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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Issue 47

SERVING THE ENERGY CITY SINCE 1903

www.estevanmercury.ca

Mailing No. 10769 | Publication No. 40069240

Budget was bad news for the city

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

The City of Estevan is suddenly staring at a budget shortfall of more than $1 million, after the provincial government made significant cuts in its budget that was released on March 22.

Speaking prior to Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council, city manager Jeff Ward and Mayor Roy Ludwig said the city is still calculating how much money they will lose, but it’s expected to be a seven-figure amount.

The biggest issue appears to be the grants in lieu of property taxes paid

by SaskPower and SaskEnergy. The city was set to receive $900,000 through those grants this year, but that program was discontinued.

There has been talk in Saskatoon and among the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association about legal action, but Ward said a lot of those talks are in the preliminary stages.

“Saskatoon is suggesting that this money the government is taking isn’t theirs to take,” said Ludwig.

The City of Estevan is trying to determine if the grants in lieu of property taxes were for buildings or for other amenities, such as street lights.

Prior to the budget being released, much of the speculation was on the future of municipal operating grants (MOG). Municipalities receive the equivalent to one point of provincial sales tax revenues through the grants.

The pool for urban and rural municipalities was down this year, since the province collected less money through the PST, so the city was expecting a reduction in MOG revenues.

But thanks to the formula the province uses to allocate the funds, the city will receive less than they budgeted.

Estevan’s population went up in the federal census, from 11,054 to 11,483, which was a 3.9 per cent increase, but it was below the provincial average.

City manager Jeff Ward “It’s one pool of money, so proportionally we went up less than other cities, so our MOG grant went down substantially,” said Ward.

Ward said the city’s share of the MOGs will be between $200,000 and $250,000 less than what they expected.

A couple of other issues will also impact the city. The first is the education portion of property tax.

The government announced the schools’ share of property taxes would increase to an average of 40 per cent this year, although Ward said it could be higher than 40 per cent in Estevan.

He estimates it could mean a 10 per cent increase in school taxes for the average ratepayer.

The other issue is the government’s decision to slash support for the regional library system by 58 per cent.

“We have been contacted by the regional library that they’re asking for additional funds to avoid cuts,” said Ward.

The library is seeking $5.77 per person, which would translate to an additional $66,256.91 from Estevan. The city already has a levy in place to fund their commitment to the library.

Ward said he also wants to see how the elimination of the provincial sales tax exemption on construction services will impact the city. He believes it would be applied to building construction, but not on road maintenance.

Ludwig noted this is also a reassessment year,

which could further affect people’s property taxes.

The base date for the reevaluation of property values is Jan. 1, 2015, which was only a few months after the economic slowdown started.

“Now that the economy has cooled, the assessment will be based on 2015, so that will be another big challenge,” said Ludwig.

Council is now tasked will how to handle the shortfall, whether it’s through reduced spending or higher taxes.

“I think it will be a combination of both – cutting back wherever we can, but unfortunately some of this will have to be passed on (to the taxpayers), because we can only cut so much out of the budget,” said Ludwig.

Ward discouraged the

city from borrowing additional money this year.

The city’s debt is slated to drop by just $500,000 this year, since they had to take out a loan to complete work on King Street, and pay for the purchase of the former Murray GM building, which will be the new home for the Estevan Fire Rescue Service.

“You’re basically just borrowing more money to pay the province, and I don’t think that’s fair to the taxpayer,” said Ward.

Council briefly discussed the issue at Monday night’s council meeting.

Ludwig said they have a lot of information to take in, not just on the budget, but also with reassessment.

Councillor Greg Hoffort suggested council try to meet with Premier Brad Wall to explain the pending

Mayor Roy Ludwig hardships for the city.

“We fully recognize the need for the province to get debt under control, and we absolutely support that, but this is one issue that is going to seriously impact our city,” said Hoffort.

Hoffort also predicted meetings will be needed with the city’s manage-

ment team to discuss the shortfall.

C o u n c i l l o r Tr a v i s Frank, meanwhile, was critical of the government.

“We worked very hard to come up with a balanced budget this year, and now that’s going to have to be looked at again,” said Frank.

Council will further discuss the issue at future meetings.

It appears the Rural Municipality (RM) of Estevan won’t feel the sting quite as much. Reeve Terry Keating predicted they would suffer a minimal loss from the demise of the SaskPower and SaskEnergy money.

“RMs, basically, are at the bottom of the line in the pecking order, so I don’t see

Council ⇢A2

Carr defends the provincial budget

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

Estevan MLA Lori Carr said this year’s provincial budget was the result of a difficult process, but one the government had to go through due to the ongoing slump in resource revenues.

The 2017-18 budget was released on March 22, with a projected deficit of $685 million. Revenues are pegged at $14.17 billion, and expenses are forecasted to be $14.80 billion. The deficit is a little more than half of the $1.3 billion that’s called for in 2016-17.

“Because of resource revenue being down over a billion dollars a year for the past three years, we need to shift the way we think in the way we get our money, or the way we spend our money,” said Carr, who is part of the treasury board, and was therefore involved with the budget deliberations.

“So the decisions were made to make some cuts

Estevan MLA Lori Carr in places, and to obviously shift to getting revenue from other places.”

Resource revenues are great when they come in, she said, but they’re not guaranteed. If oil stays at $50 per barrel for the next five years, and if the government didn’t change its mindset, then Carr predicted the province would accumulate a debt of at least $50 billion.

“I don’t think that’s something the people of this province are willing to

accept, and for myself, it’s not the direction I want to see this province go,” said Carr. “I want our children able to spend their money, not pay off debt down the road.”

In the case of this year’s budget, it calls for $1.41 billion through nonrenewable resources, with $670 from oil and gas royalties. The average price of oil is projected to be $56.25 per barrel (West Texas Intermediate).

“We use the projections that come right from the industry,” said Carr. “They give us a high and they give us a low. That’s what we can only base our projections on, and they’re the specialists. Having said that, they have been wrong in the past, and we could have never predicted where oil prices would have dipped to.”

The government used an average price of oil in their projections for the budget.

It’s been nearly two years since the price of oil

was at $56 per barrel.

The exchange rate is to be 74.95 cents U.S. Carr said the treasury board was tasked with some tough decisions this year, including raising the provincial sales tax from five to six per cent, and eliminating the PST exemption for children’s clothing, restaurant meals, snack foods, insurance premiums, construction services and much more.

It was also difficult to scrap the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) bus service.

“I know people personally who use that service, to go back and forth to Regina, whether it be for a doctor’s appointment or to visit family or to catch an airplane, whatever it may be,” said Carr.

“But the subsidization of that service was just getting so high it’s unsustainable. It’s not like the ridership was staying consistent,

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Estevan Mercury

Regional education leaders respond to provincial budget numbers

By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercury.ca

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) and Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division are preparing for changes in finances in response to financial allotments entailed in the 2017-18 Saskatchewan provincial budget.

Lynn Little, director of education with SECPSD, said the board of directors and administration are still “digging into the intricacies, and each of the lines of what we received in the budget,” in a call with the Mercury.

Little noted that it is still too early to have any specific statements on how the division will respond to the budget numbers released last week.

Although the official operational reduction in funds to education across the province was 1.2 per cent, the reduction SECPSD will see is more like a three per cent reduction, equating

to around $2.7 million.

Chief financial officer Shelley Toth noted that this difference comes from interpreting operating funds through SECPSD’s funding model. What the division gets this year, compared to next year could change, based on projected enrolment in division schools.

“Based on projected enrolment, we are down three per cent from current year funding,” said Toth.

Little noted that another complicating factor for SECPSD is the fact that inflation will also factor into the amount allotted to the division, “so next year, (costs) will be higher than they were this year. We have to take all that into consideration, along with the previous deficit.”

Little noted that this year’s difficult budget follows on a similarly difficult one from the previous year, and that work continues within the division to rectify the issues arising from submitting a deficit budget,

Lynn Little last year.

“We’ve been working over the course of time, to find ways to address that and keep it, as much as possible, away from students and those on the frontlines,” said Little.

Little describes the work for the division in the coming year as a balancing act, with a number of factors at stake, and carrying over from the previous financial year.

One allotment in the provincial budget that has inspired optimism in Little,

was the $1.3 received, to be used as planning money for a new elementary school in Weyburn.

“It’s an exciting time, certainly, and it’s been a work in progress since 2003,” said Little.

This year’s provincial budget also reflects an acceptance of several findings in a report from the advisory panel on education governance renewal.

These findings include no major boundary changes between school divisions; the retention of elected boards; keeping the focus on the education strategic plan; a series of legislative changes to clarify roles within the sector for efficiency and to improve engagement with First Nations and Métis residents. This year’s budget particularly reflects a strong support for locally elected trustees and the maintenance of current school division boundaries.

“The message was clear, and we have listened to that message,” said dep-

uty premier and education minister Don Morgan. “Local education decisions will continue to be made by local, elected school boards.”

Gwen Keith, Holy Family’s director of education, was very pleased with that particular decision, saying, “We’re grateful that school division amalgamations were not crafted in this year’s budget. We have got a few areas that are very tight for us, in our budget, so we have to take a look at how we’re going to manage them.”

Keith said Holy Family, like South East Cornerstone, is in the incipient stages of forming a plan around the budget. It will take some time to form a plan, she noted, because the division needs to meet with the Ministry of Education, to discuss particulars.

“We’re going to interpret components of the budget with the ministry, so it’s going to take us a while to figure out what it means for us,” said Keith.

“It’s certainly less money than we received last year.

So we’re going to have to sharpen our pencils and look at ways we can make it work for us, this year.”

Keith said more concrete terms will be released after Holy Family’s next board meeting, on April 12.

Moving forward, Keith said Holy Family will maintain a focus on morale, and the trust and the direction the board has established, adding “We want to maintain that momentum for our students and staff. We’ll just have to do that with the dollars we have.”

Saskatchewan’s 28 school divisions will receive $1.86 billion in school operating funding, including revenue collected from the education portion of property tax.

This is a decrease of $22.0 million from the previous year. This year’s budget provides $2.02 billion for education, a 6.7 percent decrease in funding from the previous year.

Government didn’t want massive deficit A1⇠

and we were just subsidizing a consistent group of people. The ridership has consistently gone down year over year over year.”

It was also difficult to see the grants-in-lieu paid by SaskPower and SaskEnergy eliminated, since it will cost municipalities a lot of money. Carr was on city council for nearly 10 years before being elected as an MLA. “Some spots have to

give, and everybody has to start helping out with the debt,” said Carr. “We would just go further in debt if we kept giving out the surcharge.”

Municipalities will continue to receive equivalent revenues to one point of the provincial sales tax through the municipal operating grants program.

Carr noted the city will receive funding for police programs and water-related

projects.

Local residents can also look forward to seeing the twinning of Highway 39 continue between Estevan and Bienfait, with $13.6 million allocated for the project.

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tions for RMs, specifically the RM of Estevan, in this budget,” said Keating.

The application of the PST on construction services could have an impact, but with the economic slowdown, it won’t be felt in the short-term.

The demise of the Sas-

katchewan Transportation Company will be a hit for RM residents, he said.

“In rural Saskatchewan, we have a lot of elderly people. Not necessarily in RMs, but in small towns … and these people need that bus service for their doctor’s appointments in Regina,” said Keating.

POLL QUESTION Last week’s question was: Should the provincial government cut programs, jobs and spending in order to balance this year’s budget?

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cent in this fiscal year, and another half a per cent in 2019-20.

She stressed the government did not discuss following Alberta’s lead, and having a higher debt.

The Alberta government’s

budget earlier this month had a $10 billion deficit.

“How eventually do you get out of it if oil prices don’t increase?” she asked. “At some point, the citizens of Estevan, or the Estevan constituency, will take a huge hit.”

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ued planning for passing lanes and twinning on Highways 39 and 6 from Estevan to Regina.

Carr noted Saskatchewan residents will pay significantly less in income tax, as it will drop by half a per

“A lot of them are single and elderly.”

But Keating expects the private sector will eventually fill the void, calling it a huge opportunity to provide services previously performed by STC. “I wish the provincial government would have given people the heads up

that this was going to happen, and these things would have been in place already to take over,” said Keating.

He also expects the increase in the education portion of property tax will have an impact on the RM’s ratepayers, but he doesn’t know how much taxes will go up.

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Health care leaders discuss provincial budget impact

By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercury.ca

With the release of the 2017-18 provincial budget, health authorities in Saskatchewan are prepared to meet the challenge of carrying on with providing health-care, in the face of limited financial resources and growing demand.

Saskatchewan will invest $5.2 billion this year, in core health services and infrastructure. The 2017-18 budget has seen a modest increase of $38.6 million (0.7 per cent) from the previous year.

Greg Hoffort, executive director of St. Joseph’s Hospital, said in response to the budget, that the hospital will be looking to do things as efficiently as possible, and is planning what that will entail, specifically in relation to resources allocated through the budget.

“There certainly won’t be an increase for St. Jo-

Greg Hoffort seph’s Hospital. It’s going to be another tough fiscal year, and that was expected, with the state of the provincial economy,” said Hoffort. “We certainly didn’t expect a large budget increase. We’ll be working diligently to find ways to balance the budget, here at St. Joseph’s.”

Hoffort said that a downsizing in the workforce at St. Joseph’s has taken place over the last couple of years. Measures the hospital is undergoing

to weather financial uncertainty include a hiring freeze, replacing frontline positions, and holding off on hiring, with some positions that become vacant.

“We have reduced some positions that were manager or working manager positions; we have some full-time positions that are now part-time positions,” said Hoffort. “We have minimized layoffs whenever possible. Our strategy now, and moving forward, is to minimize layoffs.”

Hoffort noted that St. Joseph’s will be working to do more, with less, at every opportunity, in an ongoing effort to increase efficiency.

“It’s an ongoing effort, and the budget certainly wasn’t a good news budget.

It’s not like we just started working on this at the drop of the budget either,” said Hoffort. “We’ve been doing this for months and years, so it certainly didn’t catch us by surprise.”

He added, “The situation is less than ideal, but our goal is to make the services that are required by our community available, and we’re confident we will continue to do so.”

Marga Cugnet, CEO of Sun Country Health Region is optimistic about the results of the provincial budget drop last week. Cugnet said the health region is happy with the “comfortable amount” it has received, adding, “It will, at least, be a status quo budget.”

Regional health authorities will receive $3.4 billion in funding this year, which constitutes an increase of 1.2 per cent over last year.

“From a health region’s perspective, we’re pleased with the funding we received this year,” said Cugnet. “We’re feeling pretty relieved that with all the pressures going on, that health did not receive

Marga Cugnet a significant cut.”

Another point of gratitude Cugnet expressed was the fact that there is little in the way of changes to funding, with an already significant change on the horizon: Saskatchewan’s plans to amalgamate all its health regions into one provincial health authority.

“At least there aren’t two major changes going on at the same time,” she said.

Cugnet noted that most of the increased funding will go toward honouring

the collective bargaining agreement coming into effect on April 1, and that the increase unfortunately won’t cover any of the other increased expenses incurred by the region.

The only programs Cugnet expects to see funding reductions in are the podiatry and parent mentoring programs, programs for which there will be increased fees. She noted that the health region will work with patients affected by such changes, finding alternative ways to maintain patient access to those services.

“We’ll have to make some tweaks in the budget, but we don’t have to make any major changes. We’re pleased that we’ll be able to sustain services, for the most part, that we are providing now,” said Cugnet.

“I think it’s going to be challenging to balance our budget, but it’s something we are able to manage.”

Minister reflects on STC planned shutdown

By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercury.ca

The Government of Saskatchewan has created a number of provisions in its 2017-18 budget to cut back on government expenditures. Among those provisions is the cessation of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) subsidy, and the eventual winding down of the Crown corporation, later this spring.

STC will stop accepting parcels for its freight service on May 19, and will shut down its passenger service on May 31.

Joe Hargrave, minister

of the Crown Investments Corporation (CIC), Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and STC, stated that STC’s service is underused and becoming too expensive to continue to subsidize.

“One of the toughest parts about the whole decision to wind down STC is the 224 employees that STC has,” said Hargrave.

“They have been good employees, and they’ve done a good job with what they had.”

Hargrave stated that STC has done everything it could, over the last few years, to operate efficiently and be profitable, but that

it has seen a continually increasing need for subsidization. STC is forecasted to require more than $85 million in subsidies, over the next five years, to continue operating.

“Our government believes that those funds can be put to better use elsewhere in government,” said Hargrave. “We also have to look at the fact that ridership has been declining.”

Ridership has decreased by 35 per cent, since 2012. STC has lost 18,000 rides over the years, making the subsidy, per ride, go from $25 per ride in 2007 to $94 per ride, today.

A media release from

the Government of Saskatchewan described a number of trends that have also contributed to the decline of the viability of the continued operation of STC. These trends include: a steady decline in provincial ridership, with only two of STC’s 27 routes being profitable; an overall decline in Canadian intercity bus travel; strict competition with the parcel delivery sector and no options left to limit the growth of the subsidy STC needs to remain in operation. The release stated that over the course of the 1990s, STC cut 13 routes, and reduced service frequencies over

the years. In 2012, STC began to further reduce frequency rates, with schedule adjustments on many of its routes.

Hargrave said, “That was just very substantial.

As a business decision, it is quite understandable to shut down the STC, but I do feel for the employees, and want to thank them for their great work.”

The decision to shut down STC has met some resistance, since many in remote areas in the province rely on the transportation service as a lifeline to larger centres for the services they get there, such as health care. Hargrave said

he believes that inevitably, businesses will move in to take over, and fill the need that arises when STC ends its service.

“These are people who come into larger cities to visit family or for medical purposes. There will be other non-profit organizations, service clubs, or private entrepreneurs who will pick up on that, see the need, and see that opportunity and jump in,” said Hargrave.

“This is Saskatchewan.

I grew up in small town Saskatchewan, and I know what neighbours and families and friends do. They will make sure people get to where they’re going.”

NDP finance critic pans provincial budget The New Democratic Party (NDP) was quick to criticize the provincial budget that was released on March 22.

Finance critic Cathy Sproule said the governing Saskatchewan Party has already broken its election promises from a year ago.

“We were told that they were going to balance the budget with no new taxes,”

said Sproule. “Here we are, a year later, with an additional $1.3 billion deficit for this fiscal year (2016-17), and then we’re looking at another $600 million deficit for next year, and on top of that, there’s a billion dollars in new taxes.”

The budget saw the provincial sales tax jump from five to six per cent, and the PST exemptions

removed on numerous purchases.

Sproule touted the NDP’s record when it came to having balanced budgets when the party was governing Saskatchewan.

“The premier likes to say the best indicator of future behaviour is past behaviour, and if you look back to 2007, there was 1.3 billion dollars in a savings

Have you seen our

account that unfortunately the Sask. Party spent before we got through some tough times,” said Sproule.

While there is an income tax increase, it will be offset by the increases in the provincial sales tax and other taxes.

“We’ve done calculations for a family of four and single people, and it looks like across the board,

with the PST increases, they will be paying more taxes, in spite of the tax decrease,” said Sproule.

So while the Sask. Party is providing something to the people of the province, they are taking back more.

There is also an additional $250 million in job and wage cuts in the province for which the Sask.

Party has not disclosed the

details.

She was happy to see additional money for the Ministry of Social Services, which Sproule believes was needed because of the number of people out of work in Saskatchewan.

“The roles of Social Services are going up dramatically, so I’m glad to see there weren’t cuts there,” said Sproule.

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EDITORIAL

Volume 113 Issue 47 Contact us: Phone: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Ave. N., Estevan By mail: Box 730, Estevan, Sask. S4A 2A6 Website: www.estevanmercury.ca Twitter: @Estevan_Mercury Facebook: facebook.com/EstevanMercury

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Municipalities get hit hard An annual rite of passage for Estevan residents, and residents of most municipalities in Saskatchewan, is griping about property tax increases.

Nobody likes it when their property taxes go up, even when the property tax increase is in line with a jump in inflation.

But the vast majority of a municipality’s revenues are through property taxes.

Want your city, town or village to continue to provide services? Accept a property tax increase. Most right-minded people will accept a property tax increase, as long as they see the money being put to good use, particularly when it comes to road repairs.

Estevan residents have already gone through that annual rite of passage, since a three per cent property tax increase was approved earlier this year. An undesirable amount, but it is reasonable.

Unfortunately, thanks to the provincial budget released last week, property taxes will likely carry a much larger increase.

One thing that many people don’t realize is a significant chunk of their property taxes will be directed to the school

From the Top of the Pile BRIAN ZINCHUK

Start first aid training in Grade 8 I’ve been pondering this column for a few weeks now, ever since I recertified my first aid training yet again. Then this just popped up on my Facebook feed: “Every high school should have a mandatory class called ‘Life’ which teaches you how to: sew, change a tire/oil, do taxes, basic first aid, basic cooking, etc. Basic things that you need in real life.”

It was a profound post that I’m sure many common-sense people truly aspire to, or at least pay lip service to.

I know, with Katrina turning 13 soon and Spencer now 10, this is essentially the checklist we are working on right now.

We’ve started with basic cooking.

Katrina can now cook a few different meals herself, and occasionally she’ll feel inspired enough to make cookies, premixed brownies or cake. She has her own inherited mixmaster, plus some cupcake sheets she puts to good use.

I’m constantly giving her tips about driving and vehicle maintenance while

boards. Thanks to the provincial budget, the education portion of property tax will be ratcheted up to 40 per cent. Your taxes are already guaranteed to go up.

This was one increase that most municipalities knew was coming. It’s better than the days when 60 per cent of property taxes went to schools, but 40 per cent is still frustrating, especially for those who want to see a much lower percentage of property taxes for schools.

The municipal operating grants, which were a source of concern for municipalities before the budget, will continue to be equivalent to one point of the provincial sales tax (PST). Municipalities will get less money this year, since there was less money in the PST pool. But most municipalities knew they would see a decrease from the grants.

The biggest hit of all will stem from the end to grants from SaskPower and SaskEnergy. Estevan stands to lose nearly half of its funding from the government, which, according to both local officials and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, was not discussed before the budget.

It’s one thing to broadside municipalities with some form of a financial hit. It’s another thing to take nearly half of their provincial funding from their already stretched budgets, two months after they approved their budgets.

Estevan city council is now tasked with a terrible conundrum: raise taxes again, even though local residents have already been hit by property tax increases on both the municipal and education fronts, or find about $1 million in savings.

Needless to say, if they do the former, people will complain to the city, even though on this occasion, this would not be the city’s doing. If they select the latter, then virtually everything in the capital budget, except for the repairs to King Street and the purchase of the fire department’s new building, could be on the table.

The city will also have to make up for the loss in provincial support in future years, too.

So when your property tax bill goes up significantly, or when you notice a significant decline capital spending by the city, don’t blame council. Save your anger for the provincial government.

she still likes me and is eager to listen.

I figure I need to do this now, because in short order she’ll likely turn into one of those teenage monsters that periodically screams, “I HATE YOU!” and slams doors. I’ve lived through that a few times now.

For a lot of these things, Spencer is just about to cross the threshold and go through the same sort of growing up boot camp. But he’s not quite there yet.

It’s the first aid part that has really got me thinking. I suggested Katrina’s air cadet squadron go about having all the kids take first aid, something many units do on a periodic basis. I also mentioned this to her teacher at parent teacher interviews.

I think that kids in Grade 8 should all be required to take standard first aid, the full 16 hours. Compared to a lot of the fluff they take in health classes, this trumps all.

There are a few reasons why I say Grade 8. Number one, most kids are mature enough and smart enough to handle it at that point. Number two, their recertification comes up three years later, in Grade 11.

And this is key. They should be required, in high school, to take or recertify standard first aid. When could they do this, as everyone has their own semester system classes?

Simple. Run it during one of those two-day teacher in-service days, the days that drive most parents crazy. Fill the schools with first aid instructors instead of teachers. Make sure every Grade 11 student has their ticket at the end.

On the one-day teacher professional

development days, the Grade 11s should take Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS). This is often offered online now, so that should be easy enough to do.

Many high schoolers are just starting in the job market. Having these two certifications would improve their resumés immensely. It would also help prepare them for work, no matter what work they end up doing. Every workplace, even offices, ends up dealing with WHMIS at one point or another. If they take these tickets in Grade 11, they will still be current until a year after graduation – again a plus for finding a job.

I told Katrina that, one way or another, she will be taking first aid in the next year.

If I have to pull her out of school, I will.

It’s that important. The person you save could very likely be a family member, or even yourself. My first aid training kicked in four years ago when I all-of-a-sudden developed anaphylactic shock from a drug allergy that didn’t even register so much as a rash six weeks before. I got myself to the hospital just before my throat swelled to the point of choking.

That, and having a heart condition, means first aid for me is a very real thing, not some nebulous concept that I might never use.

I realize money in the education system is tight right now, given the province’s finances. But this is an idea that could save lives. It should be implemented as soon as practical.

Brian Zinchuk is editor of Pipeline News. He can be reached at brian. zinchuk@sasktel.net.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Yes, we do need STC The need for volunteers David Willberg Willberg’s World

In a perfect world, we would have one of two situations involving the soon-to-be dissolved Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC).

Ideally, it would have been a profitable venture, and its merit would never be debated.

The other situation is it wouldn’t be necessary, and its demise would have happened years ago.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. STC was a money pit, but it was still needed for Saskatchewan.

I’m the type who would be strongly opposed to STC in sheer principle. It was a money-losing Crown corporation that required a significant influx of taxpayer dollars to survive.

Therefore, in theory, it should have been shut down in the 1980s or the 1990s, when it was perennially in the red, and it was abundantly clear it would never see profitability again.

It’s easy to ponder why the government had a bus company to begin with.

Among the jurisdictions that don’t have a governmentowned bus company, I don’t think any of them have said, “You know what our government needs to do? Start up a bus company.”

It would be grounds for a recall vote.

And the Saskatchewan government couldn’t sell STC either. Nobody would buy it, since it’s guaranteed to lose money.

So if having a bus company doesn’t make sense from a fiscal perspective, and no government would be nutty enough to start one up now, then why should we have one to begin with?

It was legitimately needed by a significant percentage of people in the province. Not just for travel, but for shipping.

I would guess that a majority of Saskatchewan residents have never ridden an STC bus. (I have taken one round-trip with STC in 16 1/2 years in this province.) Most of us can drive to where we need to go, or we can find a ride with a friend.

But not everyone in Saskatchewan can drive. And not everyone can find someone to take them to Regina or Saskatoon for medical appointments or any other need.

Saskatchewan has a lot of people, particularly seniors, who live in remote, rural areas. For many of them, their one means of access to Saskatoon and Regina was through STC. Now it will be much harder for them to reach those appointments. It will be a strain on their families to drive them to those sessions. Or they will have to move into the city for the care they need.

People who support the government’s decision to discontinue STC cite the dwindling number of passengers. But STC was not just transporting people. Local people have relied on the STC for shipping parts, equipment, packages and more.

The private sector will step in, but the level of service likely won’t be the same, at least for passengers. It’s unlikely a private bus company is going to consistently run buses from Estevan to Regina with just a handful of people on them.

The provincial government claims that just two of 27 STC bus routes were profitable. It would be unreasonable, and unrealistic, to expect privately-owned businesses to operate a bus route that is consistently losing money.

I’m all in favour of the private sector driving our economy, and government staying out of the way of the private sector as much as possible.

But I’m also in favour of Saskatchewan people having access to the services that we need. In a province like Saskatchewan, with so many rural communities dotting our map, it means having certain services that wouldn’t exist elsewhere.

Which is why we needed STC, even though it was never going to find itself in a profitable position ever again.

The editor: You may have noticed lately, in your paper and on social media, that numerous organizations are calling for volunteers. Not just calling actually, but full on begging for help.

From your son’s soccer team to your great aunt’s church group, everyone needs a hand. So why isn’t anyone stepping up?

The answer to this question is generally “lack of time.” We are busy

people, maybe busier than we’ve ever been. Work, school, clubs, the pressure to make a Pinterest project out of every life event – the list goes on.

With all of this, who wants the headache of committee meetings and fundraisers, early mornings and late nights, recalcitrant children and reluctant donors? I’ll say it if no one else will: volunteering is an often thankless task.

The thing is, without volunteers, our entire com-

munity suffers. Our kids don’t get to play baseball or learn to curl. Those without a home don’t have a shelter in the winter.

Without volunteers, no one is raising funds for new hospital equipment or manning the phones at victim support centers.

If we don’t have humane societies or family centers, the list of things we lose is devastating.

Please consider finding an organization you are passionate about and

giving it a few precious hours. Think about your own personal skill set and what it can do for a local non-profit. I will not lie, you will often be frustrated and tired.

But that first success, that fundraising goal met or that child with their first medal, is the best feeling in the world. When you volunteer, you benefit as much as your community does. We need you.

Jane Howard Estevan

Where’s Trudeau’s consultation?

The editor: I have noted that in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s speeches, he often says, “Canadians are telling me…” or “Upon speaking to Canadians …”

So many times when I have heard that, I think, “Well, he didn’t ask me.”

I am referring at this time to the $650 million of our tax dollars the government is going to contribute to promote international

abortion, family planning and sexual education. This grant is an obvious attempt to please women. Indeed, it will please some women.

However, if he would have asked me, I would have told him that he is using my tax dollars for purposes that I see as being unethical. With this grant, he is arrogantly patronizing women in the developing world by pushing funds at them for intentions in which

they have little interest.

If he had actually consulted with them, I’m sure they would have said, “Yes give us the money, but we will not use it to kill our pre-born children. We will spend it on good maternal and child health-care, food and clean water for our families, and education for our children.”

Although I am only one Canadian, I know there are a great many others who

share my views and would love to be able to share them with Trudeau. We believe in and promote the sanctity and the intrinsic value of all human life, including those in the developing world.

However, our values and views are not welcome in his government. Such a shame. We do have much to offer.

Colleen Reed Kenosee Lake

Chamber reacts to provincial budget’s tax increases The Estevan Chamber of Commerce isn’t surprised that there was an increase to the provincial sales tax (PST) in this year’s provincial budget.

The PST jumped from five per cent to six per cent in one of the most prominent moves for this year’s budget.

“Everyone, I think, was just kind of waiting to see exactly how much it would be and what it would mean,” said Jackie Wall, the chamber’s executive director. “It’s only increasing by one per cent and there is a broader base on that.”

Wall predicted it will be particularly noticeable for those groups who will lose their PST exemptions, including the construction

industry, the restaurant industry and retailers who sell children’s clothing.

“I know the restaurant industry, especially right now in Estevan, is really feeling the downturn in the economy, so this is one more thing that may be an influence when people think about going out for a meal,” said Wall.

Nobody wants to see an increase in consumption taxes, but Wall believes it is better than a hike for income taxes.

The discontinuation of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) was the biggest surprise in the budget, she said. STC will stop carrying freight in mid-May, and stop carrying passengers at the end

of that month.

“Although when you look at their numbers, it’s not unexpected when they’re losing money on all but two of their routes,” said Wall. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who do rely on STC for transportation, and a lot of those are elderly who use it for medical appointments, or who have limited access for driving a vehicle.”

Wall suspects a lot of chamber members, particularly those in the agriculture sector, have been using STC for shipping parts and other equipment. They will now have to rely on couriers and other companies for shipping.

The increase in the education portion of prop-

erty tax will also have an impact on members, since they will be paying more in property taxes.

“They’re raising that (property taxes), but yet they’re cutting service to education. I think that’s unfortunate,” said Wall.

The cuts to post-secondary education are unfortunate, but Wall isn’t surprised they are happening.

“Businesses rely on those institutions for a trained workforce,” said Wall.

At the same time, Wall said it’s encouraging to see the decrease in personal and corporate income tax, since that will save some money for the chamber’s members.

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A6 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

Council approves new development Estevan city council gave the green light for a new five-storey senior care housing project at their meeting on Monday night.

The development is located at 1118 Second Street, near the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church and the former St. John’s School, which is now a community centre.

The proposed use will offer a mix of independent living and long-term care units.

Existing service connections on the property – a 100-millimetre sanitary service line, 150-millimetre sanitary services and

a 150-millimetre water service line – will not be sufficient for the proposed use, and the city’s engineering services department has requested a water and wastewater capacity analysis. A new storm water drainage plan will be required for the site.

Council wants to see those tasks completed for the project to proceed.

In a report, development planner Adam Nordquist said no negative feedback or objections were received.

A rezoning bylaw will not be needed, since the land is already zoned for

high-density housing.

Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story. *** Six people have been appointed to the city’s new economic development board: Gene Banilius, Josh Biggs, Kurt Schmidt, Nathan Wilhelm, Derek Keeler and David Hammemeister. The city believes they represent diverse industries in the city.

They will join a committee that is to include representatives of the City of Estevan, the Rural Municipality of Estevan and the Estevan Chamber of

Commerce. Councillor Greg Hoffort is the city’s representative. *** A pit run gravel tender was awarded to Chamney Crushing for $10.25 per cubic yard to supply, haul, push and stockpile 6,500 cubic yards of gravel at the city yard. The total value of the tender is $66,625.

The gravel is used for the mixing of salted sand to spread on roads in winter, and for bedding sand for water and sewer breaks. *** Council tabled the purchase of two threequarter-tonne trucks for the public works division from Murray GM for $71,216.12. The two trucks would replace aging units in the city fleet, and public works believes three-quarter-tonne trucks are better than half-tonne trucks for towing capacity and all-round work.

The report was tabled as council tries to decide

how to handle a shortfall of more than $1 million in revenues, stemming from the provincial budget. *** One commercial building permit, with a total value of $800,000, was issued in February. A total of five permits, with a value of $1,159,000, have been granted so far this year.

In the first two months of 2016, eight permits worth nearly $1.4 million were issued in the first two months of the year. *** Council approved the consolidation of two residential properties. One is developed as a singledetached house, and the neighbouring lot is vacant.

The owner wishes to consolidate the titles to allow for future development of a garage on the property. *** Water division manager Kevin Sutter released the wastewater treatment

plant report for 2016.

He noted new dewatering equipment, which is used to remove water from waste sludge produced by processes at the treatment plant, went online in December.

New blowers have been purchased for the plant and they will be installed this year.

Sutter noted the plant was designed for a maximum daily flow of 6,000 cubic metres of water per day, and in 2016 the flow was surpassed in 12 of 365 days. The volumes treated increased from 2015 mainly due to the flash flood in July.

“The plant operated relatively well, operating within its capacity for much of the year,” Sutter wrote.

Sutter noted the city will need to continue to plan for an expansion of the plant once water use and disposal increase again.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Chamber celebrates 2016 growth

By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercury.ca

The Estevan Chamber of Commerce celebrated past successes and discussed endeavours heading into the future at its annual general meeting (AGM), on March 22, at the Western Star Signature Hotel and Conference Centre.

Executive director Jackie Wall spoke about the work that has been done in 2016 and 2017 to grow key relationships between the chamber and the business community in which it operates, the success of the many events the chamber hosted in the past year, and the many drivers of economic development in the Estevan area that the chamber plans to support, such as the planned Sask Power solar project.

Wall mentioned many new initiatives within the chamber, including a quarterly newsletter; developments to the chamber’s communications and social media plan; growing event attendance and member partner support through sponsorship packages; and

the success of pub nights and the potential for more of those kinds of events in 2017.

Wall stated that key relationships continue to grow between the chamber and city and RM of Estevan, and the many businesses and community groups within the Estevan area. She also noted that with a new operations handbook and review of bylaws, as well as job roles and descriptions being updated, that potential staff expansion is on the horizon for 2017.

Some of the roles w i t h i n t h e c h a m b e r ’s executive changed at Wednesday’s meeting. Past president Josh LeBlanc stepped down as president with his successor, John Williams taking over as president during the meeting. Williams spoke briefly to guests at the end of the event, giving accolades to the leadership qualities of LeBlanc, and anticipating a good year ahead, adding, “a chamber is only as strong as its membership.”

The board of directors remained mostly the same,

with one new member joining them, and being sworn in: Brady Johnson.

Guest speaker Kim Ulmer, regional president with RBC Royal Bank for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario, discussed her career as a banker, and urged guests to challenge conventional thinking, advocating for a culture of diversity that subverts ingrained paradigms about gender in the workforce.

Ulmer spoke about how she was once asked if she thought she rose through the ranks and reached her level of success, because she was a woman, and that she was specifically to fit a gender quota. Ulmer said, “I sat back, asked myself that, but said nothing. That’s wrong. I lost the opportunity to challenge that unconscious bias.”

Ulmer spoke about the importance of mentors pushing her in her life, inspiring her to do things that scared her every day, rhetorically asking the audience: “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

when going beyond gender biases. Ulmer strongly encouraged moving toward the economic benefits that arise from more inclusive, balanced workplaces and boards, through more female entrepreneurship and leadership.

Ulmer was ardent in her support of the spirit of collaboration between both men and women in achieving a more gender-balanced and efficient workforce, finishing her speech by imploring her guests to reject the status quo, “celebrate, educate and inform yourselves and others.”

A financial report delivered by Angela Stepp with MNP Inc., indicated that the chamber had a good financial year in 2016, with $23,344 in capital assets, and total revenues of $387,895.

There was a decrease of $66,000 in revenue from the previous year, due to 2015 being the last year the chamber received funding for tourism and economic development from the City of Estevan, and the fact that the chamber didn’t host a

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Kim Ulmer spoke to guests at the chamber’s 2017 AGM on March 22. Ulmer, the regional president for RBC Royal Bank for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario, spoke about the importance of gender equality in the business world. Photo by Sam Macdonald couple of events in the past year, that it did in previous years, such as Beach Bash and Estevan Business Excellence (EBEX) awards.

The chamber also saw the drop in revenue offset by the final payout of the hotel levy from the ho-

tel association. Expenses in 2016 also decreased by $42,000, for similar reasons to the drop in revenue. Stepp said the total excess of revenue over expense for 2016 was $15,985, compared to $22,796 in 2015.

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A8 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

Kitchen criticizes federal budget Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen is criticizing the federal budget, saying it has little for the residents of his constituency.

The federal Liberal government released the fiscal plan for 2017-18 on March 22. It includes a variety of spending measures, but there is a $28 billion deficit.

“Canadians were hoping for a better outcome from the Liberal budget announced today (March

22),” Kitchen said. “At a time when Liberals are making life more expensive, (Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau could have offered lower taxes and a job creation plan that actually works.”

Kitchen noted the Liberals campaigned on a $10 billion deficit, which swelled to $23 billion for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

Now it’s up to $28 billion.

“Those are numbers the average Canadian has big troubles with,” said

Kitchen.

The budget includes money for housing, child care, indigenous people, care givers, skills, innovation, start-up businesses and more. It also includes an option to extend parental leaves to up to 18 months.

But Kitchen predicted the budget is not going to be good news for farmers and other small business owners, since he said they’re going to be facing higher taxes.

Kitchen said the Liberal programs won’t help the vast majority of Canadian workers and businesses, who now face much more intense competition from the U.S. “Canadians deserve solutions to the challenges they face right now, not expensive programs for years down the road,” Kitchen said.

He found the discontinuation of the public transit credit to be “hypocritical,” since the Liberals

campaigned on support for the environment. But he expects the demise of the credit will discourage people from taking public transit.

The Liberals are also imposing the GST for Uber and ride-sharing program, and taxes on beer and wine will also go up.

He is happy to see that there will be an increase in funding for athletes. Kitchen is the Tory government’s critic for sport, and he is pleased the

monthly salary for carded athletes will go up.

But Kitchen and the rest of the Tory caucus don’t want to see the country go further into debt.

“This government is spending, and in order to finance their spending, they’re hiking taxes,” said Kitchen.

The Liberals don’t have a revenue problem according to Kitchen.

Rather, they have a spending problem that needs to be addressed.

1102 4TH STREET• ESTEVAN, SK • 306-634-1800 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

City of Estevan Traffic Bylaw 2016-1963: Section 53

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.

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.

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

2. No person shall dump any substance on any highway,

The Mayor

The City of Estevan is looking for a Serving Professional for our Food and Beverage division.

If you are interested, please contact HR at apply@estevan.ca

FACILITY SCHEDULE

April is National Poetry month.

Celebrate great poetry and the poets that create them!

ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE January 4 - March 31, 2017

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SCHOOL LESSONS

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SURF & SWIM

SURF & SWIM

SURF & SWIM

SURF & SWIM

4pm - 5pm

RED CROSS LESSONS 4pm - 5:15pm

5pm - 6pm

MINI MERMAIDS | 5:15pm - 6pm AQUASTEP | 5:15pm - 6pm

RED CROSS LESSONS

RED CROSS LESSONS 4pm - 6pm AQUASTEP 5:15pm - 6pm

RED CROSS LESSONS 4pm - 6pm AQUASTEP 5:15pm - 6pm

LION’S FREE SWIM

7pm - 8pm

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MERMAIDS

8pm - 9pm 9pm - 10pm

LANE SWIM

Weight Room & Walking Track (except stat holidays)

6am - 10pm

Affinity Rink

MERMAIDS

WATER POLO

6am - 9pm

WATER POLO

LANE SWIM

ADULT WATER POLO

6am - 10pm

6am - 9pm

PARENT & TOT | 11:15am - 12pm PARENT & TOT | 11:15am - 12pm PARENT & TOT | 11:15am - 12pm sponsor: Estevan Strippers Hockey Club

sponsor: Estevan Strippers Hockey Club

SUNDAY

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM FAMILY SWIM

PUBLIC SWIM

PUBLIC SWIM

LANE SWIM FAMILY SWIM

PUBLIC SWIM

PUBLIC SWIM

LANE SWIM WATER POLO DEEP WATER FITNESS 8pm - 8:45pm

Hot tub and steam room may be available during LANE SWIM, SCHOOL LESSONS, and RED CROSS LESSONS, please call 306-634-1876 to check.

6am - 9pm sponsor: Estevan Strippers Hockey Club

16+ NOON HOCKEY | 12pm - 1pm 16+ NOON HOCKEY | 12pm - 1pm 16+ NOON HOCKEY | 12pm - 1pm

SATURDAY

LANE SWIM

PARENT & TOT | 11:15am - 12pm

sponsor: Estevan Strippers Hockey Club

16+ NOON HOCKEY | 12pm - 1pm

9am - 9pm

9am - 9pm

* FAMILY SKATE begins January 8th ** PUBLIC SKATE begins January 5th

PUBLIC SKATE is unsupervised. Participants MUST wear skates, helmets are recommended

PARENT & TOT | 11:15am - 12pm

Power Dodge Ice Centre

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.

Message From

SERVING PROFESSIONAL

6pm - 7pm

public side walk, boulevard or ditch within the City of Estevan.

sponsor: Estevan Strippers Hockey Club

FAMILY SKATE* | 5:15pm - 6:15pm

16+ NOON HOCKEY | 12pm - 1pm PUBLIC SKATE** | 7:15pm - 8:15pm

701 Souris Avenue North | Estevan, SK | Tel: 306-634-1888 | www.estevan.ca

Public Notice The Council of the City of Estevan, pursuant to Section 209 of the Saskatchewan Planning and Development Act, 2007, gives notice of its intention to amend Zoning Bylaw #2010-1834 as hereinafter provided: Consideration is being given to amend the Zoning Bylaw #2010-1834 to include new provision allowing the Land Development Department to require a performance deposits of no more than $5,000 for new construction within the City. The deposit will be used to ensure that the development is completed within acceptable time frames and follows any standards or conditions of the permit. The deposit will be fully refundable and will only be forfeited in cases of continual noncompliance with the Bylaw or the approved permit.

The amending Bylaw (#2017-1985) may be inspected by any person at the Legislative Services Business Division, 1102 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, between the hours of 9:00am and 12:00 noon, and 1:00pm and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

City Council, at its meeting to be held on Monday, April 10, 2017, at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan will hear any person(s) wishing to be heard with respect to the proposed amending bylaw and will further consider any written submissions respecting the proposed bylaw, provided such intentions and/or submissions are received by the City Clerk’s Office, Legislative Services, City Hall, 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 0W7 no later than 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

Dated at the City of Estevan this 14th Day of March, 2017.

Follow us!

CITY WIDE REGISTRATION TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017 | 5:30PM

City of Estevan Leisure Centre Multi-purpose Room

ESTEVAN MINOR BASEBALL ASSOCIATION

JUNIOR GOLF SPRING LESSONS

Blast-O-Ball (tee-ball) | Ages 4-6 (2011-2013) Play Mondays and Wednesdays. Fees are $100.00.

Grade 4 - 6 (Group 1)

Grade 4 - 6 (Group 2)

Monday, May 15 Wednesday, May 17 Wednesday, May 24

Tuesday, May 16 Tuesday, May 18 Tuesday, May 23

Junior Mites (parent pitch) | Ages 7-8 (2009-2010) Play Mondays and Wednesdays. Fees are $100.00.

Senior Mites (machine pitch) | Ages 8-9 (2008-2009) Play Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fees are $110.00.

Mosquito (kids pitch) | Ages 9-11 (2006-2008) Play Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fees are $120.00.

Peewee | Ages 12-13 (2004-2005) Play Mondays and Wednesdays. Fees are $125.00.

Bantam | Ages 14-15 (2002-2003) Play Mondays and Wednesdays. Fees are $125.00.

Midget | Ages 16-18 (1999-2001) Can play any day Monday through Thursday. Fees are $140.00.

Season starts May 1. All games start at 6pm. Mosquito to Bantom seasons will end June 19-23. Earlier age groups will end June 18-19.

Equipment needed: Glove, helmet, protective jock, running shoes, waterbottle.

PENTA COMPLETIONS ESTEVAN MINOR TACKLE FOOTBALL Atom Division (8-9 years by Dec. 31, 2008) | $175.00 registration Practice twice weekly from mid-August to September 30.

Peewee Division (11-12 years by Dec. 31, 2005) | $250.00 registration, $300.00 after June 30, 2017 Practice three times weekly from mid-August to October 31.

Bantam Division (13-15 years by Dec. 31, 2002) | $250.00 registration, $300.00 after June 30, 2017 Practice three times weekly from mid-August to October 31.

With the exception of grass cleats, equipment is provided. However, a $100.00 deposit is required at equipment pick up. Deposit is returned to you upon equipment return at season completion.

Peewee and Bantam players will have transportation provided for out of town games, Scheduled games begin at the beginning of September.

For additional information, contact Kevin Mortenson at emfmort@gmail.com or 306-421-3377, or Paul Duncan at paulduncan16@yahoo.ca or 306-487-8418.

TINY LINKSTERS SPRING JUNIOR GOLF LESSONS

ESTEVAN YOUTH SOCCER

Pre K - Grade 3 (Session 1)

Pre K - Grade 3 (Session 2)

Saturday, May 6 & Sunday, May 7 10am - 11am OR 11:15am - 12:15pm

Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14 10am - 11am OR 11:15am - 12:15pm

U4 - U10: $80.00 | U12 - U14: $90.00 Season runs from May 8 to June 16 from 6-7pm.

See ssa-estevanyouth.goalline.ca for more information.

$30 per child | Cash or cheque made payable to “Amanda Minchin” Two hours of instruction time and a participant gift.

Lessons will include basic motor skills, golf etiquette, course safety, and most importantly, FUN! These lessons are geared towards kids of all abilities and we encourage children to repeat these lessons as they grow and their ability changes.

CROSSFIT BLACKROCK For more information, call 306-634-2500 or email crossfitblackrock@hotmail.com.

5:30pm - 6:30pm $50 per child | Cash or cheque made payable to “Amanda Minchin” Three hours of instruction time and a participant gift.

Lessons will include basic motor skills, golf etiquette, course safety, and most importantly, FUN! These lessons are geared towards kids of all abilities and we encourage children to repeat these lessons as they grow and their ability changes.

ESTEVAN ARTS COUNCIL Classes run from September to May and cover all ages and skill levels.For more information, contact estevanartscouncil@sasktel.net.

Stars for Saskatchewan & Koncerts for Kids Subscriptions available to purchase for concert series Fall 2017-18. Watch for our new SPARK concerts for youth! All fee information available in our brochures.

ESTEVAN GIRLS SOFTBALL Bantam/Midget | $100 Born 1998-2002. Play Mondays and Wednesdays.

Peewee | $100 Born 2003-2004. Play Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Squirt | $100 Born 2005-2006. Play Mondays and Wednesdays.

LTP | $75 Born 2007-2012. Play Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We are currently looking for any interested volunteers and board members.

For more information, contact Rhonda Blanchette at 306-461-9791 or Mike Wilson at 306-421-1804.

ESTEVAN ADULT SOCCER For more information, contact Tanya at tbachorcik@hotmail.com.

ESTEVAN TENNIS CLUB Red Ball Mini Tennis League | Ages 6-9 League will tentatively run from April 10 to May 18.

Skills Clinic | May 26 - 28, 2017 Set up for ages 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-adult.

Programs for all ages 6 - 65+. Ladies’ Night Monday, Men’s Night Tuesday, and Mixer Fridays.

Contact Arnold Betzema at 306-421-9322 for more information.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Gedak rink takes OTS bonspiel

By David Willberg and Brian Zinchuk

Brent Gedak had a dream finish for his 201617 curling season.

His team, Brent Gedak Welding, defeated Eagle Oilfield Services, skipped

by Kevin Anderson, 10-8 in the A final of the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS) Open Bonspiel. Twenty-eight teams entered the competition, which was held from Thursday to Saturday at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.

Gedak had already captured one marquee event this month, when he skipped a team to the Travellers’ Curling Club Championship men’s provincial title on March 19 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. His win in the OTS came five days after he captured the provincial event.

And he won the OTS on the same sheet of ice as the Travellers title, which also bears the BGW logo as the sheet sponsor.

Anderson held the lead for much of the A final, thanks in large part to a pair

of three-point ends.

Gedak tied it up at 8-8 in the seventh end with a score of two.

“It was a fun game,” said Gedak. “Kevin’s team played really well. They were up on us almost every end. It was a back and forth battle, getting deuces and threes.”

The eighth end saw Gedak place numerous rocks in the four-foot ring.

Anderson’s first shot removed two of them, leaving Gedak with three in the four-foot. Anderson had to draw to the button to win. He came up short and Gedak scored two to win.

“I couldn’t ask for a better game, though,” said Anderson. “It was tied up coming home.”

Gedak noted there were lots of rocks in play throughout the game, and the final end was no different.

“There was a little error on our part,” said Gedak. “We shouldn’t have come so close to give him the chance to make that shot (the double takeout).”

Anderson said it was a good game throughout the

Seniors Suites Available Trinity Towers 737 - 2nd Street Estevan, SK

From the left, Brent Gedak, Jesse Rosengren, Justin Fieber and Evan Wild won the A final at the Estevan OTS Open Bonspiel on Saturday. Photo by Brian Zinchuk.

A final. He said it worked out to his advantage to have the hammer in the last end, but he couldn’t capitalize on it.

Other members of the Gedak rink were third Jesse

Rosengren, second Justin Fieber and lead Evan Wild.

In other results, Estevan Meter 2, skipped by Jarett Mosley, won the B event, defeating the Redvers Generators, skipped

FOR SALE ROCK RAKE For information call: 634-9410 Submit offers by April 6, 2017 to: R.M. of Benson No. 35 Box 69 Benson, SK S0C 0L0

Seven Stories of luxurious living!

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by Mike Miller.

CSM Inspections, which was skipped by Clayton Jahn, took the C1 final. C&D Electric,

led by Andrew McMillan, captured the C2 final.

The bonspiel was the final event at the curling club this season.

Friday Lenten Lunchtime Services Schedule The Estevan Ministerial Invites You To Our Annual Lenten Worship & Lunch Series 12:05 EVERY FRIDAY DURING LENT

March 31st:

Alliance (Parable of the Barren Fig Tree)

April 7th:

St. Peter’s (Parable of the Good Samaritan)

ALL ARE WELCOME! (A Free Will Offering is taken to support the varied work of the Ministerial)

Fax: 634-8804 Email: rm35@sasktel.net

Sponsored by the Estevan Ministerial Association.

Call any participating church for more information.

Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted

Quality Controlled Safety Co-ordinated

2 bedroom units available for rent.

Enjoy retirement in a cozy atmosphere with friends your own age. Compact suites to accommodate your individual needs.

Spacious common kitchen and lounge on main floor for special social activities.

Oxbow & Carlyle • 306 483 2848 Halbrite • 306 458 2344 Waskada • 204 673 2284 Pipestone • 204 854 2231

Providing Oilfield Services Since 1956

A Schlumberger Co. Hwy. 361, Lampman, SK

Call Dianne at 306-634-7307 for more details.

Phone (306) 487-2525 Cell (306) 421-0528

THE ESTEVAN MERCURY DRILLING REPORT DRILLING LICENSES

71179 71227 71300 Torc Oil & Gas Hz .............................................................................................................................. 7-24-2-15 71347 Capital Energy Hz ............................................................................................................................ 12-34-2-15 71335 Midale Petroleums Dir ...................................................................................................................... 15-32-5-19 71363 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................. 3-27-2-13 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................. 1-15-1-12 Astra Oil Corp Hz ............................................................................................................................... 15-19-2-4 Astra Oil Corp Hz ............................................................................................................................... 15-19-2-4 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................... 4-28-8-6 68797 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................... 1-13-8-8 68802 Spartan Energy Hz ........................................................................................................................... 15-27-1-31 69888 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................. 3-28-1-12 63425 Rife Resources Hz ............................................................................................................................. 3-35-6-34 65241 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................... 1-30-8-5 68038 Torc Oil & Gas Hz .............................................................................................................................. 14-7-2-10 69634 Crescent Point Energy Hz ................................................................................................................ 14-33-10-6 67119 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................... 2-5-2-12 61941 Spartan Energy Hz ............................................................................................................................... 2-3-3-15 67100 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................... 14-7-5-5 68345 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................... 3-2-2-12 69565 Crescent Point Energy Hz .................................................................................................................. 3-28-1-12 70069 Twenty-Six new licenses issued to Monday, March 20

70409 69983 71062 70515 71198 70665 70659 70658 70750 71224 71233 71226 70844 70897 70901 71270 71274 71283 71290 71293

U-

Crescent Point Energy Hz ......................................................................................................................1-36-8-7 Spartan Energy H.................................................................................................................................12-27-8-1 Ventura Resources Hz .........................................................................................................................13-17-2-1 Crescent Point Energy Hz ......................................................................................................................3-9-1-13 Crescent Point Energy .........................................................................................................................1-13-7-11 Spartan Energy Hz ...............................................................................................................................13-30-3-3

RIG REPORT Ensign Drilling..................................... Crescent Point Energy ..............................................................9-16-4-4 Red Dog Drilling ................................. Crescent Point Energy ...........................................................8-29-3-31 Panther Drilling ........................................Spartan Energy ...................................................................5-30-3-3 Trinidad Drilling................................... Crescent Point Energy ............................................................14-5-2-13 Vortex Drilling ..................................... Crescent Point Energy ............................................................16-34-6-5 Panther Drilling .........................................Spartan Energy ...................................................................5-30-3-3 Stampede Drilling ................................ Ridgeback resources .............................................................1-30-10-7 Precision Drilling ..................................Ridgeback Resources ..............................................................9-23-8-7 Trinidad Drilling .................................. Crescent Point Energy ............................................................15-9-3-13 Stampede Drilling ................................Ridgeback Resources ..........................................................01-30-10-7 Vortex Drilling ..................................... Crescent Point Energy ............................................................3-29-10-6 Precision Drilling ............................ Canadian Natural Resources.......................................................15-18-4-3 Trinidad Drilling..........................................Torc Oil & Gas ..................................................................3-27-2-11

‘Em WE mEnd ‘Em Owners - Lance Mack & Yancey Hagel

Call 306-634-6060

A10 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

www.estevanmercury.ca

Holt will speak at fundraising banquet

Water releases halted from Alameda Dam The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency has once again halted releases from Alameda Dam. The WSA released water from Alameda Dam for the first time on Feb. 10, but those were halted on March 1 because the reservoir was about two metres below its full supply level (FSL) at the time.

But thanks to the two-day blizzard that pummelled southeast Saskatchewan on March 6 and 7, and the snow that accumulated, the WSA resumed water releases on March 17.

They reached a peak of 10 m3/s a few days later, and the WSA projected they might eventually jump to 15 m3/s.

But they decided to halt the releases on March 24.

Patrick Boyle with the WSA said that with spring runoff beginning for the tributaries to Lake Darling in the United States, the decision was made, in collaboration with American partner agencies, to terminate the outflow from Alameda.

“We do not anticipate resuming an outflow at Alameda until the reservoir is near full supply,” Boyle said

in an email to the Mercury.

Alameda’s depth was at 559.31 metres, and slowly rising, as of Monday morning. Its FSL is 562 metres.

Boundary Dam was at 560.78 metres, as of Monday afternoon, which is nearly at the FSL of 560.80 metres. The water depth was starting to decline on Monday.

Due to the depth at Boundary Dam, water is being diverted from Boundary Dam to Rafferty Dam. The diversions were at a peak level of 45 m3/s on Monday afternoon, but Boyle expects those would slowly start to taper off on Tuesday.

The combination of melting snow and the diverted water has caused Rafferty Dam’s depth to be on the rise. As of Monday morning, it was at a depth of 549.66 metres, which is closing in on the FSL of 550.50 metres.

The depth at Rafferty has increased by more than half a metre in the past two weeks.

No water is currently being released from Rafferty Dam, and Boyle doesn’t expect any releases to occur until Rafferty is close to its FSL.

March 29, 2017 A11

Boom Stick Kent Gaudry was one of several guests carefully appraising some of the firearms for sale at the fourth annual B&T Gun Show on March 26 at the Wylie-Mitchell building.

The show, which took place on March 25 and 26, featured an assortment of firearms and other miscellaneous goods, attracting a steady crowd of customers. Photo by Sam Macdonald

The Broken Arrow Youth Ranch has announced southeast Saskatchewan hockey product Todd Holt will be the guest speaker at their upcoming fundraising breakfast.

Broken Arrow, which is headed up by former Estevan resident Todd Moroz and his wife Lara, is a ministry that helps families. Parents who are finding it difficult to properly care for their children because the parents are battling personal issues such as addictions, abuse, family illness and unhealthy relationships, have their children stay at Broken Arrow, a real ranch, for at least a year.

The goal is to eventually reunite children with their families.

In the past, Broken Arrow has had a charity hockey game, a hockey tournament and a golf tournament in Estevan to raise funds for their operations.

But this year, they will ice a team, the Broken Arrow Bruins, in the Estevan Strippers hockey tournament from April 5 to 9. The team will have players from across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

And they will have the Broken Arrow

by checking out our career section on pages A16.

Classic Breakfast fundraiser, which will be on April 9 at 8 a.m. at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s multipurpose room.

Holt was born in Estevan and raised in Alameda. He played minor hockey locally with the peewee AA Bruins and the bantam AA Bruins, winning league and provincial titles.

Holt spent several years with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos, where he remains the club’s all-time leading scorer, and had a fruitful career in professional hockey in several leagues.

In 2012, Holt revealed he was among the players sexually abused by former junior hockey coach Graham James. Holt has become an advocate for trauma victims and abuse prevention.

“Todd’s story is one of hope and overcoming which aligns with Broken Arrow’s mission and purpose,” Broken Arrow stated in a media release. “This is a story we hope you will come to hear.”

There will be more than 20 items available in an auction at the breakfast, including children’s toys, artwork, hotel and restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, tools and more.

Broken Arrow will also be drawing the winners for raffle prizes, including a Winnipeg Jets ticket package for four, and Edmonton Oilers package for two and a romance package in Estevan.

For tickets please call Todd Moroz at 306-6408607 or Lara Moroz at w306640-8603.

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Murray Cowan, the new deputy chief with the Estevan Police Service, speaks during his promotion ceremony on Monday at city hall. Cowan has been promoted from inspector to deputy chief, but will remain second-in-command to Chief Paul Ladouceur with the EPS. For more on the ceremony, please see this week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles.

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A10 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

www.estevanmercury.ca

Holt will speak at fundraising banquet

Water releases halted from Alameda Dam The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency has once again halted releases from Alameda Dam. The WSA released water from Alameda Dam for the first time on Feb. 10, but those were halted on March 1 because the reservoir was about two metres below its full supply level (FSL) at the time.

But thanks to the two-day blizzard that pummelled southeast Saskatchewan on March 6 and 7, and the snow that accumulated, the WSA resumed water releases on March 17.

They reached a peak of 10 m3/s a few days later, and the WSA projected they might eventually jump to 15 m3/s.

But they decided to halt the releases on March 24.

Patrick Boyle with the WSA said that with spring runoff beginning for the tributaries to Lake Darling in the United States, the decision was made, in collaboration with American partner agencies, to terminate the outflow from Alameda.

“We do not anticipate resuming an outflow at Alameda until the reservoir is near full supply,” Boyle said

in an email to the Mercury.

Alameda’s depth was at 559.31 metres, and slowly rising, as of Monday morning. Its FSL is 562 metres.

Boundary Dam was at 560.78 metres, as of Monday afternoon, which is nearly at the FSL of 560.80 metres. The water depth was starting to decline on Monday.

Due to the depth at Boundary Dam, water is being diverted from Boundary Dam to Rafferty Dam. The diversions were at a peak level of 45 m3/s on Monday afternoon, but Boyle expects those would slowly start to taper off on Tuesday.

The combination of melting snow and the diverted water has caused Rafferty Dam’s depth to be on the rise. As of Monday morning, it was at a depth of 549.66 metres, which is closing in on the FSL of 550.50 metres.

The depth at Rafferty has increased by more than half a metre in the past two weeks.

No water is currently being released from Rafferty Dam, and Boyle doesn’t expect any releases to occur until Rafferty is close to its FSL.

March 29, 2017 A11

Boom Stick Kent Gaudry was one of several guests carefully appraising some of the firearms for sale at the fourth annual B&T Gun Show on March 26 at the Wylie-Mitchell building.

The show, which took place on March 25 and 26, featured an assortment of firearms and other miscellaneous goods, attracting a steady crowd of customers. Photo by Sam Macdonald

The Broken Arrow Youth Ranch has announced southeast Saskatchewan hockey product Todd Holt will be the guest speaker at their upcoming fundraising breakfast.

Broken Arrow, which is headed up by former Estevan resident Todd Moroz and his wife Lara, is a ministry that helps families. Parents who are finding it difficult to properly care for their children because the parents are battling personal issues such as addictions, abuse, family illness and unhealthy relationships, have their children stay at Broken Arrow, a real ranch, for at least a year.

The goal is to eventually reunite children with their families.

In the past, Broken Arrow has had a charity hockey game, a hockey tournament and a golf tournament in Estevan to raise funds for their operations.

But this year, they will ice a team, the Broken Arrow Bruins, in the Estevan Strippers hockey tournament from April 5 to 9. The team will have players from across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

And they will have the Broken Arrow

by checking out our career section on pages A16.

Classic Breakfast fundraiser, which will be on April 9 at 8 a.m. at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s multipurpose room.

Holt was born in Estevan and raised in Alameda. He played minor hockey locally with the peewee AA Bruins and the bantam AA Bruins, winning league and provincial titles.

Holt spent several years with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos, where he remains the club’s all-time leading scorer, and had a fruitful career in professional hockey in several leagues.

In 2012, Holt revealed he was among the players sexually abused by former junior hockey coach Graham James. Holt has become an advocate for trauma victims and abuse prevention.

“Todd’s story is one of hope and overcoming which aligns with Broken Arrow’s mission and purpose,” Broken Arrow stated in a media release. “This is a story we hope you will come to hear.”

There will be more than 20 items available in an auction at the breakfast, including children’s toys, artwork, hotel and restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, tools and more.

Broken Arrow will also be drawing the winners for raffle prizes, including a Winnipeg Jets ticket package for four, and Edmonton Oilers package for two and a romance package in Estevan.

For tickets please call Todd Moroz at 306-6408607 or Lara Moroz at w306640-8603.

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Murray Cowan, the new deputy chief with the Estevan Police Service, speaks during his promotion ceremony on Monday at city hall. Cowan has been promoted from inspector to deputy chief, but will remain second-in-command to Chief Paul Ladouceur with the EPS. For more on the ceremony, please see this week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Bruins advance to the SJHL semifinals

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins are heading to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s (SJHL) semifinal round.

The Bruins had goals from five different players, and goaltender Nathan Alalouf made 35 saves, in the Black and Gold’s 5-0 victory over the Yorkton Terriers on Friday night at Affinity Place. The Bruins won the best-of-seven series in 4-1.

It’s the first time since 2005 the Bruins have won a best-of-seven series.

They’ll play the top team in the league, the Battlefords North Stars, in the semifinals.

After a tentative start to Game 5, Matt McNeil opened the scoring 12:50 into the first period, and defenceman Josh Rieger tallied on a breakaway 85 seconds later to give the Bruins a 2-0 advantage.

The second period was scoreless, thanks in large part to Alalouf, who stopped 16 Yorkton shots in the middle frame. Many of those shots came during a flurry midway through the second period when Yorkton had a power play and controlled much of the play.

“There was a little bit of pressure, but I try not to focus on that,” said Alalouf.

Power Dodge Estevan Bruins captain Lynnden Pastachak leads the line of Bruin players shaking hands with the Yorkton Terriers following the Bruins 5-0 victory in Game 5 on Friday night at Affinity Place.

“I try to keep my mind as clear as possible.”

The two-goal lead remained until midway through the third, when Michael McChesney, Kaelan Holt and Zach Goberis scored 5:08 apart to help the Bruins pull away.

“I thought my teammates were awesome,” said Alalouf. “In all areas of the ice, we were able to execute our system very well. We played very good defensive hockey today, and shut them down. They didn’t have many scoring chances; most of the shots tonight were from the outside.”

Chris Lewgood, the

team’s head coach and general manager, said Alalouf was the club’s best player in the series. Alalouf allowed just 11 goals in five games.

“He was great again tonight, and when he needed to, he stood on his head,” said Lewgood. “The best part of his game tonight is he didn’t look in danger of being scored on, other than once where he seemed to have the lane, but the puck hit the post and went wide.”

Depth was the other big factor in the series. The Bruins had goals from three different lines in Game 5.

“Yorkton has top-end players, just like we do and

anyone else does, but we just seem to have a little more depth than they do,” said Lewgood. “What we call our third line could be our second or first line on any given night.”

The fourth line didn’t score in Game 5, but Lewgood thought fourth line forward Levi Barnstable was the Bruins’ best player that night.

“He made the most of his tools,” said Lewgood.

“He thought the game incredibly well, and the efficiency in his game was tremendous tonight. I thought (linemates Isaac) Embree and Kess (Matthew Kes-

slering) played really well.”

Game 5 marked the only lopsided victory for the Bruins in the series. Alalouf believes some Bruin mistakes in the series kept the Terriers in it.

“There were times in the games where we had lapses, and just really tiny errors where they were able to capitalize and keep getting back into games,” said Alalouf.

Lewgood said they don’t have much time to celebrate, because they have so much work ahead of them if they want to knock off the North Stars.

“We’re going to have

to be at our best,” said Lewgood. “We’re going to have to be hard on their defence. We’re going to have to shoot the puck a lot, and we’re going to have to slow down their transition game.”

Game 1 and 2 will be Friday and Saturday, respectively, in North Battleford. The Bruins will host Game 3 on Monday and Game 4 on Tuesday.

Both games will start at 7:30 p.m.

Game 5, if necessary, would be April 6 in North Battleford; Game 6 will be April 8 in Estevan; and Game 7 would happen April 10 in North Battleford.

The Bruins and the North Stars split their fourgame season series this year. The Bruins won twice in North Battleford, including an 8-6 win in November that ended the North Stars 13-game winning streak.

The North Stars took both games at Affinity Place during the regular season.

Estevan accounted for two of North Battleford’s 10 losses this season.

“We are confident. We do believe we can win this series. But it’s a combination of 58 regular season games and now five postseason games that give us that confidence, not just the four we played against them,” said Lewgood.

Midget AA Bruins drop league final The Estevan Apex midget AA Bruins quest for the South Saskatchewan Minor Hockey League (SSMHL) championship came to an end in the league final.

The midget AAs dropped a pair of 2-1 games to the Yorkton Terriers on the weekend. The first defeat was in Game 3 on Saturday night at Affinity Place, and the other was on Sunday afternoon in Yorkton in Game 4 of the best-of-five final.

The Terriers won the series in four games, and will now compete in the provincial final.

In Game 3, Ethan Evanovic scored with 6:39 to play in the first period to give the Terriers a 1-0 lead.

JD Gervais notched a power play goal 1:41 into the second period to tie the game, but Ashton Shewchuk’s goal midway through the second restored

the Terriers one-goal advantage.

Neither team scored in the third.

Bryson Garton made 31 saves in Game 3.

The Bruins jumped out to a 1-0 lead in Game 4, with Jacob Parlmer scoring 6:43 into the second period.

It appeared his goal might be enough, but Carter Lake tied the game 2:12 into the third period, and Michael Coleridge scored the winner with 6:19 to play to lift the Terriers to victory.

Ethan Veroba stopped 30 saves for the Bruins.

Jamieson said the effort in Game 4 was what he expected from his team with their season on the line.

“We answered the call and played really well,” said Jamieson. “We carried the play in the first and second period.”

Yorkton had more

jump in the third period, and Jamieson said Lake’s early goal gave them some momentum.

“We had lots of chances to score, but we couldn’t execute, which was the difference,” said Jamieson.

The final was what it should be, he said, with the first and second place teams battling for a league championship. It was a tight-checking final, too, as the two teams combined for just 14 goals in four games.

“There was great goaltending on both sides,” said Veroba. “Both of our guys played well. Their goaltenders did, too. They’re two very similar teams. We both worked hard, and we both played extremely well.”

The team made big strides since the start of the year. Jamieson admits he wouldn’t have thought at the start of the season that they would be in the league final. The midget AAs also

Hunter Piche sneaks past a Yorkton defender to get a loose puck during the midget AA Bruins 2-1 loss to Yorkton on Saturday night. won a tournament in Prince Albert, and they had the best record in the SSMHL during the regular season at 29-4-3, which left them one point ahead of Yorkton.

Jamieson said the coaches are very proud

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The Bruins have a few players graduating in Veroba, Brady Long, Josh Skjonsby, Jacob Chalus, Preston Audet, Kale Mar-

tens and Hunter Piche, and Jamieson expects some of the players eligible to return will move onto midget AAA. But they should still have a good contingent of players back for next season.

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March 29, 2017 A13

Panthers drop provincial final to Saskatoon The Estevan Power Tech midget AA Panthers quest for a provincial title came to an end in the final round for the second straight year.

The Saskatoon Comet Legends defeated the Panthers 3-1 on Saturday at Affinity Place to take the two-game, total-point series 7-5, and win the provincial championship.

Last year it was the West Central Wheat Kings who defeated the Panthers in the provincial final.

The Panthers came out strong in Game 2 against the Comet Legends, and peppered Legends goaltender Kieran McKercher with shots in the first 15 minutes of the game. They were

finally rewarded with less than six minutes to play in the first period when Marci LeBlanc scored to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead in the game, and a 5-4 advantage in the series. “ We g o t t h e f i r s t goal, and we were pretty pumped,” said Panthers coach Trevor Morrison.

“We just didn’t get very long to get the momentum and keep going.”

Just a couple of minutes after LeBlanc’s goal, Sarah Patel tallied to tie the game and the series, and with 67 seconds left in the first, Ruby Bayer scored to give the Legends a lead they would never surrender.

The second period was

scoreless. Saskatoon had chances to add to the advantage, most notably midway through the frame when they fired four shots within a few seconds at Panthers goaltender Morgan Fayle, but Fayle stopped each scoring attempt.

A goal by Brooklyn Rawley early in the third period gave Saskatoon the two-goal advantage they were looking for.

“Our good chances just didn’t go in the net,” said Morrison. “We had some chances. We missed the net again. We had some high-end shots, we had some screens, but we missed the net.”

Morrison said he is pleased with the progress

Elecs win once at Hoopla

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs senior girls basketball team’s first appearance at the Hoopla provincial tournament in 12 years saw them win one of three games.

“I’m very, very proud of my girls,” said Elecs coach Jessie Smoliak. “I thought we represented rural basketball very well in the 5A category.”

The Elecs and Prince Albert Carleton were the only rural teams entered in the 5A division at Hoopla.

Regina and Saskatoon each had three teams.

Estevan opened the tournament with a 62-55 loss to Regina’s Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School Royals. ECS defeated Riffel early in the season, but Smoliak stressed Riffel was a different team at Hoopla.

Even though the Elecs trailed throughout the game, they managed to keep it close.

“The first game being at Hoopla, with that kind of competition, the nerves kind of got to us, and we got into a little foul trouble,” said Smoliak.

Not only were they nervous against Riffel, but they also struggled to gather up rebounds. Smoliak believes that was a factor in the game.

ECS dropped down to the consolation round, and responded with a 65-63 win over another Regina team, the Miller Comprehensive School Marauders. Both teams shot the ball really

well in the game, Smoliak said.

“We had to shoot them outside, so we went to a zone defence,” said Smoliak.

In the last two minutes, Khrystal Montebon substituted for Sammy Wade, and Montebon hit a key three-point shot to give the Elecs the lead and some momentum.

Mackenzie Park and Ruth Peacson came off the bench and played great defence, which Smoliak said allowed the starters to rest.

“We got the lead, kept the lead and won by two,” said Smoliak.

They lost 62-58 to Regina’s Campbell Collegiate Tartans in the consolation final.

“We were up the whole game until the last two minutes, and it was unbelievable for them,” said Smoliak.

They lost the lead late, and couldn’t get it back.

Down by two, the Elecs tried a three-pointer to regain the lead in the final seconds, but didn’t make it, and then fouled a Regina Campbell player, who made both of her free-throws for the four-point spread.

“As any coach could ask for, the team played so well,” said Smoliak.

At the start of the year, Smoliak said the goal was to get to Hoopla. Once they arrived at the tournament, they set a goal winning their first game and finishing in the top four. And while they came up short, Smoliak is thrilled they were able to reach the consolation final.

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Seven of their nine players this year are eligible to return next year. Kalee Donovan and Kourtney Kobitz are their only graduating students. Those two played huge roles, and they will be tough to replace, but Smoliak hopes this experience will pay off for their seven returnees.

“I’m really hoping we can compete next year, and be back and Hoopla, because I really think my girls got the feel of what Hoopla is all about, and now we know what to expect for next year,” said Smoliak.

Panthers’ Jasynn Monteyne skates around Sarah Patel from the Comet Legends during Game 2 of the provincial final Saturday at Affinity Place. shown by the team this season. They have a lot of players who travel from out of town to Estevan to play each week, and the players managed to balance school with hockey.

“It’s hats off to the girls,” said Morrison.

“They put in their time and they got along well.”

The Panthers have

three players who will graduate this season – Michaella Matthies, Kamryn Friars and Ashton Magotiaux.

Morrison is hopeful all the players eligible to return next season will be back.

“We played with four defencemen most of the year, and we could have

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used two more defencemen, because those poor girls get tired on the backend,” said Morrison. “We played with what we got.”

The first-year players made a lot of strides this season, he said, and they grasped the team’s systems.

Morrison is hopeful this year’s experiences will pay off in 2017-18.

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A14 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

Vipers fall to Mavericks in three The Estevan peewee A Vipers came up with their best effort in Game 3 of the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League (SSFHL) final, but it still wasn’t enough to defeat the Moose Jaw Mavericks.

The Vipers dropped a 7-3 decision to the host Mavericks on Saturday afternoon in Game 3 of the best-of-three league final.

Estevan had a chance to capture the league title four nights earlier at the Civic Auditorium, but lost 3-1 to the Mavericks in Game 2.

Manager Brent Olfert said they won Game 1 3-2 on March 20 on the strength of their goaltending, and a three-minute stretch early in the third. But in Game 2 they didn’t play at the level needed.

Game 3 was a solid team effort, despite the absence of Hannah Terrett.

“We had two lines, and they got three lines, and they have a solid team there that is well-coached as well,” said Olfert. “They just wore us down. We kept the game close.”

Morgan Kjersem for Estevan and Kaitlyn Gilroy for Moose Jaw traded goals to open Game 3. Kjersem scored less than four minutes into the first period, but Gilroy tied the game

The Vipers Kamri Olfert (3) takes the puck from the Moose Jaw Mavericks Sidney Ellingson during Game 2 of the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League final. with 7:36 to play in the first period.

Kjersem scored again 25 seconds later to restore the one-goal advantage, but Gilroy tallied again a few minutes later. Sidney Ellingson’s goal with 55 seconds to play in the first gave Moose Jaw a 3-2 lead.

Gilroy scored twice in the second to up Moose Jaw’s advantage to 5-2, but Kamri Olfert’s marker with 70 seconds to play in the frame pulled Estevan to within two.

“The girls seemed to be

playing with a lot of jump, and then, just as the game went on, they wore down a little bit, and it got harder for us to put pucks in the net,” said Brent Olfert.

The Vipers started taking chances in the third, but couldn’t convert on their opportunities. Ellingson and Jasmine Kohl in the final three minutes to round out the scoring.

In Game 2, Ellingson scored with 17 seconds to play in the first period to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead.

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Kamri Olfert scored on a breakaway 26 seconds into the second period to tie the game. It remained tied until late in the second, when Gilroy and Ember Dusomme scored a little more than a minute apart to give Moose

the a two-goal lead that would remain after the third.

Chloe Sorensen was in goal for both games.

Brent Olfert said the team has made a lot of strides this season. They worked hard in practice, and

it showed in their skating and conditioning.

The Vipers have six players graduating: Hannah Terrett, Kamri Olfert, Caydance Chapman, Paige Anderson, McKenna Walls and Kylie Davis.

Strippers play in N.D. The Estevan Strippers hockey program sent a pair of teams to compete at a tournament in Grand Forks, N.D., earlier this month.

The 50-and-over team started out with a 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Crippled Crows. Kirk Haines and Jim Larter scored for the Strippers.

In their second game, the Strippers scored twice late in the game to secure a 7-5 victory over the Grand Forks Roadrunners. Lyle Odgers led the way with a hat trick and Haines potted a pair. Rob Peloquin and Rick Walliser also scored.

The Strippers scored four times in the first period of their third game, and routed Devils Lake by an 8-2 score. Sean Garagan had the hat trick and Odgers had a pair. Dave Kosior, Larry

Doan, and Peloquin also scored.

The Strippers advanced to the final against the Portage la Prairie Plainsmen, and won 4-3. Odgers’ second of the game with nine seconds to play was the winning goal.

Kosior and Haines scored singles while Jeff Anson had a very strong game in net.

The over-40 team went 3-0 in the round-robin, starting with a 10-0 rout of the St. Cloud Express. Matt Garagan, Dan McLelland and Jeff Clausen each netted a pair, while Garett Fleck, Gord Steeves, Chuck Haines and Nick Mayer had the other goals.

In their second game against the Winnipeg Red Coats, the Strippers won 3-0, with Steeves, Mayer and

Karl McKenzie scoring.

Jody Wolashin was in goal for both shutouts.

The over-40 Strippers scored four times in each of the first and second periods to beat the Canadian Brew 9-1 in their third game. McLelland led the way with a hat trick while Garagan netted a pair. Singles were scored

by Mayer, Clausen, Craig Gusikoski and Dave Odgers.

In the A final, the Strippers dropped a 7-5 decision to the Winnipeg Sofa Kings.

The Strippers goals were courtesy of Gusikoski, Clausen, McLelland, Odgers, and Fleck.

The next action for the Strippers is their 35th Annual Molson’s Spring Bust Tournament scheduled for April 5-9 at Estevan’s three arenas. Forty teams are slated to compete this year.

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7. SW-09-08-08-W2 RM #65; FVA 68,900, 160 Titled Acres, 125 Cultivated Acres, 2016 Crop Canola, 2016 Taxes $298.23 8. SE-09-08-08-W2 RM #65; FVA 75,100, 160 Titled Acres, 115 Cultivated Acres, 2016 Crop Peas, 2016 Taxes $298.23 9. NW-10-08-08-W2 RM #65; FVA 77,000, 157 Titled Acres, Cultivated Acres, 2016 Crop Spring Wheat, 2016 Taxes $333.29, $2300.00 Surface Lease Revenue 10. NE-10-08-08-W2 RM #65; FVA 78,600, 160 Titled Acres, 151 Cultivated Acres, 2016 Crop Spring Wheat, 2016 Taxes $340.22 11. SW-32-07-08-W2 RM #65; FVA 60,100, 193 Titled Acres, 152 Cultivated Acres, 2016 Crop Durum, 2016 Taxes $260.15 12. SE-32-07-08-W2 RM #65; FVA 58,000, 176 Titled Acres, 123 Cultivated Acres, 2016 Crop Canola, 2016 Taxes $251.05, $4800.00 Surface Lease Revenue 13. 312 DONNELLY STREET, STOUGHTON; 50’X 120’ Non-Serviced Commercial/ Residential Lot, Assessed Value 5,900, 2016 Taxes $311.04 (Lot 13, Block 3, Plan B3493)

2010 Case IH WD1903 36 Ft

A PARTIAL EQUIPMENT LIST INCLUDES: 2012 Case IH 550 Quadtrac Tractor · 2007 Case IH STX480 Quadtrac Tractor · 1998 New Holland TV140 Bi-Directional Tractor · 2013 Case IH 8230 Combine · 2014 Case IH 3152 40 Ft Rigid Draper Header · 2010 Case IH WD1903 36 Ft Swather · 2009 Case IH Patriot 3330 100 Ft High Clearance Sprayer · 2007

14. 316 DONNELLY STREET, STOUGHTON; 50’ X 120’ Non-Serviced Commercial/ Residential Lot, Assessed Value 5,900, 2016 Taxes $311.04 (Lot 13, Block 3, Plan B3493)

1996 International 4900 & 2007 International 9400I

AUCTION LOCATION: From ALAMEDA, SK, at the Jct of Hwy 9 & 18, go 13.8 km (8.5 miles) West, then North 7.2 km (4.5 miles) North OR From LAMPMAN, SK, go 20.9 km (13 miles) East on Hwy 361, then 11.5 km (7 miles) South on Grid 604. Yard on East side. GPS: 49.268209, -102.443764 International 9400I Eagle T/A Grain Truck · 1996 International 4900 Navistar T/A Grain Truck · 2014 Bourgault 3320PHD QDA 66 Ft Air Drill · 2014 Degelman Pro-Till 40 Ft · 2012 Riteway 8100 78 Ft Heavy Harrows · 2010 Degelman SK1150 Grain Cart · 25+ Grain Bins ...AND MUCH MORE!

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Ph: (306) 634-9512, (306) 421-2928, (306) 487-7815

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Duane Collopy: 306.483.7679 Ken Collopy: 306.485.8670 Ritchie Bros. Territory Manager – Kevin Ortt: 306.451.7388 800.491.4494

www.estevanmercury.ca

March 29, 2017 A15

Sharks win three league titles The Estevan Sharks water polo program won three league titles and finished second in another league during the playoffs in Regina on March 11 and 12.

Atom, bantam and cadet players competed in playoffs.

In the atom boys division, the Sharks 1 team took top spot. They finished with four wins and a tie in a round-robin which opened the tournament. They advanced to the gold medal game, which they won 6-5 over the Regina Armada.

As for the Sharks 2 team, which is comprised

of rookies, they dropped all of their games in roundrobin play.

The atom girls Sharks team went 1-2 in the round robin, but improved their performance in the playoffs. First they defeated Regina in the semifinals, with two goals from Sadie Smith, and then they knocked off the Weyburn Hurricanes 6-5 to win gold.

The Estevan cadet girls team, meanwhile, won silver in their league playoffs, dropping a 5-4 decision to Regina in the final. They entered a team with players who are ages 11 to 15, in a division for

players who are 15 and 16 years old.

The bantam girls Sharks also took top spot in their league. They won three straight games in the round-robin to advance to the final, where they played Regina, who had the top goalie in the league. The Sharks defeated Regina 5-4 in the final.

The bantam boys dropped all three of their round robin games, but rallied to defeat Regina 4-1 and secure fourth place.

The Sharks’ next action will be the provincial tournament April 1 and 2 in Saskatoon.

The atom girls took top spot in their league this year.

Peewee Bruins win home tournament The Estevan Peewee A Bruins went 4-0 to win their home tournament, which was held from March 17 to 19.

The Bruins opened the tournament with a 5-2 win over the Assiniboia Stingers. Landon Marcotte scored in the first period to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead, and then Tate Kasick, Colton Pushie and Jordan Marcotte scored in the second to push Estevan’s lead to 4-0.

Connor Terness had the Bruins’ only goal in the third.

The atom boys won gold in the league playoffs.

As Spring approaches it reminds us of New Life and Warmer Weather.

Make sure your pet is safe and secure while your away.

Book your boarding reservation today!

In the A final against the Weyburn Wings, the Bruins fell behind 2-0 in the first six minutes of the game, but scored five times in the second period on their way to a 6-2 victory.

Kasick had the Bruins’ first two goals to start the comeback. Jordan Marcotte, Kyler Gingras and Terness scored in the second period, and Lavoie tallied in the third.

Josh Bittman and Ryan Chernoff were the Bruins’ goalies in the tournament.

Zeus is our newest canine resident! At just 5 months old, he is full of energy and clumsy puppy fun. He would love to get into his new home where he can spend his days chasing balls and snuggling with his new family as he grows.

This is a great time to spay and neuter your pet to help prevent pet over population. c c c c Travel plans for spring break?

Their second game was the closest, a 3-1 decision over Yorkton.

Zack Gedak, Terness and Kasick scored in the third to help the Bruins rally from a 1-0 deficit.

The Bruins wrapped up the round-robin with a 10-1 win over Humboldt. Jordan Marcotte had the first two goals of the game and finished with a hat trick. Aiden Johnston and Terness had two goals each, Aidan Wasmann, Braxton Dukart and Hayden Lavoie had the other goals.

CALL ESTEVAN HUMANE SOCIETY

Meet “Itsy”! As her name suggests, she is a small lady with a huge heart! With the softest fur and the sweetest purr, she is bound to make the perfect companion for anyone!

306.634.3444

108 Breeze Street, Estevan

306-634-7123 www.prairieanimalhealthcentre.com

Spayed and neutered pets are much happier pets.

The Estevan Humane Society reserves the right to refuse any adoption.

BUSINESS SERVICES HEALTH

REAL ESTATE

LEGAL

RS C

Kohaly, Elash & Ludwig Law Firm LLP

Border Real Estate Service

REALTOR

B 306-634-1020 F 306-634-0088 C 306-421-3441

Roni Sue Coulter Sales Representative

www.century21.ca/ronisue.coulter

ronisue.coulter@century21.ca

Barristers & Solicitors Paul Elash Q.C., B.A., LL.B. Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B. Genevieve Golas, B. Mgt., J.D.

1312- 4th Street, Estevan Telephone: 306-634-3631 • Fax: (306) 634-6901

Gainsborough:

Thursday a.m.

Phone: 306-685-2250

 Hearing Tests  Hearing Aids  Ear Wax Removal  Hearing Aid Batteries & Repairs  Custom Hearing Protection

M.S., R. Aud.

Carnduff:

Thursday p.m.

Phone: 306-482-3731

Jacquie Mvula

www.suncountryhearing.com

#5 - 418 Kensington Avenue (Across from Walmart) (306) 636-EARS (3277)

HOME BUILDER

DT

1329 Third Street, Estevan • P: (306) 634-6334 F: (306) 634-3852

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Sales Representative Cell: 306-421-7516 dwight.thompson@century21.ca

Serving Estevan and area for over 25 Years!

Barry D. Bridges Q.C. • Chad W. Jesse Robert C. Nicolay

ORLOWSKI LAW OFFICE

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A16 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

Restaurant owners react to new PST

By Sam Macdonald smacdonald@estevanmercury.ca

Purveyors of food and drink in the Energy City are not impressed with the

implementation of the provincial sales tax (PST) on restaurant meals the 2017-18 Saskatchewan budget, and the impact it will have.

As of April 1, the in-

CAREERS Equipment Operator

ESTIMATE

Section Insertion Date The R.M. of Benson No. 35 requires an experienced seasonal equipment operator, mainly for grading, n Mercury Careers March 29/17as

well as road repairs, fixing culverts, some mowing, rock picking and other miscellaneous duties. State qualifications, hourly wage expected and references.

Forward applications by April 5, 2017, to: Box 69, Benson, Saskatchewan, S0C 0L0 Phone: 306-634-9410 Email: rm35@sasktel.net Fax: 634-8804.

creased rate of PST will Sereggela reflected on apply to meals, food and the last time PST was impledrinks purchased from res- mented in Saskatchewan, taurants, on the same basis saying, “The last time we as Goods and Services Tax had PST implemented, I (GST) does. know from experience, that “It’s increasing my li- it caused a little bit of agquor costs, and obviously gravation and stress to the the REP. thatPrepared will be by passed on to the extent Carlythat a petition had HR ADWORKS consumer, some DESIGNER respect,” been started, and the governServiceinTeam Julie said Pete Sereggela, owner ment removed the PST off PROOFED Carly of the Tower Café. ESTIMATED restaurant meals.”

Carly Sereggela said he As a businessSENT owner, Carly Sereggela said there will be doesn’t think that’s going pricesto exclude totaxes happen again, and he benumerous additionalAllcosts Prices do not include 5% GST running a business even just lieves the PST is here to stay.

Ad Size Price Sereggela also lamented knowing that PST is going 3 col x 10.455 $0.00 to be added to the other costs the aggravation the increase in PST will create for some like labour on construction, $0.00 and other aspects of$0.00 running of his regular customers, since he is worried some will a business. $0.00 think he increased the prices.

“It goes beyond just $0.00 “We have lots of loyal the physical costs of having PRICE anTOTAL increased price$0.00 on the customers in our establishproducts being sold at that ment on a regular basis,” he business,” he noted. said. “So when the increased costs come out, initially, they won’t like the fact that they’ll be paying more money for

the same services they were getting before.”

Robin Garchinski, owner of Fired Up Grill, said he is “still absorbing” the reality of a PST imposition on food and drink in restaurants, adding, “We’re already in a situation where our Canadian dollar is less than the American dollar, so our cost of goods has gone up because of the exchange.”

Garchinski contended that adding an additional tax to the food he sells, will be “another reason for people to say, ‘Maybe we should stay home tonight.’”

Garchinski used the example of a family of four, going out for a pizza dinner to illustrate his point, saying that the price of such an excursion would already be between $60 and $70, so adding another six per cent onto that would lead to around an additional $4 on

CAREERS TRINITY TOWER IS NOW HIRING

BUILDING MANAGER / CARETAKER

A COMPANY ON THE MOVE At Richardson International, being truly invested is at the heart of everything we do.

For 160 years, Richardson has been dedicated to the Canadian agriculture industry and is Canada’s largest agribusiness. Headquartered in Winnipeg with locations across Canada and the U.S., we support Canadian farmers through the growing season, buy their crops at harvest and sell them to markets around the world. We also process Canadian-grown canola and oats into value-added food products and ingredients. At Richardson, we are committed to enhancing our facilities and services and investing in our people and communities. One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, Richardson has over 2,500 employees.

Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have opportunities at our Richardson Pioneer Ag Business Centre located in Estevan, SK.

DUTIES INCLUDE: · Tenant Relations · Building / Equipment Maintenance · Office Management · Marketing / Rental of Suites Experience in building management, grounds keeping, maintenance repairs, caretaking / cleaning, marketing and administration. Must have or be willing to obtain a Fireman’s certificate.

Area Marketing Representative

Apply by March 31st to our website www.luthercare.com

Area Marketing Representatives contribute to the overall success of our customers and our business – you are the one who our customers rely on to sell crop inputs for seeding and purchase grain at harvest.

Responsibilities: • Maintaining strong customer relationships and act as the key contact with all farm customers and manage credit within the region.

• Sell, seed, fertilizer and crop protection products.

• Purchase grain and coordinate the logistics of grain movement.

TUNDRA ENERGY MARKETING LIMITED Job Title: Millwright/Mechanic

Qualifications: Diploma/Degree in Agriculture/Business with several years of related agriculture experience.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Experience in a merchandising role would be considered an asset.

Location: Cromer, Manitoba

Sales Agronomist

Position Responsibilities

•

Sales Agronomists contribute to the overall success of our customers and our business you are the one who our customers rely on for agronomic support and advice.

Responsibilities: Visit producers on their farms and identify their agricultural needs specific to agronomy and crop production, contributing to increased sales volumes and overall location profitability.

• Provide agronomic services such as soil testing and recommendation of crop products.

• Develop opportunities for live demonstrations and tours with customers.

•

Qualifications: A degree in Agriculture and previous experience in crop inputs.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• The Certified Crop Advisor designation would be considered an asset.

•

Richardson International provides an excellent compensation package consisting of competitive salary, pension, a flexible benefits plan and training and career development opportunities.

Interested candidates should visit www.richardson.ca/work to upload their cover letter and resume by April 13, 2017.

such a bill.

“It’s going to affect us, for sure. You only have so much money to go around,” said Garchinski. “This is especially true in our area, since we have probably been the hardest hit by the slumping economy in the province, because of the oil sector.

People have already been hurting in the community for the last two years.”

Garchinski noted his business is hurting, with sales down a substantial amount.

He added that he has seen it all over, with Regina restaurants also feeling the pinch.

Going forward, he noted that the most obvious effect of the PST will be a nominal increase in the cost of what his business serves its customers.

“It’s an immediate service. You buy pizza, you pay for it. So, the cost has to always be added to your price.

The customer is going to feel the effect,” said Garchinski.

“I’ll feel the effect because for my goods, I’ll have to pay an extra six per cent.

Whether or not the customer wants to buy it is up to them; they have choices.”

Garchinski acknowledge that the local businesses in Estevan have been resilient in the face of the downturn in the economy over the last few years, and that everyone has to pay their fair share with this year’s budget.

He added, “I understand that. In saying that, we’ve already been hard-hit for the last two years, but is this what they really needed to do, to generate some revenue?”

Job Overview To provide mechanical support to optimize production processes and eliminate downtime for all TEML operations. Works with minimum supervision under minimal direction of the Maintenance Supervisor.

• To ensure that all maintenance work is performed safely, and in accordance with statutory and company regulations and good engineering practice.

• Responsible for repairing and maintaining machinery and mechanical equipment such as motors, production equipment and machines.

• To receive direction from and work with the Maintenance Supervisor regarding maintenance / repairs and planning to maximize operational uptime.

• To assist Maintenance Supervisor in the development and maintain the TEML Preventative Maintenance program.

• Ensure there is always an adequate stock of parts, tools and consumables required to maintain the equipment for which they are responsible.

• Provide feedback information required for updating of any drawings, sketches or information on existing and replacement equipment.

• To support and promote TEML Safety program.

• Respond to emergency situations.

• Troubleshoot and remediate mechanical issues as they arise.

• Assist with Capital projects and small department projects including commissioning and or inspecting.

• Perform system/equipment improvements as well as research and test new equipment.

• Ensure the operation of our pipeline continues as required by others. This includes providing oncall services for after hour requests in order to repair failed equipment.

• Maintain Company tools and equipment as well as assigned on-call vehicle in safe working condition.

• Other related duties as required.

Skills and Qualifications • Journeyman Millwright all levels and years of experience will be considered.

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license • Oilfield experience an asset

Richardson values diversity in the workplace. Women, aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and self-identify.

Resumes can be submitted to careers@teml.com. Close date is April 5th.

We thank all interested candidates; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

SRI HOMES’ Estevan Facility SHELTER HOME SYSTEMS

Oungre Memorial Park

PRODUCTION WORKERS

is now accepting resumes for

is currently accepting applications for

• Required Immediately

Duties include:

• Assembling and installing modular components Send, fax, e-mail or drop off resume to: Box 845 #200 Hwy. 18 West, Estevan, SK S4A 2A7 Fax: 306-634-7597 E-mail: jobs.shelter@gmail.com

Now Hiring:

Now Hiring: Light Duty Mechanic For our Lampman location Carson Energy, A Division of AECOM Heavy Duty Mechanic

Must Have: Truck / Trailer Journeyman Ticket

For our Lampman location

Send resumes to dejan.risteski@aecom.com or fax resume to 403-386-1001

Must have:

➤ Lifeguards ➤ Swimming Instructor ➤ Round House Worker ➤ Grounds Worker Any questions contact Gord at (306) 456-7780 Send resumes (including references) to: oungrememorialrpark@sasktel.net Mail to: Oungre Park Box 69, Oungre, SK S0C 1Z0

Classifieds A17

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

e re

Place a classified word ad* in the Estevan Mercury and Lifestyles publications and receive a FREE Dairy Queen Cheese Burger meal (Value $7.00)

F

CALL TO BOOK TODAY 306.634.2654 * Private party ad must run in both publications 2 times. No refunds and no cancellation.

Auto MiscellAneous

Houses for sale

LAND FOR SALE

Parts & accessories

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.

Yellowhead Modular Home Sales

FARMLAND WANTED

New Canadian built modular homes!

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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.

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.

In MeMorIaM

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.

Weekend calls Personalized Service

306-496-7538

www.yellowheadmodularhomesales.ca HWY #16 West of Yorkton (Sheho, SK.)

ApArtments/Condos for rent

In Memory of John Struble 1923 2009 May the winds of Heaven blow softly And whisper in your ear How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here Love Always and ForeverYour Family

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 1 and 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www.chateauvilla.ca www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-2814475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net.

RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca

Steel BuildingS / granarieS

BOND Sea ContainerS new, Used & Modified

FARMLAND FOR LEASE THE W 1/2 OF 15-4-8 W2M is available Containing Approximately 275 CULTIVATED ACRES DMYTRO IGNATIUK 8 56 S mi t h S tre e t, E ST E VA N, SASKATCHEWAN S4H1J9 PHONE:(306) 634-6076 or(306) 634-6477FAX: (306) 6348744

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Call BOND Today 306-373-2236 or 306-221-9630 joe@bondind.com www.bondind.com

For Sale - MiSc

Feed & Seed Lawrence Harris January 1937 March 2016 One sad and Lonely year has passed Not ONE but TWO trains stopped by The coyotes howled The birds were flying in the sky The sun was shining brightly What a perfect day. No one knows why that happened But God had it planned A thought to keep He is with us still There was no last farewell He said goodbye to none Heavens gates were open wide And the voice he heard said “come” Our Love Lawrence Sylvia, Shirley’s and families, Kerry’s and families, Charlene’s and families, Murray, Sharon and families, Trudy’s and families, Brother and Uncle

Coming EvEnts Kindersley Trade Show June 9 & 10, 2017. Early Bird Deadline is April 17, 2017. For more information check out kindersleychamber.com or call 306 463-2320

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. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment D I SA B I L IT Y ? A D H D ? D o yo u have a DISABILITY? We can help you get up to $50,000 back from the Canadian Government. FOR DETAILS CALL US TODAY TollFree 1-888875-4787 or Visit us at: disabilitygroupcanada.com.

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 Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @

www.westerncommodities.ca

NORTH EAST PRAIRIE GRAIN INC. Currently Buying: Soybeans, Feed Barley, Wheat and Oats.

OFFERING: Competitive Prices, On Farm Pickup & Prompt Payment! CALL: 1-306-873-3551, WEBSITE: neprairiegrain.com

Municipal Hail is hiring CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2017 hail season.

This seasonal position (Jul-Oct) has competitive salary, all expenses paid, health spending account and pension plan. Paperless as all entries are entered in our handheld tablet.

Semi-retired or retired – join our team! We will train you.

Visit municipalhail.ca and click Careers. dtiefenbach@ municipalhail.ca or 306-569-1852 ext 170.

Torquay Housing Authority currently has 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units available for immediate rent. For more information please contact the manager at 306-4719226. diana-morin5@homail.com

LAND/PASTURE FOR RENT

Career OppOrtunities

REACH OVER 500,000 Saskatchewan Readers Each Week!

Blanket Classifieds are carried in 72 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!

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 Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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.

Buying or Selling A Vehicle?

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Phone today! 306-634-2654

Graphic designer needed in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. We are a growing company that publishes the weekly World-Spectator and regional Plain and Valley, and provides printing and web design.

Web design experience an asset.

We offer a competitive salary and health and dental insurance. Send re s u m e a n d p o r t fo l i o to ke vin@worldspectator.com 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

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION St. Joseph’s Hospital relies on donations to fund equipment purchases.

Your Memorial Gift honours your loved one and makes it possible for our hospital to continue providing quality care for Estevan and area residents.

A letter will be sent to the family acknowledging your gift; please include their name and address as well as your own. You will receive an income tax receipt.

Please send your donation to:

St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation 1176 Nicholson Rd, Estevan, SK S4A 0H3 Phone: 306-637-2474

UPCOMING EVENTS

ECI REUNION 2017 Former students of Estevan Collegiate Institute, enrolled in Grades 9-12 in the 1966-67 school year are invited to attend the ECI Reunion 2017 on June 9 & 10, 2017 at the G. Marconi Canadian Italian Club (2148 Connaught St, Regina) 2225 Sandra Schmirler Way - Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (one kilometre north of the Regina Airport) $60 PER PERSON. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 30, 2017.

Please make you cheque or money order payable to: ECI Reunion 2017 c/o Bill Haygarth, Treasurer; mail to 2751 Corbett Road, Regina, SK S4R 8J1.

Please see Doug Gent’s ECI Reunion 2017 website at http://gent-family.com/ECI/ECI_50th_Anniv_Reunion_1967-2017.html and, on Facebook, ECI Reunion 2017.

THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL INVITATION. PLEASE NOTIFY ECI FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

Obituaries Inga Gurine Klarholm 1927-2017 On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, Inga Gurine Klarholm of Regina passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Born in Bjarkøy, Norway on June 22, 1927, Inga was 89 years old. She was predeceased by her parents, Peder and Oline Karlsen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henning and Borghild Klarholm; six sisters (Kamilla, Inga, Konstanse, Jensine, Anny and Ellen); five brothers (Nils, Ingvall, Peder, Jentoft and Ernst); three sisters-inlaw; five brothers-in-law and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gordon, and their four children: Beverley (Maxwell) Graham of Regina, Leona (Ronald) Klassen of Winnipeg, Barbara (Daryl) McKinnon of Regina, and Eric (Karen) Klarholm of Macoun; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; six sisters-in-law; five brothersin-law; and several nieces and nephews.

Inga grew up on Bjarkøy, a small island in the North Sea and North of the Arctic Circle in the land of the midnight sun. Her family’s livelihood was in the fishing industry, where she was employed as a cook. Intending to stay for only two years, she and her brother, Ingvall ventured to Canada in 1953 to visit their elder brother, Ernst. Ingvall returned to the land of the midnight sun but Inga remained in the land of the living skies.

She met Gordon that first Christmas in Canada; she could not speak a word of English, so Gordon had to “friske opp Norske sproke.” They were married on July 9, 1955 and farmed by Macoun most of their married life. Inga was well known for her cooking, baking, and handwork such as knitting and sewing. Inga visited her homeland ten times over the years and welcomed a steady stream of visitors from Norway.

A memorial service was held at Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4001 East Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK, on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at www.reginafuneralhome.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 7898850.

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A18 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

Police called to truck incident at overpass Members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) were dispatched to a collision between a semi-trailer hauling a backhoe and the train overpass on the city’s west edge during the March 22 day shift.

The backhoe was too high and clipped the bridge, dislodging the backhoe. Nobody was injured due to the collision.

The road was closed while emergency and cleanup crews were on the scene, and CP Rail maintenance was contacted to check the integrity of the bridge. Xtreme Towing attended to clean up the scene and flip the backhoe on its right side.

The driver of the semitrailer has been charged for

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ESTEVAN

Sunday Worship and Sunday School Jason Richards

From large weddings to smaller intimate affairs.

Let us look after the catering

EMAIL: stpaulsuc@sasktel.net Website: stpaulsestevan.ca

ALL are Welcome!!

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.

1302 - 8th St., Estevan Office Phone: 306-634-3116 Email: estevan.cofc@sasktel.net TIM PIPPUS

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

REAL LIFE

REAL PEOPLE

REAL GOD

Sunday Service at

10:00 am

Followed by coffee time

Estevan Alliance Church

Trinity Lutheran Church

Friday Night Youth 7:30 pm (Gr 7-12)

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!

Faith Lutheran Church

100 King Street, Estevan, Sask • (306) 634-8133 • livinghope-ca.org

Nursery & Children’s Ministries available during the service.

Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 am

10:30 a.m. - Sunday Service

1107 4th Street • 306-634-2074 • www.facebook.com/salvationarmyestevan

Bible studies on any subject can be arranged at your convenience. Please call us.

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

THE SALVATION ARMY Estevan Community Church

www.estevangospelchapel.ca

CHURCH OF CHRIST

140 King Street (across from Staples)

the driver was over the legal limit.

The driver provided breath samples after being transported to a nearby detachment, resulting in two readings over the legal limit.

The subject was later released with a date to appear in court in Estevan.

After noting an increase in deer activity in the Estevan area, members of traffic services are reminding all motorists to pay close attention to the roadside for the presence of deer. Traffic services also recommends regularly using high beam headlights at night, since vigilance for deer on the side of the road is especially crucial at that time.

Wednesday: Club DJ for kids 6:30 p.m.

306-634-2885 • 1418 3rd St. Estevan

Children’s Clubs Wednesdays 7-8 pm

27 tickets for exceeding the posted speed limit, three tickets for motorists operating an unregistered motor vehicle, three tickets for disobeying a stop sign, one ticket for failure to stop at an intersection displaying a red light and one ticket for driving to the left of a solid centre line.

Three inspection notices were issued, and two tickets were issued to drivers for failing to wear a seatbelt.

A member traffic services conducted a vehicle stop on March 17 near Oxbow. The officer determined the driver was intoxicated, and administered a roadside screening test. It was subsequently determined that

Church Directories GOSPEL CHAPEL

ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH • 11:00 am

Members of Estevan Combined Traffic Services issued a total of 37 tickets and 20 warnings in the period from March 12 to 18.

Traffic services issued

From large weddings to smaller intimate affairs.

E.B.’s Dining Emporium Let us look after the catering

Jade Chipley & Ryan Biletsky ................................. Spring 2017 Cassandra Schwartz & David Kirk ........................May 13, 2017 Pam O’Handley & Dan McLellan ..........................June 24, 2017 Jacine Styre & Jeffrey Leclair ..............................June 24, 2017 Chelsea Kawecki & Mitchell Meyer ......................June 24, 2017 Sarah Mehler & Jeff Clauson ................................ July 29, 2017 Mica Moreau & Winston Hunt .......................... August 19, 2017 Ashley Mucha & Mitch Sinclair ..................... September 2, 2017 Terra Schwartz & Jared Phair ...........................October 7, 2017 Kaela Bonokoski & Scott Larter .................. November 28, 2017

held in custody to appear before a justice of the peace.

Police were alerted to a motorist who drove off without paying for his fuel during the March 25 day shift.

Police were provided with information, and a 26-yearold man was located and charged. He will appear in court on May 8.

A theft occurred at a local store. An expensive item was taken out of the store and employees were able to provide surveillance of the male and his vehicle. He has been linked to other thefts and the matter is under investigation.

Police were notified of a theft from an arena during the March 25 day shift. A youth was arrested and charged the following day.

Traffic services unit issues a variety of tickets

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failing to follow height restrictions on his permit.

In other recent police news, officers spotted a suspended driver operating a vehicle around noon during the March 23 day shift. The vehicle was stopped due to driving actions, as well as the identity of the driver, who is suspended from driving due to a previous impaired driving charge that remains before the court. The motorist was found to be drinking and failed a roadside test. She was arrested for impaired driving and taken back for breath tests at the police station.

The driver is now facing additional charges for impaired driving and driving while over .08, as well as driving while suspended. She was

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

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104 - Hwy. 47 South, Estevan, SK 306-634-5588 Bay #1 - Hwy. 13, Carlyle, SK 306-453-2519

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

WWW.FLOORSTOREESTEVAN.CA

RSO brings symphonic sounds to the Estevan Comprehensive School Estevan Comprehensive School’s cafetorium swelled with the sounds of the Regina Symphony Orchestra’s (RSO) music last Sunday. The symphony performed the final concert in a series of shows across southeast Saskatchewan, to a crowd of appreciative residents in the Energy City, listening to the 24 musician ensemble, which created a rich sound that took listeners through a number of different musical eras, sampling several different styles.

The concert featured pieces by classical artists

like Mozart and Bernstein, and a rousing finale, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which blended the sounds of classical and jazz into a unique sound. During the finale, conductor and music director Gordon Gerrard brought a piano into the room to play along with the musicians of the orchestra.

By the end of the concert, the entirety of the room was on its feet in an extended standing ovation for the musicians, who expressed their gratitude to be able to bring classical music to Estevan.

“One of the things that I enjoy most about being with the RSO is the outreach we do across southern Saskatchewan,” said Gerrard. “I love meeting the people that live here, my new home province, and getting to share a unifying appreciation of music with them.”

Gerrard noted that he was proud of the RSO’s performance in Estevan, and extended thanks to everyone who came out to listen, “and share in the symphony experience with us. I know that we’ll be back in the future.”

Dates set for music festival highlights programs The Estevan and District Music Festival will have three concerts for its festival highlights and awards this year.

Two programs will happen on April 2. The first will be for bands and instrumentalists at 1 p.m. at the Estevan Comprehensive School. The other is for the vocal and speech

arts division at 5 p.m. at the Estevan Alliance Church.

The program for the piano discipline will be on April 4 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Each program will see outstanding musicians perform, and awards will be handed out.

The top awards for

the festival, including the announcement of the musicians selected to perform at the provincial music festival, will happen at the piano event on April 4.

This year’s music festival opened on March 19.

Approximately 650 young people are registered for the festival.

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Members of the Regina Symphony Orchestra perform one of the many classical numbers featured in the concert on March 26 at Estevan Comprehensive School.

60-and-Over Club report Submitted by Shirley Graham

Did you know? Chickens are the only animal I’d eat before they are born and after they are dead.

The bridge winner for the week of March 20 was Cathy Hoffort. Helen Parish was second and Doris Heidinger came in third.

Edmond Schell came in first in cribbage. Dave Highberg was the runner-up and Grace Carlson came in third.

The next meeting will be on April 6 at 12:30 p.m. Cribbage will follow. A jam session will happen on April 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Former president Bill Clinton died and knocked at the door of the pearly gates.

“Who goes there?” inquired St. Peter.

“It’s me, Bill Clinton.”

“What bad things did you do on earth?”

St. Peter asked.

Clinton thought for a bit and answered, “Well, I smoked marijuana, but you shouldn’t hold that against me because I didn’t inhale. And I lied, but I didn’t commit perjury.”

After several moments of deliberation, St. Peter replied, “OK, here’s the deal. We’ll send you someplace where it is very hot, but we won’t call it hell. You’ll be there for an indefinite period of time, but we won’t call it eternity. And don’t abandon all hope upon entering. Just don’t hold your breath waiting for it to freeze over.”

306.421.1896 or 306.421.0529 gtandh@sasktel.net

APARTMENTS FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE Check us out on facebook

 Fridge & stove  Dishwasher  Microwave  Central air  Washer / Dryer * References required * no dogs allowed

HILLSIDE CONDOMINIUMS 306-634-6030 • thirsch@sasktel.net

Introducing Our baby boy

Casey Joseph Landon & Sara Houde, West Kelowna, BC are pleased to announce the arrival of their son,

Casey Joseph 7 lbs, 11 oz 21" January 24th, 2017 Landon is the grandson of Bill & Bernice Boyle, Estevan and Richard & Shirley Houde, Medicine Hat, AB Proud grandparents are Kirby & Lori Houde, Penticton, BC and Gary & Deb Maeklburger, West Kelowna, BC

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6:00am - 6:00pm at St. Joseph’s Hospital Bring your donation to our BBQ Lunch Fundraiser from 12:00-1:00pm

DONATION HOTLINE

306.340.0510 For more info please call 306-637-2474

A20 March 29, 2017

Estevan Mercury

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