Yorkton This Week 2023-04-12

Dr. Brass raises funds for Heart and Stroke

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON

– Students at Dr. Brass participated in a schoolwide jump rope session for the Heart and Stroke Foundation on the morning of April 4.

“We’ve been raising money for the past two weeks and we just wanted to have our event

before the easter break–just kind of get them moving and have some fun,” said Jonathon Muir, teacher at Dr. Brass School, adding, “it’s all about habits and healthy lifestyles.”

At the time of writing, students at the school had raised $235.00 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“Throughout the past two

weeks the teachers have been promoting it and doing activities in phys-ed class, health class, english class...and then we kind of culminated it here with some fun movement stuff,” said Muir.

Muir said the Heart and Stroke Foundation donated 60 to 80 normal skipping ropes, five double dutch ropes, a 30

foot rope, lesson plans and all the prizes to be distributed to students who raised funds for the cause.

“We’re going to keep going for another two weeks yet,” said Muir, adding, “we’re going to keep donations open until the 21st just to see if we can get those numbers up and we still have more prizes to give.”

Muir said the effort was a good way to promote healthy lifestyles for the youth.

“All those movements we did kids can do on their own— promoting the kids movement for lifestyle rather than sports—you don’t have to be an athlete to move sort of idea–so we’re just promoting that.”

Student – Teacher hockey raises near $12K

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The 34th annual Student – Teacher Benefit Hockey Game was held at Westland Arena on April 5.

The match featured 16 student players from Sacred Heart High School and the Yorkton Regional High School up against 17 teachers as well as referees from both groups.

“This year we had two students that we were supporting,” said Rhett

Reeve, Student Support Teacher at the YRHS, in an interview with Yorkton This Week, noting Lilly Hartman from SHHS and Lois Narido from the YRHS would be the beneficiaries of the raised funds.

Reeve said Hartman was born with Spina Bifida and Narido was recently diagoned with Lupus.

Reeve noted the funds will be helping with some of the different supports the students need as a result of their illnesses and disabilities and said the funds would be split down the middle for the pair.

“We’re still anticipating some to come in but as of right now we were

just shy of $12,000,” said Reeve in regard to the funds raised.

“This is the first year we’ve had it since I want to say 2019–pre-COVID was the last one,” said Reeve of the match that saw the teachers win.

“We were very happy with the turnout–there was a bit more people there than we were expecting,” said Reeve, adding, “we were more than pleased with the attendance and the support from the community was awesome.”

Teachers and staff at Dr. Brass jumped into action for the enjoyment of students at Dr. Brass. The school is raising money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A shootout for the youths was held during an intermission at the benefit game.

Unacceptable

The public came out in droves on the evening of April 10th for a screening of ‘Unacceptable’ at the Magic Lantern Tower Theatre. The documentary from Eagle Vision Video Productions chronicles stories from the Freedom Convoy 2022 protests held in Ottawa. The film is set to screen again at the Tower Theatre on April 12.

Staff Photos

Vigil set to honour of Mekayla Bali, missing for seven years

On April 12, 2016, Mekayla Bali vanished without a trace from her hometown of Yorkton, Sk. Now, seven years later, her family, friends, and community members continue to hold out hope for her safe return.

To commemorate the anniversary of her disappearance, a candlelight vigil will be held in Mekayla’s honor on Wednesday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. The vigil will take place at 37 Betts Avenue,

near where Mekayla was last seen.

“Mekayla’s disappearance has left a hole in our community that can never be filled,” said Mary Baron, a close friend of Mekayla’s family. “We want to come together to remember her and show her family that we are still here, still searching, and still hoping for answers.”

The vigil will include a moment of silence, as well as speeches from

Mekayla’s family and friends. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue, which was Mekayla’s favorite color.

“We hope this vigil will not only honor Mekayla’s memory, but also serve as a reminder that we will never stop searching for her,” said Paula Bali . “We believe that someone out there knows something, and we urge anyone with information about Mekayla’s disappearance to come forward.”

Mekayla was last seen at 1:45 p.m. on April 12, 2016, at the Trail Stop restaurant in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. She was 16 years old at the time of her disappearance, and is described as 5’2” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about Mekayla’s disappearance is urged to contact the RCMP at (306) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or her Mom at (306) 641-9436.

Cowessess First Nation receives mineral rights

Under the Cowessess Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Settlement Agreement, nearly 60 hectares (approximately 147 acres) of Crown mineral rights will be transferred to Cowessess First Nation upon the surface attaining reserve status. This is part of the prov-

ince’s continued commitment to the TLE settlement agreements. “Reconciliation is demonstrated through TLE settlement agreements, which support First Nation land acquisition for new reserve lands,” Minister Responsible for First

Nations, Métis Relations and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. “The TLE process exists in order to ensure that the federal and provincial governments are meeting our Treaty obligations and working with First Nation communities as they grow and succeed.”

The Ministry of Government Relations

coordinates and manages the provincial implementation of the TLE agreements between Canada, Saskatchewan and 36 First Nations. Most recent were three TLE agreements finalized with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak and Zagime Anishinabek in 2022. Two additional First Nations

Seniors, Parents, Children!

Earn

are currently in negotiations for a TLE agreement with the province at this time. The TLE Agreements provide First Nations with entitlement monies to purchase land anywhere in the province on a “willing buyer-willing seller” basis and add it to their reserves. Under the terms of the TLE Agreement, all undisposed provincial Crown minerals underlying lands purchased by the First Nation are to be transferred to the Government of Canada for purposes of reserve creation at no cost.

With the acquisition of new reserve lands, successful TLE agreements support community growth and traditional land use as well as partnerships between First Nations, businesses and neighbouring communities, advance opportun-

ities for business development in urban centres, and create economic development and employment opportunities in the mining, oil and gas, business and agriculture sectors.

Since 1992, the provincial and federal governments have committed $687 million for TLE settlements in Saskatchewan. To date, approximately 885,500 acres have been transferred, with 1.48 million acres outstanding. Of the amount transferred to reserve, more than 630,400 acres of undisposed Crown minerals were transferred at no cost. Saskatchewan has transferred more acres to reserve status under our TLE agreements than any other province in Canada.

— Submitted

Up Front

Local archer scores recognition

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Hunter Frankfurt has been hunting almost as soon as she was old enough to stand on her own.

“I was just a little gaffer. I was maybe two years old setting up tree stands and baits and out shed hunting with dad,” she explained. Soon Frankfurt was shooting a bow, following her father to the field of hunting, although he was not initially a bow man.

“He (Shawn Frankfurt) was a rifle hunter,” she said, adding that eventually he picked up the bow and hunts with that now.

In terms of hunting Frankfurt was a pre-teen when she scored her first

“I was 12. It was a whitetail buck,” she said.

Asked how detailed her memory of that buck is now, the 24-year-old said, “It is very vivid.

“It was a long season and sitting in a blind with my bow.”

Not surprisingly the buck became a mount.

“It’s in my mom’s basement,” said Frankfurt.

With her initial success, Frankfurt became a dedicated bowhunter.

“Every chance I can I get out hunting,” she said. “. . . I just love being out in nature – just seeing the animals, hearing them, it’s just so calming being out in nature. There’s something therapeutic about it.”

It helps too that through the years Frankfurt has had her

bow having taken whitetail and mule deer, black bear, moose and elk.

Among Frankfurt’s dozen or so years of hunting the 2022 season easily stands out as the best.

By season’s end she had taken a mule deer, bear and moose, all three earning Pope and Young honours.

Pope and Young is a bowhunting dedicated organization which awards recognition to successful hunts meeting established size criteria.

The mule deer was taken in the Saskatoon area, with the help of Frankfurt’s friend Cody Robbins, in what really seemed like an easy hunt.

“It was only one day. We spotted them in the morning and watched them bed down,” she

Ultimately the buck showed “thrashing his antlers on the willows.”

The animal was still some distance away, but Frankfurt took the shot.

“It was a fair shot, 65 yards, maybe 70,” she said.

Noting the buck had “nice chocolate antlers” it measured well – 165 6/8 -- and is now mounted and on her wall.

The buck would ultimately earn Frankfurt the Saskatchewan Bowhunters Association award for ‘Best Typical Mule Deer’.

Frankfurt said she knew it was big.

“But I wasn’t sure. You don’t know how successful everyone else was,”

she said.

While it was a big mule deer, Frankfurt will continue to hunt them “to try and beat it. It’s just going out and creating those memories with whoever you might be out with.”

Then there was the bear taken near Kamsack scoring 19, and Pope and Young recognition.

The moose scored 136 for its award.

“Dad was calling him right past me. I shot him at nine yards,” said Frankfurt, adding they were looking for their moose about three days.

With three Pope and Young hunts under her it was not surprising the SBA would name

here Lady Bowhunter of the Year, and then also Saskatchewan Bowhunter of the Year, and then adding a North America Bowhunter of the Year award to the accolades.

So, does Frankfurt have a ‘wish list’ of what she’d like to still hunt?

“A wolf hunt,” she said. “It’s something I really want to take with my bow.”

And while she has taken elk, they have not measured up for Pope and Young recognition.

“I shot my first and only elk two years ago. It wasn’t close,” she said, adding she wants a Pope and Young with an elk one day.

23043BS0

Hunter Frankfurt, with Cody Robbins and her Pope and Young mule deer. She would have three Pope and Youngs in 2022.

Getting an ambulance a problem everywhere

MURRAY MANDRYK

Politics

The number of unanswered calls for an ambulance in Saskatchewan is startling.

In the first six weeks of 2023, there were 226 times when someone in this province dialed for an ambulance and the was told “no ambulance is available.”

This isn’t just a big city problem. Saskatoon’s numbers weren’t even included in the NDP’s FOI.

Consider where else those calls went unanswered: 24 in Buffalo Narrows; 17 in Meadow Lake; Seven each of Shaunavon and Esterhazy; six in each La Loche, Melville and Langenburg; five in Whitewood, four in each Ile-a-la-Crosse, Black Lake and Lampman; three in each Oxbow and Carnduff, and; two in each Redvers, Kipling, Ituna and Estevan.

There is a story accompanying each and every one of these missed calls —whether it’s a story like the one of the young mother in Meadow Lake who had to have her baby delivered on the side of highway because her ambulance call went unanswered or someone with chest pains or seizures.

“How did things get so bad with our ambulance system?” NDP leader Carla Beck asked in question period last week.

It’s a pretty good question where the real answer is significantly more complicated than the ones we got from Saskatchewan Party Minister in the assembly.

In fact, the assembly was largely a recitation of what has already been done to date that hasn’t exactly addressed the problem.

The 2023-24 budget added about $9 million that will enhance the 95 positions ground ambulance service full time equivalent positions in the 2022-23 budget of last year, Premier Scott Moe responded in the assembly. This is all an additional complement to the long-existing fixed-wing ambulance service that has served the rural and the north for decades and the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) helicopter ambulance service that the Saskatchewan Party government implemented a decade ago.

The financial commitment — both long and short term — demonstrates the the Sask. Party governing is trying to address the problem in a serious way.

So why can’t government seem to get a handle on this problem?

Well, it’s one of those Saskatchewan long in the making and running headlong into some of most difficult social and economic realities.

The economic reality is the social-economic reality of maintaining people critical roles in this province — many, in health care — where the work is hard and the skills are in demand everywhere including other places where people might prefer to live.

“We’ve definitely seen a shortage,” Steve Skoworodko, president of the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) told the Regina Leader-Post’s Alec Salloum of the 102 paramedic vacancies in the province for paramedics.

“Some of those positions had been up to a year where they had been vacant.”

But it’s a problem of paramedics and ambulances having to drive greater distances because hospitals are either temporarily closed due to doctor/nursing shortages or permanently closed because that’s what been happening in rural Saskatchewan for 30 years.

It’s a social problem of domestic and other violence and alcohol and drug addiction (especially fentanyl) everywhere. Often, those who suffer the most don’t have cars. It’s a problem with aging population, and, yes, some of it has to do with COVID-19.

It’s a problem of paramedics having to stay with patients because emergency rooms are so overcrowded.

And while STARS is a solution, it’s more of solution for trauma like what happened James Smith Cree Nation or the Humboldt bus crash.

This is what STARS was designed for — those rare dramatic traumas or accidents. There is only one helicopter available in each city. There are days and places when they cannot fly nor would it make any sense to have them respond to every heart attack or overdose.

There are issues when a lot of problems come home to roost.

The ambulance crisis appears to be one of them.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

Volunteering good for community

Next week National Volunteer Week is being marked in Canada.

It’s one of those reoccurring efforts that all too often people barely notice anymore because the effort is far from new, and the message is a repetitive one basically boiling down to the simple idea that volunteers are important to communities.

It is likely almost anyone who pauses for even a brief moment to consider volunteers will recognize how important they are being able to point to various times they have played in role in their lives.

If you were a Boy Scout, Girl Guide, in cadets, 4-H, played minor sports, or a wide range of activities then volunteers played a role in your life.

As adults when you take in Spring Expo, tractor pulls, Summer Fair, dance festivals, adult band concerts, Junior Terrier games and again a whole range of community events, then volunteers have had an impact on your leisure time activities.

Enjoy a hot dog at one of the many fundraisers which will soon start, the person toiling over the hot grill is likely a volunteer.

Go to one of the car shows held each year, there will be volunteers who helped organize and run the event.

As Lisa Washington, Manager of Community, Culture and Heritage with the city told a recent regular meeting of Yorkton Council, “volunteers are essential for healthy, vibrant communities and National Volunteer

Week is a time to recognize and thank volunteers in and around Yorkton, Saskatchewan and Canada for their time and energy.”

The theme of the week this year, ‘Volunteering Weaves us Together’, celebrates our individual and collective actions in creating strong, interconnected and vibrant community.

“Volunteering builds the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Washington.

“Through volunteering we experience our interconnectedness, making our lives more meaningful. Getting involved in various ways, we find friendship, develop trust, and link our relationships. Threading these connections, we come to belong as we contribute towards the same goals.”

Boiled down again though it simply means the efforts of volunteers is important to having a vibrant community.

That is why we all need to think about making sure we donate some time to volunteer efforts.

There are always groups – Lions and Kinsmen for example, sports teams and events -- which can use some extra hands to make the efforts successful. Find one, or more that interests you, and offer to help. It will be appreciated, and you will feel good because you have helped make your community just a little better place to live.

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.

Happy Wordy Wednesday! Bildungsroman (pronounced BIL-doonks-rohmahn) is the word of this week, which means a novel about the moral and psychological growth of the main character. Bildungsroman is the combination of two German nouns: Bildung, meaning "education," and Roman, meaning "novel" (Nouns in German are always capitalized). The bildungsroman usually ends on a positive note, with the protagonist's foolish mistakes and painful disappointments over, and a meaningful life ahead. Though the term is primarily applied to novels, in recent years some English speakers have begun to apply bildungsroman to films that deal with a youthful character's coming-of-age. (Merriam-Webster.com)

Join the Teen Lounge at the Yorkton Public Library! Please email c.smith@ signyorkton.ca by Apr 17 for pre-registration. We have a beautiful Youth area and we are always growing along with you.

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Courtesy Yorkton Public Library

Local man earns GM of the Year

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Days Inn and Suites is the recipient of two awards from the company this year. The President’s Award and the General Manager of the Year Award were announced earlier this month for the Yorktonbased hotel.

“The President’s Award is awarded to hotels that maintain a four or higher rating with respect to surveys that go out, cleanliness, service, value, willingness to return and willingness to reccomend,” said John Anderson, General Manager of the Days Inn and Suites Yorkton in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

The award is also based on information and reviews pulled from websites like Trip Advisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com according to Anderson.

“To top that off we have to maintain a 94 per

cent or higher quality assurance–that’s where Wyndham or Days Inn Canada comes in and inspects the property,” said Anderson. “As for the General Manager of the Year Award–we have to maintain all that as well as [score] really high on guest service that’s offered and the viability of the hotel–there’s a bunch of little metrics that are involved in deciding on the General Manager of the Year Award.”

Anderson said he had no idea he was even in the running for the GM of the Year Award and was up against 109 other Days Inns from accross Canada.

“I was very very surprised–I didn’t even know that I was considered for it or that I was even in the running for it,” said Anderson, adding, “they don’t even tell you that you’re being considered for it–I found out when they sent out the awards and it was by video where

I found out that I was GM of the Year.”

“All that being said—I wouldn’t have been able to win either one of these awards without the staff that I have—from my assistant Laurie Steele right down to my front desk staff to my housekeepers– they are amazing to work with,” said Anderson, adding, “they take very much pride in the property—as much pride as I do—and that definitely shows with these awards,” and “it couldn’t have been done without my staff.”

Anderson noted his and the hotel’s support for local minor sports and charities was probably a factor in consideration of the award.

“I’m a very big supporter of the local sports in town here—be it soccer, minor football, minor hockey, the Yorkton Terriers, the Yorkton Maulers,” said Anderson.

“I guess I’m humbled by it,” said Anderson, “it’s definitely an honour to receive it.”

Sask. Firearms Act passes on final day before Easter break

By John Cairns, SASKTODAY.ca

REGINA - On the final sitting day before the Easter break, the Saskatchewan Firearms Act passed final reading at the legislature Thursday and is now law.

The Act passed third reading unanimously 45-0 with all members present voting in favor.

This is the provincial legislation aimed at putting some checks and balances in ahead of the federal government’s firearm buyback program, which is aimed at buying back “assault-style” rifles and removing them from the market.

The concern from firearms owners in Saskatchewan is that the federal buyback is too broad, and that their own hunting and shooting rifles may be targeted and confiscated. The provincial legislation passed Thursday puts in a number of requirements that will need to be followed.

Under the provincial Act passed on Thursday, it will see Saskatchewan bring in licensing requirements for seizure agents (ie. police, RCMP) involved in firearms expropriation; to require and oversee fair compensation for any firearms being seized; and to require forensic and ballistic testing of seized

firearms.

The Act will also establish a provincial firearms regulatory system that will promote the safe and responsible use of firearms. The legislation will primarily by administered by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office, which will see an expanded role prosecuting non-violent provincial firearms offenses.

There were amendments brought forward and approved in committee following second reading. According to Minister Tell, the amendment specifically had to do with seizure agents, where “police acting on behalf of another agent, or the federal government in order to confiscate firearms, will have to receive a license. They have to be licensed as well.”

“That is not to say that police in the normal course of their duties functioning as part of a police service, that they can’t confiscate or receive a firearm in the course of their normal duties. What we are saying, is very specific and proscriptive that if they are confiscating a firearm, and they’re acting on behalf of the agent or acting on behalf of the federal government confiscating the firearm, that they must get licensed.”

There is also a

requirement that if municipal police forces want to take part in the federal buyback program they need approval from the provincial Minister.

“Again, that is not their function. Police are there to perform a number of functions in their communities. This would be on the request on the behalf of the agent of the federal government to expropriate firearms from lawful firearms orders. So we are saying that permission from the minister must be obtained.”

When Tell was asked whether the provincial minister would grant that permission: “I guess it would depend on the circumstances, but not likely.”

When asked to expand on that, Tell said “if they are performing that specific function to expropriate firearms from lawful firearms owners at the request or behest of the federal government or another agent, I probably will not grant that permission… Every circumstance is different.”

As for the firearms the province is seeking to prevent the federal government from seizing, Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg explained to reporters the federal government was using the term

“assault-style firearms” as a catchall.

“I just want people to understand that the term ‘assault-style firearms’ is being used, frankly in my opinion as an expert, it is a bit of sensationalism. A lot of those firearms certainly never had any military origin.”

Freberg said as someone in the industry for 50 years, “I look at some of these firearms. I have no idea how they got on the list. Again, that’s one of the reasons why we’re bringing this legislation forward, and we’re studying it and we’re also building on the ballistics labs to get forensic experts and so forth to come in and do some really good analysis on these firearms, because I’m not certain how this came up. They were

listed as non-restricted when they were first being allowed to be sold to Canadians, and then all of a sudden we had an incident that was caused from smuggled firearms and an illegal firearms owner that never had a license, and then overnight these guns changed from being unrestricted to prohibited. So how they jumped three categories in a few hours — the guns didn’t change, so obviously the interpretation did.”

Both Tell and Freberg were joined at the legislature by several supporters of the legislation from various groups.

While the New Democrats joined the government MLAs in favor of the Act only five of their MLAs were present for the final standing vote;

seven others including Opposition Leader Carla Beck were not present. Opposition critic Trent Wotherspoon made it clear to reporters his party was supportive of the Act.

“We stood in support of the Act, we stood united in this Assembly in the past as well against some of the overreach of the federal government. I think today with respect to the Act we stood in support of common sense measures to ensure some fairness for gun owners in Saskatchewan.”

The Sask. Firearms Act was one of several bills that Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty gave Royal Assent to on Thursday; among the others also receiving Royal Assent was the Sask. First Act.

Whitesand Wildlife Club would like to thank the following Sponsors for their generous donations to our Wildlife Awards Night & Fundraiser Banquet held Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Grain Millers

Janel Kindratsky-Tupperware

Roger Pokotylo

JB’s Sausage Supplies

Under the Covers

SoakZone Car & Truck Wash

Richardson Pioneer

Keith & Sherry EdelBackyard Butchers

Courtesy John Anderson

John Anderson was the recipient of the GM of the Year for Days Inn and Suites.

Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg stands with Minister Christine Tell at the Legislature following passage of the Saskatchewan Firearms Act.

Photo by John Cairns

April 12 - April 18, 2023

Next Council Meeting

Monday, April 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

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

April 12 - April 18, 2023

Next Council Meeting

Monday, April 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Request for Proposals

Name of Proposal: Grass Cutting

Proposal must be received before 2:00 p.m. on April 21, 2023

Proposals will be received through the City of Yorkton’s e-bidding system at www.biddingo.com/yorkton

Details of Proposal: The City of Yorkton is requesting proposals for contracting grass cutting for buffers and ditches and other vacant City owned developable properties.

Specifications are available at: Online at www.biddingo.com/yorkton

Proposal shall remain open for acceptance by the City and irrevocable for thirty (30) calendar days following the date specified for closing.

Proposal received after the date and time specified for closing will be marked late and returned unopened.

Contact Person Enquiries regarding the proposal procedure and particulars can be directed to:

Matt Charney Parks Manager

Recreation and Community Services City of Yorkton Phone: 306-786-1750 Email: parksandrec@yorkton.ca

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSED BYLAW NO. 1/2023

Amendment to the Urban Forestry Bylaw No. 15/2007

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Yorkton intends to consider approving Bylaw No. 1/2023, to amend the Urban Forestry No. 15/2007, at the April 24, 2023 Regular Council Meeting. The Proposed Urban Forestry Bylaw amendment will include changes to increase the variety of trees to diversify and preserve our urban forest. A Public Hearing will be held at the April 24, 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:

Darcy McLeod, Director of Recreation and Community Services

Phone: (306) 786-1750

Email: parksandrec@yorkton.ca OR

Matt Charney, Parks Manager

Phone: (306) 786-1780

Email: parksandrec@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, April 24, 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, April 19, 2023 and must be directed to:

Jessica Matsalla, City Clerk Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3 Email: jmatsalla@yorkton.ca

General InquIrIes:

306-786-1700

Saskatchewan makes second mission to Philippines

Saskatchewan’s second in-person recruitment mission to the Philippines in midMarch resulted in 236 conditional job offers extended to Registered Nurses (RNs), for a total of nearly 400 Filipino RNs now committed to joining the provincial workforce.

A small, focused group from the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) hosted the mission in two major cities - Manila and Cebu - as part of continuous recruitment efforts that reinforces Saskatchewan as a preferred destination for internationally educated nurses (IENs). The SHA conducted hundreds of job interviews over the course of a week, and was accompanied by Health Recruitment and Retention Navigators from the government along with nursing experts from post-secondary training institutions and nursing partners.

“This second recruitment mission to the Philippines expanded on the success of our first mission last year by following up with many interested and qualified candidates that our Saskatchewan team had connected with,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “Between the two missions, the SHA has extended nearly 400 conditional job offers to qualified Filipino

RNs who are committed to working in Saskatchewan.”

The Navigator Team met with several hundred potential IENs interested in working in Saskatchewan and prepared nearly 130 career action plans detailing the next steps for the IENs.

The 162 Filipino RNs who received conditional job offers in December 2022 are currently moving through the RN Pathway, which includes language training, bridging education and licensing.

Improving connections and engagement with Saskatchewan’s nursing students and recent graduates is also delivering positive results. The SHA has hired 114 Grad Nurses from Saskatchewan and across Canada since December. A further 81 conditional job offers have been made to nursing students who will be graduating this spring.

Key 2023-24 Budget investments include nearly $100 million across government, including $55.5 million for the Ministry of Health, to support Saskatchewan’s four-point Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers and physicians.

An $11.9 million investment will continue supporting work underway to recruit internationally educated health care workers, including regu-

latory assessments, navigator services and settlement supports.

Over $22 million will be allocated for continued implementation of 250 new full-time positions and enhancement of part-time positions to full-time in rural and remote areas around the province, first announced in September 2022. As of late March, more than 100 of these positions have been filled.

“Our aggressive Health Human Resources Action Plan is delivering results in rural and northern communities across our province,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said.

“We are continuing to make record investments to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more doctors, nurses, lab techs and other healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan.”

New HHR investments in 2023-24 include $3.1 million to create a new Registered Nurse travel pool program to help mitigate rural and remote health human resource pressures. Funding of $1.3 million in 2023-24, annualizing to $1.7 million in future years, will support the hiring of 12 Physician Assistants in Saskatchewan’s health system for the first time.

A $2.0 million investment will provide for the continued provision of incentives between $30,000 and $50,000 to recruit in

nine high priority classifications in rural and remote Saskatchewan, in exchange for a three-year return-of-service. Since launching in October 2022, 72 incentives have been approved in a variety of professions and locations.

This budget also includes $1.8 million for enhancements to the Rural Physician Incentive Program. Starting April 1, 2023, the incentive was increased to $200,000 over five years, more than four times the amount that was previously offered. First launched in 2013-14 for recent Canadian graduates, this incentive will now expand to include international medical graduates who establish a practice in rural and northern Saskatchewan.

Progress continues on Saskatchewan’s HHR Action Plan multiple initiatives to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers.

Recruit

Recruitment of healthcare professionals from the Philippines

• A second inperson recruitment mission to the Philippines in March 2023 resulted in 236 conditional offers extended to Registered Nurses (RNs).

• November 2022 mission to the Philippines resulted in conditional job offers to 162 RNs.

• Four Continuing Care Assistants and two Medical Lab Assistants from the Philippines have been hired and already started working in Saskatchewan.

• RNs with conditional offers are now moving through the RN Pathway which includes language training, bridging education and licensing.

• Eighteen RNs are currently in the bridging program.

Unlicensed Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals residing in Saskatchewan/Canada

• The SHA has extended conditional offers to nine Saskatchewan-based RNs who are currently participating in the bridging education program.

Ukrainian Newcomers

• The SHA has hired 10 Ukrainian newcomers into the health care workforce.

Train

Expanding healthcare training seats at Saskatchewan’s Indigenous institutions

• The expanded Health Care Aid program at Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) in Prince Albert started in March 2023 with 20 more seats. SIIT will also have a one-time increase of Indigenous Practical Nursing seats.

• Dumont Technical Institute will have additional Continuing Care Assistant seats and a onetime seat expansion in Practical Nursing.

Incentivize

Improve job offers and connections for nursing graduates

• Following the launch of the Grad Nurse Expression of Interest initiative in December 2022, 114 Nursing Graduates from Saskatchewan and out of province have been hired.

• As of March 28, 81 conditional job offers have been made to nurses who will be graduating in Spring 2023.

• The SHA is actively promoting employment opportunities and will continue to offer inperson career events and attend career fairs in and outside Saskatchewan throughout March and April.

Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive

• The incentive of up to $50,000 for a threeyear return-of-service agreement for high priority positions continues to accept applications.

• Since launching in October 2022, 83 incentives have been approved to date in a variety of professions and locations.

• This incentive is available to new employees in nine high priority positions in rural and remote areas. For a complete listing of eligibility criteria and eligible locations, visit saskatchewan. ca/HHR.

Final Clinical Placement Bursary

• 168 bursaries have been approved in 2022-23 to support students in health disciplines with their final clinical placement requirements, the high-

est since 2014-15.

Retain New Full-Time and Enhanced Part-Time to Full-Time Permanent Positions

• As of late March, the SHA has hired 108 of the 164 positions posted in nine high-priority classifications in rural and remote locations experiencing service disruptions.

Physician Recruitment and Retention

Rural Physician Incentive Program:

• Starting April 1, 2023, an enhanced Rural Physician Incentive Program will be offered to physicians who establish a practice in rural Saskatchewan. The total incentive will be up to $200,000 over five years, more than four times the amount that was previously offered.

Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program:

• Fifteen new physicians are practicing in rural Saskatchewan, following completion recently of the SIPPA program. These newest physicians are among the 278 internationallytrained family physicians currently working in the province as a result of the SIPPA program. The vast majority (77 per cent) practice in rural communities.

Announced in September 2022, Saskatchewan’s fourpoint Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers and physicians will add more than 1,000 health professionals into the health system over the next few years. A total of nearly $100 million governmentwide investment in 202324 distributed among the Ministries of Health, Advanced Education, and Immigration and Career Training will continue advancing innovative solutions that expand and strengthen the health workforce in all Saskatchewan communities.

Details on health care opportunities, how to access them and more information on the province’s HHR Action Plan are available at saskatchewan.ca/HHR. — Submitted

Sask. sees bump in jobs

Newly released labour force figures from Statistics Canada for March reveal more job growth in Saskatchewan, with 9,500 new jobs when compared to March 2022, an increase of 1.7 per cent.

“With 24 months of consecutive yearover-year job growth, Saskatchewan remains the national leader in consistent job and economic growth,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our government wants to acknowledge and thank the hard working business owners and job creators for their efforts in growing and expanding our provincial economy.”

Saskatchewan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate

reached 4.7 per cent, down from 5.0 per cent one year ago and is below the national average of 5.0 per cent.

The province saw record highs for the month of March, including:

• Saskatchewan employment: 578,500

• Saskatchewan

full-time employment: 469,600

• Off-reserve

Indigenous employment: 62,000

Saskatchewan’s youth population increased by 3,800 (+2.8 per cent), and the labour force up by 1,100 (+1.3 per cent), with employment up by 600 (+0.8 per cent) compared to March 2022.

Off-reserve

Indigenous employment increased by 1,600 (+2.6 per cent), marking 28 consecutive months of year-over-year increas-

es. Indigenous youth employment was also up by 1,100 (+11.3 per cent), marking four consecutive months of year-overyear increases.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for professional, scientific, and technical services, up 6,200 (+24.9 per cent); transportation and warehousing, up 2,300 (+9.7 per cent); and trade, up 2,300 (+2.4 per cent).

Recently, Saskatchewan’s merchandise exports for February saw an increase of 31.9 per cent, valued at $4.2 billion. Additionally, Saskatchewan led the provinces in growth of investment in building construction, with a 21.5 per cent increase in January 2023 compared to January 2022. — Submitted

Sask. reports 236 more job offers to RNs from Philippines

By John Cairns, SASKTODAY.ca

REGINA - The provincial government is reporting that Saskatchewan’s second recruitment mission to the Philippines for registered nurses resulted in more job offers.

The mission in midMarch saw 236 conditional job offers to Registered Nurses.

That brings the total number of Filipino RNs offers to nearly 400 according to the government’s news release. That follows on 162 conditional job offers extended to Filipino RNs back during their first recruiting mission in Dec. 2022.

Health Minister Paul Merriman said there is a process where the recruits go through the immigration process, and once that is done they enter through the bridging program and then come over to Saskatchewan.

“I don’t want to say it’s a long process but it’s an important process that we go through, making sure the credentials are all verified. If they need some support in coming over we have up to $10,000 for them to be able to come over, that pays for some of their licensing, some of their travel. Moving from the Philippines to Saskatchewan, I’ve done

that trip and it’s a long haul I just did it for a week, but going and moving halfway around the world does take a little bit of time. But we do have some on the ground and we have more in that bridging program so it’s coming along really well.”

On the job as nurses are about a handful right now - less than 10 according to Merriman. Most are “in that bridging program that we’re trying to streamline that process with the regulatory bodies,” Merriman said to reporters.

“And we have a good process that we’re going to be looking at if there’s options to issue tempor-

ary licences, and then have them micro-credential up to an RN, just because we want to have as many people in the health care system versus in the classroom as soon as possible.”

Merriman explained most of the nurses who have come in are coming as continuing care aides and are being microcredentialed up to RNs.

“We have to remember that our RNs in Saskatchewan are highly trained. This is a highly skilled position so we want to make sure that they’re orientated into our system as soon as possible and being done in a safe but efficient time.”

The second recruiting mission in March saw officials from the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority head to Manila and Cebu, Philippines, where they conducted job interviews over the course of a week with potential recruits. Also there, according to the province, were Health Recruitment and Retention Navigators from the government, and nursing experts from post-secondary training institutions and nursing partners.

Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat reacted to the latest health care recruiting

Yorkton Legion Banner Program launched for 2023

The popularity of the Yorkton Legion’s Honour Our Veterans banner project continues to grow with sixteen new applications received this year, the fourth year of the project. That means over 220 veterans will be commemor-

ated on Broadway, Darlington and Third Avenue street lights in October and November.

As in the past, the city welcomes banners for all veterans who have a connection to Yorkton and Treaty Four Territory. Banners feature vet-

erans from Boer War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, peacetime service and RCMP.

The Legion has a dedicated committee who process applications, order and install hardware backets, and promote the project. Chad McDowell, Yorkton Regional High School Art / Photography teacher, takes photos, some almost 100 years old, and edits them making each clear in the large banner format. This painstaking process is a challenge, but McDowell says, “I believe in giving back to the community, and this is one way to do that. The Yorkton Legion does great work promoting remembrance and supporting veterans in our community.”

One of the sixteen new veteran banner this year is William Lyle Fedorn, who resided in Yorkton and served with the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry in WWII, enlisting in 1942. In addition to serving in the Korean War from 1950 – 1953, his service took him to Britain, the Mediterranean Sea, Europe and throughout

Canada.

The Legion would like to thank the City of Yorkton for their continued support, as well as Miccar Aerial Limited, Flaman Sales and Rentals and Maple Ag. The feedback from the community and visitors about the project has been

news by telling reporters it was “encouraging to see that offers went out, but offers do not equal boots on the ground.”

“We definitely need folks here today who can help with a crisis that exists in our healthcare system. The government has failed to plan for this healthcare staffing shortage and we have been calling for a real strategy around human resources for years now.”

Mowat also once again noted the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses had called for the creation of a task force that would tackle some of these challenges, and pointed to the need to address the issue of retention of workers.

very positive. More information and banner applications can be found on the Yorkton Legion website and Facebook page, by phoning the Legion at 306-783-9789, or by emailing yorktonlegionbanner@gmail.com — Submitted

Alana Moore + Amber Phelps Bondaroff Lead Artists

John Propp.

Marion E. Stackhouse before and after work on old photo.

Legumes like to grow in importance

For decades the Canadian Prairies proudly wore the moniker ‘Bread Basket for the World’, or at least a similar version of that label.

We grew a lot of hard spring wheat and did it very well. There was an expectation that when buying wheat from Canada it was of the highest quality and that earned market access and sales for years.

But, nothing lasts forever, and when plant breeders in Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the 1960s and 1970s, through traditional cross-breeding experiments, minimized the undesirable compounds in rape-

seed and developed varieties that yielded food-grade oil, creating canola (an abbreviation of ‘Canadian oil’), developed by plant it signaled a change in what the Prairies would be known for. By the 1980s, canola had replaced rapeseed in Canadian oilseed production, and today the acres produced are massive and the crop’s value forming the foundation of most farm incomes.

While there certainly are few indications that will change anytime soon, one has to wonder what may one day unseat canola as the major Prairie crop? The answer might not

Calvin

be a single crop as much as a rather diverse basket of crops, all of which fall under the umbrella of being pulse crops.

Now pulse crops; lentils, peas, and various beans, are not something new for the Prairies. My Dad used to add some field peas into the barley he seeded for pig feed, essen-

tially adding a protein source to the feed in the field. That was in the early 1970s.

So farmers here can grow pulse crops, but the markets have never been particularly stable, typically relying on production issues elsewhere in the world for major pulse eating countries such as India

and Pakistan to look for alternate sources.

And, in Canada, while we have production, it isn’t necessarily as diverse to fill the varied and often very specific markets in countries such as India. We might think lentils are simply identified by colour, but size and other factors are important in many markets too. It’s a case where perhaps at this point our ‘sophistication’ in terms of growing pulses is a tad lacking.

But Canadian farmers are a rather adaptive lot, and they could adapt if the market was consistent. Therein lies the hint of the potential of pulses.

The populations in countries such as India are still growing. That’s simply more mouths to feed, mouths who culturally have a taste for pulse crops.

And we can’t discount the interest in fake meat concoctions that have an element of plant protein from pulses.

Whether that market grows because people turn to such offerings out of choice, or whether cattle in particular, come under scrutiny and regulation as methane producers, we are going to see pulses become a bigger part of diets here too. It’s just a matter of how far into the future it happens.

Angus generate strong sales

By

Photos Courtesy Crescent Creek Angus

Sp

Yorkton youth headed to Jr Pats

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON

– A youth from Yorkton has been selected to play for the Saskatchewan Jr Pats.

Nine-year-old Ben Blenkin will play in three tournaments with the team, including the Brick Invitational in Edmonton which hosts teams from all over North America.

“I’m very excited, it’s a dream come true and I’ve worked hard to get here,” said Blenkin in an e-mail correspondance with Yorkton This Week

Blenkin most recently played for the U11 AA Terriers in 2022-23 and helped the team to a league title victory in March.

Blenkin said he’s been training to make the team for the past two years and his regiment is composed of training at the gym, shooting, power skating and on ice skills training.

“I hope to play the best I can and have fun playing against the best kids my age from Canada and the United States,” said Blenkin, adding, “the Brick Invitational is for first year U11 players. The athletes get one chance in their entire career to play at this event. This year it is 2013 born athletes.”

“Dale Derkach pulled Ben aside a little over two years ago after a training session in Regina and suggested he consider

trying out for the Team Sask Brick team,” said Chad Blenkin, Ben’s father, adding, “he shared with him that it takes more commitment than just showing up at the rink, it also takes working out at the gym, dryland training, skills training, nutrition, and then some.”

“From that day forward Ben set his mind on making this roster and worked tirelessly to achieve it,” said Chad.

“There have been many skills trainers and coaches that have helped me achieve my goal–special thanks to my dad for coaching me and to skills trainers Dale Derkach, Steve Serdacnhy and Brett Peppler,” said Ben.

“Like many kids, Conor Bedard has become Ben’s idol. The day Dale Derkatch sat Ben down to chat with him about the Brick Team, he got to meet Conor Bedard for the first time,” said Chad Blenkin.

Sask. ‘softballers’ head to Argentina

When Team Canada starts play in the WBSC U23 Men’s Softball World Cup tournament Friday in Parana, Argentina, the roster will include four players from Saskatchewan.

The group includes Jordan Hudson of Saskatoon, Matthew Kutnikoff of Prince Albert, James Shirley and Brant Weibe of Delisle.

“It’s pretty special. I’m pretty pumped to go to Argentina and play for my country,” said Weibe in a recent interview with Yorkton This Week. “I’m pretty excited.”

For Weibe it will be his first time with Team Canada.

Not surprisingly all the players interviewed were excited they made the team.

“It’s going to be a pretty cool experience,” agreed Hudson, again in a recent Yorkton This Week interview.

CALVIN DANIELS Sports

Hudson also noted he is sort of lucky to be on the U23 team as he is now on the verge of turning 25.

Hudson explained the age was adjusted for 2023 to allow players who missed a chance at the last postponed World Cup a chance to compete.

“We got pretty lucky,” he said, adding it is an honour to represent Canada.

“Every time you put yourself in a position to wear the Canadian leaf on your chest it’s a pretty amazing experience.”

For Weibe playing softball was pretty much

a case of bloodlines and location coming together.

“I’m pretty lucky to live in Delisle. It’s a pretty big sports community,” he said.

“And, dad, (Terry), played a lot of softball. He was one of the best . . . So I’ve played since I was a little kid . . . I’ve been hooked ever since.”

It was the same situation for Hudson who noted his father Scott was a long-time pitcher, and he now fills the same role.

“The apple didn’t fall from the tree,” he said. “. . . I started playing softball at a really young

Local bowlers do well at provincials

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Local bowlers represented the North East zone at the Open Provincials in Saskatoon on the weekend.

The event was a qualifying event with gold medal-winning teams advancing to Nationals in Edmonton for the Canadian Open Championship May 30-June 3.

The Canadian 5-Pin Bowling championships are a 3-step event, having to qualify in your zone, then win provincials to attend nationals.

The local team of Diane Syrota

(coach), Jenn Haas, Cole Painter, Holly Stratulat, Sharla Schrader, Brent Krochak, and Cole Krochak came home with provincial bronze medals.

Other teams representing the North East were as follows:

Men’s team: Carter Zich, Stan Salisbury, Cam Loutit, Chris Wilson, Matthew Dekker, Orest Shular, and coach Leigh Ann Beihn

Women’s team: Casey Bogdan, Megan Lyons, Myrna Ruthven, Theresa McKenzie, Laurie Unger, Brittany Schaefer, and coach Wanda Sweatman

age.” Weibe is a middle infielder who prefers shortstop to be at the

heart of the action.

“It’s definitely a position you get the ball a lot,” he said.

So how does Weibe stay sharp for a trip to Argentina in April when

Continued on Page A16

Women shine at pickleball event

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Pickleball Yorkton hosted a ‘You Go Girls’ ladies only tournament April 1.

The event, held at the Gloria Hayden Centre attracted 48 players.

In the 3.0 and above division gold was captured by Gail Frohlick and

Grace Thauberger with Bonnie Englot and Lisa Trembley finishing with the silver and bronze won by Kelly Wilcox and Karen Larsen.

In the 3.0 and under division Madalina Kozushka and Rosalie Hilderman took gold, with Wanda Kaul and Linda Wilson the silver medals and Kim Hladun and Arlene Lozinski the bronze medalists.

Whiskers & Tails

What to do if your dog experiences separation anxiety

The men’s team came

5th place, while the ladies finished

4th place.

in

in

Photo (left to right): Diane Syrota (coach), Jenn Haas, Cole Painter, Holly Stratulat, Sharla Schrader, Brent Krochak, Cole Krochak.

Submitted Photo

Courtesy Chad Blenkin

Nine-year-old Ben Blenkin, pictured here with Regina Pat phenom Conor Bedard.

Four Saskatchewan players are on the U23 Team Canada team.

File Photo

Obituaries

HOVRISKO - With heavy hearts, the family of Jean Hovrisko announces her passing on January 27, 2023, at 82 years of age. Jean was born October 28, 1940, in Yorkton, SK, to Cecil and Sadie Klingman. She lived on the family farm near Stornoway, SK until three years of age when the family moved to Stornoway for Jean’s older sister, Dorothy, to start school. Jean attended grades 1-9 in Stornoway and grades 10-12 in Yorkton. After completing high school at Yorkton Collegiate in 1959, Jean started nursing school at Yorkton General Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1962 and working at the newly built Yorkton Union Hospital from 1962-1964. On June 29, 1963, Jean married Paul Hovrisko; they moved to Langenburg in 1964 where Paul started his career at the mine and Jean worked at the Langenburg Union Hospital. In 1966, they built their family home where they raised their family, retired and where Jean lived until her passing. In her earlier years Jean was involved as a volunteer with local minor sports programs including baseball, softball, figure skating and a season or two behind home plate as an umpire. After the closure of the Langenburg Hospital, Jean returned to work in Yorkton, initially at the nursing home then at the Yorkton Union Hospital on the medical wards. She retired from nursing in 2005. Until days before her passing, Jean stayed in touch with many of her nursing classmates. From the class reunions over the years in Ottawa, Vancouver Island, or Good Spirit Lake to the monthly lunches in Yorkton, Jean cherished these lifelong friendships. By all accounts, including many stories and pictures as evidence, this group of ladies played as hard as they worked. Jean was soft-spoken and modest, rarely speaking of her accomplishments or successes. Around her friends and family however, she had a great sense of humor, loved a good practical joke and was always up for an adventure. She was very patient and gentle, qualities which made her an excellent nurse. Her warm smile and bright eyes could light up a room. It was hard to miss her flair for fashion. Jean was an accomplished shopper and was always well-dressed with an impressive collection of shoes, jackets and sweaters. She still insisted on Boxing Day shopping for “maybe a new sweater” in late December. Always predictable, she bought not one, but three new sweaters and loved her final shopping trip. After Paul’s passing in 2006, Jean, newly retired, became very independent. Her grandchildren were her world. She made many trips to Calgary on her own to be part of their lives. There were few home repairs Jean would not at least attempt on her own, with a butter knife her tool of choice. Jean was very active until days before she became ill. She was a lifetime walker and could often be seen on one of her many routes in the morning and cruising around on her bike in the evening. She loved to curl in the winters and always looked forward to the many bonspiels in the area. Jean also loved to golf and openly admitted she was not very skilled but loved the exercise and many laughs with her golfing crew. She was also a big sports fan with a love for the Blue Jays and the Riders, forever in training as an armchair coach/GM for whichever team called first. She was also a curling fan watching most major events on TV and attending the Brier in person three times. Jean was also a hockey fan and one of her grandson’s biggest supporters as she cheered him on at many WHL and AHL games at arenas across Canada. Jean was happiest at home. She was an amazing cook, a skill and a love she learned from her mother, Sadie. It was impossible to leave Jean’s house hungry and there were always leftovers for days. She also enjoyed gardening in her younger years and always maintained a beautiful yard. Besides her home, Jean’s other happy place was Lake of the Prairies. Before Paul’s passing, they spent several summers at Killman’s. She loved to fish and had plenty of fish tales and memories with family and friends. On a mid-summer day, Jean would often sneak in a short nap on the boat with her rod unattended. Jean treasured time with her family making memories in bigger ways like vacations to Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Phoenix to name a few, but also doing simple things like playing cards and dice games, baking cookies, making cabbage rolls or coloring Easter eggs. Loving and caring for others was her life’s work. She instilled those same values in her children and grandchildren by how she lived every day. Jean was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Paul (2006), her parents Cecil (1991) and Sadie Klingman (2011) and her sister, Dorothy Milgaard (1994). She will forever be remembered by her children, Michelle (Kade) Klimchuk and Marlin (Melodie Totton) Hovrisko and three grandchildren, Morgan Klimchuk and Jayme Klimchuk of Victoria, BC and Alexa Hovrisko, of Calgary, AB, her sister, Joyce (Jack) Burkell of Yorkton, SK, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Many thanks to Carly Bergman, Tina Costello, Jenny Rumancik and the Langenburg Home Care team as well as the nursing staff at the Esterhazy Centennial Special Care Home for the excellent care provided to mom and the family support at a difficult time. Prayers will be said at the church Friday, April 14 at 7:30 pm (SK time). A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 2:00 pm (SK time) from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Langenburg. Interment to follow at the parish cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Langenburg Home Care Services in Jean’s memory. Friends may visit www.braendlebrucefs.ca to leave messages of condolence for the family. Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service, Russell in care of arrangements (204) 773-2747

Monuments

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Granite, Bronze, Marble Monuments, Vases, Cemetery Inscriptions & Cremation Urns.

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IN HOME ESTIMATES AT NO CHARGE SEE OUR LARGE DISPLAY

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Our promise is simplewe are committed to providing the

two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Every person filing a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address, and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds, and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious or competition-based objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing.

Write to: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Box 5054, REGINA SK S4P 3M3

Land for Sale

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

Apartments/Condos for Rent

RENOVATED SUITES available. Good location. First Choice 306621-5050

Houses For Rent 4 BEDROOM Lakefront HouseYork Lake. 2 baths, Walkout basement,

Painting/Wallpaper

Livestock

15 OPEN dehorned Hereford heifers. Call Wes 306-743-5105. Langenburg, Saskatchewan. www.vcherefordfarm.com

FOR SALE - Bred Heifers Calving Now. Simmental x Angus (Black) - 18 Head; Char x Simm -

6 Head; Simm x Angus (Red) - 7 Head. Price $2850 each. Call 1306-547-2105.

GROWTHY YEARLING & 2 year old dehorned Hereford bulls. Semen tested. Call Wes 306-7435105. Langenburg, Saskatchewan. www.vcherefordfarm.com

REQUIRED

IMMEDIATELY:

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

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

Seniors, Parents, Children!

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

Be a Yorkton This Week Carrier!

• No early mornings

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• We pay by direct deposit on the last Friday of every month

• Weight bonuses

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• Any age welcome

• Only 2 days or less per week

If you would like a route, please e-mail us at: circulation@yorktonthisweek.com or telephone circulation at: 306-782-2465

CARPENTER

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Deadline April 23, 2023

CHARPENTIER

VOUS ÊTES À LA RECHERCHE D’UNE CARRIÈRE DYNAMIQUE ET PASSIONNANTE AU SEIN DE PARCS CANADA ET D’UN ENSEMBLE D’AVANTAGES SOCIAUX FANTASTIQUES?

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Date limite: 23 avril 2023

Deadline April 23, 2023

PLAN OF THE

PLAN NUMBER 10-2228

MODEST SUMMER

HOME

The kitchen includes a doorway to a patio and the back garden beyond, making summertime al fresco meals effortless. The U-shaped counter configuration will save steps for the cook.

The laundry room has room for a stacked washer and dryer, as well as a sink and a handy shelf for sorting and folding. The linen closet is located just outside the door.

Bedroom No. 1, at the front of the home, shares a three-piece bath with the second bedroom.

Exterior finishes include horizontal wood

siding on the facade, with vertical siding on the gable ends. One window features a planter box, attached with decorative wood brackets. Similar brackets decorate the window to the right of the entrance, which is set off by a painted wood pilaster with a brick base.

This home measures 33 feet wide and 32 feet deep, for a total of 966 square feet.

Plans for design 10-2228 are available for $635 (set of 5), $690 (set of 8) and $734 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.

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Staff Photo by John Bauman

SIGN brings pilot art program to YCS

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – A a six-week pilot art program from SIGN is currently underway at a local public school.

Art Zone is a noon hour program designed for students at Yorkdale Central School that ends in early April. The Art Zone is open Tuesdays and Thursdays during the 45-minute lunch break and is free to the students, according to a media release from SIGN.

“It’s no secret that the costs of living put a strain on many families. We want to reduce the barrier to entering and exploring programming, with no guilt if they don’t feel like it is for them,” said Amanda Sutton, Family Support Manager with SIGN and project creator, in a media release from SIGN.

The program is a result of the 40 Developmental Assets work that SIGN led in 2022. “Half of the assets focus on the relationships and opportunities [youth] need in their families, schools and communities (external assets). The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal assets),” read a paragraph on the subject from Search-Institute.org.

“As a part of the community conversations and Family Support’s own discussions with schools and clients, it was learned that non-competitive activities and arts programs are of interest, and many parents and stakeholders in the community saw a need for similar programming,” read the release.

“The response from students has been wonderful. Some students have told us the program helps them with their anxiety, others have said it’s just a lot of fun because they don’t get to spend much time doing art otherwise. Many have asked us to continue running the program,” said Sutton in an e-mail correspondence

with Yorkton This Week.

“Students in grades 3 through 8 were invited to take part, and the response has been very positive with more than 50 students having participated. That meant having to split up the club, and rotate attendance days so that the group is never larger than 15 to 20 at a time. One of the goals is to reduce or avoid anxiety, and a large group added to anxiety,” detailed the release.

Sutton said sign-ups for the program “sky-rocketed” beyond expectations, but the staff partners at the school— Counsellor Twila Seeley, Vice Principal Elora Lake and

Principal Dennis Nesseth— were “quick to problem solve and help us split and organize groups so everyone could get access to programming without it becoming overwhelming for students.”

The program runs during the school’s 45 minute noonhour break.

“Running the program at noon means that rural kids can participate without their families having logistical/transportation worries, and it keeps that after school time for families to do other things,” said Sutton, adding, “we wanted the program to be free so kids could play without any hesita-

tion or worry that they needed to commit long-term or choose only one focus.”

“It also gives students a safe and comfortable place to be over the noon hour. Being a young person means navigating a lot of new or challenging social dynamics. Relationships are shifting, changing, and kids are growing into their own sense of Self. Art Zone can be a place to be with friends, make new friends, or work peacefully on one’s own—there are no expectations outside of it being open to all,” said Sutton.

Sutton said she spent roughly a year researching the project and working towards

the program before finding the right people at the right time at Yorkdale Central School.

“Early on in the information gathering phase of all of this we engaged the counsellors and school officials. Everyone was incredibly supportive and accommodating of my questions and they provided critical insights and advice,” said Sutton, adding, “we see a lot of value in the 40 Developmental Assets and the schools do, too. It’s a meaningful partnership.”

Sutton said she hopes to see the project show up in other schools.

“We have several schools in mind that we want to support and we know staff are interested as well. The Good Spirit School Division is big and we are looking for ways to get programming to all students and schools within the funding and time considerations we all have,” said Sutton.

Sutton said that art being the focus of the program was not by accident.

“Sports—especially competitive sports—are well established in our communities, but not everyone wants to do sports or only sports. We heard parents, community members, and students mention the gap and we thought it was a great way to support the community in our own way,” said Sutton.

Sutton said she is pleased with the outcome of the program so far.

“I have a background in Psychology and Policy Analysis and a love of arts, specifically painting and writing,” said Sutton, adding, “my staff running the program have backgrounds in mentorship, education, and a love of the arts as well. They’ve said several times that when they leave programming, they feel inspired, calm and excited to go about their day. I’ve had the same experience and we hope the kids do, too.”

For more information on SIGN and how to get involved, visit SignYorkton.ca.

Week marks volunteer contributions

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

National Volunteer

Week is upcoming April 16-23, and Monday Yorkton Council heard why the nationally marked week is important. “Volunteers are essential for healthy, vibrant communities and National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and thank volunteers in and around Yorkton, Saskatchewan and Canada for their time and energy,” Lisa

Washington, Manager of Community, Culture and Heritage with the city told the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

This year “. . . we celebrate the contributions of Canada’s millions of volunteers: their actions, their understanding, and their genuine concern for the world around them.”

The theme this year, “Volunteering Weaves us Together”, celebrates our individual and collective actions in creating strong, interconnected and vibrant community.

“Volunteering builds the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Washington.

“Through volunteering we experience our interconnectedness, making our lives more meaningful. Getting involved in various ways, we find friendship, develop trust, and link our relationships.

Threading these connections, we come to belong as we contribute towards the same goals.”

Washington expanded on the idea of volunteerism being akin to weaving.

“Like each individual thread makes weaving stronger, every volunteer’s experience, perspective, and abilities add to our collective resilience. Woven together from coast to coast to coast, volunteering reinforces our ability to grow, thrive, and create change within

Yorkton, the Parkland area, Saskatchewan, and nationally,” she offered.

Washington also noted volunteering can take varied forms.

“Knowing our volunteer contributions are valued and meaningful creates a greater sense of purpose and dedication. From helping build a home, cleaning up a park, or coaching a sports team to cooking for an ill friend, checking in on a neighbour, or helping a stranger, each action we take impacts our community’s overall

wellness, now and for future generations,” she said.

“During National Volunteer Week 2023, we celebrate our collective impact: through our kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering, we weave our lives together. We ask our residents to stop and reflect on the contributions of our community’s volunteers and volunteer organizations and thank them for their time, energy and commitment to the betterment of Yorkton.”

Art Zone is a free, 45 minute lunch hour program that gives students a safe and comfortable place to participate in art activities.

Back when I knew everything…

I thought I knew everything once. Young, quick of tongue, pregnant with opinions and quietly rebellious. Having travelled around the sun a few more times since youth, I see how wrong I was about most things that fuelled my arrogant words.

The mental replays make me cringe. There I am, spouting generalizations and self-righteous words to people I disagreed with, usually from a previous generation. And there they are, lapsing into silence as my avalanche of arguments (about God, church, life…about nearly anything) buried them. I knew it all. I had all the passion. All the

The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society invites you to their next regular meeting on Wednesday, April 19, at 7:00 PM at the Yorkton Public Library. Our special guest will be our great gardening friend Frank Woloschuk, speaking to us about exciting perennials for early, mid and later blooming. Isn’t it nice to think about our plants in the garden? Everyone is welcome, please join us; you don’t have to be a member to attend the sessions. Visit the hort society at our website: www.yorktonhort.ca and find out what’s coming up with the group! I also urge you to check out the University of Saskatchewan website, https://gardening. usask.ca/public-workshops and see the array of interesting on-line gardening workshops that are scheduled! For

heat. And, I was certain, all the right answers.

It took years, and a hard maturing process for me to realize my foolishness. How many opportunities to learn from those older and wiser I forfeited.

As a young woman, I took my turn at supervising the nursery while parents sat in church.

One morning, a toddler protested strongly at being separated from his mother. He’s terribly spoiled, I thought. Just needs a firmer hand. Someone to call his bluff.

I ignored his tantrum.

Suddenly the door burst open. In charged Mom, feathers flying. She’d heard the wails

Sunny Side Up

and demanded to know why I hadn’t brought her son to her. Out poured my sterling mothering advice. (Having no children, I knew everything.)

As the little guy calmed in her arms, she spoke. “You think he’s behaving like this because I’m a bad parent? You have NO IDEA what makes him insecure. How can you

presume to judge me?”

Then she walked out. I later learned what contributed to that little boy’s behaviour, a sad story of paternal abandonment.

Strife between generations isn’t new, but it’s worsened lately. Social movements and media have fuelled that, along with derisive labels—Gen Z, Boomer, Millennial, Gen X,

etc. Many parents and grandparents agonize over how to relate to a generation that desperately needs our love and wisdom but blames us for their problems and derides our opinions.

Satan relishes and provokes this generational division. We cooperate with him when we form ranks or simply withdraw and fail to pursue peace. Only dependence on the Holy Spirit will win this battle. God can enable believers of all ages to listen more than speak. To realize that our opinions (or practices) may not be the only ones—or the correct ones.

One of God’s names for himself is the “God of Abraham, Isaac and

Jacob”—three distinct generations operating as one. His plan, already operative, is to compile one holy generation made up of people of all ages, from all eras, united through Christ, who calls us “out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9) Want to see God moving across our land, bringing light into the darkness of generational divide? Ask him for humility, wisdom, and boldness to tear down walls. Build bridges at home, in our cars, in coffee shops, online and in checkout lines. Let’s reach out in love and compassion to all generations. And for God’s sake, dispense with labels.

example, On Thursday April 13 at 7PM, the topic is “Think Foliage! Ferns, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Trees and More!” Tuesday, April 18 at 7PM is “Gardening, Naturally” with Sara Williams. And Thursday April 20 is “No Till Vegetable Gardening”. It is great to take part in these sessions from the comfort of our own homes, so take a look and see what topic interests you! Have you heard of “tepary” beans? They’re beans that have been around for centuries, grown by indigenous peoples in the south-west US and South America. They are on the scene again, and are a bean that might be of great interest to gardeners because they are extremely heat and drought tolerant. They came from desert areas, so they can tolerate harsher conditions in

Spring weight restrictions are in place

The 2023 spring road restrictions come into force in Saskatchewan on Friday, April 7. These restrictions are used by the province and rural municipalities to mitigate potential damage to our highway system.

“Weight restrictions prevent damage during spring thaw to pavement and the ground beneath the road,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “They reduce maintenance costs and enhance safety.”

The road bans reduce allowable weights on RM roads and secondary weight on provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent and usually last about six weeks.

Typically, the road restrictions begin in March, once winter weights end on March 15. However, due to colder weather last month, restrictions were delayed.

With warmer temperatures and longer days coming, the 2023 restrictions will be province wide. In previous years, bans have been phased in by region because spring temperatures arrive sooner in the south.

The 2023 spring restrictions will remain in place for up to six weeks.

To check which highways are impacted, please visit saskatchewan.ca/trucking. Spring road bans will be posted under the “New Spring Order” link.

Information is also available by contacting the Highway Hotline at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or by calling 511.

— Submitted

terms of water and sun. These are exotic looking beans. As pretty as the yellow and green beans are in the garden, tepary beans have a different look. The pods are short, only about three inches long, and while they start off green they will change to a pleasing straw color when they mature. There are only five or six beans in each pod. These are beans to

use shelled. We would plant them as we do regular beans. They would appreciate a drink of water at planting time, but after that they can manage just fine with the gardener’s watering can. (I read a comment of one gardener who said he watered the plants and got big plants but no blooms. As soon as he stopped watering the flowers

appeared, and then he got a lot of beans!) It sounds like they are very content with most soil conditions, and they like full sun. There are different varieties if tepary beans, but I have seen the brown variety in the seed catalogues.

As mentioned, these are beans to dry and shell. These beans are high in protein and in fibre. I read that they have a sweet, nutty flavor, and are delicious in soups and stews. These are smaller beans than some, like a pinto bean, but cook up very nicely. I read that their best flavorings would be onion and garlic, and that we might want to avoid carrot and celery. I am guessing that is because they have enough sweet-

ness on their own. They sound interesting! Beans are so healthy for us, and good for the soil, that they are a staple plant to have in the garden. When it comes to fresh garden flavors, the taste of tender beans with butter and a good sprinkle of pepper has to be one of the top flavors!

And a bean factoid: did you know that good companion plants for beans are beets, celery, nasturtiums, radishes, cucumbers and peas.

Gosh, I wish we could get outside today! I know we’re all looking forward to our gardens!

Thank you to our good friends at YTW for their hard work. Gardeners, have a nice week and check out what’s new in beans! Later!

Westview United Church 355 Bradbrooke

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, April 16 at 10:30 am Online (Zoom/Facebook/Youtube) and in person!

EVERYONE WELCOME

Pastor Laurel Wiebe -- 306-898-2099

Pastor Tim Warkentin - 306-217-8222

“ Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’”

Norquay and Kamsack Firefighters attend Canadian Firefighter Curling Championship

Courtesy of Kamsack Times

The Canadian Firefighter Curling Championship recently took place in Prince Edward Island, with teams from across the country participating.

Ken Newell, a member of the Saskatchewan team originally from Kamsack and Norquay, spoke with the Kamsack Times about his team’s experience at the championship. He said, “Well, it was an honour, that’s for sure. It was an honour to represent Saskatchewan and our little town and all of the fire departments in Saskatchewan. It was, it was quite an experience. We’ve never curled in anything like that before in our lives. So it was a learning curve for us a little bit. The people there

were phenomenal. Fantastic. The camaraderie between the fire departments and the firemen themselves was just unbelievable. So, I’m looking forward to trying to get back next year already. It was a real good experience.”

Newell’s team went three and six overall, finishing sixth, which he said was not too terrible for a first-time team, saying, “There were a couple of teams there that were really, really good. And we gave them a run for a little bit, but then they ended up beating us. So overall, I think we performed fairly well. Everybody said that we represented well, on and off the ice. So that means a lot.”

He hopes to make it to the champion-

ship again next year, which will be held in Moosomin, Sask. “I’ve been trying for the last eight or nine years to make it and my team has lost the provincial final three out of the last six years, and I think a semi-flat final one other year out of that. So we’ve been there, like right there for over the last six years. We finally made it this year, and you just have a little more incentive to get there since now we know what it’s

about. The people you meet and everything is just phenomenal, just unbelievable. It’s an experience that since I’ve curled for 41 years I’ve never felt anything like this experience that we’ve just had. So it was unbelievable,” said Newell.

The championship is open to any interested fire departments that meet specific regulations, and the provincials will be held in Prince Albert next year.

Fishing Guides for new season online

The 2023-24 Saskatchewan Anglers Guide is now available online for fishing enthusiasts.

Continued from Page A11 Saskatchewan temperatures are in a deep freeze, and the fine facilities in Delisle under snow?

“Saskatoon is only 20-minutes,” he offered, noting he travels there with his local club team a few times a week to use the indoor facilities at the Gordie Howe Complex.

Hudson too is using the Saskatoon facility, taking responsibility to be self-ready.

“As a player we take it in our hands to all be individually prepared,” he said. Weibe said he wants to be ready recognizing the World Cup will be the best softball he has ever played, and that includes topping past national championships and Canada Summer Games.

“I think there’s always pressure anytime you step on the diamond . . . I’m just really excited,” he said.

Being on Team Canada also typically means you are on a team among a world tourney’s anticipated contenders.

“Obviously players always go there wanting to come home with some hardware,” said Hudson, but he added you also don’t want to put too much pressure on yourself.

Hudson said at the World Cup all the players are going to be talented, so it will come down to staying focused and making plays.

While efforts were made to connect with Matthew Kutnikoff and James Shirley for interviews it did not work out.

Canada goes into the event ranked number two, and will be in a pool with #3 Japan, #7 New Zealand, #8 Venezuela, Team WBSC, and #21 Israel.

The team’s first game goes April 15 versus Venezuela.

The guide is conveniently downloadable to your cell phone or tablet, making it possible to quickly reference the province’s regulations, practices and catch limits. Physical copies will be available at Ministry of Environment field offices, most provincial park offices and select retail outlets in early May.

“Fishing is a time-honoured tradition in Saskatchewan and a great way to relax and reconnect with family and friends,” Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said. “I strongly encourage anglers to review the guide before heading out, so they can fully enjoy casting a line in one of our many beautiful freshwater lakes or rivers this season.”

In addition to provincial regulations, the guide supplies vital information to anglers about catch-andrelease best practices, fish identification, preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and how to accurately measure and package fish for transport.

The new season opens on May 5 in the southern management zone, May 15 in the central management zone and May 25 in the northern management zone.

Angling licences are available online and through the SK Hunt & Fish app and can be stored on your mobile device.

To download the guide, find more information or to purchase an angling licence, visit saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

— Submitted

The Sask team in the Canadian Firefighter Curling Championship consisted of, Ken Newell (Skip), Evan Rostotski (Third), Jason Lukey (Second), Jared Lukey (Lead), and Ian Wainright (Director).