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COURTESY OF THE ESTEVAN MERCURY!
Issue 32
SERVING THE ENERGY CITY SINCE 1903
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Mailing No. 10769 | Publication No. 40069240
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New pact on small modular nuclear reactors could have a big impact for Estevan By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net
After months of broadly hinting Saskatchewan would be getting into nuclear power production, as well as a reference in the recent speech from the throne, Premier Scott Moe has taken the first concrete action in that direction. Indeed, his statements at a press conference suggest Saskatchewan could go into nuclear power for electrical power generation in the coming years, possibly replacing both coal and natural gas further down the road. While in Toronto on Dec. 1, Moe signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ontario and New Brunswick with regards to the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). Moe, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs released a joint statement after the announcement. “Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick agreed today to work together to explore new, cutting-edge technology in nuclear power generation to provide carbon-free, affordable, reliable, and safe energy, while helping us unlock economic potential
From left, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe hold up signed copies of a memorandum of understanding on the development of small modular reactors. Photo courtesy Government of Saskatchewan across Canada, including rural and remote regions. “ We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), committing to collaborate on the development and deployment of innovative, versatile and scalable nuclear reactors, known as small modular reactors (SMRs), right here in Canada. “SMRs could generate clean and low-cost energy for both on-grid and offgrid communities, connect more remote and rural areas
of our province, and benefit energy-intensive industries, including the mining and manufacturing sectors. It could also drive economic growth and export opportunities as these technologies are further adopted across the country and around the world. “Our governments support a collaborative approach to reducing emissions and growing the economy in a way that meets the specific needs and economic priorities of each province. We
look forward to continuing to work together on innovative energy solutions and creating the best business environment to attract jobs and growth in regions right across the country.” During the press conference, Moe noted that Saskatchewan is committed to reduce emissions in the electricity sector by 40 per cent below 2005 levels before 2030. Leading off the press conference he said, “We believe we can do this with-
out unnecessary taxes that burden families, businesses. Taxes that really do little in reducing emissions directly. Saskatchewan’s plan of Prairie Resilience achieves our emissions reduction through targeted investments in innovative technology in our Canadian industries, without impacting our jobs, or impacting the Saskatchewan economy.” He noted that implementing small modular reactors will provide meaningful action in reducing carbon emissions in electricity production while providing affordable, baseload power to communities and industries. Estevan and Coronach have been under considerable angst over the future of coal-fired power near those communities, and Moe suggested that places that already have power generation transmission infrastructure might be potential sites for SMRs. He said, “In addition to providing reliable, sustainable and affordable baseload power supply, this technology has the potential of creating high quality jobs and local economic development opportunities in communities where existing transmission infrastructure already exists, or, further, in rural and
remote communities that currently rely on higher emissions power production.” Saskatchewan, in particular, has been under pressure to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power generation as the federal government has pushed to phase out coal-fired power nationwide by 2030 in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ontario has already phased it out under its previous Liberal government, and Alberta was put on that path by its previous NDP government. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia still rely on coal for some of their power production. Use of nuclear power would eliminate carbon dioxide emissions versus either coal or natural gas-fired power generation which it replaces. Moe’s statement hinted that Saskatchewan could go heavily into nuclear power. He noted that Saskatchewan could reduce its power generation greenhouse gas emissions by adding, through carbon capture and storage, to its coal-fired generators, “or replacing those generators with combined cycle natural gas generation.” Moe said: “By incorporating small modular reactor A2 » NUCLEAR
Council approves third phase for water project Estevan city council has approved the third and final tender for the city’s water intake project. Greenfield Construction Ltd. was awarded the tender for $1.84 million, with a contingency allowance of $250,000 for a total tender price of $2.09 million. Phase 3 will see the completion of the water line from Rafferty Dam to the water treatment plant. The project will shift Estevan’s primary water source from Boundary Dam to Rafferty Dam, which is expected to improve the quality of Estevan’s drinking water and allow the city to meet provincial requirements for trihalomethanes in the water.
Phase 1 saw the construction of the pipeline that will run from the water plant to the diversionary channel. Phase 2 included the construction of the raw water intake and pump station. Shane Bucsis, who is the manager of the water and wastewater division for the city, said Greenfield was the company that was awarded the contract for Phase 1, so they still have all of their equipment here, including their drilling technology. “That’s why their costs came in so much lower, is we are saving about $600,000 on mobilization,” said Bucsis. The city hopes the project can be completed in the late spring or early summer
of 2020. Also on Monday night, council approved the use of a SaskPower diversionary line to complete the pipeline and reduce the amount of construction needed. With the use of the SaskPower line, the city would only need to lay 2.3 kilometres of pipe instead of 8.1 kilometres. “We had conversations with SPC (SaskPower Corporation), and they were very good about it, and we appreciate the fact that they were willing to allow us to use that line.” The line is used to pump water from Rafferty Dam to Boundary Dam when Boundary is low, but it has not been used for seven years
Work is taking place on the water intake project. File photo because the water levels in Boundary have been sufficient. “Once we switch our intake sources, we will no longer be pulling off of Boundary Dam,” said Bucsis. “We
will be pulling water from Rafferty. So the use of that line will be even less.” The city will be allowed to use the line year-round, at a cost per year of $9,500. Mayor Roy Ludwig said it’s
a three-year agreement that will be renewed automatically. Councillor Dennis Moore wanted to know what would happen if SaskPower A2 » CITY
A2 December 4, 2019
Ignatiuk acquitted for 2015 collision An Estevan man has been acquitted in connection with a fatal 2015 collision in downtown Estevan. Dmytro (Metro) Ignatiuk had been charged with one count each of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm in connection with the accident, which occurred at a midblock crossing in the 1200-block of Fourth Street in October 2015. The verdict was handed down by Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Janet McMurtry on Nov. 26, as it was a trial by judge. The trial ran from Nov. 18-20. Merv Nidesh, who was Ignatiuk’s attorney for the case, said that in order to establish a dangerous driving
charge, the prosecution must establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the driving was a marked departure from what one would expect. “The judge held that she was not satisfied, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused’s driving was a marked departure,” said Nidesh. A marked departure requirement has to be a departure from the normal manner of driving. He noted there could be civil liability for a person who causes an accident, or there could be an offence under the Traffic Safety Act such as driving without due care and attention. But the marked departure was needed for the dangerous driving charges, which fell under the Crimi-
nal Code. The Crown and the defence had agreed that speed was not a factor in the collision. “I was of the opinion that the criminal offence was not substantiated by the facts as I knew them. We were satisfied that we had a proper and a good defence, and based on the evidence of the prosecution, that there should be an acquittal,” said Nidesh. Police Chief Paul Ladouceur said the police’s role in a criminal investigation is to determine reasonable probability grounds if something criminal has happened, and then the court is responsible for a higher threshold to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Dmytro (Metro) Ignatiuk had been charged in connection with this collision in October 2015. He was acquitted in court on Nov. 26. File photo “Court should not be a win or lose game,” said Ladouceur. “It’s a case of establishing the criteria to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.” Kathy Batke, 69, was killed in the collision and an
unnamed man, aged 74, suffered serious injuries. Batke and the man were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, and then were airlifted to a hospital in Regina for further treatment.
Batke died of her injuries in the hospital in Regina three days after the collision. The man suffered extensive injuries in the accident that required a prolonged hospital stay.
Nuclear power could replace both coal and natural gas addressing global climate change.” One option to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has been “clean coal.” While Saskatchewan was the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) system on a coal-fired generating unit, at the Boundary Dam Power Station’s Unit 3, the concept has not caught on elsewhere. Even within Saskatchewan, SaskPower has also
« A1 technology, in place of natural gas, or in place of coal generation with carbon capture and storage, that 40 per cent reduction target that I mentioned would actually move to 70 per cent emissions reductions by 2030, 80 per cent by 2040, and a complete 100 per cent elimination of Saskatchewan’s electrical generation emissions by 2050. This is positive for Saskatchewan, this is positive, for Canada, and it’s taking real action in
chosen not to implement CCS on Boundary Dam Units 4 and 5. An equivalency agreement with the federal government reached in 2019 allowed the life of those units to be extended a few more years, otherwise federal regulations would have required them to shut down by the end of 2019. A study put out in late 2018 by the Regina-based, SaskPower-affiliated International CCS Knowledge
Centre indicated a second generation of CCS could be implemented at Shand Power Station. The report’s summary indicated that, compared to Boundary Dam Unit 3, “a CCS system at Shand could see capture capital cost reductions of 67 per cent per tonne of carbon dioxide captured as well as 92 per cent in potential savings to power plant integration capital cost.” The Saskatchewan govern-
ment has not made any decisions on whether to implement CCS on its remaining coal fleet of Boundary Dam Unit 6, the Shand Power Station and the Poplar River Power Station. Beyond the aforementioned hints, at this point, there has not been any definitive indication from the provincial government where potential small modular reactors would be placed, should they be built.
City will use SaskPower line to reduce costs
« A1 decided that it needs the line to divert water from Rafferty Dam to Boundary Dam. Bucsis said the Crown corporation has to give the city one month’s written notice of its intentions. The city would then revert to using Boundary Dam as its water source until SaskPower is finished with the line. “As an asset liability, they’ve had their people look
at it, and they don’t feel like it’s in their best interest to give up the line, because then they would lose the priority of filling the reservoir from that,” said Ludwig. It’s not known how long SaskPower would be able to use the water line for diversionary purposes if it needs it. If it were to be for a prolonged period on a recurring basis, then Ludwig said the city
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might look at constructing the remaining kilometres of pipe from Rafferty Dam to the water treatment plant and having their own line. “The line has been pressurised and a walk of the line was done,” said Bucsis in his report. “There were no noticeable issues with the line for the city’s use. In the agreement within the first year of using the line costs will be split 50/50. After the first-year costs for the line will be split by the percentage of use for that year.” The total cost of the three
phases of the project is to be $10.67 million. Phase 1 was $2.76 million, phase 2 was $6.06 million and phase 3 will be $1.84 million, plus the contingency. The original tender, before the city separated the project into three phases, was $15.84 million. The cost of the water intake project is being costshared by the city and the provincial and federal governments through the Canada Builds fund. The fund also supported the residuals management
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That’s what happened here. Had we put this in for $15 million, we would have been onethird, one-third, one-third for funding (from the different levels of government).” Councillor Greg Hoffort wanted to know if the city has approached the federal and provincial governments for more funding. Bucsis said he had asked in the summer to see if there was more funding available, but the government said no. Hoffort suggested trying one more time, and possibly turning to Estevan MLA Lori Carr, who is the minister of government relations, for assistance.
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project that has been operating for nearly two years. Resulted in residuals from the water treatment process are no longer pumped into the Souris River. City manager Jeff Ward noted that the city received funding for the first $10 million in expenses for the residuals management and water intake projects, so the city is covering the remaining $3 million through reserve and borrowing over the next three years. “The engineering firm that we hired originally was out to lunch, for $5 million on their estimation,” said Ludwig. “Let’s be very clear on that.
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Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Ginger was reunited with her family after a two-month disappearance
By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
About two months ago, the Madsen family’s orange cat Ginger went missing, a sad time for Shawn and Kristie Madsen and their three children Chelsea, Reese and Sydney. But in an unlikely twist, the Madsen family and Ginger have been reunited, and Ginger is back at the Madsen home. Ginger, a three-year-old cat, went missing on Oct. 2 or 3. “She always goes out at night to hunt, and then she would always come back in the morning,” said Kristie. “And then we let her out on Oct. 2 night, and in the morning, when we got up, she wasn’t waiting at the door to come in. We looked around for her and put it on Facebook and everything, but nobody had spotted her.” They thought Ginger had been killed by a coyote or run over, or something else had happened. The family and their beloved cat were reunited on Nov. 30. A friend of a friend who has a farm in the Macoun area found Ginger. “She said ‘I had this orange cat show up at my farm, and she’s really friendly and
Reese, Chelsea and Sydney Madsen are thrilled to be reunited with the family cat Ginger after Ginger vanished for more than two months. Photo submitted she’s obviously someone’s cat,” said Kristie. Ginger had been at that farm for a few days. Madsen was informed of the discovery, and thought it might be their missing feline, but they couldn’t be 100 per cent certain. It didn’t take long to get
confirmation after they went out to the farm near Macoun Saturday afternoon. “She was pretty skittish when we brought her in, but as soon as we brought her in the car, my daughter picked her up and held her, and Ginger got pretty comfortable,” said Kristie.
“When we got home, Ginger went straight to her food dish, and she remembered where the food was, and she was pretty hungry.” During her few days at the farm near Macoun, Ginger had been living in a barn with some farm cats. She had been fed and nourished while at
the farm. She had a few scrapes, which indicated a fight or two somewhere along the way. And despite the nourishment received in Macoun, she’s always been hungry. “Any time we walk by the dish, she’s meowing to get fed, but other than that, she’s very
healthy, actually,” said Kristie. The family doesn’t know what happened to Ginger from when she went missing that October night until when she was found. Nor do they know how she made the 32-kilometre journey to a farm near Macoun, or how she survived. “We don’t know if she hitched a ride, or if somebody took her or dumped her off,” said Kristie. Ginger has been a part of the Madsen family since she was a kitten, after she was adopted from the Estevan Humane Society. Whenever she used to go out for her night time hunts, she came home. A lot of people helped out during the search for Ginger by sharing her photo on social media. “We had tonnes of people phoning us and texting us any time anybody saw an orange cat, or there was a post about an orange cat, everybody was texting me.” The reunion with the family was a time for a lot of happy tears to be shed. The timing of Ginger’s reunion with the family was perfect as well. They had been discussing the possibility of getting another cat, so Kristie believes it’s a good thing they waited, and that Ginger showed up when she did.
Drinking Habits had the audience laughing to tears By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
About 400 people extended their lives by at least a month over this weekend by enjoying a good old laugh. The Bienfait Lions Club once again held their dinner theatre performances on Friday and Saturday as well as the desert theatre on Sunday afternoon. For this year, director Paula Lainton chose the Drinking Habits play, and the performance turned to be a big hit. “It’s been great. Performances have gone really well,” said Lainton. To decide on the play every year she goes through a number of options looking for something that would work the best for the cast. Lainton had Drinking Habits in mind for some time. “I found this play a couple of years ago and just loved it. I’ve been trying to get it done, and this year we decided we were going to do it,” said Lainton. This light comedy tells a story of nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, who have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open. But their secret escapes the press room, when their “devil’s mouthwash” wins a half a mil-
lion dollars excellence prize and two reporters, who one day used to be fiancees, appear at the convent doors as an undercover nun and a priest aiming at bringing them to light. A new nun who arrives at the same time, along with other changes spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled. The further the play went, the louder was the laughter from the audience. A funny first act introduced the characters, and the second one had everyone on board to dive into a full of hilarious moments life of the small convent. A completely unexpected finale had the audience laugh to tears and received a standing ovation. Marion Harper, who helped organize the community theatre, was happy with the turnout. “The weekend was good. Every year we are happy that everybody comes out and supports us,” said Harper. She noted that they had 130 people on average coming for the shows. The attendance varied from day to day, but organizers, all of whom were volunteers, were ready. The great performance was put on by a group of ama-
A hilarious play Drinking Habits was performed at the Bienfait Lions Club’s dinner theatre. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia teur artists, who performed very professionally. The cast consisted of Sue Resler, Shauna Stock, James Dobos, Bonnie Pukas, Dustin Hall, Selena Heglund, Katie Dunville and Patrick Dupuis. Paul Carroll and Bill Mann took care of light and sound, while Ken and Suzanne Bonokoski were responsible for the set. The cast had just two months to get the play together. They were meeting
twice a week since the end of September, and the results of their effort exceeded expectations. The group puts the play up for the Bienfait Lions to help raise money for the community. The late Dwight Thompson got this tradition going about 15 years ago, and the evolving group of artists has been bringing different plays on stage ever since. All money raised
throughout the weekend goes back to the Bienfait community and such organizations as the curling club, the Bienfait rink, the Catholic Women’s League, Weldon School and others. “It’s a good fundraiser for the community,” said Harper. The performances attracted people from many different places including Carlyle, Weyburn, Estevan and Regina. And the organiz-
ers were very grateful for the support from the community and the volunteers. “Without people, nothing works,” said Harper. And Lainton also extended her gratitude to the artists. “A huge thank you to my cast. They work so hard and manage to pull it off every year. And a big thank you to all people that come and support us and support the Lions.”
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A reminder to be vigilant Estevan residents received a reminder late last week of one of the problems caused by the drug trade. The Estevan Police Service (EPS) announced that substances located in a field near Chinook Bay had proven to be methamphetamine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Those drugs were found by a citizen, who called police, who then sent the substances to the provincial lab. This is one of those instances in which we’ll probably never know how the drugs got there, how long they were there, or most importantly, who was responsible. Due to the challenges of investigating a case like this, charges likely won’t ever be laid, although the owner of the drugs certainly won’t be happy about the loss of $15,000 in product. The field where the package was found is not a high-traffic area such as a sidewalk along Fourth Street or a business parking lot. The good news is that the person who found the drugs called police. That person didn’t taste them to find out what they were. It wasn’t a curious child who ingested the drugs, creating a potentially tragic situation. Whoever found the drugs did the right thing in calling police; we should all take the same approach if we find ourselves in that
type of situation. It also reinforces the need for parents or guardians to have one of those important talks with their children about being careful if they find something and they don’t know what it is. And it’s never too early to have that conversation with them, or to repeat that message, so that kids know what to do when they find something outdoors they aren’t sure about. The drug trade isn’t as strong as it was seven or eight years ago in Estevan. The monthly numbers report for the Estevan Police Service in October shows that there weren’t any charges for trafficking or possession in Estevan. It’s actually a number that our community should be proud of. But it would be naïve to think that we didn’t have drugs in the city that month. The same day that the EPS issued its warning about the found drugs, four people were arrested and charged on drug-related charges. A few weeks ago, the EPS arrested five people in connection with a drug bust, although as of Mercury press time, none of those people had been charged, leading to speculation in the community as to whether any charges will actually be laid. And while drugs charges are down, we have seen numerous cases involving methamphetamine
possession this year. It seems that meth has been the illegal narcotic of choice for many this year. Have the Estevan Police Service, the Estevan RCMP and other law enforcement agencies made strides in the fight against drugs in the past few years? Absolutely. We’re seeing fewer charges for trafficking and possession than in the past. Some of that is due to other factors. We’ve seen a reduction in the number of possession-related charges due to the legalization of recreational marijuana, although there wasn’t as much attention paid to simple marijuana possession leading up to legalization as there had been in the past. There are also fewer people in the community than there were seven years ago, and people don’t have as much disposable income. But the police deserve credit for the work they have done to make arrests and to curb trafficking in the city. You don’t get a reduction in the amount of drug activity in a city without good police work. We still see those times in which we’re reminded about the presence of drugs in the city, and how it’s up to everybody to be vigilant regarding the drug trade. It’s also reminder to keep having those conversations about the dangers of drugs.
If we lose coal, nuclear may be the best we can hope for Member Canadian Community Newspapers Association. Member Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association. Audited by Audit Bureau of Circulations.
Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertising content: The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication. All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that The Estevan Mercury receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher. We acknowledge financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
When there’s a press conference between multiple leaders of equivalent rank, it’s a good bet the person who makes the initial announcement and does most of the talking is probably the leader. If that’s the case, then Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe may have taken the first step in leading this province, and Canada, into a nuclear power renaissance. If it does happen, and right now, that’s a very big if, it would mean a wholesale change in our power generation system. It would be the birth of a new industry, nuclear power generation, and the death of two others; coal-fired, and eventually, natural gas-fired power generation. On the environmental side, many people have been saying for years the only way to truly reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in baseload power production is by going wholesale into nuclear. But no jurisdiction that I know of in the developed world seems to be willing to do that. Indeed, two of the most nuclear-reliant nations – Japan and Germany, have pulled away from it in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. The developing world, however, is building nukes all over. This enormous shift would require continual focus, not just in Saskatchewan, but in Ontario and New Brunswick, through many years and, presumably, changes in governing parties. If we’re halfway into building several of these facilities, and a new NDP government puts the brakes on it, if would mean fiscal disaster for this province. And if you think that can’t happen, it already has. In Ontario in 2010 and 2011, a Liberal government cancelled two natural gas power plants, already under construction – and they approved these plants in the first place. It would also likely mean a change in the nature of our power grid. Instead of a small number of very large power plants, it could potentially mean a much more distributed system of smaller plants. Estevan and Coronach would likely each get multiple reactors adding up to hundreds of megawatts, making use of existing transmission lines. But Moe also suggested these could be used
From the Top of the Pile BRIAN ZINCHUK in areas where diesel power generation is the norm. That means they would have to be some models incredibly small in scale for such applications, in the far north. It also means that if an area like Yorkton, for instance, which has no power generation in the region, has demand growth, it could see a small nuclear facility built. Having distributed power generation, placing your power sources close to your demand, means you lose less power due to line loss, the electrical resistance inherit it every wire and transmission line. I don’t know what the life expectancy is of new combined-cycle natural gas power plants, but Moe hinted SMRs could replace both coal and natural gas power generation. We’re just finishing a brand new natural gas plant near Swift Current, and another will soon be built at Moose Jaw. North Battleford had two plants built there a little under a decade ago. Will these be stranded assets some day? Surely, they would be the last ones replaced by nuclear power. And in the meantime, we can’t go without them. For Estevan, such a wholesale change would be something of blessing and a curse. The curse would be the loss of coal mining and coal-fired power, which directly employ at least 760 people. How many people SMRs would employ would be a function of how many units are placed here. But given these things aren’t very large, the number of people working with them would be a fraction of what are employed now in power generation and coal mining. But, and this is important, there would still be people working in them. And those people would presumably make similar, or maybe even better wages, than
what they are now. If coal is indeed lost, this may be the best possible option. A consolation prize, if you will, but one that will last for generations. And if coal is shut down, it will take some time, and a lot of work, to do the final cleanup. That would mean the eventual demolition of Boundary Dam, Shand and Poplar River power stations, as well as their surrounding sites. One would hope priority for those jobs would go to those affected by the coal shutdown. Similarly, as much as possible, any new facility construction job should see priority go to those affected by the coal phase out.This wouldn’t be long-term by any stretch, but it would provide some employment. It would also reduce costs, as those workers already live in these communities, as opposed to bringing people in. Secondly, there’s a lot of unreclaimed mines in the area, both west and south of Bienfait. I’ve been told these have been left “for wildlife.” Some of those areas are being mined again, for deeper seams, especially south of Bienfait. But the area west of Bienfait sure isn’t. I would suggest that once the last plant shuts down, all unreclaimed sites should be fully remediated. That’s several years of dozer work, at minimum. There should be a fair bit of carryover of power plant personnel from coal to nuclear. The bottom line is this – because of Canada’s global commitments to reduce greenhouse gases, and a lack of wholesale adoption of carbon capture and storage – the days of coal seem to be numbered. The way the federal government has been moving on this, there not may be anything we can do to change that. Small nuclear reactors may be the lifeboat that both Estevan and Coronach need. It may not what those communities want, but the alternative – losing their primary industries with nothing to replace them, is much worse. Brian Zinchuk is editor of Pipeline News. He can be reached at brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net.
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Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…
Holodomor sparks Was Holodomor, a catastrophic Soviet famine of 1932-33, an ethnic genocide against Ukrainians or was it an unintended result of criminal Soviet mismanagement, which prioritized political and economic goals over millions of human lives? Canada agreed on the answer to that question in 2008 when the country became the first nation to declare the famine an act of genocide and established a national Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day. The U.S. joined other 30-plus countries on that position in the end of 2018. The rest of the world either recognizes it as a crime against humanity, criminal act, tragedy or as ethnicity-blind famine. Even though it seemed that for Canada the topic has been out of the question for over 10 years, last week the sparkles went flying again in Alberta where a group of students called for the lecturer to be fired over calling Holodomor a “myth.” What happened there and what has Dougal MacDonald found that in his opinion overrides the previous research? Like with many major historical events, especially those that happened in the USSR where everything was covered with layers of secrecy labels, paranoia, and often-times stupidity, it’s hard to say with a 100 per cent certainty what exactly happened and why. There are also many sides to the story. However, the evidence suggests that, first, in 1932-33 some grain-producing areas of the Soviet Union including parts of Ukraine, the Volga River region in Russia, parts of Kazakhstan and some others experienced severe droughts. Second, due to industrialization, the demand for grain was growing, but much-needed food from producing, but already starving regions was redirected to republics, which the Moscow Soviet government considered a priority. Third, severely strict measures were applied to peoples in the regions experiencing a famine. And finally, pheasants were systematically prevented from leaving their starving villages, which helped to keep the image of the successful Soviet state Stalin was creating clear and to ensure that the West, a lot of which at that time was falling for the beautiful idea of all-prosperity communism, would remain blind. (There is more to say, but the column is only so long). At the same time Soviet Ukraine, the Russian all-time closest ally and one of the strongest and the wealthiest countries in the communist union, had demonstrated the passion for more autonomy. Most people nowadays have heard about Stalin’s paranoia, appetite for power and total indifference towards humans’ lives. A pinch of doubt was enough for the “Great Helmsman” (as ironical as it is, Stalin received this name in 1934) to arrest or execute millions. But was he aiming at erasing Ukrainians as a nation? I don’t have enough knowledge to answer that question. But I know at the least that everything was done to ensure that the “fraternal people” were drained of blood, weakened and terrified to act or speak up. For decades the famine was buried under layers of lies. However, the revelation of documents uncovered the scale of the crime. So what did MacDonald state? According to his research, Holodomor apparently was a Nazi-concocted myth to destroy the image of the USSR, the theory that, in my opinion, fails in most spots. For many, the topic is still controversial, but even Russia, which doesn’t recognize Holodomor as genocide, stating that there is no proof that it was organized along ethnic lines, condemns the Soviet policies and recognizes the famine that claimed millions of lives. With the freedom of speech, MacDonald has all the rights to express his views on his Facebook page, but it’s a bit weird to see not just someone, but a professor with access to information and interest in the topic, trying to rewrite history. The entire situation felt like an attempt to once again manipulate the sensitive (and unfortunately highly political) topic to get some sparks going, to attract attention and once again to pick on the liberal government. But the bottom line is, today it’s impossible to deny that millions of people starved to death. It’s impossible to deny that not only nothing was done to improve the situation, but steps were taken to worsen it. It’s impossible to deny that many lives could have been saved, be it a different country, regime and time. And it’s impossible to deny that Holodomor is still a bleeding wound. And like with any trauma denial only delays healing, which needs recognition and reconciliation.
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Police issue warning after drugs found The Estevan Police Service is reminding parents to speak to their kids about not ingesting unknown substances after a case of found drugs in the city. Police were alerted Oct. 24 to a suspicious package located near the railway tracks on King Street, close to Chinook Bay. The bag was found by a citizen who thought it was unusual to see such a package in the area, so the individual called the police. Officers located a black bag containing a plastic baggie filled with a significant amount of powder as well as a container with liquid. The items were seized and sent to a lab for analysis. “They get such a backlog sometimes that it takes a bit of time for them to determine it,” said Police Chief Paul Ladouceur. After several weeks, the EPS announced on Nov. 29 that the substances were ecstasy and methamphetamine. “On initial thought, it wasn’t believed that it would be drugs because of the quantity. It’s pretty un-
These drugs were recovered in Estevan in late October. Photo submitted usual when you see that size of quantity of substances that’s just laying in a grassy area that turns out to be drugs,” said Ladouceur. He believes there was about 200 grams that were found, which would have a street value of about $15,000. A specific breakdown on the quantities of each drug, and the potency, were not disclosed. “Whether it was left there for someone else to pick up, or whether it was accidentally left behind, we’re not sure,” said Ladouceur. “We’re still continuing to investigate that.” Often someone will leave the drugs in a field so that the person won’t be
detected when picking up the drugs. It could also be a situation in which the drugs fell out of a larger bag, or somebody was fleeing from police and dropped them. It’s not known how long the package had been at that location. Ladouceur said it was “completely irresponsible” to not only deal drugs, but to leave them in the open where someone could find and ingest them. Regardless, the EPS wanted the public to know that drugs were found in the community. Ladouceur noted there have been instances in which a member of the public has found drugs and
ingested them, including an incident earlier this year in which a young child swallowed meth she had found. Parents are asked to remind their children to never ingest any substance found in these types of circumstances. “We just want to remind parents to educate their children on the dangers of ingesting something that they don’t know what it is.” With the amount of drugs that were seized, Ladouceur said it could have done a lot of harm to a member of the public. If anyone has any information relating to the origin of the substances, they are asked to contact the EPS. “It’s an ongoing investigation. We’re hoping if somebody recognizes (something), whether it’s the bag they recognize or the source of that product being left out in the open, then certainly they can call us confidentially, and we’ll ensure they remain anonymous if they wish to do so.” The EPS has looked for fingerprints and DNA on the package.
Cornerstone board approves financial statement for 2018-19 The financials are on their way to the provincial government for final approval. The South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s (SECPSD) board of trustees gave unanimous approval to the 2018-19 financial statement as presented to them by their Chief Financial Officer Shelley Toth, at their Nov. 26 open business meeting held in the division’s head office in Weyburn. Prior to the presentation, Toth indicated to the media that based on funding support provided and how the division made use of the funds, she was quite pleased with the final outcomes on most levels. Beginning with the overall outcome, it was noted that while final revenue came in $1.75 million below budget the expense side of the ledger also showed a slight decrease from expectations, allowing the division to maintain a solid financial path. The revenue of $111.825 million was 1.5 per cent under budgeted expectations of $113.58 million. Expenses came in at just over $106 million and that was 0.4 per cent under expectations, leaving the division with a $5.76 million surplus, compared with the expected surplus of $7.13 million. She explained the lower than budgeted surplus is largely due to a lower than budget capital grant revenue realized for the new Legacy Park Elementary School now under construction in Weyburn. That was due to a late start on the project. The school is now expected
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to be completed and open for student use by September of 2021. Grants from the province came in at regular intervals and they amounted to $103.48 million, Toth said. Tuition fees brought in a further $1.43 million, which was about $166,000 above expectations and school generated funds, also came in well above budget expectations. Those funds are collected at the schools for their own use. Toth noted that salaries and benefits amounted to $74.71 million in the previous fiscal year, which was $1.17 million under budget. This was due to careful management in dealing with unfilled administration and other positions, budgeted contingencies that were not realized and lower than anticipated wage increases for the most part. Goods and services, however, came in over budget by a little more than $1 million at $24.24 million largely due to computer supplies that had been budgeted for as tangible capital asset additions however they did not meet the capitalization threshold. Debt servicing was down to $691,000 or about $14,000 under budget and amortization was also down $291,000 from budget expectations. With a new school structure and a new bus garage under construction in Weyburn, the school division will have budget juggling to do in the future, but Toth suggested that since the new Legacy Park School in Weyburn, which will house the majority of their elementary grades, will be fully funded
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by the province’s Ministry of Education over a period of time, they (Cornerstone) will be required to manage the funds and disperse them as necessary. She added that capital asset additions during the past year had amounted to $8.6 million which included $6.3 million in assets under construction in the form of the Legacy Park Elementary School, nine school buses and two other vehicles purchased for just over $1 million, plus $535,000 for furniture and equipment for various schools. There was $627,000 spent on computer hardware and audio/ visual equipment plus $121,000 for computer software for accounting upgrades and bus routing programs. At the current state of financial affairs, she reported the accumulated surplus at Cornerstone was $146.34 million that was mainly made up of $127.4 million in tangible assets less $18.7 million debt owing on these assets. Toth ended the presentation by noting the financial statement had been prepared under the Canadian public sector accounting standards and had been audited by an external auditor. The statement will be sent to the provincial ministry for review and any amendments they wish to have implemented before they send it back to the division. Once the division receives that document, the annual report will be prepared and published for general public review. The board noted this is generally available in mid-December providing there are no major changes required and none were foreseen this year.
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Veteran trustee duo will again lead South East Cornerstone governance team
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s (SECPSD) governance team will be under the leadership of Audrey Trombley and Carol Flynn for a sixth consecutive year. The two veteran members of the division’s board of trustees received the support of their fellow members during the annual organization meeting held in the division’s head office in Weyburn on Nov. 26. The organizational meeting was held in conjunction with the board’s regular open business session that same afternoon with the board members declaring a recess from their regular agenda at 1:30 p.m. so they could engage in the organizational meeting that took about a half-hour to complete. A minor twist was injected into what has become a traditional process when Flynn’s vice-chair position was challenged with a second nomination while the nomination of Trombley for the chair’s position went unchallenged. Weyburn trustee Brandon Tichkowsky submitted the name of trustee Elwood White for the vice-chair position following Flynn’s nomination. The potential for an election for the position had been signalled earlier since Shelley Toth, the division’s chief financial officer, who is also the official returning officer, was prepared to accept secret ballots in an official ballot box. All ten trustees were present with Harold Laich, representing Subdivision 2, joining the session through a conference call. He cast his ballot by emailing his choice to Director of Education Lynn Little who then cast the
Carol Flynn, left, and Audrey Tromblay will be at the helm of the South East Cornerstone School Division’s board in 2019-20. Photo submitted physical ballot in the box on his behalf. Flynn was declared the winner of the vice-chair position by a margin of 6-4. When asked to make their pre-vote plea for support, White, who represents Subdivision 6 (Pangman, Ogema, Yellow Grass, Radville, Gladmar et al), said his low key campaign was not launched in protest since he knew Flynn had performed well in all instances and he had no doubts about her leadership qualities. “There is no clash or protest here. I just felt it might be a good opportunity to open it up, an opportunity for others to learn and gain some experience in those roles. I think it could be a healthy move,” White said. Flynn noted she was passionate about bringing educational items and issues to the boardroom and her enthusiasm for the job had not faltered and now that she had grandchildren in the system, that enthusiasm had been renewed and bolstered. Following the vote, the board members moved into the selection process, deciding who was going to serve on various sub-committees
such as representation on the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (Flynn, who also holds an executive position on that board), the Saskatchewan High Schools
Athletic Association (Laich), Estevan facilities, ad hoc committee (Estevan trustees Shari Sutter, Jim Vermeersch and Subdivision 4 trustee Kevin Keating along with chairwoman Trombley). Governance, human resources, bargaining appointments and audit committee appointments were also filled. The governance committee positions went to Laich, White, Keating and Tichkowsky while the bargaining appointees are Trombley and Flynn. The audit committee is comprised of Jim Henderson (Subdivision 3), Melanie Sorenson ( Weyburn) and Vermeersch (Estevan) plus one external member from an accountancy firm. When it came to board
indemnity rates and monthly allowances the board members approved a rate of $250 per day indemnity for board member time that is devoted to school division business or, $125 for less than four hours in any given day while engaged in division business. The $200 for trustee benefit plan remained status quo. Reimbursement for hotel rates remained intact at previous levels and rulings with meal allowances determined on types of meal (breakfast, lunch, supper being $10, $15 and$25 respectively) increased slightly. Travel (mileage) allowances were also kept to an established formula that is re-evaluated on a monthly
basis beginning with a .43 cent per kilometre payment for $1 charged at the gas pump, ascending or declining accordingly based on pump prices noted at the Weyburn Co-op Service Station. The board then approved a motion to support an operating line of credit, if required, up to $8.3 million. They also approved the establishment of signing authorities for the upcoming year and the scheduling of regular business sessions on a monthly basis excluding July and August. Once the organizational business agenda had been cleared the members voted for adjournment before reconvening to resume their regular business agenda.
Smile Cookie campaign proceeds presented Tim Hortons presented a cheque for $11,897 to the City of Estevan on Thursday, thanks to support for Tim’s annual Smile Cookie campaign in September. One dollar from the sale of every Cookie at the King Street and Fourth Street locations was directed towards Centennial Park in central Estevan. A new splash park has been installed at the park, and other upgrades will be occurring at the park. Participating in the cheque presentation were, from left, city manager Jeff Ward, Tim Hortons King Street representatives Ryan Irwin, Graidan, Mandy and Hudson Irwin, Mayor Roy Ludwig and parks and facilities manager Rod March. Photo by Ana Villarreal
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A Day of Measurement at Southeast College
By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net
After a trial run last year, a full-fledged “school” was held in Estevan on Nov. 27, an event referred to as a Day of Measurement. The event was put on by the Canadian School for Hydrocarbon Measurement, which is in turn operated by the Canadian Institute of Hydrocarbon Measurement. The Day of Measurement was held at Southeast College’s Estevan campus. One of the stated aims of the development of that campus, formerly known as the Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute, was to bring highquality energy-related education to southeast Saskatch-
ewan, so that workers didn’t have to travel great distances to Calgary or Edmonton. That was definitely the case with this event. The keynote address was by Kendall Netmaker, who spoke about overcoming adversity and thriving. He was followed by a session from the Ministry of Energy and Resources, speaking to the whole group. The rest of the day was broken up into four and at times five concurrent training sessions, divided by knowledge level – novice, intermediate and advanced. Roughly half were at the intermediate level, but don’t let that fool you. For someone who doesn’t work directly in instrumentation, the novice level sessions
Brad Perin spoke about the basics of measurements. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
could seem plenty advanced. Some of the topics included measurement, navigating the regulator changes in uncertain times, custody transfer meters and wellhead technology. One session was called, “High cost has nothing to do with measurement uncertainty.” Pretty much every square foot of available space within the lobby and upper level was filled with exhibitor booths, with 20 in total. Doug Martens of Estevan Meter was one of the organizers and acted as MC of the event. He said, “I think it went pretty well.” In his opening comments, he said, “The political reality is we’re being forced to be better at what we do.” He noted last year’s event was more ad hoc. This was their “first official stab at it,” he said. There was just shy of 200 people in attendance. The maximum capacity would have been 240. “ We try to appeal to varying levels of expertise,” he said. Attendees included oil company personnel, service company workers and even regulators from the Ministry of Energy and Resources, several of which were present in the measurement 101 session. Martens noted that part of the point of the event
was so those involved could have dialogue and open communication. One of the underlying themes was the final implementation of Directive PNG 17, which is to be fully in
place by April 1, 2020. Martens noted that similar schools have been going in in Alberta about 15 years, and the International School of Hydrocarbon Measure has been held in Oklahoma since
1924. To that end, Martens said, “There will be another one next year.” Watch for extensive coverage of this event in the January edition of Pipeline News, and online at pipelinenews.ca.
There were lots of booths inside the Southeast College. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
Traffic stop leads to .08 conviction By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net
An Estevan Police Service officer saw a vehicle pull out of a drinking establishment on Oct. 10, and a traffic stop soon afterward led to a conviction in Estevan Provincial Court on Monday. Bonnie J. Hientz, representing herself, pleaded guilty to operating a conveyance with a blood alcohol level over .08. Crown prosecutor Kelly Kaip said police had noticed two vehicles leaving an establishment in Estevan. One was a taxi and the second was a red four-door car. That car was observed pulling briefly into an oncoming lane of traffic. Police initiated a traffic stop, and Hientz pulled into a hotel parking lot. The police officer noticed the smell of alcohol and demanded a breathalyzer test. Hientz blew 0.150 and 0.150. Kaip added that Hientz was “quite co-operative” with police. Kaip said Hientz had no prior criminal record and asked for the mandatory minimum sentence of a $1,000
fine and a one-year driving prohibition. This was put forward as a joint submission with Hientz.
Judge Michelle Brass asked if Hientz had anything to say, she replied, “No, pretty straightforward.”
Brass sentenced Hientz to a $1,000 fine, a $300 victim impact surcharge, and a oneyear driving prohibition.
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A8 December 4, 2019
City Hall: 1102 4th Street 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800 Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880
Message From
The Mayor
Woodlawn Festival of Lights starts December 15. Fun for the whole family! DROP IN RECREATION
FITNESS SCHEDULE MONDAY GRIT 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM, 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM EASY STRETCH 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM FOAM ROLLER 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM MOM & BABY PIYPO 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM SPIN 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM, 4:30 PM - 5:10 PM SCULPT 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM AQUASTEP 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM GRIT 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE Sept. 23 - Dec. 20, 2019
P90X 4:30 PM - 5:10 PM AQUASTEP 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM CORE 2.0 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM BEGINNER BOOT CAMP 6:15 PM - 6:55 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM THURSDAY SPIN 6:10 - 6:50 AM, 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM ZOOMER 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CORE 2.0 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM PIYO POWER 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM MOM & BABY AQUA FIT 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM CORE 2.0 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM ZOOMER 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM AQUASTEP 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM SPIN 5:30 PM - 6:10 PM GRIT 6:15 PM - 6:55 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
TUESDAY SPIN 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM SPIN 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM CHAIR YOGA 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CORE 2.0 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM, 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM PIYO FLOW 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM MOM & BABY AQUA FIT 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM ZOOMER 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM SPIN 5:30 PM - 6:10 PM GRIT 6:15 PM - 6:55 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
FRIDAY GRIT 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM P90X 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EASY STRETCH 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM FOAM ROLLER 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
WEDNESDAY GRIT 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM GRIT 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM CHAIR YOGA 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EASY STRETCH 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM MOM & BABY PIYO 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM GRIT 12:15 PM - 12:45 SCULPT LIGHT 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
SATURDAY WEIGHT ROOM 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM SUNDAY DEEP WATER POWER 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Schedule Subject to Change. Please visit www.estevan.ca for updates on closures and cancellations. Proper footwear and exercise wear is required to participate. Please note during school breaks, (Teachers Convention, Spring Break and Christmas Break) Fitness, Aquatic Centre and Arena schedules may vary. Please visit our live schedules at www.estevan.ca
Stocking Stuffers Daily Facility Passes You 5 fo th r $2 0
C 5 fo hild r $1 0
A 5 fo dult r $4 0
PRICING ENDS DEC. 24. CONTACT INFO DESK @306-634-1888 DROP IN RECREATION
ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE September 23 - December 20, 2019
AQUATIC SCHEDULE SUNDAY PRIVATE RENTALS 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM LANE SWIM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM FAMILY SWIM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM PUBLIC SWIM 3:00 PM -5:00 PM DEEP WATER POWER 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM MONDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM LANE SWIM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
SURF & SWIM AQUASTEP LANE SWIM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
TUESDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM MOM & BABY AQUAFIT 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM LANE SWIM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WEDNESDAY LANE SWIM AQUA AWE LANE SWIM SURF & SWIM AQUASTEP LANE SWIM
6:00 AM - 9:00 AM 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
THURSDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM MOM & BABY AQUAFIT 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM LANE SWIM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM AQUASTEP 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM FRIDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM AQUA AWE 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM LANE SWIM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM LIONS FREE SWIM 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM * NOT NOV 22 PUBLIC SWIM 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
* ONLY NOV 22 LANE SWIM 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM * NOT DEC 13 PUBLIC SWIM7:00 PM - 9:00 PM * NOT DEC 13 SATURDAY PRIVATE RENTALS 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM LANE SWIM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM PUBLIC SWIM 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM LANE SWIM 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM FAMILY SWIM 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PUBLIC SWIM 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM HOT TUB & STEAMROOM AVAILABLE MON & WED - 5PM - 10PM TUE, THU, SAT & SUN - 5PM - 9PM
Sports A9
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Estevan Taekwon-Do club impressed at their home tournament
Estevan Taekwon-Do Club’s annual tournament, held at the Estevan Comprehensive School on Saturday, had 27 Estevan competitors demonstrating their skills and talents. Seven Saskatchewan clubs, including the Estevan Taekwon-Do Club, had their teams out at the Energy City for the event with a total of 55 competitors. Estevan participants were impressive in all three competitions. In patterns, Estevan students received 22 medals. Troy McClelland, Dan Pangan, Jorga Parkin, Raynaldo Lubreo, Rynze Lubreo, Marina Troyo, Maddex Steinke and Logan Morissette won gold; Brayden Renkas, Sophia Ramos, Tristan Parkin, Brandy Janecke, Jameson Magnien, Sarah Kiss, Claire Mochenko and Josh Mckeen claimed silver; and Danielle Stephany, Lisa Parkin, Bryn Gaignard, Tamara Ash, Carter Abbott and Lazarous Struble took home bronze medals. In sparring, Estevan Club took 13 medals. Tina Longney, Dan Pangan, Bryn Gaignard, Raynaldo Lubreo, Rynze Lubreo and Eva Schmidt received gold medals; Troy McClelland, Tristan Parkin, Jameson Magnien, Tamara Ash and Claire Mo-
chenko won silver; and Sarah Kiss and Marina Troyo had bronze. Troy McClelland also took a gold medal in the board breaking competition. The other participating clubs were Jook Am TaekwonDo Club from Saskatoon, Dragan Caoin Taekwo-Do Club from Osler, Willow Taekwon-Do Club from Prince Albert, Hague Taekwon-
Do Club from Hague, CA Taekwon-Do Academy from Oxbow and Rooks Karate and Fitness drawing from Estevan and Frobisher. The tournament director and Estevan Taekwon-Do Club’s senior instructor Don Dechief was impressed with the results. “The Estevan team did really well,” said Dechief. “They all worked really hard,
were 100 per cent dedicated, focused, and we all are really happy with everybody’s results.” The judges were senior black belts. Dechief, who is a sixth-degree black belt, was the head judge and the arbitrator along with two other sixth-degree black belt judges from Osler and Saskatoon. Dechief noted that there were no disqualifications or
injuries throughout the day. “It was very well controlled and we were pretty happy,” said Dechief. This tournament is quite important for the club as it allows the members to compare their skills to others while preparing for bigger upcoming competitions. “We train all year. We do about three tournaments throughout the year. The most
important ones are the one in Estevan and the one that happens in Saskatoon. And we have a provincial competition in Saskatoon... that comes up earlier in the new year,” said Dechief. “So it’s all in preparation for that.” The Estevan TaekwonDo Club has classes twice a week, where students work on their patterns and their sparring. And the tournaments give a good indication of where they are in their training, which boosts their confidence and keeps them going. “ We have the world competition coming up in Bulgaria in July, so this is all working towards that also,” said Dechief. The Estevan TaekwonDo Club is looking forward to the next year’s competitions, and they’ll be training hard for that. The club has about 60 members, however not all of them qualify to compete yet, and some just weren’t able to make it on Saturday. The general participation was down a little bit this year due to a number of factors including poor road conditions and overlap with some other tournaments throughout the province, but organizers were happy with the turnout.
The Estevan Bruins were busy before the Dec. 1 roster deadline, as they made two trades and released two players. Canadian junior A hockey teams have to have their rosters trimmed to 25 players on Dec. 1, and the Bruins had 26 prior to that day. The club’s first move was to acquire 2001-born forward Erik Boers from the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for future considerations. Boers, a 6’4”, 235-pound for ward, has tallied five
points (three goals and two assists) in 17 games this season for Camrose. “He’s a guy we expect three years of leadership from, and a high-character player,” said head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood. “He brings a physical element that comes with that size. He’s a good offensive player, but he’s more of a well-rounded player.” The 18-year-old played midget AAA last season with the St. Albert Raiders, alongside current Bruins forward Brady Nicholas, and was the Raiders captain. He also
played with current Bruin forward Eddie Gallagher in midget AAA. “It will ease things coming in,” said Lewgood. “Anytime there’s a new player this late in the season, there’s that feeling out process, but this will help to eliminate some of that, or at least shorten that period.” Boers scored 28 points (15 goals and 13 assists) in 33 games and added 10 points (four goals and six assists) in 11 playoff games as St. Albert lost in the league final. Boer was also part of the Raiders team that claimed
the championship at the annual Mac’s Midget AAA Tournament in Calgary. The Bruins offset his acquisition by dealing forward Kolton Leslie to the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for future considerations. Leslie, a 19-year-old forward from B.C., was in his second year with the Bruins. He had two goals and two assists in 21 games this season. The Terriers are hosting the Centennial Cup national junior A championship in 2020, and are currently first in the Manitoba Junior
Hockey League. L e wgood noted the trade stemmed from Portage looking to fill a specific need. “ We had to get our numbers down, and in doing so, we want to identify guys who had opportunities elsewhere, and it just seemed like a good fit for us to get our numbers down and for him to have a tremendous opportunity in Portage,” said Lewgood. Leslie came to the Bruins as a walk-on in 2018, and worked his way into an everyday role. “His on-ice improve-
ments were straight out of his work ethic and his desire to be the best Estevan Bruin that he could be. We’re going to miss him on the ice and in the locker room,” said Lewgood. Finally, the club released two 20-year-olds, defenceman CJ Corrazin and forward Devon Cyr. Lewgood said if they weren’t 20 and in their final season of junior hockey, they would still be with the team. “We feel that we’re going to get enough value out of younger players to fill those roles,” said Lewgood.
The Estevan Taekwon-Do Club’s 27 members participating in the tournament claimed 36 medals. Photo submitted
Bruins make four moves before deadline
Elecs win in Regina The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs senior girls basketball team won their first tournament of the season at O’Neill High School in Regina. The Elecs defeated Yorkton Regional High School, Moose Jaw Central School and the host Regina O’Neill team to take top spot. In their final game, Sarah Dacuycuy had 26 points in the first half, as she hit six three-point shots. Members are coach Jessie Smoliak, Tiana Seeman, Taylor Haux, Lauren Kobitz, Haylee Jones, Charlotte Andrist, Talissa Gervais, Adah De Leeuw and coach Bridget Bjorndalen. Front row, from left, Shanelle Rioux, Kishi Rioferio, Sarah Dacuycuy, Bethany Montebon, Renee Stephanie and coach Larissa Smeltzer. Photo submitted
UPCOMING HOME
GAMES
December 4
vs
Battlefords North Stars @ 7pm
December 13
vs
Kindersley Klippers
December 14
vs
Melfort Mustangs
December 21
vs
Yorton Terriers
January 1
vs
Weyburn Red Wings @ 3pm
All games start at 7:30 unless otherwise stated
Teddy Bear Toss for the e Salvation Army @ the e December 4th game Bring a stuffed animal to n throw on the ice when the Bruins score their first goal. www.estevanbruins.com
A10 December 4, 2019
Estevan novice tournament attracted teams for a weekend of fun games Almost 200 young hockey players locked the sticks over the past weekend. The novice hockey tournament had 7-8-year-old players on the ice at Affinity Place and Power Dodge Ice Centre for most of the days on Saturday and Sunday. Nathan Hunt, who is the novice director with the Estevan Minor Hockey Association, was pretty happy with how the weekend went. “It was pretty good, I’d say. All the kids had fun,” said Hunt. The kids that showed up for the tournament were just a small portion of potential tournament participants for this age group. “ We had teams from Yorkton, Coronach, Moosomin, Radville, Weyburn, (Carlyle), all over the place,” said Hunt, noting that they
Estevan Canucks won bronze in the final game against the Estevan Oilers. had one team from Regina last year and probably will have them participating next year again, but this time the Queen City’s hockeyists didn’t make it to Estevan. The Carlyle Novice 1
team won over the Weyburn Coyotes with a score of 14-1. Teams claimed gold and silver medals respectively in the Aside tournament. The Estevan Canucks defeated the Estevan Oilers 20-4, claiming bronze.
Estevan Knights won the B-side champion’s title overplaying Torquay Lions 18-9. Both teams were pretty beat up by the finale as it was their fifth game of the weekend, but they still had some fuel left to
put up some good hockey. The intense schedule was a part of the tournament’s attraction. “Some (teams) had four (games). It’s a three-game guarantee. So every team that enters the tournament has at least three games in,” said Hunt. And even though it seemed like a lot of ice time, being young kids healed quickly and were excited to get back on the rink. “You’d be surprised, they played four games in one day and they had more energy at night than they did to start the day,” said Hunt. Most kids joined the tournament for their love of hockey, but to make it a bit more exciting organizers prepared little giveaways for the players. “For our tournaments, we
gave out little gift bags. It was largely due to our sponsors more than anyone,” said Hunt. They also had a big raffle table, sponsored by companies from Estevan and surrounding areas, helping the association. “Once again I’d like to thank all the sponsors for making it possible and all the volunteers from Estevan. Everyone put a lot of time in. The families from here, when you do a home tournament, you sacrifice time to make it happen,” said Hunt. He noted that they had a really good tournament committee this year that put a lot of hard work into it and put it together in under two months. Every age group has its own tournament in Estevan once a year. The next one is the midget tournament that takes place on Dec. 6-8.
Minor football presents awards to young athletes Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football saluted the accomplishments of its athletes this year at its yearend awards night on Nov. 26 at the Estevan Elks Lodge. Each of the three teams presented several recognitions. Award winners for the U10 Power Dodge Cudas were: Dane Tober and TJ Thompson, team MVPs; Jack Holden and Dexter Ciepliski, offensive player MVPs; Mason Lesy and Max Froese, defensive player MVPs; Beckham Sernick and Brody Hogg, most improved players; Ava Mainprize and Damion Seymour, most sportsmanlike; and Jack Holden, Canuckcade most determined player. The winners for the U12 Century 21 Border Real Es-
tate Chargers were: Cooper Pukas (team MVP); Peyton Tendler (offensive player MVP); Payton Klyne (defensive player MVP); Hayden Miller (most improved player); Connor Mercer (best sportsmanship); and Kalib Roy (Driven Distribution Inc. most determined player). The award winners for the U14 Estevan Lions Club Oilers were Thomas Harrison (team MVP and best sportsmanship); Dorian Sifton (offensive player MVP and Bryan Illerbrun Dedication Award); Hamisi Kassanga and Talys Brock (defensive player MVPs); and Harrison Froese (most improved player). Also, Doris and James Trobert won the Volunteer
Family Award. They were unable to make it to the banquet, but EMF president Kevin Mortenson paid tribute to the couple for all that they have done for football in Estevan. J a m e s Tr o b e r t h a s coached on and off when his children have been involved in football, and always brought a positive attitude, Mortenson said. “In the meantime, he’s been our colour commentator up there in the booth for the past two or three seasons,” said Mortenson, who noted that people in Moose Jaw have voiced a desire to have James announce their games. But James voiced his desire to retire from the gig following the final football game this season.
Doris, meanwhile, has always been busy working as a volunteer in the concession during the football season,
and has even sang O Canada a couple of times over the years. “They’re just great, posi-
tive people to have around the football field, and we’re definitely going to miss them,” said Mortenson.
Members of the Estevan U10 Power Dodge Cudas gather for a group photo at the awards ceremony. Photo by Pat Ford Head Office Box 5054, 2500 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK S4P 3M3 Canada
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Every person �iling a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address, and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds, and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious or competition based objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing. Write to: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Box 5054 REGINA SK S4P 3M3
Pursuant to Section 62 of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997 the above advertisement shall be published once each week for two successive weeks, in a newspaper published in the municipality in which the proposed outlet is or is to be situated, or if no newspaper is published in the area, then in a newspaper published in Saskatchewan and circulating in the area.
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December 4, 2019 A11
Bruins split weekend games on home ice The Estevan Bruins returned home for their first games at Affinity Place since Nov. 9, and split their two home games. Estevan lost 7-4 to the Flin Flon Bombers Friday night, but recovered to edge the Notre Dame Hounds 3-2 Saturday. Estevan had a 4-2 lead at one point against Flin Flon, but gave up a goal late in the second and four in the third to the potent Bombers offence. Kolten Leslie, Tyler Savage, Cody Davis and Griffin Asham-Moroz had the Bruin goals. Cole Rafuse had a hat trick and two assists for the Bombers, while Chase Haygarth scored twice. Matt Raymond and Tristan Lemyre notched the other Bomber goals. Keenan Rancier stopped 34 shots for the Bruins.
Jayden Davis and Troy Hamilton scored in the third period for Estevan in the win against Notre Dame. Hamil-
ton’s goal with 6:11 to play in the third was the game winner. “I got the puck and picked it up out of my feet, and I looked
Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football had a pretty good season on and off the field in 2019, and it’s looking forward to more of the same next year. The organization held its annual general meeting on Nov. 26 at the Estevan Elks Lodge. President Kevin Mortenson said the kids who were part of the organization this year had a lot of fun, but their numbers didn’t grow. “We hit 90 kids, and that’s
the same as we had last year. Of course, we want to see the sport grow,” he said. The Century 21 U12 Chargers team had a great year, losing by a point to the eventual league champions from Moose Jaw in the semifinal. “Overall it was a really good year. We’re looking forward to 2020. We want to increase our numbers across the board,” Mortenson said. Financial statements released during the meeting
showed the organization had $71,671.30 in total income, with fundraising accounting for $34,116.53, player registrations bringing in $19,012.50 and sponsorships generating $13,750. Expenses were at $43,391.84, leaving a net income at $28,279.46. The executive for 2020 was elected. Mortenson will be back for another year as president, but Paul Duncan has stepped down as vice-president
Troy Hamilton (28) of the Estevan Bruins cuts in past a Notre Dame defender just before scoring on Saturday night.
up and I saw the defenceman didn’t have any good gaps, so I went wide, tried to get the puck on net and saw it roll across the goal line,” said Hamilton. There wasn’t much of a hole, so he just threw the puck on net. Tanner Manz’s marker early in the first period was the Bruins other goal versus Notre Dame. Eddie Gallagher had two assists in the victory. “He was excellent for us. He made the defencemen miss a whole bunch. He’s easily our best playmaker and it was on full display tonight,” said head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood. Curtis Wiebe and Sho Takai scored for Notre Dame. It was a chippy contest, especially in the second half of the first period when the Bruins were shorthanded for more
than seven minutes. They were also two players shorthanded for 1:39 late in the third period; Takai scored for Notre Dame during that two-man advantage. “You can tell the rivalry between us, especially with all the penalties and stuff, and the chirping going on in the game,” said Hamilton. Lewgood called it their best penalty killing effort of the season, as they allowed just the one power play goal despite being shorthanded for more than 10 minutes. “Tonight there were a lot of situational things, a lot of hockey plays that ended up in us being shorthanded, and I think when you get character guys, they did in deeper for each other to kill those ones off for one another.” The penalty kills in the first period saw the Bruins ef-
fectively block shots and control the neutral zone. “It eliminated a whole bunch of zone time for them,” said Lewgood. “I thought we were rolling before the penalties and I think the successful kill allowed us to carry on with that.” The Hounds are a physical team, and they have some players who are good at getting under the opponents’ skin. Rancier made 38 saves in the victory. The Bruins (10-13-2-1) will return to the ice on Dec. 4 when they host the Battlefords North Stars at 7 p.m. It will also be the annual Teddy Bear Toss game to assist the Salvation Army. The Estevan Kinettes Club will be at the game through their pyjama project. Then the Bruins will visit the Melville Millionaires on Dec. 6.
to focus on coaching the Estevan Lions Club U14 Oilers. The organization is looking for a new vice-president. Other members of the executive and board and secretary Jesse Hochstein, treasurer Dena Bachorcik, Pat Ford (equipment), Laba Feoktistova and Lorna Roy (concession), Tia Thacker and Amy Lesy (fundraising) and Carrie Curtis (member at large). Mortenson said the EMF
wants to see girls football team start playing in 2020. A meeting will likely happen to gage interest in the team. The EMF wants to be more aggressive with raising funds for their needs. He recognizes it’s a bad time to be doing so, but he would like to see upgrades at Chow Field, as the EMF wants to start holding practices there once again. They would also like to have a taller tower at the
Woodlawn Athletic Field. And he would like to see flag football return for the youngest players as an entry level division, so they have a taste for the game before they start playing tackle football. The EMF has a Super Bowl party planned for the Beef in early February of 2020, and Mortenson hinted that a sportman’s dinner could also happen to help with fundraising efforts.
Estevan Minor Football reflects on the 2019 season
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10% Non Refundable Payment Down Sale Day Balance due in 30 Days.
Norm Mack 306.634.9512 Brian Mack 306.421.2928 Norm Klatt 306.487.7815
Terms: Cash, Cheque, Certified Cheque or Letter of Credit from Bank or Credit Union on major purchases. Not responsible for errors, omissions, and deletions. Description of property is supplied by seller. We are not responsible for any misdiscription or misrepresentation as to the type or quality of any item.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured P.L. 311962 - Box 831 Estevan, SK S4A 2A7
A12 December 4, 2019
Rollover and other calls keep firefighters busy Members of the Estevan Fire Rescue Service had a steady week, responding to calls for a rollover, a cookingrelated incident and more. Fire crews were dispatched to a commercial fire alarm in central Estevan on Nov. 27. It proved to be a false alarm, as contractors were working on the system and set it off. Later that day, they were called to a single-vehicle rollover south of Bienfait. Deputy Fire Chief Rick Davies said one person suffered minor injuries that were looked after by emergency medical services. Two calls came in early on Nov. 28. The first was a report of a fire alarm at an apartment complex in northeast Estevan. Crews found a cooking-related incident. Davies said it had the potential to be more serious than what it was. “It was a fire alarm that was called in, and turned out to be a cooking-related
incident in one of the suites,” said Davies. “There was potential there to be a fire, but the neighbours acted quickly enough that we got there early enough to handle any issues.” A short time later, they were called to a commercial fire alarm at a hotel in northeast Estevan, which was likely caused by a faulty detection system. On Nov. 30, they were called to a commercial fire alarm in northwest Estevan. It proved to be a faulty detection system. Early on Dec. 1, firefighters were called to the Estevan Humane Society’s building for an alarm that was triggered by some work in the building. And then on Dec. 2, the fire department was called to a commercial fire alarm on the eastern outskirts of the city. Davies said it was likely caused by the power failures that were happening in the community at that time.
Firefighters also had their regular training evening on Nov. 26, with tips for regular medical assistance.
Davies expects the fire department will be busy in the upcoming week, as they will be at Canadian Tire on
Saturday for the stuff a fire truck promotion through the Community Hamper Association’s Angel Tree pro-
gram. They will also be setting up their display for the Woodlawn Regional Park’s upcoming Festival of Lights.
Salvation Army kettle campaign is underway The Estevan Salvation Army’s annual kettle campaign began Thursday, and it will continue until just before Christmas. Kettles are at the Southern Plains Co-op’s Estevan grocery store, Walmart, the Estevan Shoppers Mall, Clifton’s No Frills and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s Estevan liquor store. The Co-op and the Mall will have kettles from Monday to Saturday, while No Frills’ kettle will be out Wednesday to Saturday. The liquor store have its kettle
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out on Fridays and Saturdays, while the mall will be Saturdays. During the final full week of the campaign, the mall’s kettle will be out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Kettles will also be at the Co-op, Walmart and No Frills on Dec. 23 and 24. Volunteers are still needed to work the kettles. The campaign has a goal of $25,000. The Salvation Army has also sent letters to local residents for its annual appeal, which has a goal of $65,000. Donations received through the kettle campaign and the letter appeal will be used to support the Salvation Army’s programs in the Estevan area throughout the year. Members of the Estevan Mercury Publications team were at the co-op Thursday to ring bells and to greet people as they entered the store.
Buy
Ana Villarreal and Deanna Tarnes from the Estevan Mercury rang bells for the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign at the Southern Plains Co-op on Thursday.
$100
Gift card
ends Jan. 1st.
& WE WILL ADD
$20 FOR FREE
126 4th Street • 306-634-0125 • encompassfitness.ca
19121TT0
as a gift to you!
76 Souris Ave. N., Estevan www.firedupgrill.ca
306-636-2323
Thursday, December 5th
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• Many other in store specials • Enter our store draw • Open until 10pm
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1205-4th Street Located next door to the Bank of Montreal back door access
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It’s Beginning to Look A Lot like Christmas! With glad tidings from our entire staff this holiday season. We thank you for your business during the past year and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Dr. Sarah Sliva • Optometrist Dr. Amanda M. Olsen • Optometrist Estevan • Carnduff (306) 636-2020 • www.southeasteyecare.ca
Classifieds A13
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Announcements
Coming EvEnts
Farm ServiceS
For Sale - MiSc
Career OppOrtunities
Is this a credible SOURCE?
S
Integrity Post Frame Buildings
P O T
SINCE 2008
Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More
SPOTfakenews.ca
HealtH ServiceS
Feed & Seed
Auctions
LAND FOR SALE
BUD HAYNES & WARD’S FALL FIREARMS Auction, Saturday, Dec. 7th at 10 AM. 1 1 8 0 2 - 1 4 5 Street, Edmonton, AB. Over 700 Lots, On-Line bidding Antique & Modern Firearms, www.WardsAuctions.com. To consign, call Brad Ward 780-940-8378; Linda Baggaley 403-597-1095.
CIM TRUCK SALES HUMBOLDT 306-682-2505
Found
Call on our full line up of grain, gravel deck and highway trucks. 35 in total
Steel BuildingS / granarieS
Mobile/ Manufactured Yellowhead Modular Home Sales
STEEL BUILDING CLEARANCE ... “FALL BLOWOUT - PRICED TO CLEAR!” 20X25 $6,687. 25X29 $7,459. 28X29 $8,196. 30X35 $9840. 32X37 $9,898. One End Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca
Check out www.cim-ltd.ca call Allan 306-320-7755 or Bernie 306-231-8111
Meeting Place
For Sale - MiSc PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649-1405 for details.
Stock homes Ready for Delivery! $99,900 delivered to site all taxes included. Call for Fall discount pricing on Custom ordered homes, WE do Site consultation, Screw piles /Insulated skirting PKG
Lloyd Dronsfield 1945-2014 Time slips by and life goes on But from our hearts you’re never gone. We think about you always And talk about you too. We have so many memories But wish we still had you.
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children Naydene, Duane (Shelley), Brooke and best friend Marcy. Predeceased by her parents Peter and Phyllis Wetsch, brother Douglas and sister Lauris. Mom did many different jobs in her life, but found her true calling as a RCA at Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion for 23 years. Mom was and extraordinary person and was loved by her residents and coworkers alike. She was a spunky old gal who always had a smile on her face and truly brought joy the people around her. Moms presence will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Leave to mourn her are her children; Naydene, Duane, (Shelley) Brooke, grandchildren; Christian (Maggie), Brandy (Frank), Nick, Mackenzie, Taylor, Jessica, great grandchildren; Kali, Mae and Cato, nieces and cousins. Always remembered and forever loved.
Trucks & Vans
2017 Peterbilt Tri Drive 13 speed auto 1100 bus box 485 hp Cummins
In Memory of Robert (Bob) Wanner September 3, 1941 December 3, 2016 MY BELOVED HUSBAND I watched you suffer I saw you die But all I could do, was sit close by You went away, we had to part GOD EASED YOUR PAIN BUT BROKE MY HEART There are no goodbyes for you and me Wherever you are, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART Love from, Lucille and family
Find Your New Career in Today’s Mercury Classifieds
Linda Lampman (Wetsch) June 1, 1946- July 12, 2019
4th Annual Regina Farm Toy Live/Webcast Auction. Dec. 7 @ 10am. St. Athanasius Hall Regina, SK. Prebid now open www.ukrainetzauction.hibid.com.PL#316253. 10% Buyers Fee up to max $500.
Andrew Deren February 13, 1926 December 9, 2009 Nothing can ever take away The love our hearts hold dear; Fond memories linger every day, We miss you more each year. Lovingly remembered and always missed by June, Paul, Donna, Bill, Lil, Linda, Delmar, Joy and families
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 Rebuliding. PH 204-532-2187 Russell, MB
Obituaries
sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com
Don’t believe everything you see.
In MeMorIaM
Winter Road Haul 2020 Class 1 Drivers needed for deliveries in MB & NW Ont. (800) 665-4302 ext. 251 or e-mail: orderdesk@penneroil.ca
Parts & accessories
306-496-7538 Yorkton, SK New sales lot in Lloydminster, AB. Call 780-872-2728
www.yellowheadmodularhomesales.ca
Feed & Seed
Five years have passed. Lovingly remembered by Avis, Kim, Ross, Vicki, Steven, Riley, Reece, Reegan, Mason, Devin and Jilena
Farm ServiceS
Wanted WANTED: All Wild Fur (Coyotes, etc), All Antlers (Deer,Moose, etc) And Old Traps. Phone Bryan 306278-7756 or Phil 306-278-2299.
Advertisements 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.
Notices / NomiNatioNs
Terrence (Terry) George Brown Terrence (Terry) George Brown passed peacefully on November 9, 2019 in Victoria B.C. What words might best honour the memory of such a fine man? Terry might say, “Facts. Just the facts”. Okay, here they are. Terry Brown: honest, respected, deeply loved, faithful, loyal, patient, strong in both mind and body. A constant source of support for his family, friends, and colleagues. Copious amounts of common sense and provider of wise counsel for any who might need. A true son of the prairie; initially a farmer, then transportation pioneer. A Lake Diefenbaker sailor, with the best first mate one could have: his wife Vera. He was a wonderful husband and father, and the very definition of a Gentle Man. He never had to raise his voice to be heard and all who knew Terry would consider themselves lucky to have had him in their lives. In business Terry was always an innovator; one of the first in Western Canada to implement and promote grain transportation by semi-trailer from farms to elevators to inland terminals, an early adopter of the now ubiquitous large round bales, founder of Quill Transport in the early 1960s, delivering goods to many small towns in Saskatchewan. He was also a gifted storyteller, with insightful truths sourced in the people and events of his fully lived 91 years on this earth. He will be truly missed. Terry was born in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan. Pre-deceased by his mother Lillian, father Alex, and brother William; his wife of 64 years, Veronika (Vera) Brown (nee Kosior) and her parents Frank and Mary Kosior; her siblings Jack (Phil), Sim (Nora), Val (Kit), Vi(Elmer). Terry is survived by his six children Linda (Ken), Douglas (Fran), Jeffrey (Elena), Beverley, Jennifer (Ron) and Scott (Karla); sister-in-law Monica Romanowich; brother-in-law Leo Kosior; grand children and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held for both Terry and his wife Vera, on June 20, 2020 at 11am, at St Aloysius church, located at 17 Woodhams Ave, Fillmore Saskatchewan. After mass, there will be a gravesite internment, followed by light lunch & tea, as a celebration of their lives together. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations be made in Terry’s name, to the Kiwanis Pavilion in Victoria BC, for their excellent care of Terry over the past few years. http://www.kiwanispavilion.ca/getinvolved/donate/.
Notices / NomiNatioNs
A14 December 4, 2019
Three people arrested for impaired driving last week Three people were arrested for impaired driving in separate cases during the last days of November. A 49-year-old Estevan man is facing charges, including one for impaired driving by drug, following a Nov. 27 collision. The Estevan Police Service (EPS) was called to the incident in central Estevan. The investigation involved the use of a standardized field sobriety test as well as one of the EPS’s drug recognition experts. The accused was also served a violation ticket under the Traffic Safety Act for failing to yield at a yield sign. He will make his first appearance in Estevan Provincial Court
on Jan. 13, 2020. Police stopped a vehicle on 13th Avenue where a 35-year-old man from Olds, Alta., was arrested on Nov. 30. He will face charges of impaired driving and refusing to provide suitable samples to police. He was lodged in cells until sober. Police also received a call about a woman who was drinking at a downtown establishment and entered a vehicle. It was located a short distance away and after failing a roadside test, the 25-yearold Estevan woman was arrested and will face charges of impaired driving and driving while over .08. She was released on a promise to appear
for a January court date. In other recent police news, an attempted fraud/ scam was reported Nov. 26, in which a call was received advising that unauthorized charges were made on a credit card. A request was then made for further information from the potential victim. The public is again reminded not to provide information to these and similar calls, no matter how legitimate they appear. Always contact a banking institution to verify any account issues. A motor vehicle collision occurred in northeast Estevan which resulted in damage to both vehicles. A violation ticket was served as one ve-
hicle drove in front of another, resulting in the incident. No injuries were reported. A driver of a vehicle was charged under the Traffic Safety Act on Nov. 27 for unsafe backing up as a result of a collision that occurred in a central Estevan convenience store parking lot. A 23-year-old Estevan man was arrested and charged for not attending court after previously being served with a subpoena. He was held in cells for a 9:30 a.m. court appearance. The EPS received the report of a theft that occurred in a central Estevan grocery store on Nov. 28. Stolen was a bottle of non-prescription
medication. The matter remains under investigation. A fraud/scam was also reported to EPS involving an east-central restaurant. A call was received saying their electronic equipment was being shipped and they were to forward the delivery fee. The restaurant easily identified this as an attempted fraud and didn’t participate any further. On Nov. 29, police responded to a call of a possible impaired driver. The vehicle was located a short time later parked at a local establishment. The registered owner was located inside and spoken to about the report. Police arrested a Regina
man on outstanding warrants around 2:00 a.m. He was released about an hour later with a new court date in Regina. Police responded to a single-vehicle collision on Kensington Avenue on Nov. 30. No serious injuries occurred but the driver did go to the hospital as a precaution to be checked out by medical staff. Police also stopped a vehicle and an Estevan man was charged for driving without a valid licence and operating an unregistered vehicle. The woman passenger was charged for failing to have a child secured in a proper restraint system.
Four charged in drug bust Police are asking for public assistance in two recent cases in the southeast Four people have been arrested following a drug bust in southeast Saskatchewan on Friday. The Estevan Police Service Drug and Intelligence Unit had been conducting a cocaine trafficking investigation on two males from British Columbia. On Nov. 29, at approximately midnight, officers from the Estevan Police Service and the Estevan RCMP executed simultaneous search warrants at a motel room in Midale and a residence in Bienfait. Four males were taken
into custody without incident. Police seized a quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine. Money and other items used for the distribution of cocaine were also seized from both properties. Jeremy Curtis Iser, 28, and Nico Andrew Amaro, 25, of Chilliwack, B.C., have been charged with trafficking cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Iser was also charged with possession of property obtained by crime less than $5,000 under
CAREERS SRI HOMES’ Estevan Facility SHELTER HOME SYSTEMS is currently accepting applications for
PRODUCTION WORKERS • Required Immediately
Duties include:
• Assembling and installing modular components Send, fax, e-mail or drop off resume to:
H
O
M
E
S
SHELTER
Box 845 #200 Hwy. 18 West, Estevan, SK S4A 2A7 Fax: 306-634-7597 jobs.shelter@gmail.com www.shelterhomes.ca
the Criminal Code. Gregory Gress, a 41-yearold man from Estevan, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine. Garrett Olney, 38, of Bienfait, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and failing to comply with his release conditions. All four were released with conditions and will be back in court at a later date.
The reports of thefts came through the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory last week. In the first case, a number of items were stolen from Canadian Tire on Nov. 27. EPS is investigating a theft under $5,000. Various items were stolen from the store at approximately 4:40 p.m. A single male subject, wearing a white hoodie and
black jacket, was observed driving a black, Pontiac Torrent. EPS also received reports of multiple storage units that were broken into on the east end of Estevan. The property is just off of Kensington Avenue near the overpass.
The storage lockers were entered and the damage was done to property inside. The incident happened sometime over the last week. If you have information related to any of these incidents, please call the EPS at 306-634-4767.
CAREERS Do you want to be part of your local newspaper, working in a fast paced, deadline driven environment with fun team members? Are you looking for part time work? Do you have great attention to detail? Are you proficient in word, excel and can learn new programs?
Then we want you! We have an opening in our
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT.
Duties include:
TAX CONSULTING AND PREPARATION
SERVICES AND PREPARATION
- PERSONAL - FARM - CORPORATE
- BOOKKEEPING - PAYROLL - GST & PST RETURNS
• Greeting Customers/Answering Phones • Data Entry • Accounts Receivable/Payables • Circulation (working with our carriers) • Supporting all of the departments
1123 - 4th Street Estevan, SK 306.634.7331 • www.svf-cpa.ca
This is a part time, temporary position to cover a maternity leave starting in January 2020.
Michelle Erdman, BBA, CPA Donna Fonstad, Dipl. Acct.,CPA, CGA Ryan Siever, B.Sc., CPA, CA
Please email resume with a cover letter to Deanna Tarnes, dtarnes@estevanmercury.ca.
RockSolid operating across Western Canada requires
Thursday, December 5th
COIL TUBING PERSONNEL NITROGEN SUPERVISORS PRESSURE TRUCK OPERATORS PICKER OPERATORS
Open Late IN STORE SPECIALS ONE DAY ONLY
Class 1 or 3 and Oilfield experience would be a valuable asset Interested candidates may apply with resume, employment references and copy of drivers abstract to: hr@rocksolidcompanies.ca or Fax: 306-433-2160 PH:306-433-2032
ART CONCEPTS 1231 4th Street, Estevan 306-634-3262
BUSINESS SERVICES LEGAL
AUDIOLOGIST ORLOWSKI LAW OFFICE PROFESSIONAL CORP.
Barristers & Solicitors
Paul Elash Q.C. Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B. Genevieve Schrader, B. Mgt., J.D. Gainsborough: Thursday a.m. • 306-685-2250 Carnduff: Thursday p.m. • 306-482-3731 1312- 4th Street, Estevan
P. 306-634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com
Stephen J. Orlowski,
B.Ed., LL.B.
1215 - 5th Street, Estevan
Phone: 306-634-3353
Fax: 306-634-7714
orlowski.law@sasktel.net Branch offices at:
ARCOLA REDVERS CARNDUFF Arcola Agencies Bldg. Carlsen Bldg. Carnduff Agencies Bldg. Wednesday A.M. Wednesday P.M. Thursday P.M. Phone: 306-455-2277 Phone: 306-452-3377 Phone: 306-482-4077
“Your ears deserve an audiologist” #5 - 418 Kensington Ave. (Across from Walmart)
306-636-EARS (3277)
JACQUIE MVULA M.S., R. Aud. Audiologist/Owner
www.suncountryhearing.com
People A15
104 - Hwy. 47 South, Estevan, SK 306-634-5588 Bay #1 - Hwy. 13, Carlyle, SK 306-453-2519
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
WWW.FLOORSTOREESTEVAN.CA
Christmas spirit filled the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum
By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
Southeast artists of all types brought their beautiful pieces to the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday so the public could enhance their holiday season this year with something special. The two galleries had everything from ceramic earings and bracelets with lava stones, pottery, toys, romantic paintings, gentle lanterns and home décor, to furniture, pillows, blankets, photos and hand-painted photos. The building was filled with the welcoming holiday aroma of apple cider which all visitors could try at the entrance. Artists were interacting with guests talking about their pieces and sharing stories behind them, or giving advice on the best way to care about the unique items. Despite the slipper y roads Saturday morning, quite a few people made it to the gallery, and Amber Andersen, who is the curator-director for the EAGM, hoped that weather wouldn’t change anybody’s plans. “ I ’m a c t u a l l y v e r y
pleased. With the weather, you never know. We haven’t necessarily lucked out with the weather, but so far, we actually had a very decent turnout. And I just feel that people are very happy. It’s always just such a festive atmosphere,” said Andresen on Saturday morning. The first time the EAGM put together the Homemade for the Holidays Christmas market was in 2015. Every year since then they attract between 100 and 200 people. Homemade for the Holidays has already become a little Christmas tradition, which Andersen keeps in mind while meeting new artists throughout the year. “I’m always keeping an eye out for different artists, artisans and crafters. So I have some people that have been in the sale multiple times, but I always try to make sure that I get new people in the mix as well,” said Andersen. It turned out that this year there were more new people participating in the market. The veterans of the show included photographer Byron Fichter, Sheila
Farstad, who brought over her big family of cute felt animals, and Audrey Robinson, who does oily bracelets. While most of the participants were from Estevan, a few had a bit of a drive that day to get to the show. “I’m always looking to see who in the southeast (can participate in the show),” said Andersen. This time some artists came to the show from Carlyle, Weyburn and Bienfait. Homemade for the Holidays allows the EAGM to raise a bit of money to put back into their programming and also do something special for the community before Christmas. “It’s a way, too, to get people into the gallery to see the different art shows and also to meet local artists, crafters and artisans,” said Andersen. The EAGM does only one art market a year at the gallery, however, they also have artists participating in the Rafferty Rumble’s market in summer and plan to have a larger fall festival next year with an artisan market there as well.
Audrey Robinson’s oil bracelets were once again a big hit.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Estevan’s Shoppers Mall Es ll - Nutters Entrance
(Sells out quickly!!! Come early not to be disappointed.)
Sale starts @ 10 am sharp
Regan Lanning, whose art is currently on display at the gallery, had her ceramic jewellery and other art pieces for sale at the Homemade for the Holidays.
Royal Canadian Legion Sunday, December 8
Cocktails 5:30 Supper 6:30 Tickets available at the Legion Office
PAST PRESIDENTS SUPPER & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
YOUR PET’S HOME Away From Home for the Holidays y
306-421-6155
Elections of Officers Vote on Amendments to Local Bylaws SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
• Fenced play yards • Socialize your dog • Enrichment activities • Structured, interactive play time • Air conditioned/heated indoor play spaces
Training & Boarding
Tickets - $15
“The place to sit, stay and play!” Debit now available
U-
is our
BIRTHDAY!
Come help us celebrate and get a head start on your
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!
There'll be specicals throughout the store all day long!
SOUL HIDEOUT #9-508 12th Ave., Estevan • 306-634-7685
*Drop Off your beautiful Christmas Cookies & Baking between 8:30 - 10 am @ Mall*
$10, $15 or $25 containers You fill with homemade Christmas Baking $$$ Cash only please $$$
Call Bridget @ 306-461-4611 to volunteer.
Sponsored by
Pro-Life Estevan and Area Inc.
Toll Free Pregnancy Line: 1-866-870-3344 Consider an Annual membership with Pro-Life - $25
Donations can be mailed to:
PO Box 1829, Stn M, Estevan, SK S4A 2X8
‘Em WE mEnd ‘Em Owners - Lance Mack & Yancey Hagel
Call 306-634-6060
A16 December 4, 2019
This Holiday Season ThisYOU Holiday Season YOU CAN CAN
WIN WIN
COURTESY OF THE ESTEVAN MERCURY! COURTESY OF THE ESTEVAN MERCURY!
Be on the lookout at local participating Befor onentry the lookout at local participating businesses boxes, donation boxes and be sure to businesses entry boxes, donation boxes and to bewin! sure to like theirfor Facebook pages for more chances like their Facebook pages for more chances to win!
3 WAYS TO ENTER! 3 WAYS TO ENTER! SHOP LOCAL AND ENTER IN PERSON
1. 1. SHOP LOCAL AND ENTER IN PERSON 2. DROP OFF DONATIONS FOR: 2. DROP OFF DONATIONS FOR:
The Angel Tree › TOYS The Angel Tree › TOYS The Salvation Army NON-PERISHABLE TheFood Salvation NON-PERISHABLE › BankArmy FOOD ITEMS Food Bank › FOOD ITEMS .CA The Estevan KinettesESTEVANMERCURY PJS FOR KIDS .CA ThePyjama Estevandrive Kinettes › ESTEVANMERCURY PJS FOR KIDS Pyjama drive › ESTEVAN .CA
MERCURY ESTEVAN .CA 3. FOLLOW OURMERCURY FACEBOOK PAGE 3. FOLLOW OURESTEVAN FACEBOOK PAGE AND WATCH FOR POSTS ESTEVAN .CA MERCURY MERCURY .CA ESTEVAN AND WATCH FOR POSTS ESTEVAN
ews N Break News Break
MERCURY .CA
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ESTEVAN MERCURY ESTEVAN .CA
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Southern Plains Southern Plains
ART CONCEPTS ART CONCEPTS
ART ART
CONCEPTS
HENDERS DRUGS HENDERS DRUGS
CONCEPTS
SHOLTER HORSMAN Furniture & Appliance SHOLTER HORSMAN Estevan, SK.
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Ford Sales Ltd.
Erin Wagstaff Erin Wagstaff
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Senchuk Senchuk
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