Yorkton This Week 2023-01-18

Threshermen’s Show returns in August

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The Yorkton Threshermen’s Show and Seniors Festival will be returning after two years’

hiatus due to COVID 19.

The two-day event returns on the long weekend in August 2023 at the Western Development Museum in Yorkton.

Along with the famil-

iar story of harvest there will be new rides and entertainment for young children and of course those attending can still enjoy a fresh slice of bread from Grandma’s

Clay Oven. The event is organized by the local Threshermen’s Club which began in 1955, when a volunteer group of men and women formed

a club known as The Pioneer Threshermen’s Club. This club displayed and demonstrated heritage equipment at a vacant hangar at the now Yorkton Airport.

In 1979, this diligent group of volunteers formed the Yorkton Threshermen’s Club Incorporated and continued demonstrating

Search turns up child remains at former residential school site

By John Cairns, SASKTODAY.ca

LEBRET, SASK. - First Nations leaders pointed to the discovery of a child’s remains at the former Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School site as confirmation of the stories told about suffering by Indigenous people at residential schools.

“Now we know it’s proof.” said Chief Michael Starr of Star Blanket Cree Nation of preliminary results of the radar ground search of the Qu’Appelle residential school site, which were released at an update by leaders of Star Blanket Cree Nation in Lebret on Thursday.

Chief Starr said this was “what we kind of knew in our hearts, the way we were being told — but this is proof and it’s kind of significant that way. And we have to move together and have to help one another.”

The site of the former residential school, in the village of Lebret, had been subject to an extensive investigation and searches for unmarked grave sites over the past

year. It is among several sites that have been subject to ground searches and investigations following the revelations of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site and also at Cowessess Cree Nation in 2021.

Star Blanket Cree Nation had struck an

Indian Residential School Ground Search Project Team in partnership with the consulting firm AXIOM to search the Qu’Appelle residential school grounds for unmarked graves. They proceeded with the first phase of the project, with ground penetrating radar scans of the grounds hap-

pening in the fall and winter of 2022.

Officials at the news conference on Thursday reported that more than 2,000 confirmed “hits” or areas of interest had been uncovered by the ground penetrating radar.

“Does that mean there are 2,000 unmarked

graves? We don’t think so, because there’s anomalies,” said project director of operations Sheldon Poitras. “GPR can’t definitively say that ‘something.’ It could be a clump of gravel. It could be a piece of wood. Or it could actually be something. We don’t know yet.”

The most unsettling discovery came on Oct. 2 of last year, when onsite security discovered a bone fragment.

File Hills Police then notified the RCMP Historical Case Unit in a Regina, which then notified the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service.

According to the official report from the provincial coroner, the bone fragment was from the jawbone of a child between ages four to six. It was estimated the bone fragment was approximately 125 years old, which would date back to around 1898.

“This is physical evidence, physical proof of an unmarked grave, that’s been confirmed by both our File Hills Police Service and Sask Coroner’s office,” said Poitras.

The site in question had hosted three residential school structures. The first burned down in 1904, and was replaced by a second school that also burned down in 1932. The third and final school was built in 1935.

The bone fragment dates back to the era of the first school. It was found located on what Poitras described as the school’s front yard, an area with no cemetery or grave markings. That area is being described as an area of interest.

The news of the findings of a child’s bone fragment brought an emotional reaction from leaders on the stage.

“Lots of feelings this morning, all sorts of emotions of anger, hurt, pain, anguish. And a feeling that we want justice,” said Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron.

“A feeling that we want justice served to those individuals that are still living, breathing that have done those horrific crimes to our

Chief Michael Starr of Star Blanket Cree Nation provides remarks on findings of a ground penetrating radar search of the former Qu’Appelle residential school.

Malanka celebrations

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble presented Malanka 2023 on Jan. 14 at the St. Mary’s Cultural Centre. The sold-out event featured traditional Ukrainian dance performances, food and a dance party in celebration of the holiday.

Malanka is a “Ukrainian and Belarusian folk holiday celebrated on 13 Jan., which is New Year’s Eve in accordance with the Julian calendar,” according to Wikipedia.

Continued from Page A1 children… If there’s anything now that they can do, they can begin by bringing those individuals to justice.”

Chief Cameron called these and other sites “crime scenes. Crime scenes that must be addressed immediately.”

He also called on federal minister Marc Miller, who appeared virtually via Zoom call, to work with Star Blanket and other residential school sites to “build healing and wellness centres, what we need on our First Nation communities.”

“This discovery has changed everything,” said Chief Starr. “It’s changed the things that we are going to do. It’s changed our mindset, it’s

changed our way of life in a way.”

He said they want the “governments to take accountability, the churches to take accountability, the police services to take accountability. That’s what we want from this. No longer do we want the things that oppressed us, the things that oppressed us and kept us down.”

Regarding the next steps for the site, the plan moving forward is to come up with a strategy for how to determine what is a stone, a piece of wood, gravel, or “actually something,” said Poitras.

He spoke of discussions with AXIOM of doing miniature coredrilling where they would send a core drill down an area of interest,

collect a sample, and test it for DNA.

They do plan to go off site for the next phase; they want to do a scan of the seminary area and they want to work with land owners and get their permission.

News of today’s findings have brought an immediate reaction from political leaders.

In a post on Twitter Premier Scott Moe states:

“I was saddened to learn of the remains of a child at the site of a former residential school in Lebret, the Star Blanket Cree Nation has the full support of the government at this difficult time.

“Residential schools represent a dark period in Canada’s history - friends, neighbours,

and family members attended the schools, and many of these folks and the ones they love are hurting today.

“We need to stand by them and help in every way we can.”

Opposition Leader Carla Beck stated the following:

“It’s with a heavy heart that we learn of the news today coming out of the ongoing investigation at Star Blanket Cree Nation.

“My heart goes out to the community and to all survivors and their families during these challenging times.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued this statement:

“I am profoundly saddened and disturbed to learn of the findings of

a child’s remains and potential unmarked graves at the former Lebret (Qu’Appelle) residential school in Saskatchewan, which operated from 1884 to 1998.

“No child should ever have been stolen from their family. No child should ever have been robbed of their childhood, their culture, their community, or their language. No child should ever have faced the unthinkable abuse, loneliness, and fear they did at these so-called schools like the one in Qu’Appelle Valley. And no child should have ever spent their last moments suffering in a residential school and have their life stolen from them.

“As the horrifying truths of what happened at residential schools across the country continue to be uncovered, the Government of Canada will continue to support Star Blanket Cree Nation and Indigenous communities across the country as they navigate the difficult work of finding their loved ones and beginning or continuing their healing journeys –work which will be guided by Survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers, and experts. This work will take many forms and will evolve as further discoveries and the truth Survivors have long known about their missing sisters, brothers, and friends come to light. We will be there every step of the way.”

Curling champs

Yorkton RCMP seize illicit drugs, charge occupants of vehicle

YORKTON – On Jan. 7, at approximately 2 p.m., Yorkton RCMP received a report of a vehicle with two occupants in the ditch along Highway 10, east of Yorkton. Officers responded and an investigation determined the vehicle and the license plate were both reported as stolen in Regina.

When asked by police, a male occupant of the vehicle provided a false name. He and a female occupant also refused a police command to exit the vehicle. Both occupants were arrested.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers searched the vehicle and located the following illicit substances:

• 42.6 grams of cocaine;

• 32.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine;

• 9.9 grams of fentanyl;

• 720 hydromorphone tablets;

• five grams of liquid concentrate cannabis; and

• five methylphenidate tablets.

The illicit substances were seized by police for further investigation.

As a result of the investigation, a 25-yearold female of Regina is charged with:

• One count, resist/ obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;

• One count, PossessionSchedule I: fentanyl, Section 4(1),

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and,

• One count, PossessionSchedule I: opioid, Section 4(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

A 33-year-old male of Regina is charged with: Three counts, resist/ obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;

• One count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code;

• One count, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;

• One count, posses-

sion of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(b), Criminal Code;

• One count, possession for the purpose of trafficking - Schedule 1: fentanyl, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and

Substances Act;

• One count, possession for the purpose of traffickingSchedule 1: cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

• One count, possession for the purpose of trafficking - Schedule

1: methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and

• One count, possession for the purpose of trafficking - Schedule 1: opioid, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Continued from Page A1 and displaying heritage equipment at Yorkton WDM.

They are a non-profit organization and welcome new members, young and old, to join, as they have a wide variety of activities to suit

all ages.

At a meeting Saturday a new executive was elected for 2023-2024 including Harvey Drotar, President; Sandra Leitch, Treasurer; Harvey Penner, VicePresident; Matthew Weber, Secretary.

Newly elected directors for a one-year term were Kyle Finks, Matt Montain, Milton Wurts, and Brian Grunerud. Two-year term directors are; Louis Lahosky, Bryce Jacobs, Greig Pearce, and Lutz Foerster.

At a meeting Saturday a new executive was elected for 2023-2024 including Harvey Drotar, President; Sandra Leitch, Treasurer; Harvey Penner, VicePresident; Matthew Weber, Secretary.

Yorkton played host to the Sask Tour Men’s and Women’s Championship from Jan. 13 to 14. Team Knapp took home the gold for STC Men’s Championship and Team Barker won gold for the STC Women’s Championship.

Staff Photos by Tyson Off

Up Front

Moe calls Trudeau visit

“disappointing, but not surprising”

By John Cairns, SASKTODAY.ca

REGINA - Premier Scott Moe is expressing disappointment that his government was not made aware of a visit by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to a Saskatoon rare earths elements processing plant on Monday.

In a statement released from his office Monday morning, Moe called it disappointing because it was an area the provincial and federal governments see eye to eye on. He said Saskatchewan had been advocating for increased investment in the area and expressed hopes

the PM will have positive news on their applications before Natural Resources Canada.

Prime Minister Trudeau is scheduled to visit the processing plant today with Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark also in attendance. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to scrum with media later in the morning.

Here is the statement from Premier Moe in full:

“The Prime Minister’s visit to Saskatchewan today to tour a rare earth elements processing plant is disappointing, but not surprising.

“It’s disappointing because this is an area

that the provincial and federal governments see eye to eye on, yet we were not aware of the Prime Minister’s visit. Saskatchewan has been advocating for increased investment in this area, and we hope that the Prime Minister will have positive news today - and into the future - on our applications before Natural Resources Canada.

“It’s not surprising as I led a Saskatchewan delegation in Washington D.C. last month, where I met with various levels of President Biden’s administration and discussed the opportunities Saskatchewan has to

partner with the USA on providing the elements required for North American energy security. It’s also not surprising that one of the Prime Minister’s first visits following his meetings with the American and Mexican Presidents is to a Saskatchewan facility, as our province is a global leader in critical minerals and rare earth elements.

“I welcome Prime Minister Trudeau to Saskatchewan, and hope that he recognizes Saskatchewan’s potential in not only making a stronger Canada but a stronger North America during his time in our province today.”

Saskatchewan Games are getting ready to make a comeback

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

The Saskatchewan Winter Games are returning.

The 25th Saskatchewan Winter Games originally scheduled for Feb. 20-26, 2022 that was cancelled due to the Omicron variant will finally be taking place Feb. 19-25 in Regina.

Many sport tryout dates are happening right now in the Northeast. Alpine Skiing is scheduled for Jan. 20-22 at Timber Ridge, Big River. Target Shooting on Jan. 14 through the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation.

To register for Play Downs, please go to the Saskatchewan Target Shooting Association website and choose a relay. Relay times are 9 a.m., 11 p.m. and 1 p.m. Wrestling Training Camp is on Jan. 13 and trials on Jan. 14 in Prince Albert.

Curling Mixed Doubles are scheduled Jan. 28-29. Registration is on www. curlsask.ca . The best way to find out about dates of trials is to contact the provincial sport governing bodies.

The Saskatchewan Games are one of the largest amateur sporting events in Saskatchewan, seeing participation from more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, and officials and more than 1,000 volunteers from every corner of the province. Inclusion is a large focus of the Saskatchewan Games, both Special Olympic and Para-athletes participate alongside able-bodied athletes that reflect the cultural diversity of our province.

Karen Lawson, Game services and Communications Lead, said the Games began in 1972 and the Saskatchewan Games Council maintains the Saskatchewan Games program by providing a hosting and legacy grant, which was established in 2013. This grant ensures host communities will have a lasting legacy of quality facilities, volunteers and an energized community spirit long after the Games have ended.

Lawson said the number of athletes has stayed stable over the program’s 50-year history, with approximately 1,500-1,800 participants

taking place at each set of Games. The 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan saw the highest participation ever, with nearly 2,000 participants from over 270 communities across Saskatchewan. Lawson said to become a host city there is a bidding process approximately three years in advance of the Games.

The host organizing committee, led by Chair Valerie Sluth and Co-Chairs Dawn Kobayashi and Alison Brown (and former Co-Chair Crystal Longman), and Games Manager Leanne Schellenberg, has been hard at work since early 2020 to plan the Saskatchewan Winter Games. They are supported by the leads of the 12 functional areas of Games planning (these include Sport, Venues, Marketing & Communications, Athlete Experience, Medical, Sponsorship, and more) and their supporting volunteers. In all, multiple dozens of committed community leaders have been dedicating their time and passion towards making these Games an excep-

Trail decision on hold

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

A request from Yorkton Sno Riders to extend the snowmobile trail system in the city to provide access to their new clubhouse on Myrtle Ave., was deferred by Yorkton Council Monday until feedback from the Protective Services Committee and CN can be provided.

As background, René Richard, Director of Engineering and Asset Management with the city explained the club’s reasoning in requesting the trail addition.

“The trail groomers are stored at the new clubhouse and are currently driving along Myrtle Avenue and York Road to connect to the

existing trail system. Additionally, some members utilize their snowmobiles to attend club meetings with no trail access to the new clubhouse. The Club has requested an amendment to the bylaw to allow for a safe trail for snowmobilers to access an area near the new clubhouse across the street to attend meetings, and for the groomers to have a trail access not located along the street. The Sno Riders and the City have had a long-standing gentleman’s agreement that the Sno Riders, as main users of the trails, will take responsibility to mark and maintain their trail including applicable signage,” he reported.

The proposed Bylaw to

amend the Snowmobile Bylaw was introduced and given first reading at the December 19/2022 Regular Council Meeting.

At that time, Council authorized Administration to proceed with Public Notice. Public Notice was given and the public could express their opinions or concerns by either providing a written submission or attending the Public Hearing that was at Monday’s meeting.

Council also requested feedback from the Protective Services Committee, noted Richard.

The Committee attempted to meet via Zoom on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, however, quorum was not able to be met.

Premier Scott Moe seen here speaking to reporters Nov. 23 in the legislature. John Cairns

tional experience for the thousands of athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers, and spectators who will take part.

Lawson said the pub-

lic and athletes can find out more information at www.saskgames. ca and the Provincial Sport Organizations and Districts for Sport, Culture

and Recreation are the best source of information for participants looking to find information on tryout dates and team information.

The 25th Saskatchewan Winter Games, originally planned for last February, are making a return from Feb. 20 to 26.

Photo courtesy of Sask. Games Council

Liquor store auctions create questions, intrigue

MURRAY MANDRYK

Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

There have always been a few cultural divides that have made rural Saskatchewan distinct from urban Saskatchewan.

One such divide is auctions. While maybe there are some city people that go to rural farm auctions (or, at least, have gone to them at some point in their lives) auctions have almost exclusively been a rural thing.

Another divide between rural and urban has been where we buy our liquor.

There have always been publicly owned government liquor stores — which are a bit of a Saskatchewan phenomenon in itself — in larger rural towns, smaller cities and the larger cities. And there were always those who made a shopping stop at the government liquor store a priority whenever they went to the cities.

But not many city people, traditionally, bought their booze from the local private liquor vendor in a smalltown with the license to sell spirits in the local hardware or grocery store. Not many city people even bought a case of beer from the local rural hotel vendor until the last couple decades.

While private liquor sales have only been in cities since the arrival of the Saskatchewan Party government, they have been a decades-old thing in rural Saskatchewan.

Soon, private vendors will be the only choice for everyone in the province.

After announcing in the October throne speech that it planned to dispense with the province’s remaining 34 publicly owned liquor stores, the Saskatchewan Party government last week announced how that is going to happen.

Those remaining Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming (SLGA) retail outlets in the cities and larger communities aren’t being sold, per se.

When the remaining government stores — some of them, aging — close for good by March, the government will hire private realtors to sell the land and building to whomever and pour whatever profits there are back into government coffers.

However, each such building will now represent a private liquor store permit that will be auctioned off in the first two weeks of next month through a public online bidding conducted by auctioneers from McDougall Auctions.

Suffice to say, this unusual approach is already creating its fair share of questions and controversies. One of those questions is: Who will be the successful bidders that might be getting rich off all this?

“They’re salivating with what they can get out of this,” Bob Stadnichuk, a vice president with SGEU’s retail and regulatory sector, told The Regina Leader-Post following last week’s announcement by SLGA Minister Lori Carr.

“They know they’re going to be making some pretty heavy money on this. That’s exactly what they were looking for in this whole process: how much money they can make selling everything off.”

Given that it only cost $5,000 to bid on each store (an amount you get back if your bid is unsuccessful) and that that there is no minimum bid for a permit, there surely seems potential for someone to get rich.

Like any auction, you might get that permit for next to nothing if no one else bids.

And there might not be as many people bidding as you think, given that one of the conditions of the bid is that you must have a multimillion-dollar business plan to open a facility that will be operational in 18 months.

While this might pique the interests of few entrepreneurial types, it’s quite likely the cost of the permits will be driven up by the big players already privately selling liquor in this province.

“There won’t be any small players in this, in my opinion,” Stadnichuk said. “There will be the Co-ops, the Sobeys. I would say Superstore, Loblaws, and all those people that have the cash that can put forth that money.”

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

PoliticsHockey should always be fun first

When it comes to Canada few things resonate so completely with this nation than the sport of hockey.

Moments from Paul Henderson’s goal against Russia in game eight of the famed ’72 Summit Series, to the gold medal win at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver are indelible memories for many Canadians.

And certainly locally the Yorkton Terriers dramatic Royal Bank Cup win, tieing the game in the final moments of regulation time in the final and winning in overtime is a huge moment, most likely in the top-10 stories in this city in the last 25 years for many.

We love our hockey.

It’s why in this week’s edition of Yorkton This Week photos of each minor hockey team in the city is proudly included.

Certainly most of these young players aren’t going to be the next Henderson, Gordie Howe, Connor McDavid or Connor Bedard, but that doesn’t stop many of the young players pictured from dreaming they might be.

And, who knows with hard work, good coaching, and some luck, maybe some will succeed to take their hockey dreams to the biggest of stages down the road.

But, in the end playing sports as a youth is not about million dollar contracts and photos on sports cards.

It should be first and foremost about having fun.

If a sport is not fun, it’s time to try something else.

And, it’s about learning sportsmanship and how to work with teammates. It’s about how to celebrate winning with a level of poise, and dealing with the hurt of loss with dignity and determination to get better.

Sometimes we lose track of why youth play sports such as hockey, and as adults we spend maybe too much time screaming for better play, and lamenting mistakes maybe too loudly, when we should be remembering to have fun too.

The young players might not reach the heights parents might themselves dream for, but does that matter if they become better adults for the experiences gained in sport when they were young?

So enjoy the smiles along the way, and yes celebrate the victories, but remember with a loss it is ultimately just a game that should be played for a host of reasons that are not strictly about scoring more goals than the opposition.

Sure winning is important at some level, or why keep score, but it is not the most important part of minor spot.

The smile of a young player when looking to the stands and seeing family happily watching trumps a win any day. We just all need to remember that.

Owned and operated by: The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

Publisher/

Advertising Manager: John Bauman

Editor: Calvin Daniels

Reporter: Tyson Off

Production Team: Kristin Jordens Diane Miller

Wayne Remanda

Advertising Sales: Julianne Thom

Classified Sales: Casey Shields

Open Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 306-782-2465 Fax: 306-786-1898 e-mail: editorial@yorkton thisweek.com

20 Third Avenue North, Yorkton, S3N 2X3

Published by 101007550 Saskatchewan Ltd. at 20 Third Avenue North, Yorkton. S3N 2X3 (ISSN: 1186429X)

Publication mail sales agreement #40069240. Member of Canadian Community Newspapers Association and Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association. Fully protected by Canadian copyright laws. ◆

SUBSCRIPTION RATES:

City of Yorkton by carrier or pickup, $50.00 per year. By mail in Canada, $69.55 per year.

All subscriptions are payable in advance. Single copy price, $1.60. (The above prices include GST.) Prices subject to change without notice. ◆ ◆ ◆

Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice.

Conditions of editorial and advertising content: Yorkton This Week attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. Yorkton This Week reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principles see fit.

Yorkton This Week will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors.

Yorkton This Week will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication.

Happy Wordy Wednesday! The

Wednesday is the day of the

the Old English word, Wodnesdæg,

Wodan. Wodan corresponds to

Wednesday is

in

(Mercredi), Italian (Mercoledì),

In the popular 2022 TV series Wednesday, the same name as the main character, comes from fortune-telling song "Monday's Child": Wednesday's child is full of woe, which is probably for rhyme only, just like us. Woe is also used in every episode title, which sounds exactly right as a comedy horror TV series.

We moved our story time to Wednesdays! Bring your little ones for some nice stories, crafts and activities, open to ages 3 and up. Please pre-register.

All of Yorkton This Week’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that Yorkton This Week receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by Yorkton This Week, including art work, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.

Member Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association. Audited by Verified Circulation

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.

word this week is Wednesday!

week between Tuesday and Thursday. It is derived from

which honors the Germanic god

the ancient Roman deity of Mercury, for whom

named

many Romance languages, including French

and Spanish (Miércoles).

Saskatchewan Health Authority to launch EMS treatment and referral pilot project

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) launched an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Treatment and Referral pilot project in Saskatoon today that expands the scope of practice for paramedics responding to 911 calls to ensure patients are receiving adequate and timely care while easing pressures on emergency rooms.

As part of the pilot, paramedics will have the ability to consult a Virtual Triage Physician for guidance and support in situations where they determine a patient could be released or

referred to another health-care provider (e.g. family physician) rather than transporting them to the emergency department. Only adult patients will be included in the pilot at this time.

“Paramedics have the front-line assessment skills through education and experience to safely treat specific urgent conditions in a patient’s home setting,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “By further empowering our frontline health-

care workers with innovative and flexible options, we are able to better address patient needs and alleviate emergency room pressures.”

The SHA has identified six initial protocols that will be included as part of the pilot, including hypoglycemia, heat illness, mild to moderate allergic reactions with dissipating symptoms, falls, minor lacerations or abrasions without active bleeding as well as influenza-like illness.

“We are looking forward to the positive impact this new process will

have on patient care,” SHA Executive Director of Provincial ServicesCommunity Care Rod MacKenzie said. “This is a great opportunity to better address patient needs while reducing delays for EMS and our hospitals.”

The pilot project will take place in Saskatoon over the next six to 12 months with the participation of Medavie Health Services West. Pending project outcomes, the goal is to expand the pilot through a phased approach to Regina and additional ambulance services.

Council appoints Charney to three roles

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Each year Council is required to appoint a Pest Control Officer under The Pest Control Act, Weed Inspector under The Weed Control Act and a Municipal Inspector under The Forest Resources

Management Act. At the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Matt Charney, Parks Manager with the city was appointed to all three positions.

Darcy McLeod –Director of Recreation & Community Services, with the city outlined the responsibilities of the

three positions; In accordance with Section 13(1) of The Pest Control Act, a provision is included for the annual appointment of a Pest Control Officer to control pests, as designated in The Pests Declarations Regulations, within the boundaries of the municipality. Designated

pests include the Richardson ground squirrel, grasshoppers, the warble fly and the brown rat.

The Weed Inspector of the municipality is responsible for responding to weed control issues as outlined in The Weed Control Act and The Weed Control

Regulations. Examples of designated weeds include but are not limited to, scentless chamomile, quack grass and various thistles.

The Forest Resources Management Act appointment is necessary to ensure that the Municipality has someone able to exercise the

applicable clauses in the Act, and The Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005. The intent is to limit the spread, and reduce the impact, of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) within our municipality and to further preserve the American Elm population for as long as possible.

SaskEnergy looking at installing residential gas lines to Marean Lake, Barrier Lake properties

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

SaskEnergy is looking at expanding residential natural gas lines in Northeast Saskatchewan.

Residents of Marean Lake have contacted SaskEnergy requesting a formal review and was recently sent a design and cost estimate for this project by SaskEnergy.

John Woulfe, a local homeowner of Marean Lake had started asking questions to SaskEnergy over two years ago. He, like many others that live at Marean Lake would jump on the opportunity to utilize a natural gas line.

The process to install a new gas pipeline had many questions to be answered. SaskEnergy’s Communications Officer Kim Elaschuk said after they received what they

determined was enough interest from residents of the area, they decided to proceed with developing a plan and a final quote package that has just been released on Dec. 23, 2022 to cabin owners of Marean Lake, Barrier Ford Hamlet, Barrier Lakeview Resort, and

Barrier Valley Resort.

Included in this package shows the proposed route of the natural gas line which would come from Chelan. According to SaskEnergy the map is based on an engineering review which identified this route as the most suitable.

The project price was prepared by forecasting the number of customers to be served over a 10-year period, distributing the costs between them, then reducing the amount by SaskEnergy’s investment in the project. In order for this project to proceed as

designed and priced, it is necessary for 500 customers to accept this offer.

The offer, with GST included, is $11,900 per customer. John Woulfe of Marean Lake said that this price seems fair to him. SaskEnergy has estimated that this pro-

ject would cost approximately $9 million dollars. Elaschuk said that this amount encompasses the design of the project, which includes approximately 29 kilometres of pipeline, as well as services and meters to property developments. The offer from SaskEnergy is open until Feb. 28, 2022.

At that time, they will see if the necessary customers have signed up to determine if this project will proceed. If it is determined the project will go ahead, SaskEnergy will invoice each customer $3,000, with the balance of $8,970 to be invoiced upon completion of the project.

Woulfe said that this project would benefit many people in all of the proposed resorts as well as rural folks along the way. If you live in any of these areas and would like more information, contact SaskEnergy.

Growth shown in Sask. manufacturing sector

Statistics Canada has released the November 2022 manufacturing sales and investment in building construction data, showing Saskatchewan’s economy remains strong.

The value of manufacturing sales in Saskatchewan increased by 27 per cent compared to November 2021, ranking first among prov-

inces, while investment in building construction placed second among provinces during that same time, with a 22.9 per cent increase.

“Month after month Saskatchewan shows continued growth in several different key economic indicators, with record investment in our province,” Trade and Export Minister

Jeremy Harrison said. “Saskatchewan’s economy is one of the most competitive in the nation, and today’s data provides further proof that our province remains the best place to work, live and do business in Canada.”

In November 2022 the value of building construction investments was $433 million, while

manufacturing sales was over $2.3 billion.

In recent months, Saskatchewan has shown strong growth in several other key economic indicators. In December 2022, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate fell to 4.1 per cent, the second lowest among provinces, and well below the national average of 5.0 per cent (sea-

sonally adjusted). In November 2022, merchandise exports rose by 44.5 per cent, the second highest increase among provinces.

October 2022 also saw a 9.0 per cent increase in retail trade and a 46.7 per cent jump in wholesale trade, compared to October 2021.

File Photo

When it comes to current affairs, don’t mimic the ostrich

I spent a decade or so in a position that required me to stay aware of national news and political affairs. Having left that desk, I don’t need to be as vigilant. I wake each morning grateful for the ability to focus more on less tangled things. Family. Home. Writing. Nature’s loveliness. Like today.

The sun shines in an azure sky. Snow tufts dot the mugo pines in the backyard and diamonds bloom on every tree branch. Outside my window white-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, redpolls, sparrows and a fat red squirrel I call Mr. Chubbs take turns at our feeders. Downy woodpeckers and the occa-

sional nuthatch feast at the hanging suet.

In the ash tree, a great-horned owl watches it all. Never moving. But then, metal sculptures rarely shift position.

Behind our garden sheds, a spruce, topheavy with cones, towers over the utility pole in the alley. Likely planted when the house was built in 1978, the giant has survived almost a half-century. A few months ago, a similar spruce across the street lost one of its parallel tops to a wicked wind. The remaining one stands off-centre of the trunk. In silhouette, the snow-covered tree looks like an ostrich, albeit a cold one.

Since the planting

Sunny Side Up

of those spruces nearly a half-century ago, the world, and Canada along with it, has shifted considerably. Our values, our climate, our language, our social interactions and our politics—they’re all much changed. Joe Oliver, former Canadian Finance (and Natural Resource) Minister offers his opinion regarding our national direction in his

January 5th article in the Financial Post (What progressives are really trying to do and why). He feels Canadians are the proverbial frog sitting in a slowly warming pot, ignoring grave danger. It’s nearly too late to hop out, he expressed. Other knowledgeable voices echo his.

Thankfully, some things don’t change. Like our iron owl, undis-

turbed by the varying seasons, unshifting in its position, history has not changed, despite efforts to revise it. Looking back reminds us that eventually every leader falls and every government dissolves.

As a follower of Christ, I realize I can’t be like what that broken tree across the road resembles—an ostrich (especially if said bird buries its head just to be comfortable). If nothing else, I must stay informed enough to pray knowledgeably for our world, our country and our leaders. To speak up and act as God directs.

The Bible tells us that (perhaps sooner than later) Christ will

return and administer perfect justice. This aching world will experience the fires of purification and the beauty of restoration. God, changeless Sovereign over every government past and present, will reign forever in peace and harmony.

Until then, followers of Jesus Christ can know that despite the shifting tides of the times, Heaven rules. Always.

If you want to stay aware of and even influence Canadian political decisions, one helpful resource is ARPA Canada—Association for Reformed Political Action, a grassroots Christian political advocacy organization (www. arpacanada.ca).

Gardeners always learning new things

Gardeners never stop learning! If we do, we’re on the other side of the daisies! There are all kinds of great courses on offer, online, through the University of Saskatchewan. Visit https://gardening.usask. ca/public-workshops and see what’s coming up. On Tuesday, January 24, at 7:00 PM there will be a session called “Starting Plants Indoors: From Seeds To Seedlings”. That’s a timely topic for this time of year! I took a number of courses in the last couple years, and they were all wonderful.

One course that was very interesting was in 2021 with Sara Williams,

called “Best Urban Trees and Shrubs”. Established yards are the goal of every gardener, and Sara suggested many great ideas for shrubs and trees suitable for yards of all sizes, from smaller city plots to acreages. The session gave me lots to think about in terms of what our own yard currently has or could possibly have in the future.

I take a little garden tour every day. Winter is a fine time to see the bones of our yards, the trees and shrubs without the distraction of foliage. The dogwood branches provide bright slices of color through the snow; the tree peonies, still with brittle bronze and

beige leaves, look like fragile sculptures of glass; and the cranberry bunches still hang on the bushes, now sporting little white “toques” of snow on each berry cluster. With our winters being long, it is nice to plant shrubs or grasses that have eye appeal in the winter as well as the

summer.

One shrub that has always intrigued me is corylus avellana, aka Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick. Where did such a name come from? I read that once upon a time there was an elderly Scottish comedian named Harry Lauder, and he used a crooked,

twisted stick as a walking stick. It’s not clear how he came to be connected to the shrub: maybe his walking stick was more memorable than his jokes! But either way, it is a name that stays in your memory! This unusual shrub, which has the fitting cultivar name “contorta”, is best known for its strange but beautiful twisted stems that look as though they are affected by some sort of plant deformity. They bend and they twist into meandering corkscrew shapes, which would make them a real highlight in a winter garden where leaves won’t hide their unusual beauty!

Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick is a cousin of the hazelnut shrubs. It grows about six to eight feet high and is hardy in zones four to eight. All right; it’s out of our zone. But that doesn’t mean it is necessarily out of our reach as gardeners. Even with a sheltered yard, we might have to make a little extra effort with winter protection, and of course there are no guarantees. But if a plant really catches your

interest, why not give it a try? I read that the foliage and the catkins are not the main event with this shrub; it is all about the twisted branches. If we decide to ‘go for it’, the shrub likes well drained soil, and prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade.

I also read that this is a grafted miniature tree; so that would mean that if you and I planted this shrub in our yards, we would have to be diligent about removing any suckers, because they would not have the same growing habit as Harry Lauder.

What do you say— would you give this plant a try, in spite of the growing zones? I know I would. I love plants that are unusual, and I also love plants that look great in the winter. They give us our money’s worth of beauty through every season!

Thank you to our friends at YTW for their great work. Gardeners, check out those online classes and don’t miss a chance to learn something new! Have a great week!

Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Janice Flaman of Yorkton, SK are delighted to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Stephanie Flaman, to Sheldon Newberg,

Son of Warren and Pamela Newberg of Hyas, SK

The Wedding will take place Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St. Gerard Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton, SK

Do you have an OPINION?

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

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

U7 Iced Capps Terriers

Back row (left to right): (Manager) Kyle Schmidt, (Head Coach) Todd Rusnak, (Assistant Coach) Wade Barton. Front row (left to right): Alexander Bewcyk, Holt Rusnak, Braxton Hanson, Carson Barton, Ethan Schmidt, Liam South, Kane Walsh, Goldie Kulcsar, Alexander Armbruster, Nylin Straightnose, Caysen Hanson. Missing: Fallon Hawreluik.

U7 Smoothies Terriers

Coaches from left to right: (Ast Coach) Kevin Kitchen, (Head Coach) Evan Neibrandt, (Ast Coach) Kevin Stringfellow. Players from left to right: Cooper Kyle, Bria Serdachny, Nate Adams, Luke Adams, Bodie Spelay, Aleaha Phillips, Maverick Molnar, Theo Stringfellow, Charley Neibrandt, Leo Erwin, Miles Kitchen, Gehrig Girard. Missing from photo (Ast Coach) Derek Serdachny.

U9 Fedorowich Construction Terriers

Left to right: Vonn Lucky, Frankie Nagy, Hezekiah Legebokoff, Ethan Hiduk, Owen Rhinas, Logan Galli (goalie), Nash Wasylyniuk, Kova Konkel, Emmit Hull, Luca Morrison, Nate Peppler, (Head Coach) on right side - Ronny Galli, (Assistant Coach) on left side - Patrick Morrison, (Assistant Coach). Missing: Derek Rhinas.

U9 Outta Here Travel Terriers

Left to right: Easton McGregor, Jack Westberg, (Assistant Coach) Natalie Katzberg, Liam Vincent, Griffin Daviduk, Austyn Dyke, (Head Coach) Derek Ferguson, Tanner Barrowman, Sloane Katzberg, Jaxon Ferguson, (Assistant Coach) Darren Dyke, Boston Hilderman, Lucas Gordon-Wolfram, Sailor Sliva. Missing: (Assistant Coach) Craig Hilderman, (Manager) Delayne Westberg.

U9 Thorsness Terriers

Coaches in order: Matt Zerbin (Trainer), Kevin Kitchen (Assistant Coach), Mark Persick (Head Coach), Corey Sharpe (Assistant Coach). Players (right to left): Trace Sharpe, Emmett Kitchen, Ruslan Laptinov, Kale Fahlman, Callahan Smalley, Torsten Zerbin, Lowan Habibe, Hays Grisnich, Anderson Exner, Bentley Chapman, Noah Lechman, Easton Prysliak.

U9 Chalet Terriers

Left to right: Gavin Stehr, Rory Zawislak, Aubrey Johnson, Trippton Maduck, Ollie Kuntz, Walter Bewcyk. Bottom row: Joseph Janett, Krew Lazar, Parker Lauridsen (Goalie Gear), Levi Lazurko, Colton Kennedy. Coaches: Lee Janett, Clinton Maduck, Evan Johnson, Gord Kennedy.

Harvest Meats... made with pride in Yorkton, Saskatchewan

U9

Growth Logic Terriers

Back row (L to R): Benson McDowell (Assistant Coach), Dustin Nielsen (Coach). Middle Row (L to R): Mason McDowell, Reid Morash, Jax Hrywkiw, Emily Shingoose, Anthony Matisho, Bennett Nielsen. Front Row (L to R): Cruz Hrywkiw, Tate Walsh, Cobie Zbeetnoff, Blake Harper, Grayson Baptist-Unyi. Missing: Mika Cheverie.

U11 AA Core Real Estate Terriers

Coaches row left to right: Greg Hall (Assistant Coach), Chad Blenkin (Assistant Coach), Mark Schendel (Head Coach), Darren Dyke (Assistant Coach). Back row left to right: Keegan Karcha, Karstyn Malysh, Bo Walsh, Nathan Bernauer, Alexander Ubongen, Karter Shukin. Middle row left to right: Braxton Fifield, Zac Hall, Dillon Serdachny, Ben Blenkin, Yuri Olynyk. Front row left to right: Owen Morley, Rhett Schendel, Ryker Katzberg, Cason Nagy, Bodyn Dyke, Kade Walker.

U11 Richardson Terriers

Back row coaches: Brett Wiley (Assistant Coach), Lee Janett (Head Coach), Brett Ruf (Assistant Coach). Players: Zachary Novak, Drake Wiley, Mylo Murray, Baylee Beres, Colby Herman, Jasper Wintonyk, Sarah Roussin, Jesse Stanley, Paxton Ruf, Tristan Kruk, Nicolas Janett, Colton Lorenzo. Missing is Russell Barlow and (Assistant Coach) Tyler Lorenzo.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

U11 KB Drywall Terriers

Back row: Chris Evans(Asst Coach), Rob Cross (Asst Coach), Brian Bryksa (Head Coach) & Colin Kitchen (Asst Coach). From left to right: Madix Johnson, Zander Devins, Kelton Cross, Reid Evans, Devynn Bryksa, Dre Sorensen, Drew Kitchen, Jase Horvath, Casey Pflanzer, Trey Walsh, Tayah Brass & Jack Hilton.

U11 FFUN

Motorsports Terriers

Names L to R of players: Dylan Gyoerick, Carter McDowell, Layton Kuntz, Courtlyn Heshka, Kobe Duliak, Lauchlin Konkel, Chad Wlock, Brayden Lauridsen, Liam Hellegards, Angel Sliva, Kash Lazar, Flint Vogel. Coaches: (Assistant) Benson McDowell, (Head Coach) Brian Lauridsen, (Assistant) Justin Hellegards, (Trainer) Trevor Gyoerick. Missing: (Assistant) Dan Wlock.

U11

Deneschuk

Homes Terriers

Back row: (L to R) Coaches Lawrence Klemetski, Chad Matsalla, Jeff Parnetta.

Front (L to R): Ava Rodger, Nash Bradford, Beckett Kulcsar, Ryker Klemetski, Josh St. Marie, Liam Lockhart, Jameson Parnetta, Harper Propp, Jive Jordan, Luc Szysky, Sully Matsalla, Austin Kulcsar.

U13AA Stacey Neufeld Re/Max Terriers

Back row: Walker Wolkowski, Kael Schell, Grady Beres, Brayden Fleger, Kelson Hawreluik & Connor Sauser. Middle row: Ty Rusnak, Westyn Kresowaty, Parker Kraynick, Liam Van Caeseele, Carter Downey & Mason Bryksa. Front row: Carter Ismond, Brett Wiley (Asst Coach), Dylan Veroba, Lee Rusnak (Head Coach), Mahlon Wiley, Neil Schell (Asst Coach) & Patrick Shannon. Missing: Danny & Renee Ismond (Managers).

U13 UCT Terriers

U13 Premier Cabinets Terriers

Back Row:

(Asst Coach/Manager), Brent Danchilla (Head Coach) & Rob Cross (Asst Coach). Middle Row: Kaley Allard, Alex Jansen Van Rensburg, Ellie Vogel, Kaynen Cross, Kase Ungar, Harper Danchilla, Maxx Jansen Van Rensburg & Hudson Shabatura.

Front Row: Clara Barlow, Emerson Quewezance & Adam Rhinas. Missing: Derek Rhinas (Asst Coach).

Back Row: Aaron Dutchak (Asst Coach), Mark Schendel (Asst Coach), Dan Wilson (Head Coach) & Kirby Stewart (Asst Coach). Middle Row: Liam Adam, Blake Kulcsar, Max Schendel, Kayden Burman, Exley Fish & Tyler Stewart. Front Row: Vincent Sobkow, AJ Dutchak, Carter Britton, Kendry Kosteroski & Nash Wilson.

Missing: Becky Dutchak (Manager).

Shanley Allard

U13 Medicine

Shoppe Terriers

Back Row: Chris Evans (Asst Coach), Derek Ferguson (Asst Coach), Brad Klassen (Head Coach) & Steve Bradford (Asst Coach). Middle Row: Garin Bradford, Tagon Ferguson, Ben Ferguson, Vaughn Klassen, Jaxyn Brazeau, Zaiden Evans, & Trey Poier.

Front Row: Preston Tratch, Landon Fleury, Noah Sander, Brayden Szovek & Jared DeRuyck. Missing: Tricia Klassen (Manager).

U13 Pathway Supply Terriers

Back row: Avery Lammers, Dan Wlock (Ass’t Coach), Keegan McCabe, Greg Smith (Coach), Nixon Crothers, Isabelle Smith, Dave Lammers (Ass’t Coach), Wyatt Antony, Mike Cristo (Ass’t Coach), Turner Cristo. Front Row: Taelah Schnurr, Drew Maystrowich, Charles Wlock, Linden MacLean, Kamden Bradford. Missing: Dyson Schwaerzle, Carla Lammers (Manager).

U15 RH Electric Terriers

Back row: Kyson Gervais, Aiden Horvath, Hunter Morrison, Andriy Rieznichenko & Zachary Ellis. Middle row: Giovane Buckle-Collins, Hayden Topliss, Ainsley Bryska, Kraeten Haas, Tyler Franklin & Ronnie Gibson.

Front row: Joah Jansen Van Rensburg, Neil Schell (Asst Coach), Cale Smith, Brian Bryksa (Head Coach), Zane Rusnak, Greg Smith (Asst Coach) & Maggie Schell.

Missing: Erin Bryksa (Manager).

U15 LDC Terriers

Back Row (L to R): Justin Morrison (Head Coach), Chad Koberinski (Asst. Coach), Connor Ferguson, Maddox Littlechief, Tydon Soke, Emmett Lammers, Jystin Bjola, CJ Wlock, Dan Wlock (Asst. Coach) Steve Bradford (Asst. Coach missing). Front Row (L to R): Carson Kerluke, Gavin Morrison, Kingston Schlecter, Easton Keith, Jake Morrison, Matthew Koberinski, Mannix Donnelly, Jackson Bradford (missing), Tabyn Brass (missing).

U15

AA PAC Terriers

Back Row (L to R): Mitch Topinka (Coach), Blaine Thomson (Asst Coach), Casey Mitschke, Kyler Bilokreli, Paxton Lucky, Cooper Kraynick, Tanner Reilkoff, Theo Cleland, Trae Peterson, Jaxon Sedor, Jeremy Allard (Asst Coach), Warren Shymko (Asst Coach). Front Row (L to R): Brady Kitzul, Deacon Kriger, Kashton Gillis, Cameron Allard, Boston Melnyk, Meric Poncelet, Dylan Brass, Aiden Wagner, Waylon Johanson. Missing: Vincent MacGillivray, Karsten Wagner (Asst Coach).

Back Row: Don Dyker (Asst Coach), Ambrose Allin (Head Coach) & Shaune Beatty (Asst Coach). Players from left to right: Brennan Bernauer, Jared McNabb, Liam Dyker, Eli Beatty, Griffin Allin, Josh Bielinski, Cohen Murray, Ronin Britton, Colton Ostapovich, Kale Bolme, Logan Bennett & Hunter Prodgers. Missing: Kalyn McLaughlin.

U18 Re/max Terriers

Front Row, Left to Right. Matt Herzog, Dustin Gamble, RJ Stevenson, Davin Desroches, Deagon Kulcsar. Back Row, Deklan Syrota, Logan BadgerCote, (Manager) Brent Desroches, Luke Morgan, Jake Hannotte, Kolby Weinheimer, Matthew Michalchuk, Walker Long, Jayden Langan, (Asst. Coach) Chris Evans, Wyatt Evans, Tarris Cote. Missing: (Head Coach) Renee Kulcsar, (Asst. Coach) Damon Syrota.

U18 Weeks Investments Terriers

U18 AA Kinsmen Terriers

Back

Middle row:

Back row: Darren Prystupa (Asst Coach), Royce Rathgeber, Keenan Krasowski, Marshall McClenaghan, Seth Weeks, Colton Hubic, Owen Friesen, David Lachapelle, Luca Prystupa, Cobe Prince & Garner Weeks (Manager). Front row: Connor Kraynick, Lucas Tymko, Maksym Iemelianenko, Kelly Hubic (Head Coach), Carson Ostapovich, Dave McClenaghan (Asst Coach), Riley Fedorowich, Josh Johnson & Tristan Kostelnyk.

row: Ryan Schyster, Ryder Todosichuk, Matthew Spilchuk, Cort Simpson, Joey Zarowny, Grady Keith & Jack Puckett.

Kelly Schuster (Asst Coach), Ty Sleeva, Riley Stewart, Garin Lammers, James Klemetski, Levi Erhardt, TJ Morrissey & Warren Shymko (Asst Coach). Front row: Barrett Romanson, Kirby Stewart (Asst Coach), Chaz Jaeb, Brandon Spilchen, Jason Gordon (Head Coach), Nikolas Gordon, Dylan Prince, Cooper Szysky & Eli Shannon. Missing: Trevor Morrissey (Manager) & Carla Lammers (Treasurer).

Sp orts

Terriers lose in shootout to Red Wings

YORKTON – The Yorkton Terriers hosted the Weyburn Red Wings at Westland Arena on Jan. 14.

The game was a stalemate through the first despite two power play efforts a piece for each team.

Midway through the second period, at 8:45, the Terriers’ Dylan Ruptash put the team on the board with a goal assisted by JD Hall and Greg Nelson. Weyburn struck back at 15:30, an unassisted goal from Matthew Reidy – answered a short time later by Terrier Cade Kennedy, at 15:48.

The lone goal of the third period came from the Red Wings’ Jakob Kalin late in the period, at 15:58, sending the game to over time and subsequent shootout, where Kalin would again be the lone goal scorer.

Caleb Allen was in net for the Terriers with 31 saves on 33 shots.

Dazza Mitchell was in net for the win, facing 29 shots for the win.

The Terriers will host the Melfort Mustangs on Jan. 21.

Secon Maulers split pair on week

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Yorkon’s Secon Mauler were on the road Friday for male AAA Midget action in Saskatoon taking on the league’s frontrunning Blazers.

It was 3-0 for the host team on goals by Brayden Smith, Reese Hamiltion and Josh Knittig, all second period efforts, before Kyle Weisgarber put the Maulers on the scoresheet.

Unfortunately for Yorkton the unassisted effort by Weisgarber would be the only goal of the contest.

Raiden Zacharias made it 4-1 before the end of the second period,

and Preston Baerwold would add a third period goal for Saskatoon as the salted away a 5-1 win.

Wyatt Bouvier took the loss in the Mauler net facing 32-shots, while Alex Garrett earned the win facing 25-shots in the Blazer goal.

Home ice win

The Maulers were in action Wednesday evening hosting the Tisdale Trojans at the Westland Insurance Arena.

The opening stanza of the game was a scoreless affair, with Sam Cristo and Vinay Junek both scoring in the first four minutes to give the Maulers a lead.

Junek would be back

to add a short-handed goal late to make it 3-0 through 40-minutes of action.

Parker Dunn finally put the Trojans on the board early in the third period, but that would be the only Tisdale shot to elude Mauler netminder Blake Sittler on the night.

Edward Knittig added a powerplay insurance goal for Yorkton to round out a 4-1 win.

The Mauler split leaves the squad with a 12-14-0-3 record for 27 points and ninth spot in the league. Yorkton sits one point behind eighth place Moose Jaw and eight up on the 10th spot Estevan Bears.

The Blazers hold top

spot with 56 points 12 better than Regina.

The Mauler’s next

action is Wednesday taking on the Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors

and Warman Wildcats Saturday, both are road contests.

Omega ball adds actual excitement to soccer

You might think, given the literally hundreds of sports already in existence, that nothing new is left to be created.

But, that is not the case.

Do a bit of web surfing as I do on occasion looking at different sports, and you find sites dedicated to posting new sport ideas, admittedly most developing little further than to have the idea posted – and frankly most ideas are little more than trying to combine other sports into some ‘Frankensport’ creation hardly worth the effort of writing down the idea.

Of course there are always exceptions to the general rule, and so it was when I came upon OmegaBall.

It’s likely most readers will not have heard about OmegaBall. It truly is a recent sport creation with its founder Anthony Dittman just starting to promote the game.

So what is OmegaBall?

Well it is a soccer variant, which admittedly would have me heading for a nap, but I persevered and watched a game via YouTube, and right away this soccer variant proved to be decidedly different, starting with addressing the almost total lack of goal scoring which plagues field soccer in my mind.

Dittman said when he first started playing around with the idea of doing something fresh with soccer he had a few things he wanted to change, adding he was at

best a casual fan of the game in part because of things he saw as shortcomings, including low scoring games.

So Dittman started by envisioning the sport played on a circular field, one which ultimately ended up putting goals approximately 30 yards between each goal to the center spot.

But then Dittman went a step farther in his creation process reasoning if two teams are good, three teams could be better.

A match of OmegaBall involves three teams, each with five players, including a goalkeeper.

Each team has a goal to defend. Those goals are spread evenly around the outside of a circular pitch.

Teams earn a point for every goal they score against an opponent, but do not lose points for goals conceded. If a team scores on their own goal, each of the other two teams earns a point.

As you might imagine with a small field and three teams the action is fast and furious almost to the point of being chaotic. As a neophyte viewer I was at times near lost in the who was doing what, but that would likely disappear as fans become experienced. I recall an Aussie friend visiting years ago and liking hockey but often being confused too.

The ‘feel’ of OmegaBall’ does remind of the original circular court and multiple goal

lay-out of Kronum, a sport that I wish had carved out a serious niche but really didn’t.

Having three teams certainly makes OmegaBall different. I can think of only one other sport which features three teams on the court at the same time, that being Kinball, a team sport created in Quebec in 1986 by Mario Demers.

The three team aspect has already helped draw some TV interest.

“They are excited about three teams on the field. They find three teams very interesting,” said Dittman.

Dittman however was not done in addressing perceived shortcomings of field soccer.

“Offside. I didn’t like that rule. I don’t know anybody that likes the rule,” he said in a telephone interview.

So Dittman just tossed the idea of offside in OmegaBall, another step which opens the game to far more offence.

There aren’t throw-ins either.

“We got rid of that. Nothing really exciting comes from a throw-in,”

said Dittman.

And action is continuous, with no face-off after goals, which Dittman says gives OmegaBall a flow more akin to basketball.

The games are short too, with three 15-minute periods, so a game plays generally in an hour, said Dittman, who added the game time is important as he hopes it will attract sport TV interest since it can fit nicely in an hour time slot.

“It’s a chance (for TV) to insert some live content into just an hour,” said Dittman.

In the end though it is the action which sells OmegaBall. Goals come with regularity. It’s not out of the question to see three teams combine for 15-plus goals in a 45-minute contest. For comparison Canada’s three MLS teams –Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – combined for only 152 goals in 102 games.

Dittman certainly hopes the sport catches on, and he has a vision for its development which so far has included some exhibition style games with semi-pro soc-

cer players taking to the circle in both men’s and women’s play.

“The athletes really love it,” he said, adding the shorter games and all out action are appreciated by players.

In 2023 Dittman plans a series of events in various cities in conjunction with United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) activities, as OmegaBall now has an agreement with the USSSA.

By 2024 Dittman foresees a pro OmegaBall league. I doubt a Canadian franchise will be a priority, but if there was I’d watch it.

Dittman said that with a game played in an hour, it will be possible to offer a men’s game and a women’s game on a single ticket and that it should be a perfect family sport outing with team’s moms and daughters can relate and aspire too.

“We feel that it would be an incredible family activity,” he said.

Overall, Dittman said OmegaBall comes across as a fresh idea for players and fans, and he hopes to build on that.

“It checks a lot of boxes,” he said.

You can follow the sport’s development at omegaball.com.

Coralee Schoenrock

Lindsay

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

The Terriers suffered a shootout loss to the Weyburn Red Wings on Jan. 14. The team will host the Melfort Mustangs at Westland Arena on Jan. 21 for some more SJHL action.

Omega Ball is a three team game reminding largely of soccer with its own flavour. (Submitted Photo)

The Secon Maulers hosted Tisdale in a midweek game.

STANDEN - It is with great sadness the family of Doris Standen (Smith), beloved wife of Robert Standen, announce that she passed away peacefully January 9, 2023 at the Yorkton Regional Health Center at the age of 80. Doris was born December 31, 1942 in Ontario. She married her husband Robert (Bob) on December 3, 1959. They lived in several provinces while raising their five children Robert (Jennifer), Bill (Julie), Kelly (Cory Jesso), Dave (Tuyet), and Melanie (Chris Sander). Doris was also the very loving, proud Nana (gramma) to twelve grandchildren Justin, Jared, Matt, Marlie (Bill), Angela, Josh (Jesso, Kelly), Brandon, Brenna (Dave), Colton, Marshall, Connor, David (Ricketson, Melanie). She also was a great grandmother to Kaleb (Angela), Michaela, Layla (Brenna) and Lincoln (Matt). Doris is survived by

predeceased by her brother Roy.

beautiful smile.

WILEY - Alice Lillian (Emsley) Wiley entered her eternal resting place on January 2, 2023 at the age of 85 years and ten months. She was the fourth child of the late George and Lillian (McCandles) Emsley, born on the family farm in the Meadowview District of the RM of Saltcoats. At the age of three, Alice went to live with her father’s sister, Gladys Porter and husband, Dave Porter; this became her permanent home due to Alice’s health issues as a small child. She attended Cut Arm Country School and then Bredenbury High School. As a high school student, she worked after school and weekends at Nelson’s Grocery Store in Bredenbury, and later Bredenbury Rural Telephone Co. In 1956 she joined Sask Tel as an operator in Yorkton. She had 41 years service when she retired in 1997. In early 1956 she met the love of her life, Arthur Wiley and they were married August 3rd, 1957 at the Bredenbury Knox United Church. The marriage was blessed with four children. In late 1970 they purchased a farm west of Yorkton, where they raised their four children. Alice had many other jobs besides being a mother, wife, and telephone operator. She took pleasure in raising her miniature and standard poodles, and after that took up painting, and was quite good considering she never took a painting class. In 2013 after Arthur passed on, she purchased a condo in Yorkton where she resided until November 2022, when health problems forced her to enter the hospital, and then the Canora Gateway Lodge. Alice was predeceased by her husband Arthur Wiley, sisters Ada Hoehne and Ella Emsley; brothers Bart Emsley and George Emsley. She leaves to mourn her passing, her children Sandra Hnatuik, Tracy (Wayne) Paul, Clayton (Liza) Wiley, and Ian Wiley. Seven grandchildren; Brett Hnatuik, Lacie Hnatuik (Greg), Nathan Paul (Danika), Nicole Paul, Kendra (Dale) Day, Shelley Wiley (Byron), Chantel Wiley, her brother David Emsley (Vi), sisters-in-law; Millie Meneley, Merle (Dale) Ward, Vicky Wiley, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 11:00 am from Christie’s Funeral Home and Crematorium in Yorkton, SK with Sarah Gilles officiating and interment at Bredenbury Town Cemetery. Organist was Marlene Buczynski. Pallbearers were Nathan Paul, Nicole Paul, Larissa Hnatuik, Greg Pekar, Dale Day, Chantel Alice Wiley, Shelby Wiley and Gene Porter. Honourary pallbearers were Brett Hnatuik & Kendra Wiley-Day. A time of fellowship and refreshment was held in the reception room at Christie’s Funeral Home. Donations can be made to Paws & Claws or to Bredenbury United Church.

ANDERSON - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marianne Gail Anderson, on January 2, 2023 in Regina, SK, at the age of 26. Marianne was born on May 15, 1996 in Yorkton, SK. She lived in Yorkton the majority of her life, but moved around a lot. Marianne worked many jobs, but loved working with children the most. She babysat for many friends and family and the kids absolutely loved her. Marianne loved the outdoors and music. Marianne is survived and greatly missed by her sons, Nicolas and Rowan; brothers, Scott (Mckenzie) Anderson of Yorkton, SK and their daughter, Rose Mae; her brother, Ryley Anderson of Yorkton, SK and his sons, Ryley Jr., Matthias and Elicon; grandmother, Florence from Calgary, AB; godmother, Marie from Calgary, AB; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Marianne loved to laugh and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially with her two beautiful boys. Marianne was predeceased by her mother, Nicole Anderson; her grandfather; Mervin Pelletier; and her grandmother, Linda Anderson. Goodbyes are not forever, and not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again. Marianne’s beautiful heart will live on through her beautiful children. A wake and prayer service was held on Sunday and Funeral Services were held Monday, January 9, 2023 from Yorkton Victory Church with Pastor Mark Lautamus officiating. Special Music was Dancing In the Sky by Dani and Lizzy, How do I say Goodbye by Dean Lewis and Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill. Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Mervin Peepeetch, Colby Brinley, Brandon Peepeetch, Justin St. Pierre, Paul Anderson and Jamie Ward serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be sent to the family at baileysfuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home.

KURTZ - It is with great sadness that the family of Jeanne Kurtz (nee Gyug) announce her passing on Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Kamsack Nursing Home. She leaves, to mourn, her beloved partner George Kalenchuk. Her children: Karen Mavis (Donald) Sorensen, Natalie Elana and Joelle Karen. Donna Marie Kurtz (Chris Vautour), Arianne Jeanne (Derek) and Hendrik Leuke, Owen Randolf Nimetz (Kendall). Sheila Dorothy Kurtz (Andrew Puglia), Emery Kenneth Anderson (Hayley), Nolan Arthur Anderson (Darcie) Brielle and McKinley. Noreen Frances (Lawrence) Santer, Christian Storm Santer, Shelby Leigh Santer (Michael Voinea) Zoey and Olivia Voinea. Siblings: Pat Burak, Claude Gyug (Dianne), Chuck Gyug (Bernie), John Gyug (Nancy), Monica Kletchko (Jerry), Christine Bowman (Merv) and Michael Gyug, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends especially Ilean Kolynchuk and Rosemarie Barilla. Jeanne is predeceased by her parents Frank and Dorothy Gyug (nee Wolsey), brothers Mark Gyug, Ralph Gyug, and Robert Gyug, brother-inlaw Ken Burak and son-in-law Randolph Nimetz. Visitation was held on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, Yorkton, SK. The Funeral Service was held Monday, January 16, 2023 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant officiating. Tributes and words of remembrance were shared by Owen Nimetz and Kim Power. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Owen Nimetz, Christian Santer, Shelby Santer, Emery Anderson, Nolan Anderson and Christine Bowman serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Jeanne may be made to St. Peter’s Hospital, Melville, SK. as gifts of remembrance. Please refer to Bailey’s Funeral Home website for the full Obituary at: wwww.baileysfuneralhome.com.

CHUPA - The family of Andrew Chupa of Saskatoon, formerly of Yorkton beloved husband of Joyce Chupa sadly announce his passing on January 12, 2023, He was 85 years of age. Andrew (Andy) Chupa was born to Pauline and William Chupa on June 23, 1937 in Yorkton, SK. Andy had two siblings, Anton and Marie. Andy attended the Whitesand school until grade 9. Andy grew up in the Whitesand district on the family farm. Andy took pride in any area that he worked. From 1958 to 1974, Andy worked as a sales person at Powell Lumber. After his employment at Powell Lumber, he became the store manager at Peavy Mart in Yorkton from 1974 to 1981. In 1981, Andy became the area manager for Peavy Mart and worked out of the Yorkton store, until he was re-located to Saskatoon. Andy was a one-of-akind business man. Andy led the Yorkton Peavy Mart team to achieve a million dollars in sales.

This was the first Peavy Mart in Canada to hit this goal! Some say he could sell ice to an Eskimo. Andy remained the area manager until his retirement in 2001. While Andy was living in the Yorkton area, he met Joyce Benjestorf. The two of them got married July 8, 1961 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Yorkton Sask. Andy and Joyce were blessed with two children. Brian William was born February 21,1962 and Barry Andrew was born on June 20, 1967. Andy became a Gido to four wonderful grandchildren, Roidyn, Brynn, Carter, and Caitlin. Andy also had two step grandsons, Nicholas and Jarrett. Andy loved spending time at the cabin he and Joyce purchased in 2005 at Good Spirit Lake. He spent many hours maintaining the cabin yard, re-building the deck, feeding the birds and deer, and just tinkering around. While he was at the cabin, he also enjoyed chicken hunting. Andy loved being on the boat, catching fish. Andy would always out-fish everyone that was fishing with him. Andy went on many fishing trips with friends and family. Andy enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He taught them many different things. Such as, how to pour a drink, how to swear in Ukrainian, how to drive, how to play crib, how to catch a fish, how to chicken hunt, and how to gut a chicken, just to name a few. Andy was predeceased by his parents, Pauline and William. As well as his sister, Marie. He was survived by his wife, Joyce, his two sons, Brian (Vanessa) and his children, Roidyn and Brynn (Jordan), Barry (Vicky) and his children, Carter, Caitlin, Nicholas, and Jarrett. As well as his brother Anton (Angie), many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is planned for July, 2023. Memorials may be made Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon as gifts of remembrance. Condolences to the family may be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com

BENKO - Annette Jane Benko (nee Wahl) of Yorkton passed away on January 2, 2023. She was 65 years of age. Annette was born on February 22, 1957 in the R.M. of Kellross in a horse drawn cutter to Lloyd and Marion Wahl.

Annette’s father passed away tragically in a car accident when she was six. In 1965, her Mom married Fred Tillotson. Annette grew up in the Kelliher area and enjoyed spending time with her farm animals (especially her horse, Silver) and graduated from Kelliher School in 1975. She met and married Dennis Benko later that year and moved to Regina where she worked at Plains Hospital, then Colour Your World and was an active member of the Balgonie Fire Department. In 1979 she gave birth to a daughter Elley and three years later a son Blair. Moving to Foam Lake, Annette and Dennis opened and ran an antique store for a few years before moving to Wynyard where Annette worked at Lillydale chicken plant. As time moved on, Annette and Dennis fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved to Surrey, B.C. where they drove a Semi-truck travelling across Canada and the United States. In 2006, Annette moved back to Yorkton to be closer to family and worked at Walmart and Yorkton This Week. Annette enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, league bowling and being around family and friends. In the last years of her life, Annette’s health declined making it difficult for her to continue doing all the things she enjoyed. On January 2, 2023 she passed away suddenly in her home in Yorkton. Annette is predeceased by her Mom Marion Tillotson, Dad Lloyd Wahl, Dad Fred Tillotson, brother Wayne Wahl, siblings Alan Wahl and Geraldine Wahl. Annette will always be remembered and missed by her family: brother James (Teresa) Tillotson and their children: Mallory and Carson; daughter Elley (Daniel) Sobkow and their children: Dylan, Deven, Drayden; son Blair (Angela) Benko and their children Azalee and Cadence. Also survived by many uncles, auntie’s, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from the Chapel of Bailey’s Funeral Home in Yorkton with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant officiating. A eulogy written by Yvette Renneberg was read by Doreen Day. Special music was ‘One More Day’, ‘Dancing In the Sky’, ‘Lay Me Down’ and ‘When I Get Where I’m Going’. Annette’s children Elley and Blair served as the urnbearers. Interment will follow in the family plot in the Kelliher Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to SIGN for Mental Health (83 North St. Yorkton, SK S3N 0G9). Condolences can be sent to the family at baileysfuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home.

two sisters, Dorothy and Diane and was

Doris was a kind hearted woman with a

She loved animals and was always doing what she could to help others. There will not be a service at this time. The family will be gathering in Ontario in

YEAR END SEED SALE

WANTED: SASQUATCH SKULL!

Also BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS & old money! BUYING large quantities of SILVER. 999+ bullion, ALL sizes, ALL brands, bars, rounds, ingots, coins, sterling, silverware, pre-1968 coins +. BUYING ALL GOLD & SILVER coins, bars, unwanted jewelry, nuggets, dust, scrap +++

Wanted TODD 250-864-3521

For Sale - Misc

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

Published weekly by Boundary Publishers Ltd., a subsidiary of Glacier Ventures International Corp.

The Glacier group of companies collects personal information from our customers in the normal course of business transactions. We use that information to provide you with our products and services you request.

On occasion we may contact you for purposes of research, surveys and other such matters. To provide you with better service we may share your personal information with our sister companies and also outside, selected third parties who perform work for us as suppliers, agents, service providers and information gatherers. Our subscription list may be provided to other organizations who have products and services that may be of interest to you. If you do not wish to participate in such matters, please contact us at the following address: Yorkton This Week, 20 Third Avenue North, Yorkton, S3N 2X3. For a complete statement of our privacy policy, please go to our website at: www.yorktonthisweek.com or stop by our office and pick up a copy.

Yorkton This Week is owned and operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

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

BOXSPRING & MATTRESS just like new. 4 fancy chairs. Air conditioner good for a shop. Toaster oven works good. Call John at 306-621-2008

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-6491405 to find out how!

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

This individual is often the first point of contact with the Company. As such, exceptional customer service and communication skills are needed in order to effectively and confidently assist with a wide range of needs. Past experience in a direct customer service role working with a diverse range of clients is required. Related duties will be assigned. These may include support to the sales and editorial departments, accounting tasks, and data entry projects. The ideal candidate will also possess good computer skills and good keyboarding skills. A proven ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality on multiple duties is an important skill for this position.

This is a permanent part time position.

Please send your resume along with a cover letter to John Bauman at jbauman@yorktonthisweek.com

Yorkton man continues snow sculpture tradition

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – For several years a Yorkton man has created snow sculptures during the winter months for passerby’s enjoyment.

“It’s become a bit of a tradition – whenever there’s enough snow we do it,” said Stanley Reed of his creations in an interview with Yorkton This Week

The sculptures are made by packing snow into an enclosed box and allowing it to harden or cure for several days. After the snow has set, Reed uses hand tools such as

a hand saw, machete and spade to carve out the design.

“Just simple stuff – nothing too fancy,” said Reed.

Though Reed came up with the idea for this year’s sculpture, he said it was his daughter who helped bring the idea to life.

“My oldest daughter actually designed this year’s – it was December and I was cold and I had this idea and I gave her the idea and she drew it up,” said Reed, adding, “we made a little clay model of it and used that to work off of.”

“We kind of came up with the idea before we build the box so you don’t have to pack

Whiskers & Tails

What to do if a wild animal comes to visit

Whether it’s a deer nibbling on the lawn or a fox exploring your patio, encounters with wildlife can be exciting. However, to ensure their safety and yours, there are certain things to keep in mind before you get too close.

First, you should never attempt to capture, feed or tame a wild animal. In fact, their mistrust of humans is healthy and contributes

more snow and carve more snow than you need to,” said Reed, noting his wife, daughter and neighbours helped with project when it came to filling the box with snow.

“My daughter is fairly artistic – she does quite a bit of drawing and painting,” said Reed, noting that he doesn’t practice art outside of the yearly snow sculptures.

“This is my once-a-year release,” said Reed with a laugh, adding, “I like to do it in the snow so that I don’t have to look at it – if you did it in concrete you’d have a whole yard full of gnomes or something and you’d have to deal

with that the rest of your life – it’s gone in the spring.”

Reed said his inspirations for making the sculptures comes from his time spent living in Winnipeg with his family. Every year the city held their Festival du Voyageur, a celebration of French Canadian culture that featured ice sculptures on display around the city.

“Every year they do snow carvings — there’s a whole kind of symposium of snow carving — they get people from all over the world to do it,” said Reed.

It’s now been 15 years of snow carvings in the winter

for Reed and he said that each year feels like the first time.

“They were pretty rough early on...it’s funny though, because every year you’re like ‘I don’t know – do I know how to do this?’ – if it’s not your profession — being a sculptor — than there’s certainly a learning curve every year,” said Reed with a laugh.

Reed said this year’s sculpture represents his thoughts during the frigid temperatures experienced in December.

“It’s a cold person dreaming of a warm place – that was me in December.”

to their survival. If an animal becomes accustomed to being fed by humans, it’ll slowly lose its instinct to hunt or gather in the wild.

Additionally, wild animals that get used to being around humans become easy prey for hunters. They’re also more likely to wander into high-traffic areas where they could get hit by vehicles.

Finally, wild animals such as racoons and skunks can carry rabies and other serious diseases. So, the next time a wild animal makes a surprise visit, remember to admire and photograph it from a safe distance.

Community band starts new semester

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The Yorkton Community Bands’ will embark on a new season Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the band room at the Yorkton Regional High School.

Band conductor Larry Pearen explained the band operates over what he termed semesters, the fall semester ending with

its Christmas concert.

The spring semester starts Tuesday with the band readying for spring engagements concluding with the finale Sunday, May 14.

The band has 55 musicians on its roster, with “45 very regular,” offered Pearen, adding it is very much a regional group with participants from Esterhazy, Melville, Kamsack and Sturgis/

Preeceville.

While stating the band “blessed” having musicians across all sections of the band, with excellent players taking lead positions, new players are always welcome.

Those interested in playing with the band can show up Tuesday evening, or they can contact Pearen at 306-6210523 or at larry.pearen@ gmail.com

Every winter for the past 15 years, Stanley Friesen Reed has created snow sculptures using simple hand tools against hard-packed snow. This year’s piece was dreamt up by Friesen Reed and designed by his daughter; it features a character dreaming of a warmer place.

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

Agriculture

Cattle can aid environment too

When it comes to the environment the poor cow has become one animal that is much maligned as being a problem.

Those who oppose eating meat, or basically using animals at all can give you plenty of ‘reasons’ the cow should be on an environmental wanted poster, but as in most things when a group with an agenda offers up opinions it might be best taken with a grain or two of salt.

And yes that includes checking what farm groups have to say.

We have a powerful tool at our disposal these days, accessing informa-

tion on the Internet and we should use that when determining how we feel about important issues such as the environment.

Look around. Check who is saying what, and cross reference things until you feel confident you can boil it all down to an informed decision.

So up front, reading this weekly column you have to remember having grown up on a mixed farm in Saskatchewan, and having covered the farm sector for more than three decades I am generally pro farming.

That said, of course there are things that can be done better in farming and how cattle

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels

are managed is one area that agriculture always needs to be striving for better options in terms of protecting the environment.

But, even as it is there are a number of overlooked positives about cattle – you can lump sheep and goats in the following too.

For example, a recent www.producer. com article looked at grasslands, in particular native prairie and its role in preventing climate change.

“Climate change is happening and that’s because of carbon in the atmosphere,” said Cameron Carlyle, asso-

ciate professor of rangeland ecology at the University of Alberta in the article. “Globally, rangelands hold 30 percent of soil carbon.”

Take away cattle, sheep, goats and similar farm stock and at least a chunk of those grassland go under cultivation to grow grain, even though often it is marginal land better suited to growing grass.

You may also have noticed some recent social media posts pointing to how leather is a sustainable option with varied purposes.

The reality is leather is an alternative for oil-based products such

as plastics such as PVC and polyester – and it is a renewable material. We should all be aware of just how massive an issue in terms of the environment plastics are. They basically never degrade in landfills, and our oceans have become dumping ground with ocean life suffering as a result.

Sometimes we need to think of things with a broader lens, cattle have issues, but there are positives to be considered too.

So, maybe it’s time to go back to the Internet to research all the facts before vilifying of championing the cow.

Clubroot distribution in Sask. in 2022

The Government of Saskatchewan has released the 2022 Saskatchewan Clubroot Distribution Map, which outlines the rural municipalities (RMs) where clubroot has been identified.

In 2022, visible clubroot symptoms were recorded in two more commercial canola fields and the clubroot pathogen was detected in four new fields. To date, visible clubroot symptoms have been confirmed in 82 commercial fields while the clubroot pathogen has been detected through DNA-based testing in 42 fields where there were no visible symptoms. These results show

the importance of continuing to monitor and manage clubroot, which is a declared pest under The Pest Control Act.

All producers with visible clubroot symptoms or fields with the presence of the pathogen have been notified. The specific land locations are kept confidential and not shared publicly to protect the producer’s privacy. Land locations are only shared with the appropriate RM if they have clubroot-specific bylaws enacted and visible symptoms have been confirmed.

“Clubroot can impact our producers, landowners and the province’s strong canola

market,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “This map helps the ministry to track and manage clubroot while preventing it from reaching other fields.”

In 2022, over 500 fields were inspected as part of the clubroot monitoring program. Producers and industry agrologists were able to receive a free soil testing bag kit via the Ministry of Agriculture’s website or a regional office. In total, 39 soil samples were submitted for laboratory analysis and SaskCanola covered the cost of each test.

“SaskCanola funds province-wide disease testing for

clubroot to ensure we have a good understanding of the regions where the disease is present. This way canola growers can make the best management decisions for their farm to prevent the spread of this invasive soil-borne disease,” Chair of SaskCanola’s Research Committee Keith Fournier said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with SaskCanola, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and plant health officers, implemented the clubroot monitoring program to understand the distribution and severity of the disease in the

province and where it has been already detected. The program includes in-field surveillance, free on-farm soil DNA testing for producers and agrologists and encouraging clubroot reporting from producers and industry.

Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that can cause significant yield loss when pathogen levels are high, a susceptible crop is grown and when environmental conditions are favourable. Proactive clubroot management, a combination of rotation, resistant varieties and sanitation practices, is key to reducing possible yield losses due to clubroot.

Gold medalist Montgomery set to speak at Ag Days

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Brandon Sun)

Though he didn’t grow up on a farm, Russell native Jon Montgomery’s childhood memories are punctuated by long, golden days spent on the farms of his friends and neighbours.

“My heart was always on the farm,” said Montgomery, an Olympic gold medallist who is scheduled to speak at next week’s Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon. “That’s something that’s near and dear to my heart because of the type of community I grew up in.”

Montgomery began to climb the World Cup rankings in skeleton racing in the years leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver,

where he won gold in his sport after outracing world champion Martins Dukurs of Latvia by 0.07 seconds.

His celebration served to endear him to Canadians just as much as his gold medal when, during his victory walk, a fan in the crowd handed him a pitcher of beer.

Montgomery carried it through a crowd of supporters and brought it on stage for an interview on national television.

In 2019, Montgomery went on to headline the 2019 Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame induction class, and he’s been the host of “The Amazing Race Canada,” an adventure reality game show based on the international Amazing Race franchise, since 2013.

Though he’s travelled the world during his lengthy career and now lives in Victoria, there’s

nothing quite like being back on Westman soil and in the Wheat City, Montgomery said.

“You can only be from one place, if you ask me, and for me it’s Russell, Manitoba. Coming back to Westman is coming home.”

Montgomery said he’s excited to return to the Keystone Centre in particular, where he often played hockey in his youth.

“It’s going to be brilliant. I’ve been in that arena for many other reasons … and now I’ll be able to add one more thing to that list.”

Returning as a speaker for Ag Days is a chance for Montgomery to share with attendees why agriculture is so important, not just to someone who grew up in a farming community and was active in 4H, but for all Manitobans

and the world.

The theme of this year’s Ag Days, farmer health, safety and wellness, is of utmost importance, Montgomery said, since health and wellness are closely tied to nutrition, and producers give us the food we need to survive and thrive.

“It’s a direct derivative of what we put in our mouth, how we feed ourselves and where this food comes from.”

Not only is he thankful to Westman producers for feeding the world, Montgomery said he counts himself lucky to have grown up among them.

“I’m eternally grateful to be a Westman kid.”

Montgomery will share his story, no doubt coloured by his many memories of Westman, at Ag Days on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Olympic gold medallist and host of “The Amazing Race Canada” Jon Montgomery will speak at Manitoba Ag Days next week.

YTC and Painted Hand hold career fair

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Painted Hand Casino paired with the Yorkton Tribal Council for a career fair on Jan. 12 at the PHC Event Centre.

The day long event had several vendors looking to recruit new employees.

“We paired with YTC and Painted Hand to do a recruitment fair because we’re both a First Nation organization and because YTC is our Tribal Council — and officially owns part of this land — we decided to pair with them to have this recruitment

fair because we’re both looking for qualified employees,” said Jennifer Fullerton, Administration Manager at the Painted Hand Casino.

“We’ve probably had about 25 people walk through — and it is in the first hour — we’ve had a few,” added Fullerton.

“We are looking for more staff — we’re always looking for more staff — at Painted Hand we have a process, but we’re bypassing that process – we’ll catch the process up after,” said Fullerton, noting managers were looking at resumes on the spot and candidates could be hired the same day.

Province, feds, invest in crop research

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced total funding of $17.6 million today for crop-related research in 2023.

Invested through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), the announcement includes $10.3 million for 49 research projects, as well as $7.2 million in operational support over the next five years for the Crop Development Centre (CDC) in Saskatoon. Since being established in 1971, the CDC - a research organization with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan - has released over 500 commercial crop varieties in over 40 different crop types.

“Climate change and severe weather conditions threaten farmers’ livelihoods,” Bibeau said. “We continue to invest in research and innovation so that producers have the tools they need to maintain and increase productivity despite the changing climate.”

“Saskatchewan is

a consistent and reliable supplier of agriculture products to today’s growing and constantly changing global market, and investments like these enable us to be ready for the market of tomorrow,” Marit said.

“Encouraging this kind of research and innovation is the first step to staying competitive. Staying competitive means Saskatchewan producers can and will remain the best there is at what they do - sustainably feeding the world.”

Examples of the individual research projects being funded include exploring the diversity of Fusarium root to species infecting pulse crops, insect response to climate change and ag inputs across the prairies, economic salinity remediation strategies for agriculture water using innovative desalinization minerals and a nutritionally balanced pulse-oilseed proteinbased beverage.

An additional $4.6 million was contributed in support of this year’s research projects by the following industry partners:

• Alberta Wheat

Commission

• Alberta Barley Commission

• Alberta Canola Producers Commission

• Manitoba Crop Alliance

• Manitoba Canola Growers

• Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission

• Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission

• Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission

• Prairie Oat Growers Association

• Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association

• Saskatchewan Pulse Growers

• Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission

• Western Grains Research Foundation

“The continued support of the ADF is greatly appreciated,” Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Board Chair Trent Richards said.

“The funding supports SPG’s new research investments that work to address top concerns and improve profitability and competitiveness of Saskatchewan pulse producers.”

Each year, on a competitive basis, the ADF awards support to projects focusing on research with the potential to create growth opportunities for provincial agriculture producers and enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the industry in Saskatchewan. This annual investment helps generate new knowledge, information and technologies for producers and food processors, such as feed and nutrition information for ranchers and new crop cultivars and production information for farmers.

“For over 50 years, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has been a strong supporter of the Crop Development Centre,” Director at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre Dr. Curtis Pozniak said.

“We’re grateful for the renewed funding that supports our operations, and for the continued investment to support research and innovation in the province. The renewed investment announced today reaffirms the provinces’ commitment to the CDC’s mission to improve the profitability of western Canadian producers and to our continued vision of being a worldclass crop improvement organization.”

The ADF is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the national agriculture and agri-food sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories, with a $388-million investment in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture.

For more information, including a full list of funded projects, please visit: https://www. saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-naturalresources-and-industry/ agribusiness-farmersand-ranchers/agricultural-research-programs/ knowledge-creation/ agriculture-developmentfund.