolstered by trees is significantly wider and the overall impact greater.

2. Trees help combat climate change

Like other natural land covers, trees in agricultural landscapes store carbon. Thanks to the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, and convert it into biomass such as trunks, stems and roots, squirreling it away for the lifetime of the tree. This simple act on the part of a tree improves our resilience to climate change. As researchers continue to explore how this carbon storage can be measured – and monetized through the creation of anticipated carbon markets – trees and other areas of natural cover will have even more discernible value

to the landowner.

3. Trees support beneficial insects and birds

Tree cover also provides habitat for a menagerie of forest-associated wildlife species, including economically important ones like white-tailed deer. But some of the most compelling research around the value of wooded and other natural areas, involves the smaller, lesser-known species like insects and birds; and it turns out, these wee dynamos are shouldering a disproportionate workload in the form of pollination and pest control services.

Researchers from Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, in collaboration with Royal Saskatchewan Museum and University of Calgary, have been investigating the ecological goods and services of non-crop areas – or field boundary habitats – in Saskatchewan’s agricultural lands. These important vestiges of habitat include not just wooded bluffs and shelterbelts, but also wetlands and even roadside ditches.

This team seeks to quantify the benefits and risks of these areas and how they affect crop yields. Preliminary findings are encouraging; field boundary habitats support healthy populations of beneficial insects, pollinators, birds and soil microbes.

In some study locations, the beneficial insect population was up to 20 times higher in field boundary habitats compared to open field sites. Wild bee numbers were also up. And bird populations were four times greater in natural hedgerows than in open fields. Given the critical agro-ecosystem roles these organisms perform, higher numbers mean good things for crop production.

Researchers hope to one day ascribe a dollar value of the services afforded by natural areas like tree bluffs and wetlands. Only then can we objectively determine the point at which the benefits of field boundaries outweigh lost crop production.

4. Conserving wooded and other natural areas opens trade opportunities

There’s another potential economic upside to maintaining natural areas like tree bluffs in Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape: loss of biodiversity can hurt sustainability scores central to trade agreements. As we endeavour to grow our agricultural exports, supporting and maintaining habitats can help improve these scores, strengthen our position in global markets, and provide a direct benefit to Saskatchewan producers.

In addition to wetlands and grasslands, Ducks Unlimited Canada has conserved thousands of acres of natural lands that include trees through purchase projects and landowner agreements. We recognize the value of these vital areas as habitat, for crop production benefits, and for their ability to build resilience on the landscape as climate change scenarios play out.

A popular online meme laments that, as a society, we’d be more likely to value and conserve trees if they each delivered a reliable Wi-Fi signal, rather than simply producing the oxygen we breathe. Indeed, we often don’t appear to place much value on a stable climate, clean air and water, and biodiversity that trees provide.

Knock on wood we start sending a little more appreciation their way.

Photos courtesy of Ducks Unlimited Canada

IN BRIEF

Preeceville Museum opens for another season

Courtesy of Preeceville Progress

The Preeceville and District Heritage Museum held an opening day tea to welcome visitors for another season of sharing and reminiscing on May 24. Board members served a pineapple upside down cake or strawberry angel food cake and refreshments to its visitors on the opening day.

The museum was a dream come true for members of the Preeceville Historical Society. The museum opened its doors on June 15, 2006. It had previously opened for two weeks in 2005 as a trial run and was met with much success, stated organizers.

The original building that had been designated for the museum was the old station house but when the old Preeceville nurses residence became available the museum mem-

bers made the decision to utilize it. The board approached the Town of Preeceville with wanting to spearhead a heritage project that would mark the provincial centennial. The project would be a heritage museum with the old nurses residence building utilized as part of the project. The ownership of the building remained as the Town of Preeceville property but the project was run by the board.

The nurses’ residence building was originally built in 1940 at Yorkton and had served as a dormitory for pilots in the Commonwealth Pilot Training Program during the Second World War, stated the Preeceville history book. Young men from all over the British Commonwealth had come to Yorkton to learn to fly before they were sent overseas. The pilots served in The Battle of Britain and Europe or as bomber pilots who

became part of Bomber Command that disabled the Nazi war machine.

After the war, the buildings were empty and were offered to any community that needed them. The nurses and matrons of the old hospital had accommodations all over the Town of Preeceville so the hospital board decided to apply for the pilot quarters. In 1948, the buildings were brought to Preeceville in sections and placed on a full basement that was constructed prior to the arrival of the sections.

The building was heated by steam heat and provided adequate housing for nurses, nurses aides, matrons and other hospital personnel until 1970. Afterwards the rental suites were occupied by the public with office spaces also rented out, stated the history book.

A museum board was

established in 2004/2005 and worked through the year at setting up the museum.

The original museum board consisted of the original Preeceville Historical Society members: Joe Oxley, president; Lorne Plaxin, vice-president; Gladys Myhr, treasurer; Lorna Brodziak, secretary; along with Cas Godfrey, Joyce Gulka and Mary

Petrowski. Other individuals who joined the museum board were Pat Osatiuk and Nellie Long.

At the first meeting of the museum board held June 1, 2004, the new executive was elected. Throughout the years the museum has hosted numerous events for the community including chili and bread day during Old Home Week held in July and a car

show and shine with an 80’s theme and a supply of homemade clay oven baked bread and cinnamon buns for the public to purchase.

The board now consists of only six members: Agnes Murrin, Sharon Draper, Donna Chalupiak, Sharon Prystay, Darlene Medlang, and Joan Peel. Jillian Newton is the museum curator.

Kamsack Heart and Home Quilt Club showcases Quilts at Show and Sale

Courtesy of Kamsack Times

Local quilting enthusiasts from the Kamsack Heart and Home Quilt Club gathered last weekend to showcase their intricate and beautifully crafted quilts at a show and sale on the 27th of May. The event, held at the United Church in town, drew a sizable crowd interested in the artistry and skill behind these colourful and cozy creations.

Lise Rochefort, one of the quilt club members, proudly announced that they had received an impressive number of quilts. With 92 quilts on display the community had shown immense support for the event. Rochefort also mentioned the generous donations they had received, including some quilt tops and the assistance of a skilled quilter to put them together.

When asked about the number of quilts sold so far. Rochefort replied that they weren’t sure how many, but planned to donate 50 of them for the Cancer Society’s Victoria Quilts program. They encouraged those affected by cancer

to register online and receive a quilt from the organization. Throughout the event, attendees marveled at the vast array of quilts, some of which

were still works in progress. Rochefort explained that these unfinished quilts were meant to demonstrate the immense effort required to assemble

the multiple layers and complete the intricate designs.

One of the showcased quilts was that of Linda Scobie, a sewer who has been making quilts with

Lise Rochefort displayed her quilt among many others in the Kamsack Heart and Home Quilt Club show and sale on May 27.

the club for the past two years. Scobie has been in various lessons with the club and has helped teach some of the newer quilters.

Rochefort expressed gratitude to the attendees and discussed the club’s plans to donate

some of the unsold quilts to various organizations. In the past, they had donated quilts to firefighters, victim services, and daycare centers, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting those in need.

“The reason I purchased Northome windows was because I had seen the ones at my son’s place and I liked them. The installation crew was friendly & there was no mess after they left. You couldn’t even tell they put windows in. Service is excellent and the product is excellent.”

The Preeceville and District Heritage Museum board members, from left, were: Darlene Medlang, Sharon Draper, Donna Chalupiak, Sharon Prystay, Agnes Murrin, Jillian Newton (museum curator) and Joan Peel.

Barbara Rusnak, Buchanan Windows installed May

Book looks at Negro League star

In the world of sport, one of the eras which both interests and saddens for this writer is the age of Negro League Baseball.

Certainly some of the greatest players in the game toiled in the leagues from the 1920s though the later 1940s – the likes of Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige and Cool Papa Bell, which makes the era intensely interesting.

But, there is sadness in the recognition such players were not allowed to play in the major league alongside white players. It was a time of ingrained racism, and while now a century in the past, the underlying issue of hated based on the colour of one’s skin is far from eliminated in our world.

So when I cracked The Bona Fide Legend of Cool Papa Bell: Speed, Grace, and the Negro Leagues by Lonnie Wheeler, the racism Bell faced was the most compelling part of the book, although the book did seem to avoid the worst of it. I suspect that is because many players would have hesitated to talk of the hardships – much as veterans of war often kept the worst of the trenches on World War or time in POW camps bottled inside.

And, obviously the press of the day wasn’t going to write about the racism of the era either. It was a decidedly different time as the book notes with a single line; “In Atlanta, black and white baseball teams were not permitted to play within two blocks of each other.”

Typically, I would have asked Wheeler about it, but sadly he died before an interview was possible.

Still, the book, released in early 2021 by Harry N. Abrams, is still a fine read providing insights into a player who was elite in the sport of baseball.

CALVIN DANIELS Sports

“Over his double-digit years of playing periodically against major leaguers, it’s estimated that Bell batted .391 in those games,” wrote Wheeler. “That doesn’t include his .366 in a dozen seasons of California Winter League competition. Nor do those lofty numbers take into account Bell’s most distinctive contributions. When distinguished Courier writer Wendell Smith interviewed various Pittsburgh Pirates about their impressions of Negro League counterparts who worked in the same city, none mentioned Cool Papa’s batting average. It was merely incidental. “I have seen him score from second on just an ordinary fly to the outfield,” said Bill Brubaker, an infielder whose best season happened to be 1936. “He musta had wings on his feet. Bell was a big leaguer if there ever was one.” “Bell was one of the fastest men baseball has ever known, and he was a constant worry whenever he got on base,” asserted Pie Traynor, the Bucs’ manager and Hall of Fame third baseman. “He’d steal a pitcher’s pants. I always admired him for his dashing spirit and ability to get the jump on opposing pitchers.

And he could go a country mile for a ball. He could have made the grade easily.”

But, in the end the greatness of Bell and his contemporaries which shines through this book, still pales when one reads of the racism.

“In any event, the Crawfords found their spring road swing to be more challenging socially than athletically. When the team bus parked Oscar Charleston didn’t look so mean when posing with his wife, Jane at a restaurant in Picayune, Mississippi, for example, folks inside came out to ask if there were any white people on board. Hearing there weren’t, they advised that the ballplayers best be moving along before the law showed up and put them all to work on the county farm with the coloreds who had tried to pass through previously,” wrote Wheeler. “In another small town a local stalwart pulled a shotgun on Paige and Johnson for the indiscretion of dressing in too highfalutin a fashion. In Arkansas, with Cool Papa kneeling on deck, a fan threw a chair onto the field . . .

“A subtler incident, some years later in rural Kentucky, disturbed Cool Papa more profoundly. The players drove up to a gas station, spotted a well behind it, and asked the lady in charge if they might indulge in drinks of water. There was a gourd hanging from the side of the well for that purpose. She consented, they drank and thanked her, and as they drove off Bell was sickened by the sight of the woman smashing the gourd to smithereens against the side of the well.”

That image doesn’t leave much for this writer to say, other than to read the book for insights into the great Bell, and for lessons yet to be fully learned regarding the insidiousness of racism.

First made-in-Saskatchewan satellite to be launched to the International Space Station

SASKATOON –Students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have developed a cube satellite that will launch into orbit on June 3. The

team believes it is the first made-in-Saskatchewan satellite that will be sent into space. The cube satellite, dubbed RADSAT-SK,

will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) via the SpaceX CRS-28 rocket. From the ISS, the satellite will be sent into its

TelCare support

The Grade 3 Tuesday/Thursday PM class at the Yorkton Nursery School Co-Operative, (with special guest of one lady bug) was happy to accept a cheque from a SaskTel Telcare Employee. Support from the TelCare program will help provide school supplies for the cooperative, including technology and specialized resources for kids needing a bit extra. Telcare is a non-profit organization funded by

employee participation. The money raised in each district remains there to support local organizations. The Yorkton Nursery School Co-Operative is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a positive first-school experience for children in the Yorkton area. We offer a play-based program that encourages each child to develop to their highest potential.

own orbit where it will remain for approximately one year. During that time, the team will collect experimental radiation data from a ground station located on the USask campus.

“The RADSAT-SK cube satellite began development in spring 2018 with about 20 engineering undergraduate students on board,” said Dr. Sean Maw (PhD), principal investigator and Jerry G. Huff Chair in Innovative Teaching in the USask College of Engineering. “Since then, the project has grown immensely, with hundreds of students involved in some capacity over the years.”

The creation of the satellite is part of a project for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Canadian CubeSat Project (CCP), a program developed by the CSA to increase student interest in STEM across Canada while involving them in real space missions that contribute to the scientific community.

“Finding out as a student at USask that I could be a part of a project that would send a research satellite to space was an opportunity that fulfilled one of my life’s earliest goals,” said Dustin Preece, one of the tech-

nical project managers, adding that the cube satellite project has been a life-changing experience for him and many other students involved.

The RADSAT-SK satellite’s payload – what it is carrying as it orbits the Earth – focuses on radiation-based research. USask electrical and computer engineering professor Dr. Li Chen (PhD) and his team developed a dosimeter board to measure radiation from space. Dr. Ekaterina Dadachova (PhD) and her team within the USask College of Pharmacy and Nutrition developed a fungal melanin coating that has been placed on part of the board. Melanin pigments are found in many diverse fungal species which can inhabit some of the most extreme habitats on earth. The research goal of Dadachova’s work is to test the feasibility of melanin as a cosmic radiation shielding method in space, while the goal of Chen’s work is to measure radiation at a reduced cost compared to current methods.

The RADSAT-SK project partners include the CSA, USask Space Design Team, USask College of Engineering,

and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The industry partners are Calian Advanced Technologies and Galaxia Mission Systems, along with numerous individual donors.

Dr. Brian Berscheid (PhD) of the USask College of Engineering also contributed mentorship for the team.

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Crokinole championships attract Swedish player

If there is one game that seems inherently Canadian it’s crokinole.

But the game, which dates back to the 1800s, is played in many countries as witnessed by participants from a number of countries travelling to Tavistock, Ont. for the Crokinole World Championships.

There are participants from Britain, Hungary and Sweden scheduled to take part in the championship which typically attracts a few hundred players.

One of the participants is Magnus Rundström from Ängelholm, Sweden, who was kind enough to consent to an interview via email.

Not surprisingly of course is that Rundström likes board games, pointing to a couple of favourites – one admittedly I had not heard of until I Google searched and found it is pretty much Pitchnut.

“When it comes to board games its Couronne and Backgammon,” he said. “Couronne is similar to Carrom however you play it with cues. Couronne was a popular game already when I was a kid and it still is. To make the game more interesting and adapted for tournament play, we made additional rules and procedures. I host the City Championships and the Summer Cup on annual basis since 2010.”

For Rundström Backgammon has long been of interest.

“I’ve played Backgammon for three decades but so far I played on feel without any real mathematically knowledge about which play is the best for any particular moment,” he said. “I’m a decent player however recently when I started to dig in to the game theory, I realized how much I need to learn to be a great player. I follow and learn watching UBC on YouTube (Ultimate Backgammon Championship).”

So when did he find Crokinole?

“I found Crokinole early in 2018 when I was looking for another game online,” offered Rundström. “I saw a picture of a Crokinole board and it got me intrigued so I checked out some matches from WCC on YouTube and it looked awesome.

“That same evening I found a Danish-based company who provided Crokinole boards and accessories so I purchased my first board five minutes later.

“The board arrived a few days later and I gathered three friends and the first day we played 10 hours straight -- we were hooked on the game.

Rundström was soon not just playing, but becoming a builder of the game.

“I then decided to purchase another five boards to set up the first

ever City Championships (Doubles) on June 2, 2018 limited to 32 players,” he said. “This championship is now running annually with an addition of the Winter Cup in December and Summer Cup in July.

“I enjoy planning and hosting tournaments and I hope to one day set up the Swedish Crokinole Championship. So far we have only competed in doubles, we find it more social and fun.”

As a huge Crokinole fan personally, I was curious what it was about the game that so intrigued Rundström.

“Crokinole is an eyehand coordinated game where there are targets and precision is a key,” he said. “’Targets’ are in my DNA since I always enjoyed activities such as Shooting, archery and darts. Crokinole gets even more interesting since you need to factor in who holds ‘The Hammer’ and apply a different approach dependent if you are ahead or trailing the round.”

But there is also a simplicity to Crokinole which Rundström appreciates.

“Anyone can play as long the can sit and move a finger -- no previous skill are needed,” he said. “Perhaps the best aspect is the social and fun atmosphere it creates, especially in doubles games. Most first-timers say they understand the idea of the game directly and realize they are managing quite well on their first time playing. This makes them want to play again.

“To be honest, not many people have said to me that they disliked the game.”

So, what sort of community for Crokinole exists in Sweden? Is it growing?

“Crokinole is at this point not very known in Sweden to be honest,” admitted Rundström. “At this point the Engelholm Crokinole Club is the leading body of the game in Sweden.

“I only found one other Crokinole community ’Swedish Crokinole Society’ located in the capital area of Stockholm. However they seem to have been in a hiatus for the past three-four years judged by their lack of activity on their Facebook page and furthermore, not so regular tournaments.

“Iur crokinole community (city of 25,000) in the south of Sweden is about 35-40 people strong and they sign up for annual Championships, other tournaments, and casual game nights that I host, all for free, no costs. I normally strike a deal with a bar/restaurant to use their facility having discount on food and beverage in exchange for bringing in hungry and thirsty people. Some other times I rent a place where we are not controlled by

time or other things and people can bring their own picnic basket. Once I host bigger tournaments I need to charge a fee I guess.”

It’s part of Rundström’s passion for the game.

“I have worked a bit on growing the game locally by lending out my boards to friends to test the game,” he said. “All of them enjoy the game and some actually bought the board from me. My impression is that the game is slowly growing however only by mouthto-mouth and only around our city.”

Rundström noted other countries in Europe have developed a larger following for Crokinole.

“Europe, some nations are ahead, Hungary and Netherlands, France. In Budapest, Hungary the first European Championship, with NCA approval, was played 2018,” he said. “I see online that tournaments are held on regular basis in Hungary and Netherlands as well. Hungary has a board maker called Woodesticks https://woodestic.eu/ In Netherlands there is a fairly new board manufacturer Crokinole Europe https://croki.eu/”

Rundström said he enjoys the organizational side of things.

“I like to plan and organize in general, but doing it around a great game like Crokinole makes it even more fun,” he said. “The fact that the participants are enthusiastic about the game and my events makes me satisfied and there is no doubt the game can grow in Sweden. I’m not involved in any marketing or promoting of the game in other cities or counties, only in the local township, that’s pretty much it at this point. Promoting the game by marketing is one way, but I think a Swedish Championship with some heavy media coverage can start the train moving so to speak. I want to gain experience of hosting larger tournaments during my visit at WCC for this reason.”

The trip to Canada is about loving Crokinole.

“First and foremost, I love the game and I like to compete,” offered Rundström.

“Secondly, I made a promise in 2019.

In 2019, I made an announcement/promise that I would go to WCC but I don’t think anyone believed me. For many reasons it didn’t happen that year and during following years, the

pandemic stopped everything. Last month we held the City Championships and I announced my confirmed registration, some of them were very surprised but some remembered and promises should be kept. Perhaps some thought I was crazy flying eight hours to Canada to play Crokinole but that’s what I’m going to do.

“Most World Championships requires ranking or qualification and it’s almost impossible for a guy like me to get in, however in this Championship anyone can take the opportunity to play an official World Championship and possibly face the best.”

The pilgrimage will be his first.

“First time for me in Canada and I do understand that Canada is so more than TorontoTavistock area,” noted Rundström. “I have a Swedish friend in Vancouver who emigrated some 20 years ago and

I wish I had a full month just to explore your country but this trip I will be focusing on the game and its history only.

“I arrive in Toronto on 1st June and depart 5th June so it’s a short stay, only for the WCC and possibly see the Hockey Hall of Fame since I come from a hockey town. Some NHL hockey-players originate from our small town and its hockey team Rogle BK. One is #29 Kenny Jonsson, Toronto Maple Leafs (94-96) born in Engelholm and played for the club, another one is #37 Timothy Liljegren (current player) who got his entire hockey upbringing in our team until his move to NHL.”

The event will offer a rather different Crokinole experience for Rundström.

“It’s the World Championships so I expect some players to posses the highest level of skills for sure,” he said. “I kinda know the top-level because I have viewed every available WCC match since 2016 and additional tournaments that I found on YouTube so I know how good the best are. Although these guys are great players with massive skill sets, there is always a chance, just look at 2019 WCC final, Mr. Carr, who was relatively unknown, played

very well and proceeded to the final against Mr. Slater.

“You can only try your best, so my plan is to stay positive, focused, and get lucky.”

Rundström said he hopes he gets the right vibes to be successful.

“I normally rely on feel, luck and sometimes performance enhancing beverages however my plan for WCC is to intensify the training three weeks before the tournament,” he said. “I will do consistency training for open 20s, control of finger positions to minimize moving parts. Other practices will be follow through shots, angling of the opponent discs and not getting nervous.”

Magnus Rundström from Ängelholm, Sweden.

Rama audience thoroughly entertained at Old Fashioned Hoedown

Courtesy of Canora Courier

For anyone who likes their traditional music mixed with a healthy dose of family-friendly humour, St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Rama was the place to be on May 13.

Renowned Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods and his AllStar band provided the entertainment with their Old Fashioned Hoedown.

Woods said he and his bandmates thoroughly appreciated the hospitality.

“They just rolled out the red carpet for us,” he said. “Our show speaks to the rural community. It’s the music the pioneers played, and it speaks to residents even now. Everyone seemed to have a great time, us

included.”

Mary Kowalyshyn, one of the organizers of the event, said it was “an up-lifting two-hour Branson-style show that featured numerous fiddle tunes in the style of Don Messer, Graham Townsend and Al Chomey along with traditional country and Gospel songs that kept the audience entertained and their toes tapping.

“The show featured music for all ages: family humour, sensational step dancing and inspirational stories. But what kept the audience in awe was Scott’s keen wit and prowess on his fiddle while using a coat hanger, a broomstick or a toilet plunger as his bow and of course, his famous trick fiddling when he did a somersault and

balanced on a rolling barrel all while playing his fiddle.”

Woods was joined onstage by a talented band of musicians.

Kendra Norris, Woods’ sister, is a multiple winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Competition in the 19-45 class, a three-time Canadian Duet Fiddle Champion with her brother, and a multiinstrumentalist (piano, accordion, and singer). She has a gift for writing harmony and arranging.

Leo Stock, known as “spaghetti legs” is the current Canadian Open Step Dance Champion. He was the drummer, but also performed several fiddle tunes, sang the famous auctioneer song “and amazed the audience with his step dancing.”

Germain Leduc, also

a champion fiddler, bass player, piano accompanist and recording artist was part of the band. He impressed the audience while playing the piano with his back turned.

Kathy Musty accompanied the band on piano.

Guest singer, Gloria Dove Bastien of Foam Lake, sang the song Family Bible.

Scott Woods is a two-time winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Contest, two-time winner of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship as well as Fiddle Entertainer of the Year. In 2018, he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association.

Woods said he thoroughly enjoys performing, including con-

necting with the members of the band, as well as experiencing positive feedback from the audience.

“It’s great to see someone smile when they hear a tune. That usually means the song means something from their history. And it’s special when we meet people with health problems who tell us our show distracts them from their worries.”

Family-oriented humour is an important part of the show, and to hear Woods tell it, the cornier the jokes, the better.

“In Rama, I told the one about Leo Stock, our drummer and step dancing champion, but one day Leo told me he was seeing spots. When I asked if he was seeing a doctor, he said, ‘No, just spots.’”

Woods has performed all over the world for large crowds in the thousands, but also enjoys more intimate settings like the one in Rama.

He first met up with the organizers from Rama several years ago while performing in Yorkton. They invited Woods to give a concert in Rama in 2020, but due to COVID-19, it took until this year for the visit to come together.

Now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted, the group has a busy schedule.

“We have 39 shows in five provinces on our current tour. We are playing every day

for 17 days straight, heading west through Saskatchewan on our way shows in Alberta.”

Possibly the bestknown nickname given to Woods is “The Flippin’ Fiddler.”

“Many years ago we were headed to Cape Breton Island for a concert. The Cape Breton Post newspaper called and asked for an interview,” recalled Woods. “I told them that during the concert I do a front running somersault with my fiddle as one of my tricks. From that interview, the newspaper headline was ‘Flippin’ Fiddler coming to Cape Breton’ and the nickname stuck.”

Woods said he grew up in a musical home in Ontario as the youngest of four siblings, and by the age of four, he couldn’t wait to learn the fickle. His father Merv played the fiddle and his mother Carolyn played piano, which was how they first met

“Dad would teach us fiddle tunes, I started playing with the family band, and I gradually took over.”

Following the Rama Hoedown, St. Anthony’s Ladies Club served strawberry shortcake as a special treat in celebration of Mother’s Day.

“It was a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend and what a pleasure it was to host these talented entertainers in the village of Rama!” concluded Mary Kowalyshyn.

Loud laughter and applause from the audience rewarded band member and Scott’s sister Kendra Norris for her impersonation of Minnie Pearl.

Scott Woods demonstrated the use of a number of items as a bow, including a plunger.

Library deal said complete in April

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The sale of the current library location in downtown Yorkton is a done deal according to Yorkton City Manager Lonnie Kaal.

“April 24, the offer (of $1.5 million) was accepted. The deal is done,” Kaal told Yorkton This Week May 29.

A Public Notice was placed in Yorkton This Week, but Kaal said it was only to allow anyone else who might be interested in acquiring the property to step forward with a higher offer, which the city could have then accepted.

“It’s a safety net,” said Kaal noting the Public Notice on price ensures the city receives the best value for a property.

The Public Notice was not to provide the public with an opportunity to voice opposition to the sale, said Kaal, reiterating it was already sold.

But that did not stop many from attending the May 15, meeting of Yorkton Council, and more than 20 were allowed time to address council, all with concerns about the sale and move of library services to the Gallagher Centre.

The public appeared to have had an impact, at least with some on Council.

At the May 15 meeting Councillor Darcy Zaharia said he has been opposed to the sale, a position he said fits with the calls he has fielded since the possibility of a sale was made public.

“I don’t see any benefit going to the Gallagher Centre,” he said.

Zaharia also suggested the matter “wasn’t handled in the right way” in terms of the community being made aware of the sale.

Ashley Stradeski, director of finance with the city did note the deal is not complete and the building has not been sold. The final decision is likely to be

made at the next regular meeting of Council in three weeks.

Mayor Hippsley said the process at the May 15 meeting “was a real eyeopener.”

While suggesting the city needed to look at the offer to buy the building, something that fit his election campaign platform of watching city finances, “what’s best for the city community wise,” must also be considered.

In the case of the library situation, “there is no benefit to moving to the Gallagher Centre,” said Hippsley.

But, Kaal admitted Monday the impassioned presentation however, never really had a chance to change things because the deal was accepted in April. She said after accepting the offer April 24, the city “was legally obligated,” to the sale, and if Council were to try to opt out of the sale now they would likely face legal action and end up having to pay significant compensa-

tion.

Kaal, who was not in Chambers May 15, said it was unfortunate the public believed they were having an impact in making their presentations, and that the sale might not go through pending a suggested decision by Council at its next regular meeting June 5. She said with the offer accepted there is no decision to be made on the fifth.

The situation is one where a lot of misinformation ended up being circulated, admitted Kaal.

Kaal cited the concerns of a 16,000 square foot library being pared down to 10,000, but she said it’s not exactly as dramatic a downsizing as it seems, with kitchen, janitorial, mechanical and washroom space already at the Gallagher Centre. She also noted there are spaces at the Gallagher Centre to accommodate groups. In the end the actual change will be about 8,400 existing square feet down to 6,000.

Foaling season

In what was a definite sign of spring at Bighorn Clydesdales, a number of mares have foaled. Bighorn Clydesdales are breeders of black Clydesdales. The farm located near Swan Plain, Sask. has exported Clydesdales worldwide in past years.

Submitted Photos

Mini Donuts

– Quick welcome and rundown of the day

4:30pm

4:30pm

– Cultural activities, games, word play, Dances,

– Music by Choir and local entertainers.

– Bouncy House

– Face Painting by Big Brothers and Big Sisters

– Food booths by Joe Beavers with Ukraine Menu and Yorkton Navy League #103 Margaree Cadets Food Sale

– Kids Activities, Axe Throw, small bouncy house, crafts and other activities

– Temporary Tattoo booth

– Rolling Thunder car show

– Fire Truck Rides

– National Anthem, Flag Raising and Dignitary welcome

5:30pm

6:00pm

– Cultural activities and kids activities continue

7:30pm – Close

June 21st National Indigenous Day (See YTC website and fb page for more information)

June 22nd South Asian Theme (Wear white t-shirt and bring lawn chairs and water guns)

4:00pm

4:30pm

4:30pm

– Food Trucks open Papa R Mini Donuts and Tea Pro

– Food booths by SPCA Fund raiser

– Popcorn and balloons by Kinnettes

– Cultural activities, games, word play, Dances,

– Music by DJ Purvish

– Bouncy House

– Face

Seeding lags behind five-year average

Producers across Saskatchewan continue to make tremendous progress with their seeding operations. Currently, 68 per cent of the 2023 crop in the ground. This is still behind the fiveyear average of 76 per cent, but it is a very good sign that many producers in the western half of the province have wrapped up seeding or are only a few days away from finishing. Some producers would like to see some rain to ensure their crop has the moisture needed to emerge evenly and not be held back by dry conditions.

East-Central Saskatchewan: • Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas

• Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas

Warm, dry weather this past week allowed many producers to seed without delay.

Seeding progress has reached 58 per cent, up from 21 per cent and is on par with the five-year average, which is very reassuring for producers in the region.

The early seeded crops that have emerged look very good, but producers also report that weed growth has been rapid, they will be busy performing infield

herbicide applications to ensure weeds do not compete with their crops.

Very few parts of the region received rainfall over the past week and some producers in the drier part of the region are concerned about the lack of moisture.

The Kenaston area received 15 mm of rain, the Allan area 13 mm and the Craik area 11 mm. This moisture will help emerging crops and pasture grasses for a brief time.

Hot, windy weather has quickly dried out soil across the region.

Cropland topsoil moisture is now rated as 65 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and five per cent very short.

Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 56 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Pasture conditions are rated as three per cent excellent, 38 per cent good, 38 per cent fair, 16 per cent poor and five per cent very poor.

The majority of cattle are now on pasture with the remaining herds expected to be moved in the next week.

Overall, most of the crops are at the normal stages of development for this time of year due to the cool wet conditions in April and early May which delayed seeding for several weeks.

Most of the crop damage this week was

from frost and flea beetles, which have been reported to be a large issue in some parts of the region. Some garden crops have been decimated by the pest since very little canola has emerged. Producers will be very vigilant of their canola and will spray the flea beetles if their population reaches economic thresholds.

Provincially Producers in the northwest are almost done seeding with 84 per cent of their crop now in the ground followed by the west central with 81 per cent, the northeast with 76 per cent, the southwest with 73 per cent, the east-central with 58 and the southeast with 51 per cent.

Producers in the southeast and east-central are still struggling with excess moisture hindering field operations. There were small to moderate rain showers across the province over the week with close to an inch falling in some areas. The Rosetown and Livelong areas received 21 mm, the Kenaston area 15 mm, the Hafford and Hazenmore areas 10 mm, while other parts of the province received anywhere from one to eight mm. For the most part, the rain was not enough to relieve the dry conditions that some producers are facing. This issue is greatest in

TO DO THIS SUMMER

the west central region where topsoil moisture has quickly dropped after weeks of minimal precipitation. After another warm, windy week, topsoil moisture ratings have continued to drop in many regions. Province wide, crop land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay and pasture land is rated as 59 per cent adequate, 31 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. The driest regions are the northwest, west-central and southwest, where some producers are worried their newly emerging crop will not have enough moisture to make it through the heat of July without a good soaking of rain.

Pasture conditions have improved this year from previous years due to some late spring storms bringing much needed moisture. Overall provincial pasture conditions are rated as six per cent excellent, 45 per cent good, 29 per cent fair, 14

per cent poor and six per cent very poor. Livestock producers are happy to see their pastures green up and improve after two challenging years in many parts of the province. More livestock producers will be moving the remainder of their cowcalf pairs out to pasture as they wrap up seeding operations.

Early seeded crops have emerged and are looking good across the province. Producers are reporting that crop development is around 70 per cent normal for spring cereals, oilseed and pulses. In parts of the west-central and northwest, some are behind in development due to dry growing conditions, while in the southeast and east-central crops are delayed due to the excessive moisture conditions.

Most of the crop damage this week was due to minor flooding, light frosts, drought conditions and flea beetles. Some producers have reported short term delays in seeding due to an inability to access

phosphate fertilizer. However, as supply increases, they have been able to proceed with seeding as planned. Now that seeding has wrapped up for some producers, they will be busy conducting their infield herbicide applications, as well as scouting for pests that pose a risk to their crops. With the dry conditions, producers are reminded to stay vigilant about fire risk and to have fire prevention equipment at the ready. Stress is high this time of year and producers are reminded to take safety precautions in all the work they do. The Farm Stress Line can help if you are managing farm difficulties by providing support for producers, Toll Free at 1-800-6674442.

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at https://www. saskatchewan.ca/cropreport

Follow the 2023 Crop Report on Twitter at @ SKAgriculture.

—

Submitted

374 impaired drivers caught in April

Last month, SGI put the spotlight on a program that encourages everyone to Report Impaired Drivers (RID), but the results from the April spotlight show that we haven’t been able to get RID of the idea of “one more for the road.”

Police recorded 374 offences related to impaired driving in April. This includes:

• 179 people were issued Criminal Code charges

• 195 people given administrative roadside

licence suspensions

All impaired driving offences come with immediate licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, impaired driving education programs and Safe Driver Recognition demerit points. The consequences become more severe if the driver exceeds Criminal Code limits, is a repeat offender and/or causes a collision that injures or kills someone.

The weather is ideal for sitting on a patio, but

when the bar tab is paid, find a safe ride. Call a sober friend or family member, or take a bus, cab, rideshare or designated driving service. Driving impaired is not an option.

Other results from April’s traffic spotlight included:

• 448 tickets for seatbelt and occupant restraint offences;

• 4,991 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving offences; and

• 730 tickets for distracted driving, including 649 for using a cellphone while driving.

Impaired driving is also our Traffic Safety Spotlight in May. Follow SGI on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

306-782-2465.

Rural Municipality of Saltcoats No. 213 Mower Operator

The RM of Saltcoats No. 213 is now accepting applications for the position of seasonal full-time Mower Operator for the 2023 right of way mowing season.

This position will be a seasonal full-time position for approximately 900 hrs commencing on or about June 26th, 2023.

Applicants must hold a valid drivers license. Experience and maintaining and operating tractors and mowers along with Powered Mobile Equipment(PME) training would be an asset. A vehicle to haul fuel and blades would also be an asset.

Applicants are invited to submit a resume stating experience, along with 3 references on or before June 13th, 2023.

For more information please contact the R.M. office at 306-744-2202.

Please submit application to:

Ron Risling, Administrator

R.M. of Saltcoats No. 213 Box 150, Saltcoats, Sask., S0A 3R0 E-mail: rm.saltcoats@sasktel.net

THE

Seniors, Parents, Children!

Earn some extra cash (possibly of up to $400/month depending on route size), get exercise and work only a few hours a week too!

Be a Yorkton This Week Carrier!

• No early mornings

• No collecting

• We pay by direct deposit on the last Friday of every month

• Weight bonuses

• Sales bonuses

• Any age welcome

• Only 2 days or less per week

If you would like a route, please e-mail us at: circulation@ yorktonthisweek.com or telephone circulation at: 306-782-2465

PUBLIC WORKS FOREMAN or FOREWOMAN

Position begins immediately. Successful candidate will oversee the public works department for the Town of 800+ residents as well as supervise staff.

Responsibilities:

• Road maintenance and repair;

• Operation, maintenance, and repair of the Water and Wastewater systems;

• Providing hands-on support on equipment;

• Ensure proper records are maintained by staff and provide written reports, analysis, and recommendations on public works to Administration and Council;

• Be able to prepare and present departmental budget, determine resource needs and financing requests; and,

• Have thorough knowledge of street construction and maintenance, water and sewer system operation and maintenance, and building maintenance through relevant experience.

Qualifications required:

• Able to Operate Heavy Equipment; certification on heavy equipment is an asset.

• Strong oral and written communications

• Leadership skills

• Possess knowledge of safety principals and practices

• Team player and work with minimal supervision

• Clear Driver’s Abstract, Criminal Record Check

Qualifications Preferred:

• Class 1 Level 1 Water Treatment & Distribution Certification

• Class 1 Level 1 Waste Water Treatment & Collection

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, permanent position with on call availability. Required to be within 30- minute proximity to the Town of Churchbridge for responding to emergencies. Benefits include: Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Health, and Municipal Pension.

The Town of Churchbridge thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. This competition will run until the vacancy has been filled.

Please submit a cover letter, resume with three references, salary expectations, certifications, driver’s abstract, criminal record check to:

Attn: Renea Paridaen, CAO

TOWN OF CHURCHBRIDGE

Box 256, Churchbridge, SK S0A 0M0 Fax (306) 896-2910

Phone (306) 896-2240

Email: churchbridge@sasktel.net

It’s time to spring those unused items from your closet, basement and storage areas with a classified ad, phone

New Yorkton Lions and Sports Hall of Fame award recognizes sports supporters

The Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (YSHF) has established a new award, the Support for Sports Award, sponsored by the Yorkton Lions Club.

The award will be presented annually to individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations who have displayed a long-term and significant commitment to sup-

porting amateur sports in Yorkton. The support can take many forms, including volunteerism, financial or in-kind support, organizational assistance, traditional or new media excellence or other ways that have benefitted sports organizations or athletes.

It also provides an opportunity to recognize those who otherwise do

Steak and lobster sell out

not qualify for induction into the Hall of Fame but are deserving of recognition by the community.

The recipients will be recognized at the Sports Hall of Fame annual induction event, which this year will be held Saturday, September 9. Recipients will be guests of the Sports Hall of Fame at the induction, where they will be intro-

duced and presented with a plaque by representatives of the Lions Club and Sports Hall of Fame.

“The Yorkton Lions are pleased to sponsor this new award. We feel that people who give back to their community in many different ways, as the recipients of this award will have done, deserve recognition

and our appreciation,”

Yorkton Lions president Todd Allan noted.

Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame board chair Dick DeRyk said the organization welcomes the participation of the Yorkton Lions in this award.

“Their support makes it possible to honour the recipients by inviting them to attend and take part in the induction

evening,” he added. Nominations may be submitted anytime at www.yorktonsportshalloffame.ca/support-for-sports-award.

Deadline for nominations for the first presentations is Friday, August 11, 2023. Nominations received after that date will be considered for presentation in 2024. — Submitted

Oscar nominated film wins Best of Fest at YFF

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Yorkton Film Festival Best of Festival Award went to The Flying Sailor, a film directed by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis.

The short animation has received several awards and nominations including Best Canadian Film at the Ottawa International Animation Festival and an Oscar nomination at the 95th Academy Awards under the category Best Animated Short Film.

“Who needs an Oscar,” quipped Tilby upon accpeting the award to the cheers of the audience.

The film was the recipient of several Golden Sheaf Awards throughout the evening, including awards for best Aninmation and Director.

“Wendy’s right,” said David Christensen, Producer of The Flying Sailor, “who does need an Oscar?”

“The difference being is that this award — and I mean this honestly — is that this is from the heart,” said Christensen.

Let’s Go Golfing

Wendy Tilby, David Christensen and Amanda Forbis accepting the Golden Sheaf for Best of Festival at

2023 Yorkton Film Festival.