Yorkton This Week 2023-06-14

For the dogs -- and cats too

It was a chance to find some treasures – perfect cups, artwork, knickknacks and more – while helped some furry animals too. The Yorkton SPCA held its annual ‘yard sale’ with many people donating items to the cause for sale. Proceeds of the

RCMP charge youth in February homicide

ESTERHAZY – On Feb. 10 Esterhazy and Broadview RCMP received a report of a break and enter and suspicious death at a residence approximately 20 kilometres south of Stockholm and Esterhazy.

Investigation to date has determined three males broke into a resi-

dence. A firearm was discharged. An adult male occupant of the residence was injured. When police arrived, they located the male deceased. An adult female occupant was also located injured and was transported to hospital for medical treatment.

The suspects stole electronics, jewelry,

three firearms and a significant amount of ammunition from the residence, as well as the homeowner’s vehicle, which was located burnt a short distance away.

Investigation determined they travelled west, through Ochapowace First Nation, where some of the stolen items

were discarded and later recovered. Investigators continue to investigate where the suspects travelled from there. Further background is available here.

Since Feb. 10, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes has conducted an extensive investigation, which has

included conducting ground searches for evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining relevant surveillance video, and collecting and analyzing forensic evidence.

Investigators are working with a number of specialized RCMP units and services, including Behavioural Sciences,

F Division’s Truth Verification Section, the National Sex Offender Registry and the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System. Investigators also continue to follow up on information received from the public, including tips related to the

Continued on Page A2

Upgrade to Jr. Terriers rooms under way

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

At the June 5, regular meeting of Yorkton Council the city approved $80,000 toward upgrades at the Gallagher Centre for spaces used by the Junior Terriers.

It was “at the May 15, regular meeting of City Council, the Yorkton Terriers presented a request for financial assistance for improvements to team space within the Gallagher Centre,” explained Taylor Morrison, Gallagher

Centre General Manager with the city during the recent Council meeting.

At that time Council requested Administration bring a report back to Council with funding options for consideration.

With the city on side

with financing work is already under way.

“We gutted everything. We’re done the demo(lition),” said Jeff Sperling Friday.

The work encompasses three main areas, the coaches office, the team training room, and the

dressing room.

While noting it’s not all new construction, it will be a major renovation which will include things such as new lighting, new paint, and a bunch of amenities Sperling said were long overdue.

“If you were a parent

and saw the (old) cold tub, you wouldn’t let your son sit in it,” he said, adding it was in such a bad state it wasn’t worth hauling to the auction centre where some things being replaced are going to be sold.

Continued on Page A2

Local effort to grant local wishes

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Nicole Campbell of Yorkton is a new ambassador of Women for Wishes.

Women for Wishes is a campaign that was created by the Make-A-Wish foundation to raise funds that will help grant wishes to children living with critical illness.

One hundred like-minded philanthropic women from across Canada have been asked to participate, with each woman committing to raising a minimum of $10,000.00 for a total min-

imum campaign target of $1 million.

“I am so humbled and honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for this campaign, and furthermore even though the campaign is called Women for Wishes, being part of it is only possible due to the hard work and effort of our whole crew at Yorkton Concrete,” said Campbell in a prepared statement.

In Saskatchewan 225 children are waiting for wishes -- seven of those children are from Yorkton and area.

The Make-A-Wish foundation states that a wish costs on average $10,000 – it

can vary depending on each wish but that’s an average.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation has agreed that all of the funds we raise here, will stay here to help as many of the seven children as we can,” said Campbell.

“My new goal is to raise enough money to grant the wishes of all seven local Yorkton and area children.”

To help achieve the goal an online fundraising auction is being held June 14-19 through YAC Auctions. To-date they have received donations for the

auction valued at nearly $40,000.

The Women for Wishes fundraising campaign runs until the end of September 2023 and cash donations can be accepted until then.

If you are inclined to help grant wishes for the seven local Yorkton and area children you can donate in person at Yorkton Concrete (cheques can be made out to Make-A-Wish Canada), through e-transfer to nicole@yorktonconcrete.com (please make note on the e-transfer that it is for WFW to ensure you receive a tax receipt), or directly to my Make A Wish fundraising page.

Staff Photo by Calvin Daniels

sale Saturday – which included a lunch barbecue – were targeted at the operations of the animal shelter.

Local business people discuss employee retention at forum

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce held their Chamber Business Forum June 8 at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre.

The event featured a panel discussion among local business people from various industries with the focus being on the attraction and retention of employees.

During it, panelists discussed the different types of ways that they attract potential employees and their strategies to retain those same employees.

“Attracting is typically the hardest part,” said Brady Harland Owner of

Joe Beeverz Restaurant, during the panel discussion, adding, “retaining

— I find — is the easy part.”

Harland said he focus-

es on the well-being of his staff.

“As the owner I take

care of my managers, my managers take care of my staff, my staff take care

of my customers,” said Harland, adding, “our job as a manager is to make our staff look like the all stars.”

“We have about 240 people that we’re managing right now,” said Marilyn Britton, Human Resources Manager with Grain Millers Canada, noting, the company had about a one per cent turnover consistently month-to-month.

“We feel we’re doing something correct in our retention to be able to maintain those numbers,” said Britton.

Britton noted the company has a strong on-boarding process and they hire internally where it’s applicable.

Continued on Page A13

Continued from Page A1 suspect sketches released to the public on Feb. 12.

As a result of this continuing investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes arrested a 17-year-old male youth, who is from a community in north-central Manitoba, in Winnipeg on June 10. RCMP are unable to name him as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act. RCMP are also not providing his specific community name, as this information could potentially identify him.

He is charged with:

• one count, first degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code;

HOMICIDE TERRIERS

• one count, attempted murder, Section 239(1)(b), Criminal Code;

• one count, sexual assault with firearm, Section 272(2)(a), Criminal Code;

• one count, robbery with firearm, Section 344(1)(a), Criminal Code; and

• one count, wear a mask with intent to commit an indictable offence, Section 351(2), Criminal Code.

He is also charged with failing to comply with a release order issued by Manitoba Provincial Court.

Continued from Page A1

In the training room a new chiropractic chair has been bought, something Sperling said came up as a need after the Terrier trainer, doctor and physiotherapist got together to create a list of needs.

The training room is also getting a new skate sharpening unit, one with an attachment to catch the filings unlike the existing one that had them

The youth will be transported back to Saskatchewan to appear in Yorkton Provincial Court on June 13. While the victims’ names are on the information, we are choosing to refrain from providing them to be mindful of the privacy and healing of the surviving victim. Any potential connection, or lack thereof, between the accused and the victims is part of the ongoing investigation and we are unable to comment on it, or the motive for this incident, at this time. If an elevated risk to public safety is identified as part of this ongoing investiga-

spewed around the room.

There are also amenities being incorporated to make it a nice place for players and staff, and to create a ‘Terrier’ feel to the three rooms, said Sperling. For example a metal Terrier sign will go on a dressing room wall that it is lit, and a rug on the floor with the word ‘Terrier’ emblazoned on it.

In the training room will be a bank of narrow ‘suit lock-

tion, we will inform the public immediately.

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes continues to investigate and continues to ask the public to report all information about this incident, including the potential identity of the individuals depicted in the sketches. We are unable to comment on whether the arrested individual is or is not depicted in these sketches due to the ongoing investigation.

“We thank the members of the public who have come forward with information about this tragic incident. Our investigators have followed up on every piece of infor-

ers’ with one for each player. Above the suit area will be a lockable compartment for valuables and a place for cellphones so they are not in the dressing room, said Sperling.

The doors and area are being repainted too, gone will be the generic colours to be replaced with Terrier orange, black and gray, said Sperling. All the changes are to make it a better experience for play-

mation received,” says Supt. Joshua Graham, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “We still need the public’s help. If you think you may have some information about this crime and have not reported it, please do so. Even something you may think is small or insignificant could potentially help us identify the remaining suspects and get them into custody.

“Also, we have a special appeal to residents of Winnipeg and surrounding area. We’ve determined the youth we arrested spent considerable time in Winnipeg in

ers and staff, which should be an asset when it comes to recruiting, he added.

While the city dollars were needed, Sperling has been out canvasing for dollars too.

“The community has been awesome so far,” he said, adding he has raised $65,000 in cash, labour and materials.

But, there is more on the wish list, including a complete redo of the dressing room

the recent past. Winnipeg residents may not have heard of this investigation before, as it occurred out of province. Do you recognize the people depicted in the sketches we released? Or have you heard any information about this crime?”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Saskatchewan RCMP by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

showers, and the installation of a heavy duty washer and dryer in the training room, if donations keep coming.

Anyone interested in helping with dollars or other support can call Sperling at 306621-7383.

The project will be ongoing with a completion date set for Aug. 15, leading up to a barbecue, ribbon cutting and season ticket blitz.

23063GE0

Brady Harland, Nicole Campell, Brook Andres and Rohit Sikand were part of a discussion panel at the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Forum.

Up Front

Forster achieves 7th Dan black belt

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Master Mike Forster joined a rather exclusive group in terms of the Unified TaeKwon-Do International Saturday when he was officially award his 7th Dan Black Belt.

The presentation was in front of Yeti Tae Kwon Do at the Yorkton Martial Arts Centre, family and friends officiated by Unified TaeKwon-Do International’s President - 9th Dan, Grand Master Kopperud.

“It was really, really awesome to have all that support,” said Forster.

The moment was also special in terms of the federation Forster follows.

“It is a bit of a rarity,” admitted Forster. “The higher you go the less there are.”

While Forster noted there are a number of organizations which present belts, in the one he follows he said he is the third on the Prairies.

Earning the belt was certainly a journey of perseverance.

Forster, now 46, achieved his 6th Dan in 2015, making it a sevenyear journey. It was a journey interrupted by an ACL injury that required surgery, and a COVID pandemic, so the belt presentation at M.C. Knoll gym was highly gratifying.

In his acceptance speech Forster noted that the 7th Dan was not something which would make him a better teacher, and 99 per cent of people “have no idea what the difference is.”

But the process was one he wanted to pursue, stating he took up the challenge “because I’m able . . . Physically I’m still able to do it.”

Forster said there is also a desire to grow as an athlete.

“It’s not a good idea to stop and plateau,” he said.

So does that mean the journey now begins toward an 8th Dan?

Forster said he expects to continue

learning as long as he still able into the future.

“You set the next goal,” he said. It’s not that Forster ever exactly expected to be where he is today when he began in taekwondo back in 1992, but rather took his journey a step at a time.

It is difficult to imagine high level black belts when you start out, he said, adding it is at best a dream, but over time you improve your skills and it becomes a more realistic goal.

The event Saturday included a Chinese

Lion Dance performed by International Mantis Canada, Master Forster and his demonstration team, self defence, sparring, forms, fourdirection kick drills, step sparring, and board breaking.

Forster also attempted to set a personal best in brick breaking – he had broken six –taking on seven, but only five gave way.

“I watched the video. I struck it as hard as I could,” he said Sunday, adding he will make an attempt again.

Master Mike Forster demonstrated a number of breaking efforts during his 7th Dan black belt ceremoney which also included a Lion Dance as part of the festivities.

MURRAY MANDRYK

Forget all the rumours of late on an immediate Saskatchewan general election.

For now, we’ll all just have to settle for necessary byelections.

A general election now wouldn’t make much sense … although one supposes it’s possible to see a provincewide election slightly before its scheduled October 2024 date. That would make more sense.

Rumours have been hot and heavy that Premier Scott Moe would seize the moment of United Conservative Party (UPC) leader Danielle Smith’s win and perhaps do so in Saskatchewan.

To do so now would mean the shortest term — slightly more than two and a half years — in the history of a province where you’re more likely to see a government exceed the traditional fouryear mandate than go to the polls earlier.

Furthermore, there’s the question of whether political success in one neighbouring jurisdiction translates into the next … or whether Smith’s win even translates into momentum for anyone.

Sure, the UPC handily won “rural” Alberta (defined as anything outside of Calgary and Edmonton). But it the governing party was wiped out of Edmonton and lost the majority of seats in Calgary.

According to an Insightrix Research poll this spring, these Calgary-Edmonton Alberta results mirror what is now happening in Regina and Saskatoon.

Of course, you can be pretty much be assured of winning in Saskatchewan if you can sweep the rural areas like the UPC did outside Calgary and Edmonton and like as the Sask. Party are again destined to do here. In fact, non-NDP governments have traditionally fared poorly in the cities (especially, in Regina).

Many would rightly suggest that it’s an inevitability that majority governments will lose seats in a general election. It just makes sense to seize the opportunity whenever it can.

But it’s a point of pride within the Saskatchewan Party that in its 26-year history it has never emerged from a general election with less seats than it had.

The government is sitting on a billion-dollar surplus in 2023-24 budget after a billion-dollar surplus in 2022-23, meaning it has a great opportunity to spend a few bucks to win back city voters.

Recently, the government dropped $40 million to deal with overcrowded classrooms — a problem everywhere, but certainly a big problem in Saskatoon and Regina where there are now where the Regina Coronation Park and Regina Walsh Acres are now vacant, along with Lumsden-Morse. (This also may be contributing to the general election rumours.)

How serious the Sask. Party seems to be about not yielding any urban ground to the NDP is evident in its unopposed selection of former Regina Pat and NHLer Nevin Markwart as its Walsh Acres’ byelection candidate.

No date has been set for the byelections as of the writing of this column, but seats must be filled within six months of becoming vacant. Regina Coronation Park has been vacant since February.

Another thing that’s contributing to the general election rumours is a spate of retirement announcements — long-time MLA Greg Ottenbreit in Yorkton and Ken Francis in Kindersley that will be swallowed up by the new Kindersley-Biggar riding under the new Saskatchewan electoral map.

This has been followed by a Sask. Party press release scheduling 11 nominations including in Saskatchewan Rivers seat now filled by former Sask. Party member and now Saskatchewan United Party leader Nadine Wilson. The 10 others are ridings with returning incumbents, including Ken Cheveldayoff, Jeremy Harrison, Bronwyn Eyre, Laura Ross and Steven Bonk.

This has the NDP responding in kind, which might very well be the purpose of all those rumours we are now hearing. It’s always good to keep your opponents guessing.

It is possible the Sask. Party could still go early — perhaps in the spring of 2024 after that goodie-filled budget.

But as for any election, we’ll all just have settle for those byelections.

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

◆Editorial◆

Politicians need thanks for service — usually

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Member Perspective Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Sasktoday.ca A4

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G

reg Ottenbreit has announced he will not seek re-election. At the end of the current run next fall Ottenbreit will have represented the Yorkton constituency for 16 years.

You might not like Ottenbreit’s political views, and you may look back and think of instances where he made mistakes, but you still have to admire someone willing to serve for others for more than a decade and a half.

It needs to be remembered that in a multi-party political system at best you hope to poll 50 per cent of the votes cast – often winning with a lower percentage if multiple candidates do well.

Factor in the sadly growing number of people who don’t vote, and whether a city councillor, MLA, of MP, you head to work each day knowing many would rather have had someone else in your place.

Yet, a good representative has to set that aside and speak for all as best they can, as often as they can.

In the case of Ottenbreit his heart has always been solidly focused on Yorkton.

That doesn’t mean politicians don’t occasionally stub their toes – just ask Yorkton council about its library decision – but generally they are doing what they believe is best.

The library is a fine example. There is no doubt Council thought it was

doing something good, but ended up being over zealous in that effort, did not engage the actual owners of the library building – taxpayers – until it was too late, and the good idea became a botched undertaking.

For his efforts and dedication Ottenbreit needs a hearty pat on the back, and a heartfelt thank you.But, even in the mess of the library, the seven at council made an initial decision they thought best for the city. The process was severely flawed, but again the people thought they were doing well.

There is no doubt through 16 years there are times Ottenbreit will have questioned what he was doing, but he would have made choices he believed were best for Yorkton and Saskatchewan. Others would have made different decisions no doubt, but we can only ask of our elected officials to do their best.

There is little doubt Ottenbreit has done that for our constituency for some 16 years, and he should be proud of that service.

It’s not an easy job satisfying a diverse electorate, many who may have voted for others, balancing the needs of the constituency with those of the broader province, and facing the microscopic dissection of every statement, gesture and decision by social media followers.

It can be a thankless job, but now with the end of his service on the horizon we should be rectifying that by thanking Greg Ottenbreit for his years as MLA.

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Welcome to ‘Wordy Wednesday’ brought to you by our friends at Yorkton Public Library, (including Slo the friendly sloth), and appearing here courtesy of Yorkton This Week. What exactly does barbecue or simplified BBQ mean? In Canada, it points to our backyard grill. In some parts of the USA, such as Texas and Tennessee, the answer probably involves a method of slow-cooking with indirect heat. Barbecue has different meanings, but a single American origin. When 17th-century Spanish explorers landed in the West Indies, they saw native people - the Arawakan - drying meat over a frame. The Arawakan called the wooden rack a ‘barbacoa’. The explorers borrowed the term. ‘Barbacoa’ soon came to name not only the frame but the process of cooking (not drying) meat. Now, of course, barbecue can name the cooking structure, the food, the cooking method, or the social occasion. (Merriam-Webster.com) Enjoy the barbecue in your backyard or anywhere in this delicious summer!

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Casino retires mortgage early

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

It was a big win for the Painted Hand Casino Friday as a celebration marking the final payment on the facility.

“Today is a gathering to celebrate the milestone of paying in-full the mortgage on the Painted Hand Casino building,” read M.C. Justin Holness.

“It’s such an honour to be up here,” said YTC Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup, adding it was a memorable event that was possible through the efforts of so many through the development of PHC. “. . . It’s really apparent all the time and effort that went into this.”

Heather Bear, ViceChief with FSIN said casinos such as PHC are so important for Saskatchewan First Nations because of the economic benefits they provide.

“They create jobs for our people,” she said, adding that is important in terms of bringing “prosperity to our people.”

Across the province some 1700 are employed at First Nations casinos.

Mary Culbertson, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan said the creation of First Nation casinos was very much about creating a better tomorrow.

“They weren’t thinking about today. They were thinking about the future,” she said, adding the effort dovetailed into First Nation’s . . . “inherent right to self determination.”

Like Bear, Culbertson also focused attention on the casinos creating jobs

which teach skills that allow First Nation new opportunities citing her own past where a job at PHC allowed her “to feed my kids,” and eventually become a lawyer and the province’s first female Treaty Commissioner.

Holness noted the facility was actually paid off early, which is good news financially.

“The PHC Holdings Ltd. Mortgage for the building shell which is home to the Painted Hand Casino operations was for $12 million dollars over a 15 year term,” he explained. “The PHC Holdings LP Board of Directors exercised their pre-payment option on the loan and was able to pay off the mortgage in 14 years with a calculated interest saving on the loan of $1 million.”

PHC Holding Ltd.

Is a seven partner Limited Partnership that consists of the six First Nations of the Yorkton Tribal Council;

Cote First Nation, Keeseekoose First Nation, The Key First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Zagime Anishnabek (Sakimay) First Nation and Ocean Man First Nation. The Yorkton Tribal Council Administration Inc. Is the seventh partner of the Partnership Agreement. All seven partners have equal shares in the Partnership Agreement.

The story of the Painted Hand Casino at its current location in Yorkton actually dates back nearly two decades.

“In 2004, the Yorkton Tribal Council Chiefs formed a Casino Development Working Group to do the leg work of setting up a new casino location and building with the intent of expansion of the original Painted Hand Casino that was located in downtown Yorkton across from City Hall,” explained Holness.

“The vision of the new

casino was not to be a square warehouse box but a Vegas Style Casino.”

Holness said the vision was to create a facility which would be viable over the long term.

“Be it noted that all agreements were negotiated and developed to withstand the test of time and possible changes over a period of a 25-year time frame which coincided with the Sask. Provincial Government – Sask Liquor and Gaming Authority Framework Agreement for First Nations Gaming Operations in the province of Saskatchewan,” he shared.

The development of the casino was very much a co-operative process starting with the member First Nations.

“The YTC Chiefs who are the shareholders of PHC Holdings Ltd. has been supportive of the board of directors and have provided direction when called upon,” said

Holness. “They were the leadership that had the vision to develop First Nations casino operations in the Province of Saskatchewan under the management and supervision of Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).”

Financing of the new casino was of course critical, and was not secured without a bump in the road.

“It is important to note that arrangements for financing took a little twist when the estimated costs for the construction of the building shell went from $10M to $12M and the financial institution that had agreed to finance at $10M backed away from the deal,” said Holness.

“This was when Concentra Financial stepped up to the plate and were able to secure the core lending funds from Credit Unions in Yorkton and the surrounding area. Special

Jean Laube Memorial Scholarship awarded

tribute to those credit unions that had faith in the Painted Hand Casino project and put up the funds through Concentra Financial for the $12M loan over a 15-year-term at a fixed interest rate over the term of the loan.”

These Credit Unions were: Crossroads Credit Union – Canora, SK, Foam Lake Credit Union – Foam Lake, SK, Cornerstone Credit Union – Tisdale, SK, and Cornerstone Credit Union – Yorkton, SK by and through Concentra Financial Commercial Operations Branch.

“If our credit union leaders had not put faith in this project to lend the money for its development, we would not be here today,” said Holness. One of the most important elements of the project was the input from the elders and senators of the Yorkton Tribal Council.

“During the interior/ exterior design phases of the casino, the interior architects consulted with the elders and senators on three separate occasions and after each meeting, the architects made the suggested changes that were brought up and discussed at these meetings,” read Holness.

“Everything was on the table for discussion; designs on the carpet, types of pictures and interior decor, waterfall as center piece on gaming floor, exterior border at top of building, statue out-front of the building, teepee poles on the front canopy entrance and the band logos on the front of the building.”

Jon Fetch (seated), Jean Laube Scholarship winner with his music teacher Laurel Teichroeb and Yorkton Registered Music Teacher president, Karen Muir

Yorkton Women in Need Inc. Shelwin House

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wed. June 21, 2023 @ 6:30pm

To attend please email susanshelwinhouse@sasktel.net before end of day June 19/23.

If your address or other personal information has changed - such as name change, family unit change due to marriage, divorce, addition or removal of dependents - Health Registries needs to know.

Preparations are underway for the 2023 health care renewal.

Current health cards are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2023. eHealth will begin

Registered Music Teachers. The award was originated to honour the late Jean Laube, a founding teacher of the Yorkton Registered Music Teachers. It is awarded to a

Time to update health card info

mailing out renewal stickers to individuals who are currently eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage starting in mid-fall of 2023.

Renewal stickers will extend your current health card and service coverage until Dec. 31, 2026. If your health card expires, you could be billed for medical services. To update your address, as well as any personal information, email Change@ eHealthSask.ca or call 1-800-667-7551. Find out more on the eHealth Saskatchewan website. — Submitted

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student not necessarily pursuing a post-secondary education in music, but who is working to complete Grade 10 or an ARCT level of voice or piano and has been studying with a member of the Yorkton Registered Invites you to attend their Annual General Meeting June 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm This will be a virtual meeting via WebEx. Log in information and the meeting access code will be emailed to you upon receipt of your registration. Please pre-register by June 21, 2021 SIGN–83 North Street (306) 783-9409 • signadmin@signyorkton.ca

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Music Teachers. Fetch is completing his Grade 10 diploma from Yorkton music teacher, Laurel Teichroeb, and is enrolled in Brandon University to study education with a major in music. Invites you to attend their Annual General Meeting June 22, 2023 Registration: 5:30pm • Dinner: 6:00pm • Annual Meeting: 7:00pm Cost is $30.00 per person (Includes Buffet Dinner and Membership) Payment options: online at https://signyorkton.ca/membership; at the meeting; dropped off or mailed to: SIGN, 83 North Street, Yorkton, SK, S3N 0G9 Please pre-register by June 14, 2023 SIGN – 83 North Street (306) 783-9409 • signadmin@signyorkton.ca

From left;Trevor Acoose, Lyndon Musqua, Chief Clinton Key, Kevin Musqua, Tasha Pelly, Tribal Chief O’Soup, Chief Constance BigEagle, Mike Bob, and Chief Lynn Acoose.

eHealth Saskatchewan is reminding residents that it’s important to ensure your address and family information is up to date now, to receive your new health card stickers this fall.

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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

June 14 - June 20, 2023

Next Council Meeting

Monday, June 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Request for Tenders

Name of Tender: Gallagher Centre Flexihall and Ag Pavilion Lighting

Tender must be received before 4:00 p.m. on June 19, 2023.

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

Details of Tender:

The City of Yorkton is requesting tenders from interested vendors for a two-part lighting project.

Part One The removal, supply, and installation of LED lighting and the installation of and power cord reels in the Gallagher Centre Flexihall.

Part Two The removal, supply, and installation of LED lighting in the Gallagher Centre Ag Pavilion.

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

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

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

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

Kurt Stechyshyn

Facilities Manager Recreation & Community Services City of Yorkton

Phone: 306-786-1750 Email: parksandrec@yorkton.ca

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

General InquIrIes:

306-786-1700

Yorkton library workers concerned by lack of consultation in

Members of CUPE 1904 representing Yorkton library workers, are deeply dismayed about Mayor Hippsley’s recent comments about the rationale for the sale of the library, and the startling news that the library may face closures during the transition period.

“City Council is making decisions without considering the valuable insights and expertise of the library. We have serious concerns about the impact on community access to essential library services,” said

Savannah KomaikePetkau, A/president of CUPE 1904 in a prepared media release. “It is clear that city council has very limited knowledge of the vital role our library plays in the community, and instead of working directly with library professionals they are leaving us in the dark and fumbling through the entire process as a result.”

The Yorkton branch of the Parkland Regional Library is responsible for 30 percent of circulation for the whole region. Library pro-

gramming includes space for counselling, legal clinics, children’s activities, assistance for seniors and newcomers, and so much more.

“Any closure of the facility will have a devastating impact on patrons. It is disheartening that the building was sold without any thought of the needs of the library. It is even more disheartening to know we might be closing our doors due to the tight timeline of the sale and associated transition,” added KomaikePetkau.

CUPE is also concerned about the mayor’s comments suggesting concerns about drug use and loitering around the library as a rationale for the sale.

“Libraries across the country are facing similar challenges and effective strategies have been implemented to address these issues while preserving the integrity and purpose of these vital community institutions,” said Judy Henley, president of CUPE Saskatchewan and a Melville resident. “It is essential to

recognize that selling the library building in response to these challenges is a short-sighted approach that fails to address the root causes of the issues at hand.”

CUPE is calling for immediate and meaningful consultation with library workers and the union.

“By working together, we can find innovative solutions that uphold the library’s mission, support the dedicated workers, and ensure a vibrant and inclusive community space that remains a source of

pride for Yorkton and area residents,” concluded Henley.

CUPE represents approximately 650 public library workers across the province who work in three municipal library systems and five regional library systems: Regina, Saskatoon, Lakeland (North Battleford area); Palliser (Moose Jaw area); Parkland (Yorkton area); Southeast (Weyburn area); Wapiti (Central Saskatchewan) and John M. Cuelenaere (Prince Albert).

— Submitted

Library moves leaves Chamber with questions

The Board of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce is supportive of Yorkton City Council choosing to abide by the decision it made at the April 24 meeting of Council to accept the offer from a local business to purchase the property that currently houses the library.

“We are relieved that a Chamber member will be able to move forward with business expansion plans,” said Vanessa Andres, President of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce in a release.

“This is a positive for the business community.”

However, the Notice of Motion to rescind certain sections of the April 24 resolution so that an alternate location for the Library can be found

leaves many unanswered questions, noted the release.

Council’s decision to sell the property currently housing the library is fiscally responsible, stated the Chamber release, noting “.as per the April 24 resolution passed unanimously by Council, the sale meant an infusion of $1.5 million into the city coffers, the collection of property taxes and added efficiencies by housing the library in the Gallagher Centre.”

Now that Council has voted to rescind certain sections of that resolution in order to “direct Administration to investigate alternate options for Library Relocation”, it leaves many unanswered questions, continued the

Chamber release:

• To where does Council suggest the Library be relocated?

• Will the city have to purchase or build a building?

• If a building is purchased, what will be the cost of renovations?

• If a building is purchased, how much are the property taxes the city will no longer be

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collecting?

If, indeed, Council refuses to relocate the library to the Gallagher Centre, many of the financial benefits and efficiencies gained by the sale of 93 Broadway Street West could be lost, the release continued.

“The sale of the property currently housing the library and the relocation of the library to the Gallagher Centre would have been a positive move for the city”, said Andres. “Now, we have no idea as to the costs the taxpayers of the City are facing to locate the Library somewhere other than the Gallagher Centre.”

Another area of concern is what will happen to the Library while the city seeks a new home?

“The Library has been described as the “living room of the community,” said Andres. “By rejecting the Gallagher Centre – at least for the time being - Council now risks closing the Library completely until a new home can be found for it.”

The Chamber recognizes the importance of the Public Library to the community and believes relocating the Library to the Gallagher Centre will ensure its long- term viability to be used and enjoyed by its many patrons.

The purpose of the Yorkton Chamber is to be “the voice of Yorkton and district business community” and represents over 415 members. — Submitted

Yorkton Public Library

Blast off

Under sunny skies a number of local youth sent rockets high into the sky Sunday. Skies the Limit hosted ‘Rocket Day’ which was a chance to build a rocket model kit and then have help launching it into the sky, explained Joe Schmeider, store proprietor, who noted he was trying to make an event for kids. Schmeider said he hoped the activity is one where adults could help youngsters build the rocket with the kids and then come out to help with the launch activities. Schmeider said plans are for a second Rocket Day Aug. 13.

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

Vietnamese and Philippines June Days

The Yorkton Business Improvement District held the second event of their June Days Celebrations on June 8. The event focused on the cultures of the Vietnames and Phillippines. The event featured live music, cultural activites, dances, face painting and food from several different vendors. Next up in YBID’s June Days will be the Ukraine Theme on June 15 with celebrations to begin at 4:00 p.m in City Centre Park.

Staff Photos Need

Legislation not always best for farmers

Increasingly how farmers farm will be dictated by government regulation.

Where regulation of business by government is not new, agriculture has long operated with perhaps less interference than most sectors.

That can of course be seen as a positive by producers, although increasingly the public is concerned about how farmers farm. It might be suggested the concerns arise from most people having no idea how food is produced, and that lack of knowledge is something where misinformation can quickly take route and have consumers concerned.

That isn’t to suggest producers can’t do

some things better, but when you have elected officials – again many not having direct farm knowledge in many jurisdictions – legislation can go too far, and become prohibitive to production.

In North America in particular it is easy to think changes are positive with little concern about production because food shelves in stores are generally always full, there is a larger question about feeding the world in a fashion which is cost effective, and allows producers to make a dollar too.

It’s a balancing act that seems to be tilting toward legislative decisions that are edging too far in terms of farmers being able to

Agriculture THIS WEEK

Calvin Daniels

operate reasonably.

For example the hog industry stateside is expecting turmoil to arise after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a California law cutting off that giant market from most North American pork.

“The law, known as Proposition 12, also affects other meats such as chicken and beef. It bans the instate production and sale from any source

of meats not produced to the law’s specifications, which defines not only the type of animal production systems allowed but also technical details required for compliant systems,” reported a www.producer.com article.

“While the intention known as ‘Prop 12’ is to force livestock producers to offer systems such as open housing for gestating sows that

many people believe are more humane than individual stalls, the technical specifications mean that many barns that have been retrofitted or built new around open housing won’t be acceptable . . .

“Small numbers of barns with open housing have been built, but few with the required amount of space per sow defined by Prop 12. For instance, even with open housing, the new law dictates that each sow must have at least 24 sq. feet of room, which is more than most contemporary systems provide.”

Clearly the industry – even those moving toward greater sow freedom – have a different vision than California legislators,

and while you should not simply believe anything from a particular group without some research, I’d be less trusting of largely urban elected officials.

But here the die has been cast, and it could lead to pork shortages in California, and a glut in other jurisdictions where pork typically sold into the huge California market goes.

It’s a case of legislation at least needing a phase-in period to adjust so as not to disrupt markets, but that clearly is not happening. If legislators are going down the road of greater control of how farmers farm they should at least tread with some care.

Seeding nears completion

Many producers in the province have finished seeding, with others very close to done. Ninety-six per cent of the crop is in the ground, up from 89 per cent last week and just slightly behind the

to finish seeding. There were many reports of rain in the form of heavy storms, which resulted in localized flooding in some areas. There have also been reports of heavy winds and hail

• Crop District 5 –Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas

• Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik,

COMMUNITY

GOLF TOURNAMENT

YORK LAKE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

average (2018-2022) of 99 per cent.

Producers are progressing in seeding as weather conditions allow, but the rain this week has delayed many from completing operations.

Most of the region received rain this week. There are many reports of flooding in the region. Still, many producers were happy to see the

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rain as it helped improve moisture conditions in the drier parts of the region.

The Wynard area received 47 mm of rain, the Saltcoats area 45 mm, the Craven and Stalwart areas 40 mm and the Lipton area 36 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate and 10 per cent short.

Hay and pasture land is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and six per cent very short.

Recent rain falls and high temperatures have helped support crop emergence and development.

Sixteen per cent of the fall cereal crops are in the shot blade stage, while 31 per cent of the spring cereals are tillering.

Forty-six per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 31 per cent is in the seedling stage, along with 10 per cent of flax in the seedling stage.

Forty-six per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 47 per cent are in the vegetative stage.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to localized flooding, wind, flea beetles and grasshoppers.

Producers are busy spraying, picking rocks and moving cattle to pasture.

Provincially

Producers in the westcentral region have virtually completed seeding with 99 per cent of their crop now seeded. Seeding is at 98 per cent completion in the northeast and northwest regions of the province, 96 per cent in the southwest, and 94 per cent in the east-central and southeast regions.

Rainfall was received throughout the province last week. While it was welcomed by producers in the drier areas of the province, it also caused flooding and delays for many. Much of the rain was localized, with some areas receiving trace amounts and many receiving more. There was 64 mm of precipitation in the Glenavon area, 53 mm in Mossbank, 45 mm in Rhein, 34 mm

in Garrick and 11 mm in Mayfair.

Moisture conditions are overall improved in the province this week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and three per cent very short.

Heat and moisture in much of the province have supported crop development. Warm temperatures with high night-time lows have progressed some crops ahead of normal. Thirtyone per cent of the fall cereal crops are reported as being in the jointing stage, 26 per cent are in the shot blade stage and 12 per cent are in the heading stage, while 46 per cent of the spring cereals are emerging and 40 per cent are tillering. Forty-two per cent of the canola is emerging and 42 per cent is in the seedling stage, along with 34 per cent of flax being in the seedling stage. Fortynine per cent of pulse crops are emerging and 43 per cent are in the vegetative stage.

There were various causes of crop damage this past week. Scattered, but widespread storms caused flooding, hail and wind damage throughout multiple areas of the province. Heat and drought are also causing stress in the crops. There were reports of insect damage caused by grasshoppers and flea beetles, as well as gophers.

Producers have been busy finishing up seed, spraying, checking crops, picking rocks and moving cattle to pasture. Producers are encouraged to take all safety precautions in all the work they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at https://www. saskatchewan.ca/cropreport.

Follow the 2023 Crop Report on Twitter at @ SKAgriculture.

Sp orts

Terriers trade netminder to Mustangs

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Day one of racing was Sunday.

Stock cars hit track for first time in 2023

The dust was flying Sunday as Yellowhead International Speedway hosted its first day of stock car racing in the 2023 race season.

The track is maintained by the Parkland Racing Association. It is a medium bank track which spans 3/8 miles (inside) and is 80-feet wide.

It is built on land leased from the City of Yorkton and constructed with donations from many individuals and local businesses. The clay track is designed for serious speed!

And the Sunday results of the Yorkton Dodge-sponsored races

are:

Hobby stock

Heat 1: first #10 Brian Matkowski, second #88

Rodney Rosenthal, third #11 Neil Matkowski

Heat 2: first #10 Brian Matkowski, second #88

Rodney Rosenthal, third #11 Neil Matkowski

Heat 3” first #88

Rodney Rosenthal, second #10 Brian Matkowski, third #11 Neil Matkowski

Feature: first #10

Brian Matkowski, second #88 Rodney Rosenthal, third #11 Neil Matkowski

Street stock

Heat 1: first #249 Liam Griffin, second #26 Tyler

Doubleheader action

Rosenthal

Heat 2: first #249 Liam Griffin, second #26 Tyler

Rosenthal

Heat 3: first #249 Liam Griffin, second #26 Tyler

Rosenthal

Feature: first #249 Liam Griffin, second #26 Tyler Rosenthal

Pro 4

Heat 1: first George Musqua, second Rhena Musqua

Heat 2: first George Musqua

Heat 3: first George Musqua

Feature: first George Musqua

The next race day is June 25. Green flag drops at 2 p.m.

The Yorkton Terriers have sent goaltender Tysen Smith to the Melfort Mustangs in exchange for a Player Development Fee (PDF).

The 2004-born Smith out of Prince George, B.C., played 14 games for the Terriers this past season, earning a 1-8 record to go along with a 4.79 goals-against-average (GAA), and a .870 save percentage. In those 14 contests, Smith faced 50 shots, twice, stopping 46, and 45 respectively against Humboldt and Nipawin.

Terrier G.M. and head coach Mat Hehr said the Terriers are solid in goal, and this gives Smith a fresh start.

“We have good goaltending depth and we wanted to give Tysen a chance as a 19-year-old to go to a place to compete for a starting role,” Hehr told Yorkton This Week. “Since we have two 19-year-olds returning, we wanted to be fair to Tysen and give him the opportunity.

“We thank him for his

time in Yorkton and wish him the best of luck in Melfort,”

The Mustangs look at Smith as a player they feel can contribute.

“We believe Tysen has the ability to be a really solid goaltender in our league,” said Mustangs Head Coach and General Manager Trevor Blevins in a team release. “He’s already gained some valuable experience in the SJHL and has the size and mobility to succeed at this level with the right opportunity.”

Prior to joining the Terriers last sea-

son, Smith started the 2022/2023 season in the AJHL with the Spruce Grove Saints. He was 3-1, with a 2.76 GAA, and a .883 save percentage. That was followed by a five game stint in the KIJHL with the 100 Mile House Wranglers where he was 2-3 in five appearances, sporting a 3.79 GAA, and a .902 save percentage.

Between 2020 and 2022, Smith played U18 AAA hockey for the Cariboo Cougars, playing in a total of 27 regular season and playoff games.

CFL Commissioner reflects on new season

This is absolutely one of the best weekends in sports as the Canadian Football League kicks off a new season.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie was among those excited for the season opening game Thursday in Calgary with the B.C. Lions offering the opposition.

“We’ve been hard at work over the last months on so many different fronts,” he told Yorkton This Week, adding to have that work behind them and the season under way is fulfilling. “. . . It’s a special time for the CFL.”

A key element of the off season work was finding new owners for the Montreal Alouettes.

It was in March of this year the league announced the conclusion of a transaction with entrepreneur and busi-

nessman Pierre Karl Péladeau, who personally acquired the Als.

In Péladeau the league has an owner with deep pockets – a billionaire – at the helm of a key market team, which Ambrosie said can only be a positive for the CFL moving forward. “It’s (Montreal) such a vibrant market, such a good football market,” he said adding, Péladeau and his partners have a vision and plan that is good for the Alouettes and the league. “He has a clear, long term vision that’s big, bold ambitious.”

Péladeau’s arrival to the CFL has had something of an impact down the road in Quebec City with recent talk of CFL expansion to that city.

Ambrosie said Quebec City has been on the CFL radar.

CALVIN DANIELS Sports

“We have said before Quebec City could be a CFL city . . . There are lots of reasons Quebec City could be a good fit,” he said citing the general growth of football in the province, the strength of the Rouge et Or program at Laval University, and the natural rivalry a team would have with Montreal.

The re-emergence of talk about Quebec City does not mean expansion to the Maritimes is off the table. Ambrosie said there remains interest in,

and efforts toward a team in Halifax.

Either site would finally create a balanced CFL with 10 teams split with five in the west and five in the east – something of a dream for fans for years, if not decades.

“I share that dream,” said Ambrosie, adding “we have strong support from our governors . . . to make expansion a priority.”

With Péladeau in place in Montreal, Ambrosie said the league is in good hands in terms

of ownership, pointing to the impact Amar Doman has had in B.C. since acquiring the Lions.

Strong existing ownership is foundational if the league is to expand, as is having a long term agreement with players allowing them to be partners in growth.

“The long term element with players means we can think about the future together,” said Ambrosie.

While there is excitement in thinking about CFL expansion, Ambrosie said the immediate good news is

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie

The Yorkton Vale Country Expos hosted Weyburn for a pair of games at Jubilee Park in the city on Sunday. The host team came away with wins by scores of 14-4 and 5-0. The pair of wins puts Yorkton atop their league.

Staff Photo by Calvin Daniels

Tysen Smith has been traded by the Yorkton Terriers/

Photo Courtesy CFL

SHEKULA - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Lorna Anne Shekula. Lorna was called home on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Royal University Hospital with her loving husband Robert Krakowski by her side. Lorna leaves behind her husband Robert of 50 years, mother Elsie Shekula, sister Lynne, brother Jim and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews. Lorna was predeceased by her father Matt Shekula. There will be an inurnment at St. John’s Columbarium at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Thea Katchmar - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories of Lorna or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca

WEINMASTER - The family of Mel Weinmaster are deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 5, 2023 at the age of 94 years. Mel was born April 5, 1929 to Molly (nee Becker) and Alex Weinmeister on the family farm near Rhein, SK. He was delivered by his grandmother, the local midwife. All told, Mel was joined by three brothers, and two sisters. Shortly after he was born, the family moved to another farm, and then to Dunleath. Life on the farm was hard work, but he was up for the challenge and did his part. His youth was full of adventure, many of which he shared with his children and grandchildren, who loved listening to his stories. Mel started school in Rhein and continued in Dunleath, before leaving school in grade 10 to join the working world. Mel was always a hard worker, and had quite a working life. Starting with pushing bush on a Caterpillar, he moved on to work as a lot boy at Evergreen Motors, and a grain buyer at P&H. After attending welding school in Edmonton in 1948, and Hillcrest Bible College at Medicine Hat in 1950, Mel eventually found his career at Safeway. Beginning in Regina as a stock boy and then transferring to Yorkton as produce manager, he was soon promoted to assistant manager and then manager. In the end he was a loyal employee of Safeway for 30 plus years. After some health issues arose, he retired from Safeway and turned to his true passion: farming. Mel had been farming part time since the late 70s, and was happy to turn it into a full-time pursuit. He was eventually joined in his farming venture by his son Tim, and they ran the farm as a father and son operation until Mel retired from farming in 2009. Mel met the love of his life, Sybil Garrison, in the early 1950s when she was in nurse’s training. They were married on September 29, 1954. Their married life began in Regina, before moving back to Yorkton in 1956. In 1957 they welcomed their first son James, followed by Tim in 1961. Mel and Sybil were inseparable until the very end, and their enduring love was an inspiration to all around them. Even into their 90s, they could be seen holding hands on the couch, or sharing a kiss. Family was Mel and Sybil’s priority throughout their life together. From trips to the family farm in Dunleath, summer vacations with the trailer, and a new National or Provincial Park every year, there was no shortage of variety. Their summer cabin at York Lake provided a fun getaway, and so many memories. In their later years, they enjoyed spending winters in Texas and Arizona, making countless friends along the way. As they grew older, Mel and Sybil welcomed four grandsons, and eventually two great granddaughters. They spoke with great pride of every accomplishment, good report card, and sporting medal that was brought home. Mel’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life as an example to all. He was a kind, gentle soul, still thanking all those who cared for him until the very end. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Sybil, sons James (Donnalee) and Tim (Priscilla), James’ sons Matthew and Thomas (Lindsay), Tim’s sons Garrison and Zachary, and great granddaughters Aidy and Riley (Thomas). We will miss him dearly, but are celebrating a life well lived! The family would like to thank the staff on 3300 at City Hospital for their care and compassion during Dad’s stay. A Celebration of Mel’s Life will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Saskatoon Funeral Home. For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join the service via livestream. To leave condolences and to view the livestream, please visit Mel’s tribute page at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home (306-244-5577).

KLAUSE - Art was the youngest child born to Edward and Bertha Klause at the Klause family homestead farm near Cussed Creek in the Springside area. They moved to the Peachview District to farm but looking for better educational opportunities, relocated to the farm near Saltcoats in 1939. Dad farmed there with his dad and brother Norm and finally Blair for the rest of his life. He was a farmer through and through, always in search of a newer and better tractor. He quit school in Grade 10 and worked for SaskPower before finally devoting himself to farming full time. Farming including grain farming, a large herd of beef cattle, milking a dozen Holsteins every day twice!! He also worked in his spare time for several rural telephone companies on call 24 hours a day until SaskTel took over all the rural companies. Farming was his entire life with little room for any other pursuit. He continued to run the combine for eight hours a day at age 92. In 1953 he married Dorothy Becker the daughter of his Lutheran minister. Brent was born 9 months and two weeks later and Blair followed five years later. He served as Elder of Zion Lutheran Church in Yorkton and was a strong and devoted member of that church. He lived and worked on the farm until age 93 when failing mobility forced a move to Lakeside Manor. He actually loved it there and was very grateful for the care he received. He had a remarkably healthy life and was in charge of his faculties until the end when he passed away in his sleep October 22, 2022. He was pre deceased by his parents, his two sisters Bea and Lauren and his brother Norm and their spouses. He is the last of the line. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy who at age 92 resides at Lakeside Manor in Saltcoats, his son Brent (Judy) their two boys Mark and Adam (Sadie) and son Blair (Theresa). The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Lakeside Manor for the exemplary care Dad received while a resident there for two years and who continue to care for our Mom. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Lutheran World Relief or Lakeside Manor Saltcoats. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00am from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre (Hwy #10E) with Rev. Kai Buck officiating. Mark Klause will give the eulogy and Adam Klause will serve as the Urnbearer. The interment will follow in the Garden of St. John, Yorkton Memorial Gardens. A Live-Stream link can be accessed and messages of condolence may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral and Cremation Care.

HANEWICH - Lawrence

Hanewich, beloved husband of the late Nell Hanewich, passed away at Oliver Lodge, Saskatoon, SK on June 1, 2023, at the age of 84 years. Lawrence was born on June 4, 1938, to Nick and Pauline (nee Guspodaric) Hanewich on the family farm northeast of Canora, SK. His education began at Mohyla School and continued at Canora Composite School, where he graduated in 1957. Growing up as the oldest in the family, Lawrence took on many responsibilities on the family farm and in the family’s store, Canora Grocery. After completing grade 12, he attended Teachers College in Moose Jaw, SK, where he received his teaching certificate in 1958. Lawrence later took university classes in Saskatoon and Regina to upgrade his qualifications. He began his teaching career in the Canora School Division, starting at Crooked Hill Creek School (19581959) and then moved to East Scalot School (1959-1962). After this, he accepted the position of principal at Mikado Public School, serving for three years. Lawrence was then assigned to teach at the Canora Senior Elementary, a grade 4 to 6 school. Three years later, he was promoted to principal in 1968, and held the position until his retirement in 1990. His career spanned a total of 32 years in the teaching profession. While Lawrence was teaching in 1959, he met the love of his life, Nell Yawney, and they were united in marriage in Canora on August 11, 1962. Lawrence and Nell first lived in the teacherage next to the Mikado School and then built a home in Canora, where they raised four children: Janice, Jodyjane, Janet, and James. After his retirement from the field of education, Lawrence embarked in another career. He successfully completed an independent real estate course in 1993 and started working with Community Insurance as a realtor. Aside from work, family, and community, Lawrence enjoyed many personal hobbies and interests. He enjoyed music and he loved the outdoors and being close to nature, whether it was at the farm on the fields, planting a garden, mowing the lawn, or driving around the countryside with Nell and friends picking mushrooms and berries. He had a deep love of sports and had a long history of involvement in Minor Sports, as a coach, secretary-treasurer, and league commissioner. Once he lost his mobility, he enjoyed watching curling, football, and his favorite Blue Jays on TV, right up until his last days. Lawrence lived a life of service and believed in giving back to his community. His twenty-two years of service involved five terms (16 years) as an Alderman for the Town of Canora and two terms (6 years) as the town’s mayor. At the 1999 Convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, Lawrence received their Honorary Membership Award. While on council, he represented the town on many committees and organizations. Some of these included: the Chamber of Commerce, Canora Union Hospital Board, Canora Economic Development Commission, Assiniboine Plains Rural Development Corporation, Canora Lions Club, Parkland Regional Winter Games, Canadian Cancer Society, Sunrise Health District, Canora Heritage CN Station, and as a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora, serving as an elder, board member and caretaker. In 2013, Lawrence and Nell sold the farm and their home in Canora and moved to Yorkton, where they enjoyed their time socializing with condo friends. Everything changed with Nell’s tragic passing on November 10, 2015. Lawrence then moved to the Bentley and spent quiet days continuing to visit with his friends, children and grandchildren and doing jigsaw puzzles, paint by numbers, word searches, watching and listening to TV and radio and adding to his poetry collection. With declining health, Lawrence moved to the Yorkton Crossing and then to Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon, where he continued to reside until his passing. Throughout his life he was always there to lend a hand to any friend, neighbor, or relative and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nell; his parents, Nick and Pauline Hanewich, and in-laws, Steve and Ann Yawney. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Janice (Glenn) Key of Saskatoon, SK, Jodyjane (Brent) Hrywkiw of Stony Plain, AB, and Janet (Shawn) Flett of Saskatoon, SK; his son, James of Yorkton, SK; grandchildren: Kyla (Jon), Pharyne, Daneka (Jared), Braeden, Benton and Ellyn; great grandchildren: Jaxon, Tatum, Sutter and Bowen; his sister, Myra Sklaruk; brother, Bob (Alva) Hanewich; sisters-in-law, Rose (Herb) Marchinko and Dianne Potts; and brother-inlaw, Walter Yawney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In Lawrence’s honour, a Private Celebration of Life Service was held with Shawna Leson as certified celebrant. Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Angels of Care – Oliver Lodge, Saskatoon, SK or to the Canadian Cancer Society, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Lawrence Hanewich. Family and friends are invited to sign an online guestbook at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements have been entrusted to LESON’S FUNERAL HOME, Canora.

TYMIAK’S

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STADNYK - Diane Sandra Stadynk (nee Lemchuk), age 70, of Yorkton, SK, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023, at Yorkton Regional Health Centre surrounded by family. Diane was born in Yorkton, SK to Steve Lemchuk and Mary Alice Lemchuk (nee Ritchie) on August 21, 1952. She grew up on the family farm just east of Willowbrook, before moving to Yorkton in 1967. She graduated from the Yorkton Regional High School in 1970 and met her husband Bernie shortly thereafter. They were married on June 10, 1972. In 1974, while living in Saskatoon, they welcomed their first son, Bernard Eugene, into the world. Two and a half years later back in Yorkton, Sheldon Dean, was born. God had a different plan for Sheldon as he called him to Heaven at the tender age of 4. In the years that followed, she ran a day home, was part-owner in a local business, and then started working at the Hudson Bay Company, where she worked for many years. After leaving the Bay, she worked for The Bentley Yorkton, which she enjoyed immensely and made some lifelong friends. Circa 2013, Diane retired to pursue her faith even more as her health decided to give her some challenges. After retiring she became heavily involved with St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church as a parishioner and held several volunteer roles in the parish including preparing the younger members of the church to receive their First Holy Communion. One of the reasons she took on this role was so she could teach her grandchildren a better understanding of the Catholic Faith and to prepare them to receive their First Holy Communion, as well as countless other children of the parish. Diane’s faith grew stronger all the time, she immersed herself in many Faith Formation classes, and even participated in a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. All the time she knew she was preparing for her eventual call from God. In her spare time, Diane would spend countless hours crocheting, sewing and quilting, providing many special keepsakes for family and friends. She always had a gift on the go for someone who was expecting a child or getting married. Diane also had a passion for gardening, which was evident on their acreage west of Yorkton, which always had an abundance of beautiful flower beds and a large garden. This love for gardening followed her to her current residence in Yorkton which also boasted well maintained flower beds that were lovingly tended to by her and Bernie daily. Diane is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bernie Stadnyk of Yorkton, her son Eugene Stadnyk (Frances), grandchildren Deana, Steven and Samuel of Yorkton. Her sisters, Myrna Pelletier (Pierre), Laurel Favel (Michel), and Gwen Carr (Brandan) and families. She is preceded in death by her son Sheldon, and her parents, Steve and Mary. The family wishes to extend their undying gratitude to the staff of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre and Yorkton and District Nursing Home for the outstanding care given and immense compassion displayed over the last several weeks. Prayers were held on Friday, June 9, 2023 and the Funeral Service on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Father Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church officiating. The epistle reader was Carmen Kingsbury and the cross bearer was Virginia Serelo. Eugene Stadnyk shared reflections of his mother’s life in a eulogy. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Deana Stadnyk, Steven Stadnyk, Samuel Stadnyk, Geraldine Lutzko, Christopher Kwasnitza and Lorelie Kotylak serving as the casket bearers. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, Yorkton or to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Regina. Condolences to the family can be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com

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Continued from Page A2

“We think it’s really important to hire from within,” said Britton, adding, “it gives people an opportunity to grow — to see development.”

“When you hire people you hope that they’re on the right seat on the bus, but sometimes they’re not and they prefer different shifts and using different skills — so we’re fortunate that we can move people around that way and still keep them in the company,” said Britton, adding, “it is really a morale booster to see people tranfer and to promote.”

“Key things in the workplace is communication...we try to be transparent, we try to be realistic — we have recognition programs, we have service awards, we do gifts for new parents, retirement awards — we listen to hear, we don’t listen to respond,” said Britton.

pier, they work harder — it benefits us as well,” said Andres, “it has been a plus for us.”

“I feel attracting [employees] is a by-product of retaining,” said Rohit Sikand, Divsional Sales Manager with Staples, “if you retain your employees you attract employees.”

“We have people who have been with our company for twenty years,” said Sikand, “people like to have insurances, people like to have employee discounts and people like to have paid hollidays.”

“Predominantly, accomadating people for their personal needs, being receptive to change,” said Dave Rusnak of Rusnak Balacko Kachur Rusnak Law Firm.

“I’ve been with the firm for over 40 years and I have staff that have been there longer than I have,” said Rusnak.

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“We talk to our people, we try to empower them, we offer permanent full time positions which is an attraction to local people — they don’t have to move and they don’t have to be on the road,” said Britton.

“What we do in our business you can’t go to school and learn how to do it,” said Brook Andres, Owner Triple A Directional Drilling, adding, “we have to train our employees and it usually takes about a year.”

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“We try and compensate people well within the range of what’s recommended for their job description — maybe try to pay them even better than that,” said Rusnak, noting his firm focuses on being flexible and accomadating for employees.

“Our guys work long hard hours in the summer months so we allow them to have an overtime bank,” said Nicole Campell, Owner of Yorkton Concrete 2012 Ltd.

“It’s volunteer — it’s not mandatory to bank their overtime hours — but it’s there if any of them want,” said Campell, adding, “a lot of our employees take us up on that.”

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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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D-Day Memorial Service

Commemorative D-Day ceremonies were held at the city cemetery June 6.

The day marked 79 years since the Allied Normandy Invasion took place.

Members and veterans of General Alexander Ross Branch #77 thanked those in attendance for their presence at the ceremony.

“We keep the tradition of the D-Day memorial service alive because of the sinificance of the battle itself, and the importance of our country’s participation in the operation that resulted in the turning point of WWII,” read a statement from the service’s program.

Our Heavenly Father understands our pain, weakness and anger

“I think you’ll have to move that cabinet in the den,” the Preacher told me abruptly, when I entered his hospital room the day following his day pass home. The “test” day. His caregivers needed to see if, after almost three weeks of care and physiotherapy, he would be safe at home in his wheelchair.

An occupational therapist had joined us. She toured the house. Measuring. Notetaking. Her knowledge of the challenges caused by disability proved invaluable. So did her suggestions to ease Rick’s transition home. In his time in hospital, he’d progressed from complete inability to walk, to taking about

a dozen cautious steps with a walker. (Never underestimate the power of shingles along the sciatic nerve.) My gratitude overflows to those who have assisted my husband. People from near and far, family, friends, neighbours and total strangers have prayed and encouraged us. Bouquets to you all, including every hospital staff member. God used you in the life of that white-bearded fellow in room 122. In mine too.

Over a few short weeks, as the shingles virus progressed from aching to lesions to peripheral neuropathy, his mobility had decreased rapidly. Some suggested I consider a nursing

Sunny Side Up

home placement. But when we’d moved to our current home three years earlier, we’d chosen it with our future in mind. More of a cozy cottage, it had only one floor. One step up to get in the front door, but level entry through the garage. Considering the Preacher’s longstanding disability, caused by West Nile Neurological Disease, it seemed per-

A look at Solomon’s Seal

Imagine a lovely swooping stem of foliage, lined with a row of evenly spaced little white bell-shaped flowers, suspended like dainty earrings. This beautiful plant is a perennial, and it can grow very well in our climate. It is called “Solomon’s Seal”. The official name of this plant, if you want to challenge yourself to remember it, is called “polygonatum”, which describes the look of the bumpy rhizome of the plant. I have also read that the roots, when cut, look like Hebrew letters, (as well as the stems when the leaves fall off) so perhaps it is a nod to King Solomon, known in the Bible for his great wisdom.

Whatever name we choose to call it, it is a beautiful perennial, a cousin of the lily family, and a great addition to the garden. The plant grows from rhizomes, and each rhizome has one stem. Before you think that the plant will look sparse in the garden, fear not, because the plant is very eager to spread rhizomes into an ever-larger clump. The stems are twelve to eighteen inches high, on average.

Solomon’s Seal like an area of the garden that is partial to full shade, with rich and well-drained soil. They like to be evenly moist, but not with wet feet. When the leaves fall off in the fall, let them be. This is one occasion where the super-tidy gardener should leave fallen leaves around the plant, because it will love that organic matter creating a rich mulch around it.

But guess what, I read also that it can grow in shady area that are dry, and this is no easy feat for a lot of perennials. And for country gardeners, this plant is supposedly not a favorite of deer, so your country landscaping would remain intact!

We can plant or divide Solomon’s Seal in either spring or fall, it’s not fussy. And unlike

DEBBIE HAYWARD

YORKTON AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Gardener’s Notebook

many perennials, it does not suffer if a clump is allowed to grow into a dense patch. If we have a clump that we want to divide or share, just dig part of it up, slice some off, and re-plant it. Doesn’t get much easier than that! We should plant the rhizomes a few inches deep, and make sure that we water them well until they get settled in. After that, they are quite carefree, with no real pest issues.

The plant is beautiful, with arching stems and those lovely little dangling flowers in the spring; even when the flowers are done, the stems are lovely, very architectural with their great shape. I have read that there are also variegated Solomon’s Seal, and the pictures of them look just beautiful.

If you have the space or conditions to create a “woodland garden”, Solomon’s Seal would be one of your first plant choices, along with other foliage shade-lovers like ferns.

I have read that Solomon’s Seal can be grown from seed. For gardeners who don’t mind giving up time they will never get back, Solomon’s Seal seeds can be collected and planted. It will take years to see the results of this effort. And it is hardly even done because it is so easy to propagate the plant from a rhizome cutting. So to sum up, go the easy route for fine success with propagating this plant, and don’t worry about trying to do it from seed!

Add this plant to your “must have” list of plants

for a shady area of the garden; it will not disappoint! Visit the Yorkton hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca for news, tips and photos. Thank you to our friends at YTW for their great work each week. Gardeners, have a good week in the garden!

National Garden Day is June 18—take a cuppa coffee out there and savor the garden!

fect.

A few days before that day pass, I’d charged through the house, shifting and shoving, tossing and relocating. We already had a lift bed but trying to make room for walker and wheelchair, commode chair and other disability aids proved tricky. I removed area rugs, excess décor and furniture. Almost wore

out the yardstick measuring things. Cursed the interior doorways, too narrow for his wheelchair. The few steps he could manage with his walker would help there. But that cabinet. I’d thought it was safe after the therapist’s walkthrough. “I can’t move it!” I snapped. “It’s perfect there!” But I only have one husband, and several cabinets, so I’m pondering. (If you ever must do something similar, consider how much room a wheelchair needs.)

Here’s the thing. Though I was seeing daily improvements in Rick’s condition, and though I knew God was (still is) at work, healing his body, anger fuelled

my motivation on that push-em, shove-em day. Again, Lord? Really?

How many more times will you let his poor body be ravaged? Our lives be flipped? Isn’t enough, enough?

I’m glad our Heavenly Father has vast shoulders. He understands our weakness. “Just calm down, Kathleen,” I felt him respond. “All will be well. Be still. I am, after all, God.” The Preacher came home a few days later. We’re adjusting to another New Normal. Sometimes I still get angry. But I choose to believe our Father’s calming reassurance. All will be well, in His time. I may even get to keep the cabinet AND the man. For now.

Event focused on bringing cultures together

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

It was an opportunity to taste some of the various foods of the varied cultures of Yorkton.

The event, organized by the Yorkton Ministerial Association, was held Saturday at Weinmaster Park.

“We realize number one, there’s so much diversity within the community,” said Peter Laniya, president of the YMA, who added “that’s reflected in the churches.”

Now in its second year the event is a celebration of the diversity within YMA churches and the community, said

large crowd sampled the various foods.

Laniya.

Having groups including Filipinos, First Nations, South Korean, Ukrainian, Nigerian, Jamaican and Canadian serving up traditional dishes from elk stew to spring rolls to perogies

is a way of showing that diversity adds to the community. It also sends a message of acceptance offered Laniya.

“We can be one if we accept each other,” he said.

Seeing Your Ancestors

PRAIRIE HARVEST

CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

72 Melrose Avenue • PHONE 306-786-6840

Senior Pastors Des & Cheryl Klingspon Employment Program 306-786-1840

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

• Contemporary Worship • Children’s Ministry • Youth Ministry phclc.org

“Changing our world with the love of God.”

Destiny International Christian Assembly

Establishing Ministries and Releasing Destinies 109 Maple Avenue, Yorkton

Senior Pastors Dag & Bukky Lawale

Every Sunday - Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.

Every Wednesday - Bible Study at 7:00 p.m.

Last Friday of each month - Prayer Meeting at 7 p.m.

For more information please phone 306-782-2427

“A Place of New Beginnings”

SECOND AVENUE AND SMITH STREET

OFFICE 306-783-4157

MINISTER REV. JEN DRESSER

Website: http://www.standrewsyorkton.ca

Facebook: St. Andrew’s

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Pastor Laurel Wiebe -- 306-898-2099

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Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church

89 Bradbrooke Drive, Yorkton, SK S3N 2Y2 • 306-782-2998

Father Michael Faryna 306-601-9043

Thu. Jun. 15: Provody - 11:00 am - Sucheava

Thu. Jun. 15: Moleben - 2:00 pm - Theodore Nursing Home

Sun. Jun. 18: Divine Liturgy - 10:00 am - Yorkton

Ukrainian Catholic Church 155 CATHERINE STREET 306-783-4594

Conducted by Ukrainian Redemptorist Fathers Phone 306-783-4594 or 306-783-7778

St. Mark The Evangelist Orthodox Church

160 Betts Ave, Yorkton, Sask

“Services In English” www.stmarkyorkton.ca

Saturday June 17th - Vespers 6:00 PM

Sunday June 18th Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM

Priest: Rodion Luciuk Phone: 306-786-6216 Cell: 306-621-5341

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

A

Country music celebrated as Assiniboia hosts SCMAs

By Ryan Kiedrowski, SASKTODAY.ca

ASSINIBOIA – The Saskatchewan Country Music Awards are always a party, and that bash took place in Assiniboia this year.

Traditionally, the awards are held in larger centres such as Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, but this year Assiniboia had the opportunity to show why they’re referred to as the Heart of the Golden South.

“It seemed to take forever to get here,” said Mayor of Assiniboia, Sharon Schauenberg of the anticipation for the big weekend to arrive. ”It’s been fantastic, and it’s a great way to showcase our community.”

Schauenberg also noted to positive economic impact from visitors travelling in for the big show, pleased to see bustling local businesses. In particular, she noted the excitement people showed for the host facility - the Southland Co-Op Centre - which ably proved Assiniboia can host performances.

“During the off season when we don’t have hockey tournaments, we want to facilitate other events,” Schauenberg explained. “This is a way to showcase our event centre for not only hockey, but also concerts. The sound in

CFL

Continued from Page A11 the start of a new campaign in a year where there is a buzz about the league – a buzz the commissioner said is the result of great reasons to watch and care about the league.

So why watch?

“It’s fun, fast and entertaining,” offered Ambrosie, adding he believes it’s best brand

here is phenomenal!”

Those sentiments were echoed by performers as well, impressed with the sound quality and the facility itself.

In fact, the town was a bustle all week with activity, including a performance with Hal Schrenk and special guest Carrie Catherine at the Shurniak Art Gallery on June 7. Schrenk is no stranger to Assiniboia, having grown up in the town, then launching a highly successful career in music as a drummer, music producer, and director. Plus. He’s accumulated six SCMA awards as well in the past, remaining quite active in the organization.

“Im so excited to come back home,” he told SASKTODAY.ca just before the busy week commenced. “I’m really looking forward to connecting with some old friends. I think it’s just going to be great to be back there and ignite the community.”

Indeed, Schrenk was a very busy guy, not only providing expertise behind the drum kit during many weekend performances, but also being the music director for the entire event.

Thursday night featured the big Stars and Guitars concert at the Prince of Wales Centre with performances

of football there is.

As for caring, that too is easy, it’s because of the impact teams have on their communities, something Ambrosie said fans in Saskatchewan are keenly aware of.

That is true in Calgary where Ambrosie awaited opening kick-off Thursday, a city where Stampeders

by JJ Voss and Jordyn Pollard.

“Those are my favourite - solo, intimate acoustic shows,” Voss said of the banquet. “You get to connect with the audience in a different sort of way.

He was also quite impressed with the work that went into hosting the 34th edition of the awards.

“This looks like a world-class show right here,” he said moments before the awards show began. “Assiniboia did a wonderful job of hosting there’s a lot of work that goes into putting one of these together. The people stepped up, and it all came together.”

The SCMAs celebrate Saskatchewan artists, who have a tight knit, almost familial connection with each other.

“It’s such a small world, even nationally, everybody knows everybody somehow,” Justin LaBrash told SASKTODAY.ca before the show. “It’s a very welcoming industry, there’s really no room for nasty competition and backstabbing like people may think the music industry is.”

As for physically being at the event, LaBrash admitted to being a bit overwhelmed.

“I’m shocked - probably more shocked than

are involved in the community visiting schools and hospitals and interacting with fans.

“We’ve got lots of reasons to watch, and lots of reasons to care,” he reiterated.

The season will culminate with the 110th Grey Cup, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19, at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.

anyone else, but I’m very grateful,” he said. “I’ve never been one to care win or lose, I’m just always happy that my peers deem me worthy of being on the ballot alongside such amazing names. I’m just happy to be here, honestly.”

Steve Huber, SCMA President, thanked the nominees for their efforts during his introductory comments as the awards show kicked off.

“You’re going to be recognized not only for the talent that you have, but for your contribu-

tion to country music in Saskatchewan in general,” he said.”Your creativity and dedication have undoubtedly left a mark in our industry.”

As for the awards themselves, a few faces kept appearing at the podium. Probably Shaunavon’s most famous musical family - The Hunter Brothers - received four awards. Another southern artist, hailing from Weyburn, would make good on his own tongue-in-cheek comment “I really hope you get sick of my face tonight,” as Justin

YRHS hosts

LaBrash racked up three SCMA nods.

Award winners are as follows (in order of presentation):

• Female Artist Achievement AwardTenille Arts

• Group of the Year Achievement AwardThe Hunter Brothers

• Recording Studio of the Year - Bart McKay Productions

• Keyboard Player of the Year - Jeffery Straker

• Songwriter of the Year - “Running Away” - Justin LaBrash, Doug Sylvester, and Dan Sully

Walk and Roll event

Walk and Roll happened on June 7. Walk and roll is a day where we encourage our staff and students to find alternate ways of travel to school that day, this can mean walking, biking, rollerblading, ect.

Since walk and roll started the goal was to have our parking lot at the regional to be completely empty, with our mission being to have every student participate. though we understand that this is not realistic for everyone so on that day we just ask for a small donation of two dollars to use the parking lot with all of the money from donations going to different charities this year all of our proceeds went to Paws and Claws Animal Rescue.

A part of walking to school is that the kids get their names entered into a draw for a new bike. Over the years we have extended the invitation to all of the schools in Yorkton and looking towards the future would love to see all of Yorkton participating.

–Submitted by Ewen Hutzul

The idea of Walk and Roll is to promote active transportation.