Mayor Harris: April 2017

Thursday, 27 April 2017

Putting down that cellphone - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 26th, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 26th, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Putting down that cellphone

Seriously, Saskatchewan - put down the cellphones!

"Since monthly traffic safety spotlights began in 2014, last month saw the most tickets yet for distracted driving.

A total of 523 tickets were issued; 82 for driving without due care and attention and 441 for driving while using, holding, viewing or manipulating a hand-held cellphone.

Throughout March, police were also watching for drivers speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and not being properly restrained with seatbelts or not having their child passengers in the appropriate child safety seat.

Violations for these offences are also disappointing as they’ve increased each month in 2017:¹

4,532 speeding/aggressive driving violations
318 impaired driving infractions
453 seatbelts/child safety seats violations

Based on 2015 data, distracted driving was the leading factor in motor vehicle collisions in Saskatchewan and in second place for fatal collisions, behind impaired driving. More people were charged for distracted driving last month than impaired driving.

Distracted driving laws were strengthened in January, from ‘using’ a hand-held cellphone to ‘using, viewing, holding or manipulating’ one. Learner and novice drivers are not allowed to use a cellphone of any kind, not even hands-free. Experienced drivers can use hands-free phones if they are activated with voice commands or one-touch, and are dashboard, visor or cradle mounted.

Although SGI strongly recommends pulling over to use your phone, we understand that some experienced drivers need to use it on-the-go. If that’s the case, invest in a hands-free device. They’re easy to find and quite inexpensive – it’ll pay for itself considering the fine for breaking the cellphone law is $280. On your second offence in one year, your vehicle is also impounded for seven days.

Law enforcement continue to focus on pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle safety throughout April. Please remember to share the road with these vulnerable road-users and #LookOut for people walking and riding"

View more information about distracted driving. Follow SGI on Facebook and Twitter for safety tips to #TakeCareOutThere.

https://www.sgi.sk.ca/about/newsreleases/2017/marchspotlightresults.html

Older Wiser Driver Guide

It helps you assess your driving practices and provides suggestions to make your driving safer.

https://www.sgi.sk.ca/pdf/older_wiser.pdf

Discover Preeceville's Trails on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Oxayo2IfHo

"Saskatchewan is a vast province, home to fantastic landscapes, incredible sights, and many hidden gems; the trails around Preeceville are proof of that. We travel to one such gem, the Ushta Valley, just outside the town Endeavour. Fortunately for you, this is one snowmobiling secret that's just too good to keep to yourself"

"The decision to get behind the wheel after drinking may be 1 of the costliest choices you'll ever make" Know the consequences! https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/drugs/consequences.html

http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/

Events:

- Time for that Spring Walk> http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/

- The prairie crocus (Anemone patens), is the first plant to bloom on the prairie each year. The true harbinger of spring, its mauve petals dot the still drab prairie landscape, often before the last winter have melted. By blooming so early, the crocus assures itself of the complete attention of available pollinators - small bees and other insects. Its seeds can then ripen by early June and if moisture is available they will germinate right away. If the prairie is too dry the seeds will go dormant, then germinate the following spring. The price for this early flowering strategy is occasional failure of the seed crop. Severe frosts (-5 to -10C) during flowering can limit seed production"
http://www.naturenorth.com/spring/flora/crocus/Prairie_Crocus2.html
Many, many photo's of Saskatchewan Crocus:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=crocus+saskatchewan&safe=active&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZrMC2ibPTAhVk5oMKHUpXCOoQsAQIQQ&biw=1344&bih=723#spf=1

- Ongoing - Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace Jack-Pot is now at $2,123 Watch their Ad's. Follow the ACE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/

- May 27th - Town of Preeceville Community Wide Garage Sale

- In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

- CANADA 150 CELEBRATION - PREECEVILLE Strong, Proud and Free

In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.

Canada’s 150th website: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740/1342793251811

Follow the Mayor on the town site at http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=65&cid=6 follow me on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/

follow me on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/mayorgarthharrisfollow me on twitter @https://twitter.com/MayorGartharris

follow me on google+ @ https://plus.google.com/u/0/102741942183606627948?tab=wX#102741942183606627948/posts

follow me on youtube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyA9eN2gdku8lGSo0WPRWw follow me on instagram @ http://instagram.com/garthrharris

Thursday, 20 April 2017

Public Safety Telecommunicators & that Spring Walk - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 20th, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 20th, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 9 to 16
"No matter the crisis, the province’s 911 operators and emergency service dispatchers are ready to help.
“Each day, 911 operators and emergency service dispatchers seamlessly connect those in dire circumstances with police, fire and emergency medical services,” Government Relations Minister Donna Harpauer said. “They provide this vital support with a remarkable combination of efficiency and compassion.”

"In November 2016, the Government of Saskatchewan launched Text With 911 service for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired as well as their loved ones. Contact your wireless service provider to register. Text With 911 service is offered in both official languages.

Operators can provide service in more than 240 languages when you call 911. To communicate in a language other than English or French, state the language you need and remain on the line while your call is transferred to an interpreter.

We can all do our part to ensure 911 operators and emergency service dispatchers are available to serve those in need.

Please help prevent accidental or prank 911 calls by:

Remembering to lock your keypad when you carry your cell phone in your pocket, purse or backpack;
Manually dialing 911 instead of preprogramming the number in your phone;
Teaching your children the importance of 911 and when it should and should not be used; and
Staying on the line if you accidentally dial 911 so an operator can quickly confirm that it is not a real emergency.

Last year, Saskatchewan 911 operators took 332,297 calls from across the province"

For more information, contact:

Dauna Ditson
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2155
Email: dauna.ditson@gov.sk.ca

Older Wiser Driver Guide

It helps you assess your driving practices and provides suggestions to make your driving safer.

- Ongoing - Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace Jack-Pot is now at $1,480 Watch for Ad's

- April 25th - Volunteer Appreciation Tea & Awards - 2:00pm at club 60 - everyone welcome.

- May 27th - Town of Preeceville Community Wide Garage Sale

- In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

- CANADA 150 CELEBRATION - PREECEVILLE Strong, Proud and Free

In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.

Canada’s 150th website: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740/1342793251811

Follow the Mayor on the town site at http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=65&cid=6 follow me on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/

follow me on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/mayorgarthharrisfollow me on twitter @https://twitter.com/MayorGartharris

follow me on google+ @ https://plus.google.com/u/0/102741942183606627948?tab=wX#102741942183606627948/posts

follow me on youtube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyA9eN2gdku8lGSo0WPRWw follow me on instagram @ http://instagram.com/garthrharris

Thursday, 13 April 2017

Recycle your Milk Containers - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 13th, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 13th, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Recycle your Milk Containers

Government, SARCAN and SaskMilk Remind Residents to Recycle Milk Containers

"Environment Minister Scott Moe joined representatives from SARCAN and SaskMilk at the East Regina SARCAN depot today to remind Saskatchewan residents that milk containers are now included in the provincial recycling program"

As of April 1, residents can return ‘ready-to-serve’ milk containers to any of SARCAN’s 72 depots to receive a refund of the deposit paid at the point of purchase.

“SARCAN does a great job of running the beverage container recycling program, and through their efforts more than 80 per cent of containers are returned,” Moe said. “We have a great partnership with SARCAN and we are pleased to add milk containers to this important program.”

The new refundable deposits for milk containers are:

$0.10 for plastic milk containers, paper milk cartons or tetra boxes, between one and 999 ml.
$0.25 for plastic milk containers, paper milk cartons or tetra boxes, one litre or more.

“We have been very pleased by the positive reaction we’ve received so far from our customers across the province,” SARC and SARCAN Recycling Executive Director Amy McNeil said. “Now Saskatchewan residents have even more options to recycle than ever before, and we are very happy to have SARCAN be part of this opportunity to make sure even more materials are diverted from our Saskatchewan landfills.”“Saskatchewan dairy farmers are proud stewards of the environment, and support this program that encourages the recycling of dairy containers in all areas of the province,” SaskMilk Chair Melvin Foth said.

SARCAN will accept fluid beverage containers including milk, buttermilk, cream, fluid coffee creamers, lactose-free milk products and drinkable yogurt. It will not accept containers from concentrates such as frozen juice mixes, infant formula, meal replacements, non-fluid coffee additives, pre-whipped whipping cream, evaporated milk or condensed milk. SARCAN will only accept milk containers with best before dates after April 1, 2017.

An environment handling fee of $0.03 for paper and aseptic/tetra cartons, $0.06 for plastic containers, and $0.07 for glass containers will apply to milk containers at the point of purchase. Environmental handling charges cover the environmental cost of collecting, consolidating and recycling milk containers, and are non-refundable.

Residents can begin recycling eligible milk containers immediately at any SARCAN depot.
http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2017/april/12/recycle-milk-containers

Recycle Milk Container Backgrounder

Older Wiser Driver Guide

It helps you assess your driving practices and provides suggestions to make your driving safer.

http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/

Events:

- April 13th - Fundraiser BBQ today for the 606 Harvard Air Cadet Squadron from 11 am till 2pm (Burgers and Pop) that's at Formo's Sales & Service

- April - Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace Jack-Pot is now at $1,080 Watch for Ad's

Thursday, 6 April 2017

Protect our elm trees & Hantavirus Precautions when Spring Cleaning - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 6th, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 6th, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Protect our elm trees & Hantavirus Precautions when Spring Cleaning

"Health officials are reminding residents to take precautions against hantavirus when in areas potentially infested by rodents.

People can get hantavirus by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine and saliva of infected deer mice. Hantavirus infection is rare but it can be fatal. Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can quickly develop into a severe and often fatal lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
“Seek urgent medical attention if you develop a fever, coughing and shortness of breath within one to six weeks of exposure to potentially infested areas,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.
Exposure to hantavirus most often occurs when people clean up enclosed buildings such as grain bins, sheds, barns, garages, trailers, cottages and homes, or farm equipment and vehicles that have been in storage.
“Be aware of the risk and take the necessary precautions to avoid direct contact with mouse droppings or inhaling contaminated air particles,” Shahab said.
When cleaning rodent-infested areas:

Ventilate the building by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning;

Use wet mopping methods and wear rubber or plastic gloves;

Wear goggles and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask when cleaning areas contaminated by droppings in a confined space;

Dampen areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant and remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth;

Avoid using dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing;

Steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with a detergent, disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water; and

Wash clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.

You can also reduce exposure to hantavirus by:

Blocking openings that might allow rodents to enter a building;
Storing human and animal food, water and garbage in containers with tightly-fitted lids; and
Moving woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.

There have been 31 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome reported in Saskatchewan since 1994, 10 of which resulted in death.

For more information on hantavirus, visit the Government of Saskatchewan website at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/hantavirus and HealthLine Online at www.healthlineonline.ca. For advice on symptoms or when to seek care, call HealthLine 811.

http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/hantavirus

"To reduce the spread of Dutch elm disease (DED), pruning of elm trees is prohibited throughout Saskatchewan from April 1 to August 31 each year.

The elm bark beetles that spread the disease are most active this time of year. Fresh cuts from pruning can attract the insects and increase the chance of a DED infection.

Proper pruning outside the annual ban period helps keep elm trees healthy and more resistant to all diseases, including DED. Removing dead and dying elm wood also means fewer places for beetles to breed, and helps keep their populations in check.
Throughout the year, including the ban period, remove and dispose of DED-infected elms promptly. Because elm firewood can spread DED, it is illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm wood for any purpose. Dispose of elm wood promptly, using the method and locations chosen by your municipality.

If you hire someone to prune your trees, check their qualifications. By law, commercial pruners of elm trees must complete a recognized training program or be under the supervision of someone who has. Improper pruning techniques can spread DED and other tree diseases"

For more information, call your local municipal office or the ministry’s Client Service Office at 1-800-567-4224.

For more information, contact:

Val Nicholson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2459
Email: val.nicholson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-981-5645
http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2017/march/28/protect-your-elm-trees

Older Wiser Driver Guide

It helps you assess your driving practices and provides suggestions to make your driving safer.

http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/

Events:

- April 6th - Chase the Ace Kick-Off Supper - Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace Kick-Off Supper on April 6 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm at the Preeceville Curling Rink.