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Wednesday, April 14, 2021

For goodness flake, snow makes appearance in April The week started off with a return of the snow, and that has meant people getting stuck and needing tow truck help, and of course local business people having to get their snow shovels out again to clean sidewalks. How long the white stuff may

Staff Photo by Tanner Wallace-Scribner

stick around is unclear as the forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds expected for the rest of the week, with a possibility of more snow early next week, which would delay spring just a bit longer.

Mayor reflects on provincial budget

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer When Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley looked at the recent Saskatchewan budget, he said it wasn’t one with a lot of new money coming the city’s way.

Hippsley said when looking at a provincial budget as a city

mayor it’s natural to look at it from the perspective of “what’s in it for us.”

In that regard Hippsley said $6.6 million was allocated to the Urban Highway Connector Program, and while noting that is not a huge amount for the entire project, Yorkton is in line for $4 million.

“You say thanks for that,” he said.

But, then Hippsley said he stepped back to look at the budget from a broader perspective than just what is in the budget for Yorkton, and he is satisfied the province is investing in the right areas, education, health, highways

and infrastructure for SaskTel and SaskPower.

“Saskatchewan is to me the land of opportunity,” he said.

“I think the province is going about it the right way investing in the future.”

But the growing deficit and debt is troubling, added Hippsley pointing to the deficit

climbing 40 per cent.

“That from the perspective of the business world is a lot,” he said.

And, while the province is suggesting they will wrangle to deficit back into the black by 2027, Hippsley isn’t buying that they can hit such a target calling it “a pipe dream.”

Budget needed to protect, build, grow

By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The Government of Saskatchewan is looking to ‘Protect, Build, and Grow’ with their latest budget unveiled last week.

The province is forecasting $14.4 billion in revenue, an increase of 829 million compared to last year. Despite the increase, the province plans to run a deficit of $2.6 billion.

Greg Ottenbreit, the MLA for Yorkton, said that the deficit is something they felt was needed in this year’s budget.

“In these times of COVID, it’s important to not only support but invest in the prov-

ince,” he said. “What I have been hearing from constituents and province from around the provinces is at this point they are not really worried so much about the deficits; they want to make sure that they are supported, and we are poised to recover and build once we come through the pandemic.”

Ottenbreit said that compared to other provinces, he feels Saskatchewan is in a good place.

“When you look at our financial standing, it is quite impressive by comparison.

“We have the best debt to GDP ratio in Canada, the second-best credit rating in Canada; we have some of the best job creation numbers and

job recovery numbers across the country as well,” he stated.

“All things considered, in the current state of our country, province, and the world, we are posed in a pretty strong position.”

The Government is set to roll out a record $6.5 billion in health care funding, including a $90 million increase for mass vaccination roll-out, personal protective equipment, lab capacity, and physician costs.

The province will also be spending $1.5 billion in COVID19 supports and $458 million for mental health and addiction services programs.

The Government also plans to spend $3.1 billion on capital investment in schools, hospitals, highways, Crown corpora-

tions, and other needed infrastructure.

Despite a significant amount of money going towards healthcare, one of NDP Leader Ryan Meili’s criticisms was a lack of long-term funding towards seniors and long-term care homes.

“I would point to our record in Government, specifically long-term care facilities,” Ottenbreit said.

“There is always more you can do, but when I look at what we have done in the area of seniors and supports for seniors, I’m pretty okay with our record but always looking to improve and do things that support those helped build our province.”

For people in Yorkton,

Ottenbreit said that plenty of money is coming the city’s way.

“This budget there is financing in place for the Yorkton Regional High School renovation, around $20 million for that renovation. The continued work on our highway system.

We know that the passing lanes for Highways 9 and 10 were completed last year; there is still some more work that has to be done on those corridors, but also the Highway 16 passing lanes will be started this year, as well as significant infrastructure investments into Highway 229, and the Good Spirit Provincial Park.”

Ottenbreit added that he is proud that there were no significant cuts or tax increases in this budget.

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Roughly 70,000 jobs lost, but 50,000 regained

By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – While New Democratic Party Leader Ryan Meili focused on jobs lost during the pandemic in the April 9 question period, Premier Scott Moe of the Saskatchewan Party pointed out how many have been regained.

Meili said, “Saskatchewan families were struggling before COVID-19, with the province already in a recession. Those same families are paying the price, even more today, for the premier’s failure to fight the pandemic and to protect Saskatchewan’s economy. The evidence is clear; you look at today’s StatsCan jobs numbers, zero jobs created since February of this year, 23,000 jobs lost since February of 2020. From

the beginning of the pandemic to today, we have the worst job creation record in the entire country. These are devastating numbers, and my heart goes out to all of the families were wondering how they’re going to make it through without work.

Does the premier care to explain, once again, why he wouldn’t change a thing? Why he’s satisfied with having failed to control the pandemic, or protect Saskatchewan jobs?”

Moe replied, “The leader of the opposition is correct in the fact that we have lost a number of jobs over the course of the last year.

In fact, at the height of the economic impact of the measures that were put in place to address a COVID 19 pandemic, we were down about 70,000 jobs in this province.

Saskatchewan businesses, Saskatchewan people have had the opportunity,

Screen capture courtesy Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan

Leader of the Opposition Ryan Meili asked about jobs lost due to the pandemic. in many cases, to get back to work. About 50,000 of those folks have had the opportunity to get back

to work. There are still 20,000 jobs that we need to get back to work as soon as we exit this pan-

demic. We’re fully aware that we are down, yet, still down those 20,000 jobs. We’re going to do

everything we can to ensure that we get them back, get them back very quickly.”

Moe hints at coming developments for small modular reactors and carbon capture

By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury

Screen capture courtesy Government of Saskatchewan

Premier Scott Moe hinted at pending announcements for both nuclear power and coal-fired carbon capture power generation in Saskatchewan.

21043CC4 21043CC5

Regina – Given the recent carbon tax ruling, when will we start to see big dollars spent for developing substantial either carbon capture and storage, small modular reactors, or both?

Premier Scott Moe was asked that question on budget day, April 6.

He responded, “Well, I think, in the not-too-distant future. What we will see, in the next number of days is, as you know, Saskatchewan was partaking in a memorandum of understanding on small modular reactors with the provinces of New Brunswick, as well as Ontario. You’ve also seen, more recently, interest from Alberta in joining that memorandum of understanding, to ensure that we are advocating and advancing the small modular reactor conversation technology and relationships of between, for us, as the Saskatchewan Power Corporation, and those folks that have the technology to build those types of those types of facilities.

“I would say you will see the three provinces, the three original signatories, as well as the fourth, being Alberta, coming out with some communication on this, over the course of the next number of days or week or two, with

respect to the direction that we feel the small modular reactor conversation needs to go, and do what level and what degree the federal government would need to participate in that conversation, both in advocating advancing the technology and the relationships, but also financially.”

To that financial end, Moe said the they are looking to the federal government in financially participating, “ensuring that as we look ahead, we are, yes, reducing emissions in our electrical generation, our power grid here in Saskatchewan; but we are also doing right, by the people of the province.”

Carbon capture and storage On carbon capture and storage, in particular with regards to coalfired power generation, Moe said, “You may see a similar conversation with respect to carbon capture and storage. We saw Alberta come forward with a request to the federal government, a week or two ago, with respect to the carbon capture and storage programs that are operating there. We have one of the first in Canada. One of the first, earliest versions around the world.

The first post-combustion coal-fired carbon capture and storage plant, and I would just say that there is a broad-

er story for us to focus in on; with respect to carbon capture and storage and that is the enhanced oil recovery piece.

“The opportunity that we have had in this province to not only revitalize an aging oilfield in the Weyburn-Midale area, but the future opportunities that we have to use carbon capture off of our coal-fired plants, and ultimately really participate in the ongoing discussion around hydrogen, for example, in some of the hydrogen production that we’ve heard Minister (François-Philippe) Champagne talk about and we’re hearing now some companies and Saskatchewan talk about.”

Champagne is the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Moe concluded, “So, many opportunities ahead on both fronts, the small modular nuclear power reactors, as well as the potential for really taking the next step in carbon capture and storage and moving it, not only to bumping the yield, and taking carbon out of every fourth barrel of oil that we produce in the enhanced oil recovery process, but really moving this on to the next conversation around hydrogen production and some of the opportunities that we’re being informed about, quite frankly, by private industry there.”

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 gallant or showy in dress or bearing: smart.

Slow is looking gallant with new books at the library. an find all kinds of great books filled with words to read at the YPL, plus DVDs, audiobooks and magazines to borrow. All for free.

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Up Front

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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Deficit of $2.6 billion expected, Saskatchewan expects to balance budget in 2026-27

By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – Prior to the onset of the global pandemic of COVID-19 in the spring of 2020, the Saskatchewan Party Government had been aiming towards once again running balanced budgets. But the pandemic has now delayed that goal for a total of six years, with a balanced budget not expected until 2026-27 at the earliest.

The Saskatchewan provincial budget, tabled

by Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer on April 6, has a forecast deficit of $2.6 billion for this year.

And that, she told reporters, is “pretty frustrating.”

“I do you think that we were there for the people of Saskatchewan.

We need to be there Saskatchewan. We need to also plan for growth and for the days where we will again be leading the nation in growth that we did in the past. And I think we have the right budget to do that.

“But we are borrowing.”

That wasn’t the initial plan, before the pandemic hit. Harpauer said, “In my pre-COVID budget that never happened, I was actually paying down debt.”

The reason for deficit is simple: the pandemic. Harpauer said, “It is difficult to overstate the impact of the pandemic. It was not only a worldwide health crisis, the COVID 19 pandemic is also the largest shot to the Saskatchewan, Canadian and world economy of any event since the Second World War.

“It is a once in a lifetime challenge that requires a significant response. As a result, this year’s deficit will be larger and it will take longer to return to balance than we had anticipated.”

The 2021-22 budget forecasts diminishing deficits in the following years, with $1.7 billion in 2022-23, $1.2 billion in 2023-24, and $770 million in 2024-25. A return to balance is expected in 2026-27, according to Harpauer.

Revenue for this year is forecast at $14.5 billion in this budget, with most revenue categories forecast to increase compared to the latest 202021 forecast. Expenses of $17.1 billion are projected in this budget, an increase of about $1.0 billion compared to last year. That’s a 6.3 per cent increase in spending from last year’s budget.

Total public debt, including Crown corporation debt, is projected to increase $4.2 billion to $27.8 billion by March 31, 2022.

The budget forecast’s Saskatchewan’s real GDP will grow 3.4 per cent in 2021, but that’s after a projected 4.2 per cent contraction in 2020, meaning the plan to recover will take longer than expected. This fiscal challenge will be managed carefully, the budget says, “without reckless cuts or large tax increases that would threaten both the pandemic response and a strong recovery.”

Saskatchewan’s nominal and real GDP is not expected to reach prepandemic levels until 2022.

The budget hit on three themes: Protect.

Build. Grow.

Pandemic response A total of $4.8 billion

is expected to be spend on pandemic response over the course of several years. After spending $2 billion in the 2020-21 fiscal year on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, another $1.5 billion is expected to be spent in this budget, and another $1.3 billion over the next two years. Combined health spending up is 5.8 per cent, or $359 million, to a total of $6.54 billion.

Of that, $90 million is for the mass vaccine rollout, purchase of more personal protective equipment, contact tracing, physician costs and expansion of testing and assessment sites.

The provincial laboratory will also see added capacity.

Urgent care centres in Regina and Saskatoon will see $5.7 million.

Mental health and additions programs will see a record $458 million, up $23.4 million or 5.4 per cent. There will be 12 additional provincial addiction treatment beds, plus two pre-term treatment beds for the addiction treatment centre in Estevan.

Transportation will see $553.2 million in capital spending. This includes twinning Highway 3 west of Prince Albert, and multiple passing lanes projects on Highways 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, 14, 16 and 39.

Education will get $189.9 for capital projects, including $101.9 million for 21 ongoing capital projects building 16 new schools and renovating five. There will be changes to education property tax mill rates that will increase provincial revenue available for pre-K to Grade 12 in line with inflation.

Saskatchewan Party campaign promises from the fall election

Screen capture courtesy Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly

Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Donna Harpauer delivered her fourth budget on April 6. were noteworthy as new spending. “There was 14 of them. We kept 14 of those,” Harpauer said Approximately 100 continuing care aides will be hired as well, the first year in a three-year plan to hire 300. There $6 million for autism support, $5 million for insulin pumps as well as continuous glucose monitoring for kids under 18.

Seniors ambulance fees are maxed out at $135, down from $275.

Regina and Saskatoon will see a $6.6 million for additional ambulances to address patient transfer delays, wait times, and a new computer dispatch system. STARS will see $1.4 million towards a new helicopter.

The “Saskatchewan Economic Recovery Rebate” reducing electricity bills by 10 per cent will cost $174.8 million, and there is a $285 million SGI Auto Fund Recovery Rebate.

While last summer the government announced an ambitious $4 billion Lake Diefenbaker

Irrigation Westside Expansion Project, this year Phase 1 of that project is allocated $18.9 million.

Some activities that have so-far skirted targeted taxation are under the microscope, under the term “tax fairness.”

Vapour and heat-notburn tobacco products will both be taxed. While people pumping gas in their vehicles pay provincial taxes on the fuel for road use, “This budget will introduce a road use fee for electric vehicles at the time of registration.”

Those electric vehicles will be charged $150 per year when they are registered, based on the equivalent of a gas vehicle using 10 litres per 100 kilometres, and 10,000 kilometres per year. There are only 403 electric vehicles registered in Saskatchewan, so the total amount is expected to be about $60,000.

Saskatchewan will open an additional four trade and investment

offices abroad, in addition to four already in place.

The budget forecasts the average price of West Texas Intermediate oil to be $54.33 for 2021-22, an improvement from the 2020-21 forecast of $42.27. Oil production is budgeted to come in at 160 million barrels, an improvement from 154 million barrels forecast for last year. There will be $3.8 million in royalty relief for oil and gas producers to invest in methane reduction projects. There will also be a modernization and expansion of the High Water Cut Program to make wells more viable for producers.

Potash is budgeted to netback US$191 per tonne for KCL, and C$396 per tone for K2O. Potash sales are budgeted at 14.3 million tonnes, a slight improvement over last year and notably higher than the 12.7 million tonnes in 2019-20.

The Canadian dollar is budgeted at 79.12 U.S. cents.

Yorkton Chamber responds to budget The Board of Directors of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce considers the 2021-22 provincial budget released yesterday to be a good one for the business community.

Marty Sveinbjornson, President of the Chamber, said the theme

of the Budget – “Protect, Build, Grow” - is overall favourable to businesses. “Investing in infrastructure helps to keep the economy rolling and indicates a positive outlook for the future,” he said.

The Chamber con-

tinues to be concerned about the possibility of a major, wide-spread lockdown of businesses.

“While the Yorkton business community is very resilient, as has been demonstrated these past 13 months, another sweeping lockdown will

spell the end for many of our small businesses,” said Sveinbjornson.

“The Yorkton Chamber urges the provincial government to consider the ramifications should more businesses be forced to permanently close due to the restric-

tions imposed upon them.”

The Yorkton Chamber is hopeful that current restrictions will soon be lifted so that businesses and residents can resume their normal activities.

The Chamber com-

mends the government for the speed with which its most vulnerable citizens have been vaccinated.

The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce is “the voice of business in Yorkton” and represents over 450 members.

Vaccination priorities evolving

By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – New Democratic Leader Ryan Meili again asked the Saskatchewan Party government in question period on April 12 about moving front-line workers to the head of the line for the COVID-19 vaccine.

In his response, Premier Scott Moe said that is now happening. Emergency workers and other health care workers will also be prioritized.

This change marks a shift in policy, as the government, up until now, has been largely steadfast in sticking to an vaccination policy focused principally on age, with the oldest Saskatchewan residents getting the vaccine

first.

Meili asked, “Will the Premier commit today to listening to front-line workers and finally getting this third wave under control?

Moe replied, “We’re going to do better than that. We’re going to vaccinate the front-line workers here in Saskatchewan.

“We released a news release here this morning where we are going to use our mobile capacity to ensure that we can provide those vaccines to our police, to our firefighters, as well as our public health inspectors.

Upon receiving the vaccines in our pharmacies — those pharmacies that are associated with large grocery stores, with many, many front-line workers — we’re going to ask those pharmacies to vaccinate

their front-line staff in those facilities.

Moe continued, “We did prioritize in Phase 1 just over 40,000 health care workers here across the province. We had an uptake of just over 27,000.

About 68 per cent of health care workers went and received their vaccine, which leaves about 13,000 unallocated good doses, which is about the amount of the remaining

health care workers that were not in that Phase 1.

And so we’re going to prioritize them. And so we’re going to vaccinate frontline health care workers here without sacrificing, without sacrificing the nation-leading vaccination capacity that we already have in place.”

In a release which was emailed just before question period, the government said Saskatchewan’s

vaccine delivery plan will begin to target first responders through mobile vaccination units once current priority populations are complete. Currently, mobile vaccination units are targeting select congregate living settings including group home and shelter staff and residents. Once vaccinations in these settings are complete, mobile vaccination units

will target first responders including police officers, fire fighters and public health inspectors and will be dispatched to central workplace settings. Targeted vaccination of first responders with mobile vaccination units is anticipated to commence within two weeks upon the completion of congregate living setting vaccinations.

Continued on page A16

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Perspective Budget may be less liked by future generations

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MURRAY MANDRYK

Classified Sales: Deanna Brown

Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

Politics There’s very little in the Saskatchewan Party government’s 2021-22 budget for you not to like.

Your kids, however, may grow to hate it.

That’s the big problem — what’s popular today but maybe far less popular in hindsight.

A big part of Finance Minster Donna Harpauer’s 2021-22 budget theme of “Protect Build Grow” theme is kick-starting a Saskatchewan economy clobbered by COVID-19.

There was $3.1 billion doled out for capital spending— tax dollars to be happily spent on highways and new schools and hospitals in places like Weyburn.

The budget will continue to bolster success in agriculture with a $387 million more, including extra cash to get the Lake Dienfenbaker Irrigation Project going. Meanwhile, farmers will maintain their sales tax exemptions on seed, fertilizer and chemicals.

And while restructuring of municipal grants means urban homeowners across the province will be hit with an average $18 a year property tax hike, it won’t apply to agricultural land.

Similarly, those in oil — rural Saskatchewan’s other big industry that obviously had a much tougher year — will continue to benefit from what remains a favourable royalty structure and will now support for cleaning up abandoned wells.

The Sask. Party government’s budget placed the well clean up policy in its $4.8-million “COVID-19 support” package that also somehow includes it’s SGI auto refund rebate program.

One of the emerging themes in this “Protect Build Grow” budget was ensuring Saskatchewan maintained the lowest bundle of utility costs in the country. Again, this something that will be very popular among voters, but it’s also something former Sask. Party leader Brad Wall, in opposition, said was visionless and did little to grow the province when the former Lorne Calvert NDP government promoted this notion.

Admittedly, one of the budget themes that will likely be successful for Harpauer and the Sask.

Party government is the notion of “protecting” and preserving what we have in Saskatchewan.

It’s the long-held notion of the Sask. Party that key to this province’s success is preserving the fundamentals, which would obviously include farming, oil and mining. It’s also these core components of our economy in which Premier Scott Moe offered much of his post-budget optimism.

Yes, these things are key to Saskatchewan’s future.

But so will adapting to change. So will preparing our future so we aren’t leaving a burden with our kids.

It’s here where the budget was less successful.

On adapting, it was hard not to notice that there wasn’t enough dedicated to current problems.

For example, while the budget should get credit for smaller things like harm reduction response teams in Estevan, $750,000 for buses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert and $440,000 to naloxone harm-reduction kits, it seems to have missed the bigger picture of the massive overdose crisis we are seeing in all parts of the province and the value in things like safe inject sites when it comes to saving lives.

Budgets are always about adopting to a changing world. Whether we like the carbon tax or not, we do need to better adjust to new sources of energy that aren’t fossil fuels.

Handing back people rebates on consumption of electricity largely produced by coal seems unhelpful. So is pinching new electric cars for $150 a year for highway upkeep when we all know the damage to highways is caused by large trucks.

But, mostly, the problem is that $2.6-billion deficit and record $17 billion in spending that will pump debt to $27.8 billion this year and $31 billion next year.

In the meantime, we will have to shell out $755 million just to serve past deficits that have become borrowing debt.

That’s less money in the here and now. But what’s more worrisome is this budget may spell a problem for our kids’ futures.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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COVID impact on budgets will be long-lasting S

pring of course is the time of renewal, and typically that includes governments unveiling their latest budgets, the City of Yorkton passing its budget recently and last week the Saskatchewan Party presenting its plan for spending and revenues provincially.

On the surface the latest provincial budget can be summed up rather simply; offering an expected deficit of $2.6 billion with an expectation to a balance budget in 2026-27.

Of course no one was expecting anything other than a deep dive into red ink thanks to the impact the past year of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Depending on how you look at the current health situation, possibly fearing the emergence of variant strains and daily infection rates in Saskatchewan again hovering around 300, or with optimism based on the arrival of vaccines, the pandemic is either about to wane, or to make another nasty explosion.

However, another impact of the pandemic, one that will ripple for years into the future is the deficits governments have incurred to try and keep individuals and businesses at least treading water through the worst the situation COVID has caused.

Saskatchewan Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Donna Harpauer might be suggesting they can wrestle deficit spending back to a balanced budget rather quickly, but if they falter in that enterprise they have an out, that the impact of COVID has lasted longer than expected.

One might even question how accurate we can expect the latest budget to be since the past week has not been a good one in terms of the pandemic in Canada, highlighted by Ontario moving to at least another month of lockdowns with non-essential businesses closed and people being told to stay home if possible.

Here in Saskatchewan we hit 358 new cases Friday, the highest singleday increase in nearly three months. On Jan. 15, 382 new cases were announced.

Premier Moe has since said the government will consider whether more health measures are required to deal with the current spike.

What happens in the next week or two in terms of COVID numbers, and the provincial government’s response will have an impact on any numbers in the recent budget predicting income and of course expenses should the province need to buffer more lockdown protocols.

The financial implications for residents dealing with reduced hours, or lay-offs is significant for many, but the pandemic is hitting the bottom lines of companies and governments too.

Certainly, some will have done quite well filling niche services through the pandemic – a company manufacturing hand sanitizer is likely doing well, but most will have been forced to tighten their financial belts.

Moving forward that belt tightening will have continued impact including at the government level.

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Senior’s home treats its residents

By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer A local senior’s home gave its residents a little pick me up late last week.

The Bently Retirement Home hosted a drivetrue, in partnership with the local Dairy Queen, to give its residents some ice cream.

“It was amazing,” said Gina Ressler, a sales consultant with the Bentley.

“It was solely for our residents just to really put a smile on their faces. In the state of the world right now, not a lot of people being able to go out or come in this was just a feel-good for our residents to lifts their spirits.”

“Every day we are doing activities, but we do like to think outside the box and do things that are fun and new, and creative for them,” Ressler said.

Submitted Photos

Community Foundation holds first annual meeting The Yorkton & District Community Foundation (YDCF) held its first annual general meeting on March 25, a virtual meeting attended by 38 persons. Financial and activity reports were presented, annual grants were announced and a board of directors was elected.

YDCF is a registered charity founded in October 2019. An interim board composed of local volunteers guided development of the community foundation to its first AGM. Community

foundations help donors to support a variety of charities and causes.

Lasting legacies are possible by donating to a permanent endowment fund.

YDCF is committed to building endowment funds which hold donations in trust in perpetuity. The income earned by the endowment is used to make annual grants. At the AGM the Community Foundation announced the first of what will be annual grants from generated income.

The Community

Foundation initially received $30,000 from a local mental health organization when it disbanded. Donations since then have increased the endowment fund to just over $100,000.

The organization has also been active administering and distributing funds during the Covid19 pandemic in the past year.

YCDF received donations for a local Emergency Community Fund and led a collaborative effort to provide masks to seniors living in

housing authority properties. Cash and in-kind donations received were $16,150.

The Community Foundation supplied a total of 9,600 individual masks to 879 seniors in 24 communities in the district.

YCDF also partnered with Community Foundations of Canada and the federal government to deliver the Emergency Community Support Fund to assist persons experiencing heightened vulnerability during the pandemic.

Twelve local programs were supported with $105,000 granted to registered charities providing food, transportation, technology, counseling and activities sustaining physical and mental health.

At the AGM, the Community Foundation announced a further $5,400 in grants generated by its endowment fund revenue and remaining local emergency fund donations. The Salvation Army’s Lighthouse Food Bank and the Melville and District Food Bank

received $1,500 each and $2,400 was granted for expansion of services offered by the mental health counselling clinic operated by the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours (SIGN).

The following were elected as directors of the Yorkton & District Community Foundation: Ray Bailey, Andrew Rae, Candance Tendler, Sharon Tropin, Victor Surjik, Trevor Plews, Lisa Washington , Rob McDill, Dick DeRyk and Jaime Helgason.

Yorkton Kinsmen donates to Canora waterpark

By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The Kinsmen Club of Yorkton surprised a local town with a donation to help them with a massive upcoming project.

The club donated $50,000 to the Town of Canora to replace their current swimming pool.

Aaron Herriges, the director of leisure services with the Town of Canora, said the donation was completely

unexpected.

“I found out a little bit about the support that the Kinsman get from the people of Canora,” he said. “I guess we are a huge supporter, and the $50,000 donation from the Kinsmen is just a

great example of their commitment to giving back to the communities for supporting them.”

Herriges said that the money would be put towards the estimated $2 million swimming pool replacement project.

From left to right: Yorkton Kinsmen President Barry Novak, Canora Mayor Mike Kwas, Councillors Jacqueline Fetchuck and Brad Gabora, and Aaron Herriges.

“We are going to replace the existing poo with a new park on the existing site,” he said.

“We have in the place is a lap pool, which is a four-lane 82-foot long junior Olympic length.

It’s also joined with a leisure pool with a zeroentry entrance. It has splash and sprays features, it’s got a waterslide complex which houses two large waterslides, ones 53 feet long, and one is a 130-foot slide.”

“It’s got a little bit of something for everybody.

The accessibility part of it is really great for people with mobility issues.

We are finally going to have something that people have an easier time

getting into, and we will have lots of kids and families,” Herriges continued. “We are going to have some green space, and we are also attaching it to a new pool service building as well.”

Herriges added that the donation is a spark to the project.

“It allows us to budget the project a little bit differently. We are hoping it opens up a lot of eyes around our area to local businesses and families,” he said. “We are already starting to see some people consider donating; we’ve seen some come in already.

They are showing commitment that they are getting on board with the Kinsmen.”

Seniors, Parents, Children!

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

Be a Yorkton This Week Carrier!

• No early mornings • No collecting • We pay by direct deposit on the last Friday of every month • Weight bonuses • Sales bonuses • Any age welcome • Only 2 days or less per week

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

circulation@yorktonthisweek.com or telephone circulation at:

306-782-2465

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

April 14, 2021 - April 20, 2021

Next Council Meeting Monday, April 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Other Job Opportunities • Summer Archives Assistant • Summer Heritage Ambassador For additional information regarding these employment opportunities, visit the City of Yorkton’s website at www.yorkton.ca/employment or you can pick up a copy of the job posting at the Human Resources Department - City Hall.

The City of Yorkton thanks all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Invitation to Tender • Gallagher Centre Re-roofing Tender must be received before 2:00 p.m. on April 30, 2021 Please send sealed Tender clearly marked with the above tender name to: Department of Community Development, Parks & Recreation City of Yorkton Box 400 Yorkton, Saskatchewan S3N 2W3 Details of Tender: The intent of this tender call is to obtain an offer to perform work to Roof #6 at the Gallagher Centre, located at 455 Broadway St. W., Yorkton, SK. Specifications are available at: www.yorkton.ca/tenders and www.sasktenders.ca Tender shall remain open for acceptance by the City and irrevocable for thirty (30) calendar days following the date specified for closing.

Tender received after the date and time specified for closing will be marked late and returned unopened.

Contact Person Enquiries regarding the tender procedure and particulars can be directed to: Kurt Stechyshyn, Building Systems & Maintenance 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.

Street Sweeping

Spring has sprung and so has a winter’s worth of dog poop!

• Spring Street Sweeping Downtown Spring Street Sweeping is getting underway starting in the downtown core and on some of the Urban Highway Connector routes through the City, like York Road and Highways 9 and 10. Residential street sweeping will get underway in May, watch for information here and on the City’s Facebook page.

Reminder: Dog owners are responsible for picking up after their dogs. This includes on sidewalks, alleys, parks, your neighbour’s front law and your own property! (Section 16 - Bylaw 5/2018) As the snow is melting, please get out and pick up any dog feces from around your yard.

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, April 14, 2021

Yorkton and area receive over $160,000 in gaming grants

By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The Yorkton and surrounding area have received over $161,000 in charitable gaming grants from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

The grants are provided to groups and organizations that raise funds through charitable gaming activities and receive approximately $1.1 million in charitable gaming grants.

“It’s an ongoing investment into the community organizations that use SLGA licensing and services,” said MLA of Yorkton Greg Ottenbreit. “With this recent announcement, it is just an

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Ice sculp?

There was some warm and sunny weather to start April, but then winter decided to make one last try to stick around, and that has meant plunging temperatures creating weird and yet rather cool ice sculptures, and of course lots of fresh snow too.

indicator of the success of some of those organizations and the different charitable things that they have run and an investment back into those charities as well to help them support and continue on the work that they are doing locally.”

Yorkton received $5,445 with money going towards the Boys and Girls Club, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue, Yorkton Blitz Volleyball, and the Yorkton Canoe Kayak Club.

Other communities in the area that received money were Balcarres ($26,737), Churchbridge ($9,446), Esterhazy ($29,828), Indian Head ($1,426), Kamsack ($2,037), Lampman ($1,385), Lagenburg ($625), Melville ($4,104), Moosomin ($4,780), Preeceville ($1,111), and Redvers ($207).

Submitted Photo

by Brent Allen

April 14, 2021 - April 20, 2021

Next Council Meeting Monday, April 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Public Notice Assessment Roll As per subsection 187(1) of The Cities Act, the assessment roll for the City of Yorkton for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the Assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: April 1st to May 31st, 2021.

Bylaw No. 17/2003 required under section 184(2) of The Cities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment or classification to the Board of Revision is required to file his or her appeal with: Secretary to the Board of Revision - City of Yorkton P.O. Box 400 37 – Third Ave. N. Yorkton, Saskatchewan S3N 2W3 on or before 4:00 p.m. on the 31st day of May, 2021. For further information please contact, the Assessment and Taxation Branch - City of Yorkton at (306) 786-1736.

Kim Durdin – Assessor City of Yorkton

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.

A8

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

Outdoor market Warm weather and sunny skies greeted those attending an outdoor farmer’s market in Saltcoats Saturday. The well-attended event had vendors selling

everything from pepper plants to wooden birdhouses to pickled eggs and bison sausage.

Saltcoats receives ICIP Grant for landfill Gary Horseman Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Four-Town Journal) The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, or ICIP Grant as it is referred to, refers to the Canadian and Saskatchewan governments signing a bilateral agreement in October of 2018 for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

The program will provide more than $896 million in federal funding for all types of Saskatchewan infrastructure projects over 10 years until 2028.

ICIP investments will benefit Saskatchewan residents by providing a cleaner environment by reducing soil and air pollutants; improvements to drinking water, wastewater and/or stormwater systems; increased capacity for disaster mitigation; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; enhanced public parks, recreational facilities and other spaces that make communities great places to live; faster commutes and travel times and easier movement of goods for businesses; better trans-

portation and digital infrastructure for people living in remote communities.

Several of the local municipalities have applied for this grant including Saltcoats, which will be using their ICIP grant for the first phase of their landfill decommissioning as Mayor Gordon Barnhart explains, “Saltcoats received an ICIP grant. This money will be used toward engineering and planning for the decommissioning of our landfill. This step will bring us to the stage where we can go to tender to decommission next. We didn’t apply for the whole amount to decommission because at this stage, we cannot afford our third if we are given a grant for the full process. As you are aware, the ICIP grant is 1/3 shares from federal, provincial and municipal governments. We will apply again for the final stage when we can afford it. One step at a time.”

The Town of Saltcoats will prepare and implement corrective action and closure plan, including grading, cap barrier and topsoil placement for the Landfill Corrective Action and Closure. The federal government grant-

21043PM1 21043PM2

ed $76,840, the provincial government contributes $64,027 and the Town of Saltcoats is providing the remaining $51,233.

Canadians everywhere have felt the impact of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods and their way of life.

Canada and Saskatchewan have worked together to ensure health and safety, support families and businesses, and sustain local economies. Investments in Saskatchewan’s infrastructure during this extraordinary time provide an opportunity to make communities more sustainable and resilient in the long run, and to further develop our renewable energy resources.

Jim Carr, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Saskatchewan’s Government Relations Minister Don McMorris, announced more than $53 million in joint funding for 24 recreation and green infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan.

Investments in water and wastewater infrastructure in several Saskatchewan

municipalities will improve capacity to meet current and future demand while ensuring continued compliance with provincial and federal regulations.

Providing communities with reliable, eco-friendly, and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments. The Government of Canada is investing more than $31.1 million in these 24 projects through the Investing in Canada plan, with the Government of Saskatchewan providing more than $22.7 million. Contributions by recipients toward their respective projects are more than $7.2 million.

Quick facts: Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

In Saskatchewan, Infrastructure Canada has invested more than $721 million in over 400 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Geothermal power generation potential raised by both NDP and Sask. Party

By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – The potential of using geothermal power generation was brough up by both the environment minister and leader of the opposition in scrums with reporters following question period on April 7.

That was the day after the government’s budget announced there would be a $150 tax for road usage imposed on electric vehicles per year, at the time of registration.

Environment Minister Warren Kaeding was asked several questions about that, but one of his answers referenced the Deep Earth Energy Production project near Torquay. He said, “Well, I would say even directly supporting the electricity is going to be generated to support electric vehicles, SaskPower has made a commitment that they will be going up to 50 per cent renewable by 2030, which isn’t very, very long from now. So you’ve seen a number of facilities that have been built on a commercial scale, solar facilities that have been built on a on a commercial scale.

We’ve done a lot of other community green energy projects like the DEEP geothermal energy, the bio energy facility is just

Screen capture via Teams

Environment Minister Warren Kaeding mentioned projects like Deep Earth Energy Production project when asked about taxing electric vehicles for road use. going to be completed up in Meadow Lake, utilizing that waste from the forest industry. So there’s a number of sources of energy now that that is being produced that will have a renewable, or green component.”

A few minutes later, New Democratic Party Leader Ryan Meili was asked about carbon capture and storage with coal-fired electrical generation, small modular reactors, or both. He replied, “We should be going ahead with what is available and ready now. We could be leading in geothermal, there’s incredible technology available with closed loop thermo that we could get people who are good at drilling and put-

ting pipe in the ground, of which there are a lot of people here in this province, building tomorrow and be creating power from it. Their incredible opportunities in solar.

This premier killed the solar industry, we could be doing so much more than wind and biomass.

We need to explore every option, but we know that SMRs are always on the horizon and never ready, we need to do the things that are available now.”

Asked about Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project, which is a small modular reactor planned to be online by 2028, he said, “We’ll see, we’ll see.

Right? It’s been, it’s been a few years down the road for 30 years.”

Agriculture

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A9

On the eve of massive change Writing about technology on the farm is not new in this space, but it is a theme that will be repeated often over the next decade-plus for anyone writing about agriculture because it will be the ongoing story, trumped only on occasion by weather disasters or political interference in trade as we move forward.

Technology is taking massive steps forward in terms of precision farming, the focused application of fertilizers and herbicides exactly where they are needed, and not where they would be wasted. It is technology that is mov-

ing forward because of improvements in global positioning tech, and equally important sensors required to identify where product needs to be applied.

The increased knowledge of GPS is also a key in the emergence of more robotic field units.

The GPS tech is piggybacked with improved robotic options, and the combination brings robotic tractors patrolling fields, potentially 24 hours a day, not tiring, simply working that much closer to reality on every farm.

And, therein lies the next step for the tech explosion I anticipate.

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels At the present we are still on the lead up to broad utilization of robotic tech, in part because the tech needs to be tested and proven over large acres before many producers will look to making the investment.

And there is the

cost. New tech typically comes at a high cost, from VCRs to flat screen televisions, to driverless cars to robotic tractors. When production begins to ramp up, costs drops, and it allows for wider acceptance and use.

Of course, this is the

tech we see in the field already.

Imagine what is on the drawing board in design departments behind closed doors?

We are beginning to see various areas of technology coming together to take farm equipment to places no one would have imagined even a decade or two ago.

In the future field labour, finding someone to operate the tractor or combine may well be a thing of history, with the skill of the future being able to maintain computer systems from a central location oper-

ating a fleet of robot machines.

There are times I read my own columns and can’t help to think it all sounds very much like something out of a science fiction story I may have read in my youth, but often the imagined fiction of one era becomes the realized successes of science in another, and that is the case here.

The future in this case is still to be fully realized, but from the vantage point of today we have a pretty good indication of how foundationally changing it will be in terms of how farmers farm.

Moe sees lots of opportunity with irrigation expansion

By Brian Zinchuk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Estevan Mercury Regina – One of the cornerstone announcements in the last year for the Saskatchewan agriculture sectors has been the launch of the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion Project by the provincial government.

The April 6 budget was the first provincial budget since that announcement, but so far, the dollar figures are relatively small – just $18.9 million this year for the Westside Expansion Project. But Premier Scott Moe sees a big future, a little further down that water pipeline, as it were.

Asked when will we start seeing big dollars towards that $4 billion project, Moe replied, “The first phase of that project, I believe, is a pegged at about a half a billion dollars. That’s the expansion of the west side, which will open up … acres for irrigation.

It is really the start of building that industry, that irrigation industry, and changing even the crops and the value of with the crops that we grow in that area, which ultimately leads to the attraction of different value-added food processors that we currently don’t have here in the province.”

He said that would lead Saskatchewan to then leverage the strength of that industry to expand to the entire west side and then ultimately come down with the lower Qu’Appelle project, providing that important water security to communities like

Moose Jaw and Regina.

That water security isn’t only important, in the food processing industry, but also in other industries, like the steel industry and potash, that use water. Moe said that it would and provide water security for that entire economic package and ultimately for the people of southeastern Saskatchewan.

“What you’re seeing is we’re moving as quickly as we can on this file, ensuring we’re doing our due diligence at every step of the way. But we’ve had the design and architecture engineering firm has been awarded, as we know, to a Saskatchewan firm. And they’re working on some of the design and ultimately, working towards a construction contract where we would start actually moving dirt for that Phase 1 of the project. That’s where we’re into. And moving through Phase 1, you’re going to see that same design and engineering firms start to turn their sights on to Phase 2, as we expect that Phase 1 will have very rapid uptake by the folks that are in that area.”

Moe said it would “most certainly will start to build a very different agriculture industry in certain parts of this province than we have seen in Saskatchewan, over the course of the history of our province, and ultimately, provide that water security for various other industries and municipalities to have for years in the future as well.”

Other ag announcements The 2021-22 provincial budget includes a $23.1 million increase to the Ministry of Agriculture

Screen capture courtesy Government of Saskatchewan

Premier Scott Moe was asked about the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion Project on budget day. Screen capture courtesy Government of Saskatchewan. budget which will help the industry grow and ensure Saskatchewan producers are able to continue supplying the world with safe, highquality food, according to a Ministry release. The $386.9 million agriculture budget represents a six per cent increase from the 2020-21 budget.

“The importance of a secure, reliable and safe food supply chain is essential for our citizens and for our economy,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a release. “The 2021-22 agriculture budget will once again fully fund business risk management programs, provide a record level of per-acre coverage under the Crop Insurance Program, continue last year’s record investment in agriculture research, and make important investments in irrigation expansion.”

The agriculture budget includes a $20.6 million increase to business risk management funding, compared to 2020-21. This will provide $265 million to fund a suite of business risk management programs, which are delivered as part of the federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership

(CAP).

The $150.1 million 2021 Crop Insurance Program includes average coverage of $273 an acre. This is a new record for peracre coverage under the program and represents an $11.1 million increase from 2020-21.

The 2021 Crop Insurance Program featured additional options for producers seeking to insure their tame hay acres, an increase in Native Forage Establishment Benefit coverage, updates to the base grade for large-seeded Kabuli chickpeas, the introduction of the Commercial Vegetable Pilot Program, and increases to the establishment benefit values for canola, lentils, chickpeas and corn.

This year’s budget also contains an additional $2 million for the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, which compensates Saskatchewan producers for crop damage and predation caused by wildlife, to address stronger commodity prices. This program is available to all Saskatchewan producers; you do not need to be an existing Crop Insurance customer to qualify for coverage, the Ministry

said.

The Ministry of Agriculture said it “remains committed to funding innovation and growth in the industry.

The 2021-22 Agriculture budget will also once again include $32.9 million in funding for agriculture research, which matches last year’s record level of funding for research.”

Additional investments will also be made to expand irrigation in Saskatchewan, with an increased $2.5 million for irrigation development projects. This funding will help to advance projects in areas outside of the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion Project, through existing irrigation development programming. Expanding irrigation is part of Saskatchewan’s 2030 Growth Plan.

The Growth Plan also aims to increase crop production to 45 million tonnes, increase livestock cash receipts to $3.0 billion, double agriculture value-added revenue to $10 billion and expand agri-food exports to $20 billion. Once again, the Agriculture budget includes $71.2 million for strategic programs under the CAP agreement.

CAP programs provide funding for agricultural research, markets and trade, value-added agriculture, environmental sustainability and public trust.

The Ministry said that 2020 once again demonstrated the resilience of the Saskatchewan agriculture sector. Producers harvested the secondlargest crop on record at more than 39 million tonnes. Saskatchewan agri-food exports also

reached a new high last year of $16.9 billion, accounting for more than 55 per cent of total provincial exports in 2020.

Wheat Growers The Western Canadian Wheat Growers said they are supportive of the 2021 Saskatchewan budget and the funding that it provides to the agriculture industry across the province.

“Today’s provincial budget provides the appropriate levels of support for the agriculture industry, especially during a pandemic. No new tax increases and no decrease in the budget, ensures ongoing agriculture programs,” said North Battleford-based Daryl Fransoo, Chair.

The Wheat Growers said the budget recognizes the need for continued record investment in agricultural research.

“This is welcome news and highly thought of across the industry,” they said in a release.

The overall 6% increase in the agriculture budget is largely dedicated to farmer support under the Business Risk Management (BRM) programs. These programs ensure that the agriculture industry remains strong, even during perilous times.

“The Western Canadian Wheat Growers offers its thanks to the Saskatchewan government for its commitment and support to the agriculture industry, which has led the province and Canada through the current pandemic. Given the current commodity prices, the industry will continue to lead the economy,” said Jim Wickett, Secretary-Treasurer.

Feds won’t ban pesticides deadly to bees, bugs, and their ecosystems Marc Fawcett-Atkinson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Canada’s National Observer) Pesticides harmful to bees, water bugs, and other insects will con-

tinue to be allowed for use on Canadian fields and lawns.

Decisions published recently by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) will allow the continued

widespread use of two insecticides. The chemicals, colloquially called neonics, are known to harm pollinators, aquatic insects, and ecosystems they support.

The announcement marks a dramatic shift

in the government’s approach: In a 2018 scientific review, the PMRA recommended the chemicals be banned to protect aquatic insects and their ecosystems.

The agency delayed its final decisions on the

chemicals for two years while considering additional data on toxicity and insects’ level of exposure in natural environments.

“It is surprising and disappointing,” said Lisa Gue, senior policy adviser for the David Suzuki

Foundation. The organiz ation is among a handful who slammed the decisions when they were announced last week.

“The decision ... is simply not a credible response to the risks identified.”

Continued on page A16

Sports

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A10

Sask Parks launches new reservation website

By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer

Aaron Kienle threw an ace at Patrick Park Disc Golf Course last week.

Kienle hits ace

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer It was a great start to a new disc golf season for Yorkton’s Aaron Kienle who threw the first ace of his career last week at Patrick Park Disc Golf Course in the city.

Kienle, who told Yorkton This Week he has been playing for about 10-years, was out for his first round of the year, when his tee-shot on #2 rattled the chains and settled into the basket for

the elusive ‘ace’.

“I was using my favourite backhand driver from Kastaplast, the Grym,” he said.

From the ace on, it was a good day for Kienle on the course.

“I parred all the other holes (baskets), so I was a minus-two at the end of the round,” he said adding that was “not bad first round of the year.”

The ace and the fine round were witnessed by Kienle’s cousin Brinton Hall and friend Nolan Danyluk.

Campers looking to book camping sites will notice a new website ahead of this year’s camping season.

The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a new reservation site that will launch April 12, the same day that reservations for seasonal campsites for all parks that offer seasonal camping. Nightly, camp accessible, group, equestrian and rec hall reservations will be open for provincial parks in the following days.

Robin Campese, the executive director of visitor experiences, said that they have a couple of new features that they are excited about, including gift cards and a new program called Camping This Weekend.

“There is some great pieces of functionality on there; Camping This Weekend is a really great little piece of functionality campers can click on there, see what is available across the entire park system for the upcoming weekend, which is really a big one for us because I think people think we are just

Submitted Photo

full all the time,” she said.

Campese said that these changes come after their contract with their former provider ran out in November of last year.

Seasonal campsite reservations: April 12 - Seasonal campsites for all parks offering seasonal camping Nightly, camp easy, group, equestrian and rec hall, reservations: April 14 - Pike Lake, The Battlefords, Narrow Hills, Blackstrap April 16 - Bronson Forest, Meadow Lake, Makwa Lake, Lac La Ronge April 19 Saskatchewan Landing, Douglas, Danielson April 20 - Buffalo Pound, Rowan’s Ravine, Echo Valley, Crooked Lake April 21 - Cypress Hills

April 22 - Duck Mountain, Good Spirit Lake, Greenwater Lake April 23 - Candle Lake, Great Blue Heron, Moose Mountain Reservations begin every day at 7 a.m. and will no longer require customers logging in 20 minutes early to be placed in the queue.

Vehicle entry permits are also available to purchase online on the new site, or over the phone.

Campers will have vehicle entry permits automatically added to their carts when making a reservation. Campers who are purchasing a daily or weekly entry permit can now print them from home, and annual permits can be picked up inpark.

Customers who would rather make a reservation over the phone can still do so by calling 1-833775-7275.

Rugby league set to start soon If you are a fan of Rugby League – the game played with 13 a-side – it has been a real rollercoaster ride in Canada the last few years.

It was in 2016 the Toronto Wolfpack launched playing in Super League with most teams in Britain. The team had made it to the top tier, then COVID hit, the finances went south and the team was frankly turfed from the league by the Brit teams. There is an entire column there

about how short-sighted the decision was by the league given the huge North American market the Wolfpack was opening 13s too, but that is for another day perhaps.

Toronto breaking into the top tier was huge, a game I watched online at a local burger place when access at home was wonky. It was a sport highlight for sure.

The team bounced from the league was a low point.

In between the Ottawa

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports Aces – I talked to the man behind the team back in June 2020 -- emerged and were planning a similar road to the Wolfpack, which seemed like it

Legacy Co-op is Now Accepting Tenders for a 2010 Freightliner Fuel Delivery Unit 395,900 km | 14,585 hrs • Safety completed March 2021 • VK completed August 2020

• PK and leak test completed 2019 • Allison transmission • DMS equipment system • Mercedes engine

For more information contact: Rodney Kuciuk, Petroleum Manager 306 782-2451 For sale by sealed tender only. Tenders can be mailed to: Attn: Rodney Kuciuk, Legacy Co-op Box 5025, Yorkton, Sk, S3N 3Z4 Or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to: Legacy Co-op Agro Centre, 180 Hamilton Road, Yorkton. Attn: Rodney Kuciuk

Submission Deadline: April 30, 2021.

The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

would prove folly since it was rather obvious the Brit teams saw little value in accessing the North American market.

And, then out of the smoke of the Wolfpack’s demise, social media began hinting at a big announcement. Since it was scheduled just hours before April Fool’s Day some thought it all a hoax in the making, but it wasn’t.

It was instead a huge announcement for rugby on this continent, in particular for 13s, as the North America Rugby League (ww. narugbyleague.com), launched.

The new league is scheduled to start limited play ‘in a bubble’ within a few weeks with a dozen American franchises.

And there will be a few games in Canada as the Ottawa Aces and the Wolfpack with new backers, were invited to join.

Both said yes with them joining for the first full season in 2022.

The NARL was a surprise, even to Gareth Reid, general manager of

the Aces.

“There probably was an element of surprise. I certainly was expecting it ... I was very pleasantly surprised. The potential is massive.”

Reid said he definitely feels like rugby is taking root “not just in Canada but across North America.”

So when the NARL called about the Aces joining, Reid said it made perfect sense to sign on to be part of the North American initiative.

The success, in terms of fan support the Wolfpack had, likely helped forge the new league.

“I think that has played a large part in the NARL,” said Reid, adding the Wolfpack were sort of a ‘proof-of-concept’ endeavour for the sport.

In talking to Reid I questioned if the talent pool existed for 14 new teams. He said he sees lots of potential sources of talent, from players already playing league – some of the teams in the NARL have existed for some time – Atlanta Rhinos, Boston 13s, Brooklyn Kings – to those playing union, (15s), to those playing football, adapting to the sport.

Of course league (13s) is played in New Zealand, Britain, Australia and the Pacific Islands and talent from there will be added to teams too – Eddy Pettybourne has

already signed with Brooklyn. Pettybourne, who was named in the South Sydney Rabbitohs’) Team of the Decade, has almost 200 professional appearances.

Having pros from countries where they grew up playing league (13s), “will help develop Canadian talent long term,” noted Reid.

In fact, before the first game has been played talk of Canadian expansion is taking place.

“I would certainly expect some growth up here in rugby league,” said Reid. “... Vancouver is an obvious choice for me.”

While British Columbia has long been a rugby hotbed in Canada, NARL teams in Montreal and the Maritimes (Halifax), have been rumoured too.

“Montreal and Halifax have long-standing rugby traditions as well,” said Reid.

When expansion might occur is unknown, but for Reid the job right now is creating a roster, mostly Canadians, to play a ‘Canada Cup Series’ against Toronto, with an eye to creating a domestic foundation to the team for 2022.

Long term it will be about growing the game.

“We need to have more people engaged in the game,” said Reid, the NARL being a huge step forward in that regard.

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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Obituaries

NEUDORF - Elena Neudorf, resident of the Bentley Retirement Community in Yorkton peacefully went to meet her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, April 4, 2021, Easter Sunday at the age of 99. Elena Neudorf was born February 21, 1922 on the homestead near Theodore, SK. to George and Katie Wasylowich. She was the second oldest of 18 children. She attended school to the sixth grade, as she was needed at home to help with raising the babies and daily chores of living in the Dirty Thirties. She always wished that she could have stayed in school, because she loved learning. To help her family, Elena went to work at the age of 15. She was hired to babysit 2 children, no more cooking and cleaning! She thoroughly enjoyed this job and made a good wage. She shared her earnings with her family. Her first purchases were a winter coat for her mother, shoes and a dress for herself, and a bolt of fabric she used to sew clothing for her siblings. One day, while walking to see her sister Annie, a handsome gentleman whistled to catch her attention. It worked. The young man was Paul Neudorf. They married on August 31, 1941 at the Apostolic Church in Yorkton, where the Dairy Queen is now. They started their family in 1943 with the birth of Donald followed by Hilda, Betty and Clifford. Nine years later along came Sherry and Bonnie, the baby of the family. Elena loved to cook. The coffee was always on and everyone was well fed. Friends and Family enjoyed her perogies, cabbage rolls, pies and russian perogies. She was always busy. She maintained a vegetable garden and flowers, her favorite being Tiger Lilies. She had various jobs but her favorite was cooking at the Mediterranean Restaurant for the Stamatinos family, even after all these years they maintained a close friendship. Sunday was family day. The family would gather at the beach to play ball or at mom’s place enjoying each other’s company. After retiring she enjoyed quilting, gardening, games, puzzles, bike rides, cross country skiing and most recently adult colouring. She was very competitive and adventurous even taking a motorcycle ride in her eighties. Elena loved her grandchildren so much, she always played an active role in their lives. She often quilted in her living room and the kids have memories of playing tent under the quilt she was working on at the time. She also enjoyed teaching the kids how to pinch perogies and wrap cabbage rolls. She shared stories they will always cherish, especially the ones about Jesus. She lived in her home for over 40 years before moving into her own apartment. The past 4 years living at the Bentley, a retirement community. She was predeceased by her parents and 16 siblings, infant son Ronald (1950), husband Paul (1982), grandson Calvin (2002), son-inLaw George (2011), daughter-in-Law Donelda (2012), daughter Hilda (2015), and son Donald (2017). She is survived by her children: Betty Ramstead; Clifford Neudorf (Judy); Sherry St Louis (Lee); Bonnie Jones (Leon); son-in-law Peter Magas; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; her youngest sister Dorothy Schekk (Andrew); sister-in-law Linda Wasylowich; many nieces, nephews and her many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on Friday, April 9, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Grandson Craig Magas hosted the service, tributes and the message of hope were given by daughters Bonnie & Sherry, and grandson Justin St. Louis.

Music played was ‘What A Friend We Have in Jesus’, ‘Wonderful Peace’, ‘Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me’, ‘Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling’, ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken’. Sister Edna Richardson gave a short message and closing prayer. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Craig Magas, Devryn & Deryk Neudorf, and Justin, Garret & Lee St, Louis as the casketbearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.

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MATWIY - The family of Joe Matwiy of Saskatoon and formerly of Yorkton, beloved husband of Pauline Matwiy, sadly announce his passing on April 3, 2021. He was 91 years of age. Joe was born on Jan 4, 1930 on the family farm near Buchanan. He grew up alongside 8 siblings. He started his education in a country school reached on foot or bicycle and rarely by horse drawn sleigh. He attained his Grade 12 high school diploma at Buchanan High School. He worked several jobs away from home including as a taxi driver in Winnipeg and in the nickel smelter in Sudbury before returning to take over the farm upon his father’s passing. He met, courted, and married Pauline Fedorow on July 12, 1958. They were married in Hryhoriw church and their wedding dance was in the loft of the newly constructed barn of Pauline’s parents. They welcomed daughters Mildred in 1960, Hazel in 1963, and Lydia in 1969. Joe and Pauline were life long partners and for 23 years ran their mixed operation farm together. The workdays were long and challenging in those days.

Sundays were always a day of rest and for visiting with friends and neighbours or teaching their girls to throw and catch a softball or skate and toboggan in the winter. Upon selling the farm they moved to Yorkton where Joe worked for GA Construction building trusses. At age 65 he entered his last employment “working for the government” as he liked to describe his retirement years. Upon retirement he enjoyed puttering around the yard, rooting for the Toronto Maple Leafs, catching some rays on sunny days and listening to old time music programs or baseball games on the radio while snacking on his favourites: cheezies or sunflower seeds. Upon moving to Saskatoon, he continued to be lovingly and faithfully cared for

by Pauline until his health required heavier care. He was a resident of Central Haven and then St. Ann’s nursing homes until his passing on April 3. The care home staff became his second family. Throughout his life Joe was known for his sense of humour and joking ways. He led by example in valuing education, hard work, and sharing a laugh with those he crossed paths with. He was proud to be able to celebrate the births of his grandchildren and attend their many activities and milestone accomplishments over the years. Visits from his great granddaughter brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye. Joe is predeceased by his parents Peter and Polly, his siblings Stephie, Doris, John and Anne, and two siblings in infancy. Surviving him are his wife of 62 years Pauline, daughters Mildred (Glenn), Hazel (Noel), Lydia (Jack); grandchildren Samantha (Paul), Stephanie (Derrick), Owen, Thomas, Melanie (Angus), Alexander; and great granddaughter Tilda. Also remembering him are siblings Olive, Mae, Phyllis, Mike, sister-in-law Elizabeth, and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from the Chapel of Park Funeral Home, Saskatoon, SK., with Rev. Fr. Andre Lalach of Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, Saskatoon, SK. as Celebrant. Marcie Lalach led in the singing of responses. The cross bearer was Alexander Nicol and the scripture was read by Thomas Roche. Words of remembrance were given by daughter Mildred Nicol and grandchildren Samantha Nicol and Owen Roche. The casket bearers were Alexander Nicol, Melanie Nicol, Stephanie Nicol, Glenn Nicol, Thomas Roche and Noel Roche. The interment will follow at a later date in theGarden of Gethsemane, Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joe to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan (301-2550 12th Ave. Regina, SK S4P 3X1) as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Baileys Funeral Home, Yorkton in cooperation with Park Funeral Home, Saskatoon. Tilda has these wise words that we can all take to heart: “It’s ok to be sad; but we will see gido again in heaven”. Until we meet again, Eternal Memory “Vichnaya Pamyat” - Xpuctoc Bockpec! - Christ Is Risen!

Obituaries

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-Forever loved, missed, remembered, by wife Helen and Family.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Look at who celebrated her 101st birthday on April 7th. Donna Glute said "I'm starting all over again with one. I can't believe it myself, but I am still here."

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Obituaries

FARKES - Marilyn Muriel Farkes was born in Kitchener Waterloo County, ON, on July 23, 1943.

Early in life, the family moved to Waldron, SK, where she grew up on the farm. During her childhood she assisted with chores and in her free time rode her favorite horse ‘Bugsy’. Marilyn married Elmer John Farkes in Yorkton on May 6, 1961. Together they raised five children: Colleen, John, Roger, Barbara, and Tom. The family farmed 2.5 quarters of mixed grain and livestock near Otthon, SK, homesteaded by the Farkes family since 1894. The two worked hard to provide a loving home for their children. Marilyn enjoyed dancing at the legion Saturday nights, the ladies auxiliary of Otthon, and her vegetable and flower gardens. She also was very skilled at baking and cooking, and at harvest time, the golden french fries and Hires home made root beer flowed. For Marilyn, the Saskatchewan growing season was never quite long enough. Marilyn and Elmer retired to Kelowna in 1994, leaving their small community in Saskatchewan and starting a new life with everlasting friendships while maintaining their lifelong attachment to Otthon. They made numerous excursions exploring the countryside like tourists and travelled extensively to visit friends and family. Marilyn continued her love of gardening and enjoyed the fruits of her labour. Sadly, Elmer passed away suddenly in 2005. While Marilyn soon after suffered a stroke and a diagnosis of cancer, she was strong enough to live on her own for the next 16 years. Her mobility scooter gave her the independence to visit Maggies Diner with her friends, shop, and complete her daily activities.

She once even transported a television set home with her scooter. Marilyn and her neighbours formed a close knit community, caring for each other. Her love of her flowers was overwhelming; the flowers and plants in her home are inspiring. She loved to see her plants thrive and flourish, always looking forward to the gardening season. Her poinsettia is going strong after 12 years. In the last weeks of her life, she asked her daughter to plant her tomato seeds and look after them. Marilyn loved visiting with her children who grew into healthy, productive members of society and made their mother proud, “yeah right.” as mom would say. Her three grandchildren: John, Ezrin and Zerin made her especially happy as well as her son’s and daughter’s-in-law: Bill, Jeff, Holly and Tammy. Marilyn will be missed by her family and many close friends. In compliance with her wishes, there will be no funeral and her ashes will be scattered at sea by her children. Marilyn died on April 6, 2021 at the age of 77. Arrivederci Mom.

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Notices / Nominations

For Sale - Misc

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

1 BURIAL plot for sale at Memorial Gardens, Yorkton. For more information call 306-783-6025.

Farms for Sale

The family of Jerry Bulitz are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and concern expressed through this difficult time. Every tribute and remembrance shared, each offering of food and flowers, each memorial gift, as well as your caring thoughts and prayers have given us comfort and strength.

Thanks to Ray and Dean and the Bailey’s Funeral Home staff.

Thank you so much for your kindness.

The family of Keith Kyle would like to thank all who called, brought food, flowers, sent cards, online condolences, or made donations in Keith’s memory. We are grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Thanks to Rev. Debra Smith and Greg and staff of Christie’s Funeral Home for all their help during this difficult time.

-Lexie Kyle & family.

Engagements

PLAN OF THE WEEK

Garden to give away. Phone 306782-2034.

VERY CLEAN and well taken care of garden lot available free of charge. Call 306-782-9131 or 306621-9783.

Cars 2012 WHITE Toyota Camry LE in excellent condition. 214,000kms, new safety, smoke free, $10,000.

Call or text 204-281-4406.

Trucks & Vans 2005 Pontiac Montana EXT minivan. 150,000kms, new tires, never winter driven, loaded with DVD player, in mint condition. $6500 OBO. Phone 306-783-1880 or 306-621-7490.

Farm Implements 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

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

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Lots & Acreages for Sale LAKE LOTS FOR SALE: Chorney Beach, Fishing Lake. 55 x 135 fully serviced with electrical, natural gas and water. For more information contact Peter at 306-2290251.

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.

ADULT 45+. Renovated, furnished one bedroom suites for rent in Canora. Must have references.

Phone 306-641-2489.

Lenora & Richard Spezowka of Yorkton, SK are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Melissa LeeAnn to Micheal Edward Bladon son of Lorraine Bladon and the late Edward William Bladon of Calgary, AB Congratulations!

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. No Pets. For more information and applications please call Morlie at 306-792-2222 or 306-621-7815.

Suites For Rent Adult Personal Messages 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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At Your Service BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

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.

STEWART COURT HOUSING CO-OP EAST REGINA 55+, modern one & two bedroom suites with large screened-in balconies. Rent includes basic cable TV (Access), one parking spot and free laundry on each floor. Visit our website at www.stewartcourtco-op.ca for more information. Call 306-7897970.

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

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.

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Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372 Lawn & Garden WILL WORK gardens, cut & rake grass, do small repairs and other yard work. Phone 306-783-3099.

Services for Hire Bobyk Roofing We provide Roofing repairs, replacing, installing. We can handle Steel tin and asphalt shingles, Old and new buildings no job too big or too small call today for a free estimate 306-562-7996 BUILDING NEW, Doing Renos, need repairs. Over 20yrs. experience. Able to do framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, tape, texture, paint, flooring. Specialize in walk-in tile showers, finish carpentry, windows & doors, siding, decks.

Will travel. Guaranteed workmanship. Call Glen 306-6414987.

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AMISK, BUSBY, CONLON, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, CERVEZA, SUNDRE. PEAS AAC PEACE RIVER (VERY EARLY YELLOW), CDC HORIZON (FORAGE), POLISH CANOLA, SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609 ANAKA FARM Pickseed for all your forage needs: Alfalfa, grass blends, oats, barley. Call Ed 306-563-6261, cell 306-621-7546.

Gorlitz, SK. 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.

PLAN NUMBER 2-3787 CONTEMPORARY BASEMENT ENTRY This contemporary basement entry, threebedroom home has an eye-catching facade with a variety of finishes, as well as decorative braces under a portion of the roof.

Entry is through a covered porch into a roomy foyer. Directly ahead is the L-shaped staircase to the second floor, with a utility cupboard adjacent. The den or fourth bedroom is to the right.

To the left is a coat closet, and the laundry room, with a sink, is also to the left.

A future one-bedroom secondary suite on the back portion of the ground floor has been roughed in.

Upstairs, the staircase leads into the great room, with its dramatic sloping ceiling and a gas fireplace.

The dining area is open to the great room and enjoys French doors out to a partially covered deck.

The kitchen’s

L-shaped counter configuration promises efficiency, and natural light will flood through the window over the sink. A prep island adds to the available counter space, and a pantry will provide room for extra storage.

The master suite overlooks the front garden through two large windows and includes an ensuite with a shower stall and double sinks.

The capacious walk-in closet will accommodate a couple’s clothing and accessories.

The secondary bedrooms both look out to the back garden. A linen closet is located inside the three-piece bathroom.

Ceilings are nine feet high on the main floor.

Exterior finishes include horizontal siding and stucco, as well as a panel of natural wood siding for contrast.

The decorative bracing on the second floor is repeated on the garage entrance, with its decorative door. The front door is flanked by sidelights.

Sundeck enclosures are glass.

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This home measures 47 feet wide and 39 feet deep, for a total of 1,447 square feet.

Plans for design 2-3787 are available for $735 (set of 5), $795 (set of 8) and $843 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

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

Agricultural

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

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.

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

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Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Manager, Facilities & Maintenance WĂƌŬůĂŶĚ ŽůůĞŐĞ ŝƐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ĂĐĐĞƉƟŶŐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ Ă DĂŶĂŐĞƌ͕ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ Θ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ŽƵƌ ƚĞĂŵ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ĨƵůůͲƟŵĞ ƉĞƌŵĂŶĞŶƚ͕ ŽŶŐŽŝŶŐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ ^ W͘ dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝƐ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ zŽƌŬƚŽŶ͕ ^< ĐĂŵƉƵƐ ďƵƚ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚŽ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĐĂŵƉƵƐĞƐ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘ d, KWWKZdhE/dz ZĞƉŽƌƟŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ͕ ^ĂĨĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ƚŚĞ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ͕ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ Θ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŽǀĞƌƐĞĞƐ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ŐƌŽƵŶĚƐ͕ ĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͕ ŝŶǀĞŶƚŽƌLJ ĐŽŶƚƌŽůƐ͕ ǀĞŚŝĐůĞ ŇĞĞƚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƐƵƉĞƌǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ũĂŶŝƚŽƌŝĂů ĂŶĚ ĐĂƌĞƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƐƚĂī͘ dŚĞ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ͕ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ Θ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƚĞƐ ĚŝƌĞĐƚůLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶͲŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞƐ ŽǀĞƌĂůů ĐŽůůĞŐĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ůĞǀĞůƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ƉůĂŶƐ͕ ĐĂƉŝƚĂů ƉůĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐ ƉůĂŶƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĂůƐŽ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĂƚĞĚ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟǀĞ ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞLJ ƌĞůĂƚĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĚĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ͘ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝƐ ŽŶ ĮŶĚŝŶŐ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶĂů ĞĸĐŝĞŶĐŝĞƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ͘ ďŽǀĞ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƐƵƉĞƌǀŝƐŽƌLJ ƐŬŝůůƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀĞŶ ŝŶǀĞŶƚŽƌLJ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͕ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ŝŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶĂů ũĂŶŝƚŽƌŝĂů ƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ƐŬŝůůƐ ĂƌĞ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů͘ Yh >/&/ d/KE^ ͻ dŚĞ ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƋƵĂůŝĮĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝƐ Ă ũŽƵƌŶĞLJƉĞƌƐŽŶ͕ ƚĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ĚŝƉůŽŵĂ Žƌ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ŝŶ Ă ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ͘ ͻ dŚĞ ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĂů͕ ƌĞůĂƚĞĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ ƚŚĞ ĚƵƟĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝƐ ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ͛ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƐƵƉĞƌǀŝƐͲ ŝŶŐ͕ ŵĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚLJ͕ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ͕ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƟŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐĞƚ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘ ͻ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŵďŝŶĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƉŽƐƚͲƐĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ͘ ͻ ĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƚĞĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ Ă ĐƌŽƐƐͲĐƵůƚƵƌĂů ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ͘ t, d t K&& Z ͻ ŽŵƉĞƟƟǀĞ ĐŽŵƉĞŶƐĂƟŽŶ͕ ƉĞŶƐŝŽŶ ƉůĂŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ƉĂĐŬĂŐĞ ͻ WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ͻ &ůĞdžŝďůĞ͕ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƞƵů ǁŽƌŬ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ Khd h^ WĂƌŬůĂŶĚ ŽůůĞŐĞ ŽīĞƌƐ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂLJ ŽĨ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƚŽ ĂĚƵůƚ ůĞĂƌŶĞƌƐ ŝŶ ĂƐƚ ĞŶƚƌĂů ^ĂƐŬĂƚĐŚĞǁĂŶ͘ KƵƌ ŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ŚŝŐŚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ͕ ůĞĂƌŶĞƌ ĐĞŶƚĞƌĞĚ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĂƐ Ă ĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞůŽŶŐ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ͘ KƵƌ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞƐ ĂƌĞ ůĞĂƌŶĞƌ ĨŽĐƵƐĞĚ͕ ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ǁŽƌŬ ŚĂƐ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ŽŶ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ͕ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ͘ KƵƌ ǀĂůƵĞƐ ŽĨ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ͕ ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŽƵƐ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ͕ ƚŽ ŶĂŵĞ Ă ĨĞǁ͕ ŚĂǀĞ ĨŽƌŵĞĚ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ĐƵůƚƵƌĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŽůůĞŐĞ͘ ,Kt dK WW>z ^ĞŶĚ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ďLJ ĞŵĂŝů ƚŽ ĐĂƌĞĞƌƐΛƉĂƌŬůĂŶĚĐŽůůĞŐĞ͘ƐŬ͘ĐĂ͕ ƋƵŽƟŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĞƟƟŽŶ η ϱϳͲϮϬϮϭ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĞĂĚůŝŶĞ͗ DŽŶĚĂLJ͕ DĂLJ ϭϬ͕ ϮϬϮϭ Ăƚ ϭϮ͗ϬϬ WD͘ tĞ ƚŚĂŶŬ Ăůů ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ͖ ŚŽǁĞǀĞƌ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌǀŝĞǁ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚĞĚ͘ ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƵďŵŝƚ Ă ƐĂƟƐĨĂĐƚŽƌLJ ĐƌŝŵŝŶĂů ƌĞĐŽƌĚ ĐŚĞĐŬ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƚŽ ŝŶŝƟĂů ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ͘

1.866.783.6766 PRAIRIE CO-OPERATIVE LTD CAREER OPPORTUNITY - PHARMACIST Prairie Co-op is hiring a full-time Pharmacist to join our Pharmacy team based out of our brand-new Food Centre in Melville, SK. What you will do: Reporting to the Pharmacy Manager, and working closely with other Pharmacy Team Members, the Pharmacist will be responsible for the following: 'LVSHQVLQJ 3UHVFULSWLRQV 3DWLHQW &RXQVHOOLQJ 3DWLHQW 3UR¿OH 5HYLHZV ,QMHFWLRQV 3XEOLF (GXFDWLRQ $FWLYLWLHV 2WKHU GXWLHV DV DVVLJQHG Who you are: <RX KDYH D %DFKHORU RI 6FLHQFH LQ 3KDUPDF\ <RX KDYH RU DUH OLFHQVHG LQ WKH 3URYLQFH RI 6DVNDWFKHZDQ RU DUH ZLOOLQJ WR ZULWH WKH 6DVNDWFKHZDQ -XULVSUXGHQFH ([DP <RX DUH KRQHVW DQG WUXVWZRUWK\ DUH UHVXOWV RULHQWHG DQG VWULYH WR EH WKH EHVW LQ ZKDW \RX GR <RX EHOLHYH LQ EXLOGLQJ UHODWLRQVKLSV DQG FROODERUDWLQJ WR GHOLYHU VROXWLRQV WKDW PDWWHU PRVW DQG \RX UHFRJQL]H WKH YDOXH WKDW GLႇHUHQW SHUVSHFWLYHV EULQJ WR PHHW VKDUHG REMHFWLYHV 2XU 7HDP 0HPEHUV UHFHLYH FRPSHWLWLYH VDODULHV D FRPSUHKHQVLYH EHQH¿WV SDFNDJH DQG DQ HPSOR\HU FRQWULEXWHG SHQVLRQ SODQ 5HORFDWLRQ $VVLVWDQFH ZLOO EH SURYLGHG IRU WKLV SRVLWLRQ For more information regarding this opportunity, please visit our Careers website at https://www.prairieco-op.crs/ sites/prairie/careers, or contact us at hr@prairiecoop.com.

How to Apply?

3OHDVH VHQG \RXU FRYHU OHWWHU DQG XSGDWHG UHVXPH WR KU#SUDLULHFRRS FRP E\ April 30, 2021.

PRAIRIE CO-OPERATIVE LTD CAREER OPPORTUNITY - PHARMACY MANAGER Prairie Co-op is hiring a full-time Pharmacy Manager to join and lead our Pharmacy team based out of our brand-new Food Centre in Melville, SK. What you will do: As the Pharmacy Manager, you are responsible for developing the strategic plan and overseeing the operations of the Pharmacy Department at our Melville Food Centre. In this leadership role, you will: 2YHUVHH DQG PRQLWRU WKH EXGJHW SHRSOH UHVRXUFHV DQG LQYHQWRU\ within the pharmacy.

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and identify areas for improvement.

Who you are: <RX KDYH D %DFKHORU RI 6FLHQFH LQ 3KDUPDF\ % 6F 3KP RU D 'RFWRUDWH LQ 3KDUPDF\ 3KDUP ' IURP D UHFRJQL]HG LQVWLWXWLRQ <RX KDYH H[SHULHQFH LQ SKDUPDF\ ZLWK H[SRVXUH WR OHDGHUVKLS <RX KDYH LQMHFWLRQ FHUWL¿FDWLRQ DQG FXUUHQW OLFHQVXUH DQG JRRG standing with the provincial College of Pharmacists. <RX KDYH VWURQJ OHDGHUVKLS FRPPXQLFDWLRQ DQG RUJDQL]DWLRQDO VNLOOV 2XU 7HDP 0HPEHUV UHFHLYH FRPSHWLWLYH VDODULHV D FRPSUHKHQVLYH EHQH¿WV SDFNDJH DQG DQ HPSOR\HU FRQWULEXWHG SHQVLRQ SODQ Relocation Assistance will be provided for this position.

For more information regarding this opportunity, please visit our Careers website at https://www.prairieco-op.crs/sites/prairie/ careers, or contact us at hr@prairiecoop.com.

How to Apply?

Please send your cover letter and updated resume to hr@prairiecoop.com by April 30, 2021.

Auctions QUICK SOLD AUCTION serving SE Saskatchewan. Let us help you sell your items getting the best possible price in the least amount of time. Your items will get Canada wide coverage on our Online auction. Specializing in antiques, vintage and collectables of all kinds.

Certified personal property appraiser. Don’t throw anything out until you talk to us. Free consultation. 306-728-5552 or 306-7307310. quicksoldauction.com PL#508277.

parklandcollege.sk.ca

Brendonn Holdings Kal Tire – Canora Is now hiring a Tire Technician We Offer : - Full Time employment - Competitive wages - On job training - Benefit Package - Safe and friendly work environment Kal Tire in Canora is looking for an individual who can perform tire related services.

Repairs, installation, balancing on passenger, agricultural and light truck tires.

Apply to: Tony @ 306-621-1951 or brendonn.tony@sasktel.net or fax 306-783-5700 General Employment

General Employment

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!

Be a Yorkton This Week Carrier!

• No early mornings • No collecting • We pay by direct deposit on the last Friday of every month • Weight bonuses • Sales bonuses • Any age welcome • Only 2 days or less per week

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

circulation@yorktonthisweek.com or telephone circulation at:

306-782-2465

A13

Re-open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy extended Last week the Government of S a s k a t c h e w a n announced an extension of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) from March 31, 2021 to June 30, 2021.

“This program has been another important tool to support Saskatchewan businesses during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.

“With significant uptake to this point, the extension of this program will give more businesses the opportunity to access this program as we continue to work through the pandemic and economic recovery.”

The RSTS was launched on June 18, 2020. The program operates as a temporary training subsidy to provide

businesses with financial support to train employees as they adjust to the impacts of the pandemic and safely align business activities with the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. The RSTS reimburses eligible privatesector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business.

Employer response to the program has been positive. From program inception to the end of March 2021, more than 1,000 applications and $4 million in RSTS-funded training have been approved.

For more information, employers can visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ training-subsidy, call 306964-1005 for Saskatoon and area or 306-787-4677 for Regina and area, or email cansaskjobgrant@ gov.sk.ca.

Saskatchewan making significant progress on organ donation Efforts to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation are making an extraordinary difference to Saskatchewan patients and families.

Saskatchewan’s organ donation rate has almost doubled since 2016-17, going from 14 deceased organ donations per year to 25 deceased organ donations in 2020-21. The province’s organ donation rate has risen for three consecutive years and is now comparable to the Canadian average.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says a positive trend is underway in Saskatchewan with the steady increase in organ donation rates during the past year. This is especially significant as rates in most jurisdictions in Canada have decreased as a result of the pandemic.

“This is a hopeful sign for individuals and families awaiting a transplant,” Merriman said.

“A lot of hard work has gone into raising awareness of the need for organ donation, and it is encouraging to see that translate into more donations.

Saskatchewan’s organ and tissue donor registry - which now has more than 13,000 people signed up - is a key part of maintaining this momentum. I urge everyone to consider registering and expressing their willingness to donate, and possibly one day save a life.”

People are encouraged to register on Saskatchewan’s organ and tissue donor registry at www.givelifesask.ca.

Anyone 16 years of age and over can register to be an organ donor. With a clear understanding

of a loved one’s wishes, it is easier for families facing tragedy to make the decision to donate if approached by a Donor Coordinator. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can help 75 people.

April is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month.

Saskatchewan is recognizing the month by launching a new segment in a public awareness campaign that features Monica Goulet, a Métis woman from Saskatchewan who received a donated kidney from her nephew in Lac La Ronge, Jim Searson.

“Until two years ago, I was just one of many waiting for the gift of life,” Goulet said. “Sadly, far too many lose their lives before they can receive their match. Maybe you too, can save a life by donating.”

People across Canada are marking April 7 as Green Shirt Day to honour the legacy of Logan Boulet. The Humboldt Broncos player inspired almost 150,000 Canadians to become registered organ donors after a fatal bus crash in 2018.

Landmarks and buildings across Canada will also feature green lighting during April.

In Saskatchewan, buildings including the T.C. Douglas building plan to Light It Green on April 7, in tandem with Green Shirt Day. It is a reminder of those who have died awaiting a transplant, and a way to express gratitude to organ and tissue donors and their families for giving the greatest gift of all.

For more information on organ and tissue donation in Saskatchewan, or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.givelifesask.ca.

Kaleidoscope

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A14

ART • ENTERTAINMENT • COMMUNITY

Submitted Photos

Turning to paints in retirement

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer It might seem a rather winding road from being born in Germany in 1943 during the war to becoming a goldsmith to a move to Canada to raise bison and finally ending up in Melville as an artist in retirement, but it is a road travelled by Sieglinde (Linda) Henye.

The first leg of her journey was not so far.

“I immigrated to Switzerland in 1963 after I had finished my apprenticeship as a goldsmith in Germany which was from 1959 to 1962,” Henye told Yorkton This Week.

Becoming a goldsmith “at that time was a bit unusual for a girl,” she admitted, but it did perhaps show a glimpse of

the artist she would one day become.

In Switzerland Henye met her soon to be husband.

“He is Hungarian, left Hungary in 1956 after the revolution and fled to Switzerland where I met him,” she explained.

In her new husband Henye had become married to a man with a dream – a rather unusual

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dream as it turned out.

“We arrived in Canada 1986 in order to raise bison, my husband’s dream,” said Henye. “We started with 13 bison yearlings and built up the herd to about 40.”

Henye said it was a huge learning curve to become Canadian bison ranchers.

“Yes we had to learn having no farm back ground,” she said. “My husband was a teacher, all we had was a dog and on top of that we had to learn English also, it was a difficult time.”

In fact Henye noted she “wouldn’t do it again,” but it was something her husband already 50 when they started the new life wanted to pursue the dream.

They would raise bison at White Fox, (west of Nipawin) for about 15-years, and then it was back on the road.

“We sold in 2000, and moved to Welwyn, then Jedburgh, then Melville,” said Henye.

Finally Henye, now 78, would find time to pick up a paint brush to let her inner artist out.

“I started painting at age 60, self-taught,” she said.

And then would come to creating mosaics.

“The technique for mosaics I learned by watching a woman doing it,” she explained.

“A lady in Welwyn gave a demonstration how to do it and I was hooked. I made about a 100, some sold and some I donated. A fascinating hobby.”

Looking at the mosaics Henye said she “bought the dishes at

Sieglinde (Linda) Henye the Salvation Army in Yorkton, they were happy to get rid of them.”

The plates were soon in pieces.

“Lots of fun smashing the dishes,” said Henye, explaining when making one “it takes about four

days, two days to let the adhesive dry before you can grout it.”

“The bases are concrete stepping stones but my table top base is plywood.”

Now Henye sees art as a hobby to enjoy.

“I paint for fun,” she said. “Occasionally I do pet portraits on commissions, mostly pet owners from the USA.” Henye recognizes her interest in art connects back to her earliest years.

“Growing up after the war in Germany there were no toys, we made our own,” she said. “I was always creative. I knew already during childhood I had to do something with my hands. I love art. I love reading. I love music -- which I always listen to while painting – classics.”

What she paints come from varied things she sees.

“The inspiration for my paintings I get from magazines or photos on Facebook, there is so much I want to paint and so little time left,” said Henye, not that she plans to put her brushes away just yet, “As long as my eyes cooperate I will paint. I thank the lord for giving me that talent.

It sure enriches my life.”

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

The ants are gone, but I’m still learning from them

On the sixth day after the exterminator came, I walked in the door after work, as usual.

And as usual I asked the question I’d asked on every return home from work for at least a month.

“See any ants today, Hon?” Starting in late winter, as I mentioned here last week, the ants came marching two by two.

Into our house. We tried ant traps and every other ant dispensing tool we could find at the local hardware store, but they kept coming.

Into nearly every room.

They even got into my head. “I didn’t know I was so…psychologically fragile,” I told several

sympathetic friends, explaining my anxiety, my sleeplessness, my panic attacks. “Ants belong OUTSIDE. Not inside. They’re stealing my peace.”

While visiting India, I had encountered cockroaches. I hated them, especially when they climbed my legs, but I didn’t lose my peace.

At least, not for long.

I danced around a bit, then flicked them off and forgot about them.

For some reason the ants bothered me more.

Desperate, I contacted an exterminator. A pleasant fellow named Ryan arrived the next day. “Pavement ants,” he told us, spotting one high-step-

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 ping on the counter. I squashed it. “They’re the first ones to wake up in the spring.”

He sprayed something natural (but murderous to ants) on our baseboards and anywhere else he thought may be an entry point.

Then he went outside and sprayed the perimeter of the house. “That should take care of it,”

he said, “But if you happen to see any more in the next week or so, give me a call.”

A scream, I thought.

For the next five days, we didn’t see a single ant. “Well,” said the Preacher, on that sixth day, “I saw one.

Dead. At the bottom of the dog’s water dish.”

I groaned, mentally preparing to send an

emergency flare out to Ryan. “Come back!

They’re back.” First I peered at the small black speck in the bottom of the dog’s dish.

Relief almost overwhelmed me. “Hon,” I called. “It’s just a tiny bit of grass or something. NOT an ant!”

In comparison to the global and national crises that haunt our nightly newscasts, our ant trouble didn’t even place. We had a small problem; one which (thank God) seems now solved. But living with ants revealed a more insidious problem, I realize now. Not in my head. In my heart. They taught me the consequence of allowing the

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most vital focus in my life to deviate, even a single degree.

The Bible says God provides “perfect peace” to those who remain focused on him.

But remaining peaceful in crisis requires prior preparation. Time spent with Jesus in prayer and his Word. Time I’d often neglected during COVID, while occupied, terrified, frustrated and saddened by many things. The ants simply served as the proverbial canary in the mine.

I thank God for our ant problem. It has reminded me to better heed my spiritual GPS – God’s Positioning System. But no, they’re not welcome back.

Always remember the pollinators Have you gone on your garden tour today?

It’s great to see some signs of new spring life in the garden! Always first across the finish line in our garden is the bergenia, showing us those glossy leaves. The dianthus is looking good so far, with nice green shoots. The primulas’ ruffled leaves are up and a beautiful green, like new lettuce!

Let’s make a cup of tea and sit for a few minutes. Important to every garden are the pollinators. Let’s also remind ourselves that important to our lives are the pollinators. It’s is astonishing to know that more than one of every three bites of food we eat, or beverages that we drink, are thanks to pollinators. I read that more than half the diet of fats

and oils comes from crops pollinated by animals, and they assist in the reproduction in 90% of the world’s flowering plants.

That’s an amazing job and responsibility for these amazing, tiny beings…and it is alarming to learn that they are in decline because of loss of habitat and the use of pesticides.

So what can we do?

First of all, let’s learn about pollinators. We tend to think that the only pollinators are bees, but pollinators also include butterflies, wasps, beetles, bats and birds. There are over 200,000 “flowering plants” in the world, and they include almost every plant that we use for our food. They rely on pollinators to do their work, because

DEBBIE HAYWARD YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook pollen needs to be moved from one plant to another, and while a few plants, like corn, can reply on the wind to do this task, the small but mighty pollinators take on the task for most other plants.

Pollinators are attracted to various plants, either by color (insects like blue, purple and yellow, while hummingbirds like red); the shape of the flowers (butterflies like flowers like daisies that have a

flat shape to land on); and scent.

For us as home gardeners, we can each do our part by trying to plant some flowers that are attractive to pollinators. If we can manage to give them food, shelter and water, they will come.

We should look for a variety of flowers that have different sizes of access to pollen. Some insects like wide open flowers, some like more tubular shapes. Here

are some flowers that will keep pollinators happy: sunflowers, yarrow, zinnia, snapdragons, milkweed, petunias, lilies, oregano, cosmos, poppies, and calendula.

For water, we can make little water stops for insects by using a saucer filled with clean water, and small stones at one side for them to lane on while they sip.

And for shelter, trees and shrubs in our yards, and even plant material that falls to the ground not only acts as mulch but shelter to many wonderful garden friends.

Don’t be anxious to clean up every last leaf that falls in your yard!

They are small but vital, those wonderful pollinators, and we can ponder that as we sit outside enjoying a cup of

coffee, eating an orange, or enjoying a bowl of fruit. Without the pollinators we’d be without those delicious foods!

Let’s talk gardening! The Community Peace Garden (located at the Yorkton Alliance Church) will have some 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. 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!

Have a great week!

Thank you to our friends at Yorkton This Week for their amazing work!

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

FEDS Continued from page A9 In its final decisions, the agency said risks to aquatic insects will be adequately mitigated by reducing application rates and banning their use in a few specific cases. Most uses of the pesticides will be allowed to continue, however. The decisions also required the application rates listed on the product labels to be reduced within the next two years.

“Based on the updated scientific assessment, it was determined that certain uses did not pose an acceptable risk to aquatic insects, and they will be cancelled. Other uses require additional mitigation measures. With these mitigation measures in place and when neonicotinoid pesticides are used according to the revised label directions, the risks to aquatic insects from the use of these products are acceptable,” Health Canada said in a statement.

The PMRA will enforce the usage guidelines printed on the updated labels through “compliance verifications” and can pursue legal charges against farmers who breach them, the agency said.

For Gue, those measures are “simply inadequate.”

“The regulatory agency, instead of proceeding with the proposed phaseout of these chemicals, has decided to simply tinker around the edges,” she said.

Neonics are a class of water-soluble insecticides that damage insects’ nervous system, said Nigel Raine, a professor of environmental science at the University of Guelph who studies pollinators.

Commonly applied as a spray to fields, or directly on plant seeds, they’re designed to be absorbed by plants, protecting crops from the pests trying to eat them.

However, studies have found the chemicals in ponds, marshes, and streams contaminated by runoff from fields. They are also absorbed into plants’ pollen, exposing the bees and other pollinators feeding off the contaminated plants.

Aquatic insects and ground nesting bees — the lesser-known, native relatives of honeybees who are important pollinators — are particularly vulnerable because they are immersed with the chemicals for most of their lives, Raine

explained.

Those exposures can have a vast impact.

“If you have enough of these things, the end point is lethality — they kill organisms,” he said.

“But below lethal concentrations — which is what we’re talking about in the field, hopefully — the impacts are more subtle … for example, with bees we see impacts on learning and memory. They are less able to remember odours they’ve encountered before. They forage less effectively, they collect less pollen, it can affect their orientation.”

Those impacts can accumulate and ultimately make it more difficult for the insects to reproduce and maintain healthy population levels, he said.

About 85 per cent of the world’s crops depend on bees and other pollinators to bear fruit; without them, humans would struggle to produce enough food. But despite their importance, the world’s pollinators are in rapid decline.

Earlier this year, researchers estimated that roughly a quarter of the world’s bee species are in decline and could go extinct. In North America, bumblebees —

Photo by Todd Huffman / Wikimedia Commons

The federal government last week announced that it will not ban a class of pesticides known to harm bees, aquatic insects, and the ecosystems that depend on them. a vital native pollinator — are estimated to have seen their relative abundance crash by 97 per cent, with the sharpest decline occurring in the past 30 years, a 2011 study found.

But pollinator decline isn’t the only threat posed by neonics. “(The problem) is at a landscape and ecosystem scale,” said Raine. Fewer aquatic insects mean less food for birds, fish, and other animals, leading to much broader impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. That concern is echoed by Gue, who described the deadly impact of neonics on aquatic insects as a “canary in the coal mine,”

pointing to ecosystem collapse.

Still, while eliminating the chemicals and equally harmful substitutes will help pollinators and other insects survive, deeper changes in how we grow food are needed. Monocropping — the dominant method used to industrially grow food in North America — requires pesticides.

Researchers have pointed out that more diversified crops can benefit yields and biodiversity, yet monocropping remains widespread. That means minimizing the immediate harm posed by neonics and other chemicals is essential, Raine

explained.

“If we’re going to keep farming in the way we are at the moment, we are going to need some of these products, and understanding which of the products are the safest and cause the least harm is going to be a very key part of that sustainability mandate,” he said. Making sure those chemicals don’t cause the same ecosystem-wide problems as neonics before they are widely used is essential.

“That’s a very important lesson we should take from the neonicotinoid story, and make sure we learn from the unintended errors we’ve made in that journey,” he said.

VACCINATION Continued from page A3 This raised some contention in question period, as Health Critic Vicki Mowat pointed out that some Regina Police Service officers were immunized over the weekend, but some RCMP members who travelled to Regina had been turned away.

“This is yet another example of this government’s absolutely chaotic vaccine rollout plan, so can the minister clarify? How on earth did the minister decide that some but not all Regina police officers should get their shots? Will this be included in an updated vaccine rollout plan as we’ve been calling for, for days? Don’t tell me we’re back to drawing names from hats,” Mowat said.

Health Minister Paul Merriman replied, “We did do police officers over the weekend. We had a very slow time in our drive-through. Instead of closing down that drive-through, we thought we would maximize that, and we called on the Regina police to be able to send some members out that were front line, to be able to protect them. So we filled up our drivethrough.

“I’m not sure why the members opposite are complaining about us filling up our drive-through, complaining about us leading the country, complaining that our vaccine program is ad hoc, Mr. Speaker, when

we continue to lead the country. Maybe they should get on board with the rest of Saskatchewan and understand that we are leading our country and we’re doing a fabulous job.”

The release said, “Public health routinely relies on first responders to assist in the enforcement of public health orders that are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Similar to the vaccination of vaccine delivery teams, vaccinating first responders involved with enforcing COVID-19 orders will reduce the risk of transmission to personnel that support the overall COVID-19 response. Paramedics, commonly considered first responders, were prioritized for vaccination in Phase 1 of the vaccine delivery plan.

“To kick-start the vaccination of first responders in Regina where variants of concern are a predominant concern, vaccination of police officers in Regina began this weekend at the drive-thru site at Evraz Place. This was done during a time of low wait times on Saturday evening and into Sunday.”

Remaining front-line health care workers not included in Phase 1 prioritization will be allocated the remaining 13,152 first-doses.

All physicians are being included in priority sequencing as they may be called on to assist in clinical care areas and surge capacity needs. Eligible

Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) healthcare workers and physicians will receive notice and a letter of eligibility directing them to book a vaccination appointment by telephone. The notification will come from either the College of Physicians and Surgeons for doctors or the SHA for other healthcare staff. The SHA frontline healthcare staff includes outpatient and community services staff, nurses, pharmacists, therapy staff, mental health professionals, social workers, housekeeping, dietary and ward support staff.

Remaining health care workers not included in the Phase 1 prioritization will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccination by phone only upon receipt of a letter of eligibility by calling 1-833-SASKVAX. Saskatchewan’s pharmacists are set to begin participating in delivering vaccines on the week of April 26, according to the release. In addition to offering increased access to the general public in pharmacies through the age-based sequence, pharmacists will be offering vaccines to pharmacy and grocery staff working in the facility where vaccines are offered.

Pharmacies will require proof of employment in the facility where the vaccine is being delivered. Any staff working in a facility where vaccine delivery is occurring will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in that facility.

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