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The Kerrobert Chronicle, 116C Main Street, Kindersley, SK (2026)

06/11/2026

Young entrepreneur expands her little museum on the prairie

By Joan Janzen

LIEBENTHAL - There’s always something new happening at Liebenthal thanks to the efforts of a young entrepreneur and her parents. You can't keep up with the changes Reese McCallum and her mom and dad are continually incorporating into their little museum on the prairies. Last week they changed their name to Pebble Rebel Dune Saloon, Antiques & Art Gallery.

The museum is privately owned and operated by this 11-year-old entrepreneur, with the assistance of her mom Kyla as chaos coordinator and her super maintenance dad, Kent.

"I've upgraded my museum and now it's a gallery!" Reese explained. "I now have a bigger antique selection for everybody and a brand new area where you can enjoy snacks and coffee." Reese described it as a "dry saloon" where visitors can enjoy coffee, browse through books from their library and munch on muffins Reese baked for her guests. She said they decided to add the sitting area and antiques because some people weren't interested in rocks, but were looking for antiques.

"Everything in this room is for sale," Kyla said. "Reese understands about mark-up and pricing. She sells items online through the antique community which draws people to the museum." The McCallum family acquires antiques from auctions and from donated items.

A large display of jewelry is also featured in the saloon, all handmade by Reese using old materials. And her most recent newsletter "The Pebble Rebel Daily" was all about lapidary, the art of cutting and polishing rocks and minerals into beautiful gemstones. "I typed it all by myself," she added.

The energetic family has added an antique photo booth complete with one-size-fits-all costumes. "It will open soon," Reese said.

She may be young, but she knows all about fossils, arrowheads, rocks, mining, and minerals. Kyla explained that her mom (Reese's grandmother) is the passionate rock collector and painting artist who is responsible for passing the torch of antiques, history and rock collecting down to her daughter and granddaughter. "We had at least thirty huge rocks in our yard from all over Canada," Kyla recalled.

If you're driving down Highway 21 on any weekend this summer be sure to stop in at Pebble Rebel Dune Saloon. You won't be disappointed.

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Every old thing has a story. Reese McCallum poses among the treasures at her Liebenthal museum, where a sprawling antique display and new "dry saloon" feature have recently been added to the collection. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

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Rocks, roots and rattlesnake boots. Reese McCallum, 11, points out the Big Red fossil on display at her Pebble Rebel Dune Saloon, Antiques & Art Gallery in Liebenthal, Sask. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

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Dress the part. The newest addition to Reese McCallum's Liebenthal museum is a photo booth stocked with one-size-fits-all costumes, ready for visitors to step in and play. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

06/11/2026

Train fires keep Kindersley firefighters busy during hot, dry May

By Stu Salkeld

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Your West Central Voice

KINDERSLEY - The Kindersley Fire Dept. had a very busy stretch recently after a train with mechanical issues passed through town and sparked multiple fires east of the community.

Fire Chief Jeff Soveran said in a phone interview that the fires were complicated by hot, dry and windy conditions at the end of May. One factor worked in firefighters' favour, however: much of the nearby farmland was stubble rather than growing crops, limiting potential damage.

"So it's a huge group effort," said Soveran, noting that farmers working in the fields were prepared with their own water tanks and equipment. He added that proper organization, training, equipment and communication helped minimize the impact of the busy day.

After the fires were extinguished, the department monitored three or four smouldering spots for days to prevent flare-ups.

Firefighters also responded to unrelated fires during that period, including a lightning strike on a power pole. Soveran said he was pleased to report no injuries or property damage resulted from any of the incidents.

Soveran welcomed the return of wet weather in early June but acknowledged dry conditions will likely return to southern Saskatchewan. Water trucks are already staged and ready for action.

The fire chief credited successful fire prevention work for the farm community's preparedness, and noted that behaviour has changed over the years, with fewer people leaving hot vehicles running in tall grass.

In town, Soveran reminded residents to observe fire bans and attend to small details, such as ensuring propane barbecues are fully shut off. He noted that some appliances, including propane barbecues and pellet stoves, may still be permitted even when a fire ban is in effect.

Kindersley residents can find the town's fire bylaw information on the municipal website.

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Smoke and steel - A Kindersley Fire Department truck sits on a highway east of town as crews battle one of several grass fires sparked by a train with mechanical issues during a hot, dry stretch in May 2026.

PHOTO KINDERSLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT

06/11/2026

Obituary: Kenneth "Ken" Lyle Hillacre

July 9, 1938 - May 18, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth "Ken" Lyle Hillacre announce his passing May 18 of 2026 at the age of 87 years.

Ken was born on July 9, 1938, in Eatonia, Saskatchewan, to Viola and Percy Hillacre, and was raised in Glidden, Saskatchewan. From an early age, Ken was known for his strong work ethic, determination, and quiet confidence -- qualities that would define his life and leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A hardworking and knowledgeable man, Ken spent his younger years working on a repair crew for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool before moving into construction and cement work. Over the years, he helped build important community landmarks including the United Church, Scotiabank, and hospital in Kindersley. He later worked installing water and sewer lines throughout central Saskatchewan, including the waterline from the creek wells to the Rosetown Water Treatment Plant. In 1970, Ken began his long and respected career as a mechanic with the Department of Highways, where he remained until his retirement.

Ken was entrepreneurial by nature and deeply committed to his neighbours and community. Alongside his beloved wife Josephine, whom he married in 1960 in Kindersley, they cared for Acklands Grainger, managed local condominiums, and faithfully looked after Rosetown's Post Office for over 30 years. Ken also proudly served as a member of the Elks for many years, always willing to lend a hand wherever he was needed.

Above all else, Ken was a devoted family man. Together, Ken and Josie built a loving home and raised three children: Barry (Sherry), Deborah (Garth), and Leslie (Crystal). He took great pride in playing and coaching hockey, sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement with young athletes. Ken enjoyed playing fast ball helping Kindersley Centennials and Netherhill Aces achieving provincial championship victories.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren: Travis, Kris and Trista; Cory and Ashley; and Tyler. He also leaves behind seven cherished great-grandchildren: Sophie, Mason, Memphis, Ellie, Lincoln, Aubrey, and Everette.

Ken was predeceased by his older brother Wilf, older sister May and younger brother Jim.

Ken loved fishing, camping and kaiser tournaments and other numerous card games with his family until all hours of the morning, creating memories filled with laughter, stories, and togetherness. Strong, handsome, spiritual, community-minded, and deeply family-oriented, Ken lived a life built on hard work, integrity, and kindness. His wisdom, steady presence, and generous heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A life well lived, a man well loved, and a legacy that will continue through the family and community he cared for so deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Shanidar Funeral Services.

06/11/2026

Obituary: Clem Ruckaber

Born November 23, 1929 -- Passed May 17, 2026

Clem passed into the arms of his Lord on May 17, 2026 at the age of 96. Born November 23, 1929 to Johann (John) Ruckaber and Maria Fleckenstein on the family homestead, he was the sixth of ten full siblings.

He is survived by his three children:

Lorna Leipert (Reg); Joe Andreas (Monica), Cassidy, Jessica; Sheldon Andreas (Chantal), Janelle (Rory St. John), May, Phoebe, Owen, Ezra; Savannah, Ava, Elijah, Isaac, Adera, Luke.

David Ruckaber; Kent Ruckaber (Tammy), Austin, Leland, Laramie, Katty, Mikey, Sam, Shelby, Kane; Derek Ruckaber (Jessie), Colby, Kaley.

Gina Ruckaber; Bob Deck (Amanda), Chase, Brooklyn; Brendon Deck.

One sister-in-law, Eleanore (Demchenko) Rockabar (Ralph), and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth, known as Bess Steinbach, and grandson Douglas Andreas. Also preceding him were his brothers and sisters: Christine (Mike Coderre), Peter (Wilma Mardian), Philip (Bernice Chukery), Mary, Jake (Anne Folk), Ann (Zack Bonogofski), Rocky (Mary Schweeder), Helen (Camille Martin), and Ralph. His Winter half brothers Joe, Raymond, Julius and Lenard. His Ruckaber half brothers and sisters Henry, John, Aloyius, Minnie, Jean and Bill.

His grandchildren were his pride and joy. They all were taught to hunt, fish, ride horses and a great work ethic. He led a full life, from the age of 15 jumping rail cars and picking up odd jobs -- hoeing sugar beets in Alberta, ranch hand in B.C., wrangling sheep (not his favourite, and to his last days he really didn't care much for mutton). Finally moving back to the family ranch, he married the love of his life, Bess. Together they carved a life out of dust, sagebrush and whatever wild meat he brought home.

His dream was to ranch, and that he did. He was caretaker of the Signal Valley community pasture for many years. Every few days he could be found riding his horse, checking fences, windmills and cows. He still rode up to the age of 90. Following in the spirit of cowboying, he acquired the position of brand inspector in Saskatchewan. He enjoyed the work, as it gave him opportunity to talk about his beloved cows with other like-minded cowboys.

When David married, they moved to Leader, though Clem was found out at the farm almost daily well into his 90s -- bringing supplies, parts or just helping out. Another passion was hunting and fishing. Come hunting season he was gone from before daybreak to sundown, much to Bess's chagrin. He taught his grandsons the art of hunting and fishing, with a firm rule: no abuse of the land or the animal.

At 93, with eyesight and energy failing, he moved to assisted living. He spent three years at the Lodge in Maple Creek telling stories with other residents. He was a great storyteller -- the grandsons can attest to that. With his health failing further, he moved to the Leader Long Term Care Home in February. After a short time of illness he passed peacefully.

Those who wish to join the celebration of life may do so on June 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 308 Main Street, Leader, Sask. Interment will follow immediately, with lunch in the church hall. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so directly to the Leader Long Term Care Home.

Condolences may be offered to the family at the Binkleys Funeral Service website.

06/11/2026

Bank of Saskatchewan bills that never circulated

This $10 bill from the Bank of Saskatchewan is extremely rare. In 1913 the Bank of Saskatchewan was a proposed commercial bank based out of Moose Jaw that failed before it ever began, having never fully legalized its charter. Proofs of the $5, $10 and $20 bills were created, but never circulated. Surviving examples of the bills are highly valued collectors' items today.

HISTORIC SASKATCHEWAN

06/10/2026

NWCS students gain hands-on flying experience at Drone Camp

By Joan Janzen

Students at North West Central School (NWCS) in Plenty were excited to get behind the controls and do some hands-on flying at Drone Camp last week. Instructors from Volatus Aerospace offered the camp during the week of May 28th to June 4th.

Stephen Slattery, a teacher at NWCS, said the camp was split into two groups. Fifty students from Grades 5-8 participated in the MyDrone program, and twenty-five students from Grades 9 and 10 participated in the more intense Science Experiential Aerial Research (SEAR) program. The three instructors were Matthew Johnson, Vice-President of Volatus and Director of Education, as well as Arif Kassum and Tanner Grywinski from Volatus.

Students in the MyDrone program learned basic drone use and safety, uses for drones in different career fields, how to build a drone, 3D mapping, and drone racing. The Grade 9 and 10 students also learned about drone use in agriculture, specifically identifying crop disease.

"The students in the SEAR program have a solid understanding of how drones could be used in the agricultural industry," Stephen explained. They were also able to take their basic Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) exam.

The camp included a lot of team-based activities where students strengthened their problem-solving and communication skills. After some classroom instruction, the students participated in hands-on flying as they mastered their piloting skills.

Grade 5-10 students at NWCS participated in a drone camp last week where they received some classroom instruction and did some hands-on flying as they learned all about drones, their uses, and how to navigate them.

NWCS PB

06/10/2026

Eaton's got talent!

By Joan Janzen

It was showtime at Eaton School on Thursday, June 4th when students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 demonstrated to their audience that Eaton's Got Talent! The afternoon's program was packed with twenty-six performances which included everything from dance to storytelling, comedy, drama, gymnastics and more.

Upon arrival at the gym, family and friends checked out magic tricks, an experiment, and two art displays exhibited by Eaton students. The excitement was tangible as the students gathered up front waiting to get on stage.

The curtains opened with a surprise act performed by the staff which generated a lot of laughter from the audience and demonstrated the students aren't the only ones possessing talent. The teachers also spent many hours behind the scenes, with Mrs. Hynd and Ms. Lindsay helping to make the event possible, and Mr. Hoult setting up the sound equipment.

Ms. Whitell, Mrs. Nunweiler, Ms. Nikki and Ms. Jeffries had spent many hours helping the students with rehearsals at school, while parents helped with costumes and rehearsals at home.

On the day of the performance the backstage crew of Grade 5 and 6 students ensured everything ran smoothly. Eaton's Got Talent was an amazing opportunity for the students as they wowed their audience with a fantastic display of talent.

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Staff steal the show. Teachers at Eaton School kicked off the Got Talent showcase Thursday with an energetic opening act that had the crowd cheering before a single student took the stage. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

* * *

Jurassic Juniors. The Grade 1/2 class transformed into prehistoric performers for Eaton's Got Talent on Thursday afternoon, June 4. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

* * *

Who let the kids out? Kindergarteners in Huskies jerseys brought the house down with their performance of "Who Let the Dogs Out" at Eaton School's Got Talent showcase Thursday, June 4.

PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

06/10/2026

Just a gal from Glidden: She don’t like Pablo though

By Kate Winquist

Something grabbed my attention this week as I was typing up upcoming community events.

The Student Art Show 2026, featuring Grade 5 and 6 students from Kerrobert Composite School, is currently on display at the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery. The show celebrates the creativity, imagination and hard work of young artists and wraps up June 14 with a reception where visitors can meet the students and view their work.

I am not entirely sure why typing that triggered a memory from my youth, but suddenly I found myself thinking about all the creative things that filled my childhood.

Drawing, colouring and reading were some of my favourites. Who remembers those monthly book order forms that came home from school? Apparently I could read before I was five, which is part of the reason I never attended Kindergarten.

The Kindersley Library used to sponsor colouring contests. I won twice and, oddly enough, I still remember the names of the books I received as prizes: Pickle Chiffon Pie and Princess Penelope and the Popcorn Factory. I enjoyed Pickle Chiffon Pie so much that I read it to my son Kalen's Pre-K class in Shaunavon in 2008.

Funny the things that stay with us.

In my early rebellious teenage years, I apparently decided that painting a giant replica of ZZ Top's Eliminator album cover on my bedroom wall was an excellent idea. It probably seemed brilliant at the time. It must have been considerably less brilliant for Dad, who eventually had to paint over all that black.

Eliminator came out in the spring of 1983. At 14, I assumed ZZ Top was a brand-new band. It wasn't until much later that I realized they had actually formed in 1969, the same year I was born.

Back then, Friday nights meant staying up late for Good Rockin' Tonight with Terry David Mulligan. I would tape the videos on the VCR. ZZ Top, with their long beards, hot rods and music videos that were impossible to ignore, became a fixture of those late nights.

One song, Got Me Under Pressure, inspired an art project in Grade 8 or 9. I remember cutting pieces of crepe paper and gluing them into a collage based on images from the lyrics.

What makes me laugh now is that for more than 40 years, I misunderstood one of those lines.

The lyric is: "She likes the art museum, she don't like Pavlov's dog."

For decades I thought the line was "she don't like Pablo though."

As in Pablo Picasso.

Good grief.

Forty-plus years of confidently singing the wrong words.

The funny thing is, I probably had little understanding of what the song was actually about. I was a teenager. It was rock and roll. I liked the music. The lyrics sparked my imagination and ended up influencing an art project.

Maybe that's why the student art show made me stop and think this week.

We never really know what will inspire a child. A library colouring contest. A favourite book. A lyric that gets completely misunderstood.

The things that capture our attention when we're young have a way of staying with us. They become part of the people we eventually grow into.

And apparently, after all these years, I still have a soft spot for old cars, facial hair and ZZ Top.

Ironically, Pablo is also the name of our dog. Not named for Picasso. Named for a character on The Backyardigans.

* * *

The ZZ Top Eliminator album cover that once covered a bedroom wall in Glidden. Dad eventually had to paint over all that black.

* * *

Pablo, the Backyardigans character who inspired the name of a certain Winquist family dog. Not Picasso. Not Pavlov. A cartoon penguin.

06/10/2026

Check It Out: My uncle turned tragedy into triumph

By Joan Janzen

I am writing this missive on my birthday, an annual occasion which I celebrate as an excuse to eat too much cake and chocolate. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I'm reminded of the importance of the choices we make. So as I pop another chocolate into my mouth (because it's my birthday), I remember my favourite uncle who turned tragedy into triumph.

My uncle, Joe Schwengler, was a 19-year-old farm boy when he lost his arm in a farming accident in 1931. I'm not sure how hospitals handled amputations back then, but the nearest hospital was a twenty-mile trip by horse and buggy. And as I did a bit of research, I discovered antibiotics weren't widely available at that time, so the risk of infection was a great danger. Prosthetics were expensive, and had to be ordered from a catalogue or surgical supply company.

In spite of all those obstacles, I always marvelled as I watched my uncle skillfully use his hook. He insisted on driving a standard vehicle, operated all the farming equipment and dabbled in carpentry as a hobby. And he could roll a cigarette with one hand faster than anybody I've ever known.

On special occasions he'd put aside his hook and wear a gloved prosthetic hand. He never shared information about the farming accident or how he managed to adjust afterwards, but he definitely had made an important choice to not allow the tragedy to put limitations on his life or dampen his sense of humour. After he retired from farming, his favourite activity was babysitting the drunks who spent the night in the local jail.

I read a quote which said, "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is your power to choose your response. In your response lies your growth and your freedom."

Those words take on a whole new meaning when you realize they were written by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist, neurologist and Holocaust survivor. In 1942 this medical doctor was imprisoned in four different concentration camps over a period of three years. In 1946 he published a book after observing inmates' reactions to their situations and how survivors came to terms with their liberation.

Viktor Frankl experienced some of the darkest conditions imaginable, but realized no matter what happens to us, there is always a space between what happens and how we respond. And how we respond is one of the biggest keys to a happy, successful, meaningful and productive life.

As an example of a productive life, I read about someone who I had not heard about. Ralph Teetor lost his sight before his 7th birthday, yet his family encouraged him to live as if nothing had changed. Born into a manufacturing family business, the curious youngster learned how to identify tools by touch. By the time he was 12, he and his uncle were building cars from discarded parts.

He went on to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering, patented numerous inventions and took over the family enterprise. His most famous invention, cruise control, was developed during the war years when fuel and rubber were rationed and a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit was imposed. In 1946 he invented a device that would keep a car at a steady speed and patented it in 1950. Chrysler was the first to implement the system, and whenever Ralph was praised for his accomplishments, his blindness was never mentioned.

He also spoke to blind veterans after the war, encouraging those who lost their sight that they didn't need to lose their ability to be productive and successful. It was just a matter of choice.

Once again Viktor Frankl's quote has proven to be true: "In your response lies your growth and your freedom."

Ralph Teetor died in 1982 at the age of 91. In spite of his adversity at a young age, he chose to persevere. His productive life supported industries, created jobs and influenced generations of drivers who may never recognize his name, but enjoy the product of his creativity.

Even in the worst circumstances, we possess the freedom to choose how we respond. Circumstances didn't dictate the lives of Viktor Frankl, Ralph Teetor or my Uncle Joe; their power to choose gave them their freedom to experience successful, productive, happy and meaningful lives.

The quality of our lives is determined less by what happens to us and more by how we respond to what happens.

Viktor realized even in the worst circumstances imaginable, human beings still possess the freedom to choose, and if that freedom existed in a horrible place like a concentration camp, it certainly exists in our everyday lives.

My uncle was living proof. He turned his tragedy into triumph. Growing up with an uncle wielding a hook, I didn't even know the word handicapped existed. I only knew my uncle as a very capable and talented farmer.

06/06/2026

Look way up and way back to episodes of the Friendly Giant

By Joan Janzen

"Look way up … waaaay up!" Those were words heard by generations of Canadian kids over 3,000 episodes and throughout 27 years. From 1958 until 1985 kids were shown their choice of seats: a little chair for you, a bigger chair for two to curl up in, and a rocking chair for someone who likes to rock. The same words were spoken every day before the drawbridge was lowered, young viewers entered the castle, and the main characters emerged: Jerome the Giraffe, Rusty the Rooster and the Friendly Giant.

Bob Homme (aka the Friendly Giant) would play various types of music on the clarinet, recorder and tin whistle. Jerome would sing while Rusty played the harp. The two puppets were manipulated by Rod Coneybeare. The puppeteer was tall enough to operate both puppets at the same time, as well as do their voices.

The 15-minute episodes were unscripted. Coneybeare and Homme would improvise the dialogue between the puppets and the Friendly Giant.

After the show was cancelled due to budgetary cutbacks at CBC, reruns were televised until 1987. The show was watched by 800,000 children each week during the show's peak years.

Homme refused to market the show by selling any merchandise and rarely appeared in interviews because he didn't want to spoil the illusion for children. He became a Canadian citizen in the early 1990s and earned the Order of Canada in 1998. He spent his retirement years in Ontario until his passing in 2000.

Rusty and Jerome are on display at the CBC Radio and Television Museum in Toronto along with the castle and miniature chairs.

More than 3,000 episodes of The Friendly Giant were watched by 800,000 Canadian kids each week from 1958 to 1985.

Photo: Canadian Encyclopedia

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