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Dr. Sarah Tsoi now practising in Estevan Limitless. Organization advocates for people with disabilities. PAGE A3
Fantastic music. Bow Valley Jamboree a hit. PAGE A8
A person who is well-known to many in the community has bolstered the number of physicians practising in the community. St. Joseph’s Hospital announced Monday morning that Dr. Sarah Tsoi has joined the Primacy Medical Group, located in the No Frills Grocery Store building. Tsoi is originally from Estevan. She completed her honours undergraduate degree in microbiology and immunology at the University of Saskatchewan while playing in the Saskatoon Symphony. She then went to the
Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and completed her medical school clerkships in the U.S. and her fourth year electives in Saskatchewan and Ontario. Tsoi then had her two-year family medicine residency training through the University of Saskatchewan in Moose Jaw, where she developed a special interest in women’s health, palliative care, and working with remote Northern Indigenous communities. She loves acrylic painting and baking. Her father, Dr. Edward Tsoi, is a long-time
physician in Estevan and is also at the Primacy Medical Group. “We are very pleased to welcome Sarah to the medical staff and we are very appreciative that she has chosen to start her medical career in Estevan,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort. “St. Joseph’s Hospital is very appreciative of the support of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, for the support they provide towards physician recruitment in Estevan.” There are now 14 physicians practising in Estevan, including two specialists.
Dr. Sarah Tsoi, back row middle, is pleased to begin practising in Estevan. Also in the photo are her father, Dr. Edward Tsoi, top row left, St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort, top row right, and new longitudinal integrated clerkship students Devynn McKenzie, bottom row left, and Murphy Walker. Photo submitted
Aspiring physicians have arrived in Estevan, and they’re looking forward to the upcoming year
Lots of racing. Estevan Motor Speedway holds double header. PAGE A8
Paying tribute. Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament a hit. PAGE A9
By David Willberg For the fourth straight year, St. Joseph’s Hospital is part of a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) program, and it’s bringing a couple of hopeful young physicians to Estevan to gain some much-needed experience. Devynn McKenzie hails from Churchbridge, while Murphy Walker is from Comox Valley, B.C. Both are third-year students at the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Medicine who arrived in Estevan on July 31, and have enjoyed their time in the community. “I’m really excited,” McKenzie told the Mercury. “Everyone at the hospital and in Estevan has been really friendly and so welcoming, so we’re really excited to be here.” Since arriving in Es-
tevan, McKenzie has had some shifts in the family medicine clinic and the emergency department, giving her some varied experiences. She has been working with a few of the physicians as well. Estevan has made a great first impression on Walker, too, thanks to the people he has encountered. “So far everyone’s really friendly,” said Walker. “My neighbours are great, and everyone in the hospital is really welcoming. I’m just really excited to work with all of the doctors here. They seem really knowledgeable and eager to help me learn.” He has spent time in the emergency department and in the family medicine clinic at the hospital and at the Primacy Medical Group in the No Frills building. This week he will
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be spending time at the Addictions Treatment Centre at St. Joe’s and getting to know the patients. It’s something he’s looking forward to, because he has a keen interest in mental health. “I think it’s becoming increasingly important in medicine for family physicians to be familiar with how to treat mental health and illness,” said Walker. The past 18 months have been challenging for everyone, including Walker, because a lot of his learning had pivot to virtual sessions. He’s excited to be back meeting with people in person, talking with them and building connections. Over the course of the year, Walker and McKenzie will devote time to each of the different departments. McKenzie said she
was interested in the LIC program because she hails from a town near Yorkton, so she wanted to experience practising medicine in a smaller centre. “I guess one of the biggest reasons would the longitudinal nature of the program,” said McKenzie. “Normally we would be doing rotations in different disciplines in medicine, one after another. But in the program here in Estevan, we get to experience lots of different disciplines and environments within medicine at one time, which makes for a really great learning experience, and allows you to integrate what you’re learning throughout,” she said. McKenzie had heard wonderful things about the LIC program, the physicians in Estevan and the administrative staff at St. Joe’s from the
previous LIC students. “They said it was a really great experience and they were really sad to leave, so that was a good sign,” she said. Walker added the LIC program seemed like a better way to build relationships with people, not just the physicians, but the patients at the hospital. He recalled visiting Estevan in 2019 through the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Road Map Tour, which takes students from the College of Medicine to smaller centres in the province in an effort to have them consider rural medicine. “I did a little tour of the hospital, and then toured the town, and it was my first time coming to Estevan. It just seemed like a really welcoming environment,” said Walker. A2 »THE
A2 August 11, 2021
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Exhibition association to host rodeo this year The Estevan Exhibition Association (EEA) is looking forward to having a rodeo this year. The association recently announced on its Facebook page that events will be happening from Sept. 3-5, as part of the Kakeyow Cowboys Rodeo Association (KCRA) rodeo tour. EEA president Tamera Huber said the annual Estevan Parade is scheduled to kick off activities on Sept. 3. The rodeo will begin with a slack performance in the morning of Sept. 4, and there will be rodeo performances in the evening of Sept. 4 and 5, scheduled for 5 p.m. each day. “We are trying to pull this off in just a few weeks, so we are nailing down the details right now,” Huber told the Mercury. There will also be a rodeo cabaret on Sept. 4, with Third Degree Birnz performing. Beer gardens will be on site each day, and they hope to have food trucks.
The KCRA is a more family-friendly rodeo, she said, so there’s going to be more kids around, and she also expects to have more competitors. “They had a vacant spot on the September long weekend, so we decided to try this,” she said. Huber hopes the rodeo will give Estevan a taste of what to expect from the KCRA, as it will be the rodeo circuit for Estevan moving forward. The EEA felt confident it could have a rodeo because the public health restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted in Saskatchewan. The rodeo and the Estevan Fair are the association’s biggest fundraisers of the year, and they haven’t had any fundraisers since the pandemic hit nearly 17 months ago. “It will keep us alive. Our volunteers are itching to do something, and we just wanted to bring some entertain-
ment into this city,” she said. The EEA has been around for over 100 years, and Huber said the people of Estevan and the surrounding areas have supported the organization throughout its history. “This year, I feel like it’s more important than ever to support us, and we look forward to seeing everybody. We miss everybody,” said Huber. She’s not sure how big this year’s rodeo will be, because people want to get out and do something, and they could see a lot of competitors, because they’re eager to perform. There will not be a midway as part of the rodeo weekend, because they are committed to West Coast Amusements, which has been the midway provider for more than 20 years. And West Coast Amusements is committed to Estevan moving forward, she said. “We enjoy work-
The Estevan Exhibition Association plans to have a rodeo in September. File photo
ing with them and it just wasn’t going to work for them (this year). It’s costly to run a midway,” said Huber. The domestics show, which is always a big part of the fair days, won’t be happening because the exhibition hall was previously rented
out.
They have discussed other ideas for the rodeo weekend, and Huber asks people to appreciate what the EEA is doing. The EEA previously announced it would have the Estevan Fair and Rodeo together for the
first time in more than 20 years, with the event named the Energy City Ex. West Coast Amusements would supply the midway and the KCRA would bring the rodeo. But the pandemic forced the cancellation of the Energy City Ex. in 2020 and 2021.
The next year will be a real learning experience « A1 The traditional ro-
tational style for third year students would see them visit hospitals for two to six weeks. McKenzie has been getting to know the other people at the hospital, but everyone has been so friendly, and the size of the hospi-
tal lends itself to those regular interactions. People have been helpful in assisting her find her way around. She is interested in a career as a physician because she has a keen interest in medicine itself, because she likes to learn about how the
body works, and how disease and illness can impact a person. “The biggest part would be the opportunity to work with people and to get to be with them through an important and difficult time during their lives, when they’re in
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izing himself with the hospital, he has been spending time at the Estevan Dog Park, as he and his fiancé brought their dog with them. “It’s challenging to move to a new town, but I think some of the pros are that everyone is so friendly and
The Saskatchewan RCMP has released more details regarding the increased police presence seen at the White Bear First Nations recently. According to the RCMP, on July 28, at approximately 7:10 p.m., Carlyle RCMP received a complaint of an alleged assault outside of a business on the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation. An investigation determined that an adult male victim had been assaulted by a group of individuals. He was transported to a hos-
pital with serious injuries. The same evening at approximately 8:15 p.m., Carlyle RCMP received a secondary complaint that an individual allegedly discharged a firearm at a vehicle at White Bear. Nobody was injured but the vehicle was damaged. Further investigation determined the two incidents were connected. On July 29 at approximately 12:30 p.m., investigators learned that some of the individuals involved were in the woods behind a residence on the White
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Bear First Nations. Officers set up a perimeter around the residence and arrested two individuals approximately four hours later. An initial news release from the Saskatchewan RCMP said three people were taken into custody, but it was just two. A residence on White Bear First Nation was searched as part of the investigation, which is being led by the Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section from Regina, with assistance from multiple Saskatch-
Public Notice
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Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Notice of Discretionary Use Application Pursuant to Section 55 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, the Council of the Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5, gives notice that a discretionary use application has been received and the details are as follows: Discretionary Use: Agricultural Industry 101 Dukart Drive Lot 7 Blk 1, Plan 102188932 in the SW 29-2-7-W2
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welcoming here, and I expect that I’ll get the opportunity to do a lot more things, and to gain the trust of the doctors here and to be a lot more independent than a lot of my peers might get in their traditional style of learning,” he said.
Two arrested at White Bear First Nation; two more wanted on warrants
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the hospital or experiencing something difficult.” She is looking forward to experiencing all that Estevan has to offer, especially outdoors in the remaining weeks of summer. Walker says that in addition to familiar-
FINGERPRINTS AT 9 WEEKS.
My life started the moment I was conceived. My sex or gender was at that point determined by my own DNA.
Intended Discretionary Use: Construction of two buildings to be used for agricultural bulk chemical and fertilizer distribution
Donations welcome via cheque, cash, auto-deposit or etransfer to prolifeestevan@gmail.com PO Box 1829, Stn. M, Estevan, SK S4A 2X8. 306-461-4611
Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing to receive any written or verbal submissions on the proposed discretionary use application at 11:30 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, in the Council Chambers of the R.M. of Estevan No. 5, #1, 322-4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan. Written submissions will be presented to Council and can be sent by regular mail, email or fax.
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ewan RCMP detachments and units. Demitrius Standingready, a 20-year-old man from White Bear, was arrested and has been charged with one count each of aggravated assault, reckless discharge of a firearm, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon obtained by crime, and two counts of unlicensed possession of a restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition. All charges are under the Criminal Code. Jordan Desjarlais, 27, has been arrested and charged with one count of aggravated assault under the Criminal Code. Both have appeared in court in Weyburn. Two other men, Cyrus Campeau and Justin Desjarlais, have been charged with one count each of aggravated assault. Warrants have been issued for their arrests. Campeau is 19 years old. He is approximately six feet tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Justin Desjarlais is 22 years old. He is approximately six feet tall and weighs 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. The Saskatchewan RCMP says they might be in the Regina area, but this has not been confirmed. If you see either man, do not approach them. If you have information on their whereabouts or about these incidents, call 310RCMP.
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Through programming and advocacy, Limitless looks to improve the lives of people with disabilities By David Willberg Limitless Disability Advocacy Services has been coming up with new ways to assist those in the Estevan area living with disabilities. A non-profit organization, it was created to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families living with disabilities, by strengthening communities, promoting inclusion and eliminating access barriers, said Kandyce Meili, who is on the Limitless board with her husband Conrad, plus Tamara Stephany and James Trobert. So far they have provided classes for kids with disabilities that fill the gaps of what Special Olympics is not able to do. A CrossFit session for kids with disabilities, a fitness class, a craft time at the Souris Valley Museum, soccer and golf are among the activities they have offered. People with any type of disability can benefit from their programs. Most recently they opened up their programming to adults through a fitness program at the Chamney Family Running Track and Panteluk Athletic Field. The organization was incorporated a little more than two years ago
in May 2019 – several months after their first program – but its history can be traced back to 2015, when Kandyce and Conrad’s daughters were diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called MED 13L, which causes some fine and motor delays, as well as speech and cognitive delays. “In our search to find programs and activities for the girls, we realized that our community actually didn’t have a lot to offer, and our only option was to drive to a bigger centre like Regina to access the programs,” said Kandyce. After meeting some people in the U.S. who have the same disability as their daughters, and are partnered with an organization in the U.S. that does similar things, Conrad and Kandyce came up with an idea to create programs and activities for children with disabilities. Conrad added they wanted to take it a step further by incorporating it properly through the Canada Revenue Agency, allowing them to create something sustainable and not just within their family. Several other people volunteer to help out the organization. The average number of kids to participate in programs is eight
Golf has been among the popular activities offered through Limitless. Photo submitted
to 10, and they had more than 20 for a soccer program a couple of years ago. The recent adult program was also well attended. People who have been involved with the programs have agreed that there is a need for programs for kids with disabilities, Kandyce said. Kids with disabilities can participate in mainstream programming, but sometimes they need slower instruction or more guidance, to go with patience and understanding. “It creates a better environment for them, even to just get started in sports, so that they can move on and be more comfortable in typically developing sports,” said Kandyce. The adult athletes who participated were
thrilled, and the organizers at Estevan Diversified Services were grateful to have something extra for participants to do. As the name suggests, Limitless also tries to advocate for people with disabilities. When one of the schools was having their track and field day, they talked about how to make it better for kids with disabilities. They didn’t believe they were setting up for success having them go in and compete in track and field events. “The principal and I worked through and created some options for kids two years ago, and then this year the school continued on with the option for the kids with disabilities to make it more inclusive and even expanded on it,” said Meili. Limitless wants to
build on the advocacy end, and in consulting in helping families find the services they need. A city councillor approached them during discussions about upgrades to parks and swimming pools in Estevan on how to make those recreational sites more accessible. Fresh Air Fitness has also asked for their input on how to make their facility more appealing to people with disabilities. Limitless has provided information to both. “We’ve started the talks with Woodlawn in order to make their areas a little more accessible as well,” Kandyce said. In the early summer, they collected a series of adaptive bicycles to provide different means for young children to be able to ride. “We’ve inventoried these inside of Limitless, and basically all anybody would have to do is sign a waiver and just go ahead and take these bikes free of charge and use them for an agreed period of time, and get out there and make sure the kids get a chance to ride, even if they can’t do it on a typical two-wheel, or twowheel with training wheel setup,” said Kandyce. Among the things they’re working on is a Zumba for kids with dis-
abilities. If they can imagine it, and it’s wanted, they’ll make it happen, she said. Limitless has purchased one of the vacant private boxes at Affinity Place for the next five years. The organization will purchase tickets, and open the box to any families or individuals to attend and enjoy toplevel entertainment in the community, whether it be Estevan Bruins home games, the 2022 Centennial Cup, concerts or other special events, all free of charge. “We intend it to be something that will broadcast our name a little bit further and help a few more people,” said Conrad. They have found that with their two girls, taking them to a hockey game was intimidating. The stairs to the seats and the people in tight quarters were deterrents in going to games. So when they had a chance to watch a game from a box, it became more enjoyable. “There are other families that we know who have similar situations, and going to a hockey game or a concert or anything like that is intimidating,” said Kandyce. It will be a safe space for them to be in and enjoy those events.
Midale woman pleased with increased autism funding A Midale woman who has been a tireless advocate for children with autism is pleased that the provincial government has stepped forward with
increased funding. The Government of Saskatchewan announced last month that more people will benefit from expanded funding for fami-
Avery, Jackson and Natalie Emde aboard their quads. Photo courtesy of Katie Emde.
lies with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Beginning July 27, autism individualized funding will be available for children up to age 11. The provincial government first announced the expansion of funding for children between the ages of six and 11 in the 202122 provincial budget. Children who were 11 on or before March 31 are eligible to apply for one final payment. In 2021-22, $10.3 million has been allocated to provide $6,000 annually per child with ASD from six to 11 years old and $8,000 annually per child with ASD under the age of six. Katie Emde said she and others have called for and encouraged the government to move forward with individualized funding. “I think this some-
thing that will be a longlasting and really impactful funding program that will help many individuals, and we’re really looking forward to it,” she said. When the government first came out with funding for children six and under, Emde and others were calling for expanded support, because autism doesn’t end at age six. “They are consistently needing support and resources and funding throughout their entire lives,” said Emde. Now that it has grown to a higher age bracket, it shows the government recognizes the kids are getting older and there needs to be consistent support financially and in the school systems. Parents wanted the freedom to have a range of therapeutic interventions, and to choose support for their child’s unique needs.
The government will eventually have to step forward with more funding for those over the age of 11, be it individualized funding or something completely different. “We’re going in the right direction, and I think that’s so important, so not only for us, but other advocates have a chance to come forward and say there is a huge population in our province that is vulnerable individuals who need to be supported, and they cannot be ignored,” said Emde. There is also work that needs to be done for those who aren’t schoolaged. “If you have a child that’s diagnosed with autism, or you have a child or a teen that has Down syndrome, (it’s god to know) that we have a province that we can live in that there is funding, that there is support, that
there is adequate services in education,” said Emde. Much like this individualized funding took a long time, other supports will take a while. An estimated 1,000 families will benefit from the expansion. The program gives parents funding for therapeutic interventions and family supports that best suit their child’s individual needs. These may include respite services, therapeutic equipment, and training for parents and caregivers. “To create an inclusive province, we need to ensure that children have access to what they need to succeed in their communities,” said Lori Carr, Estevan MLA and Social Services Minister. “Expanding this program meets the recommendation in the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy to improve access to supports for people with disabilities.”
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The path to a better Estevan As hard as it is for some to believe, there are actually a few people who have a problem with the new pathway and sidewalk system under construction in Estevan. Maybe they don’t realize that the provincial and federal governments are covering the majority of the cost, leaving the city to pick up the remaining $1 million on a nearly $4 million project. Perhaps they have a problem with exercise, healthy living, spending time outdoors and having good recreation amenities in a community. Or maybe they’re upset with the minor driving inconvenience this project will cause. Regardless, there is a small minority of people who are opposed. Thankfully, the majority seems to grasp this project’s value. As has been stated in this publication before, the sidewalk and pathway project is a much-needed addition to our community. Instead of having a series of pathways that are broken up into smaller segments, we’re going to have one large route that circles the community – a real asset for both residents and visitors alike. And we’re going to be a safer community. We’ve already seen the construction of one much-needed sidewalk at the intersection of Souris Avenue South and Perkins Street. Another one will be along Kensington
Avenue. Of all the work that is going to happen, this is the single-most important one. It’s an addition that has been a long time coming, and we’re fortunate that there hasn’t been a serious pedestrian incident on Kensington, especially with the development that has taken place along that route over the past 20 years. We’re going to see upgrades made for pedestrians walking around Mel Murray Cactus Park and we’re going to see a pathway constructed through the valley adjacent to Highway 39 in the west valley edge. One of the few bright spots to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is more people were out exercising, at least during the spring, summer and early fall. People had more time on their hands, since they didn’t have as many commitments as before. And many chose to use that time walking. They weren’t sitting at home watching Netflix. And while we’re undoubtedly going to see a return to a more hectic pace of life now that restrictions have been lifted and activities have resumed, hopefully the people who have enjoyed walking, jogging, cycling and doing other activities on our pathways will continue to do so, even if it’s not as frequent. Once this project is finished, we can complete a loop around our city, although it might take a while to complete the full 13-kilometre circuit. We’re seeing a shift in our community.
We’re no longer viewing Estevan as just a place to work; we’re seeing it as a place to live. The quality of life amenities, such as sport, recreation and cultural facilities, mean more to us than ever. These need to be attractive, well-maintained and a place that people want to use or access. When people come to our community and talk about how great our city looks, the amenities that we have and the activities we offer at any time of year play a part in that. And when they praise the appearance of our city, we should be proud. And we need to remember that appearance and quality facilities are a year-round initiative. It is worth noting this pathway project wouldn’t have happened without the support of the provincial and federal governments. It would have remained on the back-burner, while other projects happened. This is a legacy project. This is something that many years from now, the people of Estevan and visitors are going to look admire. Sure, there’s going to be the costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance of these walking areas, both new and old, but that’s what happens when you have nice things. Quality costs money. Our community is going to be much better off once this project is completed. And hopefully we’ll be healthier, too.
Paper or digital, what can keep us reading? Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertising content: The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication. All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that The Estevan Mercury receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.
When was the last time you read a paper book? In Russia, paper books still remain a big thing, but I hardly get to go any further than simply holding a real book. Ever since I left St. Petersburg where I grew up surrounded by shelves and shelves of books – which I only topped up with more – e-books, either on an e-reader or on the phone, became my everything. A friend of mine recently moved to a different country, and she actually looked into moving her library with her. Most of the books she’s read and liked, but the chance she would read them again was low. And the price of transporting the heavy but somewhat useless load was unjustifiable. For the same reason, even though I like the feel of real, well-published books, I didn’t even try to move my personal library. Instead, every year I ask my family to send me a book or two as a birthday gift to build a new collection here. Sometimes I also get a new paper book amid having quiet time alone, but then quickly life picks up and I never get to read most of the real books I already have. At the same time, e-books seem to be too convenient, and there are hardly any excuses that I can come up with once I purchase a new one. And thanks to technology, even during the busiest times I tend to read quite a bit. I always thought that there wasn’t much difference between an e-book and a paper copy, and in the end, it was a matter of personal preferences. However, it turns out that in the reading world the electronic vs. paper dispute is as sharp as the confrontation between the Bruins and Red Wings, just on a way larger scale.
Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… Within the world of paper-book adherents and even non-readers, there is definitely some bias against e-readers. They are viewed as those who don’t take reading seriously. Reading is a personal activity, and there is something very strong in holding a real book in your hands, especially if it’s nicely made or pretty old. Making notes on the margins, underlining insights, flipping through pages, folding corners … All that turns a massproduction book into a mirror, which tells the personal story of the one who read it. It is a thing when it comes to an e-book. Many would say there is no spirit and no spirituality if the words of the best novels digitally appear on a screen. And I partially agree with it. But the flexibility the electronics provide is hard to compete with. E-books are awesome on the road and during the short waits. They allow you to read no matter where you are and usually during any kind of a day. It always takes people a lot of time to adapt. While e-books have been around for a while now, paper books count for thousands of years. There are some tricks our brain doesn’t like about e-reading. For example, if we are reading something on our phones, our brain doesn’t distinguish a book from other informational gunk we pick up from many other sources. The e-reading process is also often inter-
rupted by messages, notifications and phone calls coming through the same device, which makes this time less distinct in comparison to real book reading. E-books are also more difficult to share. In my childhood, borrowing books was one of the great joys. My first conscious feedbacks and recommendations were about books I read. I would put my name on the book, and got upset when they still went missing. It was a part of communication, which is not the case in the digital world, where if not for breaking the copyright, e-books only allow to verbally recommend something to read. However, while there are some cons to ereading, the convenience of it goes far beyond just having books on a smartphone. You can search through an e-book, you can have three, four or 24 books at your fingertips at any given time. You don’t need to wait. Once you order your book, it’s there. Unlike real libraries, e-books hardly take up even virtual space. Moreover, even though it’s not the best for the eyes, you can read an e-book even when the lights are off. Besides, e-books don’t waste paper. I’ve read hundreds, maybe even over a thousand paper books in my life, but these days I do most of the reading in an e-format. At the same time, I sincerely appreciate the small collection I built over the past eight years. Some of them are real art-works, while others are just filled with nostalgia to me. And I still appreciate both formats as I believe that it’s more difficult to develop a habit to read when you are not surrounded by intriguing backbones and beautiful covers. But once the habit is established, e-books are way more convenient to keep on with reading.
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We should feel very safe in Estevan Each year, Statistics Canada compiles the crime severity index (CSI). While it might cause some to roll their eyes, in part due to the complex, weighted nature of the findings, it does create an interesting study of how much crime exists in the area. It’s not just busy work for Stats Canada’s number crunchers. In what might be a surprise, Estevan’s CSI value actually rose from approximately 90 in 2019 to 108.27 in 2020. This was despite the fact that we endured pandemic for the final 9 1/2 months of the year, including two months of a lockdown when our crime numbers were understandably lower. Estevan’s final number was at its highest number since 2015. The incidents that can weigh heavily on a community’s rating – murder, attempted murder, arson – did not happen here in 2020. Ironically, our driving force was the non-violent crime. It’s rare to have non-violent crime make that much of a difference. We were 53rd on the CSI list in Canada for 2020, but we were 40th on the non-violent crime index. The rash of vandalism in the community in the final three months of the year certainly played a role in Estevan’s figure rising to the degree that it did. People like me typically eat up the information contained in the CSI report. They love to scan the document, see where their community ranks and look at the other data included, such as the clearance rate for a police service. For a nerd like me, crunching numbers is fun. I like to see a number and try to figure out how it was calculated, to the best of my ability. But despite my interest in the CSI, I know that the most important thing is whether people face safe in their community. I know I do. I spend a lot of time walking around the community at night in all seasons, and I’ve never encountered a serious problem. The biggest issue I face would be selfish motorists who have forgotten the simple concept of pedestrians having the right of way. I’ve never been threatened while out for a walk. I’ve never been the victim of an armed robbery. Nobody has ever tried to take my belongings. And nobody has ever broken into my car, at least not that I’m aware of. Yes, I lock the door to my condo every day when I leave for work or when I’m working on my patio or before I go to bed at night. I would never leave my vehicle running with the doors unlocked, but that’s just common sense. It’s not just an Estevan thing; you’re either really lazy or really clueless if you think you can leave your vehicle that susceptible to a theft in this day and age. We also have to remember that the crime severity index is not kind to smaller cities. All it takes is one or two serious incidents to skewer the numbers, while in a large city, like Toronto or Montreal, they can have a lot of more serious crimes before their CSI soars. If you’ve walked in Toronto alone at night, and if you’ve walked on your own in Estevan at night, where do you feel safer? That’s the most important question, not where we stand according to some weighted data. It’s also worth noting that while our CSI rating is up, and we’ve moved up in the national rankings, we’re still second-best of the six Saskatchewan cities with a municipal police service. Moose Jaw was the only one better. While the crime severity index measures trends such as violent crime or non-violent crime, and gives it weight, the people who suffer a non-violent crime are still victims. A theft of $5,000? There’s a victim? The spray painting vandalism that we saw in the community last fall? There were victims. All of these incidents lead to us being more likely to lock our doors or purchase alarm systems or feel a little more paranoid. But we should still feel safe when we walk through our communities or when we leave our homes or when parents allow their children to go to the playground. That we can feel safe is a reflection of the quality law enforcement we have in the community, and the character of the people living in Estevan. In the end, that’s the truest measure of safety.
Mariah Warriner, left, gave a henna tattoo to Carter Vosper, who is one of the band members of The Blu Beach band. Photo submitted
Music, the arts and lots of spectators were all part of this year’s Bow Valley Jamboree By David Willberg The sound of music and cheering spectators resonated throughout the Bow Valley south of Oxbow on Saturday for the annual Bow Valley Jamboree. A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music festival, which started midway through the afternoon and continued into the overnight hours. Lori Moncrief with the Oxbow Arts and Cultural Committee said they had 359 adults attend, along with 28 youth and 20 twilight admissions, to go with 36 kids under 12. The latter age group was admitted for free. “We were certainly nervous about what this year would look like because of COVID, and at the beginning (for jamboree planning)
we had restrictions of 150 people,” Moncrief told the Mercury. The restrictions were lifted last month and the organizers were happy with the turnout. “We saw some new faces this year,” said Moncrief. “We had people from Russell, Manitoba. We had more people from Estevan, and … more people from Alida, too. And that’s what we’re looking for. We’re wanting to spread the news that Oxbow’s a good place to be in the summer.” The entertainment started with Allan Mohrbutter, who supplied some bagpipe music. Moncrief described him as a talented young man who is well-known in the community, so people were happy to see him on the stage. The jamboree contin-
Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold from Last Birds supplied entertainment at the Bow Valley Jamboree. Photo by Lori Moncrief
ued with Downwind, a veteran southeast Saskatchewan group that has performed at the jamboree in the past. Up next was Harmoniously Hip, comprised of Kathy Kyle and Erin Brown of Oxbow. Morgan Robertson, a young Carlyle musician who has already earned some recognitions, was next. And then there was Last Birds, the husband and wife duo of Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold out of North Portal. “It’s exciting for us to see local people have the spotlight, and they’re doing great things,” said Moncrief. The Singles, with Heidi Munro and Scott Patrick, took to the stage later in the evening and had the crowd dancing. Moncrief said they brought a lot of energy to the stage. Blu Beach Band, which is a party band, wrapped up the festival. Moncrief said the musicians are young, but they play hits from her generation like AC/DC and Creedence Clearwater Revival. “The fact that the crowd got up and danced the night away is what we were looking for,” said Moncrief. Several vendors were at the campground to sell their merchandise and services: Off the Rails Studio (pottery), Kaiya’s Pupcakery (dog treats), The Perfect Fit (jeans and shorts) and Mariah Warriner (henna tattoos). They were pleased with the response from the public, and Moncrief said she believes sales were average to above average. The Expressway Family Centre ran a kids area that was well received with its bouncy castle, face-painting and games; and the festival’s organizers were pleased to provide an opportunity for
the Southeast Shrine Club and the Oxbow Lions Club to raise funds with food sales, and the Royal Canadian Legion Estevan branch to sell tickets for an annual truck raffle. The campground at the Bow Valley Park was full for the festival, too. A 50-50 draw was worth $700, and was won by Josh Sinclair of Oxbow. Proceeds will be directed to jamboree expenses and upcoming projects for the Oxbow Arts and Cultural committee. Moncrief noted that she had a really interesting conversation with Alameda resident Butch Richardson, who told her that he saw a lot of smiling people in attendance. He’s a big music fan, and Moncrief was happy to hear his assessment. “I sure felt that way. We haven’t had live music for a long time, and it put a song in my heart, too,” said Moncrief. She believes this was time to celebrate the fact that people have made it through the pandemic and it’s time to have fun again. Once she was finished with cleanup on Sunday, one of the people in the campground asked about volunteering for next year to ensure the festival can continue in the future. Approximately 20 volunteers helped make the event happen. If they have more volunteers, Moncrief said it would allow the workers to take a break and enjoy the music. “We always need more volunteers. Most of us have been doing it for a while, and you need new blood, new ideas, and cleanup is not an easy thing to do, so it was really great of him to offer for next year,” said Moncrief.
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Doug Griffiths to present findings at town hall sessions Local residents are encouraged to attend the Estevan Economic Development Town Hall this week, where a draft strategic plan draft will be released. The sessions will be Aug. 12 at the Days Inn’s Taylorton Room at 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. The first two sessions are scheduled to last an hour each, and preregistration is required to attend both by emailing r.sadick@estevan.ca. No registration is required for the evening event. This will be an opportunity for people to see the areas of the plan of improvement, which include business development, quality of life and downtown revitalization. Doug Griffiths from 13 Ways, who has been contracted out by the city to help with economic development efforts, said the strategic plan is based on the feedback they received, work with city council, meetings with admin-
istration and their own assessment of Estevan and its challenges and opportunities. “Our strategic plan is very concise. It comes down to two pages. It’s the way we do things. Most strategic plans are very, very long, and they’re full of dreamy, vague statements, and ours are very tactical in nature,” said Griffiths, who will be here with Heather Thomson, a consumer behaviour expert who works closely with Griffiths. He’ll be looking to explain what they’ve done and the information in the document. The next step is to take that strategic plan and create a marketing strategy for the community to attract new people, families and businesses, and make sure they’re helping Estevan get ready for growth. “We’ll be going through the background, how we got here, the challenges Estevan has, the opportunities that
we see in communities around North America, where we think Estevan’s opportunities are, and then move into the strategic plan about what we think the municipality and the community need to do moving forward.” The initial plan was to have the one evening open house, but the other sessions were created so other people can attend in the morning or the noon hour. But the evening session is usually the one that attracts the most people, so it will be longer because more questions will be asked. Griffiths said there are a couple of important things people should think about. One, it’s not going to be a solution on how to bring back conventional coal, because that’s beyond the control of the City of Estevan. “This is not a question of undoing anything or preventing something from happening. This is about what Estevan can do going forward
to grow, which means we’ll be talking about new economic opportunities.” But they’ll also be talking about quality of life, downtown redesign and building on the energy that already exists. The pandemic has made it difficult to meet people, so they have been doing interviews via Zoom or over the phone. He has talked to young people and business owners, organizations and groups like the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. They did have in-person interviews when in Estevan in November. Griffiths is excited for people to come and hear the story and see what the plan is and what they have. He also looks forward to hearing their ideas. “The most exciting part of this is getting to work and moving forward with implementing the plan. So this is the chance to come and hear,” he said.
Doug Griffiths will be in Estevan on Aug. 12 to present a draft strategic plan to the community.
Bass Battles brings anglers to Boundary Dam The second annual Bass Battles fishing derby made its return to Boundary Dam during the Saskatchewan Day long weekend. A total of 24 anglers were entered in this year’s
event from July 31-Aug. 2, and 165 fish were measured. Matt Terleski of Russell, Man., took home the Bass Battles championship, with five bass that had a cumulative length of 249.7 centimetres (cm).
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Another Manitoba competitor, Derek Robbins, was second with 239.9 cm for his catches, while Brian McQuinn of Regina was third at 238.9 cm. Rene Sehn of Estevan was the top local competitor, in fourth spot at 237.1 cm. Terleski had the longest fish at 53.3 centimetres. “We saw some great photo submissions, and
several of the anglers also chose to try out MyCatch’s new video release option,” stated a tournament wrap-up post on the Bass Battles Facebook page. “This year’s tournament was also notable for having a grand total of zero submission rejections based on measuring rules being broken, or photo clarity issues, which is amazing for us to see.
Renton Brown had one of the many large fish caught during Bass Battles at Boundary Dam. Photo courtesy of Bass Battles Facebook page.
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Again, a huge thank you to the participating anglers for making this tournament run so smoothly.” The tournament was organized by Angler’s Atlas, and the fish were measured using their MyCatch app. Dallas Kirkpatrick with Angler’s Atlas said they have specific measuring rules that anglers have to apply when they submit photos. He believes it’s the first time they haven’t had a rejected photo. “The anglers who participated were very conscious of the rules and they did a great job,” said Kirkpatrick. The tournament has to determine its winners using fish length instead of weight, because there’s no means to measure weight based on a photo. “You can enter as many fish as you want,” said Kirkpatrick. “As an angler, you can enter a hundred fish if you choose to, but the system is going to grab your longest five fish, and then add those centimetres together, and that’s your score.” He noted that many
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of the anglers in the tournament were from the Estevan area, and have been entered in other local fishing derbies. “Rene has been a really big supporter of ours, fishing in other MyCatch tournaments. This was not his first go-around,” said Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick noted Angler’s Atlas had a longterm plan to make the MyCatch app useful for catch and release tournaments. But the COVID-19 pandemic hit and there was a need for a tool like this so derbies could still happen. Last year’s Bass Battles was also used with the app. Angler’s Atlas has a working relationship with Tourism Estevan, and he’s pleased to continue working with them. Tourism Estevan was the title sponsor this year, and Kirkpatrick said this wouldn’t happen without them and other sponsors. Kirkpatrick also noted Tourism Estevan has supported another bass fishing tournament, the Boundary Bass Classic, in the past.
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Grasshoppers causing problems for local farmers Justin Lievaart has been farming since 2005, ever since he returned home from university to join his family’s farm south of Outram. And he says that the grasshoppers are the worst he’s seen in the past 16 years, although he’s quick to add that they’ve been worse in the past. “We’ve been spraying,” he told the Mercury. “Most of our cereal crops have been sprayed at least once, and our pulse crops have been sprayed once, and then of course a lot of perimeters on different other crops have been sprayed to try to control some of the grasshoppers.” They have already sprayed about 8,000 acres on the farm to try to control the insects, which is the highest number of acres they have sprayed. “It’s a tough thing to control complete-
ly, because there will be multiple hatches throughout the season. And of course when the grasshoppers are small, they’re a little easier to control, and as soon as they become an adult and have wings and they can fly, then of course it’s pretty tough to control them because they can move from field to field,” said Lievaart. Other people have employed crop dusting planes to spray crops from corner to corner. This year has also been a challenge because the chemicals to control the ’hopper numbers are in short supply, since the problem is fairly widespread. “There are different chemicals you can spray. Certain chemicals will kill a grasshopper on contact only. So when you spray it and it gets the grasshopper, it kills it. Or you can get
other chemicals that will do both. It will kill it on contact as well as go into the plant, and when they eat the plant, they’ll die from that too.” While they have not lost crops as a whole to the bugs, the grasshoppers have thinned out certain areas along ditches and pasture edges. “You’re not going to lose a complete crop … but they will cause significant economic damage from sitting on a crop and chewing it and eating it,” said Lievaart. It’s tough to see their efforts for this season get chewed away by the grasshoppers. Farmers are in the midst of a dry cycle that has stretched through most of the past few years, and that’s very favourable for grasshoppers to lay eggs in the fall, Lievaart said. When there isn’t much moisture in the fall and the
Grasshoppers have been a big problem for local producers this summer. Photo by Justin Lievaart
winter, the grasshoppers can hatch in the spring. There hasn’t been much moisture at their farm since spring, either, allowing the insects to flourish. A lot of farmers have started their harvest operations, so moisture won’t
do much to help control the bugs. As crops ripen, grasshoppers will move to something greener or nicer to feed on. Crops aren’t the only place where the hoppers can be found. They’ve been visible on roads and in yards.
“If we stay in the dry circle like we’re in right now, then it’s hard to know what will happen. We’ll hope for some fall moisture and some snow, and everyone in the agriculture industry needs that,” said Lievaart.
Council discusses rezoning Kensington building Estevan city council discussed the rezoning of a property at 418 Kensington Avenue during Monday night’s meeting. In a document to council, land development services manager Richard Neufeld said the owner of the property, which has commercial tenants on the main floor and apartment-style style rentals on the top floor as well as the rear portion of the main floor. But there appears to
have been an oversight in the original approval because residences were not permitted on the main floor. With more people living on the main floor, the zoning issue needs to be corrected. The redevelopment of the residential space on the main floor will include five per cent amenity space, installation of an elevator, orientation of a development for empty nesters and active adult populations, and installation of
a laneway access. “The scope of the rezoning application is to allow for the addition of residential development on the main floor,” said Neufeld. Most of the rear half of the building is residential, Neufeld said. Parking and other factors will be addressed through development and building permits, should this advance to the next stage. Neufeld noted some of the suites on the top
floor will be rejigged, such as having their bathroom doors widened, to make them more accessible. He also noted that he, along with the engineering department and the fire department, are also concerned with having one access point for the development. If there was a major fire in the building, people would be trying to evacuate at the same time that fire engines are entering. “We have two choic-
es. We discussed this with the applicant. One was to put a right turn out onto Kensington (Avenue) southbound and the other one was to hook into the laneway that’s already there behind the Sereggela Place cul-desac. It was decided to go into the laneway.” The lane behind Sereggela Place is developed and it extends the full length of the west boundary of the property. There is a fence along the entire laneway.
Neufeld noted a much larger building was proposed in about 2014, but there was pushback from the community about a structure with four or five stories. People in the neighbourhood will be given the chance to address the issue if they have concerns. Council gave first reading to a bylaw to redevelop the building. A public hearing will take place at a future council meeting.
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Estevan U18 AA Brewers win league title The Estevan U18 AA Brewers are the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s AA champions. The Brewers defeated the Unity Cardinals 9-8 in extra innings Saturday in Regina to win the title. Estevan trailed 8-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, but rallied for four runs. Estevan had leads of 2-0 after the first inning and 3-1 after three. Unity scored four in the fifth to hold a 5-3 advantage, but the Brewers responded with two in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game. Neither team scored in the next two frames, so the game went to extra innings. “It was a roller coaster, back and forth, for all eight innings,” said coach Tim Miller. “It was something else. I’m pretty sure we went through every emotion possible.” Cade Bendtsen’s two-out single scored Tyler Saigeon for the winning run.
Saigeon had three hits and three runs. He also knocked in two with a double in the bottom of the eighth. Hunter Stewart, Bendtsen and Kaleb Bechtold were on the mound for the Brewers. Bechtold was credited with the victory. Estevan began the playoffs by defeating the White Butte Broncos 13-3 on Aug. 2, and the Weyburn Beavers 14-8 three days later. Both games were played at Lynn Prime Park in Estevan. Between the regular season and the playoffs, the Brewers had a 25-2 record in league play, and won their final 19 games. Miller believes the win over Unity showed the club’s resiliency once again. “We’ve been down a few times late in games, and our kids have shown that it doesn’t matter what inning the game is, if we’re behind, we can come back. We just have that powerful of a batting lineup, we’re never
The Estevan U18 AA Brewers have won the AA title for the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League. Photo by Lesley Mittleholtz
out of a ball game.” The pitchers and the defensive play were solid throughout the season and into the playoffs. There were a couple of hiccups in the semifinal against Weyburn and the final versus Unity, but they managed to minimize the damage. “That’s what we’ve emphasized with these kids all year long, and even in the past couple of years when we started with this team, is good solid pitching and good
solid defence will win you championships, and that was definitely a huge key in winning the championship.” At the start of the season, Miller knew the Brewers had the potential to have a strong team, but he didn’t expect they would have this record or the winning streak. “We had a good, strong season last year, so we knew going into this season we had a belief that we could do
some good, positive things, and things work out, you win a championship,” said Miller. Every kid on the team has done their part, and when you put the effort in, Miller said you get a positive outcome. The Brewers season isn’t finished. They will compete in provincials Aug. 13-15 in Unity. Miller said this will give them a lot of momentum entering provincials. “It gives these kids the belief that we
can win. We played in a couple of pressure games. Even the Weyburn game, the score didn’t reflect the game, because it’s our rivals, so that’s always a highpressure game, and then it showed yesterday (in the final) that the guys are comfortable enough to be in these situations.” Unity and Estevan will be in the same pool at provincials, and Miller expects the two teams will be among the contenders at provincials.
Speedway doubleheader attracts 70 drivers The Estevan Motor Speedway’s (EMS) latest doubleheader weekend proved to be a drawing card for both drivers and fans. The track held programs on Friday and Saturday night, with at least 70 drivers entered between the five different classes each night. Saturday was also the speedway’s annual Kids Night, so there was a large contingent of young spectators. Two drivers took top spot in their classes both nights. Bailey Cousins was the winner in the sport modified class. On Friday night, he edged Leevi Runge, who moved up to second following a yellow flag with three laps
to go, but Runge couldn’t sneak past Cousins on the final lap. Kyle Scholpp was third and Ryan Cousins came in fourth. Saturday night, Bailey Cousins finished ahead of Schlopp, Runge and Rylan Raynard. Cash Saxon was the winner in the slingshot class for both programs, the first race wins in the slingshots this season for someone other than Ryder Raynard, who was second both nights. Jagger Ashworth was third and Kolby Fichter came in fourth on Friday. Eli Turnbull was third on Saturday and Sierra Staff was fourth. As for the other classes, in the modifieds, Kody
Schlopp was the dominant driver in a cautionfree race Friday night as he grabbed an early lead, lapped most of the field and defeated Joey Galloway by several seconds. Tyson Turnbull came in third and Les McLenehan was fourth. Tyson Turnbull was the winner Saturday, finishing ahead of Kody Schlopp. Galloway was third and Tyler Wagner came in fourth. Friday’s hobby stock race saw Landon Runge come out on top, ahead of Kruz Wilson, Connor Hansen and Kayden Hjorteland. Runge grabbed the lead with seven laps to go. Wilson was the winner in the hobby stock feature on Saturday, fin-
Bailey Cousins (7B) led the sport mods coming into turn 4 at the Estevan Motor Speedway on Friday night. Cousins won the feature both nights.
Ty Klassen (4) leads Gage Goetz (51) and Jase Skjerdal (16) in the slingshot class at the speedway.
ishing ahead of Landon Runge, Hansen and Dexter Saxon. As for the stock car class, some early incidents whittled down the field on Friday, but the second half was contested under green flag racing. Austin Daae grabbed the lead early and edged Gregg Mann by about a second. Devon Gonas came in third and Chase Davidson was fourth. Saturday’s stock car race saw Chris Hortness finish first, Mann second, Gonas third and Daae fourth. With two points races remaining, there are still some close battles remaining for the track championships. In the modifieds, defending track champi-
on Kody Scholpp has 308 points, eight more than Tyson Turnbull’s 300. Les McLenehan is third at 295, and Kris Spence is fourth with 257. In the hobby stock class, Landon Runge has the lead with 344 points, 15 clear of Dexter Saxon and defending champion Connor Hansen, who each have 329. Kaiden Tuchscherer is fourth at 328. Defending champion Leevi Runge has 342 points to lead the sport mods, eight more than Kyle Schlopp. Keenan Glaser is within striking distance at 327 points, and then it’s a 23-point gap to Justin Fichter at 304. Gregg Mann has
a four-point advantage over defending champion Hortness, 348-344, in the stock car class. Gonas is third at 325 points, and Davison is fourth at 314. Ryder Raynard, who is seeking his fourth straight championship in the slingshot class, leads with 358 points, eight more than Cash Saxon. Jagger Ashworth (319) is the next closest competitor, followed by Eli Turnbull (310). The speedway’s final programs of the year will be the track championship doubleheader on Aug. 28 and 29. Champions in each of the five classes will be crowned. Racing starts at 7 p.m. each night. It will also be the annual dirt wars at the track.
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Jay Pierson Memorial Tournament raises thousands for fight against PTSD Estevan Police Service (EPS) Const. Jeremy Taman believes the success of the Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament reflects what Pierson meant to police officers in Estevan and across the province, and to the community as a whole. A full field of 144 golfers entered the tournament, held Saturday at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course. “It reflects the type of person that Jay was,” said Taman, who was part of the organizing committee for the tournament. “He put his heart into everything, be it as a police officer or a member of the community. He loved serving the community of Estevan, and I think that showed tenfold yesterday with the support that we received and how everything went, and the fact that everybody just came out and had a great time and remembered Jay the right way.” Pierson died in March from natural causes, but had been battling PTSD for several years. Proceeds
from the tournament will be directed to an organization that fights PTSD. The Estevan Police Association organized the tournament. Taman believes the event flowed about as well as possible, since they had so many golfers entered and there were numerous activities and competitions offered on the course throughout the day. “That set us back a little bit, but it was about as quick as you could expect for a tournament of that magnitude,” said Taman. A team consisting of Kyle Luc, Brandon Frank, Jeff Ward and Stephen Kitchen finished in top spot in the Texas scramble tournament with a score of 19-under-par, and they were awarded the Jay Pierson Memorial Trophy. Prizes were handed out for close approach, longest drive and longest putt. But Taman said this wasn’t a competitive event, as the intent was for people to have fun. Golfers hit their tee shot on Woodlawn’s first hole while wearing beer
goggles supplied by Saskatchewan Government Insurance. The goggles simulate what it’s like to drive while impaired. Support for the tournament extended beyond the entry fees. “From the Western Canada Montreal Canadiens Fan Club, who had a raffle for the tournament, they came down from Saskatoon for it, and with the 50-50 that was held at the tournament, we were able to raise $2,500 from those two functions as well,” said Taman. After everything is tallied, several thousand more dollars will be going to a PTSD initiative of the police association’s choice. The tournament sold out within 24 hours of entries opening. All of the committee members had their phones ringing off the hook with people wanting to be a part of it through golfing and sponsorships. In addition to the large contingent of local golfers, teams came from throughout the province and even
Medicine Hat, Alta. “We always had pretty good support from some surrounding agencies and emergency services. So that wasn’t that much of a surprise to see them reach out and want to be a part of it. That being said, we had a great amount of local support as well. It was a good blend between the two, and everybody was able to take part and be a part of the initiative and the memorial for Jay Pierson.” While the EPA has hosted fundraising golf tournaments in the past, Taman is confident that it will be a new tradition to have a tournament named after Pierson to support organizations that work with those affected by PTSD. “The response that we had and the support that we received and all the funds were raised for a great, great cause. It was just an absolute beauty of a memorial for Jay Pierson. It should be something that moves forward and is held annually so that everybody has the chance to take part,” said Taman.
Adrian Bachorcik connects on his tee shot on the first hole while wearing beer goggles at the Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament.
Const. Michelle Beaulieu with the Estevan Police Service takes her shot on the first hole while wearing beer goggles.
Brewers U13 AAAs split weekend games The Estevan TS&M 13U AAA Brewers had a busy weekend with four games. The Brewers travelled to Regina on Saturday to face the White Sox in a pair of games. In the first game, the Brewers ran into a tough pitcher from the Sox who shut down Estevan’s offence. Kris Phillips kept the Brewers close, coming on in relief to pitch five innings. Caden Dorrance managed two hits and one run batted in (RBI) during a 10-3 White Sox win. The second game was a back and forth affair, but Regina won 10-9. Dorrance pitched well for the Brew-
ers going three innings. Jaxon Kuchinka led the offence with two hits and three RBIs, but the Sox hit the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh. The Brewers welcomed the Moose Jaw Canucks Sunday to Mel Murray Cactus Park for two games. In game one, the Brewers cruised to an 11-4 win. Tristan Brownridge turned in a strong pitching performance, going five innings to pick up the win. Logan Kolenz carried the offence with two hits and three RBIs. The second game saw the Brewers put together a great team effort in a 9-8
victory. Broden Henry started on the mound for the Brewers, throwing five innings and giving up one earned run. Henry also had two hits and an RBI. Moose Jaw mounted a comeback in the later innings to tie the game at eights going into the bottom of the seventh. Reese Copeland was the hero for the Brewers as he hit a walk off sacrifice fly, scoring Jaxon Kuchinka. Next action for the Brewers (13-6-2) is Saturday in Regina for two games against the Buffalos. ••• The Southeast U15 AAA A’s travelled to Saskatoon on the weekend
to compete in the Evan Thomas Memorial Tournament, and impressed with a 4-2 record. Competing in Pool B, the A’s opened the tournament by doubling up the Sask. Five Giants 4-2 on Friday, grabbing the lead with three in the sixth inning. Jayden Kuchinka had two hits and Axton Martin knocked in two runs. Jacob Mayer went 3 2/3 innings, and Nathan Yunick pitched three innings. Later in the day, Estevan routed the Swift Current 57s 19-1 in four innings. Mathias Fornwald and Tyrell Nagy had three
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three RBIs for the A’s, and Kuchinka went four innings with four strikeouts. Slotted in the B event, the A’s again faced the Pirates, and this time won 12-2 in five innings, thanks to eight runs in the first and four if the fourth. Tayson Dietze led the offensive attack with three RBIs, and Yunick struck out six in five innings. The final game was a 6-5 loss to the Regina White Sox in the B final. The White Sox scored in their final at bat. Mayer was a force at the plate and on the mound, as he had two hits, three RBIs and pitched 4 2/3 innings.
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RBIs each for the A’s, who scored six times in the second and fourth innings. Kade Phillips went three innings for the A’s. An 8-7 loss to the Saskatoon Expos started the day Saturday, as the Expos rallied from deficits of 5-1 after the first inning and 7-6 through five. Mayer had a couple of hits for the A’s. Sutter Baily went 3 1/3 innings on the mound. Their final round robin game was a 12-9 win over the Regina Pirates. The A’s led 7-2 after two, but needed to score three in the bottom of the sixth to break open a 9-9 draw. Mayer had two hits and
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An afternoon with the classics Local antique vehicle enthusiasts gathered for a Take off the Mask Cruise on Saturday afternoon. They met up at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s parking lot, and then travelled to Lampman, Arcola and Stoughton before returning to Estevan. A barbecue was held to wrap up the day.
Kinsmen Chase the Ace to support Angel Tree Christmas is still four months away, but the Estevan Kinsmen Club has already embarked on a fundraiser to support a valuable cause. The Kinsmen are using their Chase the Ace fundraiser to help out the Community Hamper Association’s Angel Tree program. The first draw was held at the Beef Bar on Aug. 5, but the Ace of Spades wasn’t pulled. Preston Majeran with the Estevan Kinsmen Club said they want to help Estevan area residents have a great Christmas, and they hope to raise at least $50,000 through Chase the Ace. “We looked around and we saw all of the community support that the Angel Tree was getting last year, and with the way the economy’s going, it’s starting to re-
bound, but we thought there might still be some people out there (in need),” Majeran told the Mercury. Rather than trying to do something at the last minute, Majeran said the Kinsmen want to try something as early as possible to help the association plan for this Christmas season. “We’re hoping that the community will come through, and Estevan always comes through in any kind of fundraising. We thought the Angel Tree was a great project and we really wanted to jump on board.” People in the Estevan area enjoy giving back to the community, and with the success of Chase the Ace fundraisers, Majeran is confident they can hit the $50,000 goal.
For this Chase the Ace, tickets will be available throughout the week at the Beef; previously, the Kinsmen sold them the night of the draw. While they know people don’t want to talk about Christmas in August, they needed to start selling tickets now. Char Seeman, who co-chairs the Community Hamper Association alongside Heather Woodhouse, said this fundraiser will be vital. Meeting the needs of the community last year depleted a lot of their resources. She expects the need will remain high in 2021. “There’s still a lot of families that aren’t working yet, because their jobs are totally lost. It’s not even a fact of waiting to go back
to work; their job is no longer there. So many places have closed, oilfield companies have gone under, those kinds of things,” she said. If there’s another surge in COVID cases, then the hamper association might not be able to set up the Angel Tree in Walmart this year. “We want to be prepared, we want to be able to have the money to go out and buy the toys for the kids, and make these kids get something. That’s my biggest thing, is make sure every kid has a toy under the tree,” said Seeman. The hamper association believes it costs about $75 to meet the needs of each child, between the toy, the wrapping paper, toque and mittens. Last year they helped more than 560 kids.
During her time with the Community Hamper Association, this is the largest fundraiser that has occurred. There were a few tears shed when the Kinsmen called and said they wanted to use its Chase the Ace for the Angel Tree. “It was awesome to hear from them and say ‘Hey, we realize what good things you guys are doing for our community,’ and for another organization to look at us and say ‘Hey, you guys are doing amazing, what you’re doing for the community.’ It was a boost and it was a nice thing,” said Seeman. And it’s not the first time the hamper association has benefitted from the efforts of a local Kin club. In recent years, the Estevan Kinettes Club has had its PJ Project
that ensures every child who benefits from the Angel Tree also receives a pair of pyjamas. Tickets for Chase the Ace are $5 each. Twenty per cent of the week’s sales will go to the winner of the weekly draw, 30 per cent goes to the jackpot and 50 per cent goes to the Angel Tree. The weekly winner will get the chance to pull the ace of spades from a deck of cards. If successful, they win the jackpot. If not, the jackpot carries over to the next week. A maximum of 20,000 tickets will be sold, and the maximum prize is $53,000. A sponsorship from Courage Oilfield meant that the week 1 jackpot would be at least $3,000. The final draw date is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Police to host traffic enforcement blitz in Estevan The Estevan Police Service (EPS) and the Estevan Combined Traffic Services have announced they will be hosting a selective traffic enforcement program (STEP) enforcement campaign on Aug. 11 and 12.
The two-day initiative will consist of a large-scale blitz that will take place in various locations around Estevan. Police from agencies across Saskatchewan will be present at these locations, so motorists should
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be prepared to stop. Officers will be looking for traffic violations and, if they find any, will take enforcement action. Offences such as speeding, seat belt use, cellular phone use, unlicensed drivers and commercial vehicle violations will be a primary focus. As always, criminal offences such as impaired driving will be high on the priority list of enforcement. STEP is a multiagency task force focused on strategies to improve traffic safety in the province. Members include representatives
from The Saskatchewan RCMP, Regina Police Service, Weyburn Police Service and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, along with Saskatchewan Government Insurance. ••• In other recent EPS news, members arrested one person Aug. 7 on multiple charges. Police attended to perform a welfare check on an individual who was reported to possibly be at risk. The individual had previously been assaulted and the matter is before the court. The individual alleged to have committed the assault
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was on conditions of no contact but believed to be at the residence. Police attended and arrested a 34-year-old Moose Jaw male for breaching his conditions of contact. The male is now facing another charge of assault. The male was held in custody and was scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 9. Members completed a number of curfew checks. All but one were found to be compliant with their curfews. One is still under investigation. The EPS received a call about a stolen vehicle on Aug. 8. The EPS issued a message on the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network the following morning. The vehicle was later recovered without incident. Officers attended to a two-vehicle collision in the Petterson Drive and King Street area. One of
the drivers was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with minor injuries. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Charges are pending at this time. Over the weekend, police arrested a 36-yearold man for breaching conditions of a previous release order. He was remanded for court on Monday. The EPS received a call regarding an erratic driver coming into the city. The driver was reportedly crossing into oncoming lanes and travelling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was located and a 30-yearold man from Prince Albert was arrested. He is facing several charges including impaired driving, refusing to provide samples of breath and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He was held in cells until he was sober then released with a September court date.
• Payment can also be made on-line / or at your financial institution. • Pay via credit card through a third-party service provider called Plastiq. Customers using this service will be charged a 2.5% service fee per transaction www.estevanmercury.ca by the provider. • To pay via Plastiq please visit their website at www.plastiq.com you will need a credit card as well as the 12 digit roll number (don’t include the decimal, but City Hall: 1102 4th Street use all the numbers) that is found on the top right hand portion of your Notice of 8 am to 4:30 pmLevies | (306) 634-1800 Property Tax
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August 11, 2021 A13
Hwy 47 Service Dufferin Avenue Heritage Drive Road Bannatyne Avenue Brooks Road Drader Street Pine Avenue Clasky Drive Princess Street Poplar Bay Abbott Bay Spruce Drive Frehlick Bay Edward Street Symons Bay Albert Street Phillips Place Leisure Office: in 701 Souris Avenue Interested pre-paying your taxes monthly? Isabelle Street Garner Place Rooney Road 8 am 4:30 | (306) 634-1880 ThetoCity ofpm Estevan offers (TIPPS) tax installment payment plan service. Eva Street Edward Place Ross Court Henry Street Garrish Place Wahba Court TIPPS allows property owners to pre-pay their property tax bill in 12 monthly George Street Maple Bay Seregella Place installments making budgeting easier with no added fees or penalties. Monthly King Street Willow Bay Sillers Street withdrawals are made on the first banking day of each month. Smith Street Yardley Place Matchett Bay TIPPS applications forms are available at City Hall or by visiting our website at Place Souris 13 Ways Doug Grittiths will be holding anAvenue open house Hastings August 12, 2021 Kensington www.estevan.ca Avenue Victoria Avenue Milne Crescent please come out to ensure that your voice is heard on the revitalization of the downtown Alexandra Avenue Holmgren Bay Nesbitt Drive The best time to start would be August 1, 2021 to prepay for 2022. Contact City core and other economic development initiatives for the City of Estevan. Arthur Avenue Petterson Drive Bourquin Road Hall 306-634-1800 for more information.
A Message From The Mayor
EMPLOYMENT 2021 Property Tax Notice
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS- Municipal Insurance
2021 Property Tax Notices were mailed out Monday, June The Estevan Police Service REQUEST 28, 2021. Please contact City Hall if you did not receive your FOR is seeking applications for a property tax notice or need to update your mailing / contact PROPOSALS Casual Guard/Matron information. Position 2021 Taxes are due: July 30, 2021
Storm and Sanitary The 2021 City of Estevan invites proposals from individual firms to act as the City of Estevan Broker and provide Municipal sewer mainInsurance jetting coverage as well as Airport insurance for a three year term.
A copy of the existing Insurance Policy requirements of the City Beginning Monday, June 14, 2021 and continuing to Friday, Penalties are accumulative, applied month Guard/Matrons provide constant observation of the 1st of each of Estevan can be obtained for your review. This would include a list of buildings August 27, 2021, the Public Works Service Division will ...starting August 1, 2021 as follows: persons held in custody at the Estevan Police Service and equipment included under the General Insurance Program. be carrying out a Domestic Sewer Main Flushing/Jetting August .5%, September 1%, October 1.5%, November 2.5%, December 3.5% Detention Center. Hours of work can vary and will Program between the hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Arrears Penalty of 10% will be added to all outstanding amounts on January 1, 2022 Please review the existing Policy and provide theoffollowing: include night shifts. Length of shifts vary from three the occasional carry over to 6:00 During the periodspricing of Payment Options: • A proposal for coverage based upon our needs thatp.m. you identify including hours to Hall, a maximum of 40 through hours per week. jetting, residents are advised to securely cap basement floor •toIneight person at City Open Monday Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm of the proposal. applicants be called upon on •Successful Payments accepted bymay Cash,also Cheque or Debit • A list of Insurance drains. Companies that your company would propose to place our notice. Training will be provided. •short Mail to: 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W7 insurance requirements with. Program Area will encompass all streets North •Application City Hall Drop Box – located main entrance at Cityor Hall. Cheques onlyresponse please. time2021 packages can beatpicked up in person • The that your Company proposes that it will respond to insurance of 6th Street, and East of Souris Ave within City limits •downloaded Payment canfrom also be on-line / or at your financial institution. inquiries from the City. ourmade website at www.estevanpolice. including: •caPayCompleted via credit card throughare a third-party service provider packages to be forwarded to the called Plastiq. If transaction you have any questions regarding the Insurance RFP please contact Judy Customers using this service will be charged a 2.5% service fee per attention of; Heritage Drive Hwy 47or Service Dufferin Avenue Pilloud at 306-634-1852 cityclerk@estevan.ca. by the provider. Road Bannatyne Avenue Detailed proposals must be submitted to the undersigned on or Brooks before Road September • To pay via PlastiqSheila please CHARTRAND visit their website at www.plastiq.com you will need Pine Avenue Clasky Drive Drader Street 7, 2021 : a credit card asExecutive well as the 12 digit roll number (don’t include the decimal, but Administrator Abbott Bay Princess StreetJudy Pilloud, Poplar City Bay Clerk Attention: use all the numbers) that is found on the top right hand portion of your Notice of Estevan Police Service Edward StreetCity of Estevan Spruce Drive Frehlick Bay Property Tax Levies 301-11th Avenue Albert Street Phillips Place Symons Bay 1102 - 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada S4A 0W7 Interested in pre-paying yourS4A taxes monthly? Garner Place Rooney Road Isabelle Street Estevan, SK 1C7 The City of Estevan offers (TIPPS) tax installment payment plan service. Ross Court Eva Street Edward Place 306-634-4767 And must be clearly marked RFP- INSURANCE Henry Street GarrishPROPOSAL Place Wahba Court TIPPS allows property owners to pre-pay their property tax bill in 12 monthly Maple Bay Seregella Place George Street installments making budgeting easier with no added fees or penalties. Monthly Sillers Street King Street Willow Bay withdrawals are made on the first banking day of each month. Matchett Bay Smith Street Yardley Place TIPPS applications forms are available at City Hall or by visiting our website at www.estevan.ca Souris Avenue Hastings Place Kensington www.estevan.ca Victoria Avenue Milne Crescent Avenue www.estevan.ca Nesbitt Drive Alexandra Avenue Holmgren Bay The best time to start would be August 1, 2021 to prepay for 2022. Contact City Rusty Duce Park | 1400 Nicholson Bourquin Road Road Arthur Avenue Petterson Drive Hall 306-634-1800 for more information. Rusty Duce Park | 1400 Nicholson Road Hillcrest Park| 265 Rooks Road
PLAY PARKS PLAY PARKS AUGUST 2021 AUGUST 2021
Hillcrest Park| 265 Rooks Road Hillside Park | 825 George Street Hillside Park | 825 George Street For concerns or questions pleaseReich contact Playpark Coordinator Cassidy Reich at 306-634-1894 For concerns or questions please contact Playpark Coordinator Cassidy at 306-634-1894 Your playMantei park leaders are: Hannah Manteiand (Hillside), Katelyn Kobitz Your play park leaders are: Hannah (Hillside), Katelyn Kobitz (Hillcrest) Madison Flaman (Rusty Duce)(Hillcrest) and Madison Flaman (Rusty Duce)
The Estevan Monday Tuesday Tuesday Monday Police Service 1 is seeking applications 2 NIGHT SWIM for a 3
Sunday Sunday EMPLOYMENT
1
CLLOOSSEDED
2 NIGHT Hillcrest Park SWIM Casual Guard/Matron 5-8pmHillcrest Park (Regular Swim, 1-4:30) Position 5-8pm
C
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS- Municipal Insurance
REQUEST Wednesday Thursday Wednesday The City FOR 4 NIGHT SWIM 5
Friday
Saturday
Thursday Friday from individual Saturday of Estevan invites proposals firms to act 6 SATURDAY 7 as the City of Estevan Insurance Broker and provide Municipal 3 PROPOSALS 4 5 6 7 NIGHT SWIM Hillside Park SATURDAY SWIM coverage as well as Airport insurance for a three year term. 5-8pm Hillside Park Rusty Duce Park (Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
5-8pm
SWIM
1-5pm
Rusty Duce Park
A copy of the existing (Regular Swim, 1-4:30) Insurance Policy requirements of the City Lego(Regular WeekSwim, 1-4:30) 1-5pm Guard/Matrons provide of of Estevan can be obtained for your review. This would 8 constant observation 9 10 11 12 13 14 include a list of buildings NIGHT SWIM NIGHT SWIM SATURDAY Lego Week persons held in custodyRusty at the Police Service Hillcrest Park DuceEstevan Park and equipment included under the General Insurance Program. SWIM 5-8pm10 8 5-8pm 9 11 12 13 14 Detention Center. Hours of work can vary and will NIGHT SWIM (Regular Swim, 1-4:30) Rusty Duce Park include night shifts. Length ofWeek shifts vary from three Jungle 5-8pm to eight hours to a maximum of 40 16 hours per week.17 15 (Regular Swim, 1-4:30)NIGHT SWIM Rusty Duce Park Successful applicants may also be called upon on Jungle Week5-8pm (Regular Swim, 1-4:30) short notice. Training will be provided.
NIGHT SWIM
SATURDAY
Hillside Park
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
1-5pm Please review Hillcrest Park the existing Policy and provide the following: SWIM •A proposal for coverage based upon 20 our needs that you identify including 5-8pm Hillside Park pricing 18 MICKEY’S 19 21 SATURDAY Swim, 1-4:30) of(Regular the proposal. 1-5pm CARNIVAL SWIM • A list ofRoyal Insurance company Heights Companies that yourHillcrest Park would propose to place our 3-6:30 pm with. 15 16 NIGHT SWIM 17 insurance requirements 18 MICKEY’S 19 1-5pm 20 21 SATURDAY Mickey MouseupWeek Application packages can be picked in person or • The response time that your Company proposes that it will respond to insurance Rusty Duce 22 23 24 Park 25 26 27 28 SWIM inquiries from the City.CARNIVAL downloaded from our website at www.estevanpolice. 5-8pmONLY SWIMMING Royal HeightsONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING Hillcrest Park (Regular Swim, 1-4:30) Rusty Duceto Parkbe forwarded Rusty Duce Park Rusty Duce Park Rusty Duce Park Rusty pm Duce Park Hillcrest Park ca Completed packages are to the 3-6:30 Hillcrest Park Hillcrest Park Hillcrest ParkIf you have Hillcrest ParkquestionsHillcrest Park 1-5pm any regarding the Insurance RFP please 1-5pm contact Judy attention of; Hillside Park Hillside Park 1-5pm 1-5pm 1-5pm Mickey Mouse Week Pilloud at 306-634-1852 or cityclerk@estevan.ca. 1-5pm 1-5pm 2229 24 Detailed proposals25must 26 the undersigned on 27 or before September 28 30 23 31 29 be submitted 30 to Sheila CHARTRAND SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY 7,SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY 2021 : Sponsored Executive by: Administrator Rusty Duce Park Rusty Duce Park Rusty Duce Park Rusty Duce Park Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park Attention: Judy Pilloud, City Clerk Hillcrest Park Service Hillcrest Park Hillcrest Park Hillcrest Park Hillcrest Park Estevan Police 1-5pm City of Estevan Hillside Park Hillside Park 1-5pm 1-5pm 1-5pm 301-11th Avenue 1-5pm 1-5pm 1102 - 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada S4A 0W7 Estevan, SK S4A 1C7 29 30 31 29 30 306-634-4767 And must be clearly marked RFP- INSURANCE PROPOSAL
PLAY PARKS PLAY PARKS Sponsored by:
www.estevan.ca
AUGUST 2021 AUGUST 2021 Sunday Sunday
1
1
8
8 15
August 1st SE Twins Lynn Prime Park
Monday Monday
CLLOOSSEDED 2
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5-8pm
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
NIGHT SWIM
2229 Sponsored by:
August 11th 29 Arts & Crafts Drop In Rotary Hall by: Sponsored
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Hillcrest Park 5-8pm
17
18
MICKEY’S CARNIVAL
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
SWIMMING ONLY Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park Hillside Park 1-5pm
Rusty Duce 24 Park 25 5-8pm SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY (Regular Rusty Duce Park Swim, 1-4:30) Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park Hillside Park 1-5pm
Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
Mickey Mouse Week 30
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26
August 16th Bike & Brew Citywide
Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park Hillside Park 1-5pm
30
Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
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Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
August 19th 31 Night Market RBC Parking Lot
Saturday 6
Rusty Duce Park 1-5pm
SATURDAY SWIM 12
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SATURDAY SWIM August 6th
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13
SATURDAY SWIM
14
Hillside Park 1-5pm
August 7th Hillcrest Park Outdoor 19 1-5pm Story Time 20 Saturday Swim 21 Estevan Public Library SATURDAY Rusty Duce Park 27
Rusty pm Duce Park 3-6:30
SWIM
28
Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
29
SATURDAY SWIM
Rusty Duce Park 1-5pm
HeightsONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLYRoyal SWIMMING
SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park Hillside Park 1-5pm
7
Hillside Park 1-5pm
Summer Long August Royal Heights 5th 3-6:30 pm Beach Day17 Comedy 18 Night SWIM Dam Beach Orpheum MICKEY’S Mickey Mouse WeekNIGHTBoundary Boundary Dam Reservoir Theatre
16
Saturday Friday
5 SATURDAY SWIM
13
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
23
6
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
NIGHT SWIM
Jungle Week
15 Bass Battles 22
Friday Thursday
Hillside Park (Regular Swim, 1-4:30) 5-8pm
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30) Rusty Duce Park August 1st & 2nd 5-8pm All
5
5-8pm
Hillcrest Park 5-8pm10
9
NIGHT SWIM
16
3
Park
Lego(Regular WeekSwim, 1-4:30) 10 NIGHT SWIM Lego Week
Rusty Duce Park 5-8pm
Rusty Duce Park Jungle Week 5-8pm
Thursday Wednesday 4 NIGHT SWIM 4 Hillside Park
(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)
9
NIGHT SWIM
Wednesday
NIGHT SWIM August 2021
NIGHT SWIM
Hillcrest Park 5-8pmHillcrest
Rusty Duce Park | 1400 Nicholson Road
Rusty Duce Park | 1400 Nicholson Road Hillcrest Park| 265 Rooks Road Hillcrest Park| 265 Rooks Road Hillside Park | 825 George Street Hillside Park | 825 George Street Forcontact concerns or questions pleaseReich contact Playpark Coordinator Cassidy Reich at 306-634-1894 For concerns or questions please Playpark Coordinator Cassidy at 306-634-1894 Your playMantei park leaders are: Hannah Manteiand (Hillside), Katelyn Kobitz Your play park leaders are: Hannah (Hillside), Katelyn Kobitz (Hillcrest) Madison Flaman (Rusty Duce)(Hillcrest) and Madison Flaman (Rusty Duce)
Tuesday Tuesday 3
NIGHT 2 SWIM
www.estevan.ca
26 30
27
28
SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY SWIMMING ONLY Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
August 19th Mickey’s Carnival Royal Heights Park
Rusty Duce Park Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
August 21st 29 Estevan Day Shop Citywide
Hillcrest Park 1-5pm
Year Round
30 Historical Walking Tour
for more experiences visit estevan.ca
Citywide
Seriously GREAT flooring. Seriously GREAT flooring people.
FACES
306-634-5588 104 - Hwy. 47 S. Estevan, SK
www.floorstoreestevan.ca
A14 | Wednesday, August 11, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca
306-453-2519 Bay #1 - Hwy. 13 Carlyle, SK
Another busy weekend for Energy City It was another busy weekend in the Energy City. A cruise was held for classic vehicles, the Fountain Tire Barrel Racing Extravaganza took place at the Estevan Exhibition rodeo arena, and the Estevan Police Association’s Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament happened at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course. Photos by David Willberg Brenda Noble was among those entered in barrel racing.
Colleen Goertz and her horse circle around a barrel.
Sydney Pedersen and her horse sprinted the length of the rodeo arena.
Larry and Karen Mack were excited to be part of the cruise.
Larry Renwick chips on the ninth green.
Jacie Vandermeulen donned beer goggles for her tee shot on the first hole at the Jay Pierson Memorial Tournament.
Leah Bartel competed in the barrel racing event.
Reanna Taman watches her putt on the ninth green.
PRESENTS YOUR
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Estevan Literacy Group Pizza Fundraiser Tickets $30
DRAW EVERY TUESDAY AT 6:15PM ON
Every Saturday July 10- August 28
TICKETS: 1 FOR $10 3 FOR $25 8 FOR $50 20 FOR $100 www.EstevanBruins.com/ChaseTheAce LOTTERY LICENCE #LR21-0026
Night Market presented by the Downtown Business Association Every Thursday night Vendors | Live Music Food Booths
This coupon does not expire and is good for: 16” Pepperoni, Canadian, Hawaiian or Cheese Pizza at Michael’s in Estevan
Estevan Royal Canadian Legion
5th Annual Truck Raffle 1st prize: 2021 Ford F150 XLT 2nd prize: $10,000 cash 3rd prize: $5,000 cash 5 Early Bird Bonus Draws of $1,000 ea Draw date: Dec 31, 2021 @10 pm Early Bird Draw: Oct 2, 2021 @ 8 pm Tickets: $100.00 ea purchase at Senchuk Ford Sales or Legion Office
✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
Pet Valu Sask Liquor SaskTel Sobeys SportCheck Studio C Fitness
✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
The Catholic Women’s League
St. John the Baptist, Estevan 50/50 Raffle Up to $5,000 to be won Draw Date: October 5, 2021 Ticket Price; $10.00, each E-transfers accepted. Call Anita at 306-421-7538
ESTEVAN FARMERS MARKET
every Saturday from 8:30am - 1pm in the Estevan Market Mall parking lot.
September 9 11.30AM-1.30PM In support of the Family Center in Estevan!! Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks by donation! Hope to see you there!
Email details to dkittelson@estevanmercury.ca
Ardene Dollarama Eclipse Marks Nutters Peavey Mart
Bring your own mat and prebook through online portal https://www.omyogastudio.ca/schedule
3rd Annual Charity BBQ
ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT WITH A FUNDRAISER OR EVENT COMING UP? ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
9:30-10:45am - Slow and Steady Saturday at Fresh Air Fitness Yoga Platform - DONATION BASED CLASS with money raised going towards Fresh Air Fitness
The Brick The Source Tim Horton’s Warehouse One The Co-Operators
“Where Community Happens” 400 King Street 306.634.2444
www.estevanmercury.ca
August 11, 2021 A15
Young people enjoying family centre summer camps The Estevan Family Resource Centre (EFRC) has been doing its part to keep local youths entertained during the summer months. The EFRC has been offering summer programs that started on July 5 and will continue until Aug. 27. Under the direction of two longtime friends, Kishi Rioferio and Frances (Hapi) Aceron, the camps have a different theme each week, with hands-on activities such as crafts and artwork. This week, for example, is Olympics Week, in honour of the recently-completed Tokyo Summer Games. “Every day we do different sports, and we teach them how to play the sport. We thought of sports that they like, that they play, and we do different types of activities every single day to pro-
ceed with the theme of the week,” said Rioferio. The last camp was called the Super Summer Camp Challenge, which had obstacle courses in which the kids were split into teams. “They would also come up with the activities if we couldn’t come up with anything at the moment, and that’s what makes it fun,” Rioferio said. The camps also allow kids to participate in activities they normally wouldn’t enjoy. Most camps have two sessions a day: a morning class for those ages six to eight, and an afternoon one for those nine to 12 years old. Kids typically sign up for just two different weeks, but they have been allowed to come back as often as they like this summer. The maximum number of kids
they can accommodate is 12, and a normal week is 10 participants. Sometimes they will have one theme for the younger kids and another for the older youths. Aceron loves seeing how some kids will come out of their shell over the course of the week. After the past 17 months, some of the kids are shy, and are hesitant to play with their peers. “Seeing some kids be able to have fun and experience and learn stuff with their friends and play with them was great,” said Aceron. And the kids have been eager to get outside during the summer months. The family centre has been using an area where they can play games. The camps have several benefits, they said. The children get a
The summer camp programs offered by the Estevan Family Resource Centre have been enjoyed by local youths. Photo submitted
chance to unwind, make new friends and interact with others. And the bonus is they get to work with each other. “It’s definitely so much easier, and we’re just able to brainstorm ideas that much faster.
Working together with the kids, it’s a lot of fun, because being young ourselves, we’re able to make that connection with the kids. At the same time, they have fun and we have fun,” said Aceron. Rioferio and Aceron
said the kids have been eager to get out, especially the little kids, who enjoy such activities as Art Smarts and Around the World. “I love seeing the kids come out and have a good time,” said Aceron.
Busy days for the Estevan fire department The Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) received multiple calls over the past few days. This week started off with a busy Monday. In the morning, fire crews were called to a commercial fire alarm. Upon arrival, it was found that the dust triggered the alarm and no real emergency was occurring. “Extremely dry conditions out there. So it’s not unforeseen to see a few of these alarms whether people are tidying up and cleaning up around the shop environments,” explained Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser. The next call came in at about 12:30 p.m. Firefighters responded to the report of a boiler fire that was occurring in the basement of a home in the south-central area. Occupants had safely evacuated the home before firefighters’ arrival. The smoke was coming from the vents of the boiler, so crews made entry into the home and found that it was contained to the boiler. “We had SaskPower and SaskEnergy crews attend the scene, so we could isolate both power and natural gas to the boiler. It was contained to the boiler itself, and
it was allowed to burn out. We monitored potential temperatures until they went back to a safe level. At that time SaskEnergy had tagged out the faulty equipment and the homeowner was responsible for contacting a plumbing and heating company to repair or replace that particular heating device,” explained Feser. As soon as fire crews returned to the station, they were called out again. This time a semi-trailer tire caught on fire east of the city. Firefighters established traffic control. The operator used the fire extinguisher upon emergency crews’ arrival. However, when specialists used thermal imaging cameras, they were still picking up higher than normal temperatures on the brake drums, so they applied suppression streams to cool that down, thus succesfully extinguishing the fire. Other calls came in at the end of last week. On Friday at about 5 p.m., firefighters were called out to the report of a commercial fire alarm. The potential emergency was occurring on the northeast side of Estevan. Firefighters responded, however, the investigation conducted
upon arrival showed that the system went off due to excess dust. “They were vacuuming and a bunch of airborne dust had set the alarm into activation mode there. So crews were able to wrap things up and turn the scene back over to the cleaning staff,” Feser said. On Saturday at approximately 2.30 p.m., the EFRS responded to the report of a field fire that was occurring north of the city by Benson. Local farmers did a great job containing the fire, and firefighters were able to extinguish it without incident before it reached some freestanding crop. “Luckily for us, it was actually in a field that was just recently harvested so there was just stubble that was in there. And we were able to keep it from spreading to the unharvested fields,” Feser said. The cause of the fire
is still under investigation. Sunday also turned out fairly busy, as the EFRS members were first called to assist with an injured individual in the central area of the city. EMS arrived on scene and transported the patient to the hospital for further assessment. At about 12:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a two-vehicle collision with injuries that occurred at the intersection of Petterson Drive and King Street. One individual was transported to hospital. “There were substantial leaks as a result of the collision. Crews returned both vehicles to zero energy and cleaned up the fluid leaks, preventing a fire from occurring before turning it over to the towing company to retrieve the vehicles,” Feser said. Later on that evening, firefighters were
Celebrating 60 Years on August 12, 1961
called to a reported fire code violation that was occurring at a location at the north-central area of the city. Crews arrived on scene to find that there was indeed a fire code violation that was occurring as the emergency exit was blocked
off from the exterior. They talked to the staff and the violation was corrected. Fire crews were also involved with potential fire suppression duties on Friday and Saturday nights at the Estevan Motor Speedway.
Call today for a quote or book an appointment for your A/C check up!
Make sure their vehicle is Back to School ready and safe.
Bill And Shirlee Simpson
Memphis Rayne Fichter Tyler Fichter and Kim Hart would like to announce their new baby girl,
Love From your Family
Memphis Rayne Fichter Proud siblings are Blake and Tyson.
JULY
1
ST
2021
Derek & Betty, Anthony, Kiefer, Sarah, Cole & Taylor, Mark & Colleen, Austin, Kaitlyn, Parker, Bre & Mackenzie
DAUGHTER 7 lbs 1 oz
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• Collision Repair • Frame Repair • Glass Repair • Glass Replacement • Custom Paint • Sikkens Paint • Camper/RV Repair • Complete Autobody Repair & Painting • Courtesy Cars Available • Journeymen Technicians
You Bend ‘Em, We Mend ‘Em Lance Mack & Yansey Hagel
1010 6th Street, Estevan Phone: 306-634-6060
CLASSIFIEDS A16 | Wednesday, August 11, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca Announcements
In Memoriam
Recreational Vehicles
LAND FOR SALE
GREAT PRICES on new, used and re-manufactured engines, parts and accessories for diesel pickups. Large inventory, engines can be shipped or installed. Give us a call or check us out at www.thickettenginerebuilding.ca Thickett Engine Rebuilding. PH 204-532-2187 Russell, MB
Offers will be accepted for the purchase of the following farmland: NE and SE of 26-3-7-W2nd Offers may be made on one or both quarters. The highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted. Offers should be submitted to Billesberger Law Firm, 1017 Third Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A OR4, together with a cheque payable to the law firm for 5% of the tender price.
Farm Services
Land For Sale
A Funeral Mass for Rita Bezaire will be held on August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church in Estevan, Sask. Following the interment there will be a luncheon at the Taylorton Room at the Days Inn. Please call 306-421-1812, by August 4, 2021, if planning on attending the luncheon.
It’s as clear as the writing on the wall... Classifieds Sell!
Feed & Seed AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm pickup, prompt payment! TOP PRICES PAID IN SASK. Phone: 306-873-3006 or Visit AG-PRO website for bids: agproseeds.com FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942. NutraSun Foods Ltd, a premier flour mill located in Regina Sk, is now buying Organic & Conventional milling wheat. Contact a grain buyer at 306-751-2440 or 306751-2043 for pricing and delivery.
Vera Milford December 7, 1936 August 2, 2020 In Memoriam Your memory is our keepsake With which we will never part. God has you in his keeping We have you in our heart. Lovingly remembered by Stan & family
Notices / Nominations Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.
VANCOUVER ISLAND, PT help required with small animal farm. 2 bedroom suite, overlooking the Olympic Mountains and the Juan de Fuca Strait, available. Wages negotiable, would suit a retired farm couple. Email: briarglen@islandnet.com. View at: www.briarglen.com or call 250-642-2915.
motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season. Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca 1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED:
Extremely hardy, very high yielding, Awnless. Excellent Feed Wheat or Forage Variety. Low Inputs - High Profits Call 403-556-2609 In SK call 306-212-7822 or 306-642-8666 mastinseeds.com
Integrity Post Frame Buildings
I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.
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Share your news in the Estevan Mercury. Birthday Greetings Anniversary Wishes New Baby Graduation Announcements
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Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Math/Science Instructor Term, Full-Time
Career Opportunities
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED:
CERTIFIED PINTAIL WINTER WHEAT
FARMLAND WANTED
Tenders are to be submitted by August 25, 2021.
Late model winch trucks and trailers; dump trucks and pups. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, and camp shacks. Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must.
Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
Northlands College is seeking an Instructor for our Adult Basic Education Program. Candidates will have a Bachelor of Education with a major concentration in either Science or Math and a Professional A teaching certificate. The term is 195 days from August 18, 2021 to June 21, 2022. Areas of instruction may include the following 10, 20 or 30 level courses: Math Foundations, Workplace and Apprenticeship Math, Pre-Calculus, Science 10, Health Science 20, Environmental Science 20, Physical Science 20, Earth Science 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30. The Instructor position is located in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. Deadline for applications is Monday, August 16, 2021. Please reference competition number NLC-21-056 in all communications. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to hr@northlandscollege.sk.ca. You may also contact P. Coulson at (306) 425-4324 for a full position profile or for any inquiries on the Instructor position. Salary Range is $63,092 to $91,232 for the 195-day term. Salary is dependent on years of experience and level of education.
English Language Arts Instructor Permanent, Full-Time
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Northlands College is seeking an Instructor for our Adult Basic Education Program. Candidates will have a Bachelor of Education with a major concentration in English Language Arts and a Professional A teaching certificate. The position is a permanent, full-time opportunity with the College. Areas of instruction may include the following 10, 20 or 30 level courses: ELA A or ELA B, Native Studies or other courses as assigned. The Instructor position is located in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. Deadline for applications is Monday, August 16, 2021. Please reference competition number NLC-21-057 in all communications. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to hr@northlandscollege.sk.ca. You may also contact P. Coulson at (306) 425-4324 for a full position profile or for any inquiries on the Instructor position. Salary Range is $64,711 to $93,571 per year. Salary is dependent on years of experience and level of education.
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www.estevanmercury.ca
August 11, 2021 A17
Celebrating summer with music on Kenosee beach puts her feelings out there in a song for a type of Moose Mountain coping mechanism. Robertson had a pasProvincial Park organized sion for music at an early a concert on the beach last age. She started with the Thursday evening featurfiddle when she was six ing the local band Bros. with Michele Amy and Chester and Morgan Robplayed for 10 years. ertson out of Carlyle. “I got into guitar and Robertson is a singer was always singing in the and songwriter from Carcar, and then I started taklyle. Her song Goodbye ing music a little more seTrain was one of five riously over the past five winning songs for the or six years when I was Henhouse Express Jr. 12 or 13 years old,” exContest. This contest was plains Robertson. “Songa way to give young and writing just came along up-and-coming recording with that.” artists the experience of Robertson, who just having some fun recordgraduated this year, plans ing music. Her song aired on heading to Saskatoon recently on CJ 1150 radio. to apprentice in the elec“Maybe there will trical field. be more to come … that There’s a lot of music would be exciting,” says in Saskatoon so she hopes Robertson. to continue with her muDuring her perforsic career as well. mance on the beach, she Robertson goes on to played seven originals explain: and three cover songs. “I won the Sask. She explains that inCountry Music Associaspiration for her original tion Youth Bursary this songs comes from peryear, which is given to sonal experiences. She By Laura Kish
a promising youth to go towards music. I put the money towards a sound system.” She was asked: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” “I don’t know, I’ll just let life take me where it takes me…one day at a time.” Next up was the feature band of the evening, Bros. Chester. Bros. Chester bandmates Ed Fahlman (bass guitar), Mark Krull (rhythm guitar), Kevin Shultz (baritone guitar/ mandolin) and Aaron Pritchard (drums) took over the makeshift stage at Kenosee Lake. The show was celebrated by the large crowd of familiar faces while the band played a variety of country and classic rock. “It’s nice to see live music again and get out and about,” says Ed Fahlman, owner of Kenosee Inn and spokesperson for the band. “Everything is
starting to happen again.” “It’s a chance for people to get together again, it’s a wonderful thing.” The gang got together for a rehearsal the night before the event. Fahlman says there’s no need to practise too much ahead of time because Pritchard and Shultz are very good musicians. All the guys have played for a lot of years. “The last time we played together was a year ago at the concert on
the beach last August.” In conjunction with the concert, the Kenosee Lions were in charge of the beer gardens for a way to hold a fundraising event as well. Guitar player Krull also commented: “It was a gorgeous night; the weather couldn’t have been better and it was great to see everyone out.” Krull says even after all these years perform-
ing on stage in front of a crowd, he does still get nervous. “Absolutely every time until the first song is over and then it’s clear sailing. It’s good nerves though.” Bros. Chester gave a great performance, playing a variety of favorites by well-known artists, a handful of their favourite tunes by The Eagles as well as other rock songs and country songs.
Bros. Chester bandmates Mark Krull (rhythm guitar), Ed Fahlman (bass guitar), Aaron Pritchard (drums) and Kevin Shultz (guitar) performed at Kenosee Lake on the beach on July 29. Photo by Laura Kish
Two more provincial ball tournaments for Estevan
Morgan Robertson of Carlyle sings some original songs at Kenosee’s Music in the Park. Photo by Laura Kish
The Estevan Minor Baseball Association is going to host a pair of provincial tournaments from Aug. 13-15 at Mel Murray Cactus Park. The under-11 (U11) AA Tier 4 provincial tournament will bring seven teams to Estevan, and the U15 AA Tier 4 tournament will offer six teams. The host Estevan U11 AA Brewers, which is Estevan’s age rep.
You Bend’Em We Mend’Em
team, will be in a pool with the Weyburn Beavers and the Saskatoon Blue Jay Knockouts. They will play both of their round robin games on Aug. 13, versus Weyburn at 2 p.m. and Saskatoon at 4 p.m. The other pool will boast the Lumsden Cubs, Maidstone Lakers, Rosetown Angels and Eston Ramblers. The playoffs will begin in the afternoon
of Aug. 14, and continue on Aug. 15, with the gold medal game at 1 p.m. on Aug. 15. The U15 AA tournament will see the Estevan Brewers face the Saskatoon Cardinals at 2 p.m. on Aug. 13 and the Canora Royals at noon on Aug. 14. The U15 Brewers will be comprised of players from Estevan’s U15 house leagues. Also competing
will be the Pilot Butte Broncos, the Regina Blue Jays and the Regina White Sox. The playoffs will be contested on Aug. 15. If a tie-breaker is needed, the championship game will be at 2 p.m.; if there isn’t a tie-breaker, it will be at 1 p.m. Opening ceremonies will be at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13. Kevin Culy will toss out the first pitch.
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Where do sheep go on vacation?
Where do sheep go on vacation?
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DRAW THE MIRROR IMAGE OF THE PICTURE YOU SEE
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August 11, 2021 A19
The rewards of faith
Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1971 The Estevan Knights of Columbus Bantam Girls softball team won the provincial title in a four-team final tournament in Moose Jaw to earn the Mary McDonald trophy, which was held by Moose Jaw Esso Queens the previous season. Team members were, back row, from left, Frank deBoth, Janet Bill, Linda Mickalishen, Elizabeth deBoth, Robbie Shinske and Frank John. Middle row, Glenda Walter, Brenda Broadhead and Janice Bird. Front row, Tracey Banks, Shelley Drader, Jackie John, James deBoth (bat boy) and Joan Thieven.
Last weekend brought a gift to some of us. Normally commonplace on the West Coast, rain didn’t reign this year. As thousands of acres of forest have been consumed this summer by drought, much prayer has ascended to God in the form of pleas for rain. We actually had a bit on Aug. 6, not nearly enough to turn our grass green again, but we had rain. I hesitate to say much about causes and conclusions, given the reality of climate change, but in so many sectors of life, God often graciously intervenes in difficult circumstances. Here’s a great illustration: “One day John Wesley was walking with a troubled man who expressed his doubt as to the goodness of God. He said, “I do not know what I shall do with all this worry and trouble.” At the same moment, Wesley saw a cow looking over a stone wall. “Do you know,” asked Wesley, “why that cow is looking over the wall?” “No,” said the man, who was wor-
Linda Wegner Words of Worth ried. Wesley said, “The cow is looking over the wall because she cannot see through it. That is what you must do with your wall of trouble—look over it and avoid it….” (Source: Knight’s Master Book of New Illustrations, Walter B. Knight) I recall as a young person some preachers lured people into trusting God for rewards. There were those who proclaimed that good health, satisfying relationships, monetary prosperity and all other good things automatically came along with serving Christ. Oh yes, those benefits also required one condition: sending those folks regular and generous offerings. Thankfully I also learned as a young person that Scripture has something very different to say. Faith isn’t pretending that problems don’t exist, it isn’t trying to bargain for what we want, it’s believing God to be with us in all circumstances.
RM of Estevan looking for a new reeve The RM of Estevan is holding a by-election for its reeve position. A call for nominations for the role was issued Aug. 4. The previous reeve, Terry Keating, resigned on April 15, as he has moved out-
side of the province. Keating was elected as the RM’s reeve in the October 2016 election, defeating then-incumbent Kelly Lafrentz. Keating was acclaimed to another term as reeve in the November 2020
civic election. Deputy Reeve Don Hilstrom has been serving as the acting reeve since Keating’s departure. Nomination forms can be picked up at the RM office or via the
RM’s website. Filled-out forms must include the candidate’s name, address and occupation, and must have two nominators who are ratepayers in the RM. Candidates must also include a public disclosure statement with the nomination forms, stating any corporate interests, partnerships or similar information. the major passing lane The forms will be and paving work, and accepted during the they are fully opened up RM’s regular business for traffic. hours until the final day There is still some to submit nominations side slope cleanup and on Aug. 25. seeding remaining, The by-election for which is anticipated to reeve is slated for Sept. be done in early August. 29.
Majority of work complete on Highway 39 passing lanes The passing lane project for Highway 39 between Estevan and the junction with Highway 6 continues to make progress. In an email to the Mercury, Patrick Book with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure said that for the passing lanes from Weyburn to Estevan, the contractor has completed all
the major passing lane and paving work and has fully opened it up for traffic. They also have side slope cleanup, seeding and minor work remaining, which is scheduled to be completed by the middle of August. For the passing lanes from Milestone to Weyburn, the contractor has also completed all
Former RM of Estevan Reeve Terry Keating. File photo.
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Running like the wind Keri Lee zips down the rodeo at the Estevan Exhibition grounds aboard her horse during the Fountain Tire barrel racing extravaganza held on Saturday and Sunday. Competitors showcased their skills both days.
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