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Southeast Saskatchewan battered by winter storm’s powerful winds Saskatchewan hell. Check out what Alberta Clipper did to the southeast
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APP. This trailer at Jason Stepp’s farm near Torquay was destroyed by the winds associated with the winter storm that rolled through the southeast last week. Photo by Jason Stepp
By David Willberg and Greg Nikkel
Heartstrings business. Local entrepreneur help people with cancer PAGE A13
They’re back. After a few hiccups young Estevan curlers return on ice PAGE A16
Southeast Saskatchewan residents have been cleaning up ever since a powerful winter storm battered the region late on Jan. 13 and early on Jan. 14. The Alberta clipper packed wind gusts that reached about 120 kilometres per hour, and whipped around snow that created near-zero visibility. Power was knocked out to many, travel not recommended advisories were issued through the southeast early on Jan.14, and some highways were closed. Trees were toppled, branches were snapped and homes were damaged. The storm roared throughout southern and central Saskatchewan as well, knocking out power to an estimated 100,000 homes at one point. Electricity was restored to most in the province on Jan. 14, but others, including some in the southeast, weren’t restored until early Jan. 15. The final homes had power restored on Jan. 16. Insurance companies are expected to be busy in the coming weeks due to all of the damage. Troy Smith, who resides in the south set of cabins along Boundary Dam, said that roof over his vaulted ceiling was pulled off the north side
of the house. “The ceiling’s made out of pine,” he told the Mercury. “That stayed in place. So we weren’t open to the outside. We just had no insulation and a lot of wind blowing into the house. But it wasn’t snowing in here, so to say.” The roof split in two. One side flipped and landed on his sports utility vehicle and just missed his wife’s SUV. He expects his vehicle will be a write-off. The other half of the roof landed on the neighbour’s roof, put a hole in it, and then landed in the neighbour’s driveway. The neighbours were pretty understanding about the incident. Repairs will be pretty significant, he said. They haven’t received any quotes yet. In the meantime, a temporary roof is in place until something can be repaired. Also damaged was the roof of a 30-foot by 60-foot pole shed. “The roof is laying on top of my motorhome that was inside the shed. I haven’t started digging that one out yet, either.” Smith has never experienced winds like that before during the 13 years that his family has resided along the dam. They get some pretty good gusts coming off the lake, that might be around 100
kilometres per hour. He believes the winds on Jan. 14 might have reached 140 kilometres per hour. Another family, Jason Stepp, has been busy cleaning up the destruction after a trailer home on the Torquay-area farm rolled and smashed at the height of the storm. Stepp’s farmhand had just laid down on his couch with his dog when the winds caused the home to roll three full times before smashing into one of Stepp’s shops. He said the shop was the only thing to stop the trailer, noting that insulation from the smashed-up trailer was found at a neighbour’s farm five kilometres away. “It was the ugliest wind I’ve ever heard,” said Stepp, noting the farmhand’s bed was found about 600 to 800 feet away, while his own truck was pushed across the ice to some trees. Somehow the farmhand survived the ordeal and crawled out, and went into the shop to get out of the storm. His dog also survived the ordeal, and came up to the farm house for help. Afterward, Stepp said he found kitchen knives stuck into the floor like they were thrown there. The trailer home had just been A2 » CLEAN
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Former Estevan resident Dr. Mark Wahba earns praise for actions that likely saved people’s lives By David Willberg Former Estevan resident Dr. Mark Wahba says that he is a small part in a large group of people who are dedicated to saving lives. But thanks to his quick thinking recently while working in the emergency room of the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, he’s earning plenty of praise, as his actions likely saved lives. Wahba, the son of Susan and Dr. Yosri Wahba, was working as an emergency room physician at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon Thursday night when he became concerned about a patient. “The patient had a headache and some muscle pains and not really a lot else to find,” Wahba told the Mercury. “But what really was the clue was that the patient’s son had a headache as well. It’s pretty unusual for two people of different ages (in the same residence) to have a headache at the same time.” Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning was in the back of his mind as a possible cause, but it wasn’t the
chief concern. He ordered some investigations, and called the fire department to have them check the CO levels in the apartment building. Members of the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to an apartment building, where 50 people were evacuated and 29 were sent to hospital due to a CO leak. There were no fatalities. The Saskatchewan Health Authority shared Wahba’s story Friday, leading to plenty of praise. The accolades continued Monday, when Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl presented Wahba with an Award of Merit in a virtual ceremony. Hackl said there was the potential for a large carbon monoxide incident. “Dr. Wahba, you decided to directly call the Saskatoon Fire Department dispatch, due to a patient that you attended to in one of the emergency rooms here in the city. Was it intuition? Was it conscious thought? What you decided that day did save lives. In fact, you likely saved numerous people’s lives,” said Hackl.
The award was delivered to Wahba’s home. “I’m humbled and I’m honoured to receive this Award of Merit from the Saskatoon Fire Department,” said Wahba. He became emotional when he explained how the incident hit close to home. The apartment building is two blocks from his home, and his kids go to school with children who reside in that building. “My son’s in class with one of the kids in that building,” said Wahba. “A close friend of mine, she lost her brother and sister 27 years ago to carbon monoxide poisoning.” When the fire department sees 50 parts per million, they ask the residents to vacate and they work with SaskEnergy to find and remedy the problem. When they see 200 parts per million, they evacuate the building and send firefighters in with self-contained breathing apparatus. When it is more than 400 parts per million, as it was in the boiler room in this instance, people can die in two or three hours. Other areas of
the building were 350 parts per million on Thursday. Hackl said Wahba’s thought process was critical, so in the spirit of community, it was important to recognize him. The Saskatoon fire chief also praised Wahba for being a “model for us in the community to take action, for all of us to be safe.” Wahba said he’s stunned at the attention and the recognition he has received in recent weeks, describing himself as a small part of the bigger emergency services team with the fire department, paramedics, social workers, administrators, police and the STARS Air Ambulance, among others. But he’s proud to be part of the team, and he’s glad that it is receiving so much attention for the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning. “There’s a reason they call it the silent killer. It’s tasteless, it’s odorless. It’s non-irritating. It can affect anyone regardless of their socio-economic status and their previous health. It doesn’t discriminate.” Wahba said he doesn’t tend to a lot of patients regarding CO poisoning.
Dr. Mark Wahba Since the event, a few people have told him they don’t have a CO detector in their home, and Wahba believes there should be at least one in each home. He’s stunned that homes, apartment buildings and other buildings don’t need to have carbon monoxide detectors. “I hope it changes after this event, because this event could have been so much worse.”
Clean-up is underway after winter storm « A1 fixed up, with about $50,000 spent to upgrade it as a residence for the farm worker, and he lost everything when the home was smashed up. In addition, among the other damages on the farm, some of Stepp’s grain
bins were damaged, so the 100,000-bushel capacity he formerly had is now down to 25,000 bushels, and he’s worried whether he will have grain storage space come harvest time. By his estimate, Stepp figures he’s looking at up-
wards of a $1 million in damages on the farm. Insurance adjustors were due to pay a visit to the farm on Jan. 16 and have a look at the damages. As for the big mess left by the storm, Stepp said, “We’re a hard-working crew
and we’ll get it done. We’ve got a good crew here and we’ll clean it up.” Rod March, the parks manager for the City of Estevan, said he saw damage across the city, with broken branches. A couple of trees the city owns were down, but they were coniferous trees, which are shallowed-rooted, spruce trees. Pruning will be needed on some of the other trees. “Being winter time, these … trees don’t have leaves on them,” said March. “But they are more brittle, because they’re frozen. So you’re going to get some cracking of branches. But in the summer storms, when
the leaves are on them, there’s a lot higher stress, so that’s when we see the trees coming down, because there’s no frost holding them in the ground.” He saw trees down on private land as well. “There was debris scattered throughout the city. I’ll say most of that is garbage or fence panels or shingles, all that sort of thing. All of our litter containment systems tipped over, so the parks staff right now are picking all that up and straightening it.” Two dugouts at the Pleasantdale Softball Diamonds were damaged, but March expects they will be
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ready for the start of the season in the spring. The roof blew off another dugout at the Lynn Prime Park baseball diamonds. The dugouts were built properly, he said. “There’s been a lot of damage to private dwellings that I saw around the city, and people are dealing with that, but the city ’s infrastructure held up pretty well,” said March, who thanked everyone who called in about the damage in the city. For more photos of the aftermath, please see Page A3 or visit the photo albums section on www.estevanmercury.ca.
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Winter storm leaves lots of damage in its wake The winter storm that swept across the province last week created lots of destruction in southeast Saskatchewan. Not only did the storm damage homes, snap branches and topple trees, it destroyed some larger structures. Thanks to everybody who submitted photos. To see more pictures, please see the photo albums at www.estevanmercury.ca.
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Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertising content: The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication. All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that The Estevan Mercury receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.
EDITORIAL
Bruins will need more from government Last week’s announcement by the provincial government that it was stepping forward with $4 million in support for the province’s major junior and junior A hockey teams was a step in the right direction, but in the case of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), additional money will be needed. The government announced $3 million for the five Western Hockey League (WHL) teams, with each team receiving $600,000. That’s good news. The WHL is a big part of the five cities where it has teams, and those teams have followers throughout the province. More importantly for residents in this market, the province also announced $1 million for the SJHL, who will then distribute the money to the teams. If that money were to be distributed evenly among the 11 teams in Saskatchewan (the Flin Flon Bombers, of course, are based in Manitoba) then that would work out to approximately $90,000 per team. It’s a good start in helping teams that have taken a huge financial hit from COVID-19, but more support is needed. Many people who reside outside of the SJHL’s markets might not realize that these are community-owned, non-profit organizations. When you buy a ticket to watch the Estevan Bruins, your money isn’t going to a deep-pocketed owner or group. (Note: this is not a criticism of private own-
ership in junior A and other levels of hockey, just a statement of fact). Some major junior teams are also community-owned. Most of the junior A teams in Saskatchewan have a tenuous financial existence. A couple of lean years on the ice, which translate to off-ice struggles, can put them on the brink of ruin. Most SJHL teams have been on the brink of folding at least once this century, and have only survived because of a deep playoff run or a highly successful fundraiser or two. That’s why the money for the SJHL teams should be a starting point for the government. The SJHL was able to start its regular season in early November, but with only 150 fans in attendance. That might be enough for the Notre Dame Hounds, but it’s not enough for the Bruins and the other teams in the league. The Bruins had a plan to have about 600 fans per game, but that was denied. Other teams were hoping to have more than 150 spectators, too. Any chance of having more than 150 fans per game fizzled when the province’s COVID-19 case count surged in October and early November. It was a little absurd that an arena like Affinity Place, with its 2,662 capacity spread out over two levels, could only have as many people as a church or an auditorium that seats 500. It would have been hard for the Bruins to make ends meet with 600 fans per game, but they would have still had a season for both the players
and the fans to enjoy. Yes, expenses are much lower now, without travel and accommodations to far-flung places like La Ronge, but the club will always have expenses, even when they aren’t playing. Those expenses are a lot more than $90,000 for the season. We also have to remember that COVID-19 hit during last year’s postseason, costing those that would have advanced to the second round tens of thousands of dollars. Junior hockey clubs aren’t just a winter distraction for the fans. They’re a big part of the community, and their economic spinoff is likely in the millions of dollars. They bring young men into the community who become a big part of the city. The players go into the schools to interact with local kids, regardless of whether those kids are hockey fans or not, and the Bruins also have jobs in the community during the season. Many of them stick around during the summer months once their playing days are finished to raise a family. And the Bruins and other junior hockey teams bring people to their community to work for the club. That’s why these teams are so important to their communities. And it’s why the government needs to bring more money to the table to ensure the future of these teams.
When the brain needs a break, playing a game of tag with calves can be fun I stepped into a big corral and stumbled upon 200 pairs of eyes, staring at me almost without blinking. Vigilance, curiosity, a pinch of fear and a notch of something warm and friendly were mixed in those looks. I just stood still. It lasted for a brief moment, and then the eyes lost interest in me and turned back to hay, spread on the ground. I melted away and continued going where I was going. Not that I forgot what it feels like to be around cattle, but every time we get to do something with the herd, I get that gut-tickling feeling spiked with adrenaline. Many of you know that besides being a reporter I'm sometimes a bit of a farmer. Even after seven years, farming is a world of discoveries for me. I still lack knowledge, experience and what's even worse, I often lack speed. But despite feeling stupid way more often at the farm than I do while living the life of the reporter, I sincerely enjoy farm duties. Last weekend had us putting family efforts together, weaning and sorting calves, and getting ready for the calving season which is already just around the corner again. Some sorted calves left the yard, while others will eventually join the herd. If you've never been in the pen with a bunch of young bovine teens, I tell you, it's better than a roller-coaster. It's actually like a roller-coaster where the outcome of the ride depends on your actions. For the most part, it may feel just like a boring merry-go-round, where you walk around animals trying to direct them towards the gates. But all it takes is to make a wrong move or let your guard down for a second, and the next thing you know you are sitting on top of the snow fence, not even knowing how you made it up there, filled
Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… with adrenaline that apparently gives you wings. And a cow that just looked like a monster that escaped from hell is already peacefully chewing its cud somewhere below. At the time of weaning even calm calves are pretty wild. They returned from pastures not that long ago and are not used to people. Besides, after a few hours of going in and out of the pans, some get spooked and turn into 600-pound machines, non-stop trying to find their way out of the corral. And if you appear to be in their way, you run or jump. Or you are screwed. Once feeders get settled in the yard and get used to being away from their mommas, you can actually build relationships with them. Cows are not very bright, but they know who feeds them and they know their daily drills. Some of them are more friendly than the others (just like us), and I even had a few heifer-friends, which would come visit once they saw me in the pan. Sometimes their friendliness can give you wings too, though. A couple of years ago we were checking cows that were due to calf, and I was walking through the pen when with side vision I noticed a big body running towards me, kicking its back legs as if it was getting ready to throw me in the air and crash. I think I broke the world record in speed running in those split seconds, trying to
get behind the quad. Once the chase was over and I was able to catch the breath, I heard my husband and brother-in-law laughing. I threw up furious eyes at them, but they couldn't help it. Turned out that it was their pet, one of the friendliest heifers they ever had. When it saw people, it always came running and jumping (a cow! Jumping like a dog!) inviting you to play. It took me a while to be able to laugh at the situation. Years around cattle taught me that like any other job, this operation takes a lot of time, patience, dedication and learning. You have to know your animals, understand their habits, be aware of what scares them and what comforts them, and find your ways to work them. I'm still learning, but unlike with many other jobs, most things you learn intuitively, by copying others or by watching the animals. Even though cows are not the smartest, you can build relations with them and find your way. Sometimes I still feel paralyzed by fear when we have to get the newborn calf from momma to take them to a warm barn, or when we are separating a bunch of grown-up calves in a smaller pen and they all start running around, hitting the fence trying to get out; or when bulls brought back home from pastures start fighting, smashing down anything that happens to be in their way; or when I see a cow running towards me. Nevertheless, after two days of dealing with cattle, I felt very different, refreshed and ready to work again. I'm not sure if it was being outside more than usual and doing quite a bit of running, or doing something different from the main job, or working with animals. I guess a bit of everything but it did the trick.
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Maureen Ulrich re-releases her three popular books
David Willberg Willberg’s World
Dodging the weather bullet I hope I don’t come across as bragging, but I dodged a bullet with last week’s storm. I have a third-floor condo with an east-facing patio, so I wasn’t as concerned about storm damage as most. There was a brief power failure sometime between 12:01 and 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, but the lights were working when I went to bed, and they worked again when I woke up. It was hard getting to sleep that night, but that was because of the howling winds, and not because of anxiety over property damage. I didn’t have prolonged power failures, property damage, fallen branches in my yard or trees laying on my vehicle. When I look at the photos that people submitted to the Mercury through email or through our Facebook page, it makes me feel fortunate. My guess is the insurance companies are going to be very busy in the coming weeks, and that this will be one of the most costly winter storms in southeast in a long time. A storm like that also reminds us about the importance of line crews and other SaskPower employees who were out in the adverse conditions, trying to restore power while coping with frightening wind speeds. Everyone knew that a storm of some sort was coming last week. We just didn’t know how strong the winds would be, how much snow we would get, or how widespread the damage would be. For those of us in the southeast, we didn’t get much snow (we’ve said that before this winter), but we had powerful winds and significant damage. Other areas suffered an even harder hit. As the storm tracked across the province, stalking the different communities in its path, you saw reports of power failures throughout Saskatchewan. In some cases, it was noted that the power wouldn’t be restored until the storm passed and the winds died down. After all, not only are these SaskPower employees concerned about restoring power, they’re going to be worried about their own health. You would hope nobody complained about the efforts of the SaskPower crews. If anyone was legitimately ticked off, then maybe they should try working in those incredibly strong winds, and simulating the struggles of trying to get the lights back on. (It might make for a really cool simulator for an open house once we’re able to have events again. Experience just how tough it is to restore power in the dark when a powerful wind is blowing in your face). Some people were without power on Wednesday and/or Thursday night. Others, including some in Weyburn, didn’t get their power back until late Friday or even Saturday. SaskPower workers don’t always get the respect they deserve. Sometimes it takes a terrible tragedy, like we saw in Weyburn in October when two were killed in a workplace accident, for them to receive that respect. But in most instances, we’ll save our appreciation for them when they’re out working tirelessly during or after a storm, trying to restore power so our electronics and appliances can work again. And those expressions of support will eventually fade, and the employees resume doing their job in relative obscurity, only receiving kudos when they’re out responding to the next storm. It’s like a lot of jobs: you appreciate them when you need them, but most of the time, you’re preoccupied with other things. You don’t become a line crew because you’re looking for praise and adulation. You go out and do your job, and go home at the end of the shift. And then you go out and do your job the following day, hoping that you don’t have to encounter that big power failure. Occasionally, you’ll be in that situation in which people choose to applaud you for a job well done. Thanks to the challenges associated with the job, it’s one that a lot of people couldn’t do. I’m one of them. The only thing I would bring to the table is a voice that carries – great for communicating in tough situations. We’re thankful for those who restored our power last week, regardless of whether we were without electricity for a short period of time (like me) or if you were without power for much longer, in the midst of January, when you want to have heat keeping your home warm. Hopefully, everybody knows how lucky we were to have those who were willing to risk their health amid such a powerful storm.
Maureen Ulrich found success and acclaim more than a decade ago with a trio of fictitious books about a young female hockey player named Jessie Mac. Now the Lampman author has re-released the three books - Power Plays, Face Off and Breakaway. It’s a hybrid deal, so Ulrich and her publisher split the proceeds of the books, but her new publisher guided Ulrich through the process, which has changed a lot since her first book came out. Power Plays was released in 2007, and did very well, with strong sales and awards for Ulrich. Face Off and Breakaway followed. They were staggered in their re-release last year, with Break Away coming out in December, just before Christmas. “Initially I just planned to update the covers, and I had Wanda Harron Photography to help me out with that, but fortunately she took a few pictures last January, before all of this (pandemic shutdown) started,” said Ulrich. The photos are of the 2019-20 Estevan U15 Bearcats female hockey team; Power Plays’ cover has a photo from a game against Regina. The photos supplied from Harron are excellent, Ulrich said. But when she started reading Power Plays, she quickly realized that some elements of the book weren’t relevant anymore, so she did a fair amount of revising to the three books, bringing them up to speed with 2020. Power Plays was trimmed by about 6,000 words, while Face Off and Break Away were shaved by about 10,000 words each, without changing the plot, the characters or the scenes. “I wanted them to sound current to a kid who is in junior high or high school in 2020,” said Ulrich. But she also retained
Maureen Ulrich is pleased that her three books are once again available to the public. Photo submitted some things, including references to the Estevan Junior High School, which closed in 2003, and the Civic Auditorium, which was shut down in 2017. “Those buildings might not be around any more, but I want young people to know what it was like to be in those buildings,” said Ulrich. The Bearcats have been co-operative, participating in Zoom launches to promote the books and to answer questions about the game. “It would be great to do launches at the library, but when I have a Zoom launch, I have people from Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto. Of course, they’re all friends of mine, they’re not random people, but having people able to participate from afar is a great thing.”
People are pleased to have the books in circulation again, and Ulrich has introduced a second generation of readers to Jessie Mac. “The kids who are reading it now, a lot of them weren’t even born yet when Power Plays came out. It’s fun to get their reactions to the book,” said Ulrich. The three books had been declared out of print by her original publisher, Coteau Books, which filed for bankruptcy last February. Ulrich only had a few copies of Power Plays remaining. She was thinking about getting a new publisher and getting the rights back, and it was easy to get the paperwork from Coteau. “I did a reading at a school about a year ago, and there was a young woman there in Grade 8, and wasn’t a reader, but the
teacher, who is a former student of mine, had actually given her Power Plays, and she zipped through it, and was reading Face Off and Breakaway, and it seemed to really turn her on to reading.” Ulrich noted that she has been working on a fourth book in the series named Shoot Out. She is in the drafting stage, and she hopes it can be out in the spring. “Shoot Out actually follows her little sister playing boys’ hockey, which is something that I never had Jessie do. She was always playing girls’ hockey. Courtney ends up on a boys’ team at 14, and Jessie is playing university hockey in her second year.” All three books can be purchased at Henders Drugs, and Ulrich said the business has been a great partner.
Estevan’s police chief refutes accusations about K9 officer Estevan Police Chief Paul Ladouceur is defending officers, and, in particular, K9 unit member Const. Paul Chabot, after allegations were recently posted on an Estevan Rant and Rave Facebook group. Ladouceur said statements on the page were brought to his attention Thursday morning. A group member alleged that Chabot was abusing police service dog Max, who has been part of the EPS since the spring of 2017. The police chief said he is concerned when he sees
an allegation of animal abuse. “We talked directly to the K9 officer, because he was doing some training in the city … and the officer assured us that he would never do such a thing. In fact, he loves the dog very much and is an animal lover,” said Ladouceur. When Ladouceur has seen Chabot with Max at community events in the past, Chabot has treated the dog with the greatest of care. There have never been any reports of abuse of that dog by anybody, Ladouceur
said, whether it be through calls to the police station or social media posts. The police chief then reached out to the person who made the post. Ladouceur was told the allegation stemmed from something that happened nearly a year ago, but was only brought up now. The individual removed the post from the group. “I would hope that if there is ever a concern about a K9 matter in our community, that the individual would pick up the phone
and contact us, or make a public complaint, or contact an animal rights group or something of that nature, but to sit back and say this is almost a year later, and now it’s become a concern, is concerning to me,” said Ladouceur. When information is posted on social media, people will often jump on board and fuel the misinformation, Ladouceur said. He encourages people to always call police, so that they can speak to the officer or the subject of the complaint.
kids speak What was your favourite toy as a baby?
Isabelle Kroeber
Age: 8
“My stuffed animal, which was an owl, and a blanket.”
Toby Laven
Age: 8
“My stuffed animal, which was Goofy from the Mickey Mouse Club.”
421 King St #3, Estevan, SK I 306-634-3244
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A6 January 20, 2021
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Band and choral programs to resume in Cornerstone Band and choral programs will be resuming in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, starting Feb. 1. The division made the announcement on its Facebook page Friday morning. The programs were not offered during the first five months of the school year due to restrictions associated with COVID-19. Aaron Hiske, the superintendent of education for Cornerstone, said Cornerstone has been closely monitoring Reopen Saskatchewan guidelines in an effort to figure out how to safely offer band and choir programs for both elementary schools and high schools. “We felt we could offer programming with reduced risk within these guidelines, and we’re pleased to offer this to our students,” said Hiske. Once the school division saw some leeway, it met with the conductors to discuss how the programs could look. Superintendents of schools have been working with principals for a resumption of programming in school buildings. Changes released on Jan 11, including a reduction in the required distance between performers from four metres to threes, allowed Cornerstone to resume programs. “That four-metre barrier was really difficult for us,” said Hiske. In addition to the three metres of distance, they can have up to 30 students in a classroom at a time. All students must be wearing masks when not playing, and for brass instruments, there needs to be filters on the instrument bells and absorbent pads on the floors. “We’ll have to break those band instructing units into smaller chunks, so maybe instead of seeing 30 kids for a 45-minute session, it might be 15 kids for two 20-minute sessions, to get the program up and running again,” he said. Not only will they be able to offer band and choir programs in any school that had them before, but Hiske said they believe they can have some of the classroom music that had to be shelved due to the pandemic. “The closest we had to offering some pieces is one of our schools was doing some work virtually with an extracurricular course,” said Hiske. The band and choral teachers had been reassigned to other duties during the first half of the school year so that there wouldn’t be lay-
Cornerstone superintendent of education Aaron Hiske offs. Some of them provided muchneeded substitute teaching coverage. The instructors will spend the last week of January setting up programs and classrooms to accommodate restrictions, so that they’re ready by Feb. 1. “Band and choir are important across South East Cornerstone. It’s always been foundational to what we offer students,” said Hiske. “It was a very difficult decision to make the decision to pause those when the guidelines just simply wouldn’t let us offer quality programming. So we’re very excited, and parents and students will be excited as well to be able to offer these for our students again.” A long-time band instructor in Estevan and at other schools, Hiske said it was important to offer these programs once again for students. “In these trying times, the arts can certainly give us some comfort, so I’m looking forward to continuing to support our teachers and our band directors and choir directors to provide some opportunities for our students,” said Hiske. If everything stays the same within the public health orders, Hiske hopes there can be some form of performances this spring, including band concerts, choral performances or a school musical or play. Once the weather is nice, they might be able to be outdoors, or they could have virtual performances. The school division is constantly monitoring the provincial regulations, and will be ready if those change.
Estevan fire department had a busy year The Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) remained steadily busy throughout 2020. Fire Chief Dale Feser shared the statistics for the department in an interview with the Mercury. Last year the EFRS receive 218 calls for service. Firefighters also participated in 77 training nights and community engagement activities, which included public education events that took place before the pandemic, birthday drive-bys, fundraising activities for the Angel Tree and more. The training and activities were on par with the previous year. "We had a total of 295 firerelated events, which translates into being active every 1.2 days," said Feser. While some weeks were pretty quiet, other days fire crews were working non-stop for many hours, responding to multiple calls. Of the calls for service, 65 were related to fire alarms, which include both active and false alarms. Another 40 calls involved motor vehicle colli-
sions of different scales. There were also 16 calls related to gas leaks, which include carbon monoxide (CO) and other noxious substances. Besides, there were 97 firerelated activities, which encompass outdoor structure fires, structure fires, wildland fires and other types of actual fires. And there were several serious incidents in the area over the past 12 months. "This year has definitely been one of those years when we had some fairly significant calls," Feser said. He added that the most significant call for service in 2020 was related to the explosions at Regens Metals that occurred in April. The general call volume in 2020 was a bit lower than in 2019. It partially could be related to changes caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that affected all spheres of life. However, for the EFRS the decrease in call volume is a positive tendency on all fronts. "We did see a little bit of a low,
which was a good thing considering that we do run a paid-on-call fire department here. But our firefighters … were still pretty busy," Feser said. "We'd like to take the opportunity to thank all the businesses that help and support the fire department in the city of Estevan by allowing the firefighters to attend these calls, as well as the firefighters themselves for dedicating themselves to the city and protecting the citizens, as well as to training evenings that it takes to maintain our skill sets." Feser also pointed out that the number of calls created by false alarms was slightly down. While oftentimes alarms are activated by mistake or some malfunction, and there is no emergency, unless firefighters assess the scene in most cases it's impossible to say what exactly happened. So activated alarms are always treated as emergencies, and if the devices are found to be faulty, contractors are informed and asked to come in and repair the system.
Humane society is to host Whiskers and Wine Gala The format has changed, but the main goal, as well as the joy, are still there. The Estevan Humane Society found a way to still host its biggest fundraiser of the year in a pandemic. The revamped Whiskers and Wine Gala will take place Feb. 6. Shelter manager Michaela Pho said while the gala this year will be virtual, the meals that will be provided to guests will be pretty real. "We are still doing our normal meal. The meal portion of the gala will be at your own house." The board members will reach out to people who purchased tickets, take their orders and then the food will be delivered to guests between 5 and 8 p.m. on the night of the gala. Tickets are currently available for sale at $60 per person or $100 for a couple. Tickets will get people a three-course meal with a choice of prime rib, parmesancrusted chicken or a vegan option, traditionally catered by EB's. The online silent auction will start on Feb. 1 and will run until Feb. 6 and the winners will be announced during the gala. "We'll have a separate photo
album on our Facebook page come February 1. There will be pictures of all of the items that we have for the auction. And it will be based on the comments. So if you wanted to bid on an item, you just put in a comment of what your bid is, and then other people can see what you are bidding on and outbid you, and we'll run it like that. There will be somebody monitoring that to make sure everything runs as smooth as possible," Pho said. There also will be a traditional live auction that will go on a Facebook live feed on the Estevan Humane Society's page during the gala. The live auction items will be down at a particular location and will be introduced only during the gala like it would be at the usual event, just without the crowd. People will be able to phone in or text to bid on pieces they like. Pho said that so far the ticket sales have been pretty good, but they still could use a few more items for the auction. There are no requirements as to what people can donate to the shelter for it to be auctioned off at the gala.
There are 200 tickets available for sale. "If you are wanting tickets, we recommend getting them sooner rather than later," Pho said. People can purchase tickets by messaging the shelter on Facebook, calling them or stopping by. E-transfer payment option is available as well. People don't have to purchase tickets to be able to partake in silent or live auctions. All money raised through the gala helps support Estevan's no-kill shelter and is used to cover their medical expenses and daily bills. Pho added that adoptions and intakes are flowing, and while they are still at the capacity for cats, the intakes are managed and they are operating at a comfortable level. "It's comfortable here, animals are comfortable, everybody is healthy. That's what we like to see." People can come visit the animals at the shelter at this time, but they asked to phone in ahead of time so the staff could control how many people are in the building at the same time.
Community Bulletin Board Brought to you by “Where community happens” • Ardene • Dollarama • Eclipse
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Estevan Humane Society
Estevan Bruins
Whiskers & Wine Virtual Gala
Chase the Ace
Event Date: Saturday, February 6, 2021 3 Course Meal, bottled Wine & Sweet treats delivered to your door. Online & live auction on Facebook Ticket Info: $60 Single plate $100 dinner For two Corporate dinner (8 plate) $450 www.estevanhumanesociety.ca | 306-634-3444 On Facebook @ estevanhumanesociety
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Draw Date: Every Saturday @ 8:15 at the Beer Bar Prize: 20% of weekly sales every Saturday Grand Prize - 30% of total Sales if you pull the Ace of Spades Ticket Info: $5 per ticket 306-634-7730 www.estevanbruins.com
Optimist Club of Arcola
Estevan Kinsmen Club
Alzheimer Society
28th Annual Snow Mobile Rally Lottery
Chase the Ace
An Evening of Education
Draw Date: Jan 30, 2021 @ 5:30pm @ Prairie Place Hall, Arcola Prize: 1st Prize - Your Choice of Snowmobile, quad or motorcycle 2nd Prize & 3rd Prize - $1000 Ticket Info: $20 each etransfer to optimistraffle@sasktel.net
Draw Date: Every Thursday @ The Black Grasshopper @ 7:35pm Prize: 20% of ticket sales that night Grand Prize - if you pull the Ace of Spades - 50% of total Sales Ticket Info: $5 each
Contact Info: Estevan Kinsmen Club on Facebook
400 King Street, Estevan, SK | 306-634-2444
Understanding Dementia Event Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 @ 7:00 - 9:00 pm Available province wide via ‘Zoom’ Registration closes January 23, 2021 To register call 1-800-263-3367 or email: cjudge@alzheimer.sk.ca
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January 20, 2021 A7
A B B I E S of 2020
Hana Dawn Walliser April 27, 2020
Daughter of Carter & Carly Walliser
Gracelynn Delilah Rose Klassen August 21, 2020
Kane Bradley McKersie October 28, 2020
Daughter of Raquel & Johnathon Klassen
Son of Chase & Alexa McKersie
Porter Grace Johnson
Xavier Polegato
Riley Ann Lee Harris
Daughter of Ken Johnson & Kelly McDavid
Son of Michael & Stacey Polegato
Daughter of Ryan & Stephanie Harris
Jaxon Spencer Bonokoski
Harley Anne Robblee
March 23, 2020
March 22, 2020
June 3, 2020
May 24, 2020
July 21, 2020
Beau Dexter Gibson September 16, 2020
Son of Curtis & Cassie Bonokoski
Daughter of Myles & Suzie Robblee
Son of Jeremy & Sarah Gibson
Henry James Perry
Ozzy Gorgerat
Miller Garth Fornwald
Son of Troy & Jessica Gorgerat
Son of Tyler & Abby Fornwald
August 8, 2020
Son of Steve & Barrett Perry
November 27, 2020
August 12, 2020
Ariel Nykiforuk July 24, 2020
Daughter of Brandon Nykiforuk & Damara Brueckner
Jensen James Riley Mack October 15, 2020
Son of Jeff & Mackenzie Mack
Reese Harkins June 12, 2020
Daughter of Brittany & Nathan Harkins
Kaiya London Malaryk July 14, 2020
Daughter of Kristen & Keegan Malaryk
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A8 January 20, 2021
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Wren Audrey Jules Dzuba
Harris Joseph Deschamps
August 31, 2020
Declan Warren Russill
River Kendall Daughter of Justin & Paige Kendall
November 29, 2020
July 31, 2020
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March 18, 2020
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Blakely Irene Rose Rowley
Declan Hayes Forrest
Scarlette Laura Gonas
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Daughter of Jasmine Fleck & Robin Kakakaway
Emilynn Athena Johnson
Ryett Darin Dzuba
Prescott Burke
February 7, 2020
June 15, 2020
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Zariah April Irene Paul August 25, 2020
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Iris Annie Barnes
Jaxon William Seal
June 2, 2020
Daughter of Stephanie & Dylan Barnes
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January 20, 2021 A9
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Toys for Kids of All Ages Baby & Birthday Gifts PediPeds RC/Hobby/Model Kits & Supplies Educational Toys War Hammer Board Games 75 Fish Tanks/Fish/Fish Supplies 106 Souris Ave N, Estevan 306.634.8100 Regular Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10-6
Charlotte Kolb
Bellamy Brochert
Abel Joshua Pyle
Asher Ray Campbell
Son to Rachel Wojcik & Aaron Brochert
Son of Leah Striefski & Josh Pyle
Son of Brendan Campbell & Lexi Johnson
Daughter of Kyla Kolb & Scott Billings
Brynley Anne Wolos
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Lilianna Claire Dukart
Daughter of Layne & Veronica Wolos
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Willa June Curtis
Bristol Marlee Maye Mutrie
Lyanna Rose Henkel
July 16, 2020
September 17, 2020
Weston Brian Frank
November 9, 2020
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Son of Kayla & Brandon Frank
Greyson Arthur Lasko
January 6, 2020
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Curtis Lloyd Fenwick
Logan Dallas
May 20, 2020
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July 2, 2020
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September 23, 2020
December 21, 2020
February 14, 2020
June 29, 2020
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Charlotte Dawn Prokop June 13, 2020
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May 15, 2020
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A10 January 20, 2021
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Congratulations to all of the families that welcomed little ones in 2020.
It's never too early to start planning! Fuelling the future by changing lives, building careers and growing communities
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For more details go to our website: southeastcollege.org or call 1-866-999-7372 option #1
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Theodore Alexander & Scarlett May Hayward September 28, 2020
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Breken Danger Garth Stone
Zoe Elizabeth Ann LaVallee
Weston Hengen
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Benson Brady Rae September 20, 2020
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January 13, 2020
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Rory Louise Clauson
Kiyah Lynn BigEagle
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February 19, 2020
April 14, 2020
November 6, 2020
Son of Kelly & Jody Vatamaniuck
Maverick & Nash Jeannot October 27, 2020
Sons of Stephanie Harmsworth & Jason Jeannot
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January 20, 2021 A11
MAKE SOME MEMORIES CAMPING!
Congratulations to all families that welcomed babies in 2020
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Adalynn Christina Grace Irwin
Daughter of Brody & Jessica Haygarth
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Jacoby Arthur Thomas Schilling
Bianca Mae Pira
October 10, 2020 Son of Erin Burke & James Schilling
Benjamin Richard Bucsis
April 23, 2020
July 16, 2020
Gavin James Larter February 22, 2020
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Son of Jasmine Bod & Brad Williams
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December 6, 2020
Son of Brie McClement & Cam Sharp
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Alexander Benjamin Dalziel May 11, 2020
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A12 January 20, 2021
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Annalise Dawn Leclerc April 24, 2020
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Cassian James Shirley May 12, 2020
Son of Adam & Elena Shirley
Isla Lynne Edith Cassidy
Moses Ivler Gino Balasbas
November 10, 2020
February 27, 2020
Daughter of Keith & Becky Cassidy
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Margaux Grace Dela Cruz
Noah Evan Clinton Erdman
September 4, 2020 Daughter of Cherry Grace A. & Marco F. Dela Cruz
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Maylee Rayne Pushie
Ridge Brian Carles
June 21, 2020
September 6, 2020
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B A B I E S Marcus Christian Assoumbang
Colt Bradley Darren Graham
Son of Michelle & Luc Assoumbang
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January 30, 2020
of 2020
September 7, 2020
Congratulations Fender Bender?
to all the families that welcomed babies into their families this year!
The Souris Valley Museum is a regional history Museum that focuses on the human development and daily life in Southeast Saskatchewan.
We offer: ▶ Day Camps ▶ Kids Programming ▶ Take Home Craft Kits ▶ Tours Visit www.sourisvalleymuseum.com to find out more.
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1010 6th Street, Estevan, SK • 306-634-6060
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Learning to count the good things we have I still remember the thrill I felt when our children and then our grandchildren proudly spouted: “One, two, three… seven, eight, nine, 10.” Since we are officially bilingual in Canada, all three of them also touted “Un, deux, trois….” Because I admit that I often think outside the box or on topics that aren’t always common, I’ll tell you that lately I’ve been musing on numbers.
While there are approximately 6,500 different languages in the world, according to online sources we all use the same numerical symbols and values. During this time of COVID lockdowns, it’s hard to look ahead and say with confidence, “in so many hours or days I’ll be…” In reality, it is a fantasy. Mundane things such as having lunch with a friend, having tea or coffee in my favourite shop or doing
Linda Wegner Words of Worth more than grocery shopping have suddenly become elusive desires. Even counting days has become more of a dream than
a reality. Seems the early morning questions for both Hubby and me centre around, “What day is it?” While enumerating bless-
ings does seem hard these weeks, it’s important that we look around us for reasons for thanksgiving, including reasons and things we too often take for granted. “ Teach us [Make us know] how short our lives really are [to count our days] so that we may be wise [gain a wise heart].” (Psalm 90:12 – Expanded Bible) And as the songwriter penned: “Count your bless-
ings, name them one by one … count your many blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done.” I’m far from alone in attempting to gain wisdom while bemoaning the days to come before this epidemic is over but may God help each of us to learn to count well. Count good things. Count friends and professionals offering help. Above all, thank Him!
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A13 | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca
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New local fashion business helps people battling cancer By Ana Bykhovskaia Battling cancer is always tough, but when the burden is doubled by financial difficulties it often becomes unbearable. Estevan resident Amanda Jo Schoff learned it firsthand when she was helping her mother fighting uterine cancer.
passion to work while also doing something for people dealing with cancer who need financial assistance. That's how Heartstrings Clothing Co was born. “I started thinking of all these people that have cancer that don't really get a whole lot of help financially other than for (transportation to medical appointments) from
Estevan's Amanda Jo Schoff launched Heartstrings Clothing Co last November. Photo by Brittany Leigh Photography "I watched the strongest woman I know fight a disease she had zero control over. I am sure every one of you reading this has been affected by cancer one way or the other. For me, it was my mom," says Schoff 's website. Schoff accompanied her mother to chemotherapy and radiation appointments, and she got to meet many other people whose lives were affected not only by cancer, but also by money problems that often made their fight feel even more difficult. "We had the opportunity to sit and visit with many other people affected by cancer, and it gnawed at my heart. The financial burden of someone going through cancer is profound. Most people cannot work and for some, they worry about how they will pay their bills. Was there something that I could do to help these people?" says Schoff on her website. Her mother passed away in April 2020, and Schoff decided to bring her lifetime
Telemiracle. But when it comes to paying your bills or paying for your groceries or anything that supports your life on a day to day basis, there is no help for that,” recalled Schoff. “And when you are sick, you can't really do a whole lot to go to work to raise money for yourself. So I just had an idea, 'Why not start a clothing company that has a purpose of giving back to people with cancer?’” She started thinking and then working towards her goal after her mother's death, and by November her efforts came to fruition. Currently, 20 per cent of all Heartstrings Clothing Co sales are going to be given to people in need with cancer. Once the company is more established, Schoff plans to increase that share. "For me, it's a passion. I love being artsy-fartsy, and if you get to design clothes that you want to have in your product line on a day to day basis, or create your
21014jj0
… social media posts, (all while) knowing that eventually down the line you are going to be able to give money to somebody (who needs it) because you started the company. What is better than that?" Schoff said. The name of the company and the logo, which make the product stand out and transmit the main message behind the business, took quite a bit of time to come up with, but Schoff is happy with how they turned out. "I prayed about what I should name the company for a long period of time. And one day somebody had just told me about another person that my mom had talked about that lost their battle to cancer as well. That moment was like, 'Come on! Another person this year? Good Lord!' I was heartbroken and it just came to me. I knew exactly what I was going to name my company. It was a weird moment, it just kind of happened and I came back down. It was time to get stuff off the ground," Schoff recalled. Once the name was chosen, she started working on the logo and eventually came up with a meaningful, distinct anatomical heart shape reading "heart strings" inside it. "I think it looks really cool, and I love it. It is good for older generations and younger, too." The company was launched in November 2020. Schoff started with sharp black and white casual items. Heartstrings Clothing now offers two types of toques, unisex crew neck sweaters and hooded sweatshirts, as well as branded pop grips. Schoff said they've done pretty well since the launch, and besides Estevan, she's been shipping her items all over the U.S. and across Canada.
Amanda Jo Schoff, middle, asked a few of her friends to become models to help promote the Heartstrings Clothing Co brand. Photo by Brittany Leigh Photography. The warehouse, located in Schoff 's garage, is the base for the online store which offers clothes and accessories globally. But only Estevan residents who have been the majority of the clients so far have benefitted from free delivery. And while Schoff is making her dream of running a clothing business come true, she is also working on the other part of her dream of helping others. Finding a way to raise money for others was one part of the plan, but getting
to know who actually needs help was a whole different story. At this time, Schoff is working with the therapist who was treating her mother, and who will help her find people who may use financial assistance. Also, those in need of help can directly reach out to Schoff through her website or Facebook group. But eventually, Schoff plans to start a Heartstrings foundation to make the process more organized. She also has plans for more companies working
towards helping others. At this time, Heartstrings Clothing Co is Schoff 's full-time job, and there is still a lot of work and a lot of growth potential in it. Schoff plans to have a full, unique clothes line available in different colours as the company keeps growing. Further down the road she also may try to find an option to get her items available in local stores, but so far Heartstrings clothing can be found at heartstringsclothingco.com.
DOING BUSINESS IN ESTEVAN
Estevan Innovation Council Created Work to further develop Estevan as an Intelligent Community and a Rural Tech Hub is well underway. One of the integral parts to ensuring that the future development of these programs is successful, was to establish an Innovation Council that will continue to build on the work that has been done so far. Meetings have been held in both December and January by the new Innovation Council and already they are off to a busy start.
Heartstrings Clothing Co logo reflects on the company's meaning. Photo submitted
The members of the Innovation Council are Councillor Rebecca Foord, Mayor Roy Ludwig, Jeff Ward, Richard Sadick, James Lainton, Josh LeBlanc, and Larry Heggs. To get to this point the city of Estevan and the Economic Development Board partnered with Sask Inc. who has prepared the groundwork for Estevan’s development as an Intelligent Community and Rural Tech Hub. The early focus of the Innovation Council will be to establish board governance and develop the framework for how the Innovation Council will serve the city moving forward. They will also be working on the development of Estevan as a Rural Tech Hub. This includes assuring that Estevan has the infrastructure, amenities and culture that supports individuals and organizations to effectively work from and call Estevan home. For anyone looking for more information on the Innovation Council or the Rural Tech Hub, be sure to visit our website and check the news feed to learn more. www.estevaneconomicdevelopment.ca
A14 January 20, 2021
www.estevanmercury.ca
Library welcomes new adult programmer By Ana Bykhovskaia Jessica Kelly, originally from Rocanville, started as the adult programming co-ordinator at the Estevan Public Library (EPL) in early January, and she said that so far everything has been "very good" and she is enjoying the Estevan facility. Kelly recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a master's degree in librarian information studies. She took her undergrad at the University of Regina's Luther College. "I got very lucky. There was a job opening for a student position at the Luther College Library. I got along really well with the library coordinator there, and she encouraged me to look into taking my master's in library sciences," Kelly recalled. She was able to get a maternity leave position at the same library right after she graduated from the University of Regina, deepening her experience in the field. "That really consolidated that that was a kind of a position I wanted to be in. I wanted to be a librarian," Kelly said. She ended up graduating virtually, as it happened during the first months of the pandemic, and later got a temporary job at the Rocanville library, which also enhanced her experience.
"I was working with the Rocanville Public Library for a little bit on another maternity leave position. And since it's within the same library system as Estevan, they pulled me up and asked if I'd be interested in interviewing for an adult programmer position here. I said, 'Yes.' And I was very fortunate to be given the job opportunity," Kelly said. While all programs are running virtually at this time at the EPL, Kelly is currently focusing on making the best virtual programs that will help as many people as possible in the community. Some of the programs include take-home creative kits, while others supply some videos or are based on virtual contests. Kelly is also hoping to line up some virtual events with guest speakers later down the line. Several programs are up online already on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. Kelly said she'll continue with some of the existing programs and will also bring in new options, with some coming already in the near future. "I'm looking into starting a virtual Bingo hopefully by March," Kelly said, adding that it will be a different flavour of Bingo. While Kelly recently moved to Estevan, the community wasn't new for her. "Estevan is a very nice city. I'm
very lucky, I have some family members here. And when I was younger I used to spend a week or two in the summertime with the family members, which was always nice. So it's interesting coming back as an adult and seeing all the changes that have happened in the city." Kelly also said that her current position is a great start to a librarian’s career. "I'm very excited to share all my programs with the Estevan community," she added. EPL branch manager Jason Redshaw also said that they are happy with the new hire. He pointed out that Kelly's master's degree in the field, as well as her southeast Saskatchewan origin, will be assets to the library. Redshaw added that they are looking forward to 2021 programming and hope that it will return to an in-person format soon. "For 2021 the library will be implementing some new and exciting ideas throughout the year. Programs will continue in the new year virtually - but will offer a good mix of adult, children, family and teen programs. When it is safe to do so again the library will be offering in-person programming and new types of events the library has never experienced before. 2021 is going to be a great and fun year at the library," Redshaw said.
New Estevan Public Library adult programming co-ordinator Jessica Kelly. Photo submitted
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Keystone XL may be killed by the U.S., again By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter One of the first acts of Donald Trump as president of the United States was to invite TransCanada, now TC Energy, to resubmit its Keystone XL pipeline application, and to then approve it. Now, it is looking like one of the first acts of president-elect Joe Biden, after his inauguration, may be to kill it, and revoke the Presidential Permit for the pipeline to cross the international border, as early as his first day in office. Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. The 830,000-barrel per day pipeline is supposed to run from Hardisty, Alta., past Shaunavon, to Steele City, Neb., eventually connecting to the oil hub of Cushing, Ok. The southern portion of the pipeline, which runs from Cushing to the U.S. Gulf Coast, was completed under the Obama administration. Up to 15 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity had been designated for North Dakota oil production. Current maps don’t show the lateral pipeline to North Dakota, but the specs for a recently completed Canadian pumping station list it at 700,000 barrels per day capacity, which would leave room for that American oil to be added downstream. Ironically, the most contentious portion of the pipeline – the international crossing which required a Presidential Permit, was one of the first things completed when construction got underway in 2020. That 2.2-kilometre long-section of pipeline crossed the border in May 2020, in the RM of Val Marie,
southeast of Shaunavon. Usually the border crossing is the ceremonial last weld, not the first, on such pipelines. The reason the pipeline was not completed within the four years of the Trump administration was due to multiple court delays, several from one particular judge in Montana. In one of those rulings in November 2018, U.S. Federal Court Judge Brian Morris said the greenhouse gas emissions of the Enbridge Alberta Clipper pipeline, which ran on a different route and was owned and operated by a completely different company, should have been considered in the Keystone XL evaluation. But he did not mention anything about the recently completed and operational Dakota Access Pipeline, which handles North Dakota oil. As a result, the Keystone XL pipeline, which had been cancelled by the Barrack Obama administration in 2015, is not anywhere near completion. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney bet heavily on the project – figuratively and literally, with Alberta investing $1.5 billion into it to get construction going in 2020. Construction work has already taken place within Alberta, including 145 kilometres of pipe already put in the ground, and the recent completion of the Bindloss Pump Station. Construction was supposed to get going through southwest Saskatchewan this year to the American border. Kenney posted on Facebook the evening of Jan. 17 that he was deeply concerned by reports that the incoming Biden administration may repeal the Presidential Per-
mit. Doing so would kill jobs on both sides of the border, weaken the critically important Canada-US relationship, and undermine US national security by making the U.S. more dependent on OPEC oil imports in the future. Kenny went on to say that in 2019, the United States imported 9.14 million barrels per day of petroleum, 3.7 million of which came from Canada. The rest comes from countries, like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. Premier S cott Moe posted on Facebook the evening of Jan. 17, “It’s very disappointing to hear reports that President-elect Biden is planning to shut down the Keystone Pipeline expansion on his first day in office. “Construction of this project should be a top priority for Canadian-U.S. economic relations. It is critical to North American energy security, will have a tremendous employment impact north and south of the border and has garnered significant Indigenous support. Environmentally, Keystone will reach net-zero emissions when it first turns on, and will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030. “While I am urging the prime minister to leverage his relationship with Mr. Biden, Saskatchewan will continue exercising our contacts in Washington D.C. to advocate for the continuation of this project that clearly benefits both of our nations.” In an 11th hour move, TC Energy put out a press release from Houston on Sunday evening, stating on Jan. 17, “Keystone XL commits to become the first pipeline to be fully powered by renewable energy.
The Keystone XL route cuts through southwest Saskatchewan. Construction was expected to take place in that region this year, with hundreds of millions of dollars to be spent. Map courtesy TC Energy “ T h e c om p a ny w i l l achieve net zero emissions across the project operations when it is placed into service in 2023 and has committed the operations will be fully powered by renewable energy sources no later than 2030. This announcement comes after an extensive period of study and analysis, and as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, thoughtfully finding innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while providing communities with reliable energy needed today. “Since it was initially proposed more than 10 years ago, the Keystone XL project has evolved with the needs of North America, our communities and the environment,” said Richard Prior, president of Keystone XL. “We are confident that Keystone XL is not only the safest and most reliable method to transport oil to markets, but the initiatives announced today also
CCS facility had second-best year in 2020 December was the best month of the year for the carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at SaskPower's Boundary Dam Power Station, capping what was a productive year for the project. The CCS facility captured 82,213 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in December, bringing the total volume captured for the year to 729,092 tonnes, up from 616,119 tonnes captured in 2019.
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It was the second-best yearly total ever for the facility, trailing only 2016, when roughly 792,500 tonnes were captured. The 82,213 tonnes in December was the highest amount captured for one month in 2020, and was well above the previous 12-month average of 60,758 tonnes. The average daily capture rate when CCS was online in December was 2,724 tonnes per day, with a peak one-day
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ensures it will have the lowest environmental impact of an oil pipeline in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Canada and the United States are among the most environmentally responsible countries in the world with some of the strictest standards for fossil fuel production.” The release added, “As
part of its continued commitment to working with union labor in the U.S. and Canada, Keystone XL has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to work together on the construction of TC Energy owned or sourced renewable energy projects.”
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Estevan Curling Club has young curlers practising again; ice has been repaired After some repairs to the ice that were needed due to a mechanical breakdown late last year, the Power Dodge Curling Centre is open once again, and young curlers are on the ice for practices. The first group of under-18 curlers returned on Saturday. Estevan Curling Club manager Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud said the Co-op Kids Program, the youth program and the high school curlers are able to practise. The provincial guidelines allow for athletes under the age of 18 to practise, as long as there are no more than eight on the ice or playing area at a time. The kids will be spread out over the curling club’s six ice sheets. They also have to be at least three metres apart and they have to be wearing a mask. “There will be some changes in the format and how we do our drills and practise out there,” said Ziehl Grimsrud. “We’re just focusing on the next two weeks.” Practices will continue at least until Jan. 29, when the current provincial restrictions expire.The curling club doesn’t know yet whether stronger restrictions will be enacted that would prevent them from opening their doors to young athletes after Jan. 29. League games are not allowed under the provincial guidelines. The athletes are eager to get back on the ice. There are about 60 kids between the three programs. They’ll be practising after school and on weekends. It means there will have to be more on-ice sessions to accommodate all of the kids. Ziehl Grimsrud said she has missed the kids, and she is excited to get them back on the ice. “There’s the enthusiasm when you see the kids, and you tell them ‘We’re working on it, we’re going to get going again,’ and they’re excited to come, and they’re already asking ‘Can we curl more?’ ‘Can we only curl three times a week?’” said Ziehl Grimsrud. The curling club had been closed since the provincial government imposed restrictions at the end of November that halted games for team sports. Even if the curling rink wasn’t closed due to the pandemic regulations, it would have been shut down for several weeks in late 2020 and early 2021 due to a breakdown in the ice plant’s chiller on Dec. 13, 2020, that damaged the ice at the west end of the rink. “When it went down, we had some leakage going to our compressors. We have two compressors, and those were also damaged at the same time, so those had to be repaired also, so that was an extensive project,” said Ziehl Grimsrud. The chiller, which is an essential part of the ice plant, has been replaced. It was 21 years old and
should have lasted at least 25 years. The chiller and compressors were inspected last fall to ensure they were in good shape before the plant was fired up. They passed inspection. The curling rink was able to save the ice through the efforts of the ice-making committee, and by keeping the rink’s doors open at night, or during cold days. But they have repaired the ice, and while it’s not as attractive as it was at the start of the season, it is usable. “We’ve done a full flood, and we’ve done the pebbling, and we’ve thrown a few rocks just to make sure it was in curlable shape, and so it’s ready to go. It looks good. It’s quick, so we’re happy with that, and it has good curl,” said Ziehl Grimsrud. • • • CurlSask has also announced who will represent the province at upcoming national events. The 2021 Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s curling provincials and the SaskTel Tankard men’s curling provincials were scheduled to happen back-to-back at Affinity Place in Estevan. But late last year, CurlSask announced those events wouldn’t be happening in Estevan, and the organization was considering other options for provincials, including holding provincials within a bubble. That plan was rejected by the provincial government. CurlSask has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 CurlSask Mixed Doubles Championships, Viterra Scotties and SaskTel Tankard, and CurlSask has been forced to select the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles representatives, using a system that calculated points over the past two seasons. The representatives for Saskatchewan at the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts nationals will be Sherry Anderson, Nancy Martin, Chaelynn Kitz and Breanne Knapp. Anderson’s rink lost to Robyn Silvernagle’s team in the provincial finals in 2020, but Anderson’s rink retained three members from last year, while Silvernagle has just two. Kitz hails from Oxbow and was the lead on Anderson’s rink last year. Kitz won the Marj Mitchell Sportsmanship Award at last year’s provincials. The representatives for Saskatchewan at the 2021 Tim Hortons Brier will Matt Dunstone, Braeden Moskowy, Kirk Muyres and Dustin Kidby. The Dunstone rink has three members back from last year. The tandem of Mike Armstrong and Ashley Quick will represent Saskatchewan at the 2021 Home Hardware Mixed Doubles Championship. They won last year’s provincial title, but didn’t get to represent Saskatchewan at nationals. Nationals will take place with a bubble format in Calgary.
Speedway announces its 2021 race schedule The Estevan Motor Speedway has announced its race schedule for the 2021 season. For the second straight season, the schedule is loaded with doubleheader weekends, as the track found that having two programs in a weekend helped them attract drivers from Manitoba and southwest Saskatchewan in 2020. The speedway typically had more than 65 drivers each race night in 2020, impressive considering drivers from the U.S. could not come to the speedway. The schedule is tentative, and it is subject to change if the Canada-U.S. border reopens to non-essential traffic. The season is slated to start with a test and tune day on May 15, when drivers can practise and work on their cars to get them ready for the 2021 campaign. The seasonopening programs will be on May 22 and 23, giving fans another reason to look forward to the Victoria Day long weekend.
Another double-header will be June 11 and 12. Late models will make their 2021 appearance in Estevan for a double header on July 2 and 3. Points races are scheduled for July 16 and 17, and Aug. 6 and 7. The annual dirt wars program will be Aug. 27 and 28. The Aug. 28 program will also be the track championship night for the speedway, which will have five classes racing this season: modifieds, sport mods, hobby stocks, stock cars and slingshots. The season will conclude with the annual year-end Enduro race for local drivers on Sept. 18. Estevan’s stop on the Dakota Classic Modified Tour is not on the schedule. That could change if the Canada-U.S. border is reopened to non-essential traffic in time to schedule the race.
From left, Alliana Boles, April McMillen and Abby Kroeker were practising at the Power Dodge Curling Centre on Saturday. Photo submitted
Bruins and other junior teams to receive support The provincial government has stepped forward with support for the province’s Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) teams. This support will help the survival of these leagues and their teams in Saskatchewan in the face of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SJHL will receive $1 million in provincial support. This funding will be provided to the league and then allocated to the teams. The Bruins have received a $60,000 loan through the Canada Emergency Business Account, of which $20,000 is forgivable, $13,000 through the Federal Sport Grant (administered by Sask. Sport), and funding through the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy. These programs and other measures they have implemented internally will help ensure the Bruins get through the season. The provincial government is providing $3 million in support to help WHL teams address revenue shortfalls. Each of Saskatchewan’s WHL teams will receive $600,000. Provincial government officials continue to work with the WHL, the SJHL and other sports leagues on options for a safe return to play in the future. “The SJHL, which consists of community owned teams, has been in a state of uncertainty due to COVID-19 during the past several months,” SJHL president Bill Chow said. “The financial support that has been provided by the Saskatchewan Government creates a more positive outlook for our teams.” The government did not announce
support for minor, senior and other leagues in the province. The government’s announcement came a day after a news release from the Saskatchewan Hockey Association. In a news release issued Thursday, Sask. Hockey said that during a virtual call with all provincial sport governing bodies, Ken Dueck from the provincial government’s business response team (BRT) noted there would be no consideration of a return to play for games for at least four weeks, and it’s unlikely there would be a return to play before the end of March. The current state of “training” with up to eight players under 18 years of age for practice will continue. Sask. Hockey is currently reviewing the state of the game and intend on conducting zone meetings within the next two weeks. “Please be aware that the landscape related to COVID-19 in the province can change at any time,” Sask. Hockey said in a news release. A petition on the change.org website, calling for the return of hockey games to the province, had more than 8,600 signatures as of Monday at noon. The SJHL says it hopes to complete its 2020-21 season, and it has formed a committee to determine options for a return to play and the best scenario for all concerned. “Our initial focus is to have our players return to their SJHL communities to continue their training and hockey development as soon as possible,” the league said in a news release. The health and safety of players, staff members, volunteers and our fans will be the top priority.
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CLASSIFIEDS A17 | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca
Services reduced at Arcola Health Centre
Obituaries Mr. Douglas Harfield On Sunday, January 3, 2021 Mr. Douglas Harfield of Vermilion, formerly of Battleford, passed away at the age of 61 years in the University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton. Douglas will be forever loved and remembered by his Spouse Char Hartfield of Vermilion; Children Klinton Hartfield of Stoughton and Krystle (Robert) Franz of Vermilion; Grandchildren Zack, Trey and Hayley Franz; Brother Stewart (Darlene) Hartfield of Red Deer; Sister Sonja MacDonald of Lethbridge; Brother-in-law Rick Wilhelm of Fernie He was predeceased by His Parents Gustave and Hertha Hartfield and Sister Corinne Wilhelm. Cremation has taken place at Creech’s Crematorium, Vermilion, Alberta and a service will be held at a later date. If so desired donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or charity of choice. For online condolences please visit www.creechsfuneralhomes.com
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The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced a temporary disruption to emergency and acute care services at the Arcola Health Centre, which started on Friday evening and will continue until 8 a.m. on Jan. 30. Lab/x-ray services will not be affected by this disruption. There will also still be physician coverage in Arcola, but physician and nurse services are being diverted to Weyburn. Roberta Wiwcharuk, the executive director of acute care for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said Feed & Seed
The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $50,000 Lump sum refund. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details. Doris Anderson (Legge) Five years of your passing, Everyday loneliness and memories You’re never forgotten May you rest in peace. Love Ben and Family Rick and Betty Gary and Joan Denise and Roy, Bona Jean and Al Grand kids and Great Grand Kids
In Loving Memory of (Baine) Blaine Simon October 20, 1978 January 14, 2010 To Hear your voice and see you smile, To sit with you and talk awhile, To be together in the same old way, Would be our greatest wish today. There will always be a heartache And often a silent tear, But always a precious memory, Of the day you were here. We hold you close in our hearts, And there you will always stay, Remembering you is easy, We do it every day. But missing you is a heartache That never goes away. Loved, Remembered, and deeply missed by Mom and Dad, Barry, Emma, Barrett, Gabbie, Bradley, Sophia, Kayla
ApArtments/Condos for rent Primrose Chateau Residents of Primrose Chateau continue living independently; doing the things they love, while we provide the support to make it possible. During this time of isolation being in a safe environment with full services such as meals and social activities is very important for your health and well being. Please call to discover how our home can become your home. Atria Retirement Canada Sandy 306-850-1499 www.primrosechateau.ca
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Auctions 150 antique tractors, museum quality farm implements, 2 visible gas pumps and much more. Sat. Jan 30, 9am. Live online @ schmalzauctions.com Schmalz Auctions, Prince Albert, SK.
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community was informed last week the disruption would go ahead. Wiwcharuk said COVID cases in the Weyburn area would need to drop considerably to end the disruption early. There’s also a chance the reduction in services could extend beyond Jan. 30. “We certainly are monitoring the activity day to day and week to week. We did hope that by January 30 we’d be able to resume the services, but we’ll just have to monitor the situation. Hopefully we can resume, but there is a possibility we would need to extend.” In the event of an emergency, those who would normally access the emergency room or acute care services in Arcola are asked to call 911 or visit the emergenc y department in Estevan, Redvers, Kipling or Weyburn. Non-urgent health related questions can be directed to the provincial HealthLine by calling 811.
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the disruption is due to the increased number of cases in the Weyburn area. “We will have the staff and physicians providing support to the Weyburn General Hospital that is having some increased activity,” said Wiwcharuk. There has not been increased COVID-19 case count at other health facilities, such as St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan, the Gallaway Health Centre in Oxbow and the Redvers Health Centre. This is not the first time that services in Arcola have been affected by COVID, either. During the spring, the health centre was one of 12 reduced to alternate levels of care, with emergency and acute care services suspended. They were restored about a month later, and remained in tact until last week. W iwcharuk said the community was notified a few weeks ago that the SHA might reduce services temporarily in Arcola. The
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A18 January 20, 2021
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The wind storm resulted in multiple calls for fire department Estevan Fire Rescue Service Fire crews were out working in the community all day Thursday, responding to calls related to the storm that rushed through the area last week. The fire department did some planning ahead of time to ensure they would be ready for whatever nature brought for the city. Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser said that the outcomes of the storm were, to a point, different from what they expected. "We were very fortunate because we thought initially
that we were going to have to be responding to a lot of motor vehicle collisions or stranded motorists out on the highways, which wasn't the case for us as for other departments," Feser said. He went on to point out that the storm, with wind gusting up to 120 kilometres per hour, rolled into the Estevan area later at night and early in the morning, and most people were already home by that time. The first call for service for the Estevan Fire Rescue came in at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
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Organizers for the Estevan and District Music Festival are seeking registrations for a revamped event in 2021. It is tentatively scheduled for April 11-17. The music festival committee has chosen to have a virtual event this year. When submitting entries, people are asked to remember that there are no guarantees that the event will proceed, as changes are constantly occurring with the COVID-19 regulations. Please note that at this time, duet entries may only include participants living in the same household. The performer is responsible for recording and submitting the video of the performance. Good audio and visual quality are important. The quality of most cell phones is adequate. Recorded accompani-
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branches that were in contact with it creating a situation where SaskPower have to attend the scene to cut the tree branches free." Once firefighters finished up on that case, they were called to the southeast side of the city to a power pole fire west of the Shand access road. Crews made it to the location to find a working fire in the power pole structure. The wind has broken the structure, bringing parts in contact with each other. The EFRS established and maintained traffic control until SaskPower arrived on the scene and isolated power to the structure, so the incident could be resolved. Once back to the station, crews were called out to another arching transformer occurring in the northwestcentral part of Estevan. "Wind had torn some wiring components from the transformer free and periodically they were coming in contact with each other and creating an arching situation," Feser said. Firefighters established traffic control until SaskPower arrived on the scene
and fixed the issue. The fire department also responded to a call from a member of the public. A person encountered a damaged chimney in the southcentral area of the city, which could create potential danger. "When we took a look, the actual chimney itself was structurally sound, but there was a ring cap and some of the venting components that are a part of a chimney assembly that became free and were ripped off and were on the ground," Feser said. Firefighters dealt with an issue and informed the building owner. After this call, the EFRS also received several inquiries in regards to damaged venting caps and rings. "This is indeed critical no matter where you live or your business, whether it's vertical ventilation or horizontal, it's there for a reason. And that reason is to have your gases from your hot water heater, furnaces or any gas fire appliances to safely exit the structure. "Now it's a great time to take a walk around and do the assessment on your home or
business. And if you see any damage to the ventilation, you should contact a heating and plumbing company to fix it right away and avoid any carbon monoxide (CO) from entering the (building)." Feser also reminded the public that CO is odourless, colourless and tasteless but very dangerous gas, so the only way to detect any leaks is to have a properly working CO alarm installed at work and at home. Prior to the storm, fire crews also responded to a commercial fire alarm. It went off in the northcentral part of Estevan last Wednesday at about 4 p.m. Once on scene, specialists found that the contractors were working inside the building. The scene was deemed safe, and crews returned to the station shortly. "A reminder that anytime you have contractors working inside producing any dust or smoke in a fire alarm (equipped) building you have to contact the monitoring agency to avoid any unnecessary dispatching of emergency services to the locations," said Feser.
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A commercial fire alarm went off in the northeast part of Estevan. There was no visible smoke or flame on the exterior. Firefighters entered the building and found no cause for the alarm inside either, but they encountered another problem. "It was noted upon arrival that the exterior door to the apartment complex has been ripped off from the wind. This allowed the snow to enter into there and melt into the fire alarm panel, shorting it out. So this was deemed the cause of this particular alarm," Feser said. Crews just finished up on that case, when another call came in from the same area of the city. A powerline was down and arching was occurring a couple of blocks away from the location where they were working. Crews moved over to the next scene and found that broken trees came into contact with powerlines and ripped off the line supplying power to a private house. "There was no hazard from down line to the house, however, there were tree
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ment is allowed, for this festival format, when live accompaniment is not available. The recordings may be done in a home studio or other locations. Registrations can be found at emfd.musicfestivalsuite.com and will be accepted until Feb. 10. Please use your previous
login and password or create a new profile if this is your first time entering the music festival. Recordings will need to be uploaded by April 1. Even though festival dates are April 11-17, those are the dates that the adjudicators set aside to do the adjudicating. Recordings will need to be done early so
that they can be sent to the adjudicator, class by class. The music festival committee was also the beneficiary of the Burgers for a Cause fundraiser at Blackbeard’s Restaurant on Jan. 19. If there are questions about the festival, please direct inquiries to estevanmusicfestival@sasktel.net.
www.estevanmercury.ca
January 20, 2021 A19
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
A Message From The Mayor Great Festival of Lights. Thank you to the Woodlawn Regional Park Manager Maureen Daoust and board for another successful year. Friendly reminder if you pay your taxes by January 31, 2021 you will save 2.5 %
Taxes
Save 2.5% in January by pre-paying your 2021 Property Taxes
The City of Estevan is offering a 2.5 % discount when you pre-pay your property taxes in January. Discounts are calculated based on previous years levy. Please pay the 2020 levy amount to take advantage of this discount. Payments can be made in person at City Hall or on-line through your personal on-line banking. Discounts will be calculated at time payment is processed.
Bylaw
Please help keep our sidewalks safe so all citizens can enjoy a safe walk assage Bylaw 2016-1963 The occupier of property in the City of Estevan shall remove any snow, ice or other obstruction from the public sidewalk adjacent to such property within twenty-four (24) hours of the time such snow, ice or other obstruction appears on such public sidewalk.
Please note: The discount is calculated on the municipal portion of your taxes only. As per provincial directives the discounts are no longer available on the school portion of your property taxes.
AQUATIC
ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021 EFFECTIVE January 4 February 14, 2021
SCHEDULE MONDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM A.I.S 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM SPIN / CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM PRIVATE BOOKING EVENING PRIVATE BOOKING LANE SWIM 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM TUESDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM A.I.S 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM SPIN / CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM PRIVATE BOOKING EVENING PRIVATE BOOKING TUESDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
A.I.S 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM SPIN / CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM PRIVATE BOOKING EVENING PRIVATE BOOKING LANE SWIM 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM THURSDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM A.I.S 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM SPIN / CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM PRIVATE BOOKING EVENING PRIVATE BOOKING FRIDAY LANE SWIM 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM A.I.S 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM SPIN / CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
SURF & SWIM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM FREE SWIM 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM *SPONSORED BY ESTEVAN LIONS CLUB * EVENING LANE SWIM 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM *NOT JAN 15, 29 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM *NOT JAN 15, 29 SATURDAY CLOSED AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PUBLIC SWIM 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM EVENING FAMILY SWIM 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PUBLIC SWIM 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM SATURDAY CLOSED AFTERNOON LANE SWIM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM FAMILY SWIM 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM PRIVATE BOOKING EVENING DEEP WATER POWER 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM
PLEASE NOTE - Due to the pandemic-related protocols fitness registration has moved to a PRE-Registration process. Users must pre-register online or by calling the Information Desk. Patrons will be screened upon arrival and asked a few questions as per the Operational Health and Safety Guidelines. Drop in is available for the weight room. Space between workout stations have either increased or a machine has been put into 'not in use.' Water fountains are not available.
FITNESS
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ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021 EFFECTIVE January 4 - February 14, 2021
Schedule Subject to Change. Please visit Don’t see what you are looking for? www.estevan.ca for updates on closures and Do you have an idea for cancellations. Proper footwear and exercise wear is something we should try? required to participate. Please note during school breaks, (Teachers Convention, Spring Break and Please contact the Program Christmas Break) Fitness, Aquatic Centre and Arena Manager at 306-634-1880. schedules may vary. PleaseTHURSDAY visit our live schedules at MONDAY We would love to hear your ideas! SPIN 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM • 12:15 PMwww.estevan.ca - 12:45 PM SPIN 6:10 am - 6:50 am AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM 9:10 am - 9:50 am • 10:15 am - 10:55 am GRIT 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm EASY STRETCH 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 am POWER BLAST 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM 9:15 am - 10:00 am • 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm SPIN / CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM WEIGHT ROOM WEIGHT ROOM OPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm OPEN 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM FRIDAY
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY SPIN 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM • 10:15 AM - 10:55 AM 5:30 PM - 6:10 PM • 6:30 PM - 7:10 PM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM WEIGHT ROOM OPEN 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
GRIT 6:10 am - 6:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am AQUA AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 am EASY STRETCH 10:10 am - 10:50 am WEIGHT ROOM OPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm SATURDAY WEIGHT ROOM OPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
WEDNESDAY GRIT 6:10 am - 6:50 am SUNDAY AQUA AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 am SPIN 9:10 am - 9:50 am CORE BARRE ABOVE 9:10 am - 10:15 am 10:10 am - 10:50 am FOAM ROLLER 10:30 am - 11:10 am DEEP WATER POWER 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm POWER BLAST 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm WEIGHT ROOM SPIN 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm OPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm WEIGHT ROOM OPEN 6:00 am - 10:00 pm Must be 16 years of age to participate in fitness classes and have a completed Par-Q Questionnaire prior to participating in classes. The questionnaire lets our fitness instructors determine abilities and needs of each participant. PLEASE NOTE - Due to the pandemic-related protocols fitness registration has moved to a PRE-Registration process. Users must pre-register online or by calling the Information Desk. Patrons will be screened upon arrival and asked a few questions as per the Operational Health and Safety Guidelines. Drop in is available for the weight room. Space between workout stations have either increased or a machine has been put into 'not in use.' Water fountains are not available. Don’t see what you are looking for? Do you have an idea for something we should try? Please contact the Program Manager at 306-634-1880. We would love to hear your ideas!
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Schedule Subject to Change. Please visit www.estevan.ca for updates on closures and cancellations. Proper footwear and exercise wear is required to participate. Please note during school breaks, (Teachers Convention, Spring Break and Christmas Break) Fitness, Aquatic Centre and Arena schedules may vary. Please visit our live schedules at www.estevan.ca
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A20 | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca
Flashback – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 Cheers Cheers to the person who rounded up the blue bin for 303 Third Avenue East in Lampman after the windstorm. Cheers to SaskPower crews. Late night calls in 100 kilometre per hour winds make these guys heroes. They did a great job getting power back to the community after the storm. It took longer in some areas than others, but it was such a great thing to have lighting and heating back. Cheers to all of those who helped out with cleanup following the storm by helping their neighbours remove branches and tidy up properties. Cheers to Dr. Mark Wahba for his quick thinking that saved people’s lives in Saskatoon. A former Estevan resident, he’s a fine representative of our community. Cheers to the Estevan Curling Club for having practices for people 18 years of age and under. It might not seem like much to some, but for the kids, they’re happy to be back on the ice. Cheers to the resumption of band and choral programs in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division. They were definitely missed during the first semester. Cheers to the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for continuing to provide outstanding care to the community during these challenging times.
Jeers Jeers to all the food establishments and stores that are not doing proper cleaning before and after serving customers. Maybe they would smarten up after a boycott. Jeers to anyone who complained about how long it took to restore power or phone service following the storm. The workers were out in howling winds. Questioning them is very disrespectful. Jeers to the government for saying there won’t be organized hockey games for several more weeks, with no games likely until the end of March. Yet there are all sorts of things we can still do that are riskier than hockey and other team sports. Jeers to the parent at the pool who refused to follow provincial mandates to wear a mask and was yelling and swearing at the City of Estevan staff.
The Estevan Sharks atom co-ed water polo team took part in the Winnipeg Bushido Tournament in January 2005. Team members were, back row, from left, coach Angela Smeltzer, Jill Gervais, Larissa Smeltzer, Mikayla Erickson, coach Mykea Jundt, Garrett Mauer and Stefan Duncan. Front row, Breanne Van De Woestyne, Brendon Bill, Ian Armstrong and Cassidy Reich.
Drewitz Highland students Zoom through dance exams Students from the Drewitz School Of Dance, under the direction of Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway and assistant teacher Hunter Hildebrand, participated in Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance Highland exams on Nov. 30, 2020. The examiner was Karen Baird from Glasgow, Scotland. This year’s exams brought in the students examined in Dance Star exams as well as medal, national and jig examinations. Students participated from the studio via Zoom to Scotland. Recently received results are as follows. Highland medals: Dance Star 1: Successful pass – Kirstin Waloshin, Grace Hall, Mollie Kingdon, Sophia Heidinger-Fornwald, Alice Mowchenko and Kayleigh Reed. Dance Star 2: Successful pass – Kirstin Waloshin, Tyler Zabel, Taylor Ellis, Elizabeth Harmsworth, Avery Talsma, Sophia Heidinger-Fornwald and Ava Mann. Dance Star 3: Successful pass – Kennady Poole, Sophia
Deitz and Aspen Mayuk. Dance Star 4: Successful pass – Sierra Burback, Ekko Sanguin, Kelsie Wilson, Summer Gardiner and Payton Sernick. Pre-bronze Highland fling: Highly commended – Ava Mann and Elizabeth Harmsworth. Commended: Chloe Marsh, Taylor Ellis, Avery Talsma and Tyler Zabel. Pre-bronze sword: Highly commended – Aspen Mayuk, Taylor Ellis, Kennady Poole and Ava Mann. Commended plus – Sophia Deitz. Bronze medal: Commended plus – Summer Gardiner, Sierra Burback and Kelsie Wilson. Pre-silver medal: Highly commended – Ekko Sanguin, Payton Sernick and Tegan Mosley. Commended plus – Alyssa Saccary. Silver medal: Highly commended – Sophia Fleck. Commended plus– Cana Marsh, Aurora McCutcheon and Alexis Paton. Commended – Sienna Kuntz. Pre-gold medal: Highly commended – Kerison Burnett.
Gold medal: Highly commended – Halle Adams and Marley Nashiem. Scottish award 2 medal: Highly commended – Brielle Wakely. Scottish national medals: Pre-bronze national: Highly commended – Ekko Sanguin, Summer Gardiner, Payton Sernick and Tegan Mosley. Commended – Sierra Burback and Kelsie Wilson. Bronze national: Highly commended – Sophia Fleck, Alyssa Saccary, Alexis Paton and Ekko Sanguin. Commended plus – Cana Marsh. Commended - Sienna Kuntz and Aurora McCutcheon. Gold national: Highly
commended – Kerison Burnett. Scottish award 1 national: Highly commended – Marley Nashiem. Commended plus – Halle Adams. Scottish award 2 national: Highly commended – Brielle Wakely. Irish jig medals: Bronze jig: Highly commended – Kerison Burnett. Gold jig: Highly commended – Marley Nashiem. Commended plus – Halle Adams. Scottish award 1 jig: Highly commended – Brielle Wakely. “Congratulations to all exam students,” said DrewitzGalloway.
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IN SCHOOL ZONES!
To submit a cheer or a jeer, please email it to dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca, or visit www.estevanmercury.ca.
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