Category Archives: Luseland

Upcoming paper

Leave a reply

Of course the big event this last week for many families was the first day of school! Find out who the new staff are at UCHS, UPS and Luseland School and how enrolment numbers compare to last year in next week’s issue of the Unity Wilkie Press-Herald.

Along with the article, and photos from the first day, you can read about:

  • a Service to Children award given to one of Unity’s long-serving teachers;
  • a major scholarship won by one of this year’s UCHS grads;
  • a reunion at Winter, SK; and you can see
  • photos of locals enjoying the visit of the Family Fun Circus to Unity the last week of August.

More upcoming events are listed in the ads (and the minimum details can also be found by clicking the Calendar tab in the menu at the top of this page).

Even if somehow you had missed all the back-to-school talk or had forgotten when you got up Tuesday morning this week that students would be returning to classes, at St. Peter’s School in Unity, the bikes in the bick rack and the school bus pulled up with lights flashing and its STOP sign out would have let you know school days were here again!

St. Peter's School, Unity SK

Most crops still behind but some swathing started

Leave a reply

The latest Saskatchewan Crop Report notes that many crops still need to develop to maturity, although as of August 18, minimal combining and some swathing had commenced. West of Unity, Saskatchewan, in the Denzil area, some canola fields have been swathed as of today, August 23, such as this field near Grass Lake.

RM of Grass Lake, Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Crop Report for August 12 to 18

Just over one per cent of the 2014 provincial crop has been combined, while four per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year average (2009-2013) for this time of year is two per cent combined and five per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Harvest operations are the furthest ahead in the southwestern region where four per cent of the crop has been combined. At this time, average crop yields are being reported in most areas.

Provincially, 19 per cent of the fall rye, nine per cent of the field peas, eight per cent of the winter wheat and three per cent of the lentils are combined. Seven per cent of the canola and four per cent of the mustard are swathed. Recent warm weather has encouraged crop development; however, frequent rain showers and heavy morning dew are delaying crop maturation and harvest operations for many producers.

Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to several inches in some southeastern and west-central areas. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as seven per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and one per cent very short.

Heavy rain, strong winds and hail caused the majority of crop damage this week. Grasshoppers, wheat midge, fusarium head blight and sclerotinia are also causing some damage.

Farmers are busy desiccating, swathing, combining and finishing up haying operations.

West-Central Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 6B – Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon and Arelee areas; Crop District 7A – Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major; CD 7B – Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie and Biggar areas)

Harvest is just starting in the region with producers beginning to desiccate pulses and swath canola. One per cent of the barley has been combined and five per cent of the canola has been swathed. Three per cent of the field peas and two per cent of the lentils are ready for straight-cutting. Overall, the majority of crops are behind normal development but they are quickly advancing thanks to recent warm weather. At this time, yields are estimated to be average, although there are some reports of high disease levels in pulses that will likely decrease yield and quality.

Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to 50 mm in the Kindersley area. Since April 1, the Major area has received the region’s greatest amount of cumulative rainfall at 396 mm. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 11 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and one per cent very short. CD 6B is reporting that three per cent of cropland acres and seven per cent of hay land and pasture acres are very short of topsoil moisture at this time.

The majority of damage this week was caused by localized flooding, strong winds and hail. In some areas, drought-like field conditions and grasshoppers have caused damage as well. Some producers are reporting high levels of sclerotinia in canola.

Farmers are busy starting harvest operations and hauling bales.

RCMP Report for July 15 to 21

Leave a reply

UNITY SK REPORTS

RCMP received a complaint of a parent having difficulties dealing with a youth. Police contacted Saskatchewan Child and Family Services.

Police received a report of an abandoned hay bind on a rural road. This matter is still under investigation as members are attempting to locate the owner of the farm machinery.

A member investigated the report of an electrical transformer exploding during the recent storm. There was no fire at the transformer but police contacted SaskPower about the loss of power.

Police received a call about water running across Highway 31 between Luseland and Denzil. Members contacted the Saskatchewan Department of Highways.

RCMP attended a single vehicle rollover north of Unity. The vehicle driver sustained minor injuries. The collision was due to poor road conditions.

Members attended a residence to assist with a family disagreement.

Police received a complaint of a gas and dash at a local gas station. Members made patrols but the vehicle could not be located.

RCMP received a complaint of gunshots near a rural residence. Members attended and spoke to other rural residents who heard loud bangs but did not believe that the noise was gunshots. No individuals with firearms were located.

Police received a report of a semi driving very slowly past a residence on several occasions. Members located the semi driver who was just practice driving.

Members patrolled in search of a black truck that was continuously driving into a rural yard. The vehicle was not located.

There were also two false 911 calls, three false alarms and one traffic complaint.

Luseland Valedictorian – Class of 2014

Leave a reply

Shawna-Lynn Meier, daughter of Patrick Meier, was the valedictorian for the Luseland  School Class of 2014. We thank Shawna for sharing her speech with us! And thank you to Gerri Olfert for sharing her photo of Shawna at the podium!

Valedictorian - Luseland Class of 2014

I would like to start out by thanking everybody for coming; you guys really succeeded at making us feel special tonight.

Next I would like to thank our teachers because – well, let’s face it, without them we wouldn’t be sitting up here today. With that, I would like to give an apology to Mrs. Fischer on behalf of my class because – well, let’s face it, we weren’t the role model class.

And lastly I would like to thank my class, because without you guys I wouldn’t have even half the memories I will get to take home with me today.

In 50 years from now, when I look back at my high school years I’m not going to remember who had the highest average, who did better on what assignment or even what everybody drove! What I will remember is my classmates, their personalities and what great memories I had with them!

Our little family started way back in kindergarten with, Nick, Virginia, Ashley, Ryshan, Dustin, Christopher and Masyn. We got to know each other through arts and crafts, playing in the sand box and making castles with the big blocks that are still to this day in the kindergarten room. Growing up I learned things about each these people that I will never forget them for.

I will always remember Nick for coming into English late almost every day in Grade 12 and throwing his book on the table making as much noise as possible….. even after Mrs. Wetzil asked him not to for the 30th time.

I will always remember Virginia for being the one who held the clarinets together in band, yeahhhh whenever you left we sounded terrible.

Ashley I will remember as a person who will never give up, this is because she fell off one of my horses about five times in one hour but she never wanted to take a break or quit, after each time she got back on and pretended it never happened.

Ryshan I will remember for her ninja moves. One day walking through the cow pasture I thought it would be a funny idea to yell cow! And well before I could even blink she was gone and through the fence without even touching it.

Dustin I will remember for our competitions of who could beat who to Kindersly on days we had to do work experience…. Yeaaaahhh I think we both began leaving earlier and earlier each morning for that reason.

I will remember Christopher for his ability to almost yell any type of profanity in any class and not get caught or even realized by a teacher….

Masyn will be remembered for her bravery, because she was the only person brave enough to get thrown into the caraganas at my 10th birthday party.

In Grade 3 Luke was added to our family, crying and clinging to his mom’s leg at first but soon he adapted and made a good addition

Luke will be remembered for his mullet, jords, and plaid shirts…..at the same time

In Grade 5 Lars was added to our family with all his Discovery Channel knowledge. I will always remember Lars for crashing into a semi.

We continued as our small family, playing grounders and having pop and chip class parties until Grade 10 when we had another two new additions, Emily and Lindsey. I will always remember Emily for her involuntary glares. She doesn’t mean to glare at you; she swears it’s just how she looks sometimes, but we wonder sometimes.

Lindsey will be remembered for her awesome bracelet-making skills. Whenever I look at starbursts, I will think of you.

In Grade 11, Sammi joined our little family, just in time to experience the Luseland life at its prime. I will remember Sammi for our grain truck cruises at harvest.

In Grade 12, just as we thought our little family was done, Tim joined. We didn’t really get to know Tim very well but I will remember him for his ability to talk … a lot … in any situation.

Our class didn’t always get along all the time but we were always there for each other whether it was helping each other make difficult decisions or helping Christopher finish his assignments.

If I could give my class any advice, it would be to always climb for the top of the ladder because the only thing that should stand between you and the top of the ladder … is the ladder.

And lastly a quote from Dr. Seuss: “You have brains on your head, you have feet on your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose, you’re on your own, and you know what you know, you’re the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

Thank You.

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.

canoia

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.

UCHS grad 2014

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

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.”

Shannon Ireland

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.

Unity’s Rodeo Queen contestants

Leave a reply

Unity Western Days is fast approaching – May 30, 31 and June 1 – and that means our rodeo queen contestants are out and about selling tickets.

Each ticket you buy is a vote for the girl of your choice to be the 2014 Rodeo Queen. Tickets are only $1 each and will also be entered into a draw for $500, $300 and $150 Chamber bucks to spend at any store in Unity which is a Unity and District Chamber of Commerce member.

This year’s rodeo queen contest is a little different – only one girl from Unity SK is running, Sharlee Zazalak. Joining her are Shawna Meier from Tramping Lake, Luseland girl Philmena Evans and Cut Knife’s Tiffany Rea. Look for your opportunity to buy tickets in these communities, as well as from the contestants themselves. In Unity, tickets can be found at Our Drug Store and the Press-Herald office.

Rodeo Queen Contestant

Sharlee is 16 years old and in Grade 10 at Unity Composite High School. Her sponsor is the Unity branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Although she has seven older siblings, she’s the only one left at home, living on an acreage between Unity and Wilkie with mother Helena Long and step-dad John Gottschalk.

She’s  grown up around animals and loves spending time with them, including the current  goats, chickens, cats, dogs, horses and a duck.

In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, listening to music, snowboarding, playing basketball and spending time with horses. Sharlee wishes the other contestants luck, and hopes to see you all at the parade and the rodeo.

Rodeo Queen ContestantPhilmena is 19 years old and lives on a farm outside of Luseland. Her sponsor is Luseland Wild Life. She works at Luseland Family Foods. Her parents are Tammy Schroh and Craig Evans. She grew up in Ruthilda with three siblings, moving to Rosetown at 15 and Luseland when at 18. When she turned 19, she worked on a cattle ranch for the summer.

In her spare time, Philmena enjoys riding her horse and training horses. She saved her horse, Lucy, from a meat buyer when Lucy was four and trained her for barrel racing.

Philmena also wishes all the other girls good luck!

Rodeo Queen ContestantShawna attends Luseland School. She is 18 and lives on a farm just outside of Tramping Lake. Her father is Patrick Meier, a full-time farmer. She is “super excited “to be running for Rodeo Queen on behalf of Luseland OK Tire.

When not working part-time at the Golden Prairie restaurant in Luseland, she is at home, nursing sick calves or tackling one or two for an ear tag or needle. She spends lots of time in the months of April and May working with her 4-H calves. If not busy with the cattle, she’s working with her two horses.

Off the farm Shawna is the president of her school’s SRC, captain of the volleyball team and she referees volleyball games when needed.

Shawna loves rodeos and her dream is to one day be able to barrel race in rodeos. She wishes all the other contestants good luck and looks forward to seeming them at the rodeo!

Rodeo Queen ContestantTiffany and her fiancé farm just south of Cut Knife. They have a grain farm and are very active in the Cut Knife Community. Sponsored by Red Leaf Landscaping, she is a stay-at-home mom of two beautiful children and has also worked as a special care aid at Battlefords District Care Centre. She loves sharing lively discussions with the elderly who “have a wealth of knowledge to share.”

She believes she is meant to work with horses and has been active in 4-H, both as a member and a leader, and takes part in team penning with Rocky, her blue roan quarter horse.

Tiffany has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Saskatoon and Search and Rescue in the Battlefords as she believes giving back to your community is tremendously important. Excited about running for Rodeo Queen, she too wishes the other contestants good luck.

 

RCMP Reports – April 15 to 28, 2014

Leave a reply

UNITY RCMP REPORTS (Saskatchewan)

A 55-year-old Unity man was charged with possession of cocaine and breaching an undertaking given to a judge after police searched his vehicle.

RCMP received two separate requests to locate family members. Both reports are still under investigation.

Police received a report of theft of gas from a local gas station. This matter is still under investigation. Anyone that recognizes the person in the photo below is asked to contact the Unity RCMP.

suspect in gas theft

Members assisted in a disagreement between a tenant and landlord.

There was a report of a lost purse.

Police responded to a vehicle collision at 1st Avenue and Main Street in Unity. There were no injuries and icy roads were a contributing factor.

There was a complaint of fraud but it was unfounded upon investigation.

A semi hit the crossing arm of the railroad track. Members conducted traffic control until the crossing arm was fixed.

RCMP received a complaint that an individual was not complying with his undertaking conditions but the complainant declined to lay charges.

Fingerprints were taken for an individual for immigration purposes.

There was a report of a vehicle collision with a deer.

Police received a report of two children being chased by three adult males. Patrols were made but no suspects were located.

RCMP attended a vehicle fire south of Landis. There were no injuries and the fire was not suspicious in nature.

A 56-year-old Unity man, Kenneth Laverne Penner, was charged with three counts of theft under $5,000, breaching a court order and breaching a probation order. He received a nine-month conditional sentence for these offences.

There was a complaint of uttering threats through text messaging but the complainant declined to lay charges.

Police responded to a complaint of a male knocking on a female’s residence door. The male was gone when police arrived.

RCMP received a complaint of uttering threats against an animal but the complainant declined to lay charges.

A 35-year-old Saskatoon man was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and refusal to provide a breath sample after police initiated a traffic stop.

There was a report of the railway crossing arm activated with no train coming.

There were also two false 911 calls, three false alarms, one false fire alarm and two traffic complaints.

Persons with information about crimes being committed in the Unity/Wilkie/Macklin areas are urged to call the Unity RCMP detachment at 306-228-6300; the Wilkie RCMP at 306-843-3480; or the Macklin RCMP at 306-753-2171. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may also call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or *8477 on the SaskTel Mobility Network. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000 for information which leads to the arrest of person(s) responsible for any serious crime. Crime Stoppers is anonymous and does not subscribe to call display, nor are your calls traced or recorded.

You can also submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Luseland’s Brian Honeker recognized at Rivers West banquet

Leave a reply

Brian Honeker of Luseland was recognized as the Heritage Volunteer of the Year at the fifth annual Rivers West District for Sport Culture and Recreation volunteer recognition banquet held in Radisson, April 9.

Brian Honeker of Luseland SK

Ollie Marciniuk, Rivers West District chairperson, congratulates Brian Honeker of Luseland on being named Heritage Volunteer of the Year, at the Rivers West awards banquet in Radisson, April 9. Photo courtesy of Rivers West District for Sport Culture and Recreation

Honeker was nominated for the award by Irene Body for his work and commitment to a number of organizations and events in Luseland.

Body’s nomination letter explained, “Luseland (is) a town of approximately 600 People with numerous service clubs and organizations … the result of many, many volunteer hours which we know often falls on the shoulders of a limited number of citizens. Brian Honeker takes on a leadership role and works relentlessly as one of these persons.”

Of all the organizations with which Honeker is affiliated, the most important one to him is the Royal Canadian Legion. His mother served in the Second World War and he has been an active member of the Luseland branch of the Legion for over 15 years.

He works with the school to encourage participation in the Legion’s Remembrance Day essay, poem and poster context. He also plans the annual Remembrance Day service for the Legion and the community. During his years with the Legion, Honeker spent seven years as president and has been the secretary-treasurer since 1998.

For over 20 years, Honeker has been a key person in the planning and execution of Canada Day celebrations in Luseland. Recently, he cut back on his involvement with Canada Day hoping to encourage others to volunteer, but he continues to serve as treasurer for the committee, a role he has held since 1991 or ’92.

A member of the Luseland Wildlife Association, Honeker is involved in all aspects of the annual wildlife dinner and awards night. He is the cooking co-ordinator, helps prepare food, sells tickets, finds and organizes workers and canvasses for silent auction items. He has been a gun safety instructor for over 20 years.

Honeker first became involved with the board of the Luseland Homecoming Hall as the Legion representative. For some 15 years he has also served, and continues to serve, as the hall “handy man doing general building maintenance, cleaning, painting, monitoring water and sewer lines, takes care of the furnace, keeps sidewalks clean, makes coffee & tea for groups renting the hall,” as set out in Body’s nomination letter.

Body’s letter concluded, “Brian’s level of dedication is unwavering and he is definitely a Volunteer to be recognized.”

Body said that although only one name could go on the nomination letter, there was a group of people in Luseland who got together to help prepare the letter and to make sure none of Honeker’s contributions to the community were missed. She added that he is the type of person that, “if he says he’s going to do something, it’s done.”

Honeker also volunteers as the trainer for the Luseland/Dodsland Mallards senior men’s hockey team. He stepped into that position eight years ago; prior to that he used to run the clock at home games.

Honeker, a bachelor, farms southwest of Luseland. He grew up in the area and graduated from Major School in 1977.