Yorkton This Week 2023-01-04

Frosty view

City takes important steps in ‘22: Mayor

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Looking back on 2022 Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley sees a lot of positives both locally and provincially.

Hippsley said locally some of the key developments were not necessarily city initiated but they did try to play a role where they could.

For example, the Mayor applauded the development of Bruno’s Place the new temporary shelter in the city.

“The City of Yorkton didn’t build Bruno’s Place, but we helped where we could to make it a viable operation,” he said.

Progress locally in terms of truth and reconciliation is something Hippsley said he is proud of.

“I’m extremely happy with the progress,” he said.

Hippsley said in conjunction with that effort it was a highlight of the

year as was having the Yorkton Tribal Council invest in a major feature for the downtown park with the installation of the large teepee sculpture.

From a strictly city perspective the final approval and start of construction on a new clubhouse at Deer Park Golf Course was something Hippsley said needed to be undertaken. He added the facility “should be done in the spring of 2023.”

It was also a positive locally seeing design work progress on a reconstruction of York Road, offered Hippsley, who added the initial cost estimates have been higher than anticipated but work continues before final numbers will be known.

Still the condition of the road makes it essential it be fixed in some way.

“It’s got to be addressed,” said Hippsley, adding to fund such a large ticket project “the province has got to step up,” as it is a highway connector

road.

Hippsley said in terms of planning he is pleased to see work continuing to determine exactly how a new regional hospital for the city will look.

While the mayor was not predicting when the first shovel might be turned in terms of actual construction, he said the province at least seems to have the project moving forward.

Hippsley said provincially there were things which moved forward from a municipal perspective that were certainly a positive and will be good for the city too.

The first item was how property taxes are assessed through SAMA.

“There were a lot of complaints about SAMA,” said Hippsley, adding as a result there has been something of a municipal lobby going on to change the system.

While admitting massive change is

unlikely, at least anytime soon, Hippsley said they are at least hoping to shorten the time between assessments to two years.

The province has balked at the idea citing increased costs, but Hippsley said Alberta manages to do it annually, and he is hopeful something will be done here.

Mental health is also an issue locally and provincially, and Hippsley said it is something that he is close to.

“I was asked to chair a working group through the city mayors and we have met once a month,” he related.

With five mayors involved, the group calls in other organizations working in the field and try to build a more co-operative approach to dealing with mental health issues.

“We’re making some progress on that,” he said, adding they appear to have the ear of the province and cooperation on that front too.

MLA sees strength in economy through ‘22

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Not surprisingly COVID-19 remained at the top of the list for Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit as he reflected on 2022.

“Many were pretty excited about having the restrictions dropped,” he said when asked to reflect on the biggest thing from a provincial point of view in the past year.

And, as it turned out, economically COVID, at least provincially wasn’t the negative drag many had expected.

Ottenbreit noted that largely due to the

resource and agriculture sectors the province saw an extra $1.5 billion in revenues over its projections.

The added revenue allowed the government to pay down provincial debt by an extra $1 billion, and to provide residents with $500 cheques – totalling $450 million, he noted.

“It was all based on our resources,” said Ottenbreit, adding “Saskatchewan is a very resource-based economy.”

Ottenbreit said while it may be known by most that the world always needs food, fuel and fertilizer, the diversity of

the resource sector in Saskatchewan is largely unknown even by residents.

“The resource industry in Saskatchewan is a lot stronger today,” he said,

That strength comes from resources here being so diverse from potash, to gold, uranium, rare earths and a range of others, noted Ottenbreit.

And, interest is growing. For example, the electric car industry is a consumer of rare earths minerals, he explained.

The biggest thing now is to ensure the world is aware of just what Saskatchewan has to

offer, which is why the province is undertaking trade missions and opening eight trade offices, said Ottenbreit.

“Look at Saskatchewan – it has what the world needs,” he said.

And, in 2022 agriculture was humming along too.

“People need food, and our agriculture industry did very well,” said Ottenbreit, adding that sector was bolstered price wise by concerns arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which was good for the sector, but unfortunate in the broader sense.

On a more negative note Ottenbreit admitted

the province continues to bull heads with its federal counterpart.

It’s not a case of simply being ideologically different, but rather a case of the province needing to protect what is sees as constitutionally given powers from being impeded upon by the feds, he said.

“They have waded into our region,” he said, pointing to the resource sector as an example.

“Some people say we should just get along with them,” said Ottenbreit, but that doesn’t seem possible at present.

Still, looking ahead to 2023 Ottenbreit said there is a level of expect-

ation the resource and agriculture sectors will remain strong, and that would mean good news for provincial revenues.

Of course there are challenges with a stronger economy, including adjusting as the population grows, said Ottenbreit.

But, grow it must because “there are challenges in the employment sector,” said Ottenbreit, so immigrants are needed.

Ottenbreit also sees continued investment in health care, including continued planning for the long-promised, and much-anticipated new hospital in Yorkton.

Staff Photo by Calvin Daniels

Several mornings of hoar frost made Yorkton streets look particularly festive on the days between Christmas and New Year’s adding to the already cheery mood

being enjoyed in the community as it readied to embark on 2023 and whatever it has to offer.

Fire destroys home in Ebenezer

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

EBENEZER – Fire destroyed a home in the village of Ebenezer during the early morning hours of Dec. 28.

“We got a phone call

around 2:49 am for a residential fire in Ebenezer,” said Ray Miller, Fire Chief of Ebenezer Fire and Rescue, adding the home was fully engulfed when the crew arrived on scene.

The residents had

already evacuated the home and were hoping the crews could salvage their garage.

“Our main concern was to save that garage – which we did,” said Miller.

Miller said the crew

performed fire control at the site from 3:00 am until 10:00 am.

“The guys from Yorkton [Fire Protective Services] came out — they were really good and helped us out — Rhien [Fire Department]

was there,” said Miller. The fire started in an insulated cat shelter which spread to the house, according to the Go Fund Me page for the people affected by the fire.

Other fundraising

efforts are underway for the family including a steak night fundraiser to be held out Joe Beeverz on Feb. 2.

To contribute, visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/glen-crystalshouse-fire.

Provincial indexation, tax credits help with affordability

The Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit (SATC) payment and indexation are among the government initiatives helping make life more affordable for Saskatchewan people.

Indexation of the provincial Personal Income Tax (PIT) system preserves the real value of personal tax credits, the income tax brackets, as well as benefits such as the Saskatchewan LowIncome Tax Credit.

Indexation will result in Saskatchewan residents seeing $94.5 million in annual income tax savings. The level of indexation in 2023 will be 6.3 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2021 to September 2022. The

combined effect of the indexation of the tax system from 2007 through the 2023 taxation year is saving Saskatchewan taxpayers a total of approximately $284.5 million in 2023.

In 2023 through indexation, on average, an individual with an income of $25,000 will see $125 in savings, a family of four with a combined annual income of $75,000 will save $371 and a family of four with a combined annual income of $100,000 will save $362.

Saskatchewan has among the lowest personal taxes in the country. Since 2007 PIT exemptions have removed more than 112,000 people from the province’s income tax roll. In total, PIT reductions since 2007 are pro-

viding over $720 million in annual income tax savings to Saskatchewan people.

In addition, a family of four pays no provincial income tax on their first $56,550 of combined income which is among the highest thresholds in Canada and more than twice as much as in 2007, when a family of four began paying income tax once their combined income reached just $26,150.

In late August, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Four Point Affordability Plan and in addition to the one-time $500 SATC payments, the

small business tax rate reduction was extended by a year to further support small businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic and face inflationary pressures.

The plan also included keeping gym and fitness memberships and recreational activities for youth PST exempt. The province’s strong finances allow government to reduce borrowing and retire up to $1 billion in debt, resulting in lower annual interest costs and allowing those savings to be invested into priorities such as health care, education and social safety nets.

“Saskatchewan is forecast to lead all provinces in economic growth this year and next, and strong revenue from our resources has allowed us to help individuals and businesses with higher costs due to inflation, while paying down debt. That’s growth that works for everyone,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said.

Also helping with affordability, families in Saskatchewan with children enrolled in sports, arts and cultural activities will continue to be able to claim the Active Families Benefit on their 2023 taxes.

The benefit was

reinstated in 2021 and provides a refundable tax credit of $150 per year, per child, to eligible families. Families of children with a disability will receive an additional $50, for a total tax credit of $200 per year, per child. Parents who enroll their children in sports, arts and cultural activities are reminded to keep their receipts so they may claim the benefit with their annual tax filings.

“Our government recognizes that costs have risen due to inflation, and we are committed to taking steps to help keep life affordable for Saskatchewan people,” Harpauer said.

Don’t fear the winter: A nighttime hike in northern Sask.

By Julia Peterson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (The StarPhoenix)

LA RONGE — By the time I arrive at the trailhead in Morley Wilson Park, the northern Saskatchewan sunset has come and gone, and temperatures are dipping below -20 C.

The moon — full, bright, almost cartoonishly enormous in the sky — lights up the park and the woods surrounding it, silhouetting the small group of hikers clustered at the park entrance, getting ready to head out.

Matthew Maurer, who will lead the group, hands out headlamps and snowshoes with eager, welcoming enthusiasm.

He has organized summer hikes in La Ronge for the last two years, but this year is his first time taking groups out on winter evenings, too.

“Hiking is just something that I enjoy doing,” he says. “I go for hikes every morning, and I figured there are a lot of people who are interested. They ask me about it. But they don’t feel comfortable going out and exploring by themselves.

“So I figured I’d put

something on, and provide people with guided hikes and get them familiar with the trails, because I want people to get comfortable. Then they can show their friends, and their friends can show their friends, and we can encourage more people to get out hiking.”

The group of hikers varies from week to week; it’s an informal, friendly gathering. Earlier in the season, some of the local youth groups came out with glow-sticks, lighting up the dark trails in neon colours. This time, counting Maurer, there are six

of us — a mix of old-timers and first-timers clustered together as we hit the trail.

Heading into the trees, sinking deep into the powdery snow with every step, my knees and hips relax into the rhythm of snowshoeing. It surprises me. This is my first time on snowshoes, but I’m almost instantly feeling confident and surefooted.

Except when we’re going up or downhill, that is. Then my snowshoeing is less ‘steady motion’ and more ‘gawky penguin.’

Ebenezer

Photos Courtesy Ebenezer Fire Dept.

Up Front

The final top stories of 2022

Each year the editorial staff at Yorkton This Week reviews the many stories covered throughout the year and glean what they see as the top-10 news stories locally.

In this week’s edition we look back on number 5 to #1.

See the Dec 28 edition or online at www.sasktoday.ca.

#5 - Parkland and Cumberland Colleges headed toward amalgamation

A plan was submitted to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education which could lead to the full amalgamation of the Parkland and Cumberland College by mid 2023.

The two regional colleges have been collaborating in certain areas of operations since July 2019, including a shared CEO and president, explained Alison Dubreuil, the Interim CEO/Vice President in November.

Then in January of this 2022 the Board of Governors “announced interest to merge the two colleges,” she said.

The process toward that merger has been ongoing since January.

Dubreuil said the reasons to move toward a full merger is to ensure the resulting entity can remain relevant to students and partners moving forward, and be sustainable in that effort.

The role of a regional college is always changing in an effort to meet the needs to students, and also local businesses which work with the college to provide education in specific areas to meet business needs, added Dubreuil.

Increasingly the college must be “nimble” and ready to create and provide needed training in very short times, and through a merged college it is believed that can be better achieved, she said.

It’s a case of being better positioned to serve college learning and local communities through shared resources and increased partnership opportunities leading to new programming.

It is through new programming the merged college believes it can attract more students, and by being a large college entity allow staff to specialize, which should enhance retention, said Dubreuil.

“Sharing resources should allow staff to become specialized,” she said.

In terms of staff Parkland has approximately 180, and Cumberland 90, and the merger plan calls for all to be retained, added Dubreuil.

Similarly, the campus locations will be maintained as they are today too, said Dubreuil, eight within Parkland and three within the Cumberland College regions.

The new college will of course have a larger geographic footprint as well.

The process of the merger was really started through the existing coalition since July 2019, said Dubreuil, who added it was almost a trial run for how a merger might work.

Since January 2022, the process has been to engage with staff and community stakeholders to allow then input on the merger.

Next will be the formal submission to the province, expected by year’s end, which could allow for approvals to be given leading to the merger being formally implemented July 1, 2023, said Dubreuil.

In the end a formalized merger will help the new entity “better serve its mandate” as it relates to educational opportunities for students, said Dubreuil.

#4

is a group protesting the federal vaccine mandates that prevent unvaccinated long-haul truckers from crossing the border into the United States.

“I’m on my way to Ottawa, I’m going to stay there as long as I can,” said Dallon Leger of Canora, organizer of the Yorkton event at the time, adding, “the goal is to end all mandates for all Canadians.”

The Yorkton event gained steam quickly, “Yesterday I put a post out [on Facebook] that I’m going to Ottawa asking people if they wanted to meet in Yorkton for support, and we’ve got support in Yorkton,” said Leger of the turnout for the event.

The protest isn’t specific to the region, but a nation-wide effort.

The organizers of Freedom Convoy 2022 said in a statement on their Go Fund Me page, “To our Fellow Canadians, the time for political overreach is over. Our current government is implementing rules and mandates that are destroying the foundation of our businesses, industries and livelihoods.”

The Go Fund Me has accumulated $4.2 million of their $5 million goal.

does not support and strongly disapproves of any protests on public roadways, highways, and bridges. CTA believes such actions – especially those that interfere with public safety – are not how disagreements with government policies should be expressed.”

From Yorkton, the convoy was to head south to Whitewood and meet with protestors from other parts of Western Canada. From there, the convoy planned to continue down the TransCanada Highway to Ottawa.

“There are probably about ten guys from Yorkton heading out,” said Leger, adding, “Basically, the main convoy is coming in from Regina, a lot of people are going to get to see it, support it, and then we’re going to jump on from the back and continue on our way to Ottawa.

“This isn’t specific to the trucking industry.

This is all Canadians whether your healthcare or emergency work, we represent all Canadians.”

#3 – Teepee sculpture erected in downtown park by YTC

The new teepee sculpture announced earlier in 2022 for City Centre Park in Yorkton was installed, and officially ‘opened’ at a ribbon cutting in September.

“I’m trying not to be emotional, but when we blessed this ground . . . I dedicated it to our ancestors,” said Yorkton Tribal Council Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup at the time, adding it was for all people’s ancestors.

The reason, the teepee is to be “a symbol of us working together,” she said. “We want to move forward in a positive way for all of us. It’s my hope, my plan, my dream, that this will be a symbol of that.”

The teepee is also a way “to put some First

Nation representation into the park,” said O’Soup, noting that the mural has only a small teepee in the background which is difficult to notice.

YTC Indigenous Cultural Liaison Cory Cadotte said the teepee is the most recognizable symbol of First Nations people there is, and they hope to use that recognition to draw people to it and learn from it.

For example, a QR code is on-site people can access which will take them to a YTC video telling the story of the teepee, he explained.

As part of the event 15 individuals including the Mayor, Tribal Chief, an RCMP officer and others were selected to give a word of meaning to each of the poles, which were then blessed.

The first pole was kindness, the second to be proud of who you are, the third was peace for all, with others including respect, hope, acceptance, wisdom, honesty and love.

With the installation, O’Soup said everybody worked together, YTC and the City, to see it happen.

“Everybody worked to make this happen. We are making history today,” she said.

Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley picked up on the theme noting he was proud to be part of the historical unveiling.

“The landscape of Yorkton has changed,” he said, noting that is not just visually because of the teepee, but because of what it symbolizes. In that regard Hippsley said the teepee was a symbol “of how we choose to work together toward a much better future.”

- Trucker protest

stops in Yorkton, Canora organizer speaks out

On the morning of January 25 as many as 50 vehicles and 100 people gathered at the intersection of Highway No. 9 and 16 to begin their journey to Ottawa in protest of vaccine mandates and restrictions.

Freedom Convoy 2022

“We are asking for donations to help with the costs of fuel first, and hopefully food and lodgings to help ease the pressures of this arduous task,” noted the funding page.

Some groups are voicing concern over the safety of the convoy. In an announcement on their website, The Canadian Trucking Alliance condemned the protests, stating, “The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA)

Parkland and Cumberland Colleges are headed toward amalgamation. The trucker protest stops in Yorkton, Canora organizer speaks out.

A teepee sculpture erected in downtown park by YTC.

It may be hard to repeat 2022 in 2023

MURRAY MANDRYK

Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

Politics

There are some things we saw this past year that perhaps we should thankfully not expect to see in 2023.

For example, don’t expect to see Colin Thatcher in the legislature again. Don’t expect him to get another invitation to attend or the bungled explanation as to why it was okay to invite him in the first place.

The Saskatchewan Party government made a lot of such silly mistakes.

But there were good things, too … although whether we will see them again is questionable.

To its credit the government did ty to rectify some problems — even ones it didn’t necessarily cause.

While this government bears responsibility for failing to address issues at the University of Saskatchewan and reducing nurse training seats in Regina, it did commit $60 million in September to recruit and retain more health care workers.

It came after the summer’s explosion in rural communities like Kamsack where local MLA Terry Dennis and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley were met with angry protests over the closures of emergency care and lab and x-ray technician services due to staffing shortages.

Governments face constant demands to do more, but there were even more such demands of Premier Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government as we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond the strain on the health system caused by the virus, what was likely a postponed flu outbreak and other issues, there would be challenges with a recovering economy.

And there would be challenges for the rest of us to simply keeping up with the rising costs of everything.

It finally got around to addressing some of the highest inflation we’ve seen in decades by handing out $500 cheques to everyone.

It didn’t meet the greatest collective needs facing of a province that in 2022 struggled with health care, homelessness, mental health and addictions, but it certainly struck a chord.

It was an amount helpful to those most in need, but not so little that those less desperate could saw it was insignificant. It was truly a onetime resource windfall for everyone.

Alas, herein lies the challenges for 2023 — things we experienced in 2022 that we shouldn’t necessarily expect the near record $1.1-billion surplus again.

You may recall that Finance Minister Donna Harpauer’s 2022-23 budget initially predicted a $463-million deficit and added the provincial sales tax to concert and sporting event tickets and even gym membership.

But about the time Harpauer was introducing her budget, Russia invaded Ukraine.

That caused already surging natural gas and oil prices to rise. A spike in potash prices because of the boycott in trading with Russia and Belarus would follow.

So would an increased demand for wheat and canola because of the damage the war was doing to Ukraine’s wheat and sunflower market. Many Saskatchewan farmers were further aided by a crop year like few had previously experienced.

All of this combined for a economic and budgetary turnaround unlike anything Saskatchewan has ever experienced.

We saw near-record year-over-year job creation numbers coming out of the pandemic. And we certainly saw record population growth — or at least, record growth since the federal government began keeping quarterly statistics in 1971.

Admittedly, that growth was largely driven by new Canadians arriving here as people began relocating after the pandemic. Saskatchewan is still losing population to those looking for greener pastures in Alberta and B.C.

This one of the many reasons why we shouldn’t necessarily expect a repeat of 2022 in 2023.

All the factors fell into place this past year — something we shouldn’t come to expect. Moreover, unsolved problems will still be with us.

But for now, let’s enjoy our good fortune and hope for the best in the coming year.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

Community support shows community heart

There is a post going around social media suggesting just because it’s time to put away the decorations of the season, it doesn’t mean we should put away the good feelings of the season.

In Yorkton it’s rather clear we are usually quite willing to help others where we can, and if we look back at 2022, there are certainly indications.

People in the city and the region have certainly stepped up in terms of sending supplies and providing dollars to help those in Ukraine impacted by the invasion of their country by Russian forces. The war has dragged on for months now, the damage to Ukrainian infrastructure has been massive and worse still for individuals and families displaced by Russian bombs.

But many here have tried to help from afar.

Then there is the opening of the temporary shelter in Yorkton which is now known as Bruno’s Place.

While it is unfortunate that there is a need for a bed for people to sleep rather than on the street somewhere, and obviously some permanent help is needed – maybe it’s time for a tiny house community for local homeless to restart their lives – the temporary shelter was needed.

Again it is a project where groups and individuals have stepped up to help make it a reality with donations.

There is of course the annual support shown for the annual Salvation Army Kettle Campaign which helps ensure many families had a robust Christmas supper and youngsters had gifts from ‘Santa’. It is an annual thing that always shows the best of the season, helping those who simply could not afford the basics of the season most of us take for granted.

And now we see a ’Go Fund Me’ campaign started to help a couple who lost their home to a fire in Ebenezer during the early morning hours of Dec. 28.

It is devastating when fire takes a home and Glen and Crystal will certainly be thankful for the support, with the Go Fund Me campaign already past $3,000 raised.

Other fundraising efforts are also underway for the family including a steak night fundraiser to be held at Joe Beeverz Feb. 2.

It is these sort of efforts, support for those in our community who need help which in many ways defines Yorkton in a most positive way. We clearly care about one another, and in a world where it often seems people only care for themselves, we as a community should be proud.

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

Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed your Holidays. Now we are back to real life. New Year’s resolution is the phrase of the week, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behaviour, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behaviour at the beginning of a calendar year (Wikipedia.org). Making a New Year’s resolution is a tradition. The earliest instance was found in Anne Halkett’s diary on January 2nd 1671, includes an entry titled "Resolutions". And the full phrase is found in the January 1st issue of a Boston newspaper from 1813 (Marriam-webster.com). After so many years participating in the New Year’s resolution tradition, we found a good one this year on the internet: Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.

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Continued from Page A3

#2 Emergency shelter opens as Bruno’s Place

A new low barrier emergency shelter was finally opened as October arrives, after some delays in renovations.

“It’s going to be the first week in October,” said shelter coordinator Angela Chernoff in a YTW story ahead of the opening.

Chernoff said it is important to be opening, because “it’s getting cold.”

The new shelter at 139 Dominion Avenue in the city was initially expected to open in June, but Chernoff said there were issues accessing some materials, which delayed inspections, but now it is close to ready.

With the issues accessing materials Chernoff added costs rose, and they are always interested in donations to help offset those increased costs. People can email coordinator.shelter@phclc.org if they wish to donate.

The facility would also welcome canned food and dry goods.

The kitchen was busy Wednesday with a brisket supper fundraiser. Chernoff said the supper was raising money specifically for a commercial washer and dryer.

The shelter, now named Bruno’s Place will have 13 beds and Chernoff said there have been weekly calls of interest already.

The facility’s kitchen has been open, and serving meals, with a lot of interest.

Chernoff said they have seen 15-35 people out for breakfast, and lunch and supper up to 70.

Breakfast will remain a regular feature.

“That was always part of the original plan,” said Chernoff.

However, lunch and supper will only be for shelter clients once the beds open in October.

#1 Russian invasion of Ukraine impacts locally

A rally in support of Ukraine was held in February at City Centre Park in Yorkton.

The turnout was a good one in the eyes of organizer Larissa Vancaeseele Chair of the Yorkton branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

“I’m very encouraged by the turnout we had today,” she said, estimating the crowd at more than 100, adding those showing support for Ukraine ranged from the young to the elderly.

Vancaeseele said while many in the crowd had direct family ties to Ukraine at some point, others were just people in the community showing support for a country facing invasion by Russia military forces.

The showing of flags and signs supporting the people of Ukraine was a symbol to the people facing Russian guns.

Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley said support for the rally was a good sign.

“My heart goes out to them,” he said of those in Ukraine.

At the same time Hippsley, said invasion behind the rally it “is absolutely

2022horrific’ especially when the Russian of Ukraine might actually grow into what could be “World War III.”

The situation in Ukraine is certainly unsettling, as Oksana Hamm read off a series of excerpts of the war’s early days.

“I’m very emotional (with) what’s happening in Ukraine,” she said, as she read that 198 civilians, including children had already been killed, with more than 1,000 wounded.

Hamm said many are “hiding in basements with fear for their lives.”

Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said the support shown for Ukraine was “heartwarming,” but that was not surprising given how many people in the city and area trace connections to Ukraine.

Ottenbreit said he himself married into a Ukrainian family, and through his involvement as Ukraine Relations

At present the reaction by those opposing the invasion outside Ukraine appears focused on sanctions, for example Canada suspending export permits to Russia, but Vancaeseele said that will not be enough.

“Russia is not going to back down to sanctions,” she said.

Asked if that means troops must be sent to Ukraine, Vancaeseele said she wasn’t sure she was ready to suggest that, then added “I fear that other countries will need to support Ukraine (with troops).”

At this point Ottenbreit said the Canadian reaction has done about all that can be expected at this point.

“At this point there’s not a whole lot more to expect,” he said.

One of the moves by the Canadian government has been to fast track immigration from Ukraine.

Ottenbreit said his government is

business distributing Ukrainian flags to vehicles stopped on the street.

“I was putting out flags in the planters and the cars were stopping at the red lights, rolling their windows down -and they wanted flags,” said Greschuk, adding, “we must have distributed about twenty flags.”

Greschuk said that he has family in Ukraine and they are his motivation for showing support.

“I have many cousins there and they’re all under stress -- trying to escape from the bloodshed,” adding, “the people are supporting Ukraine here and around the world.”

And then in March a Yorkton man returning home after evacuating from Ukraine was front page.

Around 50 people gathered at a local restaurant on Monday night to welcome 20-year-old Nikita Sereda back to the city.

Sereda had been studying theology to become a Ukrainian Orthodox priest in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv and attended class up until Feb. 24 when the Russian invasion of Ukraine commenced.

Sereda said he awoke in the early morning hours to the sounds of explosions.

“I woke up to it at 5 a.m.,” said Sereda, adding, “I didn’t think of what was happening outside -- as soon as I turned on the news I learned that explosions were being heard in my area.”

Sereda said his fight or flight instincts soon kicked in.

“It was kind of scary -- what to do, where to go in that situation.”

Sereda said he left his apartment and went to his aunt’s home outside the city where he stayed for two to three weeks before making the trip to Poland.

“Last Thursday (March 17) I made the trip to Poland on the evacuation train,” said Sereda, adding, “It was 13 hours from Kharkiv to Lviv and then I waited in line for six hours to board the train to the Polish border.”

Sereda said the train was at full capacity with many children and mothers. The evacuees took turns sitting and standing.

Minister for seven years, got to know officials from Ukraine.

Through that position Ottenbreit said he became more aware of the history of Ukraine “and more recent happenings.”

In that regard Ottenbreit noted the Russian takeover in Crimea, “where people were dying every day,” a situation where there were warnings of more interference by Russia likely to happen. “. . . It’s come to fruition now.”

Ottenbreit said it is unfortunate more world leaders had not paid attention to what the Crimea invasion was a prelude to, suggesting it was an unheard wake-up call.

Vancaeseele acknowledged that she feels the rest of the world must do more to support Ukraine.

“I do not think we are doing enough,” she said.

already discussing how to help that process, noting Saskatchewan has long been a destination for immigrants from Ukraine.

Hippsley said thousands from Ukraine immigrated to the local area from the 1890s through to the 1920s, and they will welcome more now.

“As Canadians it’s what we do,” he said.

The rally Sunday was the only activity scheduled locally for now, said Vancaeseele, adding their national body of the UCC is sending out updates on the situation in Ukraine regularly, and things are changing hourly.

The story was an ongoing one in the city as well.

On a Monday morning in late February, Al Greschuk, owner of Alexander’s Men’s Wear in Yorkton, was on the sidewalk in front of his

“Overall it was a 25-hour journey from one end of the country to Poland,” said Sereda.

Sereda’s parents both come from Eastern Europe; his mother from Belarus and his father from Ukraine. He also has relatives who live in Ukraine, including two aunts and an uncle.

“They are safe,” said Sereda of his relatives.

Sereda said he received help for his journey home from family members.

“My sister started a GoFundMe page for travel purchases -- and to replace all the stuff I left behind in the apartment in Ukraine.”

Sereda said he felt an overwhelming sense of support in the form of messages, texts and calls from people who were concerned for his safety, adding that he is happy to be home.

“It still feels like a dream.”

The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to protests all over Canada.

Al Greschuk showed his support for Ukraine by handing out flags in the street.

A local supporter of Ukraine created buttons to sell to raise money for those affected by the war..

Nikita Sereda was in Ukraine when the Russian invasion started.

An emergency shelter opened and is now known as Bruno’s Place.

Snowmobilers taking advantage of trails the Northeast has to offer

By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Humboldt Journal)

NORTHEAST –Snowmobiling has become a winter activity all throughout Saskatchewan but specifically the Northeast region. The Northeast part of Saskatchewan or Zone 2 in the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) map has over 24 clubs in the area, out of a total of 65 clubs in the province. These clubs are all working hard to provide safe, groomed trails for snowmobilers. The Northeast has become a snowmobiler’s winter destination with the most groomed trails and warm-up shelters.

Recently, the Tisdale Snowmobile Club Inc. added onto their trail system. They have extended

trail 225E that makes a loop through the community of Bjorkdale. This trail also links up with trail 225A and 225D.

They decided to add this trail because of the services Bjorkdale offers with fuel/restaurant/bar as stops for snowmobilers.

President of the Tisdale Snowmobile Club, Wayne Hedin, said the Tisdale club submitted an application to the SSA to be approved well ahead of the snowmobile season. All of the landowners, RMs and municipalities needed to sign permission forms and be included to start the process of adding this trail. As per the SSA regulations, 20 stakes every kilometre and proper signage all needed to go up.

Hedin has been in the club for 15 years and

president for seven of those years. He plans to step down next year and extends an invitation to any local snowmobilers who want to get involved to contact him for more information at 873-0428.

The Porcupine Trail Blasters also extended their trail system towards Bjorkdale and added a new warm-up shelter just east of Bjorkdale for snowmobile enthusiasts to enjoy.

Snowmobile clubs have benefited since a portion of registration fees began going to local clubs. All Saskatchewan snowmobile registration fees collected by SGI go in to the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Fund, administered by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association. According to the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Fund 2022

annual report, over $2,000,319 was distributed to local clubs.

For more informa-

tion on the SSA and the trail conditions in the area go to: Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association

– Ride over 10,500kms of Snowmobile Trail in Saskatchewan at sasksnow.com.

Changes made to municipalities regulations

By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Humboldt Journal)

REGINA — Changes have recently been made to Saskatchewan’s municipalities, cities and northern municipalities regulations.

A centralized board of revision with the duties of a local board of

revision when chosen or required has been added. These new regulations mandate the use of the centralized board of revision as a last resort only, for municipalities unable or unwilling to appoint their own certified board when the assessment roll is open. These boards are used to resolve any disputes between municipalities

and home- and landowners with the assessment of their properties. In some cases, errors in the roll are found and can be easily corrected. Other times, disagreements can occur and a separate board is called upon to handle these disagreements.

According to the Assessment Registrar, ADR Institute will serve

as a centralized board of revision. ADR is a non-profit independent organization. ADR’s board of revision members are professional arbitrators who contribute their experience and knowledge to ensure a high quality and fair appeal service is available across the province to all municipalities and rural municipalities.

Other amendments were the ability to email documents. This was intended to improve the speed in making the process easier for property owners submitting their appeals.

Municipalities still have the autonomy to appoint their own local board, join or form a district board with their neighbouring municipal-

ities, use a private sector provider or use the centralized board. All boards must be certified to hear property assessment appeals starting in the 2023 taxation year.

The regulation amendments as published by the Saskatchewan Gazette can be found at: https://publications. saskatchewan.ca/#/products/120027

Winter excursion

With the temperatures moderating somewhat it is a great time for a sleigh ride which is just what Kristina Just and family did recently.

New Steen Shelter just east of Bjorkdale provided by the Porcupine Trail Blaster Club.

Photo courtesy Porcupine Trail Blasters

Photos submitted by Kristina Just

Sp orts

Busy year planned for pickleball

Pickleball Yorkton President Ken Kolisnek is excited about the 2023 pickleball season.

The club has some great things coming up for club members this season, and hopes to attract more players to the game throughout the season with learn-to-play clinics and events.

Pickleball Yorkton registered 112 members in 2022, and many of them were introduced to pickleball by attending a Learn-to-Play Pickleball Clinic.

These clinics teach the basics of the game; the rules, the scoring and how to serve and return.

Many beginners found these clinics very beneficial in acquiring the skills to come to regular club Drop-in Sport spots at the Gloria Hayden Community Center.

The first Learn-to-Play Clinic is Jan.14, starting at 1:00 p.m. and running until 4:00 p.m. The space is limited to 12 participants and registration is online on Pickleball Yorkton.

The Pickleball Club has also set the dates for the ‘Pre-

Intermediate Clinic’ along with a ‘Intermediate Clinic’. These clinics are focused on skill development of the more experienced player and a player looking to dominate the courts at the local level. These clinics also have limited spots open to players.

The club has also created

the ‘Player Development Program’ which is aimed at bringing dedicated players to a competitive level.

“It’s exciting to see the level of skill these players have shown improvement on. Their strategic game and teamwork is amazing! It will be interesting to see how these players will

do at tournaments this coming year,” stated David Weimen.

Pickleball Yorkton will be hosting its own local tournament Feb. 11, at the Gallagher Center.

The tournament will be a one-day event from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and the club hopes to attract teams from our club as well as around the area and Regina and Saskatoon.

There will be three categories, men’s, women’s and mixed. There will also be some exciting games as the day goes along and the finals finish with gold, silver and bronze in each division.

The five pickleball courts in the Flexihall will have some great games under way at the same time and the balcony will be open to the public to watch all the action.

This will be Yorkton’s Pickleball Club first major tournament on a larger scale and will provide an opportunity for our competitive players to compete.

The club invites anyone interested in seeing pickleball

played, to mark Feb. 11, on their calendars.

Pickleball Yorkton’s Club will also be hosting a ‘Ladies Only’ Pickleball Tournament on April 1, at the Gloria Hayden Community Center. The tournament goes 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is open to ladies from the local club as well as the surrounding area.

Yorkton’s Pickleball Club has six coaches that host the beginner clinics along with the Pre-Intermediate Clinic.

The focus is on building the membership in both numbers and skill level. The coaches have been heard to say that all of the players that have only begun a short time ago have improved very well and they hope to help others come and enjoy the game of pickleball as much as they do.

For more information on events or tournaments go to Pickleball Yorkton website or email pickleballyorkton@ gmail.com or contact via text 306-621-8926.

Former Rush player now in Vegas

Travis Cornwall has been something of an NLL gypsy since his debut in 2012 with Calgary.

Now a seasoned veteran, Cornwall, who played 27 games with the Saskatchewan Rush in 2019-’20, is now on his fifth team joining the expansion Las Vegas Desert Dogs ahead of the new season.

It was his second season with an expansion team having played 14 games with Panther City last year.

Cornwall said being a Desert Dog is a little different, but at its core pro lacrosse is pro lacrosse.

“In a lot of ways it is quite different from anywhere I’ve been before,” he said, adding Vegas is still a very new city in terms of pro sports, so there is a level of exuberance and yet fans are just learning the game of lacrosse too.

The first home game

for the Dogs, a 9-3 loss to Panther City drew a solid crowd.

“I was really impressed from the showing in the first game,” said Cornwall, pegging the crowd at about 7000.

“That was amazing.”

The key of course will be building the support so that it grows and comes back game to game.

Cornwall said he hopes the Desert Dogs can copy the success of the Rush, adding he recalls the more than 9000 fans at the first Rush game in Saskatoon when he was on the opposite end of the floor with Vancouver.

The team plays at MGM Resorts International’s Michelob ULTRA Arena – located inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

It was in June 2021, the National Lacrosse League announced Las Vegas had been awarded an expansion franchise

Whiskers & Tails

and would become the NLL’s 15th team.

The franchise is coowned by Wayne Gretzky, Dustin Johnson, Steve Nash, and Joe Tsai.

Shawn Williams was selected to lead the Las Vegas Desert Dogs as the franchise’s first general manager and head coach.

On the floor though, the camaraderie of being with a bunch of guys all focused on a single goal is the same in Vegas as it is in any other city, said Cornwall.

“That never changes,” he said.

Cornwall said the

How to keep the peace among your cats

Do you have two cats that seem incapable of getting along?

While squabbles are fairly common among felines, it’s best to limit this behaviour before one of them gets hurt. If hissing, growling, chasing and swatting have become the norm in your home, here’s how you can restore the peace.

TRICKS TO TRY

Cats are territorial and solitary creatures, which means they have a tendency to be possessive and reluctant to share their space, toys, food and litter box. One way to prevent your cats from fighting and trying to establish dominance is to give each of them access to different resources and distinct areas of your home. Here are a few changes you can make that can ease the tension among your cats.

Set up scratching posts and litter boxes in two or three separate areas Place each cat’s food and water bowls in different rooms of the house

• Create multiple sleeping areas using cushions, blankets or beds

• Give your cats opportunities to exercise and burn off energy to avoid irritability Neuter or spay your cats if you haven’t done so already

Create several access points to perches and hiding spots or buy a cat tree

If the situation doesn’t improve, speak with a feline behaviour consultant. This professional can assess the problem in your home and propose specific solutions for your cats.

One thing is certain. Head pressing requires prompt intervention. If in doubt, consult your local veterinarian.

SHOULD YOU BREAK UP A BRAWL?

If your cats are fighting, resist the urge to physically separate them. You risk getting hurt and minor disputes tend to resolve quickly. If you’re concerned about your cats’ safety, clap loudly or use a spray bottle to distract them.

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports

Desert Dogs have a different make-up as an expansion team, at least compared to his experience with Panther City, with some key veterans; Rob Hellyer, Tor Reinhold, Garrett McIntosh being in the mix in Vegas.

“All those guys have been around a long time” said Cornwall, adding he himself would be in that veteran core. “. . . I think the veterans in this group will make a big difference.”

While the start of the season did not lead to wins, Cornwall said having a handful of players

who have been around the NLL for several season should help the Desert Dogs jell, adding he knows that is what is expected of veterans.

The team is also focused on defence as a way to compete as they find chemistry, which of course is what Cornwall is always dedicated too.

“Obviously as a defensive player that’s the focus 100 per cent of the time,” he said, adding that of course “we want

to keep games as tight as we can.”

While Cornwall said he is happy to be in Vegas, adding he hopes he might stay a Desert Dog for the remainder of his career however many seasons that may entail, his career highlight was with the Rush when he got to play with his brother Jeff for a number of games.

“The highlight was playing with my brother,” he said.

Signed for ’23

The new year has started out on a very happy note for two graduating members of the Yorkton Regional High School Raider Gridders football team. Defensive back Owen Effa and Joy Palagian a linebacker, have both signed to play with the Regina

Thunder in 2023. Thunder coach Scott Macaulay was in Yorkton recently to officially sign the pair. The Thunder compete in the Prairie Conference of the Canadian Junior Football League (ages 18-22). They won the conference in 2022.

Submitted Photo

Travis Cornwall courtesy the Las Vegas Desert Dogs

File Photo

Crops that can ask for help

If you are an agricultural producer you have to be fascinated with what science could provide in terms of crop production in the year ahead.

Actually, when you consider the sheer volume of ‘science’ being undertaken the potential of advancement on most fronts of human endeavour are at the very least fascinating to consider.

But, farm production advancements bring it closer to home, and stand to be a positive for that important sector of the Prairie economy.

The science of farming really is going in directions which would make a science fiction writer like Isaac Asimov proud.

It was only recently a story at www.producer.com caught my eye.

Work is being undertaken to genetically tweak plants to essentially signal producers when they are being stressed by something which would then allow the farmer to react to help the crop.

The article delves into work being undertaken by InnerPlants to develop crop traits via genetic engineering techniques which will enable plants to signal when they’re exposed to specific stressors in a way that can be detected through crop surveillance.

Agriculture THIS

WEEK

Calvin Daniels

The new traits would enable plants to signal up to seven separate issues by emitting coloured fluorescent proteins on their leaves with a specific colour that can be detected by satellite or equipmentbased cameras.

The potential is massive for something like this, as the plant would essentially be signaling the producer that it is being attacked by insects, has developed a fungus, or needs more fertilizer, and the farmer could then respond by applications of crop protection products or fertilizer.

Now some are going to see the term genetic

engineering and shudder because there is definitely those who fear what might happen as such crops get out in the world and cross with other plants.

And the idea of fluorescent plant leaves doesn’t necessarily help in terms of the perception some are going to have if this technology advances to the farmer use stage, which of course is something the agriculture industry is going to have to deal with often in the years ahead.

The general public can be swayed by Internet noise and fears not based on science and the farm sector needs to be aware advancements may not be welcomed by all end users.

Science is going to open doors to crop development and farm techniques we can frankly not imagine – at least they are beyond me as the steps taken are always bolder and more dramatic than I would have considered.

What is now in the research stage to be released in the next few years will certainly push crop production forward.

And, since each developmental success can be a building block for the next, the future seems limitless, as long as the consumer can maintain its confidence the food produced is safe.

Outlook, Sask. farmer aims to ‘be the reason somebody smiles”

By Julia Peterson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (The StarPhoenix)

Jason Dewey wants to make his little corner of Saskatchewan a happier place.

That goal was top of mind when he started his farm, Dewey’s Homestead, raising chickens and heritage hogs with his family just west of Outlook.

“When we started our little homestead, we decided it’s all about quality of life,” Dewey said. “Even though the animals are being butchered to eat, they had a quality life. They got to play, eat — do whatever they want. They weren’t just raised to be slaughtered, and they actually got to enjoy their life.

“I just think happy food tastes better.”

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dewey picked up a saying that has guided him through the last few years: ‘Be the reason somebody smiles.’

That might mean calling someone he hasn’t spoken to in a while, doing a random act of kindness, or telling a fantastically terrible dad joke.

This December, Dewey decided to take that motto further.

He started a ‘smile campaign’ in the Outlook area, donating food from his farm to neighbours in need.

“I just see so many people struggling,” Dewey said. “And I thought, maybe I could help one person a month, and make it so they didn’t have to worry so much today, and go into tomorrow with a full belly.”

At first, Dewey didn’t know if much would come if his idea, but he knew he wanted to focus his efforts in the Outlook area.

“I’m never going to go out and save the world,” he said. “I’m realistic. And I was always told to take care of my own backyard before I go and try to clean up somebody else’s.”

So he made a few

— Jason

Dewey’s Homestead, Outlook, Sask.

posts on social media, encouraging followers to reach out if they were going through a hard time, or knew of a local family who could use a little boost, and he would do his best to bring them a care package.

“It just blew up from there,” Dewey said.

In less than a month, he has received hundreds of messages — from people who need help, and from people who want to pitch in. Neighbours have even brought over turkeys and ground beef to add to his stock of pork chops, sausages, chicken and ham to give away.

“It’s really overwhelming,” he said. “I never would have thought that I

would hear from so many people — but I know that there are many people who need help.

“The only bad part is, I can’t help that many people on my own. So I need my plan to snowball.”

Heading into 2023, Dewey hopes more people in the area will be inspired to help out, adding a bit of extra food to each care package he delivers.

“I’m hoping that maybe, by this time next year, I’ll have a dozen or so people donating,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be much, but it would be nice. That way, instead of giving a few pounds of meat to a family, we could give them five or

six meals — potatoes, fresh veggies, bread.”

Dewey is confident people will want to pitch in, however they can. After all, sharing a smile and lending a hand is just the neighbourly thing to do, he said.

“I remember when I grew up, you walked

down the street and everybody said hello, whether you knew them or not. When you’re driving in the country, everybody waves at you. And we need to start doing that again. It’s a lost art.

“I just want people to know that somebody cares.”

VIDO’s economic impact over half a billion dollars: SREDA study

SASKATOON – Today, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) released key findings from its Economic Impact Study conducted on the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). The study concluded VIDO’s operations and construction projects contributed more than $511 million to the economy in the last decade. The impact of VIDO’s commercialized vaccines was not included in the study.

“Saskatoon is an international science and innovation hub.

Organizations like VIDO create a significant number of jobs right here in Saskatoon. We are a science city and the impact of our innovation sector on the economy shouldn’t

be underestimated,” said Alex Fallon, president and CEO of SREDA.

The report also indicated an estimated 2,375 full-time equivalent jobs were created or supported by the organization in the last 10 years.

SREDA estimated the economic impact of VIDO using Statistics Canada’s input-output economic multipliers for the Saskatchewan economy.

“We know VIDO has

an important role in protecting the health and prosperity of people and animals in our province and country,” said VIDO Director and CEO Dr. Volker Gerdts. “This study confirms our organization’s impact goes beyond the vaccines we have commercialized and validates VIDO is making a considerable impact to our local economy.”

COVID-19 led to a large spike in research

activity which increased the total economic output from the organization. Specifically, VIDO tested more than 400 vaccines, antivirals, and therapeutics from around the world to help end the pandemic.

The ability to rapidly respond to future infectious diseases will be amplified as VIDO becomes Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. The centre includes VIDO’s new vaccine manufacturing facility, upgrades to Containment Level 4, a new animal housing facility, and an expanded research team. Since the start of the pandemic, 91 new team members joined VIDO— over half from outside of Saskatchewan.

“VIDO’s expansions over the past decade and vision for the future

will support leadingedge science and ensure capacity for future pandemics,” said USask Vice-President Research Baljit Singh. “VIDO is also a major contributor to the economic development in Saskatoon and our province.”

The impact created by VIDO is strongly emphasized by reduced cost on the economy, the healthcare system and saving lives. The report demon-

strates VIDO’s value as a world-class research organization, not only to the health of the Canadian economy but across the world.

Results from an overall University of Saskatchewan Economic and Social Impact study currently being conducted by KPMG will be available for distribution in mid-2023.

Submitted by Jason Dewey Jason Dewey raises heritage hogs on his farm near Outlook, Sask.

Coralee Schoenrock

VIDO is also a major contributor to the economic development in Saskatoon and our province.

— Alex Fallon, president and CEO of SREDA

When we started our little homestead, we decided it’s all about quality of life,

Dewey,

Rosthern, SK

May 24, 1943

Eleanor (nee Marsonet) and Maurice Wheeler. The Wheeler family lived in both Thunder Bay, ON and Rosthern, SK throughout the years. Trevor was a journeyman mechanic by trade, but as well had a love for carpentry, building and designing pretty much anything that he could envision. Trevor raced stock cars at the Riverview Raceway in Thunder Bay for many years. He was even known to have changed out an engine in a parking lot on his way to a race down south. If you ever had the privilege of riding in a car with him, you would know every road in his mind was a racetrack. Trevor had a love for riding motorcycles, and snowmobiling. Over the years he supported the Snowarama for Easter Seals, and one year even rode the trail on a chair with skis dressed as a bear to bring awareness to the cause. A real handy man, he built sleighs, cutters, horse drawn carriages, wood stoves, dune buggies; there was nothing that he couldn’t build. Many will remember Trevor roaring through their parking lot clearing snow with the plow that he designed. Trevor eventually moved from Thunder Bay, ON to Yorkton, SK in 1971 to find work. His first job in Yorkton was at Carnduff Motors, he then came upon an opportunity with Merv’s Frame and Wheel. People would come from far and wide to bring their vehicles and precious hot rods to be worked on by Trevor. Trevor and Merv worked together until Merv’s Frame and Wheel was sold in 2008. Shortly after this he retired, but wasn’t ready to quit yet, he returned to work with his friend Mike at Minute Muffler. The only stipulations were that he wasn’t going to change oil or sweep the floor. Trevor finally decided to fully retire in 2020. Even though retired, Trevor never stopped working and doing what he loved. Anyone who knew Trevor, knew he could talk for hours about all the woodworking that he did, building rocking chairs, toys and puzzles for children, whirly birds, and his biggest accomplishment a playhouse he built for his grandson Declan. Over the years, Trevor worked with many special friends on all kinds of projects and would frequently reach out for advice or help on how to do things better. Trevor was extremely proud of all his work and was never afraid to take on a new challenge. If you could draw him a three-dimensional picture, he could build it. Trevor always worked hard, but he also played hard, and there was never a time that he would turn down a drink with a friend. Stories about life, fast cars, and family history were always on the top of the list of his conversations. If you weren’t ever asked to “Smoke em if you got em” you surely missed out! One of Trevor’s proudest moments was when his friend and neighbor Jon took special interest in the history of Robert Armstrong, his Great Grandfather, a story that he told repeatedly to anyone who would listen. Jon wrote and published a book “Mudeater” in 2017 from the narrative that Trevor had provided to him. Trevor always greeted everyone with a smile and was willing to lend a helping hand no matter what you asked of him. His big kind heart and positive outlook touched many lives and he will be greatly missed. Trevor leaves to mourn, his partner, Carolyn Nagy of Yorkton, SK, children Trevor (Laura) Wheeler of Spruce Grove, AB, Tyler (Corinna) Wheeler, Jolene (Tyler) Kindiak of Yorkton, SK, Clint (Carla) Nagy of Saskatoon, SK, Jordan (Tara) Nagy and Tyson (Colleen) Nagy of Yorkton, SK, as well as fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. A Celebration of Life (come and go) will be held on January 28, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. from the Ebenezer School. Memorial donations in memory of Trevor may be made to Snow – A – Rama as gifts of remembrance.

MISKO - Mrs. Jean Misko of Yorkton entered into eternal life on the morning of Friday December 23, 2022, at the age of 83. She was in the Regina General Hospital surrounded by her girls when the angels came to take her home. Jean was born on May 30, 1939 in Homefield, SK to William and Katherine Maduck (nee Horudko). She was raised in a large family with many siblings where they lived & worked on the family farm. She completed her Grade 10 schooling at Smokeside School. Following that she went to work in Saskatoon & then returned to Yorkton to work as a cook at the Holiday Inn. Jean married Nick Misko in 1961 & she moved to the Misko family farm in the Fenwood area. They worked together side by side loving farm life. They were blessed with three daughters, Debbie, Tracy & Wendy as well as a son, Bobby, who died in infancy. Jean was very determined, strong willed & even farmed on her own after Nick’s untimely death in 1996. She eventually moved to Yorkton to the house

to Wendy & Dennis. It was a perfect arrangement because she could be close to her grandsons & boy did she love Nic & Jon with all her heart & soul. She was “Baba on duty” & truly loved every second of it. Mom loved her family above all else. She would go the extra mile each & every time for any of us. She never stopped worrying about her family. She showed her love through a lot of good cooking & won many awards at the exhibitions in the area for her prized creations. We knew when we went over for our morning visit if she had her hair net on that something good was coming! She even earned the nickname “Poppy” from the amazing poppy buns she made. Many, many hours were spent around her kitchen table pinching perogies, rolling cabbage rolls, talking, laughing & sharing. Mom loved making amazing petit point angel pictures & loved gardening, flowers & especially the Judge Judy TV Show – we even had to time our visits not to interrupt that! The other thing that Mom loved was playing cards. If you happened to be outside her house & could hear lots of arguing & laughter, name calling & table slamming – you just knew Mom was in the house playing a game with Larry or Dennis. The boys had a way to put Mom in the middle of particular games & she would come out swinging on occasion – often having to resort to cheating to even the playing field. At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought, but what we built; not what we got, but what we shared; not our competence, but our character; not our success, but our significance. Mom lived a life that matters – she lived a life of love. Mom was a woman of few words who believed in hard work and a job well done. She truly had a heart of gold. She believed we can do small things with great love. We will continue to make Mom proud & live the legacy she has built and will celebrate her life. Jean was predeceased by her parents, husband Nick, infant son Bobby, brothers Tony (Anne) Maduck, Walter (Annie) Maduck, John (Angeline) Maduck, sisters Adella (John) Woloshyn, Elsie Yaworski and Lucy (Joe) Feshak, sister in law Adeline Maduck, brothers in law Boris Tyshkewich and Gene Prokop. Jean leaves to mourn her three girls, Debbie (Larry) Bucsis of Yorkton, Tracy Misko of Regina and Wendy (Dennis) Nesseth of Yorkton and two grandsons Nicholas and Jonathan. She also leaves to mourn brothers, Bill Maduck, Alex (Vi) Maduck, sisters Ruby Tyshkewich, Patsy (Adam) Milo & Judy Prokop, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends & neighbors. The family would like to thank RN Eric Bondarchuk from 3E at RGH for the kindness, care & compassion he provided during such a difficult time. A special thank you to Dr. Bonnie Richardson and to Dr. Osarenoma Iguodala. You all are truly angels on earth. Prayers were held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 and the Funeral Liturgy on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Lorne Stechyshyn and the funeral choir. The cross bearer was Laurie Yaworski and the epistle reader was Wendy Nesseth. The interment followed in Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Larry

Dennis Nesseth, Nicholas Nesseth, Jonathan Nesseth, Perry Ostapowich and David Stangier serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Jean may be made to Crohns & Colitis Canada, Box 28074 RPO Westgate, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5V8 Condolences to the family can be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com

WUNDER - With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Lloyd Wunder, age 70, on December 25, 2022. Lloyd was born July 15, 1952, in Yorkton, SK, and lived most of his life on a farm near Theodore, SK. He is survived by his wife Lynne, his son Shane, his mother Helen, and siblings Faye, Ronnie, and David. He is predeceased by his father, Clifford Wunder. Growing up, he went to Sheho and Foam Lake schools and later obtained post-secondary education and training in Saskatoon as a heavy-duty mechanic. Lloyd worked much of his life as a journeyman mechanic for the Department of Highways. In addition, he was a farmer and an overall handyman. He was wellknown throughout the Theodore and Whitesand River areas, helping anyone in need or providing some good humour and a hearty laugh. He was an avid curler and enjoyed dancing, fishing, rebuilding old trucks, inventing new things such as a potato digger, and watching Westerns whenever possible. Lloyd spent many hours around the yard and river, creating a Wunderful campground, shared with family and friends to enjoy. A service celebrating his life will be held in the summer of 2023, location and date to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made in Lloyd’s name to The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan or the Whitesand Regional Park. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

BOYCHUK - Ron Boychuk of Yorkton, beloved partner of Jeannie Peters passed away on December 17, 2022. Ronald Steve Boychuk was born on March 16, 1960 in Kamsack, SK, the first of two sons born to Steve and Sylvia Boychuk. Ron grew up in Kamsack, receiving his education at Kamsack Comprehensive Institute. Growing up, Ron acquired a love of nature – a trait he gained from his father. He began hunting with Steve at 10 years old and enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, and fishing. Like both of his parents, he was also an avid curler. While attending a job fair at school, Ron decided he would begin a career with the Bank of Montreal (BMO) –a career that lasted 43 years. In 1977, when he was 17, he was hired to work at the BMO in Kelliher. He moved on to work at BMO branches in Assiniboia (1978, 1984), Semans (1979), East End (1979), Kamsack (1980), Tisdale (1981), North Battleford (1988), Saskatoon (1993), and Yorkton (1994). While working at the Assiniboia branch, a telephone romance began with Jan Armstrong, who worked at the Moose Jaw branch. They spoke daily under the guise of business. Ron and Jan were married in 1987, and soon after, moved to North Battleford where Sarah and Kristin were born. After a short stay in Saskatoon in 1993, they moved to Yorkton in 1994, where Jenna was welcomed into the family. Ron’s passion for the outdoors continued to grow as he introduced his family to Madge Lake – a place that soon became a second home for the Boychuk family. They spent every summer, and much of winter, at their cabin. Ron loved introducing his daughters to new activities at the lake. He would teach them to downhill ski, swim, skate, and knee board, and took them tubing, tobogganing, and snowmobiling. Some activities didn’t stick, however; his love of hunting was not passed down to his daughters, although he tried. The girls became accustomed to falling asleep to hunting stories, and enjoyed the fruits of his labour – a good Ukrainian sausage. In 2011, after a battle with cancer, his wife, Jan, passed away. Ron threw every ounce of his love into his three daughters. He put his focus into the happiness of his daughters, taking them on family trips, and making sure every holiday was perfect (if you’ve seen the cabin, you know). After reaching out for a reference, Jeannie Peters soon became a part of the Boychuk family, and a loving partner for Ron. Their families were the perfect match, with Jeannie and her children blending seamlessly into their lives. Each summer, the family gathered at the cabin for August long weekend including Jeannie’s children, Alyx and Joe, who were embraced by Ron as a loving step-father. Ron was diagnosed with cancer in May 2022 but kept a positive attitude while staying with his daughter, Sarah, during his treatment in Regina. Ron beat the disease, working hard to recover in time for hunting season. He achieved his goal, but ultimately passed away December 17, 2022 at Madge Lake, the place he loved the most. Ron is survived by his partner, Jeannie Peters, daughters Sarah (Kyle), Kristin (Ben) and Jenna (Sidney). He is also survived by his mother, Sylvia Boychuk of Kamsack, and brother, Randy Boychuk of Flin Flon, MB. Ron was pre-deceased by his wife, Jan Boychuk in 2011, and his father, Steve Boychuk in 2016. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, December 22, 2022 from Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. Words of remembrance were given by John Konkin and Sarah, Kristin and Jenna. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Mark, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Ernie Bodnarek, Randy Boychuk, Rob Harvey, John Konkin, Steve Konkin,

next door

Bucsis,

Kelly Price and Tom Tomochko serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations may be made to the Duck Mountain Ski Area or to the Allan Blair Patient Lodge Renewal Fund as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

WHEELER - Trevor Maurice Wheeler passed away December 19, 2022, at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Trevor was born on

in

to

appointed to serve as Pound Keeper and to be the official place of pound for the R.M. of Orkney No. 244 in accordance with Sec�ons 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Stray Animals Act.

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‘Noon’s Eve’ fun

Youngsters had a special day to mark the changing of the calendar in Yorkton. Line-ups of youngsters and parents headed into the Gallagher Centre Flexihall Saturday morning for a ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ celebration sponsored by Re/Max Blue Chip Realty. The three-hours of fun included local firefighters filling balloons, face painting, crafts and a number of bouncy castles from Kerr’s Bouncers. Those attending were also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Yorkton Food Bank.

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

Looking ahead to retired life

The dinner was over. My boss and colleagues had offered kind words and gifts of congratulations on my retirement. I’d already turned in my work computer and cell phone. A few weeks later I added my door key to the pile, walked out the office’s back door and clicked it shut behind me.

There. I’d cut the last tie to the position I’d held for over eleven years. I no longer had the ability or the right to enter the office, except as someone who needs the kind of help and advocacy others seek when they visit their Member of Parliament.

The kind of help I’d been privileged to offer in my capacity as assistant to two consecutive MPs.

Two granddaughters accompanied me to the office that day. My grands all have good memories of “Nana’s office.” From their baby days, they’d visited me during lunch hours. On some cold days, they warmed themselves at the gas fireplace. Sometimes they ate with me. Practiced violin in the back a few times. When they were younger, I twirled them fast on my office chair. They staggered upon standing, then begged for more.

The girls, more than half grown now, lis-

KATHLEEN GIBSON

Sunny Side Up

tened as, just before leaving, I thanked God for the job he’d used to provide for the Preacher and I so generously. I also prayed a blessing over the office, the colleagues I left behind and the person who would replace me. A final act of closure.

Hopefully I won’t need more closure than that. Years earlier, saying good-bye to my

then-position as magazine editor took a few ‘closure lunches’ with colleagues. Almost all the editorial staff had lost jobs in the publishing crash of 2008. I remember our communal wonder of “What now?” Anyone who ends a job knows the jumbled feelings in that grab bag.

You’re not retiring, a friend told me. You’re

re-treading. Others tell me I’m renewing, recycling, reinvigorating. R words that all sift into the same realities. No more long daily commute. Lots of together time with the Preacher (although he jokes that he now needs a mancave). Fresh opportunities. More time to write. To be with family. And one more— a considerably smaller budget. But God does great things through small.

A common concept of retirement presumes that by a certain age, our best contributions to the world are finished. All that remains, people joke, are the porch and the rocking chair. Thankfully, his-

tory provides countless examples of people who contributed much to others far into their old age.

The biblical Adam, scripture tells us, lived nine hundred thirty years. To the end he set a stellar example of loving God and spouse. I won’t live that long here, but I pray to follow his faithful example of service. To that end, I shovelled our driveway this morning. But it’s snowing again. And a magazine editor friend just asked if I’d write a themed article for an upcoming issue.

I may be retired, but I think God has other plans for me than the rocking bench on the porch.

Gardeners, it seems strange to type out “2023”, doesn’t it! I wish you happy new year and may the coming year bring you good health and good gardens!

Make a cup of tea and sit down for a few minutes, I’d like to tell you about something very interesting and marvellous that we received over the holidays. Our dear cousins gave us a very special gift of three amaryllis. But not just any amaryllis. These are waxed amaryllis. Have you heard of them? They are new to us!

The three amaryllis bulbs are large, about the size of a grapefruit, and are covered with wax. They stand on the tabletop, and, imagine this, they do not need soil or water! The box says that they contain all the water and nutrients they need to flower. They just sit there, all by themselves, and they look very beautiful and elegant, like three pieces of sculpture.

As I write this to you, they have buds beginning, but we don’t know yet whether they will be all the same colors or different colors.

They are beautiful and interesting, and we know how gardeners love to try something new! I’ll keep

you posted about the colors. We thank our very sweet and very thoughtful cousins for gifting us with this delightful surprise!

Ukrainian Christmas is almost here. One of the key dishes of the Christmas meal is kutia, wheat with poppyseed. This dish has been cooked for thousands of years. Yes, thousands. There are ethnographic (the study of a culture) studies that tell us that Ukrainians have been making kutia since the neolithic era, possibly as long as ten thousand years ago, when farming practises began.

The Holy Dinner always begins with kutia. I have read some interesting things about this beloved and very familiar food. It is sometimes called “God’s Dish” and it is a special connection and sign of unity with generations who have left us and generations who are yet to come. Perhaps you are familiar with the tradition of the head of the house throwing the first spoon of kutia at the ceiling: I read that this is a way of greeting the ancestors and inviting them to join in the family meal. I also read that if some kernels stuck to the ceiling, it was a sign of bounty in the coming year. (Both explanations

sound lovely, but neither one specified who would clean up afterwards!)

Back to tradition. As we would expect, the wheat itself has very special meaning, representing life in it’s whole growing cycle: it grows as a beautiful and bountiful plant ,then when it dies, the kernels give life in two ways: to us when they become flour for food, and also to become seeds that produce life in a new wheat crop again.

Besides a delicious flavoring in our baking, poppyseed also has symbolic significance for the kutia, representing the ones who have gone before. I read that sometimes a small bowl of kutia is left out on the table or windowsill, to

include the deceased family in the meal.

Such a beautiful tradition, and such a delicious tradition! One more tradition involving wheat comes from Hungary and other European cultures: it is planting St. Lucy’s Wheat in a small bowl on December 13. The wheat comes up by Christmas and signifies bounty for the coming year if the wheat is nice and healthy at Christmas. We tried it this year, and how lovely it was on those very cold days to see the tender green shoots of the growing wheat!

Visit the hort society at www.yorktonhort. ca Thank you to our friends at YTW for their great work each week. Khrystos Rozhdayetsia!

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

email us at editorial@yorktonthisweek.com

But everyone is encouraging, offering advice and friendly laughter as we step and stumble along, leaving the lights of the town behind us.

Since September, Maurer says more than 50 different people have joined him for an evening or nighttime hike. People come and try a winter hike for all sorts of reasons — in search of physical activity, for the love of nature, for something to do — and once they get a taste of it, many can’t wait to return.

For Maurer himself, taking up hiking on a regular basis has been

life-changing.

“For me, it’s a way to deal with my anxiety,” he said. “Hiking is calming. It’s good for your mental health, and your physical health. It’s a great way to keep balancing your life.

“That’s why I want to share it with everybody, to give them that opportunity to find that balance in their life.”

As we make our way along the trail, passing lines of animal tracks and squelching over pockets of muskeg under the snow, that feeling of calm and balance Maurer described is inescapable.

I start to think that it’s no wonder he and the other hikers have been so eager to come out here all year round, even as the nights get harsh and long.

The atmosphere — the cold, quiet, sparkling beauty — of a winter hike is a completely different way to get to know the

woods.

“It feels more vibrant,” Maurer says. “And you feel more connected with the people that you’re with, because you’re sticking together and you’ve got a limited light source. It just feels a lot more engaging.”

Saskatchewan’s winters are famously long. Sometimes, as we head out into yet another day of heavy snow and biting wind, it can feel like winter is just something to endure, day by day, until spring finds us again.

But, since we do live here, we can endure the season if we must — or find ways to embrace it, however we can.

And as we hike our way through the woods around La Ronge, the light from our headlamps bobbing over the snowy landscape, I feel entirely glad to be out here in the cold and dark, enjoying winter on its own terms.

Matthew Maurer stands at a trailhead in La Ronge, Sask. In 2022, Maurer started leading evening and winter hikes in the trails around the town.

Megan Heyhurst Photograph