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Dam Cold Dip. An update from Estevan’s first organized polar bear swim. PAGE A3
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
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Women of Estevan. Special section shares the story of Jennelle Wimmer. PAGE A8 - A10
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It’s Gold and Black time. Go Bruins Go special inside this paper. PAGE A11 - A14
It’s coming. Estevan to host two large curling tournaments. PAGE A16
Stay safe. Mercury marks the Farm Safety Week in its special section. PAGE A17 - A20
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Southeast sees a record number of urban moose encounters By Ana Bykhovskaia Reports of "moose on the loose" were flooding Estevan's social media last week and earlier this winter. While there were no major incidents or problems caused by the wildlife's presence within the city limits, on March 11 conservation officers, alongside the Estevan Police Service and Estevan firefighters, had to tranquillize and relocate a giant, which made its way to the 1600-block of Third Street. Firefighters brought out a trailer and once the moose was tranquillized, they loaded up the animal and took it into the Souris River area. "Once the moose had regained its legs, it was off to hopefully make some new friends up and out in the wild and outside the city limits," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser. He explained that if there is a moose sighting within the city, the conservation officers will monitor what the animals are doing first. If they do start to become a nuisance, the animals will be relocated to outside the city limits. "In this case, we're in a high traffic area. So I think that was one of the major deciding factors as we were trying to avoid any animal collisions with motor vehicles," Feser explained. Another moose was reported on March 13 at night on the north end of the city, near a walking path. Police located the animal, and it was moved north, out of Estevan. There were other sightings discussed on social media and/or reported to the conservation officer, however, most of them didn't require further action. The Mercury talked to conservation officer Lindsey Leko about the situation in the Estevan area and the southeast. "I don't think Estevan is different than Weyburn or Stoughton or Lampman. A lot of smaller communities and farmyards are seeing moose coming in. And I think that has a lot to do with cover," Leko said. "Over the past winter, we've had quite a bit of blowing snow, we've had some nasty blizzards and stuff like that. And much like us, moose don't like it either. So they're going to try and get to an area that's got as much cover as it possibly can. “And a lot of times a town or a city or a yard will meet those needs, and if they can, they'll have something to eat at the same time. We can't blame them for wanting to do that. But unfortunately, they don't always co-operate with us. And they're not often the best fit for an area that has lots of human activity." Leko said in his times in the southeast, he doesn't remember having so many moose-related calls from the urban areas as they had this year. "This is probably a record. I've been stationed in Weyburn now for 20 years, and I don't remember the time where we've had
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A number of moose sightings were reported in the southeast lately. This animal was spotted in Hitchcock. Photo by Heliana de Souza Wagner to deal with as many situations of moose occurrences as we've had this year," Leko said. "It's a tough winter. This is probably one of the more difficult winters we've had in the form of blowing snow and hard pack snow and blizzards and stuff like that, that have really had an effect on our moose population. It's a weird year, we don't normally see that. But this year, we are just having to deal with it accordingly." While there were reports of moose sightings, people's reaction differs from time to time, and sometimes conservation officers learn about moose encounters through social media rather than through a direct call. In one of the recent cases, they responded to the information posted on social media, but couldn't find an animal at the described location. Leko said tranquillization is not always a way to go and the decision on what to do depends on each situation. "A lot of times it's going to depend on the complainant or the people whose yard it is in. We've got a few situations that are ongoing here right now where either the village or the people in the yard have no issues with the moose being there, they like having them around. They don't feel threatened by it. And they've just called us to advise us of the fact and we let those ones be," Leko said. Other times conservation officers will try to haze an animal out, sometimes using loud pyrotechnics or rubber slugs in an attempt to make it walk away on its own
rather than tranquillizing and transporting it, as that is more complicated for both people and the animal. "Tranquilizing it isn't always a viable option. There are lots of complications with moose when we tranquillize them. First of all, the dosages got to be pretty exact, depending on the size of the moose. And once they've been tranquillized, they may take off and run, and end up in an area that makes them very difficult to retrieve or move, especially with steep snow in the yards,” Leko said. “And then the other thing too is they may go into some medical conditions … that may end up making them die as a result of the drugs…Then lastly, a bad thing about tranquillizing is that we have to put an ear tag in it, and the meat can’t be harvested, because it had the drug circle through it.” However, in the March 11 case, all the circumstances suggested that tranquillizing was the best option to safely remove the animal from the community. Leko added that local farmers often deal with wildlife on their own just by starting a tractor or in other way creating a situation, in which an animal doesn’t feel comfortable in the yard and leaves. He pointed out that moving an animal doesn’t mean that it won’t come back or appear in another yard, as it still will be looking for shelter. But hopefully with winter being almost over, these encounters should slow down. A2 » MOOSE
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Cougar spotted feeding at Woodlawn Regional Park By Ana Bykhovskaia
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A cougar was spotted at Woodlawn Regional Park on the weekend. The predator, feasting on a deer at night, was caught on camera March 8-11, however, the concerns of a cat present in the area were discussed on social media and among the community in the days previous. First some potential cougar tracks, and then a kill site typical for a cat, were spotted at Woodlawn, which made Estevan's Barry Schulte, who lives nearby and tends to the park, install a trail camera on the Souris River. "My daughter sent that to me from Facebook that somebody figured there was a cougar kill in the park. And I went down there and found where it dragged it to. On some of the pictures, I saw it was covered up with grass, which is likely a cougar kill, but I turned it over, and the only thing that was picked on was on the back where the birds were picking on it. No other marks on it. But there was a cat track there, so I put a camera up," Schulte said. It was the first time he caught a cat on a camera. He wasn't sure it was indeed a cat until he saw the footage. Some people living alongside the Souris River and Long Creek not far from Woodlawn Park also have noticed that their dogs were acting weird, sniffing the air and excessively barking lately. Conservation officer Lindsey Leko confirmed that it was indeed a cougar. "It is definitely a cat. The photo was grainy, but you can't mistake that long tail and the black tip on it," Leko said. "March 4 we were made aware of a possible kill sight of a deer, and often what cougars will do is they will kill a deer, they'll feed on it and then they'll bury it and cache it and come back a little bit later on or the next day. And that's what was located." Leko said the fact that we have a cat in the area "is not really as big of a deal." "Cougars are a common part of our landscape melt. It's not like you see a cougar and it's an unknown thing; cats are out there. The chances of seeing one are very, very slim and the chances of being attacked by one are even slimmer," Leko said, adding that throughout his 25-year-long career he's never seen a cat in the wild. Cougars are usually something that people are really afraid of, but Leko assumed that a lot of this fear comes with it being rather unknown and less understood.
First, a cougar's kill site, and then a cougar itself was spotted and caught on camera at Woodlawn Regional Park. Photo courtesy of Garret Schulte "Cats are an elusive thing, kind of mysterious as we don't know a lot of them," Leko said. Often people don't know how to behave if they are in a cougar country, however, the general principles are the same with bear awareness. "The thing with a cat is that they don't want to be seen, they don't want interactions with people. They're a solitary animal, they like to be by themselves, and they do not like the attention," Leko said. He added that while there is no doubt that the cat was and might still be around the area, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's here to stay; however it might very well be the case. "Just by looking at that picture, it is one of two things. It's either an adult cat that has a territory, and what a cat will do is it'll patrol (their territory) … they'll walk their territory, and if they're hungry, they're going to feed. Or option number two would be that it's a juvenile that got kicked out by a mother and it's looking for its own territory. Cats are pretty defensive of their own territory, but sometimes if it's a juvenile, it is just looking for their own place that they can call their own and it can be just passing through." Until conservation officers have more information about the cat's habits, its size, etc. it's hard to say what kind of a visitor Woodlawn Park has. If the appearances come to an end soon, it would mean that the animal was passing through. In general, Leko said the whole Souris Valley River system with its landscape, trees, water and food is a "perfect habitat" for cats, but their territory is usually pretty wide, and this particular animal might have been closer to the city just because it was checking out its acres. Schulte said as of Monday he didn't
see any other signs of the cougar's presence anywhere else but the river, but he believes the cat might indeed be living in the area. Leko noted that cougar tracks won't have claw prints, as, just like domestic cats, these predators retract their claws when walking. And with snow melting, canine and other animals' prints may seem bigger, and might mistakenly be taken for cougar tracks. However, Leko said that if people come across a feeding sight, which would typically be a deer, porcupine or other smaller mammals, they should stay away from it for their own safety. He also pointed out that understanding that cougars are generally in the area is key to adjusting behaviour while out in the woods and thus staying safe. "If you're a person who likes to go out and go hiking, if you were out in a bear country, you'd take bells with you, you'd take all sorts of different stuff, you might take bear spray … just to be safe. And it's really no different with a cat. You're going to want to make a lot of noise … And we got to remember that cougars are rarely aggressive towards people. They're pretty secretive and avoid contact as much as possible. Just be aware that you're in cat country. If you got a small dog when out hiking, have it on a leash. Keep your kids close and don't let them go wander off," Leko said, adding that cougars very rarely attack livestock and tend to avoid any interaction with people. Even if a cat is living in the area, relocating it, unless it comes right into the city – which is highly unlikely – is not something usually done in the case of cougars. They are very unpredictable and difficult to do anything with when being tranquillized. Besides, they are territorial and their territories are broad, so relocating it will just create issues in another area.
Moose to get back to normal soon « A1 "Now with the weather warming up, I think we're going to see the moose start
to move around a little bit more, they're not going to be afraid of the deep snow and
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that crust that's formed on the surface that makes it hard to walk on and they have to keep punching through. I think we're going to see some moose maybe start to get back to their traditional areas and out of the urban areas," Leko said. If someone encounters a moose and needs help with removing the animal, they should call the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers at 1-800-667-7561, and they will immediately dispatch the closest officers on duty. People should also avoid getting close to moose. "We've got to remember that these things are wild animals, they're unpredictable, they're large, and they can run very fast and cover
a long distance in a very short period of time," Leko said. "It might not recognize what you are right away, but as soon as it does it might consider you a threat. And by the time those ears snap back to let you know that it's coming, it's going to be too late. A 1,000-pound animal that can move like that can do a lot of damage. So if you see it, keep your distance, keep your pets indoors. If it's in a yard, especially if you got children … grab that kid… It's probably in everyone's best interest that we try to haze it out." Leko added that if a moose is hanging out in the back corner of a yard, it's not that much of a threat, as opposed to it being right up beside the house.
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Everyone into the dam for the Dash and Splash By David Willberg Saturday proved to be a nice day for a jog and a dip into a large body of water. The inaugural Energy Dash and Splash was held at the Woodlawn Regional Park’s Boundary Dam site, with dozens of people participating. The event was organized by Peggy Rohatyn and Debby Knight with Fresh Air Fitness. Participants opened the event with a brief, non-competitive run-walk, in which they could venture as far as they wanted. The biggest challenge many faced was the chilly west wind as they returned to the start-finish line. Once the run or walk was finished, it was time for the Dam Cold Dip – a polar bear swim in Boundary Dam, which is one of the few ideal locations for a polar bear swim in Saskatchewan in winter due to its warmer temperatures. Some took a few steps in before returning to land, while others dashed a few yards into the water. Many submerged themselves in the reservoir for a few seconds to get the full experience. “It felt like, to us, a complete success, with the excep-
tion of the wind, which was totally out of our control,” Knight told the Mercury shortly after the event. They were relieved that the temperature warmed up to close to 0 C on Saturday, which was considerably warmer than earlier in the week, when an extreme cold warning was in effect. “All week I couldn’t believe it was actually going to turn for us today, and it did, and we were very glad about that,” said Knight. People paid a registration fee to be part of the event, raising about $1,600 for the Fresh Air Fitness outdoor recreation site at the Woodlawn Regional Park. Participants were presented a gift bag with a commemorative towel, socks and other items. They also enjoyed lunch from the Southern Plains Co-op, music from DJ Kevin Perkins and plenty of socializing. Rohatyn said they have received very good feedback from those who participated. Many of them said they would be doing it again next year, while others who showed up to watch said they would join in for 2023. Many of those who emerged from the water not-
ed it wasn’t as cold as they expected. “Some people actually swam in there,” said Rohatyn. “Some sat on the beach or just sat in the water. Most of the people were saying that they had to run – on the way back for the run – right into the wind, and that was the hardest part of it.” S he thought people would have a harder time with the polar bear swim component. “There was so few people who even hesitated,” said Rohatyn. “They just ran, went in and that was it.” In an ironic twist, the oldest person registered, Del Coderre, and the youngest participant, Kohler Martindale, were the first two people to enter the water. She is hopeful that this can become an annual event on the second weekend of March. The next event that Knight and Rohatyn are organizing for Fresh Air Fitness is the Coal Country Run, Walk and Cycle, which will take place on May 14. Knight noted they will be using the new pathways found around the city, and so they have added the cycling component for the first time.
Tamara Stephany and Brooke Spagrud enjoyed their dip in Boundary Dam. Photo by David Willberg
Madison Folkerts, Savanah Gardiner and Tierleigh Dinsmore were among the participants in the Dash and Splash. Photo by David Willberg
Participants walked or ran for a while before their polar bear swim. Photo by David Willberg
Organizations want public to March Out Racism Estevan Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS), Transition Services and Southeast Newcomer Services (SNS) are promoting exciting things happening locally in March, which have been inspired by March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Racism is a globally recognized issue, and at SWIS, Transitions and SNS, they recognize that they have a role to play in the elimination of racism, as members of this community. To stand against racism, they have come together to create a variety of anti-racism projects for the month of March, which will all be spearheaded under the campaign title of March Out Racism. The anti-racism projects for the month include spotlighting
remarkable Canadians from diverse backgrounds on social media pages. During the month of March, people can visit the SWIS and Transitions Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about these remarkable individuals and the great contributions they have made to Canada. Furthermore, they also have an ongoing project with anti-racism pledges which are being signed by participants, community organizations, schools and the general public. These pledges state “Racism. It Stops with me!” and are followed by the printed names of those who would like to stand by that statement and contribute to empowering others to do the same within the community. The pledges will be displayed at Affinity Place outside of the walking
track the week of March 14, and will stay up for the duration of the month. They have a few student volunteers who will be helping out with the setup of the display. Pledges will continue to be collected and added to the display throughout March. If you would like to sign the pledge, visit the SNS office on Sixth Street or look to the community events bulletin at the Estevan Leisure Centre. They also have a photo and video project going on, both of which will be displayed on their social media pages towards the end of the month. The photo project spotlights SWIS and Transitions families as they take a stand against racism. Those participating have been submitting family photos which are then placed
into an anti-racism frame template, and will all be compiled at the end of the month to show SWIS and Transitions families’ support. The video project is a short compilation of various local organizations and community members showing their support for the March Out Racism campaign. The video captures the participating members who are saying “Racism. It stops with me.” Last on the agenda for the month is a virtual anti-racism workshop which will be hosted on March 21 from 4-7 p.m. A Zoom invitation link will be uploaded to social media pages the day before the workshop so that anyone who is wanting to attend can join. The first hour of the workshop will focus on creating an understanding of discrimination and
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racism that is easily understood by children of all ages. It will be interactive and engaging. The latter segment of the workshop will feature a representative from the RCMP who will be speaking on the topic of hate-motivated crimes. This portion will be geared towards older youths and adults. The three organizations encourage everyone to join in any capacity that they can. They appreciate all the support during the March Out Racism campaign. For more information and to keep up with upcoming events, follow their social media pages on both Facebook and Instagram. Estevan SWIS and Transitions Services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
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Farm safety comes in different forms We’re in the midst of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week. When we think about agriculture safety, most people think about work on the job. They think about how to operate machinery. They talk about farm equipment coming into contact with overhead powerlines. They think about transporting their commodities from the farm to the market. More and more, they might associate grain bin safety with farm safety. Cattle and other livestock farmers face all kinds of risk when on the job as well. There are plenty of dangers when dealing with large, powerful and unpredictable animals that, much like humans, can have ornery dispositions. These are all important things to remember when it comes to safety on the farm. It’s important to be smart and careful. After all, everybody wants to get home safely at the end of the day. We’re hearing more and more about farm safety of another kind. We’re hearing about the importance of good mental health for Saskatchewan farmers. Farming has to be one of the most stressful jobs imaginable. It’s a profession with high risks and razor thin margins of error. You spent money on seed at the start of the year, and you have some measures you
can take during the growing season, but in the end, there are no guarantees. As we’ve seen the last couple of years, drought can kill a crop before you get a chance to harvest it. But it’s more than just dry weather that can be a problem. Too much rain, an early frost, insects, hail and many other things can destroy yields or downgrade quality. Farm equipment has become expensive, and while you work hard to to make sure it’s ready at the right time, sometimes a horribly-timed breakdown will occur. Other times you’re a victim of terrible luck. You might be the only one in the area to get a hailstorm. Or, for whatever reason, you don’t get as much moisture as everyone else. Cattle? Yeah, there are lots of sources of stress with cattle, too. Many ranchers have been feeling the stress of pasture land conditions or inadequate hay. Commodity prices are also beyond your control. You might have a great year, but maybe the prices won’t be as high as they should be. This is why so many producers struggle with stress and mental health. That’s why it’s important to have organizations with trained professionals who understand agriculture that are willing to work with and help producers.
And that’s why it’s critical for farmers to reach out for help if they need it. We all know that farming is such a vital part of Saskatchewan’s economy and history. It built this province. Ask people outside of this province what they think of first when it comes to Saskatchewan, and the most common answer will be farming. We’re blessed with some of the greatest farming land in the world. And we have hard-working, knowledgeable people who work the land, who seed the crops, who pull off the harvest, and are always looking for better, more efficient and more responsible ways to do their jobs. We have some outstanding livestock producers who care deeply for their animals and take great care of them from the moment the animals are born. We have others in agriculture, whether it be hobby farmers, acreage owners or those who are in some unconventional areas of the industry. Safety has been a growing point of emphasis in farming over the years, as we gain further awareness of the associated risks. Not only is it a tough, demanding job, but it’s fraught with risks. You’re never going to have a perfect safety record for the entire industry in the province, but it’s an objective to shoot for.
We need to close the transportation gap Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertising content: The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication. All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that The Estevan Mercury receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.
I was 23 when I came to Canada, and I had no driver's licence. Not because I lost it, but because I never had it. I knew how to drive, as I went through a school before, but since I never had neither need, nor wish for it, I'd never obtained one. And boy, did I regret it during my first years in Canada. A driver's licence is literally translated into the Russian language as driver's rights. Well, I definitely felt rightless here. The bike was a saviour in the summer, but even though I love sports and challenges, biking in winter in Manitoba or Saskatchewan? No, thank you. The months that I've spent in Winnipeg studying and also waiting for my learner’s licence to mature were not so bad, as there's somewhat decent public transportation and also sidewalks that were ridable even in winter. But everything else was bad. Once I decided to come to Estevan for a reading week. Five hundred kilometres, I thought, wouldn't be too bad by bus, I've done way more. It was 2014, the time when not only Western Canada Greyhound, but even STC, were still here. Try guessing how long it took me to cover this 500 K? Fourteen hours! And that's from the bus depot to the bus depot. It was uncomfortable, to say the least, and if I remember right, it still cost me $150 one way. I did catch a ride to Regina and took a plane back, which was a bit less time and almost double the price. It was bad, and thus the only attempt at doing a Winnipeg-Estevan-Winnipeg trip without a personal vehicle. Nevertheless, while in many situations I felt that I was strongly dependent on others, as I realized later, back then things weren't as bad for me as they are for some people now. Knowing that if I really need to, I had an option, made it more bearable for me.
Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… Once I got my licence, my life got filled with colours. But on a bigger scale, the systematic problem that was already in place in 2014, got much worse with both STC and then Greyhound leaving the market with no real replacement filling the gap. Now with no intercommunity transportation system in Saskatchewan, not just the quality of life, but sometimes the entire lifestyle and even life itself, depend on a person's ability to drive. And while sometimes poor choices affect it, many other times it's not a matter of a choice. For thousands of people in Saskatchewan, the opportunity to make it to the hospital, or to be able to buy things a bit cheaper or just buy things, might be crucial. And yet, we don't have anything to offer. According to CanAge, Canada's National Seniors' Advocacy Organization, half of the Canadian seniors report not having access to transportation that meets their needs. And even more so in Saskatchewan. Ever since the last local transportation service tears dried up, vulnerable people in the province have been left stranded. I get it. Out of the 25 STC routes the only one that was profitable was Regina-Saskatoon. And I assume Greyhound left not for the fun of it either. Nevertheless, what we've had, or more correctly, didn't have since 2017-18, is not an option either. Almost 197,000 residents of Saskatchewan are people over 65, which makes up 17 per cent of the total population, CanAge states. Data
shows that older adults who lack access to reliable transportation services suffer from worse mental health, lower quality of life and are less likely to be able to receive health care of any kind, and even more so promptly. These risks are exacerbated for those living with disabilities, and those on lower incomes. (The pandemic has been making it only worse over the past two years). Every so often there are talks about the gap, but not much action happens when there is no money to make. And while it's a difficult thing to digest in the world of capitalism, just like creating an inviting space brings in a crowd and thus profits for those involved, a properly developed and smart system in place makes more people choose a particular destination as their home, resulting in development and prosperity. The system that was in place for years wasn't working (maybe in part because of its quality and appearance described above), but it doesn't mean that another one won't work. And even if it needs to be subsidized, it still may pay out, just in another way. I'm not a strategic development specialist, and I don't have an understanding of how to make transportation work in Saskatchewan. I don't think many people, if any at all, do. But this conversation needs to happen sooner rather than later. And to start it, CanAge is calling on communities across the province to submit a "community profile" online at fasttrackcanada. org/en/community-profile/, which will capture important information about their local area, what seniors' transportation services are in place, and what challenges they're facing in moving older residents safely to then hopefully get it going. So if you have a need or an idea, spend some time and chip in.
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David Willberg Willberg’s World
The most wonderful time of the year When the Estevan Bruins dropped an overtime decision to the Melfort Mustangs on March 11, 2020, few could have imagined it would be the last junior hockey playoff game, or the last playoff hockey game of any kind, in Estevan for nearly two years. Just before the Bruin game started, it was revealed that a basketball player for the NBA’s Utah Jazz had tested positive for COVID-19, and that the NBA was going on hiatus. Within 24 hours, virtually every sports league in North America, and every other type of entertainment, had followed suit. The following day, the Bruins were headed to Melfort for Game 5 when they were told that the game had been postponed and they were to return to Estevan. The next day – less than 48 hours after the Estevan-Melfort game was played – the season was cancelled, as was every other postseason in Saskatchewan. Last year, of course, we didn’t get to enjoy playoff hockey, or much hockey at all, for that matter. Most teams only played a handful of regular season games. But this year playoff hockey is back. Some local minor hockey teams started their postseason a few weeks ago. The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins have advanced to the South Division Final in their league. So have the South East Aaron Well Servicing U18 AA Goldwings female team, who play out of Midale. The Big Six Hockey League’s playoffs have reached the final round, with the Redvers Rockets and the Carnduff Red Devils to face off. They were also supposed to meet in the playoffs two years ago. Many other teams and leagues are in the midst of their playoffs. They range in age from youths to middle-aged adults. And other teams have seen their seasons come to an end after what was an enjoyable campaign in which new memories were created. Playoff hockey truly is a wonderful thing. The intensity is ratcheted up. Nobody wants to lose, to see their season come to an end. They’re all united by a common goal: win their final game of the season. Very few get that thrill. And while there’s far more to hockey than winning or losing at most levels, it’s still a great thrill to win that final game. Yeah, I love playoff hockey. Which brings us back to the Estevan Bruins. As you would expect for the team hosting nationals, it’s been quite a season for our beloved Black and Gold. Forty-three wins. Just 10 regulation losses, with three of those defeats coming early in the season when the Bruins were still coming together as a team. They won the regular season title for the first time since 2005. And yes, I remember that 2004-05 team. They were deep and relentless, with great goaltending and numerous local talents. A team built for that era of hockey, and a perfect fit for the Civic Auditorium. If not for a couple of serious injuries sustained late in the division final against Yorkton, Estevan might have won the national title that year. It’s hard to believe that none of the current Bruins were old enough to play organized hockey in 2005. In fact, a couple of them were born in 2004. There were some lean years after that 2005 team. They didn’t win another playoff series until 2011 (a best-of-five) and they wouldn’t win a best of seven until 2017. The team’s been better in recent years. Much better. Four division titles in five seasons. A trip to the league final in 2018 with sold-out crowds for each game in the league final. The incredible Game 7 victory over the Humboldt Broncos in 2019, when so many in the hockey world were paying close attention. So many of us are hoping for a long playoff run. Estevan last won a league title in 1999. So you could say they’re due. Players don’t get many chances to win a league championship, especially in minor and junior hockey, when you only spend two or three seasons with a particular team. A league championship would create some pretty great momentum heading into the Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by Tim Hortons, here at the end of May. Hopefully, the stands will be packed for the playoffs. Estevan averaged over 1,800 fans a game for the final three games of the regular season. A big crowd only amps up the intensity of the playoff games. So here’s to some great playoff hockey. Not just for the Estevan Bruins, but throughout the southeast.
News papers remain a vital source The editor: It’s about community connections. Who tracks your local municipal governing councils, clubs, boards and policing activities? Who records the local and regional football teams and their progress or regression? Who looks for the moms and dads and their kids with cute teddy bears at the local swimming pool so they can share a cute (and safe) photo with others? Of course it’s your local newspaper. No surprise there. I just bring this up as a reminder that local newspapers need to remain local in nature, otherwise they are doomed for takeovers, reductions and quite often, closures. We are fortunate to be able to share local news within our community with a local newspaper that gets it. It’s not always about feeding investors and dividend production, or debts that need to be paid that aren’t locally generated, but rather what kind of production is coming from the local farmers’ market,
and what can be done by the local chamber of commerce to provide even more community largesse. This is not an argument with social media, but we must keep reminding ourselves that social media platforms don’t really care who you are. They just want to harvest knowledge from you regarding spending patterns to feed their online interests to the tune of billions of dollars. As the now familiar saying goes – you are not the customer, you are their product. There is nothing personal about them, although they would like you to believe there is a genuine interest in your wellbeing. Spoiler alert – there isn’t and they aren’t. It’s all business and it’s a successful business for all these platforms, so there is no intention to rail against them. They are what they are and it is as it is. Don’t look for a heart and soul. Just find that new patio chair online that is $4 less than the one offered by the local business. That’ll do it. After all, free delivery, you can’t lose! In the meantime, local businesses, including the lo-
cal newspaper, struggle to maintain relevance because they’re not interested in flogging gossip and rumours about people you’ll never meet. The social media platforms are fine with chaotic ads that pop up and disappear on command or linger within the unedited and sometimes edited written words and photos. Platforms don’t require verification and it’s nearly impossible to talk with them and they bear no responsibility for what may cross your path. There is entertainment to be found, but no real local substance, unless, of course, you seek out the local paper’s platform and get the real goods. Local newspapers do use these platforms, of course they do, but they do so with a skill set and the knowledge that if they post nonsense or unverifiable information, the local readers and viewers will come charging into the office to lodge the protests and demand correction. Plus, they can have a discussion with a real person, and, if warranted, corrections. Social platforms don’t provide you with that option.
Where do you return that patio chair when it crumbles and gives up on you in the second summer of use? Where can you go to see an advertisement that carries credibility along with information and even entertainment on occasion? Yep, it’s your local newspaper. And that ad sticks around for a week or more if you want, so you can refer to it again and again, along with the information in the flyers that came folded within it. Not bad. As one public librarian, Rhonda Frevent in Burlington, Iowa, pointed out – the local newspaper is the repository of community knowledge. There is a good reason your local newspaper has hung around for about 120 years. The people within are just doing their job, just like you and they do it with a sense of trust and mutual understanding of what we’re all doing in this place at this time. Norm Park Estevan Former reporter/editor for the Mercury
Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal The editor: I was devastated to hear that the war in Ukraine broke out with Russian aggression. I remember my mom telling me stories when she was growing up that took place in a civil war between the Poles and Russians. They were shooting in her home, which caused her permanent
deafness. Her parents were captured and shot in cold blood for no apparent reason. Mom was forced to leave Austria in the First World War and travelled on a ship to Montreal and by train to Canora to live with her aunt, the Roll family. Her language was from the Lemka people, an offshoot from Ukraine.
I have had permission from the Canadian Red Cross to promote my 12 poems on YouTube to allow people to donate towards the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal fundraiser. Select YouTube Canada Login and Library, click on WhisperingNorth480p and click on the green background video.
After you listen to the poems for 12 minutes click on the link www.redcross. ca and make your donation. Hopefully everybody who reads this letter will donate wholeheartedly. Paul Jones Coaldale, Alta. Editor’s note: Jones is a former Estevan resident
Zipping down the hill
Max and Winston Elton were eager to be at the hill in Estevan’s Westview subdivision on Sunday morning. It was a nice morning in Estevan, giving people lots of incentive to be outside. And with the warmer temperatures in Estevan this week, it might be one of the last chances to enjoy some outdoor winter fun. Photo by David Willberg
Time is running out to have this feature on your new blinds! The "Bottom Up/Top Down" feature on cellular shades allows you to lower your blinds from the top, or raise from the bottom, or both at the same time! This feature will be discontinued April 30, 2022 to adhere to Health Canada's new Corded Window Coverings Regulations.
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| Wednesday, March 16, 2022 | www.SASKTODAY.ca
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New executive director announced for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation By David Willberg The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation’s new executive director is a familiar face for many at the hospital and in the community, but the previous executive director is still going to help out. The foundation announced Friday that Breanne Van De Woestyne had resigned after more than three years in the role. She’ll be replaced by Lori Gervais, who joined the foundation in late 2018 and had been working with the foundation in a finance role. In that position, she handled some duties that she’ll now have as the executive director. Van De Woestyne, who was hired by the foundation in early 2019, will continue to be involved with the foundation’s marketing efforts through her business, Impact Creative Digital Services, which she started with her
sister last year. Gervais’ first day as the executive director was Monday. “I realized that there was a lot of this position that I had been a part of already,” Gervais told the Mercury. “I’ve been with the foundation for just over three years, and it’s been a great job.” Now that she’s the executive director, Gervais said she will need to give a little more attention to the foundation’s clinic that is attached to the hospital. The foundation is the landlord of the clinic. And she’ll have to spend more time on the hospital, its staff and the requests for funding. “I love working for the foundation,” said Gervais. “I think people aren’t as aware of what the foundation is or what it does, until you get directly involved. I think the last three years we’ve done a pretty good job of the awareness, so that we’re bringing it
forward to the community so they’re more aware of what actually does happen here, and what we’re all about in raising funds for the hospital, but also for our community, so that we can continue to have local healthcare provided, and provided well.” Gervais expects she will be busy adapting to the added responsibility, and adjusting her duties for herself and Van De Woestyne to what they will be going forward. Van De Woestyne said having her own business is something she always wanted to pursue, and she wants to explore different avenues of marketing in her own community. “This past year has been really great, and it’s just come to a time where having so much work and having the opportunity to go full-time came up, and I just wanted to jump on that opportunity to continue on pursuing that role,” said Van De Woestyne.
Having Gervais in her previous role should allow for a smooth transition, Van De Woestyne said. Impact Creative also recently acquired One-Click. ca, which is another venture they look forward to expanding, and creating a hub for the Estevan area to get the information they need on businesses, non-profits and other organizations. “We’re really excited to start exploring that and to really launch that this month,” Van De Woestyne said. Van De Woestyne is looking forward to still working with the hospital foundation. She has met amazing people – donors, patients and hospital staff – and has rekindled some past relationships during the past three years. “(It’s been great) to really just be part of the community of our hospital, to really be able to share the stories and support something that is very important
Breanne Van De Woestyne, left, has stepped down as the executive director of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, and Lori Gervais taking the reins. Photo submitted to me,” she said. The next big fundraiser for the foundation will be the
Radiothon for Life on May 4. Details on the benefit will be released at a later date.
Estevan Farmers’ Market ready to start new season A spring and summer tradition in the Estevan area is set to begin – the annual
Estevan Farmers’ Market will soon begin their new season.
The first indoor sale will take place on April 2 inside the Estevan Market
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Mall. They will continue each Saturday until the end of the month. Sales will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location will be the same as what was used for the Christmas sales. Market manager Marilyn Simons said the first indoor sale will be a couple of weeks earlier than in previous years. “Because we haven’t had them for so many years, we thought that we would try this out,” said Simons. There will be about 25 vendors each week. Simons said some new vendors and some local veterans are scheduled to be part of the sales, bringing baking, specialty baking, sourdough bread, cookies, crafts, canning, plants, garden stakes, floor mats, jewelry gauges, gemstone jewelr y, metal
stamping jewelry, dog treats, fabric, quilting supplies, kids c lothes, dream catchers, crochet items, scrunchies, candles, soap, bath bombs, bath salts, women’s clothing, and women’s boots. Customers can also find products from Thirty-One, Tupperware, Chalk Couture and Fifth-Ave vendors, plus custom gift baskets, upcycled and reusable everyday items, and even a table benefiting a donkey sanctuary. Simons believes the vendors are eager to have the first indoor sale of the year. “I think we always have that itch to get going again, and with all the snow this year, it’s more than ever that we are ready to get going. Our farmers and our gardeners are eager to get seeds into the ground,” she said. The first outdoor sale
of the year is slated for the mall’s parking lot on May 7, but that would be dependent on weather conditions. If the weather doesn’t co-operate, they could remain inside for one more week. The outdoor markets will continue to happen every Saturday. The last outdoor market is traditionally on the Thanksgiving long weekend in October. Having the same retail space inside the mall as the Christmas sales should be beneficial for the spring indoor markets, Simons said. “We can stay set up for the entire duration of the indoor sales, so our vendors are fortunate that they don’t have to tear down after each sale, and then set up again, so they can stay in one spot. It’s secure, it’s closed,” she said.
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Police lay charges in connection with armed standoff The Estevan Police Service has announced two charges of assault against a 62-year-old Estevan man, as a result of the investigation into an armed standoff that occurred in February. On Feb. 8, after nine hours of negotiations with the EPS, the Estevan resident surrendered and was arrested. The man was then transported to a Regina hospital for an assessment, as the EPS stated he was in mental distress and needed help. At that time, no decision was made on whether charges would
be laid in this case. On March 8, the EPS announced they laid two charges following the incident that had the entire community watching the scene with bated breath. Estevan Police Chief Richard Lowen explained that "Charges are based on evidence obtained, statements of witnesses and complaints. In this case, the charges were appropriate to the evidence obtained (as) in this incident, police were called to attend in regard to the report of an assault." He added that over the past
month, a number of steps were taken in regard to the incident, but the main part of the process was the medical assessment. "Medical assessment is the priority before any charges are processed. The c harges were sworn to and warrants obtained during this assessment time. Once assessments were completed, the accused attended to the EPS station to be formally charged on the strength of the arrest warrants," Lowen said. He added that all situations are reviewed to determine the ap-
propriate charge(s) based on the evidence, statements and observations. No further evidence were discovered during the past month, and no other charges are pending. Lowen added that he is "grateful that the incident was concluded safely." Police had been called to a domestic disturbance in the morning of Feb. 8. Another person left the residence, and the subject barricaded himself in his residence in 600-block of Fourth Street. The Estevan and the Wey-
burn Police Service's joint tactical support team, as well as crisis negotiators from the EPS and RCMP, were on the scene. Police were seen with their weapons drawn. At one point, the EPS delivered a letter to the residence, which was written by the individual's brother. The nine-hour armed standoff ended peacefully. After appearing in court, the subject was released on a number of conditions and will appear in court again in April.
Significant carbon monoxide leak occurred at Estevan apartment The Estevan Fire Rescue Service dealt with a serious carbon monoxide (CO) leak in a multi-unit apartment building last week. On March 8 at noon, fire crews were called for CO alarm assistance at an apartment complex in the 900-block of Fourth Street. “Crews arrived on scene to find several individuals that were not feeling well and experiencing the same signs and symptoms. When we made entry into the building, there were large amounts of carbon monoxide within the home. Estevan fire crews evacuated a total of five people from the occupancy, all of which
attended to the hospital for treatment,” said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser. CO peak reading levels were extensively high in the building, Feser added, and the situation could have turned into a real tragedy. “In this particular instance, with extremely high levels and concentrations, we’re very, very thankful that it happened at dinnertime, in which the number of people that were inside the building was limited compared to nighttime. Besides, during the night hours, you’d have extended exposure to carbon monoxide, and it very well would have turned into a fatal
event for all occupants within the building,” Feser said. Earlier, Estevan EMS was called in to assist one of the occupants who was not feeling well, and they were the ones who picked up on a high CO level and alerted the EFRS. “Very quick thinking by EMS to ensure that the fire department was following up. The fire department also found that there was no carbon monoxide alarms in this particular occupancy,” Feser said. SaskEnergy was called to assist with the situation. They found that venting became disconnected from the main boiler system for the complex,
resulting in a leak. Feser reminded the public that as of June 1, all residential buildings in Saskatchewan will have to have CO alarms installed and working to ensure that if a leak occurs, occupants get alerted and can take necessary steps in a timely manner. “We will be making our way around to all these living spaces here and conducting inspections to ensure that everything is indeed in place there. We have spread some public information so that way, landlords and owners can actually start purchasing these items and have them in place and ready to go,” Feser said.
Fatal collision outside of Hitchcock The Estevan RCMP is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on March 7. RCMP officers and other emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 12:20 p.m. to the incident, which occurred at an uncontrolled railway crossing on Township Road 34, northwest of Hitchcock. Investigation has determined a semi truck and train collided. The driver of the semi, a 42-year-old man from
Carnduff, was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His family has been notified. There were no reported injuries to personnel on the train. The road was closed during initial investigation by the Estevan RCMP and a Saskatchewan RCMP traffic reconstructionist. Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser said the 18-wheeler
transport truck came to a rest on the north side of the tracks. “Fire rescue proceeded to assist EMS in packaging the patient. The patient was delivered to the hospital via ground ambulance," said Feser.
Firefighters had to ensure that no hazardous materials were leaking out of the semi and the train. The scene then was turned over to the RCMP and CP police for further investigation.
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Women of Estevan. If you do it all, you can get it all. The inspiring story of Jennelle Wimmer By Ana Bykhovskaia Born on a farm by Estevan, the daughter of Adriaan and Rose Lievaart, she was never raised to become a
farmer in the full sense of that word. But when her life made a tragic turn, Jennelle Wimmer decided that she could do it all. She was raised tough
Jennelle Wimmer had to take the farm in her hands to save it for her kids, and quite often the boys, Brayden and Jaxon Wimmer (pictured here), had to be with her in the tractor. Photos submitted by Jennelle Wimmer
#BreakTheBias Recognizing Women's Day
and taught by example, and even though she didn’t know much about farming, she took everything in her hands to make sure that her two sons had a chance to live on the land – the life their mom and dad always wanted for them. Within this year’s Women’s Day special, the Mercury shares the inspiring story of Jennelle Wimmer, who lives and farms by Tribune, teaches kindergarten at Legacy Park Elementary School in Weyburn, raises three wonderful kids, and whose life changed a lot after her husband, Brad Wimmer died alongside his father Phil in a tragic plane crash on Father’s Day in June 2014. Making dreams a reality Born and raised in a nice, loving family on a grain farm outside of Estevan with sister Jaclyn and brother Justin, Jennelle never was viewed as the kid who would keep the farm going when her parents retire, and so she didn’t know much about farming and even less so about ranching. “I really don't think my
dad thought it was going to be me. My brother actively farms with my dad; he’s taken over the farm with him. And everybody knew I always loved farm life. I loved animals, I loved country living. And that's what I always wanted to do. But if I ever thought way back in the day that I would be kind of the one leading the rollout here, I would not have thought that," Jennelle said. As a teenager, she would run some simpler equipment but didn’t have a deep knowledge of the operation. However, one thing she knew for sure – farming was tough, but also a great lifestyle she always admired. “My hard work ethic comes all the way back from my grandparents, Hank and Johanna Lievaart, who immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1953. They came here with absolutely nothing and worked very hard to build a family farm, which my own parents expanded on over the years. I have had lots of role models over the years that showed me that when you
Thankful to the women that came before us and fought for equal rights.
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Brad, Jennelle, Brayden and Jaxon Wimmer in the fall before the plane crash. put your mind to something, anything is possible,” Jennelle shared. While growing up on the farm, she had a dream to become a teacher. She always loved playing school, and the teachers she had at Estevan's Scotsburn School and who she still remembers with kind words, motivated her to become one like them. Jennelle always knew she wanted to work with little kids, and she planned to become a Grade 3 teacher, but life had a different
plan for her. “I was called in for an interview to take a kindergarten position in Weyburn in 2006. And I thought, 'Well, this will be okay for a year and then I'll get the grade that I want later.' Well, I've never left it. I love kindergarten. There's so much growth that you see in a year in kindergarten, that it's just, it's amazing … And I've never left it, I've had opportunities to, and I've always just wanted to stay.” A9 » IT
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“It gets messy sometimes being a mom, and a teacher, and a farmer” « A8 Since her young days, Jennelle also had that vision that she would marry a farmer and they would live on a farm, raising kids in the same traditions she was raised. Her husband would work at the farm and she would go to town to work. And her dreams did come true. “I was in university in Regina (and Brad was driving a truck for Dave Kirby at the time), and we just met through some mutual friends. It was crazy that our home farms were actually not that far apart. His home farm was west of Oungre. And my home farm was past Outram. So it was crazy that our farms were not so far, and we met in Regina. That was neat. We both were interested in
being on the farm someday. So we were married, and we lived in Weyburn for a short time while we looked for the perfect place. And then we found a really nice farm, just six miles west of Tribune,” Jennelle shared. They bought a nice package of land and had about 100 head of cattle that came with it. Jennelle travelled to Weyburn to teach and helped with the chores a bit, and Brad worked in the oilfield and took care of the land and the cattle. “I still remember it was like boom, overnight we were here and we had all these commitments and things that we knew were coming, but back then we were still living a pretty simple life in
Jennelle said the older her son Brayden Wimmer gets, the more he helps around the farm.
Weyburn,” Jennelle recalled. “We moved out here on December 31, 2008. Or maybe 2007. We just drove right in. The first calving season was only a couple of months after we moved here. And I remember Brad was working on the rigs, and I was teaching, and I knew nothing about cattle, literally nothing. And I was scared of them. I remember checking them at night in my car because I was too scared to walk through them. While he was on night shifts, that's what I would do.” A few years later, they had a baby boy who they named Brayden, and two years after that Jaxon joined the happy hardworking family. And then the stor y changed In June 2014, Brayden was three years old, and Jaxon was only 18 months. On June 15, Brad and his father Phil were heading to Lampman for a Father’s Day breakfast, when their Cessna plane crashed just outside of Torquay. “Then my story changed ... I decided I wanted to keep farming and I wanted to keep the farm for the boys. But I wanted to keep teaching. I wanted to do it all but I
Recognizing Women’s Day
wasn't sure how that would look,” Jennelle recalled with the calm voice of a person who made it through hard times, but came out of it even stronger. “At the time we, I decided to downsize the cattle a little bit because we had quite a big herd, and I knew that it was unrealistic to do that with basically a baby, that's what my youngest son was.” The times after the crash were tough, and even these days Jennelle sometimes wonders how she made it through that. She says if not for help from good friends and neighbours Rick and Cheryl Williams, and support from the family and the community, it would be way more difficult to get through her first harvest, and calving and haying seasons. “We had crops in the ground, we had a harvest that had to be taken off. And people came and helped. It was amazing. We had people come do haying for me that summer, we had people show up at harvest time, and they brought their combines … Those were really tough times. But it was amazing to see in tough times how community pulled together,” Jennelle recalled. A10 » DON’T
Casey Claffey, Jennelle Wimmer, with the kids Brayden and Jaxon Wimmer and Madison Claffey.
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“Don’t let anyone think that just because you’re a woman, you can’t do it” « A9 “Those were tough times for sure, you just go through the motions, and you get your day-to-day work done. But when I think back, I do often think, 'Whoa, how did I get through those times?' Because the kids were so young too, they were just little, and they went everywhere with me. They were in the combine and the tractor, and they spent a lot of time places they probably didn't want to be.” It was difficult, but it did make Jennelle who she is now. She said she’d always been “the stubborn one” in the family. And when relatives and
of what kept her together. But her sons were probably the biggest motivation that kept her going at that time. “I had an 18-month-old and a three-year-old and they are just spitting images of their father and they look at you and they need breakfast and they need to be fed, so you just get up and keep going,” Jennelle shared. Support from the family and friends played a big role as well, but in the end, it was her stubbornness, her commitment to goals and her internal ramrod that helped her take over the operation
From year to year, Jaxon and Bayden Wimmer went haying alongside their mom. friends would suggest downsizing or selling out, she just kept going. “I was like, 'Are you crazy? I'm not doing that.' I wanted to keep our farm as viable as possible. And we did it,” Jennelle said. “I wanted my kids to grow up with that work ethic of working hard, but still having fun when you can. And a huge part of it was that I felt like Brad's presence was in this place, and I didn't ever want to leave that. It was like he was here, even though he wasn't here.” Jennelle's faith and knowing that there's a greater plan for all of us was a big part
and succeed. Despite all the odds And soon Jennelle realized, she very well could do it all, just as she wanted. “I went through the first calving season and figured, ‘Okay, I can do this.’ I got my feet under myself and carried on and then slowly I've built my herd back up to where we were before. And I still teach. I only teach half time, I teach every other day because I need to manage the farm as well and I need time for that. So every other day, I teach kindergarten in Weyburn at Legacy Park School. It's the new school in town. And every other day, I
am here doing chores. I feed my cows for two days at a time and run an operation like that so that I can do it all,” Jennelle shared. She would take Brayden to hockey, get him involved with 4-H, help Jaxon grow his skills in science, make sure the boys learn how to swim, go fishing and snowmobiling with them. While they lost their father, Jennelle still wanted to give them everything the two parents would. “ That was tricky for a while, because they were young, and they didn't understand why. For example, we went to swimming lessons in Oungre Park, and all the moms stayed there all day. And I would take my kids to swimming lessons, and then we'd go straight to the hayfield, and the kids would always be like why can't we stay and play with the kids? And I would have to try to explain that this is what's paying for us to go to swimming lessons,” Jennelle recalled. She kept teaching parttime and also tried to stay sane in this life vortex. “I was a single mom, and I worked a lot. And there were definitely times when I felt like, 'Oh, boy, is this the best choice for my own children? Is this what we really want?’ Because I felt like I was always working. But I look now, and we still have this place and the options. My son is in 4-H and he's out feeding the steers every day. And he does that himself now. And I really do feel like I have modelled hard work and dedication to my kids, that I hope that they grow up to have a strong work ethic, like what I was taught as well when I was young,” Jennelle said. Not only were the times objectively tough but being a woman in this men’s world that she knew a little about, in the world where one needs to be physically strong to get things done, was even more difficult. “I took on a man's job. And some days I thought,
Jennelle Wimmer is a kindergarten teacher at Legacy Park Elementary School in Weyburn. 'Oh, maybe I am crazy, maybe my family's right,'” said Jennelle with a laugh. “It gets messy sometimes being a mom, and a teacher and a farmer. Sometimes I feel like you got your irons in all fires, but I had good help.” Entering the agriculture world as a woman wasn't easy. People wouldn't take her seriously when she'd go shop for equipment or try to solve farm-related problems, and would even try to take advantage, assuming that as a single woman she wouldn't understand. "There were many, many times I was frustrated because I think just because I'm a woman it doesn't mean, people have to think they can walk all over me," Jennelle said. "I've always said, stick up for yourself and don't let anybody think that just because you're a woman, you can't do it." She said the ag world is getting better, and women in agriculture "is becoming more of an acceptable thing," but it hasn't been the case for a long time, and she had to stick to herself to keep her life going the way she wanted it. "I have learned to be strong and not let anybody tell me what to do," Jennelle shared. A few years ago, Jennelle met Casey Claffey. Their wedding was cancelled due to COVID, but they plan to still get married at some point. Casey has a ranch by Yellow Grass, and he runs his operation out of there every
Jennelle Wimmer and little Madison Claffey are doing chores, taking care of a 120-head herd.
day, while Jennelle works her farm and teaches. Two years ago, in April, the couple had
outer circumstances, once again came true. She always remembered to take time
Madison Claffey doesn’t know much about cows yet but is already learning hands-on.
Brayden Wimmer helps a lot around the yard, especially with calving. a baby daughter Madison. When it came to men's jobs around the farm, her neighbour helped a lot in the beginning, and now Casey and her older son Brayden took on some of the physical duties, but a lot of it Jennelle would do herself. They rented most of the land out, but Jennelle works some of the land herself. And they built the herd back up to where it was and will have about 120 cows calving starting at the end of March. Summer is busy with haying. She said balancing everything wasn’t always easy, and she probably wasn’t the most successful at times, but they got through and her vision, changed by the
and do things just for herself. Keeping in mind that no one can be a superwoman and learning to ask for help were her other strategies. She also put family first to stay true to herself. While her work ethic comes from childhood, she says it was the circumstances that made her who she is today. “I did learn a bit about cattle over the years with Brad here, but it really wasn't until Brad wasn't here that I had to really step it up, figure out what was going on that I knew what I was doing. And there was some learning curve, that's for sure. But I think it turned out pretty good.”
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First and second place winners in the 1989 French Festival oratorical contest that involved 50 students enrolled in the French immersion classes at Sacred Heart are pictured here. The judging was carried out during the French Cultural Festival staged at the Estevan National Exhibition Centre. The students advanced to regional finals held later in Yorkton. Front row, from left, Catherine Picard, first, Grade 1; Michael Lausch, first, Grade 2; Nathan Pylypuk, first, Grade 3; and Kimberlee Bonokoski, first, Grade 3 (tie). Back row, Trisha Densley, second, Grade 1; Melissa Naka, second, Grade 2; and Suzette Boutin, second, Grade 3.
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Estevan’s Best Pizza 8” 10” 12” 15” All Dressed $16.75 $21.50 $31.50 $43.75 Mushroom, pepperoni, ham, onion, green pepper, pineapple, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Bacon Triple Cheeseburger $14.75 $20.50 $28.75 $39.50 Our triple cheeseburger pizza with crispy bacon. Basic Cheese $11.50 $15.50 $22.50 $30.75 BBQ Chicken $16.75 $22.50 $31.50 $43.75 Diced chicken, red onions, 3 cheese blend, green and red peppers, mozzarella and tomato sauce. Buffalo Chicken $16.75 $22.50 $32.50 $45.50 Ranch dressing, diced chicken, red onion, peppers, three cheese blend, and buffalo hot sauce. Mesquite Chicken Ranch $16.75 $22.50 $32.50 $45.50 Ranch dressing, diced chicken topping, smoked bacon chips, and fresh tomatoes. Canadian $14.75 $20.50 $28.75 $39.50 Pepperoni, bacon, mushroom, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Classic $13.75 $19.50 $27.50 $37.50 Pepperoni, ham, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Dill Pickle $15.75 $22.50 $31.50 $41.75 Hamburger, sliced dills, creamy dill sauce, mozzarella, and dill. Greek $16.75 $22.50 $31.50 $43.75 Seasoned ground beef, feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, onions, green peppers, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
All outback burgers are made with a full quarter pound of Canada grade A beef patty. Charbroiled and served with the freshest garnish. Served with fries, substitute soup of the day or tossed salad for $1.49
Ham and Pineapple $13.75 $19.50 $27.50 $37.50 With mozzarella and tomato sauce.
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Milano $15.75 $22.50 $31.50 $41.75 Pepperoni, italian sausage, onion, mozzarella and bolognese sauce. Prairie $14.75 $20.50 $28.75 $39.50 Pepperoni, ham, mushroom, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Spinach and Feta $15.75 $20.50 $30.50 $42.75 Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spinach and feta. Seasoned with onion, garlic, and dill. Southwest Philly Cheesesteak $16.75 $22.50 $31.50 $43.75 Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spinach and feta. Seasoned with onion, garlic, and dill. Tower Special $15.75 $20.50 $30.50 $42.75 Mushroom, pepperoni, ham, green pepper, pineapple, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Vegetarian $15.75 $21.50 $30.50 $41.75 Mushroom, onion, green pepper, fresh tomato, pineapple, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Western $15.75 $22.50 $30.50 $41.75 Seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, pepperoni, ham, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Add an Extra Topping $2.00 $2.50 $3.75 $4.50 Add Extra Cheese $2.25 $2.75 $4.25 $5.00 Add Cauliflower Crust GF $2.00 A gluten free crust available for any of our 10” gourmet pizzas. We’re a proud supporter of the Estevan Bruins! If a Bruin scores four goals in one game, we’re giving everyone in the rink a free pizza!
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GO BRUIN ROUND
Game 1: Friday, March 18, Notre Da Game 2: Saturday, March 19, Notre D Game 3: Tuesday, March 22, Estevan Game 4: Thursday, March 24, Estevan Game 5: Saturday, Match 26, Notre Dame H Game 6: Sunday, March 27, Estevan Bruins a Game 7: Tuesday, March 29, Notre Dame Ho
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GO NS GO! 1 GAMES
ame Hounds at Estevan Bruins, 7 p.m. Dame Hounds at Estevan Bruins, 7 p.m. Bruins at Notre Dame Hounds, 7:30 p.m. Bruins at Notre Dame Hounds, 7:30 p.m. Hounds at Estevan Bruins, 7 p.m. (If necessary) at Notre Dame Hounds, 7:30 p.m. (If necessary) ounds at Estevan Bruins, 7 p.m. (If necessary)
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Bruins ready to face Notre Dame in Round 1 The Estevan Bruins and the Notre Dame Hounds will square off in a best-of-seven first round series in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s playoffs. Games 1 and 2 will be at Affinity Place on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Games 3 and 4 are in Wilcox, with Game 3 on March 22 and Game 4 two nights later. Game 5, if necessary, would be March 26 in Estevan, Game 6 is slated for the next night in Wilcox, and Game 7 would be March 29 in Estevan. The games in Estevan start at 7 p.m. and Notre Dame’s home games are at 7:30 p.m. Estevan finished first in the SJHL’s regular season with a 4310-2-3 record, while Notre Dame was eighth at 25-27-3-2, as of the Hounds’ game Monday against the Battlefords North Stars. The Bruins were 36 points ahead of Notre Dame, and defeated the Hounds in three of four meetings this season. The last three games between the two clubs this season came after Feb. 1. Head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic said that since the Bruins’ final regular season game on March 5, they took a few days off to get some rest. They returned to the ice Thursday. Tatarnic said there is some familiarity with the Hounds due to the late-season matchups, but every team makes some changes for playoffs. “I would expect that we’ll see a few things that we haven’t seen in the regular season, and we’ll just have to adapt when we play,” said Tatarnic. Captain Eric Houk said the players were tracking the race between Notre Dame and the Kindersley Klippers for the eighth and final playoff spot, and as the season
The Estevan Bruins will meet the Notre Dame Hounds in the first round of the SJHL’s playoffs. progressed, they knew there was a pretty good chance of facing the Hounds in the first round. “We know what we can expect from them, and how we need to play against them, and obviously those things can change as they might adjust their systems for playoffs,” said Houk. To win the series, Houk said it will be important to grab an early lead on home ice. “It’s a bit of an adjustment to their bigger ice surface, but I think for the type of speed we have, that it plays well to our style of game. I
think if we just stick to our game, we should be good to go,” said Houk. Containing Hounds’ forward Kevin Anderson, who was second in league scoring with 77 points in 57 games prior to the Hounds’ final regular season game, will be key. Elliot Dutil, who was fourth with 66 points in 57 games, is another offensive catalyst. Tatarnic believes it was good for the Bruins to get a two-week break, as they’ve played a lot of games since late January. “ We feel that the rest was good for us, and hopefully we’re all
fresh for those first two games, and then you need a rest after that and get ready for Games 3 and 4,” said Tatarnic. The experience of the 20-yearolds will be more important than ever. “We have some older guys. They’ve been playing junior hockey for a while now,” said Tatarnic. “In the playoffs, it’s not the fancy plays and the tic-tac-toes, it comes down to just hard work and making simple plays. That’s our focus is keeping the game really simple.” Houk said it was good for the
guys to heal up some injuries. “We’re obviously still working hard in practice and getting our systems down tight,” said Houk. Everyone is expected to be in the lineup for Game 1. Tatarnic hopes the fan support seen in the final weeks of the regular season will continue. The Black and Gold averaged more than 1,800 fans per game over the final three games of the regular season. “I know our players got a big boost from those big crowds, and they would love to see that continue,” said Tatarnic.
South East Goldwings advance to South Division final The South East Aaron Well Servicing U18 AA Gold Wings have reached the South Division final in the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League. The Goldwings blanked the Swift Current Wildcats 3-0 Sunday in Midale to win the best-of-three division semifinal series in three games. The southeast entry had all of the offence they needed early in the game, as Mckenna Walls scored on a power play 4:51 into the first period, and
Lauren Hassler doubled the lead less than five minutes later. It remained a 2-0 game until the final minute of the game, when Jada Naviaux scored with 45 seconds to play. Kara Zelyck earned the shutout in goal. The Goldwings kept their season alive Friday with a 3-0 victory over the Wildcats in Swift Current. Naviaux opened the scoring for the Goldwings 1:48 into the first period.
Mazey Hillrud scored with five minutes to play in the second period, and Rayna Hemie added the insurance goal with 8:13 to play in the third. Zelyck was in goal. The Goldwings will face the Regina Rebels in the division final. The Rebels had the top record in the division in the regular season at 19-4-1. The Goldwings were second at 14-6-4. A schedule was not immediately released. * * * The two Estevan teams
in the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League’s U13 division have had their seasons come to an end. The Este van Power Dodge U13 A Bearcats 1 dropped a pair of 7-1 decisions and were swept in their best of three South Central Division semifinal against the top-ranked Wood River Ice Cats. In Game 1, last Wednesday at Affinity Place, Peyton McIntyre had the lone Estevan goal. It came with 80 seconds to play in the third,
and spoiled the shutout bid for the Wood River goalie. Kadence Grimes scored 51 seconds into the second period of Game 2 Friday in Lafleche to give Estevan a 1-0 lead, but Wood River would get three in the second and add four more in the third. Taylor Short was in goal for both games. T h e Po w e r D o d g e Bearcats 2, meanwhile, lost 7-5 to the Parkland Fire on Friday at Affinity Place. Taya Northrop opened the scoring for Estevan in the first period,
but the Fire scored three times for a 3-1 lead after one. Northrop and Kendall Grimes scored in the second for the Bearcats to tie the game. The Fire scored three times in the third to take a 6-3 lead with 5:20 to play, but goals by Northrop and Chelsea Madsen pulled Estevan to within one with 57 seconds to play. The Fire added an empty netter with three seconds remaining. Adalyn Christopherson was the goalie for Estevan.
Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins sweep Regina Rangers The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins have punched their ticket for the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League’s South Division final. Estevan scored four times in the second period to defeat the Regina Rangers 6-3 in Game 3 Sunday at Affinity Place, and sweep the best of five semifinal series in three straight games. Estevan scored four times in the second period to
break open a 1-1 game. Strahn Douglas had the Bruins’ lone goal in the first period. He opened the scoring with less than five minutes to play in the frame, but Regina replied a couple of minutes later. Landon Kaban, James Mann and Spencer Copeland scored less than five minutes apart in the second for a 4-1 lead, and Jordan Marcotte added one before
the period was out. Regina scored twice in the third to pull within two, but Douglas added his second of the game into an empty net to wrap up the series. Carter Beck had three assists on the night. Ty Fehrenbach made 18 saves in the win. Estevan won Game 1 5-4 last Wednesday at Affinity Place, and Game 2 3-2 Friday in Regina. Both games
were decided in overtime. Estevan had a 4-1 lead after the first period of Game 1 on goals by Douglas, Boden Dukart, Mann and Emmett McCarthy. Regina chipped away at the lead, with two goals in the second and the tying goal 55 seconds into the third. Mann’s second of the game 11 seconds into overtime was the winner. Keagan Carley (10 saves
on 13 shots) and Fehrenbach (eight saves on nine shots) split the goaltending duties for Estevan. In Game 2, Regina had a 1-0 lead after the first period and a 2-1 advantage through two. Dukart had the goal in the second period for Estevan. Colton Pushie scored the tying goal with 1:54 to play in the third. A 10-minute overtime
period solved nothing, and then Kade Phillips scored 52 seconds into the second overtime. Fehrenbach made 36 saves in the victory. Estevan had the secondbest record in the South Division in the regular season at 28-5-2. They will face either the Regina Vics or the Melville Millionaires in the south final. Melville has a 2-1 lead in that best-of-five series.
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A16 March 16, 2022
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Two marquee Sask. curling events coming in 2023 By David Willberg It’ll be a couple years later than the initial plan, but the two marquee curling events in the province will be coming to Estevan in 2023. The Viterra Scotties To u r n a m e n t o f H e a r t s women’s championship and the SaskTel Tankard men’s championship will happen at Affinity Place. The announcement was made at the events centre last Wednesday. “ We know the host committee has exciting plans to make this the biggest and best 2023 event here in our city,” said Helen Fornwald, the vice-president of CurlSask’s board and a long-time curler in Estevan. The 2023 Viterra Scotties will take place Jan. 2529. The winner will represent Saskatchewan at the national Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kamloops, B.C. The 2023 SaskTel Tankard will be contested from Feb. 1-5, and the winner will advance to the Tim Hortons Brier in London, Ont. There will be a two-
day break between the two events to allow for necessary transitions. Estevan was supposed to host the two events in 2021, but they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Estevan last hosted the Tankard in 2018. The following year, the Tankard and the Scotties were hosted by the same community for the first time when they were held in Melville. “After two unpredictable and challenging seasons, we are hopeful and excited to join these events once again,” said Fornwald. “It is my pleasure to be part of such a special day for the future of curling here in Estevan, and I know many members of the community have been looking forward to this event.” The last time Estevan hosted the women’s curling provincials came in 2001. “This event is so much more than a bonspiel. It is an opportunity to watch dreams come true for our athletes, but more than that, it brings the community together to share the excitement and
honour of showcasing the highest level of curling in our province,” said Fornwald. Estevan also hosted the Home Hardware Canada Cup – a national curling event – in 2018. Other speakers at the event include Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig, SaskTel representative Dorna Burns, Viterra representative Megan Shoemaker and event committee chair and curling club president Devon Fornwald. “This is an exciting announcement for us and the community of Estevan and the area. To be able to host the two premier events in Estevan at this wonderful arena, Affinity Place, is an extraordinary privilege,” said Devon Fornwald, who is also the event committee chairperson. He thanked CurlSask for giving Estevan the chance to host the event, and the mayor and city councillors for co-operation to secure the event and provide the use of Affinity Place. Devon Fornwwald said the curling club always knew it was going to try to get the
Let’s get down to business.
Estevan Curling Club manager Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud, board member Michael Keating, board president Devon Fornwald, CurlSask vice-president Helen Fornwald and volunteer chair Pam Dechief are looking forward to a pair of marquee curling events coming to Estevan in 2023. Photo by David Willberg event back after COVID scuttled their plans for 2021. “We’d had talks with CurlSask about rescheduling the event,” he said. “We’re really glad … that we’ll be able to put on a full show and have full capacity available for crowds. Social distancing, hopefully, will be a thing of the past.” But they did not want to have it this year because the Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by Tim Hortons, was already confirmed for Estevan. The curling rink recognized the strain it would put on volunteers, fans and sponsors. “It’s a great facility to have host for both hockey and curling,” said Devon Fornwald. Thanks to the two
events that Estevan hosted in 2018, he said there is a lot experience to draw from and a core group of volunteers. “This is going to be a longer event, so we’re going to need more volunteers or more hours from the volunteers that do show up. It’s a little bit bigger commitment. People will be giving up some of their work time for this, and some of their pleasure time or travel time,” he said. In addition to volunteers, they will need people from the community to support the event. According to Devon Fornwald, the 2018 Tankard carried an economic spinoff of about $2 million for Estevan, thanks to the number of teams and the other people coming to the community
for provincials and spending money in the community. With a longer event and more participants, it could mean an impact of closer to $4 million. “Just having those people come into town is really a huge economic boost, especially in the winter time. You’re having this event at the end of January and the beginning of February, and the hotels and restaurants are a little bit slower then, and something like this coming in is really good for them,” he said. The organizing committee will be forming committees and starting the process of signing up volunteers. “The curling club and the community look forward to putting on a first-class event,” said Devon Fornwald.
Southeast curlers win medals at provincials Two teams from southeast Saskatchewan came home with medals from the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s female curling provincials in Fox Valley on Friday and Saturday. The Wawota Parkland School Wildcats won the gold medal, while the Carnduff Education Complex Tigers brought home the bronze. Wawota and Carnduff both went 2-1 in their respective round robin pools. Wawota opened the tournament with a 4-3 loss to host Fox Valley, but recovered with back to back wins, 5-3 over Aberdeen and 6-2 over St. Walburg, to finish first in their pool and advance to the medal round. Wawota knocked off Carnduff 10-2 in the semifinal and defeated Langham 7-3 in the gold medal game. Carnduff, meanwhile, also went 2-1 in
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its round robin pool, opening with an 8-4 win over Assiniboia. Then the Tigers lost 7-6 to Langham but recovered to defeat Saskatoon Evan Hardy 6-5 to close out the round robin. After the semifinal loss to Wawota, Carnduff responded to win 10-6 over St. Walburg in the bronze medal game. The boys and mixed provincials were held in Swift Current on Friday and Saturday. The Lampman School Grizzlies finished fourth at the mixed competition. Lampman went 2-1 in the round robin to reach the medal round. The Grizzlies opened with a 5-3 win over host Swift Current, then lost 7-2 to Tisdale but recovered to edge Dinsmore 9-8 in the final round robin contest. Lampman dropped a 6-3 decision to Watrous in the semifinal and 7-5 to Tisdale in the bronze medal contest.
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AGRI NEWS A17 | Wednesday, March 16, 2022 | www.SASKTODAY.ca
R-Plus Simmentals holds final bull sale The final spring bull sale for R Plus Simmentals proved to be the best yet. The sale was held on March 7 at the R Plus ranch west of Estevan. Marlin LeBlanc, who operates the ranch with his wife Lucille, said the highest-selling bull brought in $160,000, and another bull attracted $82,000. One female generated $43,000. The sale average exceeded $10,000 on over 100 lots. “We’ve had some success, lately, in the last few years, and we feel that our cow herd’s as strong as it’s ever been, and it’s time to share it with other people,” said LeBlanc. LeBlanc didn’t decide that this would be the final sale until the day that it happened. And when he told his wife that it was time to sell and end a tradition that lasted nearly 30 years, she was likely more surprised than anybody. “When the sale’s over, I go right back calving cows,” he said. “We don’t get time to be happy or celebrate or anything. So that’s when I decided that night that I’m too old to keep doing it.” A few days after the sale was finished, R Plus Simmentals announced the decision on its Facebook page, and that on Dec. 21 and 22, they would be
offering their entire Simmental program, including cows, bred heifers, heifer calves and their bull crop. It has been one of the largest registered Simmental herds in Canada. The Facebook post thanked all of the buyers and bidders for their “overwhelming” support this year, “We are humbled to see the confidence that is placed in our programs offering. We are extremely blessed to have done this for almost 30 years, and it never ceases to amaze me all of the excitement bull sale season brings to our industry,” the post said. LeBlanc said it’s time to take on a new challenge, and the purebred industry is very time consuming. He’s looking forward to spending more time with family. They’ll still have cattle and livestock, but not the purebred cattle. LeBlanc has enjoyed having the sales, thanks to the people and the challenge of raising better cattle every year. “We’ve had guys that have bought bulls from us for over 25 years. They only buy bulls here. That’s what I’m going to miss is those people, because they are so loyal to us, and now I feel like I’m quitting on them,” LeBlanc said.
The sales required 365 days of preparation. It starts with the breeding of the cows. He’s already started lining up semen and putting orders in for next year. As the sale gets closer, he’s advertising, seeking consultants, sorting and ordering, and semen testing. “There’s a job every day for two months prior to the bull sale that you’re doing with your bulls – videoing, picturing, catalogue fees – you don’t get a break, and that’s why it’s time to have a bit of a life, because it’s entirely around this bull sale,” he said. If the weather is bad the day of the sale or something goes sideways, it can have negative consequences. Anyone who has a bull sale will be totally exhausted at the end of the day, he said. But the bull sale is something they became known for. They have been fortunate enough to raise several prominent bulls for the Simmental breed. “If you look in catalogues, you’ll find … R Plus Simmentals in lots and lots of pedigrees. We have made a mark in the industry. I guess that would be me proudest accomplishment, is we see our name in a lot of other people’s catalogues.”
This bull was lot No. 1 at the final spring bull sale for R Plus Simmentals, which is located west of Estevan. Photo by Brad Gilchrist
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He has also participated in 4-H’s curling program for a few years and public speaking each year since becoming a member. “We’ve gone to Yorkton for a few years for shows, and we might be going this year again,” said Cowan. “I got to go to Agribition.” His grandfather used to be a part of 4-H, and his mother has been a big part of the club’s efforts as well. The Carievale 4-H is a great club to be part of, and he recommends it to others. “I love being with everyone. I’m really close to everyone in the club,” said Cowan.
Ryan Cowan loves working with cattle and he enjoys helping other people, so being part of 4-H has been perfect for him. The member of the Carievale 4-H Club loves achievement days, club projects, shows, seeing people work with their animals and helping others. Those projects have involved beef, heifers, steers, cow-calves and more.
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A18 March 16, 2022
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So much snow at Lampman area farm By David Willberg Danielle Fleury can’t believe all of the snow that has been at her family’s Lampman area acreage this winter. Fleury said there are snowdrifts that are up to 14 or 15 feet in height in some areas. She has managed to keep a sense of humour amid the situation, as she managed a laugh a few times during her interview with the Mercury. “Our watershed that we use to water our horses out of, it (the snow around it) is probably about 14 or 15 feet, and the winds, the way that it blows, it blows it in and blocks the door every time the wind blows,” she said. “We’ve been digging and digging and digging it out. “And just all over the yard, there are eight or nine-foot banks on the level surface where the wind doesn’t get to, and everywhere else that the wind gets to, it just piles and blows, and they get really tall.” While she hasn’t been to
other people’s yards, it seems like the snowdrifts are worse at her family’s property than others. “We have no idea why we’re getting so much this year, and why it’s blowing in so bad,” she said. There have been other years with lots of snow, including March 2017, when they received a massive dump early that month. But the drifts weren’t because of the wind; they were just caused by an inordinate amount of snow. Even in 2011, when the snowfall resulted in flooding for them and many others in the Lampman area, they didn’t have this much of the white stuff. “We seemed to be able to dig out and keep up,” said Fleury. Their house has never flooded, because it is well-built and elevated. After the storms, her husband has had to wake up in the early hours of the morning so he can dig out the property. They
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The Fleury farm outside of Lampman has snowbanks as high as 15 feet. One positive is that they have built some tobogganing hills. Photo by Danielle Fleury need to keep the yard clean so that the school bus can access their yard. “The bus has actually been stuck once in our yard this year, too,” said Fleury. The Fleury family has been clearing snow from basement windows so that they’re safe if there’s a fire in the basement, and they have to clear snow because the dryer fan has been plugged periodically. And they have to dig out the well house for the horses.
One of the few upshots is they have a really good tobogganing hill this year. Kids have been able to dig some snow forts. And she admits they needed the moisture, although this is more than they expected. “The dugout was getting really, really low in the fall last year. So we definitely need it. And I know the ground is going to soak a lot of it up, but I do think we’re going to end up with some potential flooding in
the pasture, which is OK. We’ll just have to find somewhere else for the animals to be.” The storms that the southeast region received, with the powerful winds, made the situation worse. Every time there’s wind, they get to dig out, and
it takes anywhere from two to five hours. The temperatures have warmed up in the past few days, and the snow melt has begun. But she believes it will be mid-June before all of the snow is gone, thanks to the massive snowdrifts.
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March 16, 2022 A19
Alameda 4-H Beef Club holds speaking contest By Gord Paulley Recently the Alameda 4-H Beef Club held its annual speaking competition at the Alameda United Church. Alameda 4-H has 41 active members ages six to 21, with several team leaders. These youngsters attend regular monthly meetings and reside in the Carlyle, Alameda, Lampman and Oxbow areas. It is an organization that is much more than just showing cattle. 4-H stands for head, heart, hands, and health and its emblem is a green four-leaf clover. Its motto is “To make the best better” and its slogan is “Learn to do by doing.” The goal of
4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experimental learning programs and a positive youth development approach. Every year, local members are asked to compose a speech of between two and eight minutes in length, depending on age. In front of family and friends, they are judged on content, correct pronunciation, clear enunciation, and eye contact. Participants are also evaluated by way of introduction, delivery, conclusion and their overall confidence and impression. The 4-H speakers thrilled the audience with several outstanding addresses
and a wide variety of subject matter. Some of the topics included service dogs, martial arts, being the youngest child, being the middle child, sheep, soil, pesticides, fishing, snowmobiling, and growing up wanting to become a paramedic or a veterinarian. Also included was a heartwarming speech pertaining to anxiety depression and utilizing horse assisted therapy and learning to regain their personal selfesteem. Jason Frey is the Alameda 4-H general leader, and the master of ceremonies for the presentations on this day was project leader Brad Christensen. There were four age groups and the winners were
as follows: Cloverbuds: Bowyn Freitag in first place, second Brooklyn East and third Laya Freitag. Juniors: First Cozi Perrot, second Brynn Chapman, and third Leighton Freitag. Intermediates: F irst Laura Christensen, second Tallyn Kitz and third Katelyn Rutten. Seniors: First Madeline Christensen, second Kylan Pierce and third Dylan Frey. The 4-H pledge is “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
Some of the speaking competition award winners from left to right - Madeline Christensen, Kylan Pierce and Laura Christensen. Photo by Gord Paulley
It’s Agriculture Safety Week in Saskatchewan The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is marking Agriculture Safety Week from March 13-19, under the banner of Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success. Organizers are calling all farmers, ranchers, farm families, farm workers and farming communities to implement farm safety plans, talk about farm safety, and value farm safety every day.
Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is an annual public campaign committed to raising awareness about the importance of farm safety. In 2022, organizers are focusing on not just practical safety advice and awareness but also the reasons why safety is essential for all farming operations. “Farm safety is not just about knowing what hazards exist,” said CASA CEO Andrea Lear. “Farm safety is also about changing unsafe
behaviours and habits, understanding the positive business case for incorporating safety on farming operations, and addressing what it truly means to value safety and health. “This year, CASA is excited to host conversations about making meaningful and long-lasting change for the health and safety of everyone that lives, works, and visits farms and ranches.” Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is
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Study looks to define farm culture, identify mental health supports for Sask. producers By Erin Kelly for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association Long days spent alone. Extreme weather events. Unpredictable markets. Finances. Disease. The list goes on. There’s no question that farming is a stressful occupation. There’s also no question that farming is unlike any other occupation. And that raises the question of how to ensure that services and supports reflect the unique stressors and demands of the industry. That’s what a patientoriented research project in Saskatchewan is looking into. The Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) initiative, which launched in
January and recently wrapped up its first phase, aims to identify mental health supports that best meet the needs of Saskatchewan producers. “Farmers and ranchers are experiencing stress all the time and they are burnt out,” explains Michelle Pavloff, research chair for rural health at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the principal investigator for the FARMh initiative. “We didn’t want to have a study exploring if they are depressed or anxious because good work has already been done in that area. We are taking the next step and saying ‘Okay, so now what do we do?’” For the FARMh team, a key aspect of taking that next step has involved defining farm culture to determine what resources or interven-
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tions would be “farm-friendly” and identify barriers to mental health supports. “ We identified early in the study when we were designing it that farm culture is not really well defined and that it’s difficult to meet the mental health needs in a way that is farm-culturally sensitive if we don’t really know what farm culture means,” Pavloff explains, adding that preliminary data found farm culture defined by family interactions, individual characteristics, a duty of work and a sense of community. Of the 100 producers who participated in the first phase of the study, Pavloff explains that the majority expressed frustration with existing mental health supports that don’t understand or acknowledge the unique demands of farm culture. In fact, she notes that more than 80 per cent of participants said they want other producers trained in mental health to be the ones providing them with peer support. “One of the barriers to accessing mental health supports that we heard from producers was having support systems available that are specific to farmers and ranchers where the practitioners really understand
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is reminding farmers of the importance of safety. File photo farm culture,” says Pavloff, noting that producers said they could tell right away if someone ‘gets’ farming. “For producers, it’s crucial to be understood and heard.” Shari Laventure is one of the patient-family partners on the interdisciplinary research team, all of whom
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have a rural or farming background. She echoed Pavloff ’s comments about the importance of defining farm culture for mental health supports. “Talking about mental health is not an easy conversation, especially for the ag community. We know that producers are very stoic, very proud. They’re the fixers and they believe that they should be able to fix their mental health as well and don’t want to share that they can’t,” said Laventure, a marketing specialist for Cargill who comes from a farming family. “Agriculture is an entity unto itself; that’s why the farm culture aspect is so important. The needs and supports of producers are going to be different than the rest of the population.” The issue of improved mental health supports for producers is one that hits close to home for Laventure. In 2015, she lost her brother to suicide. “My brother was the
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happiest man in the room, he was always laughing. But he struggled his whole life with mental illness,” Laventure says. “We have to eliminate the picture that people have in their minds of what mental illness looks like. Sometimes mental illness looks like the happiest person in the room. They’re just good at hiding it.” For Laventure, being on the research team and helping conduct interviews with farmers and ranchers has been rewarding and a “very gratifying way to make sense of the loss.” “Participating in this study has enabled me to feel some sort of purpose out of losing my brother. When you lose somebody there is a natural grieving process that you go through. But when you lose somebody to suicide it is a whole different grief,” she explains. “My goal of being part of this study is that if I save one family from going through what my family went through then it’s been worthwhile.” Moving into the second phase of the FARMh initiative, the project team has several pilot projects that it hopes to roll out over the next year. The team has already partnered with many organizations to provide interventions, including the Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan, Seniors Centres Without Walls Saskatchewan, and Youth Matter Canada. And while the FARMh initiative has a Saskatchewan focus, Pavloff hopes that the study ’s findings can ultimately be utilized to support producers elsewhere in Canada. “I am hoping that out of our initiative from our tiny project that we will have Saskatchewan-specific resources available but ones that can be replicated in other places across Canada that would be beneficial to help their producers as well.”
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CONVENTIONAL SOYBEANS: (Non GMO, not glyphosate tolerant) AAC Edward, OAC Prudence, Siberia
bigdog.farm@sasktel.net | 306.483.2963
CLASSIFIEDS A21 | Wednesday, March 16, 2022 | www.SASKTODAY.ca
In MeMorIaM
Obituaries
Feed & Seed
Rosemarie D. Anderson (Walsh) 1940 - 2022 Rosemarie Delores Anderson passed away in Estevan, Saskatchewan on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the age of 81 years. Rosemarie is survived by her husband Don Anderson of Estevan; son Murray Anderson of Estevan; daughters Patricia (Patti) Anderson of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Jeanine (Paul) Schill of Airdrie, Alberta; grandchildren Emma and Devon Schill of Airdrie, Alberta as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her mother Jean Walsh and stepfather Garvey Flower as well as one brother Ernest Walsh. The Funeral Mass was held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, SK with Rev. Sathiadas Antony presiding. The private family interment took place at the Bienfait Cemetery. The lunch reception followed at the Royal Canadian Legion (small hall), Estevan, SK. For the next 90 days, a video recording of the service will be available. Please visit www.hallfuneral services.ca for the livestream details. Those so wishing may make donations to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7 in Rosemarie’s memory. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care for Rosemarie’s family – Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.
CERTIFIED SEED - Wheat6 varieties - Oats 7 varieties - Barley7 varieties EMMA OLISCHEFSKI “ The Light of Our Lives” Who passed away March 16,2004. The special years will not return, When we were all together, But with the love inside our hearts, You will walk with us forever. Love Terry, Brian, and Gaylene
Coming EvEnts
“Angie” Angeline Ross 1952 – 2022 Angie passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 3, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan, SK at the age of 69 years. Angie is survived by her husband Mike Ross; children, Kim Lestage, Trina Lestage (Ashley), Tanya Lestage, William (Angela) Lestage and stepdaughter Kelly Ross; her grandkids, McKayla, Ariel, Carson, Jordyn, Taylor, Brooklynn, Ava, Alyssa, April, Jasmine, Payton and Spencer; siblings, Barb (Bob) Tymoschuk, Mel (Liz) Schlacter, David Schlacter and many nieces and nephews. Angie was predeceased by her parents, Glen and Betty Schlacter and her brother Clarence Schlacter. Angie loved her rescue dog “Buddy”, they shared a special bond. Buddy brought her unconditional love and enriched her life. Angie would be honored to have donations made to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7 or online at https://www.estevanhumanesociety.ca or to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (designate to Allan Blair Cancer Centre), 200 – 4545 Parliament Ave., Regina, SK S4W 0G3 or online at https://cancerfoundationsask.ca or to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (designate to Unit A), 1176 Nicholson Rd., Estevan, SK S4A 0H3 in memory of her. Angie’s family would like to extend a special “Thank you” to Dr. Attia, nurses and all the staff of Unit A Palliative Care for all the compassion and care given to Angie. In keeping with Angie’s wishes there will be no formal service. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Angie’s family – Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director. Lee Southernwood February 19, 2022 Lee Southernwood, late of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and formerly of Estevan passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the age of 63 years. Lee will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Katrina of Moose Jaw; step-son Ryan (Calgary) and step-daughter Adrienne (Regina); mother Beryl Southernwood of Estevan, sister Carol Wilson (Moray) of Estevan, mother-in-law Sheila Kuntz-Kotylak of Virden, Manitoba, uncle Keith McGregor of Midale, cousins Brenda Wilgenbusch of Halbrite, Carla (Tom) Mesic of Calgary, Ross (Karen) McGregor of Midale, “special” Moose Jaw cousins Tracy Koshman, Laurie Gaudreault, Rod Southernwood, Jim Southernwood, Tim Southernwood of Edmonton and his beloved dogs Lulu, Logan and Rosie. Lee was predeceased by his first wife Christine (Sonmor), his father Calvin Southernwood, grand parents Edgar and Rebecca Southernwood, Robert and Gladys McGregor and aunt Marvel McGregor. A Celebration of Life was held February 26, 2022 at the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services with Sandy Dalziel as the officiant. Interment to be held at a later date. Those so wishing may make donations to the Estevan Humane Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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60th DRAGGINS CAR SHOW April 15 and 16 at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. Check out the “Battle of the Automotive Technicians”! Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club. Visit our website; Draggins.com.
Looking for Vendors! Fort Qu’ Appelle Spring Trade Show, April 23rd and 24th, 2022. Please contact Tammy at 306-728-5690 or accounts@grasslandsnews.ca for more information. Or you can download the brochure at www.forttradeshow.com
very early yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, sPring tritiCale. mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609
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Career OppOrtunities HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS REQUIRED Clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must.
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 Concrete construction company requiring a SLINGER OPERATOR with class 3 license and EXPERIENCED CONCRETE FORM SETTERS in Calgary, AB Must be capable of manual labor assisting with exterior weeping tile and basement gravel installation. Competitive wage with year round employment and opportunity for overtime. Must submit drivers abstract Email resumes to rversteeg@ a1cement.com or call 1-403-333-1722 HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED: motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season. Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca 1A TRUCK DRIVERS 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
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P. 306-634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com
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A22 March 16, 2022
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Fire truck sustained damage while at accident scene Members of the Este van Fire Rescue Service were called to a two-vehicle collision with two semis that occurred on the Highway 39 bypass northwest of Estevan on March 8. "Once they arrived on scene, they found extremely icy road conditions. It was a low-speed collision with two semi units. While they were mitigating this particular scene, a third semi had entered into the work zone and struck our firetruck due to the extremely icy road conditions. We were very fortunate and thankful that no injuries had occurred to any of the firefighters while on scene," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser. While it was a very low-speed collision, the firetruck suffered significant damage. The truck involved has been taken out of service for the time being. It is the primary truck used in collisions. Vehicles involved in the accident were staged up properly. There were no injuries as a result of the accidents. Feser reminded the drivers to always follow the rules when they see flashing lights or pass by a work zone on the road. "We just want to ensure that people, when they're entering into work zones of emergency services, observe and slow down, slow down
to 60 (kilometres per hour) on the highways, slow down to 30 in the city limits, and even less so in this particular situation where you have extremely treacherous driving conditions or low visibility," Feser said. "Slow down, move over to ensure that you're leaving adequate room for emergency services workers and tow truck drivers to get the job done as safely as possible." The call came in while fire crews were responding to a carbon monoxide alarm call on Fourth Street. On March 10 and into March 11, with adverse weather conditions, the fire department responded to five calls for service. The first one came in at about 1:30 p.m. on March 10, when a vehicle reportedly rolled over three kilometres north of Estevan on Highway 47. Crews arrived on the scene to find that the vehicle had entered the ditch and was threatening to roll, however it did not. No injuries occurred as a result, and the driver was given a ride back to the city. A short time later, firefighters were called to another accident five kilometres east of Bienfait, which was reported by a passer-by. Crews attended and found a car that entered the ditch. There were no injuries, the scene was cleared and firefighters returned to the station.
Crews were then called to a report of a vehicle that struck a strip mall building in northeast Estevan. It was another low-speed accident. Fortunately, the vehicle hit a part of the building that didn’t have occupants. The Estevan Police Service and EMS attended the scene as well. People involved were assessed for injuries, the vehicle was still drivable, and the EFRS turned the scene over to the EPS. The next call for service came in at about 10:30 p.m. when firefighters responded to another motor vehicle collision. A semi hit the ditch two kilometres north of Benson on Highway 47. "Crews arrived on scene to find that the vehicle did enter the ditch on the opposite side of the highway after hitting an icy patch. No injuries occurred, no damage to the vehicle occurred. So the scene was turned over to RCMP, who was going to assist the individual in making contact with the towing company to retrieve the vehicle," Feser said. He reminded the public that if no help on behalf of emergency crews is needed at the accident scene, people don't need to call 911 and rather should call the towing company. "We've seen a lot of times where we've been dispatched to
vehicles that were stranded in the ditch or just hit the ditch, but as soon as you generate a 911 call, you have police, fire and ambulance services, all attending that particular location, and a lot of resources are committed to something that is not required when just a simple call to a tow truck operator will help you get on your way a little bit quicker," Feser noted. He also stressed that if the driving conditions are not favourable, people should avoid travelling as much as possible. At about 12:30 a.m. on March 11, a commercial fire alarm went off in the south-central area. Crews responded to find that the fire alarm system was intact, but there was a report of a smoke alarm still going off in the apartment on the sixth floor. "The cre ws attended the apartment and found that it was a local smoke alarm inside the suite that was going off. However, no conditions were present to have the alarm go off. After several attempts to try to zero out the alarm, it was deemed that it was a faulty detection device. The device was actually removed and then the occupant was going to get one replaced in the morning," Feser said. On March 12 at about 10:30 a.m., fire crews responded to a report of a tractor fire occurring
Estevan football players impress at Pigskin Classic
Local bowler wins 10-pin provincial title An Estevan bowler has advanced to Youth Bowl Canada (YBC) nationals, thanks to a great showing at provincials in Regina on March 6. Danyck Belanger finished in top spot in the senior boys’ division. He wound up with a five-game total of 1,010, or an average of 202. His best score was his third game, as he recorded a 236. Belanger’s other scores were 190, 206, 161 and 217.
He will compete at nationals in Thunder Bay, Ont., from July 10-12, and play in singles and the team event. Joining Belanger in senior boys were Ty Thompson, who finished seventh with a total of 759, and Jameson Magnien, who was 10th with a 603. Numerous other athletes from Estevan Bowl competed. In the bantam boys’ division, Tristan Boles was fourth with a fivegame score of 446, Soren Peterson
was fifth at 438 and Louis Ley was seventh at 405. Kadence Kraushaar was third in bantam girls’ with a total score of 462, while Teal Bramham came in fourth at 231. Kohen Brandon was eighth in junior boys with a total of 499. Sonja Kraushaar was third in junior girls with a total of 630. In senior girls, Kelsey Magninen wound up seventh at 517.
LAND FOR SALE
at a property northwest of the city in the RM of Estevan. Upon firefighters' arrival, the tractor was fully engulfed in flames. "Crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries on behalf of the owner of the equipment or the Estevan fire department crew members. Once the fire was extinguished, the scene was turned back over to the property owner and crews returned to the station," said Feser. The tractor was a total loss. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but they are suspecting that a mechanical malfunction or hydraulic line failure resulted in the emergency. Feser noted that while equipment fires are rarer in winter, emergencies can occur at any time and it's good to be ready. "Definitely, tractors are used all year round, and mechanical failures with some of the equipment that they're using can occur. So just a gentle reminder to make sure that all farming equipment has the fire extinguisher onboard to hopefully get the fire out while it's still fairly small and manageable. But again, do not hesitate in calling 911 to get the fire department crews out just in case fire extinguishers are not enough to put out the fire," Feser said.
22033DD0 22033DD1
Offers are invited for the purchase of the following farmland: SE 14-4-34-W1st The highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted. Offers should be submi�ed to Billesberger Law Firm, 1017 Third Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A OR4, together with a cheque payable to the law firm for 5% of the tender price. Offers are to be submi�ed by March 25, 2022.
VILLAGE OF NORTH PORTAL Notice of Assessment Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of North Portal for the year of 2022 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March 15th to April 15th, 2022. A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required. Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Village of North Portal, PO Box 119, North Portal, SK, S0C 1W0. Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal along with the applicable fee of $100.00 with: Secretary of the Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting, Box 149, Meota, SK, S0M 1X0, by the 15th day of April, 2022. Dated this 15th day of March, 2022. Lindsay Davis
Administrator/Assessor
VILLAGE OF TORQUAY
Accepting resumes until April 12 @ 4pm for a Permanent Part-time Administrator. The Village office is open Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, and Friday 9am-noon. Preference will be given to those applicants that have their certificate in Local Government Administration (LGA), already possessing an Urban Standard Certificate or are willing to take the necessary classes to obtain their certification. Preference will also be given to applicants with 2 or more years’ experience in urban municipal administration. Experience and knowledge of Microsoft office word and excel, and R & M software will be considered an asset. Excellent communication, time management and public relations skills are required. The position offers a pension plan, and a group benefit plan. Start date: May 1, 2022, or as negotiated. Wage is negotiable based on experience. Send resumes to: Village of Torquay, Box 6, Torquay, SK S0C 2L0 or email: villageoftorquay@sasktel.net.
Estevan’s Chayton Fornwald, right, was part of two championship teams at the recent Pigskin Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Photo submitted by Angela Fornwald NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Carnduff intends to consider the adoption of a new Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 2022-2) under the Planning & Development Act, 2007. Intent of Zoning Bylaw Intent of the proposed Zoning Bylaw establishes local provisions and regulations for development within the Town of Carnduff. The Zoning Bylaw implements the Official Community Plan and the use of land for amenity of the areas for the health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants for the municipality. The Zoning Bylaw establishes zoning districts which regulate permitted, discretionary and prohibited principal and accessory uses of land in the Town of Carnduff as well as provides development permitted processes and standards. The Zoning Districts include • Residential Single Dwelling District (Rl) • Residential Mobile Home District (RMH) • Highway Commercial District (C2) • Community Service District (CS)
• Residential Multiple Dwelling District (R2) • Town Centre Commercial District (Cl) • Industrial District (IND) • Future Urban Development (FUD) • Agricultural Resource District (AR)
Affected Land All land within the corporate limits of the Town of Carnduff as shown on the Zoning District Map contained in this notice, is affected by the new Zoning Bylaw. Reason For Zoning Bylaw The reason for the Town of Carnduff Zoning Bylaw is to provide provisions and regulations for development within the Town of Carnduff. Public Inspection Any persons may inspect the bylaw at the town office between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Pubic Hearing The Council of the Town of Carnduff will hold a pubic hearing on April 12, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Carnduff Town Office to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. The Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the town office before the hearing. Issued at Carnduff, in the Province of Saskatchewan this 16th day of March, 2022. Annette Brown, Administrator
Estevan athletes played a big role in the success of the Sask. Selects football program at the recent Pigskin Classic football tournament in San Antonio, Texas. Eight kids from the Estevan area travelled to the tournament. Chayton Fornwald was part of both the varsity and the under-15 teams, and both those teams came away with titles after winning their respective championship finals. Fornwald was the only local player to be part of those squads. Preston Sibley and Dorian Sifton were on the U14 team that took top spot in their division. Truman Ciepliski was on the U13 team, and four players were on the U10 team: Mason Lesy, Hugh Ross, Dane Tober and Gage Goetz. Both the 13U and 10U teams lost in the final for their respective divisions. The Sask. Selects sent a total of six teams to the Pigskin Classic. They combined to play 24 games over the course of three days. Saskatchewan teams posted an overall record of 17-7.
www.SASKTODAY.ca
March 16, 2022 A23
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
Congratulations to local Estevan curling executives forViterra Congratulations to local curling representatives on landing the women’s Scotties provincials, fromSasktel Jan. 25-29, 2023, and the men’s landing the mens Tankard Feb 1 – 5,SaskTel 2023Tankard and provincials, from Feb. 1-5, 2023, at Affinity Place.
A Message From The Mayor
womean Viterra Jan 25 – 29, 2023 Scotties at Affinity Place
City of Estevan TREATED DRINKING WATER ANALYSIS 2021 SUMMARY NOTES: A value given in box denotes a calculated average over the given time period. All other values indicate the latest one time grab sample. All values in mg/l unless indicated otherwise. MAC is the Maximum Acceptable Concentration as per the Department of Environment IMAC is the Interm Maximum Acceptable Concentration as per the Department of Environment AO is the Aesthetic Objective set by the Department of Environment and Resource management PO is our Plant Objective. PHYSICAL PARAMETERS: RECOMMENDED 2021 2020 OBJECTIVE Colour, units 3 3 Temperature, deg C 10.9 12.1 pH 7.80 7.44 Turbidity, NTU 0.12 0.11 Total Chlorine leaving plant, 2.37 2.45 mg/l Fluoride, mg/l 0.6 0.7 Total Dissolved Solids, mg/l 198 410 HEALTH AND TOXICITY AND OTHER METALS: (mg/l) 2021 Boron Cyanide Total 0.20 Mercury <0.0020 Selenium <0.0000050 Aluminium <0.000113 Arsenic 0.186 Barium 0.0030 Calcium 0.0628 Cadmium 60 Chromium <0.00015 Copper <0.019 Iron <0.00829 Potassium <0.1 Magnesium 20 Sodium 36 Lead 86 Zinc <0.007 Uranium <0.004 Total Trihalomethanes In 0.001 Distrubution System 57
0.50 <0.0020 <0.0000050 0.0014 0.0702 0.0028 0.0766 56 <0.00015 <0.00019 0.0139 <0.1 18 33 74 0.0010 <0.004 0.0033 84
BACTERIOLOGICAL: Total Samples Taken <200 Background *>200 Background Positive Coliform Bacteria Giardia Cryptosporidium
2019 173 0 0 0 0 0
5 0.2 0.01 0.2 0.025 1
IMAC MAC MAC MAC PO MAC MAC
0.005 0.05 1 0.3
MAC MAC MAC MAC
500 300 0.01 5 0.02
MAC AO MAC AO MAC
Sample to be < 350 One year ave < 100 RECOMMENDED OBJECTIVE No sample to contain >200 background 0
Alkalinity Conductivity Iron Chlorides Hardness Nitrates
2020 275 882 0.03 68 309 309.0
2020 298 1213 0.04 54 426 425.5
Sulphates Manganese
1 <0.01
358 <0.01
RECOMMENDED OBJECTIVE 500
PESTICIDES and OTHER ORGANICS:
RECOMMENDED OBJECTIVE
2020
2020 213 0 0 0 0 0
OTHER IN-HOUSE LAB RESULTS:
MAC
MAC
AO
0.3 250 800 45
AO AO AO MAC
500 0.05
MAC AO
RECOMMENDED
2,4-D 1,2-Dichloroethylene 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 1,2-Dichloroethane 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol 2,4-Dichlorophenol 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol Atrazine Benzene Benzo (a) pyrene Bromoxynil Carbon Tetrachloride Chlorobenzene Chlorpyrifos Carbofuran Dichloromethane/Methylene chloride Dimethoate
2021 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00030 <0.00030 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.0000050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00010
2020 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00040 <0.00050 <0.00040 <0.00050 <0.00030 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.0000050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00050
<0.00010
<0.00010
PESTICIDES and OTHER ORGANICS (Continued):
OBJECTIVE 0.1 0.014 0.02
IMAC MAC MAC
0.1 0.9 0.005 0.009 0.005 0.00001 0.005 0.005 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.05
MAC MAC MAC IMAC MAC MAC IMAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC
0.2
IMAC RECOMMENDED
Dicamba Diclofop-methyl Ethylbenzene Malathion Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Picloram Trifluralin Toluene Tetrachloroethene Vinyl chloride Xylene m+p MCPA Trichloroethlyne/ Tetrachloroethene Perfluoroctane-sulfate Perflurorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
2021 <0.00010 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00010 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.0010
2020 <0.00010 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.00010 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00050 <0.00010 <0.0010
<0.000010 <0.00010
<0.000001 <0.00001
0.12 0.009
OBJECTIVE MAC MAC
0.19 0.06 0.19 0.045 0.024 0.05 0.002 0.3 0.1 0.05
MAC MAC IMAC IMAC AO MAC MAC AO MAC MAC
COMMENTS: Aluminum
After switching to Rafferty water we have had an issue with Aluminum carry over from our clarifier. We are going to hire an outside consultant to help address the issue. The number is above the recommended astatic recommendation and at these values is not cause any known health problems. We will work to get this problem corrected.
City of Estevan - 2021 Notice to consumers for Water Quality Estevan Waterworks Call 306-634-1820 for further explanation Parameter Bacteriological
Required Testing by Permit each year 154 Regular Samples A sample after each main repair or construction
A harmless form of bacteria called Total Coliform is routinely monitored in the distributed water. If found, coliform show a break down in the disinfection process or possible outside contamination. Positive results require additional testing to test for pathogens Turbidity (on-site) 1. After each filter on a continuous basis. 2. Daily from the Turbidity is a measure of the clarity storage reservoir of the water. For our water supply, turbidity shall not exceed 0.3 NTU from before entering the distribution system any filter. 3. At the same frequency and locations as for bacteriological samples. Fluoride (on-site) 365 Fluoride is added as a dental aid. Levels are not to exceed 1.5 mg/l Fluoride (off-site testing) 52 Levels not to exceed 1.5 mg/l Chlorine Residual (on-site) 1. Every 4 hours per day for treated water entering the distribution system Chlorine is added to disinfect the water and the levels must be maintained at a chloramine residual greater then 0.5 mg/l and free ammonia of >0.1 mg/l < 0.5 mg/l throughout the distribution system. Chemical – General bicarbonate calcium; carbonate; chloride; conductivity; hardness; magnesium; nitrate; pH; sodium; sulphate; and total dissolved solids; aluminium; arsenic; barium; boron; cadmium; chromium; copper; iron; lead; manganese; selenium; uranium; and zinc
2. At the same frequency and locations as for bacteriological sampling, for free and total residuals. 4
Number of Tests Number of Tests Completed in 2020 Not Meeting the Permit in 2020 275 0 53
1 - A false positive on an area that had a boil water issued due to construction
1. Continuous
0
2. Every 2 hours
0
3. Completed for the bacteriological samples
0
630
0
52
0
1. Every 2 hours operators perform an analysis and monitored continuously 2. Completed for the bacteriological samples 190 samples and 304 spot checks
0
4
Aluminium - is carrying over from our clairifier we are trying different chemicals and process to correct.
0
Pesticides and Organics 1 every 2 years Atrazine, Bromoxynil, Carbofuran, Chlorpyrifos, Dicamba, 2,4-D, Diclofopmethyl, Dimethoate, Malathion, MCPA Pentachlorophenol, Picoram, Trifluralin
1
0
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM’s) THM’s are a disinfection by-product and are not an immediate risk but over time THM ingestion is a suspected carcinogen. Each individual sample is not to exceed 350 ppb and annual average not to exceed 100ppb
8
0
8
We switched to Rafferty water source and after the new source of water was online we saw a significant reduction in our disinfection byproducts. Cyanide and Mercury Haloacetic Acids (HAA)
1 8
1 8
0 average under the max limit
Organics Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Carbontetrachloride, Dichlorobenzene, Dichloroethane, Dichloropjenol, Ethylbenzene, Monochlorobenzene, Perfluorooctanesulfonate, Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Tetrachloroethylene, Tetrachlorophenol 2.3.4.6, Toluene, Trichlorowethylene, Trichlorophenol 2.4.6, Vinyl chloride, Xylene Microcystin LR or total Microcystin toxins
1 every 2 years
1
0
One sample per summer month
8
0
Ultraviolet Intensity Ultraciolet Intensity (mW/cm2) of each lamp, Lamp Status, nd flow rate through cells Ultraviolet Transmittance On-site testing of transmittance at 54 nm Wavelength
Continuously
Continuously
0
once a week
52
0
The City of Estevan Water Treatment Plant is a surface water plant that focuses on the removal of suspended solids and the inactivation of pathogenic organisms through a multiple barrier approach, i.e. chemical aided settling, filtration, disinfection. All limits that each parameter must be within, comes from the Environmental Protection Act 2002 and associated Regulations to that Act. Go to www.saskh2o.ca for details and a complete listing of all levels throughout the province. A full detailed listing of all the levels of these parameters as well as the Waterworks Annual Report is located at www.estevan.ca or is available at the Estevan Library and City Hall.
A24 March 16, 2022
www.SASKTODAY.ca
Local Vimy Remembered presentation is back By Ana Bykhovskaia The South East Military Museum invites the community to join them for the 105th Anniversary Vimy Remembered presentation. After two years of a forced break, Craig Bird, the curator and president of the museum, will once again take the public over to the 1917 battlefields of France to learn about the local contributions and southeast soldiers who fought in the Great War. The presentation will take place on April 9 at 10 a.m. at the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion Hall. "We thought it would be a good time to get things going. And of course, we throw the southeast Saskatchewan angle into Vimy. Everybody heard the stories about the battle of Vimy Ridge over the years, so it's nice to add some local content and show people a little bit about military history here in the southeast part of the province and give them some ideas," Bird said. "We got a good program going this year and have some surprises as well. When you do some research, it's nice to find a little nugget of knowledge there. And this year, I found some pretty good information related to the southeast and then incorporated it into the Vimy program for this year. So, it'll be formative, and it's got some local content, so it should be good." Before the pandemic, Vimy presentations were becoming an Estevan tradition, and many people from the area had a chance to learn about the
battle between the Canadian and German troops. Bird said that while presentations remind the public of the general details about the event, each year they are different, giving new nuances and perspectives. "The presentations that I've been doing are different each year. So even though you've come maybe two years ago, or longer, the presentation is different than the previous ones. So you will get something out of it. Some of it is going to be a little bit of a repeat, but there's a lot of southeast content in it, so we'll learn something and take away something hopefully," Bird said. The presentation will go for about two hours. It will be followed by a soup and sandwich lunch available for purchase, with money going to support the legion. Guests will also have a chance to tour the part of the museum's collection displayed at the legion, and there will also be an opportunity to go to the out-of-town location to see the rest of the exhibits. "We're going to open the museum up. We have some new displays and things that we've changed around with the museum, so you can get an idea of some of the new things that we've put on display at the legion museum part," Bird said. "And then if people want to travel up to the second part, which is just north of the city, the second part of the museum will be open as well. We've added some things and changed some things around out there as well, so people can have a look.
After a break of two years, the curator and president of the South East Military Museum Craig Bird is inviting the community to join him for a presentation about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and southeast Saskatchewan's part in it. File photo “I'll be out there to give some tours and explain some of the things that we have in the museum in the afternoon." Bird said that the presentations share a lot of knowledge, most of which people won't be able to find anywhere else and they also help preserve this knowledge by passing it onto new generations of southeast Saskatchewan residents. "Vimy is one of those things that as we're getting farther along in time - it's been 105 years since that battle – it's falling out of our normal realm of things. We don't have any
World War One veterans left; we're sorely lacking on World War Two veterans, they seem to be leaving us faster and faster as they get older. All of that history is just starting to wane in the background. And I think it's important that we keep that history alive," Bird said. "And the importance of my presentation is we're not just talking about Vimy Ridge, we're giving the local spin, we're talking about local people, local soldiers, and having that aspect of what people in the community and the surrounding areas in the southeast here took part in and had
a part of in this pivotal moment in Canadian history. “So even if you've come to one or you know about Vimy Ridge, you're going to get some more information about that. But you're also going to learn about the southeast Saskatchewan contribution and maybe learn about some relatives of people that you know in the community." No registration is needed. If someone plans to bring in a larger group, Bird asked to let him know in advance through the South East Military Museum Facebook page, so they have everything prepared.
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
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.