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Issue 46

SERVING THE ENERGY CITY SINCE 1903

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Mailing No. 10769 | Publication No. 40069240

ESTEVAN’S

SOURCE FOR LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS

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Independent investigation will occur after weekend incident involving two members of the EPS

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incident and I believe the public is entitled to answers.”

Ladouceur said he became aware of the video shortly after it went public.

But he wants to know what the entire event entailed before the EPS comes to any conclusions.

“Right away when we see something that has that amount of controversy surrounding it, clearly the public has a number of questions, and that’s fair … but what I’m asking is the public to be patient and allow a thorough investigation to be conducted.”

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He recognizes people objective, independent investigation into the actions will want to know if there of members involved. If was any wrong-doing, or if the investigation finds that there was appropriateness the officers acted inappro- in the way the members priately, then the EPS will conducted themsel ves, have to look at a necessary based on provincial standards, training and policy. recourse.

The two officers are “These investigations can be quite lengthy, be- constables and part of cause it’s important to get the front-line patrol unit. things right, and to get the The one officer did receive proper information and be some injuries during the very thorough. I do realize incident, and that officer is we are accountable to this currently on leave. Ladoucommunity. I say it time ceur said the EPS is waitand time again, we are the ing for the medical report community’s police ser- to find out the extent of vice, and I can understand those injuries. that when members of The other officer rethe public see something mains on active duty. like thatUNonRABAIS socialDEmedia, To protect the integriINCLUS 9 000 $ they have many questionsET ty of the PCC’s investigaEN ALLOCATION-LIVRAISON UN BONI DÉCOR SPORT DE

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tion, other details have not been released, including the names of the officers involved. Ladouceur also didn’t confirm further details, but a daily release on the EPS’s website reported a 36-year-old Estevan man was arrested after he was observed trespassing on CP Rail property.

The release noted that during the arrest, the man was resistant towards police, and charges of resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer and uttering threats were laid.

Ladouceur said he is asking for the public’s patience in the matter, as a proper investigation will take time so that they get the proper answers.

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posted to social media in the evening of March 8. The 20-second video,

The Estevan Police taken on 13th Avenue, Service has announced an showed the two officers independent investigation aggressively arresting the will take place following suspect.

At the start of the an incident that involved two of its members on the video, the suspect says “I didn’t do nothing.” One of weekend.

According to a news the officers struck the man release from the EPS, on three times. “ There is no doubt March 8, shortly af ter midnight, members of the that the video is disturbEPS were involved in the ing; however, the video physical arrest of a male only represents a portion in the area of Sixth Street of the overall interaction,” and 13th Avenue. The EPS Police Chief Paul Ladousays the situation escalated ceur said.

“As a police service we quickly, resulting in officers using force on the are accountable to the public we serve. I am certain individual.

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Police: Investigation ongoing but no threat to ECS

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

On March 4, the Estevan Police Service (EPS) was called to the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) to a report of a possible threat.

According to Police Chief Paul Ladouceur, some concerning comments were left on one of the computers at the school. Although the note was from last year and just happened to be seen by a student, it quickly was shared via social media, causing questions and fear.

The school followed a protocol they have in place when there is a possible threat to students’ safety.

“All threats, when there is a possibility of that, they are investigated by the school as well as by a partner agency, so we call another agency for support, in this case, the Estevan Police Service, in order to determine what’s the level of risk and putting a plan necessary in place, if we need then, to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” explained Keith Keating, deputy director of education with the South East Cornerstone Public School Division.

The EPS was immediately called to the scene.

“Our criminal investigation branch attended and conducted an investigation, which involved interviewing numerous kids as well as working with the staff of the (ECS) to determine if there were any ongoing safety concerns in relation to the incident,” said Ladouceur.

The rumours quickly spread around the school and both the EPS and the school started receiving numerous calls from concerned parents. “ There were many people making comments

Keith Keating about an incident happening today (Friday, March 6) at the Comp. That is not the case. I can confirm that.

There was no information to say that there was anything going to happen today at the Comp,” said Ladouceur.

Since it’s an ongoing investigation, many details couldn’t be released at this point, but one thing the police were certain about - no danger was posed on the school.

“What I can say to the public is that if the school or the Estevan police believed that there was a significant risk to public safety, be it students or staff, obviously we would be taking the appropriate actions in that case,” said Ladouceur, who also has children in the local school system.

Since the investigation confirmed there was no threat, the school kept operating on a regular basis. However, a number of students didn’t feel safe enough to come t o s c h o o l o n Fr i d a y.

“It’s not the first time that we had incidents that take place at the school that may cause concerns for some staff or students, and we investigate those very seriously, whether they be bomb threats or whether they be instants to cause harm to somebody, we take any incident like that very seriously,” said Ladouceur.

He noted that incidents of that type always cause a lot of concerns and

also quickly acquire many often-faulty details.

The police suggested the school send a message to the parents to advise them that there was no believed risk to student safety at this time, which the school did March 5.

“Please be advised that a concern was forwarded to the Estevan Police Service regarding a possible threat to the school. It has been determined that there is no threat or risk to student and staff safety. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Pat Jeannot at ECS (306-634-4761),” said the email.

The school couldn’t share much information so as not to jeopardize the investigation. However, with very little information

about what happened the email made some parents rather more concerned than calm.

“In this case it came to the school’s attention, I

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completely understandable.

But at the end of the day, I can certainly say that the police are thoroughly investigating that (case) and if there was an immediate risk to students’ safety or public safety, certainly, as a police service, we would be directly involved in whether that be closure of the school, or whether it be notifying parents one by one, whatever the case may be, certainly we take that appropriate action,” said Ladouceur. “ G e n e r a l l y, i f t h e public isn’t hearing about things or they are hearing the update, take it at face value. The messages from the school (says) that there was an incident at school but there was no risk at this point, take that message at

schools are “remarkable, and if anything the schools tend to over-report rather than under-report when it comes to any concerns.” “ We al ways give a message to schools: If there is any doubt, give us a call. If there is any concern, give us a call.”

While there wasn’t a large discrepancy in attendance on Friday, Keating said that if any students, staff or parents don’t feel safe they should reach out to the school for help. “ We encourage any students who don’t feel safe to talk to a trusted adult, and that could be a parent, that could be a teacher or the school administration. We also have in-school counsellors, who are there to support

Police reassured that there was no threat to public safety at the Estevan Comprehensive School.

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understand that there may have been some inaccurate information circulating (that there was risk for students’ safety). So the idea was for the school to be able to communicate with parents, that this was not the case, but the matter was still under investigation by the Estevan Police Service,” said Keating, adding that it’s important for them to ensure safety for the school communities, but they also have to protect the integrity of the police investigation and the privacy rights for students as well.

Ladouceur reassured that there was no threat and the school is safe for students and staff.

“Certainly I can understand the public’s con-

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face value.”

While the initial concern of a potential threat was unsubstantial, the investigation into who is to be held responsible for the situation continues.

“The investigators are continuing to try and track down where the note came from. We believe we do know who may have been responsible and we are dealing with that.”

Ladouceur noted that the relationships between t h e EP S a n d E s t e v a n

all students in terms of safety and mental health.

We want to make sure that all students and staff feel safe in our building so those people are available to students at all times,” said Keating.

“We encourage parents to reach out if they are feeling that their children aren’t feeling safe to reach out and have a conversation with the principal of the school and set up arrangements for that kind of support for their children.”

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Two medicine students continue to learn at St. Joe’s

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

The two aspiring physicians who have been working at St. Joseph’s Hospital through the longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) program have remained busy, learning the different aspects of practising medicine.

Brianna Hutchinson and Paige Baldwin are third-year students from the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. They have been here since August, learning from the general practitioners and the specialists in the community. It has kept them busy, but it has given them a well-rounded experience.

“For the most part, our weeks are pretty busy.

We are kind of all over the place with all of those different doctors being here,” said Hutchinson.

One day they might be in the operating room, and the next they might be in the family medical clinic or the emergency room.

“Being all over the place keeps things interesting and us busy as well.

Time just kind of sneaks by you in that case,” said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson said she has particularly enjoyed being in the obstetrics unit or in the operating room, but all aspects of her experience have been positive.

“I think I would be pretty bored if I was just sitting, doing the same thing day after day. But we get a lot of variety here.

Ever y day ’s a different day,” Hutchinson said.

Baldwin, meanwhile, has enjoyed the variety and getting to know the patients one-on-one in different capacities. She has seen people with the surgeon and the family physicians, and it has been great to get to know the patients.

“Once I learn something, I get to build on that learning,” said Baldwin.

Among the areas that she has been learning has been anesthesia, thanks in part to Dr. Andrey Babkis providing those services to Estevan in the past few months.

“We’ve been getting more of everything,” said Baldwin. “We’ve been getting more time with the psychiatrists, and we had to get a bit of an orientation to work on their system, so since we did that, we got more time

with them.”

While the physicians have pushed Baldwin and Hutchinson, they have also been supportive.

“If there’s a subject area that we’re weak in, they’re more than willing to help us,” said Baldwin.

Hutchinson compared it to puzzle pieces that have started to come together, with the variety that they see. They haven’t encountered the same thing day in and day out.

She might not learn everything about one topic at once, but during her time at the hospital, she slowly gets pieces of information to build the bigger picture.

“Medical school teaches you medicine, and I think one thing that I’ve learned from being here is the business … side of medicine,” she said. “We’re with so many different preceptors and we can see how they may run clinics or the services that they provide and how they organize their practice, and I think that’s something that I didn’t expect to get out of my experience here, but I feel I’m learning a lot from.”

Now she has a better idea of what she might want to practice, what type

Paige Baldwin, left, and Brianna Hutchinson continue to learn a lot through their one-year term as longitudinal integrated clerkship students at St. Joseph’s Hospital. of clinic she wants to run, what type of services she wants to provide and how she would want to do it.

Baldwin and Hutchinson will remain in Estevan for another 3 1/2 months.

They expect to continue to learn, but they also have objectives that they will have to meet, just like

their peers who aren’t part of an LIC. “We’re going to just continue to learn and enhance our practice in other areas, and all of the areas where we’re expected to be,” Baldwin said.

Coming to Estevan and being part of the LIC program is something they

would recommend to their fellow students. The staff do a good job of providing opportunities and teaching them, and it gives students, regardless of their chosen path, a foundation to build on.

“I don’t think I could have asked for a better third year,” said Baldwin.

Del Block was a big part of the EPS and other organizations Del Block is being remembered for his commitment to the community, not only with the Estevan Police Service, but with a number of other organizations.

Block died on Friday following a lengthy battle with cancer. He served as a member of the Estevan Police Service from 19762014, with the last five years of his tenure coming when he was the chief of police.

Sgt. Tyler McMillen, who was interviewed by Block, then-police chief, Ray Delorme, and Shelley Jahn before McMillen joined the force in 2001, said Block was a strong mentor and a leader.

“He was a good interviewer and a good investigator,” said McMillen. “It was the way he held himself in the community and conducted himself.”

Block was a graduate from one of the early classes of the Saskatchewan Police College when he joined the EPS in 1976. He decided early in his career he would make Estevan

his home, a fitting decision since he was born and raised in the Gainsborough area.

Block took many different training courses during his career. And he rose through the ranks of the EPS, eventually becoming a sergeant, a staff sergeant and finally police chief in 2009, a move that proved to be popular with both local residents and the policing community. He had been twice passed over for the position, but decided to apply one more time.

He also earned national attention for his skills, as he was the president of the Estevan Police Association and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers, and at one point became the national vice-president of the Canadian Police Association (CPA).

While working with the CPA, Block served as the chairman of the association’s firearms committee.

And he played a key part of the creation of the Saskatchewan Police Act. “Through my time, I’ve tried to model myself a lit-

Del Block tle bit on the things he did, even though you’re trying to create your own legacy and your own traditions in Estevan,” McMillen said. “He was an absolute

pleasure to be around. He loved policing. He loved his family. He loved his horses.”

The level of respect for Block in the province’s po-

licing community was evident when he was sworn-in as Estevan’s police chief in 2009, and a large crowd of officers from across the province came to city hall for the ceremony.

He helped steer the community through much of the economic boom years, as the police service’s call volumes grew considerably during his tenure.

“He was a good chief,” said McMillen. “He seemed to build the bridge between associations and the city, and he was still out there in the community. He would look after his members and check in on them.”

Even once he became chief, McMillen said Block never stopped being a police officer. Block called in suspicious activity that he observed, and that resulted in arrests.

Block found other ways to serve the community. As a local rancher, he volunteered with the Estevan Exhibition Association, and was a regular competitor in the ranch rodeo offered during the

association’s annual rodeo days.

He was a member of the Rural Municipality of Estevan’s council for a number of years, serving as the representative for subdivision No. 5.

And due to his battle with cancer, Block became an advocate for other people fighting the disease, and served as the honourary event chair for Estevan’s Relay for Life in 2010, when he shared his own recurring battles with the disease.

He is sur vived by his wife Carol and three daughters Kassie, Kyra and Kalita. Two of his daughters followed in his footsteps to become police officers. He and his wife also became grandparents.

A funeral service will be held on March 13 at the Estevan Church of God, starting at 2 p.m. McMillen is working as a police liaison for the service, and he said a large contingent of police officers from across the country and other emergency services personnel are expected to attend.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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EDITORIAL

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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.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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Don’t rush to conclusions from video The 20-second video was certainly troubling to watch.

Two members of the Estevan Police Service arrested a suspect on Sixth Street in Estevan, with one officer reigning down several blows on the suspect, who wanted to know what he did wrong.

It sparked significant speculation and outcry from the public, with some saying the suspect shouldn’t have committed the crime, others wondering why the EPS reacted the way they did, and some calling for the officers to be punished.

Now, let’s be clear of a few things.

There is nothing illegal with capturing the video or photos of the arrest, or posting the footage on social media. However, it’s clear there’s a lot more to the incident. The full exchange was not captured; it’s clear from the initial moments of the video – the distance from which it was shot and the rush to zoom in.

It’s unlikely the eye-witness saw the entire thing.

The person struck by police is facing several charges, including assault of a police officers and resisting arrest. The officers are being subject to an independent investigation, and for good reason.

But they have not been charged as of yet.

You could argue that they shouldn’t be on active duty during the investigation, or

that they should be shuffled to elsewhere in the organization.

Ultimately, we have to be cautious with how we react to this, because we don’t know the full story, and we won’t have a better idea until the external review is wrapped up. We can’t assume that the suspect “had it coming,” nor can we assume that the suspect did nothing.

The presence of a video makes for a much different situation than a few years ago, when an EPS constable was fired for assaulting a suspect.

The timing of this incident is terrible for the EPS. We’re hearing growing calls for the number of officers in the city to be reduced. Granted, the critics might not realize the EPS has four positions that have government funding, and police call volumes continue to grow. The number of Criminal Code related incidents has been down, but the EPS isn’t just handing out tickets under the Traffic Safety Act. A lot of people aren’t happy that an expansion of the police service is going to proceed this year. (They were even more upset 18 months ago when there was talk of a new police building).

And they wonder why we need a police service with more than two dozen members when there aren’t as many people in the city as there were a few years ago, when Units 4 and 5 are coming offline in the next few

years, and when we’ve seen businesses shut down.

For those who are critical of the EPS, and for those who want to see a slimmer and trimmer department with fewer specialized services (you’ll always need the four patrol units), an incident like the one this past weekend gives them more ammunition.

Police officers are held to a higher standard, and rightfully so. We expect more from our officers than we do from the general public, not just when they’re on-duty, but in their day to day lives.

But a tough and demanding profession becomes that much more difficult, especially in this day and age of social media exerting too much influence, and yahoos going to sites like the Estevan Rant and Rave to complain just because they were nailed for illegally having too much window tint.

We’ve all seen the surveys that show the public is satisfied with the work the EPS does in the community. They’ve worked hard to engage the community and build public trust.

But those efforts could be dashed, and public trust of the EPS could be shaken, by that video, especially among those who are quick to judge based just on what we see on Facebook.

Which is unfortunate, because we still don’t know the whole story.

It’s going to be a tough spring in the patch You might not have realized it, but on Nov. 26, 2014, the world changed.

Saudi Arabia announced it was going to open up the taps and let the market decide the price of oil. It soon plummeted from the $100 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate range it had been that summer, and the $75 per barrel it was that November, down to $26.10 per barrel in February 2016. (All prices in U.S. dollars) Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland took a beating that we, in Saskatchewan, have finally clawed ourselves out of, at least when it comes to provincial budgets, if not the oil industry. Our oilpatch has been brutalized.

Jobs, wages, companies and capital have all shrivelled up and blown away. As late as last week, I was hearing about certain companies still having a tough go of it.

Then came March 6 of this year. Apparently Saudi Arabia wanted OPEC+ Russia to cut oil production around 1.2 million barrels per day. The Russians said, “Nyet.” So the Saudis said they would dramatically cut the price they are charging their customers, and it sounds like they might increase oil production by as much as two million barrels per day.

To be clear, the difference between US$40 per barrel and US$100 per barrel is an incremental two million barrels per day production, based on global production of around 100 million barrels per day.

When markets opened overseas on the evening of March 8, the immediate drop for both West Texas Intermediate, the North American benchmark, and Brent, the world benchmark, was in the range of $10 per barrel.

As I type this on Sunday, the drop is $13.30 for WTI, to $27.98, a 32.2 per cent drop since Friday. Brent dropped $13.43, or 29.7 per cent, to $31.84. And that’s after both benchmarks lost $5 per barrel on Friday. On Jan. 7, WTI was Brent was $68.91.

From the Top of the Pile BRIAN ZINCHUK As for that 100 million barrels per day, it, too, is now also dropping like a stone. Just two days before, on March 4, IHS Markit forecasted world oil demand could drop 3.8 million barrels per day compared to the year before. This is due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Now, why were the Saudis and Russians talking about a supply cut, as oil prices needed a boost? It’s because pretty much every cut in production the rest of the world has made to boost prices has been countered by a corresponding increase in oil production from the U.S. and its shale basins. According to the International Energy Agency, the U.S. now produces 13.1 million barrels per day, up 4.5 million barrels per day from August, 2016.

Indeed, in his Feb. 4 State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed, as I expected he would, the United States is now energy independent.

Yes, they are still importing Canadian oil.

But they are also exporting enough that they are net energy independent. We, as Canadians, really need to wake up to the fact that the customer of essentially all of our exported oil really doesn’t need us, or anyone else, anymore.

This is why, in September, when cruise missiles magically appeared from nowhere and struck the largest oil processing facility on the planet, in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. shrugged. And a few months later, when Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq, it shrugged again. There is no more impetus for the U.S.

to get into a war in the Middle East, because it frankly doesn’t need Middle Eastern oil anymore.

Well, maybe. Or maybe not.

Over the past year (with oil north of $50, not in the $30s), the U.S. shale oil industry has been hurting, and hurting badly. Despite more oil coming out of the ground in Texas than Jed Clampett’s backyard, profits have remained elusive. Some people are now talking peak shale oil. A price in the $30s may quickly pop Trump’s energy independence balloon.

A collapsing oil price, if it holds, is going to be devastating to Saskatchewan’s oilpatch, most of which has been just hanging on for over five years. I spoke to someone last week who had been planning on seeking additional employees. I’m afraid to ask what will come of that now?

The immediate impact in Saskatchewan is going to be on the upcoming provincial budget. It’s going to be a scramble to keep it balanced with oil taking a dive. If the budget has already gone to the printers, it’s likely out of date before issuance.

Alberta’s recent budget is similarly out of date, and likely immensely so. Do they update it? Make more cuts? Or bring in a provincial sales tax?

If that wasn’t enough, the +11 C temperatures on March 6 meant spring breakup arrived about 10 days early in Saskatchewan, so drilling and all other activity will drop off dramatically. For many areas, that means two more holes (or more in shallower areas) that could have been drilled per rig, won’t be. And with oil in freefall, it’s unlikely many of those wells will be drilled any time soon.

As you can see, it’s going to be a tough spring in the oilpatch.

Brian Zinchuk is editor of Pipeline News.

He can be reached at brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

No trespassing, everything’s private I grew up in a country where not much belongs to people.

Most of my life our apartments and vehicles were privately owned, but even that wasn’t the case when I was born. Everything belonged to the government. And while we quickly developed the notion of private property, forests and fields, rivers and lakes, museums and parks remained under governmental control. And to me it always felt that it was all people’s.

Being kids we would go mushroom or berry picking in the forests, walk where we wanted to walk, hardly paid anything for museum tickets and visited gorgeous parks free of charge. We got the wood for the cabin from the forest and went fishing not even knowing what a fishing licence is. (I guess the last two weren’t really right, but regulations and laws that were in place weren’t working in the mess of the falling apart country, so that’s the way it was). In my head, if there was no fence, then I could enter and it wouldn’t be wrong.That was the rule for all my childhood adventures.

In the 90s some ‘big’ people started buying waterfront properties. They would put fences around half of the forest and wouldn’t let anybody access lakes. That usually was totally corrupt and illegal (and outside of some government people now, most of those fences, at least the ones that I saw, were pushed back to the legal limits).

To a point, things have changed now. Museums cost more and you have to pay to enter a couple of parks, but you still can walk in the forests and sprawl like a starfish on the meadows.

So with that kind of world perception, you probably can imagine how frustrated I was when I just came to Canada and was told that everything is private property. There is a nice field across the road from where I live now, but it belongs to someone in Alberta, so I shouldn’t really trespass. There is another one behind the tree line with some trees and bushes framing it. It’s somebody’s as well.

If you go hunting (which I don’t do, but the concept is still frustrating), you have to receive permission from landowners (how do you know which way the deer will head and on whose land it will end up?)

But it turned out that my frustration wasn’t up to the limit until recently when the announcement of changes in Alberta’s park system put another nail in the coffin of my old world perception.

In an effort to balance the budget, the Albertan government decided to close or partially close 20 provincial park spaces. The other 164 they want to sell off to be managed by third-party private companies, reports Huffington Post. In total, changes will affect about a third of the 473 provincial parks, recreation areas, heritage ranchlands, provincial wildland parks and areas, along with ecological reserves, which are managed by the Alberta government.

Outside of the fear that a lot of that gorgeous land won’t be accessible at all, it’s also sad to think that these changes will leave families that can’t afford expensive trips without options.

The closure and partial closure is supposed to save the government about $5 million. With the changes the public won’t be able to access 11 parks, the other nine just won’t have by trail clearing or garbage collection services. Some parks also won’t groom and maintain their cross-country ski trails anymore. The camping fees are expected to go up as well.

I only made it as far as Banff (where I was for two days in December, so that doesn’t even count). It’s a national park, so no changes are coming that way. At least yet. But I have Alberta’s beautiful landscapes and hidden natural gems on the very top of my must-see-and-experience list and it seems that some of it will become more difficult now.

I understand that it’s hard and expensive to maintain national parks, especially when the expectations are that they have to be safe and comfortable (something that never was the case back home), but I sincerely believe that the Earth is for everyone and it should be accessible.

Questions linger about Wexit The editor: We are hearing more and more of the Wexit movement and their objective of gaining provincial party status.

While I understand their frustrations with the federal government, there are very serious questions Wexit needs to answer.

What happens to old age security, the Canada Pension Plan, social insurance numbers, passports, RCMP policing, those on unemployment/disability insurance, tax-free savings accounts, RRSPs, AGinvest, AgriStability, crop insurance, federal transfer payments for health and infrastructure, shipment

of commodities via CP Rail and CN Rail, mail delivery – the list goes on.

I find it ironic that provincial Wexit votes will indirectly support Ryan Meili’s NDP with the Leap Manifesto, anti-oil and antipipeline policies – the very ideology Wexit is against.

Think about it folks, and

remember who got elected in Alberta when the Wild Rose Party split the vote with the Progressive Conservatives in 2015.

Doreen Eagles Macoun Editor’s note: Eagles is the former MLA for Estevan for the Saskatchewan Party.

City’s spring operations started early this year due to weather The first sweepers could be seen on the streets of Estevan as early as the last week of February.

With the warmer weather in the forecast in the next couple of weeks, the city decided to proceed with cleaning, getting rid off of some of the sand on the streets and getting the dirt off the line paint, so the lines are visible for safety purposes. “ We thought if the weather is going to act nice, we have to get on the cleaning of the city.

That’s important because you need to clean up those streets before you can do any kind of maintenance on them as far as crack filling and patching,” said Norm Mack, who is the manager of roads and drainage for the city’s public works division.

He also noted that sand on the streets acts like sandpaper and every time a vehicle drives over lane lines it erases the paint.

The cleaning equipment is currently working on the main streets. Once they are done and the ice is gone off the curbs, the crews will move on to residential areas.

There is some possible snow in the forecast for this weekend, but Mack noted that the sand and

Sweepers hit the streets of Estevan during the last week of February this year. debris that are lying on the streets now, need to be cleaned anyway and the snow won’t affect it.

“We know it’s early, it ’s only the beginning of March, but it’s been a relatively nice winter, so we thought we would get at it and get a jump on things,” said Mack.

The last few weeks the crews were using the steamer to free all the catch basins, drains and underground pipes from ice clutters, allowing the water to escape. All the drainage ways are clear now, but it still may change.

“You never know with the weather, with another blast of winter, of snow we may need to do that again. But we are in good

shape. There is not a whole bunch of runoff this year.

The snow is pretty much gone, and we don’t foresee any drainage problems,” said Mack.

Since spring operations are always hinged on the weather, there is no set date for further procedures. Usually, at the end of March or beginning of April the city is starting street maintenance works.

But Mack noted that this year they might proceed to that stage within the next two-three weeks.

The winter this year was light, so the snow removal budget that started in Januar y wasn’t used much and Mack hopes it will remain like that.

“Now that we are later

into March, if it does snow we won’t be doing a whole bunch of snow removal.

Just from the forecast, if we do get snow, we probably will push it to the side or leave it for the sun to melt it in the next few days,” said Mack. “So if it does snow, we don’t want to spend a whole bunch of money that we don’t have to because it’s going to melt.”

He added that no matter what the forecast says, their snow equipment is always ready to go, but hopefully, it won’t be needed this spring. The next week promises to bring more sun to the sunniest city in Saskatchewan with temperatures forecasted to hit 11 C on Wednesday.

A serious fire at the Bienfait landfill required two departments’ attention A big fire occurred at the Bienfait landfill at about 10 p.m. last Wednesday. The Bienfait Fire Department responded to a call and Estevan Fire Rescue Service assisted with the emergency.

Estevan crews provided one engine as well as

the tanker truck for water suppression efforts.

By the time firefighters arrived at the site, the fire had spread over to some recyclable bale materials.

“There was a substantial fire load and fire there that ensued as a result,”

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said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.

I t t o ok fi re c re w s about 4 1/2 hours to bring it to a manageable level, after which Estevan firefighters were released from the scene.

Strong wind gusts the area was experiencing that

night, made firefighters’ work even more difficult and time-consuming.

Fortunately, the little bit of snow still left on the ground kept the fire from spreading further onto wild land.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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Estevan Chamber of Commerce talks change

By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net

As concern for Estevan’s economic future grows, so too do the efforts of the community to be a part of the solution.

Each session in the community concerning that future seems to draw strong crowds. On Mar. 4, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce again filled most of the seats at its monthly coffee talk at the Days Inn, where the subject for discussion was change. About 45 people took part.

It was a follow up to a recent presentation by Doug Griffiths, who wrote a book called 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. He made a presentation on that theme in Estevan in February.

Chamber executive di-

rector Jackie Wall led the discussion, which started off by discussing some of the points Griffiths had raised.

One person recalled how Griffiths spoke of not having a fax number, because of where he lived. Where was that? The 21st century!

Economic development co-ordinator Dwight Bramble noted that youth today have more technology in their hands than what was used to launch the space shuttle.

Another person pointed to an example of a community which built a low-cost daycare as a growth measure.

Brad Pierson said it was important to embrace competition. He spoke of a local company targeting North Dakotans to offer them automobile service. Competition is good, he noted, pointing

Estevan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Wall led a discussion on change at last week’s Coffee Talk. Photo by Brian Zinchuk out that the new coffee shop and bakery will likely help others in town, as opposed to hurt them.

One man said he originally came to Estevan five years ago with the intention of staying two years. He’s

been offered the chance to relocate, twice, and decided to stay. His wife opened a dance school, and it’s been busy.

Cory Casemore said, “We need more input,” adding that even harebrained ideas would do. “Collabora-

tion is key,” he said.

Wall noted, “We have a lot of pessimistic people who are unhappy,” with regards to the mood of the community.

She also said that it appears there will be several vacancies on city council, and people are needed to run.

“It’s important to have good leadership,” she said.

Deanna Tarnes noted that “People don’t know what’s going on. People are scared.”

She said that a number of people tend to be negative in their comments.

Paul Carroll, mayor of Bienfait, noted choice of words is important, and it’s important to address negative comments up front. He gave an example of a restaurant that moved quickly to address negative comments online about a meal a person had

been served.

Bramble said, “We’re talking about change. Sometimes you have to say it like you have to say it.”

There was some discussion about retail space near housing, and training opportunities that could be offered by the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.

Susan Letsche pointed out the importance of “soft skill” training, working through problems and doing research.

“Change is all about positive communication and working through resistors,” she said.

Mayor Roy Ludwig made the final statement with a flourish, saying about change, “We have to embrace it. We are not the rocks over which the river flows, we are the river itself.”

Too much doggy doo in the yard? The help is on the way

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

While some wait for the help to come from someone above, others take it in their hands and get going. Fortunately, Estevan has a lot of active, strong and creative people, and Kaitlyn Ash is one of them.

One day, Ash was helping her mother to clean the yard after dogs when what turned out to be a brilliant business idea struck her.

“I was helping my mom clean up because we own three dogs ourselves. So I was helping her clean up and I was just like, ‘You know, I could probably make quite a bit from this.’ And I figured, now, that it’s springtime, there is definitely a lot of poop that’s coming up that people don’t want to pick up.

So I thought it would be a

Kaitlyn Ash found a business gap in Estevan, and so far her idea is proving to be great. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia good way to make money for myself and help people out,” said Ash, who business is named Doggy Doo yard cleaning service.

She’s been into the business for less than a few weeks, but there is already a lot of talk around the city about her start-up, and

she’s been quite busy since day one.

“We had this whole week booked up and the rest of the month is booked already. And April is already starting to book up as well,” said Ash. Not only was the idea great and definitely use20032DE0 20032DE1

ful, but the way Ash went about it was fresh, brave and generous as well. She set her price for March at $10 per yard, and she also stated that she’d split the money she makes 50/50 with the Estevan Humane Society.

“I’ve always had love for animals, and I know that the humane society is always looking for donations whether it be food, or money or anything that can help them out, so I figured it would be nice to do that for them, so I can get half and they can get half,” said Ash. Starting in April, the price will go up to $20, but even with the raise, it remains relatively low, especially considering that it’s a fixed price no matter how big or messy people’s yards are.

Ash said that a lot of people tried to convince her

to raise it, but she prefers to keep it low, making it attractive and accessible, but she also noted that many people were willing to pay her more.

She just started working, and so far she doesn’t have a setup goal to save for, but she said she is happy to help people and the humane society, while also making some cash for herself.

Ash is still a student at the Estevan Comprehensive School, so she only works evenings 4:30-7:30 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

The work Ash is doing might not be the most attractive, but she said she doesn’t mind it.

“I feel pretty good. It’s definitely hard work, but every time I finish each yard it’s always like, yeah, I think I did pretty good, I think people are going to be happy with this.”

And people are happy with the work Ash does, as some of them right away rebook her for the next time and a few are willing to book her weekly.

To her knowledge, nobody else in Estevan is running a similar business, so she could feel the demand as soon as she posted the first ads.

She also has a Facebook group called Doggy Doo yard cleaning service, which can be used for booking an appointment along with personal messages or texts at her cell, which is 306471-4041.

“I created Doggy Doo to help those who may not be able to pick up their yard due to time or health issues.

So kick back, relax, and let us do the dirty work for you!” said Ash on her Facebook page.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Oilfield company offers big support to new team Estevan’s new midget AAA hockey team has taken another important step forward with the unveilling of its title sponsor.

Eclipse Downhole Solutions has committed to sponsor the club for the next three years, with the team to be known as the Eclipse Downhole Solutions Estevan midget AAA Bears when they start play this fall.

The announcement was made Monday morning during a press conference at Affinity Place, with representatives of Eclipse, the Bears, the Estevan Minor Hockey Association and the City of Estevan in attendance.

Eclipse owner Nathan Jones said the business has received the support of the community in the past, and he likes to repay that support through youth sports, which have been the target for about 90 per cent of their donations, through jersey sponsorships, scholarships and support for

those who can’t play.

But this one will be different, since the players who will be on the Bears will be further along in their development.

“I look forward to attending some games and bringing my kids in to watch these guys and seeing where this team can go,” said Jones. “They have a great group of guys on the board, from what I’ve met, and a great coach ( Jeff Smith).”

He views this as a big opportunity for the company. They have supported the community behind the scenes, but now they want to do more.

After receiving the proposal to be the title sponsor, Jones needed about two hours before deciding to support the club.

The company has been around since 2008, and serves the oilfield industry. They have worked in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.

Estevan Bears presi-

Nathan Jones with Eclipse Downhole Solutions, left, and Jeff Smith from the midget AAA Bears unveil the jerseys for the team. dent Chad Farr said it’s been a vision of his to have midget AAA hockey in Estevan for a long time so that local kids won’t have to leave the community to play high-end midget hockey. Through changes in Hockey Canada and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, there was a plan to have a team in this area.

“We have so many kids

from this area, not just Estevan but the surrounding Zone 1 area, quality kids who go on to play AAA each year,” said Farr.

Sponsorships are essential for the Bears to be sustainable, he said, especially as an expansion team.

“To get this going, and following what other clubs are doing, they all have title sponsors with their groups

and their teams, and we just felt it was necessary to move forward with a good sponsorship package that we put out a couple of weeks ago.

We’ve had a good response, and we’re very happy with the response so far in the community and the rural areas,” said Farr.

Other sponsors have been stepping forward, and they have been following

up with companies in the region who will be supporting the team.

It was particular ly uplifiing to have Eclipse step forward as sponsors so quickly, and to not step on the toes of the junior A Bruins to secure the support.

Jeff Smith, the head coach and general manager for the club, said they’ve had a good response from players who want to come here to play, and they’re looking forward to spring camp next month and the start of the season in October.

The press conference concluded with the unveilling of the club’s home and away jerseys, which incorporate the junior Bruins traditional colours of black, gold and white. Farr said they’re very happy with the jersey, the design, the logo and the colours, but they made enough changes from the traditional Bruin jersey to create a distinctive brand of their own.

Responsible well abandonment has increased S askatche wan’s oil and gas companies have responsibly completed a record number of oil and gas well abandonments in 2019 and into 2020.

The province saw a total of 2,030 well abandonments completed between April 1, 2019, and Feb. 29, 2020. This represents an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to 2018-19 and 240 per cent compared to 2016-17.

An abandoned well is one that is no longer supporting a company’s oil and gas development and has been decommissioned to a safe and environmentall y-sound condition.

This includes plugging the downhole producing zones, cutting off the well casing below the surface and sealing it with a welded cap.

“Saskatchewan’s oil and gas sector is one of the most environmentally responsible in the world,” Energ y and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “This increase in well abandonments demonstrates the commitment by industry and govern-

ment to manage the entire life-cycle of provincial wells and ensure the safe retirement of unused infrastructure to protect our environment, landowners and the public.”

In July 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan implemented changes to Directive PNG015: Well Abandonment Requirements, which resulted in a more streamlined process and contains clear standards for oil and gas companies to responsibly abandon oil and gas wells.

The revised directive is a result of extensive consultation with industry, which pays for well decommissioning. In all cases, the regulatory arm of the Ministry of Energy and Resources oversees and carries out technical reviews, as part of the decommissioning process, to ensure sites are abandoned and reclaimed to an environmentally-sound standard.

“These changes have allowed companies to conduct well abandonments in a more efficient and timely manner, which has resulted

in this significant increase,” Eyre said. “Timely abandonment strengthens the long-term financial health of oil operators and supports future investment in the oil and gas sector.” “ We appreciate the provincial government ’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the closure process, thereby accelerating

long-term strategy to manage closure and liability issues in the upstream oil and natural gas industry.”

“Canadian Natural is focused on proactively managing our liabilities with continued increases in our abandonment activity in Saskatchewan,” Canadian Natural Resources Limited senior vice-president

of development operations Bill Peterson said. “ We are strongly committed to working together with the Government of Saskatchewan to effectively and efficiently abandon wells, reclaim land, and reduce liability while continuing to invest in the responsible development of Saskatchewan’s resources.”

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A8 March 11, 2020

Estevan Kinsmen and Kinettes added $6,000 to Telemiracle’s outstanding $5.5 million total

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Saskatchewan residents were once again very generous with their support for Telemiracle 44.

The 20-hour fundraiser, which ran from 9 p.m. Saturday night to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, raised $5,523,472 for the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, which supports the medical needs of the people of Saskatchewan. The event aired on CTV. “We are extremely satisfied with the numbers. With the downturn in our economy, it’s amazing that we were able to still raise 5.5 million,” said Estevan Kinette and Telemiracle committee member Chelsey Istace.

The Estevan Kinsmen and Kinettes were able to bring $6,000 up to Telemiracle. More than two dozen members of the Estevan Kin Clubs were at the event and helped out in various capacities. Four members of the Estevan Kinette Club were committee chairs: Susan

Colbow (publicity), Jacinda Drew (security), Janelle Luddington (finance) and Istace (education). “ We had a fantastic weekend. We had a lot of support from Saskatchewan,” said Luddington, who was responsible for the treasury room this year and who’s been involved with Telemiracle for 11 years.

The security list had about 3,000 people on it, which included cast, performers, production people, volunteers, media and all others involved with the event. Istace said that usually it takes about 1,000 volunteers to make Telemiracle happen.

For Estevan Kinette Fay Bonthoux it was the first time volunteering for the event and it was nothing like what she expected.

“It was a lot more fun than I thought. I thought it would be more work, but it was a lot of fun,” said Bonthoux. “The experience is so unique. And it’s definitely not what I expected, it’s much better.”

She has been involved

From left, Estevan Kinettes Fay Bonthoux, Casey McIntyre, JJ McIntyre and Krissy Wallman were accepting donations over the phone at Telemiracle.

Photo submitted with local Kinettes for a while and went to Regina with two other members, who’ve participated in Telemiracle before. But in the beginning, she wasn’t sure that she would know what to do there.

“At first I was like, I don’t know what I’m doing. I was kind of apprehensive, I was nervous a bit because I’ve never been (there before), but the girls really helped. They calmed the nerves and really

Canadian rock band Toque participated in Telemiracle for the first time. Photo submitted

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made the transition to actually getting to doing things very smooth,” said Bonthoux.

She chose to answer the phones and said the knockdown was a really exciting experience.

“When they see the phones aren’t ringing as much, they start a knockdown: (volunteers running phones) get up, we all start to clap, and they are talking, saying, ‘Ring those phones.’ As the phone rings, that person sits down … So it’s almost like a wave,” recalled Bonthoux. “It’s just to prompt people to call: now is a good time, phones are not busy.”

Overall phones ring a lot, so volunteers working the phones usually take shifts of 20-30 minutes and then other teams release them for a bit.There were longer breaks when people could take a nap, but in general, the weekend turned out to be really intense.

However, the experience was definitely worth it.

“You certainly catch the buzz. Your adrenaline hits when everybody stands up and the knockdown goes. You get caught on the frenzy,” said Bonthoux adding that she would like to participate in the event again in the future.

Even though it is really busy, the Telemiracle is always a great opportunity to meet old friends from all across Saskatchewan and make new ones. And there is always a lot of food to share during the breaks.

The national cast for Telemiracle featured Estevan’s Chris Henderson and local favourites Brad Johner and the Johner Boys. Newcomers for the national entertainers included rock band Toque, which is fronted by former Estevan resident Todd Kerns.

Folk trio Hook and Nail was among the Saskatchewan talents who performed. They were on the stage Sunday afternoon at about 3:45 p.m. and they raised funds for Telemiracle as well.

Luddington also noted that there was a very diverse variety of entertainment, and Bonthoux said that while volunteering she still could see a lot of performances, some of which were mindblowing like young acrobats or a “majestic” dancing girl.

Many Estevan area residents phoned in pledges for Telemiracle during the 20 hours. Others supported fundraisers that occurred before Telemiracle. Both Luddington and Istace said the overall experience was once again incredible.

“Every part is amazing because without one part the other part just doesn’t exist. It’s the coming together, it’s feeling connected with not only Kin around the province, the cast, crew, Saskatchewan at large. We are a large province, but we are a small community, we’ve got that community seal that no matter what when you need

something, we’ve got your back. And it’s a nice feeling,” said Istace. “By the end of the weekend you just have so much joy, can’t believe the generosity that this province has. Even if it was something as small as somebody giving a dollar, every bit of it helps.”

Bonthoux echoed that feeling, saying that the most joyful donation she accepted was $10 given by a little girl.

The money raised during Telemiracle will stay in Saskatchewan to assist people with medical equipment purchases or financial costs associated with treatments.

“At any time if anyone’s in need they can go telemiracle.com and the application form is on the website. If they have any questions or don’t know where to go or if they are not comfortable going to the website, they can get a hold of any Kin member and we can point them in the right direction,” said Luddington.

Telemiracle has also assisted such projects as the dialysis unit and the maternity ward at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the van for SMILE Services and the playground equipment at Westview School and Hillcrest School.

Istace pointed out that they wouldn’t be able to help people in need without the support they receive from the community.

“I just want to thank Estevan and surrounding communities for all the help they give us throughout the year, raising funds for Telemiracle and for the donations they give when the show is on.

Without them, we wouldn’t have a show. We appreciate all the funds they gave us during events we had like steak night, Bruins game when we were able to do pass the bucket, our movie afternoon at the Orpheum Theatre for the movie for a cause for Telemiracle and at the OM Yoga Studio, they had their yoga for a cause, which also helped raise funds,” said Luddington.

The preparation for Telemiracle 45 started as early as March 9. The next year’s committee is in place and they already released the logo.

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Women celebrated through song at the EAGM The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM) was one of several locations across the province to host a concert Saturday night in honour of International Women’s Day. Four talented female musicians from Saskatchewan took to the stage. The concerts were presented by SaskMusic with support from the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR).

Michael Dawson, who is the executive director for

SaskMusic and a former Estevan resident, said he was pleased to see one of these concerts happening in Estevan, and to have four talented, Saskatchewanbased women playing their original music.

“We did a call to artists, and outreach to artists, saw who was interested and who was available, and assembled lineups in different communities,” said Dawson.

The shows are quite diverse, with pop, country,

folk and rock.

Estevan was selected in part because SaskMusic wanted to have events throughout the different regions of Saskatchewan, and not just in Regina and Saskatoon. “ W henever we can present concerts or do workshops, we love to get to other parts of the province and make live music happen,” said Dawson.

Dawson found out shortly before the concert that he would be able to

Karissa Hoffart was among the performers at an International Women’s Day concert at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum.

attend in Estevan.

The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum has been wonderful to work with every time SaskMusic has had a concert in the building, he said.

The first performer was Karissa Hoffart, a former resident of Minton now living in Weyburn. The winner of the Estevan Sings competition in 2019, she played several of her original songs that focus on life on the Prairies.

Joining her on stage was guitarist Brady Kwochka of Weyburn.

Annie MacL eod, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Moose Jaw, was the next to perform. She

also played a number of her own songs, most of which deal with love and romance, often in a humourous fashion.

Saskatoon-based bilingual singer éemi performed after McLeod. She sang in both French and English, and played the ukulele and the guitar. Much of her music also poked fun at romance.

The final musician was veteran Saskatchewan performer Eli Barsi, who was joined by her husband John Cunningham. They played a wide variety of genres with messages that focused on family and life on the Prairies, and they also played songs by other musicians.

Barsi is originally from Kennedy but now resides in Moosomin with her husband. She just finished a tour of Montana, Washington State, California and other states before she came to Estevan.

About 20 people were in attendance.

Proceeds from the concert in Estevan will be directed to the Envision Counselling and Support Centre. All four of the musicians said they were honoured to be selected to perform at an event that supports a cause like Envision.

International Women’s Day is held March 8 each year.

Eli Barsi, left, and John Cunningham were the featured performers at the concert.

Snowmobile Club cabaret was an entertaining night The Estevan Snowmobile Club’s fundraising cabaret Saturday night was a popular event in the community, raising funds for both the club and the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles (PWOS).

The cabaret was held at the Estevan Exhibition Association building. President Dave Heier said the building was about twothirds full, with about 100 people in attendance, and they received a lot of support from the community

through attendance, door prizes, a silent auction, a raffle and sponsorships.

A tally on how much money was raised via the cabaret was not immediately released.

Since it was a fundraiser for the PWOS, several women who were part of the Mission 2020 ride in February were in Estevan for the fundraiser, including president Kelly Kim Rea and Carievale’s Alison Taylor, who has been one of the core riders for the mission

in the previous two years.

“The club has decided to adopt the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles,” said Heier. “We like to support them, and it has worked out pretty good.”

The club has donated about $10,000 to the PWOS through previous fundraisers.

Rea gave some background on the PWOS, who had their 20th annual ride this year, and discussed how they have assisted the Canadian Cancer Soci-

ety and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

“She talked about all of the core riders and the program that they have and their history and how the money has gone to Saskatchewan equipment and Western Canadian research,” said Heier.

The cabaret capped the 2019-20 season for the club. It was a challenging year, as the Estevan area didn’t receive enough snow to groom and stake the trails.

Estevan received nearly 25 centimetres of snow during a storm in mid-November, but that snow slowly eroded over the course of the winter, and the region didn’t receive much snow in the past 3 1/2 months.

The club did receive some money through licence sales for snowmobiles, as did other snowmobile clubs in the province. That money goes to insurance and maintenance of the groomer, and next year’s operations.

“We drove out several times, looking and checking snow depths to see if we could put trails in,” said Heier.

The club needs enough snow to hold up the 2,0003,000 stakes they have to mark the trails.

Among next year ’s highlights will be hosting the 2021 Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association’s provincial convention March 5-7. Heier said 300 snowmobilers are expected to attend.

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Bruins earn a split to open series with Mustangs The Estevan Bruins picked up a split in the first two games of their series with the Melfort Mustangs.

Each team picked up a 4-1 victory to open the best of seven Saskatchewan Junior Hockey L eague (SJHL) quarter-final series, with Estevan taking Game 1 on Friday night and Melfort winning Game 2 Saturday.

Bruins goaltender Keenan Rancier was the story in both nights. He stopped 44 of 45 shots he faced Friday and 40 of 42 shots Saturday.

“He was outstanding for us,” said Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood. “He made all of the saves he should, and maybe a couple that you don’t even expect him to.”

Melfort had some perimeter shots that contributed to the shots on goal totals, especially in Game 1, but Lewgood said Rancier also limited Melfort’s second opportunities.

“He did such a good job of managing pucks with rebound control,” said Lewgood.

Griffin Asham-Moroz scored midway through the first period, shortly after a Melfort penalty expired, to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead

Estevan Bruins goaltender Keenan Rancier makes a save in Game 1 against the Melfort Mustangs Friday night in Melfort. Photo by Devan C. Tasa of the Humboldt Journal and East-Central Recorder in Game 1. It remained a 1-0 advantage until the seven-minute mark of the third, when Troy Hamilton scored on a power play to extend the Bruins lead.

But less than a minute later, Christian Albertson notched a short-handed goal to pull the Mustangs to within one.

Hamilton scored his second of the game on a breakaway with less than

six minutes to play in the third to restore the twogoal lead, and Cody Davis finished the scoring with an empty net goal with 17 seconds remaining.

Shawn Parkinson, who had shutouts in his final three games of the season, stopped 15 shots for the Mustangs.

The Bruins opened the scoring in Game 2 as well, when Eddie Gallagher

scored a power play goal with 2:55 to play in the opening frame.

Tian Rask scored for the Mustangs 6:39 into the second to tie the game.

The Mustangs took over in the third. Christian Albertson notched what proved to be the gamewinning goal seven minutes into the period, and then Gabe Odowichuk and Kenzie Arnold added

empty net goals 20 seconds apart late in the stanza to put the game away.

“They were a patient, hard-working hockey team,” said Lewgood. “I think we took a step back in a couple of areas, and that was the difference.”

Parkinson made 14 saves for Melfort in Game 2.

L e w go o d s a i d t h e Mustangs brought the

type of game the Bruins expected. “ They play a heavy game, and they have a blue-collar mentality, and they have lots of speed to go along with it,” said Lewgood.

As for the Bruins, Lewgood said they played well in the neutral zone and their power play moved the puck really well. “ There was a good level of compete for the most part. Overall … we played great hockey last night (in Game 1) and good hockey tonight,” said Lewgood.

Estevan played both games without defenceman Austin King-Cunningham, who was suspended for seven games, including the Bruins regular season finale, for a hit during the Bruins game against the Weyburn Red Wings on Feb. 28.

But the team is as healthy as can be expected for this point in the season, as the remaining players who didn’t play in Games 1 and 2 were healthy scratches.

Game 3 was slated to be played Tuesday night in Estevan. (Results were not available at press time).

Game 4 is Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Affinity Place.

Estevan Extreme host U14 volleyball tournament A dozen volleyball teams, most of them from the southeast corner of the province, were in Estevan on Friday and Saturday for the Estevan Extreme’s annual under-14 tournament.

Round robin games were played at the Estevan Comprehensive School and St. Mary’s School, and the playoffs at the Comp.

“We were so excited about hosting this tournament, as we were seeing who was entering our tournament. After talking to coaches here in Estevan and from the other

teams, everybody is extremely pleased with how the southeast corner is coming along in volleyball, and how we’re showing up in the standings over the province,” said Estevan Extreme president Mandy Murray.

The other teams who came appreciate the level of competition as well, she said. The semifinals and the medal round games all went to three sets.

The Estevan Extreme Storm went 5-1 during the weekend to reach the final against the Oxbow Black

Knights, which Oxbow won 2-1. Oxbow took the first set 25-18, but Estevan responded to take the second stanza 25-23, and force a third set.

The Black Knights won that one 15-12 to finish first.

The Storm defeated the Southeast Vipers Green from Arcola 2-0, the Yorkton Blitz Lightning 2-0 and the Moose Jaw Thunder 2-0. Then they played the Estevan Extreme Thunder in the quarter-finals, a game the Storm won 2-0, and they

Jenna Knibbs with the Estevan Extreme Storm goes up for a hit during the home tournament.

U-

defeated the Southeast Vipers Black 2-1 in the semifinals in a match that Murray said was one of the best of the tournament.

The Estevan Extreme Thunder went 2-4 during the weekend and finished sixth. They opened with a 2-0 loss to Kipling’s Wheatland Attack in what Murray said was a close match. Then they swept the Blitz Crush out of Yorkton 2-0, but lost 2-0 to the Weyburn Warriors in their final round-robin game.

After losing to the Storm in the quarter-finals,

they responded with a 2-0 win over Weyburn, but then they lost 2-0 to the Southeast Vipers Green in their final contest.

“The Thunder played really well,” said Murray, who is also the coach of the Thunder. “We were against some pretty tough competition. The top four teams in the tournament are in the top 10 in the province, so I think we played really well.”

It was good to have a game against the Storm because the players on both teams know each other well and they’re friends.

The Thunder served really well during the weekend, and they were much better at setting and hitting the ball.

“There are some girls on our team who have never played club volleyball before (this season), and I feel like they’re catching up, and it’s a totally different team than what we started with in December. I feel like they’re excelling each week.”

In the bronze medal game, the Southeast Vipers Black defeated the Wheatland Attack.

Hailey Gigian bumps the ball for the Extreme Thunder while Hanna Stubel and her teammates watch.

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March 11, 2020 A11

Sharks compete in several league finals Members of the Estevan Sharks water polo club were at the Water Polo Provincial League Finals Feb. 29 and March 1 in Regina.

The 16-and-under (16U) cadet tournament was held Feb. 29 for both boys and girls. The majority of Estevan’s regular 16U players were away in Calgary with Team Sask. for National Cadet League play. The remaining cadets and a strong group of 14U athletes represented Estevan for the league finals.

Neither cadet team won a medal in the playoffs.

On March 1, the 14U bantam boys and girls teams hit the pool. On the boys side, they finished the round robin with a 2-1-1 record, meeting the Regina Hawks in the bronze medal final. The Sharks won 4-3 in an exciting battle.

The Sharks 14U girls had two losses and two ties in the round robin, bringing them into the bronze medal game against Regina Battleship. The game was intense, resulting in the Sharks winning 4-3 and adding another bronze to the club’s medal count.

The 12U girls faced two strong Regina teams. They struggled to make the shots count in the four games, but the Sharks still managed to win the bronze medal.

In the 12U boys division, the Sharks sent two teams. The Hammerhead team fought hard in each game, but couldn’t come up with a win in the round robin. The Tiger Sharks had better luck in the water, qualifying for the gold medal match with an undefeated record. In the final game the boys faced the Regina Fireship and lost 8-5, bringing home a silver for the club.

The weekend marked the end of league play for the Sharks. They will travel to Saskatoon at the end of the month for provincials.

Members of the Estevan Sharks atom girls team were, back row, from left, Chad Knoll, Lily Knoll, Ava Salminen, Sadie Smith and Hailey Tangjerd. Front row, Prysm Gooding, Rachel Tober, Mahlyn Bomberak and Sarah James. Photo submitted

Mermaids impress at annual Diane Lemon Meet Members of the Estevan Mermaids artistic swimming club travelled to Saskatoon on Feb. 29 and March 1 for the Diane Lemon Invitational Figure and Routine Meet.

Fourteen local athletes attended the event.

Sarah Greening, Kasia Harding, Chloe Mantei, Sierra Mantei, Elle Meyers, Sarah Pyra, Rowyn Shier and Nevaeh Wakely competed on the 11-12 provincial stream competitive team.

Erin McIsaac was entered in the novice division.

Emily Greening, Sienna Kuntz, Sasha Mantei and Bella Michael were part of the 13-15 provincial stream competitive entry.

Rebecca Duncan was in the 16-20 provincial stream individual division.

Athletes performed their figures for the judges on Saturday. Solo routines were also on Saturday. Team routines occurred on Sunday.

Marks for each routine include a score in execution, artistic impression and difficulty. Championship scores are a combined routine and figure score, with figures accounting for 60 per cent and routine generating 40 per cent of a score for those ages 11 and 12, while figures and routines accounted for 50 per cent each for 13-15 swimmers.

McIsaac was fourth in 11-12 novice figures, while Duncan came in fourth in the 16-20 figures.

In 11-12 solos, Sierra Mantei was fifth in routine and fourth in championship, Harding was fourth in routine and sixth in championship, and Pyra was sixth in routine and fifth in championship.

In 13-15 solo, Sasha Mantei was sixth in both routine and championship.

Duncan was fourth in routine and third in championship in 16-20 solo.

The 11-12 competitive team finished sixth in the team championship, and the 13-15 competitive team was seventh in team championship.

The meet is named in honour of Lemon, who was very active in all aspects of the sport of artistic swimming, serving as a swimmer, coach, judge, administrator and a parent of an artistic swimmer. Swimmers celebrate her legacy to the sport at this meet.

She was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

The 11 and 12 provincial stream competitive team included, front row, from left, Elle Meyers, Erin McIsaac, Sarah Greening, Rowyn Shier and Nevaeh Wakely.

Back row, Sarah Pyra, Kasia Harding, Chloe Mantei and Sierra Mantei.

Missing is coach Susan Swirski. Photo submitted

Midget AA Bruins series with Yorkton was extended The Estevan Apex midget AA Bruins second round playoff series with the Yorkton Terriers went longer than the minimum of three games.

The Apex Bruins lost 4-3 in overtime to the Terriers Sunday afternoon at Affinity Place in Game 3 of their best-of-five second round series. It was just the

second loss on home ice for the Bruins this season. Estevan still had a 2-1 series lead on Yorkton.

Game 4 was slated for Tuesday night in Yorkton.

(Results were not available at press time).

Adrien Riddell, Tayce Miller and Kaden Chrest scored for Estevan in Game 3. Chrest’s goal came with

9:24 to play in the third period, and it forced overtime.

But Yorkton scored the winner with 19 seconds to play in the first extra frame.

Jackson Miller was in goal for Estevan.

The midget AAs took Game 1 4-1 on March 4 at Affinity Place. Cale Adams, Kieran Stewart and Tanner Stovin scored

for Estevan in the final 10 minutes of the third to break open a 1-1 game.

Stewart and Stovin’s goals came in the final three minutes.

Miller also scored.

Jackson Miller was in goal for the win.

Estevan took Game 2 3-2 in overtime on March 8. Stovin scored the winner

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21 seconds into the second overtime period.

Meredith’s goal with 14 seconds to play in the third forced over time.

Chrest had Estevan’s other goal.

Logan Nagel made 30 saves for the victory.

The winner of the series will advance to the South Final in the Sas-

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••• The Estevan Western Star Signature Hotel atom Tier 1 Bruins lost 10-3 to Swift Current in Game 1 of their best-of-three league semifinal series. Game 2 will be played March 12 in Estevan.

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Curling club corporate bonspiel Brandon Smith, left, and Adam Knelsen with the Percy H Davis Customs Brokers Ltd. rink sweep a stone during the corporate bonspiel at the Power Dodge Curling Centre on Saturday. The event attracted nine teams from a variety of sectors and industries in the community.

Each team had up to four games, which were six ends in length.

The bonspiel once again used a Monopoly board, giving teams extra chances to win prizes based on their accomplishments.

Midget AA Goldwings advance to South final The South East Aaron Well Servicing midget AA Goldwings have advanced to the South Division final in the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League playoffs.

The Goldwings scored three times in the third period to pull away and defeat the Notre Dame Hounds 5-1 Saturday at the Harry O Memorial Arena in Midale in Game 3 of their best of three series.

The Goldwings came out flying and Marci LeBlanc scored halfway through the first period to give them the lead. Notre Dame scored towards end of the first to tie it up.

LeBlanc notched her second of the game in the second for a 2-1 lead through two.

Madi Doud had her first goal of the season in the third to give the Goldwings

What’s that boy?

some insurance, and Khloe Bedore and Kenra Kotylak added empty net goals for the Goldwings.

Kara Zelyck was in net for the win.

Notre Dame won Game 1 3-2 in overtime March 1 in Midale. But the Goldwings responded with a 3-0 win Friday night in

Wilcox to keep their season alive and force Saturday’s Game 3.

In Game 2, Kotalyk scored late in the first period to give the Goldwings a 1-0 lead, and Dalis Prawdzik doubled the lead with a goal late in the second. Bedore’s goal six minutes into the third put the game away.

Z el yc k earned the shutout in goal.

The Goldwings will face the Swift Current

Wildcats in the best of three South Division final.

A schedule for the series has yet to be finalized.

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Melissa Sclear, left, and Anna Biggs were among the members of the Estevan Gymnastics Club who competed at a meet in Prince Albert on Feb. 29 and March 1. It was their first competition of the year and the members did well, competing in a variety of age groups and disciplines. Photo submitted

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

WWW.FLOORSTOREESTEVAN.CA

Pink Floyd tribute group excited for Orpheum concert Fans of the iconic English rock group Pink Floyd won’t want to miss a concert coming to Estevan next month.

Tribute band Pigs, who take their name from a song from Pink Floyd’s 1977 album Animals, will perform at the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan on April 3, starting at 8 p.m. The Energy City will be an early part of Pigs’ In the Flesh tour, and it promises to be a great show in the intimate setting of the Orpheum.

The group bills themselves as Canada’s most authentic Pink Floyd experience. They are comprised of vocalist and lead guitarist Josh Szczepanowski, who has the role of David Gilmour; K.C. Hingley, who has the role of Roger Waters and plays bass guitar; Adam

Basterfield, who portrays Richard Wright and plays keyboard; Mike Quirke, who plays Nick Mason and is the drummer; Jon Baglo, who plays guitar as the band’s Snowy White; Peter Ransford, who plays saxophone and portrays Dick Parry; and Anneda, who has the role of Clare Torry and handles background vocals.

VJ Photon is the longtime visuals artist.

Szczepanowski said he became part of Pigs by accident. He was part of another band with a friend, and he won tickets to see a Pink Floyd tribute band, but the act wasn’t very good.

“I thought ‘I could do that better,’ and here we are,” said Szczepanowski.

He hasn’t always been a big fan of the group, as he wasn’t introduced to them

The Pink Floyd tribute act Pigs will perform on April 3 at the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan. Photo submitted until he was in his early about loneliness and distance to a rock show. Szczepanowski noted a lot of tribute 20s, but he quickly became and having a hard time.”

Pigs was chosen for the acts feel like a karaoke night, hooked on their music.

“It’s wonderful. It’s the name because it’s nice and and so they don’t deliver a kind of music that really simple, and easy for people dynamic performance. Pigs strives to ensure they’re playspeaks to everybody. It’s a to remember.

Spectators who attend ing songs that were once really inclusive music, which is funny because it’s mostly the concert can look forward played live, and with some energy.

There’s also a big screen and lasers to go with the show. ily, they ranged from about is an important fundraiser, “We’re trying to put five years old to 21, and they because it helps the organi- forward the same sort of played all kinds of music,” zation remain operational feeling that they had in their said Bittman. We were thor- throughout the year. mid-1970s tours,” said Szczoughly impressed and enter“Not only is our banquet epanowski. “So that’s the tained by the Szakacs family.” important to get together, it’s pigments they were using, It’s a family unit that a very informational banquet. that’s the kind of look that is tight, travels together and There’s lots of information we’re going for.” plays together. provided at the banquet, Pigs wants the concert A raffle and a silent auc- and it’s an opportunity to to be as authentic to the tion featured quilts that were network.”

1970s as possible, rather than made by a group of women Pro-life also has a garage the way Pink Floyd was in in Torquay, and items were sale in the spring and the pre- the 1980s and 1990s. They donated for a silent auction. Christmas cookie parade as also have the instruments and It’s estimated that the fundraisers. event raised more than $4,500, through ticket sales, raffle, silent auction and donations.

Bittman said this event

Pro-life pleased with support for banquet Pro-Life Estevan and Area was pleased with the support shown for its annual fundraising dinner Thursday night at the Estevan Alliance Church.

About 155 people attended the event, which had a supper catered by EB’s Dining, and also featured a raffle and a silent auction.

Jonathan Van Maren, who is an author and the host of the Bridgehead Radio Show, was the guest speaker for the second time in three years. He discussed the sexual revolution and how it has changed western values from 50-60 years ago, but also how

some of the findings that were the basis for that revolution were not true.

Van Maren cited studies of different cultures.

“People were riveted.

There were a few questions after, and nothing but good comments (came from it),” local pro-life chapter president Bridget Bittman.

Entertainment was courtesy of Curtis and Bonnie Szakacs and family, who hail from southeast Saskatchewan.

Bittman noted that Van Maren marvelled at the talents of the Szakacs.

“The kids from the fam-

backline used from the 1970s.

Pigs’ members are also in their mid-to-late 30s, which was the Pink Floyd band members’ ages in the 1970s.

Szczepanowski, Basterfield and Quirke are the only members left over from the band’s inception about a dozen years ago. But for this tour, Hingley, who was the original Waters but eventually left Pigs, will be rejoining them.

“It’s great to have him back, and it’s sounding pretty good,” said Szczepanowski.

They do about 100 shows per year, Szczepanowski said, and most of the shows are outside of their southwest B.C. base. Pigs is particularly in demand in eastern Canada, which is where they’ll head after the performance in Estevan.

“And then of course, everybody has their own bands and jobs back home, so it’s a lot of work,” said Szczepanowski.

Spectators are usually very appreciative of their efforts. Pigs members get a chance to share stories with them, and the fans are often moved by the concert.

“This is music that was very important to them throughout their lives, and so I think they all really appreciate it being performed in such an honest and articulate way,” said Szczepanowski.

20032JJ0

With the Easter coming up what better way to kick off the spring season with spending quality time with your grandchildren decorating Easter Eggs at the Souris Valley Museum! Registration is required; Register by March 27th.

YOU ARE INVITED TO

Easter Egg Decorating with Grandparents Saturday, April 4, 2020 • 10:00 am to 10:45 am | Registration is required Cost: $10 (2 grandparents, 2 grandchildren)* *($3 per extra grandchild)

REGISTER BY MARCH 27TH BY CONTACTING 306.634.5543

BUSINESS SERVICES LEGAL

AUDIOLOGIST

Barristers & Solicitors

Paul Elash Q.C. Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B. Genevieve Schrader, B. Mgt., J.D.

“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

PLUMBING

Gainsborough: Thursday a.m.

Carnduff: Thursday p.m.

1312- 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2

P. 306-634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com

POLITICIAN

Call 306-634-3333 Or Rob 306-421-0144, Stan 306-421-3161

05 /RFN . H\ *·V 24/7 Service

• Auto • Home • Office

- Dead Bolt Locks Installed - Locks Mastered Keyed & Keyed Alike - Emergency Locksmith Services - Restricted Keyway

Home of the 15.00 lock

$

306.471.0741 or 306.461.5196

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

WE PRINT

Stan’s Plumbing & Heating Providing Estevan and surrounding area with plumbing, heating & cooling products and services for 60 years!

LOCKSMITH

Lori Carr, MLA Estevan Constituency Office

306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

Business Cards • Posters Flyers • Ticket Book Cheques • Programs and more 306.634.2654

Classifieds A14

Announcements

POWER ENGINEERS! - Steam Smart has posted new exam preparation courses for people working on their next steam ticket. 2A1, 2A2, 3B2. www.SteamSmart.ca.

In MeMorIaM

ApArtments/Condos for rent

LAND FOR SALE

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

YELLOW HEAD MODULAR HOME SALES

Stock homes Ready for Delivery!

Coming EvEnts

Limited Time offer!

50-50 HUGE Options PKG $10,000.00 Value!

Available for all Custom ordered homes WE do Site consultation, Screw piles /Insulated skirting PKG 306-496-7538 Yorkton, SK New sales lot in Lloydminster, AB. Call 780-872-2728

www.yellowheadmodularhomesales.ca

Farm ServiceS BIG RIVER FISH DERBY on Cowan Lake.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020 For info visit: www.bigriver.ca or email: krienkemaisie @sasktel.net To register call: 306-469-7990 CALL FOR VENDORS - Fort Qu’Appelle Trade Show & Sale.

April 18-19, 2020. Fort Qu’Appelle RecCentre. Contact Tammy at 1-844-GNG-NEWS (ext. 222) or email accounts@grasslandsnews.ca, webpage www.forttradeshow.com DRAGGINS CAR SHOW - April 10 and 11 at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. Headlining the Chicago Muscle Car Show winner. Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club. Visit our website; Draggins.com.

Integrity Post Frame Buildings SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com

HealtH ServiceS HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Feed & Seed

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and $20,000 Lump sum refund.

Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE ... “BIG BLOWOUT SALE - ALL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR!” 20X23 $6,249.

25X27$7,334.

28X29 $7,877. 30X31 $8,965.

32X31 $9,863. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-2127036 www.pioneersteel.ca

WANTED Private collector working in area looking for Antique firearms, knives & native beadwork.

Would buy single pieces or entire collections.

Call 1-613-223-9425

Auctions Mack Auction Co. presents a land auction for Terry Payton. Thursday April 2, 2020 @ Stoughton Legion Hall @ 7:00 p.m. 2 quarters of pasture with surface lease revenue!

This land has been previously broke and farmed and returned to grass. Parcel #1 NW-11-10-07-W2 RM OF GOLDEN WEST #95; 160 Titled Acres, FVA 139,300, Taxes $350.73, Perimeter Fence, Dugout, Surface Lease Revenue $2000.00 (Ridgeback) Parcel #2 NE-11-10-07-W2 RM OF GOLDEN WEST #95; 160 Titled Acres, FVA 124,600, Taxes $340.32, Perimeter Fence, Surface Lease Revenue $6200.00 (2 Leases with Ridgeback) Visit www.mackauctioncompany.com or call 306-421-2928 or 306-487-7815.

Mack Auction Co. PL 311962 Webcast /Live Featuring Earl Kingdon Collection & Guest Consignors Saturday March 28@ 10:00 AM Karla’s Auction Springside Prebidding March 14. All major ag brands, several “scratch” built & customized models.

GREAT PRICES on new, used and re-manufactured engines, parts and accessories for diesel pickups. Large inventory, engines can be shipped or installed. Give us a call or check us out at www.thickettenginerebuilding.ca Thickett Engine Rebuilding.

PH 204-532-2187 Russell, MB

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372 GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more.

ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL SASKATCHEWAN BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 or Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to 306-992-5527 for your FREE benefits package.

Career OppOrtunities

Currently accepting applications for CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2020 hail season.

(July - October)

Notices / NomiNatioNs

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older.

Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition.

CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393.

Parts & accessories

Take advantage of this offer.

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.

Wanted

Wanted to buy

Two Year Old Black Angus Bull Sale March 20, 2020. Wawota, SK. 306-577-9141. www.gbtangus.com

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

with a variety of cleanse options Bring in your own bags and containers!

Buying or Selling A Vehicle?

The Classifieds will get you on the road!

Phone today!

306-634-2654

Semi-retired or retired this job is for you!

Competitive salary, all expenses & mileage paid, health spending account and pension plan. We provide extensive training using our industry leading crop hail adjusting program.

Email: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca for application form and job overview.

306-569-1852 ext 170.

Find Your New Career in Today’s Mercury Classifieds

Going Plastic

FREE

Estevan Shoppers Mall • 306-634-9577

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Mobile/ Manufactured

EMMA OLISCHEFSKI “ The Light of Our Lives” Who passed away March 16,2004.

The special years will not return, When we were all together, But with the love inside our hearts, You will walk with us forever.

Love Terry, Brian, and Gaylene

Detox + Recharge

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

David Redpath 1928 - 2020 The family of David Tennis Redpath, Estevan, announces his passing on Friday, February 20, 2020 at the age of 91 years.

Dave was born June 9, 1928 near Gainsborough, SK. He married Gayle Barnstable in 1952 and they had three children. He managed the Gainsborough Credit Union for almost 20 years before moving to Estevan, where they ran the Outreach Bookstore for 10 years.

Dave served Jesus throughout his life, and was always active in the church.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gayle; parents, Edward & Lillie (Cudmore); two brothers, Roy (Hazel) and Tabor (Vivian); in-laws, Roy & Suzan Barnstable; brother-in-law, Ray (Helene) Barnstable; sisters-in-law, Ellen Redpath, Evelyn Barnstable and Beverly Barnstable.

Dave is survived by his three children: son, Terry (Brenda) of Saskatoon their family, Scott, Jordan (Zandrae), and Thomas (Jane); daughter, Linda (Ron) Johnson of Saskatoon their family, Leah (Dallas) and Regan (Jonathan); daughter, Robin (Brent) Wilson of Estevan their family, Tasha (Darwin), Vaughn (Amber), Dustin (Megan), and Carter; thirteen greatgrandchildren; brothers-in-law, Bob Barnstable, Orville (Ethel) Barnstable, Bill Barnstable, Kirk (Anita) Barnstable; sister-in-law, Myrna (Lloyd) Redpath; also numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Dave was held at the Living Hope Community Church, 100 King St. Estevan on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 2:00 pm. A family interment took place at the Macoun Cemetery prior to the funeral service.

Donations may be given to the Gideons International Canada, Box 3619, Guelph, ON N1H 7A2 David’s family would like to express their gratitude for all the expressions of love and kindness by relatives and friends during their time of grief.

Also Eunice and staff at Hillview Manor, staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan EMS for their loving and compassionate care.

Thank You

Thank you to Redpath Funeral Home for assisting the family.

Gordon Kvammen 1926 - 2020 Gordon Kvammen, late of Estevan, Sask. passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Estevan at the age of 93.

Gordon’s memory will remain always in the hearts of his loving family: wife of 65 years, Gen (Marchand) Kvammen of Estevan; daughters: Sharri (James) Phillips of Torquay, Sask. And Laurie (Cam) Holzer of Peachland, B.C.; grandchildren: Melissa (Kerry) McDowell of Langley, B.C., Andrea (Bryce) Needer of Regina, Sask., Rodney (Trina) Phillips of Torquay, Sask., Michael Holzer of Calgary, Alta. and Steven (Tasha) Holzer of Cochrane, Alta.; great grandchildren: Alex Overholt, Payton, Vayda and Ethan Phillips, Blake, Easton and Kate Needer, Rhett Holzer; brothers-in-law: Lou (Pat) Marchand and Lloyd Van Gundy; sisters-in-law: Irene Marchand, Gaye Fenwick and Bev Kvammen; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends of the family: Rick Brandow, Earl & Irene Craig, Lawrence & Janet Ehrmantraut and many more through his lifetime.

He was predeceased by his parents: Elvin & Ina Kvammen; in-laws: Edmond & Loretta Marchand; son Gordie Kvammen; sisters: Irene (Len) Halvorson and Edith (Ed) Dayton; brother Earl Kvammen; sisters-in-law: Evelyn (Marcus) Dukart and Erma Van Gundy; brothers-in-law: Ray (Lenora) Marchand and Ross Fenwick.

Blessed be our memory of Gordon.

The Funeral Service was held on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan, with Rev. Lori James officiating. A luncheon was held in the church Social Hall immediately following the service. The interment took place with family present at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Torquay.

If friends so desire, donations in Gordon's memory may be made to a charity of choice.

Dustin Hall with Hall Funeral Services, Estevan assisted the Kvammen family.

Thank You

Gen and her family wish to thank Dr. Tsoi and the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital for the exceptional care you showed to Gordon. To Dustin Hall and everyone at Hall Funeral Services, we greatly appreciated your caring guidance as we made final arrangements.

Thank you to Pastor Lori, Pastor Cicely and Pastor Murray for your contributions to the church service and burial.

Thank you to the church choir for the beautiful music and the Trinity Lutheran Women for the lunch following the service.

Thank you to everyone who supported us during this difficult time through cards, phone calls and visits. Extra special thanks to Earl & Irene Craig, Lawrence & Janet Ehrmantraut and Jim & Joyce Halladay. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

-Gen Kvammen & family Gaylene Dowhanuik 1947 – 2020 It is with great sadness that the family of Gaylene Dowhanuik announces her passing on Monday, March 2, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan, SK at the age of 72 years.

Gaylene was born on September 27, 1947 to Anna (Edlyn) and Gordon (Bill) Drier in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Their family, along with her older brother Gord, moved to Carnduff where Gaylene finished high school before attending the Reliance School of Commerce in Regina.

On August 5, 1967 she married Ken Dowhanuik and together they welcomed their son Kent in 1970, and daughter Kyla in 1977.

Left to mourn Gaylene are her husband of 52 years, Ken; son Kent and his three daughters; Jayde, Kennedy and Kora; daughter Kyla (David) and their children, Landry, Sian and Rhys.

Gaylene will also be missed by her special grandson’s Andrew, Brayden, Ethan and Caden Kuski, along with their parents Tanya and Deron Kuski.

Gaylene was beyond excited at the recent birth of her first great-granddaughter Sophie and spent much of her time looking at photos upon her arrival.

Gaylene’s grandkids were the thing she cherished most in life, and nothing made her happier than spoiling them every chance she could.

Also left to cherish Gaylene’s memory are her brother Gord and sister-in-law Margie Drier, and her special niece Deidre Gallagher (Dan), and family.

At Gaylene’s request, a small private family service was held.

The Memorial Luncheon was held on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Taylorton Room – Days Inn. Everyone was welcome to attend.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, Sask., S4A 0H3.

Yvonne Clark at Hall Funeral Services, Estevan assisted Gaylene’s family.

HELEN MEHLER 1935 ~ 2020 It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Margaret “Helen” Mehler, announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She passed away peacefully at Sunnyside/ Havenview Care Home on Sunday March 1st ,2020 at the age of 84 years. Helen will be lovingly remembered by her children, Belinda (Harry) Glass, Glenda (Wayne) Sinclair, Kelly (Donna) Piwarczyk and Andrew Piwarczyk; grandchildren, Tracy, Wayne (Aimee), Christopher, Ryan (Kaitlin), Kelly (Karla), and Natasha (Cole); great-grandchildren, Cole (Amber) and Karis (Johnny); and great-great-granddaughter, Kaisley. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Andrew Mehler; granddaughter, Kimberly Glass; three brothers; and two sisters. Helen will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her. Helen will always be in our hearts. Funeral Services will take place in the Spring of 2020. Further announcements will be made at that time. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Margaret Mehler. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

March 11, 2020 A15

Saskatchewan taking measures for COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has slowed down in numbers but still keeps spreading adding new countries and regions to the list of places affected by the novel virus.

With over 110,000 confirmed cases in total, as of March 9, according to the Government of Canada, there were 69 people who had the virus. (Ontario – 34, B.C. – 27, Alberta – 4 and Quebec – 4).

At this point, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, however, the government is taking measures to ensure that the province is prepared to address the disease if the time comes.

At a press conference held on March 5, Dr. Saqib Shahab, who is Saskatchewan Health’s chief medical health officer, talked about the situation in general and in the province in particular.

“Right now we are still at no posted cases in Saskatchewan. We had 52 tests done, 45 – negative, seven – pending. Most are the people who have travelled from some of the high-risk countries,” said Shahab.

“Testing is important to ensure the healthcare system has the best possible information to ensure our facilities and staff are prepared for any cases that present in the province,” said Shahab. “If you’ve travelled from anywhere in the world basically, be aware of your symptoms. If you have a running nose, take it easy for a day or two, if it goes away, you don’t have to worry, unless you’ve come from China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, those countries.”

Travellers from Hubei and Iran are being asked to contact public health officials upon return to Canada and self-isolate for 14 days after leaving those jurisdictions.

All travellers returning from countries where COVID-19 is circulating should actively monitor for symptoms of cough and fever. People who develop symptoms are asked to stay home and call HealthLine 811 for assessment and advice.

Shahab explained that specialists evaluate each case and assess the risk considering personal health history to ensure the situation is under control. He added that there is going to be more testing done now to make sure that Career OppOrtunities

they don’t miss an importation of the virus.

“The most recent science indicates that 80 per cent of individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience only mild symptoms and will recover in their homes.

Protecting yourself from the transmission and planning to stay home if you become sick will allow the healthcare system to focus on the most severe cases.”

Talking about the possible outbreak, Shahab outlined that as other provinces, Saskatchewan is ready to contain the situation.

“The principle we are pursuing is ‘contain,’ which we are doing in Canada. All other provinces with cases have contained infection.

You get a case, you quickly do a contact follow-up. All the contacts are also on home isolation for two weeks,” said Shahab. “Containment is key and will continue to be key.

But if we were to be in a situation like Italy or other parts of the world, we also need to start thinking about how we would delay it becoming more than it is.”

The list of personal measures to protect from respiratory illness is known to most people since childhood, however, the government issued a refresher: • Wash your hands frequently; • Do not touch surfaces and then your mouth, eyes or nose; • Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and dispose of them immediately; use your elbow if a tissue not available; and • Stay home if you become ill and prevent the spread of the illness.

Masks and medical gloves are not recommended as protective measures even in the situation of an outbreak.

“If you are wearing gloves and you touch the surface and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose, it’s the same thing. You are still going to get exposed. And the mask, if you are wearing it all the time, you are constantly fiddling with it, so actually you increase the risk,” said Shahab, adding that masks are needed only if a patient is going into a healthcare facility or if a person is sick or is suspected sick and health personnel have to get real close to treat that person.

It is best practice for workplaces to have business continuity plans to support staff and work functions through an event like pandemic influenza. It is rec-

ommended that workplaces ensure these plans are current and ready, in the event that causes an increase in the province.

The Ministry of Health also has a pandemic preparedness plan developed to address influenza. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, this plan will be adapt-

ed to respond to COVID-19.

This planning includes updated guidance to care providers on the case definition and testing procedures; enhanced testing capability with Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory (RRPL); reviewing acute care capacity and contingency planning; and ensuring necessary sup-

plies of personal protective equipment.

While in January most of the confirmed COVID-19 cases were related to travelling to China, during the last couple of weeks the new cases were mainly related to travelling to Iran, Italy, Egypt and India, while China is hardly reporting any new cases,

This photo of the Estevan Apex midget AA Bruins was inadvertently missed from our Salute to Minor Hockey that appeared in the Feb. 28 edition of Southeast Lifestyles. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we wish the midget AA Bruins the best of luck as they continue to represent Estevan and compete in the playoffs.

CAREERS

Prairie Debut Presents:

VC2 CELLO DUO

SRI HOMES’ Estevan Facility SHELTER HOME SYSTEMS

Thursday, March 19, 2020 @ 7:30 Trinity Lutheran Church

is currently accepting applications for

PRODUCTION WORKERS • Required Immediately

Duties include:

Tickets at Henders Drugs, Visitors Centre in Affinity Place or at the Estevan Arts Council office.

For more info call 306.634.3942

• Assembling and installing modular components Send, fax, e-mail or drop off resume to:

H

O

ASSOCIATE RETURNING OFFICER City Clerk’s Office (Contract position for up to 9 months)

SCOPE AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Late model, clean CAT, JD equip: winch, dump, gravel trucks and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided.

Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

• Provides administration support for the Returning Officer in fulfilling requirements of The Local Government Election Act. • Assists with booking of polling locations (regular, advance, special, mobile).

• Assists with recruitment, organizing of temporary election officials.

• Provides customer service for candidates, electors, and election workers, including answering or redirecting emails, telephone calls and in-person inquiries.

• Assists with ordering and distributing ballot boxes, ballots, vote counting equipment and election supplies including coordinating logistics with voting locations across the city.

• Assists with the nomination process.

• Assists with closing of the Election process and evaluations following the election.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: • • • • • •

Two-year diploma or a recognized 2-year business-related program.

Proven experience working in a fast-paced office environment.

Experience in public sector and knowledge of the Cities Act and Elections Act is preferred.

Project coordination and previous election-related experience would be considered an asset.

Required demonstrated ability using Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Office Suite.

Outstanding highly confidential, customer service and time management skills including the ability to undertake multiple tasks, meet deadlines, address customer requests while maintaining extreme attention to detail and accuracy to maintain orderly files and related administrative processes.

• Must be able to qualify and obtain a Commissioner for Oaths designation.

REQUIREMENTS AND HOURS OF WORK:

M

E

S

SHELTER

CAREERS

Heavy Duty Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operators and 1A Drivers required:

which means that they’ve done some significant steps to turn the situation around.

“China has shown that we actually can basically make it go away. Will it go away forever in China or come back again, that’s unknown, but they have managed to stop the current outbreak to a larger extent.”

Box 845 #200 Hwy. 18 West, Estevan, SK S4A 2A7 Fax: 306-634-7597 jobs.shelter@gmail.com www.shelterhomes.ca

The Estevan Mercury is seeking a

SALES REPRESENTATIVE to join our team.

The successful candidate will be: • • • • • •

Friendly, Confident, Outgoing And Driven Able to Work with Little Supervision A Team Player Interested in Helping Local Businesses Able to Multi-Task Calm and Able to Work In a Fast Paced, Deadline Driven Environment

We offer Flexibility, Attractive Compensation packages and the opportunity to sell many print and digital products.

We are also willing to train the right person, No Experience Necessary.

Are you our Newest Team Member?

Email resume to dtarnes@estevanmercury.ca with a cover letter and references.

• This is a contract, hourly assignment for up to 10 months. Hours will vary based on operational needs, with increasing hours as the election date (November 9, 2020) approaches.

• Must be available to work Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. as well as some evenings and weekends from October 1 to November 15, 2020.

• Physical ability to repetitively lift and carry bulky items weighing up to 20 kgs (40 lbs).

Please apply in writing to: Judy Pilloud, City Clerk 1102 – 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W7 • Or email to: cityclerk@estevan.ca

Deadline to apply is March 16, 2020

A16 March 11, 2020

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

Watch for catch basins overflowing. Please call the city at 306-634-1800 with concerns.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Our Estevan: Community Development Plan Bylaw No. 2020-2019 Public notice is hereby given that the council of the City of Estevan, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, will consider adoption of the Our Estevan: Community Development Plan Bylaw No. 2020-2019.

The intent of te bylaw is to provide a comprehensive long-term land use vision for the city that will manage land use through the next decade. The vision is within the framework provided through the planning and development act and the statements of provincial interest regulation. The bylaw may be accessed through the city clerk's office, city web-site or by contacting Land Development Services.

Prior to consideration of this bylaw, a public hearing will be held: Date: Location: Time:

March 16, 2020 Council Chambers, City Hall 6:00 pm

The public hearing is your opportunity to make presentations directly to council. Those unable to attend may submit written comments to the city clerk.

City Clerk, City Hall 1102 - Fourth Street Estevan, SK S4A 0W7 The bylaw may be viewed at City Hall during regular office hours or viewed online at www.estevan.ca

FIRE SERVICES - THANK YOU The City of Estevan and Estevan Fire Rescue Services would like to thank the following businesses and employers for allowing firefighters to leave work to attend all manners of emergencies that happen everyday in our fine city and surrounding areas.

Without this commitment to the city we would not be able to provide the top-notch service that everyone has come to expect from our department in their time of need.

THANK YOU!

PUBLIC NOTICE The council of the City of Estevan pursuant to The Cities Act gives notice of its intention to implement the following: A bylaw to establish the statutory authority to set administrative fees for service within the city of Estevan.

A bylaw to regulate taxi cabs within the City of Estevan identified a taxi bylaw within the City of Estevan.

On February 10, 2020 meeting the first reading of both bylaws was passed and the final readings is expected to be on March 16, 2020.

The proposed bylaws; fees for service bylaw #2020-2021 and taxi bylaw #2020-2020 may be inspected by any person in the City Cler's Office, on the main level of City Hall, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Dated this 11th day of February, 2020.

Judy Pilloud, 1102 4th Street Estevan, SK S4A 0W7

Jordan Baun Monty Blomberg Mallory Cappelle Matt Clausen Lincoln Empey Peter Fedyk Brandon Frank Victor Frank Nathan Haukeness Justin Herod Jeff Kuchinka Nolan LaCoste Kyle Luc Stephen McLaren Amanda Minchin Travis Mosley Dean Nagel Johnathan Nixon Mike Olson Chad Perrault Tyler Stead Lucas Stubel Geoff Thiessen John Wells Michael Wock

Great North. Wellhead & Frac Finning Canada Redhead Equipment Westmoreland Mining LLC. House of Stationery Westmoreland Mining LLC Crescent Point Energy Orpheum Theatre / Hall’s Funeral Home Fre-Flo Oil Industries TS&M G-Force Diesel Services Level Best Technologies Ltd. Preferred Energy. Inc. Bert Baxters Transport Ltd. TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course Aluma/Safway Kingston Midstream Vermillion Energy Westmoreland Mining LLC Affinity Credit Union SaskPower Westmoreland Mining LLC Estevan Church of God Westmoreland Mining LLC Vermillion Energy.

Fire Chief Dale Feser Deputy Fire Chief Rick Davies Fire Assistant Rhonda Gillespie

Therapeutic Counselling and Support for Individuals, Families and Couples We help with conflict, violence and abuse such as: Exploring your Options and Partner Abuse • Sexual Assault Cyberviolence • Relationship Breakdown • Grief and Loss Supporting your Decisions Estevan Weyburn Carlyle Oxbow 306-637-4004 306-842-8821 306-453-2405 306-483-5555 We do not subscribe to call or name display. Collect calls accepted www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com