Yorkton This Week 2023-03-15

RE/MAX Blue Chip Realty awarded the 2022 TOP TRANSACTIONS (small market) award for Western Canada.

an initiative to raise funds

SaskAbilities kicks off Paper Egg campaign

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON –Employees and members of SaskAbilities gathered at Schrader’s motorsports store on the afternoon of March 13 to begin their Paper Egg Campaign.

“We just wanted to be involved – we’ve been involved with Snowarama forever –

I’ve been up to Camp Easter Seals and know how important it is,” said Rick Bradshaw, Owner and General Manager at Schrader’s Honda Yamaha Suzuki Polaris Tracker Husqvarna, adding, “it’s a good fundraiser and that’s what they’re raising money for and we said we’d be involved.”

“All across Canada Easter Seals provincial organizations are selling

Paper Eggs and all the funds raised here through Saskatchewan will go to serve Camp Easter Seals Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology Services,” said Deana Stroshein, Community Relations Coordinator with the Yorkton Branch of SaskAbilities.

“All across Canada Easter Seals provincial organizations are selling Paper Eggs and all

the funds raised here through Saskatchewan will go to serve Camp Easter Seals Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology Services,” said Stroshein, adding, “those programs are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, selfesteem and independence for individuals experiencing disability here in the province.”

“Schrader’s has been

a long-time supporter of Snowarama which also raises money for those Easter Seals programs,” said Stroshein.

“Snowarama has gone for 46 years and I’ve been involved for pretty much 46 years,” said Bradshaw, adding, “I’m the cochair of the current Snowarama committee, but it’s a whole bunch of people putting it together — it’s a big fundraiser

— we said we’d gladly be involved.”

“We thought it would be fitting for them to host our launch as they’re also selling paper eggs,” said Stroshein, adding, “we came out here with day program participants and individuals from the Mental Health Drop-In Centre – which are both programs of SaskAbilities – and we’re out here enjoying a tour.”

Rhythm and Ribs cancelled for 2023

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Health Foundation’s annual music and food festival, Rhythm and Ribs, which normally takes place in the summer has been cancelled.

“The reasoning is we couldn’t get the vendors to come during the summer,” said Ross Fisher, Executive Director for the Health Foundation in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

“They wanted to come early spring or later September and the weather is just too iffy for us to do that,” said Fisher, adding, “we’ve passed on this year and hopefully we’ll get back to holding the event again in 2024.”

Fisher said the news from the vendors was dis-

appointing.

“I think it’s a good event for the community — a lot of people come — it’s fun, it’s a family event – so it’s too bad that we’re not going to go ahead. It’s one of these events that’s difficult to hold when you might have poorer weather because there’s a lot of work and expense that goes into setting up the event, so you need to be reasonably sure you’re going to be able to hold it at a time of the year when you’ll have a good attendance.”

“We hope that we’ll go again in 2024 – we hope that we’ll be able to do it again in July which is when we held it the first few years,” said Fisher.

“I think part of the issue for us is that...prior to COVID they all ran a

Employees of SaskAbilities and members of their various programs gathered at Schrader’s motorsports store on March 13 to commence the Paper Egg Campaign,

for Camp Easter Seals Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology Services.

RHYTHM

Continued from Page A1 number of trucks and they’re sort of starting to build those up again because they all have a number of rigs and we are a secondary market for them,” said Fisher, adding, “if they have more trucks and they have more staff then they are able to come here during the summer, but if they have a limited number of trucks and staff they put them into the higher volume markets.”

“We’re hopeful that they’ll be staffed up again and able to come again in 2024 – that’s sort of the conversation that we’ve had with them,” said Fisher, “time will tell – everybody is having trouble getting staff these days.”

Fisher said there is no plan to hold a replacement event for the popular festival.

“I think this year we’re going to pass on having a big summer event like that,” said Fisher, adding, “they take a long time to set up – we’ll go with the events we normally have which are a golf tournament and a run...those will keep us busy for the summer.”

“We aren’t alone – Saskatoon normally also has an event with barbecue rib vendors and they are not going ahead this year either,” said Fisher.

Though the event is cancelled, Fisher said that fundraising continues.

“We’ve been getting in some dona-

tions and we — over the next while — will probably build into our radiothon which is coming up in April,” said Fisher.

“Some of what we’re raising money for will mean new services for the area. We plan on buying an Echocardiogram machine — we have staff that are able to run it now — currently people have to go to Saskatoon and Regina in order to get an echo which is kind of a basic service for a regional hospital.”

“As we have a slightly older population it’s sort of an in-demand service so we’re happy to be moving forward with putting that in place. I think people see the value of it, we plan on expanding

some of the services that we have for children in the hospital – it will be a busy year for us.”

“We raise money each year to try and put new services or expanded services in place in the hospital – we’re not always successful in putting new services in place but the community has been very supportive of good projects or equipment that they see that will make sense and will enhance the services that we have locally,” said Fisher.

“We expect that they’ll be pleased to see some of what we’re raising money for this year and we expect and hope that [the community] will continue to support us.”

Yorkton Troyanda excels at Tavria Dance

Submitted Photos

Troyanda sent six dance groups as well as solos, duets and family dance to the Tavria competition held March 10-12, 2023. Under the instruction of Eric Sliva, Stacie Fahlman and

Nicole Sendziak, the dance club came home with 30 medals consisting of 18 gold and 12 silver, as well as a club trophy for the School Congeniality Award. Results for each group as follows:

23033DD0

23033DD1

Lozinski): Marks of 86 Silver for Buko.

Druzi/Tryzub Girls: 90 Gold

Tryzub/Tropak Boys: 93 Gold

Solos: Christina Oleynik – 89 Silver for Trans and 90 Gold for Volyn, Desirae Rowan –92 Gold for Buko, Shay Berezuik – 89 Silver for Buko, Claire Swidzinski – 88 Silver Poltava and 96 Gold for Buko, Hannah Ockochinski – 90 Gold for Volyn

Duets: Hannah Ochochinski/Taylor Werner – 86 Silver for Trans, Taylor Ferris/ Christian Mikolas – 93 Gold for Trans, Kateryna Fahlman/Huxlie Nagy – 88 Silver for Poltava, Christina Oleynik/Trystin Sulatyski – 87 Silver for Buko & 90 Gold for Volyn, Hannah Ockochinski/ Stacie Fahlman – 90 Gold for Volyn, Stephanie Green/Joseph Sliva – 92 Gold for Volyn Mikolas Family Dance: 85 Silver for Polissia

Tropak: Stacie Fahlman, Stephanie Green, Tèa Rohatensky, Kimberly Rowan, Joseph Sliva, Trystin Sulatyski, Tye Sulatyski, Elyse Thomas, Christina Oleynik, Eric Sliva and Nicole Sendziak

Viter: Shay Berezuik, Polina Chernoff, Rhiannon Montgomery, Breanne Swiezak, Christina Young, Lillian Zoltan

Tryzub: Marlie Bishop, Jack Craig, Dacia-Rae Drosky,Taylor Ferris, Willow Krawetz, Christian Mikolas, Karl Mikolas, Olivia Mikolas, Hannah Ockochinski, Dariia Smaglii, Claire Swidzinski, Taylor Werner, and Maysen Zawada

Veselka: Jordyn Benko, Helena Bida, Danilyn Exner, Kateryna Fahlman, Isaiah Faryna, Katherine Faryna, Aubrey Frayne, Huxlie Nagy, and Sydney Oryschak

Up Front

Boyda debuts in CWE tag-team matchup

By Tyson

Writer

Off Staff

Elite duke it out in the squared circle. The main event of the evening was a Lumberjack Tag Team Match with the Yorkton Mafia football as lumberjacks for the match up that featured Yorkton’s Coach Boyda and CWE wrestler Mentallo versus the promotion’s Danny Duggan and The Big

Chief. After an exciting back and forth war of attrition between the four competitors, Coach Boyda sent

Wage increases, perks come easy in politics

MURRAY MANDRYK

Politics

The Saskatchewan Party government is now back at work in Regina for the spring sitting of the legislature.

But whether they are truly working for you or themselves is being an increasingly asked question.

This is not to suggest that politicians don’t work hard and at significant sacrifice to their family life and even their own personal wellbeing.

The immediate resignation of long-time MLA Thunder Creek/Lumsden-Morse MLA Lyle Stewart due to his battle with cancer on the first day of the spring sitting was a reminder that a lot of sacrifice goes into the job.

It’s a job that takes its toll.

It’s a job where there is a lot of time away from your families. And if you are elevated to cabinet, it’s even more time away from the family to attend to cabinet meetings at your office in Regina or elsewhere.

There again, the starting wage for an ordinary MLA now exceeds $100,000 a year for a job where you don’t have to hit the punch clock every working day. Or at least, it’s a job that allows many to continue farming or pursue their business interests while still getting paid as an MLA.

Cabinet ministers, deputy premiers and premiers are paid even more handsomely and have the added benefit of making policies and rules that affect everyone else.

It’s about here where those in Premier Scott Moe’s caucus seem to increasingly be running into the question of whether they are working for us or themselves.

Of course, this question always gets asked of those elected to government — especially those who have been in government for a while.

It’s why politicians wrap themselves in slogans like “growth that works for everyone” and also why significant time and effort is dedicated to showing they are working for the voters while those in other parties clearly are not.

While some might be rightly unconvinced that the actual workload for a $100,000-backbencher doesn’t really add up to a full-time job, the amount of time spent politicking against opponents surely turns it into full-time work.

What all politicians share is the notion that their work is not only aligned with what the people want but also is far better than what any of their opponents offer. If you don’t believe that, you are likely in the wrong line of work.

But it’s this fervent need for politicians to unquestioningly believe in what they do and say that are also the biggest reasons why voters question whether politicians are working for us or are working for themselves.

It’s because of this fervent believe that they able to convince themselves that ministerial flights in province or trips abroad all paid for by taxpayers are necessities rather than simply perks of the job that taxpayers pay for and that could be easily eliminated now that we have trade offices around the world.

It’s how they convince themselves that opposing most every policy of the federal government — even ones they generally agree like getting rid of plastic waste is a good thing for the environment — is somehow the right thing to do.

And it surely is why governing politicians were seriously considering taking a 6.8-percent raise come April 1 while the rest of us are struggling to pay for the electrical bill and other utility costs.

In fairness, the annual inflation-rate increase was brought in when the NDP were the governing majority. And, because of public pressure, it appears government members will not take the “full” raise.

But that they would even consider this increase or any raise shortly after mailing out a $500 cheque that acknowledge everyone else is struggling says much.

How much it now plays into the sentiments out there that politicians are more focused on working for themselves than the rest of us will be very interesting to see.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

◆Editorial◆

Opinion: What does the PM have to hide?

By David Willberg Estevan Mercury

The latest scandal involving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government involves meddling by China and other entities in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Information released by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) showed that there was foreign meddling in those votes. That shouldn’t be a surprise. And it shouldn’t be viewed as a scandal.

But the scandal is how Trudeau has handled the issue. Not only has he ignored calls to have a public inquiry, but there are also questions regarding how much he knew about this problem before the details were leaked last month.

The opposition parties, including the New Democratic Party, have called for the inquiry. Many Canadians want an inquiry. The decision to say no is a tone deaf measure by the prime minister. It makes it look like he has something to hide.

We don’t know, at this point, what the Liberals knew of international interference, if they knew anything. Maybe they didn’t. But the longer they try to block an inquiry, the more suspicious

it will look, especially to the critics of the government. They will continue to build up ammunition to hammer the government.

It’s a reminder of a common refrain in politics: it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it.

The inquiry should happen, and it needs to be free of partisanship as much as possible.

The fact that the Chinese would want to influence our vote, or that countries would meddle in the elections of other nations, shouldn’t be a surprise. In this day and age, with social media and the lack of oversight into what is posted, it’s quite easy for them to get involved with spreading misinformation.

They know some people will believe (and share) anything when it fits their worldview.

I’m not sure why the Chinese felt the need to meddle in 2019 or 2021. As the 2019 election drew close, we knew Canadians weren’t going to feel comfortable with Andrew Scheer as prime minister, so they would give Trudeau another term in power, no matter how many gaffes he committed.

Chinese meddling wasn’t the biggest factor in Trudeau’s win that year. Scheer was the biggest reason.

Continued on Page A8

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Wordy Wednesday

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.

March 17th is the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. In Canada, it’s the day of green beer (and green everything else). And it’s also the day many people turn to their dictionary to look up “Erin go bragh”.

Erin go bragh means “Ireland forever,” and the original Irish phrase was “Erin go brách” (or “go bráth”) which translates literally as “Ireland till doomsday.” (Merrian-webster.com) The English pronunciation of “Erin go” is exactly the way it is spelled, then the “agh” in “Bragh” makes an “ah” sound. Put together, it’s pronounced “Erin-go-brah.” (rd.com) “St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time—a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” (Adrienne Cook) Join us at Yorkton Public Library for St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans Friday, March 17, at 2-3 PM! Please call (306)-783-3523 to register.

per 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.

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Courtesy Yorkton Public Library

New funding helps U of S researchers take aim at long COVID

By Victoria Dinh USASK Media Relations

SASKATOON

– University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are part of a Canada-wide consortium awarded $20 million by the Government of Canada to pursue research into “long COVID,” also known as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC).

Announced today, the funding over five years will support the Post COVID-19 Condition Research Network (called Long COVID Web), to create tools to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate people with all forms of long COVID.

“There will be a substantial increase in long

COVID research capacity within Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Gary Groot (MD, PhD), professor of community health and epidemiology, and surgery at the USask College of Medicine, and co-leader of population health and modelling research for Long COVID Web. “We are probably going to really punch above our weight.”

Long COVID refers to a wide array of symptoms people experience three months or more after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“It impacts at least 200 different body systems,” said Groot. “It’s emerging (that) there are at least three clusters of symptoms—neurological symptoms, respiratory

symptoms, and cardiac symptoms—and people can be in more than one cluster, and there’s also the mental health aspect due to the illnesses associated with long COVID.”

The network is led by researchers and clinicians from University Health Network, University of Toronto, Université de Sherbrooke, and University of British Columbia, and includes more than 250 researchers and collaborators.

In Saskatchewan, the new funding will support ongoing research on Long COVID and hiring dozens of graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and researchers, and lead to direct health benefits for people in

Saskatchewan. “Long COVID will affect a significant percentage of the population, and then there’s so much that we don’t know,” said Groot. “Anything we discover and learn in the (Long COVID) web, I will be able to take directly to the Saskatchewan Health Authority and to the Ministry of Health.

“We have really strong connections with our ministry colleagues, so I think the likelihood of things we learn being implemented in Saskatchewan are extremely high.”

An estimated 15 per cent of all people who contract COVID-19 report having symptoms three months or more after their initial SARS-

CoV-2 infection—1.4 million people in Canada— according to a recent report on post-COVID-19 condition from Canada’s Chief Science Advisor also released today.

The comprehensive report titled “PostCOVID-19 Condition in Canada: What We Know, What We Don’t Know and a Framework for Action,” was led by an expert task force including USask College of Medicine community health and epidemiology professor Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine (PhD), and involved consultations with subject experts, clinical experts, international experts, public health experts, and people who are living with long COVID.

“We are still at a

very, very early stage of doing work in long COVID in Canada,” said Muhajarine. “The report really sets up the work that we need to do.”

The report makes recommendations for addressing long COVID in clinical practice and research, for broad changes in socio-economic policy, and for foundational changes in infrastructure and systems in responding to post-infection chronic conditions and co-ordinating across jurisdictions.

“Much like with COVID itself, for us to see progress in this area quickly, there needs to be a co-ordinated and concerted effort across the research landscape,” said Groot.

OPEN Cinema to screen Sask. First Nations documentary

YORKTON – The Yorkton Film Festival announced their final installment in the 2022 – 2023 OPEN Cinema screening program, March 21.

For the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination join the Yorkton Film Festival for the screening of The Pass System, at the Yorkton Public Library at 7:00 p.m.

‘The Pass System’ takes you into a Canada that wilfully denied many First Nations the basic freedom to leave their reserve for over 60 years,

from 1885 to 1951.

Elders from treaty areas four, six, seven and eight share their stories of living under and resisting the system with narration by Tantoo Cardinal, music by Cris Derksen and directed by Alex Williams.

“The Yorkton Film Festival is proud to screen The Pass System and to host the discussion of the stories being highlighted in the film,” said YFF Executive Director Randy Goulden.

-Submitted

Sask. leads nation in merchandise export growth

Saskatchewan’s economy starts off the year remaining among the strongest in Canada. With January 2023 merchandise exports seeing a 56.7 per cent increase compared to January 2022, Saskatchewan is leading the nation.

Total merchandise exports for January 2023 were valued at more than $4.6 billion.

“Today’s indicators are further proof that Saskatchewan’s exports are crucial to the strength of this province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our government is committed to increasing our exports and growing our economy so that we can continue to create jobs, generate wealth and attract investment to our province.”

Electronic and electrical equipment and parts as well as aircraft and other transportation equipment lead the yearover-year export growth, with increases of 414.6 per cent and 236.4 per

cent respectively. Saskatchewan’s total annual exports have grown by more than $20 billion since 2012. To support and encourage that growth, the province has established international offices in China, India, Japan, Singapore, Mexico City, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and is opening an office in Germany later this year.

In recent months, Saskatchewan has seen growth in a number of key economic indicators, including the provincial job market. January 2023 labour force figures from Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan with 16,400 new jobs when compared to January 2022, an increase of 2.9 per cent.

These indicators show that Saskatchewan

remains the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.

-Submitted

Seniors, Parents, Children!

March 15 - March 21, 2023

Next Council Meeting

Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

General InquIrIes: 306-786-1700

GENERAL INQUIRIES: 306-786-1700

Mayor’s Office............................306-786-1701

After Hours Emergency..............306-786-1760

Access Communication

Water Park.................................306-786-1740

Yorkton Airport............................306-786-1730

Building Services........................306-786-1710

Bylaw Control.............................306-786-1725

Central Bookings; Indoor & Outdoor

Facility Rentals...........................306-786-1740

City Clerk....................................306-786-1717

City Cemetery.............................306-786-1750

City Manager..............................306-786-1703

City RCMP..................................306-786-2400

Engineering Department............306-786-1710

Environmental Services.............306-828-2470

Fire Hall.....................................306-786-1795

Gallagher Centre........................306-786-1740

Gloria Hayden

Community Centre.....................306-786-1750

Parks, Playgrounds, trees,

Outdoor Spaces.........................306-786-1750

Program Registrations...............306-786-1740

Property Sales............................306-786-1730

Public Works..............................306-786-1760

Recreation & Community Service.......................................306-786-1750

Tax Department..........................306-786-1736

Water Billing Department...........306-786-1726

Busted! SGI’s top five insurance fraud cases

SGI’s Special Investigation Unit investigates odd and unusual insurance claims, some of which turn out to be untrue. Insurance is there when you need it, but some people create deceptive stories to collect it even when they don’t. That’s where SGI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) comes in.

In 2022, SIU busted hundreds of fraudulent claims – resulting in $5.8 million in savings for SGI. This important work preventing insurance fraud helps keep insurance rates low for our valued customers.

Here’s a look at some eyebrow-raising attempted insurance frauds from 2022:

Heist hoax

A customer – we’ll call him Cole* -- reported his vehicle missing. He claimed the vehicle had been parked in front of his house with a spare key locked inside.

One hour after Cole reported the vehicle missing, police found it a short walk from his house, on the front lawn of someone else’s property. It had collided into a nearby parked vehicle and a tree. Cole then filed a theft and collision claim with SGI, while another customer filed a claim for the parked vehicle and property damage was also submitted.

SIU found security footage that showed the subject vehicle travelled at a high rate of speed, lost control and collided with a parked vehicle, then the tree. The footage shows a person matching Cole’s description walking away from the vehicle and locking it with a fob. Cole confessed to caus-

ing the collision following a celebration - saying he should not have been driving. Cole was on the hook for $50,000 in vehicle and property damage.

Rollback rip-off

Jessie* submitted a claim saying she drove her truck through a “dip with standing water,” which caused the engine to quit. The truck needed a costly engine repair or replacement. SIU found that, during the investigation, the vehicle’s odometer had somehow been rolled back. Investigators discovered that Jessie rolled back the truck’s odometer to show 150,000 fewer kilometres than what should have been on the engine, in order to increase the value of the truck.

Jessie withdrew her claim after being confronted with the SIU findings – saving SGI $7,000.

Turnoff tales

Connor* told SGI he and his girlfriend were travelling around 55 km/ hr through foggy conditions in the early morning hours when he missed a turnoff and hit an abandoned vehicle on the shoulder of the highway. He said they panicked and walked to a nearby house for help, rather than calling the police.

The residents of the home reported to police that the couple said they did not want police to know about the collision.

Police visited the collision site and saw several concerning items inside the vehicle, including drug paraphernalia. Additionally, there was no evidence of fog that morning and no nearby turnoff that the driver could have missed. SIU

discovered the vehicle was travelling at double the reported speed, and additional witnesses claimed Connor and his girlfriend were both very intoxicated. SIU found Connor’s account of the incident was unreliable and vague. His claim was denied for misrepresentation and saved SGI $40,000.

Deer dupe

Allison* filed a claim stating she hit a deer and left her vehicle at the roadside. She said when she came back to the vehicle, it had been completely burned. SIU contacted a witness who saw two people

remove belongings from the vehicle before the vehicle went up in flames a short time later. SIU discovered the vehicle was not registered at the time of the collision – and registration had been purchased by Allison less than an hour after the crash. SIU believes Allison also returned to set the vehicle on fire in order to receive a payout.

The claim was denied, saving SGI $5,000

Sleeping scam Katherine* filed a claim with SGI, stating she fell asleep while driving and collided with a parked vehicle. Katherine admitted to significant

financial hardship and had recently spoken with a bailiff about repossession of her high valued SUV the day before the collision.

SIU conducted several interviews to confirm Katherine was in financial trouble. It was discovered she had lied to her bank about being able to make her delinquent payments in order to “buy herself some time.” Crash data retrieval evidence showed the vehicle was fully idle five seconds before the collision. That evidence showed that this was followed by a fast depression of the gas pedal, which sent the vehicle propelling for-

ward, with a peak speed of 31 km/h upon impact. SIU believes Katherine caused the collision intentionally to avoid having the vehicle repossessed.

Total savings? $63,000. When making insurance claims, the important thing to do is always be honest about the incident. Anyone with information about potential insurance fraud is encouraged to contact SGI’s Special Investigation Unit at siu@sgi.sk.ca or 1-800667-8015, ext. 6887. To report anonymously, call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. -Submitted

Yorkton – Today the staff of the Yorkton Western Financial office presented a cheque for $5,000 to Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation. “We are grateful to the staff of the Yorkton office for recommending this donation,” said Mr. Fisher.

“Western Financial has supported our work for many years and has often participated in our events and different projects. We very much appreciate the continued support they provide our work buying new equipment for the Yorkton Regional Hospital,” continued Mr. Fisher.

The Health Foundation is raising funds to purchase an echocardiogram as well as an isolette for

YMA looks to city for support

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The Yorkton Ministerial Association was before the regular meeting of Yorkton Council seeking some financial support for its upcoming endeavours.

Peter Laniya, the president of YMA explained the organization has typically put on a Prayer Breakfast, although the event was not held through the pandemic.

“This year, we are committed to bringing back those two services for the benefit of the community, and we are also looking forward to hosting a community picnic which will bring our diverse community together in a loving and joyful atmosphere,” said Laniya.

“We hope that the City of Yorkton can once again be an integral part of the Prayer Breakfast which used to be known as the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, but was taken over by the office of the

Member of Legislative Assembly at a point when the City didn’t step up to this role,” he continued.

“At the prayer breakfast, the community comes together to pray for the City of Yorkton, our elected leaders, our protective services and other essential services and personnel within the city, with representation which cuts across government, health and safety, commerce, and the larger community.”

City Manager Lonnie Kaal said while in the past the city had provided meeting space, in so doing other organizations began asking for free space and the practice was abandoned.

As for the Mayor’s involvement any money would come from money allotted the position to be spent at their discretion.

Mayor Mitch Hippsley said it would be a request he would consider.

“I will be taking a good hard look at everything,” he assured.

new borns that need medical care. Both of these pieces of equipment will enable the hospital to provide new service so patients don’t have to travel.

“As we have an older population it will be good to see echocardiogram testing provided in the hospital again. It is not always easy for people to travel for healthcare. As well, expanded children’s services are a very good thing. We are fortunate to have medical staff prepared to offer increased services,” said Ross Fisher.

“Donations are needed to allow us to purchase the necessary equipment, and we are grateful to Western Financial for their support,” concluded Mr. Fisher.

March 15, 2023 - March 21, 2023

Next Council Meeting

Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSED BYLAW NO. 2/2023

Amendment to the Traffic Bylaw No. 18/2016

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Yorkton intends to consider approving Bylaw No. 2/2023, to amend the Traffic Bylaw No. 18/2016, at the March 27, 2023 Regular Council Meeting. The Proposed Traffic Bylaw amendment will include changes to include a section relating to temporary weight restrictions that may be declared for certain roads and for a limited time. A Public Hearing will be held at the March 27, 2023

Regular Council Meeting to allow the public to express their opinion or concern with any of the changes being proposed.

You can review the bylaw on the city’s website www.yorkton.ca or by visiting City Hall. Questions regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to:

René Richard, Director of Engineering & Asset Management

Phone: (306) 786-1734

Email: rrichard@yorkton.ca

OR Nicole Baptist, Bylaw & Safety Supervisor

Phone: (306) 828-2425

Email: nbaptist@yorkton.ca

Public Hearing: City Council will hear all persons who are present and wish to speak to the proposed bylaw and all written submissions will be read verbatim aloud unless the submitter is in attendance to speak on the submission, on Monday, March 27, 2023 in City Hall Council Chambers, Yorkton, Saskatchewan at 5:00 p.m.

Any written submissions must be received by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 and must be directed to:

Jessica Matsalla, City Clerk

Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3

Email: jmatsalla@yorkton.ca

Western Financial Group Donates $5,000 to The Health Foundation Submitted

GSSD announces new programs and prekindergarten location

Good Spirit School Division is excited to announce its new Prekindergarten location at Norquay School beginning in the fall of 2023. The Division also offers PreK at Columbia School and Dr. Brass in Yorkon, Canora Junior Elementary School, Davison School in Melville, Langenburg Central School, Victoria School in Kamsack, and we offer a Preschool and Parent Education Program in Esterhazy!

Applications for PreK are now being accepted and can be found at www.gssd.ca on the registration page. Live links can also be found on GSSD’s social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Prekindergarten is open to children ages three (by September 30) and four. Please apply by the end of April 2023. Children

who turn three later in the year may apply to Prekindergarten throughout the year. The Division is thrilled to be able to offer another location for early learning.

The learning opportunities continue with GSSD’s new Michif Early Learning Program for all children ages three and four. This program will immerse students in Métis culture and the Michif language and will be located at Columbia School. The application form along with more information is live on our website!

Does your family have a child that was born in 2018? We are excited to announce that it’s also time to register for Kindergarten!

Locations are available across the Division. Head to our website registration page to see which location is right

GSSD is offering prekindergaten and new learning opportunities.

for your new student. Please register by the end of March, 2023.

It’s time to learn, play and grow! For more informa-

tion please contact Good Spirit School Division at 1-306-786-

5500 or visit our website at www.gssd.ca. -Submitted

Sask. gov. strengthens oversight of independent schools

The Government of Saskatchewan is strengthening its oversight of all registered independent schools in the province through amendments to The Registered Independent Schools Regulations and The Education Funding Regulations, 2018.

Starting in fall 2023, new requirements for independent schools will include mandatory administrative policies, similar to the requirements for Saskatchewan

school divisions.

Examples of administrative policies include an attendance policy, an extracurricular policy and a parent complaints and grievances policy.

Additional changes include enhanced financial reporting requirements and for all registered independent schools to have a defined separation of duties among its board, director and principal.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, all qualified

independent schools and certified independent schools must be registered as a separate non-profit organization from any parent organization. “Our government is committed to ensuring that students in all of Saskatchewan’s schools feel safe, protected and respected,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. “While we believe registered independent schools have a place in our education sector by

giving parents the choice to educate their children in accordance with their conscientious beliefs, these additional regulations will ensure that the necessary government oversight is in place.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has already taken significant steps to ensure the safety of all children in Saskatchewan schools, including:

• Appointing administrators to oversee schools;

• Increased supervisory visits to all qualified independent schools;

• The ability to put schools on probation;

• The requirement of all independent schools to notify the ministry within 24 hours if there are allegations of criminal activity or a criminal charge of a staff member; and

• Fully cooperating with the Advocate for Children and Youth in its investigation

YRHS wins curling bronze

OPINION

Continued from Page A4

As for the 2021 election, Erin O’Toole wasn’t going to win, either. Too much waffling on such issues as the environment, the pandemic and gun control as he tried to appease the Conservative base while appealing to voters in urban areas.

If the Chinese are really scared of the Tories, and if they really want Trudeau to remain in power, then we can expect a healthy heaping of interference the next time we go to the polls. They’re not going to be happy to see Pierre Poilievre leading the Conservative Party to power.

Some people have been calling for the prime minister to resign amid this latest revelation. But those angry over the Chinese meddling, and those who want to see a change of government, should be hoping that Trudeau remains as PM until the next election. He’s held the post for 7 1/2 years. A strong prime minister would be getting close to the best before date after that amount of time. Trudeau is not a strong prime minister. He won minority governments the

into the oversight of independent schools in Saskatchewan. The new regulatory amendments will be available in both French and English in the coming weeks on the Ministry of Education website. All qualified independent schools and certified independent schools will be required to adopt them over the coming calendar year and be in effect by the start of the Fall 2023 school year.

Submitted Photo

past two elections, and lost the popular vote both times. His approval rating is sliding and I don’t think he has the ability to regain those lost supporters, especially after being at the helm of the country for so long.

The best thing that could happen for the Liberals before the next election would be a new leader.

We probably need to expect some form of nefarious measures in our elections from other governments. And so after the next election, we’ll likely be seeing a report of meddling by another government. And someone will call for some form of an inquiry. Measures will be taken to prevent it from happening again. But there will still be interference.

Those committing these actions will always be ahead of the system.

However, you still need to take steps to prevent it from happening as much as possible.

And the public inquiry is still needed. And it will be needed the next time it happens. After all, the public needs to have answers as much as possible.

The YRHS Senior Boys Curling team traveled to Rosthern to compete in the SHSAA Provincial Curling Championship on March 3 and 4. The team is made up of Skip Taylor Spokowski, Third Rylan Pihach, Second Kale Nabozniak and Lead Carson Kerluke.

Youth awarded scholarship money for center ice puck shot

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – Back on Jan. 29, during the intermission of a Mauler game, eight-year-old Owen Rhinas made a center ice puck-shot and earned himself a $5,000 scholarship.

The money was donated by local business Lakeview Insurance and also the business of a former Terrier, Jeff Rask of Wellington Altus Private Wealth, Greywolf, Senior Investment Manager.

“Back in the late summer Greg Donnelly, the President of the Yorkton Maulers contacted me and asked if Lakeview Insurance wanted to sponsor the local Maulers,” said Dave Nussbaumer of Lakeview Insurance in an interview with Yorkton This Week, adding, “we came up with the idea of a shootout but I stretched it and said lets do it for kids and make it a scholarship fund.”

Nussbaumer said he approached local business to participate for the scholarship but when they were unable, he reached out to the former Yorkton Terrier.

“I was contacted by Dave (Nusbaumer) and he had an idea to do this scholarship thing so I agreed to partner with him and kind of help support a young fellow with a scholarship,” said Rask in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

Rask said he appreciated the people and time he spent in Yorkton when he played for the Terriers in the 1996-97 season and noted that he had family play for the team as well.

“Part of it was the ties that myself and my brothers all had back to Yorkton – we all played hockey there for the Terriers,” said Rask.

“It was good to be able to to partner with Dave and give back a little bit to the community where my brothers and myself played some hockey,” said Rask.

Tetz chases second PBR Championship

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Nick Tetz apparently likes Lethbridge when it comes to a venue for riding bulls.

All Tetz did was top the elite Cup Series event presented by Wrangler, inside the ENMAX Centre recently.

“It feels really good to get a win early in the year,” Tetz told Yorkton This Week in a recent interview, adding a good start is a great way “to get yourself going” for the long season ahead. “. . . You can manage the season a little better.”

Tetz delivered a perfect 3-for-3 effort at the event to defend his PBR South Country Co-op Showdown.

Having won both Cup Series events in Lethbridge in 2022, Tetz started hot in Lethbridge again this year winning Round 1 of the event with an 86.5-point ride atop Sure Shot (Skori Bucking Bulls).

In Round 2, he continued the role covering Tractorlands Freakshow (Wild Hoggs Bucking Bulls) for 83.5 points.

With the first pick in the championship round bull draft, Tetz renewed his rivalry with Sure Shot from Round 1, and he replicated his earlier success with an 86 point ride to clinch the victory.

Tetz credited the bulls for his good showing.

“I ended up drawing good bulls and it worked out for me,” he said.

With the win Tetz jumped to No. 2 in the national standings, moving within a mere eight points of the top spot as he chases his second consecutive PBR Canada

Championship.

Tetz said the Lethbridge event is one where he simply feels “super comfortable.” He said being relatively close to home – about two hours from where he grew up -- he’s “made friends there,” and that helps make it a good place to ride thanks to familiar faces in the stands.

The good start really builds on a great end to 2022 for Tetz.

It was in November

Tetz claimed his first Canadian crown delivering a come-frombehind push at the PBR Canada National Finals

in Edmonton.

Tetz began the fourth PBR Canada National Finals of his career ranked No. 2 in the nation, 21 points behind then No. 1 Dakota Buttar (Eatonia, Saskatchewan)

Tetz actually bucked off in the first round of the finals, sent to the dirt by Look Alive in 5.19 seconds.

However, Tetz rebounded quickly. He won Round 2 when he topped Langham Kid for 88 points.

In the final round

Tetz reached the whistle marking 88 points, on Brand New Guitar, which proved enough for the

win. While Tetz said the championship was big he’s not dwelling on the success, or feeling pressure to repeat either.

“There’s a bit of pressure but not too much,” he said. “It’s something I accomplished, but it’s a new year. The PBR has moved on from it, so I don’t feel like there’s any pressure on me.”

There is however confidence that comes from the championship Tetz said he hopes to draw on in 2023.

“When you look back at it I was able to accomplish it. It gives me confidence.”

Tetz said it all goes back to working hard between events.

“It all comes from the work I do during the week before the riding,” he said.

That work includes riding the practice barrels, occasionally reviewing film on bulls, and seeking out advice from other riders about the tendencies of certain bovine opponents.

Adding a little frosting to his Canadian crown Tetz, along with Brock Radford, competed at the 2022 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Australia Grand Finals, both delivering Top 10 finishes

New labour relations board chair appointed

Michael J. Morris has been appointed as the chairperson of the Labour Relations Board. He replaces Susan Amrud who served as the chairperson since March 7, 2018.

“Michael Morris’ experience within the Ministry of

Justice, combined with his skill as a prosecutor, will be a significant benefit as he takes on the role of adjudicating disputes that come before the Labour Relations Board,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister

Don Morgan said. “I also want to thank the previous chair, Susan Amrud, for her dedication to labour relations in this province.”

Michael J. Morris most recently was the director of Litigation, Civil Law Branch,

Legal Services Division at the Ministry of Justice. He has over 15 years of experience in government. Prior to becoming a director, he worked as a Crown Counsel and Crown Prosecutor. Mr. Morris has a Bachelor of Laws with Great

inside the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Competing as part of the transcontinental rider exchange which also afforded the opportunity for two Australians to ride at the 2022 PBR Canada National Finals Tetz tied for eighth.

Fresh off winning the 2022 PBR Canada Championship, Tetz continued his red-hot momentum in Round 1 of the year-end event Down Under.

Tetz conquered Cover Up (Colin Fry) for 85 points, but was unable to make the eight seconds in his subsequent trips.

Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.

As chair of the Labour Relations Board, Mr. Morris will oversee board activities and conduct appeal hearings.

Nick Tetz claimed his first Canadian crown in November in Edmonton.

From left to right, Jeff Rask, Dave Nussbaumer Owen Rhinas and Kirby Stewart. The eight-year-old Rhinas hit the target on a center ice puck shot back in January.

Submitted Photo

Increasing plant protein Consumption: easier said than done?

The area of plant protein becoming a bigger part of our diet is an intriguing one in terms of potential.

While we are likely to eat more plant protein in the years ahead, the question is how will we consume it?

At present the sector seems to think the entry point for more plant protein into the diet of North America is in a concoction of flavourings, spices, preservatives and assorted unpronounceable additives that result in a product that mimics some meat, because we tend to be rather devot-

ed meat eaters here.

The problem with this is that if I like my ground beef burger why would I opt for an artificial option?

And, as the non-meat meat sector pushes their product it feels very much like there is a push back from meat eaters to completely turn off plant protein options.

That is unfortunate because plant protein can be a tasty option.

Personally if I walk into an East Indian restaurant I want to try the lamb and goat on the buffet, but I certainly enjoy many dishes

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels

where lentils or chickpeas are the protein source.

That is not surprising as my favourite dish is chili – really chili con carne – which is both meat and kidney beans as a dual protein source.

The simplest way to

increase plant protein consumption is to add legumes – peas, lentils, beans – to the diet.

Of course the hope is to grind up various grains, and use the protein in new ways. That would be a huge development, especial-

ly for the canola sector where the pulp left after the valuable oil is extracted is almost a throw-away by-product.

The canola meal is relatively high in protein, albeit not particularly palatable, even as a livestock feed.

Crack the palatability issue and you have a huge supply of protein-rich canola meal which could be used in ways that are probably already being thought about in labs somewhere.

There are some huge hurdles to overcome, and the process has frankly likely been

hampered by the push of non-meat substitutes turning many away from plant protein, but science will no doubt overcome many of the issues, and ad campaigns will help in terms of building a better image.

Will plant protein replace meat?

Well not in my diet, but what of younger generations?

How we view our place in a world compared to livestock, and ultimately food costs will determine just how humans relate to their food in decades to come.

2023 spring runoff forecast

Today, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released the Spring Runoff Report for 2023. The information gathered in this report is based on conditions as they were on March 1, 2023.

Moisture conditions across southern Saskatchewan were generally dry at freeze-up in 2022, particularly on the west side of the province where drought conditions were prevalent. Winter snowfall has ranged from below normal over much of southwestern Saskatchewan (other than a small pocket in the extreme southwest south of the Cypress Hills where the snowpack is well above normal), to well above normal through much of central Saskatchewan. The agency does not anticipate flood-related issues even in areas where above normal runoff expected, assuming near normal conditions going forward.

Warmer than seasonal temperatures resulted in near complete melt of the snowpack over a large area of southern

Saskatchewan, including areas north of the Cypress Hills and much of the Old Wives Lake Watershed. With variable moisture conditions at freeze-up, mid-winter melts and a variable snowpack, the runoff potential for the province also differs significantly.

In the north, near normal snowmelt runoff is generally expected, other than an area from Stoney Rapids down toward Buffalo Narrows where below normal snowmelt runoff is predicted. In the south, above normal snowmelt runoff is expected in a band extending from Lloydminster east to the border, due to well above normal snowpack. Below to well below normal snowmelt runoff is expected over much of southwest and southcentral Saskatchewan. The exception is south of the Cypress Hills where, with a heavy snowpack, above normal snowmelt runoff is expected.

It is important to note that this forecast is based on conditions as of March 1. Above

normal snowfall over the next month could still produce near normal runoff over areas where below or well below normal snowmelt runoff is expected, particularly if it melts quickly.

In areas where below or well below normal snowmelt runoff is expected, some water supply concerns may emerge or intensify. For instance, irrigation water supply in the Bigstick Lake Basin near Maple Creek is expected to experience a third consecutive year of shortages.

The differences between the preliminary runoff map issued in early February and the current map is the inclusion of data from late-February snow surveys, measuring snowpack water content. With the benefit of the snow survey information, there is much higher confidence in the current runoff potential outlook.

WSA monitors conditions throughout the spring melt and provide updates as situations develop. The next spring runoff forecast will be issued in early April, available on wsask.ca.

Winter weights removed in mid-March

Truckers are advised to closely monitor their loads when using secondary highways in Saskatchewan.

This is the time of year when truckers must reduce the weight of their loads, since all secondary highways revert back to regulation weights. This prevents damaging important roads in the spring.

“It’s imperative we protect our road net-

work at this time of year by reducing the weights trucks are allowed to carry,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “On different occasions throughout the year, we adjust allowable weights to ensure the efficient movement of goods while protecting our highway infrastructure.”

Winter weights are being removed effect-

ive Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at midnight (12:01 a.m.). Any existing winter weights will be removed and revert back to regulation weight.

Spring road restrictions will begin soon. These road bans reduce allowable weights on RM roads and secondary weight provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent and typically last about six weeks. Road bans typically begin in

March and run for six weeks, ending in late April to early May. The bans only impact secondary weight highways and not primary highways such as 1, 11 or 16.

Truckers are advised to monitor their loads and watch for restrictions during this period.

To check which highways are impact-

ed by weight restric-

tions, please visit truck weight classifications and restrictions at saskatchewan.ca/truckingweights. Commercial truckers and shippers are encouraged to check the status regularly.

Information is also available by contacting the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/

highwayhotline or dialing 511.

Technical and regulatory information is available by calling 1-866-9335290, while truckers outside of Saskatchewan call: 306-933-5290. The line operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except statutory holidays.

-Submitted

Sp orts

The Yorkton Terriers had back-to-back losses in the last two games of their season against the Humboldt Broncos on Friday and Saturday night.

The Terriers ended their season with a record of 19 wins, 36, losses and 1 shootout loss for a total of 39 points.

Terriers drop last two to Broncos

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Yorkton

Terriers played the last two games of their season against the Humboldt Broncos on March 10 and 11, losing 4-7 and 5-7 in back-to-back matches.

The Terriers hosted the Broncos for their Friday night match and visited Humboldt on Saturday.

Karsten Krushka opened up scoring for the Terriers in the Friday night match, putting the team on the board at 5:59 of the first period during a power play effort. The goal was answered by Bronco Ben Kotylak at 9:37, but less than a minute later, at 10:13, Terrier JD Hall put the

team back in the lead. It was short lived, as Bronco Maddox Amaral tied the game at 12:30 and team mate Quinn Myles put the Broncos in the lead at 18:09. Terrier Colton Koran kicked off the second period with a short-handed goal at 3:58.

Ethan Zielke responded with a short-handed goal for the Broncos at 11:36 and the team followed up with several more un-answered goals, again from Myles at 12:20 and another from Kotylak at 15:00. It was at this point that Terrier goalie Tysen Smith was replaced with Caleb Allen. Amaral closed out the third period for the Broncos with his second goal of the night at 19:40.

The lone goal of the third period came from Terrier JD Hall late in the period at 16:36.

Tysen Smith was netminder for the Terriers for the first 35 minutes of play, blocking 20 of the 26 shots faced.

Caleb Allen was in net for the ramining 25 minutes of the match, facing 25 shots and blocking 24.

Benjamin Motew was in net for the win, saving 24 shots.

It was again Terrier Karsten Kruska who opened up the scoring for the Terriers in Saturday night’s match, putting the team on the board at 4:06 of the first period. Midway through the period, at 10:51, Bronco Teigan Semchysyn made use of a power play effort.

The goal was followed up by Bronco Samuel Marburg hitting the target at 11:34 and another successful power play effort by the Broncos at 15:45, coming off the stick of Jace Benvie. Bronco Timothy Kim added to the lead at 17:08 and Terrier Greg Nelson managed one for the struggling team at 18:18.

The Terriers opened up scoring in the second period at 7:46 with a goal coming from Tyson Perkins assisted by Dylan Ruptash and Brett Butz.

The Broncos’ Matthew Van Blaricom reclaimed the team’s two-goal lead at 10:06 during another power play effort and Bronco Ben Kotylak hit the target at 19:00 to close out the period.

Despite several power play efforts from the Broncos in the first half of the third period, Terrier Dylan Ruptash was the first to score in the third, hitting the target at 13:47. Kotylak re-enforced the Broncos lead at 14:13 during another successful power play effort and the Terriers Cohner Saleski scored the teams final goal of the season at 14:24. Caleb Allen was in net for the Terriers and faced 51 shots, saving 44. Jared Picklyk was in net for the win, facing 47 shots and saving 42.

Terriers end the season with a record of 19 wins, 36, losses and 1 shootout loss for a total of 39 points.

Boucher headed to CDN baseball hall of fame

When the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame makes its 2023 inductions later this year former major league pitcher Denis Boucher will be among those honoured.

“It kind of hit me. It didn’t really register at first,” Boucher said of receiving the call he had been selected. “It took a few seconds . . . to realize what a great honour it was.”

Considering Canadian players making the majors was a tad rarer in Boucher’s day, was a call from the Canadian shrine perhaps expected?

“I was hoping at one point,” said the lefthander, but added since the Canadian Hall opened its door more broadly to take in players who have played in this country there is more talent to consider. “. . . There are lots of really, really good players who are now eligible.”

But Boucher has a solid resume too.

Born in Montreal in 1968, Boucher came to some notice with the Junior National Team and at the National Baseball Institute in Vancouver prior to pitching for Canada at the 1987 Pan Am Games.

Interestingly he remains involved with the national program acting as pitching coach for Canada.

Boucher joined the national team as a pitching coach in 2003. Among the tournaments he has coached for Canada at are the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, all four World Baseball Classics and the 2011 and 2015 Pan Am Games when Canada captured gold medals.

Boucher will be in his role of pitching coach with the Canadian team

in the upcoming World Baseball Classic with pool play March 11-15 in Arizona with the USA, Mexico, Columbia and Great Britain.

There will be two pitchers on the staff with a Saskatchewan connection, Andrew Albers from North Battleford and John Axford from Simcoe, Ont., who spent time with Melville in the Western Major Baseball League.

Boucher said both Albers and Axford are veterans who can help the Canadian team.

In Albers they have a pitcher who has thrown around the world and will be a sage voice for younger players, said Boucher.

And Axford will be back on the hill.

“He came back and threw really good when he was with us,” said Boucher, adding they don’t need an MLB season out of the 39-year-old. “He can help us with an inning here and there.”

As for Boucher, after parts of four seasons in the minors, the Canadian left-hander made his major league debut for the Blue Jays on April 12, 1991 at Sky Dome (currently Rogers Centre). He was given the start against the Milwaukee Brewers and the first three hitters he faced

CALVIN DANIELS

Sports

were Paul Molitor, Robin Yount and Gary Sheffield, noted the Hall of Fame webpage. He’d make six more starts for the Blue Jays before he was dealt to Cleveland on June 27 as part of a package for knuckleballer Tom Candiotti and outfielder Turner Ward.

Today Boucher is a scout, first with the Washington Nationals from 2004 to 2009 and with the New York Yankees, from 2009 to present.

When asked about his best memories of playing the TO debut topped his list.

“The stadium was fairly new . . . The Blue Jays were a really good team. The place was packed for every game,” said Boucher, adding you want to perform for big crowds. “Obviously you want to do good when there are a lot of people there.”

Over a career shortened by injury Boucher would throw for Toronto,

Cleveland and Montreal. Being a Canadian on Canadian teams meant Boucher was someone young players in this country could aspire to follow.

“I kind of realized it a little bit later on,” he said, adding he knew what Larry Walker meant to ball here and felt he was at least someone young players in Quebec aspire too, adding he was the first from the province since former Expo Claude Raymond.

“I didn’t follow him (Raymond),” said Boucher adding he was too young but knew him as a broadcaster in Quebec.

Boucher did grow up an Expo fans and admits losing the team to Washington was hard

Whiskers & Tails

on baseball fans in his native province. He said even today there are diehard fans.

“There’s a group here in Montreal that brings in ex-players, (for fundraising each year),” he said.

So could Montreal support a MLB team today?

“I think so,” said Boucher, adding it would be important to have a baseball fan at the helm.

The 2023 Induction Ceremony for Jesse Barfield, Denis Boucher, Rich Harden and Joe Wiwchar will take place Saturday, June 17.

4 tips for training your dog to stay home alone

lasting treat. Start by checking in on your pet after a few minutes, then gradually increase the interval. As your pup adapts, you can begin to leave the house for increasingly long periods of time. You may want to start by just taking a short walk or running a quick errand.

3. Provide plenty of distractions

Are you worried about your pup getting anxious or causing mischief while you’re away? Here are some tips to help train your dog to be comfortable at home alone.

1. Make your pet feel safe

If you need to confine your dog to a designated room or crate when you go out, make sure they’re well acquainted with the space beforehand. You can do this by giving feedings, hiding treats or encouraging your pup to do tricks in the room or crate while you’re at home.

2. Practise being apart

To get your pet used to not having you around, leave them alone in an other room with a long-

One of the best ways to keep your pet out of trouble is to make sure they’re occupied. Be attentive to the toys and treats your dog prefers, and make sure they have access to them while you’re away. Consider choosing more interactive toys or ones that hold and dispense treats for your pet to enjoy when they’re home alone.

4. Find time to check in

If possible, adjust your schedule to minimize the amount of time your pet spends alone, and have your partner or other family members do the same. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or neighbour to drop by for a quick visit during the day. For longer absences, hire a pet sitter or find out if your local veterinary clinic offers boarding services. For additional advice, or if you’re concerned about your pet experiencing separation anxiety, speak with a veterinary behaviourist or another qualified professional.

STRATYCHUK - Walter (Wally) Stratychuk, of Winnipeg, MB, passed peacefully on March 3, 2023, surrounded by family. Walter was born June 26, 1926 at Yorkton, SK. He was predeceased by his parents, Nicolai & Dora (Philipchuk), brothers Alex, Nick, George, sisters, Victoria, Doris & Mary, daughter Beverley Scott, & grandson Christian Scott. He is survived by his children: Sheron Pickard, Garry & Jerry Scott, Barry Stratychuk (Cheryl), Sheila MacKenzie (Bruce), Linda Duncan (Dave); Arlene Helgason (Kelly), Douglas Stratychuk (Joann); 16 grandchildren; 18+ great grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. Wally grew up & worked in Barvis & Stornoway, SK. He worked on the farm, helping to provide for him & his mother. In the army, he learned mechanics; he was discharged on compassionate leave to care for his mother, cutting his service short. In Winnipeg, Walter worked at various jobs, at Purity Flour Mills, railway, mostly as a mechanic. He managed the BA service station on St. Mary’s Rd. He owned several businesses, with a passion for his towing & Auto Parts businesses & going to Auction sales. He loved watching & listening to baseball & hockey games. His dogs were his beloved companions. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Matthew, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Doug Stratychuk, Bobby Stratychuk, Kelly Helgeson and Jordan Weeres serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Walter may be made to a Humane Society or to the Alzheimer’s Society as gifts of remembrance.

GALAWAN - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanea Galawan (nee Trafiak) on February 19, 2023 at the Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. As a child she was always called Stella. Stella was predeceased by her husband Michael Galawan in 2014, her parents, her 7 brothers, 4 sisters, 3 sister-in-laws, 6 brother-in-laws and 2 nephews. Left to cherish Stella’s memory are her stepdaughter Debbie McDowell (Yorkton) and step-son Gary Galawan (Winnipeg). Stella never had her own children, but was extremely proud and accepting of her husband’s children as her own, which meant she had a total of 6 grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Grandsons from Yorkton - Eric (Katherine) McDowell with Jesse, Annabel, Parker & Cashel; Chad (Cara) McDowell with Evia, Yianni & Stella; Benson (Bret) McDowell with Carter, Mason & Avery; from Vancouver - Adam (Jill) McDowell with Sienna & Hudson. Stella’s only great-great-granddaughter Lyla is also in Yorkton - Jesse’s daughter. Her Galawan grandchildren - Crystal Galawan of Calgary; Bryan (Charlene) Galawan with twins Eva & Alex of Winnipeg. Also neighbours of Stella’s that we consider part of our familyLucy, Ray, Kristopher (who Stella referred to as a grandson - what’s one more!) and Lexi. These people were angels - always ensuring that Stella felt safe and loved, especially when her husband took sick and later passed. True angels that a simple thank you seems not enough. Stella grew up on a farm in Komarno, MB. She grew up with her 7 brothers and 4 sisters. Once she reached her teens she left home for the big city of Winnipeg. Her career of 40 years was working for Eaton’s Co. in the meat department in Winnipeg on Portage Ave. It was a hard decision for her to retire, but at the same time an easy decision. Computers were starting to come into her department, and she wanted no part of that! Stella met Michael Galawan later in her life in May of 1974. There was an immediate connection between the two as they were both of Ukrainian descent and had similar interests. They both enjoyed Assiniboia Downs (race track) and the love of family time and travel. On June 16, 1979 they were married in Teulon, MB. Michael had a career with the CPR for 39 years. Taking advantage of their retirement and good health, Stella and Michael travelled for many years for pleasure and to connect with the entire family, and especially all the grandchildren and their families, over the years. They usually travelled by car in the 4 western provinces and took the train to visit family and friends in eastern Canada (all the way to Newfoundland). They made many trips to Radium Hot Springs in BC. Enroute they would always stop in Yorkton to see all the McDowells. Further along to visit Stella’s sisters and brothers in Edmonton. Family values which were taught to her during her upbringing, were very important to her. Their most enjoyable travels were to Hawaii each year, with a total of 15 trips, when they would stay for their entire month of January. Also travels to Mexico, Cuba and the Ukraine. No doubt they would return to Winnipeg with extremely dark tans. On December 26, 2023 the whole family was given the terrible news that after a lengthy stay in the hospital, Stella’s health was failing fast. In a matter of a couple days after receiving this sad news, Stella was overwhelmed by the visitation of the entire family as well as her neighbours (family) and friends. We will remember Stella as a kind and generous person, always willing to help others. Stella loved all of us, as we loved her. She will be missed by all and leaves us with endless happy memories, and we are so blessed to have had her in our lives. Memorial services were held in Winnipeg, MB on March 3, 2023. Flower attendants were her twin great-grandchildren Eva & Alex Galawan. Pallbearers were Stella’s 6 grandchildren. Eric, Chad, Adam & Benson McDowell and Crystal & Bryan Galawan.

TYMIAK’S

NEIL - It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Grant announce his sudden passing on March 3, 2023, at the age of 65. Grant will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Bev Neil; daughters and grand-children, Sherri-Jo Neil, Samantha Neil (Andrew) and sons Parker and AJ, Melissa Whiteside (Justin) and daughter Blake; sisters Gloria Dufour (Brad), Debbie Dalley; brothers-in-law Phil Eiswirth, Reiner Brittner, John Good (Pat), Bruce Good (Bertie), Earl Good (Marilyn) and by his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and many friends. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Wilson “Sonny” Muir Neil, Ann Holowaty; step-father Alex Holowaty; siblings Tom Neil, MaryAnn Eiswirth, and Bev Brittner; brother-in-law Stuart Good; and sister-in-law June Warren. Grant was born November 26, 1957, in Canora, SK, starting life as a Navy Brat with his early years in BC. Tragedy changed his life at six when he lost his father, moving his family back to SK to be closer to his extended family. A few years later, his mother remarried Alex Holowaty, who already had three daughters, so Grant spent the rest of his childhood in small-town SK as a family of 8. Grant’s interest in agriculture started early and had him helping out at his aunt & uncle’s nearby farm when he was as young as 8. Grant attended high school in Kamsack and spent his spare time curling and playing hockey. After high school, Grant pursued a career in Agriculture with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Co-op Ag, Yorkton Distributors and Synergy Ag. He was dedicated to the Yorkton community as a Director and term President of the Yorkton Exhibition Board for approximately 20 years, volunteering at many events. He gave his time to the Yorkton Community Theatre, MacGyver-ing anything and everything for five years. He also helped with sets and backgrounds for the YRHS, Paper Bag Players and 5678 Dance Studio. Grant was a hard-working family man who would help anyone at any time as an expression of his care for them. He enjoyed sharing his interest in fishing, riding horses, Nascar, reading, and carpentry with his girls and grandkids. Giving his family opportunities to see their desires come to fruition was the driver for all that he did; his hard work was a means of supporting & loving them. He will be forever remembered and missed by all. The Funeral Service was held on March 9, 2023 at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre, Yorkton, SK with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant, officiating. The musical selections were “Don’t Blink” and “The Dance”. Allona Zeiben and Grant’s grandchildren were the candlelighters and Words of Remembrance were shared by the Neil Family. The interment service took place in the Garden of Gethsemane, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Troy Zeiben, Lorne Zeiben, Brent Zeiben, Terry Eritz, Dave Legge and Brian Eckhart serving as casket-bearers. The honorary-bearers were Bev Fookes, Murray Khadiken and Shaun Morin. Memorial donations may be made to the Yorkton Exhibition Grandstand Fund or STARS Air Ambulance as gifts of remembrance. Messages of condolence may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton.

ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE

Assessment Rolls

Rural Municipality of Wallace No. 243 ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Wallace No. 243 for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the Assessor from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days during normal office hours: Monday to Friday, March 17th, 2023 to May 2nd, 2023 except for Statutory Holidays.

A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Act has been passed and the assessment notices sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal, along with the required fee of $100.00 per appeal, with:

The Secretary for the Board of Revision, Michael Ligtermoet, for the R.M. of Wallace No. 243, 642 Agnew Street, Prince Albert, SK S6V 2P1 by the 2nd day of May 2023

Dated this 17th day of March, 2023

Tara Harris, Assessor R.M. of Wallace No. 243

For Sale - Misc

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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.

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PLAN OF THE WEEK

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PLAN NUMBER 7-3946B A MODERN TWIST ON A POPULAR PLAN

This home features a modern twist on an otherwise popular floorplan. This homey and liveable three-bedroom family residence is highly sought after.

Entry is up a couple of steps into a roomy foyer.

A coat closet is located nearby, across from a powder room. Immediately to the right of the foyer is a den, featuring French doors to a covered porch.

Through an archway is the great room, with a dramatic double-height ceiling and a fireplace. The dining room, open to the great room, occupies a bayed-out area and enjoys access to a spacious terrace — the perfect spot for al fresco summer meals.

The kitchen is separated from the dining room by a prep island, so the cook will never feel isolated. The sink, set diagonally into a corner, will receive lots of light from windows on two sides.

Career Opportunities

REQUIRED

IMMEDIATELY: Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp this winter with possibility of year round. Winter location: Arborfield, SK. Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food and handling ticket.

Send resume and work references to:

A walk-through pantry connects the kitchen to the laundry room. With a useful coat cupboard, as well as access to the double garage, the laundry room can double as a mud room.

A U-shaped flight of stairs leads to the second floor, a portion of which is open to the great room below. The master suite features a large window that overlooks the back garden. The walk-in closet is separated from the four-piece en-suite by a handy linen cupboard. A shower stall and soaker tub in the en-suite add a touch of spa-like comfort.

The second and third bedrooms, separated by a three-piece bathroom, both enjoy an extra-wide windowsill.

Ceilings measure nine feet throughout. The double garage is large enough to contain a compact workshop.

Exterior finishes include lux panel siding and ledgestone pilasters that frame the front entry. This home measures 38 feet wide and 54 feet

deep, for a total of 1,997 square feet of living space. Plans for design 7-3946B are available for $915 (set of 5), $980(set of 8) and $1032 for a super set of 10. Also add $35.00 for Priority charges within B.C. or $60.00 outside of B.C. Please add H.S.T., PST, OR G.S.T (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges.

Our Home Plan Catalogue containing over 400 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheque and money orders payable to “Jenish House Design Ltd.” and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD.

c/o...Yorkton This Week #201- 1658 Commerce Ave Kelowna, BC V1X 8A9 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORDER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER TO: homeplans@ jenish.com

Seniors, Parents, Children!

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Livestock

Anderson Cattle Co. Bull Sale

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Open House March 11 & 12

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Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: needed this winter for dozers, excavators, rock trucks: near Carrot River, Sk. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www.

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

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pARTners Gallery looks to add some colour to original works

small fee for.”

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON

– The pARTners Gallery in Yorkton has a new and interactive exhibit for the public to partake in.

Several local artists have come together with original line-drawn works to be coloured in by all ages.

“Cozy Up and Colour actually started with the Yorkton Public Library during COVID – they had distributed colouring kits to people for pickup,” said Tonia Vermette, Administrator for Yorkton Arts Council in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

During that time, the finished products were displayed in the windows of downtown local businesses during the lockdown.

“I had seen them and thought, ‘we (YAC) should do something with local artists instead of having pages ripped out of colouring books — artists could do this — we could make this into a show’,” added Vermette.

“Last year was the first year...we had four local artists and this year we have five,” said Vermette, adding, “all of the colouring pages have been designed by a local artist –which they have been paid a

The colouring pages are available for download at https://yorktonarts.ca/partnersgallery-1 or can be picked up from the Yorkton Public Library, Blue Drip Art Supplies and the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre.

“Once you’re finished colouring the piece you can drop it off and we will display it until April 27,” said Vermette, “if you’d like to have it returned to you just make sure to put your name and information on the back.”

Vermette said the exhibition was well-received last year.

“We had a lot of people who really enjoyed it...people enjoyed colouring something that was created by someone in Yorkton instead of colouring beach scenes or whatever –this is done by local artists and inspired by local things.”

The artists featured have appeared in local exhibitions in the city, according to their bios from the Yorkton Arts Council. They include:

Michelle Easton is a local multidisciplinary artist originally from Saltcoats. After spending some years in British Columbia and the Yukon, she returned in 2010 and continues to create. She has participated in many local group shows including Landscape and Memory at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery in 2020, Parkland Disc Golf Exhibition in the Community pARTners gallery in 2019, HeArt Works at the Saltcoats Library in 2019 and Cherry Dale Golf & Country Club Local Artists Exhibition from 2017—2019.

Kelly Litzenberger is a multidisciplinary Yorkton artist. His artwork primarily focuses on the use of a digital can-

vass, photography, and LEGO. From 2004 until 2011, Kelly lived in Vancouver and worked as the Art Director of Concrete Skateboarding Magazine. In 2018, the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery hosted Kelly’s first solo exhibition, ‘LEGO: Yorkton City’, which replicated Yorkton architecture in LEGO. Wade Dawe is a mixed media artist from Yorkton. Self-taught, his main practice is drawing with ink and charcoal. Frequently, he produces still life, animal and anthropomorphic works. He started to study art and practice in late 2019.

Faith Rae is a local artist in Yorkton. Rae received her

Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree a Brandon University in 2022. Her art practice primarily focuses on painting. Her paintings are conceptually themed in abstraction and portraiture. Alexandria Blatter is fueled by nature, story, tradition and good coffee. Her heart lies within the lines and between each space lies hidden imagery that will show the whole story. She participated in the Local Artist’s Show at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery in 2022. Participants are encouraged to drop off their completed colourings at the Yorkton Public Library for display in the pARTners Gallery.

Several Yorkton artists created original line-drawn works for pARTners Gallery. The pieces are available for pick-up at several locations throughout the city.

Trust God with life’s missing pieces

“Okay, hand it over.”

The Preacher didn’t sound happy.

He sat working on a 1000 piece jigsaw we’d received for Christmas, a lovely fall lakeside scene. “Huh?”

“Hand it over!”

I joined him at the table. The puzzle seemed complete. Then I noticed a single dark spot on the otherwise blue sky. “Oh, no! A missing piece.”

“Yeah. You can add it now.”

Years ago, when he did puzzles more often, I sometimes hid one piece to have the satisfaction of placing it at the end. But not this time. “Sorry, Hon, I don’t have it.”

Puzzles are designed for perfect endings. The

The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society will be holding their first meeting of 2023 on March 15 at the Yorkton Public Library at 7:00 PM. Our special guest will be Dana from Mehan Flowers, and she’ll be telling us about her business of growing specialty cut flowers, and how guests can enjoy the fun of the flower experience at her garden, while being creative with our own arrangements. Dana will have much interesting information to share, so join us on March 15 at 7PM at the Yorkton Public Library! Everyone is welcome! You don’t have to be a hort member to attend the presentation. Be watching our website, www.yorktonhort.ca, for new information about upcoming meetings.

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and if you were thinking of interesting botanicals to decorate your kitch-

completed picture. The final piece placed with a satisfying click. We searched everywhere for that missing piece. Under sofas, under rugs, in crevices. But the sky had truly fallen beyond our reach.

Perhaps it was always missing. I called the manufacturer and reached a sympathetic service person. “We can’t replace that piece, or even that puzzle,” she said, “but we’d happily send a different puzzle.”

“No missing pieces?” She chuckled and told me she couldn’t guarantee that.

That’s life, right? A bewildering collection of incompletions and unfulfilled expectations. How frustrating,

KATHLEEN GIBSON

Sunny Side Up has inspired readers of faith since 2001. Read more at www.kathleengibson.ca or reach Kathleen at sunnysideup.press@gmail.com

Sunny Side Up

even heartbreaking, when things are rolling along well, but suddenly some element prevents the happy ending we’d envisioned… The pregnancy goes perfectly, but the child is stillborn.

You believe you have a strong marriage—until your spouse reveals a long trail of infidelity. The signs are all “go” on that big transaction.

Then, inexplicably, things go sideways.

Your healthy friend enjoys a cappuccino with you one week, but the next you’re attending his/her funeral.

The election result seems certain until the counted votes reveal a crushing outcome.

Your adult child has a great life but chooses to end it. No explanation. No good-byes.

Missing pieces. A waterfall of whys. “Okay, God, hand it over,” we want to say even while knowing the impossibility of our request. “Just that one piece. Tell me why. Where did I lose it? Maybe I can go back. Fix it.”

The most difficult boxing matches are not fought in the ring. They’re fought in the night watches, when hard questions circle our embattled souls, punching the air with vitriolic intent before landing a strategic uppercut. For those who love and follow Jesus, those night-time matches are no less painful. Why should they be? They weren’t for Jesus, when in the garden,

on the night before his crucifixion, he sweat literal drops of blood as he prayed to his Father.

If you’re staring down a heartbreaking situation, hang on, friend. Jesus understands. Keep reaching for him. Pray for his peace. For protection from your soul’s enemy. For patience. For the ability to trust him. God has a habit of bringing good out of even life’s worst situations. He will strengthen and help you. He doesn’t promise to supply your missing pieces, but he can always restore your missing peace.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you. Psalm 55:22”

en table in honor of St. Patrick, there are lots of fun choices! We tend to think that St. Patrick was Irish, but he wasn’t. Ireland became his adopted home; he actually was a Roman, but was kidnapped and taken to Ireland where he lived as a slave for several years. He escaped, but eventually returned to Ireland when he began his religious work. He has been beloved of the Irish for centuries because it was his work that converted them to Christianity. Pop quiz: which plant was used to do this religious exercise? The lovely shamrock, with its three leaves, was used by St. Patrick as an important visual aid to explain about the Holy Trinity.

The pretty plant oxalis is quite often called the shamrock plant. It is an easy-care houseplant that prefers an evenly and lightly moist soil (

not wet!) and indirect light. The plant is interesting because at night the leaves fold in on themselves, then open up again with the next day’s sun. The plant comes with lovely soft green foliage, but there are also burgundyleaved oxalis. The plant does have very delicate little white flowers, but the main attraction are the uniquely-shaped

leaves. Irish moss is another lovely plant, and while it is often mentioned as a ground-cover, I think that our climate is too hard for this purpose. But as a houseplant, it is very easy to care for. It likes to be kept moist and likes indirect sun. It has a low growing habit. This might be a plant that will encourage another gardening

project: a Zen or fairy garden. The delicate appearance of Irish moss would look beautiful with a few carefully placed rocks for accent; a very interesting plant!

If you see calendula in a container, you’ll be interested to know that the bright orange and yellow flowers are compared to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! When we talk easycare plants, calendula is close to the top of the list! Enjoy them in the house as a houseplant, and make them part of your “to plant” list for the garden, because they are much loved by bees and butterflies!

And if you want your own botanical challenge for St. Patrick’s day, go to

the produce aisle at the grocery store and select a variety of “green produce” that you can set artistically on a dinner plate for a St. Paddy’s day centrepiece! Green beans, Brussel sprouts, a small cabbage head, Bok choi cabbage, celery, green peppers, ruffled leaf lettuce…you’ll be amazed at how many green delights you can find! And then on March 18, you can use them for supper!

Thank you to our friends at YTW for their great work: good friends are like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have! And to all gardeners, may your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow… Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Westview United Church 355 Bradbrooke Dr. 306-783-3063 westviewuc.ca

Worship Sundays @ 10:30am

Minister : The Rev. Deborah Smith

Last Friday of each month - Prayer Meeting at 7 p.m. For more information please phone 306-782-2427

“A Place of New Beginnings”

St. Andrew’s United Church

SECOND AVENUE AND SMITH STREET OFFICE 306-783-4157

MINISTER REV. JEN DRESSER

Website: http://www.standrewsyorkton.ca

Facebook: St. Andrew’s United Church

Join us Sunday, March 19th at 10:30 am Online (Zoom/Facebook/Youtube) and in person!

Church of God in Christ Mennonite

AT SALTCOATS

SUNDAY SCHOOL EVERY SUNDAY AT 10:00 AM

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE AT 11:00 AM

EVERYONE WELCOME

Pastor Laurel Wiebe -- 306-898-2099

Pastor Tim Warkentin - 306-217-8222

Everyone is welcome!

Conducted

Saturday - 5 p.m. (English)

Sunday - 9:00am (Ukrainian) 11:00am (English)

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

SARM aims to attract the next generation to rural government

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has been the voice of rural Saskatchewan for over 100 years and has worked with generations of rural elected officials representing their member RMs. As more young families are calling rural Saskatchewan home, recruitment of the next generation is vital to maintaining a healthy rural municipal government. There are countless young people living in rural Saskatchewan who would be a valuable addition to RM councils, they just need to be encouraged to participate.

“We see many advantages to having diverse demographics among rural councils, particularly the younger generation just starting out. The future of Saskatchewan’s rural communities depends on young people stepping up to join municipal politics. SARM is starting the conversation with current members to identify ways we can ensure the next generation

A typical day in the life of a pharmacist

Are you considering a career as a pharmacist? A typical day in the life of a pharmacist involves many different duties. Here’s an overview of some of the tasks they perform.

• Fill, dispense and package medications. Pharmacists must ensure their patients have the correct prescription by determining the right brand, strength, form and quantity.

• Update and maintain patient records. Pharmacists review patient records to check for potentially dangerous drug interactions, order medications and keep in touch with physicians to discuss prescriptions.

• Give advice about over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists answer patient questions and recommend over-the-counter drugs to best treat their symptoms.

• Conduct medication consultations. Patients can speak with a pharmacist to determine how to take their medications. They can also find out if specific prescriptions need to be stopped or modified and if any will lead to unintended drug interactions.

• Provide vaccines. Pharmacists are qualified to administer various vaccines, including flu shots, COVID-19 boosters and travel injections that help protect people from hepatitis A and B, cholera, yellow fever and more.

Most pharmacists in pharmacies and drugstores work 40 hours per week, covering evening shifts, weekends and holidays. If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacist, look for training opportunities in your area.

knows how to get involved, and knows how much we really need them. We want to plant the seed in RMs, encouraging those interested in having a say about their RM to step forward and consider a pathway in municipal politics,” says, Ray Orb, President of SARM. SARM is calling for more young people to join rural municipal government to help shape the future for the next generation living in rural Saskatchewan. The need to attract young RM members is in the forefront of this conversation, and SARM is asking members to give thought to flexible council meeting times, developing a mentorship plan for new councillors, and perhaps even hosting an open house at the RM office to welcome those interested in local politics to come and learn more about it.

“I chose to be in municipal politics to get an understanding of how grassroots politics worked and try

Debunking 4 myths about pharmacists

March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month in Canada. It’s the perfect time to recognize, celebrate and express gratitude for the dedicated pharmacy professionals keeping you safe and healthy. Here are four common myths about pharmacists debunked.

1. Pharmacists never interact with patients. Working with patients is a big part of being a pharmacist. Pharmacists must regularly interact with patients by providing medication advice and counselling them on managing their health. They also guide patients on how to use medical devices, such as blood glucose and blood pressure monitors.

to have a positive impact for our rural community. I also wanted to advocate for positive change in rural Saskatchewan and for our future generations to keep rural communities growing and succeeding.“ says Shawn Kramer, Councillor for the RM of Maple Creek. “Over my past two terms I have learned a lot about rural municipal procedures and governance, and also how to work with other communities and levels of government to work towards a common goal. There is always more to learn from past community leaders and the future leaders as well. I look forward to continue learning and working for our rural community in my third term.”

During SARM’s 118th Convention on March 15th, members will hear from current RM council members about bridging the aging demographic with SARM members and recruiting future diverse young leaders in rural Saskatchewan.

2. Pharmacists only work in drugstores or pharmacies. Pharmacists work in various exciting and diverse settings, including hospitals, drug development companies, government departments, nursing homes, community clinics and more.

3. Pharmacists count pills all day. Although dispensing medications is a critical service provided by pharmacists, they perform many other daily tasks, like reviewing patient records, requesting new prescriptions and administering vaccines.

4. Pharmacy work is less important than medical work. Pharmacists are essential in healthcare by ensuring patients get the best results and outcomes from their medications. This Pharmacy Appreciation Month, make sure you take the time to thank a pharmacist.