Estevan Mercury 20211229

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- 2021See PAGES A10-11 for our choices for the top 10 stories of the year.

Do you remember?

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

A look back at 2021.

READ IT ONLINE AT

Do you remember what happened in 2021?

- A look back -

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JANUARY A2

| Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Happy New Year! y a Make w Crescent Point is proud to be part of for 2022! your community. ! r a e Y w e N y Happ

Joy, Peace, Happiness, & All Best Wishes for the New Year

We’re so grateful to be celebrating another year here with all of you. Thanks for your loyal support.

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January is typically known for cold temperatures, harsh winds, storms and plenty of time spent indoors.

That was the case this year, but there was plenty of other events and activities.

An abandoned Second World War-era airplane found just outside of Estevan received a second life, thanks to a group of friends led by Estevan's Lester Hinzman. Just before Christmas, Hinzman finalized another project, giving a new home and a new purpose to a training Avro Anson. The plane was on display at Hinzman's yard south of Estevan.

Warren Michael, who is also known as The Old Man, came to Estevan and other southeast Saskatchewan communities in early January as part of a cross-country walk, aimed at attracting attention and raising funds for veterans and other causes. He carried a wooden, nine-foot cross that weighed 80-100 pounds.

The fourth annual Festival of Lights at the Woodlawn Regional Park wrapped up Jan. 8. Many dropped by during the Christmas season to view the festive displays.

A cougar was spotted in a tree at the dog park inside Woodlawn Regional Park on Jan. 5. Nobody was injured, and the cat eventually moved on.

The City of Estevan and 8 Rivers Capital were awarded a grant to undertake

a feasibility study for commercial-scale NET Power facility deployment. NET Power's Allam-Fetvedt

cycle technology combusts natural gas with oxygen, as opposed to air, and uses supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a working fluid to drive the turbine and produce zeroemission electricity.

J o d i a n d Ty l e r Werner of Lampman became the proud mother and father of Emmett Timothy Werner, the first baby born at St. Joseph's Hospital in 2021.

Emmett was born at 12:03 p.m. on Jan. 7. He weighed in at nine pounds, 4.8 ounces, and measured 21 inches in length. Dr. Mark Wahba, a former Estevan resident now practising in Saskatoon, was hailed as a hero after his quick thinking while working in the emergency room of the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

He suspected carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in a patient and asked the fire department to check CO levels in the building. Fifty people were evacuated and 29 were sent to hospital due to a CO leak, but nobody died.

Emergency crews were dispatched to a rollover 20 kilometres north of Estevan on Highway 47 on Jan. 20, in which a vehicle left the road surface and ended up in the east ditch. A 61-yearold Lampman man died in the accident.

A former Bienfait resident, Amber Dawn Wheeler, was the first homicide victim of the year in Regina. Four people were charged in connection with her death.

The City of Estevan announced the launch of a new naming rights and sponsorship campaign, since Affinity Place was approaching 10 years since it opened.

Affinity Credit Union has since stepped forward to retain the naming rights for at least three more years. Some naming rights have been renewed, and others have been gobbled up, but some are still available.

The Estevan Police Association and the Estevan board of police commissioners announced a new three-year contract, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2019. It included a 5.4 per cent wage increase over the three years. Mediation and an arbitration board

was needed to reach the deal. The pact expires on Dec. 31, 2021.

Former Estevan resident Michaella Matthies had her number drawn and won the $322,945 jackpot prize for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation's 50-50 draw during a game on Jan. 26.

Matthies was residing in Alberta, so she was eligible to win.

Alida resident D a v e C a r r i e re won the $602,000 jackpot in the Sas-

katchewan Roughrider Foundation's Chase the Ace draw in late January.

When his name was drawn for a chance to win, he picked card No. 37, and that was the card for the ace of spades. St. Joseph's Hospital announced the arrival of Dr. Victor Temenu, an obstetrician-gynecologist who started his practice Jan. 25 at the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Clinic. Hospital Executive director Greg Hoffort said the hospital was happy to have Temenu in Estevan and to fill the important specialist role.

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February brought the traditional frigid temperatures, but people still had lots of activities to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors.

And a beloved annual Saskatchewan event wrapped up the month.

The Estevan Humane Society hosted a successful, virtual W hiskers and W ine Gala in mid-February. People enjoyed a take-home supper and then watch a live auction in a virtual format.

Lampman farmer Chad Mokelky pleaded guilty to a charge under the Animal Protection Act for causing or permitting an animal to be in distress. Two similar Criminal Code charges were stayed.

He was fined $7,200 and assessed a victim surcharge of $2,800.

Estevan Bowl member Monique Ley was named the Female Bowler of the Year for 2020 by the Canadian 10-Pin Federation. While there were limited opportunities for competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was still able to bowl a perfect game, compete in tournaments a n d h a ve t h e high aver age for the season in Estevan.

The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum brought its InsideOut outdoor exhibit back to Woodlawn Regional Park, except with a new winter twist and a different artist. Chantel Schultz, who was working as an intern at the EAGM, created a couple of exhibits as part of Inside-Out. Arcola-area rancher Chris Lees had some special guests in his home Feb. 14.

The Arcola-area rancher brought three newborn calves from his farm into his house, giving them a chance to warm up and stay out of the extreme cold.

There were a couple of southeast Saskatchewan curlers at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts national women's event, which was held in Calgary under a bubble format. Oxbow's Chaelynn Kitz was part of Sherry Anderson's Team Saskatchewan rink. And Val Sweeting, who was born in Redvers and grew up in Maryfield, was on Kerri Einarson's Team Canada, who won the event for the second straight year.

Travis Patron, who is the leader of the Canadian Nationalist Party, was charged

with willful promotion of hate under the Criminal Code on Feb. 17, following an investigation that lasted nearly two years. An investigation started in June 2019, when Carlyle RCMP received a report from the Canadian Anti-Hate Network regarding an alleged anti-Semitic video on YouTube

with comments from Patron.

He was arrested twice in 10 days in March for incidents at the Redvers branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and held in custody.

Local emergency crews had a prolonged response to a situation in west Estevan on Feb. 20. Officers were called to a disturbance. Spike belts were deployed in certain areas to prevent the vehicle from escaping the area, and a crisis negotiator was brought in. A woman was taken into custody with several charges.

Estevan city council approved the 2021 budget at the Feb. 22 meeting, following final discussions about the document's contents, including

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third-party grants to different organizations in the community. The budget did not include a mill rate increase or a consumption rate increase on utility bills.

A 52-year-old pedestrian was killed Feb. 22 after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 9 on the White Bear First Nation. Initial investigation revealed a truck was travelling south on the highway when it allegedly struck the pedestrian who was walking on the southbound lane. The driver stopped and attempted lifesaving efforts until emergency responders arrived.

The City of Estevan extended an invitation to Tesla founder Elon Musk to come to Estevan to see the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at SaskPower's Boundary Dam Power Station, after Musk sent out a tweet looking for the best carbon capture technology. While Musk didn't reply it did give the local facility a boost in publicity.

The first doses of the COVID-19 vac-

cine in Estevan were administered in the final days of the month. COVID cases were low in Estevan for the first year of the pandemic, so the Energy City was among the last to have a clinic for those eligible to receive the vaccine.

Doses were also administered for

other healthcare facilities in Estevan.

Saskatchewan's Kinsmen and Kinettes held Telemiracle 45 on Feb. 27 and 28, and it was a Telemiracle unlike any other.

Despite changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the off-air total was $5,630,215.

People from across the province provided virtual entertainment for the broadcast.

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EDITORIAL A4

| Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Staff SERVING CANADA’S SUNSHINE CAPITAL Publisher / Sales

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EDITORIAL

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Where have the past 12 months gone?

We know we say this every year, but it seems like just yesterday we were talking about the end of a year, and the start of another one.

That was 12 months ago.

Twelve months ago, we were bidding a fond farewell to 2020, and looking forward with optimism to 2021. After all, 2021 couldn’t be any worse than 2020 for society in general, right?

Now we’re at the end of 2021, and while we’re not going to be quite so eager to see this year end, there’s still a lot of people who will be excited when Jan. 1, 2022, arrives.

We’ve learned a lot in the past 12 months and we’ve experienced so much.

Remember the anticipation due to the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine? It was supposed to be the beginning of the end of the pandemic, and it was to usher in the return to normal.

Here we are, a year later, and thanks to lower than expected vaccination rates in many areas, and the premature lifting of restrictions in the summer, we had to encounter the worst wave of the pandemic Saskatchewan has experienced thus far.

Now, with the Omicron variant on the radar, we are talking more and more about booster shots.

Still, with the vaccine, we’re in a better position than we were a year ago, and we’ve been able to have get-togethers this Christmas season and enjoy greater freedoms.

If you’re weary of wearing masks, or you’re hoping to see the vaccine passport come to an

end, they’ll be here for a while yet.

Thankfully, this year was about so much more than the pandemic, the pros and cons of abandoning restrictions, and the rise and fall of case numbers.

We have an interconnected pathway and sidewalk system in Estevan. Walking in Estevan has never been easier or safer.

Remember the days when you would take your life into your hands if you had to walk on Kensington Avenue? Those days are mercifully over.

Other areas that weren’t so safe to walk now have a place to stroll. And you can walk around the city, giving even long-time residents the chance to see things around the perimeter of Estevan that they maybe haven’t seen before.

We look forward to seeing lots of people out on the pathways and sidewalk of Estevan in the future.

This is a project that wouldn’t have happened without federal and provincial support, and we’re thankful to have received that money.

It’s not every day we get to thank this federal government for a decision they make.

We certainly weren’t thanking the feds for calling the federal election. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the snap election in an effort to secure a majority government. It cost $616 million to wind up with essentially the status quo.

On a better note, we’ve had constant reminders about how awesome this region is and how generous the people are. We talk about it a lot, but there are so many organizations that benefit so much from support of the community, and they’re able to offer great programs that enrich the lives of others.

And if there’s a family in need, we’re there to support them as well.

We were excited to hear that planning work would begin on a new regional nursing home.

There’s still a lot that needs to happen before our new nursing home is built, but at least this was a glimmer of hope after waiting for more than six years for the government to come to the table.

It’s also been encouraging to hear talk about economic development and downtown revitalization, and there is reason for optimism for our economy thanks to the price of oil being at its highest level in nearly seven years.

It’s been a year filled with triumphs and tragedies, joy and tribulations, excitement and dread. Some people went through some incredibly difficult times and others had their resolve tested. We have some fresh faces in important roles in town.

We’ve accomplished a lot. We’ve been through a lot. The Mercury has been able to share a lot with you, our readers. And we look forward to sharing more stories with you next year.

New year, new us? What are we looking forward to in the new 2022 year?

And just like that, we are wrapping up another pandemic year.

This year, we became more accustomed to this hardy virus and it has almost turned into a routine rather than nonsense as it felt in its first year. But it still was taking up a lot of space in the talks, minds and lives.

So let's try again, let's hope for a new beginning in 2022. The new beginning and new us, more aware of the enemy, with immune systems that know how to fight it, with big plans and big hopes that go beyond the pandemic.

After all, the upcoming year promises a lot of excitement for us here in Estevan and for the world in general.

Locally, the downtown revitalization will see further progress, making the city more attractive, more comfortable and more joyful to live in. Outside North America, downtowns are often the places to be. European big-city downtowns are gorgeous, loud and filled with happiness 24/7. Small communities there also put a lot of effort into keeping their downtowns beautiful, attractive and alive.

Downtowns feel safe and welcoming.

There are a lot of business opportunities, and people just want to be there. It's something Estevan is aiming at, and I really look forward to seeing more progress in that area. Outside simple esthetics, downtown revitalization, along with other initiatives, could potentially help bring in more businesses and more people, keeping the city flourishing.

And I know it's been a big hope for many people who've been born and raised here, and those who made Estevan their home and sincerely love this community.

The spring will also bring some of the best

are, and Omicron proves to be another little bump on the road, there is still a good chance of us to start getting out of the pandemic mid2022 with COVID-19 being still dangerous, Twenty Lines but well under control, something similar to About… seasonal flu. And that scenario promises a lot of excitement as well with more travelling and young hockey players and their fans from all thus more international events and activities, across the country over to the Energy City, fill- gradual economic recovery and development, ing it with life and excitement, as Estevan will new plans and projects.

I'm also sure that we all have some perbe hosting the 2022 Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by sonal goals and dreams to look forward to in the new year.

Tim Hortons, in May. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that evI'm sure many other big events will make a return in the new year. As we find our way erything goes by the plan and I will finally be around the pandemic, we'll be able to once able to have my family come over for a visit. It again enjoy more live music and entertain- will be the first time since I came to Canada ment, more events and activities, more projects, and it will be my opportunity to show them the tournaments and get-togethers. It's too early great city, beautiful province and the gorgeous to guess which of them are coming back this country I live in now. Another milestone I look upcoming year, and which may choose to wait forward to is becoming a Canadian citizen. It's a bit longer, but I have no doubts that we'll see been a long and sometimes thorny road, and I'm now nearing the finish line, probably just a way more dynamic agenda in 2022.

I'm pretty confident winter will keep ev- to come up with the next new big adventure, eryone occupied with sports. And come spring but I'm really looking forward to it.

I also can't wait to see some of my friends and summer, it will just get busier and busier.

I personally hope to see the Innovation that live in different provinces, explore more Conference and Trade Show coming to life North American national parks, dive into one way or the other. I'd love to see another more local events and come across many new edition of Rafferty Rumble or another similar great stories.

I know the new year will be exciting, esevent coming to Estevan during the hot sumpecially if we start it on a positive note. mer days.

And even if this New Year's Eve is still not I expect that the Souris Valley Theatre will be able to offer another great list of per- exactly the way you wanted it, thank the last formances and shows. And I'm sure there will year for all the good it's brought, leave the bad be some new initiatives and ideas coming to behind and focus on all the highlights, dreams light, as no pandemic can kill local ingenuity and wishes that you have for the year to come.

I wish all of them to come true! and love for life and entertainment.

Happy New Year!

Globally, if things keep going the way they

Ana Bykhovskaia

Roxanne Stevenson

MARCH A5

Owner, REALTOR® 306.421.8803 | 306.634.1020 Specializing in Residential Real Estate & Property Management.

| Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Happy New Year!

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March was a month that put the southeast region in the spotlight, in more ways than one. And a popular annual tradition made its return at the end of the month, even if it was a different fashion than normal.

The St. Joseph's Healthcare Auxiliary presented a cheque for $85,057.20 to St. Joseph's Hospital on March 5. With the payment, the auxiliary paid off the 38 new beds that it purchased for the hospital's long-term care ward in 2019. The beds had a total cost of $255,057.

Popular Saskatchewan travel writer Ashlyn George, who operates the Lost Girl's Guide to Finding the World blog, was in Estevan in early March to explore the best the Energy City has to offer at that time of year.

She was invited to explore the area by Tourism Estevan. She saw some of the Estevan area's most well-known sites and hidden gems, and on her Instagram account, said "Estevan is a mecca for those who love the outdoors!"

Estevan photographer Mar y Jacobs took the top spot in the wildlife categor y at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's (SWF) annual photography contest, for a photo of a couple of pheasants in a field.

She is well-known locally for her skills with a camera, and

she chaired the Estevan Exhibition Association's domestics show for many years.

As a result of an ongoing investigation into allegations of a sexual assault and other offences, the Estevan Police Ser vice announced March 18 it had laid charges against two people, Andrew James Young, 39, and Lindy Erin Darling, 37. Both were charged with sexual assault, assault and forcible confinement, and Young was also charged with sexual interference, administering a noxious substance and uttering threats.

They were also facing charges in connection with a drug bust in November 2019.

C o v e n a n t E n e r g y, a southeast Saskatchewanbased company, announced plans on March 18 to build a renewable diesel fuel processing plant in southern Saskatchewan. It would produce 6,500 barrels a day and have 300-325 million litres per year of production capacity. Finished fuels would include renewable diesel, arcticgrade renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

A rally was held in downtown Estevan March 20 that attracted about 40-50 people

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who were looking to see an end to pandemic-related lockdowns and restrictions. They toted signs and waved at passing motorists as part of what was labelled as a freedom rally.

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service received a surge of calls on March 22. They were called to an electrical motor fire in central Estevan, a residential fire alarm, a significant shop fire west of Estevan and smoke in a restaurant in central Estevan.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's (SJHL) proposal to resume play under a bubble format was denied by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, ending the 2020-21 season, which had a f e w games in November 2020. The league created a return to play committee, which was tasked with creating a plan to have the season resume. Games would have been played in Weyburn, with t h e E s tevan Bruins one of seven teams that would have participated.

Celebrate

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Estevan saw its last mobile blood donor clinic on March 23.

Many

federal government, to the cha-

other communities across Saskatchewan and all over the country have had their mobile clinics discontinued. The decision to cut the number of mobile c l i n i c d e s t i n ations was made on the federal level by Canadian Blood Services.

In a 6-3 decision on March 25, the Supreme Court of Can- ada voted to uphold the federal carbon tax.

The governments of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario had taken the federal government to court regarding the feds' ability to impose a carbon tax on those three provinces, but the Supreme Court sided with the

grin of many in the southeast.

Emde Land and Cattle was presented with the prestigious Farm Family of the Year Award on March 30 at the Emdes' farm outside of Midale. The Emdes were selected to win the Farm Family honour in 2020, but the presentation was shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emdes have enjoyed a long and successful history of farming in the southeast, with a fourth generation now involved with the farm.

The United Way Estevan celebrated the support it received from the community at its annual general meeting on March 31. The meeting had inperson and virtual components.

Audited financial statements showed the United Way had $387,237 in donations and pledges for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020.

S a s k Po w er's carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at the Boundary Dam Power Station attained another milestone March 30, as it eclipsed more than four million tonnes of carbon d i o x i d e ( CO 2 ) captured since operations began in October 2014.

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Wishing your tomorrow be more prosperous, happy and successful than yesterday and today.

Happy New Year!

Winter made a late return to the Estevan area in April, to the chagrin of some and the delight of others.

Still, it was a busy month that had some memorable moments.

A little more than $40,000 was raised for Mason Wigley and his fight against lymphoma during a Facebook auction, which ran for 48 hours from March 30-April 1. More than 1,700 people were part of the Facebook group auction page, and they had 204 items to bid on.

St. Joseph's Hospital announced the arrival of Dr. Simranjit Chhabra, a family physician, who started her practice April 1 at the Estevan Primacy Medical Clinic, located at the No Frills grocery store. Chhabra brought more than 14 years of experience in family medicine and emergency medicine to Estevan.

The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division and the South East Cornerstone Public School Division announced on April 1 they would be moving to remote, online learning for a couple of weeks after spring break in April, due to rising positive cases of COVID-19, including the variants of concern (VOC).

Many schools in the southeast would have disruptions in April and May. The provincial budget, released on April 6, had lots of good news for Estevan. It had a commitment for planning for a new Estevan Regional Nursing Home, fund-

ing for a Police and Crisis Team for the Estevan Police Service, and support for an expansion of the addictions

HAPPY

NEW Year!

May the new year bless you with Health and Happiness.

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treatment centre at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Estevan received a late blast of winter on April 11 and 12, as a winter storm

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dumped rain and snow on the city.

Travel became hazardous, with travel not recommended advisories for local highways. But the moisture was welcomed by local farmers.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced funding for the creation of a new early years family resource centre in Estevan, with plans to open as early as September.

The new centre was developed through community partnerships led by the South East Cornerstone School Division (SECPSD).

Local folkAmericana duo L ast Birds, compr ised of husband and wife tandem Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis of North Portal, released their debut self-titled EP on April 16. The new project follows Arnold's and Davis' success with the folk trio Hook & Nail.

Two people were arrested after members of the Estevan Police Service were called to what they called a "large collision scene" just after

306-634-7101 601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK

midnight on April 18. The incident occurred in the 600-block of Eva Street. Six parked vehicles were struck and four

Oxbow's Tanner Jeannot, a forward with the NHL's Nashville Predators, scored his first career NHL goal in Nashville's 7-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 13.

Jeannot scored on a rebound with 5:26 to play in the third period.

It was also Jeannot's first point in the NHL. Tourism Estevan and the Souris Valley Museum announced the Guided Historical Walking Tour's return in mid-April.

The tour gives visitors a chance to explore the streets of Estevan and learn about the rich history and interesting stories that lie in the buildings in central Estevan. The St. Joseph's Healthcare Auxiliary presented a cheque for $200,000 to St. Joseph's Hospital on April 21. The money came through a donation from the estate of Tom and Irma Trofimenkoff, as well as a member agency allocation from the United Way Estevan.

A virtual edition of the Estevan and District Music Festival was held from April 11-17. It showcased piano, instrumental and vocal and speech arts skills of local youths.

Estevan's Taeghan Hack had a memorable first year playing water polo in the NCAA. She was named to the all-conference freshman team for the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA).Then her Salem University team won their first-ever WWPA championship on April 25 to advance to nationals.

yards were damaged.

In what became a recurring issue in the spring, Pro-Life Estevan and Area announced plans to have three sponsored benches in Estevan parks. The benches would have the pro-life logo and the slogan "Always Loved." But after complaints from people in the community, the issue was discussed at a few meetings of Estevan city council, and eventually resulted in council passing a policy regarding sponsorships of city amenities.

Wishing you a most merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Dream big and make the best of 2022.

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Thanks to nice weather for most of the month, people were eager to get outside and enjoy the month of May. In an encouraging sign, a number of events were also held during the month.

A member of the Estevan RCMP arrested two motorists travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 39/18 towards Bienfait on May 1.

The two vehicles were travelling side by side on the two-lane, divided highway. One car was travelling at 214 kilometres an hour and the other car at 190 km/h. The speed limit is 110 km/h.

A surge in COVID-19 cases in the Estevan area forced the City of Estevan to temporarily close the Estevan Leisure Centre on May 5. In the previous week, the leisure centre had seen a sharp increase in the number of cases linked to variants of concern.

The Estevan Downtown Business Association held its firstever Thursday night market on May 6.

A variety of vendors turned out to the market, located in the parking lot behind the RBC Estevan branch, to sell their products.

Live music was also offered.

The Estevan Farmers' Market Association, which has been part of the community for many years, held its first sale of the year two days later at the Estevan Market Mall.

The Southeast Military Museum, the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and volunteers placed small Canadian flags at the tombs of veterans buried at the Estevan City Cemetery and the Souris Valley

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Memorial Gardens on May 8. The initiative occurred on the 76th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in 1945, when Germany surrendered.

Two residents from the long-term care facility at St. Joseph's Hospital turned 100 years old in May. Selma Gall had her centennial on May 10. Cornelius Lucey, mainly known as Father Lucey, celebrated his birthday on May 15.

Carlyle Mayor Jenn Sedor reflected on her battles and the experiences of her family with the COVID-19 virus in April and May. She discussed the health challenges they faced and how they were still dealing with after effects several weeks after their diagnosis.

The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division announced on May 12 a pilot program, developed in conjunction with Hockey Canada, would be offered in two schools in the division, including Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur, for the 2021-22 school year.

Several students from the Estevan Comprehensive School earned medals at the high school Skills Canada provincials, which were held virtually this year. Shay Frederick (hairstyling) and Waneeke Baptiste (two-

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dimensional character computer animation) won gold medals and competed in national virtual events. Also competing at provincials were Graeson Nelson and Kurt Balbeuna.

They won a bronze medal in video production.

Hockey Canada announced on May 18 that the 2022 Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by Tim Hortons, would be staying in Estevan.

The previous two editions of the national tournament had been cancelled, and there was speculation on whether the 2022 tournament in Estevan would remain here or go to Pentiction, B.C., which was to host the 2021 competition.

The Estevan Mercury was recognized at the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Awards, which were announced during a virtual ceremony on May 17. In the General Excellence Awards, the Mercury took home top spot for the best editorial page in its class, and finished second in the best overall newspaper competition.

A couple of parents, backed by about four dozen online supporters, made a plea to the South East Cornerstone Public School Division's board members to eliminate the mask mandate in schools during the board's May 19 meeting.

The Ceres Global Ag. Corp. announced plans on May 25 to build a $350 million integrated canola processing facility at its Northgate terminal to help meet the current and

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growing global demand for canola products.

The facility will have an annual capacity to process 1.1 million metric tonnes of canola and refine over 500,000 metric tonnes of canola oil, for both food and fuel.

Stoughton Central School Grade 11 student Jessica Baumgartner placed third in the high school category of the national Speaker's Idol competition on May 26, for her speech on sexual assault. The national contest was hosted by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, and drew over 300 submissions from across Canada.

The St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's Radiothon for Life, held May 26, raised $159,077 in just 12 hours on May 26. The money will cover the expenses of opening a new outpatient care centre at the hospital.

The United Way Estevan's Day of Caring was held May 26. A total of 22 projects were completed by more than 120 volunteers during the annual initiative, with businesses, groups and individuals chipping in.

The common areas at Creighton Lodge in Estevan opened for the first time in over a month on May 26. The lodge had a COVID outbreak in April, with 10 cases diagnosed.

The Estevan Motor Speedway held its first regular program on May 30. Due to restrictions that kept the Canada-U.S. border and the SaskatchewanManitoba border closed, the five classes offered – the slingshots, and the IMCA hobby stock, sport mod, stock car and modified classes – were almost entirely Saskatchewan drivers.

How can I cope with Burnout?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines pandemic fatigue as being “demotivated” and exhausted with the demands of life. Here’s a key fact: Pandemic fatigue is completely natural.

At the beginning of the pandemic, our short-term survival skills kicked in. Fear keeps us motivated.

But over time, fear subsides and frustration grows.

What burnout looks like can vary from one person to the next, but here are some common symptoms.

• Feeling cynical and emotionally exhausted. Two of the most common burnout symptoms are feeling emotionally drained and cynical about the world around you.

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• Being less effective on the job. Burnout happens when you’ve run out of personal resources. Self-doubt creeps in and, over time, you may not be able to pay as much attention to work tasks.

• Having a deep sense of anxiety about the future. Your anxiety may be related to your own future or the future of your community and the wider world. When things are unpredictable, people often feel they have no control over their lives.

• Being less willing to comply with health guidelines.

What can you do? Concentrating on the things that we can control helps to limit the sense of being overwhelmed.

As individuals, we can only control our own thoughts, actions and behaviours which in turn helps us to stay present.

• To cope with burnout, try building connections and sharing experiences with those close to you. Reaching out to a professional counsellor, support line or even a family member or friends can decrease loneliness and isolation whether in-person, over the phone or virtually.

• Focus on engaging the senses through mindfulness to help remain in the present. For example, during your morning coffee you can be more present by asking yourself what color is it, how does it taste, what temperature is it, what does the mug look like, what sounds do you notice around you?

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• Another strategy is the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method to quiet the mind. Focus on 5 things that can be seen, 4 things that can be touched, 3 things that can be heard, 2 things that can be smelled and 1 thing that can be tasted. Focus on as many details in each stage as possible to increase the benefits.

• Lastly, engage in self-compassion. Remind yourself that it is normal to operate differently than usual. This may include taking a break to be alone, practicing positive affirmations or nurturing friendships. These things may be challenging to begin with when experiencing burnout but starting small and building up can help.

If you need someone to talk to, contact Envision Counselling and Support Centre to find out more about our rapid access programs such as Rapid Access Counselling and Bridging the Distance. These programs accommodate both in-person and telephone needs. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1.

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The beginning of the summer brought an easing of restrictions and many great events were able to occur in the community.

The Oxbow and District Recreation Board’s virtual Chase the Ace reached its historical high at $60,006 before it went to three lucky winners on June 2.

The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS) annual Oilmen’s Golf event took place on June 4 and 5 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course. Payden Benning won the tournament with the lowest 18hole score.

As the deep words were said and the drums were played, dozens of people bowed their heads in downtown Estevan on June 4, honouring the children who died in the residential school system during an event hosted by the Métis Nation Saskatchewan Estevan Local No. 25.

Lignite Louie, Estevan’s beloved mascot, returned to the community after getting fully refurbished. The Souris Valley Museum’s lot was chosen as the new location for the monument.

Chainsaw sculptor Darren Jones completed Returned Soldier, a monument paying tribute to all the men and women dedicating their lives to serving the country and defending others. The project was started in the fall of 2020 at the yard of Estevan’s Lester Hinzman.

The Estevan Bruins came forward with the legacy project for the 2022 Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, pres e n t e d by Tim Hortons. They announced in front of city council that they will have a new centre ice score clock installed at Affinity Place in time for the tournament, but the project will only proceed once enough ticket packages are sold.

T&T Rods hosted a cruise for classic vehicles. A lengthy parade could be seen heading down local highways and other roads on June 11.

Two students from the ECS had terrific showings at the virtual Skills Canada national competition. Shay Frederick won the silver medal in hairstyling, while

Waneeke Baptiste came in sixth in twodimensional character computer animation.

The South East Saskatchewan Search and Rescue (SESKSAR) volunteer group made a major move and organized the first-ever p ro v i n c e - w i d e canine training program, which will end with the

certification and will see the creation of the first civilian SAR K9 unit.

The ECS 2021 graduation celebration left the community and even the entire province proud. With health regulations in place, ECS grads found a way not only to celebrate their milestone, but also to do it in a real Prairie style - with chic, elegance and on a grand scale, but also with semis and big pickups, thanks to a parade through the city.

The Rotary Club of Estevan hosted another successful Lobsterfest to Go on June 19, with hundreds of people picking up a lobster.

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists recognized Estevan’s Dr. Sarah Sliva as the recipient of the Optometrist of the Year Award.

More than 250 anglers entered the Alameda Fishing Derby. Dean Kirby was the winner of the adult division with a fish that weighed 19.01 pounds and Devon Carriere had a 43-inch northern pike.

Carlyle RCMP officer Dani Zaya was charged with one count of assault with a weapon, pepper spray, stemming from an investigation into a complaint from Oct. 31, 2020.

For the first time in decades, the Es-

tevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM) welcomed an artist in residence for a full year.

Ruth Langwieser started on June 21.

The Garden Park on Fourth, a stunning downtown oasis in Estevan started by Gale Tytlandsvik, marked its 10th anniversary. To make it special, Tytlandsvik made the cozy area even more attractive by creating impressionist landscape murals alongside another local artist Brenda Blackburn.

T h e To w n of Carlyle and White Bear First Nations announced the installation of a permanent memor ial in Carlyle’s Centennial Park, dedicated to children lost to residential schools, residential school survivors and their families.

The Estevan area lost two more old grain elevators in late June. The old building at the Richardson Pioneer site went down.

At the same time, the Macoun community said goodbye to their landmark.

The City of Estevan received funding for upgrades to one of the busiest intersections in the community.

SGI announced on June 29 that Estevan would receive $40,000 for improvements to the intersection of King Street and 13th Avenue.

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July brought the long-awaited full lift of the COVID-19 related restrictions. With mask mandates in the past, the Estevan area enjoyed a vista of events.

The New Hope Horse Club (NHHC) out of Stoughton made Canada Day special for local spectators. Most communities in the area had many activities on Canada Day as well, including Bienfait, with many of them being similar to how they used to be before the pandemic.

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation announced that the late Tom and Irma Trofimenkoff, long-time residents of Estevan, had left a large legacy gift, which will be directed towards a few different areas of the hospital.

The Innovation Council of the City of Estevan announced they would be hosting a convention through a partnership with Sask. INC (Innovation Network Community). Advancements that are happening in numerous sectors in the Estevan area were planned to be the focus of the city’s first-ever Innovation Conference and Trade Show on Oct. 26 and 27. The conference was later postponed until 2022.

A talented young student was recognized for his submission through the Royal Canadian Legion’s posters, poems and essays competition. Kylan Bender finished second at the dominion (national) level in the primary colour poster competition.

T h e long-time principal at the Carnduff Education Complex was saluted for his commitment to sport at the high school level. Ryan Nichols was the 2021 Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association Service Award winner for the South East District.

Southeast Saskatchewan 4-H clubs held a successful Rotary 4-H Regional Show and Sale on July 6-8 at the Estevan Exhibition Grounds.

A total of 103 golfers entered the Estevan Lions Club’s CNIB Charity Golf Classic

at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course and raised more than $11,000 for the CNIB. Long Creek Railroad, which is a 70-kilometre short-line railroad operating from Tribune to Estevan, was saluted for its safety record by the Western

Canadian Short Line Railway Association.

Fifty trap shooters attended the 100th annual Saskatchewan Provincial Trapshooting Championships July 7-11. Jason Coldwell was the only Estevan shooter who shot all 10 events, totalling 1,000 targets. He highlighted his provincial experience by winning the Saskatchewan Handicap Championship 100 targets.

The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion received two big grants, federal and provincial, which allowed them to complete some renovations and make their hall wheelchair accessible.

The Estevan Minor Baseball Association hosted the provincial U13 AA tournament from July 23-25 at Cactus Park. A team

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made up of Estevan players went 0-3.

Estevan Market Mall completed some work and became 360 degree accessible, with a fully functioning south entrance and parking lot.

Estevan Minor Baseball recognized one of its longtime volunteers Kent Phillips. A large sign honouring Phillips was mounted on the announcers’ booth Wall of Fame. Also, minor ball announced that Cactus Park would be renamed Mel Murray Cactus Park, in honour of Murray’s many years of service.

Estevan’s Maximus Wanner was picked in the seventh round, 212th overall, by the Edmonton Oilers the second day of the NHL Entry Draft.

Wanner, 18, played his developmental hockey in Estevan through the 2015-16 season.

The Estevan U18 AA Brewers completed an outstanding regular season, finishing the regular season with a 22-2 mark, first in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s AA circuit.

After some of its lowest numbers in recent history, Estevan’s crime severity index (CSI) figure jumped in 2020, and with it, so did Estevan’s place in the national rankings. Statistics Canada released the annual calculation on July 27. The CSI ranking for the

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area patrolled by the Estevan Police Service was at 108.27.

Marie Calder completed her latest book, Together Forever in the Clouds, which pays tribute to the 20 Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and one groundscrewman who died in the crash at the former Estevan Airport site in 1946.

The South Corner Racing Circuit brought two days of entertaining action to the Trackside Motocross Association’s facility southeast of Estevan on July 24 and 25.

Dozens of riders were entered each day between the many classes of racing.

New family physician Dr. Mariana Sabaa started practising in Estevan at the Primacy Medical Clinic, located at the No Frills Grocer y store.

The Carlyle Cardinals were once again the kings of the Saskota Baseball League.

The Cardinals defeated the Estevan Tap House Wolves 6-3 in Kenosee Lake to win the league’s Jack Harbourne Memorial Tournament.

Felipe Gomez, the 2021 Saskatchewanderer, paid a visit to the Carlyle area late July. Along with his loyal canine companion Fozzy, Gomez spent five days exploring much of what this part of the province has to offer.

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Deadline: January 12, 2021

A10 December 29, 2021 Compiled by David Willberg As with any year, the past 12 months featured a wide variety of stories in the community. And as is the case with any year, there were plenty of stories to choose from for our list of the top stories of 2021. These were the top 10 stories, as selected by our staff:

1. Paths of Glory Not only did this story have a tremendous impact on the community as it happened, it will make a big difference on the community for years to come. After years of waiting, Estevan now has an interconnected pathways and sidewalk program.

It was announced in May that the City of Estevan had received nearly $2.8 million combined from the federal and provincial governments through the new COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for the pathways. The city would be responsible for the remaining cost.

Tenders worth approximately $4 million were awarded for the project in the spring.

There had been plans for a master pathway program in Estevan for years, but it couldn’t proceed without the funding from the other levels of government.

A sod-turning ceremony was held in July, and then the process of building the pathways began, with crews working at multiple sites simultaneously.

By the time the construction season ended in early November, an extensive network of pathways and sidewalks had been completed, adding to recreation opportunities in the community while enhancing safety in some areas, such as along Kensington Avenue.

The project has received rave reviews.

"Most people call just to say how much they love it. So we're very happy that people are out using it and getting their daily workout," said Rod March, the city’s manager of parks and facilities, in an October interview.

Additional work is taking place on the pathways now that the asphalt is finished, and there is still some work to be finished in the new year.

2. Paul Ladouceur’s departure Paul Ladouceur announced his resignation as Estevan’s police chief in April, ending a seven-year term at the helm of the Estevan Police Service (EPS).

Ladouceur had been facing criticism from the community for how he and the Estevan board of police commissioners allegedly handled Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), made by the late Jay Pierson, a long-time EPS constable, who passed away in March at the age of 49.

Pierson, who was diagnosed with PTSD by three medical professionals, died of natural causes. He had been on leave since 2017.

After he died, numerous tributes came in for Pierson, praising him for his commitment to policing, along with his family, friends and community.

Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO) president Casey Ward, who said Pierson’s death was “the last straw” for the provincial

union, said the Estevan police members called non-confidence votes for the chief and it wasn't the first time the issues rose at the service. He stressed the SFPO discourages the use of nonconfidence votes.

In this case members received the intended outcome and Casey Ward commended Ladouceur for his decision.

Ladouceur did say that his departure was not related to the outcry on social media following Pierson’s death, nor was it connected to pressure from the SFPO. In July, the Saskatchewan Police Commission said it would be investigating workplace-related concerns at the EPS. The news release states the inquiry will primarily consist of fact-finding interviews focused on workplace culture, health and well-being supports for police officers; the role and responsibilities of the chief of police and the Estevan board of police commissioners; and what effect these factors may have on the quality of police services in Estevan.

Results of the inquiry were not finalized as of mid-December.

Also in the summer, Rich Lowen, who had been a superintendent in charge of investigative services with the Winnipeg Police Service, was named the new chief in Estevan.

He arrived in Estevan on Sept. 20.

3. T he g radual reopening To the surprise of nobody, COVID-19 remained in the headlines throughout the year. Numerous restrictions were in place for the first four months of the year, placing significant impediments on public and private gatherings, and preventing many events from happening.

The process of vaccinating people against the virus started early in the new year, and in the spring the government announced plans to gradually lift restrictions, based on the number of residents who received the first of two needed doses.

The last of the restrictions were lifted on July 11, to the delight of most people.

Within a week, the Estevan Motor Speedway held an event with no attendance limitations, and the following night, the Lockdown End Party was held in downtown Estevan, attracting more than 1,500 people.

Other events followed during the summ e r in southe a s t Saskatchewan that drew large crowds, and during the Labour Day long weekend,

the Estevan Exhibition Association held a KCRA Rodeo that drew large crowds.

People could also gather in large crowds for private functions, and they didn’t have to wear masks when indoors.

The lack of restrictions didn’t last, due to a fourth wave of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan that resulted in the highest number of cases since the pandemic started. People were forced to don masks again, and a vaccine passport program was introduced that limited opportunities for people who hadn’t been vaccinated.

The number of cases has since been dropping.

4. A homicide in Estevan A homicide occurred in Estevan in June – the first in the city since April 2014.

The Estevan Po l i c e S e r v i c e (EPS) received a missing person’s complaint on June 7 at around 6:30 p.m. Angelo Galido, 55, of Estevan failed to arrive for work that day, which was described as being uncommon. Around 10:30 p.m. that night, the EPS located Galido deceased inside his residence in the 800-block of Henry Street.

An autopsy was completed the following day in Regina. Those who knew Galido were quick to pay tribute to him.

“Angelo had such a kind soul and such a loving man,” wrote James Bolton on a tribute page.

“Never saw him without a smile on his face when we worked together.”

The following week, the suspect in Galido’s death, Gurwinder Singh Toor, age 41, from Estevan, was located at a business on Barlow Trail in Calgary on June 16 and arrested. He was charged with second degree murder.

Toor and Galido were known to each other.

The charges against Toor have not been proven in court. He last made an appearance on Dec. 20.

5. Howling winds Residents of southeast Saskatchewan are well-versed with strong winds, but a storm in January brought winds that were powerful, even by our lofty standards.

Southeast Saskatchewan residents were cleaning up after the storm battered the region late on Jan. 13 and early on Jan. 14.

The Alberta clipper packed wind gusts that reached about 120 kilometres per hour, and whipped around snow that created nearzero visibility. Power was knocked out to many, travel not recommended advisories were issued through the southeast early on Jan. 14, and some highways were closed.

Trees were toppled, branches were snapped and homes were damaged. The storm resulted in a number of buildings coming down, not just during the storm, but afterwards, such as one of the grain elevators in Bromhead.

T r o y Smith, who resides in the south set of cabins along Boundary Dam, said that roof over his vaulted ceiling was pulled off the

TO

-20

north side of the house. Th landed on the neighbour’s then landed in the neighb also caused considerable d in the Estevan area.

6. Fire at the Moose A beloved restaurant east Saskatchewan was de 10, when the Moosehead Lake, burned to the grou in the blaze, and no sur tained significant

Moosehead owner D across the street from the home when the fire occur home just after 11 p.m. af a co-worker le h e r.

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The other half of the roof s roof, put a hole in it, and bour’s driveway. The storm damage to trees and parks

ehead t and nightclub in southestroyed by a fire on Sept. d Inn, located at Kenosee und. Nobody was injured rrounding buildings susdamage.

Dale Orsted, who lived e building, said he was at rred. His wife Nelly came fter making pizza dough; eft the restaurant with

Happy Canada December 29, 2021 A13

At the time of their departure, they didn’t smell any smoke in the building.

A noise akin to large chopping drew his attention a short time later, and the Orsteds could see a large fire coming from the upstairs cabaret area.

Fire crews would remain at the scene until the following morning. The restaurant was a total loss.

Reaction on social media was swift, with people taking to Facebook and other platforms to share their memories of great meals in the restaurant and fun times at the cabarets.

“I’ve received lots of messages, and a lot of stories. A lot from the locals, and a lot from the staff and customers,” said Orsted.

The inn was even purported to have a resident ghost, which was widely promoted by the Moosehead and documented in numerous sources.

7. Finally moving

forward After more than six years of waiting, it appears that the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home is ready to move forward.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced in its budget on April 6 that it was committing $275,000 for the planning of a new long-term care facility in Estevan, which would be the new nursing home.

Don Kindopp, who is the chairperson of the new nursing home committee, said it ’s been about 15 years since the first discussions of a new nursing home were held. And i t ’s b e e n s i x y e a r s s i n c e t h e Hearthstone Community Campaign reached its fundraising goal of $8 million, which was 20 per cent of the projected cost for a new nursing home. It’s also the amount needed to get into the queue for a new facility.

Approximately $8.9 million has been pledged towards the new nursing home. Municipal government partners have a sizeable portion of that in trust for the committee once construction starts.

“People have been very supportive and meeting their pledges, so we’re very grateful for that,” said Kindopp.

The current nursing home is well over 50 years old.

8. “He is a miracle” It was a remarkable story of survival and community support for a local

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young boy who was injured in a farm accident in July.

Easton Daae sustained serious injuries in an accident at a farm site west of Torquay on July 6, after a sprayer tire fell on the boy. He was airlifted to hospital in Regina and then taken to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon before returning home on July 15, with a large crowd of people waiting to greet him.

The tire weighed more than 1,200 pounds and landed on and crushed Easton facedown on the concrete floor.

jab at a competitor.

Encompass owner Brady Johnson said she had seen a post about a sign war in Christiansburg, Va. Businesses that don’t have signs have posted messages in their windows to issue or respond to a c hallenge, while the Mercury used its June 30 front page to take aim at a number of businesses in the city.

10. EP YC addition After extensive planning, the new Estevan P ublic Youth Centre opened to the public in October.

The youth centre has been in the works since early 2020, with the goal of creating a place for young people in the community. But rather than just being a hangout, there would be programs and more in an effort to give youths another option for positive activities in the community.

EPYC took a big step forward in late July with the announcement that Juli Dzuba had been hired for the role of executive director.

Dzuba said she wanted to work for EPYC because she is a huge fan of spending time with youth, and she saw some things lacking for youth in Estevan.

Much of her work during the past seven years with the Envision Counselling and Support Centre was spent with youths.

The first programs for the centre were held during the Thanksgiving long weekend, and EPYC has been holding programs on Fridays and Saturdays at the Estevan Leisure Centre.

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Easton’s two uncles and a neighbour managed to lift the tire and he was pulled out from underneath.

Easton sustained small fractures to his pelvis, and fractures to the left side of his face and WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021 upper jaw. zHe lost one front adult tooth and chipped another, but none of his vital organs were damaged, and even though his left eye socket was damaged, he had 20-20 vision. “ There is no doubt that he is a miracle,” his mother Lauren said.

Thanks to his experiences and the care he received, Easton was named one of the Miracle Children for the Radiothon fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital in the fall.

9. Sign Wars It started with a simple sign at Encompass Fitness in early June, saying that Estevan was in need of a sign war.

It didn’t take long before local businesses were using their signs to poke fun at other companies in the community.

The messages were typically fun and lighthearted, using puns to draw laughter from those passing by. There might be a comment about food directed towards a restaurant, or a fitness joke for a gym.

Sometimes a company would take a verbal

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One of the hottest months in a long time, August saw many events in the southeast, as well as a lot of action in the sports world. But grasshoppers were the most spoken about.

Midale celebrated its farming history during the August long weekend, thanks to the Souris Valley Antique Association’s annual Pioneer Echoes weekend. Classic vehicles were on display in Midale on Aug. 1 as part of the annual Midale Classy Car Show. Thirty-three vehicles were entered.

The annual Fr a m e Te c h C l a ssic golf tournament saw three champions crowned in Daryl Donovan, a new course record set by Rick Hallberg and the return of big crowds for the annual Dave Price Memorial Horse Race.

For the fourth straight year, St. Joseph’s Hospital joined the longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) program and brought in a couple of hopeful young physicians, Devynn McKenzie from Churchbridge and Murphy Walker from Comox Valley, B.C. Both are third-year students at the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Medicine.

The Estevan U18 AA Brewers became the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s AA league champions. The Brewers defeated the Unity Cardinals 9-8 in extra innings in Regina to win the title. Unity gained re-

venge later in the month, as they defeated Estevan in the provincial final.

St. Joseph’s Hospital announced in early August that Dr. Sarah Tsoi, originally from Estevan, has joined the Primacy Medical Group.

She is the

daughter of long-time local physician Dr. Edward Tsoi.

A local young racer contributed to the Capitan Insano colouring book. Eli Turnbull, 9, grew up being a race driver, and his picture was included in the book about races.

The 2021 Canadian Trapshooting Championships were held Aug. 6-8 in a satellite shoot format, with 400 shooters participat- ing. Clarence Durr earned top honours, winning the prestigious 100 target Canadian Handicap Championship with a score of 99.

The sound of music and cheering spectators reso-

nated throughout the Bow Valley south of Oxbow on Aug. 7 for the annual Bow Valley Jamboree. A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music festival, with about 400 people attending.

The Carlyle Fire Department was able to finally celebrate the grand opening of their new fire hall on Aug. 8.

Estevan should develop as a “community rooted in energy, family and prosperity.” Such a vision for the Energy City was presented by Doug Griffiths and Heather Thomson of 13 Ways t h ro u g h a d r a f t strategic plan at the Estevan Economic Development Town Hall on Aug. 12.

The host teams at provincial baseball tournaments in Estevan had terrific showings. The Estevan under-11 (U11) Brewers finished second in the U11 AA Tier 4 tournament, dropping the gold medal game in

curred Aug. 19 north of Glen Ewen at an oil site. The man who was driving the truck was pronounced dead at the scene.

An adult woman who was a passenger of the vehicle was transported to hospital with unknown injuries.

Dustin’s Corner was unveilled for the St. Joseph’s Hospital waiting room.

A new version of the kid’s room in the emergency waiting room became a reality thanks to the Dustin Pratt Memorial Fund.

Midale’s Keely Shaw won a bronze medal for Canada at the Paralympic Games on Aug. 24 in the women’s C4 3,000-metre individual pursuit. It was the first medal for Canada at this year’s Paralympics. Shaw praised the people of Midale for the support they showed, and for staying up late to watch her race, as the Paralympics were held in the Tokyo area. She just missed out on the podium with fourth place in the women’s C4 category on Aug. 30. And in her final event, Shaw finished 13th in the women’s C4 road race on Sept. 1.

Carlyle Mayor Jennifer Sedor said Carlyle Fun Dayz has become the “big little festival,” one that people of all

an extra inning. The Estevan U15 AA Brewers, meanwhile, were defeated 12-11 in the semifinal round by the eventual provincial champions, the White Butte Broncos. Estevan Minor Baseball saluted long-time volunteer Kevin Culy during the opening ceremonies, as he joined their Wall of Fame.

For the second straight year, a crop was harvested to benefit the 2022 Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by Tim Hortons, which will be hosted by the Estevan Bruins, and the Scotties-Tankard curling committee. Approximately 290 acres of hard red spring wheat were seeded and harvested near the Estevan Regional Airport.

The Carnduff RCMP was called to a fatal single-vehicle accident that oc-

ages in the southeast region can enjoy. The fifth edition of the event was held on the town’s Main Street with at least 3,000 people attending the bash.

Jason LeBlanc became the new reeve of the RM of Estevan. LeBlanc was acclaimed for the role after Janet Severson withdrew her nomination form.

Three of the five classes went down to the wire to crown track champions at the Estevan Motor Speedway this year. The champions were Kody Scholpp (modifieds), Gregg Mann (stock cars), Leevi Runge (sport mods), Ryder Raynard (sprint cars) and Landon Runge (hobby stocks).

The Estevan U13 AAA Brewers wrapped up what was a pretty good season by making it to the Regina Baseball League final. The Brewers dropped a 5-4 decision in the final against the Swift Current 57s.

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1-866-249-4697 • www.drrobertkitchen.ca The first month of the fall brought in many activities, as well as the federal election, which didn’t result in much change, either locally or federally.

A vehicle rolled over on Kensington Avenue in front of Walmart Sept. 2. The vehicle’s occupants were able to get out safely and were assessed, cleared by EMS and only sustained minor injuries.

The new urban dog park in Estevan received a name that came with a significant donation on Sept. 3. The Prairie Animal Health Centre (PAHC) Dog Park was constructed in the Kin Hillside Park later in September.

Sheila Guenther of Estevan was among those selected to serve as an official for swimming at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, and she was in the Japanese city from Aug. 20Sept. 4.

The Heretics Motorcycle Club hosted its third annual Ride for Memphis poker run on Sept. 4.

On Sept. 7, at one of the world’s largest enhanced oil recovery carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) projects, operated by Whitecap Resources near Weyburn, Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre announced the provincial government’s key priorities to advance private sector investment in CCUS. The residents and staff of the Estevan Regional Nursing Home had to contend with an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

The outbreak was first declared on Sept. 9. All 18 residents and staff who tested positive for

COVID-19 were showing minor symptoms of the virus. The outbreak was declared over in late October.

The fifth annual Judy Martin Memorial Duck Derby was a big success for the Estevan Humane Society. Two thousand rubber ducks were dropped into the Souris River and floated down the river to the finish line at the Woodlawn Regional Park’s free park.

The Prairie Winds Motorcycle Club held its 23rd annual Ride for Ronald McDonald House. More than 80 motorcyclists gathered at the Estevan McDonald’s for the ride, which went through much of the southeast and raised over $5,000.

The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the tragic plane crash at the former Estevan Airport site, which took the lives of 20 airmen and one groundscrewman, took place take place in Moose Jaw Sept. 15.

A group of protesters, carrying signs decrying the use of masks mandated in schools for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, stood on the sidewalk in front of the Cornerstone division office prior to the board meeting on Sept. 15.

Two Estevan Police Service constables, Michelle Beaulieu and Landon Polk, and two Estevan RCMP constables, Adrian Bole and Tyler Baird, were announced as the recipients of the Van De Vorst Family Award for their work in getting impaired drivers off the road.

The Time Is Near…

Happy New Year!

As we count down to 2022, we’d like to share our thanks and best wishes with everyone who has been a part of our year.

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R y a n Saxon was a star for the STARS Air Ambulance’s Rescue on the Prairie on Sept. 16, raising $90,747 individually.

More than $427,000 was raised with three other Saskatchewan business and community leaders.

The first eight banners celebrating the memory of local veterans were revealed Sept. 16. The fundraising project by South East Military Museums saw more banners installed before Remembrance Day in different communities in the southeast.

The federal election held on Sept. 20, saw Conservative Robert Kitchen being re-elected as the MP of Souris-Moose Mountain, finishing well ahead of the other candidates. The Liberal Party was re-elected as the national governing party, although it was once again a minority government with the Tories in opposition.

On Sept. 24, Jeff D. Michel released Back to the Moon, his first new collection of music since the 2018 as part of the folk music trio Hook & Nail.

Three gorgeous murals by Gale Tytlandsvik and Brenda Blackburn in the Garden Park on Fourth were completed mid-September, turning the downtown oasis into an open-air art gallery.

Estevan’s Ryan Chernoff won an individual gold medals at Sask. high school golf provincials, and led Team South East to gold as well.

The Estevan S tr ippers’ old-timers hockey club retired the No. 80 jersey of Frank John Sept. 18

during the Rod Boll Memorial Trapshooting event.

The Estevan Bruins opened the 202122 season Sept. 24 and 25 by sweeping the Yorkton Terriers in a weekend home and home.

The Southeast A’s U15 AAA baseball team ended their season on a high note, winning the Regina Baseball League championship Sept. 26 with a 7-4 win over the White Butte Broncos. The Métis Nation Saskatchewan Estevan Local No. 25, in co-ordination with Southeast Newcomer Services/Southeast Advocates for Employment, held the Every Child Matters event at the Souris Valley Museum on the national Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30.

Activities were also held in schools in the region, as well as at the White Bear First Nation, Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation and Alameda.

Fire crews responded to several garbage bin fires in the same area in late September.

The accidents were deemed suspicious, and the EPS was involved in the investigation. A shed fire in the same area was investigated as potentially being connected, but later it was deemed to be a separate case. The EPS charged a 17-year-old female for one of the fires in October.

May you have a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

OCTOBER A14 | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | www.SASKTODAY.ca The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team battled Vanier to a 12-12 tie Oct. 1. Not only was it the first draw in the 13-year history of the program, but it appeared to be the first overtime deadlock in the history of the Moose Jaw High School Football League.

The Deep Earth Energy Production Corp. has announced that former Estevan resident Kirsten Marcia, who is their president and CEO, earned the 2022 Canada’s Clean50 Award for her leadership in the category of renewable energy.

Firefighters battled a big wildland fire on Oct. 3. It occurred just outside of the city limits, about a kilometre west of Highway 47 on Highway 18 and was threatening some structures and livestock.

Fortunately, crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control and extinguish it.

The Estevan Eclipse Downhole Solutions U18 AAA Bears got their first win of the season. They beat the Tisdale Trojans 7-1 and set franchise records for goals in a game and largest margin of victory.

The Warm Welcome Kitchen started the new season Oct. 19 and announced a new co-ordinator, Aleksandra Szlapacka.

Estevan’s Jayden Dudas was named the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Male Golfer of the Year and the Male Golf Rookie of the Year. He later won the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association men’s championship.

A former Stoughton resident, Monique Regier, competed in a team of three on a Halloween-themed edition of the Food Network’s Big Bake

Show. The episode aired on Oct. 18.

The Estevan Chamber of Commerce opted for a new way to appreciate Estevan businesses. This year, instead of hosting the Estevan Business Excellence Awards ceremony, they decided on a selection of videos.

The carbon capture and storage facility at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Power Station came back in service, after an

$359,347 in pledges. The United Way also eclipsed the $10 million mark in cumulative funds raised since the United Way’s inception in the 1960s.

The Rural Municipality of Enniskillen acquired property at 119 Railway Avenue in Oxbow, which will become a primary health and wellness centre.

The Million Dollar Auction was a collaborative effort between the Estevan Mercury and Golden West Radio that

unplanned outage that occurred in July due to a failure in the compressor motor.

The ECS Elecs were defeated by the Weyburn Comprehensive School Eagles in the annual Co-op Challenge volleyball series between the two schools. Weyburn won all four matches in the series.

The annual Run the Course fundraiser for Fresh Air Fitness took place at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course on Oct. 16. Fortythree people registered for the fun run-walk.

It was a milestone year for the United Way Este van’s Telethon, and the community showed its generosity for the fundraiser once again. The organization’s 45th annual Telethon, held Oct. 15-16, went off the air with a total of

attracted lots of interest and celebrated businesses on Oct. 21. People who gathered for the auction used promotional cash accumulated since early September to bid on great items supplied by local businesses.

The Estevan Writers Group celebrated their 35th anniversary on Oct. 28 with an event at Michael’s Coffee House.

Heritage Saskatchewan announced the winners of the 2021 Heritage Awards.

In the Intangible Cultural Heritage category, Garrick Schmidt, an educator

from the White Bear Education Complex, won for his Land Based Learning and Southeastern Saskatchewan project.

In the public outreach category, the late Adrian K. Paton, who lived in Arcola, won for An Honest, Genial and Kindly People – A Private Collection of First Nations Photographs from the Turn of the Century in Southern Saskatchewan.

Jody Waloshin was named the Coach of the Year by Softball Saskatchewan on Oct. 25.

Southern Plains Coop held its annual Trail of Terror at the Woodlawn Regional Park on Oct. 29, and an estimated crowd of 1,500-2,000 people attended.

The Estevan Meter U13 AA Bruins won the Estevan Minor Hockey Association’s annual U13 AA tournament. The Bruins defeated the Regina Tigers 8-2 in the gold medal game.

Ryder Raynard and Cash Saxon travelled to Linda’s Speedway in Jonestown, Pa., in late October for the slingshot world championships. Raynard won the junior slingshot feature on Oct. 31, becoming the first Canadian to ever win a feature at the track. Saxon won the hard charger award for the second feature Oct. 30.

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NOVEMBER A15 | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | www.SASKTODAY.ca The Other Side, a TV show on Aboriginal People’s Television Network, visited Alameda to explore the local museum for any signs of ghosts or other kinds of paranormal activity in early November.

For the second year, Estevan students partook in the No Stone Left Alone project on Nov. 4, placing poppies at the tombs of Canadian veterans at the Souris Valley Memorial Gardens.

Several members of the Estevan Figure Skating Club were at the Skate Canada Saskatchewan sectionals from Nov. 5-7 in Moose Jaw. Rachel Duncan finished first in the prejuvenile under-13 category.

The Estevan Motor Speedway recognized its award winners, its volunteers and those who have made tremendous contributions to the track during the organization's annual awards night in November.

The speedway added two new people to its prestigious Wall of Fame: Lynn Trobert and Ed Turnbull.

The track preparation crew was named the top volunteers.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced that two new oil and gas processing projects in the North Portal area, undertaken by Steel Reef Infrastructure, were approved under the provincial Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive.

Heather Barnstable recognized by the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association for her volunteer work with the Estevan and District Music Festival.

Estevan area residents vowed "We will remember them," during the annual Remembrance Day service hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion's Estevan branch on Nov. 11 at the cenotaph.

A local family went through a serious house fire that occurred on Remembrance Day, consuming the entire basement and leaving the rest of their property badly damaged. The Makaruks had to move into a rented apartment, as their house wasn't suitable to live in after the fire.

The South Saskatchewan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the National Philanthropy Day committee recognized Midale's Dave and Tami Piper as the 2021 recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. Another local couple, the late Irma and Tom Trofimenkoff, were among the honourees in the Outstanding Legacy Philanthropist category.

Monique Ley, who competes out of Estevan Bowl, was selected for Team Canada for the International Bowling Federation's Super World Championships in Dubai Nov. 6-15.

The St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's Hometown Family Fun Day, sponsored by the Estevan

Mercury, took place on Nov. 21 with many exciting, free by donation activities happening at numerous locations, helping to raise money for the hospital. Their 2 0 2 1 edition of the Festival of Trees wrapped up on Nov. 25, raising thousands of dollars for the hospital through an online auction, raffles and other activities.

The Big Six Hockey League opened its 2021-22 season on Nov. 19-21 with six games played in a threeday span.

The ECS Elecs football team capped the 2021 season by hosting their year-end awards program on Nov. 18. Kolby Forseth was named the team's MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year, the Special Teams Player of the Year, the Player's Choice Award winner and shared the Who

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The Carnduff Education Complex Tigers senior girls’ volleyball team won the gold medal at 3A provincials in Shellbrook and Canwood on Nov. 19 and 20, while the senior boys' brought home the bronze medal from provincials in Unity the following weekend.

Santa Claus was in Midale for the town's annual Santa Claus parade, and many people turned out to greet him.

Operation Christmas Child came to an end in Estevan on Nov. 21, with 708 shoeboxes packed by local people to support children in need around the world.

A new plaque unveiled at Affinity Place on Nov. 24 pays tribute to Allan Nicholson, who was Estevan's first home-grown hockey player to reach the NHL. The City of Estevan, along with George Harris Collaborative, started its online and offline surveys, asking residents to share their experience with downtown the way it is.

This stage of research also included an open house, hosted Nov. 22-23 at the

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Days Inn. The Estevan Football Family Wall of Fame was unveiled during the Penta Completions Estevan M i n o r Fo o t b a l l Awards Night Nov. 24.

The Buffalo Party of S askatchewan's inaugural annual general meeting was held in Estevan Nov. 27-28. The party ratified its new constitution, elected its executive, discussed policy items and announced plans for its up-

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The Garden on Fourth saw plenty of Christmas trees installed in late November ahead of the holiday season.

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DECEMBER A16 | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | www.SASKTODAY.ca The final month of the year is known for having lots of activity in the first two to three weeks, prior to the annual Christmas break, and this year was no different, as the southeast was a busy area.

Among the great additions for Estevan’s Christmas decorations is a large, brightly decorated Christmas tree at the intersection of King Street, 13th Avenue and Souris Avenue North, with more than 3,100 decorations. Community members have been raving about the tree.

Unit 4 at the Boundary Dam Power Station was officially retired on Dec. 1.

The unit had served Saskatchewan for more than 50 years, but its days were numbered after SaskPower opted not to retrofit it with carbon capture and storage technology.

SaskMusic announced the nominees of the 2021 Saskatchewan Music Awards on Dec. 2. North Portal-based group Last Birds, comprised of Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold, was nominated for Roots/Folk Artist of the Year. Last Birds and Jeff D. Michel were up for the top album award, which is voted for by the public. And the Happy Nun restaurant in Forget is a finalist for top venue.

The Estevan Police Service was called to the Estevan Comprehensive School on Dec. 2 about a potential threat. Police conducted several interviews, spoke with students and staff and determined there was no credible threat.

Weyburn RCMP responded to reports of a collision between a semi and a piece of farm mac h i n e r y on Highway 35, approximately four kilometres south of Tribune, on Dec. 3. The farm machinery struck the rear portion of the semi while travelling south, and the farm unit tipped onto its side, blocking

A look at the

the highway in both directions. The farm equipment driver suffered serious injuries.

Water Polo Canada (WPC) announced the male and female rosters for the Youth Pan American Championships in Bauru, Brazil. Estevan’s Alexandra Andrist, Josephina Andrist and Mikayla Hack have been selected for the women’s youth national team. Former Estevan resident Cameron Gillingham was named an alternate for the men’s youth national squad. The tournament was to happen in January, but has since been postponed.

The Dickens Village Festival returned to Carlyle from Dec. 3-5, transforming the town into a Victorian-era community from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. A variety of activities were offered throughout the festival, to the delight of the people who attended.

Estevan’s Kasey McIntrye was selected as the Cystic Fibrosis Canada volunteer fundraising champion for Western Canada and the Prairies region, for her efforts to raise funds to find a cure for CF. She has organized events in the community, including the Walk to Make CF History, which has happened both in-person and virtually.

An outbreak of COVID-19 at Hill View Manor was declared over on Dec. 6. While most of those diagnosed with the virus showed mild symptoms, two residents died. The residents were enjoying greater freedoms within the facility once the outbreak was over.

The Estevan Eclipse Down-

hole Solutions U18 AAA Bears announced the dismissal of head coach Jeff Smith. Smith, hired in January 2020, had been the only head coach in franchise history. Assistant coach Riley Hengen became the assistant coach.

The Estevan Downtown Business Association held its inaugural Miracle on Fourth Street on Dec. 11. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the activities that were offered in the 1100 and 1200 blocks, and to shop at the downtown merchants.

The Estevan Community Hamper Association received a tremendous influx of toys and cash donations for its Angel Tree program, allowing it to meet the needs of hamper recipients with children once again the year.

They had only 4050 toys with a few days remaining, and needed more than 430.

The Estevan F ire Rescue Service was called to a fire in a mobile home on Dec. 14.

One person died in the fire.

The Estevan Kinette Club distributed pyjamas through its PJ Project to children of hamper recipients

as well.

The Woodlawn Regional Park’s Festival of Trees kicked off on Dec. 17. The popular event, which features well-decorated displays from local businesses and organizations, will wrap up Jan. 8.

The Community Hamper Association distributed hampers to families in the community from Dec. 21-23, helping people have a Merry Christmas.

Raise your voice.

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*

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$3,603,673

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Overall in 16 months, Southeast Business Start-Up has generated $3,603,673 in economic growth through income of employees, additional jobs created and work done in our community.

n i m o N

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Carnduff: Thursday p.m.

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(Across Walmart) Gainsborough: Thursdayfrom a.m.

Carnduff: Thursday p.m.

306-636-EARS (32 13124th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2

#5 - 418 Kensington Ave.

| Wednesday, December 29 2021 | 634-6901 www.SASKTODAY.ca P. 306-634-3631 • ,F . (306) • www.kohalyelash.com

The future changes the present The 23rd Psalm begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”

David is peaceful and content. He goes on to say that, because God is guiding him, he is not afraid of his enemies or even of death itself. The last line of the psalm says, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (verse 6). David’s vision of a future home with God made him experience his earthly home differently.

Abraham is one of the heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11. Here is what the writer says about him, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going … He was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (verses 8-10). Abraham left his home, his family and his earthly security because

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ he was looking forward to a heavenly home with God. Unless we are at a funeral, we do not hear much about heaven or eternity these days.

It makes me wonder whether we have become too comfortable here. Maybe we have become so focused on how to get the most out of this

www.suncount

P. 306-634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com

life that we have forgotten to think long term.

Over the summer, Sara and I watched a show called Race Against the Tide. Sandcastle builders were taken to the Bay of Fundy and challenged to build the most intricate design that they could in four hours. Some of their creations were amazing. However, after four hours, the tide came in and destroyed everything. Even the best sculpture ended up being washed back

into the sea.

It is worth remembering that nothing here is permanent. Thinking about our heavenly home will influence what we value and how we live every day. God’s best people lived differently because they had a different focus.

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

How can you learn to love yourself?

Submitted by Envision Counselling and Support Centre It’s easy to be tough on yourself — we tend to do it much, much more than we realize.

But what if there was a better way? When we forgive ourselves, accept our perceived flaws and show ourselves kindness, we practise self-compassion. It’s often a lot harder than it sounds, but with the right techniques, we can learn to make it a habit that sticks.

Self-compassion is a practice that you can learn that can help you battle your inner critique. Self-compassion is a concept that focused on the goal of giving compassion and validation towards yourself.

Tara Brach is a psychologist and author of Radical

Compassion. She uses the acronym RAIN as a guide that teaches how to practise selfcompassion.The following steps are adapted from Tara Brach’s article on The RAIN of SelfCompassion.

The “R” stands for Recognizing what’s going on. This is acknowledging what you are feeling, how it is showing up in your body and being consciously aware of it. Brach relates this to waking up from a trance; we can be aware of the constricting thoughts and beliefs without judging them or ourselves.

The “A” stands for Allowing yourself to feel it. Giving yourself permission to feel emotion is an empowering experience as you notice the thoughts, feelings, sensations present without trying to fix or avoid them. This also means that you do not have to agree

with what you are thinking or feeling, just allow the experience to be what it is.

The “I” stands for Investigating with care. This form of investigating is done by trying to approach your experience without judgment and with a sense of kindness. Some questions that may be helpful to ask are: What most wants attention? How am I experiencing this in my body? What am I believing? What does this

vulnerable place want from me?

What does it most need?

The “N” is all about Nourishing yourself with self-compassion. During this process, the thoughts of what you need in this moment naturally may have emerged. To do this step, Brach recommends, “Try to sense what the wounded, frightened or hurting place inside you most needs, and then offer some gesture of active care that might address this need.”

WE ARE HIRING A FULL TIME

OPERATIONS LEAD

AT OUR ALAMEDA, SK LOCATION Double Diamond Farm Supply is an independent, locally owned, full service crop production retailer with locations in SW Manitoba and SE Saskatchewan.

Key Areas of Responsibility • • • • • •

Operate fertilizer plant and seed treater.

Receive and ship crop protection products.

Oversee summer staff in conjunction with retail manager.

Oversee seed and chemical audits.

Day to day maintenance.

All other aspects of daily operation at our Ag retail.

Applicant must be highly motivated and have the ability

to work well independently and as part of a team.

Time management and communication skills are an asset.

Applicant must be able to work flexible hours.

Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Ag retail and ag equipment operation experience is a benefit but not necessary.

Interested applicants can apply to Wicklow Centre, Estevan, SK

Quaife Coins

306-421-3787

selling and Support Centre to find out more about our rapid access counselling, which accommodates both in-person and telephone needs. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911.

IN THE COURT OF QUEEN’S BENCH JUDICIAL CENTRE OF REGINA BETWEEN: THE FARM LAND SECURITY BOARD APPLICANT -andMARSHALLE FORGEY WELLS, as a personal representative for the ESTATES OF BURNELL GORDON FORGET, deceased; THE ESTATE OF TRAVIS WILLIAMSON CRILLY, deceased and; THE ESTATE OF CHESTER FERRELL SALISBURY, deceased.

RESPONDENTS

SHERIFF’S SALE

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER issued out of this Honourable Court on the 29th day of January, 2021, we hereby offer for sale the properties described herein: 1. DESCRIPTION OF LAND

Requirements

•

•

• • •

Self-compassion teaches us how to validate our own needs and how to care for ourselves when in a trance of unworthiness. Rinse and repeat.

If you need someone to talk to, contact Envision Coun-

Tyson Dmytriw

306-485-9788 * tyson@doublediamond.mb.ca * Only successful applicants will be contacted *

Trade your gold and silver jewelry, coins, and vintage money for cash!

Do you do business in Estevan?

Thinking about opening a new business?

Take a look at these tax incentives.

COMMERCIAL LOTS FOR ONLY $1 Looking for a great location with ample space to develop or expand a commercial business? Look no further than Glen Peterson industrial park in Estevan!

75% TAX INCENTIVE FOR STOREFRONT UPGRADES Whether you’re opening your business in a new location or you’re well settled in, the 75% tax abatement up to $10,000 for facade improvements can renovate your storefront and signage!

RECEIVE UP TO 5 YEARS TAX-FREE You read that right! You can pay no municipal taxes for up to five years! Incentives on new construction, purchasing on triple-net leasing available.

For more information call Rick Sadick at 306-634-1843 or visit www.estevaneconomicdevelopment.ca

NE Sec 27 TWP 03 RGE 11 W 2 Ext 0 160.92 acres As described on Certificate of Title 88R60187 2. TIME AND PLACE OF AUCTION SALE Wednesday January 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

Estevan Queen’s Bench Court House, 1016 Fourth Street, Estevan, SK 3. TERMS OF SALE i. at least four weeks’ notice of the time, place and conditions of the sale shall be given, with such notice to be published at least once per week for four consecutive weeks, commencing not later than four weeks before the date of sale, in each of the Regina Leader Post, Weyburn Review and the Estevan Mercury newspapers published in the Cities of Regina, Weyburn and Estevan, in the Province of Saskatchewan, respectively. As well, printed notices of this sale are to be affixed four weeks prior to the date of the sale in four conspicuous places in Torquay, in the Province of Saskatchewan; ii. The terms of the sale shall be 10 percent cash at the time of sale with the balance paid within 10 days from the date of the sale; iii. The above lands shall be sold subject to encumbrances as of the date of sale; iv. The purchase moneys are to be paid into Court to the credit of this cause and the moneys shall be paid firstly to the costs of the sale; secondly, to the costs of these proceedings; and thirdly, to such other persons as determined by this Honourable Court; v. Upon confirmation of the sale by this Honourable Court, the title to the above land shall vest in the name of purchaser, or his/her nominee, free from all encumbrances, except those stipulated by order of this Honourable Court; vi. Upon confirmation of the sale by this Honourable Court, the Registrar of the Registrar of Titles shall cancel the existing certificate of title numbers and shall issue new certificates of title in the name of the purchaser(s); vii. The respondents and any person claiming through them shall give up possession of the above lands to the purchaser or his/her nominee upon being served with an order of this Honourable Court confirming the sale of the above lands.

SENIOR LIVING A18 | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

A quick response to long-term care Secret Santa The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation’s Secret Santa Long-Term Care Edition has quickly become a hit with the community.

The third annual initiative saw each resident of longterm care receive a gift from somebody in the community.

As part of the Secret Santa, on Dec. 7, the hospital foundation posted photos and Christmas wish lists for residents in the special care home, so that members of the community could purchase a gift for the resident of their choice.

“We had 36 residents that were willing to participate, and those residents were all chosen within a couple of hours of being posted on our Facebook page,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation executive director Breanne Van De Woestyne. “It’s just an exciting initiative that we thought of, just to really get some excitement in the long-term care department while the holiday

season approaches, and it was really just a great way to get the community together to really celebrate those seniors and bring some Christmas joy to the hospital.”

Those wish lists included hobbies, things they enjoy, their favourite colour, their favourite sports team and more.

They had more people offer to purchase a gift than residents who wanted to participate.

“As soon as we post, people are commenting immediately, so it’s a really exciting day for us to see how it fills up, and I know the staff in longterm care are just as excited,” said Van De Woestyne.

People want to help out, especially during the Christmas season, and this gives people the opportunity to do something fun, and bring Christmas cheer to somebody they might not even know.

The gifts were delivered to the residents on Christmas day, and it’s always an exciting

Retirement living with fun, friends & great food.

time for staff and residents alike.

“I know the staff in longterm care really make it truly special for them. They’re very passionate about the residents there, and want to make them feel special and really just welcome in their own little community down there,” said Van De Woestyne. “So, having the entire community of Estevan and area getting involved with those gifts, it makes it special for them. They feel really included on Christmas day, and they really, really appreciate it.”

GenCo Asphalt, who sponsors the Secret Santa promotion, always contributes something to add to the residents’ enjoyment of Christmas. This year they purchased a special lunch for all of the people in long-term care, and the residents selected Chinese food. The meal was enjoyed on Dec. 22.

Schools sent Christmas cards and other gifts to the residents prior to Christmas.

Evangeline Hoste and other residents of the St. Joseph’s Hospital’s long-term care ward will once again benefit from the generosity of the community through a Secret Santa initiative. Photo courtesy of Breanne Van De Woestyne

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Ready to help you with their expertise for all your legal needs 1215 - 5th Street, Estevan Phone: 306-634-3353 • Fax: 306-634-7714 • orlowski.law@sasktel.net Branch offices at:

Arcola - Arcola Agencies Bldg.

Wednesday A.M. Phone: 306-455-2277

Redvers - Carlsen Bldg.

Wednesday P.M. Phone: 306-452-3377

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Thursday P.M. Phone: 306-482-4077

Your HEARING team.

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Call today to book your private tour! 306-988-1258 Ask about our Stay N Play suite and experience The Williston for yourself.

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#5 - 418 Kensington Ave, Estevan (across from Walmart) | (306) 636-3277 The Wlliston - Senior Living Estevan Mercury 4.85 x 6 Dec.indd 1

2021/12/10 18:10

What a year 2021 has been.

We have seen some difficult times, but we have also seen a tremendous amount of community spirit, strength, and support for the most vulnerable in our province.

We’d like to raise a glass to all of the folks who have filled our year with so much joy!

We thank you for your patronage and friendship, and we wish you all the best in 2022 and always.

As I work with my colleagues in the legislature, I am committed to being your voice for Southeast Saskatchewan moving forward.

Happy

New Year I wish you a safe and

May God’s blessings and Christ’s love be upon you and yours this coming New Year!

Thank you for your past patronage and looking forward to serving you in 2022!

Lori Carr, MLA Estevan Constituency Office

306.634.7311

loricarrmla@sasktel.net

Ph: 306-634-3900 www.chamneycrushing.ca

1010 6th Street, Estevan, SK 306-634-6060 Lance Mack & Yansey Hagel

www.SASKTODAY.ca

E V I R AR VE ALI

December 29, 2021 A19

Don’t drink and drive Don’t text and drive Don’t do drugs and drive

How to plan a safe New Year’s Eve night out New Year's Eve is a popular night to paint the town red. That popularity could skyrocket even further as the world says goodbye to 2021 and ushers in 2022.

Many cities and millions of individuals toned down their New Year's Eve shenanigans a year ago, as the COVID-19 pandemic made it hard to celebrate safely. But the rollout of vaccines has beckoned revelers out of their homes, and that could make for an especially rowdy New Year's Eve. Fun might be the top

priority on New Year's Eve, but safety must be in the mix as well. As individuals make plans for a night out this New Year's Eve, it can help to keep these safety tips in mind.

Utilize a car service.

Whether it’s a taxi cab, having a designated driver or even a private limousine for large parties, leave the New Year's Eve driving to sober drivers or professionals. This ensures that no one will drive after having too much to drink. Even revelers who can control their alcohol consumption should avoid driving if they plan to

drink. A person need not be legally impaired to experience impairment.

Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 are considered to be legally impaired. But the NHTSA reports that a BAC of .05 can reduce co-ordination, lead to a reduced ability to track moving objects, make it difficult to steer, and produce a slower-than-normal response to emergency driving situations.

Go out for dinner first.

Having food, especially foods that are high in protein, in your stomach prior to consuming alcohol will help slow the processing of that alcohol. Someone who has not eaten will typically hit a peak BAC between 30 minutes and two hours of drinking.

But someone who has eaten will typically peak between one and six hours of drinking depending on the quantity of alcohol consumed.

Make a plan. Overconsumption of alcohol is not the

Photo credit Flashpop/Getty Images. only potential danger lurking on New Year's Eve. Large crowds can make it easier for friends to become separated, especially if they plan to visit more than one establishment before or after the clock strikes 12. When going out with a group on New Year's Eve, create an itinerary, complete

with meet-up spots, for the entire night. This ensures anyone who gets lost can easily find his or her way back to the group.

Individuals who are wandering alone on New Year's Eve may be vulnerable to criminals who are looking to prey on people whose inhibi-

tions have been lowered by alcohol and/or the festive atmosphere of the night.

A rowdy New Year's Eve may be on tap as the world ushers in 2022. That likelihood only underscores the importance of emphasizing safety when going out this December 31.

79 Perkins St., Estevan SK 306-637-2727 admin@regensmetals.ca

306.634.5555 | WWW.SKYLIFTSERVICES.COM

PLEASE PLAN A

SAFE RIDE HOME

RM OF

COALFIELDS Lori Carr, MLA Estevan Constituency Office

306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

Please be responsible.

Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

DR. ROBERT KITCHEN MP 1-866-249-4697

NO.4

RM OF

423 Main St., Bienfait, SK COALFIELDS NO.4 306-388-2323

PLEASE

DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED.

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www.drrobertkitchen.ca Member of Parliament | Souris-Moose Mountain

HAPPY NEW YEAR from

KFC! Let KFC deliver supper tonight!

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A20 December 29, 2021

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