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Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Early start

Staff Photo by Calvin Daniels

It may have been March 6, but when the temperature edges into the pluses, the urge to get outside and enjoy activities of spring tend to take over. Such was the

case Saturday afternoon in Yorkton as a few skateboarders dug out their boards and made some runs at the park on Broadway Street in the city.

Some lab work may head to Regina By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Some lab work currently carried out at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre may, at least temporarily, be sent to Regina. “There’s a shortage of lab techs,” said Ross Fisher, Executive Director with the Health Foundation, “There’s not enough young people coming in to replace the old (retirees).” Fisher added it’s not

a Yorkton shortage, but a provincial one, noting there are some 30 unfilled lab positions across the province at present. In an emailed stated the Saskatchewan Health Authority confirmed the shortage. “The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Laboratory Medicine Provincial Program in Yorkton has been experiencing staffing shortages for hard to recruit classifications for over a year,”

noted the email. As a result, at the local lab there are concerns regarding current staffing, and what numbers might look like moving forward. “They are having to sort out staffing to review the best use of staff resources now and in the future. While no decisions have been made yet, they are having to look at what services need to be performed locally,” said Fisher. While noting no final

decision has been made, Fisher said they are looking at moving some microbiology work to Regina. “There are already tests that go (to Regina),” said Fisher, adding the materials to be cultured would go out at the same time, and local doctors would receive results electronically, same as they do now from the local lab. Again the SHA email confirmed the review. “The SHA Laboratory

Medicine team is actively recruiting across the hard to recruit classifications of MLT’s, CLXT’s and MLA’s. In the meantime, we are exploring options to ensure that our staff and the delivery of service for both specimen collection and diagnostic testing is supported in Yorkton for the patients of this community and surrounding area. As a provincial program within SHA Laboratory Medicine can now draw on a full provincial team

of expertise and capacity to provide support to our Yorkton health system team. Fisher noted it’s not unusual for samples to be transported for testing, pointing out that much of the lab work on blood collected in area facilities such as Kamsack, Canora, Esterhazy are not done in those facilities. “They send samples to the Yorkton lab,” he said.

Continued on Page A2

Dunstone warms for Brier in Wadena By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer If you’ve been watching closely at this year’s Brier you will have noticed Saskatchewan representative Team Dunstone wearing patches indicating their home club is the Wadena RE/MAX Curling Club. Normally the team, led by Skip Matt Dunstone curls out of the Highland Club in Regina, but this is anything but a normal year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Dunstone was simply appointed to represent Saskatchewan in Calgary over

the next 10-days, a decision made by CurlSask, when provincial play downs were not possible to hold. But, then Team Dunstone, including third Braeden Moskowy, second Kirk Muyres and lead Dustin Kidby needed a place to practice, the usual Highland Club was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Basically as soon as we were announced to represent Saskatchewan we started looking,” said Dunstone in an interview with Yorkton This Week March 4. They didn’t have to look long. “Dustin Mikush from

Wadena reached out to me,” said Dunstone, telling the Saskatchewan skip they had ice and there was an opportunity to practice. Dunstone said with only 10 curling clubs open in the province they took Mikush up on his offer. The team got tested for COVID-19, and headed to Wadena. They took up residence in a house near the rink, and were handed keys to the rink. “Dustin and Scott (Comfort) would go in and make the ice and about half an hour later we’d go practice,” said Dunstone, adding they were

hitting the ice once, or twice a day for two weeks. Dunstone said getting some actual ice time ahead of the Brier is important. “We hadn’t been on the ice together since around the end of November,” he said, adding with the time in Wadena “we are feeling really good going into the Brier.” It helped that the Wadena ice was great. “It was awesome ... It was about as ‘arena-like’ as we could have hoped for,” said Dunstone. So what do they expect in Calgary? Well, Dunstone said they

watched games from the recent Scotties, and are aware it will be different with no crowd. “We’ll have to create our own energy out on the ice,” he said. Of course no crowd means favourite teams such as Brad Gushue and Brad Jacobs won’t have a full house on their side either, noted the Saskatchewan skip. The Canadian Men’s Curling Championships started Friday in Calgary, with the Brier final slated for Sunday, March 14/ Saskatchewan hasn’t won a Brier since Rick Folk’s rink claimed the Tankard in 1980.

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Virtual event focusing on racism The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), City of Yorkton, East Central Newcomer Welcome Center Inc., Parkland Valley, and Community Development Parks and Recreation, are collaborating to host a free interactive community forum on March 16. This is part of MCoS activities to recognize The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination set aside for March 21 globally. The virtual

event is entitled “Creating a Community for Everyone” and commences at 7:00 p.m. According to Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, “there has been increased call for a welcoming and inclusive community both within our province and globally. This can be linked to the rapid growth in number of people who have chosen to make Saskatchewan home. However, how do we make

people feel when they come? How do we welcome and harness their contribution? It calls for open dialogue backed with intentional actions.” The MCoS public education and engagement campaign includes community activities in Prince Albert, La Ronge, Regina, Yorkton, North Battleford and Swift Current. The interactive community forum is a learning and teaching opportunity where diverse perspectives are encour-

aged in a safe environment. Community engagement kits are available for download. Bula Ghosh, Southwest Multicultural Association, and panelist at the Yorkton community forum, will speak on the role of multicultural councils in the community. She explains that; “it is necessary to consider culture, people and partnerships as we build our community. My experience has shown that embracing the richness of our diversity enriches

the contributions and encourages open expressions without fear of discrimination.” Other speakers at the forum are Meka Okochi, President, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan and Darlene Stakiw, Yorkton & Provincial Multicultural Leader. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this event will be held virtually. Interested participants are encouraged to visit MCoS website for registration. Registration is free.

Energy transition leading to small modular reactors, Part 1 By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – On Feb. 26, Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Society Saskatchewan held a “dinnerless dinner” online, with its focus on the development of small modular reactors in this province. Three speakers addressed the online event, with Dean Reeve and Robin Woodward, speaking on “Transform Saskatchewan’s Stranded Assets – profit from the Climate Economy, and Howard Schearer speaking on “The Promise – Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Offer Saskatchewan. The event was moderated by Costa Maragos. Reeve is a retired utilities senior

executive, formerly with TransGas, SaskEnergy and Atco while Woodward is the principal with RW Consulting, a Regina-based consulting firm focussed on alternative energy development, agriculture and municipal policy and growth. Shearer is chief executive with Hitachi Canada. He pointed out he was speaking on his behalf, not his company’s. (This story is broken into three parts.) Reeve said that energy transition is nothing new. Heating your home in the 1880s on the prairies was a lot different than today. “We can all agree it was a completely different world, 140 years ago from an energy perspective,” he said. “ In those 140 years we’ve experienced some fundamental energy tran-

sitions that have greatly impacted our daily lives. Our great-grandparents or our grandparents saw the transitions from wood and coal to electricity and propane and natural gas to energize their homes and their businesses, and of, course petroleum products for transportation purposes. And they greatly expanded their work productivity by moving from oxen and horses, to steam engines and then diesel-powered engines. These energy transitions occurred for many reasons, through innovation and new technology, and economic drivers making new energy choices more available, and more affordable. So while for current generations, energy transition is relatively new, for our ancestors, it was some-

thing they experienced and embraced, to really improve their human condition.” He said the energy transition occurring today is gaining so much attention because “how it improves the individual human condition is maybe not quite as evident as when propane or natural gas was available to remove the need for gathering wood or going to the coal bin for fuel, or how obvious the improvements were to productivity, when you move from the horse and oxen, to the steam engine and the

LAB Continued from Page A1 The move to send some lab work to Regina would be temporary, or at least that is the hope, said Fisher, adding it comes down to staffing levels. He said it may be difficult to sustain the full test menu that the lab currently has. Staff are considering how best to deliver the tests and services patients need.

Even if some tests end up being done in Regina there will still be microbiology services on site in Yorkton. Whatever the final decision is on where some tests are carried out, Fisher said doctors will still have results in a timely fashion. “This won’t make any difference in patient care,” he said.

Again the SHA email confirmed opatient care will not be impacted. “The safety of both our staff and our patients is our top priority as we consider many different options to support all diagnostic testing services within Microbiology, Biochemistry, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in the Yorkton area,” it noted.

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diesel engine. This transition is being driven by an environmental need to reduce greenhouse gases and slow the pace of climate change.” He noted that windchills of –50 C in February make it “hard to drum up a very serious conversation about global warming.” Thus, many people wonder who energy transition will improve their daily human conditions and economic prospects, Reeve said, noting it often it becomes a heated and polarized conversation. “It’s often expressed in terms of are you for

or against fossil fuels? If you’re for fossil fuels. you must deny the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change and not care about the environment. If you’re for zero emissions and renewables, you must be against any kind of fossil fuel future, and our own prosperity. Like many things today these polarizing transpositions fail to recognize the realities and merits of both positions. Look at the reason example of Regina city council in the discussion of eliminating advertising on cityContinued on page A7

Wordy Wednesday is brought to you by our friends at Yorkton Public Library, (including Slow the friendly sloth), and appearing here courtesy of Yorkton This Week. The word of the day; Exhume verb (used with object) to dig (something buried, especially a dead body) out of the earth. For example; Slow exhumed his catapult to visit the Diggers exhibit at the Yorkton Public Library. Also remember to wander into the YPL and marvel at Barbara Goretzky’s work in the Community Partners Gallery at YPL. The library is also open on Saturdays 1:00 to 5:00 pm Check it out at https://parklandlibrary.ca/branch/159

Up Front

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

Local rider competes in Texas By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Tyler Darroch, a horse trainer who lives just west of Yorkton, has recently returned from Fort Worth Texas where he was a National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Celebration of Champions finalist on a horse he trained. Darroch rode ‘DFN Spooky Cat’ (his barn name is Larry), a six-yearold gelding raised and owned by Noreen Fenske of Jedburgh SK. The NRCHA Celebration of Champions, and the NRCHA World Championship Show features the top horses and riders from each of the NRCHA’s eight geographic regions competing for World Championship titles in 14 events. There were 26 horses in Darroch’s class with 10 advancing to the finals. “I placed eighth in the preliminary round with 10 of us advancing to the finals,” he explained. It was a result Darroch was happy with. “The goal going down there was to make the finals -- I mean everyone wants to win it all but I was pleased with our performances,” he said, noting it was a good finish at a very notable event. “This was my first trip to the Celebration of Champions show. I’ve had many successes at shows in Canada but this is definitely the biggest show I’ve attended.”

And Darroch noted there is an element of luck in terms of just how co-operative the cow you must ‘handle’ is. “Showing cow horses is definitely a continual learning experience as well as a very situational sport, sometimes the luck of the draw in the cow controls a lot of how it plays out,” he said. “You have to work the cow that comes through the gate even if it’s not the right kind of cow to get the big score.” As for Larry, he has been Darroch’s partner for some time in the ring. “I started him as a twoyear-old and have done all the training on him,” he said. “We started showing him as a threeyear-old. He has won just shy of $30,000 lifetime earnings and was actually the Top APHA (American Paint Horse Association) Reined Cow horse in North America in 2020.” For those unfamiliar with reining, Darroch explained reined cow horses are required to do three events - herd work, reined work and cow work, all disciplines which relate back to working a herd of cattle from horseback. Interestingly, the 35-year-old Darroch did not grow up on a farm, having been born and raised in Regina. But, Darroch did have access to horses, which he found he had an affinity for. “Although I was raised

in the city I spent most of my time at a friend’s farm near White City riding horses,” he explained. From there life took him down a path that had him become a trainer. “During high school I worked part time for a trainer by White City and after graduation I worked for multiple trainer’s full-time learning about training and the industry,” said Darroch. From there it was just a matter of amassing enough experience to train horses on his own. Darroch said it is “just experience, working for other trainers allows you to ride many horses and get experience preparing and showing horses.” Now, Darroch typically trains for others, although he has his own horses too. “I occasionally have a couple of my own horses that I train and show but I mostly train for the public,” he said. So, what is the greatest challenge in training a reined cow horse? Darroch said it is a matter of spending time in the saddle to bring out what the horse has naturally. “Having to teach them and have them good at all three facets of the event is challenging and requires a special horse,” he said. Larry is one of the ‘special’ horses Darroch noted. “He showed natural ability from the beginning to be a strong fence horse,” he said.

Submitted Photo

Tyler Darroch works with his mount ‘Larry’ at an event in Texas. “He was very trainable in the other events as well.” Naturally gifted, or not, an event in Texas is a big step especially in the midst of a pandemic. “It was a goal for owner, Noreen,” said Darroch. “We qualified him this past summer and fall. It was a difficult year to go with all of the new COVID regulations, but we figured the risk was worth it for a chance to show him down there.”

COVID did mean some added hurdles to making the trip south. “Getting across the border was certainly more difficult this year than it has been in the past,” said Darroch. “I had to travel down there by myself and there was more paperwork required.” Coming home was different too, at least for Darroch, not so much for Larry. “The horse paperwork has not changed

and that was actually the easy part of the journey,” said Darroch. “Although Texas experienced a big storm -- by Texas standards anyways -- while I was down there so my trip home was slightly delayed due to the vet lab being closed for a few days.” So is Darroch hoping to make the trip again? “I would like to continue to show in Fort Worth as long as I continue to have the horse power to do so,” he said.

Saskatchewan seeks to build a containment level 4 lab to research pandemics By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Estevan Mercury Regina – Vertical integration, where you control all aspects of your operation, is what Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is aiming for in preparation for the next pandemic, as well as dealing with continuing variants of COVID-19. If certain things had been in place, the University of Saskatchewan-based organization in Saskatoon could have started human trials for its COVID-19 vaccine six months earlier. So Premier Scott Moe announced $15 million on Feb. 23 to assist VIDO in developing a new proposed Centre for Pandemic Research. He called upon the federal government to contribute a further $45 million to accomplish this goal, and broadly hinted that recent contact with the feds indicated that would be forthcoming. The announcement was made in the Legislature as part of the regular COVID-19 briefing. VIDO’s director and CEO, Dr. Volker Gerdts, joined Moe for the announcement. The new Centre for Pandemic Research would include upgrading areas of its existing facilities to a biosafety containment level 4 facility, the

highest level. Currently there is only one such facility in Canada, located in Winnipeg at the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, which includes the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML). The United States has eight such labs, with another under construction. According to the World Health Organization, in 2018 there were more than 50 such labs worldwide. Notably, one of China’s two labs is located in Wuhan, the city where the COVID-19 pandemic originated. The Government of Canada website with reference to such labs explains “For containment level 4 (CL4), the entire lab is built within extra walls to prevent a potential breach. Imagine it like a boxwithin-a-box. Scientists work with a dedicated breathing air supply and take chemical showers to decontaminate their suits. There are also layers of negative pressure zones – making sure the air always flows back into the lab when any doors are opened.” VIDO said in a release it has more than 45 years of expertise researching emerging infectious diseases and developing vaccines. The pandemic research centre will leverage over $225 million in containment infrastructure already in place, including the International Vaccine

Centre (InterVac) one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3-agricuture (CL3Ag) research facilities in the world. VIDO is also constructing a pilot-scale vaccine manufacturing facility in InterVac, the organization said. Moe said the National Microbiology Lab supports the proposal, and that he and a government minister have been talking to the federal government on this. Six months earlier VIDO’s Gerdts said, “If we had our manufacturing facility up and running … we would have been in clinical trials six months earlier. “We were one of the fastest in the world to respond to this. We had a vaccine ready within five weeks. We were one of the first in the world, and I can say that in confidence, because we’re attending these weekly expert group meetings, organised by the World Health Organization, and so every week, researchers around the world are updating each other on their results in real-life time, and so we knew exactly that in the beginning our animal trials was one of the first in the world to test a vaccine.” Gerdts continued, “What has taken us, then, longer than some of these larger companies is for their manufacturing, we had to go outside and contract others to manufacture the clinical-grade material for us. And so,

in the future with having in house, verticallyintegrated manufacturing capacity, we can now do this in house. We don’t need to go outside. We don’t waste time when we when we produce the vaccine.” Moe said expediting vaccine research by six months “means an awful lot.” Gertz had pointed out that VIDO already operates Canada’s largest high containment facility, and with previous investment from the province and federal government, it is currently constructing a good manufacturing practices vaccine manufacturing facility. “Together, those two key elements are critical in rapidly responding to a new emerging disease. And so we already have those two in place. But today’s announcement, and then hopefully the commitment from the federal government will allow us to do, is now build on that existing infrastructure and leverage those previous investment to upgrade our containment space to the highest level and also allow us to build a new animals facility to be able to work with those animals from which these new diseases emerge. And that includes bats, reptiles, insects, all these exotic species from which we see these pathogens jump into humans, essentially.” He said VIDO is cur-

rently in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials with its COVID-19 vaccine. They are testing their own vaccine, and other vaccines, against emerging variants. As recently as last week, they’ve adjusted their own vaccine to the new variants to ensure it will be more effective in the future. Gerdts said, “I think we all need to realize that COVID-19 is not going to go away. We will have COVID-19 around for a long time, and unfortunately, also these variants are around for a long time. So, we need to have manufacturing capacity, both here in Saskatchewan, and elsewhere, to ensure that in the future we have vaccines for these variants.” Moe added, “This is a very positive step forward, and not only COVID research vaccine production, but pandemic research and vaccine production, and we look forward to working with yourself with the federal government to make it real.” Moe said, “VIDO is already in the process of expanding its vaccine manufacturing capability. Construction began last October, and construction would be completed by this October. Production of vaccines could then begin sometime in 2022, with the capability to produce up to 40 million vaccines a year. “To be clear, this is unlikely to have a much of

an impact on our current COVID vaccination drive. We expect Saskatchewan residents to be fully vaccinated before the end of 2021. However, we should be ready to produce millions of doses of vaccines, to respond to any new viruses that may present, or variants of the COVID virus that may present in the future, and respond as required. “Saskatchewan is the leader in Canada in delivering vaccines. We can, we should, and we will be the leader in researching, developing and producing these vaccines. Producing them not just for Saskatchewan residents, but again, producing them for all Canadians.” Moe spoke of the vaccine shortages Canada has experienced, saying, “I do want to ensure that it never happens again. “Given the scarce supply of vaccines in our nation is understandable, in the world, quite frankly, it’s understandable that a type of vaccine nationalism has emerged; with vaccineproducing nations taking steps to ensure that their citizens have access to those vaccines first. Well Canada should be one of those vaccine-producing nations. And Canada should be a world leader in, not only research, but also the development and production of new vaccines, and should happen right here that that should happen right here in Saskatchewan.”

Perspective Pandemic or not, gov’t must be accountable

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MURRAY MANDRYK

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Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

Politics No government has ever been a paragon of virtue when it comes to unaccountable to taxpayers. And during a global pandemic when governments have to address deadly health concerns on very short notice, sometimes time-consuming protocols of accountability have been put aside. We do elect governments to make choices and not every choice they make can be make through a referendum that determines what’s most popular. In fact, the sharpest criticism Premier Scott Moe has received during this pandemic has been for simply following the closed-door advice of Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab who has recommended closures and lockdowns. But when it comes to spending public tax dollars, there can and should be very little compromise on accountability. We all should get that. Even during this pandemic, you have received itemized bills on things you have paid for. And whether or not you can come in close physical contact with your supplier, you have maintained the right to be able to ask why each item on that bill cost as much as it does. Politicians get that too. In fact, politicians get that more than we do because they love to beat their opponents over their heads when accountability doesn’t happen. That was surely the case when Moe has rightly criticized the federal government and Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not delivering a budget during this pandemic. But maybe Moe and his current Saskatchewan Party administration need to take a long hard look in the mirror when it comes to their own fiscal accountability during this pandemic — especially, given the history of their party and its promises of accountability. That commitment came in the form of the Sask. Party’s biggest 2007 election promise that: “A Saskatchewan Party Government will provide Saskatchewan people with more transparency and accountability than any previous government.” There was a reason why the Sask. Party made such a bold, strong commitment. It was a party that rose from the ashes of the old Progressive Conservative government — undoubtedly, the least accountable government in our province’s history if not the history of the entire country. It didn’t even pass it’s last of nine consecutive deficit budgets that left the province in chaos and on the brink of bankruptcy. Again, no government has ever been perfectly accountability. It’s worth reminding overly sanctimonious New Democrats that love to remind voters on the history of PC accountability that the last NDP government sure had its own penchant for unaccounted –for backroom deals to buy money-losing U.S. dot.com and to deceive the public on the ownership arrangement of Spudco that lost $36 million. This was also taxpayers’ money. But this is precisely why we hold legislative sessions and budgets. The Saskatchewan legislature has sat just eight days — the least in the country — since it passed the 2020-21 budget in mid-July. (And you may recall that the Sask. Party government did try to sneak in a “budget” in March with no revenue projections or deficit figure that turned out to be $2.4 billion.) Now, the Sask. Party government has set the 2021-22 budget date for April 6 — a month later than usual, meaning there will be that much legislative scrutiny by the time the assembly’s sitting ends just before the may long weekend. In the meantime, we will simply be spending money through cabinet decree, including a recent one to increase spending on the pandemic to $322.8 million. Maybe there’s little nefarious about this, given that it’s extra money for the Safe School Plan ($40 million) the Saskatchewan Health Authority, ($76 million), the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment Program ($20 million), tourism ($17 million) and Municipal Grants ($14 million). But it’s still our money and spending needs to be accounted for in the legislature in a thorough way. Governments should never be allowed to forget that. Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

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Health care system still has hurdles D

iscussions are taking place which may see some lab work currently carried out at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, at least temporarily, be sent to Regina. The situation is an interesting one, on a couple of levels. On the surface it is another case where people to fill particular jobs in health care are often in short supply. In this case it’s lab techs that are in short supply. As Ross Fisher, Executive Director with the Health Foundation, noted in a recent Yorkton This Week interview, “There’s not enough young people coming in to replace the old (retirees).” Fisher added it’s not just a Yorkton shortage, but a provincial one, noting there are some 30 unfilled lab positions across the province at present. The situation is not new. We have seen shortages in the nursing profession, for doctors and other areas of health care through the year, and the situation is always most keenly felt in the smaller centres as professionals tend to look to larger centres where there are more in their field to share workloads than can be large in health care, and of course the longer list of non-work-related opportunities in bigger communities. In this case the issue isn’t just professionals congregating in larger centers but there aren’t enough graduating from post-secondary institutions to fill the openings. This is far more troubling because

there is a two-to-four year lag minimum for a student in high school right now seeing the shortage as an opportunity, taking the necessary courses and enter the workforce. That is a rather extended shortage health care in Saskatchewan has to deal with. The situation suggests the provincial system, now guided by a single board that we hope makes it better situated to react to issues needs to look at its workforce and better plan for shortages. It’s not so hard to look at the age of a group and estimate when retirements are coming. When a shortage is seen coming down the path, it is then time to be proactive in recruiting students and looking into programs where they will move to fill specific community needs once graduating their training. Of course the specific lab tech issue in Yorkton is also worrisome, because if services head to Regina, they may well not return, even if staff is found, and at present it is being suggested it is a temporary solution. Centralization of health care services has been a trend for years now, and if the move of services to Regina works, there will be questions about why it should brought back to Yorkton? If it works, and fits into the larger trend, one can’t help wonder about the service long term. The challenges of rural health care are many and this is just another example.

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Saskatchewan leaning towards first dose strategy for COVID-19 vaccine By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – The Government of Saskatchewan is clearly leaning towards a firstdose COVID-19 vaccination strategy, getting as many people vaccinated with their initial dose as possible, before following up with a booster shot much later to maximize immunity. Doing so would maximize the number of people immunized as quickly as possible, allowing nearly all Saskatchewan residents to receive their first shot by June and allowing things to begin to return to normal. However, that would mean stretching the period between doses from the three or four weeks, as they are supposed to be administered, to as much as four months. Premier Scott Moe and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab referenced this strategy numerous times during the regular COVID-19 briefing held at the Legislature on March 2. Shahab pointed to “great information from the (United Kingdom), from Quebec, from (British Columbia), on how effective one dose is for as long as four months.” He expects future recommendations from partners, including the federal government, to support delaying the second dose up to four months. “And what that will do is that will really accelerate our first dose program, and if you’re able to do that, we can see most of our population 18 and older, potentially

Screen capture courtesy Government of Saskatchewan Facebook page

Premier Scott Moe, left, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab spoke repeatedly about how delaying a second vaccination dose can mean most of Saskatchewan could be vaccinated by June. getting your first dose by June,” Shahab said. “And I think that would really help us in really putting the pandemic behind us. And like the premier said, I think we all need to then … be ready to take any vaccine that is available, when our age cohort comes up in the sequencing.” Shahab posed the question of how you can maximize the population benefit with a known supply of vaccines. He said, “The way we can maximize that is giving one dose to the vast majority of people by June, and then completing the second doses July onwards. And this will help us prevent a potentially devastating, variant fueled, third wave. “And we’ll also maximize population-level protection, at no sacrifice to individual protection, because that is critical as well. Right now, the aim is clinical protection, which means hospitalization, death, at a clinical individual level, but as more and more people get vaccinated, you know, obviously we want to see

the population impact of that as well, that kind of community immunity impacts. And the most efficient way to get that, based on strong scientific advice, is to give everyone one dose.” Moe said a fourmonth interval between first and second doses would mean virtually all Saskatchewan residents could be provided with their first dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines by the end of June. If you add AstraZeneca and perhaps Johnson & Johnson vaccines (the second has not yet been approved in Canada, but has been approved in the United States), Moe said, “Then we’re starting to look at something in early June, where we could have everyone in the province provided with the opportunity to receive their first dose of vaccine.” “Understanding the efficacy of that first dose, and some of the data that is coming in, and continues to come in, and the protection that it provides, this really is a game changer for the

dates that we can really strongly have some serious discussions about the measures that we have in place and what that looks like, over the course of the next number of weeks as opposed to having that conversation over the course of the next number of months,” Moe said.

Oldest first Key to this first dose strategy is getting the oldest people in Saskatchewan vaccinated first, which the Province has already been working on. To that end, Moe announced that first doses have been delivered to every long-term care facility in Saskatchewan, and 91 per cent of their residents had been vaccinated. The remaining nine per cent either refused or were unable to take if at this time. A further 53 per cent of those longterm care residents had received their second shot and are now considered fully vaccinated. Moe called it an important milestone along the way to the pandemic being over. “We’ve also delivered vaccines to 90 per cent of the personal care homes in the province. About 78 per cent of the residents have received their first dose of the vaccine, and about 43 per cent have now received both shots,”

Moe added. The province is expected to receive about 112,000 vaccines Pfizer and Moderna in the month of March, and a further 15,000 doses of the newly-approved AstraZeneca vaccine next week. That vaccine, which is approved for ages from 18 to 64, will likely be used for that age group, although Shahab pointed out that one should accept whatever vaccine is available when it is their turn, and that the United Kingdom has been using it for people 65 and older with success. However, by the time Saskatchewan gets larger volumes of the AstraZeneca vaccine, most of its population 65 and older should have already been vaccinated with the other vaccines. Moe said Saskatchewan has been leading the nation in getting shots in arms, with over 100 per cent of doses received having been administered, as compared to 86 per cent for the next leading province. He said there is very little wastage.

Appointments Moe said appointments for vaccination will be soon available online or by telephone, meaning eligible residents over 70 years of age will soon be able to book appointments. “We expect to launch that appointment system next week, so for everyone who is waiting to get your shot, and is in the Phase 1 category, we are working to get you vaccinated as quickly as possible.” Moe said case numbers and hospitalization numbers continue to stabilize, with the seven-day average of new cases now 144, down 55 per cent from our peak in January. Hospitalizations are around 154, down from a high of 238. Vaccinations of elderly residents should lead to a continued decline in serious cases and hospitalizations, Moe said,

noting, “The truth is that the vaccines are working. They are reducing transmission. They are reducing serious outcomes. And that’s very encouraging for all of us.”

Relaxation of measures Moe noted that many people have asked for a relaxation in current public health measures, in particular those limiting household gatherings. He said, “I would say to this is we’re very close to making, and finalizing, these decisions. I’ve spoken to Dr. Shahab about this frequently. He just wants to see the new case and hospitalization numbers remain stable for a few more days. If that occurs, we should have more to say about household restrictions, possibly by early next week. We’ll be taking a close look at all of the other public health orders that are set to expire on March, the 19th. “So I’m asking everyone in this province to hang tight for just a few more days. The next number of weeks, not months, we’re going to start to see things change, and change significantly. Spring is coming. Vaccines are on the way. We are on the path to getting life back to normal, as we know it, but we’re just not quite there yet. So please, the next number of days and weeks keep doing what you’re doing to keep yourself safe to keep those around you safe and to keep your family safe.” Moe added, “When it is your turn, and when you are offered a vaccine, there is only one answer that should come out of your mouth and that is ‘Yes.’ “They’re all equally effective, the vaccines that are that are available, and a vaccine in our arm is far better than a vaccine that’s sitting on the shelf, or not being administered to someone here in the province,” Moe said.

File Photo

Parkland College to offer Farm Hand Training Course Parkland College has announced the launch of Introduction to Farm Hand, a new program developed to meet the labour needs of growing farm operations. Introduction to Farm Hand is a short course that provides the basic skills and hands-on training needed to work on a grain farm in Saskatchewan. The first course module, beginning April 17, focuses on seeding and the busy spring season. “This program is designed to meet the need for more skilled labour on Saskatchewan’s farms,” said Connie Brown, Manager of Business Development at Parkland College. “Farmers can send current or potential employees through the program to develop their skills.

And it gives general labourers without a farm background the opportunity to gain the experience needed to work in agriculture.” Participants will receive a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience over three Saturdays: April 17, April 24, and May 1.The Town of Lemberg is partnering with the College to host the training, at the town office and at a nearby farm. The course provides an overview of field crops, Power Mobile Equipment theory, and hands-on training with selected pieces of farm equipment. Participants will also learn about basic farm safety and moving equipment safely around work sites. Interested individuals

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can sign up or get more information at www.parklandcollege.sk.ca or by calling 306.786.2760 -- Submitted AdCanada-JuniorCitizen_3x56.d10_R0011861010_BK.indd 1

2021-03-08 7:35 AM

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Legacy Co-op donates $21,753 Legacy Co-op has announced the donation of $21,753 towards The Soup Haven’s School Lunch Program. “As part of our Season of Giving campaign, our customers jumped on board and really stepped up to help our community”, stated Bruce Thurston, Legacy Co-op’s General Manager. “We understand the importance of givingback to the communities we serve, and we believe our members would agree”, con-

tinued Thurston. The $21,753 forms a large part of the yearly budget for the Soup Haven to provide lunches to kids. Marilyn Dyck, Program Director of The Soup Haven stated that “Legacy Co-op has been a huge supporter for almost 15 years now, with weekly bread donations, the Christmas Dinner and the Good Buy to Hunger campaign and we appreciate that whenever we call for help,

As part of our Season of Giving campaign, our customers jumped on board and really stepped up to help our community. — Bruce Thurston, Legacy Co-op’s General Manager they are willing to step up.” An additional $1,200 raised by the Kamsack

Food store and C-Store was donated to SIGN Positive Impact and will help the program fight

hunger in Kamsack. Sales for Legacy Co-op topped $93 Million dollars in 2020. As a regu-

lar business in the Top 100 Businesses in Saskatchewan, Legacy Co-op came in at # 53 in the 2020 listing.“ The pandemic has changed the way we do business, but the needs are still out in our communities, so it’s even more important to support programs such as this during these trying times”, said Thurston, adding that “the retail is finding ways to be creative with our donation’s program”

March 10, 2021 - March 16, 2021

Next Council Meeting Monday, March 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. :Žď KƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ dĞŵƉŽƌĂƌǇ &ƵůůͲdŝŵĞ Ͳ Z DW > Z<Ͳ^d EK zŽƌŬƚŽŶ DƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů Z͘ ͘D͘W͘ ĞƚĂĐŚŵĞŶƚ

ŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶ EƵŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϭͲϬϴ

dŚĞ ŝƚǇ ŽĨ zŽƌŬƚŽŶ ŝƐ ƌĞĐƌƵŝƚŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă ƚĞŵƉŽƌĂƌǇ ĨƵůůͲƚŝŵĞ Z DW ůĞƌŬ ^ƚĞŶŽ͘ dŚĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚ ĐůĞƌŝĐĂů ǁŽƌŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉŽůŝĐĞ ĚĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝƐ ƌĞůĂƚŝǀĞůǇ ĐŽŵƉůĞǆ ŝŶ ŶĂƚƵƌĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƉŽůŝĐĞ ĨŝůĞƐ͕ ƚǇƉŝŶŐ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĐŽƌƌĞƐƉŽŶĚĞŶĐĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶ ĂůƐŽ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞƐ ƐƵďƐƚĂŶƚŝĂů ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ͘ dŚĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ĨĂŵŝůŝĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ƚŽ ĂĚĞƋƵĂƚĞůǇ ĂƐƐŝƐƚ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ͘ ^ĐŚĞĚƵůĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞƐ ƐŚŝĨƚ ǁŽƌŬ͕ ĚĂǇƐ͕ ĞǀĞŶŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ ƐŚŝĨƚƐ͘

ƵƚŝĞƐ Θ ZĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚŝĞƐ

ĚŚĞƌĞ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶƚŝĂůŝƚǇ ƌĞŐƵůĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ͘ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ ŽŶ ĨĞĚĞƌĂů ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝŶĐŝĂů ƐƚĂƚƵƚĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŵƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů ďǇůĂǁƐ͘ WƌĞƉĂƌĞƐ ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐŽƌĚƐ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ ďǇ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůůǇ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐƵƌĂƚĞůǇ͘ ZĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƚǇƉŝŶŐ ůĞƚƚĞƌƐ͕ ŵĞŵŽƌĂŶĚƵŵƐ ĂŶĚ ůĞŐĂů ĚŽĐƵŵĞŶƚƐ͘ DĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ĨŝůĞƐ ŝŶ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ĐŽŵƉůĞǆ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ƐǇƐƚĞŵƐ͘ ďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞ Z͘ ͘D͘W͘ ƌĂĚŝŽ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ůŽŐ͘ ďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ƚƌĂŶƐĐƌŝďĞ͘ DĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƚŝǀĞ ĂŶĚ ƉŽůŝĐǇ ĨŝůĞƐ͘ ďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ ƐŚŝĨƚƐ͕ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂƚƵƚŽƌǇ ŚŽůŝĚĂǇƐ͘

YƵĂůŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ

tŝůůŝŶŐŶĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƵŶĚĞƌŐŽ ĂŶĚ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵůůǇ ƉĂƐƐ ĂŶ ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞĚ ƌĞůŝĂďŝůŝƚǇ ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚǇ ĐůĞĂƌĂŶĐĞ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ Z DW ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ Ă ǀĂůŝĚ Z DW ĐůĞĂƌĂŶĐĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĞĚ ĂŶ ĂƐƐĞƚ ^ƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ĐŽŵƉůĞƚŝŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ Ă ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝǌĞĚ ƐĞĐƌĞƚĂƌŝĂů Žƌ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶĂů ĨĂĐŝůŝƚǇ͘ Ŷ ĞƋƵŝǀĂůĞŶƚ ĐŽŵďŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĞĚ͘ ^ƚƌŽŶŐ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƌĞůĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ƐŬŝůůƐ ƚŽ ĚĞĂů ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ ŝŶƋƵŝƌĞƐ͘ WƌŽĨŝĐŝĞŶƚ ƵƐĞ ŽĨ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ďƌŽĂĚ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĂďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ĂĐĐƵƌĂƚĞůǇ ŝŶƉƵƚ ĞǆƚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ĚĂƚĂ͘ ^ŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞƌŝĐĂů ĚƵƚŝĞƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ǁŽƌĚ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŶŐ ƐǇƐƚĞŵƐ͘ DƵƐƚ ďĞ ǁŝůůŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ĂŶ KĂƚŚ ŽĨ ŽŶĨŝĚĞŶƚŝĂůŝƚǇ͘ >ĞŶŐƚŚ ŽĨ ƚĞƌŵ Ɖƌŝů ϮϬϮϭ ƚŽ Ɖƌŝů ϮϬϮϮ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶǀŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĂƉƉůǇ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ǇŽƌŬƚŽŶ͘ĐĂ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶ ĐůŽƐĞƐ DĂƌĐŚ ϭϵ͕ ϮϬϮϭ

GENERAL INQUIRIES: 306-786-1700 Mayor’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 “City News” links.

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, March 10, 2021

SGI to issue rebates to customers; average payment of $285 per vehicle SGI will pass on roughly $350 million in earnings to the people of Saskatchewan by issuing onetime rebates to all registered vehicle owners, and also improving injury benefits for its most seriously injured customers. “The Saskatchewan Auto Fund Rate Stabilization Reserve is in a very strong financial position due to very strong investment returns and – to a smaller degree – fewer collision claims due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Responsible for SGI Don Morgan said. “As a result, SGI will pass on these earnings to the people of Saskatchewan by issuing rebates to all registered vehicle owners and by improving injury benefits.”

Rebates to be Issued to Vehicle Owners this Spring The provincial government has approved the onetime rebate of $285 million. The amount each customer receives will vary, and it will be calculated based on a proportion of vehicle premiums paid in the previous three years. Details are still being finalized, but it’s expected the average rebate will work out to approximately $285 per vehicle or approximately 26 per cent of an average annual premium in Saskatchewan. The Auto Fund, which all Saskatchewan vehicle

owners pay into via their insurance premiums, maintains the Rate Stabilization Reserve (RSR). Maintaining a healthy balance in the RSR protects customers against sudden rate fluctuations due to unexpected cost pressures. The RSR is one of the reasons that SGI customers enjoy, on average, the lowest rates for basic auto insurance in Canada and have not experienced significant rate increases, despite the rapidly rising cost of repairing today’s modern vehicles. The amount in the RSR is heavily impacted by the performance of its well-diversified investment portfolio. After losses last March, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RSR experienced strong investment earnings over the past fiscal year, especially in the last quarter. This allows SGI to absorb the one-time cost associated with issuing rebates, while remaining in a position to protect customers from significant rate hikes going forward. Even with issuing the rebate, the RSR will meet industry standards to protect against unexpected cost fluctuations. Rebate cheques will be issued in May and sent through the mail to customers who have paid Auto Fund premiums in the past three years and are residents of Saskatchewan. Customers are encouraged to

verify that their mailing address is up to date by visiting www.MySGI.ca to confirm or by contacting their local motor licence issuer.

Enhanced Benefits for Most Seriously Injured Customers SGI is also implementing two significant enhancements for customers who receive long-term injury benefits as a result of being injured in vehicle collisions. 1. Customers who require assistance with daily tasks (i.e., dressing, bathing, cooking, cleaning and yard care) will see the maximum payments for those services increase to better reflect current market rates. This is expected to benefit more than 1,100 SGI customers. 2. SGI customers who receive income replacement benefits from SGI and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will no longer have income benefits from SGI reduced by their CPP payment. It is standard industry practice to reduce insurance benefits by the CPP payment. SGI is leading the industry by eliminating this practice, to the added benefit of our most seriously injured customers. It is estimated that this will benefit approximately 200 people.

ENERGY Continued from page A2 owned buildings by fossil fuel related companies. Talk about a polarizing conversation.” He pointed out almost 85 per cent of primary energy consumption in the world today comes from fossil fuels, which means almost all the energy growth since 1900 has been made up by fossil fuels. “I don’t see this as an either-or conversation. The world will need all these energy forms to meet its energy needs,” he said. But that doesn’t mean the energy mix won’t change. “If natural gas is a ‘bridge fuel,’ it’s going to be a very, very long bridge.” Reeve said. He pointed out the ultimate goal is to reduce emissions, not eliminate fuel choices. “The key energy transition is technology improvement and innovation. It’s not about a single silver bullet solution. We must use the right energy for the right purpose right place, right time.” He said, “The solution to energy transition is a portfolio approach, no single fuel or technology will manage to replace the 85 per cent of world energy consumption satisfied by fossil fuels.” This includes improving energy efficiency. He pointed out that since the late 1980s, a typical home went from using 150 gigajoules for space and water heating to 100 gigajoules now.

Additionally, distributed energy production and sharing are real options today. Reeve pointed out Lumsden uses solar panels to power its wastewater treatment plant. “The technology focus and advancements in carbon capture will also be important to reduce emissions from fossil fuels.” Hydrogen may be a solution for the energy needs of heavy-duty trucking, he said. Japan “is clearly moving towards an economy fueled by hydrogen,” he said. In Saskatchewan, there is the potential for small modular nuclear reactors forming part of the electrical generation mix. Reeve noted the possibility of growing trees as a way to deal with carbon pricing. “Industry energy producers, agriculture, communities, individuals and governments at all levels must avoid the trap of polarizing positions and must seek opportunities in this new energy dynamic,” Reeve said. “Just like many of our ancestors who came to this prairie land in the 1800s, we are all interested in how we can use this energy transition to improve the human condition of our families and our future generations.” In Part 2: Robin Woodward discusses growing trees, distributed energy, and the impact of $170 carbon taxes

It all started in March 1940, with the formation of the Yorkton Co-op. Ending the ﬁrst year with 70 members and a capital of $300. Fast forward to today, in March 2021, we close on our 80th Anniversary year, and recognize how far we have come. Today we have grown to more than 17,500 members and expanded to 15 retail locations. We have returned more than $34 million to members and contributed over $1.5 million to community organizations in the last ten years alone.

Legacy

While 2020 was far from the Anniversary year we anticipated we want to celebrate what those 80 years mean. Join us as we celebrate 80 years of:

Legacy

INNOVATION | COMMUNITY | TEAMWORK

While 2020 was not what we anticipated we want to close out our 80th Anniversary year with a bang, and to thank our Members

80 YEARS OF LEGACY

WE’RE GIVING AWAY

CarforWashes a year

Groceries for a year

Gas

for a year

your membership at ANY Legacy Co-op in March, TO ENTER: Use spend $80 and get an entry card. Beginning March 11 - Complete the online entry form and upload your receipt using your entry code. Scan the code or go to: http://bit.ly/CelebratingLegacy

NOT A MEMBER? BECOME ONE TODAY

Visit any Legacy Co-op Location and GET A $20 Co-op gift card with your new membership package. Refer a friend and get a $10 Co-op gift card when they sign up!

Go to www.legacyco-op.crs for more information. *No Purchase Necessary. Mail in Entries Accepted. Contest Closes 11:59PM March 31, 2021

ENTER TO WIN WEEKLY PRIZES Do you have a memorable Co-op moment, story, picture, or interaction? Share them with us for a chance to win weekly Co-op prizes. We are celebrating what makes us Legacy Co-op and the history of our 80 years and want your member input! Your submission could be included in our Legacy Co-op history book and future advertising.

BE PART OF THE LEGACY Enter by uploading your submission online: http://bit.ly/CelebratingLegacyStory Or mail to: Attn Marketing, Box 5025, Yorkton, Sk. S3N3Z4

Go to www.legacyco-op.crs for more information. *No Purchase Necessary. Mail in Entries Accepted. Contest Closes 11:59PM April 30, 2021

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Tough winter conditions highlight wildlife issues and natural resilience S a s k a t c h e w a n ’s recent stretch of harsh weather has raised a

variety of wildlife welfare questions across the province. Many con-

ANNOUNCEMENT Robby Bear Residential/ Commercial Specialist

306-641-4977

rbear@remax-yorkton.ca My family has been blessed to reside in the community of Yorkton for over the past 20 years, where my wife Avery and I have raised four awesome children and a black lab named Kobie that has a passion for popcorn and cheezies. Our family enjoys recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, biking, golf, and I still enjoy getting on the ice to skate with the old-timers. I was raised in small town Whitewood Saskatchewan and am a proud member of the Ochapowace First Nation. Growing up in Yorkton, I attended the Yorkton Regional High School and was also honored to be part of Yorkton’s SJHL Hockey team, the Yorkton Terriers. Having strong ties to the Community of Yorkton has always been important to me and my family. While working in positions of business management and consulting, I have also been able to participate effectively as a Board of Director for three terms with the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, three terms with the City of Yorkton Appeals Board, part of the Yorkton Terriers Alumni, as well as privileged to participate in a number of other community events and activities. I have graduated from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, which provided me with certification in Residential, Commercial, and Farm Real Estate. I have also attended the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan in extended studies in Legal Concepts related to lands, as well as Business and Lands Management. I look forward to a long relationship with Remax Blue Chip Realty, as they have a proven record of high standards and excellence in servicing the community. With my extensive network and understanding of the local market, I look forward to meeting with you in the future to answer any questions you may have about the Remax team and how we can have you better equipped to make a smart and informed real estate decision. Please contact me at Remax Blue Chip Realty to assist and support you during your next real estate transaction.

269 HAMILTON ROAD, YORKTON 306-783-6666 (DFK R৽FH LV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG

www.remax-bluechip-yorkton-sk.ca

cerned citizens are asking what options are available to help wildlife cope with severe winter conditions. Most species are resilient and well-adapted to surviving Saskatchewan winters. However, in their efforts to find food and cover from the elements, wildlife will sometimes congregate in yards, communities and feed storage areas, causing damage. The natural inclination for many people is to put out feed to minimize damage to trees and shrubs, but that isn’t a great solution. “Although winterrelated starvation can occur, trying to help wildlife through supplemental feeding, or feeding programs, can end up causing these animals more harm than good,” Ministry of Environment Wildlife Biologist Katherine Conkin said. “For example, when deer eat carbohydrate-rich

food sources during the winter, such as grain or hay, they can die from a process known as rumen acidosis, or bloat.” Supplemental feeding can also have other negative consequences, such as drawing animals in from long distances and away from good winter cover. It can also increase predation and disease transmission. “The ministry monitors annual winter conditions and adjusts species management strategies to ensure wildlife populations are sustainably managed over the long term,” Conkin said. “Residents interested in helping Saskatchewan’s wildlife can participate in various conservation initiatives that preserve wildlife habitat. They can also participate in co-operative wildlife management surveys and remain engaged in wildlife management activities, such as the ministry’s annual Hunter

Submitted Photo

Harvest Survey.” Residents concerned about wildlife-related damage are encouraged to visit the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation’s webpage at https://www.scic.ca/wildlife/ to learn more about prevention techniques or for information on available compensation for damaged agricultural commodities.

Under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, all Saskatchewan producers are eligible for up to 100 per cent compensation on damage caused by wildlife. You do not have to be an existing Crop Insurance customer to make a claim. For more information, visit www.saskatchewan. ca/environment.

Sunflower 2021 a no go By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer While usually held in September, the Yorkton Arts Council has pulled the plug on the 2021 edition of Sunflower Art & Craft Market. “There was a long discussion with the Board of Directors Monday (March 1),” explained YAC manager Tonia Vermette. Vermette said typically they take registrations for

booths in March and they were receiving calls asking ‘what’s happening?’ Unfortunately, there is not an answer to that question at present. Current restrictions due to COVID-19 would not make a trade show viable, said Vermette, adding there is no indication when changes to those restrictions might happen, or what they might look like by September. With such uncertainty it

was impossible to plan the 2021 event. “Even if it were possible to hold Sunflower would it be in any way close to normal?” she asked. Vermette said they also did not want to take registrations from exhibitors and then end up canceling, leaving crafters with items they had made in anticipation of the Sunflower event. And, there was the

consideration of volunteers who make holding the event possible. “Will they be vaccinated?” asked Vermette, adding the safety of event staff, exhibitors and patrons was paramount. Ultimately there were too many unanswered questions. “We’re not just sure where we’re going to be at,” said Vermette. “. . . We just felt everything was too up-in-the-air.”

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Varying moisture conditions continue in March Runoff Report Today, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released its updated spring runoff report for March 2021, continuing to show varying conditions across the province. Compared to the February report, a wider band of the northern and central parts of Saskatchewan, encompassing Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Melfort and La Ronge area are expected to experience a near normal runoff. WSA snow surveys conducted in the latter part of February showed some higher levels of snowpack existed through parts of central Saskatchewan, especially Saskatoon. Pockets of southwestern Saskatchewan are also expected to receive a near normal runoff including Kindersley, Leader and Cypress Hills. The report also continued to confirm the lower moisture conditions for many other parts of central and southern Saskatchewan. A band encompassing North Battleford, Swift Current and Regina are still expected to receive a below normal runoff, while most of the far south including Assiniboia, Estevan and Weyburn are anticipated to receive a well below normal runoff. Conditions over southcentral and south eastern areas, particularly east of Highway 4 and south of Highway 1, are particularly dry and have a snowmelt runoff potential. While surface water supplies at larger

reservoirs are expected to be met in 2021, users that rely on smaller reservoirs/dugouts may see shortages continue or emerge in 2021 if snowpack conditions do not improve. Low levels on recreational lakes may occur during the summer months, particularly in the Qu’Appelle Valley. While the snowpack is not overly heavy in the far north, encompassing the areas of Uranium City, Stony Rapids and Cluff Lake, the extreme wet conditions carrying through last fall continue to indicate a higher-thannormal runoff potential for these areas. At this time, however, unless there is significant precipitation prior to or during the spring melt and/ or a rapid melt, flooding from snowmelt runoff in 2021 is considered a lower risk. Ice on waterbodies also poses a risk during the melt period. While the risk of ice jamming is lower this spring with the expectation of below normal runoff, ice on waterbodies does become unpredictable and dangerous during the melt period and should be avoided. WSA reminds the public that the runoff potential and response can change depending on future snow accumulations and weather during the melt. WSA will monitor conditions through to the completion of the runoff event. A final runoff report is expected to be issued in early April unless runoff is complete or near complete over most areas.

Deadline approaching to remove ice fishing shelters

Submitted Photo

With ice fishing season winding down, anglers are reminded that all

ice fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15.

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OPINION?

Tell us what’s on your mind. Opinions can be on anything in the newspaper or just your thoughts on any subject.

Shelters in areas north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31.

Every year, ice fishing shelters are abandoned on the ice. When the ice melts, these can pose a danger to boaters, waterskiers and others enjoying our lakes. Pieces of abandoned shelters can also wash up on shore, causing environmental hazards. Structures must be moved to a location where they can be loaded and transported to the owner’s residence or property. Litter must also be removed when ice shelters are removed from the ice. If shelters are not removed, owners may be prosecuted and the structure and contents may be moved off the ice and confiscated. Anyone travelling on the ice should take extreme caution. Slush indicates that ice is eroding from above and below at an advanced

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rate. Changing temperatures can cause thermal cracks and pressure ridges, which are indicators of unsafe conditions. Ice fishing shelters must have the owner’s complete name, address and phone number on the outside in legible letters that are at least 2.5 cm high. Information about fishing in the province can be found in the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide and online at www. saskatchwan.ca/fishing. If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call

Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers. Violations can also be reported online at www.saskatchewan.ca/ tipp. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program. Callers can remain anonymous.

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A10

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

SaskTel launches 15 more cell towers By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – SaskTel continues to roll out its expansion of rural cellular towers across thinlypopulated areas of rural Saskatchewan, with the announcement on March 2 that a further 15 new macro cell towers had been activated. These additional towers bring 4G LTE wireless service to previously underserved rural parts of the province. You’d be forgiven if

Murphy Creek, southwest of Nipawin; Parkerview, southwest of Theodore; Sokal, northwest of Wakaw; and Worcester, north of Weyburn. Greg Jacobs, communications manager with SaskTel, said by the end of the summer, SaskTel will have about 1,000 cell towers, total, throughout the province. Over 700 of those are, or will be, located in rural parts of the province. “Our government understands how important communication services have become in the modern world, especial-

you had to look up some of these places on a map. The list of new locations with towers near them includes Burnham, east of Swift Current; Clayridge, northeast of Whitewood; Crescent Lake, East of Melville; Duncairn, southwest of Swift Current; Filion Lake, east of Debden; Frenchman Butte, northwest of Paradise Hill; Great Deer, west of Hepburn; Keppel, west of Perdue; Kessock, east of Yorkton; Main Centre, northwest of Morse; Meacham – East, northeast of Colonsay;

Rural & City Routes Sale

ly in rural and remote areas,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel in a release. “Through the Wireless Saskatchewan initiative, and thanks to the efforts of SaskTel, we’re raising the level of connectivity in rural and remote parts of the province so that our residents are better equipped to compete and succeed in the modern world.” “As illustrated by a recent report from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Saskatchewan already has the best wireless coverage in Western Canada, with over 99 per cent of the population and 98 per cent of the major roadways and highways being covered with LTE wireless service,” said Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO. “And, with the addition of these new towers, wireless coverage in Saskatchewan is getting even better.” These towers are part of the final phase of the Wireless Saskatchewan initiative, which will see SaskTel invest over $70 million to construct 74 macro cell towers in rural parts of the province. SaskTel anticipates that all of the cell towers to be constructed as part of the Wireless Saskatchewan initiative will be complete by early Summer 2021. Added Burnett, “We’re firmly committed to be the best at connecting the people of Saskatchewan, and it’s this commitment that drives us to continue to invest in our networks so that our customers have access to the services they need to stay in touch with what matters most to them from almost anywhere in the province.” Fibre optic speeds upgraded Additionally, SaskTel’s fibre optic internet service, known as infiNET, saw substantial upgrades across most of its plans as of the end of February. While the highest tier, infiNET 300, which stands

B.E. 8-Gallon Air Compressor 6.5-HP. Single-stage compressor, oil lubricated, heavy-duty cast iron pump head. Gas powered. (4527 545)

Photo courtesy SaskTel

SaskTel has activated 15 more cell towers in rural Saskatchewan. for download speeds of 300 megabits per second (Mbps), saw its download speed remain the same, its upload speed was increased to 150 Mbps. The mid-level tier saw the largest gains, especially when it came to upload speeds. Formerly called infiNET 80, with 80 Mbps download speeds, the newly dubbed infiNET 150 was increased to 150 Mbps, nearly doubling its former speed. That same plan saw its upload speeds quintuple, from 15 Mbps to 75 Mbps. Lower tier plans also saw significant upgrades, and all for the same price point they were at before. Asked about this, Jacobs said further upgrading higher speeds are being considered. “That’s something that we’re looking at, and we are planning on upgrading the top-end speeds on our fibre network on infiNET. We plan and get that getting that done in 2021. Right now, I don’t have an exact timeframe to share, though, but that is certainly something that is coming. “The beauty of the fibre network, is that, really, with the technologies that are out there today, we’re just kind of scratching the surface with the capabilities

of what we can do with fibre. We expect that we’ll be able to continuously upgrade the level of speed that we can offer over fibre, as the supporting technologies required for that network starts catching up with the ability of that actual strand of fibre.” Satellite internet Several companies worldwide are starting to build out satellite-based internet service using thousands of small, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The most wellknown is Starlink, headed by Elon Musk, who also heads up Tesla and SpaceX. It is currently beta-testing its service, and there are people in Saskatchewan signing up for it. Older satellite networks relied on satellites in geosynchronous orbits, 35,786 kilometres above the equator. Due to the restrictions of the speed of light and distance, bandwidth is low and latency is high, making for slow internet connections. Because LEO satellite constellations are so much closer to earth, at 550 kilometres, and use thousands of satellites, it means LEO constellations can nearly rival connection speeds and latency of wired and fibre optic networks. Continued on page A14

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LEGACY CO-OP AGRO CENTRE Store locations: Yorkton 306-782-2451, Theodore 306-647-2241, Churchbridge 306-896-2533 TOLL FREE 1-888-795-9555 www.legacyco-op.crs

Kaleidoscope

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A11

ART • ENTERTAINMENT • COMMUNITY

Yorkton Art Walk! Shop the Talk! With March finally here and the weather getting so much nicer the “Yorkton Art Walk” is here just in time! The Yorkton Public Library, City of Yorkton, Sask. Lotteries, and the YBID partnered up to bring our Community one more great idea to get our Community out and “Shopping Yorkton”. Sask. Lotteries had a Grant opportunity for the Community to apply for and the Library’s

program “Cozy up and Color” was successful in their application. This program gave $750 dollars to purchase coloring packages for the community to pick up. 30 packages all handed out and returned gave the YBID an opportunity to use the artwork in local “gallery” locations which of course are the local businesses. Local businesses signed up with the YBID to be a host location for

the available art and have their location visited by the community participating in the Art Walk. YBID also has donated $500 dollars which has been purchased in the local participating businesses as gift certificates to be drawn for on March 26th. Community members are to visit the participating business or “gallery locations” and snap themselves with the art, the logo of the busi-

ness and themselves. They post on their social media and #yorktonartwalk to be entered in the draws. YBID monitors the postings and enters the names. Yorkton Art Walk runs from March 8th to March 26th. Businesses post the Artwork in the windows or in a shop location so they get the traffic in the shop and on social media. All in the effort to bring the community out walking the Downtown

area, get traffic in the participating businesses and social media attention and promote shopping Yorkton. Many people say they are shopping local but are they? So lets “Walk the Talk” and Shop Yorkton! Remember just 20 per cent more shopping local keeps millions of dollars right here in our community! Local businesses participating in the Yorkton Art Walk are; Golden

Mobility, LR Futures, Life Matters Community Centre, Parlour Barber, Core Realty, Legacy Coop, Srub Hub, Uptown Casuals, Marlin Travel, Cutters, Losa Chic, The Plum Tree, and Under the Covers. For all the postings see the YBID fb page the YBID website and the local businesses will be posting as well. So get out and Walk the Talk and Shop Yorkton.

— Submitted

By Joelle Some of the artwork that may be on the walk. Submitted by the Yorkton Public Library. Art by Jenn

By Olga

By Anne

By Quentin

By Lisa

Your news is our news! Hosting an event, a fascinating human interest story, it matters. Call us for details on coverage!

PHONE: 306-782-2465 EMAIL: editorial@yorktonthisweek.com “Local people, local news.”

A12

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Only one door matters for eternity shoes in that hue. Shirts. Hats. Coats (at least two, I recall). Even kitchenware. On his return, he turned the corner toward the door. As the new colour slapped him in the face, he halted, incredulous. “RED?” “It’s your favourite colour, I thought!” “My GRANDFATHER’S favourite colour,” he said, as he turned to walk away. Who knew? Not me. Nor the grandchildren, who recall him telling them often that red is his favourite colour. “Don’t YOU like it?” I asked. “It’ll do,” he said. I know the man. He likes it.

The Preacher has always left home decorating choices to me. He even tolerated the pink fireplace with the blue mantel, thankfully now decades behind us. So I didn’t tell him about the plan I recently had for the door at the end the boring hallway leading into the garage. That, I intended as a birthday surprise. It took me hours to gather courage to start. But with every stroke of paint on the pristine white panels, I felt happier. Surely the Preacher, away for the morning, would like it too. As long as I’ve known him, he’d liked the colour I’d chosen. He’d picked out rubber

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 Two weeks later, we tackled another door; together this time. No paint required, just tools, hardware and sweat. I’d found the old beauty (wood, twelve glass panes, original brass hardware, gorgeous crystal knobs) in a ReStore outlet. $40, read the dangling

tag. I stared at it a few seconds, then hauled it to the cash register. “Where’re we gonna put that?” the Preacher asked, as we loaded it. “Top of the basement stairs,” I said. “It’ll open up the space a bit.” The door waited years in our garage, surrounded by yard equipment, hoses, flowerpots

and electrical cords. Everything but a car. When we moved to our current home, I offered it to our daughter. She liked it but wanted to know if we could store it till they were ready for it. We moved the door into our new garage. Soon, as before, it stood surrounded by yard equipment, hoses, flowerpots, electrical cords—and still no car. Months later, I called Amanda. “I’m keeping the door,” I said, “and I’m really going to use it.” It took us most of the day, with rest stops. Now the door, possibly once the entry to a parlour in a heritage home, hangs just feet from

the red one. When we enter the tiny storage/ coat room behind it, it glides back, parallel to the wall, freeing several square feet of coveted space. Our doors, wood and steel, lead to physical spaces here on earth. But Jesus spoke of a door leading to a heavenly home; and in the present, to joy and peace with God. Forgiveness. Protection of spirit. “I am the door,” he said. The door, not a door. “One door and only one,” children still sing in Sunday School, “and yet its sides are two. I’m on the inside, on which side are you?” Our answer reveals our destiny.

Buying seeds a rite of spring Are you still in the process of acquiring seeds for this year’s garden? I think we probably keep on acquiring seeds right up till planting time, don’t we! As we are ordering or buying our seeds, we are always keeping last year’s garden in mind. Space is limited for most of us, so we are planning to plant only our favorites. You’ve probably heard that expression “You can’t have everything, where would you put it?” and that truly applies to our gardens!

Let’s remember, though, that while we’re planning our gardens, we should include a little corner or a few rows of flowers that will attract pollinators. We have a little corner that we call our “bee garden” and last year the garden literally hummed with those precious guests. So let’s review some pretty possibilities for the bees. An old-fashioned and beloved favorite are bachelor buttons. They come in colors from white to pink to the most loved color,

DEBBIE HAYWARD YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook blue. Centaurea cyanus “bachelor button” called Europe home originally, and even though it grows so easily, sadly has become an endangered plant in the UK. But efforts are being made to restore it again. Here, we grow it domestically in our gardens, and it is an easy-toplease garden guest. It likes well-drained soil, full sun, is drought-tolerant, and can be grown from seed directly in our gardens. It looks light and airy with its delicate stems and dainty flowers. The flowers are great

for both the bees and for making a pretty little bouquet in a bud vase. Next up, California poppy, or Eschscholzia californica. “Easy care” is a good description for this pretty flower, also called “cup of gold”which is a great description for the bright and cheery silken petals. Here is another plant that likes full sun and well-drained or even sandy soil. The flowers close at night and open brightly in the morning. They are beloved by bees and that’s the goal! They will also seed themselves, but they may

not always come back true to their parent plant. I remember that one of Mom’s neighbors had a patch of California poppies, and they were just beautiful. In that yard, they were left to their own devices and made a stunning carpet of gold blooms. Last year we also had an abundance of poppies, the kind that grow as annuals, and they made a happy scene in the garden, bobbing delicately in the breeze. And they certainly met with the bees’ approval! Calendula, or pot marigold, is a gorgeous addition to our gardens. It is easy to grow can be sown directly into the garden, and will reseed itself. Calendula is another sun-lover, can tolerate dry conditions, and is a flower that attracts bees and butterflies. Very nice for cut flowers, too. Add cosmos to your

seed list for the bees. This plant is just ideal for ease of planting, for looks, for hardiness. It just seems to grow with no effort, and comes in a variety of colors and heights to suit your needs. The flowers are great for cut flowers, as well. Zinnias are also a lovely addition to our bee gardens: they have bright and bold blooms, strong stems, and can be planted right out in the spring, although if we want earlier blooms we could start them inside. Do your homework, find what bee flowers you like, and include them on your planting list! Though the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society is not having any meetings at this time, you can still keep up with the group by visiting us at www.yorktonhort.ca . Thank you again to YTW for their amazing work. Have a great week!

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CHURCH TO CONFIRM EVENTS DUE TO COVID - 19 PRAIRIE HARVEST CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

Destiny International Christian Assembly

.FMSPTF "WFOVF r 1)0/& Senior Pastors Des & Cheryl Klingspon &NQMPZNFOU 1SPHSBN

Establishing Ministries and Releasing Destinies

Online Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m will be on our Facebook page

&WFSZ 4VOEBZ 8PSTIJQ 4FSWJDF BU B N &WFSZ 8FEOFTEBZ #JCMF 4UVEZ BU Q N -BTU 'SJEBZ PG FBDI NPOUI 1SBZFS .FFUJOH BU Q N 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF QIPOF

t $POUFNQPSBSZ 8PSTIJQ t $IJMESFO T .JOJTUSZ t :PVUI .JOJTUSZ phclc.org “Changing our world with the love of God.”

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109 Maple Avenue, Yorkton Senior Pastors Dag & Bukky Lawale

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Forgiveness Sunday Sunday March 14th Divine Liturgy 10:00 A.M. Presanctified Liturgy March 17th 6:00 P.M. limited space due to covid - 19. call to confirm attendance

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A13

Legacy Co-op makes SaskBusiness Top 100 (March. 5, 2021) — Legacy Co-op has been ranked among Saskatchewan’s largest businesses. In SaskBusiness Magazine’s recently released list of the Top 100 companies in the province for 2020, Legacy Co-op placed 53rd with 2019 sales totaling $102 million. This is down from the 2019 ranking where we placed 52nd “There have been struggles throughout the past year, but there have also been successes in finding new ways for our communities to come together,” said Bruce Thurston, General Manager of Legacy Co-op. “I’m proud to say we are a local business and we are committed to investing in and giving back to our communities, sharing our profits with members. No matter the challenges we face, we have always been a big part of our communities and plan to continue serving them for years to come.” SaskBusiness Magazine’s 2020 ranking includes Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), maintaining second position, and 25 local Co-ops throughout the list. The sales of FCL and local Co-ops reached a combined total of almost $12.1 billion in 2019.

Ranking 2 20 22 25 34 43 46 50

Co-operative

Location

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About Legacy Co-operative Association Limited Legacy Co-operative Association Limited is a local co-operative that has proudly served Southeastern Saskatchewan for 80 years. Today, Legacy Co-op serves more than 17,500 members — and many more customers — in Yorkton, Kamsack, Churchbridge, Theodore, Ebenezer, Rhein, Langenburg, Esterhazy, MacNutt and Dubuc, where it operates food stores, gas bars, cardlocks and agro centres. In the last 10 years, Legacy Co-op has returned more than $30 million to its members in cash back and equity, while contributing over $1.5 million to community organizations and initiatives. More information is available at www.legacyco-op.crs .

Your pharmacist: a trusted health ally Every year in March, Pharmacist Awareness Month helps educate Canadians about the contributions that pharmacists make to the delivery of health care. The theme for this event is Rethink Pharmacists. To help you better understand the duties and responsibilities of these professionals, here are a few things you should know. PRIMARY ROLE Your pharmacist’s main job is to dispense the medications prescribed to you. However, before giving you your treatment, they’ll ensure that: • The dose is appropriate • The drug won’t interact with other medication you’re taking • There’s no risk of an allergic reaction • You’re not taking a medication you no longer need Once your pharmacist has completed their checks, they’ll inform you about your treatment and explain how to take the medication so that it’s safe and effective. OTHER DUTIES Depending on your needs, your pharmacist can provide other services, such as: • Answering questions about your health • Advising you about over-the-counter medications • Administering vaccines • Prescribing medications for simple health problems (eczema, seasonal allergies, etc.)

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At your local pharmacy you can expect exceptional, personalized customer service, including: Prompt service

• Check the availability of the drug. Other suppliers, wholesalers or manufacturers might have the product you need on hand. In some cases, the pharmacist may be able to import the raw ingredient of the drug to design their own capsules. If so, the pharmacist will ensure the product is safe and meets your needs before dispensing it. • Change the dosage of another product. Depending on what’s available, the pharmacist may use higher-dose tablets and cut or powder them to create capsules that are similar in dosage to the product you normally take. They might also combine lower-dose tablets to achieve the same result.

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There are many things that can lead to a drug shortage at your local pharmacy. This includes problems with the product, delays with the supply of raw materials, unexpected increases in demand and drug recalls. Here’s a quick overview of what a pharmacist can do in these situations.

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• Propose a substitute treatment. The pharmacist may have a product with similar properties in stock. Before dispensing it, they’ll ensure the medication is suitable for you and won’t interact with your other prescriptions. In all cases, you can count on your pharmacist to select a medication that’s right for you. They’ll also explain how to take the drug in order to maximize its effectiveness. If you have questions about a medication you’ve been prescribed, your local pharmacist can help.

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Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

A chance to explore in solo game It is always interesting to come upon games that are decidedly different from those filling the game room shelves. Wading through the tabletop games seeking support at Kickstarter. com I came upon ThruHiker. According to the KS campaign Thru-Hiker “is a journaling game about telling stories of being on a long-distance hike. Using your writing instrument of choice, a pack of playing cards, and a series of writing prompts, you will create stories of the joys and challenges of being on the trail for days, weeks, or months at a time.” I was intrigued in the sense I had not heard of a ‘journaling game’ before. So I asked the designer Daniel M. Perez. He replied via email that a journaling game is a “game where the objective is creating a narrative in the form of a journal written in the first person. “Using a pack of playing cards, and a series of writing prompts called Oracles, you will craft a story about the journey of your thru-hiker. “It’s half game, half writing exercise, all fun.

So, as a journalist who spends time most days pecking away at the keyboard, I’m not sure if more writing is a fun game option, but I delved into it a bit more. For example what exactly is a ‘thru-hiker’? This time from the KS campaign itself it is “hikers that embark on a one-way, long-distance trail are called thru-hikers. Unlike day hikers or weekend backpackers, thru-hikers carry everything they need to stay on the trail for extended periods of time, be it weeks or months, in order to complete the journey in as close to one continuous attempt as possible.” I realized at this point I had actually written a story on a thru-hiker when I interviewed Tyler Cottenie who grew up in Yorkton, and had hiked across the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019. Well a game would be the only way I’d attempt something like that, so it was time to ask Perez more about his game. For Perez, who was born in Puerto Rico, and now lives in Delaware, creating a game fed of a long self-interest. “I started gaming back in 7th grade, so 1987-ish,

THE MEEPLE GUILD (YORKTON) meeple.guild@gmail.com with the D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) red box,” he related. “Over the years I’ve worked at a gaming store, been a gaming podcaster, published my own games and supplements, played a lot of games both traditional and independent. It’s part of who I am.” So what was the idea which led to the game’s creation? “Because of my work schedule and home responsibilities, I don’t get a lot of chances to play games, so I started to look into solo RPGs (Role Playing Games),” said Perez. “I wanted to play something Star Wars-y with a lone character having adventures in the galaxy, so I wrote the basics of a system to let me play such a game using the journaling format. “Then I shelved it for a year.

“Last summer I got back into hiking as a serious endeavour. It’s an activity I greatly enjoy, one that I can do by myself or along with my daughters, and an excellent way to deal with the stress of being a nurse during a pandemic year. “Although I would love to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, it’s not something that I can do at the moment, so in daydreaming about longdistance hikes, the idea was born to make a hiking-themed game using the system I had created for the solo space opera game. “Three weeks later I had the first draft done.” So as a world trekker I was intrigued to learn more about Perez’s walks. “I’ve done my share of travelling, yes. In my 20s I spent a month backpacking across Europe,

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visiting 17 cities in seven countries, and that was an absolute blast,” he said. “I had the fortune of later spending time visiting Paris, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well. “Domestically, I’ve explored Seattle and nearby areas, and done a fair amount of driving all around the Midwest in the years I lived there. “Back in 2007-08 I had a podcast called The Gamer Traveler, so yeah, travelling has been a big passion of mine for a long time.” The new game keeps Perez’s daydreams of future treks alive. “I wanted something that would help me keep daydreaming of a thruhike; the game part of it appealed to my gamer side, while the journaling part appealed to the writer in me,” he said. “I then wanted to share it with others who are dreaming of their own thru-hikes, or those who are simply dreaming of the outdoors. In a year where we spent so much time cooped up inside, Thru-Hiker can provide a small sense of escapism and relief.” So what was the most difficult aspect of designing the game? “Coming up with the ‘Oracles’, the set of writing prompts that help give the player ideas and elements with which to build their thru-hiking story,” said Perez. “The Oracles carry the flavour of the game through the boons and challenges a thru-hiker could encounter, so coming up with entries that were both generic enough to apply to virtually any type of hike, yet thematic enough to convey the uniqueness of long-distance hiking, was a fun time indeed.” Of course when on a hike making sure you have what you need is a big part of it, and that is one of the best elements of the game too, offered Perez.

“I’m very fond of the resource management aspect of the game,” he said. “A thru-hiker has three resources -- Gear, Provisions, and Will -and they need to manage how many cards they have for each, as challenges along the trail deplete those resources, possibly forcing a hiker to get off the trail and end their hike. “It’s not complicated, as I wanted the game to be appealing to nongamers, but it provides a neat twist to the solo journaling genre to make it more than just flipping a card and writing.” There are elements that also make ThruHiker somewhat unique among RPGs. “Thru-Hiker deals with challenging the self, connecting with nature, and telling personal stories,” said Perez. “There’s no combat, no violence, no treasure hunting, no greed, no monsters. “Thru-Hiker centers on exploration, of the world and of yourself, offering a positive and hopeful play experience that can appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike.” More is likely to come as well, after the game was successfully funded on KS. “I certainly have plans to continue supporting Thru-Hiker, starting with a trail guide that will present four-five real-world trails for people to play through, along with some new rules. “I also know I want to make a genre hack, given how prevalent walking stories are in fantasy and sci-fi. “Plus there’s that space opera game that was the seed of this whole thing. I think it’s safe to say there’s a lot more Thru-Hiker in the future.” Check it out at www. danielhighmoon.com

SASKTEL Continued from page A10 Asked if the improvements to infiNET were in response to the introduction of Starlink, Jacobs said that infiNET is currently available in 16 urban centres, and will eventually be rolled out in a total of 40. He pointed out that Starlink is more of a solution for people living on farms, acreages, and in small communities, where it doesn’t make a lot of financial sense to install fibre optic. He noted that Canadian company Telesat is developing its own LEO network which is doing very much the same thing as Starlink. Telesat’s service is known as “Lightspeed.” “They’re planning on putting up essentially a mesh network of low earth orbit satellites to bring faster, better broadband. Now the difference though, between Starlink and Telesat is, from what we know today, Starlink is very much going after the retail market. They’re very much going after the farmer, himself, or the person who owns the acreage, or the small hamlet community. They’re looking to be that end-to-end solution, versus Telesat. They’re more of a wholesale model. So, they could be working with something like a SaskTel, or another communications provider. Other enterprises resell their product.”

Is SaskTel working with Telesat? Jacobs responded, “We reached out to them, and we are having ongoing conversations with them. There’s nothing imminent, yet. They haven’t rolled out a product yet. We would expect that they’re having exploratory conversations with a number of enterprises and providers all across the country, depending on the solutions. But beyond that, as far as LEO satellite technology is concerned, we’re keeping a close eye on it, and we will investigate opportunities to utilize that technology to improve broadband in rural Saskatchewan if we can.” “If there’s an opportunity to partner with any of those LEO providers that makes sense, both for us and them, it’s something that we would explore,” he said, pointing out that Starlink is still in the beta testing phase. Additionally, when these networks start to see large number of customers, it may affect how much bandwidth individual customers will actually be able to take advantage of. For wi-fi, for instance, when you have a lot of users on the same network, it slows down for everyone. He added SaskTel is looking at upgrading its Fusion fixed-wireless internet service in the relatively short term.

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Obituaries

DERWORIZ - Jocelyn Marie Derworiz was born on February 27, 1962 at Churchill, MB; daughter of Norman and Alice (nee Yaholnitsky) Derworiz. At a young age she moved with her family to Winnipeg. At the age of nine years Jocelyn began attending the Prince Charles School on Wellington Ave. where she attended till the age of 18. From 1976 until 1985 Jocelyn resided on Kinkora Bay in Winnipeg with her mother Alice, her grandmother Sophie, and with Ernie Reimer. At Christmas time in 1985, Jocelyn moved to an acreage that Ernie built near Yorkton. Here Alice, Ernie, Jocelyn and Sophie made their home. Jocelyn soon after began with the Parkland Abilities Centre, where she would be employed for the next 30 years in the sewing department. In 2017 she was admitted to the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, where she had resided until her passing on Thursday, March 4, 2021. She was 59 years of age. Predeceased by her grandparents, her mother Alice, and her father Norman, and several aunts & uncles. She is survived by her brother Sidney (Judy) of Lac du Bonnet, MB; niece Jennifer (Matt) Picard and nephew Steven (Crystal) Derworiz and their families; long time care-giver Ernie Reimer of Yorkton; and her other relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place, there will be a service & interment at a later date.

SHUMAY - Mrs. Effie Shumay (nee Chepil) formerly of Orcadia district, beloved wife of Nick Shumay entered eternal rest March 4, 2021 at the Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats, SK, she was 83 years old. Effie was born on June 8, 1937 to William and Nellie Chepil (nee Filipchuk). Effie was raised on the family farm in the Hamton district. She attended the Stawchen School with her siblings. Effie married Nick Shumay on September 27, 1958 and they resided in Yorkton until 1964. In 1964 they moved out to Orcadia to be closer to their farming roots. Following their passion of living on the farm, they built a house two miles east of Orcadia and moved there in 1973 where they spent their lives farming and raising their 5 children. In her younger days Effie enjoyed attending local small town dances, playing cards, gardening, cooking, raising her brood of children and visiting with her family and friends. In her younger years she worked as a waitress at the Corner House Café followed by Perth’s Drycleaning. However, she returned to the family farm to dedicate her time. Effie supported the family farm until illness struck Nick in December, 2008. Due to Effie’s health status she was moved in to a private care home then eventually to the Lakeside Manor Care Home where she passed. Effie is lovingly remembered by her family Allen (Cindy), Barry (Sherry), (Lori), David (Dana), Brenda (Greg) all residing in Yorkton, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, brothers Bill (Donna) Okotoks, Ted (Darlene) Lacombe, sisters Pauline (Eugene) Calgary and Lena Yorkton. Effie was predeceased by her husband Nick, son Brian, parents William and Nellie along with her brothers John (Janet), Alec (Linda); sisters Mary (John), Eva (Melvin) and Roselle. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Yevhen Zadorozhnyi, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Lorne Stechyshyn and choir members. The epistle reader was Rebecca Shumay and serving as cross bearers were Lindsay Shumay and Kristen Shumay. The interment took place in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Brent Shumay, Kyle Shumay, Justin Shumay, Brandon Shumay, Tanner Rutz and Mike Litchenwald serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Effie may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave #26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting baileysfuneralhome.com.

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STEINER - Irwin Eric Wallace Steiner, beloved husband of Yvonne, of Theodore, SK, passed away on March 3, 2021, peacefully in the comfort of his home. He was 83 years of age. Irwin was born in Yorkton, SK and attended Sandy River School. From there Irwin worked as a carpenter on numerous Construction Projects, one of which included the Theodore Dam. Through Irwin’s hard work he saved enough money to buy and break 3 quarters of land, which is where he resided and farmed up till 2020. During his early years on the homestead, Irwin raised cattle and sheep. Through his years of being on the homestead he also took some time to fulfill his passion of mechanics. Irwin worked at Yorkton Small Engine Overhaul and then opened his own repair shop on the farm. Later he would revisit his love of cattle and work with his Son Shaun to raise them again. Irwin primarily farmed wheat during his early years of farming but then moved to Organic farming and solely grew oats for the remainder of his life. Irwin is predeceased by his parents Magnus Enga (nee Sjorstrom) Steiner and brothers Ron and Kim Steiner. He was married to his loving wife of 47 years Yvonne Steiner. Irwin is also survived by: SonShaun Steiner: Grandchildren -Hailey, Thor, Colton and Wyatt. Daughter Tyra (Mike Reynolds) and their children: Isabelle, Amelia and Austyn. Daughter Lisa (Chris Lamb) and their children: Keenan and Kate. Irwin was known for his love of the land and his love of nature. He had a talent of closely bonding to animals of which to name a few included a badger, a crow and a goose; not to mention his cattle would come to him by name. Irwin’s love of nature also included his love of cross-country skiing of which he passed along to his children on the farm. From Skiing to fishing to having a great conversation with a friend, he knew it was always the simpler things in life that offered the greatest treasure. Irwin also had an unmatched zest for life, and for those close to him, they would know he didn’t slow down for much. As much as Irwin’s life was full of hard work and diligence, he also knew how to have a good time, an enduring quality that always followed him. Irwin’s faith and love of the Lord also brought meaning and purpose to his life. It was important to him and thus sowed the seed of faith into his children a legacy that he hoped will continue for generations. Funeral Services were held on Monday, March 8, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Pastor Jailyn Corbin of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating. A tribute and words of remembrance were given by Ben Konkle. Urnbearers were Yvonne and Shaun Steiner. Interment will follow in the Theodore Town Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Irwin may be made to Saskatchewan Cancer Agency for the Allan Blair Patient Lodge 4545 Parliament Ave. Suite 200 Regina, SK S4W 0G3 or to the Royal Canadian Legion Yorkton Branch 387 B Parkview Rd, Yorkton, SK S3N 2L4 as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home.

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Obituaries

MANTAY - Hilda Mantay (Breitkreuz) went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on February 27, 2021 at the age of 88. Hilda accepted her Lord and Saviour at an early age and lived her life serving her Saviour. Hilda was born to Gustav and Emma (Arndt) Breitkreuz on June 25, 1932 in the Willowbrook District. She was the oldest of nine children. At a very early age she moved into Yorkton and began working at the Yorkton Union Hospital. At the age of 25 she moved to Vancouver, B.C. and began working at a sewing factory. In 1961 she moved back to Springside. On October 28th of that year she married Lawrence Mantay of Springside. She worked alongside Lawrence tending to a big garden, milking cows and grain farming. In 1994 they moved into Springside. Hilda loved to read. Hilda was an extremely talented and gifted seamstress. Her ability to make alterations and create outfits without a pattern was incredible. Many family members and friends benefitted from her talents. She enjoyed taking care of her family. As Hilda and Lawrence approached retirement they also enjoyed visiting the sick and the shut in. Hilda was predeceased by her parents Gustav and Emma (Arndt) Breitkreuz and brothers Ervin and Alfred Breitkreuz. Hilda leaves behind her loving husband Lawrence, of 59 years; children Mildred (Dwight) Eisner of Swan River, MB, Sidney Mantay of Springside, Lucille (Myron) Bali of Yorkton; grandchildren Amanda Eisner, Tia Eisner, Nashly (Justin) Epp, Faylin (Ryley) Fehr, Tadd Bali (Natalya); great-grandchildren Peter Epp, Elesha Epp, Myla Fehr, Koi Fehr, Pierce Bali, Ramsey Bali, Anna and Kinnley. Hilda is survived by her brothers Dan (Marlene) Breitkreuz, Gordon (Wendy) Breitkreuz; sisters Hannie (Mervin) Fichtner, Grace (Lorne) Kopeck, Joan (Tex) Schirrschmidt, Ruth (Hector) Derow; sisters-in-law Lillian McPherson and Betty Breitkreuz as well as many nieces and nephews. A private family service was held on March 5, 2021 from the chapel of Christie’s Funeral Home and Crematorium Yorkton, SK with Pastor Justin Epp officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gideon’s in Canada.

ALLARY - Fred Allary, resident of Theodore, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville following a long struggle with Diabetes complications. He was 70 years of age. Fred was born August 3,1950 in Yorkton, SK. To Alex and Bertha Allary. He was the oldest of seven children. Fred attended the Allary School in Crescent Lake, SK. He went on to the Yorkton Regional High School. He met Darlene shortly after high school and they had two daughters, Michelle and Shauna. Fred later met Bev in Yorkton, SK. They had their first son Shayne and later married in Yorkton. Shortly after Shara, Luke and Ashley completed their family. It’s no surprise with his outstanding personality that he had such a long successful career in media production. Fred loved to travel, golf and fish. He was a loving family man and was always there when anyone needed a hand. As a survivor and fighter Fred finally succumb to his battle with Diabetes. The family would like to extend a thank you to everyone who helped him along this journey. Fred will forever be remembered and loved by his mother, Bertha Allary; his children: Michelle Lowton (Gary); Shauna Duncan (Brad); Shara Allary (Ryan Ostepchuk); Luke Allary; and Ashley Morrison (Justin). Grandchildren: Michael Shore (Storm), Mackenzie Shore (Jayden); Demery, Wyatt, Will and Ava Duncan; Garrett Ostepchuk, Bobbi Ostepchuk; Carsten Allary; Gavin Morrison, Sophia Morrison and Isabelle Morrison. Great grandchildren: Nova & Macie Shore. His siblings: George Allary (Marie); Yvette Frank (Ken); Yvonne Rusnak (Brian); Jeannie Einarson (Todd); Fernny Allary (Cathy); Evan Allary (Caron); and his many aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his father, Alex Allary; son, Shayne Allary (Sabrina); and by his grandson, Mason Shore. The funeral service was held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Doreen Day officiating. Family participants included Carsten Allary, Gavin Morrison, Yvette Frank and Evan Allary. Music played was ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘GodSpeed’. The interment will take place at the Yorkton City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Fred’s name may be made to Whitesand Regional Park, PO Box 406 Theodore, SK S0A 4C0. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

CALANCHIE - George Mervin (Tony) Calanchie was born on October 15, 1938 and passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021 at the age of 82. Tony was born in Yorkton to parents, Margaret (Dvernichuk) and George Calanchie, of Calder, SK. Tony lived in Calder for most of his life, where he worked in his Dad’s grocery store and drove school bus for many years. In 1974, Tony and his brother, Barry, took over the family grocery store, which they continued to operate for 29 years before moving to Yorkton in 2003. Through the years, Tony played baseball, hockey and fastball. He was also a very good curler, demonstrated by his numerous boxes of trophies, and he was an amazing pool player. He was an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, holding season tickets for many years and attending numerous Grey Cup games throughout Canada. He was also a loyal Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. Tony was also a member of Calder’s Board of Trade and the Calder Rec Board for many years. Until his move to Yorkton, Tony resided with Barry and his wife Deb and happily took part in raising their children, Drew, Brett and Logan. Tony always looked forward to attending, volunteering and participating in all their various activities and special events. When Tony wasn’t behind the counter at the store, you would be sure to find him at a hockey rink, baseball diamond or out for a cup of coffee surrounded by friends and family. After retiring and his move to Yorkton, he was Logan’s number one fan, never missing any of his baseball or hockey games, whether in Yorkton or on the road. Tony was predeceased by his mother in 1970, father in 1989, his brothers-inlaw Wollie Oliowski, in 1977, and Bill Rohatensky, in 2002, nephews, Blair Rohatensky, in 1997, and Wayne Rohatensky, in 2020. He leaves to cherish his memory: Sister, Marie Rohatensky, niece, April Rohatensky, great-niece, Fawn (Sean) Sullivan and Scarlett, great-nephew, Zane Rohatensky, and his family, Silas and Sawyer, great-nephew, Dr. Mitchell (Steph) Rohatensky, great-niece, Madison (Keaton) Rohatensky, nephew, Greg (Jody) Rohatensky and their family, Ryan (Ashley) and Tyler; Sister, Marge Oliowski, nephew, Warren Oliowski, and niece, Wendy (Cary) Schuler, and their family Justin, Jenna and Joel; Brother, Barry (Deb) Calanchie, nephew, Drew (Steph) Calanchie and their family, Lawson and Livi, niece, Brett Calanchie, and nephew, Logan Calanchie. The funeral service was held on Monday, March 8, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Doreen Day officiating. Wendy Schuler read the 23rd Psalm, Brett Calanchie gave the family tribute. Music played was ‘He’s Not Heavy, He’s My Brother’, ‘If I Can Dream’, and ‘Country Roads’. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew with Logan Calanchie serving as the urnbearer. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

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Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week Obituaries

Obituaries

POSNIKOFF - Harry Posnikoff went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Friday, February 12, 2021. He was born to Nady and Fred Posnikoff on July 4, 1941, in Arran, SK, a small farming community near the Manitoba border. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Alice, brothers-in-law Roy, Michael and Ray, and his sister Pauline. He is survived by his wife Jackie, sons Terry (Ruth), Trevor (Tammy), Ryan (Chelsea), daughter Karen (Darrell), sister Verna (Ray) of Winnipeg, brother Walter (Willa) of Medicine Hat and nephews, nieces and grandchildren. After graduating from High School, he embarked on a career with Safeway in Winnipeg, MB. In 1973, Harry moved with his family to Swift Current, SK, where he worked with his father-in-law in the oil patch. In 1975, he returned to farming in Yorkton, SK. He retired from farming in 1985 and then from Safeway in 1998. Harry loved his family and friends. He had a special bond with his siblings. His faith in God was his foundation and strength throughout his life. When he was confronted with health challenges, he faced them with determination and courage. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Baptist Church in Yorkton. A private family service was held February 15, 2021 from the Heritage Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Kirsch officiating.

Monuments

Announcements

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Funeral Services

Apartments/Condos for Rent

Serving Surrounding Areas Since 1960 IN HOME ESTIMATES AT NO CHARGE

1 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony Available December. No Pets. Call Shelby 780-208-3337.

BURANT - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of August Burant at the age of 82. August will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Isabel, his children Kevin (Joanne), Gerald (Kim), and Lisa (Keith). August was loved dearly by his grandchildren Jessie (Travis), Katelynn (Mark), Kyle, Nathan, Abby, Kathryn and Keanan and by his two great grandchildren Lucas and Logan. He was predeceased by his parents, August and Pearl, his brothers and sister Timothy, Don, John, Ben, David and Rita, and most recently by his youngest son Curtis (Kendra). We know they have all welcomed him into heaven with open arms. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 5, 2021 from St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church,Yorkton, SK with Rev. Fr. Louis Kim Nguyen as the celebrant. The hymns were Be Not Afraid, Psalm 23, Amazing Grace, I am the Bread of Life, Immaculate Mary, Songs of the Angels and Though the Mountains May Fall led by accompanist Chris Fisher. Words of remembrance were given by Lisa Yasinko. The casket bearers were Kevin Burant, Gerry Burant, Kyle Burant and Keith Yasinko. The interment of cremated remains followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Lisa Yasinko as urn bearer. In memory of August, memorial donations may be made to the Yorkton S.P.C.A (79 7th Ave. S, Yorkton, SK. S3N 2V6) as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

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Toll-free 1-866-797-5084 www.kopans.ca LIKNAITZKY - Michael Liknaitzky beloved partner of Violet Frise passed away on February 28, 2021 in Yorkton. He was 88 years of age. Herbert Michael Liknaitzky was born May 7, 1932 in a Jewish community in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was an only child to Isadore & Miriam Liknaitzky. Michael’s father passed when he was only four years old, and his mother was a lawyer so Michael lived with his paternal grandmother Doris. He took his schooling in Johannesburg, graduating from the University of Cape Town with a degree in law. Michael came to Canada around 1959 and landed in Edmonton, he went back to South Africa for a visit around 1970. He worked for the John Howard Society, working with those of which that chose a life of crime and for an understanding for prison reform. Michael was an intelligent man & was always up for a good conversation & even debate, he was also meticulous and very caring. Michael will be lovingly remembered by his partner Violet Frise, children; Val of Edmonton, Rici of Peru, David, Carla & Ian, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives from different continents. Michael was predeceased by his father Isadore & his mother Miriam, his wife June and his grandson, Phoenix. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from First Baptist Church in Yorkton with Pastor Steve Rosluk officiating. Hymns were ‘All the Way My Saviour Leads Me’, ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. Casketbearers were James Lynch, Joel Barrette, Don Reed and Pastor Steve Rosluk. Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Michael may be made to the First Baptist Church as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at baileysfunerahome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home.

Funeral, Cremation, Memorial Services, Monuments, Pre-arrangements, Purple Shield Plans, Notary Public Services Serving ALL with Dignity, Honesty and Integrity Saving Families Thousands Ask a family we’ve served.

Coming Events

WANTED Canadian Prairie Pickers DEAD OR ALIVE

are once again touring the area!

Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry

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Notices / Nominations

Space For Lease

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 Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

1,000 SQ.FT. Commercial Building. Newly renovated, air conditioning, paved parking in the back, available downtown on April 1st, 2021. Call 306-621-5076.

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF FAKE NEWS! The global COVID-19 pandemic means learning how to SPOT fake news has never been more important. Protect yourself with media literacy in 4 simple steps. Watch the video at SPOTfakenews.ca

HOLSTEIN - With sadness, the family of Delores Holstein (nee’ Kondro) announce her peaceful passing on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Delores was predeceased by her parents Nick and Nellie (Gelmich) Kondro and her husband Douglas Holstein. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory her daughter Teri Holstein (Terry Schultz) and granddaughter Blake Holstein; sisters Deanne (Robert) Tulloch, Donna (Brian) Pysyk, Deb Kondro (Francis O’Connor) and brother Neil (Marlene) Kondro, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Due to Covid 19 restrictions a memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to make a donation in memory of Delores may make them to Yorkton Palliative Care.

RENOVATED 2 Bedroom Apartment on Dalebrooke Drive. Available December. Call Shelby 780-208-3337.

Houses For Rent SPRINGSIDE HOUSING Authority is currently accepting applications for a 3 bedroom home. Fridge and stove included. Well kept, clean and quiet neighborhood. Rent is based on income. For more information and applications please call Morlie at 306-792-2222 or 306-621-7815.

Adult Personal Messages

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

LOOKING FOR a relationship. Male (46), from Yorkton, looking for female with or without children, for companion. Likes movies and going dancing. Call 306-641-6234 no texts.

Building Supplies

Integrity Post Frame Buildings SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More

Apartments / Condos-For Sale 1BR/1BA Yorkton and Area $209,000.00 Beautiful ground level, corner unit condo in The Madison (55+ living) near the mall. Bright and welcoming one bedroom condo with walkout patio just steps from parking. Modern, open concept layout includes in suite washer and dryer, stainless steel stove, fridge and dishwasher, and window treatments. Very low condo fees include water, heat, sewage and common insurance. Also includes a storage unit. Move in ready! Please call 204 -937-2312 or email inquiries to kuchrhan@mymts.net.

Health Services

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

RM #241 Calder, For Sale by Tender: NE 20-25-32-W1 Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close March 22, 2021. For more information call 306-807-7472 or Submit Tender to: farmlands.sask@gmail.com

LOT FOR SALE. 50 x 120 serviced lot located in Wynyard, SK. Asking $20,000. Call 306-5543012.

Death Notices

43 SUITE Apartment Building in Glencairn. Affordable housing for independent living. Large screened in balconies, free laundry on each floor. One free parking space. Bus stop at front door. Fridge and stove supplied. Free weekly bus service to Safeway. For more information, please call 306-789-7970 and leave a message.

At Your Service

sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com Handyperson WHATEVER NEEDS DONE. Carpentry, plumbing, painting, yard work, garbage hauled away. Phone 306-621-7538, leave mesage.

Services for Hire

Lots & Acreages for Sale Death Notices

Apartments/Condos for Rent

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649-1405 for details.

Tenders Announcements

2 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony. Pets Allowed. Available Immediately. Phone Shelby 780-2083337.

R.U. SHARP Sharpening Services & Sales. Reseller of RADA Knives & Cutlery. Call/Text 306-621-0657.

Legal/Public Notices

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.

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372 Services for Hire BUILDING NEW, Doing Renos, need repairs. Over 20yrs. experience. Able to do framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, tape, texture, paint, flooring. Specialize in walk-in tile showers, finish carpentry, windows & doors, siding, decks. Will travel. Guaranteed workmanship. Call Glen 306-6414987. CASTLE ARBOR CARE Tree Removals & Pruning. 306-621-5420. www.castlearborcare.com

Legal/Public Notices

Canadian Navigable Waters Act The Rural Municipality of Orkney No. 244 hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans. BELIEVE IT? Don’t fall victim to sharing fake news about COVID-19 online. Learn the four simple steps that will help you SPOT fake news online. Watch the video at SPOTfakenews.ca Births LINGEL - Born to Tiffany Lingel & Justin Kucharyshen of Yorkton, SK, a daughter, Kirah Lynn Lingel on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Give your tight budget a little relief. Make some extra cash by selling the items you no longer need with a low-cost, fastacting Yorkton This Week and Marketplace Classified Ad. Phone 306-782-2465.

Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, The Rural Municipality of Orkney No. 244 has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Canadian Navigable Waters Registry ( http://cps.canada.ca/ ) and under registry number 2209 or, under the NPP File Number 2021-603734 a description of the following work, its site and plans: • Bridge Replacement (nature and status of work e.g. existing/proposed wharf, breakwater, booms, bridge, cable, dam, etc. not merely "Works" or such general terms) In, on, over, under, through or across the Yorkton Creek at existing Grid 726 bridge located at NNE 22-27-04 W2M, between SE 27-27-04-W2M and NE 22-27-04-W2M, by Ebenezer, in the Province of Saskatchewan. Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to the internet, by sending your comments directly to: Transport Canada — NPP 344 Edmonton Street Winnipeg, MB • R3C OP6 However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received no later than 30 days after the publication of the last notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent. Posted in Yorkton this 10th day of March, 2021 The Rural Municipality of Orkney No. 244 RMOfOrkney_3x65.d10_R0011861723.indd 1

2021-03-09 11:19 AM

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Tenders

SALTCOATS DISTRICT REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY P.O. Box 421 Saltcoats, Saskatchewan S0A 3R0

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Tenders

PLAN OF THE WEEK

PLAN NUMBER 6-3676 DRAMATIC CURB APPEAL Wide stone pilasters decorate the facade of this handsome family home, which includes three bedrooms located on 1-1/2 storeys. The pilasters, complemented by stucco and narrow horizontal siding, provide dramatic curb appeal. The covered entry leads into a lofty doubleheight foyer. A den is located immediately to the right, the ideal spot for a home office. A convenient two-piece lavatory is adjacent.

Also in the foyer is a coat closet, close to the U-shaped stairway that leads to the upper halfstorey. Beyond the stairway is the great room, which features a partially doubleheight ceiling, sloping to nine feet near the exterior wall. The gas fireplace will cast its rosy glow into both the open-plan kitchen and dining room, while sliding glass doors offer access to a covered patio, perfect for al fresco meals. The kitchen and dining area are separated from the great room by a spacious work island,

fitted with double sinks and a dishwasher. Part of the dining room ceiling is double-height. A walk-through pantry leads from the kitchen, through the laundry room and into the double garage, making unloading groceries a breeze. The laundry room includes a handy shelf, as well as a coat closet. An archway leads from the dining area into a space with a linen closet, close to the master suite. The roomy master suite looks out to the back garden for privacy. Between the bedroom and the large walk-in closet is the

en-suite, which includes an oval soaker tub set in a bayed-out niche, as well as double basins and a shower stall. The toilet is enclosed in a separate space. Upstairs, both secondary bedrooms have their own three-piece bathroom. One overlooks the back garden, while the other overlooks the front garden. A linen closet is conveniently placed on the stair landing. Parts of the second story are open to the rooms below, and the landing is railed for safety. The double garage, which features a decorative door with horizontal glass panels, is big enough to accommodate a workshop. Exterior finishes include stucco, stone and horizontal siding, as well as painted trim. This home measures 42 feet wide by 61 feet, six inches deep, for a total of 2,453 square feet. Plans for design 6-3676 are available for $915 (set of 5), $985 (set of 8) and $1031 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...Yorkton This Week) #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

Feed & Seed

General Employment

Agricultural

Phone (306) 744-2212 Fax (306) 744-2239 Email saltcoatsdistrictrp@sasketel.net

Facilities Operator Tender The Saltcoats District Regional Park Authority is inviting tenders to apply for the contract position of Facilities Operator of the Saltcoats District Regional Park's Concession, Pavilion, and Bathrooms for the 2021 season from approximately May 1st to September 12th 2021. The successful tender should include but not limited to: - All costs associated with stocking and operating the concession building - Defined hours of operation posted. - Labour in-kind in lieu of kitchen rental tee. - 50% commission of all fees collected from on-site camping registrations, - A recognized safe food handling course (Food Safe) or the ability to obtain certification is required. All tenders shall provide the services in a manner that is in compliance With all applicable Occupational Health and Safety laws and regulations. Proposals may be sent by mail to: Saltcoats District Regional Park Authority Box 421 Saltcoats, SK S0A 3R0 Or dropped Off in person at the Saltcoats Town Office. All proposals must be received by Thursday, March 25 at 4:00 pm. If there are questions contact the Saltcoats Town Office at 306-744-2212 Grounds Keeper Tender The Saltcoats District Regional Park Authority is inviting tenders to apply for the contract position of Grounds Keeper of the Saltcoats District Regional Park for the 2021 season from approximately May 1st to September 12, 2021. The successful tender should include but not limited to: - Grass cutting and trimming - Campsite Maintenance - Equipment and storage - Limited beach cleaning and upkeep Grass must be maintained at an acceptable height. Individuals, Contractor Companies, Groups or Organizations are welcome to tender. All tenders shall provide the services in a manner that is in compliance with all applicable Occupational Health and Safety laws and regulations. Proposals may be sent by mail to; Saltcoats District Regional Park Authority Box 421 Saltcoats, SK S0A 3R0 Or dropped off in person at the Saltcoats Town Office. All proposals should be in by Thursday, March 25 at 4:00 pm. If there are questions contact the Saltcoats Town Office at 306-744-2212.

Suites For Rent

Cars

SPRINGSIDE HOUSING Authority is currently accepting applications for 1 & 2 bedroom Senior Suites at the Heritage Place. Fridge and stove included. Central laundry with two washers and dryers. Well kept, ready for rent. Rent is based on income. For more information and applications please call Morlie at 306-792-2222 or 306-621-7815.

2 GOOD YEAR 275/65 18 tires. One like new. $100; 4 Nordic snow tires on steel VW rims. $200. Phone 306-338-2750.

Appliances FREEZERS LARGE $475, Small $350; 20 qt. dough mixer $2500. Phone Elaine 306-849-4910 or 306-272-7583.

For Sale - Misc 2 JOHN DEERE 26” cut snowblowers. 1 7hp & 1 8hp motors. Both in very good working order. 306-782-9131 or 306-621-9783. FOR SALE: Chesterfield and loveseat, beige in colour with wood accent. Good condition. $250 OBO. Phone 306-783-3852.

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN SUPPLIES

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

Highway #9 North, Yorkton 306-783-8660

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.

Parts & Accessories

LH RECYCLED

LTD.

THE PARTS YOU NEED

Heavy Duty Mechanics required:

The Price and service you want

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

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

Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Closed Sat. & Sun. 15 YORK ROAD WEST, YORKTON

306-782-4395 OR 1-800-657-4395 Fax 306-786-5414 Trucks & Vans 2015 CHEV Silverado, double cab, 4X4, 5.3 auto, ps/pb, spray in box liner, backup camera, 89,000kms. 306-782-9497 or 306-621-5625.

Trucking & Transport

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

GOOD’S USED TRACTOR PARTS (204) 564-2528 or 1-877-564-8734 Roblin, MB

Millions of people look to classifieds across Canada every week — it’s used news. FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

WHEAT

GO EARLY, PINTAIL. OATS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY, SO1 SUPER OAT.

ANDERSON CATTLE CO. BULL SALE. 60 Red & Black Angus Bulls. March 30/21 at Swan River, MB. 204-734-2073, www.andersoncattle.ca.

Cars

AMISK, BUSBY, CONLON, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, CERVEZA, SUNDRE. PEAS AAC PEACE RIVER (VERY EARLY YELLOW), CDC HORIZON (FORAGE), POLISH CANOLA, SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

Diamond W Bull Sale: 19th Annual Bull Sale Diamond W Bull Sale: 19th Annual Bull Sale, Tuesday, March 23th, 1:30 PM DST, JTM Livestock, Minitonas, MB. Offering 45 Charolais Yearling & Two-YearOlds, many polled, some red factor, 30 Red & Black Angus Yearlings & Two-Year-Olds. Sound, semen tested with delivery available. For catalogues and info contact Orland Walker 306-865-6539. Sale broadcast live www.dlms.com. Catalogue and videos online at www.bylivestock.com 306-865-6539

FOR SALE: 2014 Ford Focus Hatchback. 205,000kms, new tires, remote start. No accidents, non-smoker. Very clean, asking $6,000. Call or text 306-594-8191.

Give us a call soon. We’d like to help you place a classified ad in Yorkton This Week. Phone 306782-2465.

FOR SALE: Polled Purebred 2 year old and yearling Charolais bulls. Some red factor. Phone 306435-7116. King’s Polled Charolais.

BARLEY

General Employment

NOW HIRING! The Yorkton Real Canadian Superstore is hiring

FULL & PART TIME MEAT CUTTER We’re looking for talented colleagues who are passionate about providing an exceptional shopping experience for customers and delighting them every step of the way! At Loblaw, it’s about our respect for the environment, sourcing products with integrity and making a positive difference in the community. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility and a benefits package. We seek great people to continually strengthen our culture. We believe great people model our values, are authentic, build trust and make connections. If that sounds like you, and you are open-minded, responsive to change and up to the challenges provided in a fast- paced retail environment, apply today online at loblaw.ca/careers Real Canadian Superstore 206 Broadway Street East Yorkton, SK S3N 3K4

CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2021 hail season. (July - October) Semi-retired or retired this job is for you! Competitive salary, all expenses & mileage paid, health spending account and pension plan. We provide extensive training using our industry leading crop hail adjusting program.

Auctions

Livestock

CERTIFIED SEED

Currently accepting applications for

Email: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca for application form and job overview. 306-569-1852 ext 170.

HELP WANTED: Full Time Yard/Sales Personnel. Apply in person with resume to Windsor Plywood Highway 10 East Yorkton, SK.

Farm Implements

Feed & Seed

Heavy Duty Mechanic - Journeyperson. Somerville Farms is located in Eatonia, SK. Great company, Great location, Great Wage. Visit hire-standard.com/job-seekers to learn more and to apply.

QUICK SOLD AUCTION serving SE Saskatchewan. Let us help you sell your items getting the best possible price in the least amount of time. Your items will get Canada wide coverage on our Online auction. Specializing in antiques, vintage and collectables of all kinds. Certified personal property appraiser. Don’t throw anything out until you talk to us. Free consultation. 306-728-5552 or 306-7307310. quicksoldauction.com PL#508277. NEILSON CATTLE COMPANY Charolais Bull Sale, Monday, March 22, 1:00 pm at the Ranch, Hwy # 47 South of Willowbrook, SK. Offering an elite group of 35 two year old Charolais bulls, all semen tested and vet inspected. for a catalogue or more information contact Mike at 306-620-7252 or T Bar C Cattle Co. at 306-220-5006. Watch and bid online at www.DLMS.ca and to view the catalogue online, visit www.BuyAgro.com. (PL#116061). HOLLINGER LAND & CATTLE 9th Annual Bull & Female Sale, Tuesday, March 23, 1:00 pm at the ranch, Neudorf, SK. With guest consignor Nu-Horizon Angus. Offering 60 Black Angus yearling bulls, plus purebred females and select pens of commercial open heifers. For more information or a catalogue, contact Chad at 306331-0302 or T Bar C Cattle Co. at 306-220-5006. To view the catalogue online go to www.BuyAgro.com. Watch and bid online at www.DLMS.ca. (PL#116061).

Agriculture

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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Research dollars good sign of spring Spring, or even the hint that it is just around the corner, is the season of optimism in agriculture. Farmers ready their equipment, and then head to the field to plant a new crop. As the seed rolls out of the drill every kernel holds the hope of being part of a bumper crop, and producers can dream high prices will be the norm by the time of harvest, five months ahead. While the magic combo; big crops and high prices, isn’t often realized, spring allows for such hopes. Of course a lot can happen from seeding to harvest; too much rain, too hot, bugs, weeds, disease, a veritable mine-

field for a crop to make it through, but from the seat of the tractor in May farmers can imagine all of them staying at bay. Ultimately though, the greatest hope of spring for producers is often less recognized. It is at this time of year researchers see new funds dedicated to their work, and it is the result of farm research that holds the greatest promise for the producer. For example, the University of Saskatchewan released noted new money coming its way. “The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) will invest $3.2 million in a unique bio-

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels manufacturing facility at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) that will use cuttingedge “engineering biology” technologies to accelerate agri-food innovation and help address food security needs,” said a release. “Developing canola varieties more resistant to climate change, flavourings for the plant-

based meat industry, and non-animal enzyme alternatives for the dairy industry are a sample of the innovations to be advanced by the new Engineering Biology Agri-food Innovation Centre within the university’s Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS).” And research makes strides as a second

USask release noted. “Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are members of an international consortium of leading academic and commercial seed companies from the USA, Canada, Europe and Israel, that has announced the successful mapping of the canola pan-genome (its entire set of genes). The International Canola Pan-genome Consortium was established in 2019 to advance the canola agricultural industry by capturing the broad genetic diversity of this crop.” The mapping of the genome will set the

table for greater strides in research moving forward. That is one of the intriguing things about research, how a discovery today, opens the window for another researcher to see the next step in answering some questions whether yield-related, disease resistance, or how to survive in drier conditions. Canola is a fine example of what research can achieve, being developed as a crop from rapeseed, and grown in areas today not dreamed of 25 years ago. That is what makes research so critical and seeing investments made is laying the foundation for the sector tomorrow.

FCC encourages producers to stay on top of evolving risks Regina, Saskatchewan, March 2, 2021 – Most Canadian agriculture producers have either tapped into or identified strategies to manage the key risks to their operations, according to the most recent Farm Credit Canada (FCC) risk management survey. “Risk is an inherent part of owning and operating any successful business, especially in an industry where so many factors are beyond the producer’s control,” said Craig Klemmer, FCC’s principal economist. “But if we’ve learned anything from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, producers can’t be complacent and should be prepared to adopt new strategies to address evolving risks.” The survey of more than 2,000 farm operators shows that 87 per cent have implemented strategies to mitigate risk in five key areas: production, marketing, financial, legal and human resources. Managing risk involves keeping tabs on markets, ensuring the business can withstand sudden changes in commodity prices or economic conditions, and securing sufficient human resources to support operations. Livestock (beef, hogs, sheep and goats) producers used the fewest risk mitigation strategies on their operations, compared to producers from the three other

sectors – grains and oilseeds, supply managed sectors, and greenhouse vegetables and fruit – included in the survey. The results for the livestock sector were consistent across the five risk areas, signaling either a higher risk tolerance or a lack of risk management options to meet the sector’s needs. Human resource risks pose the greatest concern for greenhouse vegetables and fruit operators, primarily due to their dependency on hired labour and challenges recruiting for these sectors. Operators from the other sectors – grains and oilseeds, supply management and livestock – are more dependent on family members to support their operations, with the exception of hog operations. Survey participants across all four sectors represented in the survey expressed moderate concern when it came to production risks, which include weather, disease, pests and other factors, while the impact of adverse weather generated the most concern. “The agriculture sector overall has done a good job identifying and mitigating production risks,” Klemmer said, noting significant attention has been paid to both on- and off-farm mitigation measures, including the use of government programs, industry specialists

(agronomists, nutritionists and veterinarians) and diversification of production. The study showed the top risk management strategies include record keeping, insurance and government programs, as well as professional services (accountants and lawyers) to mitigate financial and legal risks. Seven out of 10 producers said they have regular checkins with their financial institutions and nine out of 10 are working with an accountant or financial planner. “The good news is most producers are in a solid financial position to withstand short-term impacts on their businesses,” Klemmer said. “We encourage producers to have a risk management plan that pulls together mitigation strategies, as well as identifies key risks and available solutions to manage these risks before they emerge.” The survey, however, suggests there’s still room for improvement. Fewer than 40 per cent of those surveyed indicated they have a business plan to manage potentially increasing interest rates, yet increasing operating costs was ranked as a significant concern among producers in all sectors. FCC Economics has produced two blog posts on the risk management survey. For more information and insights,

visit the FCC Economics blog post at fcc. ca/AgEconomics. The survey was conducted from November 5-12, 2020. All participants are primarily involved in agriculture production and are considered key decision makers for their operations. Based on the sample size, the survey has a margin of error plus/minus 2.2 per cent, 19 times out of 20. By sharing agriculture survey results, FCC provides solid insights and expertise to help those in the business of agriculture achieve their goals. For more results from the risk management survey, visit FCC Vision Results. To learn more about the FCC Vision Panel, http://www.fccvision.ca/. FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $41 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible, competitively priced financing, management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a self-sustaining Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

Robots help farmers, cows like them, too Marc Fawcett-Atkinson - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Canada’s National Observer) Mickey Aylard used to wake up in the dead of night and milk a hundred cows. Now, a robot does the job. Three years ago, the fourth-generation Saanich, B.C., dairy farmer installed an automatic milking system that milks cows on their schedule, without human intervention. It was a relief, she said, boosting her mental health and making life on the farm more sustainable. “We used to get up at three in the morning to milk cows,” she said. “Now, we’re not starting until five-thirty or six, and just getting that extra bit of sleep is huge on our family’s mental health.” She’s not alone. A study published this month by a team at the University of Guelph found that farmers using automated milking systems reported having better mental health

than their peers. But farmers aren’t the only ones benefiting from the technology — the cows seem to prefer it, too. More than half of Canadian farmers — not just dairy farmers — suffer from anxiety, and over a third are depressed, according to a 2019 report by the federal standing committee on agriculture. Deaths by suicide are also higher among farmers, fishery, and forestry workers than the general population. In the U.S., a 2017 study by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that about 74 per cent of dairy farmers were impacted by opioid addiction — almost double the percentage impacted in the general rural population. While the sources of stress vary from farm to farm, for dairy farmers, the brutal schedule plays an undeniable role, said Meagan King, lead author on the study and a professor of animal psychology and welfare at the University of Manitoba. “Automated milking and feeding systems have

already become crucial to providing farmers with more time flexibility,” she said. In traditional milking systems, farmers need to bring their herd into a milking parlour twice daily and attach the milking machines to their udders. Automated systems avoid this work entirely: A cow can walk up to a milking stall at her leisure and is fed an individualized ration of grain while the machine locates her udders and milks her. Farmers still need to work long hours — caring for animals is time-intensive — but can do so on a more humane schedule, said Aylard, the Saanich farmer. “From a behavioural standpoint, it gives the cows a lot more freedom and flexibility, and there are potentially benefits associated with that,” said Trevor DeVries, co-author on the study and a professor at the University of Guelph. Those benefits were reflected in the findings of the study, which used lameness — sore feet or

Photo by pixy.org

Both cows and farmers benefit from robotic milking systems, a new study suggests. legs — to measure the well-being of animals on 28 farms. Farmers with robotic milking systems were less stressed out if they also had automatic feeding systems. They were more stressed if they worked alone, and farmers with better mental health had fewer lame cows in their herd. “We can’t conclude what is driving what because we didn’t measure changes over time,”

said DeVries. “There’s an argument to be made that it goes both ways… It makes sense that if a producer has better mental health, they’re probably in a better state to be able to take care of their animals … (but) if animals are doing well, from a health and performance standpoint, that would likely also have a positive impact on their caretakers, the producers.” While the study is the first time this correlation has been officially documented, DeVries said he wasn’t surprised by the results since robotic milkers have surged in popularity recently. About a decade ago, well under 10 per cent of Canada’s 10,951 dairy farms used these technologies; now, about 15 per cent of farms have them. Their benefit to both cows and farmers is one of the reasons driving the interest, he said. For Aylard, happier cows and better sleep, while important, weren’t the only factors driving her decision to invest in the technology. Not a

lot of people are eager to become farmers, she said, and finding reliable farmhands was almost impossible. It’s a trend mirrored on farms of all kinds across the country, with the number of farmers under 35 falling by well over half since 1991, according to a 2018 study in Canadian Food Studies. Robots and migrant workers (on farms that can’t easily automate like produce farms) are increasingly meeting those labour needs. For Aylard, the automatic milker helped pick up that slack, but also brought an added benefit. When she installed the system, she also invested in “cow brushes,” or giant round brushes that spin automatically when a cow approaches them. “It starts rubbing her back and her face, and whatever she rubs up against (it),” she said. “And honestly, I don’t know if those brushes have turned off since we put them in three years ago. (The cows) just love them.”

Sports

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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Submitted Photos

Cross country skiers hold event Could you ski your age in km? That was the challenge members of the Yorkton Youth Cross Country Ski club accepted on a recent cool Sunday afternoon. With COVID-19 restrictions, the club ran a virtual loppet where socially distanced students skied as far as they could in a time based on their age. The improvement and achievement of young skiers was impressive with most four-to-10 year olds skiing their age in kilometres.

Notable achievers included Arabella, a 4 year old, who just learned to ski, and went 4.5 km without poles. Ollie, 6, skied 9 km. Alexander, 8, went 20 km combining classic and skate skiing. All the senior skate skiers, age 11 to 17, went 19 to 28 km in 2 ½ hours. Over 40 students attended weekly 45-minute lessons Sunday afternoon, with older students taking several weekly lessons in classic and skate skiing. Lessons finished March 7, weather permitting, with extra events possible.

The club would like to thank the following; groomers Ken Geduk and Mike Giroux for braving the cold to set a great track for us to enjoy, coaches Ray Bailey, JoAnne Maloff, AnnaLissa Ubongen, Wayne Clark and Garth Hunter for their fun but practical instruction and the City of Yorkton for providing the grounds, parking lot and as much access to the clubhouse as COVID allowed. This past year has been the busiest in recent memory at the Deer Park

trails, mainly due to skiing being so COVID safe. We look forward to continued growth in interest in cross country skiing next season, with the strong foundation of our young skiers taking a step forward. In a post-COVID world, more skiing linked social activities may be offered next season. Individuals or families looking for more information for this season or next should contact JoAnne Maloff. Youth Program Director, Maloff03@ gmail.com or YCCSC Facebook

Local connection to NLL team move to Albany There is nothing better for a journalist than when a story turns out to be more than anticipated, and that was certainly the case as I interviewed Russ Sheppard. Sheppard is one of a group of new owners in the National Lacrosse League, having bought the New England franchise, and announcing they would be moving the team to Albany, NY. While I am an ardent lacrosse fan, I don’t typically pay too much attention to what happens with American franchises, focusing my interest on action in Canada. But, then I read about Sheppard being one of the new owners, and I was intrigued, although not so much about his being in on the Albany effort. The intrigue was because Sheppard was the guy who introduced lacrosse to Kugluktuk, a hamlet located at the mouth of the Coppermine River in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada, on Coronation Gulf, southwest of Victoria Island. It is the westernmost community in Nunavut, near the border with the Northwest Territories. What makes that introduction of the sport really interesting is that it is the story the 2019 movie ‘The Grizzlies’ is based on. While admittedly there are

not a lot of lacrosse movies out there – ‘Crooked Arrows’ with Brandon Routh comes to mind – Grizzlies is easily the best about the sport, and would warrant consideration for my top-10 sports films. Now I wanted to chat with Sheppard, and thanks to the NLL that was set up. Films don’t always follow the real life script, so how did Sheppard like the film that was based in part on his past? “I was very happy with the way things were portrayed in the film,” he said, adding he felt it captured the spirit “of a group of students and teachers working together.” The movie also avoided being one about him showing up with all the answers for a community facing various social issues, and focused more “on the strength and perseverance of the students . . . how strong these kids were.” Sheppard added looking back he learned more from the experience and the students than he taught them. I should note that with an interview set, I googled Sheppard for some background. It turns out he learned lacrosse in Saskatchewan

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports from Al Luciuk. If you know lacrosse in Saskatchewan you know the name Luciuk, and locally that is doubly true as he was the coach of the Scorpion Lacrosse and Sturgis Trojan Lacrosse Teams and his teams won five consecutive Provincial High School U19 championships and twelve Provincial U19 championship titles. It’s always really great

Russ Sheppard

when a story ties back to the local region. “I met Al at the University of Saskatchewan. He’s the one who kind of got me into lacrosse. He’s one of my oldest friends, he’s kind of always been there,” said

Sheppard. Sheppard said he has come to recognize lacrosse has been more than a sport. “The game changed my life,” he said, adding getting out and playing, or coaching has become a way for him to center in his life. And then, as the interview was ending Sheppard said how he remembers this area well, having grown up in Esterhazy, and having played football in Yorkton. It was an unexpected turn, and I suppose shows once again how small this world is. So let’s get back to the Albany franchise. Sheppard said being involved is in part a way to give back to the game, adding while the owners come from different backgrounds they all have a love of lacrosse, adding that will be important as they build the franchise in Albany. “There’s a real obligation to do what’s right for the

game. It’s a real honor for us to have a pro team,” he said, adding they realize they are essentially in the heart of the area that lacrosse was created. The city is one where Sheppard said the team can prosper, in-part because there is already a base. “We see the growth of the game. It’s really grown over the last number of years, the last 20,” he said, adding it is just a case of marketing it well. The game is exciting enough that if fans come, they will largely be hooked. It should help that the franchise has rivalries galore to build, with teams in New York, Rochester and Buffalo in the state, and Philadelphia and Toronto with eight or nine hours too. “I’ll be excited to see how those rivalries play out for us,” said Sheppard. The Albany team – they are currently doing a name search with fans – will begin play in the NLL this fall (assuming the season moves forward given the pandemic). NOTE: For the month of March there will be a ‘bonus’ sports column posted each Saturday. Watch March 13 for an interview with author Maria Quinto and she recently released children’s book; There Once Was A Girl: AJ which tells the story of hockey great Angela James.

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Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Submitted Photos

Early training The Parkland Expos baseball organization added a new team to its roster for this summer. The Expos had teams at the U15 and U18 AAA level in 2020, and now a U18 AA team. The U18 AA team was practicing at the Gloria Hayden

Centre this week, under the sage guidance of John Zeeben, who reviewed fielding techniques with the team.

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