June 2021 certainly, due to the presence of Covid 19, looks different for Prince Albert and area citizens than that month did in the past. Perhaps a gander back at what was going on 50 years ago in the month of June of 1971, might distract us from Covid concerns for a few moments.

May, 1971 ended with the a news report that Joseph Korecki of Prince Albert caught a 25 pound Lake Trout in Kingsmere Lake. This was followed, a few short days later, by a news report that pictured Rudolph Gignac, also of Prince Albert, topping that by catching a 35 pound Lake Trout in the same lake. 

City Council approved the go ahead to build a new ice arena (The Communiplex).

Felix Casavant pitched the P. A. Sprites to a 6 to 2 victory over the St. Louis Lions in the Midget Minor Fastball League.

Princess Margaret School addition was officially opened.

June 7th Sgt. Russ. McCloy of No. 38 Anavet Squadron Air Cadets received three individual awards at the 30th Annual Inspection and Awards Night held at the P.A. Armory.

Tim Knudson received the “Most Gentlemanly Student Award” at the Prince Albert Boy’s Choir presentation night. Gordon Maxwell received the “Most Progressive Student Award.” Choir director was Margo Founier.

Prince Albert Community College principal, Lorne Sparling, announced that the college will offer university credit classes. 

Marvin Kolke announced that over 150 athletes would participate in a Special Olympics Event to be held in Prince Albert.

Len Cantin and Keith Brown both posted pitching wins in a pair of Commercial Fastball League games.

Wilbert Dick of the Prince Albert Coachmen Car Club won 2nd place with his car in the ‘Altered Street Rod Coupe Class’ at an International Car Show in Calgary. 

Daryl Gordon of the Birch Hills 4-H Club won the Prince Albert Exhibition Association Banner for Grand Champion at the Association’s ‘beef and cattle show and sale.’

Five candidates filed papers for the Provincial Election to be held June 23: Dave Stuart, O.K. Hjertaas, Mike Feschuk, Fred Trach. Bill McGill.

Phil Paskaruk from P. A. Technical High School won a Provincial Track and Field Gold Medal in the Discuss Event at the Saskatoon Provincial Meet. This was Prince Albert’s first provincial title in seven years. 

Stan Hovdebo, Director of Education with the Prince Albert Public School Board, accepted an education post in Nigeria, Africa. 

The Prince Albert Technical High School Outdoor Education Club took its inaugural canoe trip from Fort Carlton to Prince Albert.

Ed McQuarters, all star defensive tackle for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, injured his left eye in a home renovation accident.

June 17th – Deputy Premier Dave Steuart and Mayor Val Longworth officiated at a ground – breaking ceremony marking the start of the construction of the South Hill Mall.

June 23rd saw a heavy turnout at the Provincial Election Polls. The N.D.P. swept the election taking 45 seats. Dave Steuart won P.A. West for the liberals in an extremely close fight with O.K. Hjertaas. Mike Feschuk -N.D.P. won P. A. East. Ted Borrowman – N.D.P. won the Shellbrook Constituency.    

Doug Tomlinson was appointed principal of Queen Mary School replacing retiring, much loved and respected, Art Loucks.  

Whispering Pines Chapter, Sweet Adelines Inc. attended a music school for choruses and quartets at Regina Campus. Mrs. M. Eppy, Mrs. M. Perkins, and Mrs. E. Ballantyne were members of the Sweet Adelines on the trip.

Adolph T. Asleson, well known Prince Albertan who, in the past, operated Central Service Station died just before his 100th birthday.

Back to Batoche Celebration, celebrating its Metis heritage, held June 25 to June 27 was a huge success. 

The Prince Albert Lions Club presented a scholarship to Bob Mongomery to attend Band Camp to be held at  Fort Qu’ Appelle in the coming summer.      

Eddy Kasvnak dominated opposing hitters, striking out 19 batters in a Pee-Wee Minor Fastball game.

Such were a few of the events that June – 50 years ago.

Enjoy the rest of June- 2021!