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Veteran city employee charged with theft By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
An experienced employee for the City of Estevan is facing charges of fraud and theft. Richard Winton is facing charges of defrauding a government, in this case the City of Estevan, as well as fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. Winton, who has been employed by the city for 24 years, had been serving as the city’s stores foreman. City manager Jeff Ward could not comment on whether Winton is still employed with the city. The Estevan Police Service announced in a press release last week that they had arrested and charged Winton on Feb. 7, following an internal investigation carried out over a couple of months. “There were concerns raised by city staff, and they brought this to our attention,” police Chief
Paul Ladouceur said in an interview with the Mercury. “We conducted an investigation, and as a result of that investigation, we laid the charges.” Ladouceur said more than $30,000 in kickbacks through purchases was fraudulently taken over the span of a few years through a manipulation of funds. The police chief said he couldn’t get into further details regarding the theft, but he said that information will come out once the case is in court. “In this case, it was a situation where, through a paper trail, they found that there were anomalies in the records, and upon digging in further, we found that employee was defrauding the city,” said Ladouceur. Ladouceur praised the city for how they handled the situation. They noticed a problem, and came forward and reported it right away, which led to the investigation and eventually
the criminal charges. “The city staff have been very co-operative in the investigation,” said Ladouceur. “They realized very quickly that there was something wrong when they were going through the books.” The police believe Winton was acting alone in the matter. The investigation into the alleged theft is ongoing. Ladouceur said the city could seek full or partial restitution if Winton is found guilty. Either the Crown prosecutor could put in that request for the court, or the city could pursue it through a civil lawsuit. “If someone’s a victim of a theft or a fraud and out money, they have the ability to submit their request for restitution,” said Ladouceur. Winton is scheduled to make his first court appearance on April 3.
Elecs Take Flight At McLeod Series Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs guard Heaven Cabiluna soars toward the basket during the fourth quarter of the Elecs senior boys 79-75 win over the Weyburn Comprehensive School (WCS) Eagles at WCS last Wednesday. The Elecs senior girls fell 71-61 to the Eagles giving WCS a six-point advantage heading into tonight’s second half of the 82nd annual McLeod Series at ECS. For more photos and the story please see B1. Photo by Jamie Harkins.
Census says Estevan’s population is growing By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
The city and the rural municipality of Estevan both saw increases in population, according to the federal census data that was released on Feb. 8. The city’s population grew from 11,054 in 2011 to 11,483 people in 2016, which was an increase of 429 people, or 3.9 per cent, even though the city has been feeling the effects of an economic slowdown due to the sliding price of oil since 2014. Estevan remained the eighthlargest city in the province. The RM, meanwhile, saw its population soar from 1,139 to 1,370 people, which was a 221 or 20.3 per cent increase. The RM of Estevan ranked 21st in population for Saskatchewan RMs. The combined population for the two municipalities was 12,853, which was up from 12,194 in 2011. The census data was recorded last spring. “We have had a couple of
tough years … on the oil sector side, so we were pleasantly surprised with the uptick in numbers,” Mayor Roy Ludwig told the Mercury. “We view that as a positive.” At the same time, so many people came to the city prior to 2014 for work in the southeast oil patch and other projects, and Ludwig believes some of those people have decided to stay and find work outside of the oil sector. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Ludwig. “I guess because of the last couple of years, we definitely did have some trying times in the oil sector. So we thought the numbers might be down.” Estevan city council and others in the community criticized census numbers from 2006 and 2011, since they believe Estevan’s population was higher than what was reported by Statistics Canada. Council put a greater emphasis on the findings of eHealth Saskatchewan’s covered population report, which tracks the number of people in a community holding a
Saskatchewan Health card. Ludwig believes the 2006 and 2011 census numbers failed to account for the number of transient workers and other shortterm residents who had come to Estevan during the oil boom. This time around, though, Ludwig believes the census numbers are closer to reality. “The 2016 census was more in depth, and I think moving forward, we can count on the numbers more seriously,” said Ludwig. Grace Potter, the administrator for the RM of Estevan, said they weren’t surprised with the population data, since they have seen a lot of residential developments in the RM in the last few years. Much of that growth came before the price of oil slumped in 2014. They have particularly noticed an increase in the number of acreages throughout the RM, as people are more willing to embrace a rural lifestyle. “We have some beautiful country, and people like their
space,” said Potter. “We have the valleys.” Construction in the RM has slowed down due to the economic downturn, so she expects the population growth will be stable until the price of oil picks up again. “Last year there wasn’t a significant increase, but the years prior to that, we had several developments every year,” said Potter. The RM still receives calls from people looking to build on an acreage, she said, particularly near the Woodlawn Regional Park. Census numbers are vital for communities, Ludwig said. Many provincial and federal grants are doled out on a per capita basis using the census. “It’s always positive to know that your community is growing,” the mayor said. Rural communities had varying results. Bienfait’s population dropped from 780 to 762 people, Lampman dropped from 713 to 675 people, Midale increased from 562 to 604 people, Macoun grew from 246 to 269 residents,
Torquay increased from 236 to 255, Frobisher slid from 166 to 160, North Portal dropped from 143 to 115 people, and Roche Percee declined from 153 to 110 residents. As for rural municipalities, Cymri grew from 524 to 549 people, Benson dropped from 490 to 472, Browning declined from 399 to 375, Coalfields fell from 382 to 368 residents and Cambria went from 304 to 309 residents. Among the other findings for 2016 were that Souris-Moose Mountain, the federal constituency for Estevan and the rest of southeast Saskatchewan, had 72,635 people, which was a slight jump from the 72,058 who lived in the riding in 2011. Saskatchewan’s population was pegged at 1,098,352, which was an increase of 6.3 per cent from the 1,033,381 who resided in the province five years earlier. And the national population was at more than 35.1 million, which was a five per cent increase from the 33.4 million who lived in Canada five years earlier.
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Despite the thaw that began late last week, much of the heavy accumulations of snow that have appeared in Estevan remain, such as the craggy, hardened snowbanks that fringe Wellock Road, in the northwest of Estevan. Photo by Sam Macdonald
Agency expects above normal local runoff The southeast corner of the province appears to be the exception when it comes to the expectations for spring runoff. The Water Security Agency (WSA) released the 2017 preliminary outlook for spring runoff on Feb. 9. In the report, the WSA stated most of the province received below normal snowfall, resulting in below normal runoff potential. Many areas saw the snowpack almost completely melt away or lost to sublimation in January, due to
above normal temperatures. This melt saturated the soil surface, reducing the infiltration capacity available for the melt of any late season snow. The southeast corner is the exception when it comes to spring runoff. The snowpack in the southeast ranges from near normal in the Weyburn area, to above normal in the Estevan area, to well above normal in the far very southeast corner. “Above normal runoff is expected in the lower Souris River Basin below
Rafferty and Alameda Dams, including the Antler River, Gainsborough Creek and Lightning Creek basins,” the WSA stated in its report. The WSA noted that this is a preliminary outlook and the snowpack could continue to develop for another six to 10 weeks. The WSA has been creating space for spring runoff in Alameda Reservoir. Releases were doubled from two cubic metres per second (m3/s) to four m3/s on Feb. 10, and could increase again
this week. The releases have drawn the reservoir to 560.6 metres, below the full supply level (FSL) of 562 metres. Water is currently not being released from Boundary Dam or Rafferty Dam. Rafferty Dam has been hovering around 549 metres, beneath the FSL of 550.5 metres. Boundary Dam is at a little more than 559.1 metres, which is below the FSL of 560.83 metres. While above average temperatures are expected
in southeast Saskatchewan for the next week, the WSA does not expect it to result in a significant basin-wide melt, according to spokesperson Patrick Boyle. He said overnight lows are still forecasted to be below freezing, and the hours of shine are relatively short and the sun is relatively low. It will result in a consolidation of the snowpack. The WSA says it is important to note that a majority of the province was wetter than normal going into freeze-up last Novem-
ber. Higher than normal precipitation going forward and/or a rapid spring melt could significantly increase the runoff potential. Although the snowpack in most areas is below normal, the WSA said a below normal runoff could compound flooding issues in regions with closed basins, as many of these areas are at well above normal or record levels following several high runoff years. The WSA will release the 2017 Spring Runoff Forecast in March.
Ludwig reacts to SUMA convention By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
Mayors, councillors and administrators from across the province gathered in Saskatoon from Feb. 5 to 8 for the annual convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig described the conference as informative, and it covered a lot of topics,
thanks to the speeches, workshops and meetings. All members of council, with the exception of Councillor Lyle Yanish, were able to attend. City manager Jeff Ward was also present. “It’s always a good opportunity for networking, and the new councillors, I think, were very happy they went, as they met with people from communities of like size, talking over common issues,” said Ludwig.
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Estevan Area Home Care would like to thank the following organizations for delivering Meals on Wheels during the month of January: CAFÉ - Community Advocates for Employment, McGillicky Oilfield Supply, Scotia Bank, TD Bank Group, CIBC, Oil Wives Club of Estevan, and the Estevan Elks Lodge #113; spares: Tom & Beth More, Sharon Rae, Bev Hickie and Paul Radomski. Many thanks to all volunteer drivers and organizations for your service to our community.
But the convention wasn’t always upbeat. During his speech to the SUMA delegates, Premier Brad Wall noted the government was looking at all options to reduce the provincial deficit, including reducing the municipalities’ share of municipal operating grants this year. “They haven’t touched it since it was brought in, so there will be concern,” said Ludwig. “The suggestion was made why doesn’t the province raise the PST (provincial sales tax) to help pay down the debt, and just have the money go to the debt, to help get that under control, and then it could be lifted after the debt is under control.” If municipal operating grants are reduced, they would be lower than what
the city had budgeted for, and that could affect their spending this year. “We realize that in harder times, we have to tighten up our belt, and that’s what’s fair about this revenue sharing,” said Ludwig. “We’ll see if the government is going to do cuts on top of that.” If the government is going to alter the municipal operating grant system, then Ludwig hopes it will start next year, so that municipalities have time to prepare. The premier ’s announcement had an impact on the mood of the convention, the mayor said, as people were fairly quiet towards the end, as they were wondering how potential cuts would impact their communities. SUMA also featured
Mayor Roy Ludwig workshops and resolutions regarding the future of Saskatchewan municipalities. Ludwig noted that one session he attended dealt with computer hacking and how it has changed municipal governance. “You have to be very mindful of that, and you have to make sure that your
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employees are aware of some of the safeguards you can put in place to prevent the hacking, and some of the systems from going down,” said Ludwig. The city will be looking at how it can enhance its online security. Ludwig also attended a session on municipal policing and the RCMP. The mayor noted that many people interested in entering law enforcement have now opted for a career with municipal police forces. As for the resolutions, the delegates voted to support the provincial government’s stance on the federal government imposing a carbon tax, but they would also like to see municipalities take the lead in reducing emissions. “Most people now understand the facts about climate change, but rather than having a knee-jerk reaction, let’s be methodical and let’s think it through,” said Ludwig. While people support green technology, such as the carbon capture and storage project at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Power Station, or solar power, Ludwig said it takes time to implement these technologies. The delegates also voted against a motion to stagger urban municipal elections, similar to what takes place in rural municipalities. The province’s cities thought the status quo was the best option, due to the cost of running elections in larger centres.
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Chamber luncheon focuses on energy efficiency suggestions By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercury.ca
The Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s most recent luncheon was a discussion of the many ways business owners can keep track of and optimize their power use with the help of a number of programs SaskPower has created for such purposes. Megan Patterson, a customer programs consultant, and Pat Parrott, a program manger with SaskPower’s commercial lighting incentive, spoke to a number of guests repre-
senting some of Estevan’s business community about a number of programs SaskPower has in place to help its customers, including the business community, get the most out of the services the Crown corporation provides them through their energy efficiency program. Patterson described the situation that SaskPower faces in power generation, with aging power infrastructure, forthcoming emissions regulations, the necessity of doubling the company’s renewable sources of energy by 2030
and the ever-growing demand for power in Saskatchewan, with recent peak-records of energy demand, this past December and January. Patterson noted the company uses its initiatives to provide savings for customers, reduce waste of electricity and decrease emissions, through the added value of utilizing less electricity and using what is utilized more efficiently. She noted this is accomplished through outreach programs, resulting in savings, sustainability, emissions reductions and
Megan Patterson, a programs consultant, speaks at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s Feb. 8 luncheon, about the growing demand for power in Saskatchewan. Photos by Sam Macdonald
added value for customers. Parrott said the programs SaskPower offers use metrics such as how much energy a particular home or business utilizes, and how much of that use is wasted energy. There is a focus on every use of power, such as how much is used to keep lights running, since lighting is what drives a great deal of the demand for power in Saskatchewan. Programs entail a number of incentives. These include modifications to existing technology or the replacement of existing technology, and are applicable in the case of technologies including lighting, refrigeration and “smart plugs” for cars that gauge electricity use and temperature, among many other types of technology that businesses, industries and homes use, Parrott said. Such technology served as examples to how SaskPower ’s programs used qualified products through incentives to benefit businesses in terms of their energy costs and efficiency. “Most people aren’t even ensuring what they’re paying on their electricity bill. Somewhere lower than
Pat Parrott speaks to guests about the energy incentive programs available through SaskPower, at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, on Feb. 8. that is energy efficiency,” said Parrott. “But those businesses are interested in driving costs down. That’s where you see small manufacturing plants, and metrics, like quality controls there. The real question is, how much energy do you waste?” Parrott said SaskPower has interest in that waste as a source of power, to the
point where the company is interested in paying for wasted electricity that is in use by its customers. Patterson described a similar residential tool online, that will be launched in March, allowing customers of SaskPower to input their domestic power use habits to get recommendations on how they can be more energy efficient.
Summer Games committee posted a healthy surplus By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
The organizing committee for the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games brought good news with them to Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council. They revealed the Games posted a surplus of about $133,000, with revenues of about $3.6 million and expenses of less than $3.7 million. The Games were held in Estevan from July 24 to 30. “When we entered this, we had an economy that was booming, and as we proceeded, and once we were awarded the Games, everyone obviously knows that we fell on some pretty hard times,” said Brian Senchuk, who co-chaired the Games committee along with Brian Smith. The economic slowdown caused some stress for the committee, but they were able to host an event that was a success, both on and away from the playing surfaces. The Games committee received guaranteed cash of $1,041,600 from the City of Estevan, the Saskatchewan Games Council and the local school divisions; $1,018,000 through sponsorships in kind; $594,000 in
cash sponsorships; $338,000 from fundraisers; $307,000 in naming rights sales and $71,800 through grants. During the Games, ticket sales generated $131,000 and merchandise brought in nearly $100,000. The biggest expenses were for the construction of the new track and field facility, which cost $1,609,000, and operations, which accounted for $1,574,000. They also spent $112,000 in sports and venue operations, and they had other smaller expenses related to facility upgrades. The Games committee met after the event to decide how to distribute the surplus. Each sport was asked for their needs, and the board doled out the following amounts: •The Estevan Archery Club will receive $5,000 for the purchase of a c-can storage container; •Estevan Minor Baseball will get $5,000 for safety netting; •Estevan Comprehensive School’s gymnasium will get $3,000 for player benches; •The Estevan Exhibition Association will get $12,500 for building upgrades; •The TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club will
receive $7,500 for its junior golf program; •The Woodlawn Regional Park will get $7,500 for a shower facility at the beach volleyball court at the Boundary Dam beach site; •The Woodlawn Athletic Field will get $10,000 for the Fresh Air Fitness project; •The Estevan Kinsmen Club will get $10,000 for the outdoor arena project at the Kinsmen Playpark; •The Estevan Girls Softball Association will get $10,000 for a new score clock at the Pleasantdale Softball Diamonds. Also, a new walking path will be constructed along Kensington Avenue for $30,000. It will provide easier access to the Chamney Running Track at Panteluk Athletic Field. The 2018 SaskTel Men’s Tankard provincial curling championships in Estevan will receive $10,000. And $25,000 will be set aside for a new legacy fund for future events. “This is a great idea to make the legacy fund to give back to the community,” said Mayor Roy Ludwig. Senchuk stressed that even before Estevan was awarded the Games, they had three goals in mind: host a Games for the athletes that they would never forget; have a
positive impact on the local community and economy; and showcase Estevan to people from around the province. “We think … that we accomplished those goals,” said Senchuk. Senchuk stressed these were the biggest Games in history. More than $1 million came in to the city in cash that would not have been here otherwise, and the overall economic spinoff from the Games was $4 million. Councillor Greg Hoffort, who was a council liaison on the committee along with former councillor Kevin Smith, said it required a lot of time to make the Games happen. “One of the things that really needs to be recognized is this was a grassroots effort,” said Hoffort. “This wasn’t a city council or a City of Estevan driven initiative, although the city did play an important part. These Games were secured, planned for and carried out by a group of likeminded individuals.” The meeting also served as an opportunity to recognize the Games committee, as city council presented the committee members with certificates of recognition to open the meeting.
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Leave municipalities’ money alone One of the best decisions the Saskatchewan Party government has made in nearly 10 years of guiding the province was to replace the municipal revenue sharing system with municipal operating grants. Municipalities shared millions of dollars each year through revenue sharing, but the financial support was unpredictable. The municipal governments willingly accepted a rollback in revenue sharing in the 1990s, when Saskatchewan was buried in debt, but when the province’s finances rebounded, the revenue sharing pool initially remained the same. Communities started to see an uptick in revenue sharing about 15 years ago, but it was still unpredictable. They might get more money, or they might not. Estevan lost revenue sharing support in 2007. It created a headache for councils during the budgeting process. That changed in 2009, when the provincial government announced the municipal operating grant system. Municipalities would receive 20 per cent of revenues collected through the provincial sales tax each year, creating a predictable, and seemingly stable, source of revenue that would be distributed on a per capita basis. It was simplistically beautiful, something you rarely see from governments. Councils and administrators knew at
Prairie Perspective MURRAY MANDRYK Murray Mandryk is a political columnist with the Leader Post
It may take time to fix budget mess What seems clear is that none of us will escape the wrath of the 2017-18 provincial budget. Based on the noises Premier Brad Wall is now making, some of us will be hit harder than others. Is this fair? Maybe Wall would be well advised to take things a bit slower. Speaking to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) meeting last week, Wall informed mayors and councillors he had the “unhappy duty” of announcing a $1.2 billion deficit with the current budget. “(A) non-essential hiring freeze has been in place now in government for some time and we’ve made some progress, but we’re not anywhere near close to having dealt with this gap,” Wall said.
the start of each year how much money they would receive from the provincial government. Gone were the days of playing the waiting game. When the economy was great, and people were spending money, communities received more money through the grants. With the province’s economy sliding, people have reduced their spending, and so municipalities are looking at the grants decreasing or remaining stable for the first time in years. In Estevan’s case, this city received more than $2.4 million through municipal operating grants last year, and they were budgeting a similar amount this year. That money would be directed towards road repairs, policing, the fire department, parks, recreation, cultural services and the many other programs and services the city provides. Property taxes and fees for services still account for the bulk of the revenues for the city, but municipal operating grants help a lot. So when Premier Brad Wall suggested to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention last week that the government might be looking at slashing the grants in the upcoming provincial budget, it created a lot of concern. Many municipalities have already passed their budgets, or are about to pass their budgets. If the grants go down this year, then
municipalities are faced with three choices: increase taxes (even though they have already approved tax rate increases), cut services or cut capital projects. None of these options are desirable. Now, if the provincial government changes the formula for municipal operating grants and reduces support for municipalities in 2018, then the implications won’t be as severe. The municipalities will receive sufficient notice from the government about the cuts, and can adjust their budgets accordingly. The government has to do something about their finances. Their revenues are down, thanks to slumps in the prices of oil, gas and minerals, and so expenses need to be trimmed accordingly. Balanced budgets are great, but they aren’t always attainable, not with the needs that exist in health-care, education, transportation and other departments. At the same time, a deficit of more than $1 billion is troubling. As Premier Brad Wall stated, everything is on the table, including job losses, wage freezes, funding reductions and tax increases. None of these solutions are ideal. But it would be unfair for the government to expect cities, towns, villages and rural municipalities to share that burden now. Talk to them in a few months about accepting their share of the burden, starting in 2018.
That gap in the form of a growing 201617 deficit, started out as a $434 million deficit when the budget was introduced in June and grew to $1.04 billion by the mid-year update in November. Now, it’s $1.2 billion, triple what was initially predicted. Wall told SUMA delegates his Saskatchewan Party government “will have no success in bringing order to our finances if we cannot contain our payroll costs. “Our very base case, our minimum expectation, is that we will freeze the total (human resources) cost of government for this year and potentially for a few years down the road,” Wall said. The premier added one “middle-ofthe-road scenario” presented by his budget planners to achieve balance in the 2017-18 fiscal year, would see the elimination of 4,900 health-care jobs, layoffs in education, “reduced support for vulnerable people,” and some form of tax increases. If that is a “middle of the road” scenario, one would hate to see the worst case scenario. But more to the point, one has to question whether it’s all that wise for Wall to attempt to re-balance the budget in just one year if it means firing one in 10 health-care providers across the province. For starters, the problem for the past couple of years hasn’t been runaway public sector salaries, as Wall seems to be suggesting. While a couple of contract settlements in the early years of the Wall government were extraordinary, a 36 per cent plus increase for registered nurses over four years, comes to mind, credit should go to the Sask. Party for actually keeping public sector wages in line.
In fact, wage settlements Wall is asking employees to forego, the Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE) Union representing SGI employees, say the government has suggested they roll back their already negotiated two per cent 2017 increase, are less than the annual increases MLAs have been receiving. The truth be told, the problem for the Wall government the past two years, is less about wage increases and more about the $1.7 billion government has borrowed from the open market to keep up with its aggressive building agenda. Surely then, public capital spending is where we should start. Admittedly, Wall is right that resource revenues, his government’s good fortune for its first seven years in office, have also been the recent problem. “For three years we’ve been battered and bruised and buffeted by a stubbornly long down cycle in commodity prices,” Wall said. “It’s been a perfect storm for Saskatchewan. “And that storm is still blowing a little bit. We’re not out of it yet by any means.” But if it took the Saskatchewan government a few years to get into its current mess, is it wise to try and dig the province out overnight? Taking on Wall’s problems, now our problems, on public sector employees isn’t the best way. A one-year solution may be quicker, but it wouldn’t be the fairest solution, nor, perhaps, the smartest one in the long run. Now may be the time for Wall to think in the longer term.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Not quite business as usual
Norm Park All Things Considered Are we laughing or crying? Last year there were 244 potential terrorists who were residents in the United States and were on American policing and military watch lists. They all applied for permits to purchase guns and 91 per cent of the purchase applications were approved. And yet the U.S. president believes the threat to his nation is coming from the outside, you know, from the people who are fleeing from terrorists. Oh well. Just make sure you buy Ivanka’s shoes, so Donnie can get back to his real work, whatever that may be at this stage of this theatrical production. It’s getting to the point where I figure the only person who can block Donnie is Kanye West, who might choose to shoot spitballs at him from the front-row. Everybody else is scared of Donnie the bully and doubly afraid they might lose their precious senate or congressional seats. Next topic. I recall an era when media releases were fairly important documents that were usually coupled with major events and announcements. Now, we in the press parade field at least 50 to 100 of these co-called media releases in various forms and sundry channels, every day. I can confirm, 98 per cent of them are time wasters. It appears as if anyone who believes they can almost compose a complete sentence wants to feed the world their wisdom and any tidbit of information they have, or think they have. It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not, just send it out and see if it sticks. No consequences at their end. I found myself in a reflective mood the other day, contemplating such things as carbon taxes and how in the devil’s name do Ottawa officials think that applying a carbon tax will solve environmental problems. Does anybody do any extrapolating these days? At the same time, we must lament the disappearance of so many species of birds and animals at an alarming rate. Yet, that sort of thing has been going on for thousands and millions of years, as has global warming and cooling. Some species like humans and all kinds of insects and animal mutations have found ways to survive, while others, like dinosaurs didn’t. We will squish ants, swat mosquitoes and flies but steer away from inflicting great damage to bats, birds, dragonflies and ladybugs. That’s because we may have actually learned certain things along the way. Get rid of oil? OK, say goodbye to plastic then. There are consequences to all perceived good deeds. Call water a commodity and start to sell it? Hello drought or tainted H2O. Your choice. These topics noted above were sometimes the centrepiece for friendly banter and debate I really enjoyed between my neighbour Linda Godfrey and ownself as we would take breaks from lawn mowing, raking or digging, just to have a chatty across the fence interlude so we could solve all the world’s problems before lunch. She was some smart woman with a glorious sense of humour and analytical mind who passed away too suddenly. We will miss her neighbourly contributions. Here comes another hard part for me dear diary, but it’s relief for you. For some time now, actually a few decades, I have been observing, listening, recording and reporting. Now I must take my leave. I do so with no regrets (alright, there may be a few) and no real parting shot of wisdom or philosophical renderings to impart other than to perhaps remind you that kindness is always a viable option. I will truly miss you. Good-bye.
Wall is all alone in taking corporate donation top-off The Editor: With the recent decision by the British Columbia governing party to remove the stipend received by their premier from donors, Saskatchewan has the dubious distinction of being the lone wolf when it comes to direct financial ties to party sponsors. With a government that has had a questionable fi-
nancial record as of late, it is about time Brad Wall makes the hard decision to cut any and all financial ties to party donors. It would help alleviate the very serious concerns and allegations surrounding the growing scandal that involves land transactions and the Regina bypass. Until such time that Mr. Wall ends these ties, Saskatchewan residents will
continue to question which interests this premier is looking out for — those of his party’s supporters, or those of all Saskatchewan residents — regardless of political or financial affiliation with the Saskatchewan Party. It would also help to show that he is willing to fall on the sword financially, when it comes time to make
Tax evasion problem not high on Liberal to do list The Editor: Recently I received an email from the Liberal Party of Canada asking me to tell them what I think about the party’s accomplishments so far, and what I feel should be their priorities in the future. I had a choice of about 45 issues I could check off. I read through the list
and found it significant that the issue of going after tax cheats aggressively was not included. Canada is losing billions of dollars annually by being soft on wealthy Canadians who avoid or evade paying their fair share of taxes. This is money that could be used for debt repayment, deficit reduction,
infrastructure renewal or social services. When the wealthy elite cheat on taxes, ordinary Canadians have to pay more. On the rare occasion when the wealthy elite get caught, they are given a slap on the wrist. If I were caught cheating on my taxes, I could likely be
The Editor: Many, many years ago I had the good fortune of going to the Barnum and Bailey Ringling Bros. Circus in New York. In fact, it was wonderful to see the show three times in my
lifetime. It was billed as the Greatest Show on Earth and indeed it was. There was nothing that could compare to such a giant spectacle. It was very sad news to hear the Greatest Show on
Earth (after over 100 years in business) is coming to and end and finally closing down. I think the reason for closing down is that Barnum and Bailey Ringling Bros. could not outnumber
all the clowns who are now in the Trump government in Washington. We are so fortunate we live in Canada (at least up ‘til now). Gerry Fichtemann Estevan
Unit issues 24 tickets Speeding tickets accounted for the bulk of the activity for the Estevan Combined Traffic Services unit between Feb. 5 and 11. Unit members handled 24 infractions, and 20 of them were for exceeding the speed limit. Single tickets were for a passenger failing to wear a seatbelt, a motorist driving without a valid driver’s licence, another operating an unregistered motor vehicle and a person having tinted front side windows. The unit also issued 12 warnings and one inspection notice. Unit members are reminding the public that the Traffic Safety Act states that unless otherwise directed
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by a peace officer, when a motorist is approached by an emergency vehicle with its lights or devices activated, the motorist must immediately drive as close as possible to the right-hand edge of the highway, and not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Although not necessary under legislation, police would like to see motorists attempt to pull over and come to a complete stop so that police vehicles can pass safely. This makes it safer for every motorist while police are attending calls for service.
Your participation The Estevan Mercury and Southeast Lifestyles encourages readers’ contributions and written reactions to what appears on our editorial pages. Email responses
to our publications that identify the correspondent will be seriously considered for publication with the author’s permission, subject to normal editing processes.
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incarcerated, but I’ve not heard of wealthy tax cheats spending time in jail. The Liberal Party, like their predecessor Conservatives, seem to be following two standards of the law, one for common Canadians and another for the wealthy. William Dascavich Edmonton, Alta.
Where are the clowns now?
As Spring approaches it reminds us of New Life and Warmer Weather.
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those hard financial decisions. Surly losing the $40,000 stipend would be a hard pill to swallow for Mr. Wall on a personal level, but it would be a sign of good faith to show all Saskatchewan residents that he is the first to take any kind of cuts in hard financial times. Donald Neuls Coppersands, Sask.
Spayed and neutered pets are much happier pets.
The Estevan Humane Society reserves the right to refuse any adoption.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
COUNCIL BRIEFS
NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 13 REGULAR MEETING OF ESTEVAN CITY COUNCIL
Street lights approved for Fourth Avenue South It appears that a poorlylit part of the city could soon have some streetlights. Estevan city council approved the purchase and installation of a transformer and 14 new streetlights on Fourth Avenue South from Perkins Street to Jenson Road during their meeting on Monday night. Jenson Road is home to the Estevan Humane Society’s animal shelter. Lights will be spaced 45 to 50 metres apart. The price quote from SaskPower calls for the lights to be on wooden poles, and it would cost an additional $9,000 for the lights to be on steel poles. The street lights were not included in the budget, but council believes lights should be installed this year. Council also expressed a desire to have lights on Fourth Avenue South all the way to Woodlawn Regional Park, but they recognize it would likely be cost-prohibitive. Councillor Shelly Veroba, who lives in the
area, voiced her support for streetlights. “It is a hardship for anyone that’s walking,” said Veroba. “My neighbours and people in that area have often said they would love to walk to Woodlawn Park, but they often can’t because it’s so dark.” Veroba noted the humane society has a hard time walking its animals, especially at this time of year, because of the limited hours of daylight. Councillor Dennis Moore added that he has often wondered why there isn’t more lighting on Fourth Avenue South, since it is a popular area for walkers, and he is looking forward to seeing some lights installed. *** Four building permits worth $359,000 were issued in January. One was a commercial permit worth $120,000. The other three were miscellaneous permits worth $239,000. *** Council gave first read-
ing to a bylaw to set the water utility rates this year. As discussed earlier this year, residents will face a five per cent increase for consumption rates. Members also gave second and third readings to the bylaw for the health levy. The levy will raise $290,000
this year, with $240,000 earmarked for the city’s contribution to Estevan’s new regional nursing home. The remaining $50,000 will go towards the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. City manager Jeff Ward said the health levy will be needed until 2020.
*** Second and third reading was given to a bylaw to allow for a commercial recreation area to be built in the 500-block of Fifth Street. Council was seeking the public’s opinion on the proposal, but didn’t receive any opposition, and
nobody showed up at Monday night’s meeting to voice their opposition. *** Also, council gave first reading to the Estevan Arts Council bylaw. Mayor Roy Ludwig said this document is an updated version of the previous bylaw.
Police seize marijuana and cash Members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) seized marijuana and a small amount of cash during a drug bust on Feb. 11. The Drug and Intelligence Unit, along with the Criminal Investigations Division and patrol officers, executed a search warrant at about 4:30 p.m. in the Valleyview area. Two males and three females were located in the residence. “A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of 133 grams of marijuana, a small amount of a derivative of marijuana known as shatter, cannabis hard candy,
a marijuana plant, approximately $800 cash and other items used for the sale and distribution of marijuana,” said police Chief Paul Ladouceur. When the officers conducted the search warrant in the residence, Ladouceur said an officer was bit by a dog. The officer was taken to hospital for a treatment, and was released that evening. As a result of the investigation, Trevor Sorensen, a 20-year-old Estevan man, has been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis resin for
the purpose of trafficking, possession of unlawfully produced cannabis marijuana and possession of property obtained by crime. He made his first court appearance on Feb. 13. Another male was charged with violating his release conditions during the arrests. The other three people were released without charges. Ladouceur stressed that while the federal government is moving to legalize marijuana, it remains an illegal drug for now. “When and if marijuana
is legalized, it will not be legal for everyday citizens to run trafficking operations out of their homes,” said Ladouceur. As long as marijuana is included in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Ladouceur said the EPS will continue to enforce it.
60-andOver Club report Submitted by Shirley Graham “What is your age?” the attorney asked in the courtroom. “Remember, you are under oath.” “Twenty-nine years and some months,” she replied in a loud, clear voice. “How many months did you say?” shouted the lawyer. “Two hundred and fifty,” she answered in a quiet voice. The bridge winner for the week of Feb. 6 was Doris Heidinger. Carrie Leptich was second and Helen Parish came in third. Arnold Jahn was the winner in cribbage. Edmund Schell finished second and Betty Daniels was third. So you want the day off? Let’s take a look at what you are asking for. There are 365 days per year available for work. There are 52 weeks per year, and you already get two days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work. Since you spend 16 hours each day away from work, you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available. You spend 30 minutes each day on a coffee break, which adds up to 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days remaining. With a onehour lunch period each day, you have used up another 48 days, leaving only 22 days available for work. You normally spend two days per year on sick leave. This leaves you only 20 days for work. There are five holidays per year, so the available working time is down to 15 days. You receive 14 days of paid vacation per year, which leaves you only one day available for work, and we’ll be damned if you’re going to take that day off.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Busy At Play Tucker Garagan kept himself occupied with the toy dinky-cars at the Estevan Family Centre’s open house event, on Feb. 9. Many children and their parents dropped by the Family Centre to celebrate its 15th anniversary with cake, activities and crafts. Photo by Sam Macdonald
After Five Club seeking more members room at the Derrick Motor Hotel, as many as 200 women would attend. While the club has gone through many changes in venues over the years, some of the same members regularly attend. It’s estimated the average age of guests is about 40. A guest speaker from Manitoba in the fall of 2015 expressed the feeling the Estevan club was one of the younger groups she had spoken to. Over the past 10 years, the local attendance has hovered around the 60 mark. In December, Melville author Susan Harris spoke to about 20 ladies at a supper meeting. The weather played a factor as did the economy. Many members
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have moved from the area. Harris travelled the Saskatchewan circuit of RSVP along with singer/ song-writer Rachel Dancsock from Esterhazy who performed Christmas favourites as well as delivering her comments on how enjoyable it was to be among a warm, welcoming group of women who had a strong connection with one another. In January attendance improved with 26 women enjoying the meal. Doug Barnstable and Dan Jenish from Estevan’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity made a presentation regarding the local project and ended their informative session with a question and answer session. Contributions such as
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The Estevan After Five Club has experienced a decline in attendance over the past two seasons. The club is a vehicle for women to connect and has been a part of the community for about four decades. The club is seeking new members. The club and similar clubs across Canada existed under the umbrella of Stonecroft Ministries for about 50 years. That name was refreshed in early 2016 with the launch of RSVP Ministries that features a series of educational and inspirational films designed to encourage ladies to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ. In the 1970s when Estevan’s club held their meetings in the conference
OF THE
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baking at the construction site, meant that donations can be made in all manner from older members as well. With the group struggling to find local performers, reservations co-ordinator Ronza Reynard set up a praise and worship singalong prior to a presentation by Delores Moskal from Ituna who engaged the ladies in her life story and the challenges involved in raising a hearing-impaired son, the breakdown of her first marriage and ultimately receiving healing in that relationship. Moskal worked for the same financial institution for decades and recently branched out as an independent financial planner. She shared the joy of becoming a grandmother to two little girls and is thankful the Lord has continued to bless her son with employment in spite of his disability and current difficult economic times. The next After Five
supper meeting will be held Feb. 22 at the Salvation Army Church. Shelley Boyes from the Second Chance Thrift Store will speak about her stores in Estevan, Carlyle and Weyburn and the reason for expansion. The musical guest, Darlene Bowen will provide saxophone numbers and the RSVP Ministries speaker, Bernice McNair from Prince Albert will address the group. She is a former teacher who has embarked on a new career. She holds an interest in old things and will share the changes that most impacted her life. The supper begins at 7 p.m. and tickets and reservations are available by contacting Ronza at 306421-7852. In March, the Estevan Humane Society will provide the local feature and later this spring, Debbie Anderson will share her
passion for painting. This past fall Estevanites have been blessed to find Anderson’s creations scattered throughout public areas. In May, Fay Harris from Whistle Stop Toys will speak about her new business venture. In June, another season will be wrapped up with audiologist Jacquie Mvula from Sun Country Hearing making the presentation. There are weekly Bible studies going on as well as a weekly prayer connection. Organizers would love to hear from local businesses, organizations and musicians who would be willing to offer a small portion of their time to speak about what is important to them and the community. The club’s co-chairwomen for the season are Theresa Beck, who can be reached at 306-461-8643, and Carol Knievel, whose number is 306-421-7940.
This week’s
New Arrivals Lees: Born to Jeff Lees & Grace Lees, née: Cowan, on January 14, 2017, daughter, Josie Alexa Lees, weighing 8lbs 3.9oz. Proud grandparents are Duncan & Val Lees, and Lyle & Anne Cowan. Proud Great Grandma is Fern Lees. Proud siblings are Christin, Kylee, Jackson and Hannah Lees.
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Deidra Alyssa & Reece Jackson Toner Bryan and Melina Shepley of Estevan are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Deidra Alyssa to Reece Jackson Toner, son of Clayton and Sharon Toner. Wedding to take place in Saskatoon in August of 2017.
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Estevan Mercury
Police charge a couple of impaired drivers during the past week The Estevan Police Service apprehended a couple more impaired drivers in early February. Police received a call through the Report Impaired Drivers line during the Feb. 6 night shift, regarding a vehicle leaving an establishment just after midnight. Police located the vehicle a few moments later on Kensington Avenue. The 28-year-old Alberta man was arrested and will face charges of impaired driving, driving over .08 and operating an unregistered vehicle. Officers also stopped a vehicle the following night while looking for impaired drivers. A roadside test was administered and the driver provided a sample that was over .04. The man received a three-day license suspension and his vehicle was impounded for three days. Police also issued a three-day driving suspension for a woman and impounded a vehicle for three days after a traffic stop on
Cundall Drive during the Feb. 11 night shift. In other recent police news, officers attended a dispute on the east end of the city during the Feb. 7 night shift. The matter is still under investigation. Police received a report of a white SUV hitting garbage cans as it travelled up a street. Police are still investigating and are looking for the public’s assistance. If anyone saw anything or has information, they are asked to call the police at 306-6344767 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anyone whose garbage cans were struck and damaged is asked to contact police. The EPS is investigating a Canada Revenue Agency scam call that came in during the Feb. 8 day shift. Police remind the public not to provide any information over the telephone. Officers are investigating multiple hit and run incidents that occurred through-
out the city during the day. Police dealt with a number of traffic bylaw complaints during the Feb. 8 night shift. One of the complaints involved a vehicle that was running for several hours in a parking lot. Under the bylaw, a vehicle can idle for up to 15 minutes. The fine is $250. Members also responded to an accident involving a vehicle hitting a deer. Police attended the scene, and noted that the vehicle sustained minor damage and the deer left the scene under its own power as it seemed to be uninjured. Police are investigat-
ing several complaints of mischief to vehicles that occurred that night. Officers are also looking into a report of a suspicious male who approached a female during the night shift. Members responded to a theft from a local business during the Feb. 9 day shift. The matter is still under investigation. Police received a call during the Feb. 9 night shift about a person in a local establishment who had brandished a weapon. Police attended and learned the suspect had fled the scene. Police conducted a search and the suspect was located and arrested. Police held the suspect in custody and he was taken before a judge the following day. He faces numerous weapons related charges, as well as a charge for breaching a court-ordered prohibition. Members are looking into a complaint of harassing phone calls that came
in during the Feb. 10 night shift. The matter is still under investigation. Officers conducted multiple curfew checks on people with court ordered conditions. Charges are pending against two males and a female who were not at their approved residences. Members responded to a report of an unruly patron at a local lounge. He left the premises in a taxi when police arrived. Officers attended to a local arena for a complaint of fans getting out of hand. On arrival, the fans had calmed down and no further police action was needed. Police attended to a complaint of an aggressive dog in the Trojan area during the Feb. 11 day shift. On arrival, it was determined that the dog had escaped from its yard the previous night and was cold but of no threat to the public. The dog was reunited with its family. While on patrol, police
were alerted to a motor vehicle collision involving three vehicles that had occurred during the previous night. The matter is still under investigation. Police responded to a complaint of suspicious male in the Pleasantdale area during the Feb. 11 night shift. A member of the public turned in a wallet to the EPS during the Feb. 12 day shift. Members identified the owner and returned the property. Members responded to a hit and run outside a local eating establishment during the Feb. 12 night shift. The matter is still under investigation. Officers responded to a possible impaired driving complaint. The vehicle was located and the driver found to be sober. Police attended to a complaint of two vehicles operating in an unsafe manner. The vehicles were gone when police arrived.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Eagles take six-point lead at McLeod Series By Jamie Harkins sports@estevanmercury.ca
The Weyburn Comprehensive School (WCS) Eagles battled back to earn a six-point advantage over the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs in the first leg of the 82nd annual McLeod Series held at WCS last Wednesday. It looked as though the Elecs might romp to a two-game lead in the best-of-four or total-point tiebreaker home-and-home series early into the second game played at WCS. The Elecs senior boys basketball team had just started off the night in front of a loud and intense crowd of hundreds of ECS and WCS supporters by capturing their first win, 79-75, on a Weyburn court during a McLeod Series game in years. The Elecs senior girls team followed the action by jumping out to an early 10-0 lead over the Eagles only to have foul trouble and a big first two-pointer by Weyburn turn the tides. “We were trying to get our nerves out and we just were passing bad and our shots weren’t going in because we were so excited,” said Eagles point guard Brynna Spence. “Once we got (a basket), I was like yes we can do it now.” T h e E a g l e s d i d n ’t score their first field goal until forward Payton Oberg drained a two from inside the paint with 2:16 to play in the first quarter. Twenty seconds later, Elecs starter Kourtney Kobitz tallied her fourth foul forcing her off the court and an Eagles run ensued. Weyburn brought the
score to 20-15 by the end of the initial 10 minutes and captured their first lead of the game 26-24 halfway through the second quarter on a deep three down the middle by Tiarrah Umbach. The Eagles took a 32-31 lead into the half before erupting for 24 points in the third quarter, including 16 from Grade 10 guard Hailey Neiszner, to take a 56-42 lead into the final frame. “We persevered and we just didn’t quit,” said Spence. “We found our groove and we knew how we could play and we just (did) it.” Jessie Smoliak, head coach of the Elecs senior girls basketball team, said the message to her troops after the one-sided third quarter was simply don’t give up. She said the loss of Kobitz, who normally scores 20-25 points per match, for the second and third periods and a few of their other starters at various points throughout the game hurt, but the bench stepped up, put in some good minutes and allowed the team to at least diminish the points against. Elecs Ruth Peacson played a big role in the last period comeback notching seven points in the frame. Three of Peacson’s points came on a basket from behind the arc with one minute remaining, which was followed shortly after by a Kobitz trey to make the final 71-61. The Eagles senior boys team didn’t show any nervousness to start their game against the Elecs jumping out to an early 6-0 lead highlighted by a steal, run and easy layup from
Sammy Wade jumps past Chantal Vogel, #4, and Payton Oberg during the second quarter of the Eagles 71-61 win over the Elecs in the senior girls game at WCS last Wednesday. Photo by Jamie Harkins. towering 6-foot-5 wing Paul Dionne. A steady parade to the foul line helped the Elecs to close the gap to 22-20 by the end of the first quarter and also move the Eagles away from their
usual game plan. “It’s not so much the team fouls where you’re on the line, it’s more in the psyche because we play a very aggressive type of basketball,” said Eagles
head coach Jacquie Williams. “The officials were very good both ways. They called it tight, but we just happened to get called more than Estevan. So, it makes your team play on
their heels and that was part of the difference in the game.” The Eagles came out flying in the second quarter pressuring the Elecs continually on defence and driving hard to the basket on offence. Estevan countered by scoring four threes in the frame courtesy of Donny Mortenson, Wyatt Haux and John Sasi, with two, to ride a 42-41 deficit heading into halftime. A strong Elecs defence led by 6-foot-8 forward Jack McGeough kept the Eagles at bay in the third quarter letting the away side capture a 61-58 lead by the end of the frame. The large and boisterous crowd filling the WCS gymnasium upped the ante in the final 10 minutes when the Elecs and Eagles traded baskets on route to Estevan’s 79-75 win. “We won our game based on how we played D and we’re lucky our shots were falling in,” said Sasi, who tallied 14 points in the win. “We didn’t let any (of the Eagles) players get in our head and we just kept our fouls (down).” The Elecs and Eagles senior girls teams tip off the second leg of the McLeod Series with the senior boys clubs following suit directly after at ECS on Wednesday night. The series stands at 43-38 for the Eagles, but the Elecs have won the past two McLeod championships. “It’s the same thing, but times two,” said Sasi, about what he expects to encounter in the rematch. “We’ve got to keep going, keep running and keep winning these games.”
Bruins fall in extra time to Wings By Jamie Harkins sports@estevanmercury.ca
The Estevan Power Dodge Bruins suffered a 4-3 overtime letdown to the Weyburn Red Wings at Affinity Place on Saturday night. Tu r n o v e r s p r o v e d the culprit as Red Wings centre Jacob Wozney and left wing Carson Rose each found the back of Bruins netminder Nathan Alalouf’s net in the final five minutes of the third period to briefly take a 3-2 lead. Bruins leading scorer Matt McNeil notched the equalizer on a shot from the faceoff dot that beat Red Wings goalie Carter Phair top corner with 1:14 remaining only to see Connor
Burk bat in an Ian Parker rebound 3:46 into overtime for the winner. “We got a point out of it and you got to keep playing to the buzzer,” said Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood. “But, at the end of the day, we got to eliminate the mistakes (so) we wouldn’t have been in that position.” Lewgood said the 2-2 goal by Wozney was the result of a clear giveaway at the blueline where their player had an easy out of the defensive zone, but instead tried to do more. He said the four combined third period goals, after the teams only potted two in the first 40 minutes, were the result of mistakes.
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“Both teams were better early on,” he said. “You play better defensive hockey there is not going to be as many chances and as the game went along (that changed). I thought late in the second period it got away from everybody and into the third it was wide open hockey.” The Bruins (31-151-1) second-game loss, following a 3-2 win at Weyburn’s Crescent Point Place on Friday, is their third straight against the Red Wings (23-23-1-4) this season in back-to-back situations. The defeat also prevented Estevan from capturing the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Association Viterra Division crown with a month still
Bruins captain Lynnden Pastachak races in on a third period breakaway while under pursuit by Red Wings defencemen Dylan McCabe, left, and Mike Eskra. Photo by Jamie Harkins. to go in the regular season. “We’re nine games left in the year,” said Lewgood. “Winning the divi-
sion against Weyburn on a Saturday night on home ice is fun, but it really isn’t that important a thing. The key
is playing good hockey and building toward a playoff run and using every game to get better.”
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Estevan Mercury
Wings stage third period comeback By Jamie Harkins sports@estevanmercury.ca
Chase Gedak races down the wing during the Bruins 2-0 loss to the Monarchs at Affinity Place on Sunday. Photo by Jamie Harkins.
TS&M Bruins confident entering playoffs By Jamie Harkins sports@estevanmercury.ca
Coming off a loss may not be the ideal way to enter the post-season, but the effort displayed by the Estevan TS&M bantam AA Bruins in their 2-0 loss to the Regina Monarchs at Affinity Place on Sunday left nothing more to be desired. “It feels good,” said Bruins defenceman Carey Levesque shortly after the game. “We almost had them. It’s just an empty net goal (to make it 2-0). It was a close
game.” The Monarchs (19-7-4) are led by 50-goal centre Davin Griffin and he made his presence known early by stealing the puck on a penalty kill, breaking to the Bruins net and deking to his forehand to try and beat Estevan tender Logan Nagel who rose to the challenge with a flailing pad save. Griffin added a few more quality chances on the kill, but he seemed unable to generate the same opportunities when playing five-on-five due to his Bruins shadow Turner
McMillen. With the score still 0-0 entering the third period, the Black and Gold made a few adjustments to limit Griffin’s prowess and create some chances of their own. Levesque earned the first about eight minutes into the frame with a shot from the point that Monarchs goalie Nolan Rae managed to save and smother despite heavy traffic in front of his net. We were “just moving the puck faster when they came behind the net because once we take it out they’re al-
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ways on us,” said Levesque. “I was just trying to drag it across the blueline and get the shot from the middle.” Griffin finally found the back of the net 10:24 into the third period when Noah Kuntz sprung him in alone and the high-scoring forward tucked the puck past Nagel’s skate and the post on an in-close deke. He potted his league leading 50th goal into an empty net with 11 seconds remaining. The Bruins (8-17-3) enter the playoffs as the ninth seed in the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League South Division standings and will face the eighth-place Notre Dame Hounds (8-17-3) in the first round of the playoffs. McMillen said the team has only one thing in mind moving forward, “Win.”
A late third period breakdown cost the Estevan Apex midget AA Bruins a stranglehold on a first overall finish in the South Saskatchewan Minor Hockey League (SSMHL) and a win over the Highway 39 rival Weyburn Streamline Oilfield Wings. The Bruins (28-4-3) gave up two goals in the final 4:07 of the third period to draw 4-4 against the Wings (25-6-4) at Affinity Place on Sunday. The tie moves the Black and Gold one point ahead of the Yorkton Kinsmen Terriers (27-44) for first place overall with each club having one game left to play in the regular season. “It’d be an excuse if you said (fatigue) played a factor,” said Bruins head coach Blake Jamieson, whose team rattled off wins in Wilcox against the Notre Dame Hounds and at Affinity Place versus the Melville Millionaires in the previous 48 hours. “Just mistakes on the penalty kill cost us twice tonight.” Bruins centre Dalton Schrader opened the scoring against the Wings seven minutes into the first period by driving to the net off an offensive zone faceoff and wiring the puck five hole on Weyburn goaltender Josh Dubiel. The Wings battled hard for the equalizer through the remainder of the frame and the early part of the second period with Mitchell McDonald enjoying a quality opportunity on a short-side attempt along the goal line late in the first stanza and Luke
Niemegeers almost finding the back of the net on a blast from the point early into the middle frame. A strong Bruins power play helped put the game further out of reach thanks to a shot from the half wall by Jacob Palmer that found its way through Dubiel 5:24 into the second period. Red Wings forward Rhett Nikolejsin answered shortly afterwards deflecting a centering pass from McDonald between Bruins goalie Ethan Veroba’s legs at the 8:29 mark before accomplishing the same feat off a Jake Roettger shot from the point with less than five minutes remaining in the period and his team enjoying a man advantage opportunity. Bruins wing Liam Rutten got his team back into the lead by banging home a rebound with the Black and Gold on a power play late in the second period before Schrader notched his second of the night a little over two minutes into the final stanza to restore the two-goal advantage. The 4-2 Bruins lead looked like it would hold until Braden Birnie and Nikolejsin, on the power play, once again tied the contest late. The Terriers can take the lead back in the SSMHL standings with a win over the Lumsden/Bethune Lions (8-21-2-0-2) on Thursday, so the Bruins may need a victory over the Millionaires (20-9-3-0-3) on Friday at the Horizon Credit Union Centre to capture first place. “We want first,” said Jamieson. “If we win on Friday we get first place, if we lose we get second. Simple stuff.”
www.estevanmercury.ca
February 15, 2017 B3
Panthers rally for huge win over Lions By Jamie Harkins sports@estevanmercury.ca
The Estevan Power Tech midget AA Panthers fought back from a midgame one-goal deficit to beat the Parkland Lions 5-2 at Affinity Place on Sunday. The win vaulted the Panthers (15-4-9) into first place in the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League (SSFHL) standings on the final day of the regular season. A tie by the Regina Capitals (15-5-8) later that evening ensured that Estevan would finish in the top spot. “We really wanted it,” said Panthers left wing Marci LeBlanc. “We pulled through and stepped it up a bit because we knew this would tell us where we ended up in the league. Everyone put their minds to it and went for it.” Panthers rookie forward Kenzie Balon put the home side up early with a shot from the bottom of the circle that sneaked past Lions goaltender Cheyenne
Panthers forward Jasynn Monteyne lets a shot go before a Lions defenceman can put up a block. Photo by Jamie Harkins. Jamieson at the 2:31 mark of the first period. Hard work along the boards and con-
tinually battling for loose pucks by LeBlanc led to two straight power play op-
portunities for the Panthers in the first half of the second period, but the girls weren’t
Cadets Take To The Ice Estevan cadets LAC Michael Fornwald, left, and Janna Cinnamon, right, sweep, while F/ Sgt. Rabari Jay follows his shot. Estevan’s air cadet squadron, 30 RCACS Wylie-Mitchell, hosted a zone curling bonspiel on Saturday at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. Six squadrons from throughout southeast Saskatchewan attended. Photo by Brian Zinchuk.
able to develop a strong set up or generate quality chances. Lions forward Taylor Halarewich tied the game 11:24 into the middle frame on a shot from the hashmarks that beat Panthers netminder Morgan Fayle blocker side. Mackenzie Lasch made it 2-1 Lions 32 seconds later by tapping in a cross-crease pass from Rachel Pankratz. “Coaches always say they want 60 minutes, but let’s be honest it’s very hard to play a full 60,” said Panthers coach Trevor Morrison. “So, you just got to play as smart as you can and yeah we had a little bit of a dip in the game, but the good thing is we didn’t quit.” The Panthers stepped up the pressure on the Lions following the goal resulting in a Karli Colpitts tying marker with 4:09 to play in the second period. Panthers centre Michaella Matthies scored the game winner just under two minutes into
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the third period by potting a rebound into the low corner of Jamieson’s net. Morgan Haygarth and Ireland Biette provided the insurance goals. The first place finish sets the Panthers up for a one-versus-eight first round series against the Notre Dame Hounds (321-4). Game dates have yet to be scheduled. “We’re hoping that we’re good,” said LeBlanc. “Obviously we want to bring (a championship) home.” The Panthers are also set to begin their Saskatchewan Hockey Association two-game total-point playoff series. Estevan starts provincials this Thursday in Wilcox against Notre Dame with the teams set to meet again at Affinity Place on Feb. 22. “It should a sellout, our provincial game,” noted Morrison. “Because Jason LeBlanc will be singing O’Canada.”
B4 February 15, 2017
Estevan Mercury
Elecs finish third at Energy City Invitational sports@estevanmercury.ca
The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs senior boys basketball team beat the Yorkton Sacred Heart School Saints 89-84 to capture third place at the Energy City Invitational basketball tournament at ECS on Saturday. Wyatt Haux, a Grade 12 forward for the Elecs, said the team was executing well on both sides of the court against the Saints. He said they were moving their feet and found a few guys on the opposition that they could key on offensively, but they also stepped up their defence in the second half to pull ahead. “ We k n e w t h e r e w a s a (Saints) player who was hitting his shots,” said Haux, in reference to Yorkton guard Grady Hawkins. “We put our best defender on him and just tried to keep the ball out of his hands.” The Elecs and Saints both came hard out of the gate with each team exchanging baskets. Saints forward Noah Clarke gave his side a bit of a cushion late in the first quarter by hauling in an offensive rebound and scoring off a jumper in the paint before Hawkins hit his first of six treys on the night to make the score 23-21 heading into the second quarter. Hawkins started the frame the same way he left off the first quarter with Haux responding shortly after with a drive to the basket and roll off the glass. The Yorkton wing ended the backand-forth stanza with another score from behind the arc to give the Saints a 39-36 lead at the half. The Elecs found their groove in the third quarter with guard
John Sasi draining a three 10 seconds in and again 1:10 in to give the Blue and Red a 42-39 advantage. Elecs guard Heaven Cabiluna then took over in the Saints zone hauling in offensive rebound after offensive rebound before quickly dishing off the ball to his teammates for open looks. Hawking went back to work late in the frame with the Elecs seeming ready to pull ahead by nailing three straight threes including a buzzer beater at the corner to bring his team within two points at 60-58. Elecs forward Donny Mortenson, Haux and Sasi kept the pressure up in the fourth quarter with each driving to the basket including eight straight points from the paint by Haux with the clock running down. “We had boys moving their feet, so that helped us,” said Haux. “We had a couple of guys who we found we had an advantage on the other team and we used that, so that really helped us in finding their weaknesses. We really drove against that and it helped us with the win.” The Energy City Invitational came between the two legs of the 82nd annual McLeod Series between the Elecs and the Weyburn Eagles, but Haux said there were no issues with fatigue or lack of concentration with their team. He said the tournament games gave them some practice and time to work out a few new strategies to beat the Eagles in the second half of the McLeod Series at ECS on Wednesday. “We were practising a couple of different offences over this tournament,” he said. “It’s some that they haven’t seen yet, so we got some surprises for them.” Elecs forward Donny Mortenson goes up for a basket against the Saints. Photo by Jamie Harkins.
Sun Country Regional Health Authority NOTICE of MEETING WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 WHERE: Conference Room I, Tatagwa View 808 Souris Valley Road, Weyburn, Sk. TIME: 1:30 P.M. • The Regional Health Authority (SCRHA) is the governing body of your Health Region, and conducts its regular business meetings in public. • Strategic Planning – Wall Walk at 1:30 p.m. • Individuals or groups of individuals requesting a meeting with SCRHA must send their request in writing 10 days prior to the meeting stating the purpose of the meeting and the time required. Send to Sun Country Regional Health Authority, 808 Souris Valley Rd., Weyburn, SK, S4H 2Z9 or to Lesley.Chapman@schr.sk.ca
EARLY DEADLINES As Monday, February 20th is
Family Day
We will be CLOSED to mark the statutory holiday which will result in CLASSIFIED & DISPLAY ADVERTISING DEADLINE CHANGES for the
FEBRUARY 22, 2017 ISSUE Classifieds - Noon Thursday, February 16 Display - 5 pm Thursday, February 16
SOURIS MOOSE MOUNTAIN CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION March 28, 2017 is the deadline to purchase a membership to vote in the Leadership Election to select the leader of the CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA. $15 personal cheque for one year, $50 for 5 year membership. Box 81 Estevan, Sask S4A 2A2 • (306) 634-9324
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February 15, 2017 B5
Vipers gut out win over Ice Cats By Jamie Harkins sports@estevanmercury.ca
The Estevan peewee A Vipers held on for a 1-0 win over the Swift Current Ice Cats at the Civic Auditorium on Saturday. “We didn’t really come out to play like we have the last probably two or three games,” said Vipers manager Brent Olfert. “We’ve been working on our conditioning in practice and it showed the last two or three games, but today it just wasn’t there. You could tell right from the start that maybe the girls were lacking a little, so I guess they gutted it out and found a way to put one in the net.” The Vipers controlled the play early in the game, but it was Swift Current’s Alexandra Johnson who enjoyed the first good opportunity by using a blown tire by Estevan defenceman Kiley Davis to break in alone down the wing and fire a shot that sailed over the net. Davis made up for the stumble leading two strong rushes into the Ice Cats zone early in the second period. Vipers left wing Caydence Chapman put the home side up 1-0 with 2:35 remaining in the frame by batting in a loose puck at the side of Ice Cats goalie Aurora Van Wormer’s net. Swift Current stepped up the pressure at the beginning of the third period with Johnson
Vipers right wing Hannah Terrett fires a shot on the Ice Cats net. Photo by Jamie Harkins. notching the first opportunity on a top-of-the-crease tip that dinged off the post before Rio Runcie earned a chance driving to the net off an opposition zone faceoff, but Vipers netminder Chloe Sorenson refused to be beat. “These guys play us good,” said Olfert. “They’ve got a few good solid players and they don’t quit. If we don’t put the puck in the
net it’s going to be a long game, but we got one and we were able to do enough to hang on.” Olfert said the Vipers (14-4-2) may see the Ice Cats (8-11-1) again in the second round of the playoffs depending on the outcomes of Swift Current’s opening round series against the Weyburn Young Fellow Gold Wings (4-15-1) and the
Swift Current Fire Cats (9-83) series against the Parkland Fire (3-15-2). The Vipers own a bye in the first round of the post-season thanks to a second place finish in the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League. The Vipers next sched-
uled game comes Feb. 25 when the team completes their two-game total-point Saskatchewan Hockey Association south semifinal series against Regina. The Vipers won their first match against Regina 4-1 late last month.
“We basically have a week-and-a-half off before that provincial game, so we were looking to maybe pick up an exhibition game,” said Olfert. “We might just practise twice each week and try to get our conditioning rolling again.”
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Prairie Teams Advance To Western Canada League Finals Prairie under-14 boys water polo team player Ethan Elliot takes a shot on net during a game at Regina’s Lawson Aquatic Centre earlier this month. The Prairie U14 boys team, which includes Estevan Sharks Cameron Gillingham, Elliott, Logan Marshall, Dylan Pryznyk and Dierks Milford, went 2-2 at the Queen City competition. As a result, the boys improved their National Championship League record to 7-3-2 guaranteeing the team a spot at the Western National Championships in Calgary from May 12 to 14. The Prairie U14 girls team that includes Sharks Josie Andrist, Alex Andrist, Charlotte Andrist, Maria Baniulis, Mikayla Hack and Abbygael Birnie on its roster competed in Regina as well. The girls went 3-1 at the competition to also secure a spot at the Western National Championships. Submitted photo.
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B6 February 15, 2017
Estevan Mercury
Belting It Out Jessica Young performs a series of radio-era tunes that served to set the mood for Living Hope Community Church’s production of The Death of Me, a play by author Norman Foster done in the style of an old-fashioned radio show. The one-act production was performed on Feb. 11, featuring talents of many members of the Living Hope congregation. Photo by Sam Macdonald
Holy Family discusses new purchase card, upcoming changes to systems By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercuy.ca
The members of the board of education for the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division discussed the process of implementing a provincial purchase card provided by the Bank of Montreal
at their Feb. 8 meeting at Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur. “At the provincial level, and ministry level, they are looking at efficiencies all over the place and one of the proposed efficiencies coming out of the education sector plan is that we should consider using one
common purchase card for the province,” said director of education Gwen Keith, in a call with the Mercury. A province-wide purchase card would supplant numerous cards currently being used in the division. Keith said the board has been researching the implications of implementing a provincial purchase card, and how those implications would be felt at all levels in the education system. Much of what the
board spoke about pertained to recent information on the matter members received from the education sector plan, prior to their meeting in Estevan. “We hope to take a motion to the board in our March meeting, to look at option of a provincial purchase card,” said Keith. “The sector plan and the team working in that particular area of efficiency has named a card to have a look at, and we have to look at all
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the steps needed in place, to execute that plan in our school division.” Keith noted that the planning work on how to set up a provincial purchase card for the division is set to be done at the management level. She added, “We are waiting for more details. I haven’t got the implementation ready for us in the school division.” Keith said the board is in the midst of “the waiting game,” concerning the province’s upcoming plans for transformational change in the education system. “We don’t know exactly what action the minis-
ALAMEDA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY is looking for
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try is taking, yet. We know that we’ve been told by one source that the transformational change will come by at least March 22, when the provincial budget comes out,” said Keith. “That might change depending on what progress the government has made by then.” Keith noted the board has a position, and are currently waiting for further information, to help plan the next steps it will take. She added, “We’re strategic in what we’re doing. We can only process the information we have, and look at what we can do with that.”
Email: grimessales@sasktel.net Fax: 306-487-2560 WOMEN OF TODAY A W A R D S
19th Annual – 2017 Growing Our Community
Energy
B7
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Southeast dominates modest Crown land sale for producers The Estevan and Weyburn area once again led the way in terms of bids for Crown land at the Feb. 9 public offering for petroleum and natural gas rights. The sale brought in a modest $1.7 million, bringing the 2016-17 fiscal year land sale total income to $50 million. Ten of the 14 leases that were up for bids in the southeast area of the province were purchased for $951,481.92, an aver-
age of over $753.50 per hectare. This compares to over $12 million in sales in the southeast during the December 2016 sale, with an average of just under $2,298 per hectare. During this last public offering of the fiscal year, four leases located north of Lampman received bonus bids totalling just over $537,000 for 583 hectares featuring prospective multiple targets including the Midale and Frobisher-
Alida Beds of the Madison Group as well as the Bakken Formation. The top purchaser of acreages in the Estevan area was Stomp Energy Ltd., who spent $275,439 to acquire two leases. They also paid the top price for a single lease, at $665,262 for a 194.25 hectare parcel within the Viewfield Bakken Pool, 10 km. north of Lampman. Fire Sky Energy Inc., paid the highest dollar per
hectare when they spent just over $1,673 per hectare for a 97.13 hectare parcel located in the West Kingsford Midale Beds Oil Pool, 20 km. north of Estevan. The second busiest area in terms of purchases was the Lloydminster region where six of the 10 leases were picked up for just over $422,000 in bonus bids. The Kindersley region was third in terms of total bonus bids, with 11 of 12
leases up for bids, being taken for a total of slightly more than $257,460 while in the southwest region around Swift Current, five of 17 leases up for grabs were taken with a total sale price of just under $100,000. That meant 32 of the 53 total lease parcels were snapped up by bidders. There were no exploratory licenses offered in this sale. The average for all leases sold in the province
amounted to just over $307 per hectare, compared with an average of nearly $1,485 per hectare in the December 2016 sale. The highest dollar spent per hectare was received from Elk Run Resources Ltd, who paid over $3,201 per hectare for 48.56 hectares 15 kms. west of St. Walburg. The next public offering of petroleum and natural gas rights will be held on April 11.
Crude production hits record level The production of crude oil and equivalent products reached a record high in Canada in November of last year. The increase was attributed to synthetic crude oil production which was up by 17.5 per cent to 5.8 million cubic metres and non-upgraded crude bitumen which was up 9.8 per cent to 7.7 million cubic
metres. The production of light and medium crude oil was down, however, by 3.6 per cent to 3.8 million cubic metres and heavy crude oil production was also down 3.3 per cent to 1.9 million cubic metres. This maintained a continual and steady decline in recent months, said Statistics Canada in their February report.
Non-upgraded crude bitumen consisted of mined crude bitumen (6.9 million cubic metres) plus in situ crude bitumen at 7.4 million cubic metres minus crude bitumen sent for further processing (6.6 million cubic metres). Alberta produced 16.7 million cubic metres of crude and equivalent products which was up 8.6
Correction In the Feb. 15 edition of the Mercury, it was noted that Detective Trevor Roberts is the new canine officer for the Estevan Police Service. That is incorrect. The new canine officer is Constable Paul Chabot. The Mercury apologizes for any inconvenience this might have caused.
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per cent from November 2015. It accounted for 80.7 per cent of Canada’s total production. Saskatchewan produced 2.3 million cubic metres or 11 per cent of the total while Newfoundland and Labrador at 1.2 million cubic metres represented 5.7 per cent of total Canadian production. Input of crude oil to Canadian refineries totalled
7.7 million cubic metres with conventional oil representing almost two-thirds of the total. Light and medium crude and synthetic crude were the main types of oil used by Canadian refineries. Oil to Canadian refineries increased 1.2 per cent. Exports of crude oil and equivalents increased
13.5 per when comparing November 2015 exports to November 2016. The volume exported reached 16.8 million cubic metres, the highest level since January 2016. The vast majority at 87.2 per cent was exported via pipelines with rail, truck and marine transportation accounting for 12.8 per cent of the total.
Quality Controlled Safety Co-ordinated
FOR SALE BY TENDER HOME QUARTER FOR SALE
Oxbow & Carlyle • 306 483 2848 Halbrite • 306 458 2344 Waskada • 204 673 2284 Pipestone • 204 854 2231
Offers are invited for the land (no minerals; no buildings except as stated below): SE 28-11-10 W2, located in the R. M. of Fillmore No. 96 (159.62 acres) (1900 square foot house, 16,800 bushels grain storage, cattle shelters, watering bowls, 2 sheds, 2 dugouts plus well water, house has chlorination iron filter RO water filtration and 120 acres cultivated) For anyone wishing to view the property, an open house will be held on February 11th, 2017 from 1:00 to 5:00.
Providing Oilfield Services Since 1956
An offer may be made for the above land. An offer must be: - in writing with a certified cheque (payable to the undersigned) for 5% of the offered price as a deposit; and - placed in a sealed envelope marked “Land Tender” which reaches the undersigned by 10:00 a.m. CST Thursday, March 2, 2017 Balance of offered price is payable by cash or financing arrangements (satisfactory to the undersigned) when notice of intention to accept the offer is given.
A Schlumberger Co.
Cheques of unsuccessful offerors will be returned. The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Offerors must rely on their own research of the property to determine acreage, condition and assessment. If you have any other questions regarding the sale of the land please call Claude at (306)722-7408.
Hwy. 361, Lampman, SK
Donald G. Horner Horner Law Office 21 - 5th Street N.E. Weyburn, SK S4H 0Y9
Phone (306) 487-2525 Cell (306) 421-0528
306.634.2220 | DOWNTOWN ESTEVAN | www.towercafe.ca
Keep our environment looking
FOR ALL YOUR SIGN AND DECAL NEEDS
THE ESTEVAN MERCURY DRILLING REPORT
BK Creations • P.O. Box 992 • ESTEVAN, SK, S4A 2A7 • Ph: 306-634-2535 • email: info@bkcreations.ca
DRILLING LICENSES
68036 68588 68891 68761 68758 68802 68959 65261 65413 68882 68242 69032
Fifteen new licenses issued to Monday, February 13, 2017
Turnstone Hz........................................................................................................................................ 4-4-7-14 Turnstone Hz........................................................................................................................................ 9-5-7-14 Crescent Point Hz .............................................................................................................................. 2-29-1-12 Crescent Point Hz .................................................................................................................................. 1-7-1-4 Crescent Point Hz .............................................................................................................................. 13-20-1-4 Crescent Point Hz .............................................................................................................................. 8-29-3-31 Crescent Point Hz .............................................................................................................................. 12-9-2-14 Astra Oil Hz ........................................................................................................................................ 14-13-2-5 Astra Oil Hz .......................................................................................................................................... 4-24-2-5 Ridgeback Resources Hz..................................................................................................................... 12-6-8-6 Crescent Point Hz ................................................................................................................................ 2-34-8-8 Crescent Point Hz ............................................................................................................................ 13-10-1-13
68798 68952 68281
Crescent Point Hz .................................................................................................................................9-16-4-4 Torc Oil & Gas Hz .................................................................................................................................2-20-5-3 Burgess Creek Hz ...............................................................................................................................10-22-4-7
66857 67486 66453 63261 67849 68005 67900 66926 67331 67699
Precision 195 .............................................Crescent Point ...................................................................2-17-8-7 Ensign 360.................................................Crescent Point ...................................................................2-25-1-6 Horizon 27 .................................................Crescent Point .................................................................12-26-7-9 Betts 2 .................................................. Highrock Resources...............................................................9-14-6-7 Trinidad 428...............................................Torc Oil & Gas .................................................................4-31-7-30 Betts 2 .................................................. Highrock Resources...............................................................4-15-6-7 Stampede 2 ..............................................Fire Sky Energy ..................................................................4-17-4-8 Precision 195 .............................................Crescent Point ...................................................................13-8-8-7 Ensign 360.................................................Crescent Point ...................................................................1-31-1-5 Trinidad 423...............................................Crescent Point .................................................................4-21-2-16
RIG REPORT
Classifieds B8
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Auto MiscellAneous
In MeMorIaM
Wrecking over 250 units... cars a n d t r u ck s. L o t s o f t r u ck s. . . Dodge... GMC... Ford... Imports... 1/2 ton to 3 tons... We ship anywhere... Call or text 306-821-0260. Lloydminster.
Mobile/ Manufactured
Feed & Seed
Yellowhead Modular Home Sales
HEATED CANOLA WANTED!! - GREEN CANOLA - SPRING THRASHED - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS WANTED!! - BARLEY, OATS, WHT - LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!! HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252
New Canadian built modular homes! Guaranteed lowest prices plus early purchase incentives.
Birthdays
New floor plans for 2017 Single wide, Multi Sections, Lake House, Motel Units
Custom Orders Welcome We sell & service homes across Western Canada, On Site Consultation.
Birthday Greetings to Mabel Hacke at Mainprize Manor who is celebrating her 102nd Birthday on Feb. 17.- Love and Best Wishes. From all of her family
In MeMorIaM
Patrick Messer In Loving memory of our Father, Grandfather, Son, brother, Uncle, and Friend who passed away February 11, 2014 As I sit in heaven And watch you everyday I try to let you know with signs I never went away. I hear you when your laughing And watch you when you sleep I even place my arms around you To calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away Begging to have me homeSo I try to send you signsSo you know you are not alone Don’t feel guilty that you have Life that was denied to me Heaven is truly beautifulJust you wait and see. So live your life, laugh again Enjoy yourself, be free Then I know with every breath you take You’ll be taking one for me. Forever loved and never forgotten, love your sons, grandchildren,parents brothers and the rest of the family
Weekend calls Personalized Service
306-496-7538
www.yellowheadmodularhomesales.ca HWY #16 West of Yorkton (Sheho, SK.)
Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM
Business OppOrtunities
Hip or knee replacement?
Western Commodities
Other medical conditions that lead to Restrictions in Walking or Dressing?
877-695-6461 Visit our website @
The disability tax credit allows for a:
www.westerncommodities.ca
$2,500
Yearly Tax Credit
LAND FOR SALE
$40,000
Lump Sum Refund and Rebates
FARMLAND WANTED
For Expert Help
1-844-453-5372
NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS! SUMMARY OF SOLD PROPERTIES North - 10 1/4’s North East - 14 1/4’s North West - 12 1/4’s East - 57 1/4’s West - 50 1/4’s Central - 219 1/4’s South - 100 1/4’s South East - 46 1/4’s South West - 65 1/4’s PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND.
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
35 lines
In Loving Memory of Hazel J Neal Beloved Wife & Mother May 29, 1959 February 15, 2016 One year has passed since that day,When one we loved was called away. God took her home. It was his will But in our hearts she liveth still. Forever loved and deeply missed Husband Ron, Son Louis, Mother Theresa,Siblings Nora (Tom) & Family, EricFaye (Kim) & Family In Loving Memory of Mr. Bill Ryson Sept. 27, 1916 Feb. 12, 1994 Those we love we never lose, For they will always be loved, remembered and treasured. Always in our memory. Love Always David
Flin Flon/Creighton/ Denare BeaCh 20,000 person primary market HIGH INCOMES Tom Sernick 1937 - 2008 Nice years have passed, since you’ve been gone. The days flip by, our lives go on. Tenderly we treasure the past, With memories that always last. Love: Mary, Kathy, Terry,Cindy, Becky & Families
Coming EvEnts Antique & Collectibles Sale, February 20-26 during mall hours at Market Mall, 2325 Preston Avenue, Saskatoon.
HealtH ServiceS CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Attention Saskatchewan residents: Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. To l l - f r e e 1- 8 8 8 - 5 11- 2 2 5 0 o r www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment
Get
InvinvgoHlopveeTodda!y Gi
Visit
www.salvationarmy.ca to learn how you can become a volunteer
F
e e r
F R E E F R E E V E N D I N G M ACHINES & Countertop Profit Centers. Can Earn $100,000.00 + Per Yr. Retire in just 3 Years. Prime Locations Provided. Plus Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research. Full Details CA L L N O W 1- 8 6 6 - 6 6 8 - 6 6 2 9 W E B S I T E w w w. ve n d i n g fo rhope.com
ASHWORTH FARM & RANCH
For Sale - MiSc
14th Annual Bull Sale
WE WANT YOU!! Cando is currently seeking qualified candidates for various positions at customer sites throughout Saskatchewan. Visit our careers page at www.candoltd.com for more details on the following opportunities: Locomotive Mechanic/Locomotive Electrician Locomotive Engineers Railway Conductors Mechanical Railcar Repair/Railcar Cleaners Strong teamwork and communication skills along with a passion for safety and customer satisfaction are essential for all positions. Individuals must be in good physical condition, meet all site security and safety requirements and be able to maintain safety critical medical status including passing drug and alcohol testing. Top candidates will be able to hold and maintain CROR qualifications, and have experience working in an industrial switching environment. Please note the position title and location of interest on your resume. We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Cando Rail Services is a dynamic, employee-owned company that provides railway support services to industry.
For more details on this and other postings, visit candoltd.com/careers
To submit a resume: E: employment@candoltd.com F: 204-725-4100
For Sale - MiSc
Auctions
Adver tisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Adver tising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
LAND AUCTION VAL VEROBA, KELLY FLECK, DALLAS FLECK & SHERRY MOFFAT THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017 DAYS INN ESTEVAN, SASK. 7:00 P.M. Please join Mack Auction Company on March 23rd for your chance to own 12 quarter sections of prime farmland in the RM of Browning #34. There is over $60,000.00 of Surface Lease Revenue being sold with the land which is located in the center of the Lampman/Steelman gas and oil fields! For details go to www.mackauctioncompany.com or call 306-634-9512 PL 311962
HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1-866873-3846. New growth guaranteed. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Re a c h ove r 5 5 0 , 0 0 0 re a d e rs weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.
Parts & accessories GREAT PRICES on new, used and re-manufactured engines, parts and accessories for diesel pickups. Large inventory, engines can be shipped or installed. Give us a call or check us out at www.thickettenginerebuilding.ca. Thickett Engine Rebuilding. Ph. 204-532-2187 Russell, MB.
Run a classified ad in the
Reaching 5,200 homes on Wednesday and you can run the same ad in Friday’s
Monday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. Ashworth Farm Sale Facility (8 miles south of Oungre on Hwy 35, 2.5 miles east)
Offering 90 Red and Black Simmental bulls & Simm/Angus Bulls
Remember Your Loved Ones with a Memorial Tribute in The Mercury
Farmland for Sale, Benson RM 35, SW 1/4 21-6-9-2W2. 160 acres, 130 plus acres presently cultivated. Soil: Brooking DB.SZ, Gently rolling. Well farmed. Currently leased. Grain, Canola, Peas, Lentils. 2 oil wells 7.53 acre land lease by Crescent Point in the Bakken oil formation. .5 mile S of grid road 705; 7.5 miles W of Hwy 47. $253,600.00 Cdn. Contact Rick at rickzimmerman6@gmail.com.”
Career OppOrtunities
More than a job. Think career. Think ownership.
RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca
Call or Text Perry at 306-980-7090 for further information.
Livestock
Career OppOrtunities
For catalogues or more information call Kelly Ashworth (306) 456-2749 or (306) 861-2013 Kyle Ashworth (306) 861-9352 Owen Ashworth (306) 861-9044 Bouchard Livestock (403) 946-4999 or (403) 813-7999 View catalogue online at www.bouchardlivestock.com
REACH OVER 500,000 Saskatchewan Readers Each Week!
at
1/2 Price!
CALL 306.634.2654
Blanket Classifieds are carried in 74 community newspapers, which reach over 450 communities including 14 cities. P: 306-649-1405 E: classifieds@swna.com W: www.swna.com The Strength is in Community Newspapers!
A Welcoming, Healing Place
Help the development of Health Care in the Southeast Health Region by donating today!
Learn more about how you can donate at
www.sjhf.org
Place a classified word ad* in the Estevan Mercury and Lifestyles publications and receive a FREE Dairy Queen Cheese Burger meal (Value $7.00) CALL TO BOOK TODAY 306.634.2654 * Private party ad must run in both publications 2 times. No refunds and no cancellation.
www.estevanmercury.ca Parts & accessories GREAT PRICES on new, used and re-manufactured engines, parts and accessories for diesel pickups. Large inventory, engines can be shipped or installed. Give us a call or check us out at www.thickettenginerebuilding.ca. Thickett Engine Rebuilding. Ph. 204-532-2187 Russell, MB.
Career OppOrtunities MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today! Pe t e r ’s B r o s . Pa v i n g , s o u t h Okanagan paving company seeking experienced paving personnel (min. 3 years) for their highway division throughout BC. Relocation allowance may be available. Competitive wage $24.00 to $31.00 per hour plus benefits, full time seasonal. Please send resume to petersbros@shaw.ca
HEART & STROKE FOUNDATION OF SASKATCHEWAN
Finding answers. For life. www.hsf.ca
February 15, 2017 B9 Career Training
Council adopting new code of ethics By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
MAKE IT SPARK Get the skills you need to begin your career as an ELECTRICIAN or WELDER and be eligible to qualify for apprenticeship and trade-time credit. Seats are available in the Electrician (Biggar) and Welding (Rosetown) certificate programs. Apply by April 30, 2017, to be eligible for a $500-$5,000 Entrance Scholarship. Apply today at www.greatplainscollege.ca
or call 1-866-296-2472.
Be Kind to the Environment Please Recycle this Newspaper!
Estevan city council has taken the first step towards adopting a new code of ethics. Council gave first reading to an ethics bylaw at Monday night’s council meeting. The bylaw, which defines how council will act when dealing with municipal employees, the public and other members of council, is required for all cities in the province. “We took the drafted legislation from the province, and expanded it, to make it more stringent for Estevan,” said city clerk Judy Pilloud. It was also written to be consistent with the code of conduct policy for the city’s employees. The bylaw carries several standards and values. Council members will be truthful and open in their roles as council members and as members of the community. They will make decisions carefully, fairly and impartially. They will treat all people with respect. It also stipulates council members will conduct business and their duties in an open and transparent manner, except for matters dealt with in a confidential manner in a closed session. They will
refrain from disclosing or releasing confidential information acquired by their office, except when required by law or authorized by council. Members will strive to build and inspire the public’s trust and confidence in the government, and they will act in accordance with the Cities Act and other provincial and federal statutes. “This duty includes disclosing actual or potential conflicts of interest, either financial or otherwise, relating to their responsibilities as members of council, following policies and procedures of the City of Estevan, and exercising all conferred powers strictly for the purpose for which the powers have been conferred,” the bylaw states. “Every member of council is individually responsible for preventing potential and actual conflicts of interest.” The bylaw also includes clauses for employment incompatible with city business, the receipt of gifts and favours, contracts with the city, appropriate use of city services and resources and expectation of privacy for electronic devices provided by the city. If there has been a contravention of the code of ethics, an individual, organization or member of council can file the necessary paperwork.
“The complaint will then be presented to council at the next regular meeting of council in an in camera (committee) session,” the bylaw states. Council will discuss the complaint and take all necessary steps. If the claim is substantiated, council may impose a penalty, based on the severity of the contravention, which could range from an apology to removal from council chambers. Pilloud noted conflict of interest legislation has been enacted in many Saskatchewan municipalities ever since a high-profile case was discovered in the rural municipality of Sherwood near Regina in 2015. The provincial government expect they would have their draft conflict of interest legislation ready before October’s civic election, but the document wasn’t finalized until November. Council has until Feb. 23 to pass the bylaw, or the community will be governed by the Cities Act’s code of ethics, but Pilloud said the Cities Act document and the city bylaw are very similar. The final readings of the bylaw aren’t scheduled to happen until Feb. 27, so council might have to follow the Cities Act guidelines for a few days.
Obituaries Obituaries Merlin Stanley Skjonsby 1935 ~ 2017 Merlin was born on April 11, 1935 at Wadena, Saskatchewan and passed away peacefully on January 25, 2017 at Weyburn, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Aurilla Skjonsby; sister in law, Marion Skjonsby; uncle, Floyd Deal, Jr and brothers in law, Marvin Larson and George Rasmuson. Merlin grew up on the family farm at Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan and married Anna L. Rasmuson on July 19th, 1957 at Weyburn. Saskatchewan. They were married for 59 years and lived in Weyburn, Estevan and Stoughton and he enjoyed 52 years working in the oilfied in Saskatchewan. Merlin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Anna Skjonsby of Weyburn, SK; daughter, Shelly (Don) Mahaffey of Weyburn, SK; son, Ken Skjonsby of Weyburn, SK; son, Brian (Angele) Skjonsby of Estevan, SK; grandchildren: Jesse Mahaffey, Kelsey (Jeff) Krieger, Kaley Mahaffey (Adam Bue), Nicholas Skjonsby and Joshua Skjonsby; great grandson, Charlie Krieger; brothers, Wilfred (Mariann) Skjonsby and Darrell (Vickie) Skjonsby; sisters, Mabel Larsen and Darlene (Dalt) Lafoy; brothers in law, Raymond (Joyce) Rasmuson; sisters in law, Judy Rasmuson and Ruth (Duane) Ryan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The family of Merlin would like to thank Dr. Allan Fong, Dr. Philip Fong and Dr. Matiza; staff at Houses 11 & 12 at Tatagwa View; head nurses at Tatagwa View, Mellonie, Nastasia and Shane and Palliative Nurse, Jenny for the kind and loving care provided to Merlin. Thank you to Shelly, Don, Ken, Brian and Angele and all the grandchildren for their help during this time. Thank you to the many people who sent flowers, food, cards and visits. Thank you to Tamara and staff at Fletcher Funeral Chapel for their compassion and care. Thank you to Reverend John Ferrier for the wonderful service and to the Knox Presbyterian Ladies for the funeral lunch. God bless you all ~ Anna and family. A Private Family Graveside Service took place on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Reverend John Ferrier officiating. A time of fellowship followed at Knox Presbyterian Hall. Donations in memory of Merlin may be made to Tatagwa View House 11. Curtis James Bird 1926 ~ 2017 BIRD, CURTIS JAMES - Curtis James (Jim) Bird, 90, died on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 after a brief illness. Predeceased by his parents, George and Gladys Bird; brothers Mervin and Ray; wife, Bette (Cranna); and daughter-in-law, Karen Bird, he is survived by his sister, Marie Finishen; sons, Doug and Don (Marj); daughter, Janice (Bruce) Johnstone; grandchildren, Jonathan, Megan, Craig, Curtis, Neil, Keith, Gregg, and Drew; seven great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild. Born in Limerick, Sask., on May 20, 1926, Jim grew up in a number of small Saskatchewan towns, including Kelstern, Choiceland and Griffin, where his father was the Canadian Pacific Railway station agent. During the Dirty Thirties, he had his own trap line and hunted rabbits and gophers with his favorite dog, Brownie. It was in Griffin that Jim met the love of his life, Bette, whose books he used to carry home from school. They were married in 1945 and settled briefly in Regina, where Jim secured a job as a relief agent for the CPR. Jim got his first permanent job with the CPR as a night operator in Macklin, where Doug and Don were born. In Macklin, Jim played baseball and hockey and discovered his second great love, golf, which he played often and well over the next six decades. The Bird family moved around the province, to Pangman, where Janice was born, then to Southey, finally settling in Estevan in 1968, where he worked until taking early retirement in 1985. During those years, Jim learned and mastered several hobbies, including metal and wood-working, collecting time pieces and keeping physically fit, by exercising, walking, swimming and, of course, golfing. He also exercised his brain, reading voraciously and taking advanced educational courses well into his 80’s. After Bette passed away in 1998, Jim continued to live in Estevan, golfing, swimming, frequenting coffee row, and taking time to visit his children and grandchildren. The family would like express its gratitude to staff and residents at College Park II for their support and care for Jim during the last six months of his life. We would also like to thank Dr. Vermeulen and the staff at the Pasqua Hospital for their kindness during Jim’s final days. At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral service. His ashes will be interred later this year at Percy Cemetery in Kisbey, where his beloved Bette is buried. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be left atwww.orsted-carlylefuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Orsted-Carlyle Funeral Home Carlyle, Saskatchewan306-453-2400
Linda E. Godfrey 1942 – 2017 Linda Godfrey, late of Estevan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan, SK at the age of 74 years. Linda will be forever remembered by her 3 children, Steve, Sherri and Robin. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Ida May and husband Leslie. In keeping with Linda’s wishes there will be no service. Linda grew up in the small mining town of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. She moved to Toronto where she met Les, the boy next door. In 1971 they moved to Estevan, SK with their three young kids and she spent the rest of her life doing what she loved most, looking after her family. She enjoyed her life, her family (pets are family) and her neighborhood family. We are the people we are because she raised us. Memorial donations may be made to the Estevan Humane Society Box 1093, Estevan, SK, S4A 2H7. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan.
Kathleen (Kay) Elma Wilson 1926 - 2017 Kay passed away at Hill View Manor, Estevan, SK on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at the age of 90 years. Kay is survived by her children: daughter Patricia (Rick) Stevens of Sherwood Park, Alberta, and children Jeffrey (Kathy) Stevens, Michelle (David) Pruden and Greg Stevens; son Sandy (Marian) Wilson of Estevan, and children, Austin, Lindsay (David) Gilmour, Amy, Stephanie and Kevin; son Moray (Carol) Wilson of Estevan, and children, Teresa (Glenn) Willerth and Shannon (Corey) Kardash; great grandchildren, Christopher and Ellen (Marshall Wight) Stevens, Adam (Anna) Pruden and Joshua (Stephanie) Pruden; great great grandchildren, Shaylyn and Brianna Stevens, Brett Pruden, Nathaniel (Joey-Lee Rebelo), Emma (Saige Christenson) and Jeremy Dumaine, Karlyn, Sienna and Claire Kardash, and more to follow. She will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Kay was predeceased by her husband Guy and infant son David; parents, John and Margaret Simpson and brother Alexander. The Memorial Service was held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, Estevan, with Jason Richards officiating. A luncheon was held in the church auditorium immediately following the memorial service. Interment took place in a family ceremony at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, prior to the memorial service. Those so wishing may make donations in Kay’s name to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (Long Term Care), 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, SK, S4A 0H3 or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. Hazel Remona Sovdi February 6th, 2017 Hazel Remona Sovdi (née Richardson), aged 86 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away at 10:40 p.m. on Monday, February 6th, 2017. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Alma Richardson; brothers: Clarence, Lloyd and Chuck (Betty); sisters: Doreen, Anne and Eileen (Harry); daughter, Kathleen Mary; and great-grandson, Beau Beaulieu. Hazel is survived by her sister, Dorothy (Fred) Lake; brothers, Bill and Gerry (Kaye) Richardson from Windsor, ON her beloved home). Hazel is survived by her children: Stuart (Judy), Dwayne (Kris), Faithe, Donna (Ron), Shari (Cory), and Garth (Colleen); grandchildren: Melanie (Tyson), Kathy (Nick), Jason (Fusako), Lisa (Dylan), Steven, Nathan (Samantha), James (Alana), Shane (Ariel), Kristen (Matt), Lauren, Jared (Amie), Brendan and Kacie; great-grandchildren: Dre, Madison, Lyric, Ansel, Quincy, Emily, Summer, Elliana Faye, Brooke, and Wylde. Hazel’s legacy will continue here on earth – Mother, Grandmother, GG... We love you mom and so appreciate how you modeled love, forgiveness and readiness to meet your saviour, during your last days. You enjoy those streets of gold mom; rest in peace. A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, February 12th, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Larry Hasmatali officiated and interment will take place at Sunset Cemetery at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Hazel’s name may be made to the Music Ministry c/o Church of God, 50 Hochelaga St E, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0N5. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com Donna Catherine Selk 1960 – 2017 It is with great sorrow that the family wish to announce the passing of Donna Catherine Selk late of Estevan, SK on Monday, February 6, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the age of 56 years. Donna is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Gib Selk. Donna’s memory will live on with her children, Tyler (Jill) and their children Sylas and Zaia-Jayde, Brady (Danielle) and Carly (pet Nitro). Donna is also survived by her father Ted Fai; sisters, Kendra Fai, Jane (Mike) Moiarty, Jackie (Garry) Malaryk and Nickie (Bernie) Aumiller; mother-in-law Irene Selk; brothers-in-law, Doug Selk, Mark (Terry) Selk, Dennis (Joan) Selk and sister-in-law Heather Selk, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Donna was predeceased by her mother Lillian Fai; father-in-law Louie Selk; brother-in-law Murray Selk, sister-in-law Judy Selk and niece Jaelyn Malaryk. A prayer service will was held on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan with Bill Mann officiating. A Funeral service was held at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Estevan, SK on Friday, February 10, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Brian Meredith presiding. Interment followed at the Bienfait Cemetery, Bienfait, SK. A luncheon was held at St. John the Baptist RC Church, Estevan following the interment. Those so wishing may make donations in Donna’s memory to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, 200 – 4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, SK S4W 0G3. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, SK.
Bridal Guide
Jessi Henderson & Ryan Mittelholtz ................ March 9 2017 Jade Chipley & Ryan Biletsky............................. Spring 2017 Pam O’Handley & Dan McLellan .....................June 24, 2017 Jacine Styre & Jeffrey Leclair ..........................June 24, 2017 Mica Moreau & Winston Hunt .......................... Aug. 19, 2017 Ashley Mucha & Mitch Sinclair ......................... Sept. 2, 2017 Kaela Bonokoski & Scott Larter ....................... Nov. 28, 2017 To Announce Your Upcoming Wedding For Free Call
306-634-2654
From large weddings to smaller intimate affairs. E.B.’s Dining Emporium Let us look after the catering
can make your Special Event a Day to Remember!
104 Souris Ave., Estevan
306-634-2356
From large weddings to smaller intimate affairs. Let us look after the catering
B10 February 15, 2017
Estevan Mercury
Recruitment, cuts and successes contained in Sun Country reports Finding registered nurses to fill positions in rural health centres and extended care facilities in the Sun Country Health Region, is an ongoing challenge, said Marga Cugnet, president and CEO of the health region that covers southeast Saskatchewan. Cugnet was reporting to the regional health authority’s board of directors who had gathered in Tatagwa View’s conference room on Jan. 25 for a general business meeting. While recent physician recruitment efforts have proved successful, with the region being able to maintain a well-balanced level of family physicians to cover the region, for the most part, there are still areas of expertise, like nursing and physiotherapy where the recruitment efforts often fall short when it comes to filling jobs in the smaller centres. A growth in absentee hours, including unpaid sickleave hours, was also a worrisome item that has grown in recent months, she said. Board chairwoman Marilyn Charlton, noted the long term care plan for placements and residential care appears to be working with a lot of positive feed-
back being fielded now. “It’s working after taking some time to be fully implemented, it’s good to see,” she said. The vice-president of corporate and finance, John Knoch said the region is still operating with a slight surplus, the equivalent of about a day and a half of operations. He said when the provincial government decided to retain the Workers’ Compensation Board’s surplus, rather than have them delivered to the respective health regions, it meant an unbudgeted item had to be entered into the financial statement as a loss, rather than being shown as a surplus item. He also noted some positions have gone unfilled and are now considered to be “frozen” which will help balance the books while additional money had to be dispersed to affiliate facilities to cover losses, which now appear to be recovered
with all affiliates, including St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan showing small surpluses (about $26,000) after capital adjustments were made. “It’s all tighter than before, but it’s still a surplus,” he told the board members. Knoch added that monthly financial reports are now being submitted to the Health Ministry as the table is being set for a transition into one major health region to cover the entire province. A hiring freeze is in effect in some areas, Knoch reported. Cugnet added that food services at Tatagwa View, the long term care facility, and Weyburn General Hospital have been combined, which has led to some savings and efficiencies. The board members also voted in favour of the recommendation to reduce the number of long-term care beds in Weyburn’s Special Care Home from 90 to 70,
which will also lead to more savings. Cugnet said that when it came to the current budget (2017-18) there wasn’t much to report until the provincial budget was released, sometime in mid-to-late March, but she expected that due to the transformational change
decision, it would probably be a status-quo situation. Dr. Dimitri Louvish, vice-president for the medical community, reported on the various appointments and privileges that have been granted with no major issues. Some changes had been made for den-
tal surgeries and two new physicians will be starting practices soon in replacement for departing doctors and that would include a gynecologist for Estevan’s St. Joseph’s Hospital so that obstetrical services could return to a normal pace again.
No refugees crossing border in Saskatchewan In response to a series of media inquiries, the Saskatchewan RCMP issued an advisory on Feb. 13 regarding a potential influx of refugees entering Canada from the United States, seeking asylum at uncontrolled border points. The RCMP said they have not fielded any complaints in recent weeks of refugees crossing into the province anywhere other than at the official ports of entry (POE). Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for border security at all these ports. The RCMP said they have not received any complaints of refugees seeking asylum after crossing the border without first reporting at a POE. “We are certainly aware of what is taking place in other jurisdictions, including Manitoba and Quebec,” they said in a media release. The police said they are not in a
position to provide specific numbers, but could confirm there has been an increase in illegal migration overall, with the largest increase witnessed in Quebec. “Unfortunately, some individuals who are illegally entering Canada are not aware of the extreme weather conditions and geography they may encounter which can have dire effects on their well-being. This issue is of great concern to the RCMP and we are currently collaborating with our partners to determine the extent of this complex issue,” they said. The RCMP message went on to state that, “We encourage members of the public who observe any suspicious or unusual activity along the U.S. border to report it immediately to their local RCMP detachment. In Saskatchewan, the RCMP is part of an integrated Border Enforcement Team, made up of domestic and U.S. partners working together to address cross-border criminal activity.”
Your Guide to Area ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH
Sunday Worship and Sunday School
• 11:00 am
Jason Richards
EMAIL: stpaulsuc@sasktel.net Website: stpaulsestevan.ca
ALL are Welcome!!
GOSPEL CHAPEL ESTEVAN
1202 - 2nd Street Phone: 306-634-3761
“Holding fast the faithful word” Sunday:Worship 11:00 a.m. Tuesday: Prayer Meeting 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY SERVICES: Bible Study - 10:00 a.m. • Worship - 11:00 a.m. Evening Worship - Sunday and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
An Associated Gospel Church
1107 4th Street • 306-634-2074 • www.facebook.com/salvationarmyestevan
Faith Lutheran Church REAL LIFE
REAL PEOPLE
REAL GOD
Sunday Service at
10:00 am
Followed by coffee time
Bible studies on any subject can be arranged at your convenience. Please call us.
100 King Street, Estevan, Sask • (306) 634-8133 • livinghope-ca.org
Estevan Alliance Church
Trinity Lutheran Church
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Nursery & Children’s Ministries available during the service. Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 am
Children’s Clubs Wednesdays 7-8 pm
Friday Night Youth 7:30 pm (Gr 7-12)
140 King Street (across from Staples)
306.634.2601
www.estevanalliancechurch.com /estevanalliance
PASTORS: JIM KEDGE & WAYLON KLIX
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church Corner 12th Avenue & 2nd Street
Phone: 306-634-2190
Fax: 306-634-6845
Pastor: Father Brian Meredith MASSES: Saturday: 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.
ALL WELCOME!
www.estevangospelchapel.ca
CHURCH OF CHRIST TIM PIPPUS
10:30 a.m. - Sunday Service
Wednesday: Club DJ for kids 6:30 p.m.
306-634-2885 • 1418 3rd St. Estevan
1302 - 8th St., Estevan Office Phone: 306-634-3116 Email: estevan.cofc@sasktel.net
THE SALVATION ARMY Estevan Community Church
E.L.C.I.C.
Sunday Worship & Sunday School - 10am PASTOR STEWART MILLER
Coffee & Fellowship after Worship 738 - 2nd Street, Estevan Church Office: 306-634-5684 E: trinity.luth@sasktel.net Website: www.etlc.ca
Sunday Service 10:30 am Sunday school during service Nicholson Centre Pastor Dan Krauss Phone: 306-471-8130 All Are Welcome Faithlc.com
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 130 Souris Ave. N. Reverend Randy Kleemola Phone: 306-634-2024 email: st.peters@sasktel.net
www.stpeterslutheranestevan.com
Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. - Bible Study 10:30 a.m. - Divine Service with Holy Communion and Sunday School A Congregation of LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA
www.estevanmercury.ca
February 15, 2017 B11
Physicians see themselves as team players A recently released Saskatchewan Medical Association survey shows most provincial physicians believe they have the ability to help lead and redesign a health system that is accountable, provides better care and better value for the public. The survey was taken as the province moves toward a major change in health-care delivery, moving from 12 regional health regions into one province-wide system later this year. The survey found most doctors are outward looking, wanting to influence the system beyond their own practices (89 per cent). They also support a team-based approach to care with decisionmaking shared among other health-care professions, the survey shows. “Over the past year our members told us clearly that a fragmented health system was diminishing patient care and wasting resources,” said
Dr. Intheran Pillay, SMA per cent think Saskatchewan president. “Our survey con- doctors should be responfirms that these views are sible for using health-care more widely shared among resources wisely and 68 per the province’s physicians. cent indicated they have the We are keen to continue skills to help lead and redetalking with our colleagues sign the health system while about these issues, and are nearly all (98 per cent) think looking to work with the care is improved when deMinistry of Health, and other livered by teams working to key health-care stakeholders, maximum scope of practice. on how we can build a betAbout three quarters ter, more integrated health of the survey respondents system.” thought compensation methAlmost 650 doctors ods for Saskatchewan doccompleted the SMA survey, tors enables them to practise which asked questions about high-quality medicine. their views on team-based On the issue of accountcare, data and accountability, ability, the vast majority (88 compensation and physician per cent) think the profession participation in health sys- needs to promote public tem redesign. Respondents reporting on health system were mainly split between performance. specialists at 45 per cent, The survey also exfamily doctors (43 per cent) posed the fact that 86 per and students/residents (12 cent want to know how their per cent). The survey was practice compares with that HUGE taken between Jan 16 andEQUIPMENT, of their peers and 76 per RV, VEHICLE Feb. 5 of this year. cent use data from their Information that was practices to improve their released indicated that 87 performance.
Dr. Pillay said the survey also indicated a large number of doctors are reporting they are at risk of burnout, a statistic he finds troubling. One in two specialists identify as being at risk of burnout, as do two out of three general practitioners. “Burnout is a very real concern for physicians,” said Pillay. “The data we gathered here would seem to confirm that we have a large number of physicians who are managing, but are signaling a very high level of stress.
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role in the planning, management and governance of the health system to achieve shared responsibility and accountability for health system performance. The SMA represents the 2,300 practicing physicians in the province and negotiates for, and on behalf of, doctors and supports the educational, professional, economic and personal wellbeing of physicians and advocates for a high-quality and patient-centred healthcare system.
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a very large annual Equipment-RVwith very few cutting acres, Vermeer 2200 bushel Weststeel hopper bottom Vehicle Auction Saturday June 20, 2015 605L Series round baler with bale bin, 2- 1850 bushel Westeel hopper Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan, kicker and Vemeer updates, Degelman bin, 2200pasture bushel Westeelland Rosco hopper Here is your chance to own six quarter sections of fenced Sask 9:00 am. Consign Today!! A 14’ rock rake PTO drive, Degelman PTO bottom, Westeel 1600 bushel hopper in the North rock Portal/Northgate area. complete farm equipment dispersal picker, IH 5500 DT 28’ chisel plow bottom bin, 40 ton hopper bottom time rancher Harley Jahn! MF 850 combine, MF 90 5. NE-28-01-03-W2 fertilizer bin, SakundiakRM HD 7-1400 OF Lots 1 & 2 shareforalong common water Lots Up 3, 4, cultivator, 5 & 6 will be SP combined. for auction TW25 Ford FWA tractor with FEL and grapple fork, Spra Coupe grain auger with Onan 18 HP, Check on These four quarters are cross source and will be combined. This ENNISKILLEN #3; Pasture, FVA with dual PTO and 3PTH, DX 90 2WD for parts, 1997 Eagle Industries 24’ this ad each week for new additions to half section is located adjacent fenced share water 2016 Taxes $311.07 tractor with FEL and 5720 hours, 2002 and gooseneck flat decksources, trailer, 3 PTH yard 67,800, this large sale!!
Many physicians recognize this problem and are ready to work on solutions that will lessen the rate of burnout within their profession.” The SMA indicated they will now engage their members in further discussions about the survey results and the future as it relates to issues identified in the survey. The Saskatchewan Advisory Panel on Health System Structure Report, issued in early January included the recommendation to ensure physicians play an active
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WOOD COUNTRY Ph: (306) 634-5111 407 Kensington Ave., Estevan ESTEVAN MCLEAN TISDALE Shop online at: www.wood-country.com Winter Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 5:30 Saturday: 8:00 - 5:00 | Sunday: Closed
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311 Kensington Avenue, Estevan
www.murrayestevan.com
1-306-400-1375 Text or Call Toll Free
B12 February 15, 2017
Estevan Mercury
1102 4TH STREET• ESTEVAN, SK • 306-634-1800 Message From
The Mayor
Get ready for Spring. Look at snow removal from roof tops and any problem areas.
NOTICE OF BYLAW Animal Control 2005-1709 Section 18 (a) If a dog or cat defecates on any public or private property other than the property of its owner, the owner or keeper shall cause such defecation to be removed immediately.
City of Estevan Snow Removal Guidelines
Failure to clean up after your pet holds a fine of $50.00 for a first offence.
53(3) - “The occupier of property in the City of Estevan shall remove any snow, ice or other obstruction from the public sidewalk adjacent to such property within twenty-four (24) hours of the time such snow, ice or other obstruction appears on such public sidewalk. As an effort to keep our City sidewalks clean and safe for pedestrian use, we ask that you please attend to removing any snow / ice from the sidewalk adjacent to your residence within twenty-four (24) hours of snow fall.
Please keep our city clean and enjoyable; clean up after your pets.
GUARD/MATRON The Estevan Police Service is seeking applications for the position of Guard/ Matron. Successful applicants must be able to work independently with little supervision. The Guard/Matron will provide constant observation of persons who are being held in custody. Successful applicants can be called on short notice and at various hours of the day or night. Shifts vary from three to eight hours. Training is provided. Applications can be picked up at the police station or requested by mail. Estevan Police Service 301-11th Avenue, Estevan Saskatchewan S4A 1C7 306-634-4767 Requests by email are to be direted to: schartrand@estevanpolice.ca
34(1)(b) - No person shall park a vehicle on any street for a period more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours. Please move vehicles off the street to assist snow removal crews.
Economic Development Board Committee Members at Large Needed! Prosperity is a result of a coordinated, cooperative effort of many individuals and organizations in the public, private and civil sectors. Serving as a Member at Large will permit you to join in the exchange of ideas and information that becomes a part of our strategic plan and development as well as participate in the decision making process of this organization. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Economic Development Board Committee please submit a letter with your past and present experiences that would be relevant to this board and your qualifications that would help lead the community to: Jeff Ward, City Manager 1102 4th St., Estevan, SK, S4A 0W7 Email: j.ward@estevan.ca Applications will be considered and chosen at the discretion of the board of directors based on best fit for the Community Strategy and applications received.
City of Estevan Traffic Bylaw 2016-1963: Section 53 1. No person shall deposit any natural substances on any highway, public sidewalk, boulevard or ditch within the City of Estevan, excepting: a) On 4th Street from Souris Avenue and 14th Avenue where building is abutting the property line; b) On 5th Street from 13th Avenue to Souris Avenue where the building is abutting the property line; c) On 11th Avenue from 3rd Street to 5th Street where the building is abutting the property line; d) On 12th Avenue from 3rd Street to 6th Street where the building is abutting the property line; e) On 13th Avenue from the North side of 4th Street North 40 meters. 2. No person shall dump any substance on any highway, public side walk, boulevard or ditch within the City of Estevan. 3. The occupier of property in the City of Estevan shall remove any snow, ice or other obstruction from the public sidewalk adjacent to such property within twenty-four (24) hours of the time such snow, ice or other obstruction appears on such public sidewalk. In the event that this subsection is not complied with, the City may remove such snow, ice or other obstructions at the expense of such occupants or owner, and in the event of the non-payment of such expense, such expense may be charged against the property as a special assessment to be recovered in like manner as and with the taxes.
KIDS PROGRAMS: FAMILY ART A hands on arts and crafts program for toddlers aged 18 months and up. Parent participation is required. WHEN: February 16, 23 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 April 6, 13, 27 May 4, 11, 18, 25 June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 TIME: 10 – 10:30am COST: $2/family/session Pre-Registration is required KINDER CLUB Encourage creativity and artistic development in your kindergartener. For kids age 4-6. WHEN: March 1,7,15,21,29 April 4, 12, 26 May 2, 10, 16, 24 June 6, 14, 20, 28 TIME: 10:30 – 11:15 COST: $5/child/session Pre-Registration is required MINI ART CAMPS Keep your kids busy during their time off from school with these fun and engaging mini art camps. WHEN: February 22, March 24,
April 19, May 8 TIME: 9:30 – 11:30 Ages 7-9 1:30 – 3:30 Ages 10-12 COST: $15/child Pre-registration is required THE PINTEREST CHALLENGE Stop just pinning the crafts you see on Pinterest and start doing them! Each month we will create our own crafts that are trending on Pinterest. WHEN: February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29 TIME: 7-9pm COST:$25/person Pre-registration is required SOUTH SASK PHOTO CLUB Instructed by Jon Gillies, this monthly club is for beginner and advanced photographers alike. WHEN: February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30, June 27 TIME: 7-9pm COST: $25/annual membership Pre-registration is required
COST: $20 Pre-registration is required PHOTO TRANSFER WORKSHOP Participants will learn to transfer photos onto wood, creating their own personalized home dĂŠcor piece. WHEN: April 12 TIME: 7-9pm COST: $25/person Pre-registration is required LADIES NIGHT OUT Grab your girlfriends for a fun night of crafting and wine. Each month will feature different activities and events. WHEN: April 28 TIME: 7pm COST: $25/person Pre-registration is required CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Instructor Mandi Perry-Zohner will guide us in creating a variety of greeting cards for every occasion. WHEN: May 31 TIME: 7-9pm COST: $25/person Pre-registration is required
BEGINNER FELTING WORKSHOP Instructed by artist Sheila Farstad, this class will teach participants to manipulate wool into felt creatures, ball garland or wreaths. WHEN: February 28 GETTING STARTED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS TIME: 7pm & " $!( %/ Â
Contact Martina Veneziano to register. 118 4th Street Estevan, SK, S4A 0T4 (P)306 634 7644 (F) 306 634 2940 (E ) eagm@sasktel.net (W) wwww.eagm.ca
NOTICE OF WARNING With the snow being unstable, everyone please keep clear of all snow piles within the city.
SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S CONCERN
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Estevan Police (VWHYDQ 3ROLFH 6HUYLFH LV DFFHSWLQJ WHQGHUV IRU WKH VDOH RI WKH IROORZLQJ YHKLFOH Service is accepting tenders for the sale of the following vehicle. 'RGJH 5DP &UHZ &DE / 9 +HPL NPV :KLWH LQ &RORXU
2011 Dodge Ram 9HKLFOH FDQ EH YLHZHG E\ DSSRLQWPHQW RQO\ DW (VWHYDQ 3ROLFH 6HUYLFH WK $YH (VWHYDQ 6DVNDWFKHZDQ 1500 Crew Cab, 5.7L V8 Hemi, 180,465 kms, White in Colour. 'RGJH 5DP &UHZ &DE / 9 +HPL NPV :KLWH LQ &RORXU GXULQJ QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ D P S P 7R ERRN D DSSRLQWPHQW SOHDVH
9HKLFOH FDQ EH YLHZHG E\ DSSRLQWPHQW RQO\ DW (VWHYDQ 3ROLFH 6HUYLFH WK $YH (VWHYDQ 6DVNDWFKHZDQ Vehicle can be FRQWDFW &KULVWD *LQJUDV ([HFXWLYH $VVLVWDQW DW viewed by appointment only at Estevan Police Service 301-11th Ave., Estevan, GXULQJ QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ D P S P 7R ERRN D DSSRLQWPHQW SOHDVH Saskatchewan,7KH during normal business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. FRQWDFW &KULVWD *LQJUDV ([HFXWLYH $VVLVWDQW DW PLQLPXP ELG IRU WKLV YHKLFOH LV 7KH WUXFN LV LQ JRRG UXQQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ KRZHYHU LW GRHV UHTXLUH VRPH HQJLQH ZRUN DV LW EXUQV PRUH RLO WKDQ XVXDO ,W LV EHOLHYHG WKDW WKH HQJLQH KDV D VHL]HG YDOYH To book an appointment please contact Christa Gingras Executive Assistant at 306-634-1518. 7KH PLQLPXP ELG IRU WKLV YHKLFOH LV 7KH WUXFN LV LQ JRRG UXQQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ KRZHYHU LW WKDW QHHGV WR EH UHSODFHG RU UHSDLUHG 7KH YHKLFOH ZLOO EH VROG DV LV GRHV UHTXLUH VRPH HQJLQH ZRUN DV LW EXUQV PRUH RLO WKDQ XVXDO ,W LV EHOLHYHG WKDW WKH HQJLQH KDV D VHL]HG YDOYH
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6 $ & 7HQGHUV PXVW EH UHFHLYHG DW WKH (VWHYDQ 3ROLFH 6HUYLFH 12 /$7(5 WKDQ SP 0RQGD\ )HEUXDU\ Chief of Police Estevan Police Service WK 7HQGHUV PXVW EH UHFHLYHG DW WKH (VWHYDQ 3ROLFH 6HUYLFH 12 /$7(5 WKDQ SP 0RQGD\ )HEUXDU\ 301-11th Ave., Estevan, Sask S4A 1C7 WK 8QVHDOHG WHQGHUV WHQGHUV QRW SURSHUO\ FRPSOHWHG RU ODWH WHQGHUV ZLOO QRW EH FRQVLGHUHG Tenders must be received at the Estevan Police Service NO LATER than 4:30 p.m. Monday, February 20th, 8QVHDOHG WHQGHUV WHQGHUV QRW SURSHUO\ FRPSOHWHG RU ODWH WHQGHUV ZLOO QRW EH FRQVLGHUHG 2QO\ WKH VXFFHVVIXO ELGGHU ZLOO EH FRQWDFWHG 2017. 2QO\ WKH VXFFHVVIXO ELGGHU ZLOO EH FRQWDFWHG
Unsealed tenders, tenders not properly completed or late tenders will not be considered. Only the successful bidder will be contacted.