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Articles by Robyn Tocker
Input Capital, farmer in court over deliveries
Company claims breech of contract, seeks $7.8 million from Sask. farmer over delivery arrangement that went wrong REGINA — Terry Gustafson has been farming near Macoun, Sask., for most of his life, but he has spent a great deal of time in court lately in a case involving himself and Input Capital Corp. Input Capital pays farmers in advance for their crops, mainly canola.
First ag hackathon brings techies together - The Western Producer
“It’s freeing up farmers to expand and progress their industry and their business,” said Anton Canitz, a participant in Canada’s first agriculture hackathon. University of Saskatchewan’s junior chamber of commerce organized the Emerging Agriculture hackathon at the university Nov. 21-23. Canitz and team members Dustin Gamester and Erik Tetland joined with students, producers, business professionals and software programmers Nov.22-23.
Yorkton crushing plant remains in limbo - The Western Producer
It remains unclear when operations at the Louis Dreyfus Commodities canola crushing plant in Yorkton, Sask., will resume, after an explosion brought it to a standstill more than a month ago. The plant is “preparing to resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Brian Conn, vice-president of LDC Canada in a news release posted Nov.
Learning about past through food - The Western Producer
It’s not Christmas unless there’s food on the table, and Amy Jo Ehman’s new book has some interesting dishes to include. Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens, Ehman’s second book, pieces together Saskatchewan’s history from the 1870s to 1920s with food from Metis, First Nations and European homesteaders. “To me, it’s a story of Saskatchewan’s early days and recipes are an extension of that,” she said.
Leko’s Conservation Corner: algae blooms
During a recent boat patrol, I noticed some algae growth in and on the water. These blooms commonly occur in July, August and even into September, especially if the weather has been warm, and that it has! Algae blooms are common occurrences that occur naturally in many lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in Saskatchewan. Ideal conditions for algae growth include the presence of stagnant shallow water, warm temperatures and nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus.
Three Broncos athletes selected for national tournament
Three athletes from the White Butte Minor Ball Bronco Baseball organization will be competing at the highest level of their young baseball careers when they represent Saskatchewan at a national tournament. Alex Ellert of White City and Tate Olson of Pilot Butte were recently selected to the Baseball Sask 13U Selects team that will represent Saskatchewan at the 13U Baseball Canada Championship in Repentigny, Quebec from August 24 to 28.
Crop report from Aug. 8 to 14
Despite some rain delays, harvest is nicely progressing in the southeast region. Eleven per cent of the crop is now in the bin while 10 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. This is well ahead of the five-year (2012-2016) average for this time of year of six per cent combined and 11 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Rainfall throughout the week has delayed some producers for a few days but most are expecting to be back in the field by the weekend.
Classic Car Show draws a crowd
Robyn Tocker is the reporter/photographer of the White City Star Newspaper. You can reach her at 306-352-3393 or by e-mail at robyn@starnews.ca.
Pilot Butte discusses recreation and rodeo
At Pilot Butte’s Aug. 14 council meeting, councillors discussed the highlights from the recent committee meetings they attended since their last meeting in July. Councillor Jean Lowenberger attended the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting. She informed council all the dressing rooms at the rink were being painted, as well as the lobby. During the last week in July, there was a camp for children ages 10 to 14 and it was said to be a success.
Playground officially completed in Balgonie
To celebrate the completion of Balgonie’s new playground on Main Street, the Balgonie Youth Committee held a street dance and farmer’s market Aug. 18. “We did the street dance to get the community together and we decided to add a market for something different,” said Aleesha Bliss, chairperson of the Balgonie Youth Committee. There were 12 booths at the market. The Balgonie Volunteer Fire Fighters were also in attendance with their trucks.
Kronau celebrates 100 years of the pilgrimage
Every year, Kronau celebrates the pilgrimage of the feast of the assumption of our Blessed Mother, but this year they held a special two-day celebration for their 100th anniversary of their grotto’s construction to bring their community together. Darrell Herauf, the chairperson of St. Peter’s Heritage Society and the pilgrimage celebration, said planning the big event took a year. “We wanted to make this special,” he said.
Pilot Butte Lions car show raises $2,000 for dog guide
The ninth annual “Get Yer Kicks on Route 46” Car Show & Shine reached a milestone July 15 by raising about $2,000 for the Pilot Butte & District Lions Club Dog Guide Project. Jim Boychuk, a Lions member and organizer of the car show, has been involved with the show since its inception. He said it hasn’t changed over the past nine years. “It’s been a fundraiser since the beginning and over the years we have raised about $1,000 every year,” he said.
Pride in planning - RM summer student reflects on learnings
“Oh, so like Sim City?” The response every planner gets when they try to explain to people what they do. It’s not entirely incorrect – many professional planners make decisions that build cities. But there is much more to it, which I came to truly understand this summer while working with the RM of Edenwold Planning Department. We do not just sit in our offices surrounded by Lego blocks designing elaborate skyscrapers.
RM gathers results from business survey
The RM of Edenwold’s assistant planner, Jessica Mitchell, spent the summer gathering information for their business survey and is now compiling the results to add to the RM’s Official Community Plan (OCP). Mitchell handed out 700 surveys to businesses in Emerald Park and north of Highway 1 in early July. In one month, the RM received 120 back. “It was good to get out and physically hand the copies to these people and chat with them and see what their concerns were,” she said.
Crop report for Aug. 1 to 7
Harvest continues in the region as four per cent of the crop is now combined and three per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year (2012-2016) average for this time of year is one per cent combined and three per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Threshing Bee celebrates community and Canada
Fifteen-year-old Taylor Strudwick and his 12-year-old cousin Aidan have a passion for age-old farm equipment and they were able to show off their threshing machines from the 1940s at the RM of Edenwold’s Threshing Bee Aug. 12. At about seven years old, Taylor was interested in old threshing machines. He and his cousin decided to each buy one. “On mine we had to do a bit of work,” said Taylor. Aidan’s also required repairs.
Private liquor store opens in Pilot Butte
Happy Hour Cold Beer, Wine and Spirits is a private liquor store that offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for budding connoisseurs to try. Allen Kilback and his wife Denise decided to open Happy Hour in late 2016 when the provincial government announced Pilot Butte would be awarded a private liquor store. “The original term ‘happy hour’ was formed by William Shakespeare,” said Allen.
Emerald Park musician releasing EP
Alexandra Barabe, AKA Zana, has been invested in creating music since high school and her first EP, This is Zana, will be released Aug. 22. “I started doing classical vocal training when I started high school. I didn’t decide I wanted to pursue music for a career and take it more seriously until after high school,” twenty-year-old Barabe explained. “Originally, I was going to go into sciences at the University of Regina.” After one semester, Barabe decided to follow a more musical path.
Plainsview hires new CEO
Fintan Ryan’s 27 years of experience working at credit unions in Ireland was not the only reason he decided to pursue the job of CEO of Plainview Credit Union. His heart was also invested in this new opportunity. Ryan’s girlfriend works in Yorkton for another credit union and he said “it’s easier than commuting from Ireland.” “I quite like the way the credit union movement in Canada is set up because your services are much more expansive then the services we have in Ireland,” he said.
School of Rock opening in Regina
A unique music program for people of any age is coming to Regina and its Emerald Park franchise owner is excited for class to be in session. School of Rock is different than other music lessons.
Dairy Queen raises money for Miracle Treat Day
Robyn Tocker is the reporter/photographer of the White City Star Newspaper. You can reach her at 306-352-3393 or by e-mail at robyn@starnews.ca.
Pilot Butte garden contest winners announced
Robyn Tocker is the reporter/photographer of the White City Star Newspaper. You can reach her at 306-352-3393 or by e-mail at robyn@starnews.ca.
Leko’s Conservation Corner: clean, drain and dry your boat
Well, fishing season is well underway and the fish are biting. As many of you may be aware, there is a threat to our provincial waters that we want all anglers and boaters to be aware of. Aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels pose a significant danger to our fisheries and water infrastructure in Saskatchewan. This has been a huge problem in many southern states and eastern Canada and it is now a real threat to our clean waters.
White City makes final decision on rink location
After hearing the public’s opinion on the outdoor rink location in White City, the council decided to stay with its current location at the corner of Deneve Drive. Council heard the Wheatland Delegation Committee at their June 12 council meeting. Town Manager Ken Kolb said at the previous meeting on May 29, council had reaffirmed their decision to go ahead with the Deneve Drive location. But they still listened to Wheatland June 12.
RM hires new assistant planner for summer
The RM of Edenwold has hired an assistant planner for the summer to help planners Paige Philips and Jana Jedlic gather information for the RM’s Official Community Plan (OCP). Jessica Mitchell will be visiting businesses in Emerald Park, the Great Plains area and north of Highway 1 to add their voices to the OCP. “We’re really excited to have her on board,” said Jedlic.
Free cake at Plainsview Credit Union
Free cake at Plainsview Credit Union Plainsview Credit Union Branch Manager Shawn Osier sampled the cake available at Plainsview June 30. The cake was purchased from IGA to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday at the branch. Visitors to the branch could have cake and refreshments while they did their banking. Photo by Robyn Tocker Robyn Tocker is the reporter/photographer of the White City Star Newspaper. You can reach her at 306-352-3393 or by e-mail at robyn@starnews.ca.
Haying operations underway in southeast region
In-crop weed control is underway and is nearing completion in some areas after several weeks of delay due to strong winds and wet conditions. Haying operations are underway in the region. Three per cent of the hay crop has been cut and two per cent baled or ensiled. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 38 per cent good, 37 per cent fair and 21 per cent poor. Due to less-than-ideal growing conditions, hay and pasture yields are expected to be less than normal.
Letter to the Editor: Brad Wall paying it forward
You’ve likely heard the radio commercials by Brad Wall where he compares the budget to paying it forward in the lineup at Timmy’s. The only problem with this analogy is that at the end of the line, there is a sixteen-year-old left with the bill of a dozen other orders of donuts, coffee and supplies for everyone back at their offices. That sixteen-year-old is flat broke and barely scrounged enough change together to afford his own coffee that day.
Congratulations Greenall graduates!
Greenall High School celebrated their class of 2017’s graduation June 29. One hundred sixty students showed off their fancy attire and academic success. Principal Randy Wihlidal congratulated the students on their hard work. “We as a school have experienced a lot of ups and downs during the past year – some good and some not – but it became apparent as the newcomer to the building that we are a school that is built on hard work and resolve,” he said.
Dance camp starts up early August
Summer fun comes in many shapes and sizes, including unique camps such as Dance Plus Emerald Park’s Summer Dance Camp. From Aug. 2 to 3, dancers ages six and up can come to Dance Plus’ studio on Great Plains Road to learn new dance disciplines. Children who have not taken dance lessons before can attend to see what they would like to take in the fall. Dancers from other studios can also attend. Amy Croteau, owner/operator of Dance Plus, said this is the sixth year the studio has held this dance camp.
Broncos Mosquito AA holds first tournament
The White Butte Minor Ball Association Broncos held their first Mosquito AA Tournament June 23 to 25 and many players came up to bat over the windy weekend. The tournament saw 10 teams from the area: White Butte Broncos Blue, White and Black teams; Regina Expos, Blue Jays and White Sox; Southern Aces (Assiniboia), Melfort Selects, Lloydminster Twins and the Yorkton Cardinals.
Increased rainfall improves topsoil moisture in southeast
Rainfall was welcomed last week as topsoil moisture conditions were deteriorating. The amount of rain varied widely, ranging from eight millimetres to 112 millimetres in the Glenavon area. As a result, the Glenavon area holds the record for the most precipitation (157 millimetre) received in the region since April 1. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short.
ERES celebrates their new playground
Emerald Ridge Elementary School ended the school year with fun activities and recognition of hard work. At the school’s end of the year carnival/picnic on June 21, the families and staff of ERES held the grand opening of their playground. Lisa Sali, a member of ERES’s School Community Council (SCC), said Prairie Valley School Division (PVSD) provided the structures, but additional equipment for the playground was required.
Welcome to the family, Sam
Adding another dog to the family is similar to having a second child. Or at least, that’s what my experience has been like. My partner and I knew we wanted to add a second dog to our family, but it had to be the right one. Sunny, who used to be an only (dog) child, is picky about which dogs she likes. She loves greeting any animal on a walk, but live with one? That’s another matter.
ERES students and staff have fun at carnival
On June 21, 2017 Emerald Ridge Elementary Student Leadership Council (SLC) alongside the assistance of the Emerald Ridge Elementary School Community Council held a carnival, family picnic and celebrated the grand opening of our school playground. The carnival was a fundraiser for TeleMiracle 2018. Our students spent over two months planning and preparation under the direction of Ms. Byrnes and Mrs.
Leo’s Conservation Corner: Angling Limits
Well, fishing season is well under way and the fish seem to be biting pretty well. When the fish are really biting, we tend to see a pattern of people going over their legal limit. Some know full well what they are doing, while others just make a mistake. Each officer will handle the situation the best way that they can, based on the circumstances. It is important to clarify a few things, so no one falls into that behaviour of fishing over your limit.
RM approves budget and mill rate
The RM of Edenwold approved their 2017-18 budget and mill rate at their June 27 council meeting. The mill rate will be 4.4 per cent. Council reviewed eight different tax rate scenarios before agreeing on 4.4 per cent. “They worked to mitigate assessment fluctuations between the agriculture, residential and commercial property classes that occurred within the municipality with the new 2017 assessment.
Lil’MissFit focuses on combining nutrition and building foundations
It’s been six months since Lil’MissFit moved to their new location on Great Plains Road and owner/operator Krista Mayer said business is booming. “I started Lil’MissFit two years ago and I started off as a small business in my basement. It started with eight ladies that came and saw me three times a week,” she said. Mayer started “busting out at the seams” in her basement. When the space at Great Plains Road became available, she seized her chance to grow her business even further.
IGA raises money for Regina Food Bank
IGA raises money for Regina Food Bank Regina siblings Morgan Geisam (middle), Jessica Geisam (left) and Nathan Geisam (right) came out to hand out ice cream at IGA Emerald Park. IGA raised money June 24 for the Regina Food Bank. Customers donated $2 and received an ice cream treat from the Geisam siblings. All the proceeds went to the food bank. IGA raised $925.55. Robyn Tocker is the reporter/photographer of the White City Star Newspaper.
Balgonie Girl Guides looking for new members
The 1st Balgonie Girl Guides Unit is entering its third year and they are looking for girls who want to be part of the fun, active group. Jolene Ursu, one of the organizers of the local Girl Guides, said she and a few women started the club three years ago because they wanted their daughters to have the experience. “We wanted them to get involved in Girl Guides and there wasn’t anything around here,” Ursu explained.
Happy birthday, John!
Robyn Tocker is the reporter/photographer of the White City Star Newspaper. You can reach her at 306-352-3393 or by e-mail at robyn@starnews.ca.
Yoga summer camps coming to Emerald Park
School will soon be out and children will need something to keep occupied over the summer months. An Emerald Park business is offering children a unique summer camp experience. Pure Living Yoga, in partnership with Lil’MissFit, is offering five summer yoga camps to children ages three to 14. “We have a full week rate but there are day rates available as well for the people who just want to drop their kid off for one day,” explained Brittany Kish, co-owner of Pure Living Yoga.
Business meeting discusses festival, rink
The White City/Emerald Park Business Association held their last meeting before their summer holidays June 14. There will be no meeting in July or August but they will resume in September. At the June meeting, Steven King from Plainsview Credit Union announced the company now has a new CEO, Fintan Ryan, who will start this summer. “He’ll bring some unique experiences, which we’re really looking forward to,” said King.
Questionable companies used by Wall government
With recent revelations about the highly questionable practices of a company related to the ever-evolving GTH land scandal, Saskatchewan residents deserve to know the truth. Since it is our tax dollars being spent with these questionable organizations, we deserve to know why it is that the Wall Government either didn’t do their due diligence on these companies, or worse yet, if they did, why they still chose to partner with them and even advocate on their behalf.
Rain welcomed by farmers but too late for crops
Seeding has wrapped up in the region, although there are still some greenfeed and silage crops left to be seeded. In-crop weed control is underway in areas with active weed growth; however, strong winds have been delaying producers for several weeks now. Rainfall was welcomed in many areas over the past week as topsoil moisture conditions were rapidly deteriorating. Rainfall this past week ranged from small amounts to 41 millimetres in the Maryfield area.
Here we go again!
At the Annual Meeting of the Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association (PSMHA), a motion was brought forward by Trent Langford (on behalf of the PSMHA Board of Directors) to once again attempt to change the residential boundaries of the PSMHA. The motion would have closed the boundaries to include only those residences that are within the RM of Edenwold, once again excluding all of those families east of Balgonie up to McLean that are in the RM of South Qu’Appelle.
Cratex Industries opens in Emerald Park
Cratex Industries Inc., Western Canada’s largest packaging and crating company, held its grand opening June 20. Cratex purchased Balgonie Pallet & Crate in February 2017 and is now located on Great Plains Industrial Drive in Emerald Park. Cratex employees, customers and senior executives, along with senior executives from its parent company Manitoulin Group of Companies, attended the celebration.
Pilot Butte Rodeo gets down and dirty
Cloudy mornings and rainy afternoons didn’t stop Pilot Butte Rodeo athletes and fans from enjoying the annual rodeo. From June 16 to 18, about 277 athletes competed in various rodeo events over the weekend. Approximately 600 fans watched from the stands to cheer on the athletes. During the weekend, there was also a 16-team slo-pitch tournament that played through the stormy weather.
White Butte athletes heading to Quebec for NTCC
Four lucky volleyball players in the White Butte area have been selected to play on the provincial team and compete in Gatineau, Quebec in July. Austin Russell (White City), Cameron Jones (White City), Carter Thurman (Balgonie) and Ethan Armstrong (Rouleau) are on the Wolves Volleyball U16 team. Jones, Thurman and Armstrong will travel to Quebec and Russell may get to go if another player can’t attend.
White City celebrates Canada’s birthday
White City’s Canada 150 events received rave reviews from councillors and residents of the town. Parks and Recreation Director Carla Ferstl said from her perspective, the events on June 10 went well. “It was an amazing day,” she said. “The weather held out. We were pretty blessed that way. The band was great and the fireworks – everyone seemed very appreciative.” The day started off at 9 a.m. with the Warm-up Run.
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