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Highway 40 Courier August 31, 1994Another Atton's Lake Success story!
The Golf Course at Atton's Lake has had several people score holes-in-one this year. Another was scored on August 4.
Lorne Rutley was golfing with Tim Smith, Randy Rutley and sons, Jared and Justin when he shot his hole-in-one on the 7th Hole.
Lorne was trying to keep up to his little brother Doug, who got a hole-in-one earlier this summer.
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Longest Day of Golf 1994June 29, 1994
Atton's Lake Golf Club
Credits:Highway 40 Courier
Gibson,Lorie
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Highway 40 Courier, June 29, 1994Longest day of Golf a Great Success!
By Jane-Marie Sandberg
Two teams of four players each participated in the Longest Day of Golf Tuesday, June 21st, 1994 at Atton's Lake Golf Course. Cut Knife Agencies Ltd. sponsored two teams this year, supplying food and drink for the golfers throughout the longest day of the year. Golfers started the first hole at 4:30 a.m. and completed their last swing at 9:45 p.m.
Phil Johnson, Robin McCrea, Brian Gibson and Mark Alexander played on a team together accumulating 130 holes during the day. On the other team Scott Ovens, Ken Sayers, Jeff Plamondon and Tim Smith completed 117 holes.
It was a beautiful day with perfect golfing conditions. "It was great", said Phil Johnson, thinking of the weather, conditions and support from the local people and spotters.
The longest day of Golf is a program set up by the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan to raise money for Cancer prevention, research, education and patient services.
The total amount raised through the efforts of these willing golfers approximated $3500, almost doubling 1993's amount raised of $1851.
Throughout the day, different "spotters" were invaluable to the golfers, helping them find their balls, speeding up the game. These volunteers were: Lloyd Highton, Jim Parkinson, David Bertrand, Monty Churchman, Dennis Nieth, Bill Duncan, Heather Wale, Trevor McCrea and Tony Schmidt.
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View from the Number One Tee-Off2007
Atton's Lake Golf Club
Credits:Clayton McLain Memorial Museum
Bullerwell, Lucille
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Highway 40 Courier, May 17, 1995Golf Course Going for the Greens
by Elaine Baptie
If the fund-raising plans of the Atton's Lake Golf Club are fulfilled, the golf course could have a very different look by the end of the summer. According to the Club President, Phil Johnson, the plan is to convert the nine-hole course to grass greens and add sand traps on every hole. In addition, a practice green will be added.
Implementing the project proposal, drawn up by C & F Installations of Saskatoon, will require $130,000. Fund-raising, which only began this spring, has already raised $70,000, with contributions coming from the Chamber of Commerce, the Parks Board, and the Golf Club. A raffle was held and another one is being planned.
To raise the required funds, the Golf Club is offering pre-paid memberships for a period of up to five years, commencing with a 1996 membership. These special memberships will guarantee fees of $200 per year, up to the maximum of 5 years, even if annual fees increase for other members.
The Club needs to raise 80 per cent of the cost of the project in order to begin. "We hope to start it towards the end of July if we have enough money raised", states Phil. In addition to the planned fundraising efforts, Phil notes, "We are looking for any donations that anyone would like to make - all money gladly accepted!"
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The Regatta of the earlier years now became known as the Fastball Sports Day.Some highlights about the Fastball Sports Days from the Highway 40 Courier are:
1994 - 16 men's teams playing on the B and C diamonds and 8 ladies' teams on the A diamond. In the Men's Tournament, A Side - coming out on top after a close, hard-fought game were the Prince Albert Coronet Kings over the Trailside Broncs with a score of 4-0. Coming in a close 3rd place was Delisle Great Westerns, and the North Battleford Merchants came in 4th. B Side winners were the P & H Tigers easily defeating the Kerrobert Canadians with a score of 10 to 2. 3rd place was Edgerton, and 4th place was the Cut Knife Drillers. The C Side emerging champions were the Cactus Lake All-Stars coming out victorious over Primac with a run-away score of 12 to 3. 3rd place was awarded to the Parkland Pistols, and 4th place went to the Regina Braves.
In the Ladies' Tournament, A Side champs were the Unity Midget Panthers scraping out a victory over the Rosetown ladies with a close score of 4-3. 3rd Place went to the Battleford Gems, while 4th place went to the Bad News Bears. The B Side winners were the North Battleford Elks coming out victorious over the team from Onion Lake. 3rd place on the B Side were the Cut Knife Renegades, while the 4th place team were the Piapot Lady Blues.
Ramsey's' were on hand with their pony rides, cotton candy and trampoline, to keep the kids occupied. Main Beach was well-used to escape from the heat.
1996 - For the first time in many years, the Elks had an abundance of teams vying for spots in the annual Elks Fastball Tournament, a welcome change from the scramble of previous years. This year it was first come, first-served, and some teams had to be turned away. Co-ordinator of the tournament, Tim Smith, was happy with the weekend's success, as it turned out to be a beautiful weekend, and everything ran smoothly. Some raindrops did fall, but never enough to halt a game.
The Cut Knife Drillers were able to assemble a team for the toumament, even though there was no team in league play this year. They were defeated in their first game, against the Harmon Diamondbacks, sending the Drillers to the B Side in a match with Primac. Cut Knife defeated Primac and then the Edgerton Eagles b go up against Bar 5 of Lloydminster in the B semifinal. They ran out of steam and were defeated by Bar 5 and had to watch the rest of the games from the sidelines.
The Harmon Diamondbacks out of Saskatoon were able to dethrone the defending champion Prince Albert AALLCANNs in a tight race to the finish. Prince Albert has won this tournament the previous two years, and it was no easy task for Harmon to defeat the champions. The Diamondbacks led Prince Albert throughout the game, coming to Prince Albert's final bat with a 4-run cushion. Prince Albert came close with a last inning rally, but came up 1 run short, losing to Hannon 4-3. The A Final game was also a hard-fought position to achieve. In the A semi's, Harmon defeated Delisle by a score of 3-1 and Prince Albert defeated Steelcraft (Saskatoon) by a score of 4-I to earn their spots. Harmon was awarded $1,000 for first place, and Prince Albert 5750 for second.
In another tight, well-played game, the B Side winner was decided in an extra inning. The Irma Tigers came out on top, over Bar 5 with a 2-1 score. Irma had defeated the Biggar Nationals to advance to the B Final. Irma went home with $750 in their pockets, while Bar 5 earned $500.
The C Final was another close game with the Poundmaker Jacks and the Cactus I Lake AII-Stars matching up Gordon Weenie pitched the Jacks to a 3-2 win over the All-stars, taking home $300. Other teams participating in the weekend were Nipawin, the Luseland Expos the P&H Tigers, and the Saskatoon Masters.
Overall the Elks were pleased with the results of the weekend although the crowds are down sub out this weekend was good III comparison of recent years, and attendance at the dance and beer gardens was excellent. With number 42 out of the wry, planning will now begin for the 43rd Annual Tournament. Congratulations to our Elks for an excellently run tournament.
1998 July 29 - 44th Annual Fastball Tournament
By - Heidi Duncan
This year Regatta was held on the 18th and 19th of July at Atton's Lake Regional Park. The days were both beautifully sunny and very hot. There were a total of 16 teams entered this year including the local teams who were up for some stiff competition.
The weekend started with the beer gardens beginning on Friday night. The band that was featured this year was Dawson Ridge. The beer gardens were well attended with many people out for a good time to enjoy the band and kick up their heels.
The ball tournament did not begin officially until Saturday morning. As the day went on, it kept getting warmer and warmer. There were many people out to catch a glance of some Competitive ball.
On Saturday night the Elks had a spectacular fire works show that also drew quite a large crowd. What a show! Dawson Ridge was heard again Saturday night by many that attended the dance. People say that it was quite crowded in the dance area!
Sunday opened with a pancake breakfast offered at the booth. The ball teams most quite tired from dancing remained anxious to get out there to play ball and see who would be the top ream.
The A side Final game was played between Saskatoon Steel Craft and Edmonton Express. What a fast game with both teams evenly matched. In the end Saskatoon Steel Craft came out on top winning the big prize money and just having the satisfaction that comes with winning a large tournament.
The B Final was held at 4:30 between Vector-Oil Tool and Bruno Merchants. The final outcome was Vector winning.
The C Final winners were the P & H Tigers. They defeated the Luseland Dust-Devils.
The Elks were quite impressed with the turn out of teams as well as the crowds that showed up to support the sport. Some of the teams traveled many miles to compete in the tournament. The local teams played well with some home runs and super catches. Pretty good for teams that come together once a year for some fun.
Congratulations to the Saskatoon Team. The Elks hope that they will keep drawing in a large crowd to our lake for their annual ball tournament. It is a fantastic opportunity to have a lot of fun and of course some sun.
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What a Fish!June 30, 1997
Atton's Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Credits:Serafini, Rhonda
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Highway 40 Courier, May 12, 1998
Fire in the Bush
By Jeff Christiansen
Sunday afternoon's Mother's Day celebrations were interrupted by the whine of the fire siren as the local Volunteer Fire Department responded to a bush fire at Atton's Lake.The fire appears to have started just west of Snob Hill near Lakeview Drive and may have been due to the careless use of matches by some young people. Thanks to the quick response of the Fire Department and the assistance of nearly 75 men, women and children the fire was initially contained. Later however the fire flared up once again necessitating a second response from the Fire Department. Although the fire did not prove dangerous the current level of fire risk is very high due to the dry conditions. Any fire is a concern and could potentially produce large amounts of damage. Local Fire Fighters would like to thank all those who helped fight the blaze on Sunday afternoon. They would also like to remind everyone not to light any open fires until conditions improve ( we get some rain) and to, encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution when using matches; or when dealing with any lighted objects.
May 20, 1998
Fire Claims Three Cabins
By - Jeff Christiansen
Lack of rainfall and continued dry conditions have turned the Atton's Lake Regional Park into a fire hazard area Following last weekend's bush fire, the local Volunteer Fire Department responded to four separate fires this past week. The most serious of these four blazes was a fire in the area around the ball diamond near the booth which completely destroyed three cabins and damaged at least 10 others in the vicinity. Another fire on Lakeview Drive was also quite serious, threatening a number of cabins and taking a number of hours to contain. Had it not been for the valiant efforts of firefighters, onlookers indicate that either blaze could have raged out of control causing damage to the entire park.
The blaze near the ball diamond drew the firefighters from throughout the region; in total 8 water trucks and about 70 firefighters responded. Members of the Unity, Wilkie, Maidstone, North Battleford, and Neilburg Fire Department supplied assistance in an effort to avert the full scale destruction which could have ensued. The firefighters' efforts were made more difficult by the power lines and the propane tanks present in the cabins. Witnesses remarked that the propane tanks flew nearly forty feet when they exploded.
Firefighters were not the only one interested in the fife as a rather large crowd gathered to watch the fire and to lend their support. This crowd of onlookers even included a crew from the Lloydminster television station and the story of the fire was shared throughout the region on the evening news. While the story itself may be news worthy, it is important to note that large crowds can often hamper the effort of the firefighters. Fire Fighters note that it is essential for people to keep their vehicles well back from the site of the fire and to remain back themselves unless they are involved in the firefighting effort.
In total firefighters were kept busy for about 17 hours this past week and they hope that this trend does not continue. While the cause of the various fires have not been released, it is safe to anticipate that a number of the blazes were due to carelessness with matches, cigarettes, or open flames. Firefighters encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution and to respect the total ban on open fires. The level of risk is extremely high al this point and just one moment of carelessness has the potential to cause extensive damage.
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Highway 40 Courier, June 3, 1998Elks' Children's Day Long Standing Tradition
by Jeff Christiansen
This year's Annual Children's Day and Official park opening will be the 44th consecutive event of its kind hosted by the Local Elks Lodge. It is with great pride that this event can be called a fixture in our community; not unlike the Elks themselves. Each year, even though things have already been happening at the lake for many weeks, this weekend signifies the beginning of the lake season.
This service of opening the season with a flourish is only one of the many significant contributions that the Cut Knife Elks have made to the development of the lake over the years. In truth, one has difficulty imagining how Atton's Lake could exist without the Elks and one might be surprised to know that some among the Elks recognize this as a mutual relationship. "Atton's Lake has been a significant force in holding our Lodge together," says Delbert Rewerts adding that, "you have to have a project and Atton's Lake has been ours."
The local chapter of the Elks Lodge was formed in 1954 following the disappearance of the very active lodge that had existed in Cut Knife in the 30's and 40's. Not long after this, the Elks began to develop the park as they established the booth, then the clubhouse, the Golf Course, the "A" diamond and eventually the "B" and "C" diamonds. At the time this development started there were only 10 or 15 cabins on the lake, a number which has now grown beyond 200. It has been this extensive development and the Regional Park grants that have been the major monetary source for Park development. This year however the Regional Park grants are no longer available and together with a number of other factors this has contributed to the administration of the Park being assumed by the RM.
While the RM assumes responsibility for administration, the Elks will continue to provide what has been their most significant contribution to the park's development: their volunteer time and enthusiasm. Each year the Elks have provided an estimated 2700 hours of service as they have nurtured the parks' development. This service will continue as a major element in the maintenance and development of the Parks' recreational facilities and activities. Again this year, along with the Children's Day, the Elks will host two slo-pitch Tournaments, and four Clubhouse dances. Although the number of dances has been reduced in recent years from eight to four and despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find men's fastball teams for the annual tournament, the activities which the Elks host continue to be the hallmarks of life during the summer in the Cut Knife/Atton's Lake area.
Life at Atton's Lake and the Elks involvement has not been without controversy or difficult times. The ban on motor boating on weekends instituted about 25 years ago is still often an issue for debate. Not all of the activities or jobs, like unplugging sewer pumps, are pleasant ones. Some activities, like rock concerts on the hill by the" A" diamond, have been less than a rousing success. And over the years the community has had to deal with a number of accidents and tragedies that have occurred at the lake, most recently the rash of fires. Yet, ask any Elk and I'm sure you will find that each of them has a fond memory of their efforts akin to Delbert Rewerts memory of the time that he and Ed Feser had the back wheels of their half ton lifted clear off the highway as they hauled a load of pipe for the backstop of the "B" and ".C" diamonds.
Across the years the Elks have made many other significant contributions to our community:
- For the past 20 year they have maintained and operated the theatre (watch for improvement to the roof in the near future)
- They have always placed a strong emphasis on assisting children who are experiencing sickness or distress
- and they have, together with their Sister Lodge of the Royal Purple, made untold numbers of unrecognized contributions to the life of the community. However their work at Atton's Lake will be their lasting legacy in more ways than one. Through their efforts they have provided a recreational legacy that will last for generations. Through their continued work and strength of their Lodge will last well into the future - As a community we owe them a debt of thanks. Enjoy the summer because it starts this weekend'
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Club House2007
Atton's Lake Golf Club
Credits:Clayton McLain Memorial Museum
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In 1999 the Park Board and the Golf Course amalgamated. The Club House was given a face-lift to accommodate the growing usage by the public for corporate and private functions. A concrete patio was constructed along the south side of the building facing the No.1 Tee Box. The 'experts' watching from the patio of the Club House have intimidated many a golfer making their first swing of their round of golf.15
Aerial View Showing 'Holes'Circa 1980
Atton's Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Credits:Stewart, Russell
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Highway 40 Courier, Sept 9, 1999Divers Go Boating
Scuba divers swimming in Atton's Lake this summer may have noticed some new scenery on the lake's bottom. At the beginning of the season, local-area divers,(Ray Schwab. Jim MacFarlane and Cody Denton) added to the attraction for divers by sinking a boat in the middle of one of the three holes.
Ray Schwab of North Battleford stated that they chose Atton's Lake as "it is the clearest lake in this vicinity." As an added bonus, Atton's Lake is host to three holes that in some spots go as deep as 40 feet, while still staying clear enough to see. At the same time, four highway signs were placed on the lake's floor, for something different to view, as well as to give diver's their bearings while under the water. Another benefit al the sunken boat is to give young fish a place to hide and survive, so it is also ecologically-friendly.
The boat chosen has served its time and then some, as Ray's step-father made the boat some 40 years ago. The boat was well-built and is still in good shape, but it was time for retirement.
Anyone wanting to get out there and have a look - the boat is located approximately 500 feet from shore, in the middle of the hole off the boat launch.
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Streetcar Cabin1999
Atton's Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Credits:Highway 40 Courier
Gibson, Lorie
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