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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Submitted Photo by Kristina Just

Cattle drive for Christmas The holiday season may be upon us but the work on a cattle ranch never ends as illustrated by a cattle move as it snows in the Orcadia area west of Yorkton. So

far this winter cattle have been able to stay on pasture and graze as snow cover is limited.

Local initiative to prevent gift card fraud By Devin Wilger Staff Writer One of the most common types of scams operating right now is a gift card scam. A caller will convince someone that,

they need to send someone money - whether it’s a late payment, a pending fine, or any other reason - and that they need to send that money in the form of gift cards. The Yorkton RCMP, Yorkton

Chamber of Commerce, Yorkton Business Improvement District and major Yorkton retailers have partnered together in order to help prevent this fraud through a local initiative.

S/Sgt. Jeff Simpson said that over the past two years, the Yorkton RCMP has received approximately 310 complaints related to frauds within the jurisdiction. He said they are often

changing their ‘sales pitch’, but they share one thing in common, they are trying to solicit funds from the victim. Sometimes, it’s through a direct transfer, but most cases it’s through alterna-

tive payment such as gift cards. “Gift cards are a preferred method of victimization due to the fact that they’re virtually

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YEA launches fundraising ‘Grain Drive’ By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer The Yorkton Exhibition Association has been unable to hold any of its normally sched-

uled events in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. That has meant revenues have basically been nil, with Barb Woytas manager of the YEA begging revenues

down 95 to 100 per cent. Without money coming in, planning for 2021 events difficult, so Friday the YEA launched a unique fundraiser to help get some cash-flow

heading into 2021. “Not being able to hold our normal annual events has had a significant impact on our organization,” said Brett Callin, YEA Director at

a press conference held at the Gallagher Centre. “We are reaching out to the community for some help in a different but much needed way.” The way Callin was

referring too was for area farmers to donate grain to the YEA in support of what the organization does. “The idea of a ‘Grain

Continued on Page A3

Civic Recognition Award recipients named By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer The 2020 recipients of Yorkton’s Civic Recognition Awards were formally announced at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday. The recipients are Jason

Boyda in the adult category, Katelyn Anderson in the youth category and Farming For Health in the group category. The recipients were unanimously approved by Council. In making the announcement Jessica Matsalla City Clerk, with the City provided a

brief bio on the recipients. Jason Boyda, a teacher at Yorkdale school, has been a resident of Yorkton for the past 11 years, and has been “all-in” with the community since he moved here. He is a dedicated coach for sports (for all levels), mainly football and basket-

ball. Jason is known to go the extra mile to run extra practices, and additional training to help any athlete who desires to improve, and will do what is in his power to help them excel. Jason also provides opportunities to all ages of athletes that may not be otherwise

offered, such as taking teams to out of city and even across the border for tournaments or camps. He not only coaches, but Administratively is involved in fundraising, organizing events, jamborees, inter-league and inter-provincial play, and cross

Continued on Page A2

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FRAUD Continued from Page A1 untraceable, universal across multiple jurisdictions and countries, and have a resale value on the black market,” explained Simpson. The shifting nature of the fraud and the difficulty of reaching everyone in the region. The result was that, on Nov.12, a meeting between all major retailers who sell gift cards was conducted to try to find a solution to the issue. “We’re not able to hit everybody and protect everybody. The story that is being given to these victims is continually changing, whether it’s a CRA scam today or your social insurance number has been compromised tomorrow, whatever the case may be. We can’t seem to gain significant ground in communicating that effectively and quickly, and reaching everybody as well.” Simpson said that they realized they had to do something because fraud kept happening in the city. They thought that the next step was to put up more barriers to make sure they reach the peo-

ple who are being defrauded. “Not long before we decided to convene this group, we had a gentleman who had come into the detachment and had essentially been defrauded, and had purchased over $10,000 worth of gift cards. He came in, he was convinced he had to do this for some sort of purpose, he came into the detachment with a bag full of gift cards that he was instructed to purchase, and give the numbers over the phone to the fraudster. We said it was time for us to get creative and come up with another solution that could help with this, to prevent this.” The program will limit the sale of gift cards to under $200, and any purchases over that amount will require a conversation with a manager to ensure that the purpose is not for a fraudulent purpose. All retailers will also post signage at the point of display as well as the cash registers, both to notify customers of the new policy and to show that they can do if they’re being instructed

to purchase these cards. Staff will also be educated on what to do if they suspect fraud, such as gift card purchases that don’t fit the customer - Simpson

used the example of an 80 year old purchasing a stack of Google Play cards. Getting everyone on the same page was a priority, said Simpson,

not only to show solidarity between businesses, but to ensure everyone is carrying the same amount of weight and businesses have the same policies. Retailers participating include Legacy Co-op, Circle K/Mac’s Convenience Store, Petro Canada, Save-on Foods, Superstore, Canadian Tire, WalMart, Staples, FasGas, Super-C, Esso, with support from the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce and Yorkton Business Improvement District. Bruce Thurston, General Manager of Legacy Co-op said that this fraud is something that they have seen in their stores. “They prey on emotions, quite often of elderly people. They have a way of convincing them that they need to do this, to buy gift cards, that they’re going to get somebody out of trouble or they need something… That’s not the case.” He said he’s proud to see that retailers who are competitors have come together, collectively, to deter gift card fraud.

could be raised while continuing to conduct normal operations. The Farming for Health Project has raised and set aside $1 million dollars that will be used to assist a new hospital, and further $446,914 in the last three years that has assisted the purchase of new medical equipment. The Project has brought together many businesses that are normally competitors who set that aside to improve our community, making it a better place to live and raise a family in, now and in the future. Farming for Health are ambassadors to other centre for what is possible when the community works together. This is the third year the Civic Recognition awards have been presented in Yorkton.

The policy is in place to recognize recipients “Who have given selfless support, and made contributions for the betterment of the City of Yorkton,” said Matsalla.

The Civic Recognition Awards Committee adjudicated submissions for the 2020 on November 23, and have made recommendations for Council on award recipients

Photo by Devin Wilger

S/Sgt. Jeff Simpson holds the signage that will be posted in area businesses to help prevent fraud.

“We look forward to telling the fraudsters that Yorkton’s closed to this type of activity.” Simpson said that this is the first initiative from the group, but not the last, and they anticipate that businesses will share information on a real time basis. “Every day there seems to be a new sort of fraud or a new sort of sales pitch that’s being communicated over the phone or through a variety of different means.” He notes that with many of these schemes claiming to represent a government agency of authority, so if someone is contacted by a call that makes them suspicious, they should contact that agency directly, and that the transactions fraudsters demand are not ones that ever happen with the actual organization. While that is the first line of defense, this program serves as another line. “We recognize those sales pitches land on some of our vulnurable, that maybe aren’t aware the pitches are too good to be true.”

Winners will be formally celebrated and given their awards (one per meeting) at a ceremony prior to the first three Council meetings in 2021.

CIVIC Continued from Page A1 border play. His passion for football and nurturing & developing youth, and for his involvement in the community is truly evident through all his work. Katelyn Anderson has been involved in the Cadet organization in Yorkton since the age ofnine, first with Navy League Cadets and now with the Army Cadets. Through her nine years in the programs she has participated in all the volunteer opportunities that the Cadets are involved in, including Poppy Days, Remembrance and D-Day Ceremonies, bottle drives and more. Katelyn has received awards such as the Captain P. Jacques Award, (given to the cadet who goes above and beyond to give back to the community,

exemplifying good citizenship), and the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of excellence for outstanding cadet service, citizenship, and comradeship. Katelyn is extremely involved in the LGBTQ+ community in Yorkton, and has single handedly formed “Pride for Days” an organization that brings LGBTQ+ Youth together in a safe environment for monthly activities, and has bigger plans to expand her work in this realm in the future. The Farming for Health Project was founded in 2013, with the objective to provide a visible symbol of the support the community would provide to a fundraising campaign for a new hospital, and to demonstrate that money

Free parking By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Seasonal shoppers in Yorkton will once again get a break on parking. “To encourage business activity in the downtown area of Yorkton, Council has historically offered forms of free parking in downtown during the holiday season,” explained Nicole Baptist, Bylaw & Safety Supervisor with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday. Baptist noted, “Council has the authority to establish free parking provisions for period of time identified by resolution.”

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The recommendation put forward by City administration stated, “That, in keeping with the tradition of offering free parking in the downtown area of Yorkton during the holiday season, Council offers free access to the four Multi Space Pay Station Parking Lots and the Permit Parking lots located on Myrtle Avenue, Betts Avenue, First Avenue and Second Avenue, from Dec. 15, through Dec. 28.” The motion was unanimously passed by Council. The City will post signage on multispace pay station machines explaining that parking is currently free in those lots.

Up Front

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.yorktonthisweek.com

Yorkton’s own Angus Vincent releases album By Devin Wilger Staff Writer Yorkton singer-songwriter Angus Vincent has something to celebrate in 2020. His latest album, Pasiko, was released on Nov. 6, ending a year that began with the release of the single of the same name. Vincent said that he didn’t confine himself to any particular genre with this album. The songs themselves tackle a variety of subjects, from issues in the world to his own life. He felt that his song “What is Wrong” needed to get out this year, because it reflects the different issues that are facing the world through a difficult year. “When you hear about injustices or hear about sad things going on in the world, it’s really hard to avoid that. I’m just hoping that it resonated with a lot of folks, in tune with what’s going on.” But not every song is as serious, and he can’t resist writing a few love songs. “I’m a sappy love song writer too, and I don’t mind a little ballad here and there.” The album took a while to create. He started the recording process in 2019, and said that it he was happy to have the album, long in the works,

Angus Vincent finally available to the world. “It was a weight that lifted off of my shoulders once I submitted it and it was good to go. It was a very proud moment, a very good moment. I had all of these songs waiting in the wings to be thrown out into the world.” The title track, Pasiko,

was picked as the opening track and the name of the album because it held a lot of sentimental meaning for Vincent. It’s inspired by his late grandmother, and features his Plains Cree language. The word means “get up,” and something his grandmother would say to encourage him to

get up, complete his education. He said the song is about getting up and finishing what you start. Vincent admits that the words can also apply to writing an album. “Finishing that project, it was such a good feeling, and those words were constantly in my mind when I was working

on it.” The entire project was recorded in Vincent’s home studio in Yorkton, and only one song - What is Wrong - had a collaborator, co-written by Arlis Albritton. Vincent said he’s hoping to collaborate with other songwriters more in the future. “It helps me as a musi-

cian, helps me as a storyteller... I have all these stories I want to tell, but there’s nothing wrong with branching out, expanding horizons and utilizing somebody else’s skills and talents as well.” Musicians in general are having a difficult time during the pandemic, with fewer opportunities to perform live. Vincent has been keeping busy, however, taking part in streaming concerts and being one of the artists in the Yorkton Arts Council and the City of Yorkton’s Sidewalk Concert Series, where concerts were held in the driveways of people in the city for the enjoyment of them and their neighbors. “I’ve been very fortunate and blessed, there have been a few opportunities.” It’s not the easiest year to release an album, with limited opportunities to promote it, but with the album done and ready to go, Vincent wanted to get the songs out into the world. He has been able to get radio play already, and is hoping that the record can build an audience even if he can’t tour behind it. “The timing may not be the best, but honestly for me, there ain’t no time like the present.” Check it out at https:// angusvincent.com/

GRAIN Continued from Page A1 Drive’ was considered and here is what we are looking for,” said Callin; “We are asking for those who want to support our cause to offer donations of grain to the Yorkton Exhibition. We as directors will arrange for the pick-up, trucking and selling of the grain.” Callin said the money raised will be used to help with events that they hope to hold in 2021 if regulations allow. “Your support of grain donations at this time will ensure a strong future for our organization,” he said. “It’s often been said that we are in this together and this is one example of how together we can work on helping each other out. Your donation will help us and our events provide entertainment for you and your family as has happened for the past 135 years. “This project with your support, however large or small, will create cash flow now for the Yorkton Exhibition to continue to plan and work on events in the future.” In terms of what the YEA does, Callin noted the organization has a long history of doing varied events for the community. “The Yorkton Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition Association Limited or now better known as the Yorkton Exhibition Association came into existence in 1883 when Agricultural Societies were first organized in the province,” he explained. “The very first Yorkton Fair was held the following year on September 9, 1884 at the Yorkton Farmer’s Colonization Company’s old town site, located four miles from

the present Exhibition grounds. That fair was the first social event of the settlement and such a success that an annual event has been held every year since, until now.” Callin noted the YEA prides itself on always trying to bring exciting agricultural, educational, cultural and entertaining events year after year. Some of which have included the annual Summer Fair and Outdoor Rodeo, Grain Millers Harvest Showdown, Chuckwagon & Chariot Races, RCMP Musical Ride, Harness Racing, Demolition Derbies, Concerts, Tradeshows, Horse Pulls and Horse Shows, Yorkton Hyundai Truck and Tractor Pulls, Mud Flings, Snow Drags, Stock Dog Competitions, Commercial Cattle Shows and Sales, 4-H Spring Steer & Heifer Show, Farm Safety Days, PBR and more. “The Yorkton Exhibition events continue to be the meeting place for friends and neighbours to catch up, discuss seeding or harvest plans, share family milestones and highlights and just sit back and relax at one of the many Yorkton Exhibition events while enjoying a

beverage or a bite to eat,” said Callin. He reiterated, “2020 has had a great impact on our organization as it would have seen the 136th annual summer fair and 32nd annual Grain Millers Harvest Showdown. Not even the depression stopped people from getting together in support of each other and our organization.” But, events will return, with some financial help, said Callin. “The Yorkton Exhibition’s motto is ‘bringing friends and neighbours together’ and unfortunately due to the circumstances we have not been able to hold events and come together as we have in the past, but we are optimistic for the future and look forward to once again hosting all of your event favourites and more, but we need a little help to get us there,” he said. To show your support and be part of the ‘Grain Drive’, contact any Yorkton Exhibition Director or call the Yorkton Exhibition Office at (306) 783-4800. Cash donations are also accepted and can be made by etransfer, over the phone or online at the YEA website at www. yorktonexhibition.com.

Brett Callin, YEA Director

JOIN US IN THE TRADITION OF HELPING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THIS FESTIVE SEASON AND HELP FEED THE HUNGRY IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER PURCHASE A $5, $10, OR $20 “GOOD BUY TO HUNGER” FOOD BAG AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS FEEDING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 1 TO 31, 2020 AT YORKTON | CHURCHBRIDGE | KAMSACK FOOD STORES & C-STORES Legacy

Perspective COVID-19 needs a more objective approach

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.yorktonthisweek.com

Owned and operated by: The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp. Publisher/ Advertising Manager: John Bauman Editor: Calvin Daniels Reporter: Devin Wilger

MURRAY MANDRYK

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Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

Politics As we approach Christmas, Saskatchewan remains caught in the middle of a epicentre of rising COVID-19 cases. To the east of us, Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister announced Manitoba’s lockdown measures will extend past Christmas. To the West of United Conservative Party Premier Jason Kenney announced tough lockdown measures that now surpass those in this province. And caught in the middle is Premier Scott Moe — who surely has problems of is own. The latest and greatest of these problems has to do with COVID-19 gaining a foothold in nursing homes in Regina and elsewhere — a frightening prospect, as this is the very thing that caused death totals to rise in other jurisdictions. As of the writing of this, there have been 66 COVID-19 deaths in Saskatchewan, including 11 deaths at Regina’s Extendicare Parkside. Sadly, both totals are expected to rise in the coming days, as total cases have soared past 10,000 and hospitalizations are at 117 including 27 in ICUs. One long-time ICU doctor recently posted on FaceBook that he has never seen so many people in ICUs for a single disease. The frightening reality is that is only expected to increase as ICU beds become even more scarce for the not only people with COVID-19 but also in accidents or suffering from heart attacks. This has become the story on the Prairies of late and much is being made that all three Prairie provinces are run by conservative-minded governments. Perhaps this needs to be put in perspective. It is true is that Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta share governments that are decidedly pro-business. It’s also true that doctors in all provinces have expressed frustration with the slowness of political leadership to implement measures that might have more effectively clamped down on transmission. But if you look around, you quickly notice COVID-19 problems are everywhere and that it may be pretty big oversimplification to suggest that the struggle to get a handle on surging second-wave cases is only a problem in this part of the world. The second wave has hit the U.S. even harder than the first wave —not only in red Republican states but also in blue Democrat states like New York, California and Massachusetts that has shut down restaurants and public gatherings. And while there is no denying that Canada’s COVID-19 hotspot right is the prairies, this, too, needs a bit of perspective. It’s hit every province from B.C. to Quebec — provinces run by very different political administrations —have struggled despite their own measures. Quebec banned most social gatherings, organized sports and closed restaurants, bars, gyms, libraries and museums since Oct. 1. Yet that province is now cancelling surgeries because of the COVID-19 swell in its hospitals. People from elsewhere do like to bundle the prairie provinces as one place, but there has been important differences in both policies and messaging. For example, in Manitoba, Pallister is now being hammered for not only the lockdown in his province but also calling out anti-maskers and anyone carelessly disregarding social distancing other measures aimed at stopping the spread. Of course, one would expect a bad reaction from the extreme right, still trying to convince the rest of us that this pandemic is not real. But shrill criticism also came from some of the left who just can’t give those political leaders they don’t like any credit for anything. It was disheartening. So let’s end off with some good news. As previously mentioned, Saskatchewan COVID-19 daily counts are still too high at around 272 cases a day, but there are signs that seven-day rolling average may be finally levelling out a bit. In Manitoba, daily case numbers are slightly decreasing. Could it be a sign measures are finally working? Hopefully. Hopefully our leaders will be encouraged for doing what’s right. Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

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◆Editorial◆

Budget discussion need not be behind closed doors A

t the regular meeting of Yorkton Council if one looked down the agenda one would have seen a budget item for the upcoming City budget. In December that is hardly surprising. It is the time of year Councils review the budget prepared by City administration based on their provided broad guidelines, hammering out the details of how the City will spend the taxpayers’ dollars in the upcoming year. But, in this case what is interesting, or at least it should be seen as interesting by the public is that the item is in-camera. For those unfamiliar with the workings of municipal government, Councils can choose to discuss items in-camera, which means the gallery in emptied of public onlookers and media, and the camera for online viewing is turned off. As a result, what Councillors say on the issue at-hand is done without public scrutiny. There are of course very good reasons to turn off the cameras. There are legal matters that need to be discussed without the world knowing the details, at least until a matter perhaps heads to court. There are discussions about specific personnel that need not be broadcast to the world. And there are times when property is being sold and some secrecy to prevent land being bought to try for a quick

profit on resale is warranted. But, today Councils have a broader scope of things they can take in-camera, pretty much anything if agreed too. That includes budget talks, but the question is why? Should the community not be privy to what may be in a budget? Or, maybe more importantly what is being trimmed, and why? With insight into the process the community can have a voice in the process by talking to its councillors as the details are hammered out over a series of Council talks. Now some may argue that an incamera session fosters a more open environment for Councillors to speak on the matter on the table. There may be some truth in that assertion, but one wonders what a Councillor would have to say in a closed door meeting on a budget spending taxpayer dollars that they would not say in front of those same taxpayers? Over the last two civic elections a reoccurring theme for a number of candidates has been a desire to see increased transparency when it comes to the workings of the municipal government. A key element of transparency is to let the public see what Councillors have to say on as broad a range of issues and decisions as possible. That starts by Council being very sure taking an item in-camera has a good reason to be discussed behind closed doors.

WEB POLL RESULTS LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

Are you planning a family gathering for the holiday season? YES - 25%

NO - 75%

QUICK VOTE Should all municipal budget discussions be held in open meetings of City Council? VISIT YORKTON THIS WEEK ONLINE... WWW.YORKTONTHISWEEK.COM

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www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Legacy Co-op launches ‘Christmas Gift Campaign’ for local seniors As we head into a difficult holiday season, Legacy Co-op is hoping to make things a bit brighter this Christmas with its Season of Giving and the Gifts for Seniors campaign. This brings personalized gifts and letters of love to the 312 seniors

in the residential care facilities in the communities of Yorkton, Saltcoats, Kamsack and Theodore. “We identified earlier on this fall that with the additional challenges and restrictions surrounding COVID-19, our Seniors are really

going to feel the impact and Christmas may be an even lonelier time than usual,” said Co-op General Manager Bruce Thurston. “Many of the seniors in these facilities have minimal outside contact. At this time of year, to get a personalized gift and a

letter from someone who cares about them, can really make their day.” Working with the care home teams, Legacy Co-op has donated funds to allow for the purchase of a personalized gift which each resident will receive along with a Christmas letter from the

Legacy Co-op team. “Our team members are happy to be able to give back to the community and spend a little time on these letters to bring some joy to our senior members,” said Thurston. “Every year, we give back to our community through donations

and time, however this Christmas we feel that there is an even greater need, and our Season of Giving helps to address that need.” For more on Legacy Co-op’s Season of Giving go to www.legacyco-op. crs

Water and sewer rates rising slightly By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Sarah Kowalchuk

Yorkton Chamber presents Director of the Year Award The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 2019 Director of the Year Award was presented recently to Sarah Kowalchuk. In a normal year, Sarah would have received the award at the Chamber’s AGM in April but as this year’s AGM was virtual, the Chamber waited until the recent Celebrate Awards when more people were present to witness the presentation. The recipient of the

Director of the Year Award is selected by the Directors. At the December Board meeting, the Executive Director submits to the Board the list of activities in which each Director participated in that year. These include attendance at Board meetings, committee meetings and City Council meetings. Directors are also asked to reflect upon the contributions by their fellow Directors to the Board and Committee

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meetings. Kowalchuk was elected to the Chamber Board and took her seat at the Board Table January 1, 2016. She has served on a variety of committees and as Chair of the Marketing committee. She was also served a term as Vice President. The Director of the Year Award was first presented in 1997 in honour of Ruth Shaw, the Chamber’s Manager from 1975 – 1997. It is now presented in Ruth’s memory.

Water and sewer rates will rise in Yorkton in 2021 but at a more modest rate than in recent years. “The 2021 proposed water consumption and sewer rate increase is one per cent, and this figure was identified to develop the 2021 Operational and Capital budgets,” explained Aron Hershmiller, Assistant Director of Environmental Services with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday. The rate increase for 2017 through 2020 has ranged 3.15 to 3.97 per cent. The rates are reflective of utility needs, said Hershmiller. “The City continues to plan for the future with the forethought and need to manage our utility and replace aging water

and sewer infrastructure. Through long term financial planning, the Environmental Services Department and the Finance Department have previously reported, that in order for the waterworks utility to remain self-sufficient, and to continue replacing aging infrastructure it would require a three to four percent annual rate increase. These rate reviews are completed annually and can vary significantly depending on the list of Capital projects,” he told Council. Some future Capital projects consist of a Wastewater System Renewal, the addition of new Water Meters, Water and Sanitary replacement, plus additional Water investigation and Water Well Improvements. “These capital projects will dictate what future increases will

be required in order to finance these projects,” said Hershmiller. The base rate will also climb. The Base Rate charge includes the cost to replace meters, water and sewer service connection replacement, meter services, water billing, and corporate service expenditures. With increasingly more service connection breaks, and with replacement costs increasing, we have to continue with increases to our base rate, detailed a report circulated to Council Monday. “We are proposing a $3.00 / month increase to the residential base rate, and a $1.00 / month increase to the commercial base rate along with a $1.50 / month increase to outside city industrial base rate,” said Hershmiller. Continued on page A19

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Moe says Trudeau and McKenna lied about carbon tax, headed to $170/T By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Ottawa, Regina – On Dec. 11, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the next major environmental initiatives with reference to climate change, and the cornerstone is an increase of the federal carbon tax from the current $30 per tonne of CO2 to $170 per tonne by 2030. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe replied that the prime minister and his then-environment minister lied about the carbon tax. The new plan is called, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.” Trudeau said, “As we continue to address the impacts of COVID-19 and ensure our strong economic recovery, we must also continue to fight climate change for the good of Canadians, our economy, and our planet. Canadians don’t have to choose between clean air and good jobs. This strengthened climate plan will help us build a healthier, fairer, and more resilient future that we can be proud to pass on to our children and grandchildren.” The plan repeatedly refers to “carbon pollu-

File Photo

With the carbon tax now slated to rise to $170 per tonne of CO2 by 2030, coal-fired power production may prove untenable long before the mandated phase-out of coal. tion.” The carbon tax started in 2019 at $20 per tonne, and was initially meant to rise $10 per tonne each year to 2022, when it would then be $50 per tonne. The new announcement will mean an increase of $15 per tonne for the eight following years, such that by 2030, the tax will be $170 per tonne. The federal government’s backgrounder noted this will be done “while returning the proceeds back to households such that the majority receive

more money back than they pay in provinces where the federal system applies.” In addition to the continually increasing carbon tax, the federal government will be imposing a new “Clean Fuel Standard,” with the intention of reducing carbon intensities. Initially this was meant to be applied to solid, liquid and gaseous fuels, but the Dec. 11 announcement backgrounder noted, “In the context of the continued increase to the carbon

price, the scope of the Clean Fuel Standard has been narrowed to cover only liquid fossil fuels.” Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre has in recent months repeatedly referred to the Clean Fuel Standard as a “second carbon tax.” The plan noted, “The Government will continue to return all proceeds back to Canadian families and their communities, ensuring that the majority of households receive more in payments than they face

in costs. These payments will move from annual to quarterly payments starting as early as 2022.” It also says it will be “revenue neutral.” Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and notably the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change who initially implemented the carbon tax, said in a release, “Climate action is about good jobs, Canadian innovation, clean air and water, more inclusive communities and, most of all, a better future for our kids. If we take the same approach to the climate crisis as we are to the COVID-19 pandemic – urgency, sciencebased decisions, working together across borders and focusing on the planet we want for everyone – we will win the race against climate too.”

Saskatchewan response Premier Scott Moe pulled no punches in his response, which he released in an emailed statement on Dec. 11. Moe said, “Justin Trudeau and Catherine McKenna lied to Canadians. Just before the last election they vowed that they would not raise the carbon tax. Trudeau has now announced that the car-

bon tax will be jacked up nearly six times what it is today by 2030. This massive increase comes at a time when hardworking families in Saskatchewan are looking for certainty, not added costs. Now is not the time to hike the cost of living by increasing fuel and adding uncertainty to our economic drivers. “The Trudeau government should be showing leadership, working with provinces, and working in partnership to invest in the pathways needed to reduce emissions. The focus should be on new technology and innovation in our industries, such as carbon capture and storage or electrifying flare gas emissions, rather than focusing on a single carbon tax that will increase the cost of everything. “The Trudeau government had previously committed to consultations on any increase to the carbon tax beyond 2022, but no such consultations with myself, the Environment Minister or the province occurred. “Our government will continue fighting this ineffective and unconstitutional carbon tax that only serves to penalize the daily activities and livelihoods of Saskatchewan people.”

Fire destroys historic hotel at Ituna By Nick Pearce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (The StarPhoenix) A small Saskatchewan town is mourning the loss of a historic bar and hotel. A blaze engulfed the Ituna Hotel on Thursday night, drawing a response from volunteer firefighters around 9 p.m. as they attempted to control the flames. Murray Anderson, who manages the bar and hotel, said he believes the cause was electrical. He said a staff member reported the fire coming from the floor between two of the building’s rooms. “It burnt right down to the ground,” he said. “There’s nothing left.”

The Ituna and Area Volunteer Fire Department said few details were available. A spokesperson said the blaze is under investigation, but offered no further information. Ituna has about 700 residents and is located about 290 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon. Anderson thanked the establishment’s customers for their support, saying the fire was a “terrible loss for the town.” Discussions over the building’s insurance are set begin Friday afternoon, he said. Part of the building was constructed in 1910, making it one of the oldest structures in the town, Anderson noted. The business employed about three people and

served as a key part of community life. Social media users shared their sympathies and support online. Some remembered the loss of hubs like the bar in their own communities, while others offered best wishes for the volunteers who fought the blaze. “A small town bar is like a rink. Such a huge loss to the social well being of a community,” one user wrote. They won’t be alone facing the loss. Anderson said he most fondly remembers creating promotions for residents, drawing them into the community hub for special offers to share with their neighbours. “That was probably my favourite part.”

Photo by Twitter / Adrienne Ivey

The hotel and bar in the Saskatchewan community of Ituna burned to the ground on Dec. 10, 2020. The bar was part of a building that was constructed in 1910, making it one of the oldest structures in the town.

Resident raises business tax concerns By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer At least one individual thinks the way Yorkton assesses property taxes is unfair to business

properties and Monday he appeared before the regular meeting of Yorkton to let his views be known. During the election many of the council

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!

potentials were asked about city infrastructure. “The most common answers had to do with how important our recreation, roads, sewer and water were but I never heard anyone discuss the business core,” noted Doug Henheffer, owner of Chicken Cow’s Hearing Centre in the city. Henheffer noted that a solid business core is vital, and without a strong business core the city would struggle.

When it comes to taxation Henheffer did acknowledge the city has faced some issues out of its control. “The province decided to change the way they distribute their tax revenue in an effort to provide a better financial base leaving this city and others caught unaware. There was little advanced knowledge and the local budget had been pretty much decided. Local taxes were going to go up and there

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was little one could do about it,” he said. In addition, this was the year Sask. Assessment Agency updated commercial property raising the values, in a lot of case, considerably, he noted. As a result property taxes went way up that year, said Henheffer. “In the building I occupy, taxes went up 75 percent, year over year,” he said. Henheffer said when he called the City as a result of the hike he was told he was lucky as some businesses saw a 200 per cent increase. At the time Council held the line on residential taxes placing the burden on business, suggested Henheffer. Henheffer said the discrepancy becomes clearer when it is realized there are about 6000 residential properties and only 600 commercial ones, but the two sides pay a similar share of the tax pie. Lonnie Kaal, City Manager later told Council business properties pay about 55 per cent of the property taxes collected.

“I know each commercial property may have more than one business that shares this amount, that is a fair point, but that sector one way or another still pays for it. Even if the building is vacant ... those taxes get paid,” said Henheffer, adding, “Case in point; the building I occupy pays over $20,000 per year in city property tax. My portion (1250 sq ft), costs $5,000 a year.” That all said Henheffer said he just wants to start a dialogue on the issue. “The purpose of this letter is not to point fingers but to spark conversation. Attention is needed. Right now the business sector is as challenging as it ever has been. Just note all the “for sale” and the “for lease” signs throughout the city. This should serve as a warning,” he said. Henheffer said it is time the City became creative in helping business. “In the over 20 years I have lived here, I have never heard of a small business revitalization plan put forth by the Continued on page A19

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2020

December 16, 2020 - December 22, 2020

Next Council Meeting Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Public Notice

Public Notice

Discretionary Use Application for 12 Semi-detached Dwellings (side by side duplexes) in R-3 Medium Density Residential Zone

Discretionary Use Application for Residential Care Facility in an R-5 Mixed Density Residential Zone

Legal Description:

Condominium Plan 102085231

Civic Addresses:

53/55, 57/59, 61/63, 65/67, 75/77, 79/81, 54/56, 58/60, 62/64, 66/68, 76/78, and 80/82 Cameron Way

Proposed Use:

Semi-detached Dwellings

Details: The applicant proposes to construct 12 Semi-detached Dwellings (side by side duplexes) at the proposed locations in an R-3 Medium Density Residential zoning district. Semi-detached Dwellings within a Medium Density Residential zoning district are Discretionary Uses under Zoning Bylaw No. 14/2003 and must be publicly advertised before Council can make a decision on the application. Information: You can view this notice online at www.yorkton.ca under the News and Notices section on the home page. Questions regarding the application may be directed to: Carleen Koroluk, Land Use Planner Phone: (306) 786-1727 Email: ckoroluk@yorkton.ca Public Hearing: City Council will hear all persons who are present and wish to speak to the application and all written submissions will be read verbatim unless the submitter is in attendance to speak on the submission, on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm in City Hall Council Chambers, Yorkton, SK. If you wish to provide written comments for Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consideration, they must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Written submissions must be directed to: Jessica Matsalla, Director of Legislation & Procedures In Person: 37 Third Avenue North, Yorkton, SK Via Mail: Box 400, Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3

Legal Description:

Lot 74, Blk/Par 24, Plan 99Y04947

Civic Addresses:

65 & 69 Maple Avenue

Proposed Use:

Residential Care Facility

Details: The applicant proposes to operate a Residential Care Facility at the proposed location in an R-5 Mixed Density Residential zoning district. Residential Care Facilities within a Mixed Density Residential zoning district are Discretionary Uses under Zoning Bylaw No. 14/2003 and must be publicly advertised before Council can make a decision on the application. Information: You can view this notice online at www.yorkton.ca under the News and Notices section on the home page. Questions regarding the application may be directed to: Carleen Koroluk, Land Use Planner Phone: (306) 786-1727 Email: ckoroluk@yorkton.ca Public Hearing: City Council will hear all persons who are present and wish to speak to the application and all written submissions will be read verbatim unless the submitter is in attendance to speak on the submission, on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm in City Hall Council Chambers, Yorkton, SK. If you wish to provide written comments for Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consideration, they must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Written submissions must be directed to: Jessica Matsalla, Director of Legislation & Procedures In Person: 37 Third Avenue North, Yorkton, SK Via Mail: Box 400, Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3 Via Email: jmatsalla@yorkton.ca

Via Email: jmatsalla@yorkton.ca

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RESIDENTIAL REFUSE COLLECTION Â? Â? Â?

Friday, December 25th collection will be on Monday, December 28th Friday, January 1st collection will be on Monday, January 4th All other garbage collection days remain the same.

Residents must have their carts out the night before their collection day as pickup times may vary.

CURBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION There will be no curbside collection service on: Â? Friday, December 25th or Friday, January 1st Residents with an accumulation of recyclables can take their materials (please presort materials by either paper, plastic or tin) to one of the four community bins located at Recyclability Enterprises on Ball Road; Parkland Mall-northwest corner of parking lot; Gallagher Centre-east parking lot; and Prairie Harvest Church parking lot on Melrose Avenue access.

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RECYCLABILITY ENTERPRISES Â? Open till noon on Thursday, December 24th and Closed on Friday, December 25th Â? Open till noon on Thursday, January 31st and Closed on Friday, January 1st

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CITY OF YORKTON, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

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Â? Offices closed on Friday, December 25th through to Monday, December 28th Â? Closed Friday, January 1st

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For further information on Refuse and Recycling Services, please visit our website https://www.yorkton.ca/en/your-city/garbage-recycling-and-organics.aspx City of Yorkton, Environmental Services 306-828-2470

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The City of Yorkton wishes to thank all prospective applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

GENERAL INQUIRIES: 306-786-1700 Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office................................. 306-786-1701 After Hours Emergency ...................................... 306-786-1760 Building Services ............................. 306-786-1710 Bylaw Control .................................. 306-786-1725 City Clerk ......................................... 306-786-1717 City Manager ................................... 306-786-1703 City Parks & Green Spaces ............................................ 306-786-1780 City RCMP....................................... 306-786-2400 Communications ............................. 306-828-2424 Community Development, Parks & Recreation .......................... 306-786-1750

Economic Development .................. 306-786-1747 Engineering Department...................................... 306-786-1710 Farrell Agencies Arena Booking ........................................... 306-786-1740 Fire Hall ........................................... 306-786-1795 Gallagher Centre Water Park & Meeting Rooms/Convention Centre Booking ............................... 306-786-1740 Gloria Hayden Community Centre .............................................. 306-786-1776 Godfrey Dean Meeting Rooms Booking ........................................... 306-786-1780

Kinsmen Arena & Blue Room Booking ........................................... 306-786-1780 Library Rooms Booking ........................................... 306-786-1780 Property Sales ................................................ 306-786-1747 Public Works .............................................. 306-786-1760 Sports Fields & City Centre Park Bookings ......................................... 306-786-1780 Tax Department ............................. 306-786-1736 Water Billing Department...................................... 306-786-1726

Did you know.....all City News is also accessible on the City of Yorkton website. Just go to our website at www.yorkton.ca and scroll down to view the â&#x20AC;&#x153;City Newsâ&#x20AC;? links.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

December 16, 2020 - December 22, 2020

Next Council Meeting Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN CITY OWNED PARKING LOTS: DECEMBER 15 – 28, 2020

Did you know.....all City News is also accessible on the City of Yorkton website. Just go to our website at www.yorkton.ca and scroll down to view the “City News” links.

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Farming for Health Committee Announces $107,595 raised in 2020 The Farming for Health committee is pleased to announce that $107,595 was raised during the 2020 crop year. Co-chairs Larry Hilworth and Al Mitchell presented a cheque to Ross Fisher of The Health Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase: an Ortho Gel workstation, a blood gas & carboxyhemoglobin analyzer with interface and a platelet incubator and agitator for the Lab; a stretcher for Day Surgery; hemodialysis chairs; a vaccine/medication fridge for the Operating Room; and, an end tidal C02 monitor for intensive care. “This is a project that all of the participants believe in,” said Larry Hilworth, Co-Chair of the Committee. “There is a

lot of work to farming this land; all of the businesses involved set aside their own business for a period of time to donate time, equipment or product to make this project successful. This project is a success because the people involved care and want to see the project succeed.” ‘This project is possible because the City of Yorkton donates the land. The city allows us to lease the land for four years at a time at no charge. Providing us the land for several years at a time allows us to plan, and organize our efforts in the most efficient manner,” said Al Mitchell. “This cheque we are presenting today is from the efforts of several businesses and individuals who believe in giving

back to their community. Everyone working on this project understands we all have to work to make our communities better places to live work and raise our families,” continued Hilworth. Members of the Farming for Health Committee are: Pattison Agriculture; Rocky Mountain Equipment; Mazer Group; Agratactics Agronomy; Miccar Aerial; Louis Dreyfus Company; Legacy Co-operative; and, Assiniboine Valley Transfer (AVT). In addition to these businesses there are a number of individuals and businesses that participate and contribute in the project. This was the eighth year for the Farming for Health project. The committee reached their goal of setting aside $1million

Submitted Photo

The Farming for Health committee Co-chairs Larry Hilworth and Al Mitchell presented a cheque to Ross Fisher of The Health Foundation. for a new hospital in 2017; since then proceeds are used to purchase specific

medical equipment that will enhance our local healthcare right away. In

total Farming for Health has raised $1,478,183 for our local healthcare.

NDP focuses almost exclusively on COVID-19 during short call session By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – The Saskatchewan Legislature rose on Dec. 10 after a short, 8-day session lasting two weeks. The session, the first one after the Oct. 26, was a chance for the Saskatchewan Party government to set its legislative agenda. Much of that revolved around its elec-

tion platform promises, with the first bill focusing on the home renovation tax credit. It was a session punctuated by social distancing. The chamber was never full. Plexiglass barriers were positioned between desks. In their speeches in response to the Speech from the Throne, members lamented the fact they now sit alone, no longer having seatmates. And everyone wore a mask, from

Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty, the newlyelected Speaker Randy Weekes, to all the members. There were times when it seemed some members were a little winded, speaking with their usual gusto while wearing a mask. Unsurprisingly, nearly all the questions in question period from the opposition New Democratic Party focused on the government’s response to COVID-19.

New Democratic Party Leader Ryan Meili repeatedly asked for additional funds for a variety of different groups, from schools to more staffing for long-term care, to additional testing. He also pushed the government to do more to control the spread of COVID-19. Layoffs at Regina’s EVRAZ steel mill in excess of 500 were another source of questions. Towards the end of the session, NDP Leader

Ryan Meili pointed out that if the government had followed the NDP’s idea of a three-week “circuit breaker,” which the NDP suggested three weeks ago, COVID-19 number may have gotten so bad. Another frequent refrain came from Regina University MLA Aleana Young’s questions regarding what she called “the worst of both worlds.” The jobs, employment and small business critic

noted businesses were being told they could stay open, but their clientele were being told they should stay home. Young gave birth to a daughter just days before the election. She frequently had her newborn with her in the chamber, who made nary a peep. Saskatoon Fairview MLA Vicki Mowat, as critic for health, asked about COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Continued on page A20

December 16, 2020 - December 22, 2020

Next Council Meeting Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Mayor Mitch Hippsley

Councillor C Co ci or Dustin Dus Du ust sti B Brears r ars

Councillor Ken Chyz

Councillor Randy Goulden

Councillor Quinn Haider

Councillor Chris Wyatt

Councillor C Co ci or Darcy Da a y Zaharia Z hariaa

Best Wishes For Happy Holidays & a Magniﬁcent New Year Did you know.....all City News is also accessible on the City of Yorkton website. Just go to our website at www.yorkton.ca and scroll down to view the “City News” links.

A10

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

$40,000 of firefighting equipment recovered by Canora RCMP during community patrol It was during a routine patrol in the community of Canora on Friday, November 27, when two police officers from Canora/Sturgis RCMP noticed two males acting suspiciously near the Canora Fire Hall. The quick reaction and subsequent investigation by officers resulted in them recovering over $40,000.00 worth of equipment belonging to the local fire hall. A 21-year-old male and a 35-year-old male, both from Canora, were arrested and charged with Break and Enter and Theft over $5,000.00. Canora Fire Chief Devon Sawka said the items taken include three brand-new breathing apparatuses, formal uniforms, battery charges and ice augers used

for making holes in dugout ice, so they can pull water for fighting fires. All but two fire helmets were recovered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a small community and we cover three rural municipalities and the Town of Canora,â&#x20AC;? says Chief Sawka, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We slowly save up for these bigger purchases, like the new breathing apparatuses. A theft of this nature can be enough to cripple a department. At the end of the day, they not only helped us, but the community as a whole.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community patrols by police are one of the most fundamental and important jobs a police officer can do, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about crime prevention or potentially witnessing a crime happening,â&#x20AC;?

says Sgt. Derek Friesen, Canora Detachment Commander. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A police officer is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the community, but to do this effectively the officer needs to know and understand the communities and the people they serve. Patrolling allows an officer to learn their patrol area, which includes knowledge of back roads and layout of communities. One of the most important aspects of patrolling is meeting and talking with community members. Building and developing relationships with community members encourages information exchange and gives an officer a deeper understanding of the community and the ability to better serve

Submitted Photo

those who need our help.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to thank

[the officers],â&#x20AC;? says Chief Sawka, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for them, their keen eye and

A look at what is happening in the Yorkton Business Improvement District

quick reaction, we may have never recovered this equipment.â&#x20AC;?

Yorkton Business Improvement District PO Box 20030 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yorkton, Sk. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; S3N 4A9 2nd Floor - 31 Broadway Street East (306) 783 9243 exec.dir@yorktonbid.com

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The cheapest restrictions the easiest to order Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2020

The latest round of public health orders surrounding COVID-19 seem to be focused around what is cheapest, rather than what has the highest risk. The most aggressive rules surround private gatherings - which, naturally, have no real cost to implement. While some might argue that the rules are a bit too stringent - why is one person going over to a different household fine while a couple is suddenly too risky? - it’s understandable, with a huge spike in infections and deaths, to limit traffic. However, the most expensive restrictions, those on retail businesses, are being delayed as long as possible, and until they are more convenient - traffic tends to taper off significantly after Christmas, apart

from Boxing Day sales. Having them come into effect Christmas Day means that while Christmas gatherings might be cancelled, Christmas shopping won’t be. I understand completely why retailers wouldn’t want a restriction this week, stores were already packed this past weekend and will be packed again this weekend. It’s especially busy in Yorkton, as it is a hub where the surrounding area shops, including plenty of traffic crossing provincial borders. That also happens to be a major risk factor, outside traffic gives a virus a chance to hitch a ride. Basically, there’s a much bigger risk going to a store this weekend than there is with a couple going over to another couple’s house, and yet only one of those isn’t

DEVIN WILGER

Thinking I do with words... allowed under the order. Another issue is there’s nothing in the order about a transition to strictly online education, even though schools have a large number of people in a compressed space for an extended period of time - the easiest way for a virus to spread. It could be argued that this is partially because there’s no real need for it just yet, school is about to be let out for Christmas break and there will not be any

students anyway, but it’s still something families will need to know as soon as possible, so they can arrange for care and online learning for their kids. Giving parents a heads up right now if online-only education is even being considered is vital, parents should know exactly what is going to happen with their kids’ education at the earliest opportunity. Of course, going to onlineonly education is, again, expensive, as people

need to pay for child care and take time off work. That explains delaying it. The need for new rules is definitely necessary, the transmission rates in this wave are significantly higher than during the big shutdown in March, and now deaths are mentioned in reports regularly. The Facebookeducated, dim-bulb conspiracy theorists will claim that there is no real virus or that it’s not fatal - it is, undoubtedly, as there is a higher than average death rate in Canada this year, meaning there is something there killing people, and the number of deaths over the average south of the border roughly aligns with their reported number of deaths from COVID-19 as well. They will spout baseless conspiracies, which are all

A11

profoundly stupid masks are bad for ‘controlling people’ because they are the bane of facial recognition software, there’s no need to have some sort of tracking microchip when they’re carrying a cell phone 24/7 connected to social media so they can get the latest conspiracy theory to spread around to their equally thickheaded friends. They’re a major part of why Canada is tightening restrictions while folks in New Zealand can do whatever they want. They are the most dangerous factor in this entire pandemic, and always will be. But one wonders how dangerous it’s going to be to try to preserve the busiest shopping weekend of the year, even if there’s a limit to what you can do with that shopping.

Recognizing the service of Sask. vets For a second year the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC), is partnering with the Royal Canadian Legion and the Regina Stitchery Guild to send Saskatchewan military veterans Support on the Home Front Care Kits. The PCC and its partners are offering a little bit of holiday cheer and a whole lot of gratitude to veterans living in Saskatchewan. Good things really do come in small packages! The brightly-coloured boxes will include a handcrafted item from a member of the Regina Stitchery Guild. The tradition of handmade crafts being sent to Canadians serving their country dates back to at least World War One when “comforts” like socks and scarves were knit and sent overseas to our troops. Provincial Military Liaison Greg Lawrence enclosed a letter of support to the veterans and their families. “The kit comes from a tradition that was popular during the First and Second World War,” Lawrence said. “Stitchery, knitting, goodies and letters were sent to the soldiers on the front

lines while serving away from home, to raise their spirits. By providing care kits to veterans we continue to recognize the sacrifice and service of our Canadian Forces.” Traditional care packages often included items such as medical supplies, canned goods and baking. The PCC is following that tradition by adding shortbread cookies, candies, chocolates and a deck of playing cards to this year’s care kits. The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command (RCLSC) has added Legion Facemasks and Lest We Forget Wrist Bands to the kits. “We welcomed this initiative with open arms last year and will gladly distribute the care packages again this year,” RCLSC Executive Director Chad Wagner said. “The packages will go to veterans in the province from diverse backgrounds who may have served in Afghanistan, Korea or even the Second World War.” In addition, this year the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)-

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Regina Branch have provided information regarding resources and contacts relating to mental health issues to the care packages. “It is an honour to be asked and we are thrilled to be able to show appreciation for the men and women who have done so much for each of us,” CMHARegina Branch Director of Community Engagement Shannon Patton said. “We also want to help get the word out of the importance of caring for our mental health.” For further information visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/ government-structure/boards-commissions-and-agencies/provincial- capitalcommission www.SaskLegion.ca www.ReginaStitchery Guild.ca

Provincial Military Liaison Greg Lawrence

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

On the eve of the Winter Solstice

Gardeners, we’re just days away from the winter solstice. For gardeners, even though it marks the first day of winter officially, it also marks the shortest day of the year. The solstice happens around 4:00 AM on Monday, December 21. And after this point, the days will begin to get longer. I know, I know, it’s not noticeable much at first, but the idea of it should give us a brighter outlook! What is the winter solstice? It is when the earth is tilted furthest away from the sun, therefore giving us the least amount of daylight. If we were very far north, the day would actually be dark all day. At this time, there are no Yorkton and District Horticultural Society meetings scheduled yet, but visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to keep up with what’s happening! We’re less than ten days away from Christmas, in this most difficult and unusual year. Tough as it was in many ways, this too will pass. The seasons rolled on, oblivious to world events, and maybe we can take a small lesson from that, to keep looking ahead.

The Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” lists an astonishing array of gifts given to someone by their “true love”. In today’s dollars, buying each item just once would cost about $40,000; but if you truly wanted to follow the song and buy the duplicates required for twelve days, the final price tag would cost close to $180,000. Plus, you’d end up with a lot of fowl of various kinds, and I imagine they’d make quite a mess; and could those ladies be dancing or the lords a-leaping if they were wearing masks? They’d be breathless pretty quickly, poor things! As they say, it’s the thought that counts, but really, wouldn’t we gardeners rather have different things? What would be on your list? Well, let’s make one together. A pear tree would be nice, without the partridge. The 2021 T & T Seed Catalogue mentions a new pear, “Russian Beauty” that is early ripening. Instead of two turtledoves, how about two nice lawn chairs, so that we can take a break from our gardening work. Three French hens could be replaced by three pretty

DEBBIE HAYWARD YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook solar lanterns. Four calling birds? Four beautiful wind chimes would be nice to add ambience to various corners of our yards. We could trade five golden rings for coils of a good garden hose that will reach every corner of our garden. Six geese a-laying can be replaced

with six bags of compost, always handy! Instead of seven swans a-swimming, how about a nice birdbath or water feature? What’s next? Eight maids a-milking? Think calcium for the garden; calcium is important because it helps plants form good roots and

put down their drums and bring us twelve new perennials, maybe something like Jacob’s Ladder “Stairway To Heaven” with pretty variegated leaves; or “Fire and Ice” hosta; or “Cheju Fu” dwarf Karl Foerster perennial grass. It’s easy to make gardeners happy with almost any garden-related gift! And six figures are not necessary! Thank you to our friends at Yorkton This Week for their great work. Let’s pray for health for all, and success with the vaccines! Have a great week!

Game gift thoughts It is that time of year when thoughts turn to scratching names off seasonal gift lists. Typically, the older one is, the more challenging it is to buy them gifts, simply based on them having a home full of things accumulated over years and years. What do they still need/want, and do they have room for? The list of ideas can be

rather short for many. Unless of course the person on the list has a hobby they are truly dedicated to. I doubt you could find a serious hobbyist that doesn’t themselves have a list of items they still wish to add to their collections. That is certainly true for most serious board gamers. There is

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stems. So maybe a bag of limestone could be an option, especially if you have had blossom endrot in your tomatoes. Nine ladies dancing, no doubt in dancing slippers, could be replaced by a good, comfy pair of garden shoes with good support. The ten lords a-leaping might be useful to help us spread ten bags of mulch! Eleven pipers piping, beautiful as it would sound outdoors, could be replaced by bird feeders that would attract beautiful birds and birdsong to our gardens. And twelve drummers drumming could

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THE MEEPLE GUILD (YORKTON) meeple.guild@gmail.com always some game that has called to a player but they have not yet picked up, generally because they have opted for another game when in the store. They may want the latest version of Pandemic, but opted for the new Photosynthesis expansion. Of course the trick can be knowing what ‘Uncle Bill’ needs, all right what he wants in terms of a game? A collection gets to be a rather large pile of boxes, and usually it’s probably best to simply ask for a few ideas. That said, most gamers will appreciate the effort if one is crafty enough to fashion a game. Personally, few games in my collection am I prouder of than the Arimaa set I made for myself. The pieces are backgammon stones, extra sets are always a wise purchase for a game crafter, with the artwork found online, carefully cut out, and applied to the pieces with a glue stick, overlaid with decoupage and then sprayed with a clear coat finish. Some felt on reverse side and the set was complete. Since a commercial version of Arimaa had a short run, and the game is an absolute abstract strategy game, anyone liking such games is going to love a well-made

set. That is one thing about abstract strategy games, there are a rather broad number of games which as classics you can’t just grab at the store, even a well-stocked games shop. So some crafting is the best answer for games such as Jetan (Martian Chess from the books of Ray Bradbury), the wonderful Chase the best use of dice in a game ever made, and Blooms, Nick Bentley’s 2018 release gem. The other option most gamers are likely to appreciate is if you find a vintage game in nice condition. For example, I have a couple of copies of the later reprint Inside Moves, but a version of the game under the name Camelot from decades earlier, older than yours truly, is easily my favourite version. Imagine the generations that may have played the game before it came into my possession. Or the Park Brothers game Citadel circa 1940. The game might have been a Christmas gift to children whose father was somewhere in Europe with the Canadian army during World War II. Imagine the smiles in opening the present and yet the shadow of uncertainty of the era. That is what makes a vintage game such a compelling addition, and a great gift too. In the end, games are simply the ultimate gift, one that offers immediate fun of play after opening, and quite literally decades to come.

Wishing our patients and Yorkton residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2021. Warm wishes to you as we celebrate this special time of year. Thank you to our patients for all the gifts and goodies.

Andy Van Heerden Kim Tara

Agriculture

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A13

Alternative controls worth a look How to deal with the challenges of agriculture – weeds, disease, insects – without immediately turning to crop protection products is always a question to explore. It’s not that I see crop protection products as a bad thing, for the farm, the environment or the consumer as long as they are used properly and their impact monitored to catch any issues should a problem arise. But, crop protection products do come with a price tag, a hefty one depending on the product, so alternatives that improve the bottom line

on the farm are a good thing. In general terms I also suspect crop protection products are much like medicines, overuse can lead to weeds and bugs becoming immune to their effects, much like bugs can when it comes to treating human maladies. So when you can break the chain of usage of such products it is going to have the potential of positive effects beyond the immediate control of the problem at-hand. Of course the issue is what alternative methods are effective, and more importantly

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels are effective on today’s large scale farms? On smaller holdings you can often implement systems that are more labour, or time, intensive where you can’t afford either if you are dealing with thousands of acres. One example is the

use of insects to control weeds. This is not a new idea. Leafy spurge, for example, is the preferred banquet for five species of Aphthona flea beetles, and a decade or so ago the little bugs were released on some spurge spots in

imagine the sheer number needed in a facility housing a few thousand hogs. Of course the secret in any of the examples noted here is to use controls that are more natural. Nature has a way of putting checks and balances into things and while those checks and balances get out of whack when humans start mucking about in the system they can be kick-started by producers as a solution at times too. The trick for farmers is re-established natural controls in a way that work within large scale agriculture.

the Saltcoats area to see how they deal with the weed. Of course anytime you turn to bugs for help it can limit what you spray if another problem arises since it might well kill off the bug population. Goats and sheep will also graze leafy spurge and they too have been used in trials to deal with the weed. And, years ago I did a story on a swine producer north of Yorkton who had Muscovy ducks running around his barn as a natural fly control. The ducks are fine in a small operation, but

Freeze up report showing various moisture conditions across Saskatchewan The Water Security Agency (WSA) released its 2020 Conditions at Freeze-Up report, showing a mixed picture for moisture conditions across the province entering winter. In combination with the winter snowpack, this forecast becomes the initial conditions for the spring snowmelt runoff. Most agricultural areas of the province entered the winter drier than normal, particularly the area east of Gravelbourg

and south of Yorkton where severe dry conditions exist. Exceptions are areas in the extreme southwest and northern portions of the grain belt where conditions at freeze-up were near normal. While most larger water supply reservoirs in the south have adequate supplies, surface water users who rely on smaller reservoirs or dugouts have been impacted by the dry conditions. This includes both diminished supplies and qual-

ity. Over northern areas of the province, well above normal rainfall in late spring and throughout the summer has resulted in conditions at freeze-up that are wetter than normal. This is particularly true for the Churchill River Basin where flows at the end of October were at or near record levels for this time of year. Winter flows within northern areas are expected to remain above normal throughout the

winter. Wet conditions in the north will increase the risk of above normal runoff in spring 2021. Compared to the south where conditions at freeze-up were much drier, the infiltration capacity of the soils and storage capacity within wetland areas will be higher, reducing the risk of above normal runoff come spring. Over these southern areas, above normal snowfall would likely be needed to result in sufficient runoff to

replenish surface water supplies in spring 2021. Current long-range forecasts and climate indices suggest above normal precipitation and below normal temperature over the winter months. The full report can be found at www.wsask.ca/ PageFiles/250/2020%20 Conditions%20at%20Freezeup%20Report.pdf. WSA will release their initial Spring Runoff Outlook in early February.

Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announce Agriculture Scholarship Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Program. “Young people are key to the continued growth and prosperity of Canada’s agricultural sector,” said Federal Agriculture and AgriFood Minister MarieClaude Bibeau. “This scholarship program will give young leaders the help they need to pursue their studies and embark on a rewarding career in the sector.” “The Agriculture Student Scholarship Program is an opportunity for our province’s youth to help tell industry’s story,” Saskatchewan Agriculture

Minister David Marit said. “By encouraging the best and brightest young minds to pursue a career in agriculture, we are helping to ensure the future success of this important sector.” The scholarship encourages constructive conversations about where our food comes from and how everyone along the value-chain, from the field to table, shares a role in communicating about food production. The scholarship has offered me so much,” winner of the 2020 scholarship Mackenzie Van Damme said. “By helping to fund my education, I am able to learn all about agriculture, meet

new people and spark an even greater passion for the field.” This year’s theme is ‘transparency.’ Applicants of the scholarship are encouraged to explore what transparency is and how it is connected to the public’s perception of modern agriculture. Students are invited to submit a creative three-minute video or 1,000-word essay discussing transparency in agriculture. Scholarships will be awarded to students in Grade 12 and/ or recent graduates entering agriculturerelated post-secondary studies in 2021. One winning scholarship of $4,000 and three runner-

up scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2021. For more information on the Saskatchewan

Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $388 million investment in strategic initiatives by the federal and provincial governments.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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ART • ENTERTAINMENT • COMMUNITY

Art interest began as self-therapy By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Art came to Anna Maria Markopoulou later in life and now she is exploring just where the muse might take her work. Originally from Athens, Greece, Markopoulou would move to Canada in 2008. “I was coming from Greece in 2008 and I was going towards Vancouver,” she said, but life took her on a detour, a detour that included having to deal with breast cancer, and one that found her finally settling in Kamsack. The detour also led to Markopoulou finding her artistic side. “When I was sick and not able to work I started making arts and crafts in order to

spend my time without thinking of cancer,” she said, adding it was actually following something of a family trait. “My grandfather was an artist and my father also. It runs in the family.” Along the way Markopoulou made an interesting choice in terms of a ‘canvas’ for her paintings. She began using reclaimed barn wood. “I like to work with wood,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s new or old, but I prefer the old, because I give a second chance to the wood, which people throw away.” Not surprisingly Markopoulou was largely cathartic in nature. “When I was sick and my psychology was very low, I started making angels and

Anna Maria Markopoulou churches in order to lift up my spirit,” she said. As Markopoulou recovered

the scope of her art expanded, to the point her work is now for sale, a decision that did not come easily in the beginning. “In the beginning I didn’t want to sell anything,” she said. “It was just for me. “But in the summer of 2018, I put it out in the front yard of my house for other people just for enjoyment. “But people asked me if I sell any of my work, and I start thinking about it. “Since they appreciate it, I start selling at a symbolic price. “Whatever I do about my work of art and craft is not to make money, it’s to give pleasure.” And there are times Markopoulou in a sense pays her art forward too.

The varied art of Kamsack artist Anna Maria Markopoulou show her range of inspirations pertaining to her recently found passion.

“Sometimes I like to donate things that I create to people that went through the same illness,” she said. A recurring theme in Markopoulou’s work at present is the feather. “In the world of art, whatever the artist feels, the artist creates,” she said when asked about the significance of the feather. “Since I’m living in a native area I was influenced by this category of art. “But also in Europe they have this kind of feather art, with various colours; like Natives and Gypsies; Boho. “I put bright colours in my art because it gives me energy – positive thinking.” As for inspiration Markopoulou takes it from wherever it happens to poke its head. “Sometimes they come into my mind, other times as I’m walking I might see something, or online and I put more into the theme or subject,” she said. “The colours of feathers I prefer to be a bright and happy and not depressed. We have a lot of depressing things and problems in our lives.” While many of Markopoulou’s current works are of feathers, they are not necessarily her preferred subject matter. “I like to paint farms, but most of all I like to paint boats, and sea, lighthouses and harbours,” she said. “But I do anything that brings me a good feeling inside me, because whatever I feel it has to come out at the time I create.”

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2020

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Filling the kettle The Yorkton Professional Firefighters Association has made a contribution to the Salvation Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kettle campaign. They have donated $500 to the Christmas fundraiser. Pictured are Carter Kostenuk with the YPFFA, Captain Mary Tim with the Salvation Army and Luke Galatiuk with the YPFFA. Submitted Photo

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m held up at needlepoint and tangled in wonderings Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all tangled up, but not in Christmas lights. In information and misinformation. In wondering how my Christian faith intersects with the point of a needle. A vaccination needle. The COVID-19 vaccine hovers on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horizon, a Messiahreminiscent shaft of hope piercing our long pandemic night. But like all previous vaccinations, it brings controversy, questions, rumours and dark perspectives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too fast,â&#x20AC;? say some. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IN that? No way Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m getting that needle. People have died from it already!â&#x20AC;? I heard enough to make me ponder whether to take the vaccine. Is it safe? Is it ethical? A morning spent reading online medical journals satisfied me there was little to fear. But a few days later, I discussed the vaccination with someone holding the opposite opinion. I did more searching and found research on the other side that seemed equally credible. Puzzled, I shot some of the information over to my daughter, Amanda. She has a long-held passion for medical

research. In high school, before easy access to the internet, she haunted the library, researching anything she could find related to her own chronic conditions; so much that our doctors learned from her. I respect that she delves into information and articles from varying perspectives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do you think of this?â&#x20AC;? I asked explaining my questions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubling to me that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know everything and thus canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be certain of anything, except that we are confused,â&#x20AC;? I told her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;LOL,â&#x20AC;? she texted back, which I think means â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loads of laughter,â&#x20AC;? or something similar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Laugh out loud?â&#x20AC;? maybe. The Bible tells us that our bodies are temples in which Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spirit dwells, and that what we put in there matters. I wanted solid answers. I wanted a clear perspective. I wanted black and white. I wanted to know who to believe. She responded with what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told countless people myself: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We make the best decisions we can with the information we have at the time.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Absolutely,â&#x20AC;? I texted

KATHLEEN GIBSON

Sunny Side Up has inspired readers of faith since 2001. Read more at www.kathleengibson.ca or reach Kathleen at sunnysideup.press@gmail.com

Sunny Side Up back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sometimes guilty of burying my head in the sand in order to live by a more convenient or acceptable (to me) set of facts. When

someone knowledgeable and trustworthy challenges me, perhaps I need to dig a little deeper into the uncomfortable information.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes the contrasting information out there has been twisted and manipulated,â&#x20AC;? she responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;using facts and studies supporting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chosen opinion and ignoring others that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.â&#x20AC;? Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, and people on both sides of many issues do that. (Consider politics.) And so, the problem of separating solid information from misinformation remains. We dance with mystery, this side of Heaven, and

few people I know enjoy the tango. I will wrestle through this question, through prayer and as solid a body of information I can access. As Amanda reminded me, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make the best decision I can. Nevertheless, I could still get it wrong. God doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect us to know everything, as much as we may wish to. How reassuring that we can leave all our wonders and tangles in the hands of the only one who does.

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Sports

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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Community Rink Affordability Grant Program returns Fulfilling a platform promise to communities around the province, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that registration for the reinstated Community Rink Affordability Grant program (CRAG) officially opened on Monday, Dec. 14, to provide funding for communityowned indoor skating and curling rinks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In reinstating the Community Rink Affordability Grant, we are helping communities keep ice rinks accessible and affordable across Saskatchewan,â&#x20AC;? Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rinks and the activities held at them, are important to the health and wellness of communities and contribute to local residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life.â&#x20AC;? The program will provide $2,500 a year per indoor ice surface to help cover the costs

capital upgrades or to outfit the facility with COVID-19 related

expenditures. It is expected that more than 600 ice surfaces in nearly 400 communities will be eligible to receive this support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan for recognizing the escalating costs communities are facing in order to operate and maintain their rinks,â&#x20AC;? Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President TJ Biemans said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These facilities are integral to the vitality and wellbeing of our communities, with this funding coming at a time when that has never been more necessary.â&#x20AC;? To learn more and register for CRAG, please complete the online form found on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.spra.sk.ca/crag. Applications will be accepted until March 12, 2021.

where they could just talk hockey in a relaxed, friendly fashion. â&#x20AC;˘ In Beauties, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find out: â&#x20AC;˘ How Sidney Crosbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most unusual nickname came to be â&#x20AC;˘ How Steve Stamkosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dad accidentally stole Steve Yzermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car â&#x20AC;˘ How Paul â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biznastyâ&#x20AC;? Bissonette almost had the Arizona Coyotes kicked out of a Winnipeg hotel on game day â&#x20AC;˘ How Wayne Gretzkyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest one-liner may have turned around the Stanley Cup Final in 1985 â&#x20AC;˘ About the night that Hayley Wickenheiser went blind â&#x20AC;˘ What Bobby Orr said the first time he saw Connor McDavid play at a rink in Toronto Duthie admitted it was important to have stories with Wayne Gretzky, Sydney Crosby and other notable stars, because those names sell books, but they are not the best stories. The best includes; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Boy Who Came From Awayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a story that reflects what it is to be Canadian, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The 30th Broncoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a story very close to home

related to the Humboldt disaster, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lailaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which will make you tear, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jonny Hockeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Accountantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ronanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. What you end up with in Beauties is what might be labelled the ultimate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bathroom book; for a hockey fan. It can be enjoyed in spurts, and I suspect it will be a popular stocking stuffer this holiday season. Beauties really is a book easy to recommend to a hockey fan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This one has done really well ... way better than I ever expected,â&#x20AC;? said Duthie, who added Beauties actually took years to go from idea to reality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It had been in the back of my head for about a decade.â&#x20AC;? But, with the success is a follow-up likely? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the hardest I ever worked on a book,â&#x20AC;? said Duthie, who has authored and co-authored a trio of other books, adding he certainly needs some time to mull over more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;beautyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tales, but he did note there are lots of themes he could explore and hundreds of people out there with stories to tell.

Submitted Photo

The Commmunity Rink Affordability Grant program (CRAG) officially opened on Monday, Dec. 14, to provide funding for community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks. of operating rinks in villages, towns and cities. First Nations, schools,

and non-profits are all eligible and encouraged to register for the

grant. The grant may be used to offset the cost of rink operations, minor

Book ideal for hockey fan stockings

While novels are a great diversion, there are times when you only have a few minutes, or your focus is fleeting, when short stories are just the ticket. If you are a hockey fan then a book that fills the short story niche is the recent release Beauties from James Duthie. In a telephone chat with the noted TSN broadcaster Duthie said the short story approach really fits his personality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a short attention span myself I think,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding Beauties lends itself to being put down and returned to a week later if that is the way life rolls out for a reader. Duthie said he likes that the emotion of the stories varies too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like a book . . . that I can be surprised on the next page, that the next chapter (story) might be completely different from the last,â&#x20AC;? he said. The book is a collection of shorts that Duthie collected through interviews with media colleagues, players both the NHL and minor leagues, coaches, agents, refs and hockey parents. He basic-

ally ran the gamut of the sport looking for stories to write about. The result is a collection of 57 stories which are really quite diverse. While most lie on the humorous side of things, I will admit a few actually brought a tear to the eye of this old scribe who tends to wear the label of curmudgeon quite well. Like most books of short stories readers will find two or three that they label ho-hum tales and wonder why they were included, but I suspect which stories earn such a label will vary from reader-to-reader. The author noted that the collection is one where he ended up including a piece from everyone he interviewed for the book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basically everybody I interviewed is in the book,â&#x20AC;? said Duthie, adding he felt if they were willing to give â&#x20AC;&#x153;a couple of hours of their timeâ&#x20AC;? to share a story it should be in the book, adding to leave someone out â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not the Canadian way.â&#x20AC;? Duthie did add stories in and about hockey everywhere. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think everybody in

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports hockey, not just players ... have stories. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sport that lends itself to stories more than most,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding the key was to

James Duthie

get those he interviewed away from the sometimes mundane routine of postgame media interviews and into an environment

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ARNOLD - George Arnold, of Yorkton, beloved husband of Loraine, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 96 years of age. George Oscar Arnold was born in Stalwart, SK, April 16, 1924. His father was Emil Arnold and his mother was Helen Weaver Arnold. George was the oldest child and had four siblings; Bernard, Ted, Don and Sheila. He attended school in Stalwart, SK. Out of high school, in 1942, George joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and received basic training in Toronto, ON, after undergoing War Emergency Training in Moose Jaw, SK. He was trained as an emergency fireman on the crash truck to deal with airport emergencies and posted to Davidson, SK. In 1945, the base in Davidson was closed and George and company were shipped by train to Yorkton (which would play a significant role in his future years). As the war was ending, he was posted briefly to Winnipeg and then to Portage La Prairie, MB. George was discharged from the service in 1946. During the war, in 1943, George met Loraine Elizabeth Mooney on a blind date; they were eventually married in the chapel on the air base in Portage La Prairie in 1946. After discharge, George tried farming seed potatoes and Loraine taught school in High Bluff, MB. The market was depressed and George and Loraine moved back to Saskatchewan. Their first child, Lynne, was born shortly thereafter. George moved his small family to Bellevue, AB, where he could earn a living working in the coal mines. He was initially a timber packer and then became a miner. While living in the mountains, two more children were born-Barry in 1950 and Wendy in 1952. As the mines began to peter out, George and family decided to move back to the prairies of Saskatchewan and ended up in Imperial. George worked as a mechanic in a garage in Imperial. Another boy, Bryce, arrived in 1953. About that time, Loraine’s mother died and the ever growing family moved into her house. Shortly thereafter,1955, the last girl baby, Tanya, was born. The house in Imperial was sold and the family moved to the Emil Arnold family farm at Stalwart. In 1957, Murray, the last child, was born. So, after ten years of marriage, many moves and six children, George and Loraine settled on the farm, quite positive it would be home for many years to come. George drove a school bus to supplement the farm income and Loraine began teaching again. The next year, George became a grain buyer and went to work in the grain elevator in Stalwart. The Arnolds enjoyed the next years as a typical Saskatchewan farm family, enjoying work, learning, music and horses. Unfortunately, the elevator closed in 1969, necessitating another move for the Arnold family. George found work with Saskatchewan Government Insurance in Yorkton and the whole family once again hit the road and ended up in Yorkton. Later, George was successful as a salesman for Pioneer Life and was able to travel to the Bahamas and Jamaica as rewards for his achievements. Later George became a school bus driver for the Yorkdale Unit and eventually moved up to be bossman at the garage, responsible for the scheduling of the buses and supervision of all the drivers. Loraine taught Grade one in the Yorkton City School System. Upon retirement, George and Loraine eventually sold their house and moved to the Bentley, a retirement home in Yorkton. Several years later they moved to the Crossings Retirement Home. During all of this time, George was involved with the Yorkton Legion; he has been a lifetime member since 1997, Legionnaire of the Year in 1999, received the 75th Anniversary Medal in 2001 and received his 60 year membership pin in 2018. He often represented the Legion in Yorkton schools at Remembrance Day Ceremonies and participated in the November 11 Legion Color Party. George enjoyed fishing, reading, curling, bowling, cribbage and golf and spent many of his leisure hours in later life enjoying these pastimes. His family was a source of great pride and satisfaction as all the children became successful and honorable citizens and proud bearers of the Arnold name. George and Loraine were married more than 74 years. George was predeceased by his father, Emil, mother, Helen, and brother Bernard, Left to remember and honor him are his wife, Loraine, his children, Lynne (Marvin) Chambers, Barry (Judy Kazakoff), Wendy (Tom) Goodhand, Bryce (Della), Tanya (Fred Bowen) and Murray (Darlene), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; also a sister Sheila (Erwin) Yunker, and a brother, Don Arnold, and their families. The funeral service was held on Friday, December 11, 2020 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gen. Alexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton formed the Color Party and gave the Legion Tribute Service. Rev. Richard Gibson was the Padre. The interment took place in the Garden of Memories. George’s son Murray was the urnbearer. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

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Obituaries

MCCANN - Freda McCann, beloved wife of the late Joe McCann, of Yorkton, passed away on December 5, 2020 at the age of 97 years. Freda was born in the Stornoway area on December 9, 1922, to Katharine (nee Guenther) and Conrad Schwartz. She received her education in Stornoway, then moved to Yorkton for work. She married Francis (Joe) McCann on February 12, 1946. They had two children, Thomas (Tom) in 1948 and Theresa (Terry) in 1950. Joe and Freda lived on the farm until 1958, then moved to Yorkton. Joe continued to farm and worked at City Dairy and Freda worked a variety of jobs until she retired from Croll’s Department Store. Freda is predeceased by her husband Joe in 1983, her parents, brothers Conrad, Bill, and Edward, son in law Dennis Rompain, and many sisters and brothers in law. She leaves to celebrate her life and mourn her passing: her son Tom (Sheral) McCann, daughter Terry Rompain, her grandchildren; Chris Fortner, Kelly Rompain (Jon Parker) and Craig Rompain, her great grandchildren; Cody, Shaylen, Mackenzie, Carlin, Mason, Gabe and Sidney, and her sister-in-law Florence Schwartz. Freda also leaves many nieces nephews and friends to mourn her passing. The family would like to thank Father Louis, Coleen Haider and the management and staff at Gladstone Seniors Residence for the wonderful care and friendship they provided to Mom over the past several years. A Prayer Vigil was held on Friday, December 11, 2020 from St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton, SK with Mary Bybliw presiding. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Louis Kim Nguyen as Celebrant. The organist was Juliana Ubongen. The eulogy was given by Freda’s son Tom McCann. The Catholic Women’s League served as Honour Guard. Honorary casket bearers were Freda’s grandchildren & great - grandchildren; Craig Rompain, Kelly Rompain, Gabe Rompain, Mason Rompain, Cody Fortner, Chris Fortner, Mackenzie Fortner, Shaylen Fortner and Jon Parker. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with the Knights of Columbus Council # 2031; Rejean Houle, Wayne Exner, Gary Colbow, Greg Dubois, Henry Kweens and Jeff Krasowski serving as casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Freda may be made to St. Gerard’s Church as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

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Obituaries

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Obituaries

ADAM - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved family member Mervin William Adam of Yorkton on Friday Dec. 4, 2020 at the age of 68 years. Mervin was born on Nov. 1, 1952 in the Gorlitz area to William and Pauline Adam. Merv attended school on the farm at Bridok school then Canora Composite. After leaving school at a young age, he moved to Alberta where he worked driving a lumber truck. A couple of years later Merv returned to the Yorkton area where he worked a couple of different jobs. During this time his met his love Evelyn Jane Zaharia; after a 4 month whirlwind courtship, they married on Nov. 13, 1971. Together they were blessed with 2 children, Mervin Jr. and Lorelee. The couple initially made their home in Yorkton, then briefly in the Gorlitz district before establishing their home and raising their family on the Zaharia farm in the Hamton district. In 2009 Jane passed away leaving a large void in Merv’s life. In 2011 he met a new love Elizabeth Krochak; they were married on Nov. 11, 2011. Again blessed with her children Dwayne, Lauressa, Jody and Stanley. In 2013 Merv and Liz moved to Yorkton after he retired from farming. Merv believed in hard work; his work ethic was unparalleled. He worked selling John Deere farm machinery and had a mixed farming operation at the same time. While working for Englow farm equipment he went on a work trip to Germany. He loved to wheel and deal. He loved being a farmer, he was born to be a farmer. He ran a cattle feed lot for many years; he had up to 600 head of cattle at one time. Merv loved to take a drive to view his grain crops, see how they were doing. He loved working the land but working with the family brought him the greatest joy. Family meant so much to Merv. Giving advice or a listening ear he was always there, you could count on him. The memories made were priceless. He would always look to the future; what his next step would be. If there was a will there was a way. Merv always had a green thumb whether it was growing a crop, vegetable garden or flower pots. He could be spotted fussing over his flowers. He loved to view what he grew. He greatly enjoyed to hunt and fish; much laughter was always followed these stories. He loved animals, as long as they were outside. Sports was always apart of Merv’s life, he was a good athlete. Playing or coaching ball brought him great pleasure. He was proud to watch his family play ball. Hockey was another pastime he enjoyed greatly; go leafs! Many conversations were had discussing sports teams. These later years when Merv retired from farming he learned to slow down and enjoy time with family and friends. Many coffee conversations and visits were had. Trips to Mexico were enjoyed but he loved going to Texas and spending time in the warm weather with good friends. Merv was predeceased by his wife Jane; father William; mother Pauline; stepson Dwayne Krochak; brother in law Allan Hemauer; nephew Robert Bilokrely. Merv leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Liz; son Mervin (Laurie); daughter Lorelee; stepdaughters Lauressa, Jody (Paul) and Melanie; stepson Stanley; granddaughters Michaela, Madison and Caleigh; sisters Angie Hemauer and Ivy (Barry) Bilokrely; brother Blaine Adam; as well as numerous step grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Pastors Tim Sheppard and Gerald Wagner officiating. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Stanley Krochak, Jason Bilokrely, Elden Hemauer, Barry Bilokrely, Mark Turnbull, Carrie Turnbull and Clarence Sushelnicki serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

SCHERR – 24 July 1943 – 13 December 2020. Arthur (Art) Edward was born near the town of Allan, SK at home on July 24, 1943. His early school years were in Delisle, SK. He attended Teachers College in Saskatoon, SK and graduated in 1962. Art continued his education and in 1968 graduated with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts – Political Science from the University of Saskatchewan. Following this achievement, he earned a post graduate diploma in Educational Administration in 1973 also from University of Saskatchewan. Art’s career took him across Saskatchewan to Kindersley, Humboldt, Saskatoon, Biggar, Nipawin, Lanigan, Yorkton, Regina, Weyburn, Melville, and Foam Lake. Whether professionally or casually, the people who crossed Art’s path in life led to many lasting friendships from these communities. Art believed Public Service was a noble profession, working in education in Saskatchewan in all capacities, Teacher, Principal, Supervisory Assistant, Assistant Director of Education, Director of Education, Regional Director of Education, Board of Teacher Services and Certifying Official. Art worked on many school division amalgamations up to 2006 and was also involved with numerous committees within the Education Department. During his career Art was most proud of the 12 years he spent on the Teachers Collective Bargaining Committee as a government representative. While on this team, not a single day of teacher service was lost during his tenure. After Art retired from Education, he served six years on the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Team as an Education member of the Board of Directors. Art was a man of faith. He was an active member within all the Catholic parishes in which he lived. He was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Art enjoyed travelling to visit family, spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, curling, playing cards and watching classic films. He was a voracious reader who always had several books on the go at once. He disguised math lessons in teaching his children to play cribbage, none of which could ever beat him. He appreciated a good scotch and watching sports, especially his favourite teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Art was actively involved in politics and relished debating the finer points with anyone willing to listen. If he wasn’t discussing the current political climate, he was immersed in his own learning. His bookshelves were lined with stories that he could reference and re-tell on a moments notice. This led to his fondness of historical events and his children were amazed at his vast knowledge of rare facts and when it came to trivia, they all wanted him on their team. Art will be missed by his dear wife of 53 years, MaryAnn (Korte), his children Peter (Kelly), Blaise (Leanna), Kathleen (Bryan), Aaron (Siobhan) and Andrew (Juntima); his grandchildren Patrick, Daniel, Zachary, Gracyn, Connor, Brigitta, Alysha and Ethan; his brothers, Daniel (Rose), and Frank (Mavis); his sisters, Monica (Ray), Margaret, and Shirley; his Korte brothers-in-law, Mel (Marie), Dennis (Vyenda), James (Janice), Gerard (Margaret) and Anthony (Linda); sister-in-law, Loretta and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Art was pre-deceased by his parents Valentine and Elizabeth (Boehm) Scherr, in-laws Joseph and Beatrice (Cales) Korte, his brother Charles Scherr, and brothers inlaw, Randy Schikosky, Joe Sklar, and Fred Dauk. Due to COVID restrictions, a memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date. A visitation for friends will be held on Thursday from 4:00 – 5:00pm and from 7:00 – 8:00pm from the chapel of Bailey’s Funeral Home. A family funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 10:00am. Friends wishing to support the family may view a livestream of the service by following the link on Art’s obituary page at baileysfuneralhome.com. Donations in memory of Art can be sent to Saskatchewan Special Olympics https://www.specialolympics.ca/saskatchewan/donate or The Health Foundation,https://thehealthfoundation.ca/make-a-donation, towards Palliative Care, Yorkton. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week Obituaries

Obituaries

HASLBECK - Ronald. July 10, 1940 - December 9, 2020. The family of Ronald Haslbeck passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband of Doris and father to Rodney and Terry. Ron was born to the late Peter and Catherine (nee Schmidt) Haslbeck in Humboldt, SK and attended school in Humboldt. He worked at well-drilling and later when he moved to Yorkton, he worked at Morris Rod Weeder. He enjoyed car shows, hunting & fishing. He is survived by his wife Doris, sons Rodney (Marney), Terry (Verna), grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

BORYSKI - Eileen. After a full and happy life, Eileen Boryski passed away on December 9, 2020 at the age of 90. Eileen was a loving mom, grandma, wife, sister, aunt, and kind friend to many. Eileen grew up on a farm near Annaheim, SK, then moved to Saskatoon to attend Business College. In 1954, she married August Boryski. Gus and Eileen moved to Yorkton in 1961 where they raised their family and operated Boryski Jewelers. They were valued members of many communities and organizations within Yorkton during their time there. After Gusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death in 1991, Eileen remained in Yorkton until 2005 then moved to Saskatoon. Eileen was an avid golfer, bridge player, theatre and symphony supporter. She had a strong faith, sharp wit and was quick to light up a room with her laughter and keen sense of humor. Eileen developed and maintained friendships throughout her life. Not only did she meet friends everywhere but she maintained them too, from her first job at Federated Coop, to the golf course, through business, church, travel and most recently at her residence Trinty Manor. Five years ago she met Art, a friend and companion, who greatly enriched her life. Eileen was predeceased by her parents Norbert and Marie Reiter, brother Clifford, husband Gus, sister Bernice, and most recently, son Dave. Left behind to cherish her memories are her children Gwenn (Ross), Tee Blackmore (Gordon), and Linda (Seann), grandchildren Adam and Greg Blackmore and Jack and Molly Boryski, special friend Art Reinhardt, and so many family and friends. Eileen was devastated when her son Dave died from blood cancer in July. Please consider making a blood or cash donation to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Team Daveâ&#x20AC;? at Canadian Blood Services Partner for Life Program. Use PFL code TeamDave TEAM0090032. A Private Mass will be held. Arrangements in care of Travis Minor - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. www.mourningglory.ca.

YEREMA - Wasyl â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billâ&#x20AC;? Yerema passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Centre in Port Perry, ON on November 30 approaching his 89th year of life. Bill was a strong, gentle man whose love of family, kindness, generosity, sense of humour and hospitality created lasting memories for many people over the years. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bill was born on December 5, 1931 and raised on the family farm near Buchanan, SK. He was one of the five children born to Dmytro and Maria (Palchewich) Yerema who had immigrated to Canada from Ukraine in the late 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Bill received his early education at Bellenden School and Buchanan High School before moving to Saskatoon to attend Nutana Collegiate and Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College. Upon graduation, he taught all grades at Main Road Public School, a oneroom schoolhouse near Rama, SK. Eventually, he left his teaching position to join his brothers Peter and Terry in Prince Rupert, BC. Bill initially worked for the Canadian National Railway and later became a technician in the Control Lab at the Columbia Cellulose Company, as well as a parttime taxi-driver and bartender. Bill met â&#x20AC;&#x153;a cute little redheadâ&#x20AC;? nurse named Joan and they were married on April 10, 1959. They moved to Ontario to start a family and Bill taught high school until his retirement in 1987. Bill was predeceased by his siblings: Anne Shinkewski, Irene Skoretz, Peter Yerema and Terry Yerema. He is lovingly remembered by Joan Yerema, his wife of 61 years, and his four children: Susan Yerema (Bob Ward), Jay Yerema Weafer (Rob Weafer), Shane Yerema (Colleen Jordan) and Richard Yerema (Sheryl Bunting); beloved Gido to his grandchildren: Davis, Jacob, Isaac, Jason, Julia, Jesse, Brittany, Amber, Owen, Abbey, Keagan and Garnet; great grandchildren: Logan, Harper, Nash, Olive and Ford. He will also be missed by his numerous nieces and nephews. A detailed obituary and video are available through www.thornefuneralhome.ca.

Obituaries

BURBACK - Glen Burback of Yorkton, beloved husband of Shelly, passed away on December 11, 2020 at the age of 64 years. Glen Richard Burback was born on July 11, 1956 in Yorkton, SK to parents Richard and Miriam (nee Gross) Burback. He was the first born of six children. When Glen was young, he attended elementary schools in Rhein, Saskatoon and Yorkton. He enjoyed playing sports, like hockey and baseball. His first job after school was at the Yorkton Pepsi Plant. He then drove taxi for a number of years before working at the family business, Subway Sandwiches and Salads. He worked there until the family business sold in 2001. After that he returned to driving taxi until March of 2020. Glenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hobbies included hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Maple Leafs. Glen married the love of his life Shelly Oystrick on November 25, 1989. They were blessed with two children, Derek and Steven. Glen leaves to celebrate his life, his wife Shelly and sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Derek and Steven (Denise), and his cat Bebe. He also leaves to celebrate his life, his mother Miriam, his sister Karen (Gord), brother Byron (Lynda), sister Laurel (Harley), brother Kelly (Jackie), sister Janine (Michael) and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Also, his father and mother-in-law, Alex and Joy Oystrick, sister-in-law Sherry (Ernie) and LeAnne (Michael). He was predeceased by his father Richard, and sister-in-law, Loretta. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Diabetes Association 917 A Albert St., Regina, SK S4R 2P6 in remembrance of Glen. Condolences can be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

Monuments

Funeral Services

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In Loving Memory of Lena Tymiak

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

June 7, 1943 Dec. 20, 2019

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

God saw you getting tired A cure was not to be So He put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with Me" With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating Your tender hands at rest God took you home to prove to us He only takes the best.

Lovingly remembered by husband Glen, Children & Grandchildren

LOPASCHUK - In loving memory of Orest Lopaschuk. Dec. 16, 1947- Dec. 15, 2000. You were a man who was so special and who was loved so very much and brought so much happiness to the many hearts you touched. You were always kind & caring and so understanding too, and if help was ever needed it so freely came from you. You were a gift to all the world and brought joy to everyone and life has never been the same ever since you have been gone. -Loved & missed by your family.

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BERNATH - Darlene Bernath, beloved wife of Brian Bernath passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 6, 2020. She was 62 years of age. Darlene Doris Bernath was born on July 2, 1958 at Yorkton, SK; a daughter of Lena (nee Wasylowich) and Alfred Werner. She was raised in Springside and attended school there, and completed her education at the Yorkton Regional High School. On June 23, 1981 she was united in marriage to Brian Bernath at Yorkton. Following their marriage the couple lived in Willowbrook for a number of years before moving into Yorkton in 1988. In her younger years Darlene worked at the McLeodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Store and at the West Broadway Mall. When the couple moved to Yorkton Darlene began employment with Harvest Meats, working there for many years. Following that time Darlene was employed at the Superstore in Yorkton, working there until retirement due to health reasons. Darlene was a person who valued her personal time, she loved being in the outdoors and will be fondly remembered for her love of berry and mushroom picking. Many good times were spent at their cabin up in the Porcupine Forest, where berry picking was the favorite pastime. She also enjoyed picking berries and mushrooms at the Werner heritage family farm. Darleneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health had been in decline for the past couple of years. Predeceased by her parents; and a brother; she is survived by her husband Brian, son Brian Michael Bernath; brothers David (Aida), Don (Wendy), and Dan Werner; by sisters Dolly Matechuk and Della (Terr) Bereth, numerous nieces, nephews and her many other relatives and friends. The Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from St. Gerardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Fr. Louis Nguyen and Rev. Fr. Joseph Kuruvilla concelebrants. Mary Bybliw was the Lector, Francis Deters was the Cantor and Chris Fisher was the accompanist. Members of the CWL attended the mass and formed and Honour Guard in Darleneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

Obituaries

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Adult Personal Messages 39 YEAR OLD MALE Interested in meeting lady who is interested in meeting someone who likes hockey, skating, skiing and going to hockey games. Someone from 30-39. Call 306-534-4726. MALE (46), from Yorkton, looking for female with or without children, for companion. Likes movies and going dancing. Call 306-641-6234 no texts.

At Your Service BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY Handyperson CARPENTRY & HANDYMAN SERVICES. 25 years experience. Phone 306-621-5715. WHATEVER NEEDS DONE. Carpentry, plumbing, painting, yard work, garbage hauled away. Phone 306-621-7538, leave message.

Health Services

HIP/KNEE Replacement? Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $50,000 Lump sum refund. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! Providing assistance during Covid.

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Announcements

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Houses for Sale

Birthdays

FOR SALE: Building to be moved. Approx. 24 x 36 feet located 1 1/2 miles South & 1 mile West of Willowbrook. Former Covenant Church. $1,000 OBO. Phone 306728-3513.

Land Wanted WANT TO Purchase land in the Yorkton, SK area. Top prices paid. Please call Rod 250-433-1085.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you.

FARMLAND WANTED Happy Birthday Dad! 8 decades, 7 children, 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, one loving family!

I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

Congratulations

NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Congratulations to Michael Markewich who received a Masters in Science, in Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. Michael is the son of Dr. Leonard and Anna Markewich of Regina, and grandson of Mary Popowich of Yorkton.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com Apartments/Condos for Rent 1 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony Available December. No Pets. Call Garry 306-621-6793. 2 BEDROOM Apartment For Rent. Recently renovated. Phone Garry 306-621-6793. 2 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony. Pets Allowed. Available Immediately. Phone Garry 306-6216793.

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2020

WATER

PLAN OF THE WEEK

PLAN NUMBER 9-3221 DESIGNED FOR A NARROW LOT In this three-bedroom home, designed for a narrow lot, a den or guest room will provide extra space for visitors, a home office or perhaps a studio or exercise room. The covered entry, always a boon in bad weather, leads into a roomy foyer. To the left is a coat closet; to the right

is the den. The great room, at the far end of the home, includes a bayed-out area for a gas fireplace. Sliding glass doors open to a large terrace. Adjacent is a covered deck, perfect for yearround grilling. The kitchen is separated from the rest of the great-room complex by a rectangular prep island that includes a double sink. A corner closet and

a pantry provide space for cleaning equipment or storage. Near the foyer is a three-piece bathroom. Up the U-shaped staircase to the second floor are the bedrooms. The master bedroom includes a generous ensuite that includes a linen closet as well as a shower stall, basin and toilet. The walk-in closet is roomy enough for any couple’s clothes and

accessories. The second and third bedrooms, with views of the back garden, share a three-piece bathroom. The laundry room is conveniently placed nearby. All ceilings are nine feet high. Exterior finishes include stucco and knotty pine siding at the front of the home, and horizontal wood siding elsewhere. A single wood pilaster marks the entry and supports the small roof over the front door. This home measures 24 feet, six inches wide and 47 feet deep, for a total of 1,787 square feet. Plans for design 9-3221 are available for $835 (set of 5), $900 (set of 8) and $952 for a super set of 10. Also add $35.00 for Priority charges within B.C. or $60.00 outside of B.C. Please add H.S.T., PST, OR G.S.T (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges. Our 52ND Edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheque and money orders payable to “Jenish House Design Ltd.” and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD. c/o...(name of newspaper) #201- 1658 Commerce Ave Kelowna, BC V1X 8A9 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORDER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER TO: homeplans@ jenish.com

Apartments/Condos for Rent

Musical Instruments

Feed & Seed

General Employment

WILLIAMS NEW Scale Piano with bench. 23” W x 56” L x 38” H. $200. Phone 306-783-9640.

Heavy Duty Mechanics required: Late model, clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided

For Sale - Misc

2 Bedroom apartment for rent @ 101 Franko Drive, Cedar Ridge Apartments. No Pets, No Smoking Very clean Price $950.00 for more information Call

306-783-3379

HOME THEATRE ONKYO TX NR696 Receiver, $450, new, used little, repacked. Small freezer, $175. 306-783-6109.

Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must.

FOR ALL YOUR BAKING SUPPLIES

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R : , ( " Fax: 306-769-8844 ,THPS! brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

YOUNG’S PLANT WORLD LTD. /634&3: t ("3%&/ $&/53& t (30$&3: 4503&

ADULT 45+. Renovated, furnished one bedroom suites for rent in Canora. Must have references. Phone 306-641-2489.

Highway #9 North, Yorkton 306-783-8660

Parts & Accessories RENOVATED 2 Bedroom Apartment on Dalebrooke Drive. Available December. Call Garry 306-621-6793.

Houses For Rent FOR SALE OR RENT. A 3 bedroom house, new shingles & furnace, washer, dryer and water softener, stove, fridge and a one car garage at back. Call 306-7836742.

For Sale - Misc

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP Published weekly by Boundary Publishers Ltd., a subsidiary of Glacier Ventures International Corp. The Glacier group of companies collects personal information from our customers in the normal course of business transactions. We use that information to provide you with our products and services you request. On occasion we may contact you for purposes of research, surveys and other such matters. To provide you with better service we may share your personal information with our sister companies and also outside, selected third parties who perform work for us as suppliers, agents, service providers and information gatherers. Our subscription list may be provided to other organizations who have products and services that may be of interest to you. If you do not wish to participate in such matters, please contact us at the following address: Yorkton This Week, 20 Third Avenue North, Yorkton, S3N 2X3. For a complete statement of our privacy policy, please go to our website at: www.yorktonthisweek.com or stop by our office and pick up a copy. Yorkton This Week is owned and operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

FOR SALE: 4 steel rims and nearly brand new Nokian Nordman5 winter tires. 205/55R16 94T XL. Fits Honda Civic. $500. Phone 306-783-5286.

General Employment

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306-782-4395 OR 1-800-657-4395 Fax 306-786-5414 RVs/Campers/Trailers WANTED: SMALL, OLDER Camper trailer to convert to storage. Call 306-542-7106.

Livestock FOR SALE: Char X bred heifers. Tan, white and red. Bred for late March and April calving. 306-5484340. Stenen, SK.

General Employment Labourers Wanted: Duties inc, in part: pressure washing heavy equipment, trucks and trailers. Cleaning shops. Assisting where required. Heavy lifting involved. Mechanical aptitude an asset; must be safety conscious and able to work around heavy equipment. Must have a clean driver’s abstract. Position located in (YIVYÄLSK :R *HTW HJJVTTVKH[PVU WYV]PKLK PM ULJLZZHY` :LUK YLZ\TL HUK ^VYR YLMLYLUJLZ [V! Bryden Construction )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R : , ( " Fax: 306-769-8844 ,THPS! brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

A19

PRAIRIE DOME POTATOES is hiring for positions beginning Sept 1, 2020 for full time seasonal work. Experience and education will be provided on site. Job duties include: -grading, sorting, packaging seed potatoes -pruning, picking, weeding and planting fruit trees -trimming and chipping of trees -general maintenance and upkeep Must be reliant and must have own transportation. Located 6 miles South of Yorkton on Highway 9. Bring own lunch. Wage: Beginning at $11.45/hr. Applicants may apply for the positions by phone (306-782-7297), fax (306-783-7853), email (prairiedome@gmail.com) or mail resume to the following address: Prairie Dome Potatoes, Attention: Kirk, Box 36, Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2V6.

Trucking & Transport

C & G SHUTTLE 1-306-647-3333 1-306-620-3521 (Cell) Airports, medical or shopping trips, up to 5 people.

Continued from page A5 “By increasing the base rates and increasing the water consumption rates for 2021, this added increase will help the City to continue to improve identified Capital and Operational infrastructure projects such as water and sewer main replacement programs and water service repairs and breaks.” Hershmiller said there remain issues with the pipes under city streets. “The City continues to experience a significant amount of residential water service and water main breaks each year, with the majority of service leaks occurring in subdivisions that are less than 50 years old, while the majority of water main failures are in the older cast iron pipes,” he said. At present some 50 per cent of what crews do is affect repairs. “This workload currently equates to approximately 50 per cent of the water & sewer systems crews workload, which only leaves 50 per cent for all the other regular maintenance items to be completed on annual basis,” said Hershmiller. In 2019, costs surpassed $700,000 for emergency service connection leaks and water main breaks, and 2020 is on pace to have similar costs, he said. “Therefore we have increased the budget for water main breaks / service repairs from $570,000 to $700,000,” said Hershmiller. The Water and Sewer underground system is an extensive system made up of different age class and type of piping from cast iron to PVC. “There is over 280,000

meters of underground pipe ... with a current replacement price tag of over $750 million,” said Hershmiller. For 2021: *$710,000 towards Water Main replacement *$280,000 towards Sanitary Sewer replacement “We currently have 24,400 meters of pipe that is over 65 years old, and with a current replacement cost of approximately $2,900/m that totals over $70 million dollars just to replace that aging water pipe,” noted Hershmiller. With a 2021 budget of $710,000 “for replacement it’ll take nearly 100 years just to replace this aging infrastructure that makes up around 16 per cent of our water pipe, not including sewer or storm pipe,” he continued. “The cost of water line replacement, seems expensive and these numbers are staggering, however, the cost to repair leaks are three to four times greater than planned replacement costs.” For illustrative purposes, looking at the City of Yorkton’s proposed 2021 rates with 10 other Saskatchewan cities’ 2020 rates. When comparing Yorkton’s proposed base rate of $17.25/month to the other cities, Yorkton’s rate is lower than the average base rate charge of $45.08 / month. Also comparing Yorkton’s water usage rate with the other cities, by taking Yorkton’s average of 13 cubic meters (2,860 gallons) per household per month. Using this figure an average home in Yorkton can expect monthly cost of $59.37 compared to $55.98 in 2020.

TAXES Continued from page A6 City,” he said. “I do hear about projects like roads, sewer, a new city hall, roundabouts and skating rinks.” The business is needed. “Yorkton enjoys a surrounding area of around 150,000 people. This is unique and many come to this city to shop. This gives Yorkton a competitive advantage in attracting more business. Taxes are often a factor; indeed some businesses choose to locate outside the city limits because of tax considerations,” said Henheffer.

“Here is a fact; the more businesses we have, the more taxpayers we have, the greater the money we have for recreation, hospital equipment, roads, sewer, perhaps a new city hall. “As Council prepares for the new tax roll, don’t ignore the stress your business community is in. “The City needs to lead (this year of all years the status quo cannot be maintained). The City needs to come forward with creative solutions that fairly shares the tax burden among all and encourages small business growth.”

General Employment

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!

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A20

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

NDP FOCUSES Continued from page A9 Regina Elphinstone MLA Meara Conway focused on how social services have been affected by the pandemic. Saskatoon Eastview MLA Matt Love focused on how long-term care centres have been affected, and asked about possible military aid for Saskatchewan in dealing with COVID-19. Justice, Corrections and Policing Critic Nicole Sarauer, MLA for Regina Douglas Park, asked about COVID-19 in Saskatchewan jails, and how it went “so badly.” First Nations and

Metis Relations Critic Saskatoon Centre MLA Betty Nippi-Albright asked about tracking COVID-19 in First Nations people who live off-reserve. In one of the few question period exchanges not related to COVID-19, Saskatoon Nutana MLA Erika Ritchie, environment critic, asked about Saskatchewan’s energy efficiency rankings. Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette asked about government support for suicide prevention. He pointed out a private members bill he brought forward earlier

Screen capture courtesy Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan

Dec. 10 was the final sitting day of the short fall session of the newly-elected 29th Legislature. Here, the members rose for the arrival of the lieutenant-governor. in the year regarding a suicide prevention had not received support from government members at the time. He is the critic mental health and addictions In a press conference at the conclusion of the session, Meili said, “This

is our last day of the session, off to Christmas holidays here. I wanted to thank everyone for the work they’ve done covering a short but really important session; extremely serious issues that we’re dealing with right now with what’s

going on in COVID-19. Here in Saskatchewan, the outbreaks in hospitals and long term care, in our prison system. And, you know, I have been disappointed to see this government unable to display any humility; to admit that they haven’t got everything right. And that’s disappointing, because in order for them to change, in order for us to have a better path forward, that needs to happen. They need to stop campaigning, they need to start governing, and not downplay this, but make the serious efforts to keep people safe.”

He added, “Clearly, this government’s position has not been getting COVID-19 under control. They’ve allowed this despite what the modeling said, they’ve allowed this to grow and grow without taking serious action. And, and here we are today. We’re living with the consequences already. And I’m extremely worried about what we’re going to see in the next week, in the next few weeks, as we see more and more patients in hospital, more outbreaks in long-term care. It’s a really disturbing situation.”

HELP US RAISE $34,000 We are grateful to the many businesses, organizations and individuals who have made donations to help us put this vital equipment into our hospital. New surgical equipment will allow our doctors to work with better equipment and conduct a greater range of surgeries. The new Lab equipment will allow us to perform tests here that we cannot right now. This equipment is expensive at $288,000, but we only have $34,000 left to raise. It is important to maintain and enhance our local healthcare services. We need your help to do that! Anonymous Memoriam Donation $5,000

$1,000

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Kamsack Hospital Auxiliary $1,000

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Caring for others... through your generous gifts 41 Betts Avenue, Yorkton To Donate Call 306-786-0506 Or Donate Online www.thehealthfoundation.ca Cheques dated December 31 will receive a charitable donation receipt for 2020