EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article contains highlights of events which were carried by The Kamsack Times during the course of 2023 and is a source of nostalgia for the past year. Dates listed refer to publication dates and not to the dates of the events.
January
Jan. 12
Wendy Becenko, Sally Bishop, Glen Boychuk, Kris Cherewyk, Bryan Cottenie, Rod Gardner, Nicole Korpusik, Walter Ostoforoff, Colleen Pennell, Evan Rostotski, and Karen Tourangeau, were among the 38 recipients of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals in Canora.
Bruce Thomsen, currently the deputy fire chief, was presented with the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal by Kamsack Mayor Nancy Brunt.
Ben Sipple was hired to succeed Steven Dutcheshen as manager of recreation and economic development.
Comedian Kelly Taylor, known as “Saskatchewan’s second best export after wheat,” performed at the Playhouse Theatre.
Jan. 19
Minor Hockey Day was celebrated in Kamsack when six Kamsack teams plus a team that included several Kamsack players were on the ice, “Minor Hockey Day gives the community the opportunity to see all the teams play in one day”, said Jared Ruf, president of the Kamsack Minor Hockey Association.
The Kamsack Masonic Hall was put up for sale due to dwindling memberships.
Sandy Nykolaishen of Kamsack was named the winner of $1,000 in a 50/50 draw hosted by the Masonic Hall.
Jan. 26
Tattoo artist Randy Leis returned to Kamsack from Alberta, to work full-time at his shop Electric Skin Tattoo.
Hockey players under seven years of age from Kamsack and several communities across the region came together at the Canora Civic Centre for a U7 Jamboree.
February
Feb. 2
The annual Wheelchair Funspiel hosted by Kim and Teddy Hudye returned after the pandemic.
During the Norquay Annual Open Bonspiel, The first event winner was the Ken Newell rink of Norquay.
Tim Falkiner was awarded the Handi-Bus Tender.
A new Handi-Bus was ordered with hopes it would arrive by late 2023.
Feb. 9
Principal Mark Lucas was celebrated with a Star Wars themed event by the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute before leaving after two years of administering the school.
The KCI Spartans junior boys and girls basketball teams took on their arch-rivals from Canora.
The Norquay School Junior Mixed Team won silver at the East Central District Athletic Association Junior Mixed Curling Districts.
Feb. 16
The Madge Lake Classic Snowmobile Derby hosted by the Kamsack Sno-Drifters and Border Mountain House returned for its second year.
The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations RoseAnne Archibald visited Keeseekoose First Nation for a meet-and-greet about the state of First Nations affairs.
The Eagelstone Lodge received a $3,000 cheque donation from Chester Olson, the vice president of the former Kamsack First Co-operative Loans Association Ltd.
March
March 2
The 42nd annual Duck Mountain Loppet returned after the pandemic with participants as old as 80 participating.
Rod Gardner, sporting a mason hat and apron, was seen on Shrove Tuesday happily flipping pancakes at the Masonic lodge.
Recreation Director Ben Sipple and Darrell Lomenda organized Skateboard lessons at the OCC hall.
March 9
The Togo Figure Skating Carnival was hosted for the first time since COVID-19 with eight figure skating presentations occurring.
Eaglestone Lodge hired a new full-time cook, Mindy Fullwaka.
Mayor Nancy Brunt advocated for the provincial government to increase the $2,000 senior income payments to $3,000.
The Town of Kamsack put the Crowstand building up for sale.
March 16
A meet-and-greet was hosted for the new Community Safety & Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Sherise Fountain.
The Kamsack Sno-Drifter’s 39th Annual Tolstoi School Snow Derby was hosted with the help of the River Valley Archery Club.
Kamsack resident Anne Marie Markopoulou, sent a letter to the editor asking that people have more kindness in their hearts toward keeping stray pets off the streets.
March 23
The River Valley Archery Club hosted a 3D shoot in Veregin for its fifth anniversary.
Cote First Nation held an election for their council and chief, with George “Crow” Cote being re-elected as Chief of Cote FN with 663 votes.
The Kamsack Comprehensive Institute Senior Boys Basketball team advanced to regionals after beating Cowessess and Langenburg teams.
March 30
A men’s curling bonspiel was hosted in Norquay with 10 teams in the event. The first event winner was the Leonard Bazarski rink of Buchanan.
A Kamsack U7 Cross-Ice Jamboree was held, with various raffle prizes, a 50/50 draw, and a concession stand. .
Silas Guilette, a helper for the U7 Jamboree, oversaw part of the raffle table. He also generously supplied a pen to the Kamsack Times towards the end of the Jamboree.
April
April 6
It was revealed that Norquay School would be home to a new Pre-Kindergarten in 2024.
Ken Thompson, Kamsack’s fire chief, called on those wanting to serve the community and help their families, friends and neighbours in a time of need to join the Kamsack Fire Department.
Naomi Kapitoler and her daughter Aeowyn, partook in Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg decorating), described the craft as “a cool thing to learn.”
April 13
The Sask team in the Canadian Firefighter Curling Championship consisted of, Ken Newell (Skip), Evan Rostotski (Third), Jason Lukey (Second), Jared Lukey (Lead) and Ian Wainright (Director)
Darcia Polowich from Eaglestone Lodge was surprised to get an Easter-themed treat from air cadet Halo Tourangeau.
Rose Nabe was glad to have her day made even better with an Easter treat from air cadet Macy Martinuik.
April 20
The Kamsack Comprehensive Institute (KCI) hosted a tradeshow to fund the KCI band’s trips for 2023, with various goods being sold from all around the area surrounding Kamsack.
Lillian Delance celebrated her 100th birthday at Eaglestone Lodge.
Anna Chorneyko of Norquay recited Anna Banana at the Parkland Music Festival Final Concert in Canora.
April 27
The Holy Trinity Church hosted a muffin and tea party, where community members came together to socialize.
The River Valley Archery Club sent five of its shooters to participate in the Junior Olympic Program Provincials in Prince Albert.
Lauren Talbot shot a Robin Hood arrow in the 10-ring competition (Bullseye).
May
May 4
The Kamsack Hospital reopened three beds for admissions, and expanded emergency room access to seven days per week.
U-12 Girls Hockey players Courtney Cote, Sienna Cote, and Karissa Keewatin won gold at the 2023 Tony Cote Winter Games.
Kamsack and 30 other communities in Saskatchewan were set to receive an increase in annual funding of $8.8 million for Emergency Medical Services improvements in the upcoming 2023-24 provincial budget according to a Government of Saskatchewan newsletter.
May 11
Manning the barbecue for the McMunn and Yates 52nd Anniversary were the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute students and teacher: Ty Thomas, Zachary Fedorak (teacher), Kaylie Harper, Gerri Basaraba, Declan Kosokowsky, Levi Erhardt, Jesse Gigun, and Austin Krawetz.
Oakley Dolman was the winner of the Kamsack Public Library’s colouring contest.
The Kamsack landfill began undergoing closure, Mayor Nancy Brunt said, “The provincial government has said that the landfill will have to close. That's what they've done for a lot of small communities. So everybody's closing down the landfills.”
May 18
Former Kamsack Times reporter Kulchera Nicholson and freelancer William Koreluik placed second in the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Competition’s health care coverage in a series of stories category.
The Kamsack Power House Museum, which had to close its doors to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic health directives, was set to re-open its doors.
At a Rosa Ukrainian Dance Concert, senior dancer Lily Kish, who has been dancing with the Rosa Dance Club for 10 years was honoured with a Ukrainian crown called "vinok" to mark the occasion.
May 25
The Family Resource Centre, thanks to the help of Wolkowski Funeral Home, was able to procure a collection of books to help children grasp topics relating to death, loss or grief.
The Kamsack Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held a general meeting, One of the main highlights discussed was the resumption of their beloved bingo nights.
The formation of the “Friends of Eaglestone Lodge” group was acknowledged at the Eaglestone Lodge Annual General Meeting, as it aims to enhance residents' lives through increased visitation, interaction with volunteers, and community events.
June
June 1
Brenda Lee Cottrell performed at the Royal Canadian Legion in Kamsack. Her performance went through music history, honouring various legendary ladies in the singing world.
Ninety-two quilts went on display at a quilt sale hosted by the Kamsack Heart and Home Quilt Club.
IMPACT hosted a Springtime Family Fun Event that promoted kids learning through play and provided parents with valuable insights into their child's educational journey.
June 8
At the annual Air Cadet Graduation ceremony, Sergeant Geoff Stringfellow handed out Rank Badges for promotion from Corporal to Flight Corporal to: Corporal Serenity Cote, Corporal Summer Earhardt, Corporal Mariah Ketchemonia, and Corporal Halo Tourangeau.
The council authorized the fire chief to set fire bans without waiting for council approvals, as it was decided that having council decide on each fire ban was ultimately too slow of a process. This way, the fire chief can take necessary action promptly, ensuring the safety of residents.
Anita Klochko was recognized for her remarkable dedication and commitment as a volunteer at Parkland Victim Services, where she had selflessly served for an impressive 25 years.
June 15
RCMP Cst. Chase Caldwell brought forth a wreath for the Decoration Day ceremony alongside Cpl Halo Tourangeau and Sgt Macy Martinuik.
A Health Fair was hosted and served as a platform to address important health issues affecting the community, with a particular focus on promoting reconciliation efforts and improving access to healthcare services.
The Key First Nation announced the construction of a new water treatment plant which would serve a community of 1,503 members with a population of 300 on-reserve members.
June 22
Members of Norquay’s graduating class of 2023 were: Josiah Egge, Wyatt Fedorchuk, Mathew Sushelnitski, Rylen Lukey, Brody Shankowsky, Jessie Cumming, Jaxson Lindgren, Caitlin Filipowich, Sierra Dahlin, Shayla Goertzen and Kortny Wasylyniuk.
An event, organized by a group of volunteers, Lindgren Seeds, and Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK), aimed to teach young students about various aspects of farming, planting, and animal husbandry.
June 29
Norman Whitehawk, while helping his son and nephew put together their teepee outside of Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex (CGCEC) at a Pow-Wow, admired the wigwams created by the students of CGCEC.
The KCI Drama Club performed Back to the 80s, a parody play of Back to the Future.
The KCI senior and junior band hosted their annual Lawn Concert. However, due to a rainy morning the concert was held inside the KCI gym. Attendees were treated to captivating renditions of Midnight Madness and Midnight Mission, among other songs.
July
July 6
KCI 2023 Graduates included: Jersey Badger, Gerri Basaraba, Brandt Bloudoff, Zachary Burback, Tyler Filipchuk, Kaylie Harper, Brady Hilton, Joshua Hilton, Austin Krawetz, Kevin Luu, Damian McLean, Dana Musqua, Carter Reilkoff, Leah Schwartz, Talon Severight, Aiden Stone, Jimmy Tao, Alexia Tourangeau, Sage Tourangeau, Petrie Whitehawk, Will Zarchikoff, and Gavin Zielinski.
Mia Cottenie and Rachel Negrave, attendees at the Second Annual Lady Loon Two Person Golf Tournament, volunteered to teach fellow golfers some quick dances while dressed as cowgirls.
For the first time since before the impact of the pandemic, Veregin hosted its highly anticipated 76th annual Shishliki Barbeque and Beer Garden.
July 13
Among the organizers for the National HIV Testing Day barbecue in Kamsack were: Shana Moroz, Kamsack public health nurse; Candice Nelson, Positive Impact Social Worker, and Gerry Sage, HIV Peer Mentor.
the Kamsack Family Resource Centre invited the Adventure Wranglers to Crowstand Centre where they showed off various creatures including, a variety of turtles, lizards, and snakes.
Canada Day in Kamsack was celebrated with: live music, barbeques, bouncy houses, and a fantastic mud bog.
July 20
Singer Songwriter Ron Kalmakoff performed at the Doukhobor Museum’s Heritage Day in Veregin.
NDP Candidates Wynn Fedorchuk and Mike Woollard hosted a public meeting at the Trackside Gardens in Kamsack.
During the River Valley Archery Club’s 3D Outdoor Shoot in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Archery Association, Scott Green, the Archery Club head organizer, mentioned that the event had 40 targets in total across two shooting ranges.
August
Aug. 10
During the River Valley Archery Club’s 3D shoot, a seven-foot tall sasquatch archery target was donated to the event by the Maxie Family in memory of the late Kaleb Maxie.
the Affinity Credit Union made a generous $10,000 donation from its Community Development Fund to the Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department, specifically aimed at enhancing water rescue capabilities.
Nixon Lukey and Grace Peters were named the lemonade stand champions at the Norquay Co-op 75th anniversary celebration.
Aug. 17
The Kamsack Horticultural show hosted 18 adult exhibitors and three junior exhibitors. These exhibitors showcased 251 entries in 15 classes. Those who visited the event and paid the five-dollar entry fee were treated with coffee, tea, juice, and various pies.
Sonia Hordichuk and her ironing board scarecrow-esque creations were a unique and interesting component of The Saskatchewan Horticultural Association’s 76th Annual Provincial Show.
Dr. Andriana Howard, who grew up in Norquay, completed six years of training to become a pharmacist in Norquay.
Aug. 24
A water polo clinic hosted at the Kamsack Swimming Pool with Water Polo Saskatchewan Coach Jake Morris was a great opportunity for the attendees to work on their water polo skills and cool down at the same time.
Tyson Kabatoff of Pelly and his family decided to take over the 8 & 49 rest-stop in Pelly, with plans to open a restaurant there in the future.
Driver Fred Konkin brought out the museum’s Model A at a Fort Pelly-Livingston Museum family event.
Aug. 31
Local community members and golf enthusiasts gathered on a cloudy morning to pay tribute to local golf legend Scotty Cote’s 85th birthday, winner of the first Saskatchewan Indian Golf Championship, during a golf tournament held at the Kamsack golf course.
The Town of Kamsack’s Chief Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrator, and Town Operations Manager resigned. Replacing them were: Sherise Fountain as the Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Dana Grieve was elevated to the role of Assistant Administrator, and Kelsey Rauckman was promoted to the Town Superintendent.
Cumberland and Parkland College merged and became known as Suncrest College.
September
Sept. 7
Zac Fedorak of Kamsack won the Canora Men’s Open Golf Tournament by shooting a two-under-par score of 70.
Erica Sweeney, Alanna Finnie, The Polka Pals, and Dolores Lasko-Potts performed at the Christmas In August Street Fair hosted by the Kamsack Playhouse Theatre.
Amy Cote was appointed as the new Kamsack Utility Clerk.
Sept. 14
Lauri Lozinski, Maria Van As, Nixon Lukey, and Reagan Foster were volunteer bakers for the Norquay School breakfast program.
Rebel Cat Rescue, a registered non-profit cat rescue organization that plays a crucial role in the Yorkton and Kamsack areas was one of the beneficiaries of the Legacy Co-op Fuel Good Day.
Jet Fumerton, originally from Norquay and Canada’s oldest female hockey player, reached her centennial birthday on Sept. 9.
Sept. 21
A motorhome with the decals of a prominent figure of the QAnon movement in Canada, who has proclaimed herself as the Queen of Canada, stopped in Kamsack, where she was met with protesters.
A charity golf tournament to raise funds for the maintenance of Duck Mountain National Park, which needed repairs, saw a turnout of 125 participants.
Fire Chief Ken Thompson earned the First Bar to the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for 30 years of exemplary service.
Sept. 28
Holy Trinity Church, presented a cheque for $10,000 to Eaglestone Lodge of Kamsack.
During the Legacy Co-op Fuel Good Day, a barbeque hosted by Rebel Cat Rescue at the Kamsack Co-op C-store sold 400 hotdogs and raised $521 in donations in total.
Madge Lake and the surrounding area came together in droves for a fundraising supper held at the Madge Lake Bible Camp.
October
Oct. 5
A tipi was raised at the RCMP station in Kamsack to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on a day that also coincided with the 150th anniversary of the RCMP's presence in Canada.
The first pre-season hockey practice was held at the Broda Sportsplex.
The Norquay Nice Centre hosted a trade show, Peter Fehr, one of the vendors, sold various wood crafts and his grandaughter’s paintings.
Oct. 12
Tim McLeod, the minister of mental health and addictions, seniors, and rural and remote health, toured the Kamsack Hospital with Kamsack Mayor Nancy Brunt, MLA Terry Dennis, local doctors, and health administrators.
Fire Chief Ken Thompson was the volunteer barbecuer for the Orange Shirt Day barbecue at the Kamsack office, letting people know the Fire Hall is still looking for more volunteers.
Sadok Ukrainian Dance School in Kamsack celebrated its 20th year of sharing the art and culture of Ukrainian dance with the community.
Oct. 19
Sas-Kam Sportsman celebrated 45 years in business, owner Wayne Sas said, “The most gratifying part after 45 years is dealing with the kids and grandkids of early customers and seeing the progression in both sports and families.”.
Sadok Ukrainian Dance hosted the first open house for the year.
Caitlyn Fatteicher from Safe Haven Ink, is a part-time artist working with Randy Leis at Electric Skin Tattoo in Kamsack.
Oct 26
The Kamsack Spartans wrapped up their regular season in the SHSAA 6-Man 2A Football Conference 3, finishing in a tie for first place with the Wynyard Bears.
Kamsack welcomed Denzel Kitchemonia, who had taken up a part-time term position as Recreation Director.
Cote First Nation held a grand opening for its newly established Youth Recreation Site, marking a significant milestone in providing a safe and engaging space for local children.
November
Nov. 2
Local band The Qarah and Dead Levee, a band with roots in Kamsack played for the Sounds of Halloween Party.
The late Clifton Abrahamson, a long-time community member in Pelly who, together with his wife Sylvia, had been a valuable part of the Fort Pelly-Livingston Museum, was recognized with a plaque.
Members of the Kamsack Curling Club came together for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Jennifer Koroluk, Vice-President of the Kamsack Curling Club said, “We’re struggling this year, and we could use a lot of people to come and curl.”
Nov. 9
Dr. Wes Thompsen joined the Kamsack Dental Office, he lives by Madge Lake and has various family members, including his daughter, in health care.
Summer Straightnose, Aliyah Cote, and Tess Keshane were given the title of “Best Overall” during a Halloween contest at KCI for portraying some bloodied nurses and a zombie wheelchair patient.
The Broda Sportsplex was packed with 525 people attending the Yorkton Terriers and Melfort Mustangs SJHL game in Kamsack.
Nov. 16
Sri Prassana, an international medical doctor originally from Edmonton and Wosler Diagnostics joined the Assiniboine Valley Medical Centre practicing as a Radiologist and a new ultrasound bed was donated by the Kamsack Hospital Auxiliary.
Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex celebrated Indigenous Remembrance Day with High School Students reading the poem In Flanders Fields.
The 633 Kamsack Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron attended the Remembrance Day program at Victoria School, escorting various guests as they laid down their wreathes.
Nov. 23
Trevor Panczak, an award-winning country musician and native of southern Alberta, visited Kamsack to play a concert in the Kamsack Playhouse Theatre.
Students at CGCEC experienced what life was like in film work as they were visited by Julian Black Antelope, founder of the Pathfinders Film Institute; Mike Morrison, senior program supervisor, and Kerry Opoonechaw, program coordinator for a film workshop.
Cindy Shingoose attended a grandmother’s tea party with her grandchildren, Maya Cloud, and Vaden Shingoose. The tea party was packed to the brim with grandmas and grandchildren from across the area.
Nov. 30
Canadian Wrestling's Elite (CWE) treated fans in Cote First Nation to the Rumble to Remember tour with their main attraction, WWE and CWE legend Último Dragón going against Lion Warrior Bobby Sharpe in the ring.
The Madge Lake Loon survey reported that they were concerned about the surviving chicks per breeding pair, mentioning that their average, 0.41, was lower than the recommended 0.47.
During National Addictions Awareness Week, Keeseekoose First Nation, alongside Cote and Key held day-long events at the OCC hall in Kamsack to educate attendees about addiction. During Keeseekoose’s event, Theresa Fiddler’s Laughter is the Best Medicine presentation demonstrated and presented facts about laughter and how it affects the human body positively while also throwing jokes out to the audience.
December
Dec. 7
During a U11 Hockey Tournament in Kamsack, The Kamsack Flyers played a close final with the Melville Millionaires, and at the end took home the 2023 U11 Championship A-Side Trophy, while the Churchbridge Imperials played well against the Norquay Northstars and went home with the 2023 U11 Championship B-Side Trophy.
As part of the Keep the Wreath Red campaign, the Kamsack Fire Department hung a large wreath with red lights outside the fire station. “If a fire occurs during this period a red light is replaced with a white one,” said Ken Thompson, Kamsack’s fire chief. “The object of this promotion is to keep all the lights red.”
The Earth Rangers visited Norquay School for a presentation, during the presentation Earth Rangers Julia Evans and Braden Wood set up Eco for the students, a holographic AI to help with the presentation.
Dec. 14
Swan Valley Chiropractic and Swan Hills Properties entered an Assiniboine Super League Curling match with pristine 5-0 records, but it was Swan Valley Chiropractic that emerged victorious with a dominant 5-0 performance.
The Norquay Girls Basketball team hosted Buckets for Brain Cancer, an event which would put proceeds towards cancer research, Cheyanne Peterson the inspiration for the event spoke to the crowd about her experiences so far with her cancer diagnosis. “Live in the moment. Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today and do the things you love.”
The historic Woodlander Hotel was destroyed by a fire and the Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department, along with the Rhein Fire Department, fought the blaze.
Dec. 21
The Kamsack Community Choir sang two songs elegantly at the Kamsack Playhouse Theatre Christmas concert, Jubilation! Bells are Ringing and Winter Wonderland.
The Kamsack Town Office welcomed it’s new administrator, Barry Hvidston, Hvidston looks forward to being the new administrator for the town of Kamsack..
Students from the Wellness 10 class at Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex visited the Eaglestone Lodge to deliver some Christmas cards, decorations, and an impromptu Christmas Carol to the residents of Eaglestone. One of the students, Kobe Stevenson, chatted with Beverly Scobie, one of the residents, while presenting her with a Christmas Card.
