Author Archives: Helena

The paper next week

With three Unity SK fastball teams earning provincial titles and the AAA Midget Northwest Prairie Pirates playing a double-header in town, next week’s paper has a “ball game” theme! Look for articles and photos on those games and events, as well as articles on:

an award won by Suffern Lake Regional Park;
Unity connections to the flooding in southeast Saskatchewan; and
what is consent under the new anti-spam legislation.

Below, the Unity Panther Peewee Girls, happy with a provincial championship, celebrate with the traditional ritual of soaking their coaches!

Latest report on crop progress

Leave a reply

With the flooding in southeast Saskatchewan, we thought it might be a good time to update readers on the latest crop report. The following is from the report for July 1 to 10, 2014

Province of Saskatchewan

Warm weather in much of the province has helped with crop development and haying. Livestock producers now have six per cent of the hay crop cut and one per cent baled or put into silage, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report.

Many producers on the east side of the province continue to deal with localized flooding and saturated fields. Although weather conditions have improved, many crops in these regions have been significantly affected by the excess moisture. Early estimates suggest that between two million to three million acres have been flooded and are unlikely to produce a crop.

Topsoil moisture conditions are improving for many areas. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 34 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 25 per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, three per cent short and one per cent very short.

The majority of fall cereals are in the shotblade to dough stages of crop development, while most spring cereals are in the tillering to shotblade stages. The majority of pulse crops are in the vegetative to flowering stages and flax crops are mostly in the seedling to flowering crop stages. Most canola and mustard crops are in the seedling to flowering stages of development.

Crop damage this week is attributed to excess moisture, localized flooding, hail, wind and insects such as the cabbage seedpod weevil. Root rots and leaf spot diseases have also caused some damage. There is adequate water available for livestock, and pasture conditions are rated as 27 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good, 10 per cent fair and one per cent poor.

Farmers are busy controlling pests and haying.

West Central Saskatchewan

Six per cent of the hay crop has been cut and less than one per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 89 per cent good and 11 per cent fair; yields are not expected to be as high as normal in many areas. Crop reporters rate pasture conditions as 44 per cent excellent, 49 per cent good and seven per cent fair. Livestock producers report having adequate water supplies for their animals.

Rainfall in the region ranged from small amounts to 35 mm in the Landis area. The Sonningdale area continues to lead the region in total rainfall, having received 287 mm of rain since April 1. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as five per cent surplus, 94 per cent adequate and one per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Localized flooding, wind, insects and diseases such as root rots are causing the majority of damage this week. Spraying continues and many producers are now spraying fungicides in some fields. A storm went through the area bringing baseball-sized hail and high winds. There are reports of several tornadoes touching down and damaging fields and yards.

Farmers are busy haying, controlling pests and hauling grain.

RCMP seeking public’s assistance/Report for June 17 to 23

Leave a reply

The Unity detachment of the RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance to identify suspects involved in the following matter.

Sometime between 8 p.m. June 15 and 4 p.m. June 22, a residence on Highway 14, near Wilkie, Saskatchewan was broken into and several kitchen appliances, as well as several smaller items were taken.

If you have information about this or any other crime, please contact your nearest police service or RCMP, or if you wish to remain anonymous Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, *8477 on Sask-Tel Mobility, text TIP206 plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com If your information leads to an arrest or a case being cleared, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

UNITY SK Reports for June 17 to 23, 2014

Unity RCMP are investigating a series of thefts from rural residences located near Highway 14 that occurred between June 16 and 17. Two trucks, one SUV, three quads, one dirt bike, a generator, tools, a firearm and moose antlers were stolen as well as other miscellaneous items that were inside vehicles and rural buildings. There were also two incidents of theft of fuel that police believe to be related to this chain of events. One truck was located burned near Battleford. The SUV was also located abandoned in a field.

A member spoke to two individuals regarding the Family Relations Act.

CN Police reported damage to a crossing arm on two occasions. In both incidents, the arm was believed to be hit by a vehicle.

RCMP spoke to an individual after receiving noise complaint.

Police attended a fight between two family members. No charges were laid.

There was a report of an individual defecating on a residence lawn.

RCMP received a report of a suspicious male walking in town. The male was not located.

A gold BMX bike was reported stolen from Unity Composite High School. This matter is still under investigation.

Police received a report of harassing phone calls. This matter is still under investigation.

There was a noise complaint in Landis.

RCMP attended a single vehicle collision by Salvador. There were no injuries.

A vehicle hit the door at the Country Car & Truck Wash. Police located the individual responsible for the damage.

Police received a report of a break and enter at a residence. Nothing was stolen.

RCMP attended a domestic assault and charged a 47-year-old female from Unity with assault.

There was one false alarm, one false 911 call, one traffic complaint and one collision with a deer.

UCHS scholarship and bursary winners

Leave a reply

Winners of local scholarships and bursaries at Unity Composite High School, Unity, SK, June 27. Congratulations to all 2014 grads!

Adam Wallace was the winner of the Grade 12 Proficiency Award, honour cord and the Governor General Academic Medal. The medal was presented by Jim Sego of the Unity Lions Club.

The first scholarship of the day, sponsored by Living Sky School Division and presented by school board member Ronna Pethick, went to Courtney Boser. Courtney also won the Unity Lions Club bursary.

Allison Kuhn won four bursaries – Unity Wildlife Federation, Order of the Royal Purple, Steven Wesolowski, Jimmy and Ethel Anderson – and a scholarship from the Unity Ag Society. She was also given the Living Sky School Division Technology and Innovation Award, which was presented by Jim Shevchuk, superintendent of curriculum.

Brittany Lacoursiere won the St. Peters CWL bursary and a Knights of Columbus bursary, the latter being presented by Dan Wilgenbusch.

Retiring UCHS principal Maureen Robertson presented Devan Bertoia with the Jeffrey Glen Bounting bursary. Devan also received a Unity Credit Union scholarship and a Knights of Columbus bursary.

Zoher Rafid-Hamed won a Unity Credit Union scholarship, one of two UCHS Leadership and Dedication Awards, the Access Communications scholarship, the Jenai Danielle Bounting Bursary and one of two Isabelle Anderson physical science bursaries. Principal Robertson made the presentation of the Jenai Danielle Bounting Bursary.

Jessica Weber won the second UCHS Leadership and Dedication Award, presented to her by former vice-principal Ruth Cey. Mrs. Cey will be the new principal at UCHS when school resumes in the fall. Jessica also won the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary bursary and a Knights of Columbus bursary.

Brittany Hauta was awarded a Unity Health Care Auxiliary scholarship, the Delta Co-op scholarship and a Knights of Columbus bursary, the latter being presented by Dan Wilgenbusch. Wilgenbusch, former principal of St. Peters School, also retired at the end of June.

Kylie Walz was awarded the other Unity Health Care Auxliary scholarship, as well as the Tommy Rutherford Masonic bursary, which was presented by Vern Burns.

The David Ray Surine Bursary and the Downtown Medical Clinic scholarship were both awarded to Shevaun Feser. Dr. Lyle Williams and Shevie shared a laugh on stage during the presentation of the medical clinic scholarship.

The Construction Labour Association of Saskatchewan scholarship for someone entering the trades was awarded to Andrew Risling, with the presentation being made by UCHS teacher James Herrick.

Toni-Lynn Burnell won the Ed Burnell and family bursary, which was presented to her by her aunt, Stacey Davies.

Carolyn Loadman presented the CUPE 4747 scholarship to Erin Bick.

Unity Royal Canadian Legion member Si Campbell congratulated Jennifer Field as he presented her with the Legion scholarship.

The Tommy Rutherford Masonic scholarship was awarded to Devin Boser by Vern Burns.

One of two Isabelle Anderson physical science bursaries went to Mackenzie Chorney. Mackenzie also won the Candace Heitt Sports Bursary, presented by Tristan Humble-Halter.

One of two Dr. Robert Knowles scholarships was awarded to Mickayla Brandle. Butch Boskill was the presenter and was especially pleased to be able to present the scholarship to a hunting buddy of his.

Masonic Lodge member Don Wallace was likewise please to be able to present his grandson Adam Wallace with the last Reg Cantelon scholarship. Adam also won the Lions Club scholarship, a Jimmy and Ethel Anderson bursary and one of two Dr. Robert Knowles scholarships.

Monday’s paper

Leave a reply

With school now out for the summer, look for news on the final days of school at all three Unity, SK schools in the upcoming Unity Wilkie Press-Herald, such as:

a report on the 2014 graduation ceremonies at UCHS, and a full list of local scholarship winners;
a year-end report from UPS with photos from the Grade 6s’ trip to Regina;
photos from St. Peter’s year-end awards presentations and talent show; and
a report on Luseland School’s grad too.

Also in next week’s paper, a rain report, new traffic safety laws effective June 27 and an explanation of the new anti-spam law effective July 1.

Unity Composite High School graduating class of 2014 and MC teacher Kyle Wood

2014 UCHS Valedictorian’s Address

Leave a reply

As winner of the Grade 12 Proficiency Award and Honour Cord, 2014 Unity Composite High School graduand Adam Wallace was this year’s valedictorian at the cap and gown graduation ceremonies held June 27. The UCHS graduating class of 2014, teachers, family and friends gathered in the senior gym at Unity SK for the ceremonies.

Adam’s speech:

Good morning family, friends, teachers, honoured guests, and fellow graduates. My name is Adam Wallace, and it is an honour to be named the valedictorian of this class. These 38 people on stage are some of the most outstanding I know.

On behalf of the grad class, I would like to thank the staff of all of the schools in Unity: St. Peters, Unity Public School, and especially Unity Composite High School. Some people may think that teaching is an easy job because you only work from 9:00 to 3:30 and get summers off. We appreciate the many hours they spend outside the classroom coaching, being involved with school committees, and providing extra help before and after school hours.

We would also like to congratulate our principal, Mrs. Robertson, on her retirement. We appreciate that you have been waiting for the best graduating class to retire with.

Next, we would like to thank our parents and families. You have been helping and guiding us since the day we were born. The lessons you taught us were the first things we ever learned and set the foundation of who we are today. Thank you for your continued love, encouragement, and support as we make our own path in the world.

We also want to thank our community. Many people outside of our school have played a part in our growth. This includes coaches, instructors, and anyone else who takes time from their day to make Unity a better place. This is one of the best towns in the world to live in, and it’s because of the effort put in by people like you.

The last group I want to thank are my fellow graduates. You guys are the greatest people I know. To be honest, there are some days where I felt that I learned more from my classmates than from a textbook. As we end our high school years and begin the next stage of our lives, I wish you all the best of luck in your future plans, whatever they may be.

In closing, I would like to share a quote from Alexander Graham Bell. “When one door closes, another door opens; but we so often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” I hope that many doors open for all of us. Thank you.

As he returns to his seat on the bleachers after giving his address, valedictorian Adam Wallace receives a standing ovation from his fellow 2014 UCHS graduates at Unity SK, June 27.

RCMP Report for June 10 to 16, 2014

Leave a reply

UNITY SK RCMP REPORTS for June 10 to 16, 2014

A 21-year-old Unity female was charged with uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose after RCMP received a complaint of uttering threats.

Police received a complaint of fraud but it was unfounded.

CN Police reported a malfunction with the railway crossing arms.

RCMP received a complaint of locks being changed at a residence without the owner’s knowledge.

Police received a report of a vehicle damaged as someone was throwing items in an alley. This matter is still under investigation.

Members noticed a broken window at J & E Convenience Store. This matter is still under investigation.

RCMP received a complaint of a male damaging a vehicle. This matter is still under investigation.

Police attended an assault in the co-op parking lot. A 42-year-old male and a 33-year-old female, both from Unity, were charged with assault.

RCMP are investigating the theft of a vehicle from a rural residence that was located stuck in a field. There has recently been an increase in vehicle thefts in rural areas. The RCMP would like to remind everyone to remove their keys from their vehicles, remove valuables and park vehicles in well lit areas.

There were two false 911 calls, one traffic complaint and one false alarm.

Monday’s paper

Leave a reply

As promised in the paper this week, next week’s Unity Wilkie Press-Herald will have the details of the charges regarding the horses near Scott who were suffering from lack of food this past winter. Along with that, you can expect a variety of information and photos, such as:

an update on Unity golfer Justin Wood;
a summary on this year’s season for the Unity and Wilkie Minor Ball baseball teams, and who’s heading off to provincial play;
a report on special recognition of the Oil Persons by Unity Golf Club; and
information on car seat clinics and the new laws regarding booster seats.

The Unity Cardinals play Wilkie in a mosquito game June 17, at Wilkie, Saskatchewan.

In the booming Province of Saskatchewan, Unity continues to have plenty of job opportunities too!

Pharmacist speaks to seniors’ gathering

Leave a reply

Seniors from Unity, Denzil, Dinsmore, Dodsland, Harris, Kerrobert, Luseland, Macklin and Wilkie gathered at the New Horizons Hall in Unity SK, May 22 for a SSAI regional rally. The mission statement of the Saskatchewan Seniors Association Incorporated is “Working for seniors to bring seniors together in one strong, non-partisan, non-racial, non-sectarian organization that will work for the welfare of all seniors in Saskatchewan.”

With the New Horizons Hall in Unity, Saskatchewan brightly decorated, pharmacist Shannon Ireland speaks to attendees at the Region D spring rally of the SSAI.

The Region D rally featured local pharmacist Shannon Ireland of Unity, Saskatchewan, as a guest speaker, to pass on information about drugs, prescriptions, the seniors’ drug plan and related topics.

Ireland spoke about different options for prescription coverage, including the Saskatchewan seniors’ drug plan, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Greenshield and Group Medical Services. She said it is important for each individual to look at the available choices, from the perspective of his or her own individual circumstances. The plan that is best for one senior may not be the best option for another.

She also said any Saskatchewan resident, a senior or not, can make an application to have the drug plan deductible reduced. The applications are assessed on a combination of income and the cost of the prescriptions needed. “Everybody should be able to afford their medication they need to live, and also (be able) to pay their rent and buy their food.”

Ireland said pharmacists can help with the forms that need to be filled out. Another option is to ask your accountant or family members to help.

In response to questions from the audience, Ireland spoke about the size of some pills, saying multivitamins and calcium are the biggest offenders in terms of being large. Nevertheless, if the instructions are “Do not crush,” there is a reason for that direction. Often a “Do not crush” pill has a special coating that is also the delivery mechanism for the active ingredients. Some are sustained release products, specially created so that the dose is not absorbed into the body all at once. Many blood pressure pills are sustained release medications.

Audience questions covered a lot of ground, including what to do if you have forgotten to take your pills. Bubble packs can help as you can see if you took your medication that morning or not. For certain prescriptions or if you are taking, for example, five pills daily and three are already on the drug plan, then the seniors’ drug plan will pay the cost of the bubble pack.

Ireland also advised that, if you remember about your medication shortly after you were supposed to take it, say within a few hours, then take it when you remember but if it is evening already and you were supposed to take it in the morning, then wait and just take the next dose at the usual time. She added, “If you’re forgetting more than you’re remembering, change to a time you’re more likely to remember to take it.”

Ireland reminded everyone to talk to their pharmacists about their medications. “Part of our job is to tell you if drugs are going to interact.” Check with your pharmacist about interactions with over the counter drugs and herbal remedies as well.

After Ireland’s presentation, the attendees, 65 in all, enjoyed lunch and socializing.

Next week’s paper preview

Leave a reply

Well … first of all, a warning that there is a sad mistake on the front page of the June 23 Unity Wilkie Press-Herald. After 105 years, Landis School closes its doors at the end of this month, never again to hear the laughter and chatter of children echoing down the halls. Unfortunately the photos of the current staff and students, and the compilation of memories from former students, is headlined Luseland Memories. Our apologies to staff and students of the Landis and the Luseland schools!

Despite, the error in the headline, the Landis School memories are well worth reading! Along with those, enjoy:

a profile on Unity United Church minister Louise Robson, who is retiring after 20 years as an ordained minister;
a look at this year’s Unity Minor Ball softball teams;
coverage of the Sask Seniors Assoc. rally held in Unity May 22;
a report on the Luseland pool opening.

The June 23 issue is also the annual “grad issue” – look to see which kids you know are already graduating from high school! In addition, students from all three area high schools went to Battleford June 12 to be recognized at the Living Sky School Division Student Hall of Fame banquet and we have listings of the award winners.

UCHS students pose with Natalie Krill, centre, at the Living Sky School Division Hall of Fame banquet. Krill, a stage and screen actress and NBCHS alumna, was the guest speaker.

Unity Stories

The latest on Unity happenings and business

Author Archives: Helena

The paper next week

Latest report on crop progress

RCMP seeking public’s assistance/Report for June 17 to 23

UCHS scholarship and bursary winners

Monday’s paper

2014 UCHS Valedictorian’s Address

RCMP Report for June 10 to 16, 2014

Monday’s paper

Pharmacist speaks to seniors’ gathering

Next week’s paper preview