News

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In a show of support to Ukraine, a group of Grade 6 students from the Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School — Zoe, Mason & Brooke — took to the sidewalks to spread graffiti of love!  These Ukrainian flags drawn in chalk littered the sidewalks around Town and were a welcome surprise on many residents’ walks on Friday, April 29th.

 

If you are looking for ways to support newcomers from Ukraine, please contact Northeast Newcomer Services in Tisdale at 306-873-2672.

 

Dave Hipkins joined the Porcupine Plain & District Volunteer Fire Department in 1978.  He served many years as Assistant Fire Chief until 2012 when he took on the role as Fire Chief.  He was also a member of the Fire Control Board since its formation until the end of 2021.

Dave was a dedicated Fire Department member.  He was instrumental in many of the positive changes that have
occurred not only within the Department but in the amalgamation of the surrounding communities. 

When Dave joined the Fire Department, the Fire Hall was located adjacent to the Museum, adjoining the Town
Workshop.  In 1994, the present Fire Hall was built at Oak & McAllister, a  much-needed addition to the community.

Originally, the Department had only one old fire truck and had just purchased a new truck that year.  In 2008, a new fire truck was purchased which accommodated more equipment and passengers.  The purchase of rescue tools, including the Jaws of Life, were another important addition to the Department.  In 2012, a new Rescue Truck was
purchased to assist with MVA’s, grass fires, and many other applications.

During his time with the Department, there were a number of memorable fires — the Community Theatre burnt down in the 80’s; in July 2000, the community suffered the loss of two major businesses on Main Street; and the Porcupine Hotel was lost in 2001.  Over the years, Dave attended hundreds of  fires, MVA’s and STARS Ambulance calls, as well as medical assists with EMS.

Another major accomplishment was the acquisition of the STARS landing pad.  The Fire Department has been instrumental in STARS being able to come to Porcupine Plain since their arrival in Saskatchewan.  This has been a huge benefit to our community and hospital.

Dave has enjoyed the comradery that he has had working with his fellow fire department members over the years. 
He appreciates the hard work and dedication of the crew and the many hours spent training, fighting fires and sharing ideas to make our Department the best it can be.

Dave always encouraged new members to join the Department.  He is very proud of the group of firemen that we have protecting our community today.  More than likely, he will still be seen at the Fire Hall when he hears the siren, to go lend a hand and advice whenever he can.

Thank you Dave for your 43 years of service to the Porcupine Plain & District Volunteer Fire Department!

 

For the second year, the Porcupine Plain Economic Development Committee was unable to proceed with the annual Christmas Cash promotion but, with the participation of the Porcupine Plain business community, were able to host a Holiday Gift Basket Draw to reward Porcupine Plain & Area residents for shopping locally this holiday season.

Every purchase or transaction made at participating merchants between November 15 & December 14, 2021 received an entry into the draw for a chance to win 1 of 3 amazing gift baskets full of items donated by Porcupine businesses.

On December 15th, Cory Leichert – Chair of the PP EDC, along with Koral Kriger – Community Development Officer for the Town of Porcupine Plain, went live on the Town’s Facebook Page to thank residents for supporting local and to announce the winners. 

Congratulations to Anita Harpham, who received the Vehicle Survival Kit; Bev Pickering, who received the Pampering Package; and Raechel Pauls, who was the recipient of the Grand Prize Basket.

Thank you to the businesses who made this promotion possible:
Parkland Co-op, Slobodian Pharmacy, Fields, Johnston Agencies, Caroline’s Restaurant, Just an Inch, Off Mane Street Hair Design, Bits n Pieces, Porcupine Plaza, Lueur Luxury Esthetics, Family Chiropractic & Wellness, Town of Porcupine Plain, Affinity Credit Union, Body in Harmony Massage, Blair’s Funeral Home, Porcupine Accounting, & Joanne Yacyshyn—Royal Lepage Hodgins Realty.

In honour of Porcupine Plain Comprehensive Schools 10-year anniversary, they are offering retro school clothing for all of our past students and families, as well as clothing with new logos.  Click HERE to visit their online store — the store closes DECEMBER 1, 2021.

   

Halloween 2021 is right around the corner!

If COVID-19 is present in your community, it is recommended that you avoid having indoor gatherings of any type, especially if you are unvaccinated, and that you consider alternatives to trick-or-treating, which can present risks of increased COVID-19 transmission.  However, with a few precautions, trick-or-treating can be made safer:

Trick-or-Treating

• If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
• Trick-or-Treat with only your family members or a few close friends you already spend time with.
• Be sure to:
  • Wear a mask; incorporate it into your costume if possible;
  • Ensure physical distancing (two metres); and
  • Wash your hands before and after Trick-or-Treating.
• When approaching a house, have patience and wait for the group ahead of you to leave before approaching. Do not crowd the doorstep and stand two metres away. Knock on the door (avoid using the doorbell) or play a pre-recorded ‘Trick-or-Treat’ audio on your phone.
• After Trick-or-Treating, and prior to eating any treats, be sure to wash your hands.

Handing Out Candy

• If feeling unwell, please do not hand out candy.
• Only one person per household who is vaccinated should hand out treats for Trick-or-Treaters.
• When handing out candy:
  • Wear a mask;
  • Wash your hands frequently;
  • Use tongs to hand out candy or hand out individual candy bags; and
  • Only offer store-bought, individually wrapped candy.
• If weather permits, sit outside and place individual candy or candy bags on a table for children to take.
• Frequently sanitize high-touch areas including the doorbell, doorknob, and handrails for general hygiene and to protect against any viruses.

Halloween Parties

• Overall, gatherings should be kept small, especially if children under the age of 12 are present. Get together in small groups with households you frequently socialize with and ensure everyone is fully vaccinated.
• If weather permits, gather outside.
• If you are indoors:
  • Open windows and ensure good ventilation;
  • Maintain physical distancing (2 metres);
  • Avoid sharing food and drinks;
  • Consult the local public health unit or area for any gathering limits; and
  • Limit gatherings, whether they are in a home or in public places (e.g., bars and restaurants), to those who are fully vaccinated.
• Consider taking part in other outdoor Halloween festivities (e.g., corn maze or pumpkin patch) instead of gathering inside.

 

In addition to COVID-19 precautions, there are a number of other safety concerns when going door-to-door in the dark:

• Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult/supervisor
• Consider using a flashlight, glowsticks or reflective tape to make it easier to be seen at night
• Only cross the street where and when it is safe to do so — make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of vehicles
• Walk – don’t run!  Pay attention when walking past driveways and make sure cards aren’t pulling in or out
• Costumes and shoes should fit properly to avoid trips and falls, and accessories (such as swords) should not be sharp
• Do not eat any candy until an adult has checked it
• Keep an eye out and drive safe!

 

Finally, because Halloween is on a Sunday, please be courteous of families’/households’ schedules and consider treating later in the afternoon and evening rather than in the morning or early afternoon.

 

Registrations are in and soon we will be ready to tour the town looking for scarecrows!  Maps are available at the bulletin board beside the Town Office, or download your own copy by clicking the image below.

All Scarecrows must be up by Thursday evening or Friday morning at the very latest.  Contest judging will take place at 4p.m. on Friday, October 8th, and scarecrows will remain up until after October 11th for the weekend tour!

Are you looking for work in Porcupine Plain? 

Visit the Job Posting section of our website for a list of current opportunities!

For Quilly Willy Days Sports Days, Caroline’s Restaurant is offering a $7.00 pancake breakfast on both Saturday, August 28th and Sunday, August 29th!  Caroline’s is open until 8p.m. — Check their Facebook Page to view their menu and daily/weekend lunch and dinner specials!  During Quilly Days, both Jig’s Corner Stop Cafe and Tasty Garden Restaurant are open until 9p.m.!!  Visit Jig’s on Facebook to view their menu. 

This weekend only, Tasty Garden is also offering 10% off all food orders!  Click the image below to enlarge their menu.

We have Chariots, Chuckwagons & Gymkhana on both Saturday and Sunday.  Kids’ Rides and Games, Burger & Confectionary Booths, and BINGO!  Saturday afternoon 3-5p.m., join us for an EPIC Foam Party, sponsored by AE Engineering.