Estevan Mercury 20200401

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Issue 49

SERVING THE ENERGY CITY SINCE 1903

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Mailing No. 10769 | Publication No. 40069240

ESTEVAN’S

SOURCE FOR LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS

Nathan Johnson next ECS principal

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) has its new principal for the 202021 school year.

Nathan Johnson, who is currently the vice-principal, has been hired for the job. He replaces Pat Jeannot, who will be retiring at the end of the current school year. Jeannot has been the principal at the school since 2013.

“I’m very excited. I had a little bit of time for it to sink in, it’s been a couple of weeks since the hiring was made and I’m very excited about going into the future at the same school I’ve been at my whole career,” said Johnson.

Johnson has been a viceprincipal for seven years and a part of the staff at the Comp. for 15 years.

“I’ve been on the leadership team for the last seven years and it felt like a good fit. And the position became available, that I’d like to try into that role. I was very interested in staying at the same building that I have been at and I’m glad that I’ve been given that opportunity.”

Johnson believes that knowing the background and having long-term experience in this particular school will help to make the transition into the new position and his future work smooth.

“We’ve got great students and staff and wonderful families to work with. It’s a great job,” said Johnson.

“Knowing students, staff and families, it’s very helpful instead of coming in the situation where I don’t know any of that.”

Talking about future development, he pointed out that he plans to continue growing on the collaboration that already exists at the Comp.

“We are continuing to try to engage as many learners as we can. What we are trying to do is work together as a staff and we’ll be very collaborative going forward as we have been. I’m just excited for the opportunity that I can continue some of the work that we’ve already started,” said Johnson.

He has also taken an

Nathan Johnson active role in the school and in the community. Until recently Johnson was a boys’ volleyball team coach at the ECS. But this year he took a step back and Kevin Perkins took more of a leadership role, while Johnson was also involved coaching his own kids’ hockey teams, which took quite a bit of time as well.

“As of right now we haven’t made any decisions as to how that will go,” said Johnson. “I think Kevin will maintain the leadership role with the volleyball team next year.”

He also said that the upcoming changes to the ECS, including the potential conversion and renovation that would make it a Grade 7-12 school, are something he is looking forward to.

“I think that would be very exciting if that went forward. We are a ways away from that I think. But if we ever have gone to that point, I think it should be a very exciting time for the community to have the expansion of the ECS and possibilities with the elementary schools.

I would see it more as exciting times than challenging times,” said Johnson.

And while students are off school now, the entire staff team has been really busy lately planning, adapting to the new situation and trying to make sure that they can still meet the needs of all their learners, even though they have some challenging times ahead.

In the interview with the Mercury last Friday, Johnson noted that while the mood in the school was “uneasy” and everybody was unsure about how things will work out, he hoped that in the next couple of weeks the new reality would become clearer and people would feel better about the situation.

Thousands of birds chose Estevan as their tourist destination Thousands of birds were spotted resting west of Estevan. White and Canadian geese joined with different breeds of ducks into a huge flock for a lunchtime pit stop by the Estevan wastewater treatment plant on Sunday. While birds were taking their time to rest before they hit the skies again, the big live cloud could be seen and heard from miles away. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Community was very generous with its support for the United Way Estevan

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

The community was once again very generous towards the United Way Estevan in 2019.

According to financial statements released during the organization’s annual general meeting March 25, the United Way received $394,983 in donations in 2019, up from $387,595 the previous year, eclipsing their goal of $340,000 for 2019.

The bulk of the donations, $377,152, came during the United Way’s telethon in October.

The amount raised was a new off-air record.

Corporate donations accounted for $215,715 of their donations in 2019, up from $215,244 the previous year.

They also received $61,472 in employee donations (down from $67,849), $32,380 in small business donations (up from $31,985) and $9,699 in educational donations (up from $6,502).

But the big increases came through non-profit support, which went from $2,667 in 2018 to $9,623 in

2019, and individual donations, which jumped from $46,481 in 2018 to $52,773 last year.

As for expenses, the United Way distributed $284,100 to its member agencies and $35,000 through its community impact fund. Campaign expenses ($43,400) accounted for the bulk of their remaining costs.

The financial statements were among the highlights of the annual meeting, which was held through a teleconference call as opposed to their traditional format, which would include a supper. Still, 30 people, including board members, member agency representatives and others, called in for the meeting.

A new executive was elected. Melanie Graham will be the president for 2020, with Danny Ewen the first vice-president and Becca Gustafson the second vicepresident. Lynn Trobert is the treasurer and Becca Foord will be the past-president.

Foord and Graham both tabled reports during the meeting. Graham said she

Melanie Graham is the president of the United Way Estevan’s board for 2020. Photo submitted joined the board in 2014, and soon found she was included in a group who treated each other like family, which is very important to her.

“Not only did the board members show great teamwork and respect each other, but also motivation, collaboration, leadership, positivity – all of these which made becoming a part of the team an easy decision,” Graham said.

Many in the Estevan area are facing difficult times in a rapidly changing economy and world, but the United

Way’s goal is to continue to strive to aid member agencies and enhance all lives in the community and surrounding area. “We’re fortunate to live in a city where despite times of uncertainty, the community always pulls together in support of our cause. And I’m confident the same will happen in 2020,” she said.

The United Way’s 44th annual telethon is slated to happen Oct. 16 and 17 at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch.

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Cornerstone offering learning options to students The South East Cornerstone Public School Division is making a concentrated effort to reach out to their student base to help them complete a full academic year in spite of COVID-19 pandemic.

The public school system announced Monday they were making use of what is available to them within the Internet world to keep lessons and educator advice rolling out to the students.

Director of education Lynn Little and deputy director Keith Keating released details surrounding the plans.

Little said the regular school messenger system carried most of the information but “we want to share the overall plan in public just in case someone is being inadvertently missed.”

The stop and pause call that went out in mid-March meant all staff members were sent home and classes were suspended. Senior leadership then met with the provincial response team with a total shutdown framework coming from the provincial Ministry of Education.

“On Friday, we met online … principals, vice-princi-

pals, co-ordinators to establish the process for provisioning supplemental learning plans,” said Little.

By March 30, principals were to have met online with teaching staff to set up procedures to reach out to the students at all grade levels and their families.

The programs have been divided into four levels using a new Microsoft Team format that each class will have access to.

“We want to ensure everyone has access. If the student doesn’t have guaranteed access for whatever reason, print packages are made available and will be delivered by courier to them,” said Little.

One level is tailored for students in Grade 10-12, the next is for students from Grades 7-9 while the third is focused on Grades 4-6 and the fourth one is for preKindergarten to Grade 3.

“These are lessons using the Saskatchewan curriculum the teachers would otherwise be teaching face-to-face,” she said, adding that some lessons at the higher grade levels may include other family (parental) involvement at various subjects like practical and applied

arts while those for the lower grades would increase the desire for family participation.

Little said they wanted to make it clear the marks that were registered for each student as of March 13 were the base marks that would be registered for the records.

But if a student improves their marks during the online delivery period, the improved mark would be submitted.

The academic courses at Grade 10-12 will be taught and assessed by current teachers. In Grade 7-9 the core subjects of English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science will be the initial focus with other classes being offered a bit later. The four core subjects, however, will be delivered and assessed by the teachers.

The other supplemental studies/classes will be prepared and accessible, but won’t be teacher delivered, the two administrators explained.

With the four core subjects to focus on, the administration team said they felt the Grade 7-9 groupings could be engaged for up to three hours per day on average, with the Grade 10-12 grouping spending between 45 minutes to

one hour on each of their four major programs.

Lessons already being delivered by the online Cyber Stone teachers were also resumed on March 30.

“Teachers who teach in the online school will be sharing their resources and planning with all teachers. We appreciate the full team effort of supporting one and other,” said Little.

Cyber Stone offers credit courses for students in Grades 8-12.

The teaching core is still available so that teachers who were in front of the students prior to March 13, will be teaching the same classes in post March 13 sessions.

At the third level of instructions, meaning Grades 4-6, the focus will be on English language arts and

mathematics with supplemental courses being rolled out a bit later that won’t be teacher driven, but will be readily available for student engagement.

The KindergartenGrade 3 groups of students will also be asked to focus on mathematics and English with a request to have family members engaged to assist in the delivery.

United Way had a busy year « A1 Foord said the money that was raised was a great accomplishment, not just for the board but for the community as a whole.

“The United Way Estevan is grateful for the generosity of the community, exceeding our telethon goal for another year. The money donated means the member agencies and the community impact projects we support can continue to provide important services to our community, but it’s needed now more than ever.”

Foord also noted the United Way participated in a strategic planning session that will help the organization navigate the coming years.They set short-term and long-term goals, and updated policies on fundraising restrictions, including the blackout period, which has been reduced from Sept. 1-Oct. 30, instead of the previous Sept. 1-Nov. 30.

“This year we’ll continue to work hard

and focus on priorities of fundraising, volunteer outreach, communication and improving relationships,” said Graham.

Two new student representatives have been added to the board. It’s been a number of years since the United Way had those student reps.

“Our youth and our students are a major part of our telethon each year,” said Foord.

Five board members were re-appointed to another three-year term: Graham, Dawn Densley, Wendy Gustafson, Doug McDavid and Mark Pettitt.

Each of the member agencies and community partners sent in a letter during the annual general meeting, thanking the United Way for the support during the past 12 months, and explaining the services they’re able to offer to the community, thanks in part to the United Way.

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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

People are still buying vehicles in Estevan

By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net

Sales are slow due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no doubt about it, but people have still been buying cars and trucks in Estevan.

Brad Pierson, general manager at Murray GM, said, “We’ve seen a decrease, but we’re still active.”

The province has declared automotive dealers, auto repair and auto body shops to be an essential or allowed business. To that end, Pierson said, “Our service department isn’t doing what it normally would be, but we’re still busy.”

He pointed out that people still need their vehicles to be functional. “They need their vehicle, be it farm or oilfield or needing medical care. It’s important to them.”

He added some people take their servicing more seriously than others, and some are putting off service.

Rod Sands, dealer principal at Estevan Motors, said, “It’s very slow. There’s the odd car moving. I’m sure the numbers are down across town.”

As for being an essential service, Sands said, “There’s still people moving, and cars driving. They need repair. We’re here for them.

“We’re steady in the service department.”

Over at Power Dodge, dealer principal Trevor Knibbs said, “It’s definitely slowing down,” but added, “There’s still interest.

“Today we’ve done two,” he said on Friday.

Sunshine and warm weather have brought people out, he noted.

He added, “People are uncertain, if they’ll be laid off, and how long this will last.”

With regards to the service department, Knibbs said, “Service has been normal. No drop off in service.”

Randy Senchuk, dealer principal at Senchuk Ford, said, “It’s been quiet. We’ve had a decent month.”

More recently he noted, “We’ve had a couple leave the lot.”

As for being an essential service, Senchuk said, “It’s understandable. People need their vehicles. People need to be able to move around.

“I think as long as everybody practices precautions, we can get through this.”

When it comes to service, he said they’ve been wiping down touch points like door handles, steering wheels, shifters and the inside. “We’ve been told by Ford that’s the best practice,” he said.

The service department is down about 40 to 50 per cent, such that they used to have enough to fill out a full day, but now most of the work is getting done earlier in the day.

“We are picking up vehicles and dropping them off. That keeps us busy, too,” Senchuk said.

Late last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would be willing to subsidize up to 75 per cent of wages for people working for small businesses. Asked about that, Senchuk said, “That looks like it could be a godsend.”

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Editorial A4

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Staff

SERVING CANADA’S SUNSHINE CAPITAL

Publisher / Marketing Specialist

Deanna Tarnes - dtarnes@estevanmercury.ca

Editor

David Willberg - dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

Editorial Staff: Ana Bykhovskaia - abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca Brian Zinchuk - brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net

Marketing Specialists

Teresa Hrywkiw - thrywkiw@estevanmercury.ca Kimberlee Pushie - kpushie@estevanmercury.ca

Production:

Ana Villarreal - avillarreal@estevanmercury.ca

Administration:

Vaila Lindenbach - vlindenbach@estevanmercury.ca Fay Bonthoux - fbonthoux@estevanmercury.ca

EDITORIAL

Volume 116 Issue 49 Contact us: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca @Estevan_Mercury facebook.com/EstevanMercury

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Social distance can’t be forgotten It was a jarring number from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health on Saturday: 30 new cases of COVID-19 had been diagnosed. As of Monday, 176 cases in the province, and two people had died from the virus.

But what was startling from the 30 new cases reported Saturday is that 18 contracted the disease at a snowmobile rally in Christopher Lake on March 14.

It was a reminder of the importance of social distancing, and why we’ve had events cancelled in recent weeks.

This is not a rebuke of those who organized or attended the rally. When that rally began, there were two cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Saskatchewan. And we had yet to see the widespread postponement or cancellation of events. Crowds of up to 250 people were still allowed.

Social distancing was something we were talking about, but it wasn’t in our vocabulary like it is now.

We were starting to see events rescheduled for later in the year, or called off entirely. By the time March 14 rolled around, junior hockey playoffs had been called off. Most sporting events in Saskatchewan were done. The Juno

Awards, which were slated for March 15, had been cancelled.

March 16 saw classes suspended for the rest of the school year in Saskatchewan, and municipalities, including the City of Estevan, were closing non-essential facilities.

When you look back on things, it’s hard to believe that on the weekend of March 7 and 8, we were cheering as Telemiracle had one of its best years ever, raising more than $5.5 million for the medical needs of Saskatchewan people.

That seems like months ago, not weeks ago.

The revelation of the positive tests at the snowmobile rally in Christopher Lake should silence any criticism of decisions to postpone or cancel events in the past three weeks, and offer a reminder as to why we need to keep crowds small.

Maybe you don’t like the 10-person limit in one room. Maybe it’s going to interfere with your Easter dinner plans. And you might not be happy to have all these restrictions in place for foreign travel, although we could at least travel to some provinces outside of Saskatchewan without a self-isolation period of 14 days.

All of these rules and restrictions are in

place for a reason. It’s for the sake of people around us.

As of Sunday night, we had yet to have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Estevan. That doesn’t mean the disease isn’t here already. Many people who contract the ailment show little or no symptoms of it.

And we can’t just think of ourselves. We have to be selfless and remember those around us. You have a great immune system? Great.

Others do not. Some are immuno-compromised and have to be shut in for an indefinite period of time; others are going to be more susceptible to COVID-19 than others due to age or other health issues.

Many of us dismissed it initially by saying “It’s a fever” or “It’s a flu.” If that was the case, we wouldn’t need to take the measures we’re taking. And if it was just a fever or flu, we wouldn’t have these businesses shutting down, or altering their hours and services.

We don’t have to be paranoid, but we do have to exercise common sense.

And so while self-isolation and social distancing might seem like clichéd terms even at this point, they still have to be heeded, especially for the sake of those around us.

Not another drop of OPEC oil, ever Member Canadian Community Newspapers Association.

Member Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association.

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Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated

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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 financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

I held my tongue for a week, so I’m just going to say it: Canada as a whole, and Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland in particular, would be in a much better place now, to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, if the federal government had not done everything it could since 2015 to stymie the oil and gas sector, killing around $200 billion in projects and investments.

We just had an emergency session of Parliament with about 10 per cent of the MPs in their seats, to pass emergency spending measures beyond anything we’ve done before. The federal government is saying people will still be able to make their rent and mortgage payments, and that all those who lose their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak will get $2,000 per month.

Yet on March 25, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced nearly a million people had already applied for employment insurance benefits.

Prior to this crisis, the largest economic crisis we have seen, ever, the federal government was running budget deficits to the tune of $28 billion per year. Oil producing provinces were also facing very tough deficits, although Saskatchewan had, to just recently, and oh-so-briefly, clawed itself out of that hole.

Now governments will help everyone, in every sector, as nearly the entire economy is shut down, to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. And don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that. I am quite literally three-times over one of the vulnerable ones.

But this is where the anti-oil, anti-energy policies have come home to roost.

The price of oil has crashed tremendously around the planet. It will stay low not just because the Saudis, UAE and Russians are flooding the market, but because the demand side has totally collapsed. If airliners aren’t flying, commuters aren’t commuting, consumers aren’t consuming, and most of the economic activity grinds to a complete halt because everyone has to stay home, we will see the largest drop in oil consumption, likely ever, over the short term.

This is being reflected in world oil prices.

From the Top of the Pile BRIAN ZINCHUK West Texas Intermediate was trading for $23.29 (all prices in USD). Brent was $29.10. But, what is truly horrible, is Western Canadian Select was $6.45.

Not only is the bulk of Canadian oil production worth less, it is essentially worthless.

It is worth substantially less than Brent or WTI or Brent. If we had the Energy East and Northern Gateway pipelines in place, as they were both supposed to have been operating by December 2018, we would at least be getting something closer to Brent price. That would mean even in these times of horrible oil prices, we would be at least be getting something. But we’re not, because those pipelines were never built.

When you factor in transportation costs, a $6.45 barrel really gets you close to nothing, as in worthless. You’re basically giving it away, and that oil you give away is never coming back. There’s almost no point in producing it, or putting it in a pipe. This is exactly the conclusion Suncor, Canada’s largest oil producer, came to when it decided on March 25 to shut in one of its two process trains on the 194,000 barrels per day Fort Hills oilsands mine.

You can expect to see very large swaths of oil production tied to WCS shutting in in short order. There’s simply no way to keep operating at those prices for many projects. This will undoubtably hit the heavy oil sector in northwest Saskatchewan very hard, and our oil revenues just as hard. Heavy oil is half our production.

So what could the federal government do, right now, to try to right this capsizing ship?

It could ask TransCanada, sorry,TC Energy, to dig up its copious plans for Energy East, and tell them, order them, to start today. Have dirt moving in eight weeks. And if necessary, the feds

should back it financially.

A much more difficult, but possible approach, would be to get the Canadian Prosperity Pipeline people to do it, but they would be starting from a much further place back, basically from scratch. TC Energy had all the plans in place.

I don’t know how one goes about socially distancing oneself on a pipeline crew, thinking back to my several years working on such crews.

A lot of processes already are. But the welding crews might be a bit tougher. And bussing could be problematic. But right-of-way work could start right away.

Doing so would put a lot of people back to work, not just in construction, but steel manufacturing. It might require a federal mandate of lower wages than the typical union rate. But at least it would be work, like the many relief projects of the Dirty Thirties. Better to build infrastructure than do nothing.

The other reason to do this is to say, once and for all, we will not accept another drop of OPEC oil on Canadian shores. Period. They are the ones who chose this time of crisis to attack us with economic warfare – and it truly is an attack.

If oil demand is dropping so far, so fast, surely there is enough light oil produced in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland to fill the refineries of Central and Eastern Canada.

Put it on rail from the Prairies, and tanker from Newfoundland. But for the love of all that is holy and Canadian, please use Canadian oil, today, and forevermore. Do this, right now, until Energy East is built.

If we are going to have millions unemployed, and we are paying for them anyhow, surely we can ramp up construction of this pipeline and get it built and operational in a year, not two or three. Alberta needs this, desperately. So does Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland. Canada, as a whole, needs this.

Start today. Put people to work. And let’s say to hell with OPEC, forever.

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

Op-Ed A5

Delivering the Gold Standard in real estate & property management services

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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

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Trinity Tower residents staying entertained while staying in

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

What was your best prank?

If we had to create a cloud of the most used words now, it would probably look like a dark-greyish or greenish swamp filled with “pandemic,” “closed,” “COVID-19,” “uncertainty,” “cancelled,” “virus,” “crisis” and so on. There probably would be a few bright yellow flowers of “stay healthy,” “stay positive” or “connected,” but the general mood definitely would not be at the brighter end of the colour palette. But while pretty much all possible organized entertainments were “postponed” (another word for that cloud), thanks universe, nobody can cancel April Fools Day. And while I can’t reveal this year’s joke yet, I decided to share one of the best pranks I played before.

I probably was 14 years old then and had a young revolutionary growing inside me. I wanted to have a tattoo, get piercing all over my face, my pants were hanging quite low and each of my pant legs was wider than my skirts nowadays. My mom, who is definitely not a real conservative, nevertheless, was taking a more conservative approach on this part of my generally liberal education. No tattoos, no piercing, no makeup or wide pants at school.

Like all teenagers, I was constantly trying to push the borders, but in reality, that revolutionary has never really established in me. Up to this day I don’t have any tattoos or piercings. So my drive to change the way I looked was more of a test for my parents, rather than my actual need.

That year on April 1, I came home before my parents and started looking for a prank idea. By the time mom rang the bell, I was all set. I opened the door and just as if nothing has happened I greeted her. And while nothing indeed has happened, my nose was decorated with an impressive-looking round clip. And it looked very realistic.

She said hi and slowly started turning white. We stood there for a minute in silence looking at each other (you can imagine how much muscle tension it took me to keep my face plain). She asked where I got the money for it. I said I saved up some pocket cash they gave me. Another minute passed by. She went to the kitchen without even taking her shoes off.

I went to my room, finally releasing my frozen poker face. I could hear her moving stuff around there, then it went quiet again and in a second she blew into my room.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard her yelling so loud before (the clip did actually look ugly). She was screaming something about pedigree bulls and ancient tribes, but through all the emotions it was really hard to follow her thought flow. I let her go for a few minutes and then quietly said, “It’s fake.” She stumbled over and went quiet. I started smiling, but she didn’t. “It’s April Fools, mom,” I said. She still was wordless. “Never do this to me again,” she said and left the room.

Since then for a few years she’d been circling April 1 on the calendar well in advance to make sure that even if we try to shake her up again, she would be ready.

LIVE

These hearts were captured at the Trinity Tower windows on Friday.

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Just like many other places across the province, Trinity Tower in Estevan has had to follow the safety regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus and change their routine, asking people to social distance and take other measures to stay healthy. While these steps made life a bit boring for many residents, they also brought out their creativity.

“It has been a struggle for the seniors in the building to not be able to have their usual gatherings together and socialize so we have been trying to come up with creative ways to keep spirits up and people busy,” said Trinity Tower manager Pam Schrader in an email to the Mercury.

“I was inspired by the window hearts movement, so I printed everybody a blank heart and explanation and slid them under everyone’s door, not sure what to expect.”

The response from the residents has been amazing.

Not only did it give them LIVE

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something to do, but it also allowed them to send some positive messages, that now can be seen on the windows of the building.

“It has been very uplifting for the residents, who make a point of coming down and looking at the new ones that are popping up daily,” said Schrader.

The art pieces contain different messages and are differently decorated, and the thoughts behind them vary from person to person, but they all are filled with positivity.

“This pandemic hits home where we live,” said one of the residents Ethelda Anderson. “It causes many forms of fear, ranging from panic to apprehension. But living at Trinity Tower does dispel this great fear. It makes us realize how fortunate we are to have a place like this.

Hearts are overflowing with love, kindness, compassion, empathy, sharing and caring.

Our window hearts express that message to the world.”

“I think the heart campaign was an inspiration and a way to convey our appre-

ciation to the health workers going the extra mile to stem the spread of the virus. But it has also brought people’s hearts together in a show of brotherhood while we wait out this pandemic,” said another Trinity Tower resident Gloria Lainton.

“The window hearts seem like an appropriate way to say thanks to all the medical people, grocery, and pharmacy folks and our neighbours for all the work they are doing to help us in this difficult time. Thanks to Trinity Tower manager, Pam Schrader, for suggesting this great project,” added Kaye Hemus.

“I choose to decorate my heart in an effort to participate in sending out love and encouragement to those around us,” said Mary Ellen Goud.

While it might be difficult to ignore the current nuisances caused by the quarantine lifestyle, some residents chose to focus on all the great things they usually have and to which they will get back again soon.

“It was a smart move

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when we moved here. I like the social attitude and security of Trinity Tower. We also have life aids, which residents have used. The door checks are a good idea too. There are a lot of things to do, for example, cards, puzzles, coffee times, and entertainment, always with residents volunteering to help. For people missing their yards, they can help in the floor garden. Management will try to fix problems for us if something is not right,” said Marjorie Fowler.

Dozens of hearts decorated by Trinity Tower residents are displayed in the front windows as well as in the personal room windows of the building, and the community members can always drive by to get their positive charge.

And if someone feels like joining the hearts movement, there is a heart for you in last week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles. Colour it, cut it and put it on your window to spread some positive vibes and fill Estevan with love and community spirit.

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Shopper frustrated after incident last week at Walmart; says it wasn’t race-related despite others’ claims

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

The Estevan Walmart was under fire last week after it wouldn’t allow a shopper to purchase a large volume of items for elders on the Pheasant Rump First Nation, but the person who filed the initial complaint refutes claims that Walmart’s move was racially motivated.

In a post on her Facebook page on March 24, Ramona Knebush, who is the health director at Pheasant Rump, said she has been doing good food basket shopping for elders and homecare clients in the community since Feb. 1, before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Saskatchewan.

“All elders are on limited budgets,” Knebush told the Mercury. “So we decided to do this to offset budgets,

so that they had more money for their bills, more money for their medicine, more money for what they needed in their homes. We just buy the essentials.”

Knebush believes her efforts are even more important now that the virus is in this province.

She purchases supplies for 14 homes every two weeks.

“I follow the restriction regulations that are out there now and abide by them. When I am in a store I do not over buy; I purchase the exact quantity I need and leave,” she wrote in the Facebook post, which had been shared 281 times as of the morning of March 31.

Knebush said she purchased 14 onions, oranges, containers of butter, bags of carrots, small bags of sugar and coffee packages, and eight quarts of lactose free

milk and loaves of rye bread.

And after discussions with two customer service employees, a cashier and an assistant manager, who seemed divided on whether she should be allowed to purchase everything, the manager was called in.

She said he kept cutting her off and talking over her, and eventually told her she could not buy that many items.

Knebush’s frustration grew after she claims the manager said he had to look out for his community.

She believes he was saying Estevan, or Estevan and the close vicinity, and she doesn’t believe it was a raciallymotivated comment.

But Knebush believes the Estevan Walmart serves the region, and everyone in the southeast is part of this community. But when she told him that they were

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part of the community, she directed a profanity in his direction, and was asked to leave.

Knebush swore at him again, picked up a prescription she ordered when she first entered the store and left. Then she called the Weyburn Walmart and asked to speak to a manager, explained her needs and was told she could purchase what she needed.

She noted she did not have any items that are on the quantity restriction list.

But she stresses that the actions of the staff were not based on race.

“I was very careful with my post because I didn’t want to turn it into a race thing,” said Knebush.

She believes other media reports and some social media posts have brought race into the debate.

In an email to the Mer-

cury, Walmart said everyone is welcome at their store and they are proud to reflect the diverse communities they serve through its associates.

Due to the high demand on products, Walmart says its Estevan store has instituted product limits in order to allow all customers the opportunity to purchase the supplies they need.

“There are signs posted throughout the store alerting customers about these limits and this very same policy exists in all Walmart stores across the country,” Walmart said.

They are also working hard with suppliers to get products to the shelves as quickly as possible and they hope to be in a place to start to reduce the number of limits they have in stores soon.

“We would encourage everyone to only buy what they need to ensure that

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everyone can access the essentials.”

Knebush said she will now shop in Regina, since she doesn’t want to exhaust the selection in Weyburn, but she wouldn’t go to the Estevan store again.

She didn’t expect to have this kind of reaction, but she wanted people to know what happened.

“I wanted people to know that there are some of us out there who are shopping for other people.”

Knebush believes this could have been resolved in a different way. There wasn’t yelling, and while there was frustration over it, it wasn’t a rant or she was making a big scene.

She has also tried calling the corporate number she was given and was on hold for a long time, but she will continue to call until she speaks to someone.

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April 1, 2020 A7

Staying fit at home can be productive and fun

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

While most activities are under restrictions these days, staying fit may become a challenge for many people.

However, Jennifer Olfert, an Estevan personal trainer, believes that there are hundreds of opportunities to keep fit and healthy even if the gyms are temporarily closed.

“I offer online classes.

I’m just adding women into a private group, where I post different things. Every day I post a workout. It’s geared towards all women and all body types. I have younger women in this group. I have grandmas. I have women who I’ve been coaching for 10 years. So I make sure that I show all different kinds of different ways that you can do different movements.

There are some advanced ones, but I always break it down so anybody and everybody can participate in this,” explained Olfert.

Typically, there is a cost to join the private group for 12 weeks, but during the times of pandemic, to en-

sure people still stay healthy even though they can’t do many things they are used to doing, Olfert decided to change the rules for everybody in the community as well as for her long-time customers from all across North America.

“If you are still working and COVID-19 hasn’t affected you and your family, if you are able to, you can pay a registration fee, whatever works for you. I didn’t really say much of a price. But if you find yourself in a time that you are struggling to meet ends, I still want you to be a part of this group. I believe that everybody has something to offer. So if you’ve ever thought about being a part of one of my groups then I want you in this group here,” said Olfert.

“During these times of so much uncertainty, I’m so concerned about our mental health. And I firmly believe that moving and being active is going to help you largely.”

Olfert trains at Living Skies Crossfit South and also runs a home-based

gym JO Fit. Both locations are not available to the public during these times, but she still uses her home gym for online classes. Olfert has been lending out equipment to ensure people get the best of their exercise routine, but she also shows how participants can workout and get great results even without any extras.

And while her customers come from all different walks of life, she believes that sports help everybody to cope with stress and physical challenges.

“There are so many of us that aren’t working or are working continual hours. I have a doctor that is in the group, I have a pharmacist, I have registered nurses.

And they all are needing this as an avenue so that they can work off some of that energy and feeling of the unknown at these scary times. It’s really for everybody, so I’m really excited and pleased that I can offer it,” said Olfert.

She does live videos every day, which are posted on the Facebook page so participants can access it

United Way forced to cancel Day of Caring T h e U n i t e d Wa y Estevan has been forced to cancel its annual Day of Caring over concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Day of Caring has grown into a popular event in the community. Last year’s event had about 185 volunteers who worked to complete 54 projects of all kinds for those who wouldn’t be able to finish the projects otherwise.

Tasks completed in 2019 included yard work, painting, oven cleaning and even changing a tire on a camper, which was a first. Individuals and businesses alike completed projects.

But the United Way announced at the March 25 annual general meeting that the Day of Caring was off, because of the need to maintain social distancing, and because many of the project beneficiaries are senior citizens.

Event c hair person Wendy Gustafson said

the United Way still has to be mindful of people who need help, including senior citizens, shut-ins and others who can’t get out.

“If it means making a phone call to them, or seeing if you can drop something off at their house for them, (please do that),” said Gustafson.

“I know we’re not to be going into places like that, but you can make a phone

call and make sure they’re OK. Maybe if they need groceries or their medications picked up.”

N e w U n i t e d Wa y board president Melanie Graham said the Day of Caring unites volunteers to complete projects for others. It’s been very rewarding to extend help to non-profit groups and individuals in the community.

at their convenience. She also posts some recipes of healthy meals good for training routines, such as protein balls and others.

Currently, there are about 90 participants in the group, and they all can share some ideas, suggestions and just positive vibes.

“We are all on different walks, so it’s really interesting to learn and hear and know that we are not alone,” said Olfert.

Most sessions are relatively short and include a warm-up, so people could put in some work even if they don’t have much time during the day. Even if people don’t have the equipment and don’t join the group, Olfert believes that a little bit of fitness can improve their lives big time.

And if there is no time for a full work-out, she suggests even doing some particular exercises will make a difference.

“I think squats are important. I think working on your core, different things like doing planks, different things to get your heart rate up. It’s really good to do some strength (exercises) as well, trying to make it diverse, working on strength, mobility, agility,” said Olfert.

And while there are many options people can try at home, the biggest advantage of being a part

Jennifer Olfert widened her online services to anyone willing to stay fit, involved and positive during the quarantine. Photo submitted of the group is the peer and trainer support.

“It’s easy to sit back and say that you are going to do something, but when you are a part of a group it helps to keep you accountable and you can check in with each other. And it’s just that much more fun when you can see that you are a part of the community,” said Olfert.

There are other trainers, like Kim Mayuk from OM Yoga Studio, who join Olfert during her sessions to show that there are many options for people and there are many small businesses in Estevan that “care deeply” for their customers and keep providing services even when they had to close their doors.

“This is just the way that I can give back. This

is the way that I know that I can help out. This is why I chose to do this,” said Olfert.

To join the group people need to find JO Fit on Facebook, send them a message explaining what they are interested in and they’ll go from there. The group is private, so Olfert has to add everyone to it for them to be able to watch the classes.

“I like to keep track of who is all in the group and I like to touch basis with everybody and make sure that I am trying to meet all of their needs,” said Olfert.

Olfert also provides a lot of feedback to participants and views the group as a way to keep each other accountable, checking on and cheering people so they keep moving towards their goals.

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Energy A8

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Trudeau not focusing on Saudi Arabia and OPEC’s price war during COVID-19 pandemic

By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net

Canada is focusing on COVID-19, and not Saudi Arabia’s aggressive oil price war and its impact on Canada, at this time.

That was the response from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his daily morning briefing on March 28 when asked about the possibility of tariffs on Saudi oil and an anti-dumping case, as suggested by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney the day before.

Trudeau said: “Obviously we are ver y concerned with OPEC’s decisions that are putting at risk the livelihoods of people around the world, particularly Canadians who work in the oil and gas sector. We are focused on helping those Canadians, helping those who are hardest hit economically by COVID-19.

“The measures we put in place will support Ca-

nadians right across the country including in our oil and gas sector. But we also know it’s a sector that’s been particularly hard hit and we will look for further help to be able to support people as they get through.

“In terms of international collaboration, coordination, we continue to be part of conversations on this issue around the world.”

Asked if he would look at a more aggressive approach on Saudi Arabia, he replied, “I think this is a moment we need to focus on getting through COVID-19 as best we possibly can. I think there will be a lot of reflections on how various countries behaved in this particular moment. Our focus, right now, is on making sure we can support our citizens and stabilize the global economy the best way we can, which we are doing though our membership in the G7, in the G20, in various international fo-

rums and approaches that we have, while at the same time focusing on supporting Canadians and making them safe.”

A further question on when the energy sector would see support, as hinted at by Finance Minister Bill Morneau earlier in the week, had Trudeau saying, “We’re continuing to work, to try to provide workers in the energy sector with the support that they need. We recognize the collapse of oil prices around the world is hitting hard, people who have been extremely hard hit over the past years already. That is why we need to get this right. We’re working with provinces, we’re working with industry, we’re working with various sectors including unions and others to try to make sure that, on top of the help we’re already giving, $2,000 a month to people already laid off, 75 per cent wage subsidies so people can keep people on the payroll. We’re going

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to continue to make sure that, once we are through this difficult time, people in industries right across the country are going to be able to pick themselves up, get back to work, and have our economy continue to work strongly as it was before.

“It’s going to take a lot of effort, in the meantime, and it’s going to take us doing different things and tr ying different things.

But we are going to keep working until we manage to help everyone,” he said.

Two houses damaged in Lampman fire last week Two houses in Lampman were severely damaged by a fire March 24, as the fire spread from one house to another.

However, there were no injuries, and the two individual occupants, one from each house, were able to get out in time.

“Lampman Fire and Rescue were called to a house fire on Noggle Street,” said Lampman Fire Chief Grant Palmer. “When crews arrived, one house was on fire. The fire spread to an adjacent house.”

The incident happened at 4:45 a.m.

Lampman responded with two fire trucks. Alameda’s fire service came to assist with one truck, providing relief for the Lampman crews. EMS crews and the Estevan RCMP also responded to the scene.

Palmer said smoke detectors alerted both of the residents to get out of their respective homes.

“Both received extensive damage,” Palmer said.

He added it’s a very rare thing for Lampman to see two houses on fire at once. The fire spread side-to-side.

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Sports A9

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Taylor Haux will play softball in Alberta A talented softball player from Estevan has committed to play for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Trojans, starting this fall.

Taylor Haux, who largely plays third base and catcher, will join the Trojans while studying nursing at Mount Royal University in Calgary. The softball program is actually shared by SAIT and Mount Royal.

She noted that it’s also more of a club team, so they won’t be playing in the Alberta Collegiate Athletic Conference (ACAC) like other SAIT teams. Instead, they play against programs like the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, meaning she’ll get to play against some teams closer to home.

The Trojans will also face other programs from across Western Canada.

The strength of the nursing program at Mount Royal and the calibre of the softball team at SAIT contributed to her decision. Also, her brother, Wyatt, is a member of the men’s basketball program at SAIT, where he has won two provincial titles, and Taylor Haux has been able to talk to him about what to expect.

“It does help a lot, having some family there. I know Calgary is super far away from Estevan, and I like to have

some family there with me,” she told the Mercury.

It will also be a big step up in competition.

“In Estevan, I played in provincials and house leagues, and for my provincials I played B leagues,” she said. “There’s another league ahead of that, but then university is even higher. It’s a lot faster ball and a lot more competition there.”

Haux said she loves softball because it’s a fun sport to play and she likes being outdoors.

“I did get offered (a chance to play for) other places for basketball, and I just thought softball is more of a fit for me, and what I enjoy more,” she said.

The Estevan Softball Association is where she found her love for the sport. As she grew up, she started playing in Carnduff, Carlyle or Weyburn because they had more players in those communities.

Haux loves that each play in softball offers the opportunity to have something different, and she never knows what is coming at her.

As for whether she would try to play basketball at the collegiate level, Haux believes it would be difficult to play that sport in addition to softball while maintaining her studies in nursing, because the program is very demanding.

Taylor Haux has committed to play softball at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Photo submitted

Bruin defenceman wins prestigious provincial award Estevan Bruins second-year defenceman Kade McMillen, who hails from Carievale, has been named the winner of the RBC Community Ambassador Award for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

The recognition not only provides McMillen with the distinguished honour, but also earns an additional $1,000 to donate to the South East Cornerstone Public School Division.

“I enjoy going out in the community and meeting so many people, especially since they support our team so well and that really means a lot to me,” said McMillen. “I have to thank the community because they always come out to support us at our games, so if I can do anything to give back to them then I’m more than happy to do so.”

McMillen was cho-

sen as the Estevan Bruins’ representative for the RBC Community Ambassador Award during the 2019-20 season. He made a huge impact on the community in his rookie season, and stepped up his efforts during his second season with the Bruins this past year.

McMillen took on a larger leadership role with the team both on the ice as an alternate captain and off the ice, spearheading the team involvement with volunteer activities that the Bruins participated in.

He participated in almost every single community event, and also took time to chat with young fans after practices and games, signing autographs, introducing the ‘Seventh Man’ to his teammates before each home game, and making great memories for everyone he encountered.

“It’s awesome to go

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out in the community and see the kids that want to be hockey players because I used to be one of those kids, and if we can make an impact on the kids as a positive influence then I think it’s important as members of the Estevan Bruins to do just that,” he said.

Each SJHL team nominated one player for their team award, with each nominee earning a $1,000 donation from RBC to each team’s local school division.

All 12 players nominated displayed outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice and a commitment to volunteerism.

From there, an online Facebook fan vote narrowed the group of 12 down to a final four. McMillen earned the most votes during the fan voting period and made the final four along with Zach McIntyre

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AMANDA MACK

REALTOR®

of the Humboldt Broncos and the Melville Millionaires, Reid Robertson (Flin Flon Bombers) and Jake Gudjonson (La Ronge Ice Wolves).

“I have to thank the best fans in the SJHL for everything all season, and for stepping up in the fan voting of this award. That was pretty cool to see,” praised McMillen.

The final four were then voted on by the coaches of the SJHL teams to determine a winner.

Bruin defenceman Kade McMillen has won the SJHL’s RBC Community Ambassador Award. Photo by Durr Photography 20041BS0 20041BS1

People A10

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Family centre navigates their patrons online

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Since March 16, following the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s recommendations on social distancing, the Estevan Family Resource Centre put their drop-in service on pause and suspended all of their children’s programming. But that didn’t mean that they quit educating and developing their patrons.

All programming has switched to a virtual format.

The centre employees are still working and improving the options they offer, but already now they can steadily provide a substantial amount of information, lessons and other services via various platforms.

“The kids’ classes are being done online. For the next little while, we’ll evaluate it as it comes. There will

be a schedule of what programs are happening at what times,” said the family centre’s executive director Colleen Macmillan.

They also recently started a YouTube channel called Estevan Family Resource Centre, so that any programs they do go up on their channel and parents can access them and participate with their children at their convenience. All links along with other useful information are published on the centre’s Facebook page. Besides, they post some activities and suggestions on their Instagram account and use a Zoom platform for webinars or any open-format discussions.

The centre’s counselling and support services have also been moved to a phone format.

“The line is still operational and people can still call

306-634-7234 for counselling and support services and that will go directly to the counsellor. And that is open access to anyone. That service is free as well,” said Macmillan.

There are no specific hours of operation. If people do call and can’t reach a counsellor at that moment, someone will return their call within 24 hours.

Macmillan hopes that with the variety of platforms they use, most people will be able to access their services.

“We felt that this was the best direction to go moving forward and that would enable people to stay connected because right now it is vitally important to everybody’s mental health to stay connected in some form,” said Macmillan.

Social media provides a broad platform for interaction during the time of quarantine, and Macmillan said that so far people seem to be satisfied with the services they offer online.

“Everybody seems to be happy that they have some options. With families at

home with their children, many families are struggling as to what they are going to do with their kids during the day, how to establish some form of routine in their days and with it just being unpredictable now knowing how long this is going to be,” said Macmillan.

In the first 10 days, many families were doing their best to keep kids entertained and involved, but as the uncertainty continued the need for a more organized schedule became obvious.

The centre’s core programming is developed for kids ages zero to seven years old and offers activities for families to do together. Besides, the centre’s specialists review and share some useful and free of charge websites to provide information and activities for school-age children, helping them to maintain their math, reading and other skills while they are off school. On top of online programs for kids, the family centre also offers virtual space for parents to stay connected during these times.

Macmillan said that

Estevan Family Resource Centre’s executive director Colleen Macmillan does live Story Time on Instagram. Print screen from one of the online classes they use the core material of their programming, but with the online format being new to everybody a lot of things they now have to readjust or create from scratch.

“We want to try to get as much information out to families that’s useful to them. We don’t want to just post some random stuff that nobody is finding useful,” explained Macmillan.

The Estevan Family Resource Centre also still provides emergency supplies such as formula and dia-

pers to people. Anyone who needs it can call the centre and they will arrange for either drop-off or pick-up, following the safety measures for the staff and community members.

And while the times are not easy now for most people, Macmillan noted that not only have they had many people participating in their programs, but a lot of community members also offer their help and try to assist each other with what they can.

Youth centre committee moving ahead

FARMLAND FOR SALE Offers will be accepted for the purchase of the following farmland: SE 14-3-9-W 2nd, Extension 1 (149.56 acres) including an oilfield surface lease with an annual rent of $3,875.00.

The land is currently rented until December 31, 2020.

The current tenant has the right to match any offer on this land.

The highest or any offer may not necessarily be accepted.

Offers should be sent to Billesberger Law Firm, 1017 Third Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 0R4, together with a cheque payable to the law firm for 5% of the tender price.

Tenders are to be submitted by April 30, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5 Notice of Intent to Amend the Zoning Bylaw Pursuant to Section 207 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, the Council of the Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5 hereby gives notice of its intention to amend Zoning Bylaw 5-2014 by passing bylaw 2020-02.

Intent: This text amendment is for accessory buildings or accessory structures in the LDA-C – Lakeshore Development Accessory Contract District shall only be required to obtain a report from a professional engineer if the building or structure is within 15 meters of the crest of a slope greater that 15%.

Reason: The reason for the amendment is to allow for less restrictive conditions for accessory buildings or accessory structures built in the LDA-C – Lakeshore Development Accessory Contract District Public Inspection: Any person may inspect the proposed bylaw at the R.M. of Estevan Municipal Office at #1 – 322 – 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost.

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions, written or verbal, on the proposed bylaw at 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 in the Council Chambers of the R.M. of Estevan No. 5, #1-322 4th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan.

Dated at Estevan, Saskatchewan this 1st day of April, 2020 Michelle Dickie, Administrator

They’re still in the early stages, but a committee is taking steps for ward with their efforts to bring a youth centre to Estevan.

The eight-person group has been meeting since late last year. They don’t have a name or a location for the centre yet, but they have been consulting with various organizations to find out what they want.

Patrick Fisher, who is part of the committee,

provided an update on the centre at the United Way Estevan’s annual general meeting March 25. The committee was formed as a community impact committee of the United Way, in an effort to help out youths in the community, particularly in the teenage years.

Other committee members are United Way Estevan executive director Sheila Guenther; United

Way board member Travis Frank, who is also on city council; board member Dwight (Fitz) Bramble, who is also the city’s economic development co-ordinator; Estevan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Wall; chamber board member Cathy Welta-Eagles; Living Hope Community Church youth pastor Jordan Culham; and Susan Colbow, who is the administrative assistant for

Estevan MLA Lori Carr.

“The committee, as it stands right now, we are a little small, but it is a very diverse group with a very strong passion for this project,” said Fisher.

In the past couple of months, they have been in touch with youth centres in Yorkton, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.

“All of them have been very good at giving us insights, giving us financials and just giving us an idea of how they all started, how they have built up a following and gone from there,” said Fisher.

At the end of January, the committee held a meeting with various organizations and community members, including representatives from schools, newcomer organizations, churches, the Estevan Public Library, the No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadet Squadron, Estevan Family Resource Centre and the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum.

“I think we had just over 20 people arrive that night. We had some good discussion questions about what people expected from a youth centre, what their idea was of what it would look like,” said Fisher.

The committee wants to ensure they are building up relationships, and collaborating with others.

Members have also been looking at creating policies and a sustainable business plan that would ensure the long-term future of the centre.

They also recognize the need to have the right person leading the project. In the case of Swift Current, they have a paid staff member in place who organized a lot of the programming.

While there would be programming at the youth centre, it would be more than just a hang-out area.

Classifieds A11

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Coming EvEnts

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Notices / NomiNatioNs 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.

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Obituaries

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Finding answers. For life.

Obituaries

George Frederick Groshong George Frederick Groshong passed away peacefully on March 16, 2020 at the age of 97 years.

Fred was predeceased by his son, Richard Groshong; parents, Willis and Margaret Groshong; in laws, Fred and Katherine Durst; sisters, Ethel Groshong, Ina (Eldred) Robinson, Ann (Dick) Johns and Margaret (Ira) Bradshaw; and brothers, Jim (Gladys) Groshong, Eugene (Alma) Groshong & Glenn (Francis) Groshong. George Frederick Groshong was born April 9, 1922 at the family farm (quarter section SE - 36 - 1 - 13 W of 2). He was the youngest child of Margaret and Willis Groshong.

He had four older sisters and three older brothers. Fred went to Schneller School from grades one to ten. He used a horse and cart to drive the three and half miles to school in the summer and during the winter, he would use a horse and sleigh. It was Fred’s job to haul the drinking water in a creamcan to school each day for all the children. It was a very responsible job at a young age. He took his grade eleven in Arborfield, Saskatchewan due to the circumstances during the Depression.

In 1977, he was one of the first people to take the General Education Diploma through the Weyburn Community College to attain his Grade 12 Diploma. Fred had many childhood interests such as horse riding, skating, baseball, fishing and curling. His family always had music at home with his mother on pump organ, his Dad on the violin and Fred on the banjo. He was a talented musician who could play the guitar, banjo, accordion, violin, mouth organ and ukulele by ear. On July 25th day of 1945, he married Kathryn Rosetta Durst in Bromhead, Saskatchewan. They were happily married for 74 years. Their first home was located on the farm, eight and half miles southeast of Bromhead. They owned two quarters with a cottage style house and a barn and they had four children Richard, Willis, Lois and Lynn. They looked forward to going to Torquay on Saturday nights. It was a custom of the times and you could usually visit most of your neighbours there. The children enjoyed it too. Everything was open in the evening for business. The church was an integral part of their farm life. Fred helped to set up a full board of stewards and elders of the Oungre United Church. The family was involved in Sunday school, playing the organ and weekly Sunday services. Fred began farming with his father in the 1930’s. He always had a love for the land and was very resourceful and innovative with his farming methods. One of his greatest talents was using various materials in a clever and creative manner to fix farm equipment. He had a lifelong farming career with his family, sons and grandsons.

Fred taught his children and grandchildren to helpout on the farm at an early age. He was a very patient and understanding teacher.

His Grandson, Brad recalls Grandpa teaching him to drive the grain truck when he was eight or nine years old. Another instance, Grandpa taught Brad how to run the combine, so they went for a practise run around the field. Grandpa went for lunch and nervously Brad went on his own combining a whole hopper full. He continued on, and went to dump the second hopper but realized he had left the auger unloading all the way around the field. Whoops! Grandpa came back, stopped, got out of the pickup and crouched down. He came to the combine and said “I think we are throwing grain over the sieves.” Brad confessed everything and Grandpa just chuckled and laughed. In 2005, the Groshong Family Farm received the 100 Year Century Family Farm Award. Fred and the family enjoyed various family trips during the summer months after the crops were seeded. The family would often take their tent or trailer and do many road trips to Disneyland, Black Hills, Yellowstone and several parts of Saskatchewan. One of the highlights was a family train trip from Williston, North Dakota to the Oregon Coast to see his sister Ann during the Easter Break. After the children had grown, Fred and Kathryn enjoyed travelling on their own to various places around the world such as Australia, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Hawaii.

During the winter, they enjoyed the Arizona sunshine in their winter home in Mesa. Playing music as the “Suntones” was one of their favourite activities. Other activities they enjoyed were golfing, shuffleboard, dancing, woodcarving and playing cards. Fred belonged to various community organizations and liked to volunteer and help others with his kind and caring manner. He belonged to the Estevan Co-op board, Torquay, Schneller and Lyndale School Boards. Fred was also a member of the Farmers Union and the Wheat Pool. He was a 4-H Club Leader for many years. He was an Elder and Church Board Member of the Oungre United Church. When they moved to Weyburn, he served as president of the Souris Gardens condo board for many years. He was also on the board of the Wheatland Senior Club. In 2012, he was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Volunteerism. One of his passions was restoring an antique 1931 Model-A Ford Coupe. He found the rusted old frame sitting in a slough and towed it back to the farm to reconstruct it.

After three years and hours of work, he enjoyed driving it to many car shows and taking the grandkids for rides in the rumble seat. He donated the car to the Weyburn Heritage Village where, it is appreciated by many people during the annual Heritage Days. Fred was a pillar in our family with his infectious smile, kindness, courtesy, and work ethic made him a classic role model for his family, children, ten grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. His journeyed through this life in a gentle and caring manner and we will always have several beautiful memories of him that we will cherish forever. Some of Fred’s last words were as if he was leaving on a journey - a very important journey in his life and he was ready to take to the road. He mentioned his son Richard’s name. He had sung along with us “We’ll find perfect peace where joys never cease out there behind a kindly sky” just the day before. Rest in peace dear husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, uncle, cousin and friend. Fred will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 74 years, Kathryn Groshong of Weyburn, SK; son, Willis (Ursula) Groshong of Sherwood Park, AB and their children, Adam, Vanessa (Kelsey) and Jennifer (Ben) & their son, Oliver; daughter, Lois (Cal) Guest of Harrison Hot Springs, BC and their children, Paul, Tara (Chris) & their children, Cohen and Jackson, and Nicole & son, Jude; daughter, Lynn (Ray) Piasta of Vernon, BC and their children, Amanda and Eric; daughter in law, Elaine Groshong of Torquay, SK and her children, Chad and his son, Cole and Brad (Pam) and children, Kara, Owen and Alexa as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visitation was held on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the Funeral Service on Saturday, March 21, 2020, both from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating the funeral service. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, Saskatchewan and the pallbearers were Chad Groshong, Brad Groshong, Willis Groshong, Ray Piasta, Nicole Guest and Kara Groshong. Donations in memory of Fred may be made to the Grace United Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Weyburn, Saskatchewan 306-842-5432

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

SINCE 2008

Obituaries

August Hochstein 1929 - 2020 August passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan, Sask. on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the age of 90.

August will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Hochstein (Struble); grandchildren: Jesse (Myles), Jaimee (Ken) and Jordan (Kelsey); great grandchildren: Andrew, Bryson, Damion, Cayden, Caylee, Daylen, Carter and Weston. He is also survived by his siblings: Marie Crumly, Helen Stark, Evangeline (Rene) Hoste, Tony Hochstein, Rose (Eldon) Rondeau, Don (Carol) Hochstein, Larry Hochstein and Linda Hochstein; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lorraine Supple, Edith Erhardt, Yvonne & Ed Garton, Donald & May Struble, Marlene Struble, Richard & Michelle Struble, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

August was predeceased by his son Glen Hochstein; parents: Katherine & Joseph Hochstein; brother Ralph (Lorraine) Hochstein; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Rose & Ralph Struble; brothersin-law: Bernard Crumly, George Stark, Tom Supple, Mike Erhardt and Dennis Struble; sister-in-law Pauline Struble.

After much consideration, August’s family has decided to hold a private family visitation and committal ceremony, due to current health concerns.

Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens.

If friends so desire, donations in August’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.Dustin Hall with Hall Funeral Services, Estevan is assisting the Hochstein family.

Career OppOrtunities

Integrity Post Frame Buildings

Obituaries

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

Career OppOrtunities

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

(July - October) 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.

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION St. Joseph’s Hospital relies on donations to fund equipment purchases. Your Memorial Gift honours your loved one and makes it possible for our hospital to continue providing quality care for Estevan and area residents.

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

Please send your donation to: St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation 1176 Nicholson Rd, Estevan, SK S4A 0H3 Phone: (306) 637-2474

Anne MacGillvary Moyse On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Anne MacGillvary Moyse was enveloped by the loving arms of her Savior. After suffering from a massive stroke on March 7, Anne was treated at Royal Columbian Hospital and transferred to Christine Morrison Hospice in Mission, British Columbia where she passed away peacefully. She was 75 years old.

Born on October 23, 1944 in Wadena, Saskatchewan, to Jack and Christina Coates, Anne spent her early childhood on a farm near her birthplace before moving to Kelvington. She later attended nursing college at Brandon General Hospital in Brandon, Manitoba. On June 30, 1973, she married Robert Frederick Moyse. In 1976, they moved to Estevan, where together they spent the next 30 years. In 2006, they moved to Chilliwack, BC. A faithful wife and a loving mother, Anne was a cherished companion to her husband and an incredible inspiration to and indelible influence on her two children, Leslee and Ashley.

Dedicated to her career, Anne served as a registered nurse for 46 years. Whether at home or work, she modeled the joy of selfless service and the satisfaction of hard work. Anne had a wonderful sense of humor, a gracious gift of hospitality, an insatiable love for music, and a passionate delight for cooking and baking, all of which she shared generously with others.

Anne is predeceased by her parents, Jack and Christina Coates, and her brothers, Teddy and Raymond (Laura) Coates.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, Chilliwack, BC; her daughter Leslee (Geoff) Rupp, McKinney, Texas; her son, Ashley (Aime Nadeau) and grandson, Theo, Oxford, England; her sister, Isabelle Stovra (Walter), her brother, Eldon Coates; her sister, Carole (Larry) Miller; her brother, Wayne Coates (Louise); sisters-in-law, Merle Coates, Annie Kambeitz, Margaret Pollock; brother-in-law, Richard (Lorette) Moyse; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Although we will miss her greatly, we take joy in knowing she is with her Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, for she knew when He was on the cross, she was on His mind. We thank Him for her life and cling to and are comforted by the promise that we will see her again.

A12 April 1, 2020

Rick Sadick is the city’s new coal transition community co-ordinator The City of Estevan has hired Rick Sadick as the new coal transition community co-ordinator.

“The co-ordinators primary role will be to prepare and produce a comprehensive strategic plan for Estevan and the surrounding communities who are transitioning from the pending decommissioning of coal-fired electricity production and coal mining,” says a press release. “And also, to help mitigate, define the needs of the many groups and develop strategies to minimize the impact for workers, families and the communities we live and work in.”

Sadick brings with him a substantial background in communications. He has worked in the newspaper publishing industry for over 45 years and, most recently, was group publisher of multiple newspapers in Southeast Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including the publisher of the Estevan Mercury from 20162019. His duties included publishing, marketing, sales and promotion at a senior management level and living and working in Estevan has allowed him to know the business climate here while working with many local

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Rick Sadick is the coal transition community co-ordinator for Estevan. business leaders in multiple industries.

“Knowledge is essential right now. I will be meeting business owners and operators in and out of the industry to get first-hand knowledge on what we are dealing with and how we can work together to get where they want to be,” said Sadick.

“The transitioning part of the role will be my main thrust keeping in mind the city does support the retention of the

industry, either by finding alternative uses for the coal reserves, diversity, lobbying for local development and carbon capture storage development.”

Sadick will continue with work done by the previous coal transition co-ordinator and will work closely with Dwight Bramble, the city’s economic development co-ordinator. They will focus on economic development and investment for Estevan.

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City provides an update on response to pandemic The City of Estevan has not had to lay off any permanent staff members due to the closure of nonessential facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estevan city council voted March 16 to close non-essential facilities, including the Estevan Leisure Centre, which houses Affinity Place, the Power Dodge Ice Centre, the RM of Estevan Aquatic Centre, the Estevan Public Library, the Estevan Arts Council office and craft room, the Nicholson Centre and the 60-and-over Club meeting area, among other amenities.

City Hall is also closed to the public, although services over the phone are still available and payments can be made through a drop box, via your bank or online.

In an email, the city said all permanent staff members are on duty and conducting tasks that they have pushed forward in their timelines or need to be done.

The annual pool shutdown at the RM of Estevan Aquatic Centre has started.

It usually happens for a few weeks in September, but it was fast-tracked to the spring, and the hope is to be finished soon, to minimize the disruption when the leisure centre does reopen.

Rebecca Westling, the destination marketing and communications consultant for the City of Estevan, said painting will take some time and they will be using their staff for this project. They are also completing interior painting of specific areas around the pool, change rooms, etc. Additionally, the city is replacing the main fire pump for the leisure centre and the ammonia chiller for the Power Dodge Ice Centre (PDIC). These are two very important safety upgrades required due to the age of the assets.

The process of removing the ice in the PDIC and Affinity Place occurred last week. The ice plants were shut down the afternoon of March 23. It takes approximately 40 hours for the concrete surface to warm

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The annual pool shutdown is happening early.

File photo enough to release the ice to a point where skid steer buckets can be used to pop the ice from the concrete. Using two skid steers, a tandem truck and a front end loader, the ice was totally removed from PDIC on March 25 and from Affinity Place the following day.

Other city staff members are performing annual maintenance such as painting, cleaning rental equipment and general repairs, all with a lot of scrubbing and sanitizing as they go.

“S ome depar tment staff are diversifying their services into online methods. Fitness classes are offered online to help with mental and physical health for those in our community.”

These classes have had an excellent response from users and the city will continue to provide these types of services while looking at different ways to help fill needs.

Citizens wishing to join should follow the links on the Estevan Leisure Services Facebook page or on the city’s website or call the information desk to get directions.

Other office staff are streamlining data on computer software for better customer service opportunities when the facilities and programs reopen.

“As the weather permits, some staff members will move outdoors to parks and open spaces to perform regular maintenance and operations of those spaces,” Westling said.

As for those who have facility passes that can’t be

used during the closure, a credit for any lost time will be extended to pass holders for the length of the closure.

The city is also asking the public to maintain social distancing at parks and other outdoor sites in the community.

In a press release issued Thursday morning, the city said not all park users are respecting the need for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With parks being a community gathering place, social distancing is critical as all citizens, regardless of their age, are at risk of transmitting COVID-19.

“We understand the impact physical activity has on kids and families, but we need to be very clear to users to respect the social distancing guidelines at all times set out by Health Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan,” said Mayor Roy Ludwig.

Physical activity is important for the mind and body during these unchartered times, and the city would like to encourage residents to use pathways throughout Estevan to meet that need.

The city is also reminding the public that sewer systems are built to handle human waste and toilet paper that are specifically designed to deteriorate quickly. Anything else put down toilets or sinks, including wipes, causes problems that lead to damage.

People are asked to follow the three “Ps” rule.

Flush pee, poo and toilet paper.

CLIFFF NANKIVELL

TRUCKING LTD.

TRUCKING LTD.

CLIFF NANKIVELL TRUCKING LTD.

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

SCOPE AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: • 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: • 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

April 1, 2020 A13

Two impaired drivers arrested last week The Estevan Police Service (EPS) has apprehended two impaired drivers within a few days the last week.

The first incident occurred at night on March 23.

A 27-year-old woman from Prince Albert was arrested after a report through the Report Impaired Drivers line of a possible impaired driver in north Estevan.The woman was lodged in cells until sober and is facing charges of impaired operation of a conveyance and impaired operation over .08.

She will appear in provincial court in June to answer to the charges.

Her vehicle was impounded for 60 days as a result of her blood alcohol levels, which were more than double the legal limit.

Another report of an im-

paired driver was called into the police on March 24. The suspect vehicle was located at a north Estevan hotel. A 26-year-old Roche Percee man was arrested and charged for operating a conveyance with blood alcohol over .08 and operating a conveyance while impaired by alcohol.

He will appear in court in June to answer to the charges.

His vehicle was also impounded for 60 days due to his blood alcohol level being four times the legal limit.

In other recent police news, police received two reports of attempted fraud on March 24. Fortunately, the victims did not provide any information to the caller. These matters are being looked into further.

On March 26, Estevan police received a report of

COMMUNITY

youth screaming at traffic and pedestrians on the street.

Members attended and spoke to the two young men. They were warned of their actions.

On the same day, police also were warned about an attempted scam.The complainant advised that a message was received that appeared to come from the government saying there was a refund available. There was no information exchanged but the police remind the public that the government will not contact people in this manner. Do not respond or acknowledge the email.

Police also received a complaint in relation to the noise bylaw. Members attended and warned the property owner.

Officers were asked to do a welfare check on an

individual, as there was a report of someone yelling at the individual. Members attended and learned there was a dispute over self-care.

The matter was resolved and mediated by the police.

Later police attended to a disturbance between two parties but they had separated prior to police arriving. Both parties were located at their individual residences and spoken to by police.

On March 28, police received a report of a group of people in the Pleasantdale area causing a disturbance.

Members attended and spoke to the group. No further action was necessary.

EPS also reached out to the public asking for assistance in two cases that occurred late last week.

On March 27, EPS

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the 500-block of Bannatyne Avenue. Some time at night on March 28, the suspect(s) climbed up on the balcony of the second-floor apartment and entered through the patio door.

Police do have a couple of suspects who they believe were involved in the incident but are hoping to get more information from a witness that may have seen or heard any suspicious activity or possibly saw any associated vehicles leaving the area.

With the information collected so far, police do not feel that this is a random break in to this apartment but are still investigating.

If anyone has any information relating to the above two cases, they are asked to call the EPS at 306-6344767.

received a report of a vehicle that was stolen from a residence on the northwest side of the city. The suspect took the vehicle without the owner’s consent. The stolen vehicle, a grey 2006 Toyota Avalon, has a Saskatchewan licence plate of 582 JLU and was located on March 29 in Regina. But the suspect is still being sought.The suspect could be travelling in a black 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring four-door car with Saskatchewan plate 030 LNC. That person is known to police and is now wanted for the theft of a motor vehicle and also breaching conditions of a release order as he did not have permission to be out of his residence.

Estevan Police are also investigating a break and enter to an apartment in

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EstEvan

EstEvan

Pizza &

Coronavirus Hotline

ChinEsECuisinE

1-833-784-4397

EstEvan Pizza &

Pizza &

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24/7 emergency watch and response number (and Global Affairs)

EstEvan Pizza & ChinEsE CuisinE

1-613-996-8885

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Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

EstEvan ESTEVAN PIZZA & Pizza & ChinEsE CHINESE CUISINE CuisinE

1-877-232-2269

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& ChinEsE CuisinE

Employment Insurance

1·833-381-2725

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International Trade

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1-888-220-0047 Saskatchewan Public Health Authorize

811

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BUSINESS SERVICES LEGAL Barristers & Solicitors

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

AUDIOLOGIST

POLITICIAN

“Your ears deserve an audiologist” #5 - 418 Kensington Ave. (Across from Walmart)

306-636-EARS (3277)

Lori Carr, MLA JACQUIE MVULA M.S., R. Aud. Audiologist/Owner

www.suncountryhearing.com

Estevan Constituency Office

306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

A14 April 1, 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 Citizens of our Community we appreciate and respect the fact everyone is doing their part. Please continue to practice social distancing and following provincial guidelines.

STEP 1: PREPARE TO REGISTER To register you will need: user name, password, activity number/activity name, visa/mastercard number and expiry date, cash, debit or cheque (in person registration only)

REGISTRATION FOR RED CROSS SWIMMING LESSONS

TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST |

SOURIS VALLEY REGISTER FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS BY MUSEUM SOURIS VALLEY REGISTER FORPERSONS THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS BY CONTACTING THE LISTED BELOW.

Summer Camps MUSEUM CONTACTING THE PERSONS LISTED BELOW. Summer Camps 3 - 15 years old - $30 -$ 50 3 - 15 years old - $30 -$ 50 Themes such as; Wild WildThemes West,such as; Wild Wild West, ESTEVAN ADULT SOCCER (15+) Myths & Legends, FashionMyths Camp & Legends, Fashion Camp runs from Season Mayruns19from to August Season May 19 to20.

August 20.

29-30.

7-10, 13June 29-30. July 2-3, 7-9,June 7-10, 13-July 2-3, 7-9, Women | Monday/Wednesday or 8:15 | $120 Women | Monday/Wednesday | 6:30 |or6:30 8:15 | $120 17, 20-24, 27-31. Aug 4-7, 13-14, Men | Tuesday/Thursday | 7:00 | $120 17, 20-24, 27-31. Aug 4-7,17-21, 13-14, Men | Tuesday/Thursday | 7:00 | $120 24-28.

17-21, 24-28.

Register online at www.

For more information email Tanya Gervais at tbachorcik@hotmail.com Register online at www. sourisvalleymuseum.com.

For more information email Tanya Gervais at tbachorcik@hotmail.com For more information call sourisvalleymuseum.com.

JUNIOR GOLF LESSONS Souris Valley Museum at For more information call(306) 634-5543 Group 1 | Grades 4 -6 | May 4, 6, 11 | 5:45-6:45pm | $60 fee Group 2 | Grades 4 -6 | May 5, 7, 12 | 5:45-6:45pm | $60 fee Souris Valley Museum at Pre K4- -6 Grade 3 | June 13 11 & 14| 5:45-6:45pm | 9- 9:50am, 10-10:50am, 11-11:50am, Group 1 | Grades | May 4, 6, | $60 fee (306) 634-5543 12-12:50pm or 1-1:50pm | $40 fee ESTEVAN Group 2 | Grades -6 | May 7, 12 | $60 NEW4| Grades 7-125, | June 6 &|75:45-6:45pm | 1:30-3:30pm | $90 fee fee GYMNASTICS Pre K - Grade 3 | June 13 & 14 | 9- 9:50am, 10-10:50am, 11-11:50am, For1-1:50pm more information email CLUB 12-12:50pm or | $40 feeAmanda Minchin at headpro@estevangolf.com Spring Session runs May 5 to June 9, NEW | Grades 7-12 | June 6 & 7 | 1:30-3:30pm | $90 fee Tuesday & Wednesday evenings.

ESTEVAN ADULT SOCCER (15+)

JUNIOR GOLF LESSONS

ESTEVAN GYMNASTICS CLUB

Ages 2 & up | $85 -$ 105 For more information email Lisa information email Amanda Minchin at For more Murphy at estevangymnastics@ Registration & equipment pick up on later date in May-June. Season starts Mid August headpro@estevangolf.com Spring Session runs May 5sasktel.net to June 9, U10 Tackle Football | ages 8-9 as of 12/31/2020 | $175.00 Tuesday & Wednesday evenings.

U12 Tackle Football | ages 10-11 as of 12/31/2020 | $300.00 U14 Tackle Football | ages 12-13 as of 12/31/2020 | $300.00 Ages 2 & up | $85 -$ 105

ESTEVAN MINOR FOOTBALL

ESTEVAN MINOR FOOTBALL

ESTEVAN GIRLS Season runs mid-August to mid-October. Practices 2 times/week from 6:00-8:00 pm.

For more information email Lisa Murphy at estevangymnastics@ SOFTBALLRegistration & equipment pick up on later date in May-June. Season starts Mid August Ages 12-17 Female Football | $300.00 Season runs from May 1 to June 20. sasktel.net U10 Tackle Football | ages 8-9 as of 12/31/2020 | $175.00 Practices, Monday to Thursday.

For more information email Kevin Mortenson at emfmort@gmail.com U12 Tackle Football | ages 10-11 as of 12/31/2020 | $300.00 Ages 5-19 | 6:00 - 8:30 For more information U14 email Randy Tackle Football | ages 12-13 as of 12/31/2020 | $300.00

ESTEVAN GIRLS SOFTBALL

Gooding at rgooding@hotmail.ca

ESTEVAN MINOR BASEBALL

Season runs mid-August to mid-October.

Practices 2 times/week from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Season runs from May to June. Practices are at 6:00 pm.

JR (2016,Football 2015, 2014) | Tuesday/Thursday | $120 Ages 12-17 Female | $300.00

SR (2013, 2012, 2011) | Monday/Wednesday | $120 Season runs from May 1 toCHALLENGER June 20.

11U (2011, 2010, 2009) | Monday/Wednesday | $150 Practices, Monday to Thursday. email Kevin Mortenson at| $160 emfmort@gmail.com BASEBALLFor more information 13U (2008, 2007) | Tuesday/Thursday Ages 5-19 | 6:00 - 8:30 ESTEVAN 15U (2006, 2005) Tuesday/Thursday | $170 18U (2004, 2003, 2002) | Monday/Wednesday | $180 For more information email RandyBaseball is a program Challenger that provides an opportunity Gooding at rgooding@hotmail.ca For more information contact Jen Lozinsky at jen_lozy@hotmail.com

ESTEVAN MINOR BASEBALL

for children, youth and adults living with cognitive and physical Season runs from May to June. Practices are at 6:00 pm. disabilities to enjoy the full benefits JR (2016, of participation in baseball at a level2015, 2014) | Tuesday/Thursday | $120 Season runs from May 1 to July 25. Practices, Monday structured to their abilities.

Season 2012, SR (2013, 2011) | Monday/Wednesday | $120to Thursday (times subject to change) 7 & 8 year olds | 4:00 - 4:30 pm | $330 includes practices & 1 meet runs from May 3 to June 28. Ages 11U (2011, 2010, 2009) | Monday/Wednesday | $150 9 & 10 year olds | 4:00 - 5:00 pm | $400 includes practices & 3 meets 4+. | Tuesday/Thursday 11 & 12 year olds | 4:30 - 5:30 pm| $160 | $400 includes practices & 3 meets For more information 13U (2008, 2007) 13+ | Tuesday/Thursday 5:00 - 6:00 pm | $400 covers practices & 3 meets contact Christine Jones15U at (2006, 2005) | $170 challengerbaseballestevan@ 18U (2004, 2003, 2002) | Monday/Wednesday | $180 Challenger Baseball is a program For more information please email Deanna Tarnes at estevangoldeneelsclub@gmail.com gmail.com.

CHALLENGER BASEBALL ESTEVAN

that provides an opportunity for children, youth and adults living with cognitive and physical disabilities to enjoy the full benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities. Season runs from May 3 to June 28. Ages 4+.

For more information contact Christine Jones at challengerbaseballestevan@ gmail.com.

The Council of the City of Estevan pursuant to the Cities Act that the Council of the City of Estevan, gives notice of its intention to implement a bylaw to Regulate Dangerous Goods within the City of Estevan.

On March 16, 2020 meeting the first reading of this bylaw was passed and the final readings is expected to be on April 20, 2020.

The proposed Bylaw 2020-2022 may be inspected by any person in the City Clerk’s Office, on the main level of City Hall, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Dated this 18th day of March, 2020.

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

Registration for Red Cross Swimming Lessons begins Tuesday, March 31st at 5:30 pm. Registration will take place online or via phone.

STEP 2: CHOOSE A REGISTRATION OPTION Online: Log on to https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/estevan/Home Phone: Call 306-634-1888

PUBLIC NOTICE

ESTEVAN GOLDEN EELS SWIMMING CLUB

For more information contact Jen Lozinsky at jen_lozy@hotmail.com

ESTEVAN GOLDEN EELS SWIMMING CLUB

Season runs from May 1 to July 25. Practices, Monday to Thursday (times subject to change) 7 & 8 year olds | 4:00 - 4:30 pm | $330 includes practices & 1 meet 9 & 10 year olds | 4:00 - 5:00 pm | $400 includes practices & 3 meets 11 & 12 year olds | 4:30 - 5:30 pm | $400 includes practices & 3 meets 13+ | 5:00 - 6:00 pm | $400 covers practices & 3 meets

For more information please email Deanna Tarnes at estevangoldeneelsclub@gmail.com

COVID-19 PANDEMIC To offer assistance and best service to citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your utility and property tax payments through the following: UTILITY SERVICES: The City will continue to bill for utility services as normal. However, to best serve the City’s customers in these extraordinary times, the City has made the following changes to current utility collections activities: Utility disconnections due to arrears will be suspended until September 1, 2020; Late payment charges will be suspended on all utility accounts until September 1, 2020; and We will continue to generate utility bills, reminders and other related notices for customers who are in arrears to keep them informed of their current situation.

These measures are aimed at providing financial relief for customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bills on time. By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will have the option to delay bill payments without putting themselves in additional financial hardship. However, civic staff will continue to work with the City’s utility customers regarding payment arrangements so as not to leave them in a difficult financial situation in the future.

Delaying disconnections will help ensure that all homes have access to water, allowing for proper hand-washing and personal hygiene.

PROPERTY TAX: Your 2020 Property Tax notice will be delivered by the end of June, 2020.

To offer assistance and best service to citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your 2020 Property Tax payment.

On your notice, your 2020 Property Tax due date will still show as July 31, 2020.

HOWEVER: The City is extending a two-month grace period to provide you with additional time to pay your 2020 Property Tax. You will not incur any late payment penalties on your 2020 Property Tax if you pay the full amount due by September 30, 2020.

We would like to answer your property tax-related questions. We understand and will work with you.

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT CITY OF ESTEVAN

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT Pursuant to subsection 187 (1) of The Cities Act, notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the City of Estevan for the year of 2020, has been prepared and is open to inspection March 25, 2020 to April 23, 2020.

The Assessment Roll can be viewed on our website www.estevan.ca, as well assessment information can also be obtained by calling 306-6341811. Please note due to the current situation regarding COVID-19 the assessment roll will not be available for viewing at City Hall at this time.

Associate Returning Officer Required – please see full details on www.estevan.ca under Elections.

Any person having an interest in any property who wishes to appeal the assessment of that property to the Board of Revision is required to file a notice of appeal in writing to: The Secretary of the Board of Revision, 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W7 on or before the 23rd day of April, 2020.

Dated this 25th day of March 2020 Trina Sieben Tax Assessor

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT Beginning Monday April 6,2020,and continuing to Friday, June 26,2020, the Water and wastewater Division will be carrying out Sanitary Sewer Main Flushing and Storm sewer Flushing, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. During the periods of jetting, residents and businesses are advised to securely cap basement floor drains. You may smell an odor in your home, this can be resolved by simply opening windows for a short period of time and running water to ensure all traps are full of water. Storm sewer will have no effect on homes and business’.

2020 Program Area will encompass all streets North of 6th Street, and west of Souris Ave within City limits including: Morsky Drive Larter Road MacCready Bau Tedford Way Matte Court Jesse Bay Wellock Road Irvine Crescent Dieppe Crescent

Victory Road Gibbs Road Mayfair Drive Mayfair Bay Cardinal Avenue Barabash Bay Taisey Crescent Newcombe Drive Nicholson Road

Wahlmeier Drive Boyer Avenue Mack Place Mather Crescent Dyer Road Pettigrew Road McCormick Crescent Grundeen Crescent Thorn Crescent

Sinclair Bay Hill Avenue Veterans Avenue Veterans Crescent Veterans Bay Kohaly Avenue Lynd Crescent Hudson Road Hillcrest Drive

Hillcrest Bay Woodend Place Cundall Drive King Street Chinook Bay