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Wednesday, May 26, 2021

The aftermath A branch fell in front of an apartment building in Yorkton last week due to the freezing rain and strong winds that caused damage and knocked out power for over 25,000 people Staff Photo by Tanner Wallace-Scribner

Yorkton alumni USport all stars By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer A pair of former Yorkton Minor Football alumni have been select-

ed as all-stars by U Sports. Noah Zerr and Peter Kozushka, both who are left tackles, were named to the East-West Bowl, an annual postseason

Canadian university football all-star game that showcases the top U Sports football prospects in the country who will be eligible for the following year’s CFL Draft.

Zerr, who is currently playing at the University of Saskatchewan, said that being selected is huge for him. “It was definitely something I was hoping

for. You see a lot of your teammates get elected to go to games and get some of those awards, and it’s something you strive for as a player for sure. I definitely had my eye on

it for a couple of years now, and it is one of those pats on the back that kind of lets you know you are going in the right direction,” he said. “For me,

Continued on Page A2

Yorkton theatre turns off screen for good By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The Landmark Cinemas Tower Theatre in Yorkton has officially closed its doors for good.

Landmark Cinemas announced that four movie theatres would be closing, which includes Yorkton. In Dawson Creek, BC, Airdrie, AB, and Selkirk, MB, movie theatres were also shut

down. Bill Walker, the CEO of Landmark Cinemas Canada, talked about the companies decision. “It’s been a difficult road in a lot of the secondary markets for the-

atres for quite an extended period of time. Even pre-pandemic theatres in these small towns were certainly having some difficult times. I think the pandemic for us ultimately just highlighted

some of those challenges and as we look towards the recovery. We look at the capital that’s required to sustain a successful operation; there in Yorkton, it’s ultimately not an investment that we

are going to be able to afford and make,” he said. “As the business has evolved and consumer experience expectation evolves, some of these single-screen

Continued on Page A2

Fundraising flight making Yorkton stop By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer Dr. Cornelius Spies appeared before the regular meeting of Yorkton Council May 17, seeking support from the City for Hope Air’s ‘Give Hope Wings’ project. “This is a once in a lifetime

event,” he told Council. Spies explained, Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing free travel and accommodations for Canadians in financial need who must access medical care far from home. Since its inception in 1986, Hope Air has provided over

155,000 travel arrangements for patients regardless of age or medical need. The expeditions have raised $900,000, allowing Hope Air to provide 3,600 flights for patients in financial need who must travel far from home for medical care. Spies added typically

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the families helped have an income of less than $30,000, and must travel more than five hours for the health care. This year the flight, in which Spies will be involved, will make a stop in the city. “The Fourth Annual Give Hope Wings: Boundary Bay to Hudson Bay Expedition 2021

will be a multi-aircraft, series of flights from Boundary Bay, British Columbia to Churchill, Manitoba and back,” detailed material circulated to Council. “The squadron will create awareness and visit communities where patients live and

Continued on Page A2

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Chamber has assessment concerns By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer Yorkton Chamber of Commerce president Marty Sveinbjornson appeared before the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday to voice member concerns regarding property assessment. “The Board of Directors of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce is greatly concerned that when the 2021 property assessment notices arrived last month, several of our business members received very large increases in their assessments.” he told Council. “We have learned of business property assessments increasing by as much as 44 per cent, 68 per cent, 71 per cent, and 86 per cent.” Sveinbjornson did acknowledge “one of these properties underwent renovations so an increase in assessment was expected.” But therein lies another concern. “However, a huge increase in assessment could be construed as a penalty or disincentive for trying to improve one’s property,” offered Sveinbjornson. In any circumstance increased assessment means added costs. “Of course, such increases will ultimately result in large increases in the annual tax bills for these properties,” said Sveinbjornson. “Further, it’s very difficult for a busi-

ness to budget for property assessment increases and tax increases when the notice of the new assessment arrives after the first quarter of the fiscal year for many of these businesses.” The way taxes are applied was also touched on by Sveinbjornson. “It has also been pointed out that commercial properties carry more of the tax burden than do residential properties,” he said. “Such large tax bills certainly put our Yorkton businesses at a competitive disadvantage as comparable businesses in neighbouring communities are paying much lower taxes.” That said, Sveinbjornson noted taxes are accepted as something that is needed. “The Chamber understands that properties need to be assessed to develop a tax strategy,” he said. “However, the Chamber urges the city to find ways to mitigate the tax bills for these businesses who have received large increases in assessment.” If something is not done, it could push some businesses away, warned Sveinbjornson. “Some of our members are contemplating options to operating within the city limits,” he said. “Do they shut their doors in Yorkton and move to the RM; or another town or city? “If any of these businesses choose

either of these options, it will be a blow to the city in terms of the potential loss of employees and their families and certainly, a loss of tax revenue.” The solution seems to be change, said Sveinbjornson. “Going forward, and before the next revaluation, the City must find a way to ensure these property assessments more accurately reflect the true value of commercial properties,” he said. “The City must also strive to create an environment that welcomes new business and encourages existing businesses in Yorkton to thrive and prosper. “A strong business community makes for a healthy community. You must find a way to ensure our businesses are not ‘taxed to death’.” Councillor Quinn Haider began discussion by saying “I feel for these business owners,” and then asking if the City has tax tools to mitigate the largest increases. Ashley Stradeski, Director of Finance with the City, began by suggesting “in a perfect world there wouldn’t be swings like this.” Stradeski also said “assessment values are out of everybody’s control in this room,” as they are established by the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA). Stradeski said ultimately the City, with a zero per cent increase in taxes in 2021, will be looking to generate

the same dollars as in 2020, adjusting the commercial and residential taxes based on the new assessments to achieve that. However, that will mean some properties will see their taxes go up and others down while achieving a net zero overall increase. What the exact tax changes might be will be determined as the City sets its mill rates, expected at the next regular meeting of Council, said Stradeski. Stradeski said while it is “a very general statement” the average assessment has gone up roughly 25 per cent, and anyone who sees that average “are not going to see major changes” in the property tax they will pay. However, Coun. Ken Chyz said the high increases noted by the Chamber “are nowhere near the highest,” adding he has personally been made aware of one property where the assessment went up 100 per cent. Coun. Randy Goulden said there are obviously concerns with assessment and the Chamber and the City need to be making their concerns known to SAMA which is beginning the process already toward the next reassessment in 2025. Mayor Mitch Hippsley assured the issue is far from dealt with. “This is far, far from being over,” he said, adding some of the increases are very high and need to be looked at more closely as the City finalizes its mill rate.

USPORT Continued from Page A1 it’s a nice little stepping stone. It was one of the things I wanted to accomplish before I left University and saw what professional football had for me.” Kozushka, who is playing at the University of Alberta, said his selection shows how good the

team is a developing players` “It’s good to get. I think it just speaks to what we are doing as a program here, a U of A and the level of commitment we have as a team. We have six guys for East/West, which is tied for the most, so I think it just speaks to the kind of program that

we have here.” “I think it really shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from; you don’t have to be from the big city to be a good football player,” he said. As for being named on all-star with Kozushka, Zerr said it shows the level of football Yorkton has been able to produce.

“I grew up one year behind Peter, and we played a whole bunch of football together, and it’s amazing to see him on that team with me and sharing some of these accolades, and it’s big,” he said. “You grow up looking up to a guy like Peter; he was such a big role model, and to be on

the same team with him is just one of those moments where the stars just align.” Next, for Zerr and Kozushka, they are hopeful they can play their final seasons of University football and work towards impressing scouts for next year’s CFL draft.

Peter Kozushka,

remember fondly, and it’s difficult to see those leave small communities.” He added that he hopes that someone will come and buy the movie

theatre from them so the residents of Yorkton can once again enjoy movies. “We did this is in Steller, AB. We sold a small single screen theatre to an independent

entrepreneur that saw potential and felt as a local operator they could give it a different go, and we are fully supportive of that.” Walker said that the

community of Yorkton has been great to them over the years in their long-tenure there, and they would love to see the theatre reopened in the future.

THEATRE Continued from Page A1 markets just don’t work anymore.” Walker said it wasn’t a decision that they came to lightly. “It’s always difficult

when we have to close some of these cinemas because many people have had their first dates, their first movies with their kids, and these experiences that they

FLIGHT Continued from Page A1 travel to for medical care. The expedition will launch on Aug. 23, and return to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on Sept. 3. “Departing Drumheller we’ll fly over the unforgettable Canadian badlands to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan where we’ll have lunch and take on fuel before continuing northeast to Yorkton. “A number of pilots from COPA (Canadian Owners

and Pilots Association) Saskatchewan, along with their friends, will be on hand to give us a welcome reception at Yorkton Airport on our arrival. We’re sure to make new friends at this overnight stop. “The next morning we depart Yorkton for Northern Manitoba. We’ll stay overnight in Thompson, then fly on to Churchill on the shore of Hudson Bay . . . “The goal of the expedition is to raise over $400,000 –

enough to provide 1,600 patient flights.” Spies said locally they are planning events at the airport for participating pilots and local residents. He also asked the City to participate in some way to help promote the event. The program is one Spies said serves people well, and material in the Council package noted; • Without Hope Air, 32 per cent of Hope Air’s patients would cancel or postpone their

medical appointments • Patients travel for appointments such as pediatric, cancer, musculoskeletal, nervous system and cardiovascular • Hope Air has been chosen as one of Canada’s best 100 charities by Maclean’s magazine, MoneySense magazine and Charity Intelligence based on efficiency, transparency and need. • Hope Air has made more than 155,000 travel arrangements across all 10 provinces

since 1986 • 30 per cent of Hope Air’s travel arrangements are for children and young people’s medical care • 3.2 million Canadians live below the poverty line including 566,000 children • 3 in 10 Canadians live outside of the larger cities and further from healthcare centres Council referred the request to Administration to provide a report on what the City could do with Spies request.

Yorkton real estate market following in provinces footsteps By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The Saskatchewan Real Estate Market set another sales record in April, building on a strong past 12 months. Across the province, in April, there were 1,865 homes sold (up nearly 182% from last year and

up 97.2% year-to-date, going from 2,208 to 3,795). According to Statistics Canada’s release on housing starts, urban housing in the province increased 113.3 percent year-over-year. The second-highest percentage growth increase among the provinces and close to almost doubling the national housing starts

increasing 63.2 percent. Rob Kozak, one of the owners of RE/MAX Blue Chip Realty, said they have a seen similar increases in Yorkton. “Volume and transaction definitely picked up. I would say the last 12 months. When the pandemic started, it got really slow and then in May of last year, things kind of

took off for no particular reason, but really transactions have almost doubled year over year, and it hasn’t stopped since,” he said. “As far as being busy, it’s definitely above average, inventory really went down quickly from about 200 listings to about 120, so once supply really went down and then it really compound-

ed the number of transactions on the market, and prices have steady.” In the first four months of 2021, urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 101.4 per cent, compared to the same period in 2020. Saskatchewan ranked second among the provinces in percentage change. Kozak said that the huge increase in the real estate market happened for no particular reason.

“Mortgage rates are low, but I think it was just a case of having five years of a flat market where things really stayed flat or declined a little bit, so it was time for that cycle to kick in, and then things started to move,” he said. “It was just a little bit of everything that made the market take off.” He added that whether your listing or buying now is still a great time to do so.

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Wednesday, May 26, 2021 www.yorktonthisweek.com

And the ice cometh The impact of an ice storm which hit Yorkton and area in the middle of the night Friday is still being assessed. The storm caused an interruption in power across most of the city just after 3 a.m. The ice caused many branches to break off, and some of those branches hit parked cars, and homes, and not just in the city. The storm hit area farms as well, such as the one owned by Jeff and Kristina Just west of the city.

Submitted Photo Kristina Just

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Staff Photo Tanner Wallace-Scribner

Submitted Photo Kristina Just

Submitted Photo Marj Dech

Perspective COVID-19 finish line remains unclear

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MURRAY MANDRYK

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Politics For months now Premier Scott Moe has been telling us we are near the COVID-19 finish line. It is optimism that’s been appreciated — and, often, much needed — in this seemingly endless fight. Unfortunately, it might have also turned that finish line into a bit of a mirage. It’s frustrating that we still don’t actually know how far away that finish line is or what we have to do to get there. So maybe it’s now time for to give us a better idea where that finish line is. In fairness, neither Moe nor any government in Canada should be blamed for its past inability to provide such specifics during something as unpredictable as a once-in-a-century global pandemic. The best we can really hope for is that we all follow the good policies our political leadership chooses. That’s how we will all get us through this as quickly as possible. For this, Moe deserves a bit more credit than some have been willing to give him. Moe has also long said that it’s vaccines that will lead us to that finish line — a pronouncement met with a fair bit of scepticism. The Saturday before the long weekend, the Saskatchewan Health Authority delivered a record 18,568 vaccines. And then on Sunday, we broke that record with another 18,995 vaccinations. That’s equivalent to three per cent of the entire province in just two days — a rate, Moe proudly noted, was likely the fastest vaccine distribution rate in the world. We have now doled out more than 600,000 doses and 75 per cent of those over 40 years (and 59 per cent of all adults 18 years and older) have been vaccinated. Does anyone recall when we enviously looked south of the border and marvelled at how quickly U.S. President Joe Biden was getting his country’s population vaccinated? Well, Saskatchewan and then the entire nation will soon surpass the U.S. in percentage of the population vaccinated. Credit goes to Moe _ and certainly the SHA and health system including pharmacies — for getting shots in the arms of people as quickly as it has. But maybe even some credit should go to the federal Liberal government (yes, a difficult thing to do out here, given our valid frustrations with Ottawa) for doing a better job of securing vaccine supply than we thought when Moe and the rest were complaining we didn’t have enough vaccines. Saskatchewan’s vaccine rollout story is even more remarkably in light of a recent Angus Reid Institute poll showing 24 per cent here — the highest rate in nation — say they are hesitant to get vaccinated. This is partly driven by the anti-mask, antivaxxer crowd, but it’s also being driven by young people not thinking they will catch Covid, older people not trusting certain vaccines like Astra Zeneca and First Nations people and new Canadians not having easy access to the drivethru clinics. Moe’s government needs to do more to address these issues. Yet our vaccine success is driving down the COVID-19 numbers. Active cases and hospitalizations are now the fewest since March — numbers made even more remarkable by the fact we are sandwiched between Alberta and Manitoba where case numbers are still increasing. Vaccines have been a literal shot in the arm, but all this begs questions: What is the province’s vaccination rate or active daily case count that will allow us to fully open the province? Moe has been talking about filling Mosaic Stadium sometime after the CFL opens in the August. Well, what do we need to do to get there? What percentage of first and second doses are needed in Saskatchewan before we can see 30,000 at a ‘Rider game? What daily case count? Moe and his government need to better define exactly where the finish line is. Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

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Year-end 2020 better than expected A

t the most recent regular meeting of Yorkton Council May 17, some rather good news was unveiled, especially given that for the past 15-months the City and world has been stuck in the middle of a worldwide health pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has been the cloud over just about everything in our world for months, determining which aisles we can go down in stores, if and when we might visit senior friends, and how many family and friends can gather for a meal. The measures have been in place to try to ensure community health, but that does not change the fact they have been difficult to adapt too for months on end. With the changing regulations, for a time closing certain businesses, then limiting numbers in-store, it was feared the pandemic would hit the City hard, with people unable to pay their property taxes, and of course losing revenues from closed facilities. It was widely anticipated the 2020 budget would be left in shambles, and since municipal governments in Saskatchewan are not allowed, by legislation, to run a deficit, the situation could have been challenging. But, when the preliminary year-end figures for 2020 were revealed May 17, things were far better than many would have expected. It was overall, good news, said Ashley Stradeski, Director of Finance with the City. As for the numbers, Stradeski said, audit work on the 2020 year end is still progressing, with auditors working both on premises and remotely, but

the numbers were positive enough to take to Council. Overall the net surplus to budget was $799,719, but that was in-large part to the timing of a 2019 Gas Tax grant of $465,477, said Stradeski, relating a sizeable cheque from 2019 arrived in 2020, skewing numbers. The truer operating budget surplus was $325,281, the total minus the Gas Tax Grant. That is a significant number to achieve amidst a pandemic which really left everything up in the air, from changing the deadline to submit property taxes, to what facilities were even open to the public. Stradeski began his report by noting “2020 is the strangest year we’ve ever encountered” and while initially he said he was “quite concerned” regarding the potential impact the COVID-19 pandemic might have on City finances, the City did well. “Recreational facilities obviously took a huge hit,” he said, but many operations continued close to normal. “We didn’t pave any less roads. Grass still needed to be cut ... Snow fell when it fell (and needed to be cleared).” The City approached things in a business as usual where possible manner, and it worked. In a year where the numbers might have turned ugly given the unprecedented pressures of a pandemic, the City performed rather well, at least in terms of running a surplus – generally a good indication things went well. The City is hoping to have its audited Financial Statements for Council’s review within the next few Council meetings.

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Letters to the Editor Time to recognize family doctors Letter -to-the-Editor: As a family physician I never expected my career to include supporting my patients and community through a pandemic. It has affected access to healthcare, how we practice, and how we connect with our patients and each other. Everything has become more challenging behind a mask and face shield, but more important than ever. Like my colleagues and family doctors across the country, I now see my patients virtually and in the clinic. I also work at the COVID-19 Assessment

Center. Others are working at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and numerous other locations to help provide priority care despite the added risk to themselves. Recognizing all we have endured over the past year and all that still lies ahead of us to conquer COVID19, our attention needs to turn to mental health and addiction issues that are rapidly increasing. I am concerned about my colleagues who have been working tirelessly. They are stressed and burnt out. I am also concerned about my patients who are reporting more anxiety and

depression. Provincially we are seeing an increase in overdoses and substance use disorder. What can we do? Advocate for counselling and other mental health services to be fully funded by the provincial government in the same way that other medical services are funded. These priority services must be integrated into primary care practices rather than being stand-alone services. Private counselling services are not currently part of the public health care system and psychiatry wait times are long. We need the resources

for primary care to provide this level of needed support. To every family doctor, I thank you for all you have done and continue to do to help us through the pandemic. We couldn’t do it without you, and we’re forever grateful. Here’s to a special Family Doctor Day to many very deserving family doctors! Myles Deutscher, MD, CCFP, FCFP President Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians

Microbiology Restoration Scepticism Letter -to-the-Editor: In a letter in the May 19, 2021 edition of the Yorkton This Week, Everett Hindley, Minister of Rural Health stated that the removal of microbiology services from Yorkton to Regina was only temporary and that it would be restored. I have a more cynical view of the situation. There are a number of “inaccuracies” in Mr. Hindley’s statement. Turnaround time

for reporting may be unaffected as long as the sample arrives in the lab before the morning courier run to Regina. Otherwise, it will wait until the next day, resulting in at least a 24 hour delay. The molecular testing which was touted will only tell what microbe you are dealing with, not what antibiotic to use. Mr. Hindley states that Microbiology was moved from Yorkton due to a staffing issue. This

claim was debunked by Mr. Ross Fisher in the March 31st issue of the Yorkton This Week. However, the removal of Microbiology testing from the Yorkton lab could mean that as many as three fulltime Medical Laboratory positions could become redundant. These positions may be eliminated by attrition or other means. These are professional jobs which would be lost to the Yorkton facility.

The Microbiology testing equipment has already begun to be spirited away, following the samples to Regina. At some point, the SHA and Mr. Hindley will (or perhaps they won’t) issue a statement claiming that although it was their intention to restore Microbiology testing to the Yorkton laboratory, this was not possible due to staffing shortages and the fact that equipping a Microbiology lab was

prohibitively expensive. It would be a classic case of a self-fulfilling prophesy. You issue a statement which is true because you have created the conditions which make it true. I would be delighted if my pessimistic view of events is wrong and that Microbiology has been fully restored to the Yorkton laboratory. Please, Mr. Hindley, make it so. I have no desire to add Microbiology to

the list of services which have already been lost to the Yorkton district including Orthopedics, Urology, Surgical and Autopsy Pathology, Ophthalmology, Laundry and probably others of which I am not aware. However, I am afraid that Microbiology is lost permanently and that the question to be asked is “What’s next?”. Sandra Baron Yorkton

Colleges announce international recruitment partnership college system,” said Cumberland and Parkland College’s president and CEO Mark Hoddenbagh. “One that has the potential to build a foundation for further college partnerships after the pilot per-

iod and truly benefit our local economies.” Great Plains and Cumberland Colleges have been accepting international students since 2015 and Parkland has been doing so since 2014. Information on pro-

grams that accept international students can be found on each college’s website at www.greatplainscollege.ca, www. cumberlandcollege.sk.ca or www.parklandcollege. sk.ca.

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Parkland College Great Plains, Cumberland and Parkland Colleges have established an International Recruitment and Admissions partnership heading into the 2021-22 academic year. A two-year pilot project in which one individual will recruit for all three organizations solely on the international file will begin in October

2021. “We are very excited to see this partnership and pilot project come to fruition,” exclaimed Great Plains College president and CEO David Keast. “The partnership will allow us to build off of our foundational knowledge and collective expertise and will help mitigate the risks of international recruitment, in terms of

mobility and costs, going forward.” The two-year pilot will enable the colleges to become more independent in terms of reliance on external agencies for student recruitment and efficiencies including, but not limited to, cost savings. “This is a cost-effective approach to international recruitment and admissions for the

Film Festival this week By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer For 74 years the Yorkton Film Festival has been bringing filmmakers and Canadian audiences together, and even a worldwide pandemic won’t stop the event from happening. In fact, the 2021 show is actually open to a broader audience in that the YFF 2021 festival, scheduled for May 27 to 30, will be virtual. What does virtual mean for the long-standing show? Well people can participate in festival events online, explained YFF Executive Director Randy Goulden, adding they can participate in the panel discussions, film screening and the gala awards from anywhere and they can do so free of charge. Goulden said the panel discussions will run May 25, 26, and 27, with two panels each day. The hour-long panels are free, but people are asked to register online at yorktonfilm.com so

they can be sent log in information. Having the industry panels free should be great for high school instructors, film students, “or seniors looking up something new to do,” said Goulden. The popular film screenings are also online this year, again running May 25-27. A complete list of films available to screen can again be found on the

YFF website. The links to the films, and passwords where required, will be provided during this four-day period. Finally, the Golden Sheaf Awards go live online, and again free, at 7 p.m. on May 27, said Goulden, adding they are aware of some film companies with films up for awards holding private watch parties since traveling to the event is not an option at present.

Happy 75th Birthday Ellie Spokes on June 1st

Love: Your Family & Friends

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

May 26, 2021 - June 1, 2021

Next Council Meeting Monday, June 7, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Public Notice "TTFTTNFOU 3PMM

Construction Detour r %BSMJOHUPO &BTU 3FDPOTUSVDUJPO

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.

r 3FDPOTUSVDUJPO PG %BSMJOHUPO 4USFFU &BTU CFUXFFO .BZIFX "WF BOE %SBDVQ "WFOVF continues and is expected to be completed in June. r 5IF JOUFSTFDUJPOT BU %FMBFSF %SJWF BOE 'SBOLP %SJWF XJMM CF DMPTFE PO 5VFTEBZ BT XPSL PO that section of Darlington Street resumes. r " OFX QBUIXBZ XJMM CF DPOTUSVDUFE GSPN .BZIFX UP %SBDVQ BT QBSU PG UIJT QSPKFDU

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

Street Sweeping Map

Street Sweeping Underway! Spring Street Sweeping got underway Monday, April 26, starting at the southwest corner of the city in Section 1 and moving eastward. It is very difﬁcult to predict how quickly areas will be swept as conditions vary and equipment breakdowns sometimes occur. If possible, please do not park on the street until you see that your area has been swept, that will assist in HIÀFLHQW FOHDQLQJ Watch for updates on the areas currently being swept on FB. Please contact the Public Works Department at 306-786-1760 if you require further information.

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, May 26, 2021

Yorkton-area organizations collaborate on U of R project to support older adults living with dementia Three Yorkton-area organizations have been selected to participate in a project that will support greater social inclusion of older adults living with dementia and their care partners. The five-year Interventions to Enhance Social Inclusion of Older Adults with Dementia in Saskatchewan project was announced in November 2019 after receiving a $3 million dollar contribution agreement, funded by the Government of Canada under the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The project is being conducted through the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), a research centre based at both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. The project is being led by Dr. Bonnie Jeffery, a professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina. The team also includes Dr. Tom McIntosh, professor in the Department of Politics and International Studies, and Dr. Nuelle Novik, associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work. After determining that Yorkton and the surrounding rural areas would be the focus of this project, the team held information sessions and connected with many Yorkton-area organizations. The team

is pleased to announce that the first sub-projects to be supported will be led by three collaborating organizations. The Yorkton branch of SaskAbilities, the City of Yorkton, and the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan will now be implementing their own sub-projects as part of the larger project. “We have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year now, and it has caused many older adults to feel isolated from their friends and families, especially those living with dementia,” says Jeffery. “We are proud to partner with these three organizations and work together to support older adults with dementia in Yorkton and the surrounding communities. We plan to continue to work with other organizations to support additional projects, especially those that focus on rural communities in the area.” The Yorkton branch of SaskAbilities is proud to be part of the collaborative effort to launch a Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment Program. This program will enhance the quality of life of individuals living with dementia in Yorkton and surrounding rural communities. Two dementia-friendly facilitators will work with individuals and their families to develop person-centred plans that

will guide programming and activities in the individual living with dementia’s home and community. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to expand our services to individuals who are living with dementia within Yorkton and surrounding rural communities,” says Jackie Washenfelder, Quality of Life Senior Supervisor with SaskAbilities. “It is our goal to enrich people’s lives by engaging them in meaningful activity, thus increasing their quality of life, while at the same time reducing isolation and caregiver burnout.”

Community Development Manager with the City of Yorkton. “It is important that seniors and all our residents, including those with dementia, feel welcome and are able to access our indoor public spaces with the least amount of barriers.” The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan’s project will build general awareness about dementia; reduce stigma; and facilitate the involvement of local organizations, businesses, and individuals in dementia-friendly community initiatives. The project will include an awareness campaign

The City of Yorkton’s Public Indoor Facility Audit project will encourage facilities to be more inclusive and accessible for seniors living in Yorkton, including those living with dementia. The City of Yorkton will hire an independent contractor and engage community members with lived experiences to help assess public indoor environments. The contractor will develop and use a checklist for each public facility to create an Age and DementiaFriendly Facilities Audit Report. “We are excited that, with the support of SPHERU, we can create a tool and method to guide us in creating more inclusive spaces,” says Lisa Washington,

and extensive community engagement to help organizations and community groups become more inclusive and accessible for people living with dementia. This work will be supported by a new staff position located in the Yorkton region. “The Alzheimer Society is excited to be part of this locally-driven project to make our communities more inclusive and accessible for people living with dementia and their care partners,” says Les Quennell, Director of Public Awareness and Communications with

the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. “We believe that the project’s focus on rural communities will create a better understanding of how to serve people with dementia in rural communities, not only in the project area, but in the rest of the province and the country.” Jeffery noted that a further two projects are under development and will be announced in the coming months. SPHERU is also considering a ‘call for proposals’ for additional projects subject to available funding.

May 26, 2021 - June 1, 2021 Next Council Meeting Monday, June 7, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

School-base COVID-19 vaccine delivery to begin in June The Saskatchewan Health Authority will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines in elementary and high schools across the province in June. Delivery dates are currently being finalized with local education officials. Once dates are confirmed, they will be communicated directly to parents through individual schools. “Saskatchewan has been leading the country with one of the most aggressive vaccination programs and now we are building further on that with the addition of a school-based vaccination program,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “The option of school vaccinations provides greater convenience for parents who want to see their children provided protection through vaccination.” There will be more than 90,000 vaccines in total for individuals 12 years of age and older. Children in this age group will only receive the Pfizer brand of vaccine. This is the last group currently approved for immunization, with the hopes of expanding to younger populations in the fall, as vaccines are nationally approved for their use. SHA drive-thru, walkin and booked appointments will be reduced during the school immunizations over the course of approximately three weeks to ensure this group is immunized prior to the end of the school year. Pharmacy booked appointments will continue to be available to all eligible age categories. “Our public health teams are skilled and equipped to deliver immunizations within the school system,” SHA’s CEO Scott Livingstone said. “We want to utilize this well-established system over the next three weeks, before school is out for the summer, to vaccinate as many eli-

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gible youth as we can and protect them and their families.” Written consent will be required for all ages 12-17, primarily for tracking purposes, in case the child receives one dose at school and one elsewhere. There will only be one consent required for both doses. Parents are encouraged to talk directly with their children about consent and the importance of receiving their COVID vaccination. Information about Pfizer and frequently asked questions are available at https://www. saskatchewan.ca/covid19youth-vaccine. Additional options are

available for students who are home-schooled, for students who wish to access immunization sooner, or if parents wish to accompany their child to their appointment. These options include: Any participating pharmacy in Saskatchewan; By attending a drivethru or walk-in clinic note that these clinics will operate on reduced schedules in June in order to support schoolbased immunization during the week days; Online booking is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; or By calling 1-833-SASKVAX (7275829).

Request for Proposals Gloria Hayden Community Centre Floor Refurbishing Proposal must be received before 2:00 p.m. on May 28, 2021 Please send sealed Proposal clearly marked with the above proposal name to cdpr@yorkton.ca Details of Proposal: The City of Yorkton is requesting proposals from interested venders for the refurbishment of the gymnasium flooring at the Gloria Hayden Community Centre, located at 279 Morrison Drive, in Yorkton Saskatchewan. Specifications are available at: www.yorkton.ca/tenders Proposal shall remain open for acceptance by the City and irrevocable for thirty (30) calendar days following the date specified for closing. Proposal received after the date and time specified for closing will be marked late and returned unopened. Contact Person Enquiries regarding the proposal procedure and particulars can be directed to: 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

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:

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

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Margaritaville Residents at Yorkton Crossing recently got in the mood of a southern holiday on a sunny beach with a cool beverage. As something fun for residents ‘Margaritaville’ was held May 19. It as an opportunity to dress up a bit, and dream of a getaway. Pictured, left; Jean Woodhouse, centre Jim Fustey and right, Doris Rusnak. This was on Wednesday May 19/21. Just wanted to have something fun for the residents.

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War Amps 2021 key tag campaign kicks off By Tanner Wallace-Scribner Staff Writer The War Amps has kicked off its 2021 key tag mailing to Yorkton residents. This year’s theme is “You Are a Part of What We Do,” marking the 75th anniversary of the Association’s Key Tag Service and paying tribute to the public for helping make it a success. In the letter accompanying the tags, parents Tracie and Jeremy describe how The War Amps has supported their family, from the day their daughter, Michaela Blakslee, was born missing part of her left arm, as well as some fingers and toes. Michaela, who is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, receives financial assistance for artificial limbs and devices and also attends regional seminars where Champs and their parents learn about the latest in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and staring, and parenting an amputee child. Michaela’s artificial arms, which she calls her “helper hands”, include one for everyday use and another that she uses for activities like bike riding. “Without the funding from The War Amps, it would be very difficult for us to get her any prosthetics at all,” says Tracie and Jeremy. “Whatever isn’t covered

through our workplace insurance and the government, The War Amps steps in so she has these devices to help her through daily life.” The Key Tag Service was launched back in 1946 so that returning war amputee veterans could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association’s many programs. The Key Tag Service

continues to employ amputees and people with disabilities and has returned more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys to their owners. Each key tag does have a confidentially coded number so if you lose your keys, the finder can call the toll-free number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox in Canada, and The War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge.

New fundraiser announced By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and area is launching its first ever virtual fundraiser. With the COVID-19 pandemic still limiting large gatherings – taking Bowl for Kids Sake off the table – the organization began looking

at options, explained Rayanne Buller, Mentor Coordinator. Buller said they were looking for a fundraiser which would be “safe” for participants, but also wanting “to make sure everyone is having fun.” The solution was to offer a ‘virtual escape room’ then ask teams of five to sign up to take on the challenge of ‘escaping’ the room, and doing it faster than other groups taking on the challenge. Buller said she has done a couple of online escape rooms with her

friends and the challenge of solving a series of puzzles can be a lot of fun for a group of friends. “It’s a good way to test your problem solving,” she said. Businesses can also sign up a group to take on the challenge, which Buller noted can be a good team-building activity as well as fun. When signing up – go to yorkton.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca and look under events -- team members must pledge a minimum of $30. If someone wants to participate but doesn’t

have a team, they can sign up and be assigned to one, said Buller. “It’s a good way to make some new friends,” she said. There are time slots Thursday, May 27 through Saturday, May 29 allowing teams to book into a time that works for them. Players will be connected through Zoom, said Buller, adding players can each be at their own computer, or gather as a group, to take on the room challenge.

GDG calls for local art By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer

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The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery is calling for art from Yorkton and area artists. The gallery’s annual Local Artist Show, which has been held annually for more than 15 years, is returning this year in June. Artists are invited to submit up to five artworks, and they will be accepting artwork submissions between May 17-25. Artists should be aware the works must be

dropped off in person at the gallery, during regular gallery hours. Artists are also responsible for pick-up of their artworks following the exhibition which runs June 1 to 30. The show is returning to a gallery setting this year after being exclusively virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, explained Gallery manager Kelly Litzenberger. The virtual show attracted 60 artists, in 2020, about on par with 2019, noted Litzenberger, adding they expect a similar response from art-

ists this year. The show is focused on Yorkton, and east central region artists. The show will hang in the gallery, and will also be available virtually online, which broadens potential viewership, he added. Submission forms for the show can be downloaded from godfreydeanartgallery.ca Contact the gallery for more information; Monday – Friday 11am – 5pm, or Saturday 1pm – 4pm, or call 306-786-2992.

Bike Week marked By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer Bicycle Safety Week 2021 is happening this week in the city. It is an initiative of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute to stop disabling conditions from occurring by eliminating or modifying risk factors, explained Lisa Washington, Community Development Manager with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday. Washington was speaking on behalf of the Yorkton Active Transportation Collaborative – YATC. “Bicycle Safety Week is a week-long event for communities across the province of Saskatchewan to participate in promoting bicycle safety for children and youth,” she said. “This year, we are encouraging everyone to access resources at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute’s website – www.skprevention.ca” This year’s theme is “Ready to Ride”. Resources cover topics like: rules of the road, arm signals for cyclists, bike maintenance and proper helmet fit. There is even a PowerPoint presentation for parents and other educators, said Washington.

She continued by noting, “YATC remains committed to educating our community about the importance of bike safety and using active transportation responsibly. “With the nice weather, and because people currently have limited choice for physical activity, we have noticed more people outside walking and biking on our roads, multi-use pathways and sidewalks. We would like to remind residents that safe bike usage falls under our traffic bylaw ... and as such, cyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road, just like motor vehicle drivers ... “We encourage everyone to get educated and ride safely.” The Yorkton Active Transportation Collaborative is a partnership that grew out of the Yorkton In Motion Committee. The purpose of the YATC is to: Increase awareness of the community benefits received by providing physically active modes of transportation. Increase awareness of the individual benefits received by choosing physically active modes of transportation. Work towards creating a community environment that provides options for residents to choose physically active modes of transport in their daily lives.

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Legacy Co-op donates to foundation Legacy Co-op commits to $80,000 investment to Yorkton & District Community Foundation. Legacy Co-op, in celebration of their 80 years in business has made a commitment of $80,000 over 8 years to the Yorkton & District Community Foundation. “This donation will help the Foundation fund many activities now and into the future, and we felt that a larger commitment will only grow the foundation into the future”,” said Gene Krepakevich, Vice[1]President of Legacy Co-op. “I’m proud to say we are a local business and we are committed to investing in local groups and organiza-

tions that will benefit all our members that live, work and play where we do” continued Krepakevich. Legacy Co-op donated $10,000 in 2020 to the Foundation and was a major contributor to the “masks for seniors” initiative last year. The Yorkton & District Community Foundation works with charities in our communities to identify local needs and to advocate for social change, works with donors who wish to make meaningful and lasting contributions to the well-being of their community, and supports charitable organizations that provide programs and services to our communities.

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Legacy Co-op Board Member Gene Krepakevich presents to Yorkton & District Community Foundation President Ray Bailey and Vice – President Andrew Rae.

Baker Tilly SK LLP makes three-year commitment to the Community Foundation Baker Tilly SK LLP, a Yorkton-based firm providing taxation, accounting, financial and management consulting and assurance services, has announced a three-year financial commitment of $10,000 to the Yorkton and District Community Foundation. The firm, which also has offices in Saskatoon, presented the Community Foundation

with $5,000, and will make donations of $2,500 in each of the next two years. The funds will be placed in the Community Foundations endowment fund, which generates annual revenue which is then used to support charities in Yorkton and district. Darcy Spilchen, CEO of Baker Tilly SK LLP, noted that the firm, which has a history in

Yorkton spanning more than 90 years, welcomes the opportunity to enhance its contributions to the community and provide for a long-term investment. “The Community Foundation has many passionate volunteers, and it is an organization we are happy to support,” Mr. Spilchen added. The donation was accepted

on behalf of the Foundation by Andrew Rae, its vice-president, who commended Baker Tilly SK LLP for its generous support. The Yorkton & District Community Foundation was launched in October 2019. It is a registered charity and a member of Community Foundations of Canada, part of a worldwide movement of community foun-

dations whose objective is to help build stronger and more vibrant communities. The purpose of the Community Foundation is to connect donors and charities in our communities to identify and address local community needs, advocate for meaningful social change and to make lasting contributions to the well-being of the community.

Chamber sees funding as positive By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Innovation Saskatchewan is committing $60,000 per year for the next two years to help propel the growth of women-led technology companies in the province. Consistent with the final report and recommendations of the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan’s Advisory Committee on the Gender Entrepreneurship Gap, this funding will support the continuation of the Founders Table program, noted a recent government release. Founders Table is a mentorship program which brings together female technology entrepreneurs to gain new business skills, knowledge, and create industry connections. Innovation Saskatchewan partnered with Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) in 2019 and 2020 to launch this initiative. “We are very excited to be announcing our continued support of the Founders Table program,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said in the release. “Building a tech ecosystem conducive for women to scale their companies is critical to the ongoing growth of Saskatchewan’s tech sector and our Government’s Growth Plan - in which we aim to triple the tech sector over the next ten years.” Juanita Polegi, Executive Director with the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce told Yorkton This Week the announcement is a positive one. “The Yorkton Chamber looks forward to promoting to its members information about the application process for Founders’ Table,” she said. “Investments in programs such as this one that support budding entrepreneurs are of great value to the business community.” According to a 2018 WESK report on women entrepreneurs, it was

found that women are highly under-represented in Canada’s tech sector, with only six per cent of founders being female. This program aims to address that gap by providing support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for female tech founders, noted the release.

“Founders Table has seen participant numbers double in its second year, with positive impacts to their business being reported, including leadership, stronger marketing, and a surge in hiring additional employees,” WESK Chief Executive Officer Prabha Mitchell said in

the release. “Support for this program will go a long way in continuing to help change under-representation in the industry.” Innovation Saskatchewan’s investment helps build a strong community of female tech founders in the province. Founders

Table will provide indepth learning sessions presented by leaders in Saskatchewan’s tech community on topics such as creating and pitching your product, connecting with customers, and accessing ecosystem supports. Applicants will be considered in August and the 10 to 15 success-

ful candidates will begin meeting in September. Founders Table members can come from anywhere in Saskatchewan but must have less than five years in business and gross revenues under $250,000. For more information, go to https://wesk.ca/programs/founders-table/

LEGACY CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION LIMITED CALL FOR DIRECTORS Legacy Co-op is part of the Co-operative Retailing System that serves more than 600 communities and more than 1.9 million members across Western Canada. Today, approximately 160 retail co-operatives own FCL, which provides central wholesaling, manufacturing and administrative services to its member-owners. Legacy Co-operative Association Limited boasts sales of more than $98 million and employs more than 225 employees. Sales outlets include a gas bar and food store in Kamsack, a food store and agro/home centre in Churchbridge, a cardlock and service centre in Theodore, an agro centre in Ebenezer, two gas bars, two cardlocks, an agro centre, a liquor store and a food store in Yorkton, cardlocks in Rhein, Esterhazy, and Langenburg and keylocks in MacNutt and Dubuc. We provide a variety of goods and services including: petroleum, food, lumber, general merchandise, crop supplies, feed, fertilizer, seed, bins and chemical. Legacy Co-operative is seeking progressive, forward thinking individuals with a good understanding of the retail climate who would like to ﬁll 3 vacancies on the Board of Directors in 2021. (Three 3 year terms) In accordance with bylaw 6.02(c) the name of each nominee to the position of director must be: 1. Submitted in writing by the nominee to the Co-operatives Nominating Committee at least 30 days before the date of the Annual General Meeting when the election will be held; and 2. Published by the Co-operative’s Nominating Committee with the notice of the Annual General Meeting Nomination papers can be picked up at any Legacy Co-operative Association Limited locations in Yorkton, Kamsack, Churchbridge, Ebenezer or Theodore or by contacting the following Committee members: Doug Barber PO Box 355, Yorkton, SK., S3N 2W1 (306) 621-9240

Kenneth Chyz 106 – 27 Erichsen Place, Yorkton, SK., S3N 3Z6 (306) 621-5687

Bruce Hansen 6 Wilson Crescent, Yorkton, SK., S3N 3Z9 (306) 786-6161

All nominations must be submitted by 5:00 pm, June 22, 2021 to the Legacy Co-operative Administration Ofﬁce 30 Argyle Street, Yorkton, SK., S3N 3Z4

Agriculture

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Rare livestock breeds worth preserving There are Sundays when I sit down to fill this space for another week, roughly the 1500th- plus such effort, when an idea eludes me. For that reason alone, I send thanks to the creators of the Internet, since a search, while at times becoming a time-sink as I follow various threads down the proverbial cyberrabbit hole, in the end something will be the germ of an idea that ends up as a column. This week I won’t suggest I had an idea, but the search I was doing had nothing to do with agriculture, but there was the obvious

thing to write about, International Heritage Breeds Week, found without even looking for it. The week is actually just past, running May 16-22, but the important thing is to have people think about the importance of maintaining rare breeds of livestock. For me, this has always been an area in interest. Old breeds, those that were the foundations upon which the current breeds of our livestock sector, have always been an interest. Interestingly, as a society we tend to rally behind efforts to save various wild animals

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels from disappearing, the black-footed ferret, burrowing owl and others, but very little public attention is given regarding livestock breeds. That is unfortunate, because there should be some pride in maintaining Lacombe hogs or Chantecler chicken,

or Canadienne cow, all breeds developed in this country. They also happen to be collectively rare these days too. They are of course only three on a rather long list of rare breeds with numbers that make one wonder if they will exist in a decade, or two. Most are maintained

by a few dedicated people raising the rare breeds in-part as a novelty, and of course in hopes of assuring they do not go extinct. Obviously the inherent traits of rare breeds do no match current consumer demands, or the genetic traits producers need to make a dollar in the general marketplace. But, that is today. Things change. Hog production today is vastly different than when I was a youngster. However, given some consumer pressure to move away from big confinement livestock, and the likelihood climate change is going to

impact crop production, and by relationship livestock production too, what will be required in 10 years? Or, 25? Or, 50? Since that question looms without a clear answer, all breeds may offer genetics we need in the future. So preserving rare breeds is important, and more attention is needed now as worldwide, about one domesticated livestock breed every month is lost to extinction, notes www. livestockconservancy. org It is something we need to pay greater attention to, and the just past week is there to reinforce that need.

SaskBarley launches new podcast to help farmers grow, market their crops May 5, 2021 – Saskatoon, SK The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) has launched a new tool to help Saskatchewan barley farmers keep up to date with the latest

information related to growing and marketing their barley crops. The first season of the Barley Bin, a podcast featuring interviews with SaskBarley staff and a variety of barley research and production

experts, is now available on the SaskBarley website. “Last year, we really had to start looking for new ways to get information out to barley farmers,” says SaskBarley Executive Director Jill

McDonald. “A podcast seemed like a great way to deliver information. Podcasts work great for farmers on the go – download and listen on the road or in the field.” Season one of the podcast focuses on informa-

tion related to disease management, barley varieties, marketing opportunities and more, says SaskBarley Research and Extension Manager Mitchell Japp. “When we were planning this podcast we

really thought about what information farmers need and when,” he says. “We are hoping this podcast will give them knowledge and tools that they can use in coming months.”

Seeding making progress before rains Producers made tremendous progress last week with 74 per cent of the 2021 crop now seeded, well ahead of the five-year average of 48 per cent (2016-2020) for this time of year. Minimal rain and fair weather across the province has allowed producers to seed without any prolonged delays. East-Central Saskatchewan: · Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas

· Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas There was very little precipitation in the region and producers were able to make great seeding progress. Seeding is up from 22 per cent last week to 63 per cent of the crop seeded to date. This is well ahead the five-year average (2016-2020) for this time of year of 27 per cent. Ninety-four per cent of the field peas, 86 per cent of the chickpeas, 77 per cent of the durum,

71 per cent of the spring wheat, 63 per cent of the barley and 51 per cent of the oats are seeded to date. Most of the region received very little to no rainfall this week. The Pelly area received the highest amount of rain with only 10 mm. The Kelvington and Rose valley areas received four mm of rain and the Jedburgh and Esterhazy areas received one mm. Hay land and pastures have been very

Whiskers & Tails Running with your dog: factors to consider Are you looking for ways you and your dog can be more active together? Here are some things to think about before you take your pet for a run.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BREED Flat-faced dogs tend to have trouble breathing and, therefore, a low tolerance to vigorous exercise and heat. Large, deep-chested breeds, on the other hand, are prone to stomach twists if they’re too active after eating. This is why it’s best to consult your veterinarian before you take your dog for a run.

PUPPIES Avoid running with your dog until it’s at least six months old. Otherwise, you risk harming the proper development of your pet’s muscles and joints. Some larger breeds may need even more time to grow.

WEATHER AND TERRAIN CONDITIONS If you run in the summer, be sure to take regular breaks so your dog can catch its breath and stay hydrated. This is crucial to prevent heat stroke. You should also avoid running during a heat wave. Additionally, remember to check your pet’s foot pads often for cuts and scratches. Depending on the season, you might also need to use booties or a balm to protect your dog’s paws. Finally, make sure you have the right equipment MPQZ]P dZ` SPLO Z`_ DZ` NLY YO L ^PWPN_TZY ZQ harnesses, leashes and running belts at your local pet store.

#5-275 BROADWAY STREET E. YORKTON

slow to green up this week with the warmer temperatures. Rain would be welcome across the region, especially to help support pasture and hay growth. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 14 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 38 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as ten per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 58 per cent very short. Overall, eighty-two per cent of the crop has been seeded in the southwest region. Seventynine per cent has been seeded in the southeast, 77 per cent seeded in both the west-central and northwest regions and 63 per cent seeded

in the east-central and northeast regions. Ninety-three per cent of field peas, 93 per cent of lentils, 83 per cent of durum, 83 per cent of chickpeas, 80 per cent of spring wheat, 78 per cent of canola and 75 per cent of barley have been seeded to date. There was scattered rainfall throughout most regions in the province this week. The Tisdale area received the highest amount at 25 mm thanks to a thunderstorm. The Christopher Lake area received 13 mm and the Pelly area received 10 mm. The rain is welcomed but more is needed to address the current extremely dry conditions throughout the province. Limited precipitation and warm windy conditions throughout the province have further

reduced topsoil moisture conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 20 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 32 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 13 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 50 per cent very short. Some farmers have halted seeding canola while they wait for rain in the forecast. Others have opted to seed wheat or other cereals instead. Very little spraying is happening in the province due to low weed emergence and strong winds making for poor spraying conditions. For many parts of the province where precipitation has been very low, crop germination has been poor and patchy.

Sports

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Trout added to local pond Local fishermen will be smiling with the news the Yorkton Wildlife Federation, a branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, has added trout to the pond at Logan Green. The local branch stocked 300 young Rainbow Trout into the pond, with the help of Bria Serdachny and Hank Little. The pond has proven a good home for trout with many overwintering in the water and anglers already catching some fine fish this spring. The pond does not require a fishing licence for those wanting to give it a try, and it is catch-andrelease, so the resource remains vibrant for others.

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City taking closer look at pumptrack By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer The City of Yorkton will take a closer look at the potential of a pumptrack in the community following a motion by Councillor Darcy Zaharia at the regular meeting of Council Monday. The idea of a pumptrack first came to Council April 26, when a trio of Yorkton residents; Lee Rusnak, James Stephenson and Todd Rusnak, appeared before the regular meeting pitching the idea. For those unfamiliar with pump tracks “a pump track is a one-to-threemetre-wide track that can be used for bicycle, skateboard, in-line skates and

scooter riders to practice skills on a series of features, such as berms and rollers placed in quick succession,” detailed their report to Council in April. “I just think it’s a really great amenity we can bring to Yorkton at a fairly reasonable price,” said Zaharia this Monday. Zaharia made a motion to have City Administration look into potential locations and the potential scope of a track project. The original presentation identified three potential locales; Heritage Heights Park, near the Gloria Hayden Recreation Centre, and Weinmaster Park, but Administration was instructed to look at other potential sites too.

The proposal put to Council showed three possible track designs based on three possible locations, with a range in costs from $150,000 to $400,000 that includes design, construction and landscaping, but not drainage. Zaharia said the funding could come from the new recreation levy (formerly a levy to pay for the Gallagher Centre expansion). Mayor Mitch Hippsley said the process would essentially be the City “just doing our homework” before a decision was formally made. But, it was clear Zaharia said a pumptrack being potentially fast-tracked. “It’s something that can go up fairly quickly,” he said, adding if the

Administration report was completed soon, a track could go forward yet this year. But, Coun. Chris Wyatt pumped the brakes on that idea, recalling that drainage was a concern in the original presentation, and noting that requires careful planning. “If we’re going to do it, plan it properly,” he said. City Manager Lonnie Kaal said the plate of projects is already rather full too. “Getting it done this year would be a bit of a challenge,” she said. The matter was left to Administration to prepare a report that would be brought back to Council later this year.

Calgarian finds place as Arrows Captain When you are a fan of a particular sport it is always great, as a journalist, when you get to interview a player from that sport. Such was the case recently when I caught up with Ben LeSage for a chat about rugby. LeSage, who was born in Calgary, currently plays centre of the Toronto Arrows of Major League Rugby, and plays for Canada on the international team including the 2019 Rugby World Cup which was held in Japan for the first time. While most boys on the Canadian Prairies still gravitate to hockey, baseball and football, LeSage, 25, said he started playing rugby at a young age. “Rugby sort of runs in the family,” he said in a telephone interview from Atlanta where the Arrows are playing this season do to COVID-19 issues crossing the border. He explained his grandfather had been a driving force in the

Barrie Rugby Club in Ontario, and his father played too. “I was put into rugby at eight, or nine years old.” It might have been genetics that gave him his start in the game, but it also proved a good fit. “I grew up definitely loving rugby,” he said, even as he explored hockey, soccer and football as a youth. After graduating, LeSage enrolled at the University of British Columbia where he gravitated to the rugby pitch. “I just sort of showed up asking to play,” he said. LeSage not only played, he exceled, playing not just college but for Canada too. He made his international debut for Canada against Romania in November 2016. At the time LeSage said he didn’t exactly see rugby as a career path since the MLR had not yet launched, but he did have a spot on

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports Team Canada for the World Championships in Japan as a goal thinking “wouldn’t that be great.” Things changed with the creation of MLR, a league that LeSage looks at as “vitally important” for the growth of the game in Canada and the development of talent for the national team. “I don’t think that surprises anybody. It (the MLR) builds depth.” LeSage said in the past Canada would have five or six players who might be looked at as elite. “The rest kind of had domestic jobs and played rugby on the side,” so if an elite player was hurt, the depth

wasn’t there to fill the hole, he said. The MLR, and in particular the Arrows, where the majority of the roster is Canadian, has players getting invaluable experience to become better rugby players. And, scattered around the league are players already shining. LeSage is co-captain of the Arrows beside fellow Canuck Lucas Rumble. Other Canadians to be named Captains on their teams include the New England Free Jacks, with Josh Larsen, Rugby ATL with Matt Heaton, and Kyle Baillie with NOLA Gold.

Overall, the level of play in the MLR is getting better as it goes which helps too, noted LeSage. “I think it’s definitely come a long way,” he said, adding it might not match the intensity of international test matches, but it is getting close to other pro leagues around the world. He added you only need to look at MLR rosters to see a growing list of international players who have played for their countries to appreciate the talent being attracted. As for the Arrows, it is an interesting season playing home games in Atlanta, which LeSage said immerses players in the game so “it’s almost hard to escape the game ... It’s rugby almost 24/7.” That can be good for team building and working on things for games, but there are times being able to get away from teammates and the sport is good over a long season too.

“It’s more challenging to be on the road all the time. It’s mentally tougher to just disconnect ... You don’t have that network of people outside rugby.” On the field it’s tough too, with every team being a challenge, a challenge that the arrows have met at times this season, and at others have faltered in meeting. “It goes back to the quality of the league, any given weekend you’re not surprised on team beats another,” said LeSage. While confident the Arrows will be in the mix come playoff time, LeSage also has goals with the Canadian National Team, starting with qualifying for the next World Cup, which would have the team playing in France in 2023. “There’s a lot of work to do,” offered LeSage, adding the team will give it their best to be there.

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SENIORS Our Monthly Feature

...For Seniors and about Seniors

New Horizons eager to serve and keep history alive Since the late 1960’s the New Horizons Seniors Centre has provided seniors from the Yorkton area and across Western Canada with activities for their entertainment. The organization for people 65 and older can owe some of its beginning to the George Morris family, who owned its first-ever headquarters. Peter Legebokoff, the president of the Yorkton New Horizons Seniors Centre, said that without the Morris family, the New Horizons Centre might not be what it is today. “The family were early sponsors and supporters for the New Horizons Senior Citizens. They (New Horizons) used that building as their first headquarters, and they used it for a number of years.” The Morris’s contribution to the Yorkton New Horizons didn’t stop there. “The building only had limited sustainability, so the New Horizons Senior Citizens wanted a bigger, more sustainable premises, but they didn’t have the money,” said Legebokoff. “George and Helen Morris they loaned the group $25,000 for the down payment for the place (the current loca-

tion), and they provided an interest-free mortgage, and in 1976, the hall was purchased by the New Horizons.” The hall, which was first built in 1953 and used by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has had quite the makeover in its 68-year history. “Over the years that the New Horizon has been here to improve the building and did major updates to the building, and today you see a hall that has been renovated and upgraded numerous times with the help of grants from Ottawa, community donations, and the Painted Hand Casino.” Legebokoff adds that the most recent upgrades saw new maple flooring installed and the complete repainting and redecoration of the upper level, entirely new paint with most upgrades thanks to a donation from Vivian Murphy and money the New Horizons has saved up. While the buildings have been changed and upgraded, so have the activities that have been offered. Once, it was cards, bingo, and small social dances, with the building being used for public education for senior citizens. Now Legebokoff said that the

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A look at a dance happening before the hall was renovated card and bingo players have disappeared as those seniors moved into places like retirement homes. “The New Horizons Centre has had to react and adapt to these changing times and deliver the kinds of services and activities and that people need and want,” he said. “Another major change that we are confronted with is the changing demographic. The senior citizens of yesterday are pretty much gone, and the future senior citizens were yesterday’s baby boomers. Their needs, wants, aspirations, and expectations are going to be quite different from what was delivered to senior citizens of the past. The new generation of senior citi-

zens will be expecting a different kind of level of activities.” Legebokoff said that the pandemic has just accelerated these changes, and he expects that once things open back up, the New Horizon Centres will have to reinvent themselves. He says that the biggest challenge they face in the future is adapting to the new seniors. You will be looking to them for something to do in the community. Legebokoff said before the pandemic; he felt that the organization was in a very good place. “This was a well-managed, well-run organization; the volunteer administrators had always performed very well here, and we had

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good financial reserves, we could survive the shock of the pandemic, and the lost revenue and adapt to that,” he said. “Things like the public and social dancing will no doubt continue here because it was a very popular event. We are just waiting for the time when we can hold crowded-based events again, and there will probably be a continued demand and interest; in doing that here.” As for during the pandemic, it has been a quiet time, but they have never stopped looking and planning for when they are able to return to their services to the seniors, something Legebokoff is hopeful could happen by the fall. Legebokoff said he feels the Yorkton New Horizons Senior Centre is important because it gives seniors something to do, but it also is keeping a piece of Yorkton history alive. “It has served the

needs of seniors citizens in Yorkton and related groups, and it’s important to maintain this organization because needs will arise, evolve, and the New Horizons Senior Citizens has the experience and the capacity to meet these needs, some of which haven’t yet been identified. We will keep going, because we are also interested in maintaining this building, this hall, because it has elements of a heritage building, and it would be a pity if it would to disappear from the face of the year, but it has a role to play right now, and we are willing to maintain it’s operation. If it wasn’t for the senior citizens of Yorkton, this hall might have very well been shut down years ago and become a parking lot. We are interested in maintaining it as a characterbuilding and also serving the needs of the community for activities and social events.”

A sure sign The burial service for the elderly woman climaxed with a massive clap of thunder, followed by a bolt of lightning, accompanied by even more thunder. “Well,” said her husband to the shaken pastor when all the commotion ending, “she’s there.”

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just for SENIORS

May 2021

How to garden from a wheelchair Gardening is a wonderful activity that people from all walks of life enjoy. A garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables and/or beautiful blooms can instill a sense of pride in gardeners and turn their backyards into colorful, peaceful respites. Anyone with the will to do so can plant their own garden, and that includes people who are confined to wheelchairs. Gardening from a wheelchair may present some unique challenges, but such obstacles are no reason for wheelchair-bound gardening enthusiasts to steer clear of this rewarding activity. In recognition of the challenges

of gardening from a wheelchair, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation offers the following tips to wheelchairbound gardening enthusiasts. · Match the garden to your abilities. Try to push beyond your limits can affect how much you enjoy gardening. Address issues that may impair how you can function in the garden, such as accessibility. For example, if the garden is far away from the physical structure of your home, you may feel exhausted by the time you get to the garden, which can affect your productivity and progress. Prior to starting a garden, consider the potential that such issues may arise and then try to build a

garden that makes it easy to overcome them. · Consider raised beds. When designing such beds, make sure they’re narrow so they can be conveniently accessed from your wheelchair. · Consider hanging baskets. Hanging baskets also can be a great option for anyone gardening from a wheelchair. Hanging baskets can provide aesthetic appeal inside and outside of a home, and such baskets can be accessed with a pulley system that makes it easy for gardeners to prune and water plants. · Use specialized tools. Such tools make it easier for people in wheelchairs to indulge their passion for planting.

Adaptive tools like trowels, cultivators and hoes can make it easier for gardeners to perform all the standard gardening tasks. Ergonomic adaptive gardening tools can help gardeners avoid the joint pain that can arise from using more traditional, non-ergonomic tools. · Make it a team effort. Gardening with a loved one can make the hobby even more enjoyable for anyone, including people gardening from their wheelchairs. Seniors can garden alongside their grandchildren and/or friends who also have mobility issues, ensuring no one gets too tired or falls behind. Anyone can enjoy gardening, and that includes people in wheelchairs.

How to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom. The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions. Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down. The risk of falling in a bathroom increases with age. Seniors over age 65 have a 25 percent chance of falling in the bathroom. Seniors gener-

ally have less flexibility and balance than younger people, meaning falls can be life-threatening. Bones easily can become fractured and internal

bleeding may occur in serious cases. Bathrooms can be made more safe in a few simple ways. · Keep the bathtub clean. Soap residue or

other grime can contribute to slippery conditions in the shower and tub. Cleaning these surfaces frequently can improve traction.

· Declutter the space. Remove extraneous items from the bathroom that can pose as tripping hazards. · Choose the right bath mat. Bath mats can contribute to slips and falls. For those who cannot live without them, choose a mat with slip-resistant backings and add doublefaced tape for added security. · Limit moisture. Use a weighted shower curtain or install shower doors to prevent water from getting on the floor. Mop up any water or additional condensation to help dry the bathroom. Install an exhaust fan to help vent moisture that can condense and accumulate on the floor and fixtures. · Improve bathroom lighting. Make sure lighting in the bathroom illuminates all areas.

· Wear non-slip shoes. Wearing non-slip shoes when in the bathroom can reduce the chances of slipping on wet floors. · Install a walk-in shower or bathtub. These lipless fixtures can assist those who have difficulty entering a standard tub or shower. Grab bars also can help with maneuvering in and out of the shower area. · Use a raised toilet seat. A raised toilet, or one with a special seat that reduces the distance one has to go to reach a seated position, may help prevent falls. Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls.

The advantages of RV travel Individuals who are approaching retirement or those who already have said goodbye to the working world may find they are ready to make some life changes. Travel is something many older adults enjoy when they have much more free time to see the sights. Recreational vehicles are great ways for people to get out and about. An RV is more than just a way to get around; for many people it becomes a lifestyle. There have been more RVs on the road in recent years, and there are now more facilities to accommodate them. Individuals considering if the RV lifestyle is for them can refer to this list of RVing benefits. · Inexpensive travel (or living): RVers may be attracted by the idea

of low-cost travel that doesn’t involve hotels and airfare and greatly reduces their reliance on restaurants while traveling. RVs can be rented for roughly $100 to $500 per day, and RV parks usually run between $35 and $50 per night. To keep the costs down even more, certain truck stops, big box retailers, churches, hotels, movie theaters, casinos, rest stops and other roadside locations will allow free overnight parking. Just verify before staying to avoid being ticketed. · Freedom to come and go: When traveling in an RV, there are no set check-in-/check-out times to follow or boarding times to meet. RV travel can be strictly on your schedule. · Plenty of help: Others who have embraced the

RV lifestyle tend to be very friendly and ready to make new acquaintances at campgrounds and other stops. Those with more experience may be willing to share their expertise and pitch in to offer tips for better excursions.

· Creature comforts: People who vacation or choose to live in their RVs tend to keep familiar items and essentials on hand. Those can include preferred linens, clothing, toiletries, books, games, and more. When taking such items along, there’s no need to pack and unpack much for any trip. · Follow the weather: If desired, RVers can pick up and follow the jet stream. If 70-degree days are your thing, then follow those temperatures coast-to-coast. If you like skiing or snowboarding, you can head to colder climates. · Downsize: RVs are available across a wide range of price points. So if the idea is to trade in a stationary house for an RV, you may be able to do so for as little as $6,000 to

as much as $500,000. The RV lifestyle may attract soon-to-be retir-

ees. There are various advantages to getting on board.

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May 2021

Seniors, patients, astronauts will all benefit from new USask research on bone health By Sarath Peiris for USask Research Profile and Impact S A S K A T O O N – A University of Saskatchewan (USask) team led by kinesiology professor Saija Kontulainen has been awarded $200,000 by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to research whether aerobic and resistance exercises can prevent bone loss associated with fat accumulation in muscles and bone marrow due to inactivity. The findings will help to reduce falls and fractures caused by weakened muscles and bones in older Canadians, aid in the recovery of COVID19 patients and others confined to prolonged bed rest after injury or surgery, and guide measures to maintain the bone health of astronauts during space flight. Kontulainen’s study, which focuses on bone and muscle health, is part of a 17-month

national project funded by CIHR to understand the health impacts of inactivity. Eight university teams across Canada have each been awarded $200,000 to study the effects of a 14-day bed rest period on the brains and cardiovascular and other physiological systems in a total of 24 volunteers—12 men and 12 women. “This project is unique because, for the first time, participants are in the 55-to-65 age group while previous bed rest studies involved only young people,” said Kontulainen. “With one-quarter of Canada’s population expected to be seniors by 2035, it’s important to understand mechanisms that cause bone deterioration through aging and inactivity.” Researchers from across Canada will get a unique opportunity to look at new scientific knowledge involving impacts of inactivity on different aspects of

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human physiology, and then combine data to look at the associations between body systems, she said. The team from McGill University, where the study will take place starting early next year, will lead the data collection and exercise intervention during bed rest for all eight teams. The Canadian Frailty Network and the Canadian Space Agency are partnering with CIHR on the Health Impacts of Inactivity project. Six males and six females will be randomly assigned either to an exercise or control group, each consisting of 12 participants at the McGill University Health Centre. Participants in the exercise group will do daily cycling and resistance training to strengthen muscles

terms of musculoskeletal health, inactivity, weightlessness, and lack of loading stimulus (from weight-bearing exercise) lead to bone loss. But we don’t know how bone tissue is altered, the mechanisms underpinning this change, or the mechanisms that exercise can counteract,” she said. “If we are able to discover that fat accumulation is linked to bone deterioration, we can then target the mechanism that makes bone more fragile with countermeasures like exercise, and test other interventions such as nutritional or pharmacological therapies, or a combination of these.” The USask group is employing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to look at both bone marrow and muscle adi-

posity, and link it to bone porosity. Researchers are also measuring bone structure in very fine detail to see if porosity is increasing, and whether these changes differ between exercise and control groups. What Kontulainen finds particularly exciting the opportunity to test the performance of a portable MRI prototype, which was developed in team member Gordon Sarty’s lab for use on the International Space Station, against the data obtained from top-of-theline MRIs in use today. “If the portable tool is shown to capture similar changes in muscle and bone, it can be used not only on space missions to the Moon or Mars, but in remote and rural areas in Canada and around the world,” she said.

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in their arms and legs, while the control group will get no exercise. Researchers will measure bone porosity (tiny holes in the bone), along with muscle and bone marrow fat in the calves, thighs and forearms of all participants, before and after bed rest. Follow-up testing at two weeks and two months after the study will help determine how quickly, or if, the bones and muscles of participants are recovering. Kontulainen’s team is testing two hypotheses. First, that inactivity increases fat accumulation (adiposity) in muscle and marrow, as well as porosity in bone. Second, that exercise intervention will prevent or reduce these negative changes in muscle and bone due to inactivity. “We know that in

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ties. Furthermore, certain communities provide niche offerings for people who are looking for something even a little more different. Eligibility to live in these communities varies, but generally speaking one resident in the home must be age 55 or older. According to research by TRI Pointe Homes, of the 75 million people who comprise the Baby Boomer generation who are eligible for age-qualified communities, more than 32 million would consider living in such a community. The website 55places. com, which specializes in promoting age-restricted communities, indicates Florida has the most age-restricted communities in the country, followed by New Jersey. Arbutus Ridge Seaside Community for Active Adults was the first comprehensive retirement community built in Canada. Choosing an agerestricted community requires consideration of a host of factors, including the amenities residents most desire and the cost of a facility. The following factors can help people decide which community is most suitable for them. · Style of home: Homes built in retirement communities are designed to be comfortable and convenient for aging residents. Many are singlefloor units. Certain communities may be comprised of apartments,

condos or townhouses, while others may be single, detached residences. · Amenities: When comparing age-restricted communities, consider the amenities available. Do they include on-site dining, transportation, travel assistance, pools, fitness centers, walking trails, or outdoor sports facilities? Some communities have “aging in place” amenities, which means residents can move from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care as their needs change. Make a list of interests and then match them to a community that can fit your needs. · Costs: Costs vary considerably. Consider the community’s location and what is being offered, as these factors will affect costs. In addition to rent or mortgages, most communities also have

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monthly maintenance or homeowners association fees that need to be compared and considered. Read contracts carefully to see which other costs are included. · Specialized features: Unique men and women call for unique communities. If standard age-restricted communities do not fit the bill, 55places.com says there are specialized offerings for people who spend retirement in an RV; desire homes that align with their heritage; communities just for postal workers; or communities tied to a local college to continue lifelong learning. Age-restricted retirement communities are evolving and many specialize in catering to active lifestyles. Cost-cutting measures Recently, a man walked into my barbershop and asked how much for a haircut. “Eight dollars,” I answered. “And for a shave?” “Five dollars.” “All right,” he said, settling into the barber chair. “Shave my head.”

just for SENIORS - IN PRINT AND ONLINE MONTHLY We want your feedback. Do you have a story idea or know a senior who should be highlighted? Contact us by phone 306-782-2465 or email sales@yorktonthisweek.com

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ART • ENTERTAINMENT • COMMUNITY

Bird feeding gets a new guide By Calvin Daniels

Staff Writer Backyard feeding of wild birds has long been an activity embraced by Canadians. In fact, 8.4 million Canadian households (61.5 per cent) buy wild bird feed, according to a new book Backyard Bird Feeding: A Saskatchewan Guide. It also notes Canadians are 1.8 times more likely to regularly buy wild bird feed than Americans. Authors Trevor Herriot and Myrna Pearman suggest feeding wild birds is simply a good thing to do. “To feed birds in a mild-continental temperate place like Saskatchewan is to reach out a hand toward the untamed dramas outside our windows, where the short intense lives of wild creatures play out in all weathers,” they write in the introduction. The past year, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the hobby has garnered extra interest. “In the dark days of winter, and especially this year when most of us find ourselves at home, people are more than ever taking solace and inspiration from birds and doing all they can to attract them within. Chickadee, nuthatch, and woodpecker: they arrive on their own schedules, each a kind of gift, and we reciprocate by feeding them. It is one interchange with the world that feels right, that is neither extractive nor exploitive,” they continue in the introduction. It’s not a new activity either. “For thousands of years before Richardson travelled through what is now central and northern Saskatchewan, and then wrote those words about the Canada Jay (“Whisky Jack” is an anglicized form of the Cree name for the species, Wiskicahk)) hunting people in this part of the world were living with birds as part of their daily round. People have always fed birds, or rather, birds long ago found ways to get people to share their food. Jays, chickadees, magpies and ravens gathering at a hunter’s kill;

pigeons and starlings in Europe and Asia feeding on grain – incidental bird feedings has a long history.” But, why the book at this time? “The book was Myrna Pearman’s idea -- she had written a similar book for Alberta and suggested we do one together for Saskatchewan,” explained Herriot who has always lived in Saskatchewan, all over the prairie as a kid but mostly in the Aspen Parkland region. “That was a couple of years ago, but when the pandemic forced people to stay home and they started to notice the birds, some for the first time, we knew it was the right time to do it.” Finally, the book became a reality added Herriot who noted his “fondest memories are of living in Tantallon in the Eastern Qu’Appelle Valley and in Esterhazy.” He said the book had a simple enough reason for finally being written. “We hope that, by connecting people to the birds in their neighbourhood, farms and gardens, this book will in a small way contribute to the work of transforming the way humanity regards and values the wild creatures with whom we share the earth,” he said, quoting for the book’s introduction. Herriot, who has authored a number of books – having spoke in Yorkton on the release of some of those, noted “the craft of writing books, you learn by reading and imitating the kinds of writing you love. For me it has been mostly

American authors, from Henry David Thoreau to Aldo Leopold, Wallace Stegner, Barry Lopez, and Peter Matthiessen.” But working with a coauthor is an experience of its own. “When you work on a book together as Myrna and I did, it is a lot of going back and forth on email, after having decided who would do what,” said Herriot. “As well as being an excellent writer and photographer, Myrna is a very congenial, pleasant person to work with so it was not difficult in the least. “And it helps that she is far and away the expert on the topic of backyard birdfeeding. If there was any question of content or decisions to make on this or that aspect of bird feeding, I simply deferred to Myrna. I do not know anyone anywhere who knows more about how to attract birds to your yard and living space.” With Pearman providing expertise the book came together rather smoothly, note Herriot. “This was not a difficult book to write, mostly because I had Myrna and her knowledge to lean on, but I would say the part I liked least was the proof-reading and copyediting,” he said. “I am really bad at it and tend to miss a lot of things or be a bit too careless.” But, what then is the best part of the book. “I think the best part of the book -- other than the writing and the wealth of knowledge from Canada’s top wild bird-feeding expert, Myrna Pearman -- is the outstanding selection

Submitted Photo

The book was dedicated to the late Mary Houston, formerly of Yorkton.

of photos it includes,” offered Herriot. “The photo editor (my daughter Maia) and I chose the final 331 images from more than 850 submissions that came in from 66 of Saskatchewan and Alberta’s finest bird photographers. We could not be more pleased with the quality of photos in the book.” The photos include several from Yorkton’s Morley Maier. So the co-authors like what they created. “I think Myrna and I are very proud of the book, and we are grateful to have the chance to work with Nature Saskatchewan, one of the province’s most important conservation organizations, which of course traces its origins to Yorkton and Isabel Priestly,” said Herriot. Yorkton actually figures prominently in terms of Saskatchewan and birds. The book notes prior to the 1930s several community-based groups had formed around nature and birding. “What all these clubs needed was a publication to bring them together. That publication came in the 1940s when an upstart club in Yorkton began mimeographing “The Blue Jay, Official Bulletin of the Yorkton Natural History Society.” The Fall 1945 issue contained the following tips on feeding birds: “A most satisfactory ‘bird cake’ can be made by mixing weed seeds gathered at the threshing machine, with melted suet. When hard, it can be broken into pieces and tied with

string to the trees or clothes’ line,” details the book. The legacy continues “... Nature Saskatchewan and its many affiliates around the province continue to foster an interest in birds and bird conservation today. Blue Jay keeps members and the general public informed of emerging issues, interesting observations, and the latest science, while Nature Saskatchewan’s publishing arm produces important books, including Birds of Saskatchewan, an exhaustive 768-page compendium covering 437 species of birds.” The book is also dedicated to the late Mary Houston who taught for three years at the former Yorkton Collegiate Institute spending about 12 years in the city and marrying Stuart Houston during that time, were historians, authors and researchers. “She supported Nature Saskatchewan throughout her adult life and wrote many articles for Blue Jay, including three decades of reports on the province’s Christmas Bird Counts published in every March issue,” notes the dedication. Houston also organized and monitored “a 322-kilometre (200 mile) long bluebird nestbox trail from the late 1960s to 2005, she banded 8,000 bluebirds and more than 18,000 tree swallows.” “The Bluebird trail was started by the Brandon Junior Naturalists in 1959 (or 1961) and extended

through to Broadview,” explained Herriot. “Lorne Scott started up in 1963 to connect from Indian Head to Broadview, and west to about Raymore. The Houston’s started their 200 km section out of Saskatoon in 1968, and connected at Raymore.” As for the book, it has a rather large potential audience. “Myrna and I wrote the book for people on farms and in towns and cities -- both those who have always loved the birds and the thousands who, living under the pandemic restrictions, have just begun to notice them passing through their yards and farm sites,” said Herriot. “We are hoping that the tips and advice in the book will help them not only attract birds but identify them as well, because it includes a section with accounts of the 72 species that are most likely to show up at feeders in the province.” The book is available directly through the publisher Nature Saskatchewan for $19.99 (online store: https://www. naturesask.ca/store/en/ publications/backyardbirdfeeding-a-saskatchewan-guide) and at the following outlets: Turning the Tide books, McNally Robinson Booksellers, Wild Birds Unlimited and Early Farm and Garden in Saskatoon, The Penny University (bookstore) in Regina, DDK Pets in Moose Jaw, and Pharmasave in Esterhazy.

Submitted Photo by Morley Maier

Male Pine Grosbeaks are crimson, while the females and young males are gray with a rusty orange tinge to their crowns, necks and rumps. Pine Grosbeaks are regular winter feeder visitors in both northern and central Saskatchewan. In winters when they come south, they usually arrive near the end of October and stay until mid-March. Pine Grosbeaks sing a series of pleasant, warbling flute-like notes, even during the winter. Pine Grosbeaks dine almost exclusively on sunflower seeds served from ground or tray feeders. They have also been reported eating wild bird mixes.

Submitted Photo by Morley Maier

Snow Buntings, often called Snowbirds, are regular and usually abundant winter visitors to Saskatchewan. Always seen in flocks, they are black-and-white birds, tinged with rusty brown during early winter. In the spring, this rust colour wears offs to reveal their brilliant black-and-white breeding plumage. Their spring song is a high-pitched trill.

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Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Photos courtesy Jennifer Lindgren

Covering big acres Until the weekend ‘icestorm’, accompanying rain, and cool, cloudy weather, seeding in the region had progressed well this spring. The most recent provincial Crop Report noted that producers had made tremendous progress the previous week with 74 per cent of the 2021 crop now seeded, well ahead of the five-year average of 48 per cent (2016-2020) for this time of year. In the East-Central Region seeding was up

from 22 per cent last week to 63 per cent of the crop seeded to date. This is well ahead the five-year average (20162020) for this time of year of 27 per cent. When the weather co-operates, a lot of acres can be seeded in a day on many farms based on the size, and scale of modern equipment, such as what is used at Lindgren Farms near Norquay.

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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, May 26, 2021

A17

Mixed weather makes plant hardy Well, it’s springtime in Saskatchewan! After the mixed bag of weather last week, our gardens will be hardy for whatever comes our way! One thing we noticed was how the trees seemed to leaf out almost overnight. What a glorious sight to see, those delicate green leaves after a long, stark winter landscape. Trees are something we quite often take for granted in our garden landscape. Some friends moved to a new house, and within weeks of moving there, were planning on taking out several of the major trees in the yard. My urging may have fallen on deaf ears, but I suggested that they wait a year before taking such a

drastic step. Why? It makes sense to go through the seasons and see what effect the trees have in the yard. If they are diseased or dangerously close to the house structure, that’s one thing. But if they are nicely set in the landscape, my thoughts are to “wait and see”. It’s important to see how the trees block the wind in winter, or shade the house in summer. Trees provide a surprising block of traffic noise. They make the air cooler around a house. If the tree is on a slope, it protects the earth from eroding away. And of course, they provide a habitat for a variety of birds all year long, and taking that away can make a yard

DEBBIE HAYWARD YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook surprisingly desolate. You may have read, once upon a time, about Arbor Day. Arbor Day began in 1872 in Nebraska, but was championed in many places, including Canada, in the following years. In Canada, it began in Quebec in 1883, and since then has been important recognition of the benefits of trees. Trees give us a bounty

of gifts: cleaner air, provide oxygen, provide food, give shade, shelter for wildlife, reduce wind speed and cool the air, prevent soil erosion, and provide material for shelter. Did you know that a mature tree will remove almost fifty pounds of carbon dioxide from the air, and give us fresh oxygen instead? Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of

four. And we haven’t even begun to talk about how trees beautify not only our yards and gardens, but our towns and cities. Arbor Day 2021 will be proclaimed starting Friday, May 28 and then Arbor Week will continue until June 6. Whether you plant a tree on your own or as part of a group, this event creates an awareness of the importance of trees. If your garden or yard has the space, consider planting a tree, or even a shrub, during Arbor Week. Do it to beautify your yard, attract the birds, provide delicious fruit in future years, or as a remembrance of someone dear. Your yard will take on a whole new

dimension with a stunning new tree. It’s hard to believe that we have not met in more than a year, but the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society is still not having meetings. We had a Zoom meeting last week, and everyone certainly misses getting together to exchange garden ideas. But for now, please check out our website at www.yorktonhort.ca and see interesting garden photos and news. Thank you to our friends at Yorkton This Week for their continued excellence in bringing us local news. Let’s pray for health for all and good gardening weather ahead. Have a great week!

Sometimes it takes a fire to remember Last night I stood on the shoulder of the highway just a few hundred yards from our home, watching a wildfire threaten our local hospital and care facility. Flames leapt high over trees, higher with each gust of wind. The sky bled. Fire scared the Hell out of me another time, long ago. I was six, and pondering eternity. The certainty of burning in hellfire if I refused the offer of Jesus Christ’s rescue chased me from my bed. The Holy Spirit’s firm finger on my soul propelled me down the narrow stairs from my attic bedroom to where my mother stood at her ironing board. One of those practical old-fashioned ones stored behind a narrow door in the wall. In tears, I blurted my fears. Mom gave me countless gifts over the fifty-eight years we shared on earth. Love. Acceptance. Grace. Humour. A pattern to follow. But her greatest gift remains the prayer she prayed with me that night. A prayer that guaranteed, on God’s authority, we could share eternity in heaven. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him, should not perish, but have life everlasting (John

Time to watch for ticks

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 3: 16)” she reminded me. Mother knew how to pray, though she did most of that in private. But we prayed aloud together that night. Even at six a child knows right from wrong and my prayer trembled with pleas for forgiveness for my contrary ways. Hers lilted with gentle guidance and gratitude for Christ’s love and acceptance. When we rose from kneeling at our old kitchen chair, I felt new. Cleansed. At peace. I’ve bought tickets to far-away places in the world, but that night I accepted a free one to an entirely

With the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, the Ministry of Health reminds Saskatchewan residents to be vigilant and monitor for ticks on themsMost ticks found in Saskatchewan are the American dog tick. This species is active from midApril to the end of July and cannot transmit Lyme disease to people. Blacklegged ticks, which can cause Lyme disease, are rare in Saskatchewan. Introduced by

different destiny. “If anyone is in Christ,” the Bible says, “they are a new creation. Old things have disappeared. All things become new.” I floated back up the attic stairs; a child rescued from Hell’s flames. I knew it to my core. That evening became a milestone. A tower. A rock of remembrance I cling to. I have had doubts. Sometimes my childlike faith seems too simple, even silly. I have looked, at times, for more complicated answers to the existential problems of life and eternity. There are none. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” is at once the most profound and most simple solution. And always that firm and loving finger on my soul reminds me who I am and to whom I belong. That step of faith has sustained and guided me throughout life’s countless up and downs. It has also assured me that God has a place for me on Heaven’s sweet shores, with my beloveds who have reached there first. I have no more fear of eternal flames. Sometimes it takes a fire, here and now, to remind me from what I have been rescued. The fire that threatened my city was hard-fought and won. Today, thank God, we are all safe.

migratory birds in early spring, blacklegged ticks mature into adults and remain active throughout fall, particularly in tall grass, brush, or wooded areas. In April of last year, the Government of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, launched eTick (www.etick.ca), an image-based tick identification platform. After a successful first year,

eTick has replaced the mail-in tick surveillance program, and acceptance of unsolicited mail-in tick submissions is discontinued this year. Saskatchewanians can submit photographs of ticks found on humans or animals using the eTick online system to receive timely identification of the type of tick that attached to a person, pet, or livestock animal and information on the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases.

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

Destiny International Christian Assembly

72 Melrose Avenue • PHONE 306-786-6840 Senior Pastors Des & Cheryl Klingspon Employment Program 306-786-1840

Establishing Ministries and Releasing Destinies

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

Every Sunday - Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Every Wednesday - Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. Last Friday of each month - Prayer Meeting at 7 p.m. For more information please phone 306-782-2427

• Contemporary Worship • Children’s Ministry • Youth Ministry phclc.org “Changing our world with the love of God.”

Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church 89 Bradbrooke Drive, Yorkton, SK S3N 2Y2 306-782-2998 Father Michael Faryna 306-601-9043 We have resumed Church Services Sunday, May 30th

Free Pentecostal Church 20 BRADBROOKE AVE. Pastor E. Richardson

306-783-5663

Services: • Sunday, 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. • Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Listen to CJGX Radio every Sunday at 8:45 a.m.

109 Maple Avenue, Yorkton Senior Pastors Dag & Bukky Lawale

“A Place of New Beginnings”

St. Andrew’s United Church SECOND AVENUE AND SMITH STREET OFFICE 306-783-4157 MINISTER REV. JEN DRESSER

Website: http://www.standrewsyorkton.ca Facebook: St. Andrew’s United Church

Westview United Church 355 Bradbrooke Drive www.westview.ca • 306-783-3063 Westview is on summer break for the month of June Join us for worship services online at westviewuc.ca Minister: Rev. Deborah Smith

St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church 155 CATHERINE STREET 306-783-4594 Conducted by Ukrainian Redemptorist Fathers Phone 306-783-4594 or 306-783-7778

Please check out our website (standrewsyorkton.ca) for further

Saturday - 5 p.m. (English) Sunday - 9 a.m. (Ukrainian) - 11 a.m. (English)

information or call the church office at 306-783-4157.

SICK CALLS ANYTIME—BAPTISM AND MARRIAGE BY APPOINTMENT

Sunday Services are being held on Zoom (landline/cell phone or online), Facebook and YouTube. All services can also be viewed through Facebook and YouTube at a later date as well.

Church of God in Christ

St. Mark The Evangelist

MENNONITE, AT SALTCOATS Pastor Laurel Wiebe — 306-898-2099 Pastor Tim Warkentin — 306-744-8133

“Services In English”

All services and activities are cancelled until further notice. Please contact Pastor Laurel or Pastor Tim for further inquiries. EVERYONE WELCOME

Orthodox Church (OCA) 160 Betts Ave, Yorkton, Sask www.stmarkyorkton.ca

Saturday, May 29th - Vespers 6:00 PM Sunday, May 30th Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM “Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!”

Priest: Rodion Luciuk Phone: 306-786-6216 Cell: 306-621-5341 Limited space due to Covid-19, call to conﬁrm attendance

Gratitude, Contentment and Anxiety “This is the day that the Lord had made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” --Psalm 118:24

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Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Classifieds 306ͳ782ͳ2465

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DEADLINES: Wednesday Edition, 4 p.m. Monday Marketplace, 4 p.m. Tuesday

In Memoriam RAULIUK - John - May 14, 1967 and Nellie - February 16, 1990. KLEWCHUK - John - July 23, 1970 and Anna - May 23, 1992. In loving memory of our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, brothers and sisters. You gave us many things in life Gifts both great and small But most of all, you gave us LOVE The Greatest Gift of All. -Lovingly remembered and missed by Iris, Tyrone, Ty Jr., Carla, Donald, Brendan, Cassidy, Cherie and Cody.

EMMANUEL OYSTRECK May 25 Love, your family Notices / Nominations Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649-1405 for details.

Houses for Sale BEAUTIFUL 2 or 3 bedroom townhouse; 1200 sq.ft., close to schools & hospital. Pictures can be viewed on Kijiji under Houses For Rent Yorkton. Call George at 306-537-3228 or Trevor 306-6205958.

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2 BEDROOM Apartment with balcony. Pets Allowed. Available Immediately. Phone Shelby 780-2083337. Need someone to fill a position in your business, phone This Week classified ad desk, 306-782-2465 and find the right person for your need.

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

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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 $30,000 Lump sum refund.

8 3/4” x 24 1/2” x 27’ 2 x 10 Laminated Beam. 306-641-4987. BURIAL PLOT Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Garden of Crucifixion. Will hold one casket with two cremations or 4 cremation burials. 306-890-0571.

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1-844-453-5372 Janitorial LOOKING FOR worker for general maintenance, 10-15 hours per week, Monday to Saturday starting at 6pm. Call 306-782-2363 and leave a message. Have your resume ready.

Lawn & Garden I DO rototilling of gardens grass with walk behind rear and I do lawn mowing with mower or my mower. Phone 782-9131 or 306-621-9783.

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

FOR SALE: 2 bedroom suites, chesterfield & chair, 2 rocker recliners, and hide-a-bed. Phone 306-782-7258.

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Services for Hire BUILDING NEW, Doing Renos, need repairs. Over 20yrs. experience. Able to do framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, tape, texture, paint, flooring. Specialize in walk-in tile showers, finish carpentry, windows & doors, siding, decks. Will travel. Guaranteed workmanship. Call Glen 306-6414987.

FOR RENT: 2 bedroom duplex. Fridge & stove, full basement, washer & dryer. No Smoking or pets. Only mature person or couple need apply. Rent plus utilities on Circlebrooke Dr. Phone 306-783-6922.

Houses For Rent BEAUTIFUL 2 or 3 bedroom townhouse; 1200 sq.ft., close to schools & hospital. Pictures can be viewed on Kijiji under Houses For Rent Yorkton. Call George at 306-537-3228 or Trevor 306-3166878. 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. TAKING APPLICATIONS for a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house. Double car detached garage, air, all appliances. Location 15 Delaere Dr. Great location near park and school. Available June 11. Asking $1,400/month plus utilities. References required. No smoking indoors, No Pets. Phone/text 306641-5909.

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

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

For Sale - Misc FOR SALE: Yard Machines Y765 Advanced starting technology for parts. Phone 306-782-9131 or 306-621-9783. Give your tight budget a little relief. Make some extra cash by selling the items you no longer need with a low-cost, fastacting Yorkton This Week and Marketplace Classified Ad. Phone 306-782-2465.

Garage Sales 280 CIRCLEBROOKE DR. Thurs., May 27 & Fri., May 28, 8am-5pm. Sewing machine, baby quilts, animal trap, boots, jackets, caps, crafts, golf clubs, leather jackets and much more. EVERYTHING MUST GO. Please Wear Mask. 46, 49 & 72 CANWOOD CRES. Thurs., May 27 & Fri., May 28, 8am-5pm. Household items, collectibles, bar fridge and misc. Please wear masks & social distancing Covid rules apply. 503 RAILWAY AVE. Springside Estate Sale. Full house contents, antiques, collectibles. Sat., May 29, 8am-6pm & Sun., May 30 9am-2pm.

Auto Miscellaneous B.D.’S AUTOMOTIVE APPRAISAL’S SERVICE Antiques, Classics, Streetrods, Motorcycles. Brian Drotar: Appraiser 1-306-641-9299 Appraising since 2001. Fee of $100 plus out of city mileage. Protect your investment by insuring them. Appraisals Since 2001.

Cars 2007 NISSAN MURANO. Fully loaded, AWD, New all weather tires, DVD players in both head rests. Heated seats, roof rack and hitch. Located in Yorkton. 306542-7568. 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 GOOD’S USED TRACTOR PARTS (204) 564-2528 or 1-877-564-8734 Roblin, MB

Feed & Seed

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Feed & Seed

Sask Parks set for another great camping season after reservation launch

PLAN OF THE WEEK

CERTIFIED SEED WHEAT

AAC GOODWIN, AC ANDREW, SADASH, GO EARLY, PINTAIL. OATS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY, SO1 SUPER OAT.

BARLEY

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 AGPRO SEEDS is BUYING: HEATED CANOLA #1 BUYER, TOP PRICE PAID IN SK. On farm pickup! Call: 306-873-3006 or email: sales@agproseeds.com. Check out prices@agproseeds.com. 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.

Livestock FOR SALE: Polled Purebred 2 year old and yearling Charolais bulls. Some red factor. Phone 306435-7116. King’s Polled Charolais. Red Angus Yearling Bulls For Sale Heifer and cow bulls available. Call: 306-272-7501 or 306-220-1976. www.twinheritage.com YEARLING THREE Horned Hereford bulls, semen tested. For performance info & EPD’s call Wes at 306-743-5105.

Career Opportunities HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED: motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season. Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R : , ( " Fax: 306-769-8844 ,THPS! brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca 1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED: Late model winch trucks and trailers; dump trucks and pups. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, and camp shacks. Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R : , ( " Fax: 306-769-8844 ,THPS! brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca Roadex is seeking class 1 drivers to transport RV’s throughout N. America. Subsidized group benefits, competitive rates, monthly bonuses. Driver must have valid passport, able to cross border, pass drug test and must be 21 years or older. There are 2 positions available on our triple haul cab over fleet. For more information about us, please visit our website at roadexservices.com. To apply please email resume and a current driver’s abstract to recruiting@roadexservices.com. Smart shoppers find the best buys in the Yorkton This Week Classifieds.

PLAN NUMBER 2-3785 PERFECT FOR A GROWING FAMILY The plans for this three-bedroom home include a future two-bedroom suite on the basement floor. Entry is through a covered porch. The front door, flanked by mullioned windows, opens into a large foyer with a coat closet to the left and a handy built-in bench to the right. Directly ahead is the L-shaped staircase to the upper floor. A storage space is tucked under the stairs, and upstairs, a railed area in the stairwell is open to the floor below. The great-room complex is located at the back of the home. The great room’s gas fireplace is tucked into a niche. It will warm the adjoining dining area, as well as the kitchen. A doorway to the covered deck will make this spot idea for outdoor grilling. The dining area has a large window, and is separated from the kitchen by a work island fitted

with a double sink and a dishwasher. The kitchen’s L-shaped counter configuration will save steps for the cook. A double-doored pantry will provide extra storage space. The master suite, with a bay window that looks out to the front garden, includes a roomy walkin closet. The ensuite has double basins and a shower stall, as well as a soaker tub with its own window. Bedroom No. 2 is adjacent to a four-piece bathroom with double sinks, and has an extra-wide window sill. The linen closet is nearby. The third bedroom, near the kitchen, looks out to the side garden. Across the corridor is the laundry room, with a built-in bench, and nearby is a closet for cleaning tools. Ceilings reach nine feet throughout the main floor. Exterior finishes include stucco and horizontal siding. Brick-based wooden pilasters flank the entry, and a decorative garage door provides contrast.

This home measures 31 feet wide and 65 feet, six inches deep, for a total of 1,572 square feet on the main floor, not including the basement suite. Plans for design 2-3785 are available for $835 (set of 5), $900 (set of 8) and $952 for a super set of 10. Also add $35.00 for Priority charges within B.C. or $60.00 outside of B.C. Please add H.S.T., PST, OR G.S.T (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges. Our 52ND Edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheque and money orders payable to “Jenish House Design Ltd.” and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD. c/o...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

Trucking & Transport

C & G SHUTTLE 1-306-647-3333 1-306-620-3521 (Cell) Airports, medical or shopping trips, up to 5 people. Phone 306-782-2465, and we will help you place your ad in This Week.

Career Opportunities

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!

Saskatchewan Provincial Parks’ annual campsite reservation launch saw thousands of successful bookings take place over a two-week period, from April 12 to 23, 2021. A total of 43,566 nightly, group and seasonal campsite reservations were made during the 2021 reservation launch, which was an increase of 110 per cent compared to the 2020 bookings (*only 50 per cent of sites were available due to COVID restrictions) and an increase of 65 per cent compared to the 2019 bookings. “This April, a new campsite reservation system was released,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “With nearly 44,000 campsite reservations made during launch, the new system successfully managed a very large volume of users and transactions at once and minimized the time customers spent waiting in a queue. Many campers were able to successfully secure a site this season.” Though most weekends during the summer months filled up quickly, there are still plenty of campsites available throughout the weekdays this summer, or in to September. Those who were unable to reserve their desired site are encouraged to check back to the reservation system often as changes and cancellations do happen and sites may become available. Also, new this year, a feature called ‘Camping this Weekend’ will help campers find a last minute spot. With provincial park campgrounds officially opening this Thursday, May 20, campers are reminded to check the current list of provincial park fire restrictions prior to their visit. Restrictions are currently in place in a number of parks due to dry conditions. All open fires in the affected parks are prohibited, however the Canadian Standards Association’s approved self-contained portable gas devices will be permitted for cooking and heating purposes. An up-to-date list of all affected parks can be found at https://saskparks. com. Once again, an alcohol and recreational cannabis ban will be in effect for the May long weekend from Thursday to Monday in all provincial park and recreation site campgrounds. The ban helps ensure that provincial parks are places for everyone to enjoy. Cottages, rental cabins and any business facilities serving liquor in licensed establishments in parks are not affected by the ban. The health and safety of Saskatchewan residents, park users and employees is Sask Parks’ priority. Additional COVID safety protocols such as enhanced cleaning, signage to ensure physical distancing and proper mask use will be in place this season. Sask Parks will be following all public health orders put in place by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Saskatchewan residents are asked to follow restrictions and public health guidelines for their area. The most recent guidelines can be found on www.saskatchewan.ca. Sask Parks is looking forward to welcoming campers back for another safe and memorable camping season. Campers are reminded if they have made a campsite reservation in advance and have received and displayed their entry permit, to proceed directly to their campsite and they will be automatically checked in. Park visitors coming out for just the day can purchase entry in advance online at https://saskparks.com.

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Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

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