Yorkton This Week 2022-12-21

City sidewalks dressed in holiday cheer

Salvation Army looks to raise more funds through Kettle Campaign

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Salvation Army has raised $60,000 of their $125,000 Kettle Drive goal.

“We’ve never raised that much before, so we’re reaching for the roof,” said Roy Bladen, Ministry Leader, in an interview with Yorkton This Week

“Today (Dec.19) we’ve actually turned in $60,000

and we have this week to go, so we’re just kind of praying that we’re going to make at least $100,000,” added Bladen.

“We’ve given out 263 hampers and an awful lot of toys,” said Bladen, noting the number equates to more than 1000 people being helped for the holidays.

“We’re very thankful for the folks of Yorkton and what they do for us in these very difficult times

– we do with what we can and I’m sure the lord will bless us,” said Bladen.

Bladen said that businesses who have donated in the past haven’t this year, likely due to their own struggles.

“I’m sure the businesses are struggling trying to sell this year, so therefore they’re not able to give us any financial help,” said Bladen, adding, “we have probably about 30 different businesses out

in Yorkton who would give us a donation every Christmas and this year so far we’ve had three.”

“I know they’re struggling – but we’d like to wish everybody a very merry and blessed Christmas and a happy new year and we thank them so much for what they do.”

For information and to donate, visit https:// donate.salvationarmy.ca/, or contact the Yorkton

Salvation Army at 306782-2867.

In November, the University of Saskatchewan released the results of a poll that found food bank use in the Prairies is the highest in the country.

“CHASR’s Taking the Pulse of Canada survey had 1,001 respondents across Canada who were contacted via landlines and cellphones. Nearly 78 per cent of respond-

ents said they had used coupons or bought food items on sale, 58.6 per cent said they had decreased household food waste, and 54.5 per cent said they had planned meals to ensure they had enough money and food. As well, 30.7 per cent said they had eaten less healthy food because it’s cheaper,” read a media release from the University of Saskatchewan.

Snowmobile club seeks clubhouse access

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Yorkton Council took the initial step to amend the city snowmobile bylaw to add to the incity trail system, but it

was not a unanimous approval.

The request came from the local Sno Riders Club with Jason Popowich making a presentation to the regular meeting of Council.

Popowich noted the club has recently located their new clubhouse to 263 Myrtle Avenue, and the trail groomers are stored at the new clubhouse.

They “are currently

driving along Myrtle Avenue and York Road to connect to the existing trail system,” explained René Richard, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, with the city.

Popowich also noted, additionally, some members utilize their snowmobiles to attend club meetings with no trail access to the new clubhouse.

“The Club has

requested an amendment to the bylaw to allow for a safe trail for snowmobilers to access an area near the new clubhouse across the street to attend meetings and for the groomers

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

City Centre Park on Broadway Street in the city is festive for the season with a lighted Christmas tree a highlight for passersby to enjoy as they hurry and

scurry to finish their shopping in time to help a very busy Santa Claus. For more signs of the season see Page A11.

SNOWMOBILE

Continued from Page A1

to have a trail access not located along the street,” said Richard.

The Sno Riders and the City of Yorkton have had a longstanding gentleman’s agreement that the Sno Riders, as main users of the trails, will take responsibility to mark, and maintain their trail including applicable signage, added Richard.

Richard explained, the proposed new access is located mostly on either legal right-ofway (undeveloped roadways) or City property. However,

there is one location where it would cross a CN spur line. The groomed trail system already crosses many rail lines. So we would assume that the Sno Riders will obtain any necessary approvals for such crossings.

“The proposed access would also cross York Road, which would be considered a high traffic area. Again, groomed trails already cross several highways in and around Yorkton so it is assumed snowmobilers are accustomed to crossing roadways in a highway scenario,” he said.

“There is a section of Myrtle Avenue where residential properties could be affected by noise. This would be dependent on the amount of snowmobilers that utilize the new access and the speed by which they travel.”

Councillor Chris Wyatt was the first voice against the amendment.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea having snowmobiles come into the city. It doesn’t make sense to have that,” he said, adding they are “. . . not allowed in any other area of the city.”

Coun. Randy Goulden asked

if there had been issues with other trail sections in the city?

“Not that I’m aware of,” replied Popowich.

However later Richard said “we (the city) do get some complaints from time-to-time,” adding in such instances it is dealt with by bylaw officers as required.

Coun. Darcy Zaharia said his concern was the building the Sno Riders are in now, the former city building Council was told was unsafe for staff ahead of construction of the new operations building on York Road. He questioned if

the city is discussing that situation with the Sno Riders?

“I’m not aware that we are,” said Richard.

On the positive side both Goulden and Mayor Mitch Hippsley noted the trails attract tourism and that stimulates the winter economy of the city.

In the end the amendment received first reading with Wyatt and Zaharia sitting opposed. It will now go to the public for possible input before being back before Council for second and third reading in January.

Yorkton residents come together to support victims of apartment fire

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – A fire that decimated an apartment complex on Dec. 6 left several families without the bare essentials but a Yorkton resident stepped up to help those families in their time of need.

KristenWeber-Karcha, Owner and Instructor at Extravadance Studio, typically organizes a toy and food drive this time of year. Upon hearing the news of the apartment fire, she felt it was her duty to help those who had been impacted.

“We do a toy and food drive here (Extravadance) – we ask the students to bring in toys and non-perishable items, so I thought it would be just perfect to kind of partner with that — get some jackets, some blankets — things like that,” said WeberKarcha in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

“Well, it turned into three trailer loads of clothing and bedding and kitchen items – you name it,” said Weber-Karcha.

With the outpouring

of support from the community, the Extravadance Studio soon became full and Weber-Karcha needed to find a more suitable space for all the donated items.

“I reached out to Pastor Des at Prairie Harvest and he helped me get a space — we’re still running classes at the studio so we didn’t have room to spread this out for people to come and get what they need —

so we were able to go to Bruno’s place where they have an open hall,” said Weber-Karcha.

Different groups and individuals showed up to help organize the donations.

“I had some people come and help volun-

teer – the staff from All About Flowers came to help, some students from DREAMbuilders –staff and students from there came to help me sort and fold and unpack everything,” said WeberKarcha, adding, “over a couple of days all the

residents that were affected by the fire were able to come and get what they needed.”

“The stuff was all donated for people in need, so after a couple of days we were able to pack it up and...we took it to Serendipity [a local

thrift store],” said WeberKarcha, adding, “any of the fire victims who need anything will be able to come there and get what they need with no charge.”

When asked why she took on the responsibility, Weber-Karcha said, “I find it very hard to not help people who are in need.”

It was evident that the community held the same sentiments when the overwhelming support for the effort saw donations total enough for 70 families.

“It’s really impressive — the amount of people that showed up to help and it makes me proud to live here because there’s people that care — there’s people that want to help others in the community that they don’t know — they didn’t ask questions — they just started showing up and bringing things and I think that says a lot right there.”

Submitted by YDCF

YORKTON – The Yorkton & District Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from groups in Yorkton and surrounding communities until Dec. 31, 2022.

This is the third year YDCF is distributing grants from donations it has received. Previous

grants supported arts and culture, mental health counselling, food security, education, childcare safety courses, recreation activities and youth programming. Applications are not limited to these program areas.

“The wishes of donors determine the types of activities and the communities to be supported by the grants pro-

grams,” said Ray Bailey, President of the YDCF Board of Directors.

Registered charities and non-profits aligned with a registered charity can apply. Organizations in Yorkton, Melville and Kamsack have received past grants, with the resulting outreach extending far beyond these communities. This year $6,500 is available to grant out, an increase of 8.3 per cent over last year.

YDCF currently administers three named funds. The Krepakevich Fund for Families was established by Gene and Gladys Krepakevich to help families in need in Yorkton and surrounding area. This fund is a lasting legacy bearing the family name each year.

The Mental Health Fund was initiated with donations by a former fundraising group. The General Community Fund supports applications that assist and improve communities in a multitude of ways. Donors can add to any of these funds or create their own.

“There are many generous people who want to help others and who want to preserve and enhance their community. The Yorkton & District Community Foundation is pleased to provide the structure to help,” Bailey added.

The grant application form and guidelines are available on the Yorkton & District Community Foundation website at ydcf.ca.

several families being affected by a fire at an apartment complex Dec. 6.

Up Front

‘Christmas on the Front’ tells family story

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

It was a special event for the season Saturday as a come and go presentation ‘Christmas on the Front’ was held at the Royal Canadian Legion General Alexander Ross Branch No. 77 - Yorkton.

The display was an amazing and rare look back at Christmas during World War One as seen through the eyes of three brothers.

“A friend Kelly Thomas, his family had all of this material,” explained Brittany Johnson, vice president with the Legion.

Kelly Thomas said he actually sort of inherited the material.

“Actually how I got it, an uncle, kind of a family historian, gave it to his daughter,” he said, adding when he one day asked for some more information she said “why don’t I just get it to you. . . I’ve always been kind of interested in family history.”

For the most part the material has been safely away in boxes, but then in conversation with Johnson the idea of the display came out.

“We both came up with the idea,” offered Thomas, who added he was very happy with the result.

“It’s amazing to see it all laid out. It seems so much bigger when you see it all laid out like this.”

Johnson said much of the material connected to Thomas’ great grandfather Robert Yates, who was one of three brothers born in Scotland.

“He was the only member of the family to emigrate to Canada,” she said.

Two brothers; Isa and Harry, stayed in Scotland, which mean lots of correspondence back and forth as they stayed in touch, including during the war years with Robert in the Canadian army and a brother Harry with the Brits.

The material included “lots of Christmas cards and New Year’s cards,” said Johnson, adding that was sort of the impetus to create Saturday’s display.

“The whole family was writing back and forth during the war.”

The display covered a number of tables and photos and more material covered room dividers, all of which was

almost overwhelming for Shelley Foster, Robert Yate’s granddaughter. When asked how she felt about the presentation her immediate one-word answer was “tears”.

“It’s amazing. They have done such a great job,” she then added.

While Shelley Foster knew the family had the material, but being displayed it was like her grandfather was finally speaking to her about the war.

“My grandfather never talked about the war as a lot of people didn’t,” she said, adding the letters are her link to what he dealt with.

“It’s so amazing, the correspondence, they were talking about it (the war) to each other.”

What is perhaps most unique about the material is the brothers father Henry Yates worked at the Edinburgh Scotsman newspaper in Edinburgh and he sent letters set from linotype.

“It looks like it’s a newspaper story,” observed Johnson.

The stories within the correspondence tell much about the trying times of the war years.

For example, Robert left for England with the armed forces with his wife pregnant. He would not see his son until he

was nearly two-years old.

“He never met his son until he came back from the war,” said Johnson.

There were even cards that simply said ‘To Daddy’ with love and hugs noted Kelly Foster.

Kelly Foster said he found it compelling when letters turned to life in England during the war, the shortages of some foods, how they wrote of not particularly liking Canadians over there, and of the arrival of the Americans.

Then there were the trenches.

“He (Robert) said five months felt like 10 years,”

said Kelly Thomas. Robert would end up dealing with trench nephritis, also known as war nephritis, is a kidney infection, first recognised by medical

officers as a new disease during the early part of the First World War and distinguished from the then-understood acute nephritis by also having bronchitis and frequent

relapses. It put him in hospitals in England and Ontario before getting back to his family in Manitoba, all reflected in letters,

Kelly Thomas, above, had received a large treasure trove of family correspondence from three brothers involved in the First World War. The material was at the

local Legion on the weekend as a ‘Christmas On the Front’ display which inluded old photos, seasonal cards and family letters.

Christmas a time to count our many blessings MURRAY MANDRYK

Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post

Politics

At this time of year, I usually offer a column that gifts deserving provincial politicians without the usual criticism you may find in this space.

Christmas should be about seeing a little more kindness than we experience during the rest of the year. Heaven knows, we sometimes needed a little more kindness in 2022.

But Christmas should also be about being thankful for our blessings. Notwithstanding the things that frustrated or angered us, we were truly blessed in Saskatchewan.

The first such blessing should be peace on Earth — something that many of us likely didn’t think much about until March when Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

There have been an estimated 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have since died and as many Russia troops.

The war in Ukraine hit home here in in Saskatchewan where so many of our grandfathers and grandmothers and great-grandfathers and great grandmothers came seeking peace and prosperity.

We are again providing refuge to today’s Ukrainians. It seems the least we could do under the circumstances.

In no small irony, that horrible war has elevated our prosperity through increased sales of potash, oil and better markets for wheat, pulse crops and especially oil.

We were blessed with great crops in 2022 that will afford us the opportunity to build canola crushing plants in the near future that may see Saskatchewan importing canola from Alberta, Manitoba and North Dakota.

In the immediacy, it meant money in our pockets — quite literally.

The $463-million deficit Finance Minister Donna Harpauer predicted of 2022-23 when she presented her provincial budget last March became a $1.1-billiion turnaround within the first three months of this fiscal year.

It was the largest and quickest turnaround in the history of Saskatchewan government budgets and produced one of the biggest surplus budgets this province has ever seen.

This put Premier Scott Moe’s government to be a position where it not only paid down some debt but also hand out $500 cheques to ever adult who could be identified through their filing of income tax.

It further allowed the government to rescind taxes levied in the 2022-23 budget — not the expanded the provincial sales tax to entertainment and sporting even tickets but the expanded PST on gym and fitness club memberships.

It also afforded the government the ability to dedicate an additional $60 million for the recruitment, training and retention of needed health care workers in a year in which rural emergency services and laboratory and x-ray services in several rural hospitals had to be shut down.

There may be no greater blessing than the blessing of good health. We hopefully better understood that in 2022 as we slowly emerged from the COVID-19 that still lingers. Perhaps we learned a little about the need for better public health policies and why we owe each other at least an attempt to keep everyone healthy.

It’s often hard during the year to think of those that complain and critique as providing a blessing. But the Opposition — all politicians who stand for office in these days of anonymous and often malicious online scrutiny — are often an overlooked blessing.

Living in a democracy is a blessing never to be taken for granted.

Finally, Christmas is a time of goodwill to all men and women. The blessing of 2022 may have been a bit of an awakening of mental health and poverty issues. We saw a visit from a Pope who apologized for the atrocities of Indian residential.

We saw renewed focus on those domestically abused and maybe a little better understanding of those abused because of whom they love.

We were blessed and we will hopefully be blessed again, as per the Christmas blessing: May peace, love, and prosperity follow you always. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and peaceful New Year.”

Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics since 1983.

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◆Editorial◆

Council budget discussion should be open

At the regular meeting of Yorkton Council one brief comment noted they have been in talks regarding the 2023 budget.

That is in no way surprising in as much as some past Councils have worked to complete the city’s budget by this time of year, feeling that getting the numbers crunched early gave the city an edge when it came to tendering approved projects ahead of the majority of municipalities which were still crunching their spending numbers.

While seen as a good move then that philosophy never transferred to the current Council.

Whether that is good or bad is a matter of personal viewpoint, although some communities have already been announcing their tax hikes.

For Yorkton taxpayer’s the hike they will face in 2023 will wait until the new year to be revealed.

However, what is more disappointing is that the discussions elected Councillors have had in hammering out the details of the budget are being held behind closed doors.

One can appreciate there is a belief by some that they can be more open in debate, more forthright with administration and each other free of the public gaze and the media, but since they work on our collective behalf might we not want to ‘see’ them in action on what is the key decision they make each year.

It is after all our money – through taxes we pay – that they are determin-

ing how best to spend most effectively.

And, since come election time we need to make the best decisions on who we trust to elect to Council their ‘nitty gritty’ views on budget could be rather insightful.

By the time the budget is hammered and formed into a near completed document with barely a ‘T’ still needing crossed is presented Council has found its consensus. They have already fought their individual fights over the various items contained in the operating and capital budgets.

What we as voters and taxpayers have missed is what each Councillors had to say on our behalf.

Did one Councillor make impassioned arguments to reduce snow removal to lower city costs and save taxpayers some dollars? Was the argument made compelling? What were the counterpoints made?

Did a Councillor suggest selling Deer Park Golf Course since it doesn’t make money? Or maybe someone on Council spoke of the potential of building condos on the course property to offset those losses.

Would someone have argued for more contracted services? Or, maybe it was a change in city policing services? Or, maybe a levy specific to covering infrastructure upgrades?

There could be a dozen ideas that if out there might spur debate and ultimately lead to positive change if the public knew what those ideas were. Continued on Page A5

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The holiday season is fast approaching! We picked Xmas as the word of the week. Xmas is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas, which is actually not as postmodern as it appears. The usage of Xmas dates back to the 16th century. The "X" comes from the Greek Letter Chi, the first letter of the Greek word Christós (Greek: , roughly meaning "[the] anointed [one]"), which became Christ in English. The suffix -mas is from the Latinderived Old English word for Mass (Wikipedia.org). Therefore, the X in "Xmas" literally means Jesus, and it should also be pronounced 'Christmas' rather than 'exmas' (whychristmas.com)!

Slo and Yorkton Public Library wish you a very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

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CHRISTMAS

Continued from Page A3 although some lines were redacted at the time by officials.

And, “lots of letters talked about the Halifax explosion,” said Johnson, adding that was Dec. 6, 1917.

Interestingly the brothers never crossed paths in the war, although they were in the same general area.

Robert would be in the battle of Vimy Ridge, his brother Harry fought at Arras.

“When you go to Vimy Ridge you stay in Arras,” explained Johnson.

The collection started with family in Winnipeg, and Shelley Foster said they are fortunate that it was all kept, something she added is pretty unique when realizing it’s letters, cards and photographs from more than a century ago.

That most photos have names is amazing too, she said, adding if not documented “there’s no one left to ask.”

Tree lightings bring northeast Saskatchewan communities together

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

The tradition of tree lightings goes back many years ago. In 1848, the Illustrated London News published a woodcut of the royal family with a decorated Christmas tree. After that, the tradition spread quickly far and wide.

Community tree lightings are a staple in many northeast communities to bring the community together and spread the Christmas spirit.

The community of Porcupine Plain has been making the tree lighting an important start to the Christmas season for the last nine years. It has grown over the years to include sleigh rides, hot chocolate and honouring a hard

working volunteer in the community for their volunteerism. This year, that prestigious honor was given to Glenda Kwasney.

Porcupine Plain mayor Nick Wood said that traditions are the things that define us as a community and shape our character. They make a place familiar, build bonds and give us a reason to get together. This tree lighting makes Christmas just a bit more special.

Many other communities also enjoy this same tradition like in the City of Humboldt a couple weeks ago or the Town of Nipawin just last week.

Many communities in the Northeast make this tradition important and want to spread the spirit of peace and love throughout our region. Christmas is upon us, and the communities in the northeast are spreading the joy.

COUNCIL

Continued from Page A4

And, the true irony of the closed door process is that this Council repeatedly talks about the need for transparency.

In fact, Raelyn Knudson – Assessment & Taxation Manager with

the city actually noted that Monday in one presentation one of the sustainability pillars in the Yorkton 2020 Strategic Plan is Governance: “Maintaining a fiscally sustainable government focused on strategic decision-making, trans-

parency and inclusiveness.”

That decision-making and transparency were both noted might suggest the doors to all budget discussion needs to be opened and the cameras turned on.

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

Elves in training

Young elf hopefuls were busy with training Saturday at Dance Innovations in Yorkton. Youth ages three-to-nine were treated to an afternoon of festive fun

with crafts, singing, dancing and more.

Glenda Kwasney of Porcupine Plain was recognized by her community for her volunteerism at its tree lighting

Photo courtesy of Town of Porcupine Plain

Stockings for Seniors looks to deliver Christmas cheer

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – A local effort to bring gift-stuffed stockings to seniors in area nursing homes is underway.

“It’s upwards of 600 stockings that we are trying to fill,” said Program Organizer Kristen WeberKarcha in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

Now in its fourth year, the Stockings for Seniors Program gives to nursing homes in Yorkton, Kamsack, Canora, Preeceville, Norquay, Invermay, Saltcoats and Theodore.

“We also try to do the [Yorkton] hospital as well — if we’ve got enough extra items — then anybody that’s going

to be hospitalized over Christmas – we’ll take them something as well,” said Weber-Karcha.

“These people can’t necessarily leave – sometimes they’re on lockdown, sometimes they don’t have people to come visit them and it’s Christmas – if one little present can brighten their holiday then I’m happy to provide this program,” said Weber-Karcha.

The stockings and gift bags are set to be delivered to residences of the nursing homes on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of Dec. and the group is still looking for participants.

“We take sponsorships from businesses, organizations, schools and families – just different ways people want to help out,”

said Weber-Karcha, adding, “some of the schools have done challenges... like St. Paul’s School –on one day they had to bring in lip glosses and then another day they had to bring in socks and another day bring in soft cheese twists and another day chocolate bars and hard candies.”

The efforts from students at St. Paul’s school helped to fill a substantial amount of the stockings.

“They brought us in over 400 items themselves,” said WeberKarcha, noting the school’s participation was just one way the community got involved.

“I like to say it’s bringing a little bit of Christmas cheer.”

Expect to see impaired driving checkstops

Saskatchewan drivers will notice an abundance of impaired driving checkstops across the province throughout the holiday season.

“Checkstops are an important enforcement tool and a highly visual reminder to drivers about the importance of planning a safe ride home,” Minister Responsible for SGI Don Morgan said. “Impaired driving is a persistent and deadly problem in Saskatchewan, and it requires creative solutions and ongoing enforcement. SGI is providing additional funding to police agencies to conduct more than 40 checkstops this December in order to keep our roads safe.”

Checkstops can occur any day of the week, on a municipal street, in a city, in a town or on a

highway. Police also use less conspicuous tactics to catch impaired drivers, and the public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report any motorists they believe are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bottom line is this: if you drive impaired anywhere in Saskatchewan, there is a strong chance you’ll be caught, arrested and charged.

Roadside alcohol screening

Under federal legislation, specifically Bill C-46, which took effect in 2018 - police can legally demand a roadside breath test for alcohol from anyone they legally stop. A trained officer will make a formal demand that someone provide a breath sample into an approved screening device. There is no requirement for

reasonable suspicion for the officer to make a demand. People who refuse a test can be charged with a Criminal Code offence, with penalties that are the same or greater than those for impaired driving convictions. If you’re not driving impaired, the breath test just takes a matter of seconds, and drivers who pass are on their way quickly.

“We appreciate the cooperation of drivers who may be pulled over for our checkstops,” Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Traffic Services Division Supt. Grant St. Germaine said. “Please be assured that a demand for a breath sample is not an accusation; it’s simply standard procedure to help ensure that people are driving sober. We use all the tools we have at our disposal to try to keep our roads safe - roadside breath tests being one of them.”

Drivers are reminded to only drive if they are sober, and to find a safe ride home when they’re impaired.

Kristen Weber-Karcha, pictured here (center, left group), with students of St. Paul’s School. Efforts by St. Paul’s saw the school contribute over 400 items for the cause.

Submitted by Stockings for Seniors

Driving under the influence: effects, detection and consequences

The holiday season is in full swing, and celebrations of all kinds abound. However, amidst the merriment and festivities, it’s important to remember you should never get behind the wheel if you’re intoxicated. Here’s what you should know.

EFFECTS

Many of the skills required for safe driving, such as sound judgment, acute concentration, impeccable co-ordination, pronounced visual acuity and quick reflexes, are impacted by drug and alcohol use. Consequently, being under the influence can result in speeding, driving off the road, swerving into oncoming traffic and dozing behind the wheel.

DETECTION

Police officers use their training as well as what they see, hear and smell to determine if a driver has drugs or alcohol in their system. Plus, they can take a breath sample to determine a motorist’s blood alcohol level. Police may also issue a standardized field sobri-

ety test (SFST), which typically requires the driver to walk in a straight line, stand and turn or stand on one leg.

CONSEQUENCES

If you’re caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could have your licence suspended following your arrest, even before being convicted.

Once convicted, the severity

of your sentence will depend on your background and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. For instance, you could receive a hefty fine and jail time if you injured or killed someone.

To avoid collisions and other serious consequences of getting behind the wheel while under the influence, make sure you drive responsibly.

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

One win in three outings for Terriers

The Yorkton Terriers dropped a contest to Battlefords Thursday at the Westland Insurance Arena then had the North Stars pay a return visit Saturday.

The Terriers took the lead at 15:03 of the first period on a goal by Cohner Saleski, only to have the Stars tie the game 23 seconds later on a goal by Owen Underhill.

Then with nine seconds left in the period Jake Southgate popped a powerplay to give the visitors a 2-1 through 20-minutes of play.

Terrier Colton Koran scored 4:31 into the second to tie the game, and at 6:33 Yorkton edged ahead on a powerplay goal by Logan Cyca.

The lead was again short-lived as Colby Bear scored at 7:29 to tie things 3-3, and Jake Southgate gave the Stars a 4-3 lead at 10:58.

The third period would add only one goal, an empty-netter by Holden Doell to complete a 5-3 Battlefords win.

Josh Kotai was in net

for the Stars facing 34 shots in the win, while Caleb Allen was in the Terrier nets facing 33 shots in the loss.

Stars visit Thursday

If you like your hockey with a plethora of goals Thursday’s SJHL game at the Westland Insurance Arena in Yorkton would have been to your liking as 13 goals were scored.

The game started off modestly with visiting Battlefords scoring first. Kian Bell notched the marker, his 26th of the year at 4:31.

Pavel Mckenzie tied the game for the host Yorkton Terriers at 7:18.

The offences took over in the second period combining for five goals in under six minutes.

Colby Bear started the barrage giving the Stars the lead at 4:22.

Logan Cyca tied the game for Yorkton only 17 seconds later.

Then it was Riley Girod scoring at 5:58 giving Battlefords a 3-2 lead.

Greg Nelson responded to again knot the score

with a goal at 7:17, then added another at 10:06 to give the Terriers a 4-3 lead through 40-minutes of play.

The offence kept coming in the third period, but it was almost all for the Stars.

Holden Doell scored only 1:34 into the third to tie the game 4-4.

Then the Stars had goals by Tanner Gold at 5:22, Steven Kesslering at 10:34, Bell with his second and third of the night at 11:29 and 13:42, and Jackson Allan at 12:20 to go up 9-4.

Nelson would score at 14:36 to complete his hat trick and Clay Sleeva added one at 19:32, but it would be far too little too late to help the Terriers as they dropped the contest 9-4.

Justen Maric was in net for the Battlefords win, while Caleb Allen was tagged with the loss for Yorkton.

“I thought we outplayed Battlefords fiveout-of-six periods. I thought we played well enough to get at least a couple of points,” offered

Terrier head coach Mat Hehr.

In the loss Thursday clearly the wheels fell off for the Terriers, but Hehr suggested there was a reason.

“They ran our goalie three times and they didn’t get called. The officials allowed our goaltender to get ran,” he said.

That said the Terriers showed heart Saturday, said Hehr.

“I was really happy with our bounce back effort,” he said, adding had one post been a goal in the third the game could have gone to overtime.

Midweek match-up

The Estevan Bruins

might have been the top team in the SJHL Viterra Division as they hit the ice in Yorkton last Tuesday night, but that didn’t mean they would take a win.

Although it looked like they might after the first period as Estevan led 1-0 on a goal by Owen Barrow only 2:32 into the contest.

The Terriers edged ahead early in the middle stanza as Clay Sleeva scored at 6:32 and Brett Butz at 8:40.

The Bruins tied the contest 2-2 at 9:53 on a goal by Gabriel Filion.

An unassisted marker by Logan Cyca at 14:41 would restore a home team lead 3-2 headed to the second intermission.

At the five-minute mark of the third period JD Hall scored to give the Terriers a two-goal cushion.

Barrow was back for his second on the game at 15:17 to cut the Yorkton lead in half, but that would be it for scoring as the Terriers skated to a 4-3 win.

Caleb Allen took the win in the Terrier net facing 25-shots, while Cam Hrdlicka took the loss facing 45 in guarding the twine for Estevan.

“Obviously that was a huge win,” said Hehr.

The next action for the Terriers will see them host Melville Friday Jan. 6, then head to the Millionaires’ barn Saturday, Jan. 7.

The weird world of the EBUG

When it comes to unusual tales from sport few can match a Zamboni driver donning goalie gear and going into an NHL game and winning.

“David Ayres’ eyes lit up and he smiled,” writes Stephen Whyno in his recent book ‘Odd Man In’ from Triumph Books.

“Am I going in?” he asked.

“Watching the Hurricanes play his hometown Maple Leafs on his phone in a locker room by himself in the bowels of the arena in Toronto, Ayres saw Carolina goaltender Petr Mrazek get run over and lie face down on the ice in distress. Hurricanes director of team services Pace Sagester saw the same thing and burst through the door, but even he wasn’t yet sure what was happening.

“The two had never met, and suddenly they were huddled over Ayres’ phone watching to see what was happening a few hundred feet away on the ice. When they saw Mrazek doubled over in pain with head athletic trainer Doug Bennett guiding him to the tunnel, they looked at each other and knew it was time.

“Hockey Night in Canada buddy,” Sagester said. “No big deal. You’re going in.”

The Ayers story made headlines, putting him and the sport of hockey clearly in the spotlight, at least briefly.

But it was almost a tongue-in-cheek not to a sport which, at least across most of the U.S.

where the majority of teams are, remains something of a sports afterthought.

In this case the notoriety Ayres created really boils down to one of the most ridiculous things in all of sport, forcing pro teams to turn to goaltenders that never made it in times of emergency –when both their dressed netminders are out of the game.

But Ayres’ story, and

others of the rather small fraternity of EBUGs (Emergency Back-Up Goaltenders) is the stuff of a fine story, one author Whyno was more than willing to take on.

The ‘Odd Man In’ percolated in Whyno’s mind for a few years before becoming a reality.

It actually started out, sort of, from a single magazine article on emergency goalies.

The Battlefords North Stars were in Yorkton for a pair of games.

Odd Man In by Stephen Whyno

Profits are key measure of farm success

Recently I was perusing some online agriculture media sites just to keep up a little more with the issues of the day, and one headline popped out and made me smile; ‘Beef breeding must aim for profitability.’

The reason for the smile was twofold, one it’s hard to imagine anyone who has managed to survive in the often volatile beef sector who hasn’t long ago realized you have to work to try and make at least a few dollars at the end of the year.

And, secondly, in my 30-plus years of writing

about agriculture, the idea of reinforcing the idea of profitability is far from new, and is in fact an oft revisited theme.

The reason is actually not so hard to understand. We, and in this I would suggest business in general, not just farming, can easily be followed by big number revenues, equating a hefty cheque with profitability.

It is actually quite understandable given society in general always seemed focused on making more dollars without factoring in the costs associated with achieving a higher cheque at

day’s end.

Agriculture THIS

WEEK

Calvin Daniels

In farming it is also very much a reality tied to the goal of higher production, and equating that with profit. If an acre of land produces 10 more bushels of a crop it seems obvious it is more profitable.

If a calf weans at 50

pounds heavier, profits have to be higher.

Of course neither the additional bushels, or added pounds, are not necessarily profitable production.

There are costs to production – fertilizer, labour, fuel, crop production products in the

case of crops – and those need to be factored against the production.

One can easily imagine upping input costs and while getting a positive boost in production, that boost not offsetting the added input investment costs.

However, ‘the system’ of agriculture largely pushes the idea of maximizing production as the measure of success.

It might sound good at the coffee shop to brag about big bushel crops, but the real measure of farm success has to be those bushels generating a net profit.

At present achieving

the profits for crops is not as challenging given the high returns possible from strong markets.

The cattle sector is different right now with higher feed costs and much tighter margins to work with, so controlling costs to give the operation a better chance at being profitable is a must.

Of course if a sharper expenses pencil can help profitability in a tighter price market, it should be a useful and much used tool at all times as net income would seem the most important number in a business ledger.

USask-developed bio-glitter ‘green’ alternative to persistent plastics

In everything from shiny gift wrapping to kids’ dance costumes to makeup for adults heading to parties, glitter is everywhere this time of year. But custodians and environmentalists hate the stuff, because it’s almost impossible to clean up, both indoors and especially outdoors.

Now, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has developed an innovative glitter product that is biodegradable and uses light-reflecting shapes to create sparkles unlike any other – with the potential to mitigate plastic pollution around the world.

A product that is used in everything from party favours to cosmetics to boat paint, glitter products are often made of tiny plastic particles referred to as microplastics. Glitter is produced in the form of flakes, and its small size and ability to disperse into the environment in which it is released makes cleanup and control of the product difficult, if not impossible.

“In modern glitter production, aluminum and polyethylene terephthalate (microplastics) are usually combined to produce the final product,” said Amin Babaeighazvini, a PhD student in USask’s College

of Engineering, and a lead member of the research team that developed the product.

“Although I have developed a number of biodegradable films over the past eight years, we have recently developed biodegradable and edible glitters from natural resources that do not include microplastics.”

Microplastics have been found to have significant effects on ecosystems when they enter waterways or other natural resources through human action, and have even been found in remote locations, far from human activity. As well as being non-biodegradable and environmentally toxic, many glitter and sparkle products contain toxic pigments that provide their colour.

These factors have led to arguments that plastic glitter should be banned from production and use.

To reduce the environmental threats of producing and using glitter, Babaeighazvini and his research supervisor Dr. Bishnu Acharya (PhD), an associate professor of engineering, have created a plant-based product called ChiralGlitter, that is inspired by the natural process of producing structural colours.

“The glitter particles are a variety of unique shapes and sizes that allow them to reflect light at different angles, causing the surface to sparkle or shimmer,” said Babaeighazvini.

This means the colours in the glitter come from light reflecting off its surface.

“Most of the colours that we see in nature are either from pigments or structural colours,” said Acharya.

“Structural colour is based on how the light falls on the structure. The light reflects in a certain way, and that gives the colour. We mimic these phenomena in creating ChiralGlitter.”

ChiralGlitter is made of cellulose nanoparticles, a substance found in plant cell walls. This makes the product 100 per cent bio-based. Although the concept of biodegradable glitter is not new, the product invented by this USask research team avoids the aluminum and microplastic coatings still used often to create a sparkly surface.

“We use a biomaterial such

as wood or agricultural waste to synthesize cellulose nanocrystals,” said Babaeighazvini.

“Then, we fabricate functional materials from those nanocrystals, such as these biodegradable and edible glitters. The thing that makes this ecofriendly and non-toxic is the cellulose. Nanocrystals are from nature.”

As the world moves to developing more sustainable products, ChiralGlitter has the potential to be a leader in a plant-based category that can contribute to many types of commercially distributed products.

“In our lab, we always focus on how to get high-value material from something which is underutilized,” said Acharya. “And one of the applications is a bio-glitter. But the goal is always, how can we maximize the value of the underutilized biomass and create a value chain to drive the bioeconomy.”

The work was supported by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant program and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Research Chair fund through Acharya.

A USask research team has developed an innovative glitter product that is biodegradable.

Photo by University of Saskatchewan

The most vital preparation for Christmas

The strains of a Christmas medley, cheerful as the ripe pear colour of the piano itself, float to me in the kitchen. “Tabatha,” I call to our teenaged granddaughter, “what was that first song?”

“Oh, I’m just playing around,” she laughs. She has come to practice for her upcoming Grade eight exam; her visits a Wednesday afternoon gift to the Preacher and I. After her practice is done, she sets her fingers free to tap dance over the keys; an audible palette of free-ranging emotions that astounds me.

An hour earlier, we had walked a mile together. “Are you

ready for Christmas?” I asked as we circled the walking track above the ice rink.

“Ready, how?” she responded, “Presents or ….?”

I knew she understood. In a season with Jesus as the reason, preparing our hearts to celebrate his coming as a Heaven-sent Saviour should be central for Christ-followers. “Both, I guess.” I told her that as a younger woman I focused more on gifts and menus and decorating than on preparing my spirit. “Honestly,” I confessed, “I still have trouble getting my spiritual balance at Christmas, even though I fret far less about all

the rest these days.”

KATHLEEN GIBSON

Sunny Side Up

Something distracted us then, and we dropped that conversation.

Back home, I leave my computer and join her on the piano bench, cozily draped with a multi-coloured woolen patchwork throw. Atop the piano, a cornhusk Mary and Joseph adore the Christ child

in the nativity tableau, ignoring us as we flip through the Reader’s Digest Merry Christmas Songbook. We choose less-familiar songs. She has never heard The Peace Carol (Bob Beers), so I play it for her. Then we try singing it together.

“The garment of life, be it tattered and torn,

the cloak of the soldier is weathered and worn, but what Child is this that was poverty born? The peace of Christmas day!

“Add all the grief that people may bear; total the strife and the trouble and care. Put them in columns and leave them right there. The peace of Christmas day.”

If I could paint Tabatha’s alto voice, I would choose a rich burgundy; somewhat transparent, but layered with promise. Mine, on the other hand, I wouldn’t paint at all. At least not what it has become after nearly a year of postCOVID coughing. But

Gardener gift ideas

In just a few days, Christmas will be here! But if you are still stressing out about last-minute holiday details that are crowding your “to-do” list, make a cup of chamomile tea and sit down for a few minutes and breathe.

If you still have some last-minute gifts to get, maybe for a gardener that might be on your list, here are some ideas.

Gardening gloves are always a good gift idea. I’m talking about the heavy-duty gloves made of leather or suede. At one point I had a leather pair of gardening gloves—they fit like a second skin and looked neat and trim. They were great little gloves, and I wore them until they were pathetic shreds and sadly

had to be thrown out. Keith then bought me a pair of turquoise suede gloves which are now well broken-in, and I don’t start any gardening work without them.

You know how gardeners are: if we’re not out in the garden, we’re reading about gardens. A great gardening book is a wonderful choice. I love looking at garden books with lots of pictures, because there’s great visual inspiration there…but for practical, working advice for prairie gardeners, look to books by or for Canadian gardeners. My favorite authors/gardeners are Marjorie Harris and Lyndon Penner, who both write wonderfully informative books, each with their own unique connections to the land!

Take steps to reduce holiday waste

The Ministry of Environment is collaborating with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council to encourage everyone in Saskatchewan to reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in the landfill this holiday season.

“When waste is managed responsibly, it helps protect and maintain the health and safety of our province and the people that call it home,” Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said. “While we encourage people to think big, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to make a difference.”

Residents can reduce their waste through recycling and composting. The Ministry of Environment has been sharing tips for low or

no waste decorating, gift-giving and wrapping and post-holiday clean up on the Saskatchewan Environment Facebook page.

“The trick to reducing waste during the holidays is to think about what we’re trying to accomplish – spending time with loved ones, showing appreciation to the people in our lives –and find ways to do that using fewer resources,” Waste Reduction Council Executive Director Joanne Fedyk said.

More helpful information and tips about recycling and composting can be found on the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council website at: Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

Continued on Page A16

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Here’s a very unique gift, but one that will come in handy over and over again. A roll of burlap is a gift any gardener will appreciate. Don’t laugh, it’s true! When we were wrapping our mugo pine just a few weeks ago, we marveled at how one or two seasons had significantly deteriorated some of our burlap pieces. We pieced them together and got the

mugo covered, but what a delight it was to bring out a brand-new roll of burlap and make that final, top layer of protection with one continuous wrap! Burlap is used for so many garden projects, it is a gift that will be used over and over.

Because a gardener is on a life-long, never-ending quest to acquire new and interesting and different plants, another gift

idea is a gift certificate from your local garden centre or a favorite seed catalogue. Then your gardener can choose the newest “plant of the moment” next spring! There’s always something new on the market, and we love to try them all! Seed catalogues have already been arriving, and gardeners are like kids in a candy store as they thumb through the pages. “If I could get anything I wanted…what would it be…?” A gift certificate could make that happen!

A beautiful clay planter is something that every gardener would enjoy but might not be something they would buy for themselves. But if it came from you, every time they look at it, they will think

the words to that carol remind me that part of my spiritual preparation for Christmas is just this. This making of music, with fingers and voices (ragged or rich); and especially with other believers as together we ponder the nuances of the life we live. The colours of that life. The troubled world we live it in, and the God who delivered himself as an infant to redeem that world. To offer our spirits Divine, permanent peace. Once again, I accept that offer. Accept Jesus as my Peace. And although the gifts still need wrapping, I am prepared for Christmas. Are you?

of you! Wind chimes add such a beautiful note to the garden; not only are their chimes very soothing, but many are beautiful to look at, like aerial sculpture in the garden. We once received some very special and melodic windchimes from dear friends, now sadly gone, and those chimes are a very special part of our garden décor, reminding us of the gift of their friendship.

Merry Christmas, gardeners! My husband Keith and I wish you comfort and joy and every blessing of the season. Thank you to our friends at YTW for their fine work in all kinds of weather! Visit the hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca and the best of the season to you!

(Oxana

Lassia (Rick) Frenzel, Paula (Daryl) Yablonski and

Katrina (Daniel) Trejo, Stefen Kardynal, Graham (Rachelle) Kardynal, Melanie (Jason) Sather, Jordan (RaeAnne Webb) Frenzel, Kya (Riley) Faber, Dylan (Kayly) Yablonski, Thomas Yablonski, Mikayla Kardynal (Sean McRae), Athena Kardynal. Great grandchildren Charlize and Leo Trejo, Luis Quinteros, Aylah, Ethan, and Elise Kardynal, Zaidon and Emily Sather, Jude and Lennon Yablonski. He was predeceased by his son Mark in 2020, parents Philip in 1985, Tekla in1981 and brother Taras in 2018. He is survived by his brothers

and

and

nieces and nephews. Harry was born in Mukhavka, Chortkiv, Ukraine on July 27, 1930. The Kardynal family was sponsored to come to Canada by the Dutchak family of Canora, Saskatchewan in 1939. Harry traveled to Canada with his parents Philip and Tekla, brothers Mike and Taras in May of 1939. His brothers Robert and Paul were born after they settled in the Saltcoats area. The family traveled by ship to Canada and landed in Quebec City after 2 weeks, then went by train to Winnipeg, Manitoba then again by train to Canora, Sk. They stayed with the Dutchak family for a short time before living for a year in that area. From there the family moved to the Saltcoats area in 1940 and settled on a farm. Harry traveled by horse and bike to the Graham elementary school then he went to Saltcoats for high school. He also went to Winnipeg for one year of high school. After he graduated from high school, he went to Moose Jaw Teachers College for two years and obtained his teaching certificate in 1952. His first teaching job was in a one room school at Bridok, Sk. It was during his first teaching job that he met Evelyn Hydeman in 1952 while she was working at the general store in Donwell, Sk. They dated for five years before getting married on July 27, 1957, on Harry’s 27th birthday. Harry taught school in Bridok (2 years), Calder (3 years), Eden (2 years), Chatsworth (1 years), Otthon (7 years), Saltcoats (he was principal for 11 of the 13 years), Rose Valley (2 years) and back to Calder (3 years) where he retired after 32 years. During his years of moving to teach, Roman (1958), Mark (1960), Lassia (1962), Paula (1964) and Greg (1970) were born. Harry and Evelyn with their family settled on the family farm in Saltcoats in 1968 where Harry and Evelyn lived until 2004. In 2004 Harry and Evelyn moved into Yorkton, where he lived until his passing. After 27 years of teaching, he advanced his education by achieving his Bachelor of Education through night and summer classes both at St Joseph’s College and University of Saskatchewan. During Harry’s teaching career his also taught the Ukrainian language during the school days and at the Community College during the evenings. After he retired, he continued to teach children and adults in Yorkton through the Community College until he was 80 years old. Many people asked him over the years to translate and write letters for them in Ukrainian. Harry is well known and recognized both during his teaching years and in retirement for his fun-loving adventurous nature. He built slides, homemade roundabouts, homemade go carts, hockey rinks, dug wells, change sheds, show and tell especially with live animals (porcupines, roosters, frogs, etc.), bike rides, field trips, his well-known tickle trunk, horse sleigh bells and just about anything he could entertain people with. He loved to buy antiques such as tractors, trucks and was always trading cars. During his teaching career and during his retirement, Harry also farmed with the help of his family. Harry loved teaching, making sure all his students had a balance of learning and having fun because he always said that variety is the spice of life. There is a time to get down to brass tax, do your work then you go out and play. All of Harry’s students learned the value of always having a Kleenex on themselves and the meaning of the almighty red pen. He continued to give instructions to everyone at any given time no matter where he was. Harry was a very active person. He belonged to the Multicultural Society of Yorkton, Ukrainian Canadian Congress (in 2008 he was presented with the Community Recognition Award in recognition of his meritorious contribution in the area of Volunteerism and Cultural Preservation and Development), Ukrainian Professional Businessmen’s Organization, Brotherhood, Knights of Columbus, Saltcoats Agricultural Society, Saskatchewan Teachers Federation as well as the Retired Teachers Federation. He had many leadership roles within these organizations over the years. After Harry retired, he belonged to the Saskatchewan local Senior games and competed in the Canadian Masters Senior games where he achieved and won a total of 24 medals. Harry was a proud patriarch of his Ukrainian heritage and a very active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Yorkton. He sang in the choir along with his wife Evelyn and often read the epistle in Ukrainian during liturgy. His favorite activities were playing cards, traveling (they traveled across Canada, to Expo 1967 in Montreal, Vancouver Expo in 1986, many states throughout United States and Ukraine), playing games, curling and most of all he had a great love of dance. In 1993 Harry and Evelyn traveled to Ukraine in which it was the first time he went back to his homeland after immigrating as a young boy. During this trip, he was able to find and visit his mother’s sister, brother and cousin. As well as Evelyn’s many relatives. Due to his health in 2016, he was unable to travel to Ukraine with Evelyn, Paula, Thomas, Melanie and Athena who went for a family wedding. He called everyday curious to where they were, who they were visiting and had said that it would be a very emotional trip in which it was. Harry had a love and curiosity of people and what everyone did. He was always asking questions about people’s lives because he wanted to know about everyone and everything. He was a very social person. He went uptown almost everyday even if it was just for one item. He loved life to the fullest and was a voracious reader of almost anything he could read including 2 sets of encyclopedias. He was always with a book in hand. Harry knew three languages which were English, Ukrainian and Polish. Harry most of all loved his wife and all her accomplishments, his beautiful family, church and Ukrainian heritage. Everything he did was around family and food, celebrating with tradition and culture. He and Evelyn were very proud of their families’ achievements, and they were always there to support them in anyway they could no matter where family lived. Harry lived by example and was very strong in his beliefs, values, morals and work ethic. He made a difference in the lives of all the people he met leaving an incredible legacy. Prayers were held on Thursday, December 15, 2022 preceded by the rosary led by Knights of Columbus and Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Friday, December 16, 2022, both services at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church - Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The celebrant was Rev. Father Yevhen Zadorozhnyi and was assisted by Rev. Father Leonid Malkov at the Prayer Service. The cross bearer was Melanie Sather and the epistle readers were Lassia Frenzel & Paula Yablonski. Members of the Knights of Columbus and Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood participated in an honour guard. Orest & Bernice Machushek, Emanuel Oystrick, Tony & Edna Mazur, Bill & Mary Oleynik, Andy Mathuik and Ella Fiegel, as well as all his friends and relatives were recognized as honorary pall bearers. The interment took place at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Graham Kardynal, Jordan Frenzel, Dylan Yablonski, Thomas Yablonski, Stefen Kardynal and Luis Quinteros serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Harry can be made to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund, 155 Catherine St. Yorkton, SK S3N 0B9. Condolences to the family can be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com

FENSKE: Eleanor was born in Sheho, Saskatchewan on December 25, 1933. The daughter of Joe and Annie (nee Woloshyn) Timoffee. She grew up and received her education at Foster School, Sheho High School, and took her commercial course at the Yorkton Collegiate Institute. She started to work at the Scott National Fruit as an order desk clerk in June of 1952. She met Lorne on a blind date on May 26, 1953 and they married on November 10, 1954 at St. Andrews United Church Yorkton, which they joined before their marriage. Lorne and Eleanor did a lot of travelling over the years and enjoyed places such as Dubai, Arizona, California, Texas, England, North Africa, Spain, Alaska, Hawaii, and around most of Canada. She enjoyed sewing, Lorne’s knit socks, family, skiing, curling, keeping a daily diary, growing flowers, gardening, but most of all golfing was her game. She held various positions on the executive with the Ladies Club with the York Lake Golf and Country Club. Lorne and her ran a 2-Ball foursome club as well. They lived on 4th Ave. South for over 50 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Annie Timoffee, her beloved husband, Lorne, her brother-in-law, Gilbert, and sister-in-law Freda Fenske. A graveside service was held for Eleanor on Friday, December 16, 2022 at the Yorkton City Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Edmund Lindgren

July 17th 1947December 26th 2012

Carol Lindgren

September 28th 1944August 18th 2019

Though days and years have passed, Leaving us still feels as tender as if it was yesterday. Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Just a whisper away, Unseen, unheard, and always near.

Forever in our hearts, In God’s loving care.

Carla, Dave, Jordan & Jaydan

than the years we shared with you.

-Dearly missed but never forgotten, Love from your family

KARDYNAL: It is with profound sadness that the family of Harry Kardynal announce his passing on December 9, 2022, at the age of 92 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn (Hydeman) sharing 65 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Roman

Letiuceaia), daughter in law Lori Kardynal,

Greg (Twila). Grandchildren

Mike, Robert

Paul

many cousins,

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Continued from Page A10

It came about from a discussion where the emergency goaltender was determined “to be the weirdest thing in sport” and from that came the suggestion “why don’t you do a story on this,” explained Whyno in a recent interview with this reporter.

The story would win an award, but the story was not complete.

Whyno said as the impact of emergency goaltenders such as Scott Foster and Ayers made headlines he knew there was more story to tell.

“I thought it could end up being way more than a story,” he said, adding he envisioned a longer feature, when he finally sat down to take on the expanded story it evolved into a book.

practice time and playing time to give a third netminder, someone you hope can be part of your program longer term, is near impossible, said Whyno, making a guy from some rec league at least a body who knows the position.

“It’s something of an imperfect solution,” he added.

Again from the book; “Scott Foster saw a jersey with his name on it hanging in the Chicago Blackhawks locker room and made the decision right away – he would put on all his goaltending gear, so he could slip the jersey on top.

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What makes the story of course is how “absurd” the idea is that a guy with no NHL experience can suddenly be thrown into the net in a game where teams are fighting for points.

The closest comparison might be a position player sent into pitch in the late innings of a major league game, but Whyno said even in those situations games are typical lopsided affairs and the player is in for “garbage time”.

In hockey “these are close games. They’re not just trying to mop up games,” he noted.

So, it is essentially a very average player thrown into an NHL game which has long been the dream of hockey players everywhere.

Whyno said the use of inexperienced goalies as emergency fill-ins doesn’t seem to make sense “but no one has a better answer.”

It might seem simple enough, teams could carry a third pro netminder, but getting

“The 36-year-old accountant who played hockey in a couple of beer leagues figured this was the best it could possibly get, so he wasn’t doing anything halfway. Foster dressed like he was in the National Hockey League, sat with Blackhawk players in their lounge at United Center, and watched the game happening on the ice against the Winnipeg Jets.

“Foster had done the emergency backup goaltender thing more than a dozen times already that season, but on March 29, 2018, he had to be ready at a moment’s notice because the Blackhawks only had one healthy goalie in uniform. When Collin Delia went down after making a save almost six minutes into the third period and had to be helped off the ice, Foster froze. He didn’t hear the equipment manager telling him to grab his mask, blocker, and gloves and get ready to go in the game.”

While the Foster and Ayers stories have been generally good news ones Whyno said one day an emergency goalie will go in and get blitzed for a basket of goals and then there will likely be a call to change the system.

Even in the case of Ayers, when he gave up two quick goals to Toronto people around the NHL were going bonkers.

But when Carolina steadied things “playing maybe the best game ever in the NHL,” it became a hugely positive thing for the league, said Whyno.

“It is great publicity when it goes well,” he said.

As it stands though, most emergency goalies simply dress in case the back-up goes down after they have been forced into action by an injury to the starter. Few – three –get into action for meaningful time.

Foster in 2018, Ayres in 2020, and Tom Hodges in 2022 were the only emergency backup goaltenders to see meaningful action in a game since the NHL instituted the two-goalie system in 1965.

“It’s such a rare occurrence,” said Whyno, adding it has become a very exclusive fraternity “that knows what it feels like.”

In fact, Whyno likened it to people who know what it is like to have walked on the moon.

Carnival fun

Area residents honoured with QEII Platinum Jubilee medals

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

Locals were recognized for their volunteer services and contributions to a numebr of fields at an awards banquet held in Kelvington

The banquet was held in Kelvington on Dec. 2, with local MLA High Nerlien and Honourable Tim McLeod, Provincial Secretary to the Government of Saskatchewan, presenting the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum award medals.

The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal was created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth’s II’s Accession to the throne, which began on Feb. 6, 2022, said the provincial

government’s website.

The medal is a tangible way for the province of Saskatchewan to honour her majesty for her service to Canada.

As part of the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty ascending the throne as Queen of Canada, this long tradition of creating commemorative medals has continued. In the absence of a federal Platinum Jubilee Medal program, six provinces have established Jubilee Medals of their own - each with the same ribbon, overall design and criteria. The design of the medal was approved by Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle on May 17, 2022.

Fields of contribution were in: business/commerce, volunteer service, sports, protective services, arts, health care, social services and agri-

culture.

Award winners

Business and commerce

· Vernon Armitage of Porcupine Plain

· Louis Coderre of Wynyard

· Barry Leier of Porcupine Plain

· Bill Sowa of Kuroki

Volunteer service

· Sharon Armstrong of Wynyard

· Betty Baranesky of Theodore

· Danylo Bodnar of Foam Lake

· Muriel Cameron of Porcupine Plain

· Agnes and Daivd Ewen of Kelvington

· Graham Farrel of Foam Lake

· Bill Flilpichuck of Wadena

· Marjory Headington of Wadena

· Jeanine Johnson of

Whiskers & Tails

Betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, are notoriously aggressive and territorial. Some are so defensive they can’t live in a tank with other fish. Others are less aggressive and can share their habitat under the right conditions. Here are a few things to consider when determining if your betta can live with other fish.

TANK SIZE

On their own, betta fish only need a fivegallon tank. If you’re looking to get them a companion, you’ll need to have at least a 10- or 15-gallon tank. Remember to include lots of plants, decorations and other hiding places so that your betta fish has somewhere to go if it’s stressed.

TANK MATES

Don’t put bettas in a tank with brightly coloured, energetic or aggressive fish. Choose a companion with dull colours that won’t be perceived as a threat. You should also look for bottom dwellers and other fish that won’t inhabit the same area of the tank as your betta fish.

GENDER

Male betta fish are more aggressive than females. Two males should never be put in a tank together.

It’s best to introduce tank mates when your betta fish is still young. Remain cautious at first and be prepared to separate your fish if they fight.

The photos and images in this issue are available to download in black & white and in a larger size from the online page folder.

Foam Lake

· George Kays of Porcupine Plain

· Tom Lindenback of Weekes

· Peggy Looby of Bjorkdale

· Marvin Mackie of Archerwill

· Kent McMann of Foam Lake

· Dwight Pomedli of Wadena

· Larry Ukrainetz of Tuffnell

· Lana Woulfe of Bjorkdale Sport

· Colette Bourgonje of Prince Albert

· Delores Syrota of Elfros

Protective Service

· Bobbie-Jean Buchanan of Porcupine Plain

Arts

· Nino Hernandez of Porcupine Plain

· Laureen Kells of Tuffnell

Health Care

· Anna Janzen of Hague

· Danielle QuiringWebking of Porcupine Plain

TAKE

Continued from Page A13

Want to learn more about how the province manages waste?

Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy outlines practical and sustainable goals for the province’s solid waste management system over the next 20 years.

The Ministry of Environment has released the Solid Waste Management Strategy

Social Services

· Marilynn Jonas of Porcupine Plain

Agriculture

· Dwight Odelein of Quill Lake

· Jeff Pylatuik of Humboldt

Saskatchewan has

been known for their volunteerism and recognizing the important contributions that each of these individuals will continue the trend of Saskatchewan people going above and beyond in their fields of interest, the province said.

annual report for 202122. It is available at: saskatchewan.ca/recycling.

Examples of notable accomplishments for 2021-22 include:

• Collaborating with key stakeholders on a multi-year communications strategy and public education campaign.

• Launching a comprehensive waste disposal pilot program at the Ministry of Environment’s main building in Regina, which could be expanded to other Government of Saskatchewan buildings.

• Reducing the number of operating municipal landfills in the province from 500 in 2015 to 120 in 2022. This is leading to the development of regional landfills

and cost sharing, making it easier for municipalities to manage compliant landfills.

Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan envisions 1.4 million people living in the province by 2030. With this goal in mind, the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes how managing our solid waste requires a strategic approach to ensure our landfills are not overwhelmed and the environment is not polluted.

Implementing the Solid Waste Management Strategy contributes to Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, setting a foundation to support a strong economy, strong communities and families, and build a stronger Saskatchewan.

Can betta fish live with other fish?

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

Photo from Sask Goverment website

MC Knoll Scool held a Christams Carnival last week with a variety of activities. Clockwise from above, Jason and

Kashton Smalley curl, pictures were coloured, Jordan and Aleaha Phillips decorate cookies, and bingo was held.

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

By

By

By

Aejan, BGC, Yorkton.

Andy, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

Alek, BGC, Yorkton.

By Addyson, BGC, Yorkton.

By Anna. St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

By Alex, BGC, Yorkton.

By Andy, BGC, Yorkton.

By Ayden, BGC, Yorkton.

During 2022, I was honoured to represent the Constituency of Yorkton in the Provincial Legislative Assembly. As the Fall Sitting of the Legislature has concluded, we look toward the Christmas season celebrated with family and friends.

As elected officials, throughout the last year, our government has continued to stand up for Saskatchewan interests by ensuring the

Canadian Constitution is honoured, property rights are respected, that our economic interest around the world are represented, by building relations and by telling our Saskatchewan story amongst international trade partners. Work is being done to show the world what our province has to offer in the way of agriculture, resources, industries, and businesses. Both provincially and locally in Yorkton,

citizens are supported by the creation of jobs, infrastructure projects and investments into government services necessary for a good quality of life.

Across the province, there have been large investments in hospitals, health care facilities, schools, and highways. Renovations continue to be done on the Yorkton Regional High School, passing lanes and other highway improve-

ments have been completed in and around our city. Additionally, the scoping and planning for a new hospital in Yorkton is beginning.

The Saskatchewan Party Government continues to support families in many ways including the $500.00 Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit cheques, that were distributed this fall, and the nearly 30 new childcare spaces that have been created in Yorkton.

Saskatchewan has recently reached a milestone of over 1.2 million people and our province continues to grow, in part through immigration including the welcoming of Ukrainian refugees in Yorkton and area. Our unemployment may be near record lows, however opportunities for good jobs continue in many areas including health care. Many long-term opportunities will continue as our government works to train, recruit, incentivize and retain workers throughout the system. The Health Human Resources Action Plan is recognized as one of the most substantial in Canada.

I would be remiss if I did not give thanks and mention the many women and men who serve our province and our community. Many people, including those in the Armed Forces, RCMP, health and protective services will be away from family and friends during this holiday season. It is imperative that each of us reach out beyond our familiar relationships to think of those who are on their own. At this time, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is my prayer that everyone would be encouraged by this scripture from the book of Romans that says, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

At the centre of God’s message is love and how we need to love one another. He restores love and service to our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. Given the current state of the world, now it is more important than ever to reflect on that message and follow it. It is my prayer this Christmas season that His example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.

May peace be with you all. Merry Christmas, have a safe, blessed and prosperous New Year.

Greg Ottenbreit, MLA

Mayor Hippsley’s Christmas message

As we prepare for the most celebrated time of the year, we often reflect on our Christmas childhood memories!

It was always a time to help decorate, see decorations everywhere, have pictures with Santa, hear countless Christmas carols, help with baking, look endlessly through the Eaton’s Christmas catalogue that was delivered every year to your house to see the latest toys. There simply wasn’t enough television commercials to show us what we thought we needed. Little did we realize how some day everything in our lives would change as we matured into adulthood. Now, as adults, we look back and reflect just

how simple and wonderful Christmas was as a child. Economics was merely a word we never heard of or even understood.

This Christmas, I challenge you to go out of your comfort zone and give to

organizations that you have only thought about. Go out of your way to help somebody in need, shovel your neighbours walk, offer someone a ride, help out at a soup kitchen, donate to a food bank. The world needs you! Your community needs you!

What is truly incredible, is the joy you will feel inside when you see the person on the receiving end smile and say Thank You!

The feeling you are left with inside almost will make you ironically feel selfish because of knowing you helped make a positive difference. Although we are all born equal, life takes

Believe in the Magic of Christmas!

us down different paths and is never predictable. Let us never think that our troubles are unique. Someone always has harder times than you and could always use a helping hand.

Christmas is all about giving and being grateful for our blessings we have been given. Christmas is all about sharing, caring and showing our love. We are told that Christmas is the most stressful time of the year, so reach out to a stranger or that friend or loved one that you have not spoken to for

a long time. Put yourself in a humble and helping mode this Christmas and experience the joy of giving! Be careful its wonderfully addictive and builds great communities like Yorkton!

Thank You for electing me to be your mayor. It is a both a humbling and distinct privilege. Needless to say, it has been a very challenging year for all of us on council with post-covid and inflation factors in these very trying times. Be rest assured, you have a very smart, committed and

engaged council doing their very best to look after our city! Although you may not always agree with councils’ decisions, they are made for Yorkton’s best interests as a whole.

On behalf of city council, myself and our families, I wish you and your family and loved ones, a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year full of great opportunities, good health, fun times and great friends.

We are truly living in a great city with even more great things to come!

Mayor Mitch Hippsley

By Natalie, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3F.

By Adley, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Carmella, BGC, Yorkton.

By Andrea, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Claire, BGC, Yorkton.

By Bennett, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Daimion, BGC,

MP Christmas message

As your Member of Parliament for Yorkton – Melville, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

As I write this Christmas greeting, I am looking forward to returning home for special moments with nearby family before travelling to see our children and grandchildren over the holiday season.

It is hard to believe that this will be the eighth Christmas for me as your Member of Parliament. The past three years presented greater challenges for everyone hoping to reconnect over the Christmas season with family and friends who live far away – or just felt far away, despite living down the block or across the farmyard.

What a blessing it is to re-engage in those moments with renewed thankfulness: going caroling at local care homes and hospitals to lift the hearts of those who are elderly or ill, as well as those who provide their

care; buying, making, and wrapping gifts; cooking, baking, cleaning and decorating; waking Christmas morning to early risers that normally do not want to get out of bed.

Perhaps you, like me, are acutely aware of the special traditions and experiences we tell ourselves we will never take for granted again. Perhaps you, like me, realize that saying, “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” perhaps even, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” is the best gift one can provide to those who are yearning to hear those words couched in an 18-second hug. I am told that is the minimum time needed for a hug to have its maximum

impact – truly! Christmas is the perfect time for hope, reflection, and celebration. I hope your home will be filled with these things and more. For those who recognize the birth of Christ as the source of hope for the world, I share the following Words of Scripture that give me hope as I seek to do my best to represent all those who call Yorkton–Melville home:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Cathay Wagantall, M.P.

Gather ’Round,

It’s Christmas!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without good friends like you! Thanks for making our year so merry with your visits. We hope your holiday is filled with more than enough joy to go around. Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year!

W herever it is you call home, may His good graces reside with you and your loved ones this holiday season. We thank you ever so much for your kind patronage.

Cathay Wagantall MP

Yorkton.

By Chloe, St. Michael’s School, Grade

By Echo, BGC, Yorkton.

By Vrent, St. Michael’s School, Grade 3/2F.

By Elliott, BGC, Yorkton

By Faye, BGC, Yorkton.

By Isaiah, BGC, Yorkton.

By Jace, BGC, Yorkton.

By Bella, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

By Blaike, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

By Colton, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

By Jen, BGC, Yorkton.

By Kaleb, BGC, Yorkton. By Kajo, BGC, Yorkton.

By Emily, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E. By George, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E. By Ivanna, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

Kasyn, BGC, Yorkton.

Wyatt, BGC, Yorkton.

By Unknown, BGC, Yorkton.

By Emma, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Oliver, BGC, Yorkton.

By Gabrielle, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Saron, BGC, Yorkton.

By Violet, BGC, Yorkton.

By Navya, BGC, Yorkton.

The holidays are a time to be with family and friends, sharing in culture, tradition, food and ceremony. With the prospect of a new year upon us, take time to reflect on the accomplishments of the year gone by and the importance of community.

From all of us at the Métis Nation Government in Saskatchewan, have a safe and happy season and may the new year find everyone in good spirits and good health.

Back Row: Wendy, Lee, George, Gwen, Kaila, Greg, Dustin, Kyle & Dustin. Front row: Todd & Garett. Camera shy: Carey, Barry, and Larry.

By Blake, St. Michael’s School, Grade 3.

By Kyson, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

By Astra, St. Michael’s School, Grade 3.

Premier Scott Moe’s Christmas message

Christmas is almost here, and I think we’re all excited to be celebrating with family and friends.

Over the last few years, I believe most of us have an increased appreciation for what is truly important in life.

We make the most out of every opportunity we have to spend time with those that we love.

For some of you, this will be your first Christmas in Saskatchewan.

Whether you have arrived from Ukraine, Pakistan, Africa, or the Philippines, or somewhere else in the world, I want to welcome you to Saskatchewan.

We are grateful that you have chosen to make this province your home and we know that you will make Saskatchewan stronger.

The message of Christmas gives us hope for a bright future - of new beginnings with

peace and goodwill for all.

Such a timeless story of God’s love revealed to mankind.

A child, born to a humble young woman. Not in a palace, but in a stable on the back side of an inn.

A little child wrapped up in swaddling clothes, who came into the world to lift up the downcast, to rejoice with those rejoicing, to mourn and comfort those who are suffering.

Truly he taught us to love one another.

His law is love, and his gospel is peace. And we are so fortunate in Saskatchewan.

We are blessed to have so much of what the world needs today.

But even with all of the riches that we possess, the most precious gifts are those that can’t be bought in a store or wrapped and placed under a tree.

Our families, our

friends and the freedom we have to enjoy life together in peace.

In the weeks ahead, some of us will be travelling for the holidays, some of us will be celebrating at home.

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, the hearts of myself and my wife Krista, are with you and hoping the best for you and those that you love.

Merry Christmas Saskatchewan, and a very blessed New Year!

By Ben, St. Michael’s School, Grade 3.

By Kian, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

Premier Scott Moe

Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty’s Christmas message

Hello! Tansi!

During this most wonderful time of the year we focus on reaching out to family, friends and neighbours, and caring for those in need. Giving back to our communities reflects the true spirit of the season.

We may never see a more extraordinary example of service than that of our late Queen.

In February, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British and Canadian monarch to serve seventy years as sovereign. In Saskatchewan, we are commemorating her remarkable reign with the awarding of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals. It has been my privilege to present many of these medals to people in recognition of outstanding contributions to the betterment of our province. Acknowledging people who help others is one of the most fulfilling duties of my role as Lieutenant Governor.

I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who gives of their time and talents to enrich our communities. In Saskatchewan, we are rich when it comes to kind-hearted volunteers.

I also want to thank everyone serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, police and fire services, first responders, health care professionals, educators and front-line workers for going beyond the call of duty.

In addition, I am deeply grateful for the guidance I received from elders, knowledge keepers, survivors and their families in the creation of the Saskatchewan Residential School Memorial. On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the memorial was dedicated on the grounds of Government House in Regina. We hope that it will be a reflective place where everyone can come to learn and heal.

My wife Donna and I were pleased to host an event on September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, around the Memorial with hundreds of school children in attendance.

Over the last few months, we have experienced a renewal of special events that had been postponed due to the pandemic. We were thrilled to present Canada Day celebrations at Government House for the first time during my term. With thousands of guests, we enjoyed a delightful afternoon filled with multicultural entertainment and fun for all ages.

Donna and I are also excited to invite you back to Government House for a New Years Levee. Please join us January 1 from 1-4 p.m. to welcome in 2023 and say goodbye to 2022 - which has been

a momentous year.

In September, as Canadians mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we also welcomed King Charles as our new monarch.

I am happy to bring you season’s greetings on behalf of His Majesty, King Charles the Third, King of Canada. And, on behalf of my family and staff, I wish you happy holidays. And I would like to share these season’s greetings with you in my first language, which is Woodland Cree.

Nitha ikwa Donna nicawasimisinanak, nosisiminanak.

Nipakosithitinan kahkithaw Kita mitho makosikisikanisik ekwa kita mitho ocimikisikansik.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

By Mahrosh, St.

School, Grade 2F.

We appreciate

business and wish you the best in the coming year.

Michael’s

Russ Mirasty Lieutenant Governor

May you be surrounded by loved ones at Christmas and year round.

NDP Carla Beck’s Christmas message

Hi, I’m Carla Beck, and I have to tell you, I love this time of year.

The season’s themes of love, peace and goodwill towards others are universal.

More than that, they’re the values that I learned growing up on the farm. Values we still see right across our beautiful province.

We look out for our neighbours, reach out and care for the most vulnerable and comfort those who may be sick or struggling.

Acts of kindness like these happen every day in Saskatchewan.

The holiday season is a reminder to all of us to keep these values front and centre, to share a little more generously, and to spread cheer a little more wisely.

For me, Christmas also means that every-

one in my family carves out some time to spend together.

We still go down to my parent’s place, and every year, we get out for a hike after the turkey meal and get in a family skate at the Lang rink.

Now between ball games, dance recitals, hockey and, of course, school and work, real quality time with the full extended family happens less often these days, and it’s even more precious. Because I know, not everyone is so lucky.

The last couple years have been tough on all of us in many ways, and some of us have been hit harder than others.

For some, that may mean not being able to afford all the trimmings this year, or the uncertainty of a lost job, or maybe worrying about how you’ll pay the bills

next month.

Maybe there is the fear of illness in the family, or the real sadness of missing a loved one who is no longer there around the holiday table.

If you’re going through a tough time like this, if

the joy of the season isn’t present in your home, I hope that the spirit of hope is, and that the love and generosity of your neighbours finds you, and please, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Because ultimately, hope, generosity, and love is what we’re all celebrating this season, and it’s what we should strive for… every day.

So, no matter where you live, who is at your table, and regardless of your customs. Wherever you may be gathering and worshipping. Whether your traditions run deep in this prairie soil or you’re planning your very first Saskatchewan holiday, on behalf of myself, my family, and the Saskatchewan New Democrats Merry Christmas, and best wishes in 2023.

By Marco, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Luca, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

By Mehdi, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2F.

By Mia, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E.

Carla Beck Leader of the Opposition

By Samuel, St. Michael’s School, Grade

By Rex, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2.

Happy Holidays

By Terry, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3F.

By Taylor, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2.

By Valeria, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2/3E. By Zoe, St. Michael’s School, Grade 2.

By Emily, St. Michael’s School, Grade

Deck the halls and trim the tree, wrap the gifts and share the glee. The holidays are in full swing and on our list is one last thing: A note of thanks and our warm wishes too for peace, joy and friendship to last the year through! 277