Estevan Mercury 20230920

Watkins

More childcare for Estevan.

New before- and after-school program now operational.

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Estevan woman vows to keep fighting to bring MRI services to St. Joseph’s Hospital

By Ana Bykhovskaia and David Willberg

Big recognition. PTRC receives carbon storage award at national conference.

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Elaine Walkom is vowing that she will continue to press the provincial government to bring MRI services to St. Joseph’s Hospital, even though the Ministry of Health has denied her request to donate $2 million for a scanner.

Walkom was thrust into the provincial spotlight recently when the ministry’s decision became public. The $2 million would have covered the cost of the unit and the training of two technicians required to operate the machine.

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In an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday, Walkom recalled that she approached Greg Hoffort, the former executive director at St. Joe’s, in March 2021 about the need for an MRI scanner, and he was supportive of the project.

In April 2022, Walkom said there was a meeting with Everett Hindley, who was the minister of Rural and Remote Health at that time. Estevan MLA Lori Carr and other government representatives were also present.

She heard little from the government over the next year, so she sent a letter this past March to now-former minister of Health Paul Merriman. He denied her request in a letter a couple of months later.

her interest in contributing to health care in Estevan”.

“The Ministry of Health looks forward to further discussing opportunities to advance health-care services in Estevan with Ms. Walkom and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation in the near future,” the email stated.

“The development of a thorough plan is key to determining if and how a new health care service can be supported and accessible in the long term. The Ministry of Health is actively working with the operator of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Emmanuel Health, to develop a plan to support discussions on this issue.”

Carr says she first learned about the potential for a donation to purchase an MRI scanner for St. Joseph’s Hospital around the end of April 2022.

“I think it would be a great addition to the southeast corner. I’m 100 per cent in favour of it. I think the fact that people are travelling so far to get to MRI machines is the same argument we made when we were finally successful in getting the CT scanner back in the day,” Carr said.

be placed at St. Joe’s as well.

“Within there, they’ll have all of the other reasons it should go in the southeast, like convenience for the people that live there; taking pressure off of the Regina region; the travel time for people who have to go all the way into Regina,” Carr said.

Walkom also has had conversations with St. Joseph’s Hospital’s current executive director Candace Kopec about the status of the machine, and she believes Kopec was as helpful as possible. She credits Hoffort for trying his best on this file.

Kopec noted the proposal would also look at cost, but in general, not only could St. Joseph’s Hospital accommodate the scanner, but it would become a great asset for the region.

“We would be absolutely pleased to operate an MRI and to better meet the needs of the province. And if the decision is made to have that in Estevan, we absolutely would work to make that possible,” Kopec said.

Elaine Walkom has received plenty of attention and support, after it was revealed the provincial government said no to her proposed $2 million donation to have an MRI unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

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With no further progress, and no word from ministers or MLAs, she reached out to RM of Estevan Reeve Jason LeBlanc, who had her speak with Kevin Daoust, the councillor for the RM’s Division 3. A meeting was held during the summer with representatives from several RMs in the region.

“The RMs were fairly upset, because it’s such a needed item, such a needed piece of equipment for our area, because Estevan’s the hub of health care for southeast Saskatchewan. So, they wrote a letter to Mr. Merriman, and somebody got the letter, put it on Facebook, and here we are,” said Walkom.

A proposal to the Ministry of Health from St. Joseph’s Hospital will be needed to proceed with the MRI, Carr said, as the hospital will be the entity to house, run and budget for it further down the line. The proposal is to outline the reasoning as to why the MRI should

If it were to proceed, Kopec said the MRI scanner would be located in the same area as the lab and CT scanner due to the close proximity of other services that are needed for diagnostic imaging procedures.

Emmanuel Health CEO Corey Miller was previously responsible for MRI machines in the province, and Kiopec noted he’ll be an asset in writing the proposal.

Lack of accessibility hurts locals

The government’s decision added to the frustration for those who have to wait for an MRI.

Lester Hinzman of Estevan says he paid more than $1,700 for a private MRI in Saskatoon. The scan was carried out on Sept. 1, 2022, after he spent seven months on a waitlist.

Hinzman said the MRI was for a heart condition, and his heart was functioning at 30 per cent of its capacity when he had the scan. He believes the time spent on the waitlist was too long to wait for an MRI, and another machine would be welcome in Saskatchewan.

Nicole Grass of Estevan is another resident who A2 » SOUTHEAST

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In an email to the Mercury, the Ministry of Health didn’t explicitly argue the decision to deny the donation, yet said the conversation isn’t over yet. The email said the ministry thanked Walkom “for her generosity and for

Photo courtesy of Elaine Walkom

The diagnostic imagining area would house the MRI. Photo by David Willberg

Military banners are returning to the southeast

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Banners commemorating soldiers with a local connection who served during different military conflicts, wars and peacekeeping missions, or were a part of a police force, are coming up again this fall.

The commemorative project by the South East Military Museum grew bigger by about 40 new banners and names this year, and it will be making its return starting this week.

The museum's founder Craig Bird said all new orders were already in and banners were being printed in midSeptember. Once they are done, they will start being put up along the streets in different communities in the southeast.

"They'll be up until after Remembrance Day. Typically, the towns take them down for Christmas decorations," Bird explained.

Kisbey and Whitewood joined Estevan, Weyburn,

Lampman, Radville, Carnduff, Midale, Carlyle, Redvers and other southeast communities this year, bringing the total number of communities to 12. There will be close to 170 banners put up in the region, celebrating and commemorating those who served.

"We've added a couple of new ones. There was one specialty banner that we had done. It was for a friend of mine, who just recently passed away," Bird said. "He was a member of the British Army living in Manitoba. He was in the Falklands War. So, in honour of his service to the British Army during the Falklands War, we're going to put a banner up in Estevan to commemorate his service."

He noted that they are also commemorating 12 Indigenous veterans in Carlyle this year by putting up banners, depicting people who served from White Bear and Pheasant Rump First Nations.

"I'm working with White

Bear and Pheasant Rump to get a more comprehensive list of the First Nations veterans from the area, and hopefully we'll able to get some pictures, so that we're able to get more veterans from there [commemorated] as well," Bird said.

People who joined the campaign before and wanted to keep their banners had an opportunity to have them put up again for an additional donation of $50.

The South East Military Museum also had some banners donated to them after the initial season, which they can put up as well. Some that they created were specialty banners such as Vimy Ridge, the plane crash of 1946 south of Estevan and others, that are displayed at the museum or elsewhere in the southeastern communities. (For example, the banners commemorating the victims of the 1946 tragedy found their forever home at the WylieMitchell Hall in Estevan).

The campaign has been

growing from year to year and has attracted a lot of attention.

"We've been getting a lot of positive feedback," Bird said. "Next year is a big anniversary for Moosomin, and we plan on doing a bunch of banners for Moosomin for next year, as well. So, we're going to add some more communities for 2024, and do some anniversary stuff for that community. Hopefully, we can just continue to expand. We're just getting more and more positive feedback, and the more communities we are in, the more interest it generates."

The cutoff date for the annual campaign is Aug. 15; after that, new banners are sent to production. Bird noted they already have a few new orders in the queue for the next year.

The campaign is also a fundraiser for the museum.

For more about the campaign and how to join it in the years to come, visit the South East Military Museum's website at semm.ca.

Southeast residents would benefit from MRI

« A1 might have benefitted from an MRI. She badly injured her leg this summer.

If a muscle is torn, which her massage therapist believes it is, an MRI scan or a scope, as her research suggested, would be the best way to detect muscle tears. But the situation isn’t considered an emergency, which meant Grass needs to wait for her turn to have testing done or pay to have it done in a private clinic.

Grass also noted she knows of at least a couple of other people for whom better access to MRI testing would have changed their health situation.

Since the beginning of April 2022 through the end of June 2023, most patients in Saskatchewan have waited for an MRI scan for 246 days or less, or about eight months, according to data published on the province’s website.

There are four permanent MRI scanners in Saskatoon, two in Regina and one in Moose Jaw. There are two private machines in each of Regina and Saskatoon, and a mobile scanner in the Lloydminster area.

The price of the MRI scan at a private clinic starts at $730 per one body area

without contrast.

MRI donation denial – a cause of frustration

The amount of criticism for the government’s decision surprised Walkom.

“I’m hoping this will get the government to change their mind,” said Walkom.

“We here in the rural areas get forgotten about. That’s not right. We pay our taxes. We elect these people. We pay their salaries. We’re their boss. It’s not the other way around.”

Walkom thought an MRI scanner would be a good addition for southeast Saskatchewan because people who live near the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border have to drive for more than three hours to Regina for an exam.

In the letter to Walkom, the government suggested the $2 million could be directed towards other needs at St. Joseph’s Hospital or health care in the community.

Walkom noted that Carr suggested a contribution to the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home committee, which her family donated to before, but has yet to be constructed.

Walkom wanted the $2 million to go towards an MRI unit as a legacy for her husband Grant, who

died in 2017 after a battle with cancer. She praised the hospital for excellent care for her husband and said she wants her legacy donation to help people who helped the Walkoms with their oilfield business, Hank’s Maintenance.

“We’re in their communities. We worked in the rural part of their communities with the operators and that sort of thing, so why not give back?” said Walkom.

The Saskatchewan NDP, the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan United Party all expressed frustration with the government’s decision.

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Back called the decision “ridiculous” and suggested the government should “Just get this done”.

The Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan denounced the decision.

“We have witnessed rural emergency rooms closing doors due to staffing issues, seniors being displaced because of housing issues, staffing problems for doctors and nurses and now a government refusing a donation that would cover the cost of implementing an MRI machine right where it is needed,” the

Buffalo Party said, adding that their policies assume an increase in number of MRI and CT scanners across Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan United Party leader Nadine Wilson, who represents the Saskatchewan Rivers riding, wrote on her X feed that she also was shocked to learn Premier Scott Moe’s government turned down the donation.

“This is unacceptable. When our health services are struggling, resources are sparse, and MRI machines are far and few between, how could the government not work out a plan?”

Walkom has shown lots of generosity

The proposed $2 million donation for an MRI unit at St. Joseph's Hospital would have been the largest donation that Elaine Walkom has made for the community, but it wouldn't have been the first. Walkom and her family, which operates Hank's Maintenance oilfield company, has a history of generosity. Earlier this year, she donated $10,000 to the Estevan Humane Society, the second straight year she has donated that amount.

In previous years, she contributed $5,000.

Hank's Maintenance purchased the outside kennels for the humane society.

"I'm crazy about dogs," said Walkom, who has volunteered for the EHS as a dog walker in the past.

The non-profit organization has its needs, she said, and she will probably donate more in the future.

Also in the community, her family has donated to

the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home committee, the Estevan EMS, the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, Sun Country Health Region, Habitat for Humanity, St. Peter's Lutheran Church and more.

The organizations that they have supported are those

that have meant something to her family over the years, and they want to give back to the community because they have been there for Hank's Maintenance. "It's a good thing to give back, because without their help we wouldn't have had the success," said Walkom.

Walkom said she has been in touch with Hindley, who is now the minister of Health, and Beck, who offered her full support.

The Mercury and SaskToday.ca will follow the situation and have more updates coming up in future editions and online at SaskToday.ca

Banners commemorating soldiers with a local connection will be up again along the streets in the communities across the southeast this fall. File photo

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Before and after school daycare open in Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The Community Castle invited its first patrons this fall in hopes of taking some pressure off the other childcare organizations in Estevan and helping fill the void. And they still have some spots available.

The before- and afterschool childcare for kids from kindergarten to 12/13 years of age is located at the Church of God and has no religious affiliations. The business was started and is operated by Estevan's Madison Wanner, who was a stayat-home mom of three and like hundreds of other parents in Estevan, was feeling the stress of a lack of childcare in the community. With early childhood education in her toolkit, she felt she could and should do something to

address the problem.

"Last year I was going out in public and hearing about how much of a struggle childcare is, how limited resources are in the community, how long the waitlists to get into centres were, and how hard it is to find trustworthy people to care for our children. There was such a high demand for it and so many concerns, leaving so many families not able to work because there was no option for childcare," Wanner shared.

"So, I hummed and hawed and passed the idea around to my husband, asking what he thought if I were to go through the process of starting something to try and take some stress off of some families' shoulders and give them an environment where their kids can feel safe. And then I finally

decided to just do it."

With three kids, starting a full-time daycare was a bit too much, she said, so she decided to offer a different service, where she could help parents with morning and after-school hours, noschool days, summer months and also take care of the kids' transportation during the day, which she believes might help open up spaces in other daycares in Estevan.

"I knew that at least this way I could help the families with kids in school who are struggling on PD [professional development] days or during the summer months," Wanner said.

"I felt that maybe this will take some load off of the daycares here for schoolaged children, so they can open up those spots for younger kids, infants and preschoolers. My goal is that hopefully, within a year, we

can work together to direct more after-school kids to us, [so that full-time daycares could] accommodate more families with babies, infants and toddlers.

"We need nurses, we need pharmacists, we need all these people that aren't able to have childcare right now ... I looked at it as a whole picture and tried finding a way to add more staff back to the community and try to take off some of the pressure on parents."

Wanner went through the process of opening the centre for up to 40 children and also getting licensed, which she said was really challenging. She received confirmation of her licence and that The Community Castle qualifies for subsidies for families in need.

While she doesn't have the final paperwork yet, she said it sounds like she will be

able to accommodate families that meet the requirements. And even outside of that, she added, she is offering "a quite affordable payment plan", which is less than "what other facilities are charging." But subsidies will help even more people.

"For families who are struggling, who maybe don't make a large amount of income, there is the subsidy option to help take a load off of their plate. They will have to apply for the subsidy and be approved by the government, but it is an option for them, and we are very fortunate that families can have that support and also a safe place for their kids," Wanner said.

They have part-time, which is up to 10 days a month, and full-time before- and afterschool spots still available. Wanner noted that parents may worry about

transportation, but everything has been smooth, and they take busing to and from school very seriously.

"I know families are nervous about sending their kids on buses and a different bus, not being the one to send them on the bus, etc. I know that probably is nervewracking for some families to adjust to that, but our system has been so good. It's been running great. Our bus driver has been so accommodating. Our director is amazing. Kids get to and from the school with no problem, everything has been great," Wanner said. They have the capacity to work with all schools in Estevan. Before school, they are open as early as 6:30 a.m., when they greet and then feed the kids and put them on the bus to go to their schools. The after-school bus brings kids back to the facility, where they have a snack and other activities until the end of the day.

The Community Castle's director is Alyssa Rae and right now they have one staff member, Kylie Peterson. Wanner noted that as the number of kids grows the number of employees will go up as well.

"I hope to get to meet more families and help as many as we can," Wanner said.

For more information, text The Community Castle at 306-421-5882 or email at thecommunitycastle@gmail. com.

A raffle and the bid items play an important role in the success of the United Way Estevan's Telethon each year.

The 47th annual fundraiser will take place from 8 a.m. on Oct. 13 to 5 p.m. the following day. The entire 33hour event will air on Access Channel 7 and will occur at the Royal Canadian Legion's Estevan branch.

A quilt created by members of the Heart and Hands Quilt Guild is once again this year's raffle item. Linda Jones with the guild said the quilt turned out "beautiful" and they're very happy with it.

"It's striking colours. It's going to draw the people's attention," said Jones.

The pattern used in the quilt is called the Dutchman's puzzle. The quilt measures 68" by 68", and the colours offer shades of brown and gold.

Work on the quilt began in February and it was completed about a month later.

"We try to use a new pattern every year. Something that's different. And different colours. We like to use different colours."

Jones said the guild continues to support the United Way because giving back to the community is a

good thing and the United Way is a worthy organization. They have also created quilts for the Royal Canadian Legion's Estevan branch, the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's Festival of Trees, the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Saskatoon and the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon.

Tickets for the quilt have been available at the Estevan Farmers' Market and at Henders Drugs. People can also purchase them during the telethon.

The United Way is looking for bid items for the telethon. Jacie Vandermeulen with the bid item committee said they are starting to receive items, and they have commitments for more, but they could still use more donations.

"We're aiming for about a hundred, so we've got a ways to go yet," she said.

Vandermeulen predicted there would be a few good bidding wars during the telethon thanks to the quality of the items.

"We have lots of crocheted items, a few knitted things and lots of paintings. Those are the main kinds of things we have right now," she said.

The bid items play an important part in the telethon, she said. They

attract viewers and get people to drop by the legion to view the items.

"Of course, a lot of people like to just bid on them," she said. "So, I think they bring a lot of attention to the telethon. And again, it's always just fun to showcase local talent and creativity, so there's that aspect of it, too. It's always a good financial contribution to the goal."

The bid items have to be homemade. The United Way will accept gift certificates that can be used to purchase a handmade item.

Many of the items they have received already are from perennial supporters, but she has also received some donations from first-time supporters.

Bid items will be on display at Murray GM starting on Sept. 22, and they will remain at the dealership until shortly before the telethon. The deadline to submit a bid item is Oct. 10. The bid items will also be posted to a Facebook group that anyone can join.

Bidding will start once the telethon begins, and people will be able to bid by phone, Facebook or by dropping by the legion.

Anyone who wants to donate a bid item can call Vandermeulen at 306-421-3900.

gets really excited about meeting new people. When he sees you, he can’t help but jump up to say hello, but he’ll stop once instructed to. Gabe is a quick learner and is eager to please! He loves going for walks, but he’s still figuring out how to behave on a leash, so he might pull a bit. No worries though, he’ll get the hang of it with some practice! Outdoors is his happy place where he enjoys watching everything around him. Gabe can get along with other dogs, as long as they’re introduced properly. But he’s got a curious side when it comes to cats so careful introductions would be essential. He’s a total sweetheart and already knows the “sit” command, so you’ll have a blast teaching him more tricks. If your interested In meeting Gabe stop by the shelter! He’s ready to find a home to call his own, and can’t

Fanta is an incredibly sweet and playful kitten! He absolutely loves snuggling up for hours, basking in the sun, and peeking out the window. He’s got a gentle soul but also that fun, spunky side to keep things interesting. Fanta would make a wonderful addition to any family seeking a loveable kitten to adore. If you’re interested in meeting Fanta, feel free to stop by the shelter today!

The Heart and Hands Quilt Guild once again crafted this year's raffle item. Photo by Linda Jones

Meet The Community Castle team, from left, owner and operator Madison Wanner, director Alyssa Rae and staff Kylie Paterson. Photos courtesy of Madison Wanner

The Community Castle provides before- and afterschool childcare to kids from kindergarten to 12/13 years of age.

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Estevan should soar to the top of MRI list

There's a lot of talk in the community right now about St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan getting an MRI machine, and it's not wishful thinking.

The Ministry of Health's decision to deny Elaine Walkom's generous $2 million donation for an MRI scanner certainly generated a lot of talk in the community. And it's hard to find many people who think the government did the right thing in saying "Thanks, but no thanks" to Ms. Walkom. We know the need and the value of an MRI here, yet the provincial government said no. There's obviously a protocol that has to be followed when dealing with governments. There are all sorts of hoops you have to jump through and hurdles you need to clear. At times, the wheels of democracy are square.

St. Joseph's Hospital will have to submit a detailed business case on how it would accommodate the MRI, how it would secure the requisite staff, etc. And I'm sure they will need to do other work.

But once the government gets the business case, they should realize why Estevan is the perfect choice to have an MRI installed.

We have the demand for this project. We have the money in place. This should vault us to the top of the provincial government's queue. An MRI will be part of the new hospital in Prince Albert. That's fine and dandy. The government says North Battleford is higher on the priority list than Estevan, but if North Battleford doesn't have the money, they should wait a little longer.

If the province was thinking of putting a unit in Weyburn instead of Estevan, well, we have two million reasons why Estevan should have an MRI machine instead of Weyburn.

Other reasons to put it here? We have diagnostic imaging equipment here already, including a CT scanner.

And there would be more people in closer proximity to Estevan than Weyburn. There are now more people in the city of Weyburn than the city of Estevan, but when you get into the surrounding areas, there are a lot more people. Even Carlyle is closer to Estevan than Weyburn.

Having an MRI in your community should not just be for those in the major centres. Because the province decided to put an MRI in Moose Jaw rather than Swift Current, there are a lot of people in southern Saskatchewan who have to drive at least 300 kilometres to get an MRI.

If nothing else, the news of Ms. Walkom's proposed donation has given the effort to bring an MRI unit to Estevan some real momentum.

I've heard talk of it in the past, but it subsided publicly in the past few years. We've been preoccupied with other matters, like physician and nurse shortages, the COVID-19 pandemic and getting that new nursing home built, you know, the one that we had the money for since 2015.

If we do get this, it's going to take time. Remember the wait for a renal dialysis unit? The government announced in September 2000 that the dialysis unit was moving forward for Estevan. It wasn't operating until the fall of 2007.

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Remember how we landed a CT scanner? St. Joseph's Hospital had to commit to buying the scanner and operating it for a year. And it took an extended negotiating period before the announcement was made in June 2014.

For those who genuinely need an MRI in the southeast, this waiting game is going to be painful.

The letter sent by former health minister Paul Merriman to Ms. Walkom was simply tone deaf He suggested a donation to other needs at the hospital. He believes that the $2 million could be spent elsewhere.

This MRI is a legacy project in honour of her late husband Grant. It's her way of saying thank you to the community for all of the support shown for the family's oilfield business, Hank's Maintenance, over the years. It seems like it's going to be an MRI or bust for Walkom. And when you consider it's her money, she has every right to take that stance.

(The Walkoms have also donated previously to the hospital, the new nursing home, EMS and numerous other causes in the community).

It would have been far smarter for Merriman to take the high road and say they'd take her donation under advisement. Hopefully one day we'll get the MRI machine that southeast Saskatchewan needs and deserves.

And when we do, we'll all owe Elaine Walkom and her family a resounding thank you.

In the fall, trees teach us to let go

It's not my words, I saw something similar someplace online, but I felt it'd make for a perfect headline for my recent inner monologue.

I've always liked spring the most. It's been my favourite time of new beginnings. And I've always felt a bit anxious, noticing the first signs of fall. It means summer is almost gone.

Once fall takes over, turning trees yellow, orange and red, almost as if it was giving us that last warm promise that the white, cold world won't last forever, I usually feel as if I'm saying goodbye to someone.

But any change of seasons comes with transformation and offers space for reflection. If spring, for me, is associated with dreaming, making plans and starting, fall makes me look in the rearview mirror, evaluate and reflect on what's around.

So, sitting on the deck the other day, listening to maple trees shuffling the drying leaves, thinking of fields being harvested, turning naked and grey, and watching the stillbeautiful fall valley around, I started reflecting on what fall with its changes is actually about.

Letting go was the main word that came to my mind when I tried to summarize my vision of the process.

Just as trees let go of the leaves to recuperate and open branches for new offspring, in the fall, we can declutter our space and our mind, letting go of stuff that's not used, along with thoughts, plans, visions or relationships

that are not ours, don't fit us anymore or just need to go to open up space for new ideas and fresh starts. In the fall, the seasonal change happens naturally and beautifully, so can it be for people, if it happens at the right time.

Trees gradually turn, leaves dry, and when wind and rain come, they drop everything that is ready to go. No tension, no stress, no fight. Trees let go of what is already ready to fall away. Dry leaves whirl and then cover the roots, creating a warm, protective winter blanket.

Just like those leaves, things that shouldn't be in our life anymore should just fall off without much resistance, becoming our cover of experience. Sometimes things we hold on to hurt.

As we are opening space, we can pay attention to what lights us up, what warms us from the inside, and what actually matters. And let go of anything that's dying off, that exhausts us, that doesn't belong and causes frustration and tension.

And once everything that is ready to fall away is gone, only the essentials are left – the roots, the stem and the branches, open for something new when the time comes.

Yes, the new start might not happen instantly. Just like winter doesn't bring any immediate changes, and trees take time before they turn green again. It's fine. We often need those weeks, months or even years to accumulate enough energy for something else. But without opening the space there will be no new growth, even when the time comes.

Today, fall is not considered the end of the year, and I feel it's a tricky and smart gift of time we gave ourselves.

Back in the day, the end of the farming season was the end of the year, and in some cultures it still is. The Hebrew lunar calendar just marked Rosh Hashana, the New Year or literally "head of the year", which varies every time in comparison to the Georgian calendar Canada uses, and in 2023 fell on Sept. 15-17.

But for us, the year isn't done yet. It's too early to wind up, but it's a good time to look at our interim results, mark what helped us and what we let go, and set some goals accordingly. We still have a few months to wrap some projects up, accomplish something that was our last year's resolution list or just get some ducks in a row,

There are still a few months before the year is over, so unlike our ancestors, we still have time to do something before we slow down even further and almost hibernate for winter. But in the fall, it just feels right to do it a bit slower and gentler, out of turmoil, just like the leaves when they dance, falling off trees on a nice sunny September day.

Aid Practitioner Clinic

David Willberg Willberg’s World

The boys of winter are back

For a lot of people, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The junior hockey season is about to start. The Estevan Bruins have been on the ice for a few weeks now. Training camp and preseason games are in the rearview mirror. The regular season starts Friday night when the Melville Millionaires are in town.

There is always something special about the start of the season. The ice is still relatively fresh, the boards and the glass are hopefully spotless. The players are back in town, rested up and recovered from last season.

The returnees are excited to be back and to show what they can do now that they’re a year older. The newcomers are eager to prove themselves and make the team.

The dog days of December and January have yet to begin.

Bruin fans should have reason for excitement this year. The club has a good nucleus of returning talent. They look to have depth at all positions, and they appear to be a balanced team that can win any type of game. They’re also a bigger team than they have been in years past.

They might not be the type of team that scores seven or eight goals routinely, and they might not score in bunches on a regular basis, but it’s ultimately depth, balance and team play that wins championships.

Of course, it’s hard to predict how a team will fare.

Seasoned junior hockey fans can recall the teams that look to be a powerhouse but wind up in the middle of the pack or missing the playoffs entirely. Meanwhile, the club that is off the lists for championship selections at the start of the campaign winds up challenging for a league title.

You’re dealing with young players, and you never know how they will develop or mature.

Yes, the Bruins lost their top-scoring players from last season to graduation or other reasons. But also keep in mind that this year’s captain, Keagon Little, was over a point per game in the 16 games he played after joining the Bruins following the Christmas break, and Owen Barrow looks to be the type of player who could shine if given the opportunity.

And there are other talented forwards back from last year’s team who are eager for the opportunity to showcase their skills, and some new-to-Estevan players with plenty of ability.

The club should be strong on the blue line, with three 20-year-olds brought in from elsewhere to shore up the back end after a few players graduated from last year’s team.

And they appear to be set in goal. Cam Hrdlicka is to be the first Bruins’ goaltender in more than 20 years to play three seasons of junior A hockey with the Bruins. Jackson Miller, fresh off of his most-improved player award from last season, will be the backup.

It’s such a nice feeling for a team to know that it is in good shape in goal before the start of the season.

For those who watched the club in the 2000s and 2010s, they remember the revolving door in goal that hampered this team. And it’s a big part of why there were a lot of disappointing years for the organization.

Hockey plays an undeniable role in the lives of communities throughout the country. It’s especially important in small communities. The local rink isn’t just a place where hockey is played; it’s a place where people come to hang out, socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee and eat a rink burger. It’s a hub of the community.

And since the SJHL is based in smaller communities, junior hockey is a very big deal. You see it in Estevan. The Estevan Bruins are not just a source of entertainment on game nights. The players are out in the community, interacting with kids. Many kids aspire to be a member of the Bruins.

They’re a vital part of the community and they deserve our support throughout the season, regardless of whether it’s a good or a bad season.

With the talent that is returning and with the players that have been brought in, it definitely has the potential to be a good season.

Health Ministry appears to have bungled opportunity

The editor: I would like to use the word stupid, but I will, in an effort to remain somewhat polite, revert to the word stupefying to address the recent reveal that the Ministry of Health has refused a $2 million donation for the purchase of an MRI unit that would include installation and the training of personnel in Estevan.

The former minister of Health, Paul Merriman, attempted to explain why the donation was being rejected. It didn’t make much sense, but perhaps one or two of the more experienced people in that ministry could provide a more solid explanation.

We realize the ministers responsible for each ministry portfolio are required to be the face and voice of that particular department, but it appears reasonable that since these ministers are shuffled around from ministry to ministry on what appears to be a sixmonth rotation, it is impossible for him/her to gain proper insights into the inner workings of each department they supposedly lead.

We all know deputy ministers and assistant ministers and department administrators run the show, so perhaps they could be hauled out to explain why MRI’s can’t be placed in centres other than Regina and Saskatoon with maybe a few dribbles going out to Moose Jaw and Prince Albert. Or, are they forsaken territories too?

Why can’t a satellite community become a centre of excellence for health care? It would further relieve the existing pressure on Regina’s two ancient hospitals that are continually hard pressed to meet the demands of the populations lined up in their hallways and ERs on gurneys and chairs.

Estevan managed to add dialysis

and CT units and a well-trained staff with compelling arguments of need and use. Those were approved with the understanding that they would, indeed, provide relief for the two supposed centres of the Saskatchewan universe. Obviously this was done under a different Health Ministry regime.

Why make southeast Saskatchewan people (about 70,000 of us) make continual treks to Regina for basic health-care services, especially with the knowledge that the province no longer offers public bus transportation service and sometimes only sketchy highways.

With neighbouring Weyburn possibly getting a new hospital and upgraded services near the end of this decade, and with Estevan being promised a new regional nursing home before the dawn of 2030, perhaps Mr. Merriman and his ministry minions could rethink their decision.

With private clinics offering MRI services for a fee in “the cities” belying the very concept of the Saskatchewancreated universal health-care system, the decision to refuse the offer for a public service donation because there needs to be long-range planning doesn’t make sense.

Since when have provincial governments ever considered long-range planning? Long range for them (or any provincial government) cannot exceed four years, or each election cycle. Why isn’t there a province-wide plan in place ready to deploy when these generous offers and opportunities surface for the benefit of all?

Jealousy? Fear? No money for continued operation? No plan other than for Saskatoon and Regina? What could be the real reason for refusing a significant donation of badly needed health-care equipment and personnel?

Perhaps next month’s health minister and his or her plotters will see the plan differently. We just hope the donor, Ms. Elaine Walkom, doesn’t get discouraged and remove the offer.

Estevan has always been a community that gets things done. We plan, fundraise and build in orderly fashion, and there are plenty of examples of how we do manage to roll out and maintain various services. Ms. Walkom knows all about that and has been engaged in that process before.

Look at the nursing home project alone. We raised the required funds nearly a decade ago in less than four years. The provincial body was taken aback by our positive and rapid reaction to a suggestion that something needed to be done.

So Estevan did something while the provincial mandarins dithered. Still waiting.

Thanks to local pressures and an MLA who understands how we get things done here, the nursing home will finally become a reality within the next few years.

That new residential nursing home could be placed right behind that radiology and laboratory service unit that offers X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI services to growing populations that aren’t always excited about having to go to 100-year-old hospitals in Regina for basic health services.

The suggestion is that with the assistance of our local and regional health administrations, the provincial administrations could maybe consider expansion not rejection and regression. Just saying.

The place to reflect

and reflect on the monument commemorating locals, who served and lost lives in different military conflicts.

The Royal Canadian Legion Estevan branch No. 60 purchased the bench a while ago, and it was kept in storage until this September, when it was mounted where it was always meant to be.

Koncerts for Kids returns after three years

After three years of a hiatus, the Koncerts for Kids series, presented by the Estevan Arts Council, is making a gradual return in the 2023-24 school year. Koncerts for Kids's mission is to open young minds and hearts to the world of arts and culture in a fun, familyfriendly manner, according to the Estevan Arts Council's website.

Trinda Jocelyn with the arts council took over the program and said this season the community has at least two great opportunities. The first Koncert for Kids brought Andrew Kim, a.k.a. Andy the Musical Scientist, to Westview School on Sunday.

Kim is a musician who brings together his love of science, recycling and music into one exceptional performance. The show featured him demonstrating some of his unique instruments that are based on traditional instruments of other cultures.

By combining science with music, Kim has designed his own musical inventions: the musical skateboard, a Star Wars slinky, a Moroccan hockey stick, Lego theremin, an electric water bottle, and

the singing spoon, which are constructed from recycled household items.

Using humour, Kim demonstrated critical thought processes, technology in music, scientific principles through which sound is shaped, and even showed the audience how to turn a spoon into a guitar. Volunteers also got to try his instruments.

Kim also performed at Pleasantdale School on Friday thanks to the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils’ (OSAC) tour.

The other performance in the Koncerts for Kids series will be the Piano Heist featuring Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin, and will come in March in collaboration with Estevan Concert Series.

Jocelyn said there might be one more concert organized within the series in April, but it's yet to be confirmed.

She recently started with the program and said that after three years of a break, they took it easier with the hope of getting into the full swing later.

"It's been a slow start getting going just because I'm new and learning all of

the things that go into getting concerts in. So, the 23-24 season is small and not our full program, and it gives me an opportunity to learn what the ropes are, so the plan is to have a full season for the 24-25," Jocelyn said. She noted that her family enjoyed this program when their kids were young, and now she wanted to ensure other families also had the opportunity.

"[The arts council] needed somebody to do it. And for me, when my kids were young, we used to take them to those concerts all the time. And my kids are grown up and moved out, so I have a bit of time here and there that I can help out in the winter. So, there was a need and I thought I could fill a gap," Jocelyn said.

She added that the arts council also always welcomes volunteers to help with concerts and is looking for board members as well. To apply people can contact them through Facebook.

For more information on upcoming concerts and tickets, visit the Estevan Arts Council's website at estevanartscouncil.org and follow their social media.

Spring cereals a focus for producers in the southeast

With the dry weather in the southeast earlier this month, the region was able to make fantastic harvest progress, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s weekly crop report.

Harvest was up to 66 per cent complete ahead of the five-year average of 64 per cent.

Spring cereals were the focus of many harvesting operations. Eighty-two per cent of spring wheat, 79 per cent of durum, 84 per cent of barley and 80 per cent of oats are harvested for the year.

Producers have now turned their focus to oilseeds,

where canola is 41 per cent and mustard is 70 per cent harvested for the year. Eighteen per cent of flax and 33 per cent of soybeans have been harvested. Progress in chickpeas was also made with 57 per cent of the crop harvested.

Producers are currently seeing 27 per cent of peas being graded at 1 CAN and 72 per cent being graded at 2 CAN. Lentils are currently being graded at 1 CAN at 45 per cent and 2 CAN at 48 per cent.Durum quality is still strong, with 37 per cent of the crop being graded at 1 CW and 45 per cent is 2 CW.

Minimal moisture was seen in the region, with 20 millimetres being the most rain reported in the Moosomin area. Thirty-eight per cent of cropland has adequate moisture, 36 per cent is short and 26 per cent is very short. Thirty-four per cent of hay and pastures have adequate moisture, 37 per cent are short and 28 per cent are very short.

Crop damage is mostly due to grasshoppers, wind damage and drought. Producers are busy combining as well as harrowing harvested fields.

Others are also moving livestock, picking bales and getting ready for fall sales.

Andy the Musical Scientist performed at Pleasantdale School on Friday, and was at Westview School on Sunday. The latter performance was part of the Koncerts for Kids series. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Women make a difference in the lives of others

By Stephanie Zoer

The past few years have not Sara East, Trina Battersby, and Sarah Clauson felt they had more to offer, so they quit their jobs to start their own private practices.

In a shared office space in Estevan, they reach out to clients in a wide area in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan.

Battersby and Clauson’s grandfathers worked together on building the space the women use.

East started as a registered speech-language pathologist (SLP) in 2009 after she graduated from Minot State University.

She began her career in Cold Lake, Alta., working for Alberta Health. Here she did in-clinic pediatrics and helped people right up to adulthood.

In 2010 she moved home to Alameda and became employed by the school division until 2023.

East is married to Derek East and has two children, Oliva and Brooklyn. She is a helper and teacher by nature so a career as an SLP was a good fit for her. East had her own private practice called Sara East Speech and Language Services.

Having the thought that she wanted to work with

adults changed when she saw the difference she made in a child’s life.

As an SLP, she can assess and treat all areas related to speech, language and literacy, such as reading and writing in children right up to high school.

“Many people think SLPs only work on articulation, which is speech-sound skills,” said East, “But we have so many more services to offer.”

East also has a part-time employee, Brook Zulak, who is also a registered SLP.

Zulak is married to Conrad Beach and lives in Estevan.

“I appreciate the time I get to spend with parents in my new private practice,” said East, “I get to know the children and their parents, allowing me to make meaningful connections and better meet their needs as a whole.”

East also has an office at the RM of Enniskillen Wellness Centre out of Oxbow.

Battersby is another one of the trio and she is a registered social worker.

She is married to Brooke Battersby and has two children, Hannah and Myah, and a son-in-law coming soon. Her therapy dog Thor is also part of the family.

Battersby lives in Estevan and calls her practice

Prairie Pathway Counselling Services. She joined the team in the early summer.

She left her job as a school counsellor with the South East Cornerstone Public School Division to begin specializing in grief and loss.

Living her entire life in the southeast corner, she has worked in urban and rural communities for more than 15 years to support students and families.

Battersby believes in people’s inner strength and skills to overcome life’s obstacles.

She also wants to build a trusting and collaborative relationship in which people feel valued and understood, offering a safe and supportive environment.

Individual and coupled counselling is also part of her practice, either in person, by phone or virtually.

Currently Battersby’s clients are over 18 years of age but she is hoping to expand this in the future.

Her love for nature and animals has her busy training her dog Thor to be her cocounsellor.

“I am working towards certification in animal and nature-assisted therapy,” said Battersby, “There will be more to come on this topic as we are not yet certified.”

The third piece of the puzzle is Clauson, who is also a registered social worker. She lives in Estevan with her husband Jeff and their daughter Rory. She left her job with the Envision Counselling and Support Centre to pursue her practice called The Counselling Corner.

and emotional regulation, among other areas.

Clauson felt her community had great supportive agencies, but that there is a need for extra support here.

She also felt there is a need for flexible hours for individuals and families, so she offers evenings and weekends to help those in need.

ing and supporting others.” It brings Clauson great joy to see individuals achieve their counselling goals, and reflect on their personal strength and growth through the process.

Clauson’s practice is open to children, youths and adults on an individual basis. It is the desire of these

Entrepreneurship for Trades Microcredential

Through the Entrepreneurship for Trades program, new entrepreneurs will develop the skills they need to turn their ideas, products, and services in totomorrow's success stories with a comprehensive just-intime business education.

Commitment: Four courses of 20 hours each

Delivery: Online classes with three live sessions per course.

Tuition: $280/course

Course Information:

• Marketing Skills for Trades (September 25 to October 27, 2023) Understand the Basics of Marketing for small business andstartups.

• Operations & Management Skills for Trades (November 6 toDecember 8, 2023)

◦ Understand the basics of Operations and Management forsmall businesses and startups.

• Finance Skills for Trades (January 22 to February 23, 2024)

◦ Understand the basics of Finance for small businesses and startups.

• Capstone: Business Plan for Trades (March 11 to April 12, 2024)

◦ Develop a business plan for establishing or growing a smallbusiness

From left, Trina Battersby, Sara East, Sarah Clauson and Brook Zulak want to make the world a better place. Photo courtesy of Sara East

Buyers looking to expand their agricultural operations will have a rare opportunity to acquire a 10,137-acre assemblage, when the property called The Big Spread near Estevan becomes available via a CLHbid.com online auction on Oct. 17, starting at 9 a.m.

The 11-parcel assemblage, which is rich with diverse cereal and oilseed crops, forage crops, an abundance of water and significant surface lease revenue, will be the largest block of land ever sold by online escalating tender in Saskatch

ewan, says the company's press release.

The Big Spread's 64 quarters are selling as 11 parcels, with an option to purchase parcels one through nine "en bloc". CLHbid.com's "en bloc" process offers bidders who have bid the highest on a set number of parcels to then bid against other multiple high bidders for the entire "en bloc" land up for sale.

The property could become an addition to an existing operation and can be attractive for a large farmer, cattle producer or daughter colony, the company suggested. The land includes more than 7,700 acres of pasture and more than 2,000 cultivated acres, which could be doubled.

"Additionally, changing demographics in the region mean more acres in the

area will be for sale in the near future, making the area ripe for big agriculture and significant expansion of the property entirely possible," the auction company said.

The land is situated near the SaskatchewanNorth Dakota border. In 2022, the parcels produced more than 5,000 tons of silage, 1,500 large, round hay bales and 250 greenfeed bales, and still had enough grass to support 1,100 cowcalf pairs, according to the information provided by CLHbid.com.

"With excellent husbandry and attention to detail, The Big Spread will be able to turn out numbers like these year over year," they added.

Collectively, the property's many features include two homes, a mature yard site, cattle-ready fences, a shop, a barn, a Quonset, large silos, a cement pad for silage, and a complete covered livestock handling system. The Big Spread also includes more than $236,000 in annual surface lease revenue, as well as alternative revenue streams from the sale of clay to local oil companies and the potential for aggregate sales.

With average rainfall of 19 inches annually, and heat units throughout the summer months, southeastern Saskatchewan offers less risk than many other parts of Western Canada and the

central Midwest, providing sure footing for farmers and ranchers alike, CLHbid. com said.

Water-wise, The Big Spread is host to four largevolume water wells, five new dugouts, several pre-existing dugouts, two small lakes, and the Souris River, which flows from east to west across Parcel One. In addition to having groundwater and rainwater in abundance, a current engineering study regarding the development of a potential water dam to accommodate 1,300 acres of irrigation is well aligned with The Big Spread.

Bound by the CanadaU.S. border to the south, it also provides the opportunity to move commodities between markets. The Northgate border crossing connecting Bowbells, N.D., and Alameda is located on the southeast corner, and access to Ceres Global Ag Corp is next door.

"With the bulk of the work already done, The Big Spread provides a vast number of contiguous acres, which is rare on either side of the 49th parallel," says the press release.

Starting bids for each of the 11 parcels will range from $375,000 to $2.8 million. The property may be viewed by interested registered bidders by contacting info@clhbid.com for an appointment. To view images, descriptions and relevant

documents for each parcel, please visit clhbid.com/auctions/thebigspread.

CLHbid.com auctions typically take place over two hours. A minimum starting bid provides a safety net to the owner, as no buyers can

bid below that price. As the expiration time nears, if a bid comes in, the expiration time will automatically be extended giving all buyers an opportunity to bid again.

Western Canada-based CLHbid.com was created in

2016 by the law firm CLH Law. CLHbid.com never discloses bidder's names to any party, including the seller. Only the successful buyer's name is ever disclosed to the seller as part of the closing process.

Harvest begins for important fundraiser in Carlyle

The harvest for the Farming for a Future fundraiser is underway.

Shane and Ashley Valentine have donated 100 acres of farmland, with the revenues generated by the crops to be donated to the Carlyle Community Complex Foundation. Other sup -

porters have stepped forward by contributing equipment and materials needed to reach this point.

Carlyle Mayor Jen Sedor said the Town of Carlyle applauds the efforts of the foundation's board for organizing this "unique" fundraiser.

"We truly do have the best volunteers in our community," she said. "How wonderful to see all the partners come together and donate their time, product and experience to have a successful first harvest for the Farming for a Future fundraiser."

LANE REALTY

LANE REALTY

She said these are truly exciting times for town council and the community as a whole.

GOODWATER - 7.8 ACRES: well treed acreage w/garden area, 1 home + 1 guest house, 2 shops, garage, located adjacent to Goodwater.

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Cleaning plant, 33,400bu. grain storage, Shop, Quonset, 1400 sq ft Home, NE of Kipling

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"We look forward to working with the South East Cornerstone [Public] School Division, planning for a new school build in our community and the potential opportunities that can come with it," she said.

For all your buying or selling needs contact Jason Beutler PHONE: (306) 569-3380

For all your buying or selling needs contact Jason Beutler PHONE: (306) 569-3380

Farming for a Future is raising funds for the Carlyle Community Complex Foundation. Photo courtesy of Jen Sedor

LANE REALTY

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Over 10,100 acres of prime farmland near Estevan to be sold through an online auction. Photos courtesy of CLHbid.com

The property’s many features include two homes, a mature yard site, cattle-ready fences, a shop, a barn, a Quonset, large silos, a cement pad for silage, and a complete covered livestock handling system.

By Stephanie Zoer

At the Wilson Old Tyme Harvest on Sept. 2, a person would not see a new piece equipment running.

This day was set aside for the eighth annual antique show, which was located 16 kilometres north of Manor at the Wilson farm.

It was also the celebration of Ken Wilson’s 80 birthday. While he walked around with his arm in a sling, he was still able to instruct how to start some of the old units.

A poster was made up for all those that attended to sign and wish him a great day.

The old-time harvest began when Wilson and his son Kevin Wilson went to an event that hosted all these old pieces, and they felt it was something they could and wanted to do, so they brought it to the farm.

Along with Wilson's grandson Colton Wilson, they are passionate about the old stuff.

“Where would this stuff be?” said Wilson, “If we did not do something with it?”

Wilson feels that 95-99 per cent of the equipment would be on a scrap pile or be used for scrap metal, if they did not restore it.

They take the old threshers and tractors and give them another chance at life.

Most time they hope the machinery works when they purchase it, but if it does not, they make it work.

The oldest piece on the farm is a wooden 1919 threshing machine that showed the crowd how it

was done back in the day.

Around 175 people of all ages came out to enjoy the good old days of agriculture. Many grandparents had their grandkids there to show them the difference in the equipment from back then until today.

As tractors received the bump start, they paraded around, showing they could still get the job done, just at a slower rate.

The 1950 Oliver bulldozer made its track in the field spinning around, with a 1945 two-seater McCormick and a W6 super McCormick that Al Fletcher was driving.

Fletcher remembers at a young age driving home a new tractor for his dad, thinking that this had to be the biggest tractor they would ever make. Little did he know how technology would progress over the years.

Onlookers were asked if they wanted to take part in the parade and have the opportunity to drive one of the antiques.

A small field of about 10 acres, seeded with grain, was used to display how it all worked.

A 1979 Massey Ferguson 750 combine with a 10-foot swath took to the field first, going at the speed of 11 kilometres per hour and holding 25 bushels.

Next was a late 1950s, 32-horsepower McCormack tractor pulling a 10 hp combine at the speed of five km/h but still was very workable.

The initial round baler by Allis-Chalmers, called the roto-baler, came out next to bale up the straw. The bales are somewhat smaller than the

bales of today.

With several thrashers running, the sheaves were pushed through with ease.

The three Wilsons have enjoyed restoring the machinery and love to see when it starts running. Sometimes it is an easy fix and other times it takes a little more grease.

It is important to run the units a couple times a year to keep the gas flowing through the machinery’s veins. Raise the Rafters from Wawota offered sandwiches, homemade pie and drinks throughout the day, and offered shade in the pole shed to get out of the hot, blistering sun.

Kevin was happy with the turnout, which had far exceeded the attendance from the year before.

Before COVID-19 hit, the crowds were over 200, and it was great to see this year's increase.

Several antique tractor collectors brought their pride and joy to the show.

Frank Faber is a regular at the harvest and he recalls many of the pieces and how they worked.

The Wilson trio will continue to find the unwanted pieces, bring them home and give them life.

The days of old have stories to tell and now the way equipment worked back then is a part of history, but at the time it was suited for the land farmers had.

Many of the farmers that attended could remember using these pieces with their dads and it brought back many memories for them.

Carievale 4-H Beef Club kicks off season

By Cole Green

The Carievale 4-H Beef Club held its first meeting of the season on Sept. 11. Twenty-three members attended the meeting. We re-elected our executives for this year and they are president Braden Thompson, vice-president Mya Gilliland,

secretary Bella Buchanan, treasurer Ryan Cowan and club reporter Cole Green.

Our general leader for this year is Jessica Buchanan, assistant general leader is Eoin Kennedy and leaders are Teresa Cowan, Kevin Taylor and Amy Taylor. We had a presentation by Melodi Hawkesford-Lee,

who is the southeast regional specialist. She discussed the responsibilities of the members, project leaders, general leaders, executives and parents. We also discussed our bottle drive, to be held Oct. 14.

Our next meeting will be held on Oct. 2.

was purchased from his neighbours.

and picking up a steer s always a fun process, and a lot of time goes into raising and caring for the animal so it is ready for the sale. The support from local businesses is much appreciated, particularly his steer buyers Top Torque and Blue Sky Air, who purchased six of Dane’s cattle over the years.

has made a lot of friends through 4-H and he would recommend being part of the organization to other people, as he expects that what he learned through 4-H will help him in the future.

An antique tractor parade was part of the Wilson Old Tyme Harvest. Photos by Stephanie Zoer

This 1926 Fordson tractor is one of the oldest pieces of machinery on the Wilson farm.

PTRC receives national carbon storage award

The Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) was presented with the Carbon Storage Award during the Carbon Capture Canada Conference in Edmonton on Sept. 13.

The award was presented at a gala awards ceremony, in recognition of the PTRC's work on the Aquistore deep saline storage project.

The PTRC said it is thankful for the acknowledgement of the importance of this pioneering project. It thanks its partners in demonstrating the safety and security of long-term geological storage of carbon dioxide from SaskPower's

Boundary Dam carbon capture and storage facility.

The PTRC went on to thank the Government of Saskatchewan and Innovation Saskatchewan's continuing support of CCS initiatives, and the commitment of its many research and development partners, universities and SaskPower employees that make Aquistore a project that is globally known for its data, expertise and knowledge.

"I am so proud of this award," said PTRC president and CEO Ranjith Narayanasamy.

"Aquistore has been a bell-weather project for years, demonstrating that

CO2 can be safely and efficiently stored in a deep saline aquifer, thus reducing emissions from a coal-fired power station, but also demonstrating that safe and effective storage can assist many different industries, from steel to cement to power generation and refining.

"I am so proud of my staff and our ongoing sponsors like SaskPower, Innovation Saskatchewan, the Government of Saskatchewan, and countless industry and academic partners."

The PTRC added that Aquistore is about to reach the milestone of 600,000 tonnes of stored CO2.

Council learns about radon levels in Estevan homes

Members of Estevan city council heard more about the prevalence of radon in local homes during their meeting on Sept. 11.

Pam Warkentin with Take Action on Radon and Sandy Hutchinson with Health Canada spoke to council about the results of the 100 Radon Test-Kit Challenge program that happened in Estevan last year and this year. The initiative looked to provide radon kits for 100 Estevan homes. All of the tools and resources were provided at no cost to the community, other than staff time.

"The reason that we run

this program is to get people aware of radon," said Warkentin. She pointed out radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in Canada, and exposure to radon also greatly increases a smoker's risk of getting lung cancer. Warkentin pointed out that Health Canada believes exposure to radon results in 3,000 deaths from lung cancer per year. Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and can enter any building that has contact with the ground. Highest levels are found in the basement and first floor. Warkentin said

buildings should be tested during a three-month span in the heating season and levels above 200 becquerels per cubic meter (bq/m3) should be reduced.

Sixty-six people in Estevan completed the survey associated with the free kits. Those who haven't completed their report or even opened the detector can still do so.

"We've now taken all of the data from those 66 detectors and summarized them into a report," said Warkentin.

Sixteen of the homes, or 24.2 per cent, tested between 200 and 600 bq/m3. Twentyseven, or 40.9 per cent, were between 100 and 200 bq/m3, and 23, or 34.8 per cent, were under 100.

Nobody exceeded 600 bq/m3.

Forty-six participants were in a single-detached home. A few renters participated, and all were below the 200 bq/m3 level.

Twenty-eight of the participants said they were quite likely to take action to reduce radon. Seventeen said they are very likely to remedy the situation, 15 were undecided and three were unlikely to do anything.

"This gives us a little bit of understanding of some awareness that we need to continue to do to help motivate people that might have high levels, to make sure that they do take action to reduce their levels," said Warkentin.

Certified professionals across the country can help reduce radon levels, and action guides are available across the country.

Coun. Shelly Veroba wanted to know if Take Action on Radon would do this again.

"I know last year after the program had already ended, we did have someone inquire about getting a kit, but those through the library had already been done," said Veroba. "I think if we did it again, we might get another 100 people who would participate."

• • •

Matt Stepp has been hired as the city's new building official. He told council his family resided in the Torquay area until he was about 14 years old. He has been working in the construction industry for almost a decade, and has been a journeyman since 2020.

"I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life," he said.

• • •

During the report for the South East Transportation

Planning Committee, Coun. Lindsay Clark expressed hope that the committee would have added access now that Estevan MLA Lori Carr is the minister of Highways and Infrastructure.

•

• • Council approved the Souris Valley Museum's request for $2,024 to remedy a mould issue in the storage/ office area.

Veroba, who is part of the committee, said the issue started with an air conditioner in the city-owned facility. Moisture entered the room from the ceiling due to condensation leaking from the air conditioner unit, which is right above the electrical room. Veroba noted the museum will now be on the city's monthly inspection list.

• • • Six building permits worth $397,000 were issued in August, bringing the total for the year to 29 permits worth more than $2.35 million. There was one singlefamily residential permit, three garages and two miscellaneous permits for August.

From left, Dustin Zmetana from the provincial government's Trade and Export ministry, PTRC business development manager Brittney Musleh, CEO Ran Narayanasamy, director of communications Norm Sacuta and PTRC board chairman Randy Brunet Photo courtesy of the PTRC

It's been nearly six months since the Estevan Bruins last played a meaningful hockey game.

They're ready for games that count to be played again.

The Bruins will kick off the 202324 SJHL season Friday night when they host the Melville Millionaires at Affinity Place, starting at 7 p.m.The game will open a 56-game season spread out over nearly six months.

The Black and Gold's players and staff gathered for training camp in the last weekend of August, and they had a six-game exhibition slate that saw them post a 5-1 record.

Head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic said he was pleased with where they were in the preseason.

"Guys are getting comfortable with each other," said Tatarnic. "For some guys, stuff is brand new, and for returning players, it's things that they're used to. The returnees and the new guys have to take some time to get on the same page."

The returning players have all taken steps to get better from last season, and Tatarnic is pleased to see they worked hard during the summer months. The

newcomers have impressed, with rookie defencemen Michael Gallant and Jesse Ivanovic among the most impressive.

"They've performed so well at camp that it's hard not to notice those players due to their age," said Tatarnic.

The real test for those two players, and other rookies on the team, will come when the regular season begins and they're playing against more experienced opponents every shift.

Depth looks to be a strength entering the season up front and on the blue line.

"As coaches, we all feel pretty good about our teams at the beginning of the year, but the proof will be in the performance when the season starts," said Tatarnic. "Right now we feel really good, and we hope we continue to feel really good with our roster."

As for goaltending, Cam Hrdlicka and Jackson Miller are back as the team's tandem for the second straight year.

"It helps knowing that you have Cam and Jackson back there," said Tatarnic. "Cam's obviously a proven goaltender in our league, and Jackson took great strides last year. I know

everyone saw that he had a rough start at the beginning, but he got better and better, and gained more confidence as the season went on."

By the end of the season, the club was very confident with Miller, and they'll need him to play more games this season.

Returnees on defence include Kaelen Whittingham, Holdin Getzlaf and Tyler Guy. Guy shifted from forward to defence midway through last season. Owen Simmons, who played for the Bruins in 2020 and 2021, is back with the team.

Returning forwards include captain Keagon Little, Owen Barrow, Sal Collora, Garett Zasitko, Tim Tychonick, Brady Wilson, Ilya Chmelevski and Gabriel Filion.

Tatarnic expected the club to be down to 25 players as of Monday or Tuesday. Last year it took some time for the club to reach that level due to an influx of players before the start of and early in the season.

He recognizes the club will be facing some high expectations this season due to its recent success. In addition to winning the league championship in

2022, they have won the Viterra Division title five times in the past seven seasons.

"People do have those expectations and we're no different as a staff or an

organization," said Tatarnic. "We want to put a winning team on the ice to be successful for our fans. It's something we strive to do and hopefully we can deliver that this year."

Little looks to lead by example for the Bruins

The Estevan Bruins have turned to their most experienced player to be their captain this season.

Forward Keagon Little, who is entering his fourth and final season with the team, will wear the captain's "C" in 202324. Little rejoined the Bruins after Christmas last season, and finished with 19 points in 16 games played.

Along with goaltender Cam Hrdlicka, Little is one of two players still with the team from the squad that won the SJHL title in 2022.

Little said it is "a great honour" to be the Bruins' captain.

"It's a great organization, and I'm really happy. I'm looking forward to getting started

this year with our regular season games on the 22nd," said Little, alluding to the season-opening game against the Melville Millionaires on Sept. 22.

Being a fourth-year player helped him prepare for being captain.

"I've got a lot of great coaches that are helping me out, too, and I'm just going to come in and be the leader that I know I can be, work hard and show people on the ice … that I give it my all every shift," said Little.

He'll also be leaning on the team's alternate captains, forward Owen Barrow and defenceman Blake Heward. Barrow was an alternate to finish last season, while Heward is in his first season with the Bruins.

"I'm looking forward to

getting to know Heward a little bit more, and I've known Barrow for a while," said Little.

He was really excited when he was told in the spring that he would be the captain.

Little said he's not too outspoken in the locker room, but he wants to lead by example when on the ice. If there is something to be said, he will say it.

"I think my biggest strength is how hard I work on the ice and off the ice," said Little.

Head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic said experience is just one reason Little was chosen as captain.

"He has a good understanding of how we like to do things on the ice, off the ice and

in the weight room. He's been through it all before and he's a great communicator with the guys. It was an easy decision. He just checked off all the boxes and he's done a great job so far," said Tatarnic.

As for the alternates, Tatarnic said it was easy to go back to Barrow with an "A" because of his work as a leader last year. Heward, meanwhile, has lots of experience through his time in the Western Hockey League and brings good communication skills.

"We really wanted a guy that was good in the dressing room, and we know Blake's been a well-respected, wellliked guy in the dressing rooms for the prior teams he's played for," said Tatarnic.

Little recognizes there are high expectations for the team this year. It's the final season of junior hockey for Little and the other 20-year-olds, and they want to go out on a high note. But they'll have to work hard if they're to fulfill their goals.

Estevan has become like

a second home for Little. The coaches have been great and the people and fans are "amazing", he said. There is no better place to play junior hockey, and the newcomers to the team have come in and marvelled at how great it is to be here.

Keagon Little will be the Estevan Bruins' captain in 2023-24.

Bruin forward Sal Collora, pictured here moving the puck past a Notre Dame defender, and the Estevan Bruins are eager for the season to begin.

Bruins win five of six preseason games

The Estevan Bruins wrapped up the preseason with a 3-2 victory over the Notre Dame Hounds Saturday night at Affinity Place.

The Bruins were down 2-1 with less than two minutes to play in the third period, and tied the game on a goal by Owen Simmons. Then, in the final seconds of the game, defenceman Kaelen Whittingham was hauled down while he was breaking in Notre Dame goaltender Jesse Pye and was awarded a penalty shot.

Whittingham deked out Pye to score the winner with roughly five seconds remaining.

Liam Bell had the other Estevan goal.

Davis Sato and Liam Hunks had the Notre Dame goals.

Cam Hrdlicka stopped 23 shots

for the Bruins in the victory, while Pye made 33 saves for the Hounds.

On Friday night, Estevan defeated the Virden Oil Capitals 3-1. Virden opened the scoring on a goal by Joey Bielik, and held a 1-0 lead until late in the first period, when Daniel Tokariwski and Jack Piper scored just over two minutes apart for a 2-1 advantage.

Gabriel Filion tallied in the second.

Hrdlicka was in goal for Estevan and made 29 saves, while Owen LaRocque stopped 19 shots for Virden.

The Bruins other game was an 8-0 blowout over the Hounds Wednesday night in Wilcox. The Bruins led 1-0 after the first period on a goal by Garrett Zasitko, and 3-0 through two, with Dillon Jackson and

Ilia Chmelevski scoring in the middle frame.

Then they scored five times in the third. Filion scored twice and Jackson added his second of the game, while Owen Barrow and Madden Wallis also scored.

Jackson Miller made 21 saves to get the shutout for Estevan, who outshot Notre Dame 58-21. Johann Tremblay-Kau and Owen Pettipas shared the goaltending duties for the Hounds.

Estevan won their final five exhibition games and finished with a 5-1 mark in the exhibition games. They allowed just nine goals in six contests.

The Bruins will open the 2023-24 regular season Friday night when they host the Melville Millionaires. Game time will be at 7 p.m.

Kaelan Whittingham scored the winning goal on a penalty shot Saturday night against Notre Dame.

Photo by David Willberg

|

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | SASKTODAY.ca

Obituaries

Lydia Dacio 1944-2023

Lydia passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, at the Arcola Health Centre at the age of 78.

Born in Minton, Saskatchewan, Lydia spent most of her childhood in Weyburn before moving to Frobisher with her parents. There she completed her education and was valedictorian of her graduating class. Upon graduation Lydia began working at a bank in Oxbow before meeting and eventually marrying her husband of 52 years Bill. Together, they developed a successful farming operation near Hirsch. Lydia enjoyed planting her gardens, raising chickens and geese, in addition was an avid canner, baker, and gifted at handicrafts such as knitting and crochet. Lydia spent many hours creating items that were cherished by her family and friends. A devoted wife and mother, Lydia also provided care and support for Bill, her mother and motherin-law as they aged. She loved her pet dogs with a special place in her heart for the most recent, “Ruby”. After her children left home, she developed a taste for travel visiting much of Canada, US, Mexico the Caribbean, not to mention numerous casino bus trips with friends.

Predeceased by her husband Bill; children Warren and Bryce; parents, Alex and Barbara Fahlman and parents in-law, Steve and Mary Dacio.

Lydia will be greatly missed by her children, Charlene (Rudy) Valdes; Twyla (Wally) Ronyk - grandchildren, Sydnie and Cassandra; Sheldon (Cathy) - grandchildren ,Catherine, Victoria, Andrew, and of course her beloved “Ruby”. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors for the compassionate care provided at Arcola Health Centre, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Pasqua Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to join a celebration of Lydia’s life to be held at the St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church, Wednesday, September 27,2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Thuy Ngyuen presiding. Interment will take place at the Bienfait Cemetery. Luncheon will follow after the interment at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bienfait branch.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Estevan Humane Society or the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Lydia’s family - Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

Clayton Craig Onufreychuk 1968 – 2023

Clayton Onufreychuk passed away with his sister by his side on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Regina General Hospital.

Clayton was born to John & Iris Onufreychuk on October 11, 1968 at Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. Clayton attended Sheho Elementary and Foam Lake High School.

He was the youngest boy of eight siblings growing up on the family farm.

Clayton worked for various local farmers and construction companies in his younger years. In his mid twenties, Clayton moved to the southeast Saskatchewan and worked for many years in the oil patch. At the time of his passing Clayton was employed at TnT Oilfield Services Ltd.

Clayton was very outgoing and made friends wherever he went.

Clayton is survived by his son Chad, his granddaughter Everlee, his sisters Shirley, Valerie (Jim), Terri, Janice (Ross), Holly (Dale), Marcy, and his brother, Dale (Sharon). Clayton will also be remembered by close family friend, Joan. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Clayton’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love him.

Clayton was predeceased by his parents John and Iris Onufreychuk, grandparents Alex and Annie Onufreychuk, Steve and Patti Koroluk, his brother-in-law Walter Essar and a great-niece Larissa Babichuk.

Tompkins Funeral Home of Wadena, Saskatchewan provided care to Clayton’s family.

A private memorial was held to honor Clayton’s life.

Margaret Mariann Agyeman

1940 - 2023

Margaret Mariann Agyeman of Esterhazy, formerly of Lampman, Saskatchewan passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the St. Anthony Hospital, Esterhazy at the age of 83 years.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire donations may be made to the Maple Manor, 600 Park Avenue, Esterhazy, SK S0A 0X0.

Remembrances and condolences can be emailed to pcfs@sasktel.net.

Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, Esterhazy in care of arrangements (306) 745-3304

Estevan fire crews were called to a carbon monoxide alarm last week.

The emergency occurred on Sept. 13 in a building in northeast Estevan. Firefighters arrived on the scene, and, using special equipment, confirmed CO readings in the building. Crews worked with the building maintenance personnel, ventilated the contaminated area and called SaskEnergy to address the problem.

Once it was clear and safe, it was turned

back over to the building maintenance person.

On Sept. 12, crews were also called to a residential fire alarm on the north side of Estevan. The dispatcher was able to get a hold of the homeowners and confirmed the fire department's assistance wasn't required, so crews were stood down.

For breaking news from the Estevan Fire Rescue Service, please visit our provincial news hub at www.sasktoday.ca

Two people charged for assault with a weapon

The Estevan Police Service arrested two people for assault with a weapon following an incident on Sept. 11.

Police were dispatched to a disturbance in the 700-block of Third Street. A 29-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man were in a dispute out on the street.

The two people were arrested and both are facing charges for assault with a weapon and causing a disturbance. The woman is also facing additional charges of mischief and breaching a probation order.

Estevan EMS assessed and treated one person for a minor injury.

In other recent police news, as a result of a traffic stop on King Street on Sept. 14, a 40-year-old Regina man was charged with impaired operation and driving with a blood alcohol content over .08. His driver’s licence was suspended and the vehicle he was operating was impounded. He will appear in Estevan Provincial Court at a later date to answer to

the charges.

Police received several calls for vehicles parked on the street for extended periods of time. The EPS reminds the public that according to the bylaw, vehicles are to be moved every 24 hours. In certain areas in the downtown core, only two-hour parking is permitted.

Members received a report on Sept. 15 of a motor vehicle collision in which one of the drivers allegedly drove his vehicle into another on purpose. Police attended and arrested a 58-year-old Estevan man for dangerous driving. He was later released for court on conditions.

Officers were called for a report of numerous cars honking their horns from a school parking lot. All parties were spoken to and warned of their actions.

Police attended to a residential area in north Estevan to assist a local cab company with an unruly customer who was refusing to leave the cab or pay for the fare. Members arranged a ride home for the

subject and left the individual in the care of a sober person.

Police received a report of an accident involving a deer. The vehicle did not sustain any significant damage and the EPS said none of the occupants were injured.

Police received a request on Sept. 16 from Saskatoon Crown prosecutors to locate and serve an individual in Estevan a summons for court.

The 43-year-old Estevan man has been summoned to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court to answer to the charges of assault, breach of probation and breach of release conditions.

Police received a call that someone had lit a flower pot on fire near an apartment building. The caller had already put the fire out but wanted to report it to the police as the building sustained some damage. The matter is still under investigation. For updates from the Estevan Police Service during the week, please visit our provincial news hub at www. sasktoday.ca

Barristers & Solicitors

Paul Elash K.C.

Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B.

Artist introduced new Reconcil-onialism mural at the Estvan Art Gallery

Cree-Métis artist Geanna Dunbar's two-week residency at the Estevan Art Gallery came to an end with a meet and greet on Friday.

A few dozen people stopped by the gallery to see Reconcil-onialism – a new mural created during the residency and dedicated to the exploration of the idea of

reconciliation.

"With reconciliation, it's messy. There's no path to it. It's very hard to even feel like you are an ally; at times you feel helpless, at times you feel like nothing you do works, and it's just step by step in your community first. Reconciliation could be entering spaces by letting Indigenous

folks come into spaces to practise their culture, giving them space for storytelling and doing anything small that can bring back traditional teachings," Dunbar said.

"With this residency, I wanted to represent where we are now and what it could look like in the future, show what's it like growing up as an

Indigenous person in the 21st century with what we know from the past, what we've been going through over the last decade or so, and what we still are fighting for today.

"And I also wanted to show what it would feel like if we were able to do reconciliation, where we get to demolish those walls that keep us

from our natural vibrations. That's the reason why I did the two sides.

"And I wanted to represent women because women are harmed, left and right. As Indigenous women we go missing, we're part of domestic abuse, suicides. And I wanted to have the men on the other side, because

with all the community work and volunteering I do, I see spaces that are filling up with volunteers and the majority are Indigenous women ... So, I wanted to really represent that we need men to stand up and take that stand as well, and that we can't have any of it without us coming together."

Estevan Girl Guides are seeking volunteers to stay open

The Estevan Girl Guides are seeking volunteers to join their ranks as leaders.

Although there is a long and rich tradition of Guiding in Estevan and area, a lack of volunteers and the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to pressures in keeping units open.

Girl Guides of Canada provides its members with a place to be themselves while offering valuable life skills, leadership opportunities and a supportive sisterhood. Guiding offers the widest range of extracurricular activities for girls and young women, with opportunities to explore the

arts, sciences, outdoor challenges, global awareness and so much more.

"Being a Girl Guide leader has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life," says Megan Clake, provincial commissioner for Saskatchewan Girl Guides.

"Watching youth grow and develop over time has been nothing short of incredible. I have witnessed shy, reserved girls gain confidence and become leaders, and I've seen energetic, creative spirits channel their energy into making a difference in their communities."

Along with having the chance to lead girls, volunteering with Girl Guides provides a unique opportunity for women to build lasting friendships with other women in their community. Guiders also develop skills that are highly valued in the workplace, such as communications, event planning and leadership skills.

"I can honestly say that being a Girl Guide leader has shaped me into a better person and allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of young girls in my community," says Clake. The organization is actively seeking women 18 years

or older to volunteer with support groups of girls at all levels, including Sparks (ages five and six), Embers (ages seven and eight), Guides (ages nine-11), Pathfinders (ages 12-14), and Rangers (ages 15-17). Those interested in taking the position do not have to have a child in Girl Guides or any prior Guiding experience to join, just a desire to be part of the organization's vision of a better world by girls. Volunteers will be set up with a mentor and will be provided with flexible opportunities for training and shared leadership.

Other southeast com -

munities in need of leaders include Stoughton and Lampman.

Clake says that there are also hopes to reopen units in Arcola in the next year.

"Volunteer as a Guider today – it's worth your time," the organization said in a press release.

Girl Guides of Canada/ Guides du Canada (GGC) empowers every girl in Guiding to discover herself and be everything she wants to be. In Guiding, girls from five to 17 meet with girls their age in a safe, inclusive space to explore what matters to them.

With programming op-

tions ranging from innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities to outdoor adventures and discussions on mental health and healthy relationships, girls in Guiding can customize their experience to dive into the topics relevant to them –all with the support of women volunteers, who are committed to positively impacting their lives. Guiding is all about supporting girls as they take on challenges and grab hold of every opportunity that comes their way.

For more information, go to their website at girlguides. ca/volunteer.

Flashback –

Wednesday,

Sept. 20, 2000

Members of the host committee for the 2001 SaskPower Scott Tournament of Hearts were in attendance at a luncheon held in September of 2000 to kick off the countdown to the tournament. Back row, from left, Wade Wrubleski, Dusty Schneider, Brenda Malaryk, Audrey Dubiel, Greg Kallis and Rhonda Schneider Middle row, Anne Patton Bev Dudman Julie-Anne Wallewein Corrine Berthelet and Denise Fonstad. In front, Brett Kempel and John Stevenson

By David Willberg

Twin sisters Josie and Alex Andrist have long been teammates in the pool, but now they have forged separate paths as they have advanced to the next level in water polo.

Alex is competing for the Cal State East Bay Pioneers in Hayward, Calif., while Josie remained in Canada and is swimming for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Both are in their freshman campaigns after taking a gap year to further their development.

Alex isn't the first athlete from Estevan to swim for the Pioneers; Auriel Bill starred for the program when swimming for East Bay. Other Saskatchewan athletes have been there before, and Alex said that factored in her decision.

"It was always on my list and in my head, and when I reached out to the school, they got back to me, and we got started talking, and helped me out a lot in getting here," said Alex.

Her time in California has been great. Practices have started and Alex said they have been a lot of fun. She has had good interactions with head Lisa Cooper and goalie coach Calvin Caplan.

"Lisa does a good job of coaching and she knows what she's doing, which makes it that much easier to get something done, and Calvin … is very good at correcting my shot if I mess up."

The teammates are very nice as well. Alex said she has had no issues since arriving in California, other than the heat, which has been greater than she is used to.

Alex is studying graphic design at East Bay. She said she likes art and computers, so it's an ideal program for her.

Josie selected the University of Toronto because it has the water polo program that she wanted, and it also has a very high level of education.

"I get to play water polo at a very high level, which is one of my dreams,

and I also get to have a very good and very thorough education," Josie said.

There are a few Canadian universities with water polo programs, including Ontario and B.C., but water polo is typically offered at U.S. institutions, especially in California. It means the Varsity Blues' games will be against club teams in Ontario and collegiate programs in the U.S.

Josie has been really impressed with the Varsity Blues' coaches. It's been a different style than what she is used to. Her teammates have been "incredibly" supportive and helpful, and there is a very good team culture.

"I'm just going to walk into it and see how it goes. I think I should be ready to play some good water polo. I'm expecting the classes to be a bit of a challenge, but that's university," said Josie.

She is also adapting to life in Canada's largest city.

Josie is currently studying journalism, and cited her time freelancing for the Estevan Mercury when she was in high school as a reason she wanted to enter the media industry.

The sisters said it's strange not playing with each other, as they have long been teammates with the Estevan Sharks water polo program, Team Saskatchewan and squads in Regina. They wish each other the best, but they know they will adjust.

The Varsity Blues are slated to visit the Pioneers later this season, which means the sisters would be on opposite sides of the pool.

Both swimmers are grateful for their time with the Sharks.

"The Estevan Sharks helped me out so much. It's the club I started at, and it's a club I know I'm proud to be a part of," said Alex.

"A question I get asked often in here is how did you start water polo if you come from such a small town? And I tell them it was the club in Estevan that started me on this journey. I have the Sharks to thank for … starting me off on the path so I can be here," added Josie.

Speedway wraps up season with Enduro race

The Estevan Motor Speedway concluded its 2023 season with its annual Enduro race.

Forty-two drivers entered the race, which was to last for 150 laps or 90 minutes, whichever came first.

Garrett Stambaugh finished in top spot, as he completed the 150 laps in one hour, 20 minutes and 21 seconds. He finished nine seconds ahead of Dallas Wanner, who needed 1:20.30 to complete the total distance.

Brady Ganskop was third with a time of 1:21.08.

Every driver who finished in the top 10 completed 150 laps. Rounding out the top 10 were: Garitt Million (1:22.37), Barrett Anderson (1:22.50), Brandon Claude (1:23.08), Evan Erdman (1:23.19), Greg Miller (1:23.59), Carter Gervais (1:26.30) and Serge Ya-

cychyn (1:29.38). Troy Olson's car was the first one out, as he completed

just four laps, while Anderson won the award for the nicest car.

Viragos score on long run in loss to Moosomin

The Estevan Kinette Club Viragos suffered a 43-8 loss to the Moosomin Generals Saturday in Moose Jaw.

Morgan Hase had the lone touchdown for the Viragos with a 70-yard run in the second quarter. The Viragos added a two-point convert after her romp. Moosomin led 22-8 at halftime, but the Viragos ran into injuries in the second half.

“The girls played hard right to the end, and there was no quit in them,” said head coach Mark Tribiger.

Hase hurt her shoulder, and Emily Greening, the team’s captain and starting guard, suffered a knee sprain that will sideline her for the rest of the season.

The Viragos’ next game will be Sept. 23 when they host Regina at the Dana Quewezance Memorial

Field at Woodlawn Athletic Park. The game starts at 6 p.m.

• • •

The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team dropped to 0-2 on the season after losing 62-0 at the Yorkton Regional High School Raider Gridders on Saturday.

The Gridders are one of the top teams in the league.

Coach Mark Schott said that despite the losses and the scores to open the season, the Elecs showed improvement from game to game. He believes the offence did a better job of moving the ball against Yorkton than they did in their season-opener against the Weyburn Comprehensive School Eagles.

The defense was put in some difficult situations in terms of field position,

but forced a few turnovers on downs and recovered a fumble.

Special teams units made adjustments after early mistakes and performed better later in the game, he said.

ECS will visit Moose Jaw’s A.E. Peacock Tornadoes on Sept. 23.

• • •

The Estevan Coldwell Banker Choice Real Estate U12 Chargers lost 39-0 to the Moose Jaw Spartans on Saturday in Moose Jaw.

Coach James Haagsman noted they had a lot of players who couldn’t make the game due to AA hockey tryouts, leaving them with the minimum number of players.

The Chargers’ next game will be Sept. 23 when they host the Weyburn Ravens at 11 a.m.

Garrett Stambaugh, left, receives congratulations from Estevan Motor Speedway president Brad Pierson following the Enduro victory. Photo courtesy of the Estevan Motor Speedway

Alex Andrist has enjoyed her time at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif., and is looking forward to water polo season.

Josie Andrist, pictured here defending for Team Saskatchewan, will play water polo at the University of Toronto. Photos courtesy of Tania Hlohovsky Andrist

SE TechHub’s pitch competition accepting ideas for a chance to win $22,500 seed money and more

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The Southeast Techhub has announced the first-ever Southeast Pitch Competition, sponsored by SaskPower, starting in September. The competition will provide an opportunity for residents of Saskatchewan, 16 years of age and older, to submit an original technologybased idea and compete for a chance to win seed money and other opportunities to bring their idea to life.

All submissions must be the entrant's original idea and technology-based in nature, such as software, electronic hardware or an engineered process in any field or industry.

"People need to submit their ideas to the website. And the main goal is to ensure that the people's idea is technology-based innovation-based and unique, because I wouldn't want someone to go right to the end and then we find out that it's something that is not relevant. They don't have to worry about how well their submission is written, as long as we can get an idea of what it is," explained Gord More, Southeast TechHub executive director.

He noted that people don't need to be technology masterminds or even know how to code. All they are looking for are great and unique technology-based ideas.

"I can't program, yet I helped create a software company and ran it for 20 years. I don't care if you're not a tech person. We will teach you how to run the business. We will help you to find an engineer if you're doing something hardware-based. If you are software, we'll help you connect to programmers. Even if you don't win, and you really like your idea and someone says, 'I'll invest in you', we'll still help you. That's what we do," More said.

"I don't want people to think, 'I have no clue how to program, I have no clue how to design a piece of hardware.' That's fine. Just have a good idea. We'll help you with the rest."

Submissions are accepted from Sept. 1- Oct. 31, at no cost to the participants.

In order to assist the competitors, starting Oct. 1, they will have free access to the Southeast TechHub and a series of workshops including how to write a technology-

based business plan and scope, venture capital planning, and how to pitch. Workshops will run Oct. 10, 12 and 19;they are free and open to all.

"We have a number of workshops to help people take their idea to a point where they could actually create a business," More said.

"The first workshop is in partnership with Community Futures Sunrise out of Weyburn and Sask StartUp out of Saskatoon, and they will teach people how to write a business plan, which would also include marketing.

"Then I'm doing a workshop based on my experience, it's called programming in English, and it's teaching people how to write a scope document, which is a document that is in English, but a programmer or an engineer could understand it.

"And then the last one, which is the big one, we're cohosting it with a group called StartUp TNT. They're unique in that they are private venture capital/angel investors, but they're not for profit. Their operational costs are paid for by Prairie Canada. Because of that, they give out really excellent workshops on how

to pitch, how to raise money from private venture. A lot of people will go after government money, but private money is more risk averse, is faster and it's more flexible, so participants will learn all about that," More explained.

The scope, business plan and pitch deck must be submitted by Nov. 17.

The Southeast Pitch competition will be held on Nov. 24, from noon-5 p.m. at the Southeast TechHub.

The judges will be from CF Sunrise, Innovation Saskatchewan, Southeast College, SaskPower and possibly SaskTel.

The winner will receive $22,500, courtesy of SaskPower and SaskTel, to develop their technology-based idea along with one year of free workspace and services at the Southeast TechHub.

More notedthat participants who don't win this starting package will still have an opportunity to showcase their ideas and that may result in some development for them.

"The cool thing about all of this is the people that are going to show up, I know a few of them, they are in the private venture world, they're going

On top of seed money, Southeast Techhub's Pitch Competition winner will have space at the hub at no cost for a year.

to watch and they're also going to watch online. So, even if you don't win the $22,500 that we've got from SaskTel and SaskPower, your ideas still might inspire a venture capital person to come along and say, 'Hey, I really like your idea.' And you could end up starting your business regardless of winning or losing," More note.

As of last week, there were already two submissions – one out of Saskatoon, and the other one local, More said. His hope is to have about five applications.

The winner of the pitch competition will have to get their business licence and set up their business in Estevan.

"We're trying to create some technology-based businesses in Estevan, that's the goal," More explained. The Southeast Pitch competition is supported by SaskPower, SaskTel, CF Sunrise, StartUp TNT, Southeast College and Innovation Saskatchewan.

The seating at the event will be limited, so people are asked to book their spots in advance through the website. It will also be streamed on YouTube.

For more information about how to apply and competition details please visit estevanhub.ca/pitch_ comp_2023.

Finalists announced for the 2023 EBEX Awards

The Estevan Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the Estevan Business Excellence Awards, which will be handed out Oct. 20 at the Southeast College's Estevan campus. The event will feature a gala cocktail reception in the college's atrium, with appetizers, wine and cocktail bars.

The finalists are:

•Outstanding Service Award, sponsored by Access Communica-

tions: South East Eyecare Ltd. and Estevan Motors Ltd.

•Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Virtus Group: Southern Plains Co-op Ltd. and Steam-Est Industries.

•Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by Southeast Sask Economic Partnership: Graphic Press, Western Fiberglass Inc., JS Truckmart Inc., Steam-Est Industries and Sector 1 Construction & Renovations Inc.

•Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Award, sponsored by Affinity Credit Union: Travis Frank of Graphic Press, Breanne Van De Woestyne with Impact Creative, Daniel Betnar with IG Wealth Management, and Harry Singh Hanjrah of Domino's Pizza.

•New Business Venture Award, sponsored by Community Futures Sunrise: Impact Creative Digital Services, Pipeline Online Ltd. and Genco Asphalt Inc.

•Outstanding Employee Award, sponsored by Bear Claw Casino &

Hotel: Rebecca Ferguson of Mainprize Regional Park and Shane Bunse of Nelson Motors & Equipment.

•Diversity in the Workplace Award, sponsored by SaskTel: Sobey's, Sector 1 Construction & Renovations Inc., Dairy Queen and JS Truckmart Inc.

•Social Impact Award, sponsored by Southern Plains Co-operative: United Way Estevan and Estevan

Early Years Family Resource Centre. The inductee into the Nick &

Verna Morsky Business Hall of Fame, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross Insurance, will be announced and celebrated at the event. Also, the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by MNP, will be selected from the nominees and the recipient will be announced that night. All award nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of judges comprised of representatives from MNP, residing outside of the Estevan area, to ensure impartiality.