T H E B AT T L E F O R D S
Regional
news-optimist
Air Conditioning
306-445-6707 www.nblukplumbing.com
Serving the Battlefords since 1908
Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
Published every Thursday MATTRESS SALE GET YOUR TRUCKLOAD NEW LAUNDRY ALL SIZES, ALL .BRANDS F PRICES $ E! 99 FROM
199
WOW!
Museum and its manager celebrate 45 years; career began as a summer student By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
Ends August 3, 2025
BATTLEFORD — Manager Bernadette Leslie’s passion for her work and commitment to preserving history led her to a 45-year career with the Fred Light Museum. Many people from the community came together on July 12 to celebrate the museum’s 45th anniversary and Leslie at her pre-retirement tea at the museum’s old fire hall building. Leslie will officially retire in October. Leslie was touched by people’s words of tribute to her life’s work over the years. “I’m overwhelmed a little, I’d say, and surprised at how many speeches there were. I wasn’t expecting that,” she said afterwards. “I know it’s time to retire, but I know I’m thoroughly
Long-time museum manager Bernadette Leslie shown outside the Fred Light Museum on July 12, 2025. | Photo by Angela Brown going to miss the museum Leslie started back in She started off as a sumand everybody who is con- May of 1979 and in July of mer student working with nected to it. It’s a mixed feel- 1980 the museum officially the museum’s founder Fred ing; that’s for sure.” opened to the public. Light, who passed away in
1998. “I was hired as a summer student in 1979. And then it was finished at the end of September that year,” she said. “Then I got a phone call in May of 1980, stating that they would like me to come back to the museum. Turns out Mr. Light liked my work ethic and he requested that I be returned to the museum. So, the rest is history. I’ve been here since.” Some of the projects Leslie has been involved with over the years include working on the museum’s renovations and setting up the various exhibits. “It was a work in progress, and I loved every minute of it. Absolutely,” she said. Leslie was also involved in establishing the Fred Light Museum history calendar, which started in 2018. Continued on page 2
Battlefords Chamber responds to $15.35 minimum wage NORTH BATTLEFORD– The Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce believes the province’s announcement of an increase to the minimum wage involves a bit of a balancing act–helping employees while factoring in the needs of employers at the same. The province announced
• H2S Alive • First Aid/CPR • Fall Protection • Global Ground Disturbance
• Confined Space • Skidsteer • Telehandler • TDG/WHMIS
We keep you up to date with safety training, educational upgrading & lifestyle skills. Check out our website for upcoming course dates and details.
Call our Battlefords Campus at 306-937-5100 to register
that beginning on Oct. 1, the minimum wage in Saskatchewan would increase to $15.35 per hour, a 35-cent increase from the current rate. “By raising the minimum wage, we are continuing to support workers and deliver on our commitment to affordability,” said Deputy Premier and Labour Rela-
tions and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter in the news release. With the wage increase, that will make Saskatchewan’s minimum wage the second lowest in the country, with Alberta the lowest at $15 per hour. Reiter said that over the Continued on page 2
“Wow, your cabin looks fantastic!”
$5.00 Off
“It's the new flooring from CJV, it’s changed everything.”
Order now for summer install. 2741-99 Street 306-445-1221 North Battleford th
Some conditions apply, see in-store for details.
GLASS GLASS EXPERTS AUTO | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL www.kkglass.ca
1601 -100th Street, North Battleford, SK.
Ph: 306-446-2227
Per Bag of Purina Horse Feed & Cluckin’ Good Layer or Grower (20kg Bags) Limited coupons available at tills. Discount applies to in-stock items only. While supplies last.