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This beautiful Kelsey flowering crab tree was captured in full bloom Saturday in Estevan. Now that we’re well into spring, and the tempereatures are warming up, trees, flowers and other plants are looking their finest and created by a treat for the eyes. Photo by Elaine Walton
United Way Estevan is dedicated to supporting community in all possible ways By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
SENIOR LIVING PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS A13
For many years, United Way Estevan volunteers and the board have been working to support local charities serving the community, and the pandemic and related challenges only enhanced their goals. Just recently the United Way Estevan announced that they will be distributing funding for local organizations working to ensure the community’s wellbeing. The application process for the emergency community support fund (ECSF) is now open for charities and other qualified recipients adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The types of organizations that will be eligible for this funding include the ones working with food security, mental health and wellness, financial literacy, transportation means, support for victims of violence and abuse and anything that is related to or increased because of COVID-19.
They will help distribute the investment of $100,363.00 into the local community. “It’s for community services that address social inclusion or wellbeing needs caused or worsened by COVID-19. It is to serve vulnerable groups, and (organizations that provide these services) can apply on our website at unitedwayestevan.com. We have an application at our home page,” said United Way Estevan executive director Sheila Guenther. United Way Estevan president Melanie Graham said that they are very excited to be a part of the process. The ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. The first deadline is June 15, after which they will allocate up to 60 per cent of the funding. The last deadline is July 15, and after that date they will allocate the remaining money. The United Way Estevan has al-
ready received numerous applications, but the decisions will be made after the deadline. Guenther said the demand for funding and support for vulnerable community groups is up. People that fall under vulnerable populations are marginalized communities, including minorities and newcomers, children, youth and elderly, along with essential workers and those who require specific care, like people with mental illnesses, addictions and disabilities. The application process is quite straightforward, but if applicants have any questions, they can call Guenther at 306-634-7375. This funding is exclusively aimed at Estevan organizations. The rural communities in the area may apply for support through the United Way Regina. Earlier the United Way Estevan also received a $50,000 grant for food security. Guenther said it’s been working “really great.” They partnered with the Estevan Community Hamper Association to provide groceries to 100 families.
United Way Estevan president Melanie Graham. File photo “We distributed groceries twice now and we are doing it every other week. The families are very grateful, because they are needing the support.” Guenther said they are getting more requests from people that need A2 » UNITED
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Residents will have to wait a year to Rumble again Estevan is going to have to wait a year for the second edition of the biggest party of the summer. The organizers of the Rafferty Rumble announced last week that they had cancelled the event, which was slated to happen from July 24-26. Rumble committee chairperson Josh LeBlanc said COVID-19 and the restrictions on crowd sizes were a factor. But financial considerations were also taken into account when making a decision. “Sponsorship was a little bit lower, understandably, because of the fact that businesses are going through a hard time right now. The optics of sponsoring events, yet laying off employees and things like that, didn’t play well into the favour of the Rumble,” said LeBlanc. The Rumble’s committee said they understand the community was going through tough times even before COVID-19, and to go around and ask for sponsorships and donations was not in the best interest of
the event or the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, who would have been among the beneficiaries of the community celebration. This year’s Rumble was to once again feature a downtown street fair on Fourth Street, with a variety of vendors and other activities. However, there would have been fewer musical acts than last year, and there was going to be a lower cost of admission for the street fair. The street dance for adults was going to happen at night. Last year’s Rumble also featured different organizations, most of them sports related, having events during the weekend. Many of those organizations were going to be back this year. LeBlanc said plans were coming together well for this year, with bands already booked. Uncertainty from COVID-19 kept them from obtaining permits for liquor and closing down Fourth Street, and other work still needed to happen in the next few weeks.
“If we found out July 1 that we were able to have large gatherings, which I think is highly unlikely, to throw an event of that calibre and that size together in a month would have been fairly difficult,” said LeBlanc. As far as activities for the kids and the street dance, they were ahead of last year. Market vendors were apprehensive to commit because of the uncertainty regarding provincial regulations. “The issue lied with the fact that it was the Rafferty Rumble and it is a large-scale event. Could you have a market separately? Yes. Could you have the Rafferty Rumble with a market being part of it? No, because it’s a significantly largely amount of people in one area.” They’re also limited in space, social distancing would be tough. Other festivals, including the Gateway Music Festival in the Bengough area that was scheduled for the same weekend, have also been cancelled.
The Rafferty Rumble has been cancelled for this year, but the popular community event will return in 2021. File photo Tickets that were purchased already for this year will be honoured next year. And LeBlanc said they will be back next year. Also, those who stepped up for this year will be given first right of refusal for next year. Last year’s Rumble was a smash hit for the community, attracting thousands of people to the different activities in and around Estevan, and raising more than $56,000 for the
different participating organizations. The majority of the money, about $49,000, went to the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM), making it likely the biggest fundraiser in the 42-year history of the EAGM. The board of the EAGM has had discussions about other types of fundraisers and what they might do, but at this point in time, LeBlanc said nothing has been finalized.
United Way Estevan set goal for annual Telethon snacks and other little things so people could feel the love coming from the community. “They were delivered to seniors in Midtown Manor, Inglis Court, Valley View Heritage Place and Trinity Tower,” said Graham. The United Way Estevan also set their Telethon goal for 2020 last week. “ We set our goal at $320,000, which is lower than last year, but we are very optimistic that we will attain our goal to aid our social service groups,” said Graham. The allocation committee went through expenses and came up with an esti-
« A1 help these days, and it is always very difficult to choose, but they are hoping they are helping the ones that need it most. The United Way Estevan has also received some additional funding from the Government of Canada to help seniors dealing with isolation during the pandemic. Graham said that some of the money was used to provide extra cleaning services, tablets to connect seniors with their loved ones and support for counselling. They also prepared and handed out 170 blessing bags filled with activity books, notebooks, pens,
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mated recommended number, which the board accepted during the latest video conference. The plan has been to host the traditional 44th Telethon on October 16-17, however, due to the pandemic the board is currently discussing different options for the event depending on how things go closer to the date. But Graham said that one way or the other the Telethon will happen. “Be assured that our group will conduct the Telethon of some sort by yearend,” Graham said. “I’ve seen it firsthand past years, how our community pulls together in support for our cause. Hopefully this year is no exception. We are definitely remaining optimistic because our member agencies are in need from year to year. And our goal is to continue helping them,” said Graham. Money raised during 33 hours of Telethon go to 15 United Way Estevan member agencies and other community impact projects. None of the COVID-19 related funds will count towards the Telethon fundraising efforts. According to the last
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Boxes have been filled with groceries to help people during the pandemic. Photo submitted update, the letter-writing campaign aimed at cheeringup seniors during the times of self-isolation has been going well. Lead by the United Way Estevan Days of Caring initiative the community members have been sending cards and letters to senior homes. “We encourage people around Estevan to send some letters. The addresses are all on
our website, on our homepage … The seniors are really enjoying the letters that they’ve received so far,” said Guenther. The United Way Estevan encourages people to continue with the letter-writing campaign as the seniors are still mainly staying isolated. Graham added that they and the volunteers from the community still miss having the
in-person Day of Caring that usually takes place mid-May, but with the current situation in mind Days of Caring are working, as do other United Way Estevan’s initiatives. “We are certainly remaining optimistic. And our vision is to positively impact the quality of life in our community through giving,” said Graham. 20055PR0 20055PR1
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Parade highlighted Catholic Education Week By Ana Bykhovskaia
abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
Last week Estevan celebrated Catholic Education. Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur and St. Mary’s School went above and beyond to help their students and families to have a joyful and exciting week despite staying apart. Megan Vanstone, who is a Grade 7 teacher at Sacred Heart/Sacré Coeur, talked about how the week went. “It was good. It was definitely different. This is a big week for us, where we get together a lot and celebrate. We have a lot of assemblies, we do activities together, we buddy-up between classrooms together. And now all of it was not a possibility anymore. So … all of the teachers worked together to create those, we call them home-learning kits, but it’s just basically a bunch of activities, games and supplies for kids to celebrate Catholic Education Week at home,” said Vanstone. Throughout the week school staff created and delivered these learning kits. They were all based on different Bible stories that had to do with their theme of celebrating hope. Learning kits included arts, crafts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) challenges, stories to read, games and a few little gifts and treats. Most teachers delivered the packages to their own students. “They drove all over the city and made sure that each kid got one of these bags that they could do these activities and celebrate with us from afar,” said Vanstone. They were also hosting virtual Gospel assemblies. These are the assemblies they normally celebrate weekly at school, but due to restrictions on gatherings they had to change the format and have been celebrating as a school virtually on Google meet. “We had over 100 families join us for that as well to gather and pray,” said Vanstone. “It’s pretty cool to see 100 little screens all over your screen as all these kids meet together for this Gospel assembly.” They ’ve done a few meetings in an effort to maintain the connectivity between students and teachers, as being apart was the most difficult challenge throughout the weeks of online learning. A colourful and beautiful parade became the culmination of the Catholic Education Week. School staff drove around Estevan, passing by their students’ homes and greeting families on May 21 – World Catholic Education Day.
Vanstone said that she teared up a little when she saw all her colleagues at the parking lot with all the vehicles decorated for the parade. “It was just a great experience ... I was having trouble holding back the tears. It was just wonderful. It was just so good to see our kids. The computer screen really doesn’t do justice, it’s just really hard and we miss them a lot,” said Vanstone. “And I think they really miss seeing us too, because they were pretty excited to see us too.” Because of the French Immersion program, Sacred Heart/Sacré Coeur draws from a lot of different areas of Estevan. So the parade went around the entire city to make sure that it was possible for everyone to meet it at one location or another without driving to the other end of Estevan. Vanstone believes they saw most of their students that day. “ We went to many different places, and we saw kids ever ywhere we went. Young ones, old ones. Sometimes older kids, they may be a little bit more hesitant to come to something like that, but even they were there. There was never a point where you weren’t waving, or smiling, or throwing candy, or saying hello to someone, because there were just people everywhere.” St. Mary’s School also had a separate parade on the same day, where they also did a drive-by all of their students’ homes to see them and say hello. “We did them separate just so that kids could see
Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur staff decorated their vehicles and went around Estevan celebrating Catholic Education Week last Thursday. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
Tyler, Rylee, Violet and Hazel Zabel along with their father Paul Zabel were waiting for the parade not far from the school. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
their teachers … We didn’t want there to be confusion and kids not know who certain teachers were. So we did it separately, but we (were) celebrating the Catholic Education Week together between the two
schools,” explained Vanstone. And while being apart was tough, Vanstone said that as far as she knows about 95 per cent of Sacred Heart/Sacré Coeur students were involved in the online
Sofia Erana-Schmegelsky, left, and her mom Michelle Betito were greeting Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur teachers at the curbside. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
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education process throughout the pandemic. “We have kids that are on every day. They are coming, meeting with us virtually … they are completing assignments. And we know that a lot of this work is
falling on parents. They are doing an absolutely fabulous job.” The last day of school is June 26, and the parade became a midpoint for the e-learning process that will go on up until that day.
Grade 5 teacher Yuliya Kistanov put pictures of her students wearing Hogwarts uniform on her vehicle, while she also had a cloak and other magical attributes from the Harry Potter sequel including a broomstick on top of her car. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
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Rural southeast residents deserve better Rural Saskatchewan residents tend to be very proud of their hospitals and health centres. These facilities set this province apart. You can go into a community with a couple thousand people, or even a few hundred people, and find a quality facility whose staff provide excellent care to the people of that community and the communities surrounding it. It’s always been a part of rural life in Saskatchewan. And you won’t find these types of facilities in small communities in other parts of the country, unless those communities are remote or very isolated. The staff who work in these rural centres are highly skilled and well-trained, and committed to where they live. And since they’re in a small town or even a village, these doctors, nurses and other employees are going to have a level of connection to the townspeople that you won’t find in a big city. So when the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) released a plan last month as part of its response to COVID-19 that showed 12 health facilities, including Arcola and Oxbow, could be converted to what the SHA classified as alternate levels of care (ALC), you knew people would be concerned. And when that conversion began, these rural residents were furious. Arcola was part of Phase 2. The announcement that it would be converted to ALC set off a firestorm of criticism on social media and elsewhere in the community. One Arcola resident had a particularly poignant story of how she believes that having a facility
like the Arcola Health Centre in her community saved her son’s life. Oxbow, meanwhile, was part of Phase 3. You knew that when Arcola became an ALC, Oxbow wouldn’t be far behind. (It took about a week). People in these areas should be frustrated, and not just because their health centre is losing services. They should be agitated with the lack of communication. Yes, the SHA announced they could potentially convert facilities to ALC status back in April. But then there should have been more advanced notice. They could have given these communities at least a week’s notice, but they didn’t. Most only received a day or two of warning. There also wasn’t a statement on their website, or a social media post, or an emailed press release that the change was coming. People would have still been ticked off to see their facility switched to ALC status, but they wouldn’t have been able to complain about the process as much. It’s also frustrating that this comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are generally low for most of the province. Yes, there is still a large number of active cases in the far north. But as of Sunday afternoon, there were 12 active cases in the rest of the province. The provincial recovery rate, outside of the far north, is around 96 per cent. The south region, which spans from the Alberta border to the U.S. border, and extends north of Highway 1 in some areas, had one case on Thursday – the first diagnosed case since
April 4. (In keeping with SHA policy, the location of that case was not disclosed, but it could be anywhere from Consul to Gainsborough). The Regina area and central region had no active cases. If we were suffering through case numbers seen in Ontario and Quebec, or in northern Saskatchewan, then people might understand why such facility conversions are necessary. We have relatively low case numbers because we’ve all done our part to keep numbers low. We’ve followed the regulations, changed plans, cancelled or postponed events, said no to social gatherings and avoided visiting family members in nursing homes because that was the order from the government. You can’t fault people in the communities losing services for thinking they’re being punished for doing the right thing. At this point in time, it appears you’re more likely to be in the health centre in Arcola or Oxbow because of an injury suffered in a farming on an oilfield incident, or some other accident, than for COVID-19. People who are hurt in an on the farm accident in the Arcola area shouldn’t have to travel to Redvers or Estevan or Weyburn for care. They also don’t know how long this conversion will last. We understand the pressures facing the SHA at this time. And they were in a no-win situation when it came to converting facilities to ALC status. But a few modifications in how they handled this situation might have eased some of the anger from the public.
NDP cranks up pressure for a full budget To say that Ryan Meili, leader of Saskatchewan’s New Democratic Party (NDP), has cranked up the intensity in his approach over the last few weeks would be an understatement. With an election getting closer, Meili has turned up his efforts to get under the skin of Premier Scott Moe and the Sask. Party to a more than noticeable level. Meili has been calling on the province to fast-forward negotiations and get back to legislative business for weeks on end at this point. His main call is to get the parties back in the legislature to table a formal budget, something that could not be done in mid-March due to the horrifying realities COVID-19 brought to the government’s revenue projections. Moe and company have constantly said the estimates tabled on March 18 are what they are going off of in terms of special warrants. He has previously said the province will operate on those numbers and table a budget when possible for it to get the scrutiny every budget deserves. It does seem like the Sask. Party is moving in Slow-Moe when it comes to getting back in the legislature to table a budget. It is easy to understand why that is the case. With a provincial election coming up, the number of seats the Sask. Party can secure will have a lot determined with how they handle rebooting the economy and provincial spending. Tabling a budget with bad revenue projections, while surely it could be understood by the public, will not look good heading into an election. Again, most of the general public could understand why the revenue projections won’t
Jordan Stricker Postcards from the Leg.
look good. COVID-19 has ravaged much of the world’s economy. But, there are the many who sit on the fence in terms of political affiliation who may see the budget has a tell-all sign of where Saskatchewan may be headed. No one could predict where we would find ourselves economically heading into an election. The NDP is seeing the impact this can have on voters, along with preaching the message of taking care of the overlooked, and driving full speed at the Sask. Party in hopes of ruffling feathers enough to get a full budget. Meili said the Sask. Party has been “the least active in Canada” in terms of COVID-19 response. He also said they have done “less than the bare minimum” for the most vulnerable. Meili has taken aim at the province’s $7 billion stimulus plan, saying no one knows where it is going, or who will do the work. He claims the Sask. Party is writing “blank cheques behind closed doors.” He also took the bold stance of saying “if we get to any debate at all, it is only because we pushed. If it was up to Scott Moe, they would have done nothing this entire summer.”
A statement like the one above is an intense show of confidence for Meili and the NDP. One that could backfire, given Moe and company have the amount of spite one could assume is possible when dealing with the opposition. While it is easy to believe Moe does want to table a budget, it would also be easy to believe that he would hold out on returning to the legislature even longer, just to assert dominance on his opponent. At the end of the day, it might not be a bad bargaining chip for the Sask. Party to say “we can deal with the economic pitfalls once we return to office.” Moe could easily point to the announcement of a new hospital for Prince Albert, the $7.5 billion stimulus plan and any of the other investments they have thrown out during the pandemic to show they care about the people of Saskatchewan. While it may be posturing, people see numbers and react. Meili does not have the luxury of heading into an election with numbers to show voters in the way Moe does. His main source of leverage would be directing voters to what he has been able to get Moe and company to do on the heels of his many calls to action. Securing a victory in terms of returning to business for a budget would be huge for the NDP. Whether that pans out, or the Sask. Party takes their time remains to be seen. Jordan Stricker is the Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Glacier Media in Saskatchewan.
Op-Ed A5
Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…
How are we gonna go about a vaccine? Numbers, articles, news about people recovering, getting sick and updates on the economy. It took me a long time, but I finally realized that COVID-19 is here to stay. The past few months I’ve been participating in and hearing endless talks about how tired we are and how we can’t wait to see an end of it. It took me a while to understand (maybe more to accept) the scale of the problem. Even if the virus won’t mutate like flu, sticking to us for decades if not centuries, we are still really far from getting rid of it. It’s not that it’s so deadly, and even though it’s highly contagious like it was pointed out at the early stages, most people recover in home settings. The problem is that it’s new, it flipped our world upside down and it is a not-researched, potentially life-costing challenge that we now have on top of all other diseases and death tolls we already had. On May 26 at 6:30 a.m., the U.S. death toll was at 99,807. Even if we manage to contain the current wave, the virus won’t disappear. And this significant number shows that it can be pretty serious. Since the beginning of the pandemic we’ve been hearing talks about the vaccine coming in at least 12-18 months. It seems to be really long, but the problem is that in the world of science it’s impossibly fast. Again, I probably just didn’t want to accept the idea that things won’t get back for a long time. But it hit me when the Arcola and Oxbow acute care and emergency services were announced closing, to turn into alternative level of care facilities as part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) COVID-19 surge plan. It’s not that they closed, it’s that they closed now, when we started feeling the relief and almost believed that at least for some time it was over. So I finally looked into what it takes to produce a cure or a vaccine for a new disease humanity encounters. Turned out, hard work, dedication and best intentions don't guarantee success in this case. We still don’t have either for HIV, we still don’t really know what to do with cancer. On average it takes five to 15 years for a vaccine to come to market, and that is if the working candidate is discovered. We’ll set a record if we have it in a year and a half. But let’s imagine that miraculously one of the numerous candidates, now in works all over the world, will prove to be working. The next stage is to scrupulously check how it works in people. And even though the first stage may go fast, the next one has to take time. The testing stage usually takes up to 19 months, after which the regulatory agency has to review the data before allowing mass production. That can take up to a year. Any rush, and there is a good chance we end up with a potentially harmful and not-working drug. Do the math, and you’ll see what struck me like lightning. Even in the best-case scenario, we won’t have an approved vaccine earlier than end of summer 2021. And that is probably too optimistic. Besides, there are numerous economic factors in play that may slow everything down. But while it all is in process, we have to make a few really difficult but vital decisions. First, where should the vaccine be produced and initially distributed? Some insist that we should project where the next waves will hit the worst and set the production there to stop the fire before it spreads. Others want to see it to appear in the west as soon as possible and be distributed here first, which may lead to the rest of the world to fall behind. One way or the other, the decision has to be made soon, as setting manufacturing capacities will also take time. Another big question is the vaccine distribution strategy. As far as I can see there is no way everyone can have it at about the same time. Who should get it first? Should it go to seniors and immune-compromised people? Will it work well enough in the older population because some don’t? Maybe instead it should be administered first to those, for whom it’ll work the best? Or should it be delivered to the most affected groups to protect them first? Or to essential and, first of all, healthcare workers? Which strategy will work the best for everyone? There is no vaccine yet, but there are a lot of decisions to make, which may affect the global outcome for the pandemic. And unless it goes away like SARS (slight chance, but it exists) we need to find the answers, as finding a vaccine is one thing, but producing a vaccine that is working for everyone is a totally different story.
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ER and acute care temporarily suspended at Oxbow centre Acute care and emergency room admissions have been temporarily suspended at the Galloway Health Centre in Oxbow. The Ministry of Health informed the Town of Oxbow on May 19 that it was suspending the services. The move took effect on May 21. The provincial government announced earlier this spring that Oxbow’s health centre, as well as the one in Arcola and 10 other Saskatchewan communities, could be converted to alternate levels of care (ALC) facilities as part of the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Oxbow was a Phase 3 facility, which means it was one of the last to be converted to ALC. Arcola was in Phase 2, and it was converted last week. Lisa Pearce, the administrator of the Town of Oxbow, sent a letter to Sas-
katchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone on behalf of council. The letter states that the town was writing the letter with “extreme disappointment.” “ The suspension of emergency services for an indefinite period to our community puts us, and our surrounding communities, at risk; from our seniors to our producers,” the letter stated. The town believes the course of action is meant to mitigate a potential threat of COVID-19, but there are known risks with farming operations, which are underway. “We are entering the busiest season of the year in rural areas — seeding, haying and harvest, which carry the most risks for farmers and those who live in rural areas,” the letter said. “The increase in traffic and large equipment operations alone increases this potential, not to mention the oil, gas and
coal industries that keep this province running.” The letter goes on to say that to learn that those who do sustain injuries will be sent to another facility at least 50 kilometres away, and could mean death, is alarming. The town says Oxbow is already experiencing disruptions to EMS ambulance services due to being shortstaffed and they fear that the increased responsibilities and travel time placed on EMTs will leave the community with no emergency medical services at all. “Will the health authority be providing additional support and resources for EMTs during this closure?” The people of the Oxbow and area have been diligent in following the provincial guidelines to avoid an outbreak of COVID-19 quite successfully and it now seems that these same constituents are being "pun-
ished" for their diligence. While the town is confident that the province has considered all the variables, they are unhappy their recognizance has resulted in a reduced safe area for them to work and live. According to the SHA, ALC refers to a patient that could be cared for in an alternate setting, rather than an acute care setting. This would refer to palliative, convalescing, respite, rehab or long-term care patients. According to the SHA, discussions with community leaders in all 12 communities have occurred throughout the process in order to specifically outline these changes in each community hospital. Livingstone has said previously the conversions are taking place to protect people in long-term and to use facilities’ capacity to provide care for alternative level of care positions in larger facilities.
Community participating in virtual Walk for Cystic Fibrosis While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many fundraisers to be cancelled or postponed, others have opted for the virtual route to ensure they’re able to support their causes. The Estevan Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs, along with clubs from across the country, will have a virtual Walk for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) this year on May 31. The Kin Clubs have held a walk in Estevan in recent
years, and want to see it continue in the Energy City, even if it’s in a virtual format. Kasey McIntyre, a member of the local Kinette Club and the local walk co-ordinator, said individuals and teams have signed up for the walk, and it’s not too late for people to register. She noted participants are going to make posters or signs to go in windows or display in yards that say “Make CF history.” They will be
posted to the walk’s Facebook page and their timelines. Members of the public can also post their physical activity that day, such as a bike ride, hike, work out or walk, as a challenge for CF awareness. Estevan is one of four communities to have a virtual walk, according to the event’s website. As of Thursday morning, $885 has been pledged.
Farmer’s Market season opens
Mandy Peters and Zoe Graham were among the vendors at the Estevan Farmers Market on Saturday at the Estevan Shoppers’ Mall’s parking lot. It was the first market of the season, and numerous vendors were on hand with a variety of products that drew the attention of the public. Farmers markets were included in Phase 2 of the provincial government’s Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, which came into effect on May 19. The Estevan market had precautions put in place to ensure that it followed provincial regulations, and it also did its part for people to follow social distancing rules.
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Long-time educator Doug Stallard is retiring By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
Doug Stallard came to southeast Saskatchewan in 1982, expecting that he would be here for a couple of years, and then he would move on. He was from northern Saskatchewan, and was used to the rough terrain with rocks, rivers, lakes and trees. The flat terrain and the wind didn’t appeal to him at first. “But you get involved with the people, you enjoy the people you work with and you make things go. You can always go back home to visit. This became my home quickly, mainly because of the community, the people in it and the activities I got involved with,” Stallard said in an inter view with the Mercury. The long-time educator, who is the principal of Spruce Ridge School, is now ready to move on, but obviously he spent a lot more than two years down here. Stallard announced earlier this year he is retiring, giving him the chance to get out and enjoy his retirement while he still can. “I don’t want to be one of those teachers to go to the very end and then end up not being able to get out and see parts of the world. I want to use up some years while I still have the years left,” he said. After he came to the southeast, Stallard spent two
years teaching Grade 5 students. His next stop was Westview School in Estevan for two years, and then he spent 17 years at the Estevan Junior High. Stallard had one year as the principal at the junior high – its final year of 2002-03. He always enjoyed teaching at the school. “I liked that age group. There was always something that was going to happen with that age group. I dealt with most of the interesting things that administrators can at that age group. When it closed, Stallard shifted to Spruce Ridge, serving as vice-principal until 2016, when he became principal. “My whole career has mainly been VP. That’s the position I like because you got to be with the students a lot more, and you got a little bit of the run of the business as well. I had been offered principalships in other schools, but I liked the VP.” He believes that he has learned as much from the teachers and students as they have from him. Since he has never stopped learning, it makes it easier to teach. Stallard says he will miss the teachers and students he has worked with. “The number of personalities that I meet with teachers is fantastic. You meet a range of youths. The students, they’re always a blast. You always look at the
Doug Stallard has retired as the principal of Spruce Ridge School, ending a 38-year career as an educator and administrator in southeast Saskatchewan. varied personalities that you deal with. My motto has always been that if I can’t leave smiling at the end of the day, and smiling coming into the building the next morning, then maybe it is time to look at a different career.” Technology easily represents the biggest change that he has witnessed. He remembers the old cranking duplicator, the old-fashioned computers, the photocopiers and other devices now obsolete. “It’s like if you ask a retired farmer who worked with
horses as compared to work with tractors nowadays, that’s what it’s like,” said Stallard. When he first started teaching, it was a big deal to have a hand-held calculator. Students have taught him a lot when it comes to technology. He considers himself fortunate to have dealt with a lot of good and supportive directors and administrators in his time, to go along with the students and staff. “It’s been a good career. If I could do it again, I probably would do it … over again.
Probably better, though.” The past couple of months, with the suspension of in-classroom activities in late March, aren’t how he envisioned the end of his career. Stallard has seen it all, including some very tough times, but the pandemic is something new. If he can be involved with the process of bringing students back following the pandemic, he would welcome that opportunity. “It ’s hard to not say good-bye to the students and teachers the way you’d like to,
it’s going to be hard, but you have to move on.” He has a son overseas he wants to spend more time with, and a daughter in Flin Flon that he looks forward to seeing more often. He’ll be in Estevan for at least a couple of more years, and he anticipates he’ll work as a substitute teacher during that time in what he calls “the weaning process.” “I’ve been in it for that many years. I don’t think I could just jump out with being not in contact with students,” said Stallard.
Cheri Haberstock looks forward to new role Cheri Haberstock has mixed feelings about her new role as the principal of Spruce Ridge School. Haberstock will move into the job at the start of September, replacing Doug Stallard, who is
retiring after four years in the role, and 38 years as an educator and administrator in southeast Saskatchewan. “I’m super, super excited to go over there and try something new and have a new challenge,”
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she told the Mercury. But she’s “heartbroken” to be leaving the school that has been home for her for so long. Haberstock has been at Westview for 17 years, and has been the principal for nine. Before
becoming principal, she spent three years as the vice-principal. In 2017, she was selected as one of Canada’s outstanding principals for her work at the school. Prior to going to West-
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view, her education career took her to a reserve in northern Manitoba, and then to Saskatoon, Midale Central School, and three schools in Estevan: Hillside, Hillcrest and finally the Estevan Junior High. She expects the biggest difference between Westview and Spruce Ridge will be the size. “Already I’ve been looking at time tabling and it’s more than twice as many teachers and twice as many students,” she said. “It’s the challenge of getting to know all of the new families and new kids. I’m very excited about it.” Over the years, she has worked with the teachers at Spruce Ridge, so she believes she knows most of the staff.
Current Spruce Ridge viceprincipal Loni Hollingshead worked with Haberstock years ago when both moved from the junior high to Westview. Meanwhile, she has taught many people who now have children who are students at Spruce Ridge. “I will have that a little bit over at Spruce Ridge, but not as much as here.” Spruce Ridge has a larger fleet of school buses, and it serves the rural students as well. “It’s going to be very, very different, but it will be a nice change, too.” Adam Wilson, who is the curriculum consultant for South East Cornerstone, has been hired as Haberstock’s replacement at Westview.
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Tower Café has continued to serve its customers with growing services and new menu options The last couple of months have proven to be a challenge for the Tower Café, 1124 Social House and Willy’s The Tap House, but it’s one that they have met with a commitment to their customers. The restaurants, which are owned by the Sereggela family, have remained fairly busy, allowing them to keep 24 employees over the past two months. But like other businesses that have remained open, it’s been a time of adapting and changing to keep their employees, and to keep serving their customers. “We’re just thrilled about the local support that we’ve gotten,” Peter Sereggela said in an interview with the Mercury. The Tower Café has remained open for pickup within the restaurant. Curbside pickup is also now offered, and delivery continues to be an option. “We’ve got great support from our local clients, and continued support from everybody. Even though the times are tough and we’re looking forward to putting this all behind us, we’re coping pretty well,” Sereggela said. Normally the three restaurants would employ about
40 people, so some had to be laid off. About half of their current staff is in the kitchen, and they also have drivers and servers for pickup and curbside delivery. And while the Tower is known for its pizza – voted Estevan’s best through the Estevan Mercury’s Best of Estevan competition – and other staple dishes, they have added something new in recent weeks. They started a global culinary tour on Thursdays and Sundays. The first week was a Maritime feature, and the second one was a Taste of India, since they have several talented Indian chefs in their kitchen. “It’s just gone over famously,” Sereggela said. “We actually ran out of product and sold out right near the end of the evening (Thursday), even though the boys had done a lot of prep.” They have allowed their chefs to come up with different features from around the world, and when the restaurant opens up, it will likely be continued, whether it be on a weekly basis or a monthly rotation. “I think one of the things that we’ve been trying to do
during the entire pandemic is just to offer more,” he said. A few of their dishes from the Taste of India might even stay on their menu. Online ordering has grown in popularity since the pandemic hit. The service was added about 10 months before the arrival of COVID-19, and they would get about 15 to 20 orders a day, but in the last two months, it has grown to about 60-75 orders a day. Since payment is available online, they get a lot of requests from people who want their food dropped off on the front step. “We have some people who have come back from holidays, and they have to selfquarantine for two weeks, so they’ll use our online ordering and payment processing. They just ask us to leave the stuff at the front step.” Sereggela is particularly pleased with how the staff members have handled the past two months. The restaurants have enacted a lot of different policies, with everything from the continuous washing of hands to taking temperatures when they come to work. If somebody isn’t feeling 100 per cent, they’re asked to not
Willy’s The Tap House has received a new look during its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo submitted come in until they feel better. “All of my staff has been tremendous. There are some staff who are just working part-time as well, but with all of the support that we’ve had from our staff, we’ve managed to keep our place open 12 hours a day.” Customers have also adapted to the situation. Restaurants and licensed establishments were included in Phase 3 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan last week, allowing them to have up to 50 people inside. Patios
will also be allowed to open again, which is good news for those who frequented the Tap House’s patio in its first year in 2019. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Sereggela. “We’re hoping that the numbers stay down as far as active cases and everything, especially down here in the south corner, because we’ve done such a good job.” There will be restrictions, such as 50 per cent of their normal capacity, but he’s excited to get their employees
back, and to get the restaurants ready to reopen. “We’re confident that we have a large enough facility that we won’t have a problem making sure that we are spaced out, and all of our guests and our staff and our employees are safe, too.” They recently remodelled the Tap House, so when people come in, they’ll enter a restaurant with a fresh look. “I can’t wait for my customers and regulars to come in and see the place. We’re all excited to see each other.”
June 8 is target date for Phase 3 of Re-Open Saskatchewan By Jordan Stricker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Pre m i e r S c o t t M o e announced the province’s target date of June 8 to implement phase three of the Re-Open S askatchewan plan, which will see more businesses and services opening along with larger gathering numbers. “I want to emphasize
that June 8 is a target date. We hope to begin phase three on June 8 but that can change,” said Moe. “ We have just begun phase two so it is too early to tell,” he added. Moe said the announcement of the target date three days into phase two gives businesses that will be allowed to reopen a chance to prepare if cases remain low and phase three can go ahead.
“Ultimately, the most important factor in the success of the reopening plan as a whole is each of us,” said Moe. “All of us have to continue doing our physical distancing, washing our hands and avoiding large gatherings. And the good news is, we can do all of these things and at the same time continue to go out and support our local businesses,” he added.
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Moe said with phase three set for June 8, restaurants and licensed establishments will be able to open at 50 per cent capacity. Additionally, gyms and fitness facilities will also be able to open for business. Childcare facilities and places of worship will also be able to reopen subject to guidelines that are being developed. Personal service businesses that did not open
in Phase 2 are also allowed to begin providing services. They include estheticians, tattoo artists, make-up applicators, electrologists, manicurists, pedicurists, sun tanning parlours, facilities in which body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services are provided; and other personal service facilities. Additional changes to phase three include the size of indoor public and private
gatherings will increase to 15 people, while the size of outdoor gatherings will increase to 30. Moe said implementing phase three will include strict guidelines for services like restaurants. Included in these guidelines are no buffets or salad bars, and the closure of recreational areas for the time being which include dance floors, VLTs, pool tables and video games.
e m o c l We BACK! The Estevan Shopper’s Mall is so excited to announce
WE ARE NOW OPEN AGAIN!
We will be operating under reduced hours with some new procedures to keep us all safe. • Ardene • Dollarama • Eclipse • Marks • Money Mart • Nutters • Peavey Mart • Pet Valu • Sask Liquor • SaskTel • Sobeys • SportChek • The Brick • The Source • Tim Horton’s • Warehouse One • Studio C (will open in a later phase)
Please enter through the door by Sobeys Please respect social distancing Monday - Saturday: 11am - 6pm Sunday & Holidays: Closed See individual stores for additional safety measures 400 King Street Estevan, SK
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Last Birds to perform through Open House Series By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
For Last Birds, a folk duo featuring popular local musicians Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis, days of quarantine and self-isolation turned out to be very fruitful. Throughout the spring months, Arnold and Davis were working on their new EP, which is still on hold due to the pandemic, and were hoping for a chance to try out some of their creations. Fortunately, the opportunity was not long in coming and this past week Last Birds was happy to announce that they were selected for SaskMusic's Open House Series. Arnold and Davis will turn their living room into a stage on May 28 at 7 p.m. for a 30-45 minute performance that will be streamed on the SaskMusic’s Facebook page. “We are excited to try out this new frontier. It will be the first time livestreaming a performance, so it will a bit of a learning experience for us,” said Arnold in an interview with the Mercury. Not only it will be their first time performing online, but also most of the songs they plan to introduce have never been played in front of the public before. “A lot of these songs are going to be released on the album that we are putting out,” said Davis. On the day of the concert, Davis and Arnold will set everything up in their house. The North Portal Community
Centre landed them some equipment for sound and their cellphone will serve as their camera and streaming device. “In some ways, it’s great because there is a simplicity to it … Usually if you are a musician and you go to an event and you are going to play, you have a sound person that handles all that technical stuff for you. So now we have to be both, performers and the technician,” said Arnold. “But it ’s going to be good, because it is so simple,” added Davis. The performance is planned to go as a real concert. Arnold’s mother, who does all her stage outfits, sewed a new dress for the occasion. Davis said that it is really exciting to finally have a reason to dress up. The only big difference is there will be no real people in front of the musicians. “It will be like a real performance. We are going to be playing at a venue … It will be a combination of songs and stories about those songs … We usually incorporate a little bit of humour into what we talk about between the songs,” said Arnold. “Lindsay is really good at describing the songs and telling the stories about how the songs came to be and what they mean,” added Davis. Even though they plan for it like a concert, livestreaming format is different from traditional settings. “You really have to adapt how you perform, because it’s
not like having an audience in front of you. It’s different, it’s just the camera. You have to really remember that there are other people out there watching. Just a different approach,” said Arnold. The EP has seven songs. On top of that there are some compositions that are brand new, so the concert will give fans a unique opportunity to hear them. “We’ve written one song just since the pandemic hit. It was inspired by the current situation, so that will be new that won’t even be on the EP,” said Arnold. When the pandemic began, SaskMusic put out a call for local talents. Musicians had to submit their material to a panel and the jury invited some of them to do livestream performances. Saskatchewan musician JJ Voss, along with Ellen Froese, Aaron Karpinka and many others, had a chance to play online through the Open House Series during the last couple of months. Saskatchewan-based artists have been performing live concerts from their homes every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in April and May at 7 p.m. The series is supported by SaskMusic, Creative Saskatchewan and CBC Saskatchewan. Even if people can’t watch the performance live, they can find the record later. But Arnold noted that for musicians it's always much more exciting to have people present and show their appreciation at the concert.
Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis with their folk project Last Birds will livestream a performance on May 28. Image submitted “During the performance we might not be able to read everybody’s comments as it’s streaming, but we’ll definitely be going back and watching the performance and seeing what people had to say and responding,” said Arnolds. “We are hoping to have as many viewers as we can get. It makes it more fun when there are more people listening and more entertaining,”
said Davis. “On Facebook there is no applause button, but if people hit those likes it feels like applause, you can see them go across the screen as you are performing. So we’ll be really counting on people to hit those likes, loves, share buttons,” said Arnolds. “Hopefully not throw any emoji tomatoes,” added Davis, laughing.
The duo was really grateful for the opportunity given to them and other Saskatchewan musicians. “Anybody out there who is into music, get a hold of SaskMusic, they’ll do wonders for you. They are amazing,” said Davis. The musicians also said they really treasure the support from the local communities throughout the years.
Carlyle woman quilts to make dreams come true By Kelly Johnson of the Carlyle Observer Megan Anderson of Carlyle is working on a special charity project for the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation. She was tagged by a friend on Facebook about an appeal for quilts that were especially needed by the Make a Wish Foundation. The Saskatchewan chapter is located in Saskatoon and Anderson knew that she could be of great help to the worthy cause. The Make a Wish Foundation provides a quilt to each child that is helped by the charity. Anderson’s interest in quilting began at an early age, watching her grandmother quilt. Anderson always had an interest in the craft, starting in retail fabric store Sew and Sews
in Carnduff, which at the time she worked casually. She joined the Bits and Pieces Quilting Club in Carlyle about 15 years ago, never losing her adoration of her grandmother’s crafting skills. She began working for Sew and Sews in Carlyle about five years ago and is very thankful to Bev Thompson who taught her how to refine her quilting skills. With her keen interest in quilting, she contacted the Make a Wish Foundation and began organizing to come up with a quilt donation.The first hurdle she had to jump was finding a way to get the quilts to Saskatoon, which was easily overcome without any delay to her desire to help out. Setting a lofty goal of 50 quilts, comfortable in having many contacts through her place of work and connections to the quilting
club, she starting the project in mid-February of this year and was planning to complete the project by March 28. Due to the pandemic that plan changed when all non-essential businesses closed, causing her to change the completion date twice. It is now scheduled for May 28. At this time she has already collected 13 quilts and realizes the goal of 50 is possibly unobtainable. Every quilt that is supplied will go to a great cause and the effort will be well received and expressly appreciated. She is collecting the quilts at her place of work, Sew and Sews in Carlyle, which reopened to walk-in traffic on Tuesday. Any quilts being donated must be unused and made of new, non-recycled fabric and specifically twin-sized.
Megan Anderson displays the quilts she has crafted. Photo submitted
20055GE0
Energy
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
A9
Province launches $400 million inactive well program By Jordan Stricker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre announced Friday morning the province’s new inactive well program, which will access $400 million over two years. The Accelerated Site Closure Program (ASCP) will focus on the abandonment and reclamation of inactive oil and gas wells and facilities with the goal of “getting Saskatchewan people back to work.” “This is important environmental work, and it is important for long-term energy development,” said Eyre. “As we work towards economic recovery, this program will get Saskatchewan people back to work,” she added. The funding is subject to the conclusion of an agreement with Canada through the federal COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. According to the province, the program will be overseen by the Ministry
of Energy and Resources and delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). The program will prioritize Saskatchewan-based service companies and support 2,100 full-time equivalent jobs. Eyre added the ASCP will be rolled out in several phases, with the funding component of the program administered by the SRC. She said phase one will allocate up to $100 million in funding to Saskatchewan service companies contracted to do abandonment and reclamation work. “It’s also important to emphasize this is work that was already being done in the province prior to this announcement,” said Eyre. “We had a strong record going into this crisis,” she added. Eyre said last year the province cleaned up over 2,000 wells, which was up 40 per cent since 2018 and 240 per cent since 2016. “This was done and paid for by oil companies, not taxpayers,” said Eyre.
Ac c o rd i n g t o E y re, SaskBuilds has “procurement and supplier development expertise” which will make sure Saskatchewan-based companies take advantage of the program and get the work. Eyre said there is a great deal of work involved in allocating the first phase. She added as soon as phase one is rolled out, the province will definitely be “formulating and gearing up” for phase two. “We want it to be before winter of course, which is a major factor here,” said Eyre. Over 8,000 wells and facilities will be abandoned and reclaimed over the life of the program. Several agencies reacted favourably to the announcement. “We’d like to thank the Saskatchewan government for working to implement the ASCP in a timely manner,” Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors president and CEO Mark Scholz said. “We are excited by the
prospect of long-term jobs for Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors members who have been struggling to keep their employees working and their businesses viable.” “Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers appreciates the Government of Saskatchewan’s efforts to design an Accelerated Site Closure Program that will help get Saskatchewan people back to work by focusing efforts on closure of inactive oil and natural gas sites,” Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers vice-president of Western Canada Operations Brad Herald said. “The initial phase of the program recognizes principles important to the sector including the efficient management of liability closure, while offering fair access to funds. We continue to support Saskatchewan’s pragmatic approach to the program design while achieving government’s objectives.” “Petroleum S er vices Association of Canada
Bronwyn Eyre (PSAC) welcomes today’s announcement that will support urgently needed jobs for the oilfield services sector that PSAC represents during this unprecedented downturn,” PSAC interim president and CEO Elizabeth Aquin said. “ We are pleased that this funding aligns with P S AC ’s ad vo c ac y f o r a
mechanism to close inactive wells and that the Government of Saskatchewan has supported this win-win solution that creates jobs while also providing environmental benefits. This program will also help to retain and expand key skills and expertise for Canada’s responsible resource development and stewardship of the land.”
Landon Emde finds a way to Warm Welcome Kitchen help Midale area people season ends June 30 A Midale man has been helping people in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Landon Emde, who lives in the town, has been delivering groceries to those who wouldn’t be able to get them otherwise. The petroleum manager for the Southern Plains Co-op, he started providing the service in April. He noted that the co-op has been offering free delivery in the Estevan area since the pandemic started, so he offered to bring the service to the town. “When we first started out, it was probably about three days a week I’d bring groceries home, and now it’s about two days a week. On average, it’s about two to four people (each time).” The co-op was on board with the concept as soon as he brought it to the attention of general manager Brian Enns. Midale residents will place a grocery order through the town office. Then he will receive a text or a phone call, saying how big the order is, and he lines it up with the Town of Midale on when he will be arriving and where they want the groceries dropped off. Grocery orders typically include vegetables, dairy, bread, cereal and possibly some frozen items or toiletries. “Everybody has really
welcomed it. It saves a lot people coming from town into the stores, and we get a really good response,” Emde said. Senior citizens represent the bulk of the clients, but there have been a couple of orders from younger families. “We … had two in Midale who self-quarantined. I believe they came back from other countries,” said Emde. Sometimes he will take the groceries directly to the house. Other times he will take them to town administrator Linda Dugan or Mayor
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Allan Hauglum, who then arrange for people to get the groceries. If he hasn’t been around, then Jamie George, the Estevan food centre manager for the co-op, has found a way to get them to the public. Emde said he has enjoyed doing what he can to help others, and he hopes to continue to do this at least until people return to a level of normalcy from COVID-19. “I don’t mind bringing the groceries home, since it’s on my way.”
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Rig Report No rig activity to report.
The Warm Welcome Kitchen has decided to extend its season for one more month. T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n’s board had its monthly meeting Monday night via Zoom, and voted to continue with its current format until June 30. Warm Welcome has been providing meals that can be prepared by recipients since March 17. People can drop by the Estevan Salvation Army’s Food Bank on Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons to pick up the meals, which can then be taken home. The number of people in the household decides the size of the meal. Board c hair Wendy Godfrey said numbers at the beginning of May were a bit low, at 12-18 a day, but as the month progressed they saw numbers rise and now they are giving out 25-30 meals a day. It's a mixed demographic, Godfrey said, with some families, couples and
singles. They are hoping that with Phase 3 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan strategy, more people will be getting back to work and able to afford more than they can while laid off. Following the June 30 meal, Warm Welcome will take a break and resume serving meals on their regular starting date of Thursday, Oct. 1. They are hoping this meal will be served at Trinity Lutheran Church but that will depend on restrictions associated with COVID-19.
E LIN ON
FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION JOAN ADACSI & THE ESTATE OF GLEN ADACSI
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 @ 10AM WEYBURN, SASK. Directions: FROM WEYBURN GO 20 KMS EAST ON HWY #13
This will be a TIMED ONLINE AUCTION ONLY starting Friday, June 5, 2020. See mackauctioncompany.com for details. Case 4894 4WD tractor with PTO, Case3594 FWA tractor with powershift, IH 1486 2WD tractor with 5556 hours, IH 986 2WD tractor and Leon 700 FEL with 6575 hours, Case IH 1680 SP combine with Case 1015 pickup header and 3619 hours, IH 1480 SP combine with 3163 hours, Case IH 1010 30’ straight cut header and transport trailer, IH diesel 5000 19.5’ SP swather with pickup header, Bourgault 8800 seeding tool and Bourgault 2155 air cart, Morris Magnum CP731 cultivator and 1655 Valmar, Tormaster 60’ heavy harrows, Morris tine harrows, Crown 600 PT scraper, Degelman ground drive rock picker, Schulte 15|” XH 1500 rotary mower, Schulte front mount snow blowers, 42” Kubota mower, Flexicoil 62 field sprayer, 10’ land leveler, tandem axle bumper pull stock trailer, quatity of corral panels and gates, 2009 Trailtech 20’ bumper pull tandem axle flatdeck trailer with 7000 lbs. axles, 1989 Ford F800 grain truck with Cancade box and roll tarp, 1980 Ford Lariat F600 grain truck with 55,550 kms, 1978 Ford Louisville automatic F700 cab over grain truck, Ford F800 Custom cab grain truck with steel box, 2002 Ford F250 4WD automatic 7.3 litre diesel pickup, 2000 Ford Excursion Ltd 4WD loaded, 2003 Ford Taurus SEL sedan for parts, 1989 Ford F150 Super Cab 4WD truck, 1976 Ford Van, 1965 Ford F500 with bale deck, Wheatheart BH-851 auger and Kohler 27HP engine, 2-grain hopper cars, Westeel 3300 bushel bin on wood floor, Butler 1650 bushel bin on wood floor, Westeel 1350 bushel bin on wood floor, Glascon 15’ open bow boat with 70HP motor, Honda ATC, complete line of shop hand tools, Acklands AK-Matic 1200 welder, beach tool chest, Coates tire changer, poly water tank with Honda water pump, air jack, engine hoist plus much more.
For more information 306-861-2150
Visit www.mackauctioncompany.com for sale bill and photos. Join us on 306-421-2928 | 306-487-7815 Mack Auction Co. PL 311962
A10 May 27, 2020
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Centennial Park named after Dennis Moore By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
Mayor Roy Ludwig and Estevan city council unveiled the new name of the renewed Centennial Park Friday morning. The green area, located at the corner of Smith Street and Souris Avenue North, is now officially called Dennis Moore Centennial Park. As Ludwig put it, Moore, a longterm businessman and city councillor, was the “driving force behind the improvements in this park.” While structures in city parks are still closed to the public due to COVID-19, and there are still a few more final touches to be made in Dennis Moore Centennial Park, the main structures are already in place and the park is looking great. “It’s a whole new life for Centennial Park. It really is. People are going to know where Centennial Park is and they are going to really appreciate what’s happened. It was a really great thing to do, and now that it’s done we just have to wait for this (pandemic) to get over,” said Moore. During the naming rights ceremony, he recalled the situation, when his wife was asked for directions to the park while the person was standing right next to it. Moore built a house in the area in 1972 and said that it’s been “a real, real great place to live.” He since moved to a different location, but he always had warm feelings for the area and the park, which he believes was
unreasonably forgotten for many years. So when the idea of the third splash park came up, he was the one who insisted the project take place at the Centennial Park. “It was the best location we could find with all the amenities around.” And now, when the construction is almost completed, the decision was made to dedicate the park to the person who ensured that it would get a new life. “It’s a great feeling, lots of pride … We did it and had good support from the council and our partner Tim Hortons. And to have it just about complete, I can’t believe it. I’m just overjoyed by it. They all came on board and put it together and cleaned up the nice little area that really wasn’t much attention paid to,” said Moore. Dennis Moore Centennial Park was reconstructed in association with Tim Hortons. They announced in the fall that the proceeds from their annual Smile Cookie campaign would be going towards the new splash park construction and the cheque for almost $12,000 was presented to the City of Estevan last November. The park will be the third splash park in Estevan and it promises to bring a lot of joy and happy moments to the community once the restrictions are lifted and the park is opened. When finished, the park will have an accessible play structure, splash pad, walking path, picnic area, seasonal washrooms, multipurpose grass space, benches and electrical and water hook-
Mayor Roy Ludwig, left, and City Councillor Dennis Moore unveiled the park name. ups available for special events. Dogs will be allowed only on a leash. The park is built in traditional Canadian red and white colours and is decorated with maple-leaf flags. A water tower, which is a part of a splash structure, is located under the Estevan’s landmark water tower. “It will be well maintained and I think it will be very busy, mostly because of what it is and the location. I think it’s going to be good for seniors and other people to go and sit, as we’ve got benches and we are going to put more in,” said Moore. He also pointed out that with all
the play structures and water features, the place will first of all be great for kids. “I’m really excited that it’s done. And I feel really bad that we didn’t do something before. Things only happen if they are being pushed by an individual or a group.” Moore thanked the city and Tim Hortons for support and also praised Rod March, the city’s parks and facilities manager, for creating another thought through and beautiful corner in Estevan. “(Rod March) has put his heart and soul into making that right,” said Moore.
“It will be a real asset to the city and the surrounding area if you want to bring your kids into town and have a nice place to go to for lunch and watch your kids.” The park project was approved last year.The construction on the splash pad began at the end of July last year. Now most of the work is completed, with just the accessible pad, seasonal washrooms and a few benches left to install in the near future. However, the park won’t open until the pandemic-related restrictions are lifted. For video from the ceremony see www.estevanmercury.ca.
Holy Family School Division adjusts to conditions By Greg Nikkel of the Weyburn Review The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division has had a high uptake of families getting optional supplemental learning at home since inclass learning was suspended in March. For the school division as a whole, 91 per cent of students are taking supplemental learning classes at home, as of April 20, according to a report provided for the board of trustees for their May meeting. St. Olivier School in Radville has 100-per-cent participation, the only school to report this. Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur and St. Mary’s School in Estevan both have 95 per cent participation, and St. Augustine in Wilcox has 84 per
cent, with all home-schooled students participating. For St. Michael School in Weyburn, only 69 per cent are doing this. With the move to athome learning, the Information Technology department saw 70 per cent of their work in service requests and email support; 20 per cent was destiny automation, and 10 per cent was filling tech orders. Surveys of parents and staff were carried out on May 5 and 6 to find out how virtual learning at home is going. A total of 71 staff and 195 parents responded, with the following results. When staff were asked how they think Holy Family is doing moving through COVID-19, rating it on a scale of 1-5 where five is “we are rocking this”, 43.7 per cent of respondents rated it as a five, 46.5 per cent as
four, and 9.9 per cent as three. In another staff survey on May 6, with 116 staff completing it, the questions delved into their wellness and the support offered by the school division. Asked how they have taken care of themselves during the pandemic, 12.1 per cent have accessed community resources; 31 per cent referred to information from Holy Family; 75.9 per cent have ensured they are eating healthy and exercising; 83.6 per cent set up a routine they could manage; and 80.2 per cent got together with other staff while staying apart. Asked how to rate their overall feeling about working remotely, on a scale of 1-4 (from poor to good), most rated it at three (45.7 per cent), a few as a four (14.7 per cent) and almost a third
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as a two (28.4 per cent), with 11.2 per cent as a one. Asked to rate themselves on ability and tools to provide remote services, on a scale of 1-4, 22.4 per cent rated themselves as four, 68.1 per cent as a three, and six per cent as a two. Asked to rate the support provided by the school division or school, 49.1 per cent rated it as four, 38.6 per cent as a three and 11.2 per cent as a two. Asked overall how Holy Family is doing moving through the pandemic, 44.8 per cent rated it as a four, 44 per cent as a three and 10.3 per cent as a two. Parents were asked how they think Holy Family is doing in supporting their children during COVID-19, on a scale of 1-5 where five is great, 58.9 per cent rated it as five, 37.3 per cent as four, 6.2 per cent as three and 2.6
per cent as two. Parents were asked how satisfied they were with their children participating in supplemental learning, and 72.1 per cent were satisfied, with 22.9 per cent as somewhat satisfied. If their children were taking supplemental learning, the vast majority (95.7 per cent) said there are no other ways they would like support from the school division. Asked how satisfied they were with the support received in operating the digital platforms, 82.1 per cent were satisfied and 11.9 per cent were somewhat satisfied. Parents were asked how satisfied they were with the supports Holy Family has given them for their wellbeing, and 60.7 per cent were satisfied, 11.9 were
somewhat satisfied, and 23.9 per cent said they hadn’t investigated the supports. W hen asked if they would send their children back to school prior to a COVID-19 vaccine being available, 76.6 per cent said they would, and 23.4 per cent said they wouldn’t. As for closing off the school year, three per cent said they would like to pick up their child’s belongings; 13.4 per cent would like to return school property (like textbooks, etc.); 18.9 per cent would like an end-ofyear celebration; and 70.6 per cent they have what they need. Of the 201 respondents to the survey, 37.3 per cent were from St. Michael; seven per cent from St. Olivier; and 23.9 were from both St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Schools in Estevan.
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May 27, 2020 A11
Midale Central School Class of 2020
The graduating class of 2020 at Midale Central School is a special group of kids. They have worked tirelessly over the years, have persevered during this most unique year, and now they’re looking forward to embarking on the next phase of their lives. This year’s graduating class is, from left, Jenna Effa, Ashtyn Webber, Kenneth Clauson, Matthew Wall, Randy Wiebe, Sandra Wiebe, Skyler Moldenhauer and Emma Stadnick are part of this year’s graduating class. Missing is Luke Clarke.
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A12 May 27, 2020
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What it takes to get your hair done these days By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca
After two months of restrictions, Saskatchewan
is gradually opening up. Fortunately, barbers and hairstylists, whom many view as almost essential workers, took the second
As soon as the government set up the date for hairstylists to get back to work, Alexis Storozuk started booking people for cuts and colours.
spot in the line of reopening businesses and were back to work starting May 19. As soon as the government set up the date for hairstylists to get back to work, hair appointments became something quite hard to get. The first day at work, Alexis Storozuk, who rents a chair at Studio 11 in Estevan, said that the first day was really busy and it seems that it’s going to be the same for at least a month. “It was crazy. I started at 9:30 (a.m.) and I’ll be done at about 8 at night. But it’s good,” said Storozuk. When it became clear they could begin working, she started booking her clients back in an order similar to how it was before the quarantine. Reporter Anastasiia Bykhovskaia was one of the lucky Estevanites who got in on the first day of Phase 2 and had a personal experience of getting a postquarantine haircut. Even though businesses and professionals were allowed to accept clients again, the entire procedure was ver y different from how it used to be. Storozuk talked to the Mercury about the new instructions they had and the new normal the customers can expect when planning to get their hair done.
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Alexis Storozuk, left, and Anastasiia Bykhovskaia at the hair studio on the first day of Re-Open Saskatchewan Phase 2.
The preparation for hair appointments now actually begins a week prior. At that time, Storozuk sends her clients a text message with guidelines for their visit. “Please wait in your vehicle till I call or text you that I’m ready for you. As soon as you enter the salon, please go to the washroom and wash your hands. I will seat you in my chair or the sink after that. I will be wearing a mask but only recommend that you do, it’s not a must,” says the instruction. “Please do not wander around the salon, if you need a product off the shelf, I would be happy to get whatever you are needing … Please know that we are taking every precaution necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy!” S uch text messages were not required by the government, but Storozuk believes that most hair professionals in Estevan provide their clients with similar instructions in one way or another. There are many things that hairstylists now must do to ensure clients’ and their own safety. Wearing a mask and changing the
apron and capes after each appointment is mandatory, but there are also many other steps hairstylists do to protect everybody. They sanitize everything that they or clients may have touched including the entire chair, brushes, combs and other tools they used. The station has to be wiped down, and all other devices, items and surfaces such as calculators, pencils, pens, countertops, sinks and others have to be cleaned after each customer. “If we do it after every single client, we don’t have to worry about it knowing that it’s always sanitized and always clean,” said Storozuk. “I’m just so eager to come back to work, so if this is what we have to do to be able to work, then this is what we have to do.” Before the pandemic, some of these procedures took place during the day, but the major cleaning usually would happen at the end of the shift. For Storozuk it’s always been busy, and while the cleaning procedures slow things down a bit, she still can accept almost as many clients a day. However, with a two-months gap, working an 11-hour first day after the
quarantine, her next opening was only in mid-June. Clients have been “great” and “patient” throughout the tough weeks of selfisolation, but the schedule got booked instantly as soon as the reopening date was announced. “I had three full weeks booked by the third hour of making my schedule,” said Storozuk, adding that people were really understanding. For most professionals, the next few weeks are definitely going to be busier, but that will cover up for some of the work time they missed this spring. Storozuk expects June to still be crazy, but it should calm down after that, especially since many big public and personal events were cancelled due to uncertainty around COV I D - 1 9 . A l t h o u g h there will be no graduation ceremonies this year, a few grads will still come in for hairstyles for pictures. The wedding gigs Storozuk had booked before are all postponed until a later date too. All hair services such as cuts and colours are back, however other beauty services often offered at hair studios are still restricted.
Online PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT
AUCTION
THE ESTATE OF WAYNE EBEL & EBEL’S CONTRACTING & SUPPLY LTD. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 @ 10AM WEYBURN, SK 1560 NEW CITY GARDEN ROAD, HWY 39E
This will be a TIMED ONLINE AUCTION ONLY starting Saturday, June 13, 2020. See mackauctioncompany.com for details. Wayne Ebel was well known in the oilfield sector for his United Centrifuge business and later as Ebel’s Contracting. His pride of ownership shows through in his buildings and one of the cleanest lines of equipment we have ever offered!
Property & Building: 60’ x 80’ steel frame construction building complete with retail space, wash bay with Hotsy, offices, bathrooms, and 3 phase power. Aslo 36’ x 60’ heated storage building all situated on a 200’ x 435’ lot with great drainage and base just off of a major highway. 2004 Volvo L70E wheel loader with 2717 hours and quick coupler, 2007 Case 430 skid steer with heated cab and 2816 hours, Strongco Reactor snow blade with hydraulic snow wings, 2016 Desite SLG 78-4 ASM sand screener, Lowe MFG 1650 Classic skid steer hole auger with 4”,6”,10”,12” & 36” bits, Tornado truck mount sander, skid steer rock bucket, wheel loader quick attach pallet forks, 2008 Mack Pinnacle automatic tandem gravel truck with Neustar gravel box and roll cover, 2006 Chev C-6500 Duramax diesel single axle dump truck with Allison automatic and 10’ gravel box only 49,000 km, 2009 GMC 2500 4WD pickup truck, 1996 GMC 3500 gas one ton dually flat deck with winch, 2015 Trailtech 16’ tandem axle dump trailer with slide in ramps, Kubota L3540 FWA tractor and LA 724 FEL and 3PTH with only 447 hours, Kubota quick attach pallet forks, Landpride 3PTH rotary mower, Landpride 3PTH angle blade, Landpride 3PTH offset disc, Landpride #PTH RTA 12-74 rototiller, Schulte 3PTH snow blower, JD 111 garden tractor, various quantities of pea gravel and crushed rock, cedar mulch and fertilizer, rubber curb stops, concrete jersey barriers, pallet lots of ice melt, landscaping products, storage rig mats, 3-53’ sea cans, 2-40’ sea cans, 8’x20 steel frame rig matt, 8\x40 steel frame rig matt, Drummond 31,000 W PTO generator, Mod-u-blast sand blaster, U Line 4’x4’ digital platform scale, Stihl concrete saw, Powermate 3500 generator, Wacker plate tamper, Powerfist electric cement mixer, Craftsman snow blower, pallet jack, shrink wrap machine, King Drill press, plus a complete line of hand tools, desks, chairs, filing cabinets, retail shelving units plus so much more.
Lorne Ebel 306-861-5222 Twyla Molnar 306-861-6644
www.mackauctioncompany.com 306-421-2928 | 306-487-7815 PL 311962
Cutting your advertising budget when business is slow is like saying: "I'll throw some logs on the fire when it warms up in here!"
www.estevanmercury.ca
May 27, 2020 A13
Senior Living
A monthly supplement
Creighton Lodge residents coping with the changes Submitted by Shelly Veroba April was a quiet month, mostly spent inside the lodge, listening to the news and trying to figure out what is happening in the world. Sadly, we had a few residents move out of the lodge in the past weeks. Marieanna Bonokoski, who was a resident of Creighton Lodge since the RMs took ownership in 2010, had to move. Marieanna’ s family told us that she is settling into her new home and we wish her the best. Marieanna is one of the sweetest ladies. She convinced her sister Lucille to move into the lodge a few years ago and it was great to see them so happy together. Not only are they sisters, but they are the best of friends, too. We are glad they got the chance to spend so much time together in their retirement years. Lucille is looking forward to being able to visit Marieanna in her new home, as are we. Family is everything to Marieanna. Otillia Gervais also left the lodge in March. Sadly, Otillia wasn’t able to live in her new home very long. Otillia passed away on March 28. Otillia was a lovely lady who held her family near and dear to her heart. When Otillia first moved to Creighton Lodge, we soon realized what a proud mother she was
and over the years have come to know all of her family. Otillia was blessed with daily visits from her sons, daughters-in-law and many grandchildren. Our condolences go out to the Gervais family; may you find peace in knowing that your mother will always be with you in your hearts and in your memories. Jean Wilson passed away on April 17 with her daughter Bev Holinaty by her side. We are saddened that the COVID-19 pandemic prevented Jean from having her daughters with her in the weeks before Jean went to the hospital. Jean and her daughter Bev were like two peas in a pod. They were never far apart from each other until the COVID pandemic caused them to not be able to see each other daily. Jean took comfort in the daily phone calls from her family, the window visits each day and the ability to watch the lawn ornaments that her daughters had placed outside her window. Our condolences go out to Jean Wilson’s family who are mourning the loss of a mom they didn’t get a chance to say good-bye to. May you all find peace in knowing Jean is pain-free and watching over you all. We didn’t have any new residents move into the lodge during the month of April, due to the COVID pandemic. May will bring a few new faces. We will announce the names in
our next column so that they all have a chance to settle in. In order to pass the time at the lodge, we are doing a lot of reminiscing. Some of the residents have memories from their parents and grandparents who lived through the Spanish flu. When we hear those stories, and what some were tasked to do at that time, it reminds us that being quarantined in our homes with our loved ones isn’t so bad. This is a great time for us all to practise empathy for each other. We all have our problems, some worse than others; at the end of the day we are in this together. At the end of April we started to plan how to allow visitors back into the lodge beginning in May. We decided to allow only necessary visits, which means if our loved ones are just coming to see us for a social visit, then we prefer it not to happen. If our visitor is coming in to the lodge to assist us with our personal care or other needs, then we will allow the visitor to come in after they answer a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Some families are having social distanced visits outside with the residents, but we encourage this to happen in very small groupings and please allow the six feet between each other. Some of our residents are heading out into their cars for a nice little drive around
the city; we are encouraging them to not stop and visit anywhere while they are out driving. However, it is still nice to have a little freedom and feel the wind blow in the window of the car. Anyone have a convertible we could borrow for the month of May? That would really help us to feel the wind blowing in our hair. Room by Room Furniture called and our new dining room furniture has arrived. We are so excited. We have put off the delivery until May, but we definitely can’t wait to see the new tables and chairs. This is a project we have been saving up for. Last year the Estevan Legion made a donation towards the dining room furniture and it was just what we needed to make the project happen. Our old furniture will be sold by a bidding system once the lodge opens back up, so if you are interested in a dining room set, please call Shelly at 306-634-4154. Watch our Facebook page for details. A huge thank you to everyone who has written letters, sent cards, jokes, funny pictures, drawings, potato chips, wine (especially the wine) and donations, and has made phone calls to just check in. We are feeling the love, we are doing our best to stay healthy both mentally and physically and we know the day will come that we can hug you again. Until that day, just know that we are doing OK.
A special Mother’s Day message A local woman received a special Mother's Day gift this year. Signs and posters were placed in front of the window of Valerie Granberg, who is a resident of Creighton Lodge, in a surprise tribute. The posters were created by Granberg’s family members, whom she could not be with this year on Mother’s Day. The signs offered expressions of love and support. Photo submitted
Envision is bridging the distance with seniors The Envision Counselling and Support Centre is reaching out to seniors in the southeast region with a new program named Bridging the Distance. In a news release, Envision said the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in months of isolation in Saskatchewan, with regular community supports unable to provide services and social connections to seniors in the southeast. Envision is now able to offer virtual programming specifically to provide connection for individuals over the age of 55. “This initiative will provide additional counselling support and connection to this vulnerable population, who are experiencing reduced quality of life during this crisis,” says Christa Daku, executive director of Envision Counselling and Support Centre.
“We want to help those struggling with stress, loneliness, mental health or other issues.” Bridging the Distance is a short-term addition to regular programming at Envision Counselling and was made possible through support from United Way Estevan and funding from the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors. The project intent is to impact the lives of this vulnerable group as the negative effects of the pandemic crisis continue to be felt. “We are connecting with senior services in Estevan and area to seek out those individuals who may be living alone or have no one else to talk to or to support them during this intense time of uncertainty,” said Daku. Envision Counseling has a long history of providing telephone counselling and general engagement via telephone. For many years, they
BRIDGING THE DISTANCE Offering Connection for 55+ During Isolation
Who is this program for?
Why now?
How to use this program?
• 55+ in SE Sask.
• Lengthy Covid-19 isolation
• Seniors needing connection or someone to talk to.
• Seniors unable to access usual supports.
• Call or email Envision Counselling.
• Continued uncertainty for rural seniors in this time.
55+ SEEKING SUPPORT WITH: Isolation Coping Grief Fear
• Refer professionally or personally those who may benefit.
Mental Health Relationships Conversation Seclusion
WE CAN HELP!
• Share with others!
CONTACT US:
306-637-4004 intake@envisioncounsellingcentre.com Collect Calls Accepted
*
www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com
operated a 24-hour support line, which provided support to callers with a variety of issues.
The organization has leaned on this experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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New Temporary Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm • Sunday & Holidays: 12pm - 4pm 1220 4th Street. Estevan • 306-634.3666
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Ready to help you with their expertise for all your legal needs 1215 - 5th Street, Estevan Phone: 306-634-3353 • Fax: 306-634-7714 • orlowski.law@sasktel.net Branch offices at:
Arcola - Arcola Agencies Bldg. Wednesday A.M. Phone: 306-455-2277
Trinity Tower has been proudly serving the community of Estevan by providing a friendly, senior living community for over 30 years! Suites are now available to accommodate your individual needs through a one bedroom and den life lease with guaranteed buy-back or government subsidized rentals.
737 - 2nd St., Estevan, SK
Redvers - Carlsen Bldg. Wednesday P.M. Phone: 306-452-3377
Carnduff - Carnduff Agencies Bldg. Thursday P.M. Phone: 306-482-4077
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Call 306-634-7307 for further details or to book your personal tour.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020
A14
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It is with sadness, that we announce the passing of our special uncle and friend, Bazel Leland Hoium, late of Midale, SK on May 15, 2020. Bazel was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Emilie Hoium; sisters, Agnes Rosengren and Hazel Rose; brothers: Elwin Hoium, Marvin Hoium and James Hoium; brothers-in-law, George Rose, Norman Rosengren; sisters-in-law, Odelite Hoium, Alma Hoium; nephews: Howard Rosengren, Graham Rosengren, Les Hoium and Kevin Hoium; nieces, Gloria Gosselin and Lois Hinz; great nephew, Garth Gosselin. Bazel is survived by his sister-in-law, Ruth Hoium, Midale, SK; his nephews: Harvey (Hertha) Rose, Leland (Wendy) Hoium, Reg Rose, Gary (Shelley) Hoium, Larry (Lorrie) Hoium, Ron Hoium and Neil Hoium; niece, Lynda (Greg) Savenkoff and special long time friend, Mary Konotopetz. Bazel was born at his parent's home in Midale, SK, March 15, 1928 along with his twin sister, Hazel (Rose). He attended all his school years at Midale, SK. In the early 1950's, he worked on the construction of two Provincial Community Pastures: one west of Midale and one at Mankota, SK. When the original (now legendary), Dr. Mainprize Regional Park opened in 1959, Bazel was hired as the first caretaker. While working in this roll he assisted in several projects such as the construction of the 9 hole golf course and the two, one hundred and forty foot long swinging suspended cable bridges spanning the Souris River. After 3 years in this roll he continued on staff as assistant caretaker for many years to follow. During his time at Mainprize Park his duties included grounds keeper, grass cutter and boat ride operator. He also volunteered his services for many years. With the coming of the Rafferty Reservoir Project (1994), Bazel worked along with the "New Careers" group helping in the re-location and re-establishment of the new "Mainprize Park and Golf Course" upstream, and the community pasture along its shores. In 1963, Bazel purchased a farm on the outskirts of Midale. He built a new bungalow on the site in the early 1990's. He resided there until his admittance into the Weyburn Special Care Home in 2008 due to failing health. Most of his working life, he owned and operated a mixed cattle/grain farm. He enjoyed animals in general but especially horses, dogs and his cattle. Many of his favorite social outings were trips to the Livestock Auction and market sales. Bazel enjoyed various sports and golfed and curled during most of his active life. He will always be remembered as the uncle whose preferred choice of footwear to golf in was "cowboy boots!" He liked fishing and deer hunting season, and often went with his brother Marvin and nephew Larry. Bazel was a "man of few words!" Nevertheless he very much loved socializing with family and friends at every opportunity. He was a lifetime member of the Midale Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He loved country gospel music and listening to traditional gospel hymns. Bazel never married but had a very special friend "Mary" whose company he enjoyed and who accompanied him to many special local events over the years. Mary, along with his dear sister-inlaw Ruth, remained dedicated and loving visitors and caregivers up to the time of his passing. His many nephews and three nieces thought the world of "Uncle Bazel." May he now rest in peace. Due to ongoing Covid Pandemic concerns, there will be no public service at this time. A Celebration of Life for Bazel will be held at a later date with service details to be announced when finalized. For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Bazel may be made to the Weyburn Special Care Home Auxiliary Fund, 704 ~ 5th Street, Weyburn, SK, S4H 1A3 or the Canadian Mental Health Association, 2702 ~ 12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 1J2. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (8480333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at HYPERLINK "http://www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com/" www.rdfuneralchapel.com “Celebrating Life, One Family At A Time” Patricia Sue Olson 1948 - 2020
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Pat Olson passed away peacefully with her son by her side at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home, Estevan, Sask. on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at the age of 71. Pat will be forever loved and remembered by her son Chad Olson (Bob Ostle); siblings: Loretta (Harvey) Knelsen, Ted (Beryl) Olson and Madge (Glen) Rupchan; sister-in-law Elizabeth Olson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her special grand-puppy Misty. She was predeceased by her parents: Bertil and Eva Olson and her brother Bryce Olson. In keeping with Pat's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, Saskatoon, Sask. at a later date. If friends so desire, donations in Pat's memory may be made to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, Sask., S4A 0H3 or the Estevan Regional Nursing Home Auxiliary, 1921 Wellock Road, Estevan, Sask., S4A 2B5. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Pat's family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.
Driver’s ed. kept going It was one of the first questions asked of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of in school programming in mid-March, said Michael Graham, curriculum co-ordinator for the division. The question? What about driver education? “We didn’t have an immediate answer,” said Graham when speaking online with the Cornerstone board members Wednesday during their regular open business meeting. “But, we met with the in-
structors at the four driver training schools, introduced them to Microsoft Teams online service and they can now meet with their students, one-on-one with their instructions, and they are all getting comfortable with the system,” Graham said. Each instructor can deliver three or four sessions in a class and accommodations are being made for city and rural students in spring and fall classes. “Within each team, a channel has been created for each class and instructors can assign tasks that are normally completed in class. They are done in a virtual environment
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and there is room for feedback for students,” Graham said. He added that instructors meet students virtually including small group breakout sessions. “Once they become familiar with the process, it will work even better and when we get back to normal, we won’t have a backlog of students needing in-class drivers’ education,” Graham added. Regarding in-car instruction, Graham indicated that the school division, like others in the province, is awaiting direction from SGI on how this may proceed.
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A15
Speedway opens to drivers for Test and Tune The Estevan Motor S peedway opened up to drivers Saturday for its annual Test and Tune practice session. T h e s p e e d w ay h e l d three different two-hour practices, with six drivers in the shift that started at 2 p.m., nine in the 5 p.m. slot and the maximum of 10 for the 8 p.m. session. One hour was allocated between each session to get drivers in and out of the facility, and to do any necessary cleanup and track maintenance work. Each driver was allowed one member of their pit crew. A maximum of five drivers were allowed on the track at once, and drivers respected social distancing requirements in the pits. “It served the purpose of us having a trial run of how a race day might look, and it exposes anything that needed to be fixed, or any damage that was sustained to the track naturally over the winter,” said president Byron Fichter. Drivers in all classes
participated in the Test and Tune. “There was a lot of new sport mods that we hadn’t seen before. That class we introduced a couple of years ago continues to grow,” said Fichter. “I was actually quite impressed with how many new cars are jumping into that class. Otherwise, it was pretty evenly represented all the way through.” He believes the final session was so popular because drivers wanted to be racing under the lights. The opening session was slingshot drivers and those in other classes who were driving a car for the first time. “It’s a really rare opportunity for anybody to get on that track by themselves, and actually get to turn 10 laps at a time undisturbed. It ’s definitely not an opportunity that comes up too often,” said Fichter. “I think it will be key to develop those drivers and get them comfortable before they have to get on the track with other
Ryder Raynard (18) and Eli Turnbull (21) tested out their slingshot cars at the Estevan Motor Speedway on Saturday. Photo by Byron Fichter Fotography drivers.” The Test and Tune is typically held before the season as an opportunity for drivers to work out the kinks on their vehicles, get some laps in at the track and get the racing surface ready for the start of the season.
This year with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a chance for the speedway to hold an event for its Saskatchewan based drivers, and get a measure on the track’s condition. The track was in great shape, Fichter said. The light
rain Estevan received early Saturday helped with the condition, but the efforts of the pit crew created a great driving surface. “It was fast and smooth,” said Fichter. “It might have been a gift horse of not being able to start early in the
season, as all of the frost is worked out of the ground, so the guys are able to get that track smooth like pavement.” The test and tune also helped the track generate some revenues while they’re unable to have a race day. No serious incidents occurred during the day, as only one vehicle brushed a wall. Fichter believes the test and tune also gave everyone a chance to go out and do something outdoors and get ready for the upcoming season. The speedway has already cancelled four programs in May. A decision has yet to be made for June’s programs. The EMS and other tracks in the province have been working with the provincial government to determine what they can and can’t do. “ We’re working on a setoff proposed rules and proposed operating capacity. We’re working with the government, trying to be responsible and trying to get us geared towards a race.”
Hunter Wallster continues training; misses competing This was supposed to be Hunter Wallster’s final season of high school track and field competition – a season in which he would continue to train and work hard, and hopefully set a new provincial record. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed those plans, but at least Wallster, a Grade 12 student at the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS), can keep training for the next chapter in his athletic career. Last year, as a Grade 11, he won gold in the discus with a distance of 46.46 metres, less than two metres off of the provincial record. And he brought home a silver medal in the shot put. He was looking forward to taking another run at a provincial discus record. “ I s t i l l t h ro w h i g h school weight here and there just for speed training before I switch to the college implement,” said Wallster. Also scrapped are the S askatche wan Athletics club track and field provin-
cials, along with nationals in Montreal at the end of June and other meets in Saskatchewan and Alberta. “It was expected but not … what I hoped for,” said Wallster. But the loss of those events has given him time to work on his technique and get ready for his transition to collegiate athletics. He already committed to the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits, a Division 1 school in the National Collegiate A t h l e t i c s A s s o c i a t i o n’s (NCAA) Summit League “It’s definitely nice to have that figured out. Otherwise I would have been hoping for good marks this season, and without the season, it probably would have put some stress on me,” Wallster said. Wallster has been lifting weights, practising throwing and continuing with normal activity. He has a backyard training circle where he does 18-32 throws, depending on the session, and then he
has lifts with bench presses, squats, dumbbell lifts and other exercises designed to boost his strength. But he also incorporates yoga and heavy stretching into his routine. It’s a pattern he follows five to six days a week. “When I first started throwing, I built a circle in my backyard out of plywood. I’ve just been throwing off in that.” The training circle is full Olympic size and there is a wooden platform around it. He recalls that when the gyms closed down, the next day, he bought some four-by-fours and built himself a squat rack. “It’s a little bit challenging, because I don’t have as much weight at home as I can lift. So I’ve really had to modify stuff, like instead of a full back squat, I’ve had to do single leg lunges to get that full workout in.” He’s also been having more plyometrics in his workouts.
Wallster has been talking with his coaches at the Jackrabbits a couple of times a week about what’s happening with the school. He expects that he’ll still be able to get down there in the fall to compete with the team. “From what I’ve head, universit y is still open. Whether or not that will change is to be seen. I’m just hoping that I’ll get down on campus and hopefully train with a coach,” he said. There is an indoor season that begins in early December and continues into March, with a meet every week except for the Christmas break. The outdoor season starts in April, and continues until mid-May. Nationals are the first week in June. The NCAA has granted an extra year of eligibility for those who compete in spring sports such as track and field. That won’t affect Wallster’s eligibility, but it means he’ll be facing even tougher competition next year.
Hunter Wallster is doing what he can to keep training so he is ready for next season, when he is scheduled to start competing in the NCAA. File photo
Saskota Baseball League waiting to begin play In a normal year, the Saskota Baseball League would be a couple of weeks into its season, treating fans to entertaining senior men’s games in many southeast Saskatchewan communities. But obviously this isn’t a normal year, and the league has been idling, hoping to get some form of a season in. President Kelly Trimble said that about a month and a half ago, they had discussions on how they could move forward. They decided to wait on Baseball Canada and
Baseball Saskatchewan to give them and other leagues across the province to give them the green light. “We are in a waiting period,” said Trimble. “There’s optimism about a start for the season at the beginning of July, but that’s just hearsay.” From there, they would have to decide on a shorter season that would end in July, or an extended season that would last into August. Normally the Saskota season starts in mid-May and ends about 2 1/2 months later at the end of July.
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The league would also have to make a decision on the year-end Harbourne Memorial Tournament that has been held in Kenosee Lake each year. It could be tough to have that many people in one area for the tournament, but they might not have a choice. The league might also consider having a more traditional playoff. Trimble is pleased with how teams have handled this situation. He has talked to some of the team representatives, and they want to get
back out on the diamonds because they love the game. “To have a season without baseball (is tough), I’ve played baseball since I was five, and I’m 38 now. Definitely I would miss it, but I guess the way of the world and the way of the league is safety first,” said Trimble. Teams have been patient, and they hope to play a little baseball this year. The nine teams who were part of the league last season – the Estevan Tower Wolves, Southeast
Fireballs, Oxbow Chiefs, Carnduff Astros, Carlyle Cardinals, Redvers A’s, Arcola Threshers, Kenosee Cubs and Kipling Royals – were all slated to be back this year. The Astros won the Harbourne Memorial Trophy last year. The Wawota Pats had also indicated they want back in, but Trimble isn’t certain if Wawota would be back for a shortened season. A schedule had been designed for 2020, using the format from last year, but the league had yet to have its spring meeting, so nothing was finalized.
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A16 May 27, 2020
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Estevan family raising funds for Special Olympics An Estevan family has become a top fundraiser in the individual category for the Law Enforcement Virtual Torch Run for Special Olympics in Saskatchewan. The Walliser family – Matthew and Kirsten, and their two young boys Micah and Zeke – have raised $740 for Special Olympics, surpassing their goal of $300. The deadline to make a donation is May 31. Kirsten said they have shared the link on social media, so friends and family from across Saskatchewan and Alberta have sponsored them. “We’ve been tracking the boys kilometres that they cover on their bikes,” said Kirsten. “That doesn’t raise money, but it just
goes towards people from all over the province who are trying to cover what would be the distance the typical torch run covers, which is 2,400 kilometres.” The Wallisers wanted to be part of the Virtual Torch Run because Micah is a Special O lympics athlete in the Active Start program in Estevan. “ Bec ause we c an’t participate, because of COVID, we decided that we would encourage the boys to go out and ride their bikes instead,” she said. Zeke joins his brother at sports each week because the Special Olympics athletes are allowed to bring siblings. The family is stunned with the support they have
received, with more than a week left to fundraise. Micah has been part of Active Start since the program came to Estevan last year. His grandmother coaches, and Kirsten is on the board for the Estevan community. He said he loves sports, and his favourite part of sports is running. “He’s raising money so that other kids can play sports, too,” said Kirsten. Kirsten said it’s important for people to support Special Olympics Estevan because it’s one of the few programs available for kids with intellectual disabilities to be able to participate in any type of sports. “ That ’s really important to us, because it also helps them create
relationships and friendships that they can then benefit from at school and in the community at large,” she said. Estevan is also home to a top fundraiser in the team category. The Estevan Police Service had raised $5,335 for the law enforcement Torch Run, surpassing their team goal of $5,000. Much of the funds were raised earlier this month when Police Chief Paul Ladouceur and Fire Chief Dale Feser were locked up in an EPS jail cell together. This year marks the first time that a virtual torch run has been held for S pecial O l ympics. Law enforcement officers have held a torch run in the province for many years.
Micah and Zeke Walliser are riding their bikes to support Special Olympics Saskatchewan through the Virtual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Photo submitted
Hidden Valley pleased to be open again T h e H i d d e n Va l ley Golf and RV Resort is pleased to have its golf course open for the season, and it ’s looking for ward to the start of camping on June 1.
Hidden Valley’s Hideout Golf Course opened for play May 15, like other courses in the province. Owner Brad Dutton said the course has been busy since it opened, as there have been
a lot of golfers eager to get out and play and enjoy some fresh air. “Opening weekend for golf is always good here. It’s always good to get open for your opening weekend,” said
Flashback – Wednesday, May 28, 1986
Dutton. The golf course is in excellent shape, Dutton said. It could use a little more heat, but the maintenance crew is working hard to boost the course’s condition. D utton said the restrictions associated with COVID-19 have affected Hidden Valley. Their tee times are now 12 minutes apart, instead of the 10 they traditionally had, and they can’t accept walk-ons. “When it’s busy, every hole is full here,” said Dutton.
He was pleased to have the driving range and putting green ready for the start of the season. Initially driving ranges weren’t going to be able to open at the same time as courses, but the government amended its rules for golf courses days before the season was to begin. But Dutton also believes driving ranges should have been allowed to open before May 15. The restrictions associated with COVID-19 for golf courses have forced Hidden Valley to do a lot
more cleaning, and they need to follow rules when it comes to their pro shop. Hidden Valley’s campground will open for the season on June 1. Several seasonal campsite owners have moved in their campers already. About half of their 135 campsites are seasonal. Hidden Valley can only book half of their overnight and short-term sites. But D utton said the campground looks good, and it will be ready for the start of camping season June 1.
Krystal Fehrenbach, a community education liaison at Arcola School, made a brief online presentation to their board members on May 20 during the online business session of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division. Fehrenbach said the nutrition grant they received from the Breakfast Club of Canada, was in the amount of $19,000 this year, in the form of a COVID-19 emergency funding arrangement. With that assistance being made available, she said parents were invited to reach out to schools for a continuation of some aid for personal nutrition needs. She said after some discussion regarding disbursements, it was agreed that grocery gift cards from local grocery stores was the best route to take in dispensing the funds in $50 portions. “ T h e p u rc h a s e s a re
made within the communities they live in, or near, and prohibit the purchase of such things as alcohol or tobacco products,” Fehrenbach said. The initial offer and response resulted in 248 families receiving the gift cards and that absorbed $12,400 of the total grant funds. The remaining $6,600 has been left to distribute as more families are identified. In return, the schools collect data to enable them to file a final report to the Breakfast Club of Canada. She said community liaison personnel were used to ensure the safe delivery of the cards to be used for groceries only.
“If any family received a gift card and then decided they didn’t need it, they were asked to use it to pay it forward to a family they feel might use it,” Fehrenbach said. The first set of gift cards went out in mid-May and she said the final identification of families who could use the cards, would be made by the end of June. The board members thanked Fehrenbach for the report and said they definitely approved of the idea of using local grocery stores for the gift cards as opposed to more central big box retail outlets that would not be as handy to reach for many card recipients.
Nutrition programs remain important to schools
Collin Weimer, a student at Immaculate Heart Junior High, displayed his power while competing in the shot put competition at the annual invitational track and field meet in May 1986 in Estevan. Students representing schools from Estevan and area competed in the day-long event. In the background is Ivan Knuckey, teacher from Estevan Junior High, who was in charge of the event.
TENDER Tenders will be received by SaskPower for the sale of hay. The successful bidder will be required to cut, bale and remove bales by 2020 September 01. There will be one cutting only and it must be completed by 2020 August 15. Several parcels of land are included, mainly located southwest of Boundary Dam Power Station. Two lots are southeast of Boundary Dam Reservoir. Bids will be lump sum for each parcel. For further details contact Neil Worsley at (306) 421-8042. Written tenders contained in a sealed envelope marked HAY TENDER on the outside will be received until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2020, c/o Neil Worsley, Shand Power Station, Box 1310, Estevan, S4A 2K9. Highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Payment terms: Receipt by SaskPower of certified cheque within 5 working days of bid acceptance by SaskPower.
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May 27, 2020 A17
Get your crayons out and bring these lovely summer scenes to life!
These images are very similar! CAN YOU SPOT THE 6 DIFFERENCES between the two?
What friendly animal do you think is hiding behind the dots?
Only 2 butterflies are exactly the same. Can you spot the identical pair?
ANSWER
ANSWER: 4 and 11
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Little creatures are guarding Estevan With spring, not only do wild animals and flowers come out, but also man-made little creatures that decorate the yards all across Estevan. Garden gnomes and funny fairies, along with giant frogs, butterflies, bugs, birds and flowers, add colours to Estevan landscapes. Quite often they travel further than the flower beds and can be seen up in trees or along the sidewalks. This little doll was spotted sitting on the tree stem and greeting bypassers with a quiet smile in the northwest part of the city. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
Two vehicle collisions in one day had firefighters busy Estevan Fire Rescue Service members were activated twice last Friday due to separate accidents. The first call came in just after 3 p.m. Firefighters were called out by the Estevan Police Service for a fluid spill clean-up in the southwest part of the city as a result of a two-vehicle collision. The call wasn’t emergent, and fire crews attended to assist with cleaning up the scene after the accident. No injuries were reported. A few hours later, at about 5:30 p.m., another call related to a vehicle accident came in.
“We were dispatched again to another two-vehicle MVC (motor vehicle collision), this time in the north-central part of the city,” said Estevan Deputy Fire Chief Rick Davies. By the time EFRS arrived, the EMS was already helping one of the drivers. Even though the collision was minor in nature, the person was sent to the hospital. No further details were released at the time. In other recent fire department news, a prank resulted in fire crews’ activation and a police report. At about 7:30 a.m. on May 16,
Crime numbers up, call volumes down for EPS
The Estevan Police Service (EPS) experienced a slight increase for crime-related calls in April, but their overall call numbers were down last month due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to figures released at Thursday’s meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners, local officers had 2,595 calls for service and infractions in the first four months of this year, down slightly from 2,614 from Jan. 1 to April 30 of last year, or about a .7 per cent decrease. The decline in April came after an increase for the first three months of this year. As for crime numbers, the EPS had 22 crimes against people in April, compared with 10 in April 2019. There were 18 assaults, two assaults causing bodily harm and two sex crimes last month. So far this year, the EPS has had 56 crimes against people, with 45 assaults, seven
sexual crimes and four assaults causing bodily harm. The number of crimes against property dropped from 26 in 2019 to 22 this year. Mischief and wilful damage incidents (13) accounted for the bulk of crimes against property last month. They also had five thefts under $5,000, three residential break and enters and one theft of a motor vehicle classified as other. So far this year, the EPS has had 110 crimes against property, led by 53 mischief/ wilful damage complaints, 40 thefts under $5,000 and 10 residential break and enters. The EPS laid six charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), with four for possession and two for trafficking. There were four CDSA charges in April 2019. So far this year, officers have laid nine charges for drug trafficking and eight for possession, for 17 in total. Nine charges were laid for
Estevan firefighters were called to a commercial fire alarm in the northcentral area of Estevan. Upon arrival Estevan Fire Rescue Service members couldn’t see any visible smoke or flame on the exterior of the four-storey hotel. Initial indications from the staff suggested that it was a faulty detection device. However, when crews entered the building staff pointed out that the fire alarm pull station has been activated. “Upon further investigation the fire department actually learned that it
was at a different location from what the staff thought it was. So we gained access to the ... area, where somebody had maliciously entered the structure from the exterior door and activated the pull station,” said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser. Firefighters ensured that there was no emergency occurring and assisted the onsite staff in resetting the system. “A reminder that this (falls under) the Criminal Code for any disruption or tampering life safety devices in the occupancy,” said Feser.
The information about the case was provided to the Estevan Police Service (EPS), and the staff was advised to contact the EPS to see if they could recover any videos of the individual(s) who has entered the building and activated the fire alarm pull station. They also can proceed with charges. Other than that, at the end of last week fire crews were busy conducting prescribed burns cleaning up the Chinook Bay area. The burns went well and the area is open for new vegetation now.
Holy Family makes plans to close out the school year
Criminal Code traffic violations in April, with eight for impaired driving and exceeding related offences, and one for dangerous driving or other. Seventeen Criminal Code traffic violations were issued in April of last year. So far this year, 41 Criminal Code traffic violations have yielded charges, with 33 for impaired or exceeding by alcohol, five for impaired by drug and three for dangerous driving or other. Police Chief Paul Ladouceur believes the quarantine measures associated with COVID-19 were responsible for the drop in call volumes. Fewer people were out on the roads last month, so fewer tickets were issued for speeding and other similar infractions. Also, with bars closed, fewer people were arrested for public intoxication. But the EPS has seen an increase in such crimes as assaults, sexual assaults and mischiefs.
By Greg Nikkel of the Weyburn Review The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division has made a detailed plan to close off the current 2019-20 school year, since classes will not resume this spring, and to set tentative plans for the new school year in the fall. The school division noted that the reopening of schools is considered as part of Phase 5 in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, with no date set for when this will take effect as it is dependent on how well the province does in the first four phases. The second phase just took effect on May 19 with the reopening of retail stores and some personal services, such as hairstylists and barbers. Holy Family’s closure plan sets out their goals for each of the remaining weeks in the school year until the end of June. The plans include doing a deep cleaning of all school
facilities, and co-ordinating the access of schools by staff in a way that respects the restrictions set down by the chief medical health officer in the public health orders. They are also beginning to plan for summer projects at each of the schools to carry out the planned repairs and upgrades before the next school year starts. In board discussions on the effects of the COVID-19 shutdown, chief financial officer Lisa Wonsiak was asked if the school division is realizing any savings with schools not open for classes. She noted that one of the biggest savings is for fuel costs with none of the buses running, and some of the utility costs will be down also. She said a tabulation will be done in June as to what the total costs were for the school division. “We’re trying to be as flexible as we can with whatever mode of instruction there will
be in the fall,” added director of education Gwen Keith. Wonsiak noted also that the ministry has indicated the funding provided to the school divisions will not be reduced because they’re not running classes, and some of the unused funds may be put towards doing repairs and maintenance projects at the school buildings. The preventative maintenance and repairs budget did not increase from last year, and there is an application process as projects will have to qualify for funding, with encouragement given for efficiencies in buildings, such as more use of LED lights or heat-efficient windows. Through June, each of the departments will go through their processes to close down the school year, including ensuring that the laptops loaned out to students are returned, and report cards will be finalized for the school year, ready for the week of June 22-26 to be available to students and families.
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Cheers & Jeers
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
A19
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The joy of simple pleasures
Cheers Cheers to the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division for organizing the great parade through the streets of Estevan last week. It was great to see how it went throughout the community, rather than just a neighbourhood. Cheers to the retailers and other businesses who are open once again, but are also doing the right thing and looking out for the safety of their customers. Cheers to being able to go to our favourite restaurants again on June 8. Now let’s not do something stupid and delay those plans. Cheers to the City of Estevan for naming Centennial Park after Dennis Moore. He’s done a lot for the community, and he deserves to have his name attached to a facility like a park that will be growing in demand once this pandemic is finished. Cheers to all of those who have supported the virtual fundraisers happening, such as the Walk to End Cystic Fibrosis, the Law Enforcement Virtual Torch Run for Special Olympics, and others. Cheers to those residents who are bringing a little cheer in these trying times.
Jeers Jeers to landlords who let their rental property lawns go to dandelions. They become an eyesore on the street and they spread, making it more difficult for those who maintain their yards. Jeers to the discontinuation of acute care and emergency services at the hospitals in Arcola and Oxbow. These are very important services to those towns and the surrounding communities. Jeers to those who are complaining about their favourite events being cancelled. You think it’s tough on you they won’t be happening? Think about how tough it is for those who had to cancel them.
While I know it does not really go with my motorcycle riding, stock car loving persona, one of my favourite things about spring is the smell of fruit trees. As we walk around the neighbourhood, the air is scented with apple, cherry and plum. It is beautiful. I grew up in Moose Jaw and my family spent a lot of time in Crescent Park among the flowers and the fruit trees, so the smell always brings back happy memories. Noticing little details every day is important to our happiness and well-being, es-
pecially in times of uncertainty and stress. It is easy to become excited about a concert, a holiday or a sporting event, but the problem is that those things are relatively rare. If we do not notice and enjoy the smaller blessings that are around us every day, then we miss out on
The We Day Club from Spruce Ridge School has found a way to keep meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-six young people are part of the club this year. Members have been gathering online through Microsoft Teams each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. They have actually been meeting more often since the pandemic forced the suspension of traditional classes in Saskatchewan in March; earlier this year, they were meeting once every two weeks. “The first thing they did just shortly after we started the online learning, they decided they wanted to paint rocks with messages of kindness and support, and then the majority of the rocks have been placed at the Estevan Regional Nursing
Home, just in their flower beds,” said Jody Copeland, a learning support teacher at the school who leads the club. Some of the rocks were designed for front-line healthcare workers, so Copeland hopes they will see the messages as they enter or exit the nursing home. “Little things can go a long ways sometimes.” A few other rocks have been placed at locations around the city. Some of the girls have been writing positive messages on sidewalks, so that when people walk by, it will put a smile on their faces. The We Day Club also received a $1,000 Kindness Grant from SaskTel just before traditional classes were called off. “All of the We Day kids wrote positive messages on a
Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ much of the joy of life. Genesis chapter one describes how God created the heavens and the earth (verse 1), light and dark (verses 3-5), water and dry ground (verses 9-10), vegetation and trees (verse 11-13) and eventually humans (verse 26).
After each day, God looked and saw that everything he created was good (see also verse 31). What we have been given is not to be raced past without notice. Rather, it is a good gift to be seen and enjoyed. I hope you take some time to smell the fruit trees, or the roses. Go out at night and look at the stars. Appreciate the birds singing outside your window. Watch the sunrise or sunset. These beautiful things are all around us. All we have to do is just notice and appreciate them.
Pandemic hasn’t stopped We Day Club
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To submit a cheer or a jeer, please email it to dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca, or visit www.estevanmercury.ca.
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The We Day Club from Spruce Ridge School has kept meeting during the pandemic. Photo submitted pencil, and delivered them to all 400 kids in our school,” said Copeland. “They were all personalized. That was the first step of spending that grant money, so we have half of that left.” The pandemic did force them to postpone their second biennial We Day concert, scheduled for Spruce Ridge in June, which would have been a miniature version of the We Day gatherings they attend. So they will organize a We Day at the school for 2021. “They’re going to do some pre-planning for next year and see where we’re going to go for it,” said Copeland.
They’re also going to look at a program called Happiness Happens, in which they will try to come up with some ideas to spread happiness within the school. And find ways to spend the Kindness Grant in the school. Copeland believes it’s great that they’ve been able to meet online and discuss their projects. “We don’t have everybody from our club, obviously, that are online all the time to be able to access the meetings, but the ones who do come are enjoying it, and still playing their role in how we can make Estevan and Spruce Ridge a better place.”
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A20 May 27, 2020
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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
Please continue to social distance as we move toward Phase 3. Thank you everyone.
PUBLIC NOTICE 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 four bylaw to Regulate Taxes within the City of Estevan. On May 11, 2020 meeting the first reading of these bylaws was passed and the final readings is expected to be on June 15, 2020 The proposed Bylaw 2020-2023 Health Levy, 2020-2024 Library Levy, 2020-2025 Business Improvement District, 2020-2026 Fix the Rate of Taxation 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 15th day of May , 2020. Judy Pilloud 1102 4th Street Estevan, SK S4A 0W7
2020 WATERMAIN FLUSHING SCHEDULE The City of Estevan will be flushing watermains to ensure good water quality for all users of City water. This work includes the turning of main water valves around the City, and flushing large quantities of water from various hydrants in each area. During this process you may notice a substantial drop in pressure, this will be brief. As well, discoloured water is possible during the days your area is scheduled for this work (see schedule below), please run a faucet for a few minutes until the water is clear again. Please contact City Hall at 634-1800 if issues persist. Thank you for your understanding during this important maintenance! (1) Thursday, and Friday- May 28 and May 29 Area bounded by Perkins Street and Luscar Park on the North, Water Treatment Plant on the South, Woodlawn Ave on the West, and Hwy 47S Service Road on the East (Includes Luscar Park, City of Estevan Public Works yards, and businesses on Hwy 47S Service Road) (2) Monday – Friday- June 1-5 Area bounded by 6th Street on the North, Valley Street, 1st Street, and Westview Place on the South, Alice Road and Woodlawn Avenue on the West, and Souris Avenue on the East (includes Westview, Central, and downtown regions)
FLUSHING PROGRAM 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 Bay 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
UTILITIES AND TAXES DURING 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:
(3 Monday- Friday June 8-12 Area bounded by 6th street on the North, McDonald Road and Perkins Street on the South, Souris Avenue on the West, and Kensington Ave on the East (includes the Eastend, Bay Meadows, and Valley view regions, and Jubilee Place)
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:
(4) Monday –Friday June 15-19 Area Bounded by City Cemetery on the North, King Street on the South, Sister Roddy Road on the West (formerly Woodlawn Avenue), and Souris Road (Hwy 47N) on the East (includes Dominion Heights, Pleasantdale, and Royal Heights regions, as well as Cundall Drive, Woodend Place, Chinook Bay and Hwy 47N Service Road)
Utility disconnections due to arrears will be suspended until September 1, 2020;
(5) Monday – Friday June 29-July 3 Area bounded by Spruce Drive and Princess Street on the North, King Street on the South, Souris Avenue on the West, and Kensington on the East (includes Hillside and Scotsburn regions) (6) Monday -Friday July 6-10 Area bounded by King Street on the North, CPR Railroad on the South, 14th Ave on the West, and Kensington on the East (includes 7th Street, 8th Street, 9th Street, Centennial, Trojan, and Soo Industrial regions) (7) Monday- Friday July 13-17 Area bounded by Kensington on the West, Sawyer Road on the East, North and South City Limits (includes Glen Peterson Industrial Park, East Industrial, Southeast Industrial regions, and properties along Hwy 39E Service Road)
PARKING NOTICE Time Limit Parking 29.
(1) No person shall park a vehicle on any street or parking lot for a longer period than specified by sign and set out in Schedule “C” No Parking 34.
(1) No person shall park a vehicle on any street or parking lot: (a) where parking is prohibited or restricted by display of a sign or yellow painted curb; (b) For a period of more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours (c) No person shall leave a recreational vehicle which is not attached to a motor vehicle on a highway; provided that this provision shall not apply to equipment owned or operated by the City or contracted by the City during the construction of capital works or maintenance projects.
PART I - Two Hour Parking • • • •
All of Lots 21, 22 and 23, Block 43, Plan 12538 (12th Avenue and 6th Street) (known as the Holmgren Parking Lot) All of Lot 25, Block 43, Plan 12538 (1217 3rd Street) (known as “RBC” Lot) All of Lot 27, Block 43, Plan 12538 (1225 3rd Street) (Also known as “Henders” Lot) All of Lot 28, Block 43, Plan 12538 (1229 3rd Street) (Also known as “A & A Jewellers” lot) • East 12.5 feet of Lot 3 and all of Lots 4 and 5, Block 12, Plan 12538. • The west half (12.5 feet) of Lot 28, the whole of Lot 29 and the most south easterly 17 feet in perpendicular width of Lot 30, Block 12, Plan 12538. • All of Lot 48, Block 19, Plan 101113434 (1216 Fifth Street) (Also known as House of Stationary – H.O.S. lot)
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.