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Big achievements.

Museum wishes executive director farewell.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

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Ukrainian community members share what their families are going through Found safe.

Michael Gordon Jackson and Sarah Jackson found in B.C. PAGE A5

It’s coming.

Estevan gets ready for figure skating provincials.

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Ukrainian forces have been fighting against the Russian forces, trying to keep them from the capital of Kiev and other Ukrainian cities since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24.

Governments, including Canada, have been pledging support for Ukraine, and implementing sanctions on Russia.

The Mercury reached out to Estevan residents of Ukrainian descent Thursday night to discuss the invasion, and followed up Monday night to talk about what they are hearing from home.

Estevan resident Hanna Frolova, originally from Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, said that while it all started only on Thursday, there were tanks in her hometown.

"They were shooting at Ukrainian flag and then put up their own.

We have friends and relatives all over Ukraine, but I don't know much. In my hometown, they destroyed a military base, some people died. My mom and father didn't leave, there is nowhere to run," Frolova said.

She added that the Belorussian "betrayal" – decisions to let Russian troops in so they could be closer to the Ukrainian border and fire missiles – is what failed Ukrainians.

"My auntie lives in Kharkiv. It was under a serious bombardment.

So far everyone is alive," Frolova said Thursday night. "Another auntie is in Kyiv, but Kyiv is big and she didn't hear shooting in the beginning. My brother's wife lives in Kyiv with her son. She phoned yesterday and said that there is shootings. She got in her vehicle to leave to western Ukraine, but came back at night because there were

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shootings there as well."

Frolova added that it's not true that Russians (or Russian-speaking Ukrainians) are being discriminated against – a rationale that Russian President Vladimir Putin uses to explain and justify their actions in the eye of Russian citizens.

"We speak Russian and there have never been any problems. Mom's sister

lived all her life in Donetsk and had no problems. Putin is sick," Frolova said.

"We are afraid for civilians, that they don't touch them, don't cut water and gas. A lot of people are older or have kids. Where are they going to run?"

She also heard that many Russian citizens hit the streets of their cities opposing the war. Many were arrested by the police.

"It means a lot for Ukraine. Russians don't go out to protest even for themselves. But Putin doesn't care now. He doesn't care about sanctions and the death of his own soldiers," Frolova said. "I'm afraid Putin's plans go beyond Ukraine."

"I was watching videos of the places where I've spent my childhood, A2 » NOWHERE

Fundraiser for family of Tribune man who died in blizzard raises $35,000

By Ana Bykhovskaia

New home for youth. EPYC moves into permanent location.

A rally was held in Regina on Saturday to show support for the people of Ukraine amid the invasion

by Russia. Photo by Larissa Kurz

A supper and an auction held at the Oungre Memorial Regional Park Hall Saturday attracted many people and raised funds for the family of Abraham Neufeld, who died in a blizzard that struck the southeast on Jan. 31.

David Pattyson, who helped organize the event, said they had about 150 people coming through the doors and were able to raise about $35,000.

"We had a very successful fundraiser, and a really good crowd came into the park, which was quite nice

for the family to see," Pattyson said.

"Everybody is grappling with the tragedy of life cut short. But the community is quite resilient and getting together for fundraisers such as this one is also part of the healing process for the community."

He added that the majority of the crowd was local people living within about 50 kilometres of Tribune. But there were also many people that came from further places, like Ponteix, the Carnduff area, Manitoba and Alberta.

The event was put together quickly, but Pattyson said that it went

smoothly.

"Everything went pretty well according to plan. With an event like that, there are always a few decisions that you need to make on the fly. But overall, it went very well," Pattyson said.

The gathering started with a silent auction with much merchandise provided by local businesses and individuals. It was followed by a supper prepared and served by community members and then a live auction.

"We had a large amount of merchandise that was donated from local merchants in the Weyburn and

Estevan area," Pattyson said. "The feature item was a Ford 3600 tractor that was completely restored by Abe before he passed."

The tractor was sold for $5,000.

Other items also saw interest, and the fundraiser turned out to be a success.

"It was pretty active time to get it all put together … But there was a very good team to work with, helping to organize it and also with the merchants … we were getting them up at short notice and everybody stepped up to the plate and was quite generous. With that I strongly encourage A2 » BUSINESSES

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Businesses helped raise money for Neufeld family

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Many local businesses and individuals donated items to be sold during the auction to help the Neufeld family.

Photo courtesy of Roseanna Stendall « A1 local people to try and support their local businesses because it's times like this, that you realize that the local businesses are the ones that will really come to help the community," Pattyson said.

"We'd like to really reiterate that we really appreciate the support from both the local community and the businesses in the area and (to encourage) people to really support those

businesses because I know that they've had a difficult time in the last couple of years as well."

Money raised will help the immediate financial needs of Neufeld's wife Susana, daughter Trudy and son Benny. If someone wants to support them, cheques can still be mailed out to Susana Neufeld. Donations can also be made through the Radius Credit Union Tribune branch, or people can

contact Pattyson to make an e-transfer to support the family.

Neufeld, 39, went missing on Jan. 31 during the powerful blizzard that hit the southeast. The tractor he was driving reportedly became stuck, and he became disoriented after trying to walk to his residence near Tribune.

He was found deceased two days later near Bromhead, following an extensive search.

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About 150 people partook in a silent and live auction and a supper organized to support the family of Abraham Neufeld. Photo courtesy of Roseanna Stendall

Nowhere to run for families in Ukraine « A8 now it's all afire and I don't know who to hate for that," Frolova said.

By Monday evening, the situation had only worsened.

The battles became more intense and the Russian attacks progressed deeper into the country, focusing on the capital city of Kyiv and the second biggest city Kharkiv.

"Battles became more aggressive. They were shooting, even more, aiming at residential houses in Kyiv and Kharkiv. There were dead bodies on the streets, those people were carrying bottles, they left their apartment just to get water," Frolova said, sharing the news she heard from family and friends from Ukraine by Monday evening. "My family is still there, when they shoot grenades at houses, they hide in the basements."

Frolova added that she was trying to find social media communities dedicated to the situation to understand what Russian citizens are hearing and thinking about the war.

"Unfortunately, in those communities most Russian citizens support Russian aggression," Frolova said.

"Seemed that even posts about young soldiers being hurt didn't result in any reaction.

I don't how they managed to befool so many people, but it's working," Frolova said.

"We are very grateful to all countries for their help and we do understand the difference between sane and friendly Russian and Belorussian citizens and extremists like Putin," she added.

Estevan's Irina Vlezko also has family in Ukraine.

Her and her husband's families are in Putivl' – a smaller city in the Sumy region. She said it's surrounded by tanks as well. By Monday, the situation there was quieter, but military equipment still could be seen on the outskirts of the city.

In Sumy and Konotop, which is about 100 kilometres from there, Russian troops were aiming at military installations on Thursday, destroyed military college and military bases, according to what she heard from her brother living in Konotop, and other people from the area.

She added that there is nowhere to run for her family – there is Russia on one side, and Poland is far away. As far as she was told, as of Thursday night, Konotop and Sumy were surrounded by Russian troops, but at that time they were letting civilians out of the ring without issues.

Vlezko said her niece, who lives three kilometres out of Sumy, left her home due to high danger and made it to Putivl’ on Sunday.

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"They spent half a night in the basement because of the explosions and shooting around the area. They decided to leave (on Sunday) because the tanks could be seen coming too close … She said it was scary to drive to Putivl', there were tanks along the road, corpses, legs. She and her husband got into a vehicle, prayed, said goodbye to each other just in case and took off," Vlezko retold what she heard from her niece. "There was no shooting along the road, but there was some military equipment, which seemed like Ukrainian.

Closer to Putivl' there were Russians on the road, they were checking documents and vehicles, everything, trunk, glove compartment, and then let them go through to get to Putivl'."

Vlezko's brother sent her some videos Thursday of what was happening in the area (see Sasktoday.ca for the video).

Sumy's artillery college was ablaze. Tanks could be seen in Konotop, and Vlezko was told a local fire station, gas stations part of railways and private houses were attacked and destroyed there. By Monday, it became quieter there as well, but some gunfire could still be heard. Communities around Sumy also were bombed over the past few days.

The ongoing warfare pushed thousands of people out of their homes in search of safety for their families in western regions of Ukraine, as well as in the neighbouring Eastern European countries.

Many of them are heading to Poland. On Monday, Estevan's

Aleksandra Szlapacka, of Polish descent, started a campaign to help Ukrainians arriving in Poland, asking the Estevan community to step in.

"Today in Poland we have over 300,000 (according to the government of Poland) immigrants from Ukraine. Poland expects four times more in the next few days. Ninety per cent are children with their mothers. Polish citizens help them in every possible way. They're organizing food and places to stay. Schools and kindergartens will accept all the kids to help them go through their hard times," Szlapacka said in her post on Facebook. "My heart is back home right now.

Polish Kitchen is organizing a fundraiser to help cover the costs of arriving Ukrainian families, like food, clothes and medicines. All funds will go directly to Motel Polonus in my hometown Morzyczyn.

We appreciate every donation.

Also, in March we will donate $5 from each lunch meal. Donation can be dropped off at Polish Kitchen at 1009 Sixth Street Estevan. Thank you to all of you."

E-transfers to go towards the cause can also be sent to PolishKitchenDonation@ gmail.com.

Szlapacka explained that her mother is helping with this motel, accepting Ukrainians fleeing the war. As of Monday, they had 20 families and were getting ready for more. The motel is located in far northwestern Poland by the city of Szczecin, and Szlapacka said "it takes hours and days for them to travel" there.

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Souris Valley Museum director is stepping down, looking back at previous years’ progress

By Ana Bykhovskaia After years with Souris Valley Museum, its current executive director Mark Veneziano is stepping down, leaving the attraction in great shape and far ahead in its progress.

Many changes have occurred at the museum over the six years Veneziano has been working there.

"I had really enjoyed my time here. And just looking back I can't believe how much has changed over the time since I had my tenure at the museum," Veneziano said in an interview with the Mercury.

One of the biggest and most important steps that has been made was the addition to the building, which turned the museum into a year-round attraction rather than the seasonal site it used to be. And that change opened doors for further programming development and growth.

"This is back in 2016-2017. I think that was one of the early highlights of my tenure here. Us being able to be open year-round meant we were able to offer more services. That's where we started seeing our I Am series starting to make an appearance as well as our No School Day workshops, and our winter and spring camps. That was something early on in my career and something really, really good to see," Veneziano recalled.

"And looking back at this, it was something great for the community going forward. Because of the building expansion, we still continue expanding programs."

In 2018, after researching the community needs, the museum expanded its summer offerings. After talking with some families who attended the museum, they increased the time dedicated to summer camps from just four weeks to an eight-week program that now offers eight or nine different camps for the kids every summer. Besides, at that time they opened

their programs to a wider age range, starting to serve children from three to 15 years of age.

"It was something that we were able to do as … we were here yearround, and we were able to have everything organized and in place for summer," Veneziano noted.

With more offerings, their membership started growing as well. All went steady until 2020 when the pandemic put everything on pause.

But while COVID-19 interrupted some of the museum's regular activities, it also created room for new development.

"We tried to transition and to keep relevant during the times of lockdown. So that's when we started introducing some virtual, or at-home programs. That's when we saw our Inside Blues program, which delved into early Canadian history. And then transitioning into the summer, we were able to start looking at virtual camps as well," Veneziano said. "That was a challenge that we had to take on, but it was so well received. And now we are trying to get back into normal, we are starting to build up some new clientele and some more programming as people are looking for things to do."

Veneziano also pointed out that the past year's endeavour, the virtual programming for teachers, was "something that (I am ) really, really proud of" and one of the biggest achievements of his time with the museum.

"Our virtual programming, virtual school programs for teachers, we started in 2021 with local schools and schools in Saskatchewan from January to June 2021. We had so many different communities that came to the museum virtually from all across Saskatchewan.

And then going into the new school year, which is the current school year, we were able to expand on our success and we've actually officially had our programs booked from coast to coast to coast," Veneziano shared.

This past year the museum welcomed schools from Newfoundland and Labrador to Victoria, and from as far north as Yellowknife and some communities up by the Arctic Ocean.

They also had a Canadian international school from Colombia joining them for their virtual programs last month.

"It was actually really, really fun to have just a completely different school from a different culture come to our museum. They were able to experience what Estevan was like, and learn where Saskatchewan was, and they actually even got a chance to see snow, which a lot of people in Colombia were not able to see on a daily basis. So it was a really, really fun little group," Veneziano shared.

He said that getting to share all the history of the area preserved by the museum nationally and internationally was the biggest highlight of his tenure.

But the progress achieved throughout the past years is something that makes him happy.

"From where we started when I was first here, as a seasonal museum just running a few programs during summer, to now, when my tenure comes to an end, and we're now able to say that we've had so many different programming. From our I Am series for youngest ones to introducing our Museum Safari program, which goes right down to the age of two. The museum is now at a stage where they have programs for ages two all the way up to adults, as well as virtual programming and in-person programming for schools. What we have been able to accomplish here as a staff and board over the several years, just over six years, is quite impressive, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about what the Souris Valley Museum is going to be doing. And I know that they're going to continue doing great things," Veneziano said.

Veneziano is transitioning to the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina and taking the job as their new community

Mark Veneziano has spent six years with the Souris Valley Museum, and was a part of many great and important changes.

File photo education program co-ordinator. But he said he will be staying in touch and coming to visit.

"I'm looking forward to the new challenge. But of course, I'm going to miss everyone here," Veneziano said.

The museum's board is hosting a farewell party for Veneziano on March 12 at 1:30 p.m., with refreshments and cupcakes provided, and the community is invited to join in celebrating the achievements, saying goodbye and wishing Veneziano all the best in his journey.

"It really is just a time for anyone in the community, from patrons to people who have partnered with us, to city staff, everyone is welcome to attend. And it will go until people stop arriving. There's really no end time," Veneziano said.

In the meantime, the museum will continue with all of their programming.

"There won't be any interrup-

tions to programs offered here at the museum. It's just business as usual.

AnnaRose (Lawrence) will be leading all our education programs for the time being and then in the future as well. So for anyone who has any questions about upcoming programs, give AnnaRose a call at the museum," Veneziano said. "I hope that the community continues supporting the museum. I know AnnaRose and the board, as well as the new director, will continue and maybe will keep expanding different things."

"It's been an honour to work here. We love calling Estevan home and Estevan will have a special place in my heart and my family's hearts. We look forward to keeping in touch and again, I'm hopeful that the community will come out to the museum and support them throughout everything and look forward to hearing about all the new stuff that's going to be introduced," Veneziano said.

Fact or fiction camp The winter break left some marks for those who opted for winter camps at the Souris Valley Museum. The morning group for children ages three to five learned everything about snow and ice through the Winter Wonderland camp, while older kids attended the museum in the afternoon for Fact or Fiction. Throughout the week, participants explored Saskatchewan, Canadian, Indigenous and international myths, did some crafts and also got to guess which facts were true and debunk some myths. From left, Jaxon Ward, Zac Cennon, Bennett Kowal, Zelie RoyCennon and Myrah Kowal were watching an educational video on Feb. 23 about Ogopogo and then transformed the new knowledge into crafts.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Estevan Kinettes raise over $3,000 for Telemiracle Thanks to generous community and business support, the Estevan Kinettes were able to raise a significant amount of money to take to Telemiracle 46.

Auction committee chair Angela Bresciani said they had a successful event and were able to raise $3, 160 for Telemiracle in March.

“There were a lot of new people. We got some donations from the Trinity women; they donated some quilts that we didn't have last year. There were a few places

that we didn't get this year, but really, whatever money we raised for Telemiracle is better than nothing.

We're happy with what we got,” Bresciani said.

She said running an online auction for the second year was a bit easier. They weren’t as rushed as they were last year. Businesses and bidders were involved, so she said they may consider doing it again in the future.

The business community supplied them with a good variety of

items that attracted a diverse group of buyers. For example, Turnbull Excavating donated a load of gravel.

They also had many gift cards to local businesses. Byron Fichter Fotography supplied them with some artwork.

“A lot of the people that we did get last year did donate again this year; that was great. A lot of people that saw that we were looking even came to us. We had a few people that messaged us directly saying, ‘hey, can I donate?’” Bresciani shared.

There was quite a bit of interest from buyers as well, but the totals weren’t as high.

“It was slow at the start, but the thing is that we're still in a pandemic. There will always be money for donations. So it sums up. It didn't go as high as we thought they were going to go. But still, we're still happy with what we got, any money raised is great because what we got is probably going to give a scooter or some walkers to some people that need it,” Bresciani said.

“Thank you to everybody that donated and that bid on our items.

We appreciate the community's support every year.”

Telemiracle is set to take place at Evraz Place in Regina on March 5 and 6 with no live audience and with mixed live and pre-recorded entertainment. Countdown to Telemiracle will be streamed online at telemiracle.com, and the main fundraiser will be broadcasted on CTV across the province and on Telemiracle’s website.

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EDITORIAL

There’s value in promoting tourism Volume 116 Issue 40 Contact us: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca @Estevan_Mercury facebook.com/EstevanMercury

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One of the bright moves for the Saskatchewan Party since it formed government for the first time in 2007 was creating the Saskatchewanderer position.

It started as the Best Summer Job Ever – a chance for a student to travel the province and document all of the great things that we have here, and promote it on a large scale.

It has since grown to be a one-year gig, with some very talented people taking the reins. And now Saskatchewan says the next ’Wanderer will move into the job permanently, rather than just for a year.

It gives the next tourism ambassador a chance to build continuity. The ’Wanderer no doubt has a myriad of options for events and attractions to visit during the year, and by the end of that year, will have a list of “Gee I wish I could have gone there” situations.

Now that person can go the next year, or the year after that.

It’s a tough, demanding job. It might seem like all fun and games, but there will no doubt

be times in which the ’Wanderer will lament not having time off, or being forced to travel from one corner of the province to another in short order. And during those travels, this person will no doubt see things they wish they could stop and experience.

Of course, we’re extending an invitation for the next Saskatchewanderer to come here for a visit. We think sometime from May 20-29 might be a great time, thanks to the Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented

by Tim Hortons. Or the Energy City Ex., when our fair and rodeo will be on the same weekend.

Come to Estevan. See all that we have to offer. Meet our great people. (Hey, the invite worked the last time we tried it).

The Saskatchewanderer program became more important than ever during the pandemic.

With travel options limited, not just abroad but throughout Canada, people were looking to spend their holiday time in Saskatchewan. And so it was a chance to tell the stories of attractions in the province.

We might know what we have to offer in our own backyard but do we know what we can find in the southwest, the northeast and the other regions of Saskatchewan?

Tourism is a great way to create pride in your community. It shows that you live in a great place to work, but also a great place to live and raise your family. (We’ve talked before about the need to promote Estevan as a great place to live).

It’s a chance to show all that a community has to offer. It’s a chance to promote your events, your attractions, your amenities, your scenery and your people. And it’s a chance to say that others are welcome here.

Money spent on tourism is money well spent.

We loved it when 2020-21 Saskatchewanderer Leah Mertz made Estevan her first stop, and talked about how Estevan was her favourite community to visit.

And so we’re pleased that the provincial government is taking the next step in the Saskatchewanderer program.

The horror time machine is activated, common sense – the price paid for it

Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated

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It’s not every day you wake up to the news that your country goes into war.

Into a full-pledge real war. Into unprovoked war. Into an unreasonable war, in which the main question the whole world is asking is why. Why the heck is Putin doing it? Why are some, many Russian citizens, supporting it, and what their government is dragging them into? And where and when is he going to stop?

My Russian origin doesn’t make me an expert in Russian politics, nor does it make me intuitively know the answers to the questions above. I don’t support the current government, which is the only one I’ve known in my grownup life, I never did. But I am strongly connected to everything happening in that part of the world and I do feel terrible, ashamed and infinitely sorry for Ukraine and all Ukrainians.

With my grandparents going through the siege of Leningrad and their parents dying in the frontlines of the Second World War, my parents, my siblings and I all grew up with the grandparents’ motto of “anything but war.” War was worse than the worst nightmares in our consciousness and unconsciousness.

Never could I imagine that war will jump out of history books we were raised on and claim its spot in real life.

Just last Sunday, I was trying to convince a friend that while Russian troops were piling up at the border, there wouldn’t be a real war. I was confident it was fist-shaking and a power demonstration aimed at proving to the west that they need to take Russia, but mainly its government, seriously. Obviously, I was blind, completely naive. But I wasn’t the only one.

Even those experts that have been drumming about how dangerous Putin was for years say they didn’t foresee a full-pledged war with threats of use of nuclear weapons. Putin always used to be a man who had one foot in civilized western dialogue and only one in the Mafiosistyle ruling. Up until the first military actions, neither myself nor most people I know thought Russia would ever go into a real war.

Well, it did, committing a crime against humanity, causing pain and chaos and resulting in a horrible tragedy. And a deeper look into it uncovers more and more layers of insanity and absurdity, but still doesn’t answer the “why” of it.

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

In Russia, the war is officially called a “military operation to liberate Donbas.” World war has a different meaning for Russian citizens. Its narrative, story and history this word describes, carries meaning strongly associated with the Great Patriotic War; a war in which Soviet soldiers and Soviet people were fighting for their life and their own land, protecting it from Nazism. The narrative of the word “war” almost contains meaning of “righteous.” So what Russian troops are doing in Ukraine is called an “operation.” And from what I hear, it seems that thousands, probably millions of people believe that the Russian government is exhorting “last resources” to save … I’m not sure who or what, but they believe they are doing a good and just thing.

What the well-oiled Russian state propaganda machine ignores in its narrative of being saviours is the fact that Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state, and what’s happening is a fullpower military invasion. To those, supporting the government even slightly in this direction is a treason. (There were suggestions at the government level to forbid using the word “war” in the context of the war in Ukraine).

It took years of propaganda, fear-mongering, crackdowns and changing the constitution to a point, where even what I’m saying now, if needed, can be considered a plea for extremism and may result in criminal charges, jail time, loss of citizenship and probably more. By 2022, the Russian constitution and regulatory framework developed to a point where the power concentrated in the hands of the current president is pretty much unlimited.

And with all that, it definitely seems that he completely lost it, as I don’t see any other explanation for what he is doing. Not only is he destroying Ukraine, but he is destroying Russia not the less, if not more.

The propaganda machine keeps feeding people with ideas of western sanctions not

working, but they already are and they are hitting everyone. Entrepreneurs I know are looking into bankruptcy procedures, thousands of people are being laid off as I type this. Russian currency is sinking, so everything people had saved up for any occasion turns into dust. But when Putin’s press secretary was asked if the government that started the war is planning on having some support programs for people, he said, “Hold on, nothing has happened to us yet.” If what’s happening there is “nothing yet,” the perspectives are much darker.

However, not everyone got contaminated by this madness. My newsfeed, mainly consisting of people currently living in Russia, has been filling with Ukrainian flags, words of support and anger towards what’s happening, petitions, pictures and videos of warfare since Thursday.

Yes, my scope is narrow. My Russian friends are mainly journalists and people with higher education, those who research the information rather than consume state-controlled news.

I read their posts and recognize my own hurricane of emotions, in which we are trying to do something but feel that it’s too late. We screwed up. They are out picketing, some are in jails now, signing petitions and donating to causes aimed at helping people affected by war and supporting a few last standing independent Russian media. All while constantly fighting total terror and guilt.

I want to believe that this war is coming to an end right away and by the time this piece is published, it’s already outdated. I wanted to see peace in Ukraine as soon as last Thursday. I pray that in 2022 we don’t live in absurdity, where war is real. But I can’t even try guessing what’s driving the head of the Russian military machine and how far his insane ambitions go.

I don’t understand what Putin wants and where he is heading. Does he want to create a buffer zone at the border? Does he want to take over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions? Does he want to take over Ukraine and/or start rebuilding the Union? Do his plans go beyond it? If he indeed lost it, it can be any of the above or worse.

One way or the other, he activated a time machine, which dragged us into horrible barbarian warfare and which is already pushing Russia over into the darkness of the past.

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David Willberg Willberg’s World

Not as excited as last time Forgive me for not being giddy about the full lifting of COVID-19 restrictions this time in Saskatchewan.

Eight months ago, when the government said that all COVID-19 measures would be finished, I was lighting a victory cigar. No more mask mandates. No more calls for social distancing. No more limits on the number of people allowed for gatherings, whether they were private or public, indoors or outdoors.

It helped that the first day of life after restrictions was going to be my Grandma Leguee’s birthday celebration in Weyburn, and we were going to have a big family get-together.

Yes, I had concerns that the government was moving too quickly, and that the threshold for lifting all public health measures should have been tied to the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine instead of the first. That lingering skepticism came to fruition when a few weeks later, we had our worst COVID surge since the start of the pandemic.

And while the government didn’t impose restrictions to the degree that it did previously, we were still forced to don our masks again, and we had to start showing a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to access a lot of businesses and services.

Now Saskatchewan is largely restriction-free again. There are some lingering measures in place, but the government has shifted its pandemic phrase from “Stick it to COVID” to “Living with COVID.” Other provinces have also been lifting restrictions, as many jurisdictions are hoping that the future mutations of COVID won’t be as serious, and if things take a turn for the worst, that the medical community can quickly come up with a vaccine for a virus that we understand far better than we did two years ago.

I’m cautiously optimistic about life after restrictions this time around. I’d likely be more excited about it if the government was giving us more information, particularly when it comes to the number of people in hospital due to COVID, and the number of people who contracted it while in hospital.

While the government has been releasing weekly COVID updates since July, the daily dashboard updates still served a purpose. And they had value for those who want to make decisions based on evidence.

I also want to know about things like test positivity rates and the percentage of people diagnosed with COVID who wind up in hospital, but those numbers are hard to gauge now that the government has limited the number of people who can get a PCR test.

But you likely won’t see me wearing a mask. Not unless I have to. If I have to put a mask on to access a business, then I will.

And while this is near the bottom of issues created by the pandemic, I certainly look forward to taking photos of people without masks again.

We’ve had widespread, mandatory indoor masking in public for 12 of the past 15 months.

For those who still wear a mask, well, that’s their choice, and they deserve better than taunts from some out there. It reflects poorly on anyone who insists on making fun of those who wear a mask.

It would be foolish to have a cathartic mask-burning ceremony. Restrictions could be brought in at some point. Some places will still require them. And you’ll likely still need one if you want to travel, or if you’re aboard an airplane.

I’ve also enjoyed seeing large crowds for Estevan Bruins’ home games again. That crowd for the Feb. 19 game against the Weyburn Red Wings was great. It was likely the largest crowd at Affinity Place for a hockey game in nearly three years.

Hopefully, we’ll get to see even more people at games during an extended playoff run.

Hopefully other venues and organizations in town are benefitting from lifting the proof of vaccine mandate.

It is important that we are prepared to be at the point, in which COVID is endemic rather than pandemic. If you think we should wait for COVID to be fully eradicated before fully reopening, well, dream on. Medical history shows just how difficult it is to fully eradicate a disease.

I just hope we’re not moving too fast. After all, we saw late in the summer and early in the fall what happens when you do.

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Michael Gordon Jackson and his daughter Sarah found in B.C. The search for Michael Gordon Jackson, who has resided in the Carievale-area, and his seven-year-old daughter Sarah came to a peaceful end last week.

They were found 1,300 kilometres away from Regina in Vernon, B.C., at around noon on Thursday, according to Sgt. Maj. Darryl Milo, who delivered an update on the case during a press conference held at RCMP Headquarters in Regina on Thursday.

Vernon RCMP officers located Michael Gordon Jackson and Sarah Jackson in a vehicle parked outside of a business in Vernon. No one else was with them. Sarah is safe and was soon reunited with her mother, Mariecar Jackson, in Regina.

Michael was arrested without incident and was in police custody in Vernon. He has been transferred back to Regina, and made his first court appearance in Regina provincial court on Tuesday.

“Mariecar has been waiting for this day, and that phone call, from our investigators since last year. She would like to thank everyone who played a role in helping locate her daughter. This includes every single person who took a moment to listen to her pleas released today and last week.

Those that shared these videos and kept the conversation about her daughter going,” Milo said.

“Mariecar has asked for privacy at this time as she understandably takes some time to reunite with Sarah.”

He added that they received a lot of help, tips and information from the public from all over, which significantly helped the work of the police officers and the investigation.

“We can say that we received tips and information from multiple provinces. The first video we released on February 15 reached over 440,000 people and was shared over 13,000 times. In the first hour after posting the second video today the video was shared 177 times and reached over 4,500 people,” Milo said.

“To the public and our news partners – those here today, thank you. You played a role in assisting us with this investigation.”

At this time, no additional people were charged in connection with the case, but Milo said that the situation may change down the road.

“Anyone who was aiding or assisting Michael Gordon Jackson could be charged with the same offence or possibly other related offences,” Milo said.

While many details about the role of the public’s tips in locating the Michael and Sarah over the course of the investigation, which lasted for about three months, couldn’t

be revealed at this time as the investigation continues, Milo noted that Thursday marked the most important point in this case.

“When Saskatchewan RCMP investigators stand at this podium, often times we are not speaking about good news. This is the nature of the work we do. Today, we achieved the outcome we have been diligently working towards: reuniting Sarah with her mom,” Milo said.

“We want to thank the many police officers from multiple police agencies and in multiple provinces who assisted with this investigation since November of last year.

“While we cannot go into detail about the specific steps our officers need to take, we want to say this investigation is not over.

“The return of Sarah to her mother is very new and the investigation is ongoing.”

The investigation covered several provinces and numerous police forces within the RCMP and outside the agency were working side by side. Milo said “there was no limit to where we looked for both Sarah and Michael.”

On Jan. 21, the Saskatchewan RCMP charged Jackson with one count of abduction in contravention of a custody or a parenting order, contrary to Section 282(1) of the Criminal

Michael Gordon Jackson was located in Vernon, B.C., last week.

Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan RCMP Code, and they obtained Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.

Sarah’s mother has full custody of her.

Back in early January, Michael Gordon Jackson made an appearance on Live with Laura-Lynn on Rumble where he was talking with the host about keeping Sarah because he didn’t want her to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Sarah’s parents were given joint custody of her in 2019, but the mother had final decisionmaking power, including decisions on health-care procedures.

Mariecar received full custody of Sarah in January of this year.

Zajac seeking Buffalo Party leadership

By David Willberg Phil Zajac is one of two candidates vying to be the first elected leader of the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan.

The party announced the candidates for the leadership on Feb. 18. Clint Arnason of Vanguard is the other candidate.

Zajac said he believes it’s time to get back to what he called “rural values” in Saskatchewan. He also believes the Estevan area has the most to lose in the next provincial election.

“Somebody is going to do what needs to be done to help rural communities grow and survive, and we have a plan to create really good jobs here in the southeast corner,” Zajac told the Mercury.

The party is not in favour of moving away from coal-fired electricity or carbon capture and storage technology.

“Those are all things that, as far as we’re concerned, are here to stay, and the plan that we have will create a bunch of really good-paying jobs – not just jobs – and long-term jobs,” said Zajac.

He says he has been residing in the area for years, and cares for the community, and so Zajac believes he would do a good job of advocating for this area and other rural communities.

If he were to become leader, he would run in the Estevan constituency in the next provincial election.

“The whole reason I got into politics is

I care about this community, and I would be a good advocate for the people of Estevan and this area,” said Zajac.

While he would have liked to have seen more people in the leadership race, it is a significant time commitment. And it’s not currently a full-time job, so the leader would have to continue with their regular career, although it would become a full-time job as the next provincial election approaches.

“It’s very time consuming,” said Zajac.

“I think a lot of people like the idea, that they would do it, but when it comes down to what it actually takes to do it, it’s not easy.”

Even completing the paperwork to get through the process was not easy. Zajac compared it to those who think it’s easy to start a new political party, only to find out the number of challenges.

He noted that at age 55, his child has grown up so he has more time to focus on the party’s leadership.

“With technology with the way it is today, with cell phones and computers, it’s easy to do both.”

Zajac ran for the party in the 2020 provincial election in the Estevan constituency, finishing second behind incumbent MLA Lori Carr of the Saskatchewan Party.

He received 1,713 votes, the most of any Buffalo Party candidate in the election.

During the election campaign, he also represented the party in the final debate in Regina.

Estevan’s Phil Zajac has entered the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan’s leadership race.

File photo Clint Arnason ran for the Buffalo Party in the recent provincial by-election in La Loche. He finished fourth in the race with 12 votes.

“He’s very involved in the party. He believes in the Buffalo Party. He ran as a candidate for us up in Athabasca in the byelection. He’s got a passion for politics and it should be an interesting race,” Zajac said.

The election will take place on March 25. According to the Buffalo Party, all paid memberships, on or before March 13 will receive a ballot via email. The election will be held online, and the results will be announced on March 25.

The party says a debate is to occur in early March.

Flashback – March 12, 1997 These Estevan Junior High students were the top fund raisers at the school’s dance-athon in 1997. About $2,000 was raised at the function and the money went to the Students Representative Council, Students Against Drinking and Driving and Peer Mediation.

From left, Kalsa Martin, Kim Lawrence, Pat Gebkanjans, Greg Michel, Melissa Aspenlieder, Dustin Tendler and Lindsay Wanner.

IT TAKES MORE THAN A SIGN.

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Oxbow marks Family Day Oxbow marked Family Day on Feb. 21 by hosting a Winter Festival. A number of organizations came together for the event, including the Oxbow Recreation Board, the Big Six Hockey League’s Oxbow Huskies, the Adventure Club, the Oxbow Arts and Cultural Committee, Oxbow Rink Committee, Expressway Family Centre and the Oxbow Childcare Centre. Funding was also received from the Southeast District for Sport, Culture and Recreation. Despite the cold temperatures that day, many events took place including street hockey, snowshoeing, tobogganing, glow skating and curling. People also enjoyed a bonfire, snow art and entertainment by Laurie Fornwald, Keith Pauchard and Vivian Powell. Photo submitted

Adult Day program is open once again The adult day program at St. Joseph’s Hospital is open once again, nearly two years after it was shut down.

Cheryl Harrison, the director of patient services for the hospital, said the program resumed during the first week in February. It had been shuttered due to safety concerns once COVID-19 was classified as a pandemic in March 2020.

The hospital was able to open it once again now that restrictions have been lifted.

“We started looking at it last fall, to open it again, because we have had lots of requests for it to reopen, but we didn’t think we safely

could because of the different COVID surges that we’ve had over the past few months,” Harrison told the Mercury.

The day hospital can take up to six clients per day from Monday to Thursday, which is lower than what they had pre-COVID. “We thought we would start with this so we could still maintain social distancing and keep people safe,” said Harrison.

It allows them to keep everybody safe and socially distanced. Services that were offered through the day program before March 2020 are accessible once again.

The day program has averaged three or four clients a day since its resumption.

“I think the word is starting to get out now, that we are open, so we’ve had more inquiries every week,” said Harrison.

Clients have had to be masked when attending the program. When exercising in the hallway, they have had to be distanced. In the adult day program room, they also practise social distancing, especially when eating lunch.

According to Harrison, masks are still required for the hospital and its amenities as per the guidelines from the S askatc he wan

Health Authority that remain in place. The provincial government lifted the indoor masking requirement for most public indoor spaces on Monday.

The clients who access the program have been very happy to have it open once again, and to be able to socialize with their friends, Harrison said. Staff members have also reacted favourably.

“It’s one step closer to be being back to normal,” said Harrison.

Anyone looking for information on the day program can contact Harrison at 306-637-2403.

The adult day program at St. Joseph’s Hospital reopened in February. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital

Ocean Man officially recognized as Treaty 4 land Ocean Man First Nation signed a landmark agreement Feb. 23 with Marc Miller, the federal Minister of Crown‐ Indigenous Relations, which officially recognizes Ocean Man’s status as a Treaty 4 First Nation.

Ocean Man adhered to Treaty No. 4 on Sept. 15, 1875. A reserve was subsequently surveyed and set apart for Ocean Man near present‐day Stoughton, and the people of Ocean Man occupied that land until 1901, when Canada wrongfully amalgamated Ocean Man with two nearby First Nations, Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation and White Bear First Nations.

After the amalgamation,

Canada stopped recognizing Ocean Man and Pheasant Rump as First Nations separate from White Bear.

The people of Ocean Man and Pheasant Rump were moved to the White Bear reserve, and continued to reside there for decades.

In 1989, Ocean Man was formally recognized as a First Nation by Canada, despite the wrongful amalgamation of 1901. However, there was disagreement over whether the Ocean Man First Nation that was recognized in 1989 was the same band as the one that adhered to Treaty 4 in 1875.

Ocean Man and Canada signed the agreement under which Canada officially recognizes that Ocean Man

has existed continually since 1875, has never been lawfully extinguished, amalgamated or dissolved, and has never surrendered its treaty rights.

"This agreement formally recognizes Canada’s ongoing Treaty relationship with Ocean Man First Nation, and their inherent rights under Treaty No. 4," said Miller.

"We look forward to continuing to work together as treaty partners to advance reconciliation and build a better future based on community priorities. Congratulations to Chief (Connie) Big Eagle, Elders and community members on this historic day."

The agreement was signed at a private ceremony held in Regina, attended by

Ocean Man leadership and elders, and virtually by Miller and other federal government representatives. The signatures were followed by an exchange of gifts between Ocean Man and Canada, and ceremonial songs by a traditional hand drummer from Ocean Man. The agreement is the product of years of negotiations between Ocean Man and Canada at a recognition of Indigenous rights and self‐ determination (RIRSD) table, and marks the end of a prolonged period of disagreement between Ocean Man and the Government of Canada with respect to Ocean Man’s status as a Treaty 4 First Nation.

While there remains much to be done at the RIRSD table as

Ocean Man and Canada work towards reconciliation and righting the wrongs of 1901 and afterward, Ocean Man is hopeful the agreement will lead to meaningful progress in the months ahead.

Of the recognition agreement, Big Eagle said: “Ocean Man has been working toward and waiting for significant progress in our negotiations with Canada for many years.

I want to acknowledge and

thank all past and current Ocean Man leadership for their contributions in bringing us to the signing of this recognition agreement between Ocean Man and Canada.”

Ocean Man also wishes to thank Pheasant Rump and White Bear for their support at the RIRSD table and in advancing Ocean Man’s aim of having its rights, history and nationhood finally recognized.

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Bruins overcome stellar goaltending to defeat Melville

By David Willberg The Estevan Bruins will enter the final week of their regular season with the best record in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Estevan defeated the Melville Millionaires 3-1 Saturday night at Affinity Place, overcoming the stellar play of Melville goaltender Alexis Giroux, who stopped 45 of the 48 Bruin shots he faced.

After a scoreless first period, in which the Black and Gold outshot the Mills 17-2, the Bruins opened the scoring when Kade Runke tallied 5:33 into the second period.

Melville picked up some momentum in the second half of the middle frame and tied the game on a power play with six minutes remaining in the second.

R u n k e s c o re d w h a t proved to be the game winner seven minutes into the third period.

Bruins’ alternate captain Dayton Deics said there was a sense of relief when Runke

finally broke the deadlock.

“We were working hard and getting shots on net, and we just couldn’t bury it. It was nice that we could finally finish it out in the third period,” said Deics.

Giroux had a great game, Deics said, and made the saves when needed.

Olivier Pouliot gave the Bruins some breathing room with a power play goal on an end-to-end rush with less than five minutes to play in the third.

Boston Bilous started the game in goal for the Bruins and stopped seven of the eight shots he faced through two periods. Cam Hrdlicka entered the game in the third and made five saves.

Head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic said Bilous was a little sore and was removed from the game as a precaution to give him a chance to rest.

Three members of the Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears dressed for Melville in the game: forwards Tucker Buhay and Blaze Gutzke, and defenceman

Matt Millette (27) and Dayton Deics (5) converge on Melville’s Cole Larocque during Saturday’s game at Affinity Place.

Ayden Lamarre.

Tatarnic applauded Giroux for his performance.

“We put a lot of pucks on net, and missed some pretty good chances to get the go-ahead goal,” said Tatarnic. “Give the goalie credit, because he played well. But you have to find that go-ahead goal, and once you do, you want to protect it and get another one.”

Estevan (41-10-1-3, 86 points) sits two points ahead of the Humboldt Broncos (42-13, 84 points) for first overall. Both teams have three games remaining. “ We’re working hard and we want that first place,” said Deics. “We’re not trying to play with pressure on our back or a target on our back, but we’re putting pressure on ourselves, because we want

first place.”

Earlier in the week, the Bruins split a pair of games in La Ronge against the Ice Wolves, winning 7-3 on Feb. 22 but losing 3-1 the next night.

The Bruins scored four times in an eight-minutes span of the second, with Zach Burfoot, Eric Houk, Brandon Ambrozik and Caelan Fitzpatrick scoring. Houk

finished with two goals and two assists on the night. Alex Von Sprecken and Runke also scored.

The following night, La Ronge scored the winner in the final minute of the third period and added another into an empty net. Pouliot had the Bruins’ lone goal.

Bilous stopped 25 of 28 shots in the first game and made 31 saves on 33 shots the next night.

“I thought we had a great first game, and they followed the game plan to a T,” said Tatarnic. “I thought we got away from that game plan in the second night, and their goalie came in and played an excellent game.”

A mistake late in the second game cost them a point, Tatarnic said.

The Bruins will play their final home game of the regular season Wednesday when they host the Notre Dame Hounds. Game time is 7 p.m. Then they will visit Melville on March 4 and the Weyburn Red Wings on March 5 to close out the regular season.

Talented figure skaters will converge on Estevan The Estevan Figure Skating Club is getting ready to host the biggest event for the sport in Saskatchewan.

The Winter Classic, formerly known as the Jean Norman competition, is a Skate Canada Saskatchewan provincial invitational championship that will be held at Affinity Place and the Power Dodge Arena from March 4-6. It is also the final event for Skate Canada Saskatchewan this season.

It allows for all of the skaters in the province to compete against each other.

“Normally, most of their competitions, other than qualifying events, are held in their respective regions,” said Kathryn Gilliss, who is the technical representative for the event. “This is the big event that’s hosted each year that allows all of the skaters from all over the province to compete in one location, and with skaters

they might not always be in direct competition with.”

Affinity Place and the Power Dodge Arena will have skating throughout the day the first two days.

Skaters will also be on the ice at Affinity for the final day.

The public is invited to drop by and watch the skating throughout the weekend.

Approximately 200 skaters are expected to compete. Gilliss noted they have nearly 500 entries, but many skaters are in at least two events, as they might do a free skate and an element, or a free skate and a dance.

Because it ’s an invitational event, rather than based on a qualifier, it means there will be a variety of ages and skill levels represented.

There will be junior, novice and pre-novice events in the competitive stream, but much of the weekend is dedicated to the StarSkate program, which

Gilliss said is the more general program that Skate Canada has, and allows for competition and development of skills in both free skate and elements.

“We also have artistic events this weekend,” said Gilliss. “ We have adult events. We have Special Olympics events, and some dance events as well with some solo pattern dances.”

A pairs skating exhibition is also on the schedule.

Gilliss noted the club has put out a call for raffle items and donations for the competition, and it will rely heavily on volunteers. The officials are all qualified and will come down for the event.

Volunteers will be needed for ice captaining, medal presentations, running results to the data room and other work in the two rinks.

Estevan was supposed to host the Winter Classic last year, but all competitions were cancelled because of the pandemic.

“The rinks, in some ways, have to be retrofitted to skating. The judging panels have to be put into the players’ boxes,” said Gilliss.

There are a lot of hard-working people who will make the entire weekend happen, she said.

Every event that happens typically has a technical representative, which is usually an official with background knowledge.

Her roles include setting up the schedule and arranging the officials’ assignments. Gilliss is a certified judge, so she will also serve as an official.

Members of the Estevan Figure Skating Club were also at the Region 1 and 6 competition in Arcola on Feb. 20. Twentyfive members competed.

Estevan skaters brought home a lot of hardware and ribbons in all events. For most skaters, it was their first competition ever due to COVID limitations the last two seasons.

Among the members of the Estevan figure skating club who competed in Arcola were, back row from left, Mackenzie Watson, Autumn Dow and Izzy Fonstad.

Front row, Janiyah Laforga, Danae Schlamp, Taryn Bohn and Madison Nielson. Photo submitted

by Janice Grochalsk

Estevan hosts U9 tournament The Estevan Minor Hockey Association hosted its annual under-nine tournament this past weekend at Affinity Place and the Power Dodge Arena. Young players from a number of communities came to Estevan for the tournament, and enjoyed several games each.

The tournament was held for fun. Photo by David Willberg

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Getting ready for football The Estevan Kinette Club Viragos under-18 female football team held a drill clinic at the Credit Union Spark Centre – the field house recreation and cultural complex in Weyburn – on Feb. 20. Drills were under the direction of Regina Riot female football team players, including Shanelle Rioux, an Estevan football alumni and the Viragos first head coach. Photo by Kevin Mortenson

Elecs preparing to host Shoot for a Cure tournament The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs senior girls’ basketball team is getting ready to host an annual fundraiser for the fight against cancer.

The Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure competition will be held March 4 and 5 at the ECS gymnasium.

Coach Bridget Bjorndalen said the eight-team competition will be similar to what has

been offered in the past.

“Everybody is supposed to be wearing pink, and we’re going to have our raffle table set up for raffle items and also for donations,” said Bjorndalen.

Proceeds from the tournament each year benefit someone who is battling cancer. This year’s recipient is Cara Hauber, whose daughter is a student at the Estevan

Health

Comprehensive School and a classmate of many members of the basketball team.

“We like to support each other as a community, and the school, the Comp., is a community. These kids know the student and are just trying to support her family,” said Bjorndalen.

Team members have been going to businesses in the community to secure raffle

items. Bjorndalen said they usually have a very good selection of donations, and so it becomes a very popular part of the tournament.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, they won’t have a fundraising concession this year.

Bjorndalen is very familiar with the tournament. She was a member of the Elecs when it was first introduced as a fundraiser for cancer more

&

than a decade ago. And then she has been involved as a coach for three years.

“It’s really amazing to see how much it has grown, how much it has expanded since Jessie (head coach Jessie Smoliak) has taken over as our senior girls’ basketball coach.”

Bjorndalen noted that this tournament is a big passion for Smoliak. Her father died from cancer a few years

ago, and his name is now attached to it. When she was named the Saskatchewan Rattlers/Basketball Saskatchewan Coach of the Month for February, she cited the tournament as her greatest accomplishment as a coach.

“This is a tournament that she loves. It’s our favourite tournament of the year, so it’s really close to our hearts,” said Bjorndalen.

Wellness

Local wellness practitioner creates virtual space for everyone

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Michelle Assoumbang Pharmacist, BSP

Hien Le Pharmacist, BSP

Matthew Walliser Pharmacist, BSP

Alison Folbar Pharmacist, BSP

Donna George Pharmacy Technician, PhT

Patti McClelland Pharmacy Assistant

Brittany Tuchscherer Pharmacy Assistant

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The Estevan Wellness Collective is a private Facebook group created by Estevan’s Karolina Tamulaitiene this February, aimed at bringing local wellness practitioners together and developing a go-to space filled with knowledge, advice and ideas for those who want to get the best for their health.

“It will be for people seeking help, and also for professionals to possibly promote what they're doing, to get the word out, to bring awareness to our community that we have all these professionals here at our disposal. And at the same time, my vision for this group is to be educational, to bring awareness for people to lead healthier lives. I feel like it's an extremely important topic to

Elle Garagan is a registered massage therapist and another specialist on board with the Estevan Wellness Collective.

Photo submitted by Karolina Tamulaitiene

be talking about,” Tamulaitiene said in an interview with the Mercury.

The group is fresh and new, but Tamulaitiene already has some specialists joining the group, which will offer Estevan residents information and answers to many of their health and wellness-related questions.

“It's hard for people to find the right modality when they're looking to feel better. So sometimes it can be a pain in the back, and you think you need a massage therapist. But that can also lead to digestive issues, GI tract, constipation, and things like that, that should be addressed, which can actually also cause lower back pain. So I wanted to create a space for people, if there's something that they're struggling with and they're looking for answers to their health concerns,” Tamulaitiene said.

“Now, I'm not talking about replacing medical doctors, this is absolutely not what I'm saying.”

She went on to explain that her idea is to create a space where people can go, feeling safe and find localized resources and answers, talk about their health and wellness concerns with professionals of different specifics who are working in the Estevan area, and find the best specialist who can help them.

The private group is for people looking for guidance and assistance from professionals in different areas of expertise. They will have a collective of holistic nutritionist, supplement specialist, fitness instructors, meditation and yoga instructors, massage therapist and mental health professional.

There are 11 professionals in the group so far, including herself, and Tamulaitiene hopes the group will keep growing.

Karolina Tamulaitiene is a holistic nutritionist specializing in gut health who started the Estevan Wellness Collaborative Facebook community. Photo submitted by Karolina Tamulaitiene “I'm open to anyone participating.

I would love to have somebody with essential oils … It is very new, but I'm very excited about the future for it.”

Over time there will be lots of free information shared, tips and advice as well as services and programs to purchase for anyone looking.

The group will work to answer specific requests, such as low energy, digestion questions, headaches and migraines, skin, hair and nail appearance, general wellness, etc.

“I will be sharing a lot of information for free within the group. So it won't be just ask questions, it will also be informative, educational and that can also help people think ‘Oh, maybe A9 » ESTEVAN

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March 2, 2022 A9

EPYC move: youth centre finds a new home The Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) has found a permanent home and is moving into a location at 1104 Sixth Street.

A long-awaited change opens many opportunities for the local non-profit, but what’s more important is what it means for local youths.

“Finding a location is a goal we have been working on for a long time,” said Juli Dzuba, EPYC’s executive director. “Having a space of our own will give us a chance to build a solid foundation and bring to life the vision of EPYC.” Unlike bef ore, now EPYC will be able to set up all the equipment they acquired and that was donated to them, creating an attractive hang-out space for Estevan youth to come during their spare time.

“What we were doing before was just renting space nightly. So we couldn't actually set up any of our equipment. With this new location, we'll be able to bring in some of our bigger game items like our pool table and our ping pong table and things like that.

So that is going to be really beneficial for us,” Dzuba said.

They’ll also have a shuffleboard table, an air hockey table, plus gaming and lounge sections.

“It'll just be a little bit homier. We'll have different areas set up for youth to engage in whatever they’d like to. We’ll have a craft area.

We'll also have a little staging area for our karaoke nights,” Dzuba said.

With the acquisition of a full-time location, EPYC plans on focusing more on creating a space where teenagers that are probably not so heavily engaged with sports or other extracurriculars could come and have a positive environment to socialize and have a good time together.

“We want to reach those youth that aren't participating in sports, or maybe don't like sports and still want to engage with other youths and participate in things, but maybe to not such a structured degree,” Dzuba noted.

Currently, EPYC offers programming for youths in Grades 7-12 and is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Having a new location allows EPYC to expand programming and

offer after-school drop-ins from 2:30-5:30 p.m. TuesdayThursday afternoons as well.

“The after-school dropin will not be structured. It will be just a time to come and hang out in the centre, just like on the weekend. Right now, we are not focusing so heavily on the structured programming side of things, we want youth to just come out, get together with one another, get familiar with this space. And then eventually we'll move to adding some more structured programming,” Dzuba explained.

She added that with the new space and new things they’ll be able to offer, they hope to see the interest continue to grow.

EPYC is set to run programming out of its new location starting March 4. The initial weekend will include an open drop-in night on March 4 and a craft night making fidget worms the following day. An official open house is scheduled to come later. “We want caregivers and youth to have a chance to stop by EPYC during the first weekend in the new location and see what we are up to,” says

The Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) found its new, full-time home at 1104 Sixth Street. Photo submitted by Juli Dzuba Dzuba. “Our goal is to host a community-wide open house after a few weeks once we are settled into the space.”

With increased hours, volunteers are also needed at EPYC. There are great options for adults and youth to volunteer, which include supervision and mentorship opportunities.

Volunteers are a welcomed asset for EPYC as they grow and establish their new location.

“For volunteers, EPYC is looking for adults and youth, usually high school students.

What volunteers would be doing would be things like supervision, cleanup at the end of a night, youth engagement, participating in different ac-

&

Health

tivities that we might be doing.

That's what it looks like when you're actually volunteering in the space. Beforehand, we'll just do things like an interview. There's an application process, and a criminal record check is also required,” Dzuba explained.

Volunteers will also go through some training to be ready to work with EPYC, which includes youth engagement tactics, understanding how to handle certain situations and space training.

The opening at the new location was originally announced for Feb. 4, but Dzuba said it was postponed a month as they needed a little extra

time to sort out permits in order to use the space.

EPYC has been running their programming out of existing facilities since October 2021, which had been part of their initial growth strategy.

Their vision is to help youth collectively discover and grow in their passion, purpose and potential.

A full calendar of the new schedule can be found on EPYC’s website and social media pages. If you would like to be involved with EPYC through partnership, volunteering or sponsorship, you can find more information on their website at www. theepyc.ca.

Wellness

Estevan Wellness Collective is a place to find answers

Karolina Tamulaitiene, her husband and two kids chose Estevan as their home, and the new health and wellness project is her way to do something good for the community. Photo submitted by Karolina Tamulaitiene « A8 that’s what I need.’

Sometimes people don’t even realize that headaches and gut health can be connected, for example,” Tamulaitiene noted.

Tamulaitiene said she has always liked networking and has also been working in the health and wellness field since 2007. She is a holistic nutritionist and specializes in gut health. Her professional interest in health and wellness started 15 years ago.

She was a certified massage therapist, specializing in deep tissues and sports.

“I have actually worked

with some of the sports teams, it was back in Norway, and a little bit in the States as well. And then I had my own health concerns and that’s led me on to nutrition. I was looking for answers myself and that’s probably where my passion for it stems from.

I’m wanting to eliminate that long journey for people, help people to find all of us easier to feel better. So then I went into health coaching, I got my certification in health coaching in 2013,” said Tamulaitiene.

“And I wanted to dig deeper and learn more. So

then I got my bachelor's degree in holistic nutrition.

That was in 2016.”

She then started her masters, but with some changes in life, that's yet to be completed.

The Estevan Wellness Collective is visible upon a search. Tamulaitiene explained that this way she tried making it safer for people looking for answers to personal questions and joining the discussions about some health techniques, practices and approaches.

Tamulaitiene said she wanted to give back to the

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community for a long time and finally found a way to share her knowledge and help others.

“I love our community and I was always drawn to doing something within the community, maybe creating something. And I feel very passionate about this project because I believe that this could be really wonderful for our community,” Tamulaitiene said.

She plans on doing a mini detox event within the group, posting useful information free to use for anyone interested.

“I will be posting information about detox, I will provide all the recipes of what people should be eating for those five days ... and I will always be available to answer questions,” Tamulaitiene said.

With restrictions being lifted, Tamulaitiene also hopes to be able to bring various specialists together for a weekend health and wellness in-person event in Estevan this summer.

“I’d like for people to actually attend and meet and chat with the professionals who will be in our group, maybe do yoga class or a meditation or beginner guide to meditation, maybe a taster of one of the fitness classes. I still have to speak to my group. There's no specific plan yet, but that's something that I would be very excited to launch,” Tamulaitiene said.

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Showing support for Choose Life People gathered on Saturday to support the Coldest Night of the Year walk for Choose Life Ministry.

The Estevan Gospel Chapel was the start-finish point. Participants walked distances of two or five kilometres on a cool, late February evening.

Choose Life founder Shelley Boyes was pleased to see that the temperature did warm up in time for the walk, as frigid temperatures had

gripped the southeast in the days prior to the walk.

“The walkers were all excited to be there and take part,” said Boyes. “We had everything from a baby in a stroller to six people in their 60s walking.”

They seemed to have a good time and were eager to walk for Choose Life.

A total of 39 walkers participated, with seven teams and a few individuals registered. There were 145 donors

and the event raised more than $11,000, with some pledges still to come in.

The top fundraising team was the Giant Slayers, who brought in $4,245. Two people raised at least $1,000: Brenda Johnston of the Giant Slayers and Leslie Hunstad, who entered as an individual.

After the walk, people returned to the church for hot beverages, soup and snacks, in addition to fellowship. Everyone she talked to said they

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The money that was raised will be directed towards programming at Choose Life’s Homestead for Hope, located outside of Gainsborough. It provides assistance to young adult women with life controlling issues. Boyes noted that they are currently at capacity.

It was also a great opportunity to build awareness of Choose Life.

“It really helps spread the messages, and every year we’re hoping it will get bigger and broader and include more people,” said Boyes.

Coldest Night of the Year walks are held in communities throughout the country to support charities. The walk is billed as a chance to support the hungry, hurt and homeless.

Participants in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for Choose Life Ministry walk down Second Street on Saturday.

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A couple of drug busts occurred in Estevan in the second half of February.

Following an investigation conducted by the Estevan Police Service’s (EPS) drug and intelligence unit, a search warrant, authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was executed on a residence in the Pleasantdale area in the early morning hours of Feb. 18.

Two individuals were arrested at the scene without incident, and a quantity of cocaine and Xanax tablets were located and seized.

As a result, Lucas Neil Story, 33, of Estevan has been charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking,

possession of Xanax and possession of property obtained by crime.

Story was released in front of a justice of the peace on a release order with conditions. He will make his first appearance in Estevan Provincial Court on April 11.

Also, two people have been charged in connection with a drug bust in Estevan on Feb. 26.

Members from the patrol, K-9 and the drug and intelligence unit executed a search warrant at a local hotel room. Police say they located what is alleged to be methamphetamine and fentanyl, and they also seized Canadian currency and other evidence that they say would support

drug trafficking.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection to this investigation.

Kevin Jahn, 41, of Estevan and Ciera Chow, 39, of Regina have both been charged with trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking in fentanyl, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime and breaching conditions of an undertaking.

Jahn and Chow were remanded in front of a justice of the peace and will appear in court on Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

None of the charges have been proven in court.

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| Wednesday, March 2, 2022 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Obituaries Betty Grace (Hinrichsen) Chamney 1928 – 2022 It is with sad hearts the family wishes to announce the passing of their Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, Great Great Grandma, Auntie, and Friend to all, Betty Chamney, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Lampman Community Health Centre, Lampman, SK at the age of 93 years.

Betty will be so missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Kenneth of 76 years and their family: Son Arnie & Janice (Todd & Petrea) (Lori & Monte), Daughter Linda & Dwight (Nathan & Tammy) (Nadine & David), Daughter Charlotte & Lorne (Raymond & Tara) (Rodney) (Karen & Brett) (Kwyn & Travis), Daughter Aldyth (Chad) (Karyse & Don) (Jeremy & Kathy) and Son David. Betty will also be missed by 21 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; sister Lila Forseth; in-laws, Mervin (Maggie) and Kaye (Denis) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Grace (Waite) Hinrichsen; Kenneth’s parents, Bill and Agnes Chamney, Rena Chamney and in-laws George (Lillian) Chamney; siblings, Vera (Dean), Harold “Bob”, Leona (Joe), George (Olga), twin brothers Arnie and Ernie, and Alvin (Sharon & Lorraine); grandchildren, Shelley and Brent; son-in-law Larry and brother-in-law Grant.

A private family Celebration of Life for Betty was held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at the Chapel at Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, SK with Sandy Dalziel officiating. Interment will take place at a later date.

For the next 90 days, a video recording of the service will be available by visiting Betty’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca Memorial donations can be made to the Lampman Community Health Centre Trust Fund, PO Box 100, Lampman, SK S0C 1N0.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to Betty’s family – Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Thank you The family of Betty Chamney would like to thank all our family members who attended the service and all who joined online. Thank you for the hugs, prayers, on-line sympathies and guest book, the gifts of food, cards, flowers, phone calls, texts and visits.

Thank You

Thank you to Lampman Community Health Centre staff; (Mom’s angels on earth) and Dr. Tsoi. Your care and compassion are phenomenal.

Thank you to the Legion Ladies for making and serving the lovely lunch and the Legion for the use of the hall.

Thank you to Hall Funeral Services. Thank you to Dustin Hall for singing and playing at the service, true gifts from your heart. Thank you to Yvonne Clark for helping us through this journey, for your kindness and gentleness and how meticulous you had everything set up for our Mom; just so beautiful. Thank you to Sandy Dalziel for doing the Service and the Blessing before lunch; you are a treasure and such a comfort for us.

Mom will be missed but we have the best memories, and she lives on in our hearts and lives forever.

Kenneth Chamney and Families

Obituaries Sandra Pearl Jacobs 1943 – 2022 With hearts full of sorrow the family wishes to announce that Sandra Jacobs passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the age of 78 years.

Sandra was predeceased by her parents Eaton and Jessie Insko; brother Ted Insko; sister Amy (Walter) Hanson; brother-in-law Roy Shanner; daughter-in-law Kara Jacobs and son-in-law Corey Olver.

Sandra will be greatly missed by her husband of 58 years Mel Jacobs and their children; Sheldon Jacobs and family Danaka, Cole and Connor, Rod Jacobs and family Santana (Alan), Ashton, Eli, Kali, Wes and Jada, Rhonda Jacobs (Neil Marcotte) and family Lane, Tayler (Aidan) and Leevi and Judy (Rob) Ramsey and family Devon and Ethan. Sandra’s memory will be cherished by her sister Ethel Shanner and sister-in-law Cheryl Insko.

Interment will take place on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gladmar Cemetery, Gladmar, SK. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ, Estevan,SK with Tim Pippus presiding. A time of lunch will follow the service.

Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Sandra to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, 345 3 Ave. S #1, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for the Jacobs’ family – Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

In MeMorIaM

Feed & Seed

“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” Evelyn Svorkdal November 19, 1933 – January 28, 2022 Evelyn Georgia Catherine Svorkdal (Jensen) passed away at the age of 88 at Hill View Manor in Estevan. Her remarkable life was magical, fulfilling and sparkled with enthusiasm.

Evelyn was born on the family farm north of Redvers, Saskatchewan. She was the third eldest of the eight children of Danish parents Paula and Soren Friis Jensen. When Soren died suddenly in 1945, Evelyn and her siblings all pitched in with their indomitable mother, relatives and neighbours leading the way with generosity and cheerful perseverance. These modest circumstances imparted an appreciation of the role that community played in bettering everyone’s lives and instilled a fervently held desire to help others.

Evelyn was guided by her deep faith, and she was active in Dannevirke Lutheran (Redvers), Zion Lutheran (Stoughton) and Trinity Lutheran (Estevan).

Evelyn quickly became a masterful seamstress at her mother’s elbow and sewing became her special responsibility in the family – a skill she practiced over her lifetime, including hundreds of metres of quilt tops for Lutheran charities.

Evelyn’s siblings Carl, Thelma, Vivian, Lyla, Lawrence, Mae and Lloyd have always been her first team and she held them, and their spouses and children, close to her heart all her life.

The Jensen’s gathered for their annual Christmas fest in rural community halls or rinks to accommodate their burgeoning numbers.

The highlight of the event had the entire clan, young and old, joining hands around the Christmas tree to sing the Danish Yuletide classic "Nu Er Det Jul Igen" (Now It Is Yule Again). The clan danced in large concentric circles, going faster and faster. With each change of verse, the direction changed, and before long, everyone was falling over themselves laughing. This was the signal for the “Nisse” (elves) to begin distributing the gifts from under the tree.

Evelyn’s education began at the one-room schoolhouse at Annandale, where she honed her skills as a great storyteller, tutor and mentor to younger children. Danish was her first language, and although extremely proficient in English, she employed artistic license with the intricacies of English spelling (“why use two letters when one does the trick”). For high school, Evelyn boarded in town to attend Redvers High School.

Endlessly creative and artistic, Evelyn loved to work with her hands and often did so into the wee hours of the night. Her mediums included sewing, oil paint, floral arrangement, gardening and her famous papier mache sculpture.

Evelyn was thrilled to have the opportunity to go to university and always acknowledged the family’s sacrifice that allowed her to earn her Registered Nurse degree in 1956, from Saskatoon City Hospital. Throughout her life, she maintained contact with many of her classmates spread far and wide and they joyfully reminisced at their many reunions which marked passage of the years.

Evelyn met the love of her life Johan Svorkdal at the U of Saskatchewan Lutheran Youth group. They were married in June 1957 in a double wedding ceremony at Evelyn’s rural congregation of Dannevirke Lutheran Church, along with her younger sister Lyla (Don) Carlsen.

They all travelled on a honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park.

They settled for the first year in Johan’s hometown of Estevan and then moved to Stoughton, where Johan opened Newhope Pharmacy. They were embraced by the community, living with the Bliss and Flossie Kerr family for three years before building their home.

They enjoyed the next 47 years there, raising their two sons Bradley (Neena Gupta) and Nelson (Jennifer Scarth). Brad and Nelson’s friends always received an enthusiastic greeting and found a setting at the table after hours of hockey on the frozen slough behind their house on Sullivan Street. Evelyn worked long hours at the medical clinic and at Pioneer Lodge, and in her ‘spare’ time she was the frequent chaperone for the extracurricular school activity and shuttle bus for the boys’ sporting team events, bringing her cow bell and her outside voice to cheer (and advise the game officials) at the hockey rink and ball diamond. Few could resist her persuasive fundraising and organizational efforts on committees for the Stoughton swimming pool, drama club, and community skating rink, to name a few.

Nursing was the natural and lifelong profession for Evelyn where she could equally apply her generosity of spirit and bold leadership by distilling feelings into actions. In the 1970s, she pioneered the first Saskatchewan pilot project of Home Care Services, in the Cannington District. She was inspired by the success documented in other countries to provide funded home health services for patient’s chronic illness to mitigate long hospital stays. This included assessment of patient needs, provision of meals, nursing care and palliation. She pitched the idea to the provincial government of the day and the success of that pilot project served as a template for the current Home Care network in Saskatchewan.

In the 1980s, she turned her attention to the concern that medical emergencies in Stoughton relied on the distant ambulance service from more than twenty miles away, which left the small rural community vulnerable. She organized the first town meeting where 75 volunteers signed up and became the backbone of the Stoughton and District First Responders. An early believer in learning through simulation, Evelyn staged a mock disaster and put her make-up and directing skills to good use to create realistic wounds and a sense of clinical urgency.

For her commitment to service, formal recognition came by way of a nomination as “Saskatchewan Woman of Distinction” in 1998.

Family was paramount in her life and Evelyn embraced the role of Grandma/Bestemor to Brad and Neena’s son Kirby Svorkdal as well as Nelson and Jennifer’s children Josef (Charlie White), Annika, Bjorn and Jakob Svorkdal. She loved to provide her expertise for costumes and school projects, celebrate their aspirations and every occasion was marked by a card written in her elegant hand and a phone call to tell them how much she loved them.

Throughout their lives, Evelyn and Johan were a tireless team that always had an event on the calendar, including Communities in Bloom, Stoughton Daze parade, Winter Festivals and the Stoughton Museum, including her legendary lifelike mannequins. Their retirement time was no less busy maintaining the Svorkdal family farm and painstakingly restoring vintage harvest farm machinery (binders, separators and wagons) with original parts sourced from abandoned threshing machines in farmers’ fields and auctions across the prairies. These revitalized antiques were used for hosting their signature event, the annual pioneer threshing bee held at the Svorkdal family farm.

Johan and his sisters Karen Rundberg (Russ) and Sylvia Kemp (Earl) grew up at the farm, and it maintained its gravity for them and their families over the years.

Evelyn rented the farmhouse to niece Dawn (Greg) Hengen while she moved from the farm to Trinity Tower in Estevan after Johan’s death. She continued to enjoy gardening with them and Diane (Wade) Wrubleski and their families. After eight years at Trinity Tower, she moved to Hill View Manor and quickly became an active resident in the retirement community. On her first day, Evelyn surprised everyone by leading the table grace with her singalong rendition to the tune of “Edelweiss”. The family gratefully acknowledges the kind and vigilant care and companionship during Evelyn’s last years.

Her life was filled with moments that were tender and gleeful. Blessed are those that have walked with her. If she was writing this, she would go on for another ten pages to make sure that everyone knew how much they meant to her – nieces, nephews, friends, extended family, co-workers and collaborators, neighbours, her church congregations – she would be sure to list them all.

Thankfully, we will cherish that knowledge in her memory.

Evelyn was predeceased by her father Soren Friis Jensen (1944) and her mother Paula Jensen (2008); predeceased by her husband Johan (2006); predeceased by brother Carl (Eunice) Jensen (1985), survived by his children Carl, Floyd, Phyllis, Estelle, Monte and Danny; predeceased by sister Thelma (Ken) Anderson (1985), survived by her children Audrey, Sherry, Elaine, Dawn, Diane and Harvey; predeceased by brother-in-law Art (Vivian) Weber (2012), survived by her sister Vivian, her sons Trent and Vance; predeceased by sister Mae(2014) and brother-in-law Eddy Nielsen (2013), survived by her children Michael, Lyle, Darlene, Lloyd, Natalie and Holly; predeceased by her sister-in-law Judy (Lloyd) Jensen (2018), survived by her brother Lloyd Jensen, children Shawn, Todd and Tracy; survived by her sister Lyla (Don) Carlsen, children Kim, Gayle and Dixie; brother Lawrence (Myrna) Jensen, children Monica, Drew and Nicole; predeceased by her sister-in-law Karen Rundberg (Russ) (2013), survived by her daughter Kathryn Watson; predeceased by her sister-in-law Sylvia Kemp (Earl) (2021), survived by her sons Curt and Derrick.

Cremation has been in accordance with her wishes and a memorial service is being planned for the autumn, with details to be posted when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stoughton and District First Responders (Box 282, Stoughton, SK S0G-4T0) or Trinity Lutheran Church (738 2nd Street, Estevan, SK, S4A -2B3).

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Evelyn’s family – Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

CERTIFIED SEED - Wheat6 varieties - Oats 7 varieties - Barley7 varieties Don Wilhelm (1937 - 2021) There are still days when we turn to tell you something and are heart-broken all over again at the realization you’re not there to talk too.

It seems improbable we’ve already been without you for a year.

However, we’re grateful for all the years of adventures, wiener roasts and most importantly - laughing until we cry.

We all miss you.

Sincerely, your loving family.

Prayer Corner PRAYER OF THE Blessed Virgin (Never known to fail) Oh most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O star of the sea, help me and show me that you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly Beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

- J.W

Card of Thanks THANK YOU Our many thanks to friends and family for the many acts of kindness shown to the family during Clarry’s recent illness and his passing.

Thank you for the phone calls, cards, food, flowers, visits and donations to charity.

Thank you for attending Clarry’s Memorial Service at Grace United Church.

Special thanks to Shannon Shakotko for the beautiful music, Mr. Harry Friesen as Officiant and Hall Funeral Services for their wonderful care during this time.

It has been greatly appreciated by the family.

Lorraine Cameron, Sheila & Robin Ponto & family, Greg & Tracy Cameron & family, Michael (Heather) Cameron & family.

LAND FOR SALE Farmland Estate Sale by Tender; Listed at $2,050,000. 857 Acres in Mayfield RM #406. Tenders close Mar. 18-2022. Gerald Muller, C&C Realty, 306-570-7743, skfarmland.ca

very early yellow Pea, Forage Peas.

Polish Canola, sPring tritiCale. mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609 WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252 AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm pickup, prompt payment!

TOP PRICES PAID IN SASK. Phone: 306-873-3006 or Visit AGPRO website for bids: agproseeds.com

Career OppOrtunities 1A TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED: Winch trucks & trailers; dump trucks & pups/ quad wagons. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, & camp shacks.

Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

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

A12 March 2, 2022

www.SASKTODAY.ca

New times that are coming Over the past months, I’ve been ploughing through the Old Testament books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, among others.

I admit there have been times when it’s been tough going and I was tempted to skip those records of God’s interac-

tions with horribly disobedient people. Now that I’m past those and into the New Testament, I’m reading more slowly and carefully through the accounts of the gospels (i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).

What stood and spoke loudly to my heart are those things that Jesus both spoke and, on the other hand, kept to Himself. He knew things that were coming, things that the disciples couldn’t imagine.

More than checking off the list of “today’s reading,” I am committed to sensing and acknowledging insight into what was, what is and what’s coming.

Job Title: Field Summer Students (Multiple Positions) There’s no need in delvLocation: Alida, Carlyle, Steelman, Midale, SK or Cromer, MB ing into what “was” because Job Title: Field Summer Students (Multiple Positions) records of history, both secular Closing Date: March 9, 2022 and Biblical, are clear. Evil of Location: Alida, Carlyle, Steelman, Midale, SK or Cromer, MB Job Overview every kind resulted in suffering

Job Posting

Job Posting

Kingston Midstream is committed to providing students with the opportunity to Closing Marchthat 6, contribute 2022 to their future careers while gain valuable skills Date: and experiences also learning about our business. The successful candidate(s) will provide day-today general maintenance, troubleshooting and clean-up support as directed by the Superintendent and/or Foreman.

Linda Wegner Words of Worth

of every kind; as for what “is”, it takes more perception to not see, than to grasp the current world, national and local unrest.

Can “what is” be described in any other words but frightening? Oops, I should note, however, that here in many parts of our world, COVID statistics are slowly dropping and for that we need to give thanks.

Then,there is the unknown of “what is to come” and that’s what I’m searching out in my

meditations. Jesus responded to the questions and criticisms of religious leaders yet they did not grasp the meaning of His words. Intent on bringing about His demise, they’d no interest in accepting Him for who He was; sadly, not even His disciples really understood His purpose in coming to earth.

What’s ahead? Perhaps frightening yet glorious. Let’s remember that no earthly pain matches the peace of His presence.

Notices / NomiNatioNs

Job Overview

Some of the possible work responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Midstream is of committed torequired providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and • Assist inKingston maintenance and overhaul equipment as • Performexperiences clean-up and maintenance duties with various equipment, toolswhile and also learning about our business. The successful that contribute to their future careers pipeline right-of-way candidate(s) will provide day-to-day general maintenance, troubleshooting and clean-up support as directed • Recognize Abnormal Operating Conditions and performs tasks to resolve the conditionthe Superintendent and/or Foreman.

• Perform duties of gauging and shipping crude oil as outlined in the Gauger’s Measurement SomeHandbook. of the possible work responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Maintain records of product movements • Perform duties in accordance with established company policies in regard to Assist in relations; maintenance and overhaul ofasequipment as required safety, public  and employee complete all safety training required.

by

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

Perform clean-up and maintenance duties with various equipment, tools and pipeline right-of-way Skills andQualifications 22031DD1  Recognize Abnormal Operating Conditions • Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program returning to school in and performs tasks to resolve the condition September 2022  Perform duties of gauging and shipping crude oil as outlined in the Gauger’s Measurement Handbook.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment  Maintain ofcommunication product movements • Strong interpersonal skills, oral records and written • Strong organizational and time management skills  Perform duties in accordance with established company policies in regard to safety, public and • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment employee relations; • Possession of a valid class 5 driver’s license complete all safety training as required.

Application Requirements: Skills Candidates areand askedQualifications to submit their resume to careers@kingstonmidstream.com noting the following information:  Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program returning to school in September 2022 • Position • Post-secondary year of study andin anticipated graduation year  program, Abilityincluding to work effectively a team environment • Preferred location(s)  Strong interpersonal skills, oral (ifand written communication • Name and relationship to Kingston Midstream employee applicable)  willStrong organizational andfittime management skills Note: Applicants be considered based on best for role, preferred locations will be taken into consideration, however, there is no guarantee of match to  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment preferred location.  Possession a valid aclass 5 driver’sthrough license Kingston Midstream is committed of to ensuring safe workplace many

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Providing assistance during Covid.

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measures and is requiring all new employees to provide proof of full vaccination as a condition of employment.

Application Requirements:

We thank all interested candidates; however, only qualified candidates will be Candidates areyour asked totosubmit their resume to careers@kingstonmidstream.com contacted, please submit resume Careers@kingstonmidstream.com

noting the following

information:  Position LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER AREof HIRING FULL anticipated TIME  Post-secondary program, includingWE year studyA and graduation year Land Description: OPERATIONS LEAD  Preferred location(s) Surface Parcel #203921692 AT OUR ALAMEDA, SK LOCATION SW Sec 13 Twp 02 Rge 33 W1 Extension 1  Name and relationship to Kingston Midstream employee (if applicable) Double Diamond Farm Supply is an independent, locally owned, full service crop production retailer with SWrole, Manitoba and SE Saskatchewan. be considered based on locations best fitinfor preferred locations will

Note: Applicants will consideration, however, there is no guarantee matchof toResponsibility preferred location.

Key of Areas • Operate fertilizer plant and seed treater.

Approximately 138.49 acres of pasture land R.M. of Mount Pleasant No. 2

be taken into – Fenced on all sides except for subdivided IMPROVEMENTS 20 acre parcel; Buyer will have to fence that portion but Seller will pay ½ of costs to do so; Ravine and 2 dugouts on property; 3 separate access points into land

2 surface leases not included – Seller to retain Surface Leases for Kingston Midstream is committed to ensuring a safe through many measures and is requiring all new • Receive andworkplace ship crop protection products. his lifetime • Oversee summer staff in conjunction with retail manager. employees to provide proof of full vaccination as a condition of employment.

No mineral rights included

• Oversee seed and chemical audits.

Terms and Conditions: • Day to day maintenance.

Land Free and Clear of all Encumbrances, other than will be contacted,1.please We thank all interested candidates; however, only qualified candidates submit your utility or oil easements or other encumbrances not affecting • All other aspects of daily operation at our Ag retail.

resume to Careers@kingstonmidstream.com

marketability.

Requirements

• 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

Tyson Dmytriw

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

2. Possession 30 days following acceptance of winning bid or unless otherwise mutually agreed. Balance of tender amount to be paid on or before possession.

3. Interest at 5.0% on any amount not paid at possession.

4. Seller has paid taxes to Dec. 31, 2021. Buyer responsible for land taxes for 2022.

5. Buyer pays Land Titles transfer fees, seller provides Transfer Authorizations to transfer to buyer.

6. Seller is prepared to consider financing of qualified Buyer over 6 years with no interest at Seller’s sole discretion 7. Seller is prepared to give Buyer first option to purchase remaining 20 acres if and when Seller decides to sell.

8. All Tenders must be in writing and include bid deposit of 5% of bid price by way of bank draft or certified cheque ONLY payable to “Trobert Gilliss Law Firm – Trust”.

HIGHEST OR ANY BID NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED. Inquiries relative to land to: James (Jim) Fitzpatrick @ 306-482-3009 or James Trobert @ 306-634-2616. Tenders must be submitted on or before MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in a sealed envelope marked "Fitzpatrick Land Tender", c/o Trobert Gilliss Law Firm, 1339-4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 0X1. NO Emailed Tenders Accepted.

BUSINESS SERVICES LEGAL Barristers & Solicitors

Paul Elash Q.C. Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B. Genevieve Schrader, B. Mgt., J.D. Gainsborough: Thursday a.m.

Carnduff: Thursday p.m.

1312- 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2

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

AUDIOLOGIST

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Your HEARING team.

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Hearing Tests Hearing Aids Sales, Repair & Batteries Ear Wax Removal

“Your ears deserve an audiologist” Melanie Tribiger #5 - 418 Kensington Ave.Jacquie Mvula Hearing Aid Practitioner (Across from Walmart) M.S., R. Aud. JACQUIE MVULA locally owned & operated

306-636-EARS (3277)

M.S., R. Aud. Audiologist/Owner

#5 - 418 Kensington Ave, www.suncountryhearing.com Estevan (across from Walmart) | (306) 636-3277

T

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41ST YEARS

WOOD COUNTRY presents a new product...

For your mantles, feature walls, chacuterie boards, serving trays, and more!

➻ Live Edge Boards ➻ Black Walnut ➻ Barn Board Visit our showroom to see all the beautiful new woods.

Ph: (306) 634-5111 407 Kensington Avenue, Estevan ESTEVAN • MCLEAN • TISDALE Shop online at: www.wood-country.com Monday - Saturday: 8:00 - 5:00 Sunday: Closed

Make beautiful tables, countertops, charcuterie boards, platters and more with our new line of Exotic Woods Epoxy & Pigments!

41ST YEARS

WOOD COUNTRY

Ph: (306) 634-5111 407 Kensington Avenue, Estevan ESTEVAN • MCLEAN • TISDALE Shop online at: www.wood-country.com Monday- Saturday: 8:00- 5:00 Sunday: Closed

ENERGY

• Bulk Fuel • Cardlocks • Bulk Lubricants & Grease • Lubrication Storage & Equipment Solutions • Bulk DEF Solutions • Bottle Propane

A13 | Wednesday, March 2, 2022 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

www.girardbulk.ca • (306) 637-4370

Estevan OTS announces plans for upcoming events The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society (OTS) recently held its annual general meeting and announced plans to host a number of events.

The first will be the annual open bonspiel on March 25 and 26 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. President Tony Sernick said they hope to have 32 teams for the competition, but they would be happy with more than 20 squads. He hopes that with restrictions lifted in Saskatchewan, additional people will be interested. They’ve typically had around 25 teams for the event in recent years. The deadline to

enter is March 18, but Sernick said they would take teams right until March 23.

The second annual Top Gun Trap Shoot is slated for May 13 and 14 at the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s range. Last year’s event was a big success, as it attracted a full field of 100 entrants.

“It was popular last year, but we just did one day the first time we did it to get our feet wet,” said Sernick.

Additional people wanted to compete, so the OTS decided to have it over two days, and they hope to have 100 each day.

Their biggest event of the year, the Oilmen’s golf tournament, is June 3 and 4 at the TS&M Golf Course. Once again, the plan is to have just an 18-hole tournament, rather than 18-hole and 36-hole events.

“Last year we did two days,” said Sernick. “Traditionally it was a three-day event but the numbers on the Sunday were going down and down and down.”

Golfers will play 18 holes on either the first or second day.

The golfer with the lowest score would be declared the winner.

Previous editions of the

tournament had a 36-hole event that wrapped up on the final day.

The final event will be their first-ever mixed golf tournament July 9 at Hidden Valley’s Hideout Golf Course.

The mixed tournament would get women involved, whether it be the women who are working in the oilpatch, or the spouses of oilmen.The OTS is also eager to have a tournament at Hidden Valley.

They have yet to finalize the number of golfers they can accommodate. Sernick hopes the mixed tournament won’t cause a problem with the Oil-

women’s Golf Tournament, which is typically held later in July. He said the OTS will be talking to them about the event.

The annual meeting saw the OTS finalize its executive for this year. Ashley Domes will be the first vice-president and chairperson of the golf tournament. Sam Bakala will be the second vice-president and the bonspiel chairperson. Jordon Blanchette is the third vicepresident and the chairperson of the trap shoot committee.

Other members are treasurer Carl Henneberg, pastpresident Conrad Meili, fourth

vice-president Alden Hagel and fifth vice-president Josh Biggs.

The organization is looking to do some fundraising for the production park located next to the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, which pays tribute to the city’s energy sector; and the derrick at the west entrance to the city. Sernick suggested adding some lights to the production park, and some paint for the derrick.

“We want to kick off some fundraising this year just to add to those and preserve those monuments that we have,” said Sernick.

Firefighters called to numerous car crashes and more

By Ana Bykhovskaia Estevan firefighters responded to multiple accidents and other calls over the past few days.

On Feb. 22 the Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) received a call for service at 1:30 a.m.

A vehicle rolled over on the highway and at the time

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of the call, it wasn’t known if there were any injuries or entrapments.

Fire crews responded to the location, about 10 kilometres west of Estevan on Highway 39.

“When crews arrived on scene, EMS had already made contact with the couple and they were being treated in the back of the ambulance. RCMP established traffic control on the west side, and we established traffic control on the east side of the incident,” Feser said.

Firefighters ensured that

• • • • • Serving Southeast Saskatchewan for 38 years • • •

everyone was accounted for.

They also flagged off the vehicle, so that passing motorists would know that the incident was dealt with.

“It appears that icy road condition was a contributing factor to this particular incident,” Feser said. “During these freeze-thaw cycles, the roads become extremely icy.”

EMS treated the two individuals, who were driving a small passenger vehicle, on scene and then took them to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

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On the same day, at about 2 p.m., fire crews also responded to a two-vehicle collision that occurred at Souris Avenue South by the Estevan RCMP detachment. No injuries were reported, however, there was a lot of smoke coming out of one of the vehicles.

"Crews arrived on scene to find that what appeared to be smoke, was just antifreeze that was leaking that came into contact with the engine," Feser explained.

Fire crews assisted with traffic control, made sure there were no injuries, dealt with fluid leaks and cleaned the debris.

Then the scene was turned over to the Estevan Police Service for further investigation.

On Feb. 23, at about 1:30 p.m., fire crews were called to a single-vehicle rollover that occurred just north of Frobisher at a worksite.

"Crews responded to find that some heavy equipment was involved. This was at a worksite, in which a large tri-axle semi truck-trailer unit was dumping gravel and it rolled over on its side. There were injuries and entrapment as a result of the collision," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.

Firefighters established traffic control around the site and successfully extricated the driver, who was then treated on scene by local EMS. Firefighters also helped with getting the patient ready to be transported to

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Midale

• Souris Valley Pipeline Limited operates a High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Pipeline in Southeast Saskatchewan, a component of the gas is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).

• As a member of Sask 1st Call, Souris Valley Pipeline would like to remind you to call Sask 1st Call at 1-866-828-4888.

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

For pipeline safety concerns or emergencies call toll free 1-866-PIPELINE (1-866-747-3546) Before excavating call Sask 1st Call at 1-866-828-4888 for a free locate. www.sask1stcall.com

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St. Joseph's Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

On Feb. 24 at about 5 p.m., they were called to a report of a two-vehicle collision with unknown injuries that occurred at the intersection of Fourth Street and First Avenue

by Tim Hortons. Fire crews assisted with traffic control and initial outpatient assessment, which was handed by the EMS. Two individuals were treated on scene. Firefighters also isolated both vehicles and then re-energized one as it was still drivable. The other one had airbags deployed. Fire crews also cleaned fluid leaks that occurred as a result of the collision and then turned the scene over to the police.

The next call for service came in at about 9 p.m. Another two-vehicle collision with unknown injuries occurred at the intersection of King Street and Kensington Avenue.

"Crews arrived on scene to find that collision did occur. One vehicle came to rest up against a light standard.

We were able to get in and assess. EMS arrived on scene and treated the released both drivers and occupants of the vehicles. We did have to isolate both vehicles as there was airbag deployment in both. And we did a quick assessment on the light standard, which did not suffer any damage due to the collision," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.

The scene was then turned back over to the Estevan Police Service (EPS) to investigate the cause of the collision.

On Feb. 26 at about 9:30 a.m. a commercial fire alarm went off in northeast Estevan.

Crews responded and found that the sprinkler system suffered a rupture, which dispersed water out of the sprinkler system, activating the alarm.

Firefighters were able to isolate that branch line and the staff called in repair crews in order to fix the issue.

The same day at about 10:30 p.m. firefighters were called to a report of a natural gas leak occurring at the 1100-block of Fourth Street at a restaurant.

"Crews did arrive on scene and put the gas detection equipment to use … SaskEnergy was also dispatched to assist with the investigation and the leak was found. We were able to successfully isolate the leak without any incident. And then it was turned back over to the building owner, business owner and SaskEnergy to finish final mitigative steps," Feser said.

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A14 March 2, 2022

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Working on ceramics Emma Grobbink was among the young people who attended a ceramics workshop at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum on Thursday. The EAGM held the program, instructed by artist in residence Ruth Langweiser, during the annual winter break for the schools.

Young people created a beautiful, decorated piece that they could take home. Photo by David Willberg

Details announced for Estevan’s music festival The organizers of the Estevan and District Music Festival continue with their preparations for the annual showcase of local talent in a variety of disciplines.

P i a n o d a t e s a re March 27-30. The music festival has 188 piano entries, which is slightly down from last year. The adjudicator this year is Heather Macnab of Maple Creek who is a singer, speech artist, accompanist, adjudicator, church musician and teacher of singing,

speech arts and piano.

She holds Associate of The Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) diplomas in singing, piano, and speech arts and drama.

She was the winner of the gold medal for her speech arts and drama performers ARCT, signifying the highest mark in Canada.

Macnab directed musical productions in Maple Creek for 20 seasons, has been a performer and an orator and frequently per-

forms in recitals. She is a member of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association and enjoys being an adjudicator for the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association.

Vocal, musical theatre and spoken word/ speech arts entries are all scheduled for April 4. Soprano Louella K. Friesen – a singer, vocal teacher and adjudicator – will evaluate the entries this year. She provides vocal instruction to a studio of students at

Rosthern Junior College and in her home community of Waldheim.

Friesen is a member of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Association and the National Music Teachers’ Association, as well as the Sask. Valley Music Festival Association. In addition, she has participated in a voice summer school program with Lisa Hornung of North Battleford.

With bachelor of music degrees in vocal performance from the

Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg and the University of Saskatchewan, Friesen has enjoyed many choral and solo singing opportunities.

Band/instrumental/strings entries have increased this year and are all scheduled for April 6. The adjudicator will be Dr. Aaron Wilson, who is originally from the U.S. and joined the faculty at Brandon University ’s School of Music as the assistant professor of

low brass in 2014.

W i l s on k e e p s a busy and varied performance schedule through solo, ensemble and performance art appearances. An acclaimed trombone player, he became an inaugural member of the International Tuba Quartet, a euphonium and tuba group consisting of musicians from Canada and the United States.

Lastly, he has made numerous appearances with several professional ensembles including the

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, the Brandon Chamber Players and the Market Street Brass.

Wilson frequently ser ves as a c linician and adjudicator at colleges, high schools, and festivals across North America.

Spectators are welcome to attend the Estevan festival, encourage students and support the love of music in the community.

City Hall: 1102 4th Street 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800 Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

A Message From The Mayor

Please get out and support the Estevan Bruins as they make a run for the finals Request for an Expression of Interest – Satellite Food Vendor Services.

The City of Estevan is exploring local interest from qualified vendors to supply and serve consumable food items during select events at Affinity Place.

There are two spaces available for set up on the concourse level, each measuring approximately 4 meters by 4 meters. Vendors must be fully self-contained, set up within an hour of a scheduled event and take down within an hour of event ending.

If this expression of interest results in more than two qualified vendors,a lottery system will determine the occupancy for the two available spaces. These are not areas to prepare food, rather these are designated spaces to set up a distribution and serving of your products prepared off site. Standard 20-amp electrical outlets are available but no water. The Compensation to the City will be 10% of your gross sales. Preference will be given to foods that will not compete with existing products or services.

Interested vendors must include reference to / compliance with: • Workers’ compensation coverage and in good standing • Liability insurance • Food Safe certificates • Public Health inspector permits and applicable inspection • Valid City of Estevan Business License • Products intended to serve For further information, please contact Rod March, City of Estevan at 306-634-1816.

Please help keep our sidewalks safe so all citizens can enjoy a safe passage while walking Traffic Bylaw 2016-1963 Depositing Substances 53. (1) No person shall deposit any natural substances on any highway, public sidewalk, boulevard or ditch within the City of Estevan (3) The occupier of property in the City of Estevan shall remove any snow, ice or other obstruction from the public sidewalk adjacent to such property within twenty-four (24) hours of the time such snow, ice or other obstruction appears on such public sidewalk. * In the event that this subsection is not complied with, the City may remove such snow, ice or other obstructions at the expense of such occupants or owner, and in the event of the non-payment of such expense, such expense may be charges against the property as a special assessment to be recovered in like manner as and with the taxes.