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Northern fires impact fishing plans

Mayfair News
summer rural scene pic
Photo by Louise Lundberg

Last week I touched upon the dangerous blue-green algae, which poses a threat to animals and people. My friend’s dog was chasing ducks and jumped into a contaminated slough, coming out with slime all over his body. Of course the owner wasn’t overly excited to put her pet inside the vehicle to take him home for a cleanup. She didn’t even had a blanket or towel with her to rub some of the algae off. Consequently the back seat was in need of a soapy washing. The Water Security Agency and Saskatchewan Ministry of Health are advising the public to avoid contact with surface water where the algae blooms are occurring. Fish caught in these waters shouldn’t be eaten, according to experts.

In January, former Mayfair resident Elsie Poitras (nee Pozdrowski) opened up a small café and convenience store in Maymont with husband Bill. In her younger years the family moved to North Battleford, but her relative, Frank Pozdrowski, still owns land east of Mayfair. Frank relocated to neighbouring Speers at least 15 years ago. Elsie’s husband Bill, originally from Cochin, is the owner of a plumbing and heating business also in Maymont. Both businesses are successful and they wish to thank all their patrons in Maymont and surrounding areas. People are fortunate to now have two eating establishments in this small, thriving village, plu, in the summer months, there is a concession three miles south in Glenburn Regional Park.

Son, Curtis and longtime fishing buddy Jason from New Brunswick, camped and fished at Reindeer Lake way up in Northern Saskatchewan for three weeks. Curtis left his new large fishing boat and motor in Southend and was planning to return last week, but the forest fires changed his plans. It is unknown when he will be able to retrieve his goods.

My husband and I were guests at a beautiful outdoor wedding four miles west of Battleford July 10. Brandon Gregoire, son of Marlene and Dennis, married Danyelle Heidt of North Battleford. The bride’s parents are Barb and Ernie Heidt. It was an extremely hot afternoon but was nice to visit people one hasn’t seen in a long time. This wedding was to have occurred last July but with government restrictions many functions had to be rescheduled . Brandon farms with his family near Hamlin and Danyelle is a registered nurse at Battlefords Union Hospital.

Sandy Lake east of Mayfair near the Meeting Lake Community Pasture has a lot of locals camping and fishing is reported as been good. This lake is situated south of Shell Lake village.

Mother Nature is not co-operating with giving us the much need precipitation. There is not much hope for some of the burnt crops especially those growing in sandy soil. In most cases farming is a risky business and the economy will also suffer because of the situation .

When conditions are 40 C, my cabin is a refuge. It’s cool in there with all the towering pine and spruce trees. Now as I have my wood burning stove going. Yikes!