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Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Art walkers

Staff Photo by Calvin Daniels

The Yorkton Public Library, City of Yorkton, Sask. Lotteries, and the YBID have partnered up to bring an ‘art walk’ to the community. The library began the process hosting a ‘Cozy up and Color’ program whereby they supplied colouring packages for the community to pick up. Thirty packages were handed out and returned. This gave the Yorkton Business Improvement District (YBID) an opportunity to use the artwork in local ‘gallery’ locations at local businesses.

Last Thursday two of the artists, Olga Stupak, 88, and Annie Antoniuk, who will turn 100 Monday, visited their works in the front window of LR Future Insurance & Investments on Broadway Street in the city. The artists were accompanied by Cyndi Hoffart and Rae Perith, recreation workers at the Yorkton District Nursing Home.

Richardson announces expansion By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Richardson International Limited is announcing a significant investment in their canola crush plant in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In addition to doubling its processing capacity to 2.2 million metric tonnes, the project will optimize operational

efficiencies and modernize the facility to meet an ever-growing global demand for canola oil and canola meal products. “It’s exciting news. I can’t tell you how psyched we are,” said Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley when contacted Monday. “It will be the largest canola crushing facility in North America

right here in our home town.” Hippsley said the expansion is important not just for its direct impact, but because it can have something of a ripple effect in the city. “The impact will be all kinds of positivity and hope for the city,” he said, adding if other businesses, especially those tied to agriculture,

see Richardson willing to make a major investment in Yorkton, they may as well. “It helps underline Yorkton as being an agriculture centre,” he said. SaskCanola’s Board of Director Chair Bernie McClean said the expansion is extremely positive for the canola sector, and beyond. “It’s only good news

for agriculture and the economy as a whole,” he said when contact by Yorkton This Week Monday. “It has to help the local economy. “I look at this as fantastic news.” McClean said the expansion should also spur canola producers in the Yorkton area to feel confident in investing in the crop to boost produc-

tion per acre, knowing the market exists locally. “It should really encourage producers,” he said. The Government of Saskatchewan was quick to welcome Richardson International Limited’s announcement. “This is a significant investment in our

Continued on Page A2

Pearen presented SBA lifetime award

Food donation honours Jaxon

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Yorkton’s Larry Pearen is the recipient of the 2020 Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA) Lifetime Member Award. The award signifies long-term, outstanding contribution to the development of band in the province. When asked about the award Pearen told

Yorkton This Week “it’s very humbling,” adding “there are lots of people who have done lots of things,” that would make them worthy recipients of the honour. Making the award more special is that the SBA is Pearen’s professional organization, so it’s recognition from peers “doing similar things.”

It was a tragic event when last week crews searching for the missing Jaxon MacDonald, 15, found him dead on an island on Madge Lake, near Kamsack. But from that tragedy came an amazing example of the kindness of giving, related Captain Sam Tim with the Salvation Army Food Bank in Yorkton.

Continued on Page A8

Continued on Page A2

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EXPANSION Continued from Page A1 province that will create local jobs, support economic recovery and help our province continue to grow,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a release Monday. “As the world recovers from the economic impacts of the pandemic, there remains a growing need for the food products Saskatchewan produces, such as canola oil and canola meal, and we appreciate this investment and expansion at Richardson’s Yorkton canola crush plant, which will help meet that demand. Our government is committed to maintaining a competitive business environment to attract these types of investments, which will benefit all Saskatchewan residents, and we look forward to working with Richardson on this important project.” “Saskatchewan is a leader in agricultural production and we welcome this investment to increase canola crush capacity in the province,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in the same government release. “We know the world wants the high quality products Saskatchewan pro-

duces, with canola oil and canola meal our top value-added exports in 2020. This expansion of processing capacity will help Saskatchewan meet the goals outlined in our Growth Plan, which includes a target to crush 75 per cent of the canola our province produces here in Saskatchewan. In the same release Richardson International President and CEO Curt Vossen noted the expansion builds on a base started more than a decade ago. “We opened the original Yorkton plant in 2010 and at that time, it was by far the largest capital investment Richardson had ever undertaken,” he said. “Saskatchewan and Manitoba producers have responded effectively, providing growth in canola production over the years - this has given us the confidence to move forward with expansion once again. We have appreciated the encouragement and cooperation of the rural municipality of Orkney, the city of Yorkton, and the province of Saskatchewan.” When completed, the Yorkton facility will include a high-speed shipping system with three 9,500-foot loop tracks, complementing

The global outlook for Canadian canola oil is promising, and this latest investment emphasizes our ongoing commitment to best in class facilities. — Darrell Sobkow (Senior Vice-President, Processing, Food, and Ingredients) infrastructure currently in place. It will be served by both major railways and will be dedicated to moving canola crush products at some of the most efficient levels seen in North America. Additional facility upgrades and improvements will effectively double processing capacity in excess of 2.2 million metric tonnes of seed. The site will also boast three high-speed receiving lanes, providing producers and trucking partners a fast and effective means for seed delivery. When contacted Monday, Kelcey Vossen, Communications and Public Relations with

Welcome to ‘Wordy Wednesday’ brought to you by our friends at Yorkton Public Library, (including Slow the friendly sloth), and appearing here courtesy of Yorkton This Week. Today’s word is inimitable - adjective in-IM-ituh-bul - not capable of being imitated ; matchless For example, “Slow is taking a break this week as we bring you inimitable Easter eggs as an alternative.” And, remember you can find all kinds of great books filled with words to read at the YPL. Check it out athttps://parklandlibrary.ca/branch/159

Richardson explained the company is “not commenting on the number at this stage,” in terms of the investment cost of the project, adding some details are still “to be fleshed out.” She did add the investment “obviously will be fairly significant.” The staffing levels during construction and those at the plant post construction were also

not available Monday. Vossen did note that there will be permanent jobs created by the expansion terming those “additive” and ones which will have “a good impact on the economy.” As a significant supplier to the global canola market, Richardson has been focused on improved operational efficiencies, modernization, and automation. With $120 million recently invested in their Lethbridge, Alberta crush plant, this latest investment in Yorkton will provide additional opportunities to producers to market their oilseed crop. “The global outlook for Canadian canola oil is promising, and this latest investment emphasizes our ongoing commitment to best in class facilities,” said Darrell Sobkow (Senior VicePresident, Processing, Food, and Ingredients). “Yorkton lies right in the heart of canola country and we are focused on

providing our producer customers with increasingly efficient means for meeting the needs of a growing global consumptive market.” Construction will begin immediately with no disruption to current operations and is expected to be completed in early 2024. During the construction phase, there will be significant opportunities for employment within the area and upon completion, the company expects to add full-time positions to the plant. “This state-of-theart facility represents a good news story for all industry participants – for our producer customers and end-use buyers across North America and abroad,” said Keith Belitski (Director, Operations, Yorkton). “A construction project of this magnitude will be significant, economically, to the province of Saskatchewan, the city of Yorkton, and surrounding areas.”

FOOD Continued from Page A1 Tim explained the family of Jaxon MacDonald had ordered some food items from Walmart in the city, having planned to prepare a meal for the people that were searching for Jaxon. When the search was called off after they found the body, the family members decided to donate the food items to the Food Bank instead of asking for a refund, explained Tim. “This really touched me,” he said, adding the donation “was a tribute to Jaxon.” Tim said the act of giving really showed the best of humanity. “At this point we should be the ones caring for them, and they’re caring for others,” he said. In terms of caring Tim also noted the family has established the soon to be registered, ‘Jaxon

21034ge0

MacDonald Foundation’, “where his legacy will live on and change so many lives.” People may contrib-

Jaxon MacDonald

ute to the Foundation at donorbox.org/jaxon-macdonald-foundation or, by mail to 4813 Wright Road, S4W 0A7, Regina, SK.

Up Front

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

Columnist has new book coming By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Springside has a new author in town. Pattie Janzen, who has recently returned as a columnist in The Marketplace is set to release her first book. The book, titled The Goodness is planned to hit the shelves this April, and is the first step in what Janzen sees as a series ‘Someone of Substance’. The book is “a story of a family and their intertwined relationships with family members and others,” explained Janzen who grew up in Saskatoon, moving to Springside in 1994. “If I have to choose one genre it would be a romance, of sorts, with elements of mystery and intrigue.” The book setting is “mostly set in 2014 - 2015 with some flashbacks to 1980s,” said the 56-yearold Janzen. “It’s set in a large city but the smaller town the main character is from is also a setting within the book.” The book draws at least in-part on Janzen’s own background as she graduated as a registered nurse in 1984 and worked in Saskatoon, in Labor and Delivery, for 10-years

until moving to Yorkton where she started on Obstetrics at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre in 1994. The book “is the story of a Labor and Delivery Nurse who cares for a couple having a baby one night, when tragedy strikes,” explains Janzen. “There are so many dynamics but the general theme, no matter what hardships happen --and there are quite a few involving the main characters and others -is one of seeing the goodness of God, no matter what happens.” Janzen said having the main character a nurse was simply logical. “It is my first published book. They say ‘write what you know’ so the nurse theme started there,” she said. But, why did Janzen think the book was worth writing? “I feel that we live in an often hurting world and people seem more angry and stressed than ever before,” she said. “My hope is that, through the hardships, difficult relationships, suspense and surprises my characters experience and live through, that people who read this book will be able to relate to something in it.

“I hope that it causes people to talk about what they’re going through and that almost everyone will be able to relate with at least one of the characters and it will get conversations going. “I feel this would be a great ‘book club’ book.” Janzen comes at writing out of love rather than from formal training. “I’ve always loved to write - even as a child making up stories and penning them,” she told Yorkton This Week. “I had a column called ‘Laugh at Life’ years ago (in 2001) while raising small children. I am thrilled to have the privilege of ‘revisiting’ the column ‘Laugh at Life’ starting this past December. “I took an online writing course involving learning how to write a novel, years ago as well. I have written many many screenplays for church Christmas concerts and other events for over 25-years. I’ve enjoyed directing numerous plays involving children and adults, as well (usually the plays I’ve written).” All the little steps as a writer finally led Janzen to penning a book she felt worthy of publishing. “I began writing my first novel in August 2020 and soon it became two,”

Pattie Janzen she said. “I am currently working on the third. “The saga will end with the finishing of the third novel.” The writing process for Janzen was not exactly as a textbook might have suggested. “At first I read about making a plan and I did try one of those,” she said. “Another book was started then but I got frustrated and couldn’t continue. “It may sound strange but, after I frustratingly gave that tedious journey up, I finally ‘listened’ more than forced myself to conform to plans and such. “It was like God said, ‘just sit, shut up and type’ and I finally listened and did it. That may sound crazy but this book developed quickly after that -- the rough copy anyway -- and it was done in

a month. “Then I couldn’t stop and in another month the second book was done. I definitely plan to get that one published as well because the first book is somewhat left hanging and my hope is the reader will want to continue the story as much as I did.” There were of course challenges beyond finding the best way to get the story flowing to the page. “Definitely the biggest challenge was finding time to write,” said Janzen. “This working for a living sucks sometimes and has infringed on this wonderful endeavour, to a point. “Thankfully, however, a pandemic is happening and all I do is go to work and then come home. Since there’s nowhere to go I escape all the stress of the world around me, at least to some extent, in the words I get to write. “I feel less stressed, also, while living through the exciting lives of my characters. The imagination is a powerful thing! If there’s anything that’s possibly good about this COVID-19 time I must be thankful for feeling reignited by the writing bug.” With the first book complete Janzen said she likes the characters

populating her story. “Definitely the characters and how they relate to one another,” she said when asked what she thought was best about the book. “I hope the reader will find their intertwined and sometimes challenging lives intriguing.” And the story, while continuing into future books, is also one Janzen likes now that it is on the page. “I am (satisfied), although I’m sure there’s always room for improvement and growth -- I’m not a very experienced writer -- but, I think it’s a valid story. “My good friend read the original copy and I knew she would tell me the truth. She and my daughter both came back with ‘you must get this published’ and ‘this would be a beautiful movie too’. So… I’m plunging in!” Janzen said the book is likely to appeal to adult women. “There are many male characters as well but if I’d target an audience I’d say adult women of all ages,” she said. In April the book will be available from Janzen directly, at Amazon. com and she hopes book stores and on-line.

Filipino culture being preserved and shared by local group By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer For the last decade, a community group has made the Filipino community feel at home in Yorkton. The Parkland Filipino Canadian Association Incorporation (PFCAI) started back in 2011 and featured under 100 members in its early days, but it currently has over 500 members. “We want to establish an environment that nurtures and protects Filipino culture, values, and tradition among our members and the community,” said Jenny Baraodian, the president of the PFCAI. “That’s really our ultimate goal.” One of the group’s biggest events is their Pinoy Fiesta, an annual event they hold in the summer. “It’s a big celebration for us. It’s not only for members but also for other Filipino communities as well as our Canadian friends,” Baraodian said. “We showcase our culture through food, social gatherings like dances. We have games, a mini-show; it’s an all-day event.” The group was unable

to hold the event last year, and Baraodian is unsure if they will be able to hold it this year as well, but the Fiesta isn’t the only group’s event. “We also have our annual Christmas Party. This is a smaller event; there is like 100 to 200 people that attend,” she said. “It’s just sharing of food and getting together and having gam es and prizes.” Another big part of the group is their Basketball league, something they are looking to expand. “What we want to happen is we want to extend it to other groups into the community. Basketball is mostly for our male members, but we want to involve others like the youth and the women. We are wanting to make that event bigger.” Baraodian said that she was invited to speak at a city council meeting, something she called a ‘big step.’ “We were invited to just introduce our community to the Mayor and the City Councillors. That’s a big jump in our community because they are acknowledging us,” she said. “(We) presented what we are and what we

want to do in Yorkton.” She added that she hopes this is the beginning of a good relationship with the City. “We want to collaborate with the City to meet our mission and vision. There are things we want to happen, not only for our community but just for everyone, to make Yorkton a perfect place for us.” “We want to work for an improvement in services for immigrants, especially newcomers and have recreational activities, which will meet our needs,” Barodian continued. “We want to have a venue to accommodate cultural groups. It’s sometimes hard to look for a rental place that is going to cater to our big community,” she said. “We want to be able to have a place where we can celebrate our culture and celebrate each of our activities, and big enough to accommodate everyone, including non-members.” She added that they would continue to expand and celebrate their traditions, and anyone from any culture is invited to celebrate with them.

File Photos

The Parkland College will host an Indigenous Awareness Training Program developed by the Sask Chamber of Commerce designed for potential employers to better understand Indigenous culture. Over 800 employers and managers have taken WKH SURJUDP DQG ÀQG LW KLJKO\ YDOXDEOH DV WKH\ VHHN WR LQFOXGH ,QGLJHQRXV HPSOR\HHV in their workforce. The Training will be held the mornings of April 20th and 21st at the Trades & Technology Centre. Chamber members interested in participating in this informative session should contact the Yorkton &KDPEHU RIÀFH WR OHDUQ KRZ WKH &KDPEHU PD\ EH DEOH WR assist with the registration costs.

Are you putting your best forward? The Chamber will also be offering webinars for Gig Workers and Youth Workers about how to make potential employers notice you. Watch for details.

Perspective A poor time to ease up in COVID19 fight

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MURRAY MANDRYK

Classified Sales: Deanna Brown

Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

Politics If Premier Scott Moe is right that we are in the home stretch of our COVID-19 fight, we should all be reminded that this is not the time to ease up. As one of my colleagues aptly put it, you don’t want to make the highlight reel because you dropped the ball celebrating before you got into the endzone. In fairness, we shouldn’t accuse Moe of celebrating prematurely. At his press conference last week, he actually suggested that now is the time to be both cautious and optimistic. His optimism clearly stems from the notion that vaccines are being rolled out — notwithstanding his ongoing frustrations with the federal Liberal government and the vaccine manufacturers for not getting the vaccines out more quickly. (Last week, Moe complained that the week’s shipment of Moderna vaccine would be delayed — something that company officials quickly denied.) That said, vaccines don’t solve all our problems — even if we do meet the optimistic scenario of having most every Saskatchewan adult vaccine by June. The better message for Moe’s Saskatchewan Party government should likely involve more than a stern warning. Moe can allow the province to ease up by easing up his own government restrictions. It might not be about slowly loosening restrictions. Moe has to be ready to clamp down — especially in certain hotspots like Regina — if things get much worse than they already are. Moe took the small, careful step of announcing on March 8th that “household bubbles” could be increased to 10 people from no more than three households from the current fivepeople, single household restrictions we have been under since before Christmas. He also announced that prior to Easter, restrictions on church services would be lifted to accommodate 150 people or 30 per cent of capacity (whichever one is fewer). A cautious approach? Well, it might have seemed that way, but that would really depend on where you lived. Cases of the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 that was first detected in Britain were already circulating in Regina by the time of Moe’s restriction lift. In fact, of the 136 confirmed cases of the variant, 122 were found in Regina. Another186 of the 210 suspected new variant cases were also in Regina. Also last week, cases in Yorkton and Melville had public schools moving back to online learning. The notion that the new variants will remain in Regina and not spread all over — especially give that we really can’t impose travel restrictions within the province — doesn’t make much sense. Now, this does not automatically mean every place in the province is about to experience an outbreak like the one we’re seeing in Regina that accounted for 101 of the 156 the daily cases on the day of Moe’s last press conference. But given on that day there were 535 active cases in Regina out of 1,292 active cases, it in the entire province is not exactly a solid foundation for optimism right now. With Regina as ground zero to 90 per cent of the new variants of COVID-19, Moe is deadly accurate that this is no time to let one’s guard down. However, it may be a situation where we the Premier needs to do something more than offer polite suggestions. So serious are the Regina numbers that Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab recommended at Moe’s press conference that Reginans seriously consider not dining in or going grocery shopping if it isn’t absolutely necessary. Many people are taking COVID-19 seriously, as evident by the long lineups in Regina of 60+ years who were eligible to get their shots. But vaccines shouldn’t be providing a false security — especially given how much more quickly new variants are spreading. Let’s get the ball into the end zone. This is no time to fumble. Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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◆Editorial◆

Agriculture at city's heart E

very once in a while one can be forgiven for thinking Yorkton is an urban city – the Gallagher Centre, multiple schools, expansive fire hall, the Anne Portnuff Theatre -- existing primarily for the people that live within its boundaries. That of course is about as far from reality as one can get however. Yorkton is a hub existing to serve the agricultural community of a region extending at least 100-miles in each direction. That was brought into focus again Monday when Richardson International Limited announced a significant investment in their canola crush plant here. The expansion will double its processing capacity to 2.2 million metric tonnes, making it the largest canola processor in North America. While the company did not attach a price tag to the project, it is easy to suggest it will be well north of $100 million. “The impact will be all kinds of positivity and hope for the city,” said Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley (see story page A1), adding if other businesses, especially those tied to agriculture, see Richardson willing to make a major investment in Yorkton, they may as well. “It helps underline Yorkton as being an agriculture centre,” he said. And therein lies the real heart of our city, one brought into focus before by the canola sector. Monday’s announcement was not the first time the canola industry made headlines here that showed the importance of the farm sector to Yorkton. It was one day in September 2006, that Yorkton took its first step toward being one of the canola-crushing capitals of Canada. That day two companies separately announced they would build canola processing facilities here. The first announcement came from

then James Richardson International Ltd., which said it would start construction in 2007 on a $100-million plant. The plant would be capable of processing 840,000 tonnes of canola per year. The second announcement, which came about an hour after the first, was from Louis Dreyfus Canada Ltd., which said its $90-million canola-crushing facility would come on stream in 2008.The Louis Dreyfus plant would be able to handle 850,000 tonnes of canola a year. And, Yorkton is a destination for more than farmer’s canola. Grain Millers operates a major oat process facility that got bigger in 2019. As of 2019 Grain Millers facility was producing 100,000 metric tonnes of processed product annually. The completed expansion under way that year would increase production to 180,000 metric tonnes annually, or an increase in capacity of 80 per cent, making it the company’s largest oat processing facility. Then there is TA Foods, carving out niche markets for flax oil as food in markets including China. To help build the export markets the company hosted a tour of 65 visitors from China, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam in 2019, a tour arranged through the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership. And while not all news has been good in terms of agriculture-related business, the sale of Morris Industries, being one on the negative side of the ledger. Long a foundational business locally in terms of agricultural manufacturing, when sold, the assets in Yorkton were not part of the deal, leaving the fate of its facilities up in the air. But there are always ups and downs in terms of business and when it comes to those serving the farm sector the ups far outdistance the downs locally through recent years.

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www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Letter to the Editor Once it’s gone, it’s gone Dear Editor: Saskatchewan is returning to being one of the “have” provinces in Canada. Grain prices are high enough to ensure a farmer’s fair return on his investment. Market futures promise the cattle industry future prosperity. Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada to increase exports 2020 over 2019. Oil prices are steadily climbing. Potash demand is increasing worldwide. Helium, which is abundant in southern Saskatchewan, is eagerly sought after around the globe. It looks like there may be opportunities for our children and grandchildren to return to the province of their birth.

It looks like our children and grandchildren will have the chance to be educated and remain in their home province. And yet there is a fly in the ointment, and that is the degradation of rural health care services. Many people are angry and concerned about the suggestion by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) that Microbiology services at the Yorkton Laboratory be discontinued. This is a particularly bad idea. Health care facilities, particularly those with acute care patients, require access to timely microbiology results. The microbiology laboratory at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre

(YRHC) has always provided very good quality results with excellent performance on proficiency tests. In addition, staff from the department have sat on both Provincial and National Committees. This latest threat to eliminate service at YRHC is only the latest in an on-going pattern of program reductions. Over the last number of years, a number of specialty services have been discontinued, including Urology, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Orthopedics and Surgical and Autopsy Pathology. The most recent troubling reduction has been the Ophthalmology service. As a result of this,

Yorkton and District residents with cataracts and other vision problems now have to make multiple trips to Regina for surgery instead of having it done at YRHC. Not only is this dangerous for those who may have difficulty in driving, but it can result in considerable expense for the patient as one or two overnight stays are required before and after cataract surgery. Apparently, an ophthalmologist had expressed a willingness to come to Yorkton on a rotating basis. His suggestion was dismissed by the powers that be. Our local MLA’s sympathize and empathize with the plight of the rural Saskatchewan

Health client. But they need our encouragement to voice our concerns. If you want to stop the erosion of our basic health rights, please contact all of our East Central MLA’s, not just your own MLA, as well as the relevant cabinet ministers. There is strength in numbers.

Contact Info: Terry Dennis – Canora – Pelly MLA, email address - Canora. PellyMLA@sasktel.net; Phone - 306 563 1363 Warren Kaeding – Saltcoats – Melville MLA, email address - warrenkaedingmla@sasktel.net; Phone 306 728 3881 Greg Ottenbreit – Yorkton MLA, email

address - yorkton.mla@ sasktel.net; Phone – 306 783 7275 Hugh Nerlien – Kelvington – Wadena MLA, email address nerlien.mla@sasktel.net; Phone 306 563 2200 Everett Hindley – Swift Current MLA, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health, email address - everettmla@ sasltel.net; Phone – 306 778 2429 Paul Merriman Saskatoon Silverspring – Sutherland MLA, Minister of Health, email address - office@paulmerriman.ca; Phone – 306 244 5623 David and Sandra Baron Yorkton, SK

Water training agreement signed Water and wastewater operators play an integral role in the maintenance of a clean water supply supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities. Parkland College and ATAP Infrastructure Management Ltd. are joining forces to ensure communities have access to the training they need to keep their water supplies safe and secure. Parkland and ATAP have signed a partnership agreement to provide training in Class 1 Water and Wastewater Operator courses in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The courses will be delivered through

a blended model, which provides flexibility in scheduling and location of training. Courses can be offered in person, remotely, or a combination of the two. “This agreement is a great opportunity for the College and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh, President and CEO of Parkland College. “Blended Learning will make it easier for communities and municipalities to access this important training and benefit from ATAP’s expertise.” ATAP brings to the partnership extensive engineering knowledge,

an established curriculum, and expert instructors. The College provides a learning management system, instructional design experience, and IT support. Both organizations also have connections to partners throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “Over the past 20 years, ATAP has instructed certification courses and CEU workshops to thousands of operators across the Prairies,” said ATAP Manager Andrew Stevenson. “Our experience, from performing the same hands-on services onsite daily that we teach about, allows our instructors to transfer

that real-life knowledge back to the students. We are excited to be partnering with a premier organization in Parkland College.” The training is expected to launch in the fall of 2021. It will be made up of preparatory courses in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and wastewater collection. There is high demand for this type of training. Many towns, First Nation communities, and municipalities have identified needs in the area of water stewardship. Organizations interested in this training are invit-

Paul Pinder, ATAP Submitted Photos

ed to submit requests in advance. --Submitted

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:

Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh, President and CEO of Parkland College

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!

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 March 31, 2021

*No Purchase Necessary. Mail in Entries Accepted. Contest Closes 11:59PM April 30, 2021

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

March 24, 2021 - March 30, 2021

Next Council Meeting Monday, March 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. :K WK^d/E' ^ ^KE > WĂƌŬƐ dĞĐŚŶŝĐŝĂŶ >ĞǀĞů / WĂƌŬƐ ŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ

ŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶ EƵŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϭͲϬϲ

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YƵĂůŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ <ŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽƉĞƌĂƚŝŽŶ ǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŚĂŶĚůŝŶŐ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌ ƋƵĞƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶƐ ĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵ ƐŽůǀŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ƐŬŝůůƐ ĞƌƚŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ Žƌ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĞƐƚŝĐŝĚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚͬŽƌ ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉŝŶŐ ZĞůĂƚĞĚ ƉĂƌŬƐ ĂŶĚͬŽƌ ƐƉŽƌƚƐ ĨŝĞůĚ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ŵŝŶŝŵĂů ƐƵƉĞƌǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ WŽƐƐĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Ă ǀĂůŝĚ ^ĂƐŬĂƚĐŚĞǁĂŶ ůĂƐƐ ϱ ĚƌŝǀĞƌ͛Ɛ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ WŽƐƐĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Z DW ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚǇ ĐůĞĂƌĂŶĐĞ

^ĂůĂƌǇ͗ tŝůů ďĞ ƉĂŝĚ ŝŶ ĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ hW >ŽĐĂů ηϯϰϮ ĐŽůůĞĐƚŝǀĞ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚ͘ ,ŽƵƌƐ ŽĨ tŽƌŬ͗ DŽŶĚĂǇ ƚŽ &ƌŝĚĂǇ ϳ͗ϬϬ Ăŵ ʹ ϯ͗ϯϬ Ɖŵ ^ĞĂƐŽŶĂů ƚŝŵĞ ĨƌĂŵĞ͗ dŚŝƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶĂů ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶ ǁŝůů ƌƵŶ ĨƌŽŵ Ɖƌŝů ϮϬϮϭ ƵŶƚŝů EŽǀ ϭϵ͕ ϮϬϮϭ ;ĞƐƚŝŵĂƚĞͿ͘ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶǀŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĂƉƉůǇ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ǇŽƌŬƚŽŶ͘ĐĂ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶ ĐůŽƐĞƐ Ɖƌŝů Ϯ͕ ϮϬϮϭ

•Grass Cutting Proposal must be received before 4:00 p.m. on April 2, 2021 Please send sealed Proposal clearly marked with the above proposal name to:

ƵƚŝĞƐ Θ ZĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚŝĞƐ

Request for Proposals

Department of Community Development, Parks & Recreation City of Yorkton Box 400 Yorkton, Saskatchewan S3N 2W3 Details of Proposal: The City of Yorkton is requesting proposals for contracting grass cutting for buffers and ditches and other vacant City owned developable properties. Specifications are available at: www.yorkton.ca/tenders Proposal shall remain open for acceptance by the City and irrevocable for thirty (30) calendar days following the date specified for closing. Proposal received after the date and time specified for closing will be marked late and returned unopened. Contact Person Enquiries regarding the proposal procedure and particulars can be directed to: Matt Charney – Parks Manager Community Development, Parks & Recreation City of Yorkton Phone: 306-786-1750 Email: cdpr@yorkton.ca The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Lowest or any proposal not necessarily accepted.

Make sure your dog is licensed! Reminder: Please make sure that your dog has a current dog license. You can purchase a dog license at City Hall, local vet clinics, the SPCA and online on the City’s website.

dŚĞ ŝƚǇ ŽĨ zŽƌŬƚŽŶ ǁŝƐŚĞƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĂŶŬ Ăůů ƉƌŽƐƉĞĐƚŝǀĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ͖ ŚŽǁĞǀĞƌ ŽŶůǇ ƚŚŽƐĞ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂƚŝŽŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚĞĚ͘

Why are dog licenses beneficial? Dog licenses help get a lost pet back to its owner quickly! The City has annual, 5-year and permanent dog licenses. An annual dog license is as low as $10 per year.

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 24, 2021

Local group donates to Yorkton Hospital to help with families suffering from perinatal loss By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer A local group donated to the Yorkton Regional Hospital to help families to have suffered a perinatal loss. The Our Little Angels Perinatal Loss Group in Yorkton donated close to 50 packages to the YRHC maternity ward and emergency room. The packages included Twinkle Star Baskets, which are handmade crocheted baskets, as well as pamphlets on how to connect with local families and support groups that deal with perinatal loss. Jannah Thomas, a volunteer with the Our Little

Angels Perinatal Loss Group in Yorkton, said that they want to spread awareness as pregnancy loss or loss of a still-born child is just not discussed. “We have one woman that comes to our group, and she volunteered as well, and over the last two years, she’s made over 200 whether it be the baskets, blankets, and toques,” she said. “We had 47 little packages at the Yorkton Hospitals.” Thomas said that the group started around two years ago, and the donation has been something they have wanted to do for quite some time. “It’s amazing, I myself had my own loss, and for

the longest time, I had wanted to do this. Our group is open to anyone, and everyone has had some sort of loss, just depending on whether it was a 38 week or a 12 week, so this is just very, very close to our hearts, and it’s just nice to be able to give back and help out other families that are going through the same thing.” Thomas noted that they meet once a month in Yorkton, and they also have a private Facebook group, and if anyone is interested in joining, they can email her at G.J_ thomas@hotmail.com or Melissa Mitchell at mmitchell@saskabilities. ca.

Yorkton/Melville area sees number of jobs decrease from one year ago By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The number of people employed in the Yorkton/ Melville area is less than it was one year ago. According to Statistics Canada, in February 2021, the area saw 35,500 people employed compared to 39,400 in February 2020. Despite the decrease

of 3,900, the unemployment rate remains similar as it has only risen by 0.1 per cent from 5.5 to 5.6 this year, the lowest in the province, and one of the lowest in all of Canada. This is due to the area seeing a decrease of over 4,000 people in the labour force and the employment rate dipping from 62.3 to 57.2 this year. Both Saskatchewan and Canada are in a simi-

lar situation as the province’s labour force has decreased 16,400, with Canada’s decreasing by 47,700 from February of last year to this year. However, both the province and the nation differ from the area as they saw their unemployment rate jump significantly, with Saskatchewan seeing an increase of 1.6 per cent, and Canada seeing an increase of 3.1 per cent.

Submitted Photo

Volunteers at work on donation.

March 24, 2021 - March 30, 2021 Next Council Meeting Monday, March 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

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.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Larry Pearen

The famous marching band at the Rose Bowl Parade.

Submitted Photos

PEAREN Continued from Page A1 Pearen, who was the first president of the SBA back in 1982, as one of the original volunteers who formed the Association, also noted it is gratifying a new generation of SBA members remembers what early association members did. Pearen was later elected President of the Canadian Band Association where he presented at provincial band conferences. During his term, CBA provincial memberships grew, Canadian Band Week was introduced, and the National Youth Band of Canada flourished with performances at Musicfest Canada concerts. “It feels pretty good,” he concluded. Then Pearen turned back into the humble man he is, spreading the award around to all those who helped him

through the years, starting with his wife Sonia and family, then adding all the students who were in band through his years as an educator, their families, and the school board members who supported band activities. According to the SBA announcement, Pearen was almost born to be a band instructor. “Larry is the perfect recipient of this award considering the outstanding band presence he has in Saskatchewan,” stared the release. “Growing up in a musical family, Larry began his journey playing trumpet in Grade 5 in the Indian Head school band program. Throughout high school, he helped with trumpet lessons and enjoyed band trips to the Kinsmen International Band Festival in Moose Jaw.” Pearen attended

the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 1973 and then spent nine years teaching band in the Eston-Elrose School Division. “Just a few of his accomplishments include introducing ‘Opportunity For All’, a beginner Grade 5 band program which provided a free band instrument for the first year, allowing all students to participate,” noted the SBA. “The Eston band also represented Saskatchewan at the 1976 Grey Cup Parade in Toronto and performing in the Pre-Game and Half Time Show.” In 1984, Pearen moved to Yorkton, and for the next 19 years he taught band in elementary, junior high, and high school band programs. “He co-directed ‘Canada’s Largest Marching Band with more than two hundred

members,” stated the SBA. “The band became known for doing the ‘scramble’ - a creative move where members broke marching formation, ran to shake hands with spectators and returned to formation before marching off. This ‘scramble’ was first performed at a nationally-televised Calgary Stampede Parade, garnering a lot of attention and the nickname ‘Canada’s Friendliest Band’.” When asked what his career highlights were, Pearen told YTW he had three, starting with a trip to Pasadena with 225 band members and 22 chaperones to perform in the Rose Bowl Parade. “There was only two non-American bands invited,” he noted, adding it was essentially a three-year journey for the band, from getting the invitation, through

two-years of fundraising, and then the trip itself. “It’s the premier marching band experience in North America. It’s kind of on the top of the performance list,” he said. Number two on Pearen’s list came shortly after the Rose Bowl experience. “The same year the band opened Telemiracle,” he said, adding it was a performance accompanying rock star Lawrence Cowan. “It was really emotional for the students,” he said, noting they could look off the stage and see many who were being helped by the funds raised. “It was pretty special to be there,” he said, adding many of the band members had tears in their eyes that day. The third memory on Pearen’s list was a trip to Eastern Canada

that included performances in Winnipeg, on Parliament Hill, on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, and Montreal. He said in creating an itinerary he focused stops on a range of high school subjects, like history on the Plains, and French in Montreal. Pearen added that with each trip, there were hours and hours of work by students before climbing on a bus, or plane. “The journey was as important as the destination,” he said. Since 1991, Pearen has also been the director of the Yorkton Community Concert Band and the ALL THAT JAZZ big band. He continues to be involved with these community bands and has an ongoing role in band development as an adjudicator, active guest director and clinician throughout the province.

Local Chamber supportive of provincial initiative Recently, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) released Building the Low Carbon Economy: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges for Saskatchewan, a collection of research, recommendations, and written submissions from industry experts on what it will take for Saskatchewan to successfully transition to the low carbon economy. “The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce applauds the efforts and accomplishments of our province’s industries. From oil and gas to mining to agriculture to manufacturing and beyond, Saskatchewan businesses are con-

tinuously innovating to enhance environmental performance and each sector has opportunities, investments, and efficiencies that will continue to develop,” said Steve McLellan, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO in a release. Juanita Polegi Executive Director with the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce said the report hits on important issues. “The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce commends the Sask Chamber for preparing an insightful, well researched document on the issues and opportunities climate change

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

initiatives present to the businesses of this province,” she told Yorkton This Week. “Our political leaders, from all orders of government, will do well to reference this cornerstone document and heed the recommendations.” McLellan said business faces challenges in terms of the report findings. “Despite the environmental performance enhancements already undertaken, Saskatchewan businesses have a challenge before them. To build a thriving low carbon economy here, one that protects livelihoods and the environment, businesses and governments must work together,” he said in the release. “The transition to a low carbon economy is a chance for Saskatchewan to build the economy for the next generation and enhance our resiliency.”

Building the Low Carbon Economy recognizes regulatory certainty, strategic investments in energy efficiency, and workforce reskilling as foundational pillars in the transition towards a low carbon economy. All of these, and more, will be needed for Saskatchewan to suc-

cessfully transform. Specifically, the SCC’s report contains 18 recommendations focused on how the provincial and federal government can support Saskatchewan businesses striving to achieve the federal government’s climate change goals. Feeding into the

development of these recommendations, the SCC collected written contributions from 11 businesses and organizations. These expert submissions are included in the full version of the report, which can be downloaded from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce website.

Winter hanging on By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer Earlier this week, Yorkton saw some snow fly, and there is set to be more on its way. Terri Land, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said more snow is approaching. “It does look like it will be unsettled for the rest of the week,” she said. “We are looking at another weather system moving through Wednesday night and into Thursday. I think there is a good chance of snow again, and this might be

accumulating snow, so there might be a few centimetres, and it will be fairly widespread, especially the further north you go, the more snow there will be.” As for temperatures, Lang said that things shouldn’t get too much colder. “Pretty much around seasonal averages, just because that jet stream that sort of marks the difference between the warm air to the south, and the cold air to the north is sort of right over the middle of the province, so seasonal give or take a few degrees.” Seasonal averages for this week are highs +1°C, and lows of -10°C.

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Wednesday, March 24, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

Alert: Zebra Mussels found in aquarium moss ball products sold in Saskatchewan Zebra mussels, a prohibited aquatic invasive species, have been found in a variety of moss/algal ball products for aquariums or water gardens sold in western Canada, including in Saskatchewan. These products are often sold as Marimo Moss Balls and are a popular ornamental plant kept with betta fish. Due to the significant risk to Saskatchewan’s aquatic ecosystems, the Ministry of Environment is asking the public to remove and properly dispose of all moss/algal balls in their possession purchased after January 1, 2021. The zebra mussels found on moss balls in Saskatchewan have been extremely small (size of grain of sand) and often found inside the moss ball itself, making it nearly impossible to detect simply by visual inspection. To be safe, follow these three steps to treat and properly dispose of moss/algal balls: 1. Treat the moss/algal balls, by placing into a plastic bag, seal and freeze (preferably in a deep freezer) for at least

24 hours OR placing in boiling water for at least one minute and then let cool. 2. Dispose of moss/ algal balls by placing it and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag, and disposing of it in your household garbage. 3. Treat aquarium contents and water. After removing the moss balls from an aquarium, do not dispose of untreated water down the drain or into any residential water system or waterway. IMPORTANT: DO NOT dispose of the moss/algal ball or any aquarium/ water-garden contents (e.g. substrate, plants, etc.) by flushing it down the toilet, or putting it down a drain or in a compost. Instead, take these additional steps:

For bowls and small tanks: 1. Remove fish or other living organisms from the aquarium and place them in another container, with water from a separate, uncontaminated water source. 2. Sterilize the remaining contaminated water from the bowl or small

filter media in the bleach water solution for 15 minutes. Rinse off all items before setting up the aquarium. Disinfect filter media being changed by soaking it in a bleach solution (25 ml of bleach per litre of water) for at least 15 minutes before sealing it in a plastic bag and disposing of it in your household trash. Use a dechlorinating product to neutralize any residual chlorine before reintroducing aquatic life.

For larger aquariums:

Photo by

Invasive species could impact natural waters. tank by adding 25 ml of bleach per litre of water. Let the water sit for at least 15 minutes and then dispose of the sterilized water down a household drain. 3. Clean the aquarium and accessories using one of the following methods, ensuring that the method you choose is in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations:

1. Boiling Method: Use water that is at least 60 degrees C/140 degrees F to flush and coat the tank and all accessory surfaces and allow to sit for a minimum of one minute; OR 2.Disinfection Method: Make a disinfection solution using 25 ml of bleach per litre of water. Soak the aquarium, substrate, rocks, d-cor, and

1. For larger aquariums and aquariums where complete disinfection is not possible, monitor your tank for the next several months for any unusual or unexpected aquatic life. 2. Treat water from all water changes during this period by adding 25 ml of bleach per litre of water that has been removed from the aquarium, and letting it sit for at least 15 minutes before disposing of the treated water down the drain. 3. Disinfect filter media being changed by soaking it in a bleach solution (25 ml of bleach per litre of water) for at

least 15 minutes before sealing it in a plastic bag and disposing of it in your household trash. Thanks to a well coordinated effort by jurisdictions across western Canada, and swift action and collaboration from retailers, moss balls were quickly removed from the supply chain, ensuring that potentially contaminated products are no longer available for distribution or purchase. Both federal and provincial regulations make it illegal to introduce an aquatic species into a body of water where it is not native. Never release aquarium pets, water garden plants, live food (fish, crabs, mollusks) or live bait into rivers, streams, lakes, ponds or storm sewers. If you think you have found a zebra mussel in a moss ball, in your aquarium, or anywhere else in the province, call Saskatchewan’s Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line, toll-free, 1-800-667-7561. To learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ invasive-species.

CPL announces team for Sask. Another professional sports league appears poised to place a franchise in Saskatoon. Following the success achieved by the National Lacrosse League’s Saskatchewan Rush after arriving in 2016, and the birth of the Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2018, the city has proven there is an appetite for sports entertainment. And, following the pattern of the Saskatchewan Roughriders the province has jumped on-side too. So it’s really not a great surprise the Canadian Premier League, the top domestic league for soccer in this country announced March 12, it was announced the league have awarded the exclusive rights to a CPL expansion club to Living Sky Sports and Entertainment Inc. (LSSE), a Saskatchewan based company. The launch of an expansion club, expected to begin play in 2023, is contingent upon LSSE delivering a soccer-specific

stadium to League standards, and to that end, LSSE has identified Prairieland Park in Saskatoon as a preferred site for a stadium. “On behalf of the Board of Governors, we are pleased to make this announcement today as we know we have a very supportive and engaged community of soccer fans in Saskatchewan and have since we launched the League,” said David Clanachan, Commissioner, Canadian Premier League in a release at canpl.ca. “We are extremely hopeful that LSSE will be able to meet the League soccer-specific stadium requirements so that we can begin celebrating Canadian soccer in Saskatoon.” Clanachan told this reporter in a recent telephone interview that there is a demand for a CPL team in the province. After announcing the initial seven teams “a lot of people in Saskatchewan weren’t happy with me and were asking ‘when do we get a team’,” he said. The team added its

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports eighth franchise in Ottawa that started play in the league’s ‘bubble’ tournament in 2020, and now it appears Saskatchewan will be the ninth team. Clanachan said the market has been ready for the team. “We know what CFL football has done (in Saskatchewan) ... We think we can do very, very well,” he said. But it was about finding the right ownership to make it a reality, and they feel they have that now. Of course a stadium is needed, and while a spot has been picked, it comes at a cost to another sport – one with a decades-long tradition in Saskatoon. The stadium is slated to go where the current thoroughbred race

track is, effectively ending pari-mutuel horse racing in the province. A cut in funding by the current provincial government had killed standardbred racing – based in Yorkton – several years ago. It now remains to be seen if pro soccer can rise from the ashes of the thoroughbred industry in the province and have anywhere near the proud history of horse racing. So what would a new soccer stadium look like to fit the needs of a CPL franchise? To begin, Clanachan said it needs to offer 5,000 seats, and the related amenities. And “it needs to be able to grow,” he added, suggesting a modular design affording the ability to become a 10-12,000

seat, which he suggested “is the right size for a CPL team.” He noted the league is currently averaging about 5,000 and is still in its infancy, so fan growth is expected. The facility is also likely to be multi-purpose, said Clanachan, adding that is only logical as it expands the number of events it could host. The Saskatchewan franchise may be the next add to the CPL, but it won’t be the last. “We’re working on a number of different ones (perspective cities),” said Clanachan, adding ultimately the CPL could have near double the teams it has now. “ . . . Fourteento-16 (teams) is about the right level for a premier league” when looking at European leagues in countries with a similar population to Canada. He added they look to markets with 400-500,000 population to draw on. So what will soccer fans see exactly with a CPL franchise? Teams have a roster of 23 players, 16 of which must be Canadian, explained Clanachan,

adding much like the Canadian Football League there are numbers for domestic players on-field too. “Six of the 11 at the start of the game must be Canadian.” In addition, to ensure player development 1500-minutes a year must be played by player’s under-21. So is there enough Canadian talent to feed a significant expansion moving forward? “One hundred per cent; there is a ton of Canadian talent,” offered Clanachan, adding those who follow the sport internationally “have been pleasantly surprised how well the league has done in its infancy,” in large part because of the showing on domestic talent. NOTE: For the month of March- plus one, there will be a ‘bonus’ sports column posted each Saturday. Watch March. 27 for an interview with Chris Coates, the man behind the Canada Co-operative Championship Rugby League which looks to launch in 2023 with a team in Saskatchewan.

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ART • ENTERTAINMENT • COMMUNITY

Godfrey Dean Art Gallery showing view of Cypress Hills with newest exhibit By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer For one more month, Yorkton residents will get a chance to check out the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery’s newest exhibit. The exhibit, which has been on display since March 1st, features work from Maple Creek artist Geoff Phillips. Jeff Morton, the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery director and curator, explains what people can expect from the art display titled ‘Plantscapes of the Prairies.’ “The show that is on display is made up of all large format oil paintings of prairie landscapes. It is a landscape painting, but it’s also really close up. You don’t see the horizon so much as you see the grass and flowers, weeds, sticks, branches, and trees.” Morton said that Phillips’s process for painting is an interesting one. “Part of his practice is to go into the Cypress Hills Provincial Park, that protected land is still sort of a natural landscape in many respects, so he will drivein, park his car, hop on his mountain bike with a canvas on his back, he will lay it out on the ground, and he will start painting with just a single colour, just to get a sense,” Morton said. “He

will roll it back up, take it back to his studio at home and complete it in oil paints.” “It’s a pretty personal process. It’s always to hear about how artists go about making their work, especially when they are going to great lengths to do so,” Morton continued. “Phillips has a strong connection to the land and a great respect for the land and the role that our provincial parks play in showing us what the landscape looks like before the impacts of industrialization.” Morton said that whether you are interested in the arts or looking for something relaxing to do, the exhibit that features nine different paintings on display will entertain you. “It’s worth seeing in person. I would really recommend people to come down and spend a few minutes taking this in because it’s a different effect when you can experience it in person,” he said. “It can be a nice activity if you want to take 20 to 30 minutes, and it’s almost like meditation or a retreat for yourself.” The exhibit is being produced by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts, working with the Yorkton Arts Council and letting the art gallery showcase the exhibit.

Photo courtesy of the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery

A look at two of the nine paintings displayed

Author Gail Krawetz presents copies of her book to Parkland Regional library director Anna Scott.

Area author makes book donation 21022jj0

Invermay author Gail Krawetz has donated 56 hardcover copies of her book Risk and Reward, The Birth and Meteoric Rise of the Saskatchewan Party to local libraries. There are 54 branch libraries within the region, so the donation enables a book to be placed in each one.

After an inquiry as to why her book was not available at a local library, she decided a donation was necessary, stated a release. The book, which was released in November 2017, documents the interesting and relatively unknown history behind the creation of the SaskParty and its ascent to become

government in 2007, notes a release from the author. To date Krawetz has sold over 2600 copies. The book has received high praise from notable individuals such as talk show host John Gormley and the late Professor Joe Garcea. --Submitted

Knowing Jesus brings joy in hard times Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

These are excellent times to prove the truth of God-inspired words of scripture. Ancient words promising that even in hard times, following Christ brings serenity, peace and joy. I miss talking about this with my Bible study friends. Most of us were working women, grabbing a warm island of companionship in the middle of our working days, in the middle of our working week. We came hungry, not just for lunch or the company of like-minded friends. We craved a deeper experience of faith. “Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus, this my plea,” we could have sung some weeks. Circle of Friends, we called ourselves. For years before the pandemic, we met on Wednesdays at noon around a big conference table at my workplace and someone else’s before that. I’ve seen a few of the girls here and there since COVID hit a year ago but like so many other social circles, ours burst like a lovely balloon impaled on a thorn. Our sudden disbanding, with little contact since except the occasional text and Facebook comment, troubled me. I wondered if any lasting good came from all those years, all those lunch hours. We gabbed so much, laughed so often and took such a long time

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 to settle that the hour we’d set apart for Bible study dwindled to far less. “Lord, if any good seeds fell in hearts during those lunch hours, please let them grow in these hard times,” I pray. “You know those friends intimately. You died for them. You love them and you walk with them. Father, don’t let the pandemic devour any good things started around our table.” The First5 study app we all still follow is currently following the book of Philippians, a letter authored by the Apostle Paul while imprisoned for preaching

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about Jesus. Writing to the church at Philippi, he noted that (in spite of his chains) if “Christ is proclaimed…I will rejoice!” Our study writer reminded us that to those who understand God alone is the source of joy, it becomes natural to live joyfully, even when life is hard. One of our members, reading that, wrote a comment on the group page. “I can still remember years ago, when the slightest thought of ever embracing joy in suffering seemed insane/unreachable/impossible! But you awesome ladies have helped me to grow from that. I’m not exactly there yet! But I no longer view it that way; more of an “I think I can (with a little help from my friends). I hope I can! It at least makes some sense to me now.” Her words warmed my heart. I sensed God’s answer to my prayer. Yes, we’d laughed. We’d chatted. We’d puzzled over life and scripture together. We’d had a good time. But all the while, God’s ancient words were embedding themselves in eager, questing hearts. As we each continue our walk with Christ outside our circle, I know those seeds will continue to grow serenity, peace and joy.

Peace Garden has a few plots for 2021

The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society is still without meetings, but looking ahead with hope to when we can gather again! Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to find out what’s new! We know that everyone is so looking forward to spring, and seeing fellow gardeners! Let’s hope it won’t be too long till that is a possibility! Going ahead to gardening season: the Community Peace Garden (located at the Yorkton Alliance Church) will have one or two available garden plots available for the coming gardening season. If you’re looking for some gardening space, please call Warren at 306-7823249 for full details. I’ve read a lot of articles about gardening in covid times, and I’m sure you have, too. Most amazing is the dramatic surge of a new interest (or renewed interest) in gardening. Part of it came from the initial fear of what would happen next with food supply. But even beyond that, there were a number of factors:

a chance to be outdoors; to connect with nature; to be doing something that is both creative and meaningful; to connect “hands-on” in a time where so many things are just on a screen; and to be rejuvenated by watching things grow. Sales of seeds soared. I read about one seed company that sold more seeds last March than at any time since the company began in 1876. Amazing! Gardeners were excited to get their seeds, ecstatic at the possibilities of being outdoors and connecting with the earth. Admittedly, for gardeners, last year had some issues. Many fellow gardeners said that seeds were slow arriving because seed companies had fewer staff on duty. We had little rain and a lot of drying wind. And yet, and yet, wasn’t it a glorious year? On the upside, local nurseries had wonderful plants available to us. Who could resist those amazing purchases? And why not? With so many uncertain things facing us, our gardens were one thing

DEBBIE HAYWARD YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook that we could count on; they were one thing that we knew would not be affected by covid. We would plant our seeds, weed our gardens, and wait for the plants to grow and bloom and produce what they were meant to produce. And they did so, just like always. Our gardens gave us joy and

relief because they were a beautiful constant in a changing world. This year promises to be no different. Many of us ordered our seeds earlier, just in case. And if you are one of those gardeners who wants to give gardening a try, or grow a little extra this year and you don’t have a spot, just

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give Warren a call about the community garden and see if you can be part of this whole wonderful gardening experience. It’s great to grow our own produce. There is a great old movie with Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase, and in once scene, Goldie is complaining how rabbits are eating the corn in her garden. Her husband rolls his eyes and says “Honey, we could have gone to Europe for what it cost

to grow those six corn plants!” A humorous exaggeration, of course, but we know that even if we may spend a bit more sometimes than what we get back, there is something far more important about gardening, and it has no price tag. It’s priceless. Thank you to our friends at Yorkton This Week for their wonderful work; let’s pray for health and hope for all. Have a great week!

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FOFONOFF - Fredrick (Fred) Fofonoff of Buchanan, SK and later of Yorkton beloved partner of Mary Shuparsky passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was 89 years of age. Fred was born on December 22, 1931 as the son of Wasyl and Katherine (Katie) Fofonoff (nee Kowalchuk). After emigrating to Canada from Russia with several children from his first marriage, Fred’s father Wasyl remarried to Katie following the passing of his first wife. From this relationship, two children were born - Polly (Leniuk) in 1930, then Fred in 1931. Fred was very proud of the fact that his father was known to be the “oldest living man in Canada” as published in the Canora Courier in the mid-sixties, and he spoke of this often in his stories with many people along the way. Pre-deceased by both of his parents many years ago, and then his sister Polly in 2019, Fred farmed in the Buchanan area directly south of the Buchanan Townsite. As a lifelong Farmer and descendent of prairie Pioneers, Fred worked and lived with his parents until their passing, and then continued farming activities until he eventually retired from Farming and moved to Yorkton to live with his partner, companion, and common-law spouse Mary Shuparsky. Fred met Mary around 1980 and this led to a long term relationship that included her children. Over these years, Mary and her children (Donald, Cathy, Donna, David, Dolores, and Dennis) welcomed Fred into the family and a long-term family relationship resulted. Fred was actively involved with all aspects of his new family including celebrations of events such as weddings, family gatherings, graduations, births of grandchildren, birthdays, and other special events. Memorable moments include the annual Christmas and Easter gatherings that were celebrated in a traditional manner, with Mary preparing the home, kitchen, and dinner table with plenty to eat and enjoy. Fred was a sociable man, with a strong sense of humour. He was quick to offer a smile, a witty remark, or a joke to lighten the moment. He also really enjoyed a lively debate and interesting conversation with anyone who had the pleasure of his company. In his younger years, Fred was active in Curling and had many trophies and curling awards to show for his efforts. Overall, he spent the majority of his time in full-time farming operations demonstrating his hard-working Pioneer work ethic and determination. In his later years and with declining health, Fred slowed down to the point where he eventually resided in Morris House at the Yorkton Village over the past 2 years. Fred was a hard-working farmer and a good friend to those who had the pleasure of getting to know him well over the course of his 89 years. Sadly missed but not forgotten - may his soul now rest in peace after years of failing health. May God bless him eternally. Predeceased by his father Wasyl and mother Katie, along with his sister Polly and her husband Adam (Leniuk), Fred leaves to mourn his immediate family including spouse Mary Shuparsky and her children - Donald, Cathy (Ernie and their children Jacquie and Janis), Donna (Leonard and their children Brandon and Tyler), David (Lorie and David’s son David Junior), Dolores (Gordon), and Dennis. He also leaves to mourn Polly’s children - his nieces and nephews including Ron (Pat) Leniuk, Don (Lois) Leniuk, Sonia (Dave) Starling, and Carol (Russ) Madarash. In a spirit of peace, joy, and everlasting love Fred will be missed by many. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Eternal Memory! Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from St. Mark’s Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Rodion Luciuk officiating. The responses were sung by Bob Rohr. Interment followed in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Donald, Cathy, Donna, David, Dolores and Dennis serving as casketbearers. Memorial tributes in Fred’s memory may be made to St. Mark’s Orthodox Church as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home.

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Obituaries

GOODHAND - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wendalea Goodhand, aged 69 years of Moose Jaw, SK on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Wendy was born to George and Loraine Arnold in Blairmore, AB on January 19, 1952. She was predeceased by her father, George. Wendy is survived by her mother, Loraine; 5 siblings; husband, Tom; children: Dean (Annette), Dave (Kelly) and Erin (Dwain); Wendell (Tracy); grandchildren: Desarae, Dylan, Danielle, Kaylee, Clara, Henry, Will, Joie, Dylan, Ryan, Tyler, and Cody; and a handful of great-grandchildren. Wendy was raised with strong Christian faith. Her devotion to God provided her strength in her daily life. Passion for music was an inherent gift that Wendy possessed. From her early years, Wendy was shaped by the love of music shared within her family. She began piano lessons at age 6 and started on alto sax at age 12. On the Stalwart farm, her sisters reminisce that they would hear Dad ask Wendy to play Alleycat every evening. Sometimes two to three times a night! As an adult, she was active as a piano teacher, accompanist, general music instructor, band teacher, choral director, chorister and Saskatchewan Choral Federation (SCF) Board Member which includes 12 years on the board (serving two terms as president). Her desire to nurture musical growth in her students has guided many developing musicians. In 1991 she completed her education degree and began teaching at Esterhazy High School, where she raised many successful musical groups. In 1998 she joined her husband Tom in Moose Jaw where she substitute taught in both public and Catholic school sectors while obtaining her second degree in Special Education. She eventually accepted a permanent position with Cornerstone Christian School where she taught band, choir, and special education until she retired in 2015. Some highlights of her life include raising their three children with her husband of 48 1/2 years, as a singer with the Esterhazy Treblemakers, director of the Timothy Eaton Moose Jaw Mix Senior Choir, workshop conductor for Muenster Choir camps, singer with the Swing’ n Soul Singers (with her daughter), directing musicals in Esterhazy and Moose Jaw, as well teaching 35 piano students per year in Esterhazy prior to obtaining her primary education and special education degrees. Her hobbies included time with family and friends, camping, fishing, and bible-study. Wendy was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016 which encompassed a journey like no other. She and Tom courageously worked through the journey together. Their love for each other, and the strength of their faith carried them through, noting that Mom was always able to embrace special moments of time with those around her. As she was about to begin her final journey, Tom whispered in her ear “Let me know when you get there so I won’t worry anymore.” The angels held out their hands and she let go of ours. The Lord’s arms embraced her soul and welcomed her into his kingdom. “Farewell Mom, farewell my love… farewell.” A Private Family Service will be held to honour Wendy. Friends and Family are invited to view the service virtually on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com.

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BIGORAJ - Blaine Anthony Bigoraj was born May 25, 1978 in Canora, SK. Blaine was the beloved father of Keisha and Brayden, son of Bernard & Frances Bigoraj. Blaine attended Buchanan High School and finished his grade 12 at Canora Composite High School. After graduating from High School Blaine went on to work for George Wilson Construction after which he worked at Venture Construction. Blaine began his oil and gas career at Beta Well Servicing then went on to work at Precision Drilling. He became a drilling consultant and worked in this role for the past five years. In his spare time Blaine enjoyed spending time with his children, family and friends. He spent time with his brothers quadding up north, skiing, snowboarding and bike riding with Brayden & Keisha, barbequing, smoking with his Traeger, cooking and texting for new recipes. He became a very accomplished cook. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and beaver hunting. He was a handyman and a jack of all trades. He enjoyed lending a helping hand to all his brothers and sisters, his extended family and numerous friends. Blaine made a life for himself in Red Deer. He met and married Kimberley Partridge, and they had two children, the apples of his eyes - Brayden and Keisha. Blaine loved creating memories and traditions with his children by going on weekly Taco Bell visits, trips, skiing, hiking, watching movies or striking funny poses. Blaine became the best Dad he could be. Blaine had a generous heart both in actions and in helping out wherever he could. He was the best father, uncle, son and brother anyone could ever hope to have. Blaine leaves to mourn and cherish his memories, his children Brayden and Keisha and their mother Kimberley; parents Bernard Bigoraj and Frances Bigoraj; sisters Tracy (Mervin) Storozynsky and their daughter Josie; Sheri (Kelvin) Prychak and their children Kelsey (Mason) and son Bensen, and Reanna; brother Kurt (Kendra), and their children Hannah, Ella, Emerson and Sarah; sister Barb (Stuart) McPherson and their children Kirsten and Matthew; brother Bradford (Stephanie) as well as many extended family and friends. The Funeral was held on March 20, 2021 at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church Yorkton, SK with Rev. Louis Nguyen presiding. Brayden Bigoraj served as the crossbearer and his sister, Keisha Bigoraj was the candle holder. Kendra Bigoraj read Scripture and Kelvin Prychak offered the tribute. Hymns were led by Francis and Carol Deters accompanied by Chris Fisher. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Trevor Dziaduck, Jeff Sliva, Bradford Bigoraj, David Slogotski, Tony Driver and Kurt Bigoraj serving as casket bearers. The honourary bearers were all of Blaine’s family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to a Trust Fund for Blaine’s children (e-transfer: bradbigoraj02@hotmail.com) or cheque payable to Bradford Bigoraj as gifts of remembrance. Messages of condolence may be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

KOHANSKI - Nick Kohanski, formerly of Yorkton and the Calder district, beloved husband of the late Lena Kohanski passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 92. Nick was born August 22, 1928 to Henry and Mary (nee Werbowetsky). He was raised on the family farm in the Calder district and attended Mostez School. In 1956 Nick was united in marriage to Lena Montain. The couple worked side by side on their farm first in the Togo Valley, and then in 1964 in the Calder district. Nick took great pride in farming, raising cattle, grain farming, and always had a passion for working with a team of horses to complete farm chores. In 2005 Nick and Lena made their home in Yorkton. Nick’s last few months were spent living at the Morris Lodge in Bangor and then the Langenburg Centennial Care Home. Nick was predeceased by his beloved wife Lena, parents Henry and Mary Kohanski and granddaughter Nicole Boehm. His brother Mike Kohanski, sisters Jean Neuwirth, Steffie Fyck, Anne Inget, Ella Kochanoski and Elsie Carpendale. Nick leaves to cherish his memory his children Terry (Sherryl), Rosemary (Jules), Sonia (Randy). Six grandchildren Owen (Tammy), Erin (Andrew), Joel (Bailey), Colin (Carla), Evan (Ashley), Brittany (Dustin). Eight great-grandchildren, Brayden, Ava, Sarah, Trista, Jacob, Tahlia, Riley, and Kennedy. Also two brothers Walter (Mary) Kohanski and Eddie (Lillian ) Kohanski, Two brothers- in -law John Montain and Jim Montain. A Graveside Service was held on Monday, March 22, 2021 in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. The Musical Selection, “Angels Among Us” by Alabama was played. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Owen Kohanski, Colin Boehm, Erin Chase, Evan Boehm, Joel Chenard and Brittany Boehm. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation 1738 Quebec St., Unit 26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 as gifts of remembrance.

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COREY EDWARD McLASHEN August 24, 1985 - March 26, 2011

I hold you close in memory even though we are apart, Your spirit will live forever within my broken heart. My heart still aches in sadness and secret tears still flow, For what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. In Heaven we shall meet again where farewell is never spoken, We shall clasp each other hand in hand, and the clasp shall never be broken. Loving and missing you always and forever, Mom, Baba and Family (We are comforted knowing you are reunited with your beloved Gido.)

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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Obituaries

Obituaries

CHORNOOK - Alfred Chornook, resident of the Morris Lodge Personal Care Home in Bangor, former longtime resident of Churchbridge, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the Care Home. He was 80 years of age. Alfred (Adolph) Chornook was born on July 12, 1940 on the family farm north of Pelly, SK; a son of Sam and Annie (nee Suchaplas) Chornook. He was raised on the farm and attended the Bellabrook School. At the age of 17 Alfred left home and ventured to Winnipeg. He worked in Winnipeg but also resided in Thompson, Calgary and Churchill. In 1965 he moved to Regina and on November 27 was married to Marie Hydamacka (divorced in 2002). In 1966 the couple moved to Esterhazy, where Alfred began working firstly for Shentag Construction, then for IMC Canada, where he would work for the next 35 years. Following his retirement in 2001, Alfred moved to Churchbridge, where he would reside for many years. Following a time of failing health Alfred became a resident of the Morris Lodge Personal Care Home about three years ago. Predeceased by his mother Annie in 1983, and by his father Sam in 1992. He is survived by his two children: son Dwight Chornook of Ottawa, ON; daughter Chandra (Scott) Pratt of Churchbridge, and their son Connor; five sisters: Addie (Mike) Sikich of Oakville, ON; Norma Thompson of Abbotsford, BC; Lydia (Archie) Anderson of Calgary, AB; Gayle Pangracs of Calgary; and Valarie (Ross) McDonald of Abbotsford, BC; and their families. The funeral service was held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. Daughter Chandra gave the eulogy. Music played was The River, and Go Rest High on That Mountain. The interment took place in the Garden of Devotion with Scott & Connor Pratt, Greg and Robin Holinaty, Dwight Chornook and Ward Willson serving as the casketbearers. Memorials in Alfred’s memory may be made to the Bangor Lodge (PO Box 54 Bangor, SK S0A 0E0). Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

MAGUIRE - Elsie Agnes Maguire (nee Baumung) passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, March 11, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Care Home in Melville, SK. Elsie was born on November 18, 1923, the daughter of Frederick and Karolina (nee Miller) Baumung at Zorra, SK. She grew up on the family farm and received her education up to Grade 8 in Zorra school, where she excelled. She completed her Grade 10 via correspondence. Elsie was confirmed in the Clova Church. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school in Zorra Church. On July 22, 1953, Elsie married Harvey Maguire at Zorra Church, SK. Harvey worked as an elevator agent and they moved several times with his job. In 1965 Harvey was hired on at IMC Potash Mine and the family moved to Churchbridge, SK. In 1966 Elsie and Harvey built their own home and raised their family of four children, Dale, Doug, Grant and Karen. Elsie enjoyed cooking and baking and was especially appreciated for her cabbage rolls, kuchen, fudge cake, puffed wheat, bread and buns, among many others. Elsie developed her love of reading early in her life and was a voracious reader her entire life. She also enjoyed gardening, solving crossword puzzles and doing jigsaw puzzles. She was a member of the congregation of Concordia Lutheran Church in Churchbridge. She also taught Sunday School there. Elsie remained in her home until 2017 when health issues necessitated her move to St. Paul Lutheran Care Home in Melville, SK. Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Harvey, her son, Dale; her parents, Frederick and Karolina “Lena” Baumung; two brothers, Ed and Fred; sister Minnie and her husband Bill Deederly; her parents-in-law, Jeremiah “Miah” and Gladys Maguire; brothers-in-law, Burrell Maguire, Bruce Maguire and his wife Florence, sister-in-law Ethel and her husband Albert Cottenie. Elsie is survived by her children, Doug (Deb), Grant (Kim) and Karen; her grandchildren, Dallas and Andrea (Corey), Kelly (Rebecca), Kaleigh (Eric), Karter (Morgan), Christopher; her great-grandchildren, Dylan (Jessie), Brennyn, Darian, Makayla, Savannah, Rayne, Presley, Alexis, Isabella and Autumn; her great-great grandchildren Wyatt and Luke; her sister, Ellen; brothers George and Art; her sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Gary) and Irma; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Elsie’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Roodt and staff, Tina and the other staff who delivered care to her in her home and all the wonderful staff of Whitmire Lane Unit of St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville, SK for their loving care. Finally, thank you to all who touched Elsie’s life with love and caring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elsie’s name to Whitmire Lane Unit of St. Paul’s Lutheran Home, 100 Heritage Dr, Melville, SK, S0A 2P0. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie’s Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.

LOPASCHUK - Betty Lopaschuk (nee Gulka) was born July 10, 1948 in Preeceville, SK. She passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2021 in Preeceville, SK, at the age of 72. Born to William and Bella Gulka, she was raised in Ketchen and later Invermay in the housing portion of the general store her parents owned and ran. She had many fond memories of growing up such as helping prepare the treat bags from Santa for the community Christmas concert, as well as performing at these concerts, going with her family to visit aunts, uncles and grandparents, family fishing trips and picnics at Nelson lake, and the Saturday night dance nights they would have in their home where she would dance with her dad from the living room into the kitchen and back. She attended high school in Canora and while skating at the local rink there, she met Orest. They were married in 1968 and established their home in Canora. They welcomed their daughter Trudy in 1969 and their son Trent in 1971. During this time, along with being a full time mom, Betty worked as a teller at the Bank of Montreal. In 1979, the family moved to Yorkton for Orest’s job and in 1980, twins Brad and Bryce were born into the family. Betty was a dedicated wife and mother. She had three different garden plots at one point where she’d grow enough vegetables that she’d preserve to last the family for the year. She was a great cook and made her own bread, lots of cookies and treats, and had perogie and noodle making bees with her mom ensuring a never ending supply of these. Betty was a crafter at heart and she made countless Christmas ornaments to gift her siblings and children. Cross stitching was also a favorite pastime and many people were lucky recipients of her excellent work. Betty loved growing plants and had both beautiful houseplants as well as gorgeous flowerbeds. Later in her life, she was very fortunate to meet Larry who became a wonderful companion to her for the last five years. She very much enjoyed her time with him as well as her time with her family and friends. Her children are very grateful to all who were so great to their mom, whether it be through their friendship, through dropping off special treats of fresh caught fish and fresh picked mushrooms, or through phone calls to chat and see how she was. Betty was always very grateful for these friendships and these special treats. Betty was predeceased by her parents William (1991), Bella (2020), her infant brother Orest (1942), her husband Orest (2000), father in law John (1985), mother in law Dora (1991), brothers in law John Babuik (2015), Dave Leson (2010), Bob Cox (2008), Pete Medwid (2002), Bill Franko (1998), Tony Hesp (1996), John Kuruliak (1995), sisters in law Rose Hesp (2021), Mary Franko (2002), Helen Babuik (1994). She leaves to mourn her children Trudy Bather (Nathan), Trent (Caroline), Bryce (Crissy), and Bradley, her grandchildren Lucius, Sophia, Logan, Kaden, Abby, Taylor, Beth, Ashton and Bella, loving companion Larry Dycky, brother Lawrence (Ethel) Gulka, sisters Val Edwards and Janice Cox, brother in law Peter (Vivian) Lopaschuk, sisters in law Vicky Medwid, Nellie Kuruliak, Olga Leson, special nephew Gerry (Mary) Lopaschuk, numerous nieces and nephews, godchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Parkland Ability Centre.

Obituaries

FANDREY - Anthony ‘Grant’ Fandrey was born on October 19, 1943 at Yorkton, SK; a son of Oscar and Elizabeth (new Weinbender) Fandrey. He was raised on the family farm and attended the West Ebenezer School from grades 1-8, the Ebenezer School for grades 9 & 10, and completing his high school at the Yorkton Composite. He then attended the University of Saskatchewan, taking civil engineering classes, and graduated as a civil engineering technologist from the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw in 1966. In 1957 Grant met Shirley Lungull through Steve and Evelyn Yuzik, at the Black Poplar Concert where Shirley was singing. Through a courtship that lasted some six years, Grant and Shirley were wed on August 19, 1967. The couple made their home in Yorkton for a short time before buying their first home in Ebenezer. Two years later they returned to Yorkton, where they had since resided. In 1971 daughter Shantelle was born. In 1963 Grant had began working with the City of Yorkton Public Works and Engineering Dept. even while he was attending school in Moose Jaw, working weekends and holidays. Grant’s strong work ethic landed him a fulltime position with the city, working his way up throughout his 30+ years with the city, retiring in 1993 as assistant city engineer. Grant was not one to be idle, he served as a volunteer fireman for five years, he taught classes in water treatment technology, early in his career he supplemented his income by driving taxi, and after retirement enjoyed working for the Sask. Abilities Council from 1994 till 2008. He also enjoyed farming with his brother Doug for many years. An avid outdoorsman, Grant enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, especially with his friend Hilbert Weidman, and he and Shirley attended many Dauphin Country Festivals over the years. Grant also gave back to the community, he was a longtime member of the Yorkton, and later Regina chapters of the Optimist Club, and he greatly enjoyed the many friends made at the Yorkton branch #77 of the Royal Canadian Legion. In 2012 Shirley passed away, and although he missed her dearly, Grant was determined to live on his own as long as he could, and was able to remain in his home on Logan Cres. until December of last year. Following a time of hospitalization and a brief stay at the Canora Gateway Lodge, Grant passed away on Tuesday, March 9th 2021. He was 77 years of age. Besides his wife Shirley, he was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Elizabeth; his in-laws, Alex and Helen Lungull; and by his brother, Douglas Fandrey (survived by Ruth Owen). Also he leaves his daughter Shantelle (Shayne) Roebuck of the Theodore district and grandson Dexter; also his brother Larry (Phyllis) Fandrey of Red Deer; nephew Sheldon (Shaune) Fandrey, and niece Sheila (Brent) Plante, and their families. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Center with Rev. Jailyn Corbin of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating. Music played was How Great Thou Art, To the River, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, and Amazing Grace. The interment followed in the Garden of St. John with Bob Rusnak, Russell Lusney, Brent Lusney, Don Danyluk, Grant Mehling and Ken Starger serving as the casketbearers. Memorials were to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, or to the Canadian Diabetes Society. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

Funeral Services

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In Memoriam HARDYBALA - Katherine. March 28, 2002. HARDYBALA - Phillip. March 20, 1972 EWASIENKO - Margaret (Hardybala) November 10, 2001. Gentle in manner, patient in pain, Our dear ones left us, Heaven to gain With nature so gentle and action so kind, It’s hard in this world their equal to find. -Your loving family MALYSH - In loving memory of Henry Malysh. Nov. 15, 1942 March 25, 2020. Our hearts still ache with sadness, And secret tears still flow, For what it meant to lose you, No one will ever know. -Lovingly remembered, Shirley, Blair (Sabrina), Curtis, Kaidyn, Kaiah & Karstyn.

Tenders

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail Join us on Facebook for some Easter shopping. Shop and be entered in Sunday's draw, a prerecorded message from the Easter Bunny, Saturday at 7 PM, plus other draws and more. Local vendors and others from around SK. 639-994-7297 www.facebook.com/groups/ 4pawsgamesandpublishingshowroom4

RM #241 Calder, For Sale by Tender: NE 20-25-32-W1 Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close March 29, 2021. For more information call 306-807-7472 or Submit Tender to: farmlands.sask@gmail.com

Card of Thanks The family of Joan Farquharson express deep appreciation for the care, compassion and professionalism of all within the Health Care system who journeyed with her and with us, her family, during her illness and at the time of her death, including: Sunrise Health and Wellness Centre, Louck’s Pharmacy, Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Oncology Dept., Home Care, Palliative Care, Pasqua Hospital and Allan Blair Clinic, St. Anthony’s Hospital (Esterhazy), Langenburg Centennial Special Care Home, Ambulance Services. We, the family of Joan Farquharson, are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and concern expressed in so many ways during her illness and since her death. Each remembrance shared and tribute offered, each memorial gift, each offering of food and flowers, a;; caring thoughts and prayers have ministered healing love, comfort and strength. Thank you all.

The family of Ken Dereniwsky would like to thank all those who called and sent flowers, brought food, and made memorial donations in his name. We will forever be grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Thank you to Shawna and Shannon of Leson’s Funeral Home. Your kindness, expertise and professionalism are greatly appreciated. And finally, thank you to the Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac and cantor Danny Rakochy, for performing the service and providing spiritual support during this difficult time. Give your tight budget a little relief. Make some extra cash by selling the items you no longer need with a low-cost, fast-acting Yorkton This Week and Marketplace Classified Ad. Phone 306-782-2465.

Farms for Sale

Congratulations

Graduation Congratulations to Maria Jean Markewich who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Regina. Maria is the daughter of Dr. Leonard and Anna Markewich of Regina, and the granddaughter of Mary Popowich of Yorkton.

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

Adult Personal Messages 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. MALE (62) looking for female conversationalist or companion. Interests are fishing, golf, quadding and movies. Call or text 306-590-8085.

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Coming Events

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY Building Supplies

Integrity Post Frame Buildings SINCE 2008

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

Health Services

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

Farm and Ranch Realty, SK I have been dealing with farm and ranch sales for 20 plus years. Reasonable rates and honest answers. Call or text me anytime. 306-743-7761

Land for Sale FOR SALE: 1 quarter section of pasture land in the RM of Ituna Bon Accord. Phone 306-795-2929 or 306-201-7929.

Land Wanted

FARMLAND WANTED I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com Space For Lease 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.

Apartments/Condos for Rent 1 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony Available December. No Pets. Call Shelby 780-208-3337. 2 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony. Pets Allowed. Available Immediately. Phone Shelby 780-2083337. 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. 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.

Shared Accommodation SHARE FURNISHED house in Heritage heights Yorkton with 63 yr. old male/cat. Prefer over 45. Call for details. 306-890-0571.

Suites For Rent 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.

Wanted BUYING COINS, Paper Money, Scrap Gold, Complete Estates, All Collectibles. Call 306-783-3230 or 306-621-1419.

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 306-641-4987. CASTLE ARBOR CARE Tree Removals & Pruning. 306-621-5420. www.castlearborcare.com R.U. SHARP Sharpening Services & Sales. Reseller of RADA Knives & Cutlery. Call/Text 306-621-0657.

For Sale - Misc

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Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week Feed & Seed

PLAN OF THE WEEK

Canadian Chess part 1 THE MEEPLE GUILD (YORKTON)

Livestock ANDERSON CATTLE CO. BULL SALE. 60 Red & Black Angus Bulls. March 30/21 at Swan River, MB. 204-734-2073, www.andersoncattle.ca. FOR SALE: Polled Purebred 2 year old and yearling Charolais bulls. Some red factor. Phone 306435-7116. King’s Polled Charolais. HUNTER CHAROLAIS 10th ANNUAL BULL SALE Thursday, April 1st, 1:30 pm DST, at the farm, Roblin, MB. Offering 50 yearling bulls from over 30 years of breeding. Most are polled. Also 6 Polled Hereford yearling bulls. These are top quality, quiet, goodhaired bulls that will calve well and then add performance. Online bidding available on DLMS. View catalogue and videos at www.huntercharolais.com or call Doug at 204-937-2531 204-937-2531 www.huntercharolais.com

Agricultural

Now hiring CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2021 hail season (Jul-Oct).

PLAN NUMBER 2-3786 CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE This handsome threebedroom family home, with its set-back bedroom wing and clean lines, will be a favourite among those who like contemporary architecture. The covered entrance, flanked by brick pilasters, leads into a foyer. To the right is a spacious den, ideally placed for a home office, and directly ahead is the stairway to the main floor. The great room on the main floor boasts a coffered ceiling. The gas fireplace is flanked by shelving. Sliding glass doors lead to a covered deck with a glass balustrade. Beyond is the kitchen and dining area, with a doorway between them to a patio, ideal for al fresco meals. The kitchen is separated from the dining room by a prep island, as well as a pantry. The win-

dow over the double sink looks out to the patio and the garden beyond. The master bedroom overlooks the back garden for privacy and includes an ensuite with a double sink as well as a shower stall. Closets for cleaning tools and linen are located just outside the doorway. The second and third bedrooms overlook the double garage and share a three-piece bathroom. Ceilings throughout are nine feet high. Downstairs, at ground level, there is an unfinished two-bedroom secondary suite with a roughed-in bathroom. The laundry room is located adjacent to the den. Exterior finishes include brick, painted stucco and horizontal siding. The shingled roof is slightly pitched. A decorative door on the double garage adds interest. This home measures 40 feet wide and 50 feet deep, for a total of 1,379

square feet. Plans for design 2-3786 are available for $735 (set of 5), $795 (set of 8) and $985 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

For Sale - Misc

Cars

Feed & Seed

FOR SALE: 2pc. wall unit, TV stand, table, old typewriter, electric weed whacker, propane camp stove, drapes with hooks, set of luggage, other misc. items. Phone 306-783-2717.

2 GOOD YEAR 275/65 18 tires. One like new. $100; 4 Nordic snow tires on steel VW rims. $150. Phone 306-338-2750.

“JUST A CLOSER WALK” by Ken Olson. Bluegrass gospel CD $25. Donna Kolochuk 305-375 Whitmore East. Dauphin, MB. R7N 1E8. “RIDE OUT YOUR STORM” Ted and Sharon Lehn. Bluegrass CD $15. Donna Kolochuk. 305-375 Whitmore East. Dauphin, MB. R7N 1E8. Give us a call soon. We’d like to help you place a classified ad in Yorkton This Week. Phone 306782-2465.

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.

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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.

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

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CERTIFIED SEED 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.

RVs/Campers/Trailers FOR SALE: 2002 25.5’ fifth wheel. Brand new condition, bought by seniors. Large slide out, air, awning, microwave, electric start water heater and furnace. Towed about 6 times. No Pets, no smoking. Asking $7300. Call Greg 306-5474355 Preeceville.

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It is always interesting to learn about another’s interest in board games, and especially so when that person has taken a lead role in promoting the game, as is the case with Vlad Drkulec, President of the Chess Federation of Canada. Drkulec was good enough to consent to answering a few questions for this humble column, starting with how he was initially introduced to chess himself? “I learned chess from my father who was a

doctor in Windsor,” he explained. “He didn’t study chess but he did have some aptitude for the game. I was eight when I first learned the full rules of the game as at first I thought the aim was to win all the pieces. “I was interested enough in chess to try to join the high school chess team when I was 12 in Grade 9 though I was beaten out in the competition for a spot on the team by a girl who used the four move scholar’s mate on me.

Career Opportunities

General Employment

Continued on page A16

Competitive salary, expenses & mileage paid, health spending account and pension plan. Continuous training using our industry leading CHAP tablet program. Looking for seasonal summer employment? Retired or semi-retired - this job is for you! Join our team and start your new career. Email: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca for more details and application form. 306-569-1852 ext 170. Career Opportunities The World-Spectator in Moosomin, SK is seeking a full-time reporter to join our team producing three growing, independently-owned newspapers covering Southeast Saskatchewan and Southwest Manitoba with a focus on solid journalism and community news. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan available. Please send resumes and writing samples to kevin@world-spectator.com..

General Employment HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS & 1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED: Late model, clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided 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

Parts & Accessories

meeple.guild@gmail.com

HELP WANTED: Full Time Yard/Sales Personnel. Apply in person with resume to Windsor Plywood Highway 10 East Yorkton, SK. THE LEADER POST is currently seeking to fill newspaper delivery routes in Yorkton. Tuesday to Saturday to be delivered by 8am. Approx. 115 deliveries to retailers and home delivery customers will earn you $1100 a month. If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity please contact 306-781-5409 or carriers@leaderpost.com

Trucking & Transport

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

NOW HIRING! The Yorkton Real Canadian Superstore is hiring

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

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

If you would like a route, please e-mail us at:

circulation@yorktonthisweek.com or telephone circulation at:

306-782-2465

Agriculture

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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Tech-on-tech development needed One of issues for agriculture in the last few decades is how to keep production on a finite amount of land, ahead of the growing world population. There are some rather obvious steps that could be taken of course. The biggest would be a better distribution of world wealth to help the poorest countries afford food. But the wealth distribution would also allow areas of the world capable of far high food production if they had access to modern seed, production products, machinery and knowledge, all far more easily accessed with access

to funding to buy what is needed. Along the same lines is a need to massively improve the distribution system of food grains. Hauling grain destined to become flour in bags on the backs of oxen and burrows may be the most affordable method in poor countries but it is hardly efficient. The loss of food grains to infestations and rot are major problems and again money to improve the system would be hugely impactful. But, the discussion of wealth distribution is one that simply is not high on anyone’s agenda. So the onus falls back

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels on farmers where technology is available to stay ahead of the population curve. The ability to continue to produce more can only come through better varieties, and a better understanding how to shepherd a crop from seeding to harvest in the best way to ensure production. A big part of variety

development moving forward will rely on new knowledge gained as scientists have mapped the genome of various crops – canola perhaps being the most notable, and rye one of the most recent. In fact, in the case of rye the University of Saskatchewan was involved in the work, as part of an internation-

al team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute in Germany. Researchers succeeded in completely decoding the genome of rye, despite its large size and complexity. While rye is a rather minor crop in Canada, much of it flowing to the liquor sector, what is grown is primarily on Saskatchewan and Manitoba farms. Of course mapping a genome is only step one. You might have a guide to help you get where you want to go, but what will you do once you arrive? That’s where a story at www.producer.com is exciting. It talks about the combination of advanced computing

and bioscience offering opportunities for all crops and a rapid path to higher yields. “Work from an international private-public research consortium promises to bring improved canola varieties to farmers’ fields in record time, thanks to the marriage of genomics and artificial intelligence,” relates the article. Therein lies the best hope for feeding the future, not the specific project, but rather how new science discoveries can be used together to do things far more quickly, speeding the potential varietal development farmers will need.

Programs that benefit producers and the environment are win-win Whoever said “the grass is greener on the other side” must have been standing in Alberta or Manitoba. In 2020, Saskatchewan producers seeded a record-breaking 25,000 acres of grass through Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC’s) Forage Program. Overall acres enrolled in the program were up roughly 75 per cent from the previous year. Goals for this year’s program? Even higher. “Seeding forage ticks a lot of boxes for producers and I think we’ve seen an increase in interest in our programs as a result of that,” says Trevor Plews, DUC’s head of conservation programs in Saskatchewan. While forage crops provide sustainable grazing sources for livestock, they’re also part of sound land management, and deliver many agro-ecosystem benefits.

Planted forages diversify crop rotations, help prevent erosion, retain nutrients, and provide much-needed pollinator habitat. When used in crop margins, they can reduce herbicide resistant weeds, act as buffer zones to meet product label guidelines and help manage clubroot issues in canola crops. DUC’s Forage Conversion Program assists with field-scale conversion of cultivated areas and pays $35/ acre toward the cost of seeding. Uptake of this program has nearly tripled since 2017 with 396 Saskatchewan farmers participating over the last three years. The Marginal Areas Program (MAP) has been equally successful, burgeoning more than 10-fold in the same time period. MAP was created for grain producers to trial the use forages to address salinity and other agro-

nomic challenges. This program offers an option for farmers who have identified areas on their farm where they are realizing negative return on investment and pays a financial incentive of $125/acre to seed these areas to forage. In 2020,

40 Saskatchewan landowners took part. One aspect of MAP that is attracting attention is the Pollinator Power Pak. This seed blend is a mixture of short- and long-lived perennial species that improves the value of

the stand specifically for pollinators; it’s provided to producers enrolled in the program at no charge. The Power Pak supports populations of native pollinator species and honeybees that are critical to pollination of agricultural crops such as canola and soybeans. While producers appreciate the injection of cash into their farm operations, many also find that DUC’s programs fit with their existing conservation goals. Mervin Mann operates Mann Bros. Ranch Ltd. and has been a DUC program participant since 2017. “DUC’s Forage Program has provided us with financial support toward stand reestablishment while allowing us to continue operating in the manor we are accustomed to,” Mann says. “Committing our land to 10 years in grass is our way of playing some small part in the con-

servation of nature and wildlife.” In fact, increasing perennial cover on Saskatchewan’s landscape does exactly that, delivering environmental spin-offs like habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects, water quality improvements and carbon storage. “That’s what makes DUC’s Forage Program a real win-win,” says Plews. “When we land on solutions that not only benefit producers, both financially and agronomically, but also support a healthy environment, we all come away better off.“ Producers interested in DUC’s Forage Conversion or Marginal Areas Programs are invited to contact their local DUC office, call 1-866-252-DUCK (3825) or email du_regina@ducks. ca. More information can also be found at DUC’s new producer portal, ag.ducks.ca.

Record Saskatchewan agriculture exports in 2020 2020 was a record year for agricultural exports in Saskatchewan, helping the province lead the nation in growth of overall export sales over the previous year. Saskatchewan produced $16.9 billion in agricultural exports last year, a 31 per cent increase from 2019 and a new high for the province. This represents more than 55 per cent of total provincial exports in 2020, which were valued at $30.4 billion. This helps bring the province closer to meeting its Growth Plan goals, which include growing agri-food exports to $20 billion and increasing agriculture value-added revenue to $10 billion by 2030. These strong export numbers also reinforce Saskatchewan’s global reputation as a dependable source of safe, highquality resources, goods and products. Overall merchandise export sales in 2020 were more than $30 billion, up 2.5 per cent over 2019, the highest percentage increase among the provinces. On a national basis, exports were down

12.2 per cent over the same period. Leading agriculture exports in 2020 continue to be canola seed, nondurum wheat, lentils, canola oil and durum wheat. “The global COVID19 pandemic has hit all economies hard worldwide, but these export numbers are strong signs our province is in a positive position for economic recovery in 2021,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “With our world-class and growing export base, we have what the world wants and needs, and it

will continue to drive investment and jobs for communities right across Saskatchewan.” In 2020, major increases in exports were seen in farm and intermediate food products; forestry products and building and packaging materials; and industrial machinery, equipment, and parts. Saskatchewan’s top international markets for 2020 include the United States, China, Japan and India. Saskatchewan agrifood export destinations are diverse in nature. Top markets for Saskatchewan agri-food exports in 2020 were

United States, China, Japan, India and Mexico. “Saskatchewan producers grow safe, high-quality food that the world needs and our agriculture exporters remain committed to providing the world with these products,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “I want to commend our producers on their hard work and resilience, which led to a new record in agri-food exports for 2020.” Increases in primary production as well as a growing value-added sector have contributed to the record agrifood export growth in

Saskatchewan. In 2020, value-added exports were $3.2 billion. Canola oil, canola meal and processed oats were our top value-added products. Currently, the Government of Saskatchewan is working to open three new trade

offices in Singapore, Japan and India in 2021 to support increased export diversification. The new offices will complement the existing trade office in China, and continued access to Asian markets will benefit our key economic sectors.

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Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

CANADIAN Continued from page A14 “The following year, my uncles were visiting from Croatia, and the Bobby Fischer vs. Boris Spassky match was going on, and we were eagerly studying the course of each game in the Windsor Star every night. My uncles and father played a lot of chess, and they also played with me. I read the Encyclopedia Britannica entry on the history of chess which described the various historical champions and their impact on chess, and learned how Paul Morphy had developed each of his pieces rapidly and had devastated his competitors in Europe. “I learned that the object of the opening was to get all of your pieces into the game, and that was when I beat my father

for the first time. It took a long time to beat him for the second time, but in that period, I became a chess player.” While we often have interests and passions in our youth, often following the lead of a parent, as we mature, often we drift away from our early interests, so what is it about chess that has continued to interest and intrigue Drkulec? “I have always loved the beautiful combinations that were possible if you were alert to the possibilities,” he said. “Almost everyone who plays chess endures a love-hate relationship with the game. “When you are on a winning streak, it feels very satisfying, but often it is how you react when you are losing that deter-

mines your upper limit as a player. “Around 2009, I was playing in a tournament in the Michigan Masters and Experts where I had played horribly. I had to win in the last round to avoid finishing in last place in the tournament. I developed an advantage, I won a pawn, but my opponent still had some chances. “At a certain point, I traded a knight for my opponent’s knight, but my opponent played in a tricky way which seemed to tie my pieces up in knots. “I was so immersed in that game that I did not see that as we were one of the last games -- like every round that tournament -- and a crowd was gathered and watching the game.

“I had a time advantage as I often do, so I had time to think while my opponent was in a bit of time trouble. “I had an amazing idea to untie the knot that my position seemed to be in. I had a knight, two rooks and a queen plus a number of pawns, a total of four major pieces along with four pawns on one side of the board and two on the other. I moved the knight to a square where it could be taken by his queen or knight or a pawn. At the same time, he was attacking one rook with his queen and my queen with his queen and my other rook with his other rook. I had managed to put every one of my pieces en pris (free for the taking) though if he took the queen, he would be checkmated by my

rook and knight in what they call an Arabian pattern. “If he took my rook, then I could take his queen, and I would be threatening checkmate in one move which he could not stop. “If he took my other rook once again, there was the Arabian mate pattern, so finally he moved his queen away. “People in the masters/experts section did a double-take when I played my move and saw that I was losing every one of my pieces with one move, but none could be taken. “My opponent found the lesser evil and played the one line that did not allow checkmate, and then I once again moved my queen to a square right next to his queen

where all the threats of the previous move were renewed, and still he could not take anything without immediately losing. Finally, he found the one line which minimized his losses and traded into a trivially losing rook endgame. “My students related to me the reaction of the spectators to that spectacular finish, and it was one of complete surprise. “Anyway, after that game, I came to the conclusion that no matter how bad I played, I would continue to play chess for the opportunity to once again play an amazing game like that.” For more on chess with Vlad Drkulec, President of the Chess Federation of Canada, see next week’s Meeple Guild report.

Samsung, not Huawei, chosen for SaskTel’s 5G rollout By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina, Seoul, Korea – SaskTel announced on March 15 that Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. would be the sole vendor to supply SaskTel with its 4G/5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core. Korean-based Samsung will supply all hardware, software and associated expertise to ensure the successful deployment of an end-to-end 5G solution. This would otherwise be a pedestrian corporate deal between a relatively small Canadian telecommunications firm and a global tech giant, but the stakes are high, with global implications. Significantly, while SaskTel has Chinesebased Huawei equipment for its 4G network, it did not choose to remain with Hauwei for its new network rollout. In this case, the story isn’t so much which company was chosen, but rather which one was not. A major issue facing telecom companies like SaskTel has been which company they will choose to provide their fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks. The United States, as well as other nations in the Five Eyes intelligence network of which Canada is a member, have been adamant that Chinese giant Huawei

not be allowed. The reason for this is fears that the Chinese government, which effectively owns Huawei, could use the system for espionage on a grand scale. That’s something the United States, itself, did with the assistance of AT&T, as reported by the New York Times in 2015. Added to this, at the United States’ request, Canada arrested Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on Dec. 1, 2018, in Vancouver. That arrest was so that she could be extradited to the U.S. on charges of committing financial fraud to circumvent American sanctions against Iran. China promptly arrested two Canadians in China, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, and has held them ever since, a major irritant between this nation and China. As a result, the selection of a 5G network provider has become highly charged on many levels. Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel speaking to the Legislature’s Crown and Central Agencies Committee on June 25, 2020, said that for SaskTel’s 4G network, “The products that are in that network, both on top of the tower and the radio equipment at the bottom, are Huawei equipment almost exclusively across the province.” At the time, Bell and

Handout photo courtesy SaskTel

4G and 5G antennas cannot go on the same tower, so 4G equipment in Saskatoon and Regina will be taken down and eventually replaced with 5G hardware from Samsung. That 4G equipment, made by Huawei, will be redeployed in rural areas of the province. Telus, both major players, were indicating they were moving away from using Huawei. “If they choose to do that, we will have to do ... that will have to be a decision here. So the likelihood here is that we would not use Huawei for any of the core networks for 5G,” Morgan told the committee last June. “When we go forward into 5G, there’s the issues of security in the core network and what support you have from other governments, including the government of Canada,” Morgan said. “We in Saskatchewan have to go lockstep with Bell and Telus; that’s who we partner with.” But on March 16, in an interview with CJME/ CKOM’s John Gormley,

Morgan said the province had gone to the federal government, seeking a recommendation on what to do with regards to Huawei. “And to this day, we’ve had no support from them whatsoever,” Morgan said. He added, “The federal government has been missing in action on this” and that Canadian/ Chinese relationship was “a major factor.” Samsung chosen In a press release on March 15, Morgan said, “SaskTel’s deployment of a transformational 5G network will foster continued innovation and support the growth of Saskatchewan’s technology sector.” “5G technology will deliver new levels of performance and efficiency

that will enhance user experience and set the foundation for smart cities, next-generation virtual healthcare, immersive education, smart agriculture technology and next-level gaming.” “We are pleased to select Samsung as the sole vendor for our 5G network deployment, and we are confident that Samsung’s state-of-theart 5G technology will deliver robust network capability and exceptional connectivity inherent in their 5G solutions,” said Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO. “The increased speeds, reliability, and capacity that 5G brings will support remote work, virtual health, and distance education, and enable SaskTel’s customers to realize the full capabilities of the latest 5G-ready devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.” “We are excited to collaborate with SaskTel to roll out next-generation 5G services within Saskatchewan, further expanding our 5G horizons in Canada with unparalleled 5G network solutions,” said Jeff Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada. “Samsung is looking forward to supporting SaskTel and providing an end-toend 5G solution exhibiting Samsung’s ongoing global commitment to advancing a new era in

5G expansion.” Since 2010, SaskTel has invested over $3.0 billion in capital throughout Saskatchewan to bolster its networks and the investment in 5G technology will prepare for the future demand and deliver an exceptional user experience. SaskTel is committed to investing $324 million of capital across Saskatchewan in 2020-21 and over $1.6 billion through to 2025. These investments will ensure that SaskTel customers will continue to enjoy some of the best communication and entertainment services in the world. Morgan noted in that committee hearing last June, “A 5G, the signal does not travel very far. It’s designed for densely-populated areas, high profit for SaskTel, but not suitable for large rural areas where you’re trying to get the maximum coverage between towers. “So a tower and equipment on a tower typically has a lifespan of four to six years. So the equipment that’s around the province right now would likely run out its lifespan or would be phased out over time. The equipment that is in Saskatoon and Regina that is Huawei 4G equipment, some of it will have to be taken down. That equipment would be repurposed and moved elsewhere in the province.”

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