Walter Ostanek and the Western Senators looking forward to connecting with old friends at Prince Albert Polka Fest

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Walter Ostanek and the Western Senators looking forward to connecting with old friends at Prince Albert Polka Fest

Saskatchewan’s Grammy-nominated polka band, the Western Senators, are gearing up for their first weekend-long performance in two and a half years when they hit the stage this Friday and Saturday at the 18th edition of the Prince Albert Polka Fest. 

“We’re dying to get out there,” said Senators’ bandleader, Brian Sklar. “We’re looking forward to reconnecting with a lot of our old friends.”

They will be joined by Canada’s Polka King, three time Grammy winner, Walter Ostanek, in addition to Dennis Ficor, Gold Tones Band and Leon Ochs rotating throughout the weekend.

Sklar said this weekend represents 27 years since the Senators first appeared with Walter at the Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds.

The Western Senators have been featured in two made-for-TV movies throughout their career. 1995’s award-winning Frankie and Walter, One More Time with America’s Polka King, Frankie Yankovic, and Canada’s Grammy winning Polka King, Walter Ostanek; as well as 2006’s Cult of Walt which has been broadcast numerous times on the Bravo Television Channel. 

One of the dates of the Frankie and Walter tour took place in Prince Albert. 

“I brought Frankie Yankovic up from the states, America’s Polka King, united the two of them and we did four cities in Saskatchewan,” said Sklar. “Regina, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Saskatoon.”

Sklar said three years after the tour, Yankovic passed away at the age of 83.

“We’ve been working with Walter ever since,” he said. “Anything he books west of Ontario, he plays with the Western Senators.”

Walter and the Senators can also be seen on the hit TV show PolkaRama!, which airs throughout Saskatchewan. 

Walter and the Senators are no strangers to Prince Albert, having performed many times there in the past. 

Sklar was born and raised in Prince Albert and accordion player, Jordan Rody, also has many family ties to the city.

Jordan is third-generation in the band. His grandfather, Mike Kushneryk, was one of the original accordion players and from Prince Albert himself.

The band was born in Calgary in the 1970’s after the original group of musicians gathered at Kushneryk’s home to watch a football game. 

“We were watching the Western Conference Final on TV and the Saskatchewan Roughriders won,” said Sklar. “We went downstairs, pulled out some accordions, and we started playing music. We said ‘Let’s go cut an album’, and we’ve been at it ever since.” 

Tickets for Polka Fest are on sale now and are available at the PAEX Main Office or by calling (306) 941-8916. 

The doors for the PA Exhibition Centre open at 4:30 p.m. on August 26 and the festival runs until August 28.

RCMP continues to investigate missing Rosthern youth

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
RCMP continues to investigate missing Rosthern youth

August 22 update: Kord Lagasse has been located safely.

Investigators believe a missing Rosthern teen may be attempting to hitchhike to Alberta.

Police continue to ask the public for assistance in locating 15-year-old Kord Lagasse, who went missing from a residence on 10th Street in Rosthern on August 18. 

He is described as 5’10” tall and approximately 120 pounds, with blue eyes and medium-length blonde hair. He is known to walk on his toes.

Lagasse was last seen wearing white DC shoes and carrying a green army-style backpack.

Investigators believe the teen may be attempting to travel to Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

Lagasse’s parents have confirmed a possible sighting of the youth hitchhiking on Highway #11, near Hague, on Saturday evening. 

Anyone who sees Kord Lagasse or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call their local RCMP detachment or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Polka Fest set to return on Aug. 26

Bailey Sutherland
-
0
Polka Fest set to return on Aug. 26

Prince Albert’s 18th annual Polka Fest is back after three long years and bands are lining up to entertain new and old visitors alike. 

The Prince Albert Exhibition’s General Manager Debra Despins said they’re looking forward to the City’s first Polka Fest since 2019. 

“We’ve got a great lineup of musicians,” said Despins. “We have people coming from across the province.”

Despins said Polka Fest is a great opportunity for people to visit with old friends in the Polka circuit, and meet new friends as well. 

Doors open at 4:30 pm on August 26, with a dance being held from 5:30 pm until 11 p.m.

The first act is Dennis Ficor, followed by Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostenak and the Western Senators. 

The Gold Tones Band kicks off Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., with performances by Leon Ochs, Ostenak, and the Senators for the rest of the day. 

Sunday morning begins with a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., with entertainment until noon. 

“If people want to get in on the Early Bird tickets, get in touch with the PA Exhibition Administration office or purchase available tickets at the Lake Country CO-OP Food Services area,” said Despins. “It’s important to take advantage of the early bird tickets and get them as soon as they possibly can.”

Advanced pricing is $45 for a weekend pass, including Sunday breakfast.

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased individually at the door on Friday for $20, Saturday for $25, and Sunday for $15. 

Advanced tickets can be purchased by Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Cash, or E-transfer to paex@sasktel.net.

Friendly Calls program changing lives during pandemic

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Friendly Calls program changing lives during pandemic

A phone-based visiting program aimed at older adults in Saskatchewan is being hailed as life-changing thanks to the Canadian Red Cross. 

The CRC Friendly Calls program pairs a trained Red Cross volunteer with an adult over 55 years of age who is feeling isolated or lonely, who may have limited social or family connections, or who feels they could benefit from more social interaction. 

Participants in the program received one call a week at a regular scheduled time. Not only is it a time to have a social chat, but volunteers can also offer resources such as mental health help, community events or exercise programs. 

Manager of the CRC Friendly Calls program, Shawna Green, said the program started in 2016 as an in-person visiting program in Yorkton and surrounding areas. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2019, a hybrid model was introduced and the program quickly evolved to over the phone. 

“It helps [the participants] just having somebody to talk to, especially the ones in lockdown,” said Green. “Sometimes our participants don’t have any family or they may be estranged, or they may have family to talk to but don’t want to burden them. It’s just someone to talk to about their frustrations and what’s going on in the world.”

Currently, there are 101 actively paired participants that receive weekly phone calls through the program.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted people’s way of life, the Red Cross in Saskatchewan is determined to continue providing support to individuals in need through the Friendly Calls program. 

Referrals can be done through the Red Cross website or over the phone. They accept self referrals, referrals by a friend or family member, caregiver, or healthcare provider. 

“We have had healthcare staff who didn’t know this program was there, that wish they would have known about it years ago,” said Green. “When we have a resource for Saskatchewan residents that does not cost them anything to partake in and gives them someone to talk to, maybe help them find other resources, they should know about it.”

According to Statistics Canada, social isolation and exclusion are related to serious negative health effects and reduced quality of life for seniors. Friendly Calls is working to change this. 

“If you are feeling lonely and you are feeling a little bit isolated, The Red Cross can help you,” says Luc Mullinder, CRC Vice President, Saskatchewan.

Thanks to the Red Cross Friendly Calls program, individuals with limited social and family connections across the province are receiving unwavering support in their time of need. 

“We can talk about anything. I can let go. Relax a little bit and talk about something else. You see life in a different perspective when you get a call like I do,” recalled Chantal Bisson, a participant of the CRC Friendly Calls Program in Saskatchewan. “It’s very beneficial and for a little while you can forget your problems, your situation and listen to the other one. It’s a two-way communication and it’s a benefit to both of us.”

Since 2019, the program has grown exponentially. Friendly Calls volunteers have made over 7600 calls to older adults in over 30 communities across Saskatchewan. The program is free to join and the demand is high for volunteers. 

“I thought there is something that I can do to reach out to someone just to make their day a little bit better,” adds Gisele Yarbrough, a Friendly Calls Volunteer. “Quite frankly it has turned out to make my day better as well.”

For more information on being a Friendly Calls Volunteer or becoming a participant, please visit www.redcross.ca/skfriendlycalls or call 1-888-335-3345. Intake for participants can be done easily over the phone.

Text message scam involving violent images plagues Sask. residents

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Text message scam involving violent images plagues Sask. residents

The Saskatchewan RCMP is advising the public of a text message scam that has been recently reported within Sask. RCMP jurisdiction, as well as similar scams within the City of Regina. 

In each report, the complainant received a text message from a sender claiming to be from an escort company, accusing the victim of having used their services without paying. The sender of the messages then demands payment and warns the victim that if they don’t pay, their personal safety or that of their family/friends will be in danger. 

These text messages have also been accompanied by graphic images of violent scenarios, including assaults and homicides. 

The Saskatchewan RCMP would like to remind the public to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited text messages. Never provide personal or sensitive information to the requestor and never send money, even if the message sounds urgent. 

If you or a family member have been contacted by a scammer, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — even if you didn’t give them any money.

If you or a family member did lose money as a result of fraud, please contact your local police as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Search warrant in Battleford leads to charges for two individuals

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Search warrant in Battleford leads to charges for two individuals

Two people have been arrested following a search warrant executed by the Battlefords Gang Task Force.

Police searched a residence in the 400 Block of 33rd Street, Battleford and seized a sawed off shotgun and ammunition. 

In relation to this incident, Jordan Armstrong, 45, has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon without a license, possession of a prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition, possession of a firearm while unauthorized, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and unsafe storage of a firearm. 

Armstrong has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court on September 26.

A woman was also arrested at the home, she has been held for court on one new charge and several outstanding warrants not related to this investigation. 

Bobbi Fineday, 35, has been charged with identity fraud. 

‘Friends of New Horizon’ pays tribute to North Sask. rockers

Bailey Sutherland
-
0
‘Friends of New Horizon’ pays tribute to North Sask. rockers

A local DJ and music producer is paying his respects to two late great Northern Saskatchewan musicians that helped pave the way for the Indigenous music scene in the province by organizing a tribute concert in their honour. 

Garrett Baldhead, professionally known as DJ EXL, is throwing a “Friends of New Horizon” concert in remembrance of Ken Pederson and Josh McCallum, members of the northern Saskatchewan country-rock band who both passed away in the fall of 2020. 

“I had no idea who New Horizon was until my buddy showed me and I fell in love with the band, especially Ken Pederson’s voice,” said Baldhead. “The strong connection I had to them was from hearing their music, you can feel it.”

The loss of the two band members shook the local music scene, and Baldhead is showing his support for the musicians that inspired him by organizing a multi-band concert in their names. 

“I don’t think they’ve ever been honoured for any of the music they’ve ever done,” said Baldhead. “They have millions of hits on Youtube and no one ever talks about that.”

He said being able to get the original band members’ blessings to book the tribute show means everything to him.

Baldhead started out as a small-time DJ in Saskatoon, before he began throwing his own concerts with local bands. Now he’s booking sold-out shows all over Western Canada and continues to be an inspiration for Indigenous entrepreneurs all over the province.

Leonard Adam is a singer/songwriter from the northern community of Fond du Lac who will be joining the stage on Friday thanks to Baldhead. He’s been making music for over 42 years and has been performing with his sons as a band for close to 15 years. They are on the verge of releasing their first album, which is planned to be out next weekend.

Adam said he’s thankful for the chance to get back on the stage that he previously shared with the late musicians of New Horizon. 

“It’s really exciting for me and we’re really happy to be a part of it,” he said. “To support them and their families, to be strong for them and to keep their music alive.”

“As members of the Dene Nation from the far North, taking their music to the City where different cultures meet,” said Adam. “I’m glad to be a part of the Aboriginal music scene and pave the way for the next upcoming artists, to do their stuff and show the world where they come from.”

Leroy Laliberte of The Dirt Road Maniacs says it means a lot to him to take part in a tribute for his late friends, Ken and Josh. 

“Being from northwest Saskatchewan where all of us knew each other, we all grew up playing music and sharing stages,” said Laliberte. “I wanted to be involved somehow, in their memory. Both of the guys loved music and they were good at what they did.”

“We’re basically a big music family, everybody knows everybody,” said Laliberte. “We’ve all shared stages all over the place.”

The Dirt Road Maniacs is made up of members from all different musical backgrounds. A couple of the guys grew up together, played in a few separate bands over the years and eventually made it back to each other. 

“For the people that want to come and see four different, all great bands on Friday, I know they won’t be sorry,” said Laliberte. “If you’re not doing anything, come and check it out.”

The Dirt Road Maniacs, Derek Maurice, Leonard Adam & Sons, Colt Mike Band, with a special guest appearance by the Creeland Dancers, will be gracing the stage of The Roxy Music Hall in Saskatoon on August 19. 

All musicians will be saying a few words in Pederson’s and McCallum’s memory before they perform a few original songs by New Horizon. 

Tickets for the event can be purchased for $35 from The Roxy Saskatoon website.  

Government designates former fur trading post and Indigenous gravesite a provincial heritage property

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Government designates former fur trading post and Indigenous gravesite a provincial heritage property

A historical First Nations trading post and Indigenous gravesite has been recognized as the province’s 56th Provincial Heritage Property by the Government of Saskatchewan thanks to two Prince Albert residents. 

“Lower Hudson House is an important archaeological site that features the remains of late 18th century Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company trading posts,” said Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross.

Lower Hudson House is located in the Nisbet Provincial Forest, approximately 35 kilometres west of Prince Albert on the North Saskatchewan River. 

“This site provides a unique opportunity to further our understanding of this complex period in Saskatchewan’s history and the indispensable role that First Nations played in the late eighteenth century fur trade.”

Operating from 1779 to 1789, Lower Hudson House was an important trading centre for First Nations people in the area and as a post for provisioning fur traders working further to the west. 

It is believed that victims of the 1781-1782 smallpox epidemic that devastated Indigenous communities in the region may have been buried in the area near the site. 

According to Philip Parr, at least 27 Indigenous people are buried in the vicinity of the trading post. 

“We have no knowledge about where those graves are, but we know that they exist,” said Parr.

Except for some limited investigations by historians and archaeologists, the Lower Hudson House site has remained undisturbed for more than 200 years. 

The history of the site provides a more fulsome understanding of the consequences of European settlement for First Nations people.

Lower Hudson House was nominated for Provincial Heritage Property designation by Philip Parr and Peter Burns of the Prince Albert-based Steering Committee for the Memorialization of Lower Hudson House.

Parr said they’ve been working on the application for over a year and a half.

“We believe the designation of Lower Hudson House as a provincial heritage property will open a path for everyone to discover the history and tragedy of how the smallpox epidemic of 1781-82 affected the Indigenous populations in the area 240 years before present day and altered the course of our history as a province,” Parr and Burns said. 

“Many interesting stories are waiting to be told about this fascinating period in our past.”

The site was burned down by rival fur traders in 1791 after being abandoned when the Hudson’s Bay Company moved further down west. All that remains of the Lower Hudson House today are a few old chimney stones from the original trading post. 

Parr said recognizing the site as a heritage property is an important step towards learning more about Saskatchewan’s history. 

“We want to, in some way, commemorate those individuals that are buried there in some appropriate way. To have the site memorialized will enable people to come and visit it and pay their respects and to ponder on the history,” he said. “It informs all of us about a chapter in our history that we know little about at this point.”

“I think it enables a new chapter in Saskatchewan’s history to be told, some stories of our history that up to this point nobody really knows,” said Parr. “It’s better we go back to our history, back in time.”

Province signs MOU to settle more than 1,000 Ukrainians displaced by war

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Province signs MOU to settle more than 1,000 Ukrainians displaced by war

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joined representatives from international humanitarian organizations Solidaire and Open Arms to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) pledging to partner on a total of five flights aiming to bring more Ukrainian citizens to Saskatchewan.

The three parties plan to bring more than 1,000 Ukrainians to the province from Warsaw, Poland, where many have fled since the start of the Russian invasion. All flights would arrive in Saskatchewan by March 31, 2023. This includes the two humanitarian flights that departed from Poland to Saskatchewan on July 4 and August 10.

“In true Saskatchewan fashion, Ukrainians have been met with kindness, support and compassion upon landing in our province,” Moe said during a news conference on Friday. “Today, with the signing of this MOU, we commit to welcoming even more Ukrainian citizens. This is an important and meaningful step toward providing a safe refuge for people dealing with unimaginable situations.”

Open Arms’ Air Corridor Coordinator, Francisco Gentico said it was important to help bring more Ukrainains to Saskatchewan. He added that they’re proud to partner with the provincial government to make it happen.

“The support in place for Ukrainians when they arrive in Saskatchewan has far exceeded our expectations,” Gentico said. “We know that the community will continue to help Ukrainians settle here as quickly and easily as possible.”

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of Ukrainian people to flee their country in search of safety. More than 1,500 displaced Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan since the conflict began, including those who have already arrived on the two previous humanitarian flights with Solidaire and Open Arms. 

“As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to look for opportunities to support the people impacted,” said a media release from the provincial government. 

Those seeking information about programs and services available to Ukrainian newcomers on an ongoing basis can call 1-833-613-0485 (toll free), by email at ukrainesupport@gov.sk.ca or by accessing online resources at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/saskatchewan-supports-ukraine.

Council approves vending supply agreement for additional 2-year term

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Council approves vending supply agreement for additional 2-year term

City Council has passed a motion to approve a vending supply and service agreement with Dale’s Snacks and Vending for an additional two-year term from September 1, 2022 until August 31, 2024. 

Since September of 2019, Dale’s Snacks and Vending has been stocking the vending machines at City facilities with snacks, confectionary items, and beverages. 

The new agreement states that the City of Prince Albert will receive 21 per cent of gross sales from all snack vending machines and 30% of gross sales from all beverage vending machines for each term of the agreement at all locations. 

Terra Lennox-Zepp was the only City Councillor to oppose the motion, stating that she believes the City’s percentage of sales should be higher. She said administration may be satisfied with the amount, but wished the City was able to supply their own confectionery items instead.

“I know in some of our City facilities we have City staff that are selling our City products,” said Lennox-Zepp. “[But] I know that isn’t possible in every single building.”

Mayor Greg Dionne said there were other intangibles at play, which made Dale’s bid the most attractive one.

“The one thing I do give the vendor credit for is you can use credit cards now, interact, cash,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “That’s really brought the 21 per cent up because not very many people carry cash. They’re really working with us.”

Dionne reminded City Staff to give all the City’s vendors a heads up before any major events happening in Prince Albert. 

“There’s nothing worse than being on day two of the major event and all the vending machines are empty,” he said. “It’s inconvenient for the customers and it’s certainly inconvenient for us. We have to make sure we supply a service.”

1...454647...70Page 46 of 70