Yorkton This Week 2022-02-02

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Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

Yorkton Council publicly unveiled the City’s 2022 budget at its regular meeting Monday.

City taxes appear set to rise Average residential homeowner would be roughly $8 a month

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Property taxes are likely to rise in Yorkton in 2022.

While not adopting the budget at its regular meeting Monday, Yorkton Council did vote to direct Administration

to publish the 2022 Operating and 2022/2023 Capital Budget report in its entirety on the City’s website for public review, and further that Administration bring a subsequent budget report and summary of feedback to the Feb. 14 Council meeting.

In presenting the report on the budget prepared by Ashley Stradeski – Director of Finance, with the City, City Manager Lonnie Kaal noted, “Budget preparations were begun by the individual departments in September and October of last year.

These were compiled, analyzed and adjusted through our cooperative process during October and November.”

During these meetings, departmental budgets were reviewed, discussed, and service levels were considered in conjunction with

budget, added Kaal.

On the operations side the budget was prepared as a status quo document, said Kaal, meaning the budget is estimated to provide the same level of services to the residents of Yorkton as the year prior.

However, initial num-

bers were not good.

Our initial budget sat at over a 12 per cent increase in taxes required, with one per cent included in that for Capital, and the remaining towards our operating budget, said Kaal.

Continued on Page A2

New clubhouse gets final nod

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer After literally months of talking about the need for a new clubhouse at Deer Park Golf Course the City is finally moving ahead with the project to build a new facility.

Monday night at its regular meeting Yorkton Council voted to proceed with the project with an overall cost of $7.6 million.

“At the October 25, 2021 regular coun-

cil meeting, Council approved a budget for the Deer Park Clubhouse replacement project which includes water and sewer servicing, and further provided direction to proceed to tender and bring bids back to a future Council meeting.

The total budget estimate included demolition, construction, contents (furniture), paving, temporary accommodations for operations, consulting, contingency and PST,” reported René Richard,

The NL tender was for $5,839,245 excluding taxes.

Director of Engineering and Asset Management with the city Monday.

The clubhouse construction was eventually tendered, with five bids being received.

“All five bids were complete, and the bid received from N.L. Construction was deemed to be best value as it met all criteria, was

the lowest submitted total bid, and indicated a satisfactory completion date,” said Richard.

The NL tender was for $5,839,245 excluding taxes.

A tender was also offered for the work to supply water and sewer servicing to the new clubhouse.

“Four bids were

complete, and the bid received from Castle Oilfield Construction was deemed to be best value as it met all criteria and was the lowest submitted bid,” said Richard.

The Castle Oilfield tender was for $715,705.

Councillor Chris Wyatt questioned whether the work would include a tie in to allow serving townhouses or condominiums which have been talked about for the course.

Richard assured that is included in the design.

To get this project through to the tender phase (June 2020 to date), costs have been ongoing to provide the feasibility study and design and tender for the clubhouse building as well as exploration of options, design and tender for the water and sewer services in addition to geotechnical report, environmental, hydrovac services, etc., added Richard. Those costs have been $339,051.

Continued on Page A2

Policies set to spur home builds

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer The City of Yorkton is hoping to stimulate residential lot sales and housing starts by adopting two new policies.

Michael Eger – Director of Planning, Building & Development, with the City

explained that at an in-camera portion of the October 25, 2021 Council meeting, Administration “brought forward a report in response to Council priorities relating to residential lot sales,” at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

“Discussion was held

around the City’s stagnant residential lot inventory and the lack of new home construction within the City.”

It was at the time Administration was directed to create a “New Residential Construction Incentive Policy” that will grant the owner of a vacant residential lot, who

is constructing either a new single-unit or two-unit residential dwelling, a 100 percent tax refund for a five-year period starting at the time of building occupancy, with the owner being able to choose between having annual taxes waived, or having annual payed-current taxes refunded by way of

cheque payment, and further that application eligibility will expire on Dec. 31, 2022 to create a window for Administration and Council to re-evaluate the need for residential construction incentives,” explained Eger.

Continued on Page A2

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Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

TAXES Continued from Page A1 The vast majority of the increase was related to RCMP costs, about eight per cent of the initial budget numbers.

The RCMP increase “is due to a new collective agreement signed between the Federal Government and the RCMP. This is not a process that anyone from this city, or any city, was involved in. It also did not specifically involve our local RCMP – this was a Canada-wide process that our local RCMP did not have much, if any, input in,” explained Kaal.

“It involves significant increases in RCMP salary on an ongoing basis, as well as a very significant amount of

retroactive pay which will be charged to the City in its upcoming contract year.”

In the end the budget numbers were wrangled down to what was presented Monday as a 4.86 per cent increase, 2.36 per cent relating to RCMP costs, 0.5 per cent to a decrease in Municipal Revenue Sharing from the province, and one per cent each going to general operations and capital.

Kaal noted it is a city plan to add one per cent per year to capital as it tries to address the infrastructure deficit.

The one per cent to operating comes in a year inflation is around 4.5 per cent, said Kaal.

As for the RCMP costs the largest portion of this is retro pay, for which the City had been saving towards in the RCMP budget for a number of years. However, what was saved has, however, fallen short, with approximately $785,000 in reserves for policing to go towards the $1.4 million of retro pay.

This works out to approximately $1.24 million dollars, again with roughly half of this going to the RCMP. As for the provincial funding decline, annually, the City receives funding from the province by the Municipal Revenue Sharing grant.

This comes in the form of a share of PST revenue. The Provincial

Government takes a portion of all PST revenue, and allocates it to municipalities, explained Kaal. The loss to Yorkton is $137,000.

Revenues especially on the recreation facilities side of things were hit by COVID, said Kaal.

To offset this, the City will be using some of its COVID Safe Restart grant funding it received towards the end of 2020 to cover the lost revenue, as this was the intent of the grant. The City received $975,000 in 2020, of which $350,000 was utilized in the 2021 budget to offset expected decreased revenues. The remaining $625,000 has been in reserve, and we are recommending we utilize $265,000 to offset

the temporary revenue losses projected for 2022 such that they are not a tax increase burden for the citizens of Yorkton., she explained.

In terms of capital dollars, the one per cent allocation is roughly an addition of $255,000, said Kaal.

This will bring the annual capital total to $4,645,000 for 2022, and as this is a two-year capital budget there is a one per cent increase for 2023 towards capital (minimum) as well.

For the 2022 capital items, the majority of these were approved last year with our 2021 / 2022 capital budget. This included the initial funding for the York Road

project, an estimated $17 million project which the City will fund in conjunction with Provincial funding from 2022 to 2027, with construction starting in 2023 for the roadway, and possibly some of the drainage and ditch work in 2022, said Kaal.

“Additional projects to 2022 include upgrades to the Gallagher Centre ice plant, which will be funded through the recreation levy that’s already included in everyone’s tax bills, as well as well as work towards a Recreation Master Study,” she added.

Overall, the impact to the average residential homeowner would be roughly $8 a month.

Rural Municipalities,” added Eger.

The proposed changes to the sales policy allow for construction of spec homes, and also formalize sales practices which are used to ensure legislative compliance.

“As it pertains to spec homes, the policy proposes to allow a contractor to secure building and advertising rights on a City lot with only a 10 percent deposit. Full payment to the City would not be required until the home is sold, or until two years after the deposit is made, whichever is sooner,” said

Eger. “. . . There is risk to the City in proceeding this way, but by retaining title we would hold similar powers to a mortgager and could recover losses or claims through sale of the lot and any of its improvements.”

Eger did note the cost of the incentive would be difficult to forecast – it will depend on whether the property is City or privately-owned, the assessed value of the property, and whether development would have occurred without subsidy within the five-year incentive time frame.

“With the major-

ity of vacant lots being City-owned and recent trends of both stagnated lot sales and new residential builds, it is not expected that the City will be foregoing significant tax revenues.

As was discussed at the October 25th meeting, tax incentives are likely to be a less-costly alternative than lot price discounts while at the same time offering an equitable benefit that can be applied to both public and private land holdings,” he said.

Council would be unanimous in adopting both policies.

CLUBHOUSE Continued from Page A1 Funding is scheduled to come from the new Rec Facility Reserve account.

The levy generates $1,150,000 annually.

Coun. Quinn Haider was initially concerned if the expenditure would negatively affect work required to keep two arena ice surfaces operating in the city?

City manager Lonnie Kaal said the ice surface requirements were still in the 2022/23 capital budget plans for the city.

Coun. Darcy Zaharia asked about the course’s ability to return dollars on the money spent.

While the course does not generate a profit, Kaal said it has the best return among City-owned recreation

facilities, at about 80 per cent.

Mayor Mitch Hippsley said he believes in the project.

“This is about attracting people and industry to Yorkton,” he said, adding it is an investment being made without an increase in taxes to fund it.

“In my mind it’s nothing but positive gains.”

HOME Continued from Page A1 “Ultimately, the premise of the incentive is to stimulate residential land sales and construction of one and two unit dwellings on both privately and publiclyowned properties.”

The proposed incentive was then presented to the Economic Development Committee at their Dec. 16, 2021 meeting.

“The Committee generally supported the premise of the policy, but also discussed extending abatement at the time of lot purchase, and given the lack of new home

inventory, that the City should consider sales procedures that would support builders in their efforts to supply the market. Possible ways to achieve this would be to defer full payment to the City until the dwelling is sold and to allow builders to advertise on lots that they have agreed to purchase,” noted Eger.

In order to carry out direction from Council and to address recommendations from the Economic Development Committee, it is proposed that Council adopt the newly created Residential Construction

Incentive Policy and also approve revisions to the Residential Lot Sales Policy, he continued.

“The new incentive policy is intended to be succinct, and automatically enters all new builds into the program. Tax refunds will stay with the property and will not require any agreements or cumbersome procedures for builders or buyers to navigate. To help stimulate the local construction, eligibility is restricted to site-built homes or ready-to-move (RTM) dwellings which are constructed within Yorkton or adjacent

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Up Front

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 www.yorktonthisweek.com

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St. Paul’s School celebrates reading

By Tyson Off Staff Writer St. Paul’s School celebrated the completion of reading Charlotte’s Web for the One School, One Book program with a traditional County Fair.

“During the program parents read to their children, each night, one chapter out of the book,” said Tammie Latimer, a teacher at St. Paul’s.

“At the end we would normally invite all of our families into the school, but due to COVID we had to revamp and have a day just for the children, which is really nice too.”

Twylla Newton and her husband Cameron

were there Thursday with their Clydesdales to provide sleigh rides for the children braving the frigid temperatures.

“It’s a little fresh out here today, -20, but it’s a lot of fun with the kids,” said Newton, adding “We’ve done rides for two hours solid. It’s been a great day.”

The County fair wasn’t limited to sleigh rides.

“We have a search for Templeton the rat in our haystacks outside, and in our gym, we’re celebrating with some traditional carnival games like a three-legged race, and a pin the tail on Wilbur the pig,” said Latimer.

The One School, One Book program was created by Read to Them, a non-profit organization promoting family literacy. “Read to Them educates families and schools on the benefits and importance of reading aloud at home. A growing body of research describes the complex and permanent effects of reading aloud. Children who are read to learn to read more easily and become better readers.

Literacy skills provide the basis for a lifetime of learning and productivity,” as noted in the about section on their website, ReadtoThem. org .

Twylla and Cameron Newton provided sleigh rides for students as part of a celebration for completing reading Charlotte’s Web.

Perspective Needing to better apply COVID lessons

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MURRAY MANDRYK

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Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

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Politics One might think that after nearly two years of this pandemic, we’d be a bit better at figuring out where we are.

Perhaps we shouldn’t fault ourselves for that.

Maybe we shouldn’t even completely fault the politicians for this, although they often do little to help their own cause by establishing reasonable parameters for measure and appropriately acting upon them.

But the problem with knowing where we are in this pandemic is that it has always been changing.

Really, it’s now even about trying to figure out where we are at as much as it’s about figuring out where we are going next.

Having wandered through five waves of this pandemic and as many variants, we have clearly all seen how difficult this is.

For example, in the initial months of this pandemic, we truly saw what Premier Scott Moe described as a lockdown.

At that time, our children were being taught online because schools were closed, restaurants were limited to takeout, all sporting events were cancelled and you couldn’t even go to the barber and get a haircut.

This deemed necessary at a time when we had no vaccines (so there was no controversy over vaccine passports or so-called vaccine mandates”).

However, it’s noteworthy that the daily cases were in the single - or low-double digits. We didn’t even hit two dozen COVID-19-related deaths in Saskatchewan until six months into pandemic.

By May 2020, the Saskatchewan Party government started to remove its most severe restrictions gathering restrictions, although it did institute a public masking order in the fall of 2020 to deal with what would be a second- and third-wave rise in cases. Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Shahab told us in that time period that we should be worried if cases got into the 200-plus-per-day range.

Rather miraculously, we get several different varieties of vaccines, causing a very significant shift in how we viewed this pandemic.

By last summer, 70 per cent of the adult population had received a single jab, meeting the government’s goal for full re-opening.

Things changed overnight on July 11th. Bars, restaurants and sporting venues were open to full capacity. Masks were off and social distancing was a thing of the past.

Or at least, that was the situation until cases began to increase in August, soaring to thenrecord numbers in September and still-record numbers of hospitalizations and ICU admissions.

Vaccine passports were put in place and public mask wearing was re-instituted because things changed again.

During year-end interviews, Moe assured us he had learned lessons from that fourth wave about an ever-changing pandemic — lessons he vowed to carry forward in his battle with Omicron during the fifth wave.

So here we sit during an ever-changing pandemic.

By all considerations, there is reason to believe Omircron is a less severe COVID-19 variant than Delta.

That said, we are now instead seeing massive numbers of infections likely in the thousands each day in Saskatchewan — so many that the government is only counting the ones recorded through official PCR tests (about 1,000 to 1,500 a day) and telling everyone else with a positive rapid test to just assume they have COVID-19.

How we once viewed COVID-19 changed again.

But the sheer volume of Omicron cases means hospitalizations are again trending upward towards the peak they hit in October 2021. As Shabab has repeatedly said, this will lead to a certain percentage of ICU admissions and then a certain percentage of deaths.

The Sask. Party government maintains things are still manageable. However, the government did announce last week a contingency plan to deal with over-crowded city hospitals to hospitals in neighbouring towns and smaller cities.

All this begs the question of whether we have learned enough about COVID-19 and are keeping up with the changes.

We are about to find out.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

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◆Editorial◆

Budget produces questions C

onsidering that Yorkton Council had already briefly discussed that the City was facing a huge increase in RCMP costs, and that there would be less revenue from a decline in the Municipal Revenue Sharing grant from PST, a hike in property taxes was nearly inevitable.

Monday night at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council residents learned that the increase is likely to be 4.86 per cent, the lion’s share of that attributed to the new RCMP contract that will add roughly $670,000 per year to the City budget moving forward, and in 2022 adds another $1.4 million RCMP will receive in back pay with their new contract.

If you set aside the new RCMP contract, the City has done quite a job of holding increases to a minimum.

On the operations side the increase is only one per cent; razor thin when you consider documents circulated at Council Monday noted inflation peaked at about 4.5 per cent.

And, let’s not forget Council held the line in 2021 with no tax increase.

That suggests a rather sharp pencil was used, sharper still when it was noted the City’s initial budget numbers were suggesting a 12 per cent increase. That means they managed to cut about seven per cent as they went over the budget.

It would be interesting to know where they were able to trim significant dollars while still putting forward “a service level status quo budget.”

How did they tweak things to provide the same services and cut costs in a time when inflation was more than four per cent?

Welcome to ‘Wordy Wednesday’ brought to you by our friends at Yorkton Public Library, (including Slow the friendly sloth), and appearing here courtesy of Yorkton This Week.

Happy Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China, Vietnam, North and South Korea. In 2022, Lunar New Year falls on February 1, beginning the Year of the Tiger. Sign up to eBooks, audiobooks and magazines online with the Libby app to get your 24/7 contactless library services.

Unfortunately, all that work, the tough questions our elected Council may have had to ask, were carried out behind closed doors.

Arguably the decisions Council makes around budget and its increases impact residents more than any other decisions they make because it hits the pocketbook, and we just don’t get to see how those we voted for, and may vote for again, performed.

In this case the fact they managed to cut an initially proposed 12 per cent increase down to less than five, while maintaining services also begs the question why those cost saving measures – even some of them – weren’t instituted in 2021. Had they been we might have seen the City do the unthinkable and actually cut taxes a per cent or two.

The 2022 budget has one other aspect that should be considered, how long can we go with the current levels of service if ultimately it means taxes must rise every year?

It seems the time has come where Council needs to take a very hard look at what the City offers and determines what, if anything can be cut in order to relieve the strain on taxpayers.

The 4.86 per cent being considered is big, roughly $100 bucks a year to the average home owner, and they were already facing a three per cent increase in water rates, and a $1 per month hike in the water base charge – about $24/year.

Sometime the increases will need to stop, and that will mean the tough decisions to cut services, and those discussions should start sooner rather than later.

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www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, February 2, 2022

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Submitted Photos

Wetlands are a natural part of the Prairies.

Wetlands and resilient landscapes: A match made in Canada

By Kristine Tapley Over the past year, Canadians have felt the first-hand effects of climate change more than ever. Scorching temperatures, droughts, wildfires and floods – all of unforeseen magnitudes – have claimed homes and livelihoods while ravaging the environments they have impacted.

Among those who experience the effects of climate change most acutely are farmers. Unfortunately, this same group often receives more than its share of the blame for the climate situation we find ourselves in. Yet, here in Canada, it is these farmers and ranchers who hold the key to some of our most promising solutions to climate mitigation.

Natural areas are a climate solution.

And there is a growing need to consider habitats such as wetlands and grasslands as on-farm assets that provide economic benefits as well as support

the resiliency of our agricultural landscapes.

In particular, wetlands stand out as a powerful defense system. They sequester carbon and filter water, support pollinators and biodiversity, and provide habitat for countless wildlife including many species at risk. Through the provision of these environmental benefits, wetlands protect us against an everchanging climate, drought and floods.

With more than 25% of the world’s remaining wetlands found in Canada, they can be considered a true national treasure.

Guardians of the Wetlands A little-known fact is that raising cattle helps preserve wetland ecosystems.

In certain parts of the country, wetlands and riparian areas neighbouring cattledotted grasslands or pasture are a common site to see, and for good reason.

Much of the Canadian landscape that is suitable for raising beef cattle is the

same land that supports these natural systems.

Under proper management, cattle co-exist and provide environmental cobenefits to ecosystems like wetlands and beef producers are doing their part to protect these sensitive areas.

Measures including strategic fencing, solar powered water troughs and managing cattle movement at certain times of the year all reap environmental wins.

Farmers and ranchers know preserving habitat is not only crucial to the health and vitality of their land and animals, but is also intrinsically linked to the sustainability of their business.

When considering the land left for conservation, a significant proportion exists because of the presence of a viable beef operation, which has spared it from being converted to other purposes. As the leading national conservation organization who partners with Canada’s agricultural industry, Ducks Unlimited Canada has repeat-

edly shown that a healthy beef sector is good for the environment and for our working landscapes. We recognize that beef farmers and ranchers safeguard some of Canada’s most important, diverse and threatened habitats, including wetlands.

As we celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2, we have a tremendous responsibility to elevate the discussion around habitats as on-farm assets. The amount of land available is finite. We must farm the best and conserve the rest. We are fortunate that in Canada, certain landscapes allow for the overlapping uses of growing food and conservation, but now is the time to recognize these areas for their invaluable worth and ensure they continue supporting the resiliency of our landscapes long into the future.

Kristine Tapley is a Manitoba beef producer and Ducks Unlimited Canada’s agricultural sustainability lead.

Foam Lake resident recognized

By Tyson Off Staff Writer A Foam Lake resident is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s (SPRA) Volunteer of the Year award.

The SPRA distributes

several awards to individuals and groups throughout the province for their efforts and contributions to the betterment of Parks and Recreation in Saskatchewan.

Kent McMann is the recipient of the SPRA’s Recognition award for

Volunteer of the Year.

McMann is recognized as a long-time volunteer in the community for donating his time to several different organizations including the Foam Lake Golf and Country Club, the Combine Lotto, as well as their senior hock-

Rib Fest back

By Tyson Off Staff Writer The Health Foundation’s Rhythm and Ribs festival will be back this summer.

After two years of cancellations due to the COVID pandemic the 2022 event is set for June 24-26.

“We intend to go ahead, and expect that we will be able to,” said Ross Fisher of the Health Foundation.

“We had our first committee meeting last week. We’re going with the same format as we’ve had in the past.”

Past events have included live music, secondary food vendors, and a beer garden.

“An event like this requires lots of volunteers to be a success, and to help raise money for The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan,” said a statement in the Rhythm and Ribs sections of the Health Foundation’s website, adding, “With government providing only a very small portion of the funds required to buy necessary equipment for our healthcare facilities, The Health Foundation is dedicated to raising the money needed to look after the healthcare needs of all of us in this part of the province.”

Submitted Photo

ey team, the Foam Lake Flyers.

“I’m certainly honored to have received it,” said McMann in a phone call with Yorkton This Week, adding, “surprised, honoured, and humbled are a few of many words that come to mind.”

McMann, who turned 58 the day he received news of the honour, said he’s spent “probably 30-years” with the Foam Lake Golf and Country Club as their SecretaryTreasurer.

“In a small town there are hundreds who volunteer to get things done, so I’m certainly honoured to be singled out.”

Prior to being recognized provincially, McMann received a local award for his involvement with community. “About a year ago I received the Colleen Kearns Memorial award,” adding, “Colleen was a real active member of our community.”

“The [Colleen Kearns] award celebrates one local volunteer each

Submitted Photo

Kent McMann year that demonstrates a strong commitment to volunteerism in their community, and meets all the criteria set out in the application process,” as noted on FoamLake.

com, the town’s official website.

When asked what the future holds, McMann said, “I’ll keep working with local groups and help out where I can.”

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Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

February 2, 2022 - February 8, 2022

Next Council Meeting Monday, February 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, February 2, 2022

February 2, 2022 - February 8, 2022

Next Council Meeting Monday, February 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

5HTXHVW IRU 3URSRVDOV $1,000 HONORARIUM DEADLINE:

CALL FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2022 SUBMISSIONS ART DESIGNS FOR DOWNTOWN BIKE LOCK STATIONS The City of Yorkton is inviting designs for new bike lock stations that will be installed in the downtown. The City aims to work with Indigenous artists to create an increased cultural presence and art in the community.

Designs will be reviewed and selection recommendations will be made by a selection committee consisting of local organizations with interest in the project.

Project Goals:

2022 INDIGENOUS ARTIST DESIGN Questions and Submissions can be sent to: MAIL: City of Yorkton – Bylaw Division Box 400 Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3 Attn: Nicole Baptist EMAIL:

nbaptist@yorkton.ca With this project we are hoping to improve community health (both mental and physical) by creating low cost options for outdoor activity - specifically cycling - by installing more bike lock stations in the downtown. The City saw this as a great opportunity to also include some functional art that is reflective of Indigenous people in our area!

Specs/Criteria for Design: a. Must be creations or collaborations led by an Indigenous artist. b. Must be a design that can be translated into metal (not overly intricate). c. Limited color options available (ex. detailed color work will not work, but different pieces could be painted one color).

Potentially colors could be incorporated on the outside circle as well. d. No sharp points or protrusions can be left that could cut someone using the bike lock station. e. Templates are available to use for design and can be found on our City website at www.yorkton.ca/artistcall.

Further Requirements and Information: i. The artist with the selected design will need to be available in March 2022 to work with the City to finalize the design that will be sent to the manufacturer. ii. The artist with the selected design will be paid $1,000 upon final delivery of design. iii. The successful artist will relinquish legal ownership of their design upon receipt of payment. The legal ownership of the design will be that of the City of Yorkton and may be used to reproduce more bike lock stations in the future. iv. The City of Yorkton reserves the right to withhold awarding the design to any of the submissions at their discretion. v. All artists who submit will be notified, regardless if they were successful or not.

Submissions must be accompanied by the following information: Name, mailing address, email (if available), and phone number. *Please note: A maximum of two designs can be submitted by each artist.

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The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Lowest or any proposal not necessarily accepted.

A7

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Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Photo by University of Saskatchewan

Jessica Generoux is the project coordinator for Aboriginal Storytelling Month.

Photo by David Stobbe Photgraphy

Lorena Cote, storyteller for the project

Storytelling month set for Feb.

By Tyson Off Staff Writer February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month in Saskatchewan.

“Aboriginal Storytelling Month 2022 is about making Indigenous culture accessible, through libraries, to everyone no matter where they live, with online channels like Facebook, Zoom and other websites,” as noted by the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) press release.

“LSSAP promotes and trains Indigenous librarians,” said Jessica Generoux, Project Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling

project.

Generoux has been involved with LSSAP for eight years, volunteering on the committee.

“The main strategic points of LSSAP is to enhance and promote future Indigenous librarians,” said Generoux.

“This is a very important project because of the time and era we’re living in; the cultural revitalization, [First Nations Peoples] lost a large part of their identities because of the trauma experienced at residential schools. Our grandparents, and even our parents, have experienced abuse within the residential school system.”

The program aims to revitalize and discover

the language of First Nations people through contemporary and traditional storytelling. “It’s important to remember, it’s important to share, and it’s important to teach children our languages that were once denied from our parents and our grandparents.” said Generoux.

The project has continued to grow over the past 19 years.

“As we’re moving towards our 20th anniversary, we want to highlight that participation numbers have grown every year, as well as the number of communities involved,” said Generoux.

“In the past year we’ve doubled our participants from 15,000 to 30,000,”

22021DS3

said Generoux, adding, “Going into 2022, the largest demographic [of participants] is school aged children.”

Generoux credits the involvement of schools and libraries for the rise in participants.

“Partnership with schools and public libraries are a huge part of the success of LSSAP,” said Generoux.

“There are a lot of different types of stories but we lean on contemporary storytelling.”

“We only have a few people left that can tell the stories in the language,” said Lorena Cote, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Languages at the First Nations University of Canada and story teller for the project.

Cote, who has lived in Regina for the past 25

ADCANADA MEDIA INC. R0011896172 3.0000 x 140 AD01

years, is originally from the Cote First Nation north of Kamsack and has been a story teller with the project for two years. “I’m proud to tell these stories because I’m sharing our way of life.”

The stories teach Aboriginal history, beliefs, and contain the customs of ceremonies.

Cote said some of the stories she tells have been passed down to her verbally and others were learned through reading. “My late aunt had recorded stories from the elders, wrote them down in the language, then translated them to English.”

Cote’s aunt, Margaret Cote, was the first person in Saskatchewan to teach a First Nations language in a public school, and the author of several books on First Nations

languages and dialects, according to her biography on StrongNations. com .

“My aunt published a book of six or seven stories from Kamsack,” said Cote.

When asked how the storytelling would occur, Cote said the online meeting app Zoom would be used to deliver the stories remotely.

“The Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) committee was established in 1991. The Committee encourages people of Aboriginal descent, who work or volunteer in a band/school/ post-secondary/public library, or have an interest in libraries to join the committee at any time,” as per the LSSAP’s about section on their official website, LSSAP.ca

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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, February 2, 2022

A9

Artist has Canora ties

By Tyson Off Staff Writer A new exhibition at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery has local roots.

Sarah Fougere, one of the artists featured, previously owned and operated The National Gallery of Saskatchewan located in Canora.

The inspiration for her piece in the current exhibition, The Flower May Not Look Like the Root, is from a photo taken by Edith S. Watson.

“The photo was taken between 1918 to 1920,” said Fougere in a call with Yorkton This Week,

adding, “she was a photographer travelling the Veregin area.”

“Most of her photos are of women working the field,” said Fougere.

This was not Fougere’s first time painting the scene, as she had previously been commissioned to paint it by a customer. Upon completion, a friend of hers asked if she would do it again, and she obliged.

“I did the second painting, posted it on Instagram, and OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Art Councils) reached out,” said Fougere of how the painting found its way to

the GDAG. Fougere said she is excited to have the piece in the exhibition after dedicating so much time to perfecting it. “I put a lot of hours into this painting.”

The painting of the woman working in a flax field was painted on Belgian Linen. Linen is a product of the fibers from flax plant.

“It’s so different to see in person,” said Fougere.

“For people looking at the painting, try and notice the patterns leading to the deep space, the connection to the figure being part of the landscape.”

An art piece by Sarah Fougere at the Godfrey Dean Gallery.

Proceeds of criminal activity go toward purchase of new policing tools The provincial government is providing more than $755,000 to police agencies and the Victims’ Fund from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. The funds will support the purchase of new policing tools, and delivery of community programming and victims services.

Over $366,000 of this will be provided to Saskatchewan police forces. In accordance with legislation, a matching amount will be deposited from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund into the Victims’ Fund.

The Victims’ Fund provides support to victims of crime through both the justice and law enforcement systems as well as community organizations. Further information can be found at www.saskatchewan. ca/victimsservices.

An additional $21,000 of this year’s funding will be distributed to the File Hills Board of Police Commissioners for community engagement and programming.

“We are pleased to be able to take these seized proceeds of crime and put them towards a better use,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “This funding will be used to provide Saskatchewan police with the tools they need to keep our communities safe and to provide important resources that support victims in our province.”

The funding will be used to provide for the following: • A camera system to support the establishment of the Regina Police Service’s Aerial Support Unit.

• An Advance Acquisition Lab to conduct digital forensics, unlock, and examine encrypted mobile devices (Saskatoon Police Service).

• A canine pup and associated training and equipment for the Weyburn Police Service.

Funds will also be distributed to the File Hills Board of Police Commissioners to purchase police fitness and wellness equipment that will be

used in schools and community centres to give youth an opportunity to get to know and engage with local police officers.

“The safety and well-being of our communities is the priority for Saskatchewan’s police services and we are grateful for the support of the Government of Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police Vice President, Chief Troy Cooper, said.

“The much-needed funding through this program has provided an investment in innovative crime prevention, specialized equipment and even research.”

Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program, through The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009, seeks the forfeiture of property that is considered to be proceeds or an instrument of unlawful activity. To date, approximately $6.3 million in forfeited funds has been distributed to police operations, the Victims Fund, and community operations.

Submitted Photo

The Victims’ Fund from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund helps with dog training at Weyburn.

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Agriculture

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A10

Wetlands worth maintaining World Wetlands Day is marked Feb. 2 each year, and while it might go as largely unheard of by many, it deserves to have its stature increased given the importance of wetlands.

The day itself “marks the adoption of the Convention of Wetlands, which took place in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar,” explained a recent Ducks Unlimited release. “It’s a treaty negotiated by countries and non-governmental organizations that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Canada is one of the treaty’s contracting parties and currently has 37 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites).”

Locally, in Yorkton, and across the province we have a rather clear

indication of what wetlands can mean.

It is easily within recent memory when the streets of this city and other communities in the province were under flood waters which did millions of dollars’ worth of damage.

The twin floods locally sent this city into a process of studying water flows and digging holding ponds in hopes of mitigating some of the impact the next time a flood occurs. Wetlands, the sloughs and potholes that exist naturally on the landscape are essentially natural flood water holding ponds.

Of course farmers would rather plant those acres than drive around them as sloughs, so many have been drained and lost.

With each lost pothole and slough more water

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels heads somewhere else, often meaning at some point the gathered water begins to erode soil, washout culverts and flood roads and yards.

Conversely, wetlands are also important when we see drought conditions, which of course happened in 2021. A slough can become emergency water for livestock when needed.

Of course once a slough or pothole is trenched, drained and graded to grow crop it’s gone.

It would be easy to

point a finger at farmers for draining wetlands, but with profit margins always tight seeding every acre is important.

The bigger question is always how to entice farmers to not drain wetlands because of their value for holding water, and maintaining wildlife habitat, and of course the answer is money. Selling canola from acres where a slough once was means dollars to a farmer. If the slough had a return either from tax breaks, or some sort of payment it would at least

help them entertain not draining them.

As it is Canada is still home to a lot of wetlands.

“Canada is home to 25 per cent of the world’s remaining wetlands, which is a tremendous gift and also a tremendous responsibility,” says Larry Kaumeyer, chief executive officer for DUC in their release.

“These incredible ecosystems provide the environmental solutions Canadians need.

Wetlands are important natural tools that combat floods, droughts and other extreme weather events—and we’re proud to be the preeminent conservation organization that’s delivering these solutions in communities across the country.”

But, the DU release has a warning too.

“Despite these suc-

cesses, there is still much work to do.

Canada is far from receiving top marks when it comes to making good on its commitments to wetlands. For all the acres that have been conserved, even more are being lost. It’s estimated that up to 70 per cent of wetlands have been lost in southern areas of Canada— and up to 95 per cent in Canada’s most densely populated areas. In addition, Canada is one of the few developed nations that doesn’t have a comprehensive national wetland inventory and monitoring system. This is a critical aspect of conservation planning that’s needed to inform conservation action,” it states.

Wetlands are clearly important and we – society as a whole – need to do a better job preserving them.

SaskBarley commits $107,940 to collaborative barley research Saskatoon — The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) announced today that it has committed to contribute $107,940 to funding barley research over the next four years.

The projects supported were reviewed and

funded in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) program and other like-minded organizations supporting agriculture research in Saskatchewan.

“This research will support the development of new barley

varieties, adaptability and soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics for Western Canadian producers,” says SaskBarley Research Committee Co-Chair Keith Rueve.

“SaskBarley is committed to investing in research projects that benefit Saskatchewan

barley growers,” he says.

“These projects, along with over 40 other active projects SaskBarley is funding, help to ensure that barley remains a competitive crop choice for Saskatchewan producers.”

“This funding is a strategic investment by

SaskBarley in order to leverage maximum funding amounts for barley research that will benefit the entire barley industry,” adds SaskBarley Research and Extension Manager Mitchell Japp.

“SaskBarley funding is helping to support three new projects,

based on this year’s round of funding from the ADF,” he says. “We are collaborating with other partners to fund these projects, including SaskCanola, Sask Wheat, Western Grains Research Foundation, Alberta Barley, Manitoba Crop Alliance and SaskPulse.”

ACC Prairie Innovation Centre receives $500K boost

By Chelsea Kemp Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Brandon Sun) Longtime farm supporter and Westman agriculture advocate Ron Helwer and ShurGro Farm Services have donated $500,000 to support the development of the Assiniboine Community College Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.

“Ron is an agricultural institution in his own right, so it’s a thrill to welcome his support for what we know will be the future of agricultural education in our province,” said Derrick Turner, director of advancement and external relations at ACC. “He’s a business leader and an influential voice within the agriculture community, and we know that his partnership, outside of any dollar figure, is invaluable.”

Helwer has been a longtime supporter of Assiniboine. He has participated on program advisory boards and was an honorary diploma recipient in 2018. ShurGro has long been a supporter of Assiniboine’s ag programming and hires many of the school’s alumni.

Turner praised Helwer for stepping up in support of the sector and the Prairie Innovation Centre.

“He’s personally and professionally so connected to the college.

He’s a distinguished alumnus, he hires countless numbers of people at his different outlets across the province, he’s got staff that volunteer their time on various boards — it’s incredible.

“I remember talking to him early on. He’ll acquire different rural outlets, and I said to him, ‘what do you think about when you’re looking at that?’ And he goes, ‘You know, whatever I’m looking at, it could be very profitable and run, but I will not go into it unless the people go with me — the number-one issue I’m always thinking about is where I’m going to get those trained people.”

The Prairie Innovation Centre will enable more unique work-integrated learning opportunities, applied research projects and industry innovation at ACC. Turner said it serves Assiniboine’s vision for the future of agriculture in Manitoba and will address industry and economic needs in the sector.

Part of the expansion includes growing existing programs while produ-

cing new ones that are not currently present in Brandon or the Prairies as a whole, including chemical technology and mechatronics — a branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering systems.

The new centre is designed to secure skilled labour in the agricultural sector, a prospect that has been a growing challenge for many years.

In Manitoba alone, it is estimated one in five ag-based jobs will go unfilled by 2025.

In September, the Sun reported the Canadian government is predicting one in three jobs in the agricultural sector will go unfilled by the year 2028 if more people are not attracted to the industry.

These numbers are notable, he said, because ACC will be training students in areas where programming does not currently exist.

Along with the new programs at the Prairie Innovation Centre, another major component of the school will include applied research, which will focus on producer or industry problems in agriculture and developing solutions.

“They can come to

the college, work with instructors, and they can problem-solve on-theground type of issues that they are having in day-to-day operations,” Turner said. “Farming and that whole sector, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature with global warming and so forth. I don’t think there will be any lack or things that our college could partner with industry on in terms of problems to solve.”

Turner noted it’s an interesting time to be in Manitoba agriculture; student demand for training remains strong and private large investments including the recently developed Roquette pea protein plant in Portage la Prairie, the MERIT Functional Foods plant in Winnipeg and the new Richardson’s Innovation

Centre in Winnipeg, are fuelling investment in the industry and region as a whole.

“The level of private investment is what I would say is unprecedented. We’re seeing these large-scale companies come to Manitoba and when we see that they’re needing trained people — that’s what we’re looking at,” Turner said.

The funding from Helwer is an important boost for the agricultural industry as the sector is facing unprecedented stressors and challenges.

Turner said the Prairie Innovation Centre is really about training the next generation of workers to rise up and overcome any adversity the industry may face.

Helwer’s donation comes after $500,000 was provided to ACC from Mazergroup in

September.

The institution currently has about 300 students in agriculture, but once the centre is up and running at full capacity, it will boast 800 new students every year, marking a dramatic increase for ACC, Brandon and Westman.

A college survey studying what ACC alumni are doing now shows the majority of graduates stay and work in the province.

“As we are increasing the training and people getting into it, we’re pretty confident that we’ll know the past practice will repeat itself and these students will continue to live in Manitoba,” Turner said.

“There’s a strong return on investment for bringing more people in, training them and working with them.”

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Wednesday, February 2, 2022 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A11

Terriers on road for trio of games

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer The Yorkton Terriers were road warriors this week, picking up two wins in three tries in opposing teams’ arenas.

With the two wins the Terriers now sit with 45 points in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Viterra Division thanks to a 20-17-1-4 record. The Terriers trail front-running Estevan who have 66 points, but are well up on Melville in third with 35 points and Weyburn in fourth with 23.

The Yorkton Terriers were in Wilcox to face the Notre Dame Hounds Sunday.

Zach McIntrye started the scoring in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League contest with an unassisted marker at 8:12 to give Yorkton an early 1-0 lead.

At 14:03 Dane Probe

scored for the Hounds to knot the score 1-1, a tie that held into the second period.

Phil Fath made it 2-1 for the Hounds scoring the only goal of the third period just 2:08 into the action.

The slim one-goal Hound lead looked as though it would hold for a win, but an unassisted goal by Steven Norum with only 40-seconds left on the clock knotted the score and eventually sent the game to overtime.

The score came with the Terrier netminder Tresor Wotton on the bench for an extra man.

The extra five-minutes did not furnish a gamewinner for either team.

So the game would be decided by a shoot-out, where the Terriers would secure a 3-2 win.

Wotton in net for Yorkton faced 38-shots.

Austin Elliot was the netminder for the

Hounds where he faced 34-shots.

The Terriers were in action Friday in Humboldt.

The game started well for the Terriers with a powerplay goal by Steven Norum at 9:23 of the first period.

At 13:06 Cage Newans tied the game for the home side, and the 1-1 score held into the middle stanza.

It took the Terriers only 1:17 into the second period to take the lead on a goal by Connor McGrath.

Alex Morozoff made it 3-1 at 7:09, headed to the final frame.

An unassisted goal by Braiden Koran 5:11 into the third extended the lead to 4-1 for the home team, which would be the end of scoring and a win for the Broncos.

Kyle DePape was in net for Yorkton facing 40-shots in the loss, while

Shattler helps Rush hit stride

If you are following the Saskatchewan Rush, and you really should be considering how entertaining the National Lacrosse League is, you will know the team has gotten off to a rather rocky start this season.

In fact, going into Saturday’s home game against Panther City the Rush were a less than impressive 1-4.

It’s not that the Rush have been dramatically outplayed, with the exception of a 1-5 loss in Albany Jan. 8, when the Rush were flatter than the Saskatchewan Prairies.

Toss out the clunker against the FireWolves and the Rush have been ever so close in their games – a 12-11 season opening loss in Halifax Dec. 4, and 11-10 home opener loss to Calgary Dec. 11, and a 12-11 loss to San Diego Jan. 14.

Even the lone Saskatchewan win going into the weekend was a squeaker 10-9 Dec. 17, in Vancouver.

What the Rush needed was a big effort, and they got it as they rolled over the expansion Panther City team 16-7.

With the offence rolling three players had seven point nights, Robert Church and Ryan Keenan, and Jeff Shattler. Shattler had four goals and three assists, Church had three goals and four assists, and Keenan had a goal and six helpers.

Shattler told Yorkton This Week the Rush had not had the season start they wanted.

“I think we struggled a little bit,” he said, adding the game Saturday was something of a break-out one, especially offensively. “. . . We came together.”

While the win did come against the

CALVIN DANIELS

the Broncos countered with William Dyke guarding the twine, facing 28-shots in the win.

It was a big game Thursday as the Terriers were in Estevan to face the top team in the Viterra Division.

The host Bruins scored first on a goal by Cody Davis of the opening frame.

A pair of goals by Yorkton’s Maddux Nollski gave the Terriers the lead. The first was at 11:28, the second, an unassisted effort came 19

seconds later at 11:47.

The 2-1 Terrier lead held until the second period, but was then short-lived as Caelan Fitzpatrick knotted proceedings with an unassisted marker of his own only 29 seconds into action.

The 22 seconds later, at 51-seconds Mark Rumsey scored to give the Bruins a 3-2 lead.

The Bruins slim lead held until 19:19 of the third period when Steven Norum tied the game with a powerplay marker.

The two top teams in the division headed to the five-minute overtime, but it proved nothing.

The win finally went to the visitors in the shoot-out 4-3.

Kael DePape was in net for the Terriers facing 44-shots in the win.

Cam Hrdlicka guarded the Bruins net facing 41-shots in the loss.

Next up for the Terriers sees the team host Flin Flon Tuesday then head to Melville for action Friday before hosting Estevan Saturday.

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

Rockin’ it Action continues each week at the Yorkton Curling Rink, including

the ‘Super League’ Thursday evenings.

Sports NLL’s lone expansion franchise this season, Shattler is still hopeful it will set the tone for upcoming games.

“Maybe it’s a turnaround game for us,” he said, adding that while Panther City are an expansion team “any team in this league can win. This league is getting better.”

Regardless of who you defeat, or lose to, or what the score is, a team has to stay centered, said Shattler.

“You can’t be too high when you win,” he said, adding you can’t get too low in a loss either.

And, Shattler added “it’s only our second win this year.”

The Rush of course want to be in the playoffs and even with the win a record of 2-4 is hardly one that inspires confidence in making a run in the playoffs, or even getting there.

“We need to play desperate. We have to play hungry,” said Shattler, adding its time the Rush put some wins together to turn things around.

Perennial contenders since before the team moved to Saskatoon in 2016, the Rush may have headed into this season a bit “complacent,” offered Shattler. “We weren’t as hungry as we should have been.”

Now, with a decisive win, Shattler said the team needs to refocus on winning games.

“We need to put our foot on the gas pedal . . . no excuses,” he said.

The game versus Panther City was a big one for goaltender Adam Shute who made 32 saves. Shute is in his first year as the everyday starter and there were eyes on him with the rocky start.

Shattler said there is no need to worry about Shute.

“Once he gets comfortable he’s just going to get better and better,” he said.

The seven points however were big for Shattler personally.

“It’s always good to get going,” he said, especially coming after being held scoreless in the previous two games, something Shattler said may not have happened before in his career. The 37-year-old was drafted in 2005 by Buffalo.

“I was a little down on myself. Two games with zero goals,” he said, adding when the team has lost three of its game by one goal, had he chipped in one or two more it could have made a difference.

On the weekend, Shattler said he wanted to score.

“I was hungry. I wanted to put up some numbers,” he said, adding the outburst on offence “felt good.”

The Rush are now off for a week before heading to Vancouver to face the Warriors Feb. 11, then down to Denver to play Colorado Feb. 20, in the first half of a home-and-home set that see the Mammoth visit Saskatoon Feb. 26.

Whiskers & Tails Why do cats like high places?

Is your cat constantly trying to climb your furniture?

If so, this behaviour isn’t surprising. After all, felines

like to perch in high places. Here are some things to know about your cat’s fondness for heights.

REASONS CATS LIKE HEIGHTS Animals need to adapt to their surroundings to survive in the wild. They develop instincts to help keep them safe. These instincts persist even when they’re domesticated. Seeking high places is part of a cat’s natural behaviour. Being up high gives your pet a good vantage point to observe what’s going on around them, target their prey and spot any potential danger. This makes them feel safe and secure. It also gives them a place to retreat to when they don’t want to be part of the action below.

CREATING VERTICAL SPACES Providing cat-friendly vertical areas will help keep your feline friend off your furniture. Here are some simple and affordable ways to create vertical space for your cat: x ; ` ] N S L ^ P Z ] M ` T W O L N L _ _ ] P P or climbing post. x 8Z`Y_ ^SPWaP^ QZ] dZ`] NL_ _Z NWTXM x ,OO L bTYOZb [P]NS _Z dZ`] NL_u^ QLaZ`]T_P window.

To help keep your cat safe at all times, make sure that any perches you build or buy are secured and mounted with the necessary anchors.

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Obituaries

OBUCK - Anne Obuck, beloved wife of the Late Dan Obuck of Yorkton, passed away on January 23, 2022 at the age of 100. Anne was born on February 13, 1921 to Anton and Donia Smysnuik in the Churchill district north of Ituna, SK. Anne was united in marriage to Dan Obuck on May 22, 1938 at Sacred Heart Church in Ituna. Together, they farmed until 1967 when they moved to Yorkton.

Anne was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church, sang in the choir and became a dedicated member of St. Mary’s UCWL, which she was honored as a 90+ year old member. In September 2002, Mom moved to St. Volodymyr Villa in Saskatoon, and recently moved to St. Joseph’s Care Home. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: daughter Nadia (Lawrence) Herasymuik of Melville, daughter June (Victor) Rodych of Saskatoon, daughter Muriel (Eugene) Fedorowich of Yorkton, Son, David (Liana) Obuck of Calgary, Alta; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Sister Florentine Smysnuik, Helen Stewart, Lillian (Joe) Gelowitz and brother Nester (Natalie) Smysnuik, her sisters-in-law, Rose Smysnuik and Sophie Obuch and also numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Thursday, January 27th at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Most Rev. Bishop Peter Stasiuk and Rev. Fr. Yevhen Zadorozhnyi concelebrating. The interment followed in Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

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MANTAY - Lawrence Mantay went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on January 17, 2022 at the age of 91. At an early age, Lawrence accepted Christ as his Saviour and lived his life serving Him. Lawrence was born to Gustav and Elsie (Effa) Mantay on October 28, 1930 in the Homestead District.

Lawrence has three older sisters and four younger sisters. On October 28, 1961, he married Hilda Breitkreuz. Lawrence began working on the family farm at a young age. He continued working on the farm until he retired and moved into Springside in 1994. Even though he was in town, he continued to help out on the farm. Hilda and Lawrence had a mixed farm where they milked cows, raised chickens and grew grain crops.

Lawrence taught his family the value and rewards of having a good work ethic. It was also very important to help your neighbour. Lawrence had many outdoor activities that he thoroughly enjoyed. He absolutely loved fishing, trapping, hunting and gardening. He had and extremely hospitable and giving heart. Family and friends very much enjoyed the fruits of his labour. One pastime that Lawrence enjoyed most was visiting with family and friends. He was known for his very detailed stories. In their retirement years, Lawrence and Hilda gave much of their time to visiting the sick and shut-in. Lawrence was predeceased by his wife Hilda; his parents Gustav and Elsie (Effa) Mantay; sisters and brothers-in-law Vera (Ernest) Rosom, Rose (David) Minke, Evlyne (Norman) Klause, Donald Neibrandt, his nephew Tim and his niece Verna. Lawrence leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life his children Mildred (Dwight) Eisner of Swan River, MB; Sidney Mantay of Springside, SK; Lucille (Myron) Bali of Yorkton, SK; grandchildren Mandy Eisner, Tia Eisner, Nashly (Justin) Epp, Faylin (Ryley) Fehr, Tadd (Natalya) Bali; great- grandchildren Peter Epp, Elesha Epp, Myla Fehr, Koi Fehr, Pierce Bali, Ramsey Bali, Anna Pieterse and Kinnley Rhodes. Lawrence is survived by his sisters Frances Neibrandt, Betty Mantay, Dorothy (Elvin) Haller and Gladys (Dave) Kneller; as well as many nieces and nephews.

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SMIGELSKI – Joe Smigelski of Yorkton, formerly of Rorketon, MB beloved husband of the Late Lena Smigelski entered eternal rest on January 28, 2022. He was 86 years of age. Joseph (Charlie) Smigelski was born on April 20, 1935 on the family farm near Rorketon, MB, a son of Dmetro and Mary (Karlash) Smigelski. Joe attended a one room school at Edlene until Grade 6 when he left to help on the family farm. Besides farm work he was busy playing with bands all over the area but making sure he was awake on time to milk the cows the next morning. He continued to help on the farm until leaving to work on the oil rigs in the 50’s. Upon returning home he continued to operate a mixed farm on the family land. On July 1, 1967 he married Lena Arsenie and became a step father to Barry, Julie and Brian.

Upon retirement they moved to Yorkton but continued to maintain their cabin at Benyk’s Point from May to November where he loved fishing and hunting and spending time with his grandsons. He attended St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church where he met and made many great friends. He sang in the Church Choir and also went Christmas Caroling. Joe loved hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, playing music and tipping one back on occasion. He was a self - taught profound musician who could pick up any instrument and play it. These included guitar, violin, mandolin, harmonica and tsymbally (dulcimer) to name a few. Joe was a devout Ukrainian Catholic who was also a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. He and Lena volunteered numerous times for functions at the parish hall. He had an unwavering trust in God who called him home on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memory three stepchildren, Barry (Clairette) Zaleski of Dauphin, MB, Julie (Brian) Graveline of The Pas, MB and Brian Zaleski and friend Kathy and her children Jerrod and Kaitlan of Brandon, MB. Three grandchildren Ronald Zaleski, Cory Graveline (Kellie) and Jeffrey Graveline (Samantha); four great grandchildren Emmett, Oliver, London and Aspen; sisters - in - law Pauline Wowchuk of Winnipeg and Mary Smigelski of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Lena, his parents Dmetro and Mary Smigelski, brothers Mike, Bill and John; sisters – in – law Minnie and Ollie. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Monday, January 31 at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Emil Strutynski and the epistle Reader was Debbie Lishchynsky. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood held an honour guard. The interment followed at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Jim Arsenie, Ron Kolodziejski, Todd Arsenie, Terry Skykalo, Victor Puchala and Steve Popowich serving as the casket bearers.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund or the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

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MORRISON - We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Joseph Allan Morrison of Saltcoats, SK on January 10, 2022 at age 71. Joe was the hardest, yet softest man around. Everyone who knew him has a ‘Joe Morrison story’ or two tucked away, most likely involving some colorful language. But for every one of those stories, they have ten more involving his work ethic, integrity, neighborliness, inquisitive nature, generosity, teasing sense of humour and infectious laugh, and contentment with simple things. Joe had a strong backbone, and believed if something was going to be done, it should be done right. He was a favorite person to many, and a man who was “all in” with his family in every aspect. He adored his wife endlessly, took great pride in his children, and treasured his grandchildren. Joe was born on July 22, 1950 in Brandon, MB and raised in the Saltcoats area where he remained his whole life. Joe started school at the Tupper country school, but completed most of his early studies at the Chatsworth country school before attending Saltcoats School for junior high. As a child, Joe’s world revolved around work and sports. The deal was that ‘the boys’ had to get the chores done before and after school in order to play hockey and ball; the cream cheques needed to keep coming in! Being raised on the family farm instilled a devout work ethic in Joe. It also shaped his lifelong loyalty to family, love of working with animals, and feeling most at home amongst the beauty and simplicity of the natural world. Joe glided through whatever sport he tried, and his natural athletic ability was apparent at an early age. He had an exceptional wrist shot, which his mom attributed to him milking cows twice a day. When he entered high school in 1965 at the YRHS, he continued playing hockey, but also played for the Gridders football team and ran track-and-field. Joe broke the Saskatchewan high school 100-yard dash record, which he held for nine years. Joe started work in the Wroxton district as a hired farm hand in the summer months. He left high school to work in an iron smelter, then in a nickel mine before returning home to run heavy equipment for the Matheson Brothers, building grid roads and highways all over Saskatchewan. When the Matheson Brothers sold to Western Earth Movers, Joe stayed on. He enjoyed his time on the road with good buddies, and earned himself a few interesting nicknames. During this period of his life, he began playing senior hockey, first for the Bredenbury Cougars, where he won the league scoring championship twice, was MVP of the team, won the league championship twice, and was selected to all-star teams many times; and then for the Saltcoats Laketowners, where he won a league championship in his final year of senior hockey.

He then went on to be one of the original members of the Saltcoats Gang Green hockey team. (Oh, if those dressing room walls could talk…) Joe traded in his life on the road to go back to his roots. Farming was always calling him and remained the passion of his life. He and his brothers, Ewen and Ken, started farming together in the Chatsworth district with the help of Ted when he wasn’t in school. In 1974, Joe met the love of his life (and the only woman who was able to tame him down … a wee bit), Sheila Soke. Joe and Sheila were married on August 30, 1975 and moved onto the original Cross homestead. It is here where they raised their three children, Chris, Troy, and Kim, and lived together for 46 years. Joe loved all aspects of farm-life: growing grain, tending to cattle, and the business side of agriculture. Even after he was done farming on a larger scale with his brothers, he continued farming his quarter section of land and raising cattle. In Joe’s later years, he became quite a steward of the land. He cared a lot about land and animal preservation … except for those damn beavers! Joe worked for SI Construction, building roads, for a few years, but hated being away from Sheila and his young children. So, he started operating the grader for the RM of Churchbridge before switching to the RM of Saltcoats for 15 years. In 2004, Joe started with EMW, working in various roles in the Fabrication Shop and then took over the E&S Holdings farm manager position. He was extremely dedicated and took great pride in his work. Even in leadership roles, he didn’t shy away from the toughest tasks. He was organized and diligent in everything he did and had a desire to pass values down to the younger generation. While his children were growing up, Joe’s life still revolved around work and sports, albeit in a different capacity. Joe was heavily involved in Saltcoats Minor Sports while his kids played hockey and baseball. He coached for years and was always helping out where needed. This lifestyle didn’t leave much time for holidays, but Joe treasured his few family getaways to Madge Lake and Clear Lake, especially once the grandkids came along.

Sheila even got him on a plane to Jamaica twice in recent years! In 2002, Joe’s middle son, Troy, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Throughout Troy’s almost 4-year battle, Joe was there for it all. Through the ups and the many downs, he was always supportive and present. His deep and genuine love as a father shone brightest in these years. Troy’s death was the greatest loss in Joe’s life. Joe finally retired in 2021. He spent his first, and only, job-free summer happily checking off the yard to-do list that he and Sheila had made over the years. They enjoyed gardening, beautifying their already stunning yard, building a deck, and completing small wood-working projects together. Joe also spent hours preparing wood for the winter; re-tinning shed roofs; feeding his birds; building a fence with his grandsons around ‘the big bush’ that he wanted to preserve; and, his favorite activity, getting on his quad and checking the cattle. He was not a man who needed much to be happy. He relished in the simple things in life: spending time with the family he so adored, creating outdoor spaces for ‘the kids’ to enjoy (the snowhill in the winter and the walking path through the bush in the summer), eating a home-grown and home-cooked meal, having good conversations with good people, laying on his favorite couch in the garden room, reading the Western Producer, laughing at his favorite tv shows, delving into war and family history, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, or checking the weather. Joe was diagnosed on December 16, 2021 with pancreatic cancer that had spread into his liver. After a 25-day battle, he passed away at the Regina General Hospital with his devoted wife by his side. Joe’s unwavering love for Sheila was even more evident in his final days. He was asked, “What’s one piece of advice you’d leave your grandkids?” to which he replied, while looking at Sheila in the doorway of his hospital room, “Marry the right person.” Joe was predeceased by his son, Troy, his parents, Allan and Grace, his father-inlaw, Ben Soke, and his nephew, Tyler Soke. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sheila; his son, Chris, daughter-in-law, Loni (Kitzul) and their children: Alex, Jake, and Mila; his daughter, Kim, son-in-law, Derek Targerson, their daughter, Winnie, and their baby on the way; his motherin-law, Alva Soke; his siblings: Ewen Morrison (Shirley), Ken Morrison (Lynn), and Ted Morrison (Toni); his siblings-in-law: Greg Soke (Shirley), Bruce Soke, Kathy Soke, and Brian Soke (Dana); his many cherished nieces and nephews and their children; his cousins and aunts near and far; and his many dear friends and neighbors. In Joe’s final days, two thoughts comforted him: knowing he would soon be reunited with Troy, and that he would soon join the soil he spent his life working with. A memorial service for Joe will be held on Thursday, February 24 at 2:00pm at the Saltcoats Hall with Interment to follow in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery. The service will be live streamed starting at 1:50pm (a link will be provided closer to the date through Christie Hill Funeral Home). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saltcoats Cemetery Fundin memory of Joe.

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Obituaries

Obituaries

BROWN - Alma Loraine Brown (Nee Parker) wife of the late Don Brown of Yorkton passed away suddenly on January 21, 2022.

Alma was born on March 19, 1932, on a farm just south of Naicam SK. She was the oldest child of EJ (Pat) & Florence Parker. She resided in Naicam until she graduated high school, and then attended the Normal School in Saskatoon where she earned her teaching certificate. She taught primarily grades 2 & 3, though some of her first years were in 1 room county school houses and grades up to 8.

She Married Donald Brown of Melfort Saskatchewan in 1956. Alma and Don settled in Melfort, where they built a house and had two sons. In 1979 the family relocated to Esterhazy, SK where Alma had one more chance to teach in a 1room school house in Atwater Sk. She finished her teaching career in Tantallon, SK in 1984 and moved with her husband to Yorkton, SK for retirement. She was predeceased by her parents, Florence May Parker (Ottowell) in 1985 & EJ (Pat) Parker, in 1987 and Keith Parker - Brother in 2017, and her Husband Donald Brown in 2006. She is survived by her two son’s Leslie Brown (Cammy) Airdrie, AB, and Jerrold Brown (Susan) of Wolseley, SK and two grandsons, Cameron Brown of Edmonton and Everett Brown of Airdrie, sister Doreen Nowosad of Calgary. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. She leaves a legacy of service to her community and to generations of Saskatchewan people whom she had the privilege of teaching through a 30 plus year career as an elementary school teacher. Further she was active in retirement volunteering at the Yorkton Regional Hospital gift shop and for various activities through the Yorkton Westview United Church. A Memorial Service will be held on June 25, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Interment will take place in the Garden of Devotion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

Memorials in memory of Alma may be made to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan 2308 Arlington Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L3 as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at baileysfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral & Cremation Care.

FORCIER - Phyllis McVey Forcier passed away peacefully on January 18, 2022 at the age of 94. She is predeceased by her first husband, Frank McVey, and their two children, Leah (Forsythe) and Barry McVey. She is also predeceased by her second husband, Edward Forcier and her brother, Hugh Price. Phyllis was born in Melfort, SK to Phillip and Ethel Price on December 3, 1927. She attended school in Yorkton and married Frank McVey in 1948. In 1955 they made their home in Regina with their children, Leah and Barry. After Frank’s passing in 1976, Phyllis moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family and met and married Edward Forcier. Phyllis enjoyed being a member of the Order of the Eastern Star since 1959.

She worked at the Royal Canadian Legion in Regina for many years and also worked as admitting clerk at the Regina Pasqua Hospital and Winnipeg Grace Hospital. After retirement she and Ed moved to Kamloops, BC in 1986. Although Phyllis had her share of heartache and loss, her boundless energy, optimism and resolve to carry on was remarkable. In her later years travelling became an important part of her life, reaching destinations as far away as Europe, Hong Kong and New Zealand. She fiercely loved the abundance of family and friends that surrounded her and always stayed in close touch, recounting cherished family history often. She is survived by her brother, Leighton Price, and 6 granddaughters, Tara (Brad Spencer), Ryah (Chris Swain), Bree (Mike Horne) of Kamloops. Seonaid (Jeff Wittig), and Kristin (Chad Bakke) of Regina, and Hilary (Adrian Echtner) and stepdaughter Brenda (Neil Swanson) of Calgary and many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends. She also delighted in her 12 great grand children and 5 great great grand children. Phyllis will be remembered for her love of life, her love for family, and a good sip of scotch. Charities were important to Phyllis, in lieu of flowers please make a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice.

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November 24, 1979 January 31, 2021 Our Son in Heaven They say there is a reason They say time will heal Neither time or reason Will change they way we feel Gone are the days We used to share But in our hearts You are always there The gates of memories Will never close We miss you more than Anybody knows Love & Miss You everyday Sadly missed but never forgotten Gene, Barb, Kelly, Lindy, Adam, Austin Becker

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In loving memory of

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And try to do the best in life as you would want us to.

You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true.

And when we needed someone, we could always count on you.

Those special years cannot return when we were together, But with the love that’s in our hearts; you will walk with us forever.

Lovingly Remembered by, Agnes, Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren

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Land for Sale 160 ACRES FOR SALE 7 miles from Yorkton. Some cultivated, pastures and bush. Fenced and cross-fenced. Asking $179,000.00.

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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.

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Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Yorkton Curling Club Inc. will be held at the Gallagher Centre at the above date and time for the presentation of the annual ¿QDQFLDO VWDWHPHQW DQG WUDQVDFWLRQ RI VXFK RWKHU business as may properly come before the board.

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FOR SALE Noma 24” Walk Behind for parts. No Engine. No tires.

Very good auger. Very good gearbox.

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FOR SALE! Wine making supplies. Different sized carboys, electric filtering system, etc. Everything you need for making wine. $200 obo. 306-782-3831.

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WALK-IN MEAT COOLER, 6’x8’ including compressor and wiring.

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Purebred German Shepherd Pups for Sale - Located in Roblin, MB. For viewing or info call or text. phone: 204-937-4632 email: daisy_aday@hotmail.com

GELBVIEH BULL SALE Red Deer Country Alberta Feb. 15th

Farm Implements FOR SALE! 2017 Kubota m6-141 tractor, loader & grapple. 3500hrs, excellent condition, well maintained. Asking $95,000 OBO. Call/text: 204-648-7136 WANTED: International or Allis Chalmers tractors. Running or for parts. Call: 306-621-1556.

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403-588-8620 Anderson Cattle Co. Bull Sale 60 Red & Black Angus Bulls March 29, 2022 Swan River MB 204-734-2073 www.andersoncattle.ca

General Employment Hiring Department Managers Lloydminster Sobeys. Apply with resume to sobeysjobs@gmail.com

SNOW REMOVAL- Roof snow removal, roof raking. Will clean the snow off your house, garage, etc.

Also do snow blowing. Phone: 306-620-8957.

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FOR ALL YOUR BAKING SUPPLIES

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Highway #9 North, Yorkton 306-783-8660 DRIVE MEDICAL TITAN AXS midwheel power chair. Used indoors only for 2 months. List price $3200.00 asking $2400.00.

Phone: 306-548-4674.

FARM RAISED lean ground beef.

1 & 2 lb. packages available. $5/lb.

Phone: 306-728-5146.

FOR SALE - 24” Snow Trac snowblower. 8 HP Compasey Engine.

Very good running working order.

Phone: 306-782-9131 or 306-6219783

Sun County Well Servicing in Estevan is looking for staff to join their team.

We are seeking floorhands and derrickhands. Preference will be given to applicants with experience, or a 1A or 3A license. H2S, First Aid training and a valid driver’s license are required. Starting wage is $31 per hour. We supply PPE and currently have a hiring bonus of $1000.

Please contact Shannon at

306-634-1221 or 306-421-3418 for more details.

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Business For Sale FOR SALE - Leask Community Hardware Store Fully Stocked 5371 sq. ft. hardware store, built in 1985, located in a farming community with a population of approx.

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For more info, contact Warren 306-466-6535 r Lorna 306-4669189.

Kaleidoscope

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 www.yorktonthisweek.com

A14

ART • ENTERTAINMENT • COMMUNITY

Book looks at Doukhobor contributions

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer The history and heritage of Doukhobor pioneers is intricately connected to East Central Saskatchewan.

There remain brick homes on Myrtle Avenue in the city made of bricks made by Doukhobor brick plants, and it was not so many years ago Doukhobor women still re-enacted pulling a plow at the Yorkton Thresherman’s Show.

And, of course there were once a number of Doukhobor communities northeast of the city, most now only remembered in history, although Veregin remains. It is the site of the National Doukhobor Heritage Village which is both a National and Provincial Historic site.

The museum and associated buildings depict the lifestyles of the Doukhobor immigrants who settled the area.

Now a new book; Spirit Wrestlers: Doukhobor Pioneers and Their Friends,

by Koozma J. Tarasoff, looks more closely at some Doukhobors who have done interesting things.

Tarasoff’s last book in 2002 was a 480-page illustrated history of ‘Spirit Wrestlers,’ the English translation of ‘Doukhobors.’ The volume featured over 200 profiles and biographies of Doukhobors.

The new book features 33 new biographies coming from around the world, across Canada (24), Russia (5), USA (2), Caribbean West Indies (1), and Australia (1), and four have no direct Doukhobor heritage.

Tarasoff told Yorkton This Week the latest book felt natural to undertake following his earlier effort.

“In 2002, I wrote a major book on my ancestors with a focus on their pioneering spirit of hard work, philosophy of peace, bridge-building, non-killing, hospitality, cooperation, and

the inner spirit,” said the author of 14 books.

“These are resource strategies for living that we can use today and in the future.

“I recall in the spring of 2003 when I drove by car across western Canada meeting with groups promoting my book, the joy of the people in seeing the beautiful book. The response was one of great success. The leader of the Community Doukhobors, John J. Verigin, Sr., described the book as ‘the best encyclopedia of the Doukhobors.’ While that book consisted of over 100 biographies and family stories, I saw a need to invite other people who showed extraordinary spirit and talent to create a peaceful and healthy society. Hence the idea for the new book.”

But, why did Tarasoff think the book was worth writing?

“My Doukhobor ancestors burnt their guns in Tsarist Russia in June of 1895,” related Tarasoff who was born in 1932 on an isolated Saskatchewan farm 35 miles north-west of Saskatoon. “They were against military conscription. This led to persecution, as a result, onethird of the most persecuted, numbering 7500, migrated to the Canadian prairies in 1899, (they settled in and around Veregin, plus colonies in the Langham and Blaine Lake areas of north-central part of the province).

“Today their philosophy of hard work and survival remains valuable to the wider society. If we are to survive today from war threats, the Coronavirus pandemic, and climate change, we will have to learn all the lessons we can of getting to work together, friendship-making, getting to know the stranger, the vital process of innovations and friendly human collaboration.”

In the book each biographer presented in their own voice stories showing how Doukohbors

strive to create a peaceful non-killing society.

They reveal the diversity of interpretations of the Doukhobor Movement today.

Given the local connections there are ties to the area in the book.

“Ancestors of the Doukhobors continue to reside in the local areas,” offered Tarasoff. “They are always interested in their Russian identity and learning about their contributions to their new country.

“The National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin remains open as a showplace for the life and times of these Slavic immigrants who were true pioneers in cultivating the soil, building the railroads, establishing flour mills and brick factories. Some scholars from the area became teachers, professors, doctors, lawyers, expert geologists, oil professionals, and engineers – with one of them being Michael Chernoff of Veregin (now living in West Vancouver, BC) who funded this book. Michael is an outstanding example of survival, success and philanthropy as a real Doukhobor pioneer who knows the meaning of love and caring for one’s neighbour.

“When Michael graduated from Kamsack High School, he received a full scholarship for studies

at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON., which led to a successful career in Geological Engineering.

As payback, Michael established full paid scholarships to good students who cannot otherwise afford to go to university. Also he gave millions to establish a science facility at the university.”

While the biographies were provided, creating the book still took time and effort.

“It was long tedious work requiring much patience and waiting (eight years) for the biographies to come in, plus periodic editing, and the writing of introductions for each,” explained Tarasoff.

“Gathering 340 images was no small task, and their placement and formatting was a challenge. All was done on a volunteer basis. I owe much gratitude to Andrei Conovaloff of Arizona, my webmaster, who served patiently as co-editor and designer.”

Tarasoff said having the right help smoothed the greatest challenges faced in producing the latest book.

“Getting the book published earlier was a challenge. Formatting with over 340 photos, most in colour, required expert help,” he recounted.

“My task as writer, author, organizer and compiler, was to keep

everyone and everything on track. The goal was achieved and the book came out in January 2022. Free copies were sent to the biographers, to select libraries and archives around the world, to several book reviewers, as well as to a number of individuals (both Doukhobor and non-Doukhobor). It is truly a volunteer labour of love.”

So what is the best aspect of the book?

“Each biographer presented his or her own voice with authentic stories about the Doukhobors,” said Tarasoff. “This is not fiction. Doukhobors are not nudists or terrorists, as they often have been wrongly portrayed in the sensational media. They are a legitimate part of the Canadian and world community whose desire is to create a peaceful non killing society. This group of 33 biographers revealed the diversity of interpretations of what constitutes being a Doukhobor.”

Tarasoff is pleased with the way the book turned out.

“The book is professional, scholarly, colourful, and a monumental work – a treasure to our Russian pioneers who came to Canada in 1899,” he said.

“As one of the readers said, ‘This was ‘a labour of love’.

Tarasoff also gave a “big ‘thank you’ to Merriam Print in Ottawa which formatted and printed the book.

Manager Jia Hou did a great job with her team in getting the book printed on time.”

Now that it is out Tarasoff said he hopes for a broad readership.

“The book is for everyone,” he said. “The reader will be able to meet a variety of people – young and old – with an extraordinary spirit and talent to create a peaceful and healthy Canadian society.”

Tarasoff said the book will allow readers to meet scholars, a lawyer, ministers, professors, educators, administrators, a heritage builder, Slavic specialists, a civil servant, medical doctor, community activist, geophysical engineer, petroleum consultant, Wheat Pool Director, singers and musicians, storyteller, dancer, communications worker, early childhood educator, digital technology expert, ethnographer and folklorist, entrepreneur with a conscience, international consular property manager, organic architect in the Caribbean, a family that moved back to Russia next to the home of Lev N. Tolstoy, and an organic candy maker in Australia.

“The good thing about this book is that it is addressed to the wider society and everyone young and old may find something interesting and enlightening,” he said.

Print copies of the 459-page volume can be obtained on demand from Merriam Print, 252 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6P4. Contact Jia Hou, Manager: email: print252@gmail.com or phone 613-567-5050.

Also the book is available free online as an eBook at www.SpiritWrestlers.com/2022 You can contact the author at kjtarasoff@gmail.com

East Central Newcomer Welcome Centre Inc. helps newcomers to Canada successfully settle and feel welcome in East Central Saskatchewan The East Central Newcomer Welcome Centre Inc. is a non-profit agency which provides information and services to newcomers, immigrants and refugees in the East Central Saskatchewan region leading towards successful settlement and integration in the community. The agency has a service area of 150 km radius around Yorkton.

The East Central Newcomer Welcome Centre Inc. is a first stop collaborative centre to welcome newcomers to the East Central Saskatchewan region. Newcomers establish their first connections with their new community, through the agency by accessing information about the resources and services available in the community. The agency offers Settlement Services, the Settlement Worker in Schools Program (SWIS), the Community Connections Program, the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) and Employment Services. Some of the services provided by the agency for newcomers to Canada include: identifying newcomer’s settlement needs, solution focused counseling, information and orientation seminars and interpretation, connecting with volunteers to support them in their settlement and integration, community facilities and services tours, connection to cultural, social and recreational groups and events, referrals to community services, assessing client’s employment readiness, and pre-employment services. The agency also provides community connections to housing, education, healthcare, banking, transportation, employment, places of worship and other activities which accelerate the settlement process.

The Settlement Worker in Schools Program (SWIS) is a school-based program designed to

help newcomer students and their families settle in their school and community. SWIS connects newly arrived families to services and resources in the school and community to promote settlement and foster student achievement. The SWIS program focuses on newcomer families that are in their first few years in Canada. The program also focuses on newcomer students and parents, that have unresolved settlement needs.

The Community Connections Program raises awareness about our services throughout East Central Saskatchewan and helps clients become involved in community activities, events and organizations throughout the communities in which they settle.

The Local Immigration Partnership is a new initiative aimed at bringing together service providers, settlement agencies, community groups, municipal representatives, employers and other key organizations across the municipalities in East Central Saskatchewan to create welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers to Canada.

The agency strives to welcome and assist newcomers and foster a sense of community by working with service providers, communities, employers and government partners in order to provide settlement services across the East Central region of Saskatchewan. Our office is located at Unit H, 132 Broadway Street West in Yorkton. Contact us at 1 (306) 783-2777 or at ecnwcinfo@ecnwc.ca. We are also on Facebook at East Central Newcomer Welcome Centre, Instagram @ecnwci and our website is www.EastCentralNewcomerCentre.ca. We look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, February 2, 2022

A15

Don’t trash your faith—rebuild it I’ve noticed a troubling trend. Some prominent Christian leaders, teachers and authors have made public the fact that they are re-thinking, even abandoning their faith. “Deconstructing Faith,” the trend is called.

Rethinking ‘naïve’ beliefs, some say.

Tossing them altogether.

In today’s social media copycat climate, the trend has caught on.

Christian faith has a few things in common with sewing, a practice I love. The hum of a sewing machine sets my fingers itching. That runs in my family. Even my oldest uncle knew how to sew. A welder by trade, hunter and mountain man at heart,

Uncle Harry hunted big game on horseback until a stroke felled him in his late eighties. Yet he made time to sew. My father inherited one of his final projects – a warm brown lumber jacket with topstitching, snaps, pockets and lining.

My mother used an old green Elna, solid metal and heavy as a barrel of bricks. She sewed most of our family’s clothes. Some garments she made over three times; reconstructing them carefully to make something new and valuable from something tired and worn.

She shared those skills with me. By the time I reached high school, I could sew so well it irri-

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 tated my sewing teacher.

When I went to college, I bought an old green Elna, just like Mom’s. I called it the Iron Horse. For my first date with the Preacher, I sewed a (stylish for the 70s era) lime-green dress of crepe Fortrel.

It came to the floor and had a matching hooded jacket with white marabou feather trim.

Two years later, the

Iron Horse stitched my wedding dress. Yards of white satin and lace whispered across table and floor as I added ruffle upon ruffle to my tiered Victorian gown.

But even fabric once strong and new becomes worn and thin from use and abuse. Creative sewers, rather than trash worn fabric items, often rip them apart, tossing the irrepar-

able parts and reconstructing the rest into beautiful garments and quilts. Still valuable, the cloth becomes once again useful. As did my mother before me, I did that often. Tired old garments, tablecloths or curtains became something new and useful.

The popular “deconstruction of faith” trend ought to concern us. But it should not surprise us.

Long-held faith, like a garment, can wear thin and rip apart in life’s stresses if not regularly maintained and closely examined.

In today’s buffet of easily accessible spiritual teachers and teachings, it has become far too easy to place our faith in substitutes

rather than building it around relationship to Jesus Christ, submission to and study of his Word, sound theology and a community of like-minded believers.

One of my favourite hymns says it best, perhaps. “My faith is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

Deconstruction of faith need not necessarily mean abandoning faith. Like the practice of sewing, our faith can grow stronger, more beautiful and useful if we remain open to examination and reconstruction by the Holy Spirit.

Days getting longer a good sign Isn’t it great to see a noticeable length of days? Even though we’ve had a lot of cold, at least we can dream of spring coming because the days are getting longer.

Now when we look at our seed catalogues, we can actually imagine the gardening season ahead.

Doesn’t each and every item in the seed catalogues look beautiful?

Especially showy are the pictures of the various kinds of lilies, which brings to mind a question that someone asked me not that long ago: what is the difference between oriental and Asiatic lilies? Is there a difference?

Yes, there is, and here is what my homework taught me. Oriental lilies are hybrids that comes from Japanese species of lilies, while Asiatic lilies originally called Asia home.

At a glance, the flowers look similar, but there is a difference.

Oriental lilies usually

DEBBIE HAYWARD YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook come in pink, white or yellow, and the blooms are larger. And these are the lilies that have the intense fragrance (think of Stargazer or Casa Blanca varieties). They are stunning, yes, but the strong fragrance can be a little much for many gardeners. The leaves on oriental lilies are rounder, and more thinly spaced on the long stems.

Meanwhile, Asiatic lilies have no fragrance.

But they surely do pack a punch with color, coming in almost every color and every intensity. Blooming on sturdy stems with long, narrow glossy leaves, we can find

delicate pastel colors of ivories, pinks or peaches or bright and bold shades of burgundy, purples and oranges; there is a variety for every taste! A dear gardening friend has a long border of lilies, and when they are blooming in the spring, they are absolutely a knock-out!

Each and every one is beautiful.

Oriental lilies grow to heights varying from two to six feet. If you have ever seen “tree lilies,” they will be some variety of oriental lilies. The blooms give us a show starting in mid-summer.

Asiatics, on the other hand, usually grow to a

height of three feet or so, and they bloom in the spring. Flower duration depends on the weather; intense heat or dry or rainy spells can definitely affect how long the lily show continues.

Both types of lilies can be divided every four or five years. Till then, they are very care-free plants.

They like well-draining soil and full sun but are not overly fussy about the type of soil.

Do not crowd them: they will grow better and give a better show if they have space around them.

For perennial pops of color in our gardens, the lily family does not disappoint! You might have also heard of martagon lilies: a familiar garden friend but with a unique look. Martagon lilies tend to face downwards, not the usual trumpets looking up like we think of when we think “lilies.”

Their petals curl up (or down, depending how you look at it) and there

can be as many as two dozen blooms or more on a stem. They come in a wide variety of colors and can stand a bit more shade than the Asiatic or oriental lilies. Nor do they care for very dry soil. These lilies will be a conversation starter in any garden!

See what’s happening with the Yorkton hort

society by visiting us at www.yorktonhort.ca As with many groups, our meetings are on hold at this time, but we still have interesting information on our website.

Check it out!

Revitalize your garden spirit by browsing through a new seed catalogue and have a great week!

Flower & Gift Boutique

VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGES Including our:

Massage Gift Certificate & 1 Dozen Roses Special!!

Also an assortment of beautiful fresh cut Valentine bouquets, vase arrangements, gifts & more.

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306-786-7673

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

Destiny International Christian Assembly

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

Establishing Ministries and Releasing Destinies

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

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Free Pentecostal Church #3"%#300,& "7& Pastor E. Richardson

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“A Place of New Beginnings”

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St. Mark The Evangelist Orthodox Church 160 Betts Ave, Yorkton, Sask “Services In English” www.stmarkyorkton.ca

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Zacchaeus Sunday Saturday February 5th- Vespers 6:00 PM Sunday February 6th Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Priest: Rodion Luciuk Phone: 306-786-6216 Cell: 306-621-5341

Living With Uncertainty “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what your Lord will come.”

Matthew 24:42 NIV

A16

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

Ski fun While the weather was warmer several cross country skiers were out on the

Sask. gov. donates to Ukraine aid

Hear it. L Live it.t Coralee Schoenrock 275 Bradbrooke Dr, Yorkton, SK S3N 3L3 306.782.1881 premiercarehearing.ca

trails at Deer Park Golf Course over the weekend.

M.A, Aud(C)

Audiologist/Owner Registered Sk

The Government of Saskatchewan announced a $100,000

donation to support, coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid in

Ukraine.

“Nearly 129,000 Ukrainians have chosen

MAKE PLANS TO

MAKE PLANS TO

Registration Night SACRED HEART Wednesday, February 16 HIGH SCHOOL

to call Saskatchewan home and have made our province a better place because of it,” Legislative Secretary Responsible for Ukraine Relations Terry Dennis said. “Our government will always support Ukraine’s right to defend its sovereignty against foreign aggression.”

This donation is being provided to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress who, alongside the Canada-Ukrainian Foundation, established the Humanitarian Relief Committee in preparation of a humanitarian crisis ensuing from further Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to be in contact with local organizations who are playing a key role in humanitarian efforts.

Donations can be made at https://www.cufoundation.ca/donate/.

7:00 pm Virtual Information Session on Google Meet

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, All grade 8 students in Yorkton & th February 28 , 2018 surrounding area are invited to join 7:00 p.m. School Tours us for a virtual evening.

7:30 p.m. information Information Please callin306-783-3128 Session Theatre toinregister.

All Grade 8 students Yorkton and surrounding area are invited to join us at Sacred Heart High ExploreSchool’s the wide variety of choices and Open House. opportunities to Sacred Heart Explore the available wide variety of choices andstudents. opportunities available Sacred students.

Ask questions.

Virtuallytotour theHeart classrooms, labs & Ask questions.

See the labs facilities. and shop. shop. “Visit” theclassrooms, arts & sports Visit the art and sports facilities.

Learn about our Advanced Placement & Learn about our Advanced Placement and French French programs.

Get programs. the information you need Immersion about our unparalleled athletic Get the information youacademic, need about our and unparalleled academic, athletic and extracurricular programming. extracurricular programming.

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