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ESTEVAN MERCURY

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021

A southeast Saskatchewan moment

Welcome on board. United Way Estevan greets new president.

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More vendors, more variety.

Estevan Farmer’s Market is ready for new season.

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This photo was taken by Gayle Worsnop on April 1 on a back road to Roche Percee. A large number of Canada geese are in the foreground, while spill piles, a dragline and a pump jack are in the background – creating a classic southeast Saskatchewan scene for the early spring.

The community was very generous with support for online auction to benefit Mason Wigley You’re at home here. Co-op celebrates 75th anniversary in best traditions.

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Mind, Body & Soul Mind, Body and Soul.

A new biweekly special section in the Mercury.

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Kayla Petterson was “amazed” with the generous support from the community for a recent Facebook auction for Mason Wigley.

A l i t t l e m o re t h a n $40,000 was raised for Wigley and his fight against lymphoma during the auction, which ran for 48 hours from March 30-April 1. More than 1,700 people were part of the Facebook group auction page, and they had 204 items to bid on.

“I was amazed at the generosity of the community,” said Petterson, who organized the Facebook auction alongside Chris Jones. Both are close to the Wigley family.

“It was way more successful than I could have ever imagined it to be.”

Since it was a Facebook auction with all donated items, the organizers didn’t have any expenses, so all the money raised will be directed towards the Wigley family.

“He has a long road ahead, and I think that every

little bit helps, and it’s grown … to where I don’t think he’ll have to worry financially for a little while. He’ll just have to focus on healing and getting better.”

Pe t t e r s o n s a i d s h e thought they would be lucky to get 100 items.

The variety of items helped make for a successful auction. There was something for everyone, she said, with food, agricultural items, housewares, blankets, outdoor merchandise and more.

People were very generous, contributing highquality items that attracted the attention of the public.

“It really took off at the start, and then there was a real push at the end, but there were definitely bids coming in the whole time,” said Petterson.

And as one of the orAn online Facebook auction for Mason Wigley of Estevan received excellent ganizers, she found it very support from the community. File photo encouraging to get notifications on the bids that were ple who know the family, but who had never met the fam- donating items just because received.

A2 » WIGLEY “There are a lot of peo- there were a lot of people ily before, too, who were

Ends April 30, 2021

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SaskPower CCS captures four million tonnes of CO2 SaskPower’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at the Boundary Dam Power Station has captured more than four million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) since operations began in October 2014.

The milestone, which was achieved on March 30, represents greenhouse gas emissions reductions equivalent to taking one million passenger vehicles off the road for a year.

“This facility was the first of its kind in the world and stands as a strong example of

our government’s commitment to supporting innovation,” said Don Morgan, Minister responsible for SaskPower.

“We believe finding technological solutions such as CCS are crucial for transitioning to a prosperous, low-carbon future.”

SaskPower is on track to meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, emissions will be reduced by more than 40 per cent below 2005 levels.

“Our CCS facility and Boundary Dam Unit 3 con-

tinue to provide low-carbon, baseload power to our customers, and we are still finding improvements that will support the facility as a long-term, sustainable operation,” said Howard Matthews, SaskPower vice-president of power production. “In fact, 2020 was the second-best year to date for the facility, with 729,092 tonnes of CO2 captured.”

Boundary Dam Unit 3 produces 115 megawatts (MW ) of power—enough to power about 100,000 Saskatchewan homes.

The International Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Knowledge Centre congratulated SaskPower on the milestone.

In a commentary, Brent Jacobs, a professional engineer, said the carbon capture performance of Unit 3 at Boundary Dam continues to improve and demonstrate the real-world application of CCS to substantially reduce emissions in the energy and industry sectors.

With the experience gained through the design, construction, operation, and

subsequent improvements of the BD3 CCS Facility, the knowledge centre developed two major studies that continue to be at the forefront of post-combustion capture processes globally. The Shand CCS Feasibility Study in November 2018 shows major improvements in CCS project costs, risks, and efficiencies, and provides the foundation for the Lehigh CCS Feasibility Study, anticipated in the autumn of 2021, which directly applies these advancements to the cement sector.

“It’s encouraging to see steady improvement of operations over such a short trajectory of time. CCS is a viable and essential option for industries to mitigate their CO2 emissions and we must apply the value from BD3 learnings and use this know-how to identify and eliminate existing barriers that are key to achieving and maintaining optimal performance,” Jacobs said.

Performance evaluation is essential as CCS technologies seek increased deployment across sectors.

Students will shift to virtual learning after Easter break The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division and the South East Cornerstone Public School Division have announced they will be moving to remote, online learning for a couple of weeks after spring break.

Due to rising positive cases of COVID-19, including the variants of concern (VOC), all schools in Cornerstone and Holy Family will shift to Level 4 with virtual learning, starting April 12 and continuing until at least April 23.

This is a joint decision between

the Cornerstone board of education, Holy Family board and the local medical health officers that was announced on April 1. “ This change is driven by the increasing cases across the southeast that have resulted in a significant increase in active cases that are not limited to one geographical area, suggesting there is a high risk of community spread,” stated a news release.

The move to remote learning is one more option in ongoing efforts to control the pandemic’s spread.

It is in addition to existing public health measures, including limiting your bubble size and content, wearing a mask in public, washing your hands regularly, staying isolated, and getting tested as soon as possible if you are sick, the school divisions said in the news release.

Cornerstone and Holy Family recognize and appreciate that this is challenging for families.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of all our staff, students, and communities as we strive to provide the best education possible

during these difficult times,” said the news release.

April 1 was the final day before the Easter break for students in southeast Saskatchewan.

South East Cornerstone director of education Lynn Little said there was a lot of discussion among the boards about the various options, including shifting some schools to remote learning while keeping others open.

O xbow Prair ie Hor iz ons School, for example, went to remote learning the week before

Easter break.

“In consultation with our health partners and considering the number of positive cases in the schools, the VOC and higher transmission rates, the number of communities affected, the Easter break, and the challenges of timely contact tracing are some of the factors that contributed to the decision,” Little said.

It is their full intention and plan to return to in-class learning on April 26, but the school divisions will revisit the decision over time.

Wigley family overwhelmed with community support « A1 that’s what the community does,” said Petterson.

Those who were successful in purchasing an item can drop by the Estevan Shoppers Mall at their convenience from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday to pick up their goods.

The Facebook auction wasn’t the only fundraiser for the Wigley family. The Fired Up Grill restaurant in Estevan donated half of their pizza sales towards the Wigley family on March 27. A total of 260 pizzas were sold that day, and the pizza sale revenues, combined with cash donations, amounted to $4,000.

Mason’s mother Christie Wigley echoed Petterson’s statement, saying that they were overwhelmed with the success of the fundraisers.

“The words escape me,” said Christie. “Friends of ours had gotten together and decided they wanted to do something.”

They were apprehensive at first, thinking that they didn’t

need a fundraiser. Eventually the Wigley family gave it their blessing, and it turned into something much larger than they could have ever imagined.

“They said that they were going to do a small little online auction, and we said ‘Yep, go ahead, and it turned into something huge. There were people on there who donated things that we don’t know who they are. There was businesses.

Of course there were friends that donated things. And even the people bidding, there was people we knew and people we didn’t know.”

In the case of the fundraiser at the Fired up Grill, the Wigleys have been friends with the restaurant’s owners, Robin and Sylvia Garchinski, since the Garchinskis moved to Estevan.

Christie expects the money that was raised will cover all of the costs associated with Mason’s treatments. He has more trips to Regina and a couple of trips to Saskatoon

From left, Sylvia Garchinski, Christie Wigley, Dean Wigley, Mason Wigley, Morgan Barnard and Robin Garchinski participated in a donation from Fired Up Grill to the Wigley family. Photo submitted in the offing. He’ll need help with costs of fuel, food and accommodations, and the money

will also offset his cost of living expenses while he’s not able to work.

Mason had a chemotherapy treatment on March 31– his second of six sessions.

He’s starting to feel better after the latest round. He goes every three weeks.

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Association looks to promote outdoor opportunities in Estevan area while constructing new trails

By David Willberg Tanner Mantei loves spending time outdoors on trails – mountain biking, walking, hiking, jogging and other activities.

He’s not alone, either.

Others have joined him in the activities.

So he’s promoting the Estevan and Area Trail Association, a group of outdoor enthusiasts who like to use trails for outdoor activities. They’ve been constructing trails for a little more than two years, and they’re eager to promote the existing trails while seeking support for new ones.

The amount of time needed to complete a trail depends on terrain and what you’re looking to get.

“It can go anywhere from weed whipping and raking a section, or it can go all the way down to hauling rocks in, wood, cement, whatever you need to make the terrain rideable and fun,” said Mantei.

“It depends on where you’re at, but it’s anywhere from a month to two per kilometre.”

Based on the reaction so far, Mantei and the other trail builders are doing pretty well.

And they’re having fun with the names.

The Twister Totter trail down at the Woodlawn Regional Park is likely the most popular one that they’ve constructed; Mantei believes it’s due to the trees that line the trail. Another, Bipolar, is in the vicinity of Willow Park Greens Home Park and is also very popular.

“It’s grass, there’s not much for trees. That one doesn’t get quite as much use, but you definitely see people walking their dogs there, and hiking,” said Mantei.

The name usually comes from the building process, the terrain or another attribute.

Twister Totter comes from the natural twists in the trail.

Mantei didn’t want to cut down any trees.

“I routed the trail around what was available,” said Mantei.

As for Bipolar, there’s no consistent style to the trail. He built it over a year and a half. It

was the first trail Mantei built, and the style changed a bit.

Mantei has built trails around Estevan and Roche Percee, with names for Roche Percee trails like Louie’s Lookout and Powder Cow, and at Rafferty Dam and Smart Lake.

“I’ve got a couple good friends that are a really good help, and we’re always looking for more,” he said.

A two-kilometre trail in the Roche Percee area, named Cattle Cradle, is nearing completion, and will run parallel to Powder Cow. He hopes it can be finished this month.

The next project will be in the valley near the Estevan Humane Society’s animal shelter and the old brick plant building.

“I might try to get a little bit more of a community project going on that build,” he said.

The trails that he has constructed are in addition to those that have been built elsewhere in the community.

A Facebook group for the association already had more than 620 likes as of Monday afternoon, impressive considering that it had been around for a little more than a week.

“I’m definitely surprised with the feedback on there, and seeing a lot of people using the Estevan trails the last couple of days,” said Mantei.

It’s for anyone who wants to learn more about the trails that the association maintains, and the opportunities that exist in the Estevan area to enjoy wildlife.

“If you want to go see the birds and the animals, it doesn’t matter. If you want to use the trails, it’s geared towards you.”

It’s also used as an opportunity to encourage people to clean up after themselves when using the trails, and to stop littering.

Mantei is an avid mountain biker, but he enjoys building as a nice alternative.

“I got into mountain biking about three years ago out in British Columbia, and of course, coming back, I wanted to continue riding my

bike, but there wasn’t much for venues to do so, so I started going up to Moose Jaw a lot and travelling within southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.”

Once that became a regular occurrence, he started building the trails of his own as a hobby, and it grew from there into a lifestyle.

He finds there has been a significant increase in people taking part in outdoor activities since COVID-19 hit.

Many team sports have been shut down or curtailed, and indoor recreation facilities have had to close or alter their operations, so outdoor areas, including trails, have become more popular, because they break the cycle of spending time at work and at home.

“Anybody who wants to use them, you’re welcome, and if you need some information, we’re always willing to give it, and if you want to help out, swing some iron at the ground, you’re always welcome.”

The Trailforks app will show you the map and all the info you need to know of the trails in the Estevan area.

The Twisted Totter trail in Woodlawn Regional Park is among the popular ones constructed by the Estevan and Area Trail Association. Photo by Tanner Mantei

The trails provide a variety of great recreational opportunities for people in the Estevan area.

Photo by Tanner Mantei

Volunteers have constructed a number of different trails in the Estevan area. Photo by Tanner Mantei

Community gardens seeking more horticulturists

By Ana Bykhovskaia Estevan Community Gardens is getting set for the new season, but they still have two beds available for new community members.

Shayna Burrell, one of the gardeners who helps to keep the process organized, said it might be a bit early for some people, but with seeds being out in the stores for a while now and going pretty fast, they hope to find

someone to take care of open beds soon. All it takes is $30 per bed and a couple of member meetings that people would need to attend to be on the same page with other gardeners.

Outside of that, members can manage their gardens at their own style and pace.

Usually in southeast Saskatchewan, people don't start their gardens before the Victoria Day long weekend, but this year with an early

spring, Burrel said that some gardeners may decide to start a bit earlier.

"But you always risk frost and the ground being too cold for anything to germinate, so you have to see what the weather does," Burrel said.

Members need to bring their own gardening tools.

The garden shed will once again be closed due to COVID-19 safety measures, so people will need to take their

tools home.

The water is available at the site at any time. The fee for beds covers the water expenses. Burrel said that the last two seasons they were lucky to have Estevan Fire Rescue Service and SteamEst donating the water, but they still have to make sure that if they need to pay for it themselves, they can do so.

There are currently 18 raised beds at the Estevan Community Gardens. They

applied for and received a government grant to start replacing the beds that started degrading. Burrel said that they will stick to the same number of beds, but they are also looking into doing some in-ground garden beds. However, they won't proceed with these plans until next year.

"We're still working on the logistics of doing the inground beds, we're going to do some ground testing just to make sure that it's safe to

plant vegetables there first.

And if that's a go-ahead, we'll probably talk to Rod March (manager for parks and facilities for the City of Estevan) either this fall or next spring about digging up the ground," Burrel said.

The members' meeting is scheduled for April 14. Anyone willing to get a bed can go to Estevan Community Gardens’ Facebook page or email them at estevancommunitygardens@gmail.com.

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Tough to see schools closed again Since the 2020-21 school year began in September, many people have been wondering when, not if, the two school divisions in southeast Saskatchewan would have to eventually return to online learning.

We now have our answer. It took seven months.

And while they’re scheduled to return to in-person learning before the end of April, that’s not a guarantee.

Just before spring break, the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation called for two weeks of virtual learning across the province following the Easter break, due to the rising number of COVID-19 variant cases. While most of those cases have been in Regina, we’ve had more than our fair share in southeast Saskatchewan.

South East Zone 4, which has likely done the best job of navigating the pandemic during the past 13 months, recently eclipsed the 40 active case count for the first time.

And a few schools in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division have now had outbreaks.

It’s a hard sell for Cornerstone and the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division to move to virtual learning after the break, and people aren’t going to be happy, but you can understand why the division did it.

Regina’s school divisions have moved to online learning, as have others in the southern

part of the province.

A lot of parents were griping locally after the decision was made. A case was previously diagnosed at the Estevan Comprehensive School, but it’s the only reported case in an Estevan school in the past four months.

And you can be sure parents weren’t happy in other areas that haven’t had a case of COVID-19 in their schools.

This week could help justify the school boards’ decision. If the case count continues to climb throughout the southeast region, and if we continue to see more cases of the variant, then it might be for the best that students are learning virtually.

If the case count plateaus or diminishes, then the frustration level of parents will grow.

South East Cornerstone is a sprawling school division, so you’re going to have areas that are much harder hit than others.

But at least the school divisions provided advanced notice. People knew 10 days prior.

That’s not going to provide much consolation for households in which both parents (or a single parent) have to do their work from home.

But the frustration likely would have been amplified if Cornerstone would have said on a Friday that virtual learning would begin on Monday.

Hopefully people will be smart enough to not take their anger out on teachers. Teachers

deserve a lot of credit for how they have handled the past 13 months. They’ve had to handle a year rife with unpredictability due to the pandemic.

They had to adapt.

Those in areas with higher case counts have had even more uncertainty, as they try to grasp whether they’re going to have to move to online learning for their class, for their grade or even for their school.

They’ve had to think about the things you never would have heard about in teacher’s school, such as social distancing, adequate spacing between desks, and a myriad of other challenges.

They’ve earned their keep this year.

Students also deserve a lot of credit for how they have handled this year, especially since so many of the opportunities they’re used to having didn’t exist.

As for the teachers’ federation’s call to have a province-wide shift to online learning, it’s easy to call for that in Regina, with all of the variant cases. It’s a lot harder to do it in, say, the far southwest corner of the province, which recently had a prolonged stretch without a new case, or in the far north, which has seen a considerable drop in its case count in the past month.

Hopefully the shift to online learning is brief, and the students are back in the classroom before the end of April. After all, the overall learning experience for most will be better in the classroom than through a virtual format.

What is it that makes power so valuable?

Earlier this week Vladimir Putin signed a law that can potentially make him the longest Russian ruler since the times of Joseph Stalin.

This was a final step in a process of constitutional reforms which started last summer, and which critics claim as a constitutional coup.

The election part of the presidency is still officially a part of the process of becoming a president. But the constitutional reforms that are in place now allow the current country leader, if re-elected twice more for six-year terms, to stay where he is … until the end of his days, I guess. Formally it is until 2036. At that time, he will be 83 years old.

Putin came to power in 2000, and since then he only took one brief break when he was a prime minister for four years. So if he does get re-elected twice more, he will break Stalin's record, which saw him as the head of the Soviet Union for 26 years. (There were some other long-term rulers in Russian history including Peter the Great and Katherine the Great, but that was way earlier).

I've never understood the thirst for power. Maybe simply because I've never had any. But when it comes to wealth and power the Russian president has, I just can't wrap my head around it. I simply can't understand why a person may want to take what he takes and have what he has.

Earlier this year, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who is currently in jail, published an investigation named Palace for Putin. The History of the Biggest Bribe. It currently has over 115 million views on YouTube (there are English subtitles; it's a pretty curious piece if you are interested in under-

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… standing the scale of corruption ongoing in that part of the world). Even though I knew a lot about the Russian government system, in reality, I was nowhere close to visualizing the actual scale of the president's power.

So when the other day the constitutional reforms finally came into effect, I once again started thinking about what it is that makes power so attractive for those seeking it. Turns out that from a psychological point of view, for particular people power is not a goal, but rather a means.

Joseph Burgo, who is a psychotherapist and the author of The Narcissist You Know: Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About-Me World (Touchstone, 2015) and Why Do I Do That? Psychological Defense Mechanisms and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our Lives (2012), in his approach connects narcissism, greed and power, stating that they go hand in hand and to a point are a driving force for one another.

Narcissists are those who are defined by a ridiculously enlarged sense of self-importance and hardly any ability to empathize with others. Their world often falls into two distinct categories – winners and losers. Burgo notices that narcissists need to keep proving that they are among winners or, what's even better, that they are the best of the best. And with their inability to empathize with others, they are completely fine with reaching their goals at

others' expense. Pushing losers deeper into a hole makes them feel even more like winners.

This categorization works in all areas of life but is especially important when it comes to money. Money is an intrinsic part of winning. The need to have more money than others transforms into a need to have the biggest or the most expensive houses, fancy vehicles, private jets, yachts, personal islands, the list goes on. It's the need to compete that makes money so important for people, whose ego is enormously big.

But since there are always others, who are wealthier, smarter, stronger, have more connections or are superior in some other way, narcissists don't really feel satisfaction when they achieve or acquire things. They feel urged to keep going, to supersede, to prove that others are losers and to ensure that no one else, at least in their close circle, can get anywhere close to their socle.

So money and power are the main two feeds for a narcissistic ego. They are like drugs that are required to help make extreme narcissists feel good, temporarily allowing them to feel like winners in comparison to their competitors. Burgo suggests that part of a cure for that is developing true empathy, however, most of the time, extreme narcissists don't find it necessary to come out of their race-style life and keep pushing until they kick the bucket.

Coming back to the Russian ruler, the law that he signed limits any future presidents to two terms in the office, but it does reset his term count. And while it allows him to put his name forward only twice, after these changes, if the ego will is still pushing, I assume, some other ways will be found to keep feeding it.

OP-ED A5

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| Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

David Willberg Willberg’s World

United Way Estevan celebrates community support in 2020

By David Willberg

Four million tonnes? That’s a lot of CO2 We know that the carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Power Station is a marvel. But sometimes those outside of the southeast need a reminder.

The world-leading CCS facility attained another milestone last week when it reached four million tonnes of captured carbon dioxide (CO2). If you crunch the numbers, it’s more than 51,000 tonnes of CO2 a month in the 78 months that it’s been operating.

In environmental circles, they talk a lot about taking an equivalent number of vehicles off the road. Well, four million tonnes of CO2 is equivalent to a lot of vehicles.

The CCS facility has not just meant a lot to our community, but it’s meant a lot to the environment.

It hasn’t always been an easy road for SaskPower or for the Boundary Dam CCS project. For starters, it’s not easy when you change the world. It’s not easy when you try to be the first at something. It’s a lot easier when you take an existing, proven concept and add it to your power generation fleet.

Once it came online in October 2014, the CCS facility had challenges. It spent a lot of time offline due to the bugs that had to be worked out with its technology and innovation. When it was online, it worked. But there were changes that had to be made.

And there are adaptations that continue to be made as SaskPower looks for ways to improve efficiency.

It is worth noting that it’s been online at least 80 per cent of the time eight of the past 13 months. When it hasn’t been online, it’s usually due to a scheduled shutdown.

This is a project that’s going to be a lightning rod for criticism in some circles, because it uses coal as a power source, and the captured carbon dioxide is then sold to oilfield companies to be used in enhanced oil recovery efforts.

Even if the CCS facility was online 100 per cent of the time, and it never required a shutdown, and it captured a million tonnes of CO2 a year, it would have its critics because of its connections to coal and the oilfield.

Coal-fired power generation using CCS needs to remain part of Saskatchewan’s power production fleet. For starters, if we don’t further invest in CCS, then we essentially have a billion-dollar stand-alone at one of our coal-fired power plants. And a coal mining company isn’t going to spend all the money it takes to mine that coal for one solitary unit.

Further investment into CCS elsewhere in the Estevan area is needed to keep Unit 3 going.

Coal is still our best bet for baseload power. Conventional and compliant coal power’s days are numbered. But when you can mine the coal, apply some sort of technology to eliminate the emissions, you get the option to keep coal going.

Natural gas doesn’t provide the same level of cost reliability as coal. If the forecasts are true and natural gas is going to finally experience a price increase, then that will impact natural gas’ competitiveness.

As for renewables, we know that solar and wind aren’t at the point, yet, where they can be a baseload power option.

I take a keen interest in the reports on the CCS facility that SaskPower files each month. I’m excited when I see numbers like February, when CCS was online 96 per cent of the time, and captured 67,699 tonnes. And I’m disappointed when it doesn’t have a good month, in part because I know the critics will use the numbers as ammunition. (They usually won’t mention the good months, which now vastly outnumber the bad).

And I’m very happy to see the CCS facility eclipse milestones such as four million tonnes of captured CO2.

I look forward to when we hit five million. I hope that the Shand Power Station and Unit 6 at the Boundary Dam Power Station will be retrofitted with CCS technology, giving them the chance to hit milestones and further develop the CCS story in Estevan.

I hope famed American entrepreneur and innovator Elon Musk will come to Estevan, view our CCS facility, see how effective it can be, and take what he learns and apply it to his quest to support a great CCS project.

And I want to see people recognize how CCS can make a better environment.

Jarrett Daoust, BComm Consultant 231 12th Ave. Estevan SK Tel: 306-634-0800 Mobile: 306-471-7196 E-mail: jarrett.daoust@ig.ca

Each office is independently owned and operated.

The United Way Estevan celebrated the support it received from the community during the past year at its annual general meeting on March 31.

The meeting had in-person and virtual components, with United Way staff and members of the board meeting at the Taylorton Room, and other people joining through a virtual component.

Audited financial statements showed the United Way had $387,237 in donations and pledges for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020, down slightly from the $394,983 in 2019, but as was noted multiple times throughout the meeting, the decline could have been greater due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Much like every other year, Estevan and surrounding area have shown immense support for the organization, obviously because you’re doing such great work in the community for the member agencies,” said Angela Stepp with MNP, who was the auditor.

The 44th annual telethon, held in October, raised $347,711, which was one of their best years ever, and surpassed the goal of $320,000.

The United Way also received $183,531 through special projects revenue from different organizations to help families in the Estevan area during the pandemic. All of that money was distributed.

Other United Ways in Canada received similar funding.

The United Way turned over $293,500 to its member agencies last year.

Danny Ewen was elected as the United Way board’s new president, replacing Melanie Graham, whose one-year term

as president is over. Graham moves into the past-president’s role.

Becca Anderson will be the first vice-president, Robert Godfrey will be the second vicepresident and Lynn Trobert will remain the treasurer.

Ewen said he has always loved being part of a team since he was a child, and that’s why he loves being a board member with the United Way Estevan.

“We truly have an amazing team of people, we all have our unique strengths and we work very well together that way, and all of us have that same mindset as well. No one’s ego gets in the way here. We’ll do anything to reach our fundraising goal each year,” he said.

Graham noted the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on everyone: individuals, families and businesses.

“We knew we had to come together to support one another, and our Telethon theme, United We Stand, spoke volumes to Estevan residents, businesses and surrounding areas,” said Graham.

The United Way also provided care to vulnerable seniors through the New Horizons for Seniors program, which helped seniors connect with loved ones, and provided blessing bags with cards and goodies to let residents know they are being thought of.

A $50,000 grant from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation assisted local families dealing with food shortages over a 10-week period.

Ewen noted the money Estevan received from the community foundation allowed them to have the Feed Estevan campaign. A lot of businesses came on board.

The United Way’s annual Day of Caring was cancelled in 2020, but it was replaced with a Days of Caring, in which people

Danny Ewen gives his president’s address during the United Way Estevan annual general meeting on March 31. sent cards to residents in nursing and care homes.

And the Emergency Community Support Fund money from the federal government assisted local agencies to continue providing essential services and supports to vulnerable Canadians.

The reputation of the United Way Estevan, and United Ways across Canada, allowed United Ways to be trusted with the money.

“That really spoke to what our board can do, and that spoke to our community. We’re not just a one weekend in October event. Whenever things like this happen, the United Way Estevan is tasked with helping out,” said Ewen.

And the community came through for the telethon once again.

“These fundraisers showed true support for the telethon and helping others, right here at home, and is a true reflection of United we Stand,”said Graham.

While the United Way was confident it would have a

telethon in 2020, there were questions of how it would happen.The telethon occurred, with changes, and the community came forward with its support.

Ewen noted there were several plans for the telethon, and they proceeded with a live event at the legion with a virtual component.They missed the live audience and the elementary schools, but the mixture of live and virtual entertainment, and the addition of a Facebook auction component for bid items, will be integrated into the telethon in the future.

“Those are the things that make the best of a bad situation that we’re going to use going forward,” said Ewen.

Most of the United Way’s member agencies and community partners submitted reports, thanking the United Way for the support over the past 12 months and explaining where the United Way’s allocation is directed.

Some of them used videos to show the United Way’s contributions.

United Way hopes to have Day of Caring for Estevan in 2021 The United Way Estevan hopes to have a Day of Caring in 2021, although it might have some differences from previous years.

Speaking at the United Way’s annual general meeting on March 31, Wendy Gustafson, who is on the board for the initiative, said the committee members are on board to have something this year.

The Day of Caring was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a normal year, volunteers from the community will head to different sites in Estevan to tackle a variety of tasks, whether it be a project for one of the United Way’s member agencies, landscaping work or other projects at senior citizens’ homes, or even visiting with seniors at a care home.

Most of the projects are fairly simple and can be completed within the day.

This year’s Day of Caring is slated for May 26.

“We’re hoping to do an all-day Day of Caring, like we’ve done before,” said Gustafson.

Indoor projects might not be able to happen because of pandemic restrictions, but outdoor projects could be a go. Groups would likely need to be 10 people or less.

And there will be plans for those who might not be comfortable within a group.

“We’re going to get our forms out, get them going,” said Gustafson. “They will be revamped a little bit. They won’t look quite like they did.”

Another aspect that they have talked about would be what Gustafson called friendly visiting.

“Obviously this past year has been so difficult for so many people,” said

Gustafson. “I work in home care, and I see what it’s done to our seniors and the people who have been inside, and it’s very difficult.”

They have talked about providing a quick knock on the door, a visit and a gift, and possibly spending five minutes chatting with somebody outside.

Another highlight with the Day of Caring has been a barbecue lunch, but if it were to happen this year, then it would need to occur within the COVID restrictions. It could be a bagged lunch instead, with groups coming at different times to pick up their food .

“We’re going to take care of as many people as we possibly can within the restrictions, so we’re excited about moving forward,” Gustafson said. “We’re looking forward to getting in touch with everyone.”

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A6 April 7, 2021

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White Bear man creates a touching tribute

By David Willberg Paul Twietmeyer was looking for a way to create a tribute to front-line workers who have remained at their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the potential risk.

The White Bear resident has created a mural that now hangs on the outside wall of the Carlyle Memorial Hall.

Its message is simple: ”Thank You Frontline Workers,” with the face of a person wearing a mask.

In an email to the Observer, Twietmeyer said he decided to work on the mural because he was reading some of the rather misleading and selfish posts people often see on the internet, and some biased news reports. The various comments made him angry.

Far too many people were criticizing medical professionals and governments for asking the public to wear

masks or get vaccinated, he said.

“How many of these people actually stop to think about all the nurses, teachers, store and shop workers, all aspects of medical assistance staff that willingly risk their own health to serve all of us daily?” he asks.

He thought that one small way he could draw attention to the lack of respect and appreciation is to offer that message of thanks he believes we should all have.

“I know most people feel this way but maybe a wake-up call for those who don’t, can be expressed in my artwork,” he said.

Twietmeyer said the mural looks good on the building, because it draws people’s attention without being obtrusive.

“That was the whole idea, was just to be a little bit thankful, instead of complaining all the time,” said

Twietmeyer.

It wasn’t a time-consuming project, either, as it likely took five or six hours.

The people who have discussed the mural with him have provided very positive feedback. He’s surprised with the response the mural has generated.

“I wasn’t doing it to be a hero, it’s just something that was always on my mind, and I finally got around to making the mural just to express my feelings,” said Twietmeyer.

Twietmeyer has painted lots of murals over the years. With the Cornerstone Theatre Group, he’s been involved with painting backdrops and other scenery for those plays. He doesn’t have a degree in fine arts, but art does go with his work as a draftsman.

“I’ve been an artist my whole life. Ever since I was a little, I’ve been painting sceneries and pictures. I’ve

Paul Twietmeyer of White Bear has created this tribute to frontline workers that is now located on the Carlyle Memorial Hall. Photo submitted been doing a lot of landscape painting,” he said.

His sister-in-law is a retired nurse, and he has a lot of friends who are nurses, teachers and other front-line workers.

“Teachers often get left out of the picture. Their job is extremely important,” said Twietmeyer.

There are so many people who have to be at work and offering their services,

and taking more risks than the rest of us.

“We need as many people to be positive as possible about all of the workers that are involved in this,” said Twietmeyer.

Sask. Health Authority encourages companies to bring in drug-overdose training

By Ana Bykhovskaia

There is a lot of talk about the overdose crisis, but the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is confident – there is a way to stop it.

For over 10 years they've been training people so they could recognize and prevent overdose-related deaths. The SHA offers training options for any companies interested in having their employees or board members taking it. They also offer personal training on using take-home naloxone kits for individuals.

The industry support program is organized through addictions services. Its purpose is to provide support to employers in identifying and

addressing substance use and misuse within the workplace.

"It's really the avenue that we use to take that take-home naloxone training and get it out to the community so we just offer it through that program because it's the easiest way to get it out there," said Jody Miller, supervisor for addictions services for Southeast 8 and 9, which is the former Sun Country Health Region.

Any Saskatchewan resident can access the take-home Naloxone training. To actually take home a kit, participants would need to be someone who is at risk of opioid overdose themselves or may be a witness to an overdose. They are also offered free training on how to use the kit.

A business or organization that is looking to book a presentation and training can do that just by calling addictions services in Weyburn directly at 1-306-842-8693.

Miller went on to explain that the more people have this training the better, as it helps to make it safer for everyone.

"The knowledge and awareness around overdose and naloxone and just substance use and abuse, in general, can keep our community safer," Miller said.

The presentation covers what an overdose looks like, which helps people identify it if it's happening around them.

It also talks about what steps to take when responding to an overdose. Besides, it en-

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compasses how to administer naloxone appropriately if there is an overdose.

"The training covers a lot of different areas that can be really helpful to people, from education to practical use. The more people out there that know about that, the safer our communities are. The mortality is obviously greatly reduced when the community has a better awareness of how to mitigate those risks and recognize and respond appropriately and in a timely manner to things like an overdose or substance misuse in general," Miller said.

Usually, the training session for a business doesn't take much time, however, it depends on how many people there are in the company that are going through the training.

"If there are more people, obviously we want people to become comfortable with using a syringe and doing practice injections so that it can take a little longer with more people.

But typically, it's about an hour, maybe an hour and a half. And if it is an individual who is

wanting a kit, they're eligible for a kit, because they may be at risk of overdose themselves, or they might know somebody who's at risk, then when they come in for individual training, that's significantly less time, that's maybe 20 to 30 minutes for the actual training" Miller said.

There is no cost to have the training organized at your business or organization, or to go through it individually. And this training has been saving lives through the years.

"The industry support program has been around for probably over 10 years and it's going to be around for a long time. That's what we're using to get that information out there.

The Naloxone program has been very well received in the province and it's saved a lot of lives. It's really been beneficial, and that is probably going to stay around for a long time as well," Miller said.

She added that they are always willing to get the training and presentations out to those people, organizations or

businesses that have any interest in learning about Naloxone or any other aspect of substance use. And they also are doing their best to just raise awareness about Naloxone kits and thus improve the situation with opioid overdoses.

"The most important part is we want to make people just really aware that these kits are available in Estevan and they are also available in the small, surrounding rural areas of Estevan. And that they are available to individuals who need them, immediately upon request. Everything is confidential, we don't even ask your name in order to give you a kit.

And they're completely free," Miller said.

"So we really would love people to reach out if they're in need of a kit. They can do that by just calling directly to the mental health and addictions services office in Estevan, which is 306-637-3610 and we'd put them through to one of our addiction counsellors, and they'll get you a kit and arrange training if you need."

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Farmers market set for the new season

By Ana Bykhovskaia The Estevan's Farmers' Market will see its first Saturday indoor sales of 2021 inside the Estevan Market Mall.

New and familiar vendors will have their products in the same retail space as during the Christmas sales, with spring markets April 17, 24 and May 1, from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Marilyn Simons, the manager of the farmers' market, said that if they so choose, the vendors can stay longer after 2 p.m.

"All the vendors are welcome to stay open as long as the mall is open. Because we say 2 o'clock, that doesn't mean that the market is shut down. People are still more than welcome to come in, shop and check it out, because there may be some vendors that are still able to stay longer," Simons said.

She added that they had 11 new vendors joining indoor sales this year.

The indoor sales will follow the same COVID-19 safety measures as they had over the Christmas season. They will have a designated entrance and exit and the number of people in the room at a time will be limited. People are also asked to wear masks and stay distanced.

"We do ask that people bring only one member per family. I know that's tough because a farmers' market is so geared towards families," Simons said, adding that if people see a line they shouldn't get discouraged as it goes quickly.

The best time to come is around 11 a.m., she said.

Prior to every sale, the farmers' market publishes a list of vendors participating on their Facebook page. Most of them have their own pages, where people can view and pre-order their products to ensure that they get what they want, no matter what time they come.

Starting May 8, the market will move outside and will be located at the Estevan Market Mall's parking lot. The times will be 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

"That worked well last year for vendors and customers, so we're continuing with that," Simons said.

At the time of the interview, they already had six new vendors joining the farmers' market family for the season, which brings the weekly average to 30, and the hope is that this number will keep growing.

Simons said the interest is generally high this year, which is good for customers as it creates

The Estevan Farmers market will have its first indoor market of the year on April 17, and then shift outdoors on May 8. File photo a broader variety.

This year’s indoor farmers' market will offer the community a variety of fashion, jewellery, Tupperware, homemade dog treats and other cat and dog products, music and artwork books, cookies, dream catchers, frozen berries, soups and perogies, bath bombs, custom gift baskets, wallets, handmade resin and clay jewellery, wood garden steaks, knitted dish clothes, jeans, candles, wax melts, hand-

made vintage baby items, quilting fabric and supplies, baking, frozen empanadas, fried bread, bannock and bannock dry mix, smudge kit and much more.

"Many different vendors and a variety of products.They'll definitely catch the eye of a customer looking for something for Mother's Day or just some spring treats for themselves or somebody else," Simons said.

The outdoor market participants will also have a variety of plants and fresh produce when the time comes.

The market also hopes to have food trucks joining them on the days of the sales, but unless COVID-19 restrictions change, people will still have to take their food to go.

Simons said that at some point the mall will be doing

construction at the parking lot, and at that time vendors may be moved to a different spot of the parking area.

"If that is an issue, obviously we take safety at the utmost for us and for our customers, so we may be shuffled around in the parking lot a little bit to make sure that we are kept safe."

It's preferred that the vendors commit to the full season, however, Simons said that they always look for new members and will do their best to accommodate the needs of people willing to participate and also to keep the market profitable and full.

"We want to work with each vendor to make sure that they're happy and that we're happy. We would love anybody

that's interested to give us an email shout-out because we are willing to fill some holes.

If some of the current vendors can't make it, we would definitely try to fill in some spots."

If anyone is interested in joining the farmers' market, they can contact the manager at estevanfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

"We're very excited to start the new year. We're very excited to be allowed to have new vendors on the inside. With COVID we are still taking safety at the utmost priority, but we know that this is what the customers want and we'll make sure that we have a full roster for them to come shop. And thank you to all the customers for shopping local, because without the customers, we wouldn't be able to exist," Simons said.

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A8

Several award winners announced for Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, and David Willberg It’s just two months out, but the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show is still a go, despite concerns about the ongoing pandemic.

The show, typically held every second year in Weyburn, may look different, but the organizers are doing their best to find a way to make it happen June 2-3, preceded by an exhibitors’ golf tournament on June 1.

Show chair Dan Cugnet said: “We’re meeting every

week. We’ve submitted things to the city and to the provincial government.”

The Southeast Saskatchewan Oilman Award was announced on March 29, with Derrick Big Eagle, who is the president and CEO of Tomahawk Energy Services, selected for the honour. Big Eagle has enjoyed a lengthy career in the patch, as he has been the owner of such companies as Eagle II Trucking, Eagle Drilling and Cheveyo Energy.

He was previously selected as the Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year in 2013.

“I didn’t think anything would ever come around like

that (an award),” said Big Eagle.

“A person never shoots for anything like that, and I guess they must have liked progression.”

Big Eagle is always trying new things in the oilpatch.

He believes there would be a lot of worthy choices for the award.

“With all of the people that are still doing as good as they do in these times, and trying to keep their businesses running, for somebody to see that I stick out a little bit and give me this award, I don’t know what to say about it,” said Big Eagle.

In these times, everybody has been putting so much focus

on keeping their businesses running and their employees and customers safe.

Tomahawk Energy was incorporated almost four years ago. The company has enjoyed slow and steady growth to reach the level it is at today.

“We’re still actually on the right path of where we were trying to get to in the very beginning,” he said.

Digital mapping services that the company provides have taken off.

They’re working for TC Energy (formerly TransCanada). Tomahawk has some great people on their staff, making Big Eagle’s work easier.

Young people enjoyed Easter egg hunt fundraiser Local families had an enjoyable time at an Easter egg and scavenger hunt in the weeks leading up to Easter.

The No. 2901 Estevan Army Cadets Corps and the Southeast Military Museum organized the hunts as a fundraiser at the property of Craig and Tina Bird, located outside the city. Craig Bird launched the museum back in the fall of 2019, and has a wide variety of military artifacts in a building on his property and at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch.

The hunts occurred

March 19-21 and 26-28.

Groups came out in their bubbles, and Tina Bird said COVID guidelines were followed.

More than 75 egg hunters turned out over the six days. “ They came out and they did an Easter egg hunt.

And then once they were finished, we had an Easter scavenger hunt they could do in another part of the yard,” she said.

The scavenger hunt saw participants given a list of 12 items they had to find that were hidden throughout the yard. At each item, there was

a letter which, when brought together, spelled out a message of “Happy Easter.”

About 90 per cent of those who came out for the hunts toured the museum once they were finished.

“They were all excited.

Some of them are planning to come back and bringing grandma and grandpa, mom and dad, brothers and sisters, at a different time when they want to come,” said Tina Bird.

Approximately $725 was raised for the two organizations. Admission was by donation.

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something new and exciting to try and bring everybody out, give them something different to do, and just promote awareness (of the causes),” she said.

People who attended thought it was great and wanted to know when the Birds would do it again.

They’re looking at the possibility of having something at around Mother’s Day or Halloween, for example, but that would depend on weather and COVID restrictions. “ I t ’s g i v i n g p e o p l e something new to do, come out and have some fun,” said Bird.

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“The group is so into everything that we’re doing, and they’re excited, and it makes it easy for me when I’m wondering ‘Are we taking the right path?’ and ‘Are we doing the right thing?’The feedback from the people, they can see the excitement, and they know it’s tough times, but I think what we’re trying to do is maybe a little different than most.”

A great group of Indigenous women is also working for the company.

Big Eagle hopes there will be people in attendance for the awards ceremony, and he recognizes it could be a virtual presentation. He’s honoured to have his name mentioned, and it means a lot to receive the award for the local oilfield workers.

The oil and gas show organizers have also announced the Southeast Saskatchewan Legends awards will go to Vi Day, Ken Lee, Norm “Pierre” Mondor, Ray Frehlick and Ron Carson.

The Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year and Saskatchewan Oil Patch Hall of Fame inductees have not yet been

announced, as those awards are chosen by a separate board.

Also announced were the speakers for the event. Entrepreneur Brett Wilson and former premier Brad Wall are coming to speak on June 2, the day of the awards. Media personality Rex Murphy will be there on June 3.

Two years ago, Murphy spoke about how the oilpatch helped save the people of Newfoundland when that province was laid low by the collapse of the cod fishery. He also discussed the absolute necessity of the energy sector in our lives and nation.

Organizers are still working on dealing with the realities of the pandemic, adapting as required.

“We’re going to have everybody that’s attending preregistered, so it’s not going to be people showing up at the gate,” Cugnet said. “Plans are currently fluid right now.”

Much of this depends on optimism for success in Saskatchewan’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and an easing of public health restrictions.

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• Statistics show that a significant cause of pipeline ruptures is due to third party damage.

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www.estevanmercury.ca

April 7, 2021 A9

A LOOK BACK AT THE CO-OP Regardless of now or whether it was 75 years ago, “You’re at home here” with the Southern Plains Co-op The Southern Plains Co-op and other co-ops in Saskatchewan like to say “You’re at home here.”

It’s not just a marketing slogan for Southern Plains; it means something, to the co-op, to its employees, to its members and to the many other people who shop there, not just in Estevan, but in Carlyle, Oxbow, Gainsborough and Alameda.

And while people often think of grocery stores when it comes to the co-op, it has a lot more than just food markets in its fleet of services.

The Southern Plains Co-op is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year; April 10 marks the organization’s 75th anniversary – a milestone certainly worth celebrating for anyone who has turned to the co-op since 1946.

The local co-operative’s beginnings came when a core group of local citizens and area farmers put in a few dollars each. Their efforts were successful when the provincial Federated Co-operative headquarters welcomed them into the fold as the Estevan Cooperative in the spring of 1946.

The annual financial report from Federated Co-operatives, who provided the audited statement, noted that the Estevan Co-op had recorded an operating loss of $486.08, but had managed to post $961.49 in net earnings, thanks to the patronage refund from Federated Co-op With fixed assets of just over $264, the local co-operative was undeterred. Their business had generated a refund of $1,437 from FCL, based on the previous year’s sales of $24,092.25 and a gross profit of $2,724.08.

Compare that with Southern Plains’ figures from the audited financial statements for 2019-20 that were released at the Co-op’s annual general meeting last July at the Prairie Dog Drive-in north of Carlyle.

Sales for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2020, were at $79.4 million. The co-op had a $67.9 million cost of goods

sold, operating and administration expenses of more than $13 million, a patronage dividend of more than $5 million from Federated Co-operatives Ltd., and it paid $1,741,045 back to the members.

The local Co-op made a move in 1946 to secure a few accessory buildings from the now de-commissioned Commonwealth Air Training School and airport south of the city.

Especially coveted were the petroleum storage tanks. A few buildings and tanks were eventually bought and transported to Estevan for the fledgling operation.

A permanent site was sought, with the first site of a bulk petroleum service set up on Fifth Street.

By 1949, Estevan Co-op had their first actual building, a 16-foot by 34-foot structure on Fifth

Street. That fall, another 20-foot by 20-foot building was constructed onsite to accommodate a growing lumber business. Among the first items the co-op sold back then was coal.

Those modest moves were greeted with growing success which provided enough encouragement for the board of directors to move forward in 1960 with plans for a major food store on Fourth Street.

The property was purchased and planning began, followed by an ambitious construction

schedule that saw the food store open in May 1962.

Oxbow’s food store dissolved in January 1969 and FCL purchased the building.

The Estevan Co-op leased it and opened up another store at that location, giving them a second outlet.

Among other highlights from the co-op’s history:

• By 1999, a major new food store, convenience store and car wash were opened in Estevan, with a flourish, and the demolition of the 1962-era building was completed. That store continues to be a hub for both the co-op and the community, and while it has had a number of renovations and alterations over the years, continues to look impressive, more than 20 years after it opened.

• An amalgamation effort with Carlyle

was successful in May of 2003. Estevan Co-op now had three major retail and bulk service centres in southeast Saskatchewan.

• On the advice of the members, the co-operative had a name change that better reflected the growing regional status. Since it was no longer just an Estevan-centric operation, the Southern Plains Cooperative Ltd. name and logo were adopted in July 2006.

• A cardlock and agrocentre on Kensington Avenue took root in 2008.

• A new convenience

store was opened along Highways 9 and 13 in Carlyle in the latter part of 2009, followed by a new cardlock system a few months later. That was then followed by a major upgrade to the Carlyle store and services that were completed in 2012.

• A major refurbish-

ment of the Co-op food store on Fourth Street in Estevan was completed in 2014.

• The next year, it was a cardlock system installed in Oxbow followed in rapid succession with a new convenience store opening in that community in January 2016.

A completely new food store opened in Oxbow in midMarch of that year.

• Two more community team members were added in 2016. First up was Gainsborough when it was accepted into the Southern Plains family by a decisive vote from members.

WIN A SOUTHERN PLAINS CO-OP $1000 GIFT CARD follow us on Facebook or enter in store!

Before the end of the year, Alameda was added to the family.

• A cardlock location opened on the Estevan truck bypass shortly after the truck bypass opened in the fall of 2015.

• A highlight for the board came in 2019, when long-time board chair Robert Grimsrud was named to the board of FCL as one of the directors for District 3, which encompasses Saskatchewan.

• Southern Plains ventured into the world of liquor in 2019, when it opened new liquor stores in Estevan and Oxbow. Both stores have proven to be popular in the community. They have purchased a retail liquor sales permit for Carlyle, and the new store, which would be located at their convenience store, is expected to be ready in 2021.

• The co-op has also purchased land for a new grocery store in Carlyle.

• Southern Plains co-op has also pivoted and adapted to the changing times. Customers can have their groceries delivered to their home, and they have grocery pickup available at the Estevan store.

It’s hard to say what exactly the future holds for the Southern Plains Co-op.

But you can be sure that it will continue to be a big part of the community, it will continue to add to the services it offers to the southeast, and it will keep on top of the changes and innovations in the delivery of food and much more.

A10 April 7, 2020

Celebrating our Employees The Southern Plains Co-op is blessed to have numerous long-time employees. They bring an excellent work ethic, enjoy working with the customers and make the most of their experiences. Four longtime employees reflect on their time with the co-op.

The Southern Plains Co-op is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and Carol McKay has been around for most of them.

Carol will mark her 44th anniversary with the co-op in June. She started as the accounts payable clerk, and has always worked in the administrative office.

“I’ve done the sales desk, I’ve done the equity desk, I’ve done the receivCarol McKay ables desk, I’ve done the accountant role, I’ve done the controller role, and HR manager now I’m the HR manager,” said Carol.

43 years of experience She loves the ability to help people.

In all of her roles, she’s had the ability to train and see people grow. Carol loves the values of the co-op as well.

“It’s been a career. It’s not just a job. When I came out of … SIAST 44 years ago, I wanted a place that wasn’t going to isolate me and put me in one block. I wanted the ability to learn different roles,” said Carol.

She found everything she wanted with the co-op, and it’s evident in the different roles she has had. The company is willing to train her and other employees, and if you want to learn something, you have the ability to grow.

www.estevanmercury.ca

Celebrating Membership Your Co-op number

How it works One time investment of $10 for your membership number.

This number is used every time you shop at the Co-op and your purchases grow! At the end of the Co-op year (January 31) we calculate the total of all your purchases from all locations; you will know how much you spent on food, fuel, etc.

When the Co-op closes the books for the year and makes money this profit is now shared back to you the member based on your purchases for that year. The more you purchase the more you get back. There are different pay back percentages for food and fuel.

We take your purchases and multiply them by the percentage the Co-op is paying back. This example shows $7,000 was purchased in food and the Co-op has decided to allocate 2% on groceries. You also purchased $3,500 in fuel and the Co-op is paying back 4.5%. $7,000 x 2% = $140 This comes back to you in equity dollars for food. $3,500 x 4.5% = $157.50 This comes back to you in equity dollars for fuel.

THIS MEANS YOU GET $297.50 BACK IN EQUITY DOLLARS If your Co-op has a good cash flow and they say they will pay back 25% of that amount in cash, you receive a cheque for $74.37 for that year.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE REST? The Southern Plains Co-op has been a big part of Leanne Frank’s life since she was 16 years old.

She started working in the grocery department as a student, and she also worked in the bakery, the service station and the office, where she now works as the controller.

The co-op is never a boring place to work. Leanne learns something Leanne Frank new almost every day, since groController cery stores, liquor stores, service stations, petroleum sales and other 39 years of experience services are all part of the co-op.

“The people are great,” said Leanne. “Right from upper management to our students. I feel we’re a team, and we hope to make everybody feel like they’re part of the team right from Day 1. It’s a great place to work.”

She’s been happy to come to work every day for 40 years, so it’s a great place to work.

The co-op has offered a lot in her personal life as well. It has education programs that you can take advantage of, and every manager works with every employee to ensure they’re happy.

Shannon Skoczylas has been with the Southern Plains Co-op for a quarter century.

She started in the old co-op location, working downstairs in the cafeteria, before moving up to produce for about six months during a maternity leave.

Then she returned to the cafeteria.

When the co-op moved into the current building on Fourth Street, Shannon worked as a cashier, and then Shannon Skoczylas shifted back into produce, where she Produce Clerk is now a supervisor.

25 years of experience “I enjoy the people. I enjoy the staff.

We’ve had fun throughout the years, working in different departments,” said Shannon.

There have been community efforts and social clubs.

And Shannon likes to see the customers, who continue to come back to the co-op year after year.

Produce is a department that gives Shannon opportunities to learn, with different fruits and vegetables. The co-op provides value-added incentives with different recipes for customers to come back for different items. And Shannon will learn different things about the produce at courses.

Anita Yoner recently celebrated quite a milestone: 20 years with the Southern Plains Co-op’s grocery store in Estevan.

When she started with the co-op, she was a bakery clerk, so she was slicing bread, making donuts, decorating cakes and providing baker’s helper work. Then she moved up to the cashier work.

“I feel the co-op does have great values. I enjoy working for a business that Anita Yoner is community-minded. I really enjoy the Cashier staff that I work with, so that keeps me here, too,” said Anita.

20 years of experience Working as a cashier gives her the opportunity to deal with the public all day long, and she enjoys talking to people. Her work never gets old or tired, and she continues to enjoy what she does.

It Stays In Your Equity Account and Grows!

This is available to you when you reach the age of 65 and request the age payout. At that time we only keep $10 and the share will remain open and all future equity is paid out in full each year. You can also apply for full pay out if you move from the trading area.

EQUITY VS REWARD PROGRAMS Southern Plains Co-op $3,500 for fuel purchases 3,500 x 4.5% = $157.50 equity dollars $3,500 fuel purchases = 3500 Points (other reward program) = $20 free gas reward $3,500 fuel purchased = 28,680 Points (other reward program) = $28 fuel savings reward Air Miles $3,500 fuel purchased = 175 air miles CO-OP! A GREAT CHOICE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU

Southern Plains Co-operative Limited

Why pick Co-op

YOU ARE INVESTING IN A LOCAL COMPANY

All members share in the profits based on the amount of their purchases.

ALL PROFITS STAY LOCAL

YOUR CO-OP SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES We have been a part of your communities since 1946. We contribute to property taxes in your communities, yearly total of $314,976. We employ 190 individuals, dispersing salaries of $6,056,335 yearly. We provide a high standard of services and products to generate sales of $73,020,535. We support and host local events with pride! With contributions of $166,445 and staff volunteer hours.

AWARD WINNING BUSINESS - 2017 Ebex Award for Community Involvement - 2017 Exex Award presented to our staff member for Outstanding Employee - 2018 Estevan Mercury Publications Best of Estevan Awards for our Bakery Department, C-Store locations and our Fuel Delivery Service.

- 2018 Community Involvement Awards presented to our Carlyle location from the Carlyle Chamber of Commerce. And our employee received the Under 17 Award for being helpful in the Carlyle community.

SO WHY INVEST IN CO-OP

We make your shopping experience one of a kind! And you see us involved at your many community events.

fuel up for a cause $.10/L donated to Habitat for Humanity

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021

Kensington & 4th Street, Estevan C-Store

www.estevanmercury.ca

April 7, 2020 A11

Celebrating Change

Celebrating our Community The Southern Plains Co-op has always been known for their community engagement.

The list of the programs, projects and initiatives they sponsored through the past 75 years would make a goodsized book. They care about the communities they serve and that reflects who they are.

"Our values are excellence, teamwork and people. Our vision is to be the retail leader in southeast Saskatchewan. And our mission is we put people first through the development of our employees by contributing to the communities we serve and by providing excellence and value to our members and customers," said Carol McKay, the human resources manager for the co-op.

Based on their values, vision and mission, the co-op decides on who to support, and the list of those who have Fuel Good Days are an annual received help is endless. fundraiser for the Southern Plains "The co-op has invested time and Co-op in Estevan. money into many, many public groups and organizations within the commu- Estevan, the Royal Canadian Legion, nities that we are in – Carlyle, Oxbow the Estevan Kinette Club, schools and senior living facilities, Estevan Wildlife and Estevan."

Throughout the years, groups Federation and many other groups and and individuals have been reaching initiatives that make the communities out to the co-op, seeking some help they serve better and happier.

Each year the co-op has a Fuel and support for their initiatives. And while there are some guidelines the Good Day in which part proceeds of co-op follows in their sponsorship every litre sold at each service station goes to a non-profit organizaactivities, people always know tion. that a legit cause will get help "The list goes on and on. from a local co-op. Whether We're very, very proud of the it be in funds, gift cards or communities that we're in. products, the co-op always We do provide and support finds a way to support the them as much as we can, community that supports including volunteer hours." them.

There are also some "Why is it imporevents that co-op puts on tant? Because that is for the communities inus, that is co-op. One cluding the Halloweenof our catch lines is themed Trail of Terror in 'you're at home here.'

Estevan and movie night The value that we program for kids. They hold to the highest also have a kids club level is that we are within the co-op. part of the commuAnd even though nity. Co-op is part the pandemic changed of the community. all traditional operaWe're not just a store tions and temporarily on the block. We are reshaped some of the involved with the co-op's community inareas that we have volvement, at the same businesses in, it's a time it made it stronvalue for us. It's someger. To make things betthing that we believe ter for the community in and that we're very during trying times, the strong in," McKay exco-op started the Pay it plained.

Forward Friday mission, For years the where every Friday they co-op has been a big hand out baskets with supporter of hockey various items to random teams, leagues and shoppers. events. They also con"We've been doing that tribute to the Estevan since COVID hit in March of and District Music Feslast year, and we're still cartival, curling kids proThe co-op has rying along with it today. It's just gram, volleyball teams, held the Trail something that aligns well with Carlyle Fun Dayz, Habitat of Terror as an us. It is our feel-good," McKay for Humanity, 4-H groups, event for the said. the St. Joseph’s Hospital community.

All of the co-op's community Foundation’s Festival of involvement and initiatives are Trees, the Estevan Day Care Co-operative, the United Way posted on their Facebook page.

Southern Plains Co-op has

a Bright Future If any company is going to have success in this day and age, with constant changes and evolutions, then it’s important to adapt with the ever-changing times.

The Southern Plains Co-op has done just that, and it has a bright future accordingly.

“Over the years we’ve been able to adapt,” said general manager Brian Enns. “Seventy-five years is a long time.”

It’s important for the co-op to think about what the customers want, the commodities they will need, how they can engage with their members and where technology will take them.

“One of the things we found during COVID was customers preferred online ordering, and sometimes it would be pickup or delivery, and we were able to provide that for them this past year,” said Enns.

An online map for Federated Cooperatives Limited showed Southern Plains’ Estevan grocery store was the third in the province to offer grocery pickup for customers. Customers can visit a website, select the items they want and then select the time they want to pick up the food, drink and other items.

The response was great at first, Enns said. It has since levelled off, but the demand for online shopping is still steady.

“I wonder if people want to get out of the house a little more as the weather warms up. We’re seeing a little more foot traffic lately,” Enns said.

The co-op also continues to

save up to

25% SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021 Estevan, Carlyle & Oxbow

off your groceries with our

Scratch & Save Event

have delivery options, which became very popular at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Again, people can go online and place their order, and have it delivered for free to their home.

The demand hasn’t slowed down for the free home deliveries.

The co-op is also always looking to add to its fleet of services.

It opened liquor stores for the Estevan and Oxbow locations in 2019, and another one is in the works for Carlyle this year.

Improvements are happening within their buildings as well. For example, the co-op installed new flooring at its Estevan grocery store earlier this year.

Some of those improvements will be noticeable for customers, but others will not.

And it continues to move forward with technology, as it has to keep pace with those changes.

“Where else is technology going to take us in the future? I’m not sure,” Enns said.

The co-op has a good board of directors, Enns said, and they are willing to look at all kinds of options as they take that next step into the future.

There are other changes that are happening behind the scenes, and it might be a while before the customers notice them.

It’s important for an organization to look at where they’ve come from, he said, along with what they’ve done and what they can do better, and as the co-op continues to do that, it will help with the future of the company.

A12 April 7, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Distracted Driving SGI is seeing a decrease in distracted driving, but the battle is far from over

By Ana Bykhovskaia The statistics for 2020 haven’t been finalized yet, but the preliminary data on distracted driving-related accidents remains pretty shocking.

According to Tyler McMurchy, the manager of media relations for Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), distracted driving, driver distraction or inattention contributed to more than 3,000 collisions last year, which resulted in approximately 600 injuries and 22 deaths in Saskatchewan.

"Those are just the collisions that get reported to us. Of course, every month, police issue hundreds of tickets related to distracted driving, either for cell phone use … or the other offence would be called driving without due care and attention. So when you total those numbers up, on average, we saw about 520 tickets issued per month across Saskatchewan by police for one of those two offences," McMurchy said.

While the numbers still seem outrageous, SGI has seen a decrease in the amount of these kinds of offences over the past few years. For example, in 2019, they averaged 838 distracted driving/driving without due care tickets per month.

To assess the situation with distracted driving in the province, SGI also looks at the number of fatalities, injuries and collisions, and there was some good news with that data as well.

"We have seen those numbers trending downward. They can fluctuate a bit year to year, but we have seen those coming down," McMurchy said.

McMurchy said there is more awareness about the problem now.

The significant increase in penalties for these offences that occurred last year also improved the situation.

"Penalties increased in 2020, which I think got a lot of people's attention and may have influenced some people's behaviour when it comes to deciding not to pick up their phone while they're behind the wheel."

An increase in penalties became an important factor in battling distracted driving. And while not everyone will react to this as a reason to change behaviour, for quite a few people, costly charges became a weighty argument.

"For some people, the prospect of getting a $580 ticket for having their phone in their hand, is something they just don't want to risk. So absolutely I think the increased penalties did play a role," McMurchy said.

The increase in penalties was first

Please keep your eyes on the road.

announced in November of 2019, but it didn't take effect until February of 2020. And even when the changes were first announced, SGI did see an immediate drop in the number of tickets that police were handing out on average per month.

"I don't think that's a result of less enforcement, I think it's just a result of people understanding that the tickets are very serious and the consequences are not worth that (moment when) you're going to look at your phone when you're driving. And that's good because that momentary look can be very dangerous. If you are driving, you're operating a motor vehicle, you need to give that your full and undivided attention," McMurchy said.

A lot of focus is always on cell phones as the main source of distraction, but by no means is it the only thing that may distract drivers. There is no way for the law to cover everything that may potentially turn into a distraction, but driving without due care and attention is an offence. Driving while smoking, eating, interacting with passengers and other presum-

ably minor things will not necessarily result in a charge, but if they distract the driver enough, they will be viewed as an offence. McMurchy said most police officers that have ever worked in traffic enforcement, have "ridiculous" examples of other things that some drivers were distracted by, such as "reading a book, or eating a bowl of cereal, or filling out paperwork while they're driving" and these things should not happen.

There is no law regulating where animals should be in a vehicle, but McMurchy said that if they are not transported properly, they might easily become a distraction.

"We highly recommend that you do restrain your animal in the vehicle with a specifically designed harness that works with the seatbelt system in your vehicle or putting them in a kennel or a crate just to minimize the distraction that comes from an animal moving freely throughout the cab of your vehicle, sitting on your lap or getting in between the driver and the steering wheel," McMurchy said.

He added that not only can animals be a distraction, but if they are not properly restrained they are also at higher risk of injuries or death if a vehicle suddenly stops or

gets in an accident.

"An airbag can severely injure or kill an animal that is in the front seat.

It's not designed to protect those animals, it's designed to protect a properly restrained driver," McMurchy said.

And even though people still often feel an urge to do something else while driving, McMurchy reminded that all the distractions can wait.

"With distracted driving, there's no text message or selfie, or Instagram story, that's worth a $580 ticket."

He also reminded the public that penalties implemented for distracted driving in 2020 remain in place and they progress if drivers keep breaking the law.

"Your first ticket for distracted driving is $580, and the penalties escalate for repeat offences. If you get a second cell phone ticket within one year of being convicted, not only does the ticket go up to $1,400, but you will also have your vehicle impounded for a week. And if you get a third ticket within one year of being convicted, and this does happen on rare occasions … that third ticket will be $2,100 and another seven days of vehicle impoundment. And with every distracted driving ticket, there's four demerits," McMurchy said.

Lori Carr, MLA

Estevan Constituency Office 306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

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A13 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK

Wildlife federation hands out annual awards It might have been in a different setting, but the Estevan Wildlife Federation (EWF) still found a way to hand out its annual year-end awards.

The assortment of trophies was recently presented at their clubhouse near Boundary Dam. The awards were handed out in small groups to meet COVID-19 regulations.

Traditionally the EWF would present the trophies during a banquet in the winter.

But the EWF still managed to salute young people and adults for their success in hunting birds and big game, for catching fish and for taking photographs.

In the junior birds category, Logan Skuce had the top sharp-tail grouse at two pounds, two ounces, and ruffled grouse at one pound, four ounces. Kade Skuce finished first for Hungarian partridge (one pound, eight ounces).

Logan Skuce and Sam Meek finished tied for the top pheasant with a score of 57 1/2. Logan Skuce’s pheas-

ant was 35 bars and had a tail length of 22.5 inches, while Meek’s pheasant was 37 bars with a tail length of 20 1/2 inches.

In senior birds, Kyle Skuce had the top Hungarian partridge (one pound, one ounce), while Murray Mosley was first for sharptail grouse (two pounds, three ounces), ruffle grouse (one pound, eight ounces), mallard duck (three pounds, 2 1/2 ounces), Canada goose (14 pounds, 8.2 ounces), snow goose (six pounds, four ounces) and white-fronted goose (six pounds).

Dallas Kurtz had the top pheasant at 44 bars and a tail length of 24 1/2 inches, for a score of 68 1/2.

In junior fish, winners were Kade Skuce for perch (one pound, five ounces), Nevada Sernick for walleye (three pounds, six ounces) and Jayden Van De Woestyne for largemouth bass (three pounds, 11 ounces).

In senior fish, Murray Mosley had the top perch (one pound, six ounces), brook trout (one pound, six ounces) and rainbow

trout (two pounds, 10 ounces). Joshua Michel had the top largemouth bass (four pounds, eight ounces) and northern pike (22 pounds, seven ounces), and Athena Hryhoriw had the top walleye (four pounds, one ounce).

Numerous big game awards were also handed out.

In senior archery, Sheldon McNabb had the top typical white-tail deer with a score of 144 3/8 and the top nontypical mule deer (198 1/8).

Other winners were Joshua Michel for top non-typical whitetail (200), Andrew True for typical mule deer (191 7/8), Brent Van de Woestyne for moose (121 2/8) and Riley Pylychaty for black bear (19).

McNabb won the Bowhunter of the Year Award for his two deer.

In junior rifle, winners were Chase Prybylski for top-scoring typical whitetail deer (138 2/8), Donovan Dyer for typical mule deer (148 4/8), Morgan Riese for non-typical mule deer (160 7/8), Brayden Katsantonis for non-typical whitetail deer (162 1/8), Kristen Carl-

Kade Skuce, left, and Logan Skuce with their trophies in junior birds. Photo submitted

son for moose (140 3/8), and Krislyn Pylychaty for black bear (17 3/16).

In ladies’ rifle, top scorers were Taylor Evans for typical whitetail deer (129 5/8), Jessi Pastachak for typical mule deer (168 1/8), Jenae Peterson for non-typical mule deer (187 4/8), Shayla Mosley for antelope (75 2/8) and Kaylee Carlson for black bear (15 13/16).

In men’s rifle, winners were Doug Van De Woestyne for typical whitetail deer (163 6/8), Terry Sernick for non-typical whitetail deer (169 4/8), Geoff Mutrie for typical mule deer (186 3/8), Kevin Thompson for nontypical mule deer (180); Nick Hirkala for typical elk (245 3/8); Jeff Mosley for moose (117 7/8); Mike Halirewich for black bear (19 12/16) and

Adam Van De Woestyne for antelope (68).

In photography, Kyra Driedger had the top junior scenic and junior wildlife pictures, McKenna Van De Woestyne won for top senior scenic photo, and Mary Jacobs won for best senior wildlife and overall photo of the year. Jacobs’ photo was also named top wildlife photo for the province.

Sheldon McNabb, left, and Joshua Michel won trophies for big game archery hunting. Photo submitted

From left, Morgan Riese, Donovan Dyer and Kristen Carlson won trophies for junior big-game rifle. Photo submitted

Woodlawn golf course preparing for season

While the snow has mostly been gone for weeks and the temperatures have been well above average since late February, the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course isn’t rushing to have its 18 holes open.

The golf course has been busy getting ready for the season. Their driving range has been open for golfers to get some practice swings in before the start of the season, while their clubhouse has been open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Amanda Minchin, the head pro and general manager at the golf course, said the demand has been there for the restaurant to be open, with lunchtime being the busiest, and once the course is open, the clubhouse will be open seven days a week.

The driving range has been busy as well, despite some unpredictable weather conditions in late March, and it was busy during the Easter long weekend due to the beautiful weather conditions.

“Lots of people have been out

there,” said Minchin.

A date hasn’t been set for when the golf course will be open. Minchin said they have a target date of midApril, but that will depend on the weather. The course is dry, and they’re eagerly awaiting some precipitation.

“A little bit of water and some rains would help a great deal,” said Minchin.

The wind is also a factor. If it’s really windy, the course dries out faster, and it becomes tough to remove tarps.

The course handled the winter pretty well.

“Bob Currie, the superintendent, he’s happy right now,” said Minchin. “Of course, once you start pulling back tarps, you get a clearer picture. He’s happy with where things are right now. It was a bit of an odd winter. We didn’t have a lot of snow. We had some freezing rains in December that can sometimes cause havoc, but it looks like we lucked out there.”

The wind storm in January

didn’t cause much damage, either, with just a couple of small trees down.

COVID-19 restrictions for golf courses remain the same from when the course closed for the season in October.

“Right now there’s nothing in the public health order that says we can’t (open),” said Minchin. “Obviously we have to abide by all of the other rules that are in place, with social distancing and masks inside our clubhouse.”

The golf course, driving range, restaurant and pro shop are all following the restrictions set out for them.

“Unless the government comes out here and changes anything, we’re just operating on the golf side as we were in October. Obviously the restaurant guidelines changed since we closed in October, with (going from) six at a table (to four), but that’s basically the big change there.”

The golf industry lobbying group, which Minchin is a part of, had good discussions with the prov-

The TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course hopes to be open at some point in mid-April. File photo ince’s business response team prior to the recent surge in COVID-19 variant cases in Regina.

Woodlawn’s driving range was the first in the province to open.

Other courses in the province have already talked about opening.

“Because we haven’t had snow on the ground for so long, it seems like things should be open, but you have to remember it is still very early in the Saskatchewan golf season,”

said Minchin.

Woodlawn still won’t be allowed to have shotgun starts to begin the season, which will affect their operations, but they’re looking forward to having men’s nights, women’s nights and getting back into the routine of some of the events they offer throughout the year.

There’s a demand for golf, she said, and Woodlawn is expecting a very busy year.

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A14 April 7, 2021

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Creighton Lodge is running a raffle to attract funds for walk-in schower renovations

By Ana Bykhovskaia Creighton L odge is running a big spring raffle.

Due to the pandemic restrictions, for the second straight year, Creighton Lodge was unable to host its annual spring dinner fundraiser, which usually sees about 200 people in attendance. So they came up with another activity aimed at raising funds to improve the living conditions at the lodge.

"We decided we still want to do something. A raise money for the lodge for capital projects. But B - to also just remind the residents that we're still fundraising for different things in the lodge. And we're not going to stop just because of COVID," said Creighton Lodge manager Shelly Veroba.

In 2020, they were planning on hosting the Duelling Pianos program and were "really looking forward to that," according to Veroba.

But since the program and supper were cancelled, they had some donations left, and they wanted to use them for the good of the residents.

"We came up with the idea of a spring raffle," Veroba said.

In 2020, Fire Sky Energy gave Creighton Lodge money to sponsor a raffle, so with the cancellation of

last year's event, these funds are being used now. Southern Plains Co-op donated $1,000 in gift cards, which will be the first prize in the raffle. Creighton Lodge also used some donated money to purchase more co-op gift cards for the second and third prizes, each sitting at $500. McGillicky Oilfield donated a Bosch drill as a fourth prize.

Aero Advertising supplied a cozy blanket and a cooler for the fifth place winner. Nelson Motors provided the sixth prize, which is another high-quality blanket. And the seventh prize is a GFL gift bag, which is a cooler with a free bin rental certificate inside.

Money raised through the raffle will help improve living conditions at the lodge.

"We are projecting to raise $9,000 profit. And that's going to go towards making our shower room more accessible for the people. Right now we just have a small shower to walk in.

We're going to put a toilet and a sink and an extra bench in there just to give people a little more room.

“And also, if they happen to have a caregiver that needs to go in and help them bathe, this will allow them to do so. So we're going to have to knock out some of

Creighton Lodge is looking at raising some funds to renovate the walk-in shower. File photo the walls and make it bigger.

But with the extra money, it's definitely going to help," Veroba said.

Creighton Lodge also received money from the United Way Estevan for the project, and the funds raised through the raffle will help them to cover it all.

They are currently looking for contractors to come in, assess the project

and place their bids.

"We're looking for contractors right now, if someone is interested in putting a bid on this project, they can call (the lodge for more information)," Veroba said.

The raffle draw will take place on May 20.

Tickets are $10 each and are available at Creighton Lodge and through people affiliated with the facility.

There were only 1,000 tickets available. To purchase tickets, people can also call 306-634-4154 or come to the lodge during their work hours.

"We wanted to price tickets so that they were affordable. And we also love the fact that the prizes are things that people will find useful, like the co-op gift cards to help pay for fuel or

groceries, etc.," Veroba said.

W ith a few married couples, there are currently 50 residents in 46 rooms at Creighton Lodge. A lot of residents don't have a full shower and find the public walk-in shower room more convenient. So this year's capital project will make it more convenient for many who chose Creighton Lodge as their new home.

Visitor limitations in place for healthcare facilities The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has

implemented visitor limitations for healthcare facilities

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in southeast Saskatchewan, as well as in Regina and Moose Jaw, due to a rise in variants of concern.

Family presence and visitation is being restricted to Level 3 palliative/end-oflife care in those areas.

Level 3 family presence means that two family/support members can be present at the same time for end-oflife care only. One essential family/support person can be designated to assist with care if needed (self-care, mobility, nutrition and behavioural needs).

Additional family presence can be supported for the specific circumstances, including critical care, intensive care, maternal, postpar-

tum or pediatric units.

No other visitors are allowed into the specified facilities or homes at this time. The SHA says these limitations will remain in place until it is safe to return to the previous level of family presence and will be reviewed in two weeks.

Family members and support people who are permitted must undergo a health screening prior to entering the facility or home.

This includes a temperature check and questionnaire.

The family member or support person will be required to perform hand hygiene (hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility

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These restrictions also took effect April 1 at 5 p.m. at all hospitals and longterm care homes in Moose Jaw. In Regina, these restrictions affect the Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital, effective April 2 at 8 a.m.

The Level 3 restriction is already in place at all longterm care homes in Regina, Emerald Park, Lumsden and Cupar.

In a news release, the SHA says the decision to restrict family presence is not taken lightly. These measures are in place to keep the public, their loved ones and health care workers safe. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking the public for their support and cooperation in order to contain the spread of the virus.

Detailed information about family presence during COVID-19 can be found at saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

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or home, and when entering and leaving the patient's or resident’s room.

Family members and support people will be required to wear a medical grade mask while inside the facility or home, and potentially additional personal protective equipment.

Family members and support people are not permitted to wait in waiting rooms or other common areas, and movement in the facility/ home is to be kept to essential movement only.

In the southeast, these restrictions took effect on April 1 at 5 p.m. at facilities in Estevan, Arcola, Carlyle, Carnduff, Gainsborough, Lampman, Midale, Oxbow, Redvers, Stoughton, Weyburn, Balcarres, Bengough, Broadview, Fillmore, Fort Qu’Appelle, Indian Head, Kipling, Maryfield, Montmartre, Moosomin, Radville, Wawota, Whitewood and Wolseley.

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April 7, 2021 A15

Mind, Body & Soul How She Lost 50 pounds in 30 days!!

D

id I catch your attention?

Results like this aren’t realistic or maintainable.

Yet, we see titles or headlines, or crazy testimonials and think it’s possible and try the crazy gimmick, quick fix, or deprivation diet that claims you can do it too! Or worse yet, we see someone else’s quick success and judge ourselves as failures because we can’t seem to get the same results.

Friends, these things simply aren’t realistic - regardless of what you see and read. Short-term quick fixes typically don’t lead to lasting success; yet we are quick to try them anyway; only to beat ourselves up further if we don’t have the same success; all while wreaking havoc on the metabolism.

The only way to true and lasting success is by altering your daily habits and replacing them with healthier habits that you can sustain most days, over a long period of time or the rest of your life (hence the term “lifestyle”).

This leaves 3 options - doing nothing (because you don’t want to fail yet again - which is completely understandable!), fall for the gimmicks with quick results, or, make small changes over time to change your lifestyle, and ultimately your life.

Small daily changes don’t

have to be hard. Studies have shown that you are more likely to stick with doing one push-up a day, day after day, than you are to do 10 pushups a day, and you’ll yield better results because of it too.

Start with something small - like changing what you eat for breakfast and incorporating a healthy balance of proteins, carbs, and fats. Or, drinking one more glass of water in a day, or going to bed 15 minutes earlier. It’s the boring, unsexy habits that lead to lasting, long-term success.

Next time you see a quick fix solution, remember that it’s not the crazy discipline and willpower you can have for 3 days that will help you see results, it’s the little, seemingly insignificant things that will have a long term effect on your energy, motivation, confidence, and your body.

P.S. If you’re not quite sure where to begin or exhausted from trying diets and ‘fixes’, reach out!

We’ve changed the focus on all of our programs from “rapid weight loss” to teaching the habits that you need to make lasting changes and helping with support and accountability to ensure you get (and keep) them.

When it comes to training, behaviour modification and animal enrichment, I can go on for days.

I am endlessly looking for ways to better the lives of animals in our lives, and I’m happy to go on and on about it, just ask anyone! When asked to pen something about our mind, body and soul, I took pause. Do animals benefit our mind, body and soul? Can this be measured?

One of the delights of any day is time spent with a much-loved family pet. Tiny feet to massive paws settling on our lap as we enjoy that quiet cup in the morning. A momentary pause taking in the sight of them soaking in a sunbeam, or watching them take flight after a leaf on the wind. They teach

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us to put our whole heart into the joy of the simplest sort. A hand buried in a furry ruff, a sloppy kiss or a gentle nose boop. The purring leg weave upon returning home. Unconditional love.

They help ground us. Keep us in the present, get us out of our head.

The fact that they need us for their daily care can be just enough to get our mind off work. That negative inner monologue is often trumped by the methodical peace brought on by the stroke of a brush or joy of an old trick repeated. The mental math required to train a new behaviour allows us to

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Mental Health, What does it really mean?

ental health has become a buzzword this year, with people slowing down to look inward and so many others struggling during the pandemic year. What does it mean when we talk about mental health in southeast Saskatchewan?

Mental health refers to someone’s emotional and psychological well-being. Mental health and physical health are equally important to maintain a well-balanced life, but physical health is often given more attention.

Our mental health can be impacted by stress, worry and negative thoughts as well as differing abilities to deal with these things. When our mental health is not nourished, it can manifest as mental illness. Mental illness can also be brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain or when someone experiences a traumatic event or deals with a major life change.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, “One in five people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. But five in five of us have mental health.”

Stigma surrounding mental health unfortunately still exists.

Some in our region hold the opinion that to prioritize and take care of mental well-being is a sign of weakness.

By talking about mental health and illness, we can diminish the stigma surrounding it. If our mental well-being becomes overwhelming and these feeling begin to affect daily functioning, it may be time to seek support. Support can be professional

and/or personal; it can be counselling, taking medication prescribed by a doctor or connecting with loved ones.

Taking care of mental health and illness is not an easy task. However, with support and time, we can flex and build our mental health muscles.

Finding coping skills and mechanisms that are positive and healthy can move us in the direction from “surviving” to “thriving.”

Here are some ways to help improve mental health on our own during the pandemic: •Practising gratitude; •Practising mindfulness; •Exercising; •Going outside; and •Connecting with others It can be challenging to find the motivation to try the above examples, but by starting with just one, people can experiment and find the strategy that works best for them.

You are not alone. If you need someone to talk to, contact Envision Counselling and Support Centre to find out more about our rapid access programs like walk-in counselling and Bridging the Distance. These programs accommodate both in-person and telephone needs. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Tania Hlohovsky-Andrist

develop our own new habits, looking inward. Dissecting our own biases encourages growth in us all. A win for us and our pets.

That meditative quiet of the evening walk even with a small bag dangling from a hand; the very definition of keeping it real. One cannot be too self-absorbed with a bag of poop in your hand. Certainly, during this past year, they have been often our only reason to get out and get moving.

A brief social outing, a connected commiserative soul to bond with when others had

Have you welcomed a new puppy into your home recently?

to be distanced. When going out for groceries had turned into a potentially dangerous activity and the office took us to the kitchen table, our pets took us on adventures. The flush in our cheeks from a good game of tug and the quickened pulse and deepened breath from a quick run.

The satisfaction of efforts made, and training gains achieved, to time spent well rewarded with an endless supply of connection and affection. If not quantitative, it is most certainly felt. Our mind, body and soul are richly rewarded by the time spent with all creatures big and small.

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Carnduff and District Music Festival looks back on successful online showcase

By Olivia Grandy This year the Carnduff and District Music Festival showcased participants' performances on video through their Facebook page, while staying true to its core goals.

Pamela Dmytriw, the Carnduff and District Music Festival board president, spoke about this year's online festivities, which ran throughout the

month of March.

She explained that the board opted for a showcase approach versus a virtual adjudicated festival to ensure accessibility for participants who may not have high-speed Internet.

"We decided to go with the showcase option because it still let us do all of the things about the festival that were important to us: to give the kids an opportunity to perform

and allow them to share that performance with people."

Dmytriw shared that she got involved in the festival over a decade ago while teaching choir and drama in Oxbow. She wanted to show her students that anyone could perform at the festival, so she participated as an adult. Since then, she has taken on numerous leadership roles within the board to continue sharing her

Music for Young Children class performing, from left, Kordel Morrow, Lincoln Karst, Camille Farnden and Ethan Brooks. Image submitted

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passion for the arts.

With this event, the board's priority was to recognize participants' hard work and foster performance art skills instead of focusing on judging or adjudicating.

"I think that it's really important for us to honour and celebrate the kids who are taking the time out of their lives to learn an instrument or to work on their vocals or to study the ability to write speeches and perform speech arts. I think that these are just as important as other extracurriculars that kids have the opportunity to do."

Dmytriw would like to emphasize that this creative approach to the festival was made possible by the determination and dedication of all board members.

Board member Jeri Geiger, who managed publicity, was instrumental in making sure all the participants understood the logistics of how to upload their performances. She also made sure that all of the posts were found and featured in the Facebook showcase.

Dmytriw and Lisa Macfarlane worked hard to stay in touch with the festival's sponsors and patrons, many of which enthusiastically jumped on board with the online showcase.

Their generous donations provided participants with prizes and established a fund for a new piano.

Dmytriw expressed that "the community is amazing for making sure that the kids are celebrated, and that art and music are alive in our community."

A randomized prize wheel was spun each week for participants who performed during that time to encourage maxi-

mum participation. Additionally, those who participated multiple times were entered in draws for three $50 gift certificates.

Impressively, the festival received enough support from community members to give all of the participants a $25 gift certificate as a token of their work ethic in this year's festival.

Dmytriw is excited to see what the Carnduff and District Music Festival will look like in the future.

"I look forward to 2022

being an in-person festival and having the opportunity to all come together again, celebrate, go back to adjudication, and be able to work together to have a really successful event."

Ultimately, she feels that this year's festival made its mark on the community by providing performers with the chance to share their talent.

"I think it's just the opportunity to find something you love and be able to do it, and that's what we hope that we provided."

Mikki East of Alameda performing in the showcase.

Image submitted 21043PM0 21044PM0

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CLASSIFIEDS A17

| Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca Obituaries

Peter Cozac 1935 - 2021 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Cozac Sr. Peter passed away peacefully at the age of 85 with his family by his side in his home in Moose Jaw, SK. on March 26, 2021.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Grace Cozac and brother, George.

Peter’s memory will forever be cherished by his loving family: daughter, Roberta; son, Peter Jr. and daughter, Wannetta (Les); grandchildren: Ashley (Nathan), Taylor (Lori) and Wiley; great grandchildren Isaiah, Jacob, Rowan and Russell; sisters: Anne, Kay, Mary (Harvey), Lillian and Joanne; brothers, Con (Elaine) and Sam (Caroll) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Peter was born at Kayville, SK., on September 27, 1935. He grew up on his parents mixed farm near Kayville. On April 16, 1957 he began his career with the P.F.R.A. During his 42 year long career he spent a brief time at Excel Pasture, then Keywest before ending up at the coalfields at North Portal in April of 1964 where he would start his family. He remained at coalfields until he retired in the spring of 1999. Once retired, he purchased his own ranch north of Sintaluta, SK. in the Qu‘Appelle Valley, where he enjoyed doing a little farming. (Sold the ranch in 2012). He then began his official retirement in Fort Qu’Appelle later moving to Moose Jaw in 2019. Peter had many hobbies and loves in life. He competed in Rodeo’s, calf roping, starting in 1958. He enjoyed watching horse pulls, chariot and chuck wagon races (where he got a kick out of betting on them with quarters!), he loved live Rodeo! Peter was also an avid fan of baseball (Blue Jays) and would watch them whenever he could. He was known to send cattle home early if the Jay’s made the playoffs. He took great pride in raising and showing his Simmental cattle and quarter horses and he never missed the yearly Regina Agribition.

Individuals who interacted with Peter for the first or fifth time, felt they were in the presence of a genuine cowboy and a very knowledgeable cattleman. A hearty handshake, no nonsense manner and a genuine from the heart greeting which made people feel at ease. Peter loved his drives out into the country but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Whether it be watching his grandson Taylor play baseball or grandson Wiley playing hockey or sitting at a bonfire with his family telling stories from the past, his family came first. Peter’s family would like to send a special thanks to his doctors, home care aids and palliative nurses for the great care and kindness they provided at his home in the last few months of his life.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Cemetery in Moose Jaw, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society 1910 McIntyre St Regina, SK S4P 2R3. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

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charged under the Public Health Act for failing to wear a mask. He will appear in court in June to answer to the charge.

Police arrested an Estevan man for breaching a condition of his release order. He was processed and released with a future court date to speak to the matter.

Members are investigating two separate complaints of harassment and uttering threats from March 27. Both incidents are under investigation at this time.

Officers received a call through the Report Impaired Drivers line related to driving actions observed in the downtown area. Police located the vehicle on the north end of the city and the 27-year-old female driver

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

Members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) were kept busy during the final days of March.

Police received a complaint of a theft from a local business on March 30.

Investigation into the matter resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old man from the Yorkton area and a 32-yearold woman from Estevan.

The woman was released on conditions and will attend court in June to speak to the charge, and the man was held in custody as he had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Officers received a complaint March 29 of a male refusing to wear a mask in a local business. Investigation into the matter resulted in a 37-year-old man being

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was arrested and charged for impaired driving and operating a motor vehicle over .08 after providing breath samples measured at three times the legal limit.

Police received two driving complaints regarding the same vehicle. An investigation is ongoing in this matter.

The EPS received a report of theft from a vehicle in the Trojan area of Estevan.

Police remind the public to secure their vehicles and to not leave items of value in vehicles that are visible to passers-by.

The EPS received a report of individuals smoking marijuana in a vehicle on March 26. Police located the vehicle and issued a summary offence ticket under the Cannabis Control Act. Police conducted a traffic stop in west Estevan, at which time a male fled from police immediately after officers made contact with him. A short vehicle pursuit ensued, however was terminated due to safety concerns. The same vehicle was subsequently involved in a second pursuit, which was also terminated for similar reasons. The EPS then received a report of a vehicle, matching the description, which was left unattended in the ditch on Souris Avenue North. Members attended and located the driver a short distance away from the vehicle. A short foot pursuit ensued, after which the male was arrested for numerous driving related offences and flight from police. He was found to be suffering from several self-inflicted wounds and was transported to the hospital by ambulance to receive medical care. The matter is still under investigation.

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A18 April 7, 2021

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Banners will honour Estevan’s military history A new initiative will pay tribute to those from the Estevan area who served their country.

Craig Bird, a local military historian who is the president and founder of the Southeast Military Museums, explained his vision to members of Estevan city council on Monday night.

Bird would like to see banners hang from light standards on arterial roads in the city. The banners will have images of Canadian Forces members from the Estevan area who perished during their service to Canada, and also photos of those who served, survived and came back to the Estevan area.

“There’s a lot of them in which people who walked down the street (and passed them) wouldn’t know who they were, or even that they ser ved,” said Bird. “Part of the foundation of our museum is to remember all those, not only the ones that we lost, but also the ones that had served, contributed to this city and this great community, and became founding citizens of this community.”

Bird proceeded to unfurl a banner, measuring 30 inches by 36 inches, saluting Lt. Lester Rooks, who died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.

The banners would be double-sided, and would have different themes. The banner honouring Rooks is for the First World War. “ W ho knows what he would have contributed to the community had he survived the war, but his family is still here and still prominent in the community,” said Bird.

He noted that the Shop Estevan committee has already approached city council about hanging their own banners in downtown Estevan, so the museum would have to work with them regarding location.

Members of council praised the concept. Councillor Rebecca Foord was concerned they might be a distraction for motorists.

She suggested they might be better suited to a park, such as Royal Heights Vet-

erans Memorial Park, which already has a veterans wall.

“It could be a learning opportunity for the children

and wants something there that’s twice the size,” said Frank, who believes the banners that Bird is work-

ing with look great and are the proper size.

The number of banners the museum installs would

be dependent on how many people want to be part of it.

“Part of the project for the museum is going to be going out to the public, so that it ’s going to be a fundraising thing for the museum.

We’re going to put it out to the public, so that if they have a loved one that has served, they can provide us with the basic tombstone information, and they can basically buy the banner, and then we would put it up in our format, so it could be displayed,” said Bird.

B i rd a l s o a s k e d f o r $3,000 in sponsorship from the city for the purchase of the initial 10 mounting brackets for the banners.

The cost of the mounting

kits would be around $300 each. Bird noted the mounts are top quality and warrantied for 10 years.

The brackets are designed to put minimal stress on light poles, they are flexible in the wind, and can handle winds up to 145 kilometres per hour.

Council approved the sponsorship money, but wanted to wait on a decision on the location until further discussion.

The museum’s banners would be taken down after Remembrance Day. The Southeast Military Museum has artifacts at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch and at an area northeast of the Estevan Regional Airport.

LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER R.M. of Coalfields #4 NE 09-03-04-W2 – Parcels #108085361 & #108046290 NE 10-03-04-W2 – Parcel #108085383 only NW 10-03-04-W2 – Parcels #108085372 & #108046324 SW 10-03-04-W2 – Parcel #108046313 NE, NW, SW 10 have been farmed as a field.

Prefer to sell as a package, however tenders may be submitted for one or all parcels.

Interested parties should submit tenders ON OR BEFORE April 9, 2021 addressed to:

Craig Bird with the Southeast Military Museums displays one of the banners that he hopes will hang in Estevan this year. who go to that park as well, and for the parents, who take their kids to those parks, to look these people up and figure out who they are,” said Foord.

B i rd re s p on d e d t h e museum would be open to any suggestion to advance its cause, and he understands the distraction they could cause, but the banners have just basic information, so the distraction would be minimal.

“I know they’ve been put up in other communities with no issues,” said Foord.

C o u n c i l l o r Tr a v i s Frank added the city should have a policy for consistent banner sizes.

“I don’t want to see these banners go up, and then another group comes

Kohaly Elash & Ludwig Law Firm LLP 1312 – 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2 (306) 634 – 3631

Rural Municipality of Cambria No. 6 Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Cambria No. 6 for the year of 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection by appointment only, March 24, 2021 to May 26, 2021.

A Bylaw pursuant to section 217 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against their assessment is required to file their notice of appeal by the 26th day of May, 2021 with: The Assessor R.M. of Cambria Box 210, Torquay, SK S0C 2L0

All tenders must be in writing, without conditions, and must be accompanied by a deposit of $5,000.00 per quarter (1/4) section payable by certified cheque to: Kohaly Elash & Ludwig Law Firm LLP in trust.

Deposits for all rejected offers will be returned forthwith after April 9, 2021 Land transaction to close between April 9, 2021 and April 30, 2021.

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

All existing oil and gas surface leases will be reserved indefinitely by Vendor and successors.

Vendor will not accept bids for the oil and gas surface leases.

For land particulars, please call Ramona Quinn 306-486-4908.

Monica Kovach Assessor

CAREERS Job Posting for Temporary Full-Time Seasonal Labourer This is a Union position and rate of pay will be as per Union Contract. Tentative employment period is from April 19th to October 31st, 2021. Normal hours of work are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday commencing at RM of Coalfields Shop located in Hirsch.

Qualifications: • Must be able to work with other employees in a team environment • Must be punctual and responsible • Must submit to and pass a Drug and Alcohol Test and a Medical/Physical Examination Must possess a valid Driver’s License, Class 3 or Class 1 License preferred • Ability to operate truck with standard transmission • Experience operating equipment such as a skid steer, tractor, mower, or other equipment will be considered an asset • Valid safety tickets for WHMIS, TDG, First Aid and Ground Disturbance will also be considered an asset • Be prepared to work at various jobs as delegated by the RM Foreman in a manual labour environment

WE ARE HIRING A FULL TIME OFFICE MANAGER AT OUR ALAMEDA, SK LOCATION Double Diamond Farm Supply is an independent, locally owned, full service crop production retailer located in SW Manitoba and SE Saskatchewan.

Position Description

• Manage incoming calls to the office and other reception duties.

• Manage all aspects of accounts receivable including invoicing, payments on account, monthly statements and all filing.

• Manage daily inventory.

• Help with any special projects as required.

Requirements

• Individual must be highly motivated and have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Time management and communication skills are an asset.

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Interested applicants can apply to

Tyson Dmytriw

Applications close Friday, April 9, 2021 at noon.

For more information please contact RM Foreman, Marty Johnson at 306-461-6650. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

306-485-9788 tyson@doublediamond.mb.ca * Position to begin ASAP *

www.doublediamond.ca

@DoubleDiamondAg

Please submit resumes, including certifications, references, valid Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract and Criminal Record Check to the RM Office by mail, email, fax, or in person at: 423 Main Street, Bienfait. Indicate ‘Temporary Full-Time Seasonal Labourer Opportunity’ on your submission.

RM of Coalfields No. 4 423 Main Street, PO Box 190 Bienfait, SK S0C 0M0 Email: rm.04@myaccess.ca

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Flashback Wednesday, April 10, 1991

Cheers Cheers to everybody who supported the fundraiser for Mason Wigley, whether it be by donating an item or purchasing something. It truly is amazing what a generous community we live in, and how we’re always willing to support each other.

Cheers to all of the organizations offering something for kids to do during the Easter break.

Any chance that these programs can be extended by a couple more weeks now that the kids will be learning online?

Cheers to the various fun activities that were happening for Easter. Easter egg hunts and scavenger hunts can still occur during a pandemic.

Cheers to Paul Twietmeyer for the great mural, paying tribute to front-line workers, that now appears on the Carlyle Memorial Hall building.

Cheers to all of the great stories we saw in the Mercury last month on the Women of Estevan, with profiles of women in the community and some wonderful in-depth articles as well.

Cheers to the Emde family on winning the Farm Family of the Year Award. They have done so much to excel in farming, and they’re also a big part of the Midale area.

Jeers Jeers to the Canada Revenue Agency for keeping a local resident on hold for three hours and then disconnecting the call. The person tried to get through all day, only to be told the lines were all busy and to try again later. After three hours it was beyond frustrating.

Jeers to the people complaining that the schools have moved to online learning for two weeks after the Easter break. Many of them are the same people who are not following guidelines and not wearing masks when they should be.

Jeers to the last mobile blood donor clinic in Estevan. There will be a lot of people who give who aren’t going to be able to travel to Regina or Weyburn to donate now.

To submit a cheer or a jeer, please email it to dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca, or visit www.estevanmercury.ca.

It will be 30 years on April 10 since the Estevan Coal peewee A Bruins won the SSMJHL championship.

The team also won the provincial championship that season. The winning team consisted of, front row, from left, BJ O’Handley, Myron Conrad, Aren Miller, Lane Gross, Jarod McDonald, Trent Whitfield and Chad Jesse. Back row, Ken McDonald (coach), Aaron Mitchel (stickboy), Kelly Steinke, Andrew Wahba, Bryan Lachambre, Wade Brokenshire, Jarrod Tessier, Kevin Kuntz, Jay Enright, Shawn Mitchell and Les Tessier (coach).

Remembrance or celebration?

Remembrance or celebration? Simply put, it depends on reasons and attitudes.

I certainly have experienced them both this year and both have affected my life forever. Yours too?

As I sat and wrote this article, I’d been thinking of that dire announcement, approximately a year ago, when the news of a pandemic was proclaimed. Based on what I’ve heard in the media and from local conversation, I’m not sure that anyone could have guessed the scope of devastation that the COVID plague would inflict internationally or that it would last this long.

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PHONE BILL (306) 577-1643

Linda Wegner Words of Worth

Now, entering our third wave of the pandemic, whose life hasn’t been affected?

For me, it meant the cancellation of a long-anticipated visit from our son and daughter-in-law from out of province, a disappointment deeply felt. Then, though some may think it strange, I sincerely miss my daily bus rides to town. I’d take the first

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bus in the morning, get off at the walking track, do my laps, catch the next bus heading into town and then walk over to my favourite shop for tea.

As a precaution, I no longer take public transportation. Above all, I miss attending church in person.

Thank God for Zoom but it “just ain’t the same.” Garbled conversations through a

voice-altering mask, no more hand-shaking and no hugs; losses that I can only hope and pray will be restored sometime in my lifetime.

But enough of this negativity because I have so much to celebrate. First, vaccinations, bus drivers who return my hand-waves and I can drive to town for my tea.

Small things but major reasons to celebrate. Above all, our hope and future has been assured because of humanity’s greatest cause to celebrate: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof !”

Psalm 32:11

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kids speak What will you be doing during school break?

Lexey Lievaart

Age: 7

Bria Stepp

Age: 6

“I’m going to play with my dog and “I’m going to play with my friends, go swimming at the pool and play jump on the trampoline with my Frisbee with my brother.” brother.”

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A20 April 7, 2021

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Fire crews battled wildland fire north of Estevan on the weekend Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) members responded to a complicated wildland fire in the middle of the Easter long weekend.

The call for service came in on Saturday at about 2:30 p.m. The fire occurred immediately north of the city boundary, east of Highway 47. " C re w s d i d a r rive on scene to find a fairly sizable wildland fire that was occurring.

We had a lot of the landowners that were already in the area, trying to extinguish the fire with brooms and shovels," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.

Firefighters were informed that there were some oil wells on

the property that were being threatened by the fire. The first arriving truck was assigned to fire suppression around the well sites.

The fire became even more complicated when the wind suddenly changed directions and the fire started threatening a home and a shop.

"The remaining crews that came into play were immediately put onto the south flank, or the leading edge of the fire to extinguish the fire, (and to prevent it) from trying to take out the properties that were in close proximity. The fire did burn fairly close to some of these, upwards of 20

feet to the actual property itself, but crews are able to suppress without incident or loss of property," Feser said.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire and no loss of property other than fence posts.

After the fire was brought under control, firefighters extinguished the remaining hotspots and wet down the perimeter.

The investigation showed that the fire was started by an amber that migrated from the neighbouring property, where a burn barrel was left unattended and without any cover.

Wind gusts picked up some burning material, which quickly caught

Out in the park

the dry vegetation on fire.

"Anytime you're using these types of appliances, it always has to be attended. You want to have some means of water to extinguish any fires before they start to get quite large and threaten any other neighbouring properties."

Feser praised the landowners for quick thinking and fast reaction.

"A huge thank you to the landowners who assisted in extinguishing the fire and placing that quick call to 911 so that we could get there in a timely manner to save any property from being damaged."

From left, brothers Connor, Ryan and Liam Knowles enjoyed playing at Royal Heights Veterans’ Memorial Park. It was another beautiful Sunday afternoon in the Energy City, giving people lots of incentive to get out and enjoy the outdoors in Estevan. Photo by David Willberg

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

Now that Easter has passed please come out and participate in our Eggs Benny month enjoy the food, company and commeraderie.

Please register for activ ities

by contacting each orga nization.

SOURIS VALLEY MUSEUM

FITNESS CLASSES

Registration opens April 1 Spring & Summer Camps 3 - 15 years old - $5 -$ 50 Themes such as; Time Travellers, Rock and Roll, Palaeontologist, Wizards and Warlocks.

A registration table at the Estevan Leisure Centre will be on April 19 from 5 pm - 7 pm.

Register online at www.sourisvalleymuseum.com.

For more information call Souris Valley Museum at (306) 634-5543

Users can register for Fitness classes at the Estevan Leisure Centre online at www.estevan.ca.

Join weekly classes such as; Easy Stretch Spin GRIT SPIN/CORE

CITY WIDE REGISTRATION City Wide registration will not be happening this spring in typical fashion.

Please register for activities by contacting each organization.

ESTEVAN BIBLE CAMP

The RM of Estevan Aquatic Centre will be closed for Pool shutdown on April 19 - May 10 for regular maintenance.

Note -the facility will closed April 19 from 8 am - 4pm for fire suppression system replacement.

Day Camp Beginners | Ages 5 - 6 | July 12 | 9am - 4pm | $35 Day Camp Squirts | Ages 7 - 9 | July 5 - 7 or July 8 - 10 | 9am - 4pm | $85 Day Camp Junior | Ages 10 - 12 | July 13 - 16 | 9am - 4pm | $100 Day Camp Teen| Ages 13 - 16 | July 19 - 23 | 9am - 4pm | $110 Evening Camp Teen | Ages 13 - 16 | July 5 - 7 | 7pm - 10:30pm | $25 To register visit their website at www.estevan.cssm.ca

ESTEVAN MINOR BASEBALL

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

JR Rally Cap (2015, 2016, 2017) | Tuesday/Thursday | $120 SR Rally Cap (2012, 2013, 2014) | Monday/Wednesday | $120 11U (2010, 2011, 2012) | Monday/Wednesday | $140 13U (2008, 2009) | Tuesday/Thursday | $150 15U (2006, 2007) Tuesday/Thursday | $160 18U (2005, 2004, 2003) | Monday/Wednesday | $175 Register at estevanminorbaseball.com

ESTEVAN GYMNASTICS CLUB

Recreational Spring session starts April 27. Tuesday or Wednesday Ages 2 -3 years | Parent & Tot Ages 4 - 5 years | Tumblebugs Ages 6+ years | Recreational Ages 6+ years | Parkour For more information email estevangymnastics@sasktel.net

ESTEVAN LACROSSE

Box Season: April- mid July | Monday - Thursday Field Lacrosse: May- June | Sunday Evening Field Lacrosse (Fall Ball): July-August | Monday & Wednesday Note - players must be enrolled in the box season in order to play field lacrosse.

A registration table at the Leisure Centre will be on April 12 from 5 pm - 8 pm.

For more information or to register www.estevanlacrosse.com

ESTEVAN TENNIS CLUB

Season runs May to October. All ages.

Benefits off club members -beginner classes/ lessons, ball machine for practicing, clinic, possible group tournaments, network with club members, use of equipment.

Singles $10.00 Family $20.00 A registration table at the Estevan Leisure Centre will be on April 15 from 5 pm - 7 pm.

To register please contact Angie Wiebe at 306-461- 8215

ESTEVAN MINOR FOOTBALL

Season starts August 15th - late October.

U8 Flag Football | Born in 2014 & 2015 | $175.00 U10 Learn to Play | ages 8-9 | $140.00 U12 Tackle Football | ages 10-11 | $300.00 U14 Tackle Football | ages 12-13 | $300.00 U18 Female Program | Grades 7 - 12 | $300.00 U18 Varsity | Grades 9 - 12 | Open to all enrolled highschool students A registration table at the Estevan Leisure Centre will be on April 13 from 5 pm - 8 pm.

For more information email Kevin Mortenson at emfmort@gmail.com

VIRTUAL MINDS IN MOTION

Minds in Motion® is a community-based fitness and social activity program incorporating physical activity and mental stimulation for those with early symptoms of Alzheimer disease and other dementias to enjoy with a friend or family member.

Tuesday April 20 - June 22 | 1:15 pm - 3 pm Thursday April 22 - June 24| 1:15 pm - 3 pm To register please contact Alice at agermann@alzheimer.sk.ca or call 1-800-263-3367

ESTEVAN GIRLS SOFTBALL

Season runs from May 1 to June 30. Monday-Thursday U10(ages 5-9) U12, U14, U16/U19 A registration table at the Estevan Leisure Centre will be on April 14 from 5 pm - 7:30 pm.

For more information email Randy Gooding at Estevansoftball@gmail.com

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