Latest news with #Sisler
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Terra Alta's budget will be $0 in 2026 without legislative help, town officials say
TERRA ALTA, (WBOY) — Amid turnover and administrative chaos in Terra Alta over the past few weeks, town officials say that their fate now lies in the hands of lawmakers. According to Town Clerk Kambra Sisler, the State Auditor's office informed the town on Monday that the state has not approved and will not process the town's budget, which was submitted nearly two months late by then-Town Recorder Mikaela Bernard. Since the budget's late submission, Terra Alta has had significant shakeups to its city government, with Bernard and Mayor Dan Hauger submitting their resignations within days of each other. Other people have been appointed to these positions since then, but Sisler said that the next step toward a future fix will have to be done legislatively. Sisler said that the legislature will need to introduce and pass a new law that gives special permission to towns to break State Code 11-8-6e, which says that year-by-year budgets for municipalities can not exceed 101% of the previous year's budget. Morgantown says some payments may have been lost in USPS truck fire If a law of that nature is not passed, Terra Alta's budget will be stuck at $0 in perpetuity. Sisler said that Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for Terra Alta begins on July 1 and that, as it stands, the town will stop receiving money on Aug. 6. Terra Alta is also not the only municipality in West Virginia to face similar issues. In a release put out Tuesday by the State Auditor's Office, officials said that Smithfield in Wetzel County was supposed to formally adopt its levy rates in a vote, but never confirmed that it did so, and that Reedy in Roane County hasn't submitted any budget documentation at all as of Tuesday. 'The West Virginia State Auditor's Office remains committed to assisting local governments in understanding and fulfilling their statutory obligations to ensure compliance and fiscal integrity,' Auditor Mark Hunt said. 'While our office provides technical assistance, responsibility for compliance lies with local officials.' Terra Alta is scheduled to have another emergency meeting on Thursday, June 5, where it plans to discuss the budget, budget revision and 'employees,' according to the agenda. The town currently employs seven total employees, those being two police officers, two clerks—one for water and one for the town—and three maintenance employees, who work on things like snow removal and lawn care. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
'Every day is fun because I'm still alive,' says 110-year-old Canadian veteran
Published May 07, 2025 • 3 minute read Burdett "Burd" Thomas Sisler, centre, a 110-year-old-veteran who served during the Second World War, is seen at his birthday party at a Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Erie, Ont., in an April 13, 2025, handout photo. Photo by HO-Alex Heidbuechel / THE CANADIAN PRESS One of Canada's oldest veterans, Burdett Sisler, says it's not that hard to make it to 110 years old — all you have to do is stay alive. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'Anybody can do it,' the supercentenarian said in a recent interview. 'I don't feel any different as any other day really, except I can't move as fast or think as fast.' Sisler is believed to be the oldest living man in Canada, according to the Gerontology Research Group. He celebrated his 110th birthday on April 13 at a Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Erie, Ont., alongside his family, friends and community members. 'It was amazing,' he said. 'To me it was going to be just another birthday and it turned out to be an amazing display.' Eighty years after the Allied forces' Second World War victory in Europe, Sisler said he's grateful that his service is still recognized today — even by strangers on Facebook — but his mind goes to fellow soldiers who were sent to the battlefields. 'I have to think back to those who had a rougher time than I had. I never got the chance to go overseas,' he said. 'A lot of soldiers didn't come back.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Born in Akron, Ohio, Sisler moved to the Toronto area when he was three years old. He met his wife, Mae, through a high school classmate and they married in 1939 — just three days after Britain declared war on Germany. When Sisler enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army in 1943, Mae expected him to go overseas and not come back so she asked for something that would remind her of her husband, their son Norman said in an interview. 'So they had a baby girl in 1943,' Norman said. Sisler said he originally wanted to join the Royal Canadian Air Force but even though enlistment officers told him he was one of their best candidates, he was turned away because of 'one bad eye.' 'I'd never needed glasses in my life,' Sisler said. 'They were afraid I couldn't bring the airplane into the landing.' Instead, Sisler joined the army. While waiting to be sent to basic training, he volunteered for chemical warfare trials in Ottawa _ a series of experiments involving chemical and biological agents that left thousands of soldiers with chronic health problems. One trial tested how mustard gas would react to a salve placed on Sisler's skin for 14 days. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I got a raise in pay after that,' he recalled. Many years later, Sisler was part of a class-action lawsuit against the Department of National Defence and received a settlement. Sisler trained to become a military gunner in Nova Scotia and later took radar training in Barriefield, Ont., where he became a telecommunications mechanic. In 1945, he joined the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers, where he ultimately became a sergeant. The Second World War ended before Sisler had a chance to fight overseas. He stayed in the military until 1947, and after the war he worked with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps just outside of Montreal, where he examined war equipment coming back from Europe. He was stationed there for 13 months before he was discharged due to demobilization. A civilian once again, Sisler settled his young family in Fort Erie, where he soon became a customs agent with the Department of National Revenue, stationed at the Peace Bridge border crossing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The couple had four more children — twin boys and two more girls — and made frequent summer camping trips to Ontario's provincial parks. Sisler also sang in a barbershop quartet in the 1960s and ran a side business with a friend fixing TVs and radio sets. '(He had) an ad in the newspaper that said, 'If you've got a whistler, call Hanes and Sisler,'' Norman said with a laugh. Sisler's wife died in 1985, a few days before his 70th birthday. He has 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren. He stayed in his Fort Erie home until 2022, supported by family members until the COVID-19 pandemic eased up, and now lives at a retirement home where he gets frequent visitors. When asked for the secret to longevity, Sisler admitted he didn't have any significant tips. It helps that he never enjoyed the taste of cigarettes, he said, and mostly liked to have a cold beer after mowing the lawn on a hot day. Even though he's not as mobile as he used to be, he still enjoys a good meal, reading the newspaper and keeping in touch with his grandchildren. 'Every day is fun because I'm still alive.' Television Toronto Maple Leafs MLB Editorial Cartoons World
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
'Every day is fun because I'm still alive,' says 110-year-old Canadian veteran
One of Canada's oldest veterans, Burdett Sisler, says it's not that hard to make it to 110 years old – all you have to do is stay alive. 'Anybody can do it,' the supercentenarian said in a recent interview. 'I don't feel any different as any other day really, except I can't move as fast or think as fast.' Sisler is believed to be the oldest living man in Canada, according to the Gerontology Research Group. He celebrated his 110th birthday on April 13 at a Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Erie, Ont., alongside his family, friends and community members. Burdett "Burd" Thomas Sisler, centre, a 110-year-old-veteran who served during the Second World War, is seen at his birthday party at a Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Erie, Ont., in an April 13, 2025, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Alex Heidbuechel, *MANDATORY CREDIT* 'It was amazing,' he said. 'To me it was going to be just another birthday and it turned out to be an amazing display.' Eighty years after the Allied forces' Second World War victory in Europe, Sisler said he's grateful that his service is still recognized today – even by strangers on Facebook – but his mind goes to fellow soldiers who were sent to the battlefields. 'I have to think back to those who had a rougher time than I had. I never got the chance to go overseas,' he said. 'A lot of soldiers didn't come back.' Born in Akron, Ohio, Sisler moved to the Toronto area when he was three years old. He met his wife, Mae, through a high school classmate and they married in 1939 – just three days after Britain declared war on Germany. When Sisler enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army in 1943, Mae expected him to go overseas and not come back so she asked for something that would remind her of her husband, their son Norman said in an interview. 'So they had a baby girl in 1943,' Norman said. Sisler said he originally wanted to join the Royal Canadian Air Force but even though enlistment officers told him he was one of their best candidates, he was turned away because of 'one bad eye.' 'I'd never needed glasses in my life,' Sisler said. 'They were afraid I couldn't bring the airplane into the landing.' Instead, Sisler joined the army. While waiting to be sent to basic training, he volunteered for chemical warfare trials in Ottawa – a series of experiments involving chemical and biological agents that left thousands of soldiers with chronic health problems. One trial tested how mustard gas would react to a salve placed on Sisler's skin for 14 days. 'I got a raise in pay after that,' he recalled. Many years later, Sisler was part of a class-action lawsuit against the Department of National Defence and received a settlement. Sisler trained to become a military gunner in Nova Scotia and later took radar training in Barriefield, Ont., where he became a telecommunications mechanic. In 1945, he joined the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers, where he ultimately became a sergeant. The Second World War ended before Sisler had a chance to fight overseas. He stayed in the military until 1947, and after the war he worked with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps just outside of Montreal, where he examined war equipment coming back from Europe. He was stationed there for 13 months before he was discharged due to demobilization. A civilian once again, Sisler settled his young family in Fort Erie, where he soon became a customs agent with the Department of National Revenue, stationed at the Peace Bridge border crossing. The couple had four more children – twin boys and two more girls – and made frequent summer camping trips to Ontario's provincial parks. Sisler also sang in a barbershop quartet in the 1960s and ran a side business with a friend fixing TVs and radio sets. '(He had) an ad in the newspaper that said, 'If you've got a whistler, call Hanes and Sisler,'' Norman said with a laugh. Sisler's wife died in 1985, a few days before his 70th birthday. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up He has 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren. He stayed in his Fort Erie home until 2022, supported by family members until the COVID-19 pandemic eased up, and now lives at a retirement home where he gets frequent visitors. When asked for the secret to longevity, Sisler admitted he didn't have any significant tips. It helps that he never enjoyed the taste of cigarettes, he said, and mostly liked to have a cold beer after mowing the lawn on a hot day. Even though he's not as mobile as he used to be, he still enjoys a good meal, reading the newspaper and keeping in touch with his grandchildren. 'Every day is fun because I'm still alive.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2025.
CBC
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Winnipeg woman with significant challenges sells art to fund her travel dreams
For Jannie Messmer, joy is picking the perfect paper and glitter to make her greeting cards. "Oh I love crafting. I love making crafts. It definitely helps during tough times to make crafts. It definitely helps my self esteem," said Messmer, who is deaf, through an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. Messmer lives with cerebral palsy and has an intellectual disability. She also lives on her own with minimal support through In the Company of Friends, a program administered by Innovative Life Options. "It's a model that allows people a lot of choice and they direct their lives, they do all the planning," said Patti Chiappetta, executive director at Innovative Life Options. For Messmer, her placement In the Company of Friends came at a very dire moment, says her mother, Shirlea Smith. "An agency in town thought that they should make the decisions for her, and because she didn't have a substitute decision maker they manipulated her into a bad decision," Smith said. Messmer subsequently lost weight and developed an eating disorder, Smith says. Now, those days are behind her. "I can set up goals for myself and then figure out how to, you know, what I need to get things in place so that I can make those things happen," said Messmer, who is saving her money for a trip to Hawaii. "It's important to have really good self-esteem," she said. "It's important to feel really good about yourself. You're not can do things. You don't have to be stuck, and I would be happy to help anybody who needed my support." Messmer and her pursuits are the subject of a new three-minute documentary by students in the Create program at Sisler High School. Sisler's post-high program trains students in the creative digital arts, including filmmaking. Create students Venice Pasaraba, Justina Finch and Semira Abolore produced the new short video. Meet the filmmakers More about Project POV: Sisler Create CBC Manitoba's Project POV: Sisler Create is a storytelling collaboration that partners filmmaking students with CBC Manitoba journalists to produce short docs. You can see past projects here. The Winnipeg School Division's Create program is hosted at Sisler High School and trains post-high students in the creative digital arts. During fall 2024, CBC journalists taught storytelling to filmmaking students and led producing workshops at Sisler.
CBC
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Mega music fan searches for forever homes for his epic collection
It's a good thing Doug Kretchmer isn't enthralled with cats. Instead, the Winnipegger is passionate about, or possibly obsessed with, music. Inside a north Winnipeg warehouse that is also his home, Kretchmer came to a realization. He needed to dramatically downsize his music collection, estimated at more than 10,000 pieces. "The main living area is 14 by 14 [feet, roughly four metres by four metres]. The left wall is all records. The right wall is all records. The front wall is all CDs. And we're talking about a 12-foot-high ceiling, so I'm surrounded by it," he said. But shortly after moving into the warehouse, he was in two major car accidents within two months. "I could not walk for a while," said Kretchmer. "My life kind of really changed. And you really rethink everything, and I'm thinking, 'Wow, if that was fatal, my family would have had to deal with my whole collection,' and where would it have ended up kind of thing." So now, every weekend, you will find Kretchmer at Winnipeg's Mulvey Market, selling off his collection of LPs, CDs and cassettes. "Knowing that some of my really valuable-to-me stuff will go to a great home where someone will appreciate it, you know, I love that idea," he said. Kretchmer's story is now the subject of a short, three-minute documentary by students in the Create program at Sisler High School. Create students Markus Penner, Gianluca Caldarola and Joshua Soriano produced the new video. Meet the filmmakers Markus Penner developed a passion for film during his gap year after high school. He is deeply invested in storytelling and enjoys exploring familiar ideas through fresh perspectives. In his spare time, he likes to read history books, trade stocks and write film reviews. In the future, he aims to become a screenwriter and director. Every day is a new challenge for Gianluca Caldarola, whether he's volunteering for local football teams taking photos or creating new team designs. Caldarola loves being busy and has a large range of projects on the go. He volunteers with Pros Vs Joes, a week-long event in December that supports families in need. He also volunteers photographing student athletes and taking portraits for awards ceremonies at his former high school Sturgeon Heights. In his spare time, he likes watching movies, going on nature walks in parks and biking. Joshua Soriano is a freelance videographer who has been working with cameras since 2023. He started doing sports photography for the Sisler Spartans. Since graduating from Sisler High School, he has started his career as a sports videographer, working with U Sports athletes and teams across Manitoba. More about Project POV: Sisler Create CBC Manitoba's Project POV: Sisler Create is a storytelling collaboration that partners filmmaking students with CBC Manitoba journalists to produce short documentaries. You can see past projects here. The Winnipeg School Division's Create program is hosted at Sisler High School and trains post-high students in the creative digital arts, including filmmaking. During fall 2024, CBC journalists taught storytelling to filmmaking students and led production workshops at Sisler. Create focuses on education and career pathways into the creative industries. Students can take courses in animation, film, game design, visual effects, graphic design and interactive digital media.
