Estevan Mercury 20221012

Sask. Police Commission releases long-awaited report on the Estevan Police Service

By John Cairns of SASKTODAY.ca

The Saskatchewan Police Commission has released their final report into the state of the Estevan Police Service.

The report, released Thursday, came in the wake of turmoil enveloping the EPS that saw Paul Ladouceur resign last year as police chief.

The inquiry was prompted following a request by a family member of Const. Jay Pierson, who died in March 2021. Pierson had been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to a workrelated psychological injury, and had engaged in a lengthy benefits dispute with the police force, which ultimately was decided in Court of Queen’s Bench, which ruled in favour of his entitlement to worker’s compensation benefits.

The report states, “Pierson died of natural causes. Some people outwardly expressed views that his lengthy dispute for PTSD benefits with the EPS and the WCB [Worker’s Compensation Board] contributed to his death. His passing became a flashpoint within the EPS and the city of Estevan.”

Corey Zaharuk, executive director of the Saskatchewan Police Commission, said at Thursday’s news conference that the Sask. Police Commission had received “multiple requests to intervene in a significant conflict that was occurring within the Estevan Police Service and spreading into the community.”

In addition to the request from Pierson’s family, a letter was written to Corrections, Police and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell by Casey Ward, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO). According to the report, Sgt. Ward had cited challenges that members of the Estevan Police Association (EPA) had ex-

perienced in working with Ladouceur and Deputy Chief Murray Cowan since 2016.

According to the report, he cited “ongoing bullying and harassment as well as concerns with media coverage that highlighted how the Estevan chief of police responded to Cst. Pierson’s efforts to obtain benefits through the WCB.”

The SFPO also noted the death of Pierson “had reportedly compromised the organizational wellbeing and deeply affected other EPA members who did not want to come forward due to concern of similar treatment.”

The report also noted that on April 9, 2021, Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig wrote a letter to Tell requesting a special inquiry.

The mayor had cited a “significant environment

of discontent between members of the EPA and the EPS chief and deputy chief after the recent death of Cst. Pierson.” Ludwig had also pointed to significant organizational turmoil, including Chief Ladouceur’s decision to resign, and the deputy chief requiring time away from work.

The report also noted that the Pierson case “became a focal point of the dissatisfaction of the association and some of the civilian employees with the chief and the board. There was a feeling that their mental health wellbeing was not a priority or frankly a concern at all. The situation became significantly exacerbated when Cst. Pierson passed away. Although he died of natural causes the impression that was left with the public was that the mental health issues and the battle

Tell appointed lawyer Aaron Fox on June 30, 2021, to conduct the inquiry. Zaharuk told reporters the commission asked Fox to examine workplace culture, assessing resources, competencies and willingness within the police service to recognize, respond to and support the health and well-being of its members. He was further asked to objectively determine the state of the relationship between the police service and its personnel, provide information on the state of police governance and how the board of police commissioners and the police chief demonstrated the rules and responsibilities.

The commission also asked Fox to provide information on how all these factors affect the quality of policing in the city of Estevan.

he faced with the WCB contributed to his death.”

Aaron Fox discussed the findings of a report on the state of the Estevan Police Service. Photo by John Cairns of SASKTODAY.ca

Ludwig responds to police commission report

Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig reacted quickly on Thursday afternoon to the report by the Saskatchewan Police Commission regarding the Estevan Police Service’s workplace culture.

“I am disappointed in the Saskatchewan Police Commission for not releasing the inquiry results sooner. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the report is not reflective of the complete truth, but having said that we have been and will continue to work with the management team, the association, and the provincial board to improve the culture at Estevan Police Service,” said Ludwig, who is also the chairperson of the Estevan board of police commissioners, which received considerable attention in the report.

“We continue to recognize the importance of guidance and employee recognition in our workplace. Our support goes out to the Estevan Police

Service members, along with the management team, both past and present.”

There were some things that were omitted from the final report, he said, while other items that he viewed as opinion were presented as fact.

It was noted in the police commission’s report that on April 9, 2021, Ludwig requested a special inquiry into the EPS. The report states that Ludwig cited a significant environment of discontent between members of the Estevan Police Association and Deputy Police Chief Murray Cowan and former police chief Paul Ladouceur after the death of Const. Jay Pierson in March of that year.

A member of the Pierson family and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers also requested that an investigation occur.

The inquiry was approved on June 30, 2021, and announced publicly a

few days later. He also said strides have been made on the police board since the spring of 2021.

It was pointed out in the report that Aaron Fox, who conducted the investigation, summarized findings and investigations for the police board into four categories: workplace wellbeing, communication, mental health support and

services and board governance.

And Fox noted there have been strides by the police board on those fronts.

Among the recommendations for the police board were to develop an interim strategic plan that will guide the board’s work over the next eight to 10 months and later a full strategic plan; clarify the board’s roles and responsibilities by developing terms of reference for the board and for committees established by the board; develop a board calendar to list key items for discussion and approval throughout the fiscal year; recognize the board’s role in developing high-level policies and the chief’s role in establishing procedures that operationalize the policies; and explore implementing policies that provide guidance for out-of-scope employees who wish to raise concerns or file a complaint with the board.

Estevan RCMP investigating after shots fired at Lampman residence

The Estevan RCMP asking for the public’s assistance with an incident that occurred in Lampman on Oct. 7.

Officers received a report of a firearm being discharge in the town at about 2:30 a.m.

Initial investigation determined an unknown

individual or individuals fired at a residence on Corrigan Road. The residence was struck a number of times and some shots passed through the exterior wall.

No injuries were reported to police.

The Estevan RCMP continues to investi-

gate with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Services. Investigators ask that Lampman residents with a video surveillance system check if they captured any suspicious individuals or vehicles during the early morning hours of Oct. 7.

Report had a number of

Fox completed his investigation Sept. 23, 2021. In that document, Fox reported that the Estevan Police Service “does not have a respectful and professional workplace culture with appropriate conflict resolution practices.”

Fox added he could not comment with precision as to the impact on the quality of policing. But it is “not too difficult to conclude that where there is a lack of trust and respect work performance will be impacted. We do know that there have been work absences because of stress and at least two members left the police service to work elsewhere.”

Fox also noted the board did not have a “clear understanding” of their role and responsibilities.

His final recommendations included ones directed towards restoring a positive workplace culture, and he also suggested policies and procedures to provide resources and competencies to address

the health and well-being of its members. His recommendations included access to mental health services or a wellness program, a critical incident response procedure, a reintegration program to assist members returning to work, establishment of a peer-to-peer counselling program and formal avenues for dialogue between employees and the leadership.

Fox also made numerous recommendations on the role of the police board. Those include expanding the board, putting a policy in place spelling out their role, and consider retaining an outside third party in the collective bargaining process.

Zaharuk also noted that during the time Fox conducted his investigation, the Estevan board of police commissioners hired a new chief, Rich Lowen, and said it was important for the new chief to respond to the needs of the organization.

In early 2022 the commission gave the board the opportunity to demonstrate how they have already responded to Fox’s findings and recommendations. The final report indicated there were some improvements.

“The board and the police chief demonstrated, according to the report, that they prioritized an organizational focus on making improvements in the areas of workplace wellbeing, organizational communication, mental health support and services for police personnel and board governance,” said Zaharuk.

“Today, the Saskatchewan Police Commission believes that the Estevan Police Service and its board of police commissioners are providing effective and professional service in Estevan. They have made significant progress in improving process and morale within the service. There has been a very notable collective effort amongst all stakeholders to improve the workplace culture and establish the trust and respect required for an effective police service.

“The police service is now demonstrating that it

If you have surveillance images or video – or information about this incident – please contact the Estevan RCMP at 306-637-4400. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www. saskcrimestoppers.com.

has a respectful and professional workplace and is responsive to the community it serves. It has the ability and genuine willingness to recognize and respond to and support the health and well-being of its members.”

The report also notes that Lowen’s experience and leadership abilities were playing a key role in delivering quality police services and re-establishing a positive workplace culture.

“He began building upon the previously established mental health and wellbeing supports, assisting the board with role clarification, and resetting an organizational tone and relationship between his office and the police service’s personnel,” the report states.

Tell noted the police commission will continue to lend support and guidance to the leadership and members of the Estevan Police Service in the coming months as the recommendations are adopted and implemented. Zaharuk also said the commission plans to conduct an audit in 2023 to ensure the progress made during the inquiry continues.

Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig

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| Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Estevan Public Youth Centre celebrates first year of delivering programs and fun for kids

By Ana Bykhovskaia

October marks the anniversary of a project that was long needed in the community.

This month the Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) is celebrating their first birthday.

In just one year, the centre was able to significantly progress on all fronts, including finding their permanent location and securing furniture, games and many other items for youth development and entertainment, growing their program offerings, widening their participation and gaining financial support.

“We have been so fortunate to be able to provide programming for youth in Estevan and to learn and grow over that past year,” said Juli Dzuba, EPYC’s executive director. “I feel great about having one year of programming coming up here. I think it’s absolutely amazing to look back over the year and see how everything came about and how we evolved. And really excited to see what the next year brings.”

EPYC began in 2021 by renting space nightly in the

Estevan Leisure centre. This allowed for youth in Grades 7-12 to come together for programming and meet regularly at a consistent location. After five months, EPYC was able to rent a building and moved into a space of their own in March. This move allowed them to set up their own permanent space, move in games like pool, ping-pong and air hockey, and set up their own couches and gaming systems.

“That really allowed us to set down our roots now that we have a space of our own, and then really focus on what that programming looks like, engaging different youth and expanding our programming,” Dzuba said.

The move also allowed EPYC to expand programming hours for youth to include after-school and evening hours outside of Friday and Saturday nights; granted more flexibility for the types of events that could be offered; and expanded partnership opportunities.

“Our programming has also evolved to give us the opportunity to have structured and unstructured time. So we are trying to find

ways that youth can engage with each other at EPYC, and also still have time to decompress and be on their own,” Dzuba said. “I’ve been really listening to what they have to say and if they have an idea, or if they want to do something, that guides our programming process.

“We try to include things that are hands-on, we try to include things that have moving [physical] components, learning components, and just tactile, creating components as well. Those are the things that guide our programming.”

Over the first year, EPYC also significantly grew their participation.

“We’ve seen steady progress in terms of the participation between the youth that are coming, and it has been great to see the numbers keep growing each week and each month,” Dzuba said. “We’re noticing that now that youth are back in school, we’re continuing to see them come back. We saw a lot of Grades 7-9, and now they continue to come back to EPYC as they grow into the Grade 9-10 range. And we’re still seeing new youth each month.”

Over 220 youths used EPYC as a gathering place and/or for programming in their first year, with over 1,000 visits to the facility.

“Every three months, we went from just over 100 youth visits to now we’re just about 450. And we’re still seeing over 50 new youths every three months,” Dzuba said.

EPYC’s space and programming are developed for youths in Grades 7-12. They also had a few events for younger students who may choose to become their patrons in the future.

When asked what they liked most about EPYC, youth who attend talked about enjoying the many game options, being able to meet new friends, having a peaceful place to hang out and enjoying the activities offered.

EPYC offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Life in an Instant, held this summer, along with their gym nights were among the most popular projects of 2022.

“I think the partnership components of EPYC throughout the last year have been really successful and important to us, because not only does it allow our youth to try new things, but it allows us to work with other agencies in our community and bring new and exciting things out,” Dzuba said.

Community support and partnerships have been an asset for EPYC throughout the year.

“The community support has been fantastic in terms of championing and letting us know that this is something that our community wants. In terms of the fi-

nancial side of things, we are still working towards getting more permanent funding,” Dzuba said.

“We don’t have any funding that is guaranteed. So we are trying to find creative ways to make that happen. And we are continuously looking for grants. Our community donations are a big part of how we are able to be here. And the support from the United Way and the City of Estevan has been amazing. It’s been a big factor in how we can maintain our space and other things, but we are still working every day on figuring out how we can keep that financial piece stable.”

“We couldn’t help youth the way we do without the amazing support of our community members and organizations who have partnered with us in various ways. And we are so thankful that people believe in what we are doing and want to create new opportunities for youth and help them grow.”

EPYC is a proud community impact project of United Way Estevan and also receives funding sup-

port from the City of Estevan, provincial and local grants and local donations.

There is still a long way to go for EPYC in terms of reaching their goals. Going forward, EPYC hopes to continue with partnerships with other community organizations to provide different opportunities to youth, as well as utilize what Estevan has to offer. With a strategic plan recently completed, they are currently working to get signage on their building and flooring inside their location at 1104 Sixth Street. These improvements will help with awareness and increased comfort for youth to enjoy.

If there are any community members interested in helping EPYC reach their goals, they can reach out to Dzuba at 306-421-3134.

The Estevan Public Youth Centre’s vision is to be the space in our community where youth explore their passion, purpose and potential.

If you would like to be involved with EPYC through partnership, volunteering or sponsorship, you can find more information on their website at www.theepyc.ca.

Get ready to bid and win: the Million Dollar Auction will return on Oct. 13 at the Estevan Market Mall

After weeks of anticipation, the Million Dollar Auction is nearly here.

For the second straight year, the Estevan Mercury, SASKTODAY.ca, and Golden West Broadcasting’s Estevan outlets – CJ 1150, Sun 102.3, Rock 106 and Discover Estevan – are teaming up for the event, which will be Oct. 13 at the Estevan Market Mall and feature all sorts of items from businesses in the community.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction starts an hour later. Mack Auction Services will be the auctioneer. Eighteen different prizes, each worth at least $250, will be available.

During the past few

weeks, people have been winning play money that can be used to bid on auction goods. Participants could spin the wheel during live action broadcasts at participating businesses to win the fake cash. Or they earn money through various Facebook promotions, including the Mercury’s weekly Win Wednesday contest.

Pat Pasloski, the sales manager at the Mercury, said the response to the contest has been “awesome”, and while they recognize some of the faces and names of those collecting the money from last year, there are new bidders joining the fun.

“We’ve heard stories

from spouses telling us that their wives or husbands have them running, going from one live action broadcast to another, and then entering Facebook contests to win more auction money. This is serious stuff,” said Pasloski.

There are some great items that will be sold this year, she said, including gift cards and certificates, a cast iron barbecue, furniture, a laptop, gift baskets, hunting decoys, hearing aids, a couple of hotel stays, and sunglasses and contact lenses.

“It will be an interesting array of items to bid on, highlighting the diverse products available locally,” said Pasloski.

There will be some

changes from last year’s auction. Adequate seating will be available since COVID-19 restrictions won’t be a factor.

A raffle table has also been added, so now those who are unsuccessful in bidding for an item can use their auction money to enter to win smaller items that have been donated by sponsors.

Andrew McCormack, the program manager at Golden West Broadcasting in Estevan, said everything has gone well over the past few weeks.

“It’s been a lot of fun this year,” said McCormack. “I think people are excited about a raffle table with extra chances to win.”

The live action broadcasts have been popular with people looking to win auction bucks. And they have been a good way for people to check out businesses around town or to shop before or after they spin the wheel.

“We have smaller denominations on the win wheel, and it seems like people come in waves, but it’s been consistent over the two hours. It’s been a lot of people coming in. It’s fun to chat with a lot of people and it’s been exciting,” said McCormack.

There will be something for everybody during the auction.

Some people pooled their money last year to

give themselves more buying power, and he said that could happen again this year, as some of the prizes could easily be split.

Pasloski said it is wonderful that Golden West and the Estevan Mercury are able to work together to bring a fun and exciting promotion like this to the community.

“Everyone needs a little fun in their lives, and the lead-up to the auction was just the beginning,” said Pasloski.

She also thanked the Estevan Market Mall for allowing the Mercury and Golden West to use their space again this year. The mall has been so helpful and generous with their time, she said.

Last summer, EPYC invited young females to partake in the Life in an Instant project, which wrapped up with a photo exhibit. File photos

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After 16 months of waiting, the Saskatchewan Police Commission has released its report on the past turmoil within the Estevan Police Service.

When the police commission announced last year it would investigate workplace concerns within the EPS workplace culture – including health and well-being supports for police officers, the role and responsibilities of the chief of police and the Estevan board of police commissioners, and what effect these factors may have on the quality of policing in Estevan – it attracted a lot of people’s attention. Such inquiries are rare.

It was no secret that there had been a lot of discontent with former chief Paul Ladouceur, who had already stepped down by the time the inquiry was announced. The acrimony became public late in his tenure, following the death of Const. Jay Pierson last spring, but concerns about the executive management of the EPS had persisted for years.

Those working on the report had a lot to delve into, not just when it came to Pierson, but the years of discontent among the members towards the executive management. This report ultimately reaffirmed what a lot of us already knew, although in greater detail, while providing some new information and looking at how things have changed.

It would be easy to ask why this report took 16 months to complete and release, but at 50 pages in length, and with numerous follow-up interviews and other investigative work, you can see why that much time was needed. It was a lengthy, comprehensive process with lots of questions to be asked and findings to be compiled.

A lot has changed since the inquiry was announced, but the process was worthwhile.

If you do have time to read the document, it’s well worth the effort.

Once it was finished, the report had to be released. It couldn’t sit on a shelf collecting dust in Regina, with only the EPS and the Estevan board of police commissioners aware of its contents, even if a lot has changed.

You might not like what’s inside – Mayor Roy Ludwig expressed his disappointment with the contents – but this wasn’t a report loaded with shocking revelations. And it’s not a full-fledged hatchet job, either. While you find criticisms of Ladouceur and the police board of the day, it also notes some of the positives that Ladouceur accomplished during his tenure, and some of the positive steps the police board has taken.

It was also noted during a press conference Thursday that there are elements of a good-news story here, because change is already starting to happen and morale among

the officers is much better. The relationship with Police Chief Rich Lowen, who arrived in September 2021, is much better. And, obviously, there are always things that can be done to improve.

An audit is planned for 2023 on the progress that has been made within the Estevan Police Service and its interactions with the police board and executive management. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing those findings, and we hope that the audit will be released to the public.

The police chief, and, by extension, the deputy police chief, have a difficult task. Their background is policing. They understand the difficulties of the job.

They have to worry about budgets, management, discipline and interacting with the police board. But they also need to have the back of the officers and the civilian employees. And the members need to believe they have the support of management.

It’s a balancing act for the top person, or the top two people, in a police agency.

The situation between the different parties in this report seems to be much better than it was 18 months ago. And hopefully it will be better a year from now. When morale is higher with the police, they’ll be better at their job, and when that happens, our community as a whole will be better served.

It’s party time, so let’s have fun!

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I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who doesn’t like having a good time.

A good time looks different to all of us.

Some had the best hours or days this past weekend celebrating Thanksgiving with their families and being with their loved ones. Others prefer big loud gatherings, and Christmas get-togethers, weddings or just good old parties might be more of their thing. Some prefer a more narrow circle with just one or two of their most important people.

One way or another, we are social animals, we like our packs, flocks, herds and little villages. Most of us like having people around. And while I first thought about dedicating this column to just the importance of having a good time and being surrounded by those who matter (inspired by my own Thanksgiving), I actually ended up switching gears and turning towards good times in general.

And what I believe will be a really great time for people in this community is coming up this week and will be the result of a great collaboration.

On Oct. 13, we at the Mercury, along with the Golden West Broadcasting Estevan team, are inviting everyone to join us and have fun at the Estevan Market Mall, where we’ll be hosting our second Million Dollar Auction.

It may look like just another community event, but for us, it was and remains really big. And by us, I mean our sales managers and representatives, who had to be really creative, ambitious, patient and brave to pull it together.

Not only did we almost have to invent this event last year but, aiming at having something indeed good for local people, we also got together with our competition, which doesn’t happen too often in business.

(Have you ever heard of Coke and Pepsi working together for the interests of the community? Neither have I.)

To tell you the truth, when the Million Dollar Auction was born, we pretty much had no idea what we were doing. Not only did we not know what to expect, but COVID added ravelment to that. All we wanted to do was to generate some activity in the community. After many tough months, we wanted to stimulate some added motion around businesses, attract some attention to ourselves and the work we are doing, and create some movement just around town. But mainly we just wanted to have fun together with local people and spread some joy.

After all, we offered people to win something valuable without risking anything, while also having fun. Collecting money for the Million Dollar Auction to then be able to bid and “buy” prizes was pretty much as easy as adding your name to a prize draw list but was much more fun.

Our small and brave sales teams (and those who know us from the inside won’t let me lie, we are pretty short-handed on all fronts) had to come up with a structure that would be entertaining and engaging, but also working, and then get businesses on board, get people out and about and then find a way to get together despite all the pandemic challenges.

Last year was our first trial. We couldn’t have seating or any food or other entertain-

Throughout several weeks we had a bunch of fake money up for grabs all over town, we had really good prizes and professional auctioneers to auction them off, but everything else was as new to us as it was to you, our guests.

The rules of the auction were pretty straightforward. Our Million Dollar Auction money was the only currency to be used. And that was pretty much it. Following democratic principles, everything which was not forbidden was allowed.

People could work together; people could wait for what they wanted or they could try getting whatever and then making use of it. People could just come and watch the event, they could bid on behalf of someone else who trusted them with their money, or they could just pass their fake savings to whoever was in the room.

We didn’t regulate how people worked and what they decided to do with what they’d accumulated.

In the end, we had quite a bit of money that wasn’t used up, and some people left disappointed. This year, to address it, our organizers came up with a raffle table with smaller items, so that cash that didn’t do the job in buying bigger prizes can be used to enter to win other goodies supplied by local businesses. That will add another opportunity and another twist to an already interesting game.

Our salespeople worked really hard these past two months to make sure things come together and we indeed have a great community event. So please, come over and join us in having fun. Bid, watch, participate and just enjoy.

Let’s make this Thursday night memorable for all of us.

ReUnited and bringing out our best

David Willberg Willberg’s World

The United Way Estevan Telethon has been my favourite event of the year pretty much from the moment I arrived here.

I say pretty much because I had been in Estevan for about six weeks when I covered the telethon for the first time back in 2000. But even before I walked into the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion for the first time for that fundraiser, I knew it was a special event.

I knew that it seemingly brought out the best of us. I knew that the community got behind it in a way unlike anything else. And once the event started, it brought us together.

Entertainers ranged in age from young children to the elderly. You had singers, dancers and instrumentalists. And there were lots of laughs. Sometimes intended, sometimes not so much.

The goal that year was $145,000 and the off-air total was around $162,000.

In 2006, I joined the board. Impressively enough, I’m still there. Evidently, it must be pretty tough to get punted. There are kids with their driver’s licence at the Estevan Comprehensive School who were born after I joined the board.

This year’s telethon is Oct. 14 and 15, with the theme of reUnited and it Feels so Good. We look forward to the telethon every year, but we’re especially looking forward to it this year, because we don’t have to worry about pandemic restrictions.

A lot has changed with the telethon in the past 22 years. One of the biggest ones is the goal. This year’s objective is $350,000, nearly 2 1/2 times higher than it was the first time I covered the event.

The $350,000 is an ambitious but attainable figure. The telethon has hit that number before, thanks to the incredible support of the community. But it’s unlikely this will be one of those years in which the broadcast hits its goal at 2 p.m.

Technology has changed a lot, too. I remember the setup for those first years. The equipment was a lot bigger and bulkier. It took longer to set up. The video and the sound are far more advanced now.

The local United Way has done a pretty good job of embracing technological changes, whether it be online streaming long before streaming was commonplace, or being able to have a mixture of live and pre-recorded entertainment during the past two years. (Expect most of this year’s entertainment to be live).

A lot of the faces have changed, yet there are still a number of board members, volunteers and entertainers whose involvement with the telethon dates back to the last century. Member agencies have changed, too, but some have been supported by the United Way a lot longer than I have been in Estevan.

The location hasn’t changed. The legion has been the telethon’s home for a long time. And the telethon has always been broadcast in its entirety on Access Channel 7 since I’ve been here

Above all else, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the community support. The United Way Estevan can be ambitious with its goal because the community comes through. If it doesn’t reach its goal during the broadcast it will get there afterwards.

And the community knows that the money is going to stay here and help people here. It doesn’t go to some corporate head office in Toronto to be doled out across the country. It doesn’t go to a network of highly-paid support staff. Financial statements show the vast majority of the United Way Estevan’s revenues are doled out to member agencies and community partners.

If you haven’t been assisted by one of the United Way’s member agencies or community partners, then you likely know someone who has.

It doesn’t matter whether the donation is change from a kid’s piggy bank, or if it’s a big corporate donor, every little bit helps.

People support the United Way in other ways. Entertainment is the obvious one. There’s never a dull moment in the 33 hours. If people aren’t showcasing their skills, the hosts are keeping the mood light.

The bid items have become a big part of the show. They’ve always been there, but the number of hand-crafted items has soared in the past few years.

And people are volunteering throughout the 33 hours, whether it be behind the scenes, on camera, in the kitchen, in the banking room or by accepting your pledge in person or over the phone.

It is the event that brings out the best of us. And I’m looking forward to it happening this year.

Travis Patron convicted on hate speech charge

The former leader of the Canadian Nationalist Party has been found guilty of hate speech.

Travis Patron of Redvers was convicted on Oct. 5 by a jury in Court of King’s Bench in Estevan. He was charged with one count of wilful promotion of hate to an identifiable group.

He was remanded into custody for sentencing on Oct. 20.

Patron’s trial began on Sept. 26 with jury selection. Opening statements followed, and then the prosecution presented witnesses. Patron, who represented himself, did not call a witness.

Closing statements occurred on Oct. 3. The judge gave instructions to the jury in the morning of Oct. 5, and the jury needed less than an hour of deliberations before convicting Patron.

The charge against Patron stemmed from a video, Beware the Parasitic Tribe, that was posted to YouTube in June 2019 and was found to be anti-Semitic. The charge was laid by the Carlyle RCMP in February 2021.

The day after his conviction, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) issued a news release applauding the end result.

The FSWC says Patron claimed that Jewish people “infiltrate the media, they

hijack the central bank and they infect the body politic like a parasite,” and “what we need to do ... is remove these people, once and for all, from our country.”

The FSWC said it had worked vigorously with the Crown and Saskatchewan Attorney General’s office, urging for hate crime charges to be laid against Patron. In July 2020, the FSWC filed an additional hate speech complaint with the RCMP against Patron after a flyer was posted on the CNP’s social media pages.

“Finally, justice has been served in the case of Travis Patron, who for years was given an outlet to promote vile, anti-Semitic tropes online,” said Michael Levitt, FSWC president and CEO. “At a time when we are seeing an explosive increase in anti-Jewish rhetoric, particularly online, this verdict sends a strong message that hate crimes against the Jewish community will not be tolerated and perpetrators will face consequences.”

“It remains quite shocking that an individual with such hateful views could be the leader of a registered so-called political party in Canada,” Levitt added. “Elections Canada must take the necessary action to prevent hate groups such as the Canadian Nationalist Party from registering as a political party and being

given a stage to promote hatred and extremism.”

The FSWC thanks the RCMP, Crown prosecutor Ryan Snyder, Saskatchewan’s attorney general and community groups and witnesses whose efforts led to this outcome.

Earlier this year, he was convicted on two counts of assault causing bodily harm against two women, and was sentenced to concurrent 18-month sentences. He was credited for time served on the sentence, but remained in custody while awaiting the hate speech trial.

The assaults against the two women occurred in the fall of 2019.

And last year, he was found guilty of mischief, stemming from an incident at the Redvers branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and two counts of breach of an undertaking.

Patron ran in the SourisMoose Mountain constituency for the Canadian Nationalist Party in the 2019 federal election, finishing sixth. The Canadian Nationalist Party has since been de-registered by Elections Canada.

Upcoming fundraiser will support Lampman’s arena

Fundraising is well underway for a nice ice plant at the Lampman Arena, and now an event is approaching to bring in the final dollars.

Lampman Recreation will present the After Harvest Party on Oct. 22 in the Lampman School gymnasium. Long-time Saskatchewan broadcaster Rod Pedersen, who hosts the Rod Pedersen Show, will be the MC, while former NHL enforcer Stu Grimson will be the guest speaker.

A two-meat supper will be served at 6 p.m. There will be a silent auction, a live auction and music from the band Uncoolas. Midnight lunch will be served.

Brittany Sutherland, who is the recreation director for Lampman, said nine of the 40 tables were available for purchase as of the evening of Oct. 6.

“Everything is lined up, things are falling into place

and we’re less than two weeks away,” said Sutherland.

She is looking forward to hearing the guest speakers. Sutherland noted that people who have heard Grimson before had good things to say about him.

Eight items will be available in the live auction, including two bigticket items. One is the naming rights for the arena for the next five years. The purchaser will also get their logo at centre ice.

Also available will be a pump jack supplied by Grimes Sales and Service (2020).

“It will be part of a proxy bid system, and we’re hoping that it brings in a nice source of revenue for us,” said Sutherland.

There will be a large silent auction during the evening as well.

“We’re really focusing on the entertainment and just getting back out there and socializing with peo-

Where can you find the Estevan Mercury?

ple,” said Sutherland. “It’s been a long 2 1/2 years.”

The Town of Lampman and RM of Browning have been fundraising to purchase a thermosiphon ammonia ice plant, and it is expected to add to the life span of the arena while lowering the operating costs.

“It’s supposed to be more energy efficient, and with the rising costs in the area, with power and energy and all that, we’re looking forward to having such an energy-efficient plant,” said Sutherland.

The current ice plant was on its “last leg”, Sutherland said. The unit could have likely made it through one more season, but then two or three parts would have likely been finished. So this was the time to get it done.

Supply chain issues have caused the ice plant cost to increase.

Ice won’t be installed at the arena until the new

plant arrives. There will be hockey in the town this season, but they don’t have an official start date.

People have been very generous with their support for the upgrade.

“We are hoping that with a successful fundraiser that night, we should hit our goal,” said Sutherland.

“We don’t want to release how much exactly we need, just because we would like to hit that and more at the fundraiser, but … it’s in our sights,” said Sutherland.

Lampman received a grant through the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for the arena last year.

Richardson Pioneer, Sagenta, Bayer CropScience and Precision Ag have covered a large portion of the cost for the fundraiser.

Sutherland noted the school gymnasium has the best acoustics in town, and it has hosted many town fundraisers, so it’s a good venue for this event.

Travis Patron has been convicted of wilful promotion of hatred. Mercury file photo

BUSINESS

A6

| SASKTODAY.ca

ReUnited telethon is ready to roll, entertain and support the Estevan community

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Preparations for the 46th annual United Way Estevan Telethon, slated to start Oct. 14 at 8 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, are almost done.

In a few more hours United Way Estevan members and volunteers will start setting the equipment up at the legion hall on Fourth Street to get reUnited with the community in their effort to raise funds for vital local organizations and projects, as well as to entertain and have fun together.

United Way president Robert Godfrey said everything is coming together well and they are looking forward to reaching this year’s goal of $350,000.

“We’re on track to have an excellent event. Bid items are rolling in as expected, and we continue to take those items in,” Godfrey said.

Bid items will be on display at Murray GM until after their kick-off to the telethon lunch on Oct. 12. Then the items will be moved over for display and bidding at the legion hall for the days of the telethon.

The entertainment list is filling with many wonderful local acts. Most artists will be coming into the legion to perform live.

There will be a few prerecorded pieces. Godfrey said the community will be treated to some wellknown returning performers and groups, but they also will have a few surprises this year.

“Our entertainment committee brought in

some new opportunities this year. We’ve got a couple of exercise classes and a dance class that we’re just looking for some volunteers to participate in. We also have a baking competition,” Godfrey said.

He noted that for the baking competition, they are looking for local cooks to submit some food. And then judges will decide whose culinary art is the best.

“The great thing about that competition, which will be a part of our entertainment schedule, is that if you’re not comfortable going on TV, the baking part of the competition isn’t televised. So you can still provide baking for that and not have to go on TV if you don’t want to, which is excellent. It’s going to be fun, and we just want to get a few more volunteers participating to make these events perfect.”

For this year, students from elementary schools from around town will be coming back to the legion to perform live.

“This is the first time we have had the schools coming to the legion since before the pandemic, and we’re really excited. The schools performing at the telethon is a huge part of our entertainment schedule, and if you ask anyone on the board, it’s one of our favourite parts of Friday. It really makes the day so fun. So we’re super thankful to be able to have the opportunity to have all these students come back and join us,” Godfrey said.

There will be some new performers as well, and Godfrey said they are

very thankful to everyone who stepped up, brought something new to their entertainment lineup and joined them in this big community effort.

Members of the Estevan Comprehensive School student representative council will again take over the night shift starting at midnight and continuing up until 6 a.m. Godfrey noted that not only does this great partnership allow for some rest for other members, but it also creates great opportunities for students.

“For SRC takeover, they really come in and they run the entire show for us. They take over the entertainment, they do activities, they do singing, they do dancing, they do everything. But on top of that, they run the production side as well, like running the cameras, working in our production truck, manning the phones, working the host table, running pretty much everything,” Godfrey said.

“They just do such an amazing, amazing job of it. So we’re super thankful to have them. And what’s been really awesome this year, is we’ve actually had some members of the SRC that have been joining our weekly board meetings, which has been super helpful. They’ve been able to provide us with a lot of insight about what they want to see at the telethon. That’s a big thing for us is planning for the future and making sure that we’re moving in a direction that is inclusive and entertaining to all ages, including the younger demographic.”

He added that having

youth actively involved in the telethon also makes them hopeful that they will one day join the board and keep the great event and tradition going for many years to come.

“Part of the reason that we wanted them to join us was that they are the future of this community. And they’re the future of United Way Estevan. So having them at the board table ensures that when we make decisions, we’re making them so that they’re inclusive to everyone,” Godfrey said. “The other part of that is, I think, for the students being a part of this, it also really helps build that volunteerism, helps them understand the importance of non-profit organizations and the importance of participating in a board. And we’re hoping that [one day] they will come back and want to be a part of our board and

other boards in the community as well.”

While most preparations for the telethon are almost wrapped-up, if anyone is interested in joining the event as a volunteer or performer, it’s still not too late. They can contact the United Way Estevan at 306-634-7375 for more information and to sign up.

“Any way you want to get involved in the telethon, whether it’s volunteering, participating in the entertainment or even submitting a bid item if you haven’t done so already. If you call the United Way Estevan office, they can get you all set up and connected and ready for the telethon,” Godfrey said.

He also invited the community to come over or watch the telethon on TV or online to enjoy the results of hundreds of hours of their efforts.

“Come on out, watch the telethon in person at the legion hall or on the Access Now TV or streaming, we’ll have a link on unitedwayestevan.com.

And please, if you can, support us by donating money.

It all stays in this community and goes to our member agencies and community impact projects.”

If you would like to donate to the telethon, you can do that by phone at 306-340-4625, in person at the legion hall during the telethon, online at their website, and by e-transfer to etransfer@ unitedwayestevan.com.

“We’ve made it incredibly easy … And we’re really looking forward to raising and hopefully exceeding our $350,000 goal so that our member agencies and community impact projects can continue to provide such amazing and vital services to our community,” Godfrey said.

On Thursday, the United Way Estevan will start setting up for 33 hours of their reUnited Telethon. Photos sourced from the United Way Estevan Facebook page

Southeast sets the pace again for land sale

Saskatchewan’s public offering of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights, held on Oct. 4, raised $5,426,564 for the province, which more than doubled the October 2021 offering.

This brings the current total for the 2022-23 fiscal year to more than $34.1 million in revenue.

Seventy-two of the 78 leases posted were sold. The bonus bid for the leases came out to a little more than $5 million, encompassing 5,899.508 hectares, or $860.11 per hectare.

One licence was also available. The 4,345.505-hectare parcel sold for $352,333 or $81.08 per hectare. It was for a block of land west of Kindersley. The successful bidder was Millennium Land (333) Ltd.

The highest bonus bid received in this offering was $608,172 for a 161.287-hectare lease 16 kilometres south of Oxbow, which was awarded to Adonai Resources II Corporation. It is located between the Northgate and Florence Frobisher beds oil pools. This parcel was issued with rights from the base of the Midale beds to the top Precambrian and is prospective for oil in the Mississippian Frobisher beds.

A parcel north of Lampman received the highest dollar per hectare bid of $6,433.42 with Scout Energy Ltd. bidding $419,414 for the 65.193-hectare lease. The parcel is prospective for oil in the Frobisher beds.

The southeast region saw the most interest, bringing in $4,346,574 for 49 leases totalling 4,125.495 hectares.

There were 54 leases posted.

The parcels encompassed 4,125.495 hectares, or $1,053.59 per hectare.

The total bonus received for the Lloydminster area was $701,648. All 17 leases posted were sold, encompassing 1,302 acres, or $538.81 per hectare.

The highest bonus bid and dollars per hectare received

on a lease was $277,075, or $2,132.68 per hectare. This lease was awarded to Longshore Resources Ltd. and is located approximately five kilometres north of Macklin. This area is prospective for heavy oil in the Mannville Group.

In the Kindersley-Kerrobert area, in addition to the licence, the one lease avail-

able was sold for $24,413. Encompassing 16.2234 hectares, it was $1,503.87

per hectare. The lease was awarded to Baytex Energy Ltd., and is located three kilometres south of Smiley. The parcel is located within the Smiley Dewar Viking sand pool and is prospective for oil and natural gas in the Viking formation and oil in the Bakken formation.

The total bonus received in the Swift Current area was $1,594.45, an average of $3.50 per hectare. Five of the six leases posted were sold.

The highest bonus bid and dollars per hectare received on a lease in this area was $683.73 or $3.50 per hectare. This 195.350-hectare lease was awarded to Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and is located 22 kilometres west of Fox Valley.

The October sale is the fourth of six oil and gas public offerings scheduled for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The next sale will be held on Dec. 6 and will feature 133 leases covering 18,541 hectares, and three exploration licences covering 5,349 hectares.

In

ux of Ukrainians keeps Southeast Advocates busy

Southeast Advocates for Employment (SEAE) and the different agencies that are part of it were able to have another successful year.

The organization held its annual general meeting on Sept. 21 at the Western Star Hotel in Estevan, with about 30 people in attendance. The session had a variety of reports, and a PowerPoint presentation that stressed the organization’s success stories and services. Videos were also shown that showcased the organization’s services.

“COVID was a little bit less restrictive, and we have been super busy with the Ukrainian nationals that are coming in,” said Debbie Hagel, the organization’s executive director. “So it was a very busy but a very eventful last year.”

The organization’s fiscal year came to a close at the end of June. By that point, SEAE was already seeing Ukrainians coming in. The agency and its umbrella organizations have been working with the Sunflower Network to help secure housing and acquire household items like furniture and kitchen utensils.

But the agency has been able to keep pace with the increased activity.

The PowerPoint presentation served as an opportunity to remind those in attendance about the number of different programs they have, and for the board of directors to hear more about

the achievements that are a source of pride for the staff

“People are actually often grateful that there is some place that can assist them,” said Hagel.

COVID caused a slowdown in their activity because borders were closed and it was tough for people to immigrate to Canada. Once those restrictions started to be lifted, more people have been coming.

In her report, Hagel noted they work with the most vulnerable of citizens. Despite COVID, they have continued to provide services within the area. SEAE will be strong, ore resilient and optimistic for the future, she said.

The offices in Estevan and Weyburn worked with 102 individuals, assisting in securing long-term, sustainable employment or postsecond education. With a funding partnership primarily with the provincial Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, they have had the ability to maximize the potential of people within the communities.

Southeast Newcomer Services, which is one of the SEAE organizations, had another successful year as well, working with 51 registrations and 1,857 inquiries.

“This service not only compliments the existing services we provide to our region, but also has proven to be exciting and continues to challenge our ‘out of the box’ philosophy,” Hagel wrote.

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a partnership that includes a settlement agency, boards of education, and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada. Hagel described it as a school-based outreach program to help newcomers and their families settle in their school and community.

There are currently 181 students registered with SWIS, and this number is expected to increase as the program moves into rural communities.

A transition program through SWIS has completed its second year assisting newcomer students that are leaving high school

and moving forward into the world of work or postsecondary education. The transition program worked with 20 students during the past year, including five graduates.

The newest program, Youth Employment Services, works with youths between 15 and 30 to secure full-time or part-time employment.

“I’m very grateful for the team players that we have in this organization. They all work as a team, and that’s what makes our organization so successful. Good, hard-working staff that believes in community,” said Hagel.

CRANES & TRUCKING

Drilling Licenses

Rig Report

9-5-4-30

3-4-7-1

4-10-9-7

13-21-4-6

3-11-6-32

12-20-14-17

13-21-4-6

16-1-8-9

13-8-2-13

3-10-9-33

1-18-4-17

The southeast region once again attracted the most interest during October’s land sale. File photo by Greg Nikkel

Thinkpink!

Alameda artist joined breast cancer promotion, drawing upon personal and family history

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Judy Swallow of Alameda partook in a breast cancer promotion in an effort to help raise awareness and support the research, seeking treatment for this deadly disease.

Swallow, a visual artist known in Alameda and beyond as a creator, illustrator and teacher, knows all faces of breast cancer and cancer in general firsthand.

“We’re all touched by cancer, but our family has been steamrolled with it. So I’m very aware of cancer,” Swallow shared in an interview with the Mercury.

“I’ve had four cousins, two of which have breast cancer, and two, which are survivors, the others have passed. My brother was kidney cancer, and he had his kidney removed. My oldest brother had two-thirds of his stomach removed from cancer. My mom lived with it. And she had multiple throat cancer, [she passed away]. My husband has lymph node cancer and is in palliative care, and my sister-in-law has cancer.

So I’m very, very aware of it. And if there’s anything, anything at all any of us can do to help stop this disease, [I’m supportive of it].”

Not only was most of her family affected by cancer, but Swallow herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, while her husband was undergoing chemotherapy for his disease. She proceeded with treatment, and the results were positive.

“So far, knock on wood and whistle, I’m still clear,” Swallow shared. “I have five years of testing. And I’m on cancer pills to prevent it. But I’m doing well.”

And while today everyone has family, friends or knows of someone affected by cancer, Swallow noted she tries to keep raising awareness and support for the search for cures.

Swallow donates to breast cancer and cancer research, and when the opportunity came to get involved in a different way, she didn’t hesitate to join.

“As a visual artist, I’m always looking … And I came across [the promotion] because I’m a supporter of breast cancer, cancer in general and I get notifications from them. So that’s how it started,” Swallow shared.

“I was working on an-

other project, and I wasn’t really going anywhere, and I thought, ‘Well, I’m just going to take a break and doodle a few designs.’ And then I ended up getting into it and came up with this one design. I thought, ‘What the heck, I should try it out. See how that goes.’ So then I entered the breast cancer promotion for a fundraiser.”

The breast cancer sock design contest put up by the Breast Cancer Society of Canada earlier this year invited the creators to come up with various relevant designs. Then they were asked to rally their communities around the cause and ask people to vote for their favourite designs.

“I think part of the voting thing was just to get people aware. I contacted my friends, and my friends would contact their friends. And everybody’s aware now of breast cancer promotion. And I thought, ‘Oh, that’s a really good way to get the word out and get people thinking about breast cancer and how we can somehow try and get rid of it,’” Swallow shared.

Swallow did really well

with votes but didn’t win. Nevertheless, she said she said she was happy to participate.

“I just took it up for ‘oh, good, that’s reached a lot of people,’” Swallow said.

The contest winner was to have their socks produced with all proceeds from sales going towards breast cancer research.

Swallow said that she might participate in future awareness campaigns too, but doesn’t have any set plans yet.

She stepped away from teaching lately, and in the meantime, she is supporting her husband through his cancer battle, and also is working on her projects, including art and painting, a few children’s

Since 1975, when Swallow opened her studio, Swallow’s Art Nest, she has been conducting Creative Journey workshops for youths and adults as well as providing seminars, retreats and in services on creativity. She incorporated music, expressive writing and visual exploration as part of the creative experience. In her workshops, Swallow posed the question What If? And through sharing her own personal creative journey, she tried to entice her participants into their own personal worlds of imagination and creative expression.

picture book ideas and a Creative Journey book for adults.

Judy Swallow created this sock design for breast cancer promotion put up by the Breast Cancer Society of Canada earlier

year.

Judy Swallow is a visual artist from Alameda. Photos courtesy of Judy Swallow

OCTOBER

What do

An estimated 760 Saskatchewan women will be diagnosed with breast can-

in 2022, and 170 will die from the disease,

of Saskatch-

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women and the second leading cause of their death.

While breast cancer is more widespread in women 50 years of age and older, the disease can occur at any age in both women and men.

There is, however, a resource that can help to prevent severe outcomes of breast cancer, improving access throughout the province.

“The screening mammogram is such an important and potentially life-saving exam. It checks for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease, so it is an absolutely critical tool in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages. When cancer is caught early, there can be more treatment options and better outcomes. We know that early detection saves lives,” said Nora Yeates, CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says mammograms are the best screening test for people at average risk of breast cancer. Guidelines for when to start having mammograms and how often to have them vary from province to province.

“You should discuss the benefits and harms of mammograms with your doctor. He or she can help you decide when to start and how often to have a mammogram,” the SHA says on its website. “Your doctor can help you find a breast cancer screening program in your area.”

For people who are at average risk for breast cancer, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive

Health Care recommends the following guidelines. Regular mammograms are not recommended for women ages 40-49. Women between 50-74 should do regular mammograms every two or three years. Women 75 years of age and older should talk to their doctor about whether they need breast cancer screening.

The Screening Program for Breast Cancer operates two permanent screening centres in Regina and Saskatoon. Satellite centres are in Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford, Prince Albert and Lloydminster, but for many Saskatchewan women, and sometimes men, a mobile bus, which has been travelling throughout rural and northern Saskatchewan since 1990, has been the most convenient option.

That is one of the ways for people in the Estevan area to be screened for breast cancer as well.

The mobile mammography bus runs on a twoyear cycle. The bus comes to Estevan (near the Hotel Estevan, formerly Super 8

to

Hotel) in January, Carnduff in late February, and Carlyle in mid-March in even-numbered years, and to Weyburn in January in odd-numbered years, according to the Sask. Cancer Agency.

Altogether, the Breast Cancer Screening Bus provides screening services to women in nearly 40 rural and remote communities across Saskatchewan. The schedule may change if the program encounters any staffing issues, workload changes or equipment breakdowns.

A patient doesn’t need a doctor’s referral to make an appointment for a screening mammogram.

The Screening Program for Breast Cancer provides screening mammograms

BREAST CANCER

Thinkpink!

about breast cancer and

live in the Estevan area?

continue to offer this potentially life-saving exam to thousands more women in the years ahead,” said Yeates.

The foundation is focused on raising the funds to enable the replacement and upgrading of the bus.

“People in Saskatchewan have been very generous to the Cancer Agency over the years, and I want to thank all of our donors past and present for their contributions,” said Deb Bulych, interim president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. “A new mammography bus will allow us to continue to reach populations in rural and surrounding communities to improve breast cancer outcomes.”

to Saskatchewan women who are 50 years of age or older, do not have symptoms of breast cancer such as lumps, bloody nipple discharge or skin changes, do not have breast implants, are not on active follow-up for breast cancer, and have been cancer free for five years.

The screening program has been testing many Saskatchewan residents through the years, and the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan launched a new campaign in the fight against cancer to update the equipment to ensure they are still able to do their best to detect breast cancer at its early stages.

The current bus, purchased in 2002, needs to be replaced, said the Cancer

Foundation of Saskatchewan in a press release.

Accessing parts for repairs and maintenance on the 20-year-old vehicle is challenging, resulting in time off the road and reducing access to potentially lifesaving screening mammograms for Saskatchewan women.

To ensure every woman in Saskatchewan has access to a screening mammogram, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan committed to raising $2 million by the end of March 2023 to replace the aging bus and its digital mammography equipment.

“This bus has facilitated more than 250,000 screening mammograms over the past 20 years, and we need to replace it so that it can

A new Breast Cancer Screening Bus will address all of the current issues and will include state-ofthe-art mammography equipment, enabling it to provide leading-edge, potentially life-saving mammography screening services well into the future.

In the meantime, all questions about breast cancer concerns should be discussed with doctors, and screening can be arranged at one of the permanent facilities or through the bus during scheduled times.

To book an appointment, call the Sask. Cancer Agency at 1-855584-8228 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. There are evening appointments at some of the locations as well. People can also email early detection co-ordinators at ED.Coordinator@ saskcancer.ca for more information about the screening program.

A mobile bus that travels throughout rural and northern Saskatchewan is often the most convenient option for breast cancer screening for many people in the province. Photo courtesy of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan

Firefighters protecting the community

Fire Prevention Week will be a busy time

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service was looking forward to interacting with the community during the annual Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 9-15.

The department held an open house at its fire hall on Oct. 11. The fire department invited the public to come down to the fire hall, enjoy tours of the station, view the firefighters’ equipment and enjoy promotional efforts for Fire Prevention Week.

(The event happened after the Mercury’s press time. For photos of the open house, you can visit our provincial news hub at www.sasktoday.ca).

There was also a barbecue and drinks available. A silver collection was taken.

Fire Chief Rick Davies said they were looking forward to having the open house for the first time since 2019.

“We’ve had a hiatus in the last couple of years of doing anything because of COVID,” said Davies. “We just thought it would be

best to take the opportunity. We’ve got some new equipment and stuff like that in here, so people can

come in. We thought maybe it would be easier to get as many people in here and talk to them versus us try-

ing to go out.”

In the past, the fire department had a smoke alarm program, in which

the firefighters went out into the community to test smoke alarms, but it focused on certain areas at a time.

The fire department has some school tours of their building booked throughout the week as well.

Davies said the department is looking forward to showcasing their fire hall to the community once again.

“It’s always exciting when we can do stuff like this,” he said.

This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan your Escape.” Davies said the focus will be on having a home escape plan for families, establishing a meeting place in case they have to evacuate, and knowing two ways out of the home in case of fire.

“One of the common themes that we’re hearing more and more these days is that newer construction, newer houses, newer buildings burn faster and hotter than they did back in the day. So, having that preplan where you know what to do in the event of an emergency, it’s just better.”

Davies noted this year marks the 100th year of offering Fire Prevention Week for the National Fire Protection Association.

Johnathon Nixon

Thank you to the Estevan Firefighters and staff for all you do.

Kyle Luc Luc Deputy Chief Chief

Rick D avies Davies Fire Chief Chief

Rhonda GillespieRhonda Fire A ssistant Assistant

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service boasts a dedicated team. Members are, back row, from left, office assistant Rhonda Gillespie, firefighters Mallory Cappelle, Nolan LaCoste, Tyler Stead, Mike Wock, Jeff Kuchinka, Andrew Barr, Jonathan Nixon, Victor Frank, Ben Brokenshire, Amanda Minchin and Annie France Bizier. Front row, Lieutenant Chad Perrault, Captain Peter Fedyk, Deputy Chief Kyle Luc, Chief Rick Davies, Captain Brandon Frank, Captain Lincoln Empey, Lieutenant Mike Olson Missing are Jordan Baun, Justin Herod, Stephen McLaren, Matt Clausen, Cam Sharp, Cody Thul and John Wells.

Dr. Robert Kitchen, MPDr. Robert MP

Dean Nagel was a big part of Estevan’s fire department for more than four decades

Dean Nagel was not only one of the longestserving members of the Estevan Fire Rescue Service, but he always played an important role in its responses.

Nagel died suddenly on Sept. 14 at the age of 69. He had been a member of the fire department for 44 years. Among the current members of the fire department, only Victor Frank has been serving longer; he joined shortly before Nagel.

Fire Chief Rick Davies noted that Nagel was a big part of the department ever since Davies joined the fire service more than 20 years ago. And Davies’

father Clint was part of the department alongside Nagel.

Chief Davies said that for as long as he could recall, Nagel was an important piece of the department as a driver and pump operator.

“We were very dependent on him to do those kinds of tasks. Especially the last few years. He was considered our lead driveroperator, so we were very dependent on him … driving trucks, getting everyone to the scene, pumping the water. He was also one of the main operators of the ladder truck.”

Davies marvelled at Nagel’s commitment to the

department. For a lot of members, it gets harder to remain part of the department as they get older.

“It’s a physical job,” said Davies. “But Dean, even right up to his passing, [he was there at] one in the morning, three in the morning, five in the morning, middle of the day. He was one of the first guys here when he was available.”

Nagel was a mentor for the younger firefighters. He was a quieter person, but when someone showed an interest in what he did with pump operating, he would do what he could to help them learn.

The fire department

honoured Nagel the best way they could. The day of the funeral, everyone from the department was in attendance. Then they gave him what Davies described as “one last ride”, in which they drove through town in the fire truck, with lights and sirens on, from the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch where the funeral took place to the city cemetery.

The fire department has also discussed other ways to honour him, but a decision hasn’t been made.

“He’s going to be dearly missed around here, and it’s a big hole to fill when it comes to what he did here,” said Davies.

Estevan fire department has a new rescue truck

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service has added a new fire truck to its fleet of vehicles.

A replacement rescue truck, which has been in the works for a couple of years, arrived in the middle of July and went into service about three weeks later.

“We took our time and outfitted it with tools and that kind of stuff,” said Fire Chief Rick Davies.

It replaces a unit that came into service in 1998.

Davies said it took a while to get the unit designed, built and delivered to the requirements of the fire department and the city.

“There was a lot of thought, a lot of new ideas, per se, in designs. It’s a truck design that we’re not usually familiar with.”

As a rescue truck, it has to be versatile and carry a lot of extra equipment, he said, and it is designed for a lot of extra storage. It still has a pump and a tank on it to have firefighting capabilities.

The fire department had outgrown its old rescue truck, he said. Technology and equipment change, especially over the expected two-decade life span of a truck. There were many different upgrades mechanically and for the pump, but the biggest thing was in design to carry the firefighters and equipment.

“It’s a little bigger, if you’re comparing it to the engine; size-wise, it makes it a little bit more cumbersome for going down the highway or going around town,” said Davies.

Still, it drives and rides nicely, Davies said. It was used during a structure fire on Albert Street last month for one of the first times.

“An additional thing we did order on it was a light tower, so there’s a remote tower that comes up from the top, and it’s got lights on it. We utilized that over there and it worked great … because then you’re not trying to set up spotlights or flashlights. You basically are lighting up your whole scene.”

An existing pumper fire truck will remain the primary unit, and the ladder truck will be next. But the new rescue unit can respond to a variety of situations.

Davies noted the fire department ordered the truck just before supply chain issues really started affecting deliveries of new trucks.

“It’s quite a procedure to go through that design thing at first,” said Davies. “You’re picking up options right from bumper to bum-

per, back to front. It’s pretty crazy how many different options you have.”

Once design is finished, they have pre-build meetings to make sure everything’s understood completely, and then it goes into production, which is 12-18 months.

“Today, with the issues … the stories that I’ve heard, is it’s upwards of three years before you actually see a new truck.”

The department also has a new wildland truck to replace an 18-year-old unit.

“Our old wildland truck was just a regular cab, it was standard transmission. The new one is a true cab, automatic transmission, a little bit bigger tank, more hoses, a better design for today.”

It’s specifically built for wildland and grass fires, but

if they need to get in certain areas of the city, it can be utilized accordingly.

The truck was pressed into action for a grass fire on Oct. 5 and it was the second time it has been needed since arriving in the middle of August. Thanks to the abundance of precipitation earlier in the year, the fire department didn’t have as many calls for grass fires as they did in 2021.

Finally, the fire department has a new command vehicle for the chief or deputy chief that they have with them when on call. It was ordered last year as part of the fleet renewal, but was delayed due to supply chain issues.

The previous unit will be staying within the city to be utilized by a different division, Davies said.

Brandon Frank Dean Nagel

Jeff Kuchink a Kuchinka

UMWA Members Giving Back To Our Community

Andrew Barr

Mike Olson

Matt C lausenMatt Clausen

Peter FedykPeter

John Wells

Cam S harpCam Sharp

Dean Nagel was a firefighter in Estevan for 44 years.

File photo

The new rescue truck for the Estevan Fire Rescue Service has been a needed addition.

Photo courtesy of Rick Davies

Fire

FIRE WON’T

PLAN

New recruits enjoying the fire department

By David Willberg

Five new recruits have joined the Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) this year, and they have relished the opportunity to serve the community.

Andrew Barr, Annie France Bizier, Ben Brokenshire, Cam Sharp and Cody Thul say they have had great experiences thus far.

Barr said being part of the fire department gave him a chance to meet new people and get involved in the community.

“I’ve seen a different side of the community than I was used to, and that’s been pretty good,” said Barr.

An enjoyable experience that he cited was going to one of the elementary schools to perform a spray down of the children at the end of a sports day.

“We’ll spray the water in the air and the kids have a great time, and you can really see and feel the sense of the community. I didn’t realize what I was missing until I was part of it,” said Barr.

He has been urging his roommate – who, like Barr, isn’t from Estevan – to join the EFRS.

Barr said he thought about joining the department for years, but he didn’t

know much about fighting fires. And while he wanted the sense of camaraderie and community, he found it’s a cool experience, knowing he makes a positive impact while using big trucks, great tools and other equipment.

Barr and the other new recruits were recently in Wynyard for the Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Association’s fall training school, where they learned the basics of personal protective equipment and fire science. Next will be the self-contained breather apparatus.

Bizier’s reason for joining stems from her husband’s background in the military.

“Working so closely with the military, I just really missed that brotherhood, so I guess I was looking to be part of an organization that did something good for society, and just having that family feel to it,” said Bizier.

The fraternal element of the fire department has exceeded her expectations. Everyone with more experience has been great at offering advice and education at every opportunity.

The new recruits have all been very supportive of each other, too.

Bizier has never been part of a fire department

before, but with how things have been going since joining in April, she has found it to be a special experience.

“Everyone at the hall has just been so accepting and so welcoming, so it has been a really good experience.”

In terms of training, the new additions have learned how to use the different trucks and the other equipment. They need to know which situation is right for each truck. And they have learned fire dynamics and how to put on their personal protective equipment, which she said is huge, and how get water from a hydrant.

“A lot of things, it’s all teamwork, and I guess that’s what makes this job so different from many other jobs,” said Bizier.

Brokenshire has lived in Estevan for his entire life. The community has given him so much, and he thought it was time to give back.

“It’s an amazing experience. You learn lots. You see lots of people and you get to do lots of things that I never get to do in my normal life,” said Brokenshire.

The past few months have been a learning experience. He admits he didn’t

know there was so much to learn from a scientific perspective, but it’s great to have all of the information.

“I’ve learned a lot about fire dynamics, how things work and just about a lot of the infrastructure in town, and how there’s a lot more things in our day-to-day lives that are related to firefighting from a safety aspect than most people would ever realize.”

The other firefighters have proven to be very welcoming and he couldn’t imagine being part of a better team. And the group of recruits will serve their community very well.

“I hope to be a lifelong member, if it’s at all possible.”

Thul brings experience to the department, as he was a firefighter in his hometown of Manor. He joined the Manor department at age of 19, and remained a firefighter in that community for 15 years until he moved to Estevan three years ago.

“It was something that I’ve always enjoyed doing, and I figured it would be a good way to meet some new people. And I’ve heard good things about Estevan Fire Rescue,” said Thul.

His uncle was the fire chief in Manor for a long time, he said.

That experience has helped him when called to grass and structure fires, but they didn’t handle collisions in Manor. Departments in Carlyle and Redvers tended to those calls.

“It’s definitely an awesome learning experience coming to Estevan with all of this remarkable equipment, and just the diversity of calls that we do here with the city fire department. It’s definitely quite a bit different from what I envisioned,” said Thul.

Mike Olson, who is one of Thul’s co-workers, has been part of the EFRS for years.

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service boasts really professional firefighters and the equipment is excellent, Thul said.

“It’s kind of like a big family,” said Thul. “We do lots of stuff together and everyone gets along. It’s great and I really enjoy it.”

Sharp was unavailable for comment.

Fire Chief Rick Davies said the new recruits have all be very ambitious to learn. They will be given a

one-year probation, and after that year, if it’s working out well and they have integrated with the team and completed the necessary training, they will become an official part of the team.

Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Luc added the actual program they go through has 55 hours of training and one full year of bi-weekly training nights. Training with the firefighters allows them to integrate into the team and get to know the other firefighters and officers.

The five new recruits also bolstered the EFRS’s numbers.

“We’re still probably going to be looking at a few more, probably come spring, and get our numbers up to the high 20s,” said Davies.

If somebody wants to be a member of the fire department, they should be a team player with a desire to help the community. Being available after hours and being willing to take extra training also helps.

“There’s no special training needed. We’ll supply all the training. They just have to be willing to learn and willing to be part of the team,” said Davies.

Semi caught on fire by Hitchcock

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service members responded to four calls in one day.

Chad Chad Perrault Jordan

Oct. 5 started with a callout to a vehicle fire at about 1 a.m. Crews responded and found that the rear end of a semi trailer caught on fire north of Hitchcock on Highway 39. They worked to extinguish the fire, assisted with traffic control and then

cleaned up the scene.

Fire Chief Rick Davies said no injuries were reported due to the accident, and mechanical issues were found to be the cause of the fire that wrecked the back end of the trailer.

The next call for service came in at about 11:30 a.m. Grass caught on fire on the south end of the city. Fire-

fighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and extinguish it. Nobody was injured, and no structures were damaged as a result.

Later that day at about 5 p.m., crews were dispatched to a commercial fire alarm on the northwest side of the city. It was determined to be false in nature, and no assistance was required.

Another fire alarm went off at about 5:30 p.m. in a commercial building on the north side of the city. Firefighters investigated the building, but nothing was found. It was concluded that there was an issue with the detection system. Crews ensured that it was all reset and everything was safe, and then returned to the station.

Justin Herod

Vic tor Victor Frank

S tephen Stephen

McL aren McLaren

Amanda Minchin

Ben Brokenshire

RM of

celebrates the grand opening of new wellness centre

The RM of Enniskillen had a big reason to celebrate on Oct. 1 with the grand opening of its new wellness centre.

Pamela Bartlett, who is the RM’s chief administrative officer, said it was an “amazing event” with lots of people present and a great time by everybody.

The Rapid Relief Team served lunch to more than 150 people. A short grand opening ceremony saw Bartlett and Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison deliver speeches and participate in the ribbon cutting.

People were able to tour the building and ask questions, and the Carnduff detachment of the RCMP handed out stickers and tattoos for children.

In her speech, Bartlett noted that when this idea was brought to the RM by paramedic Britt Venn, the RM started the wellness centre initiative after hearing about the services that have been absent from the community and the struggles the ambulance staff were facing.

The RM received $406,315 in donations. Support came from as far away as Saskatoon.

She also pointed out a bequest from the estate of Nellie

Adams was one of the main reasons this centre was possible.

The centre opened earlier this year and has been busy helping the community.

“It’s getting busier all of the time,” said Bartlett. “Currently we have, in a week … physiotherapy, mental health and addictions, a diabetic educator, the paramedics meeting there when they are from out of town, the RCMP using the facility after hours, and if they have any meetings, we’re having training sessions there.”

Public health has been present every week, speech therapy has been meeting and a dietician has been present. A reflexologist moved in last week.

They plan to have an osteopath come in, along with sessions to live well with chronic conditions. She has also reached out to an acupuncturist.

Three counselling rooms, two physiotherapy rooms and two treatment rooms are located on the bottom floor. The ambulance garage is located on the bottom floor as well.

The top floor includes a large training room, washroom facilities, two bedrooms, the office and other amenities for the EMS, and a shared kitchen facility.

Bartlett said this has been an important facility for the community.

“Anybody who has had surgery, or anybody who in

the past has had to travel to Estevan, it’s huge for them not to have to make that trip to Estevan. With mental health and addictions, anybody who is having any kind of … mental health issues or problems, they are very thankful that they are not having to travel to Estevan.”

For those who don’t have a vehicle or who can’t drive, Bartlett said this facility has made a big difference.

Many of the people who have used the facility have come in and said how thankful they are to now have it in the community, she said. They heard lots of feedback prior to the grand opening and the rave reviews continued at the Oct. 1 celebration.

“Soon after the community heard of the need for a new ambulance, the R.M. took

this initiative on, and so far, we have raised $183,500 out of the total cost of $302,000. There are plans for a Christmas fundraiser for the ambulance,” Bartlett said.

At one point, Bartlett asked for appreciation and thanks to the EMS staff for their service, calling them “courageous, compassionate, caring and resourceful EMS local heroes.”

They are fortunate to have Oxbow EMS and Carnduff EMS, which she said covers the area when Oxbow EMS is out of service or on calls and transfers. The new ambulance is currently in production.

Operation Christmas Child campaign returns to Estevan

In what has become an annual pre-Christmas tradition in Estevan and so many other communities in Canada, the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign is returning to the city.

Jillian Ursu, the drop-off team lead for Estevan and area during the campaign, said Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, brings hope and joy into the lives of hurting children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.

More than 700 shoeboxes were filled in the Estevan area. Individuals, families, groups and churches are welcome to visit the Estevan Alliance Church to pick up shoebox supplies.

“Since its beginning in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the

first gift they have ever received,” she said.

Shoeboxes collected in Estevan and elsewhere in Canada will be going to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ukraine and The Philippines. The latter two nations are new for this year.   “Shoeboxes are distributed as unconditional gifts, regardless of the child’s race, religion or gender. The shoeboxes often open the door for Samaritan’s Purse to work with the local community to identify and meet other vital needs like clean water, literacy, work training, school meals, etc.,” Ursu wrote.

The shoeboxes can include toys, school supplies, hygiene items or special “wow” items. Donors are asked to include a personal note or picture, and a $10-per-box donation to cover shipping and other program costs.

Donors are asked to decide if they are packing for a girl or boy and which age group (two to four, five to nine or 10-14), and then fill the container with items.

Supporters should not include used items, food, candy, playing cards, toothpaste, war-related items, or anything that can leak, freeze or melt, like bubbles, lotions, shampoos, hand sanitizer or other liquids.

If someone is feeling uncertain about packing physical shoeboxes this year, but would love to support Operation Christmas Child, they can pack shoeboxes or donate online.

And if somebody would like to provide something to be used, items will be accepted in a donation bin at the Estevan Alliance Church.

The national collection week is Nov. 14-20. The Estevan Alliance Church will once again serve as the drop-off location for Estevan, and it will be open

extended hours throughout the week, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 14-18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 9 a.m.4 p.m. on Nov. 20.

“We encourage everyone to drop off during national collection week as there will be volunteers present during those times to collect shoeboxes,” said Ursu.

If you are unable to drop off during the national collection week, please contact

Estevan Alliance Church at 306-634-2601 to arrange an alternate time.

“The last two seasons of OCC dealt with a lot of uncertainty and yet Canadians pulled through and packed an amazing number of shoeboxes,” said Ursu. “I am looking forward to what is in store for this year as we head into a season less affected by COVID-19 than the past two years.”

This year is her ninth season as the drop-off team lead for Estevan and area.

“I am truly excited to see Estevan and area come together once again and put smiles on the faces of hundreds of children by packing shoeboxes,” said Ursu.

Last year Canadians packed 413,875 shoeboxes, with 21,631 coming from Saskatchewan.

The RM of Enniskillen’s new wellness centre has been busy since it opened. Photo by Robb Cavenagh

Fundraising is underway to have a new ambulance in the town.

The Rapid Response Team held a barbecue during the grand opening. Photo by Robb Cavenagh

Estevan Bruins riding a five-game winning streak

By David Willberg

After a slow start to the season, the Estevan Bruins are riding a five-game winning streak.

The Bruins edged the Notre Dame Hounds 3-2 in a shootout on Oct. 4 in Wilcox, the Nipawin Hawks 3-2 on Oct. 7 in Estevan and the Melfort Mustangs 3-2 the following night in Melfort.

Head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic believes the team is finding chemistry.

“We’ve made a lot of changes, and pretty quickly we’re going to get settled … and try to get some continuity here. We’re just trying to find the right recipe and once we do, we’ll stick with it,” said Tatarnic.

Cam Hrdlicka was in goal for all five victories.

“I’ve been doing pretty well. I had a bit of a rough start for a couple of games there, but I think I’ve got in my grove, just taking care of my body,” said Hrdlicka.

It’s the first time he’s played this many games in such a short amount of time.

“I’m enjoying it and I like getting all of these games in. It’s definitely a nice feeling to have to play this much.”

Bruins’ captain Kade Runke had the only goal in the first period against Notre Dame, even though the Hounds outshot the

Bruins 18-5. Runke added another in the second period. Logan Ziegler had the shootout winner for Estevan.

Evan Vanden Heuvel and Will Dawson scored for Notre Dame. Dawson’s goal with four seconds to play in the third period forced overtime.

Hrdlicka finished with 43 saves on 45 shots. Tucker Inabinet of Notre Dame had 28 saves on 30 shots.

Brady Wilson, Owen Miley and Sean Blanchard had the goals for Estevan against Nipawin. Jonah Fournier and Joel Mabin replied for Nipawin.

Late in the third with the Bruins up 3-2, it appeared Estevan would be able to kill off the final couple minutes of the game, as the Hawks were assessed a series of penalties, including a game misconduct for head coach Tad Kozun. But the Bruins couldn’t score on the twoman advantage, despite multiple quality chances, and Nipawin had the best scoring chance, only to be foiled by a goal post with seconds to play.

“That’s just not smart hockey,” said Tatarnic. “You’re up on a 5-on-3 with a one-goal lead. If we don’t have possession or if possession’s in question, we have to be on the defensive side. We didn’t have the puck, and our defence sure retreated and our forwards

sure retreated, and we just stood still.”

Hrdlicka made 32 saves for the Bruins, while Nolan McDowell stopped 32 shots for Nipawin.

The game was the fourth meeting in a little more than two weeks between the two teams. Estevan and Nipawin each won twice. And the game was chippy at times.

“Frustration carries into it from a lot of elements of the game,” said Tatarnic. “I think that’s part of it. I thought we stayed pretty disciplined.”

Hrdlicka said it was im-

portant to get a win against Nipawin after dropping two contests against the Hawks.

“It’s a really big confidence booster. We played them four times already in our first 11 games, so going down 3-1 in that season series wouldn’t be a great feeling.”

Runke scored 27 seconds into extra time to lift the Bruins to the victory over Melfort.

Cody Davis and Blanchard also scored for Estevan, while Wyatt Day and Ashton Taylor had the Melfort goals.

Hrdlicka made 25 saves for the Bruins. Joel Favreau stopped 31 shots in the Mustangs’ goal.

•••

In off-ice news, the Bruins dealt defenceman Alex Von Sprecken on Oct. 5 to the Flin Flon Bombers. Flin Flon also received the playing rights to 2004-born forward Jeremy Fortin. In return, Estevan gets a player development fee and the Canadian junior hockey playing rights to defenceman Marek Schneider.

Von Sprecken is a local product who was in

his fourth season with the Bruins. He had been named an alternate captain to start the season.

Tatarnic described Von Sprecken as a “very wellliked teammate and player”, but he had asked to be traded.

“It was something where we had some discussions prior, and we just felt that a change of scenery would be better for him, and [he’d get] a little more of an offensive role.”

Tatarnic said Von Sprecken will always be welcome around the team and will be missed greatly by staff and teammates.

As for the return, they did not receive anyone who will be on the roster now, as Schneider currently plays for the Western Hockey league’s Saskatoon Blades, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be here at some point this season.

The Bruins have a couple of players coming in who are expected to help the team.

Estevan will face Von Sprecken and the Bombers on Oct. 12 at Affinity Place, starting at 7 p.m. It will be the first match-up of the two teams since May 6, when the Bruins beat the Bombers 2-0 in Game 7 of the SJHL final.

Then the Bruins will visit the Kindersley Klippers on Oct. 14 and the Battlefords North Stars the following night.

Estevan U18 AA Bruins win twice against Melville

The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins’ first two home games of the 2022-23 Saskatchewan AA Hockey League season were a success.

The Bruins swept a weekend doubleheader against the Melville Millionaires, winning 10-0 on Saturday and 2-1 the next day.

Sutter Bailey scored 2:12 into the first period to get the offence rolling on Saturday. Conrad Hase, Ryker Mathison and Emmett McCarthy tallied before the first period was finished, and Spencer Copeland, Strahn Douglas, Jordan Marcotte and Hase had markers in the second.

Hase added his third of the game in the third period and Landon Marcotte finished the scoring.

Carter Beck had four assists, while Ryder Miller and Copeland had three helpers each.

Ty Fehrenbach stopped all 30 shots he faced to get the shutout.

Turner Knockaert scored 2:02 into the first period in Sunday’s game. But the Bruins would get just one more on a goal by Douglas

with 7:18 to play in the second.

The Mills would get their lone goal of the two games in the third period.

Keagan Carley stopped 28 shots for Estevan.

The Bruins’ next league game is Oct. 17 at the Regina Capitals.

The Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears dropped home games on the weekend to the Swift Current Legionnaires, losing 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday night and 5-2 on Sunday.

After a scoreless first period in Saturday’s contest, Cade Cole scored midway through the second to give the Bears a 1-0 lead. Swift Current responded with a goal of their own before the end of the period.

The Legionnaires tallied in the third for a 2-1 advantage, but Teigan Semchyshen replied for the Bears to send the game to extra time.

The shootout needed six rounds before Swift Current emerged victorious.

Kaden Perron stopped 34 shots in the loss.

The following day, Swift Current led 2-0 after the first period, and neither

team scored in the second.

Goals by Carter Tuplin and Kole Keen made it a 3-2 game in the third, but two late Legionnaires’ goals put the game away.   Perron made 22 saves in the loss.

The Bears (1-4-1) will visit the Moose Jaw Warriors on Oct. 12, and then

host the Saskatoon Contacts for games on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

The Estevan TS&M U15 AA Bruins picked up three of a possible four points during a weekend road trip against North Division foes.

Estevan won 5-4 in overtime versus the North West

Stars in Battleford on Saturday. Gunner Moore’s second of the game 39 seconds into extra time lifted Estevan to victory.

Tristan Brownridge also scored twice for Estevan. Nathan Gardiner had the other goal.

Jaxon Kuchinka made 42 saves in the victory.

Estevan had leads of 4-0 and 5-1 against the Saskatoon Stallions on Sunday, only to lose 7-6 in overtime. Saskatoon scored the tying goal with 44 seconds to play.  Moore scored three times and added two assists to lead Estevan’s attack. Reese Copeland had two goals and Porter Crossman also scored. Tristan Brownridge assisted on three goals. Kuchinka stopped 51 shots for Estevan.

Estevan will host the Warman Wildcats at 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 15 and the Saskatoon Generals at 11:30 a.m. the next day.

The Estevan Meter U13 AA Bruins lost 7-1 to the Prairie Storm on Saturday afternoon at Affinity Place in the U13 Bruins’ first game of the season.

Logan Hunt had the Bruins’ lone goal. It came in the second period.

Easton Pushie made 36 saves in goal for the Bruins.

The Bruins will host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Oct. 14 at 7:15 p.m. and then will visit the Prairie Storm two days later in Balgonie.

Mitch Kohner (17) corrals the puck Friday night against the Nipawin Hawks.

Ty Hoste (17) delivers a body check against a Melville opponent during Sunday’s game. Photo by David Willberg

The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs senior volleyball teams have taken the lead in their annual Coop Challenge showdown with the Weyburn Comprehensive School Eagles.

The first two matches were contested on Oct. 5 at the ECS gymnasium.

The Elecs opened with a 3-2 victory. Set scores were 25-22, 24-26, 25-14, 17-25 and 15-10.

The senior girls, meanwhile, overcame a slow start in which they lost the first set 14-25, but then they won the next three sets, 2516, 25-14 and 25-16.

Estevan has a 6-3 edge

in total set victories, which determines who wins the Co-op Challenge. If the two teams are tied for set wins, then total points is the tie-breaker. Estevan leads 195-148.

“It was an exciting event; great to witness competitive athletic abilities in front of an enthusiastic crowd,” said Elecs senior girls’ head coach Tamara Franklin.

The final two matches

Chargers put up 92 points in win over

The Estevan Coldwell

Banker Choice Real Estate U12 Chargers seemingly love to play high-scoring games with the Weyburn Ravens.

Estevan defeated the Raves 92-52 Friday night in Weyburn. The two teams scored a combined 144 points. Less than two weeks earlier, they combined for 146 points in a 96-50 Estevan romp.

Coach Matt Schell noted the game was tied 45-45 at half time, but Estevan outscored Weyburn 47-7 in the second half.

“If you have a really good running attack, you can literally wear down a defence, and by the end of the game, they’re done,” said Schell. “That’s exactly what we did to Weyburn.”

Ryder Mantei had four

touchdown passes during the game.

Schell praised the offensive line, including underage players Mason Lesy and Parker Moffatt, first-year player Cameron Locken and second-year centre Dane Tober. Parker Kosior has played well in his first year, too, Schell said.

“That mixture of o-linemen that we have there, they have taken this position that’s so crucial … and on this team, they are the guys. They make this thing happen,” said Schell.

He also saluted Weyburn running back Caleb Duhamel for his play on Friday night, as Estevan couldn’t stop him in the first half.

Estevan is playing great entering the playoffs, Schell

said, and everyone knows what they’re doing on the field.

“The parents are loving it, the coaches are loving it and everybody’s just having a blast. And that’s what that winning mentality will get you,” said Schell.

The Chargers (5-1) will face the Moose Jaw Spartans in a semifinal game on Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field at Woodlawn Athletic Park. Estevan beat Moose Jaw in last year’s final, and won both games between the two teams this season.

•••

The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team dropped a 57-14 game to the Swift Current Colts on Thursday in Swift Current.

Coach Mark Schott compared it to a game against Weyburn earlier this season in which Estevan was not very good and fell behind early, but showed some gumption in the second half.

“We were in a pretty tough spot at half time [Thursday], down big at 35-0, and we challenged our team that this is where we’re going to find out the character of the team that we have and what we want to make of the rest of this game and the season moving forward,” said Schott.

Swift had some big plays in the first half, while Estevan committed a number of turnovers.

Starting running back JT Schrader went down at the end of the first half with an injury, but Khalifa Elshein stepped in and finished with eight carries for 68 yards and a touchdown

on the day. They also had injury issues in the defensive backfield, so receiver Dorian Sifton shifted to defence and recorded an interception.

Elshein and Caleb Bresciani had their first touchdowns at the high school level.

Bresciani’s score came on a 32yard reception on the final play of the game.

The Elecs (0-6) will finish the regular season against the Moose Jaw Central Cyclones Saturday afternoon at Woodlawn at noon. ECS will then play the Moose Jaw Vanier Vikings in the tier 2 semifinal.

•••

The Estevan Lions Club U14 Oilers wrapped up their regular season with a 45-0 loss to the host Moose Jaw Raiders on Oct. 7.

Estevan (0-6) will visit either the Swift Current Steelers or the Weyburn Falcons

will be played on Oct. 12 in Weyburn. The girls’ game is at 5:30 p.m. and the boys will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Weyburn is seeking their third straight Co-op Challenge victory.

on Thursday in the first round of the playoffs. The winner of that game will advance to the semifinal.

•••

The Estevan Kinette Club U18 Viragos female football team dropped a 53-6 decision to Melville on Friday night in Estevan’s final game of the season.

Brooklyn Christenson had the Viragos’ lone touchdown.

The Viragos trailed 19-6 after the first half, and then Estevan’s defence wore down in the second half, said Kevin Mortenson, one of the coaches with the team.

The Viragos finished fifth in their league with a 0-4 record. The top four teams make the playoffs. Mortenson noted they will lose six players to graduation this season, so he is “very optimistic” about the female program moving forward into next year.

The senior girls team knocked off Weyburn in their game. Photo courtesy of Tamara Franklin

The senior boys’ volleyball team had an exciting win over Weyburn on Wednesday night. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

JOHN JOSEPH BESPFLUG

A FARMER’S CREED

I believe a man’s greatest possession is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming.

I believe hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person’s character.

I believe that farming, despite it’s hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honorable way a man can spend his days on earth.

I believe that many of the best things in life are free; the splendor of a sunrise, the beauty of a sunset, the rapture of wide open spaces, the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring, and your crops ripening in the fall.

I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel proud of the life he’s lived.

With love, your son who misses all those years farming together, the good times and the bad times! What I would not give to take one more walk, or just quietly sit and have one more talk. Love, Robert.

Twenty two years have passed since God called you away. We still miss you, Dad, and always will for though you’re gone, we love you still.

In loving memory of a dear Dad, Father-in-law, and Grandpa.

Love Robert, Wendy, & Christopher.

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Brickery: A gallery of Lego creations is coming back and will showcase people’s skills

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Come indulge in the magnificent world of Lego creations.

Brickery: A Gallery of Lego Creations is coming back to Estevan after almost three years of a break.

Dozens of one-of-akind creations made from Lego, crafted by several adult builders and members of the Saskatchewan Lego Users Group (SLUG), will be on display on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Over60 Club, located down the hall from the Estevan Public Library, at the Estevan Leisure Centre.

Jillian Ursu, who is one of the builders, a member of SLUG and an organizer of Brickery alongside her husband Christopher, said they were really excited to be able to bring the event back.

“We had to cancel our shows for 2020 and 2021

due to COVID, as a lot of people did, so it’s really nice to get back and be ready to go here next Saturday,” Ursu said.

The Ursu family, along with a few other SLUG members, started the Estevan event in 2016, and they had four successful years, being able to bring hobbyists together to demonstrate their builds, but also talk about their passion, techniques, ideas and stories behind their creations.

“The idea to have something in the southeast came from us often joining other shows, where Lego is not the only attraction … We are trying to do more shows where we are one of the main exhibits,” Ursu explained.

In SLUG, there are just over 50 members, and 12 of them will be coming to Estevan to be a part of the local Brickery this year. The Ursus will be the only current

Estevan residents participating in the event. Another couple joining the show this year used to live in the Energy City but they are still a part of the group and will be coming back to join the event. The rest of the builders will be coming from different places in Saskatchewan.

While Lego is a widespread hobby, everything that people will see on display this weekend will

be absolutely unique.

“A lot of people believe that the creations that are displayed at these Lego shows are from the Lego bags, but that is not the case. They’re what we call MOCs, and they are my own creations. They come from the imagination and talents of the builders who come up with the ideas. Some of the ideas are built by a single builder, others are built in collaboration with other

builders,” Ursu explained.

The exhibition will offer a variety of builds, and everyone will be able to find something interesting for themselves. Ursu noted that the event appeals to all ages.

“There’s a huge variety of builds and build types

from vehicles to towns, to mosaics, to real life things, and lots of different ideas coming into play,” she said.

This year they are also going to have a SLUG craft challenge. The members of their group were given a task to build a tower on 16x16 base plates. The towers were to be themed after their chosen mini-figure. They will have their towers on display during the Brickery show, and the organizers will be seeking the public’s help with that challenge by having people vote and helping them decide who the winner is.

“The builder who wins will receive the 2022 SLUG craft trophy, which is made out of Lego and their name will be put on the SLUG craft plaque,” Ursu said.

Admission is free, and people are invited to come and enjoy the show for as long as they want.

82 of the Act)

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

Municipality of Coalfields

Dated this 7th day of October, 2022 Holley Odgers Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Cymri No. 36 Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas, Marnell Eagles nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 4 was the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for this office will take place on November 9th, 2022.

I hereby declare: Marnell Eagles elected by acclamation for a 4-year term for Division No. 4

Whereas, Dallas Toles nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 6 was the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for this office will take place on November 9th, 2022.

I hereby declare: Dallas Toles elected by acclamation for a 4-year term for Division No. 6

Dated at Midale, SK, this 7th day of October, 2022.

Sarah Leck Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ADVANCE VOTING

The Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Municipal Elections 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the council has made provision for advance voting for the benefit of qualified voters.

FOR THE OFFICE OF: COUNCILLOR FOR DIVISION 2

Advance Voting will take place on the following days:

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm; Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 between the hours of 4:00pm and 8:00pm; and Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 between the hours of 11:00am and 6:00pm

POLL at the R.M. of Estevan Municipal office #1-322 4th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan Dated this 7th day of October, 2022

Michelle Dickie, Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL

The Rural Municipality of Cymri No. 36 Municipal Elections 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:

(1) An Advance Poll will be held for the election of: Councillor for Division No. 2

(2) The Advance Poll will take place on Monday, the 31st day of October 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office, 234 Main Street Midale, SK.

Dated at Midale, SK, this 7th day of October, 2022.

Sarah Leck Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas James Trobert, nominated for the office of Councillor of Division Four (4), And;

Whereas Steve Smith, nominated for the office of Councillor of Division Six (6), Were the only candidates nominated for these positions, I hereby declare elected by acclamation, and give notice that no voting for these offices will take place on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022.

Dated this 7th day of October, 2022 Michelle Dickie, Returning Officer

Municipal Elections 2022 Notice of Abandonment of Poll

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act. I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place on November 9, 2022 and the following persons are elected by acclamation:

Donald Hurren Councillor Division 2

Justin Marcotte Councillor Division 4

Stephen Terrett Councillor Division 6

Dated this 7th day of October 2022 Monica Kovach Returning Officer.

NOTICE OF POLL

L

The Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Municipal Elections 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:

(1) A vote will be held for the election of Councillor for Division Two (2)

The vote will take place on Wednesday, the 9th day of November from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

#1, 322 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan

(2) I will declare the result of the voting at the November, 2022 at the hour of 9:15 am.

Michelle Dickie,

NOTICE OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Cymri No. 36 Municipal Elections 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:

(1) A vote will be held for the election of: Councillor for Division No. 2

(2) The vote will take place on Wednesday the 9th day of November 2022, 9:00 a.m. 234 Main Street, Midale, SK.

(3) I will declare the result of the voting

Street, Midale, SK. on Thursday the 10th day of November, 2022, at the hour of 10:00 a.m.

Dated at Midale, SK, this 7th day of October, 2022.

Sarah Leck

The last time unique Lego creations were on display at the leisure centre in Estevan in 2019. File photo

By Ana Bykhovskaia

A great return. After two non-counting years, the annual Estevan Model Engineering Show is coming back to the Wylie-Mitchell Hall on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Oct. 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The best time to stop by the Estevan Model Engineering show is Saturday morning, as some participants only stay for one day, and Sunday usually sees fewer exhibitors.

The oldest event of its kind in North America, it will celebrate its 33rd anniversary this year.

Kelly Tytlandsvik, who’s been building various models since childhood and organizing the event since its inception, said they are very happy to be back and have the show again. The event promises to have a lot of interesting, unique builds, with participants coming from all over Canada and the U.S.

“We hope to get around 40-ish exhibitors, but I never know until that day. I’m expecting people from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota,” Tytlandsvik said.

There should be five builders from the area, and others will be travelling here. Now that the border restrictions are lifted, it will be easier for American engineers to come to Estevan for the show.

There will be a good chance to see many fresh projects, which could have been created during lockdown times, but Tytlandsvik said that until everyone is down and set up with their displays, he wouldn’t know what the show will bring.

“The show I was at not long ago at Rapid City [South Dakota], there were some new engines out there guys had built during COVID because they were stuck at home. So it’s good to see,”

Tytlandsvik noted that the Estevan show attracts different builders than the Rapid City one, so even if someone made it to South Dakota recently, they still should come over as there will be a different group participating.

Estevan guests can expect to see some hand-built operating miniature gas engines and steam engines, as well as some locomotives, tractors and more. Besides, there have been a lot of changes in the world of model engineering. Computer-controlled equipment is coming into the equation more now with

some younger people getting involved. The 3D-printing is more widespread too and more utilized, and Tytlandsvik said the show will have displays demonstrating the progress and recent advancement.

Participants often come with their wives, who also have their hobbies, such as quilting, knitting, painting, geological items, antique sewing machines and more, on display during the show.

Over the years, the group of builders has turned into almost like an extended family that stays in touch virtually to share their hobby and ideas, and sometimes visits each other when travelling. Participants were separated over the COVID years due to restrictions but managed to stay engaged.

“We are a tight-knit group because it’s such a unique hobby. We all keep in touch with each other through email or text or whatever to see if anybody’s got any ideas about something or just to stop by and say hello. If we are travelling, we’ll stop in at somebody’s place and visit for a little bit. Everybody sticks together. We did lose a few during the COVID years, which is sad, but hopefully, we gain a few new people at the show as well. And I do have a couple of new people coming already that I know of,” Tytlandsvik said.

They did hold a Zoom meeting last winter to update each other and keep the connection, but Tytlandsvik said it still wasn’t as exciting as having a real show.

“In person is the way to go,” Tytlandsvik said.

In over three decades of its existence, the Estevan Model

Engineering Show grew significantly. They used to be a one-day event hosted in the hallway of the former Estevan Shoppers Mall. They then switched to two days before fi-

nally moving to Wylie Mitchell Hall. They are now more than double what they were at the mall.

“Every year I’ve had a couple of new members. It’s

Rural Municipality of Benson No.35 Notice of Poll

Municipal Elections 2022

Public Notice is hereby given that:

1. A vote will be held for the election of office for: Reeve

2. The poll on Election Day for qualified voters will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office, 370-1st Avenue, Benson, Saskatchewan.

3. I will declare the result of the voting at Benson on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 9:00 p.m.

Dated this 7th day of October, 2022. Chantel Walsh Returning Officer

Rural Municipality of Benson No. 35

Notice of Advance Poll

Municipal Elections 2022

Public Notice is hereby given that:

1. An advance poll will be held for the election of office for: Reeve

2. Provision has been made for an Advance Poll for the convenience of qualified voters.

Advanced voting will take place on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office, 370-1st Avenue, Benson, Saskatchewan.

Dated this 7th day of October, 2022. Chantel Walsh Returning Officer

crazy how it goes, but that’s what the show is all about so that people would be exposed to the hobby. Somebody new who’s just starting out, can come to the show and see what somebody else is doing.

Maybe he needs some material or needs a little advice or something and he can talk to people. The camaraderie amongst the model builders is very good,” Tytlandsvik shared.

The exhibitors and their wives also get together on Saturday after the show for a supper at the legion.

There is no charge to exhibitors to participate and just a small admission for guests, so Tytlandsvik said that he is grateful for the support he receives from the sponsors, which helps him with building rent and other associated expenses.

“I’m really grateful to Hank’s Maintenance, Frosty’s Motorcycle, The Divide County Historical Society and Joey’s Place in Crosby, North Dakota, for helping with the show,” Tytlandsvik said.

This year admission to the event is by donation.

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

[Section 82 of the Local Government Election Act, 2015]

The Rural Municipality of Benson No. 35 Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas:

Dwight Monteyne, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 2; Kevin Wallewein, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 6 are the only candidate(s), I hereby give notice that no voting for the office(s) will take place on November 9,2022.

Dated at Benson this 7th day of October, 2022.

Chantel Walsh Returning Officer

Kelly Tytlandsvik, who organizes the Estevan Model Engineering Show, was preparing his engines for display. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Flashback Wednesday, Oct. 11,

Students from Westview School participated in the International Walk to School Day in October 2000.

Shown here are some students who also displayed signs they had made up to promote the walk. From left, Wayde Curzon, Ryan Curzon, Braden Thompson, Kayla Steinke-Palmer, Carly Selk and Sara Matte

NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Estevan, pursuant to Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, will consider adoption of the Our Estevan: Zoning Bylaw No. 2022-2061.

The intent of the Bylaw is to provide a comprehensive land use regulation which is consistent with the recently adopted Our Estevan: Official Community Plan.

Prior to consideration of this Bylaw, a public hearing will be held:

October 24,

Council Chambers, City Hall

6:00

The public hearing

Council.

The

opportunity to make presentations

unable to attend may submit written

to the City Clerk.

City

at City Hall during regular office

Stakeholders are also encouraged

contact Land Development Services for the purpose of discussing land use issues related to the Zoning Bylaw

to the public hearing.

STAY &

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GIFT CERTIFICATE Courtesy of

COBRA DRIVER

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Estevan students had an impressive showing at the South East District Athletic Association cross-country meet in Oxbow on Oct. 5

Many students from the southeast region were at the competition. Races were held for students in Grades 7-12.

Several athletes from the Estevan Comprehensive School qualified for provincials in Melfort on Oct. 15. Sarah Kamel finished first in the intermediate girls’ division with a time of 15 minutes and 13.91 seconds to win the district medal.

Phillip Gellner qualified in the junior boys with a time of 20 minutes and 35.46 seconds. Osama Kamel qualified in the senior boys’ race with a time of 27 minutes and 49.88 seconds. Kylie Phil-

lipchuk (27 minutes and 8.49 seconds) and Kristen Carlson (26 minutes and 5.74 seconds) qualified in the senior girls and will go to provincials for the third time.

Also competing from ECS were Jaxson Schad (intermediate boys), and Logan Neilson, Moksh Rabari and Ethan Ostrander (junior boys).

Coach Kelly Phillipchuk described it as the toughest district course they have encountered in many years.

Also at the event, Adeon Sullivan of Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Ceour was first in the Grade 8 boys with a time of 12 minutes and 53.96 seconds.

Other age group winners were Will Sutter of Redvers School with a time of nine

minutes and 12.59 seconds in Grade 7 boys; Brynn Hanna of Rocanville, Grade 7 girls, 10 minutes and 39.49 seconds; Rylie Gervais of the Weyburn Comprehensive School, Grade 8 girls, 14 minutes and 25.17 seconds; Luke Holman of McNaughton High School in Moosomin, intermediate boys, 11 minutes and 32.36 seconds; Aldwin Kasi of the Oxbow Prairie Horizons School, junior boys, 18 minutes and 26.20 seconds; Mary Lee NcNeil of Oxbow Prairie Horizons, junior girls, 23 minutes and 16.97 seconds; Zayn Leslie, McNaughton School, senior boys, 22 minutes and 49.20 seconds; and McKenzie Miller of Oxbow, senior girls, 21 minutes and 15.21 seconds.

Bruce Haralson loves to swim. And he has found a knack for swimming great distances.

The Estevan athlete recently entered the Crown the King competition at Waskesiu Lake north of Prince Albert. Swimming in the four-kilometre division, he placed sixth among the 23 participants, finishing in a time of one hour and 6.07 seconds. He shaved about five minutes off of his time from 2021.

Haralson said he was pleased with his result.

“I’ve had a background in swimming. I’ve also done open-water swimming for quite a while,” said Haralson, who has competed in swims as long as 12 kilometres.

“I heard there was one [open-water] race in Saskatchewan, so I thought it would be neat to do that kind of thing again,” he added later.

He also competed in triathlons and has been in other fitness events prior to entering Crown the King. This is the only outdoor, openwater swimming event that he knows of in Saskatchewan that has a swim as long as four kilometres.

The event starts at King Island, and swimmers are vying to be crowned the King of Waskesiu.

It started with 12 swimmers and has grown over the past few years to become a Labour Day tradition.

Swimmers have traditionally had three options:

circumnavigate King Island, which is the four-kilometre swim; take a shuttle and then swim the 1.6 kilometres back; or participate in

a 10-kilometre marathon swim. The 10-kilometre option was cancelled this year.

Completing a long-distance, open-water swim of

four or five kilometres provides a real thrill, he said.

“No matter how badly you’re swimming, once you get to the finish line, you feel like you accomplished something,” said Haralson.

It’s also nice being able to swim outdoors in a large body of water.

“It’s nice to do lane swimming in the pool, but when you go in the open water, it’s more of a challenge. You get the elements like the waves … and sometimes it’s smooth. Open water you don’t have the black lines, so that makes keeping your line quite challenging, too. So it’s a bit more of a challenge in open water than it is in the pool.”

A four-kilometre swim forces a competitor to swim

for an hour or two. For those who have competed in other sports, he compared it to a 16 or 20-kilometre run.

“Those that swim, they will probably understand that four kilometres is a long distance,” said Haralson.

Haralson hopes to be part of the 10-kilometre race next year. He would like to see more swimmers entered between the different distances.

“Next year … Crown the King should have quite a variety of distances. Next year they’re thinking about adding a 10-kilometre swimming race to it. And then they’re going to stick with four kilometres, and for those that don’t feel comfortable with four kilometres, there’s the 1,600-metre swim as well.”

Police investigating series of collisions in Estevan

The Estevan Police Service has opened an impaired driving investigation as a result of a series of collisions in north-central Estevan during the Thanksgiving long weekend.

According to information supplied by the EPS, a southbound vehicle struck a tree, then crossed the boulevard before entering an intersection. It then hit a fence and another tree on the op-

posite side of the same intersection.

The vehicle sustained very heavy damage as a result and was towed from the scene.

The 38-year-old man from Argyle was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with undetermined injuries.

The matter remains under investigation. The Mercury will have any updates as they become available.

In other recent police news, an Estevan man is facing several charges after a complaint received in early October.

According to the Oct. 3 police report, the EPS said they had arrested a 19-yearold Estevan man the night before. The man is facing two counts of assault, along with charges of assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats and assault by choking.

He was released on conditions of no contact with the two victims and will appear in court in November to answer to the charges.

Police received a complaint of a vehicle versus cyclist collision at the intersection of Sixth Street and 13th Avenue. The matter is still under investigation.

Members attended to a residence in the 1300-block of Seventh Street and ar-

rested a 37-year-old man for failing to comply with his undertaking. He was lodged in cells and released with further conditions.

Police received a report Oct. 5 of dogs running at large and possibly biting people. Members attended and located the dogs. Matter is still under investigation.

A report came in of a suspicious male in the north

end of the city. Members located the male and he was out for a walk. Nothing further was required.

Several calls came in through the Report Impaired Drivers line. Vehicles were located and drivers were all found to be sober.

Members received a report of harassing communication. Both parties were spoken to and the matter is still under investigation.

Competing at high school cross-country districts were, back row, from left, Phillip Gellner, Ethan Ostrander, Kristen Carlson, Kylie Phillipchuk and Sarah Kamel Front row, Logan Neilson, Jaxson Schad, Osama Kamel and Moksh Rabari

Photo courtesy of Kelly Phillipchuk

Estevan’s Bruce Haralson recently competed at the Crown the King swimming competition at Waskesiu Lake. Photo courtesy of Aimee Haralson

reUnited!

&

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

DONATING

There are several ways to donate! Donations are accepted through our website: unitedwayestevan.com, through e-transfer to etransfer@unitedwayestevan.com, by phone at 306-340-GOAL (306-340-4625) during the telethon, and in person at the telethon. Donations for United Way Estevan are accepted at any of the local banks or Credit Union up until November 1st.

HOW TO WATCH

• Live Stream on our website: www.unitedwayestevan.com!

• AccessNow TV (formerly Access 7).

AUDIENCE

We are so excited to once again be able to connect with the entire community and invite everyone to come to the Legion Hall to participate. The Telethon will run from 8:00 AM on Oct. 14th to 5:00 PM on Oct. 15th.

BID ITEMS

• Bid Items are live on Facebook!

• At Telethon, you can call the Bid Line at 306-340-4629 to place bids and bidding will also continue online on the Facebook page while the telethon is happening.

• Bid items will be frequently shown on TV and the Live Stream throughout the telethon.

ENTERTAINMENT

We are so excited that almost all of our entertainers will be live at the Legion Hall this year!

Friday, October 14th

8:00 AM Opening Ceremonies

8:30 AM Doris Trobert and Kristy Phillips

9:00 AM Interview – EPYC (Estevan Public Youth Centre)

9:15 AM Interview – Estevan Regional Nursing Home Auxiliary

9:30 AM Spruce Ridge School

10:00 AM Interview – ECS Student in Need Food Program

10:15 AM Sacred Heart School

10:45 AM Interview – Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan

11:00 AM Pleasantdale School Choir

11:15 AM Hillcrest School

11:45 AM Interview – Creighton Lodge Trust Committee

12:00 PM Interview – Envision Counselling and Support Centre

12:15 PM Macoun School

12:30 PM Prairie Bell Singers

1:00 PM St. Mary’s School

1:15 PM Interview - CNIB

1:30 PM Bid Items

1:45 PM Interview – Estevan Family Resource Centre

2:00 PM Karissa Hoffart

2:15 PM Coffee Painting with Lauren

3:00 PM Interview – St. Joseph’s Adult Day Program

3:15 PM Blair Biech

3:30 PM Interview – SaskAbilities

3:45 PM Marilyn Simons

4:15 PM Levi Stepp

4:30 PM Drewitz School of Dance

5:30 PM Interview – 211 Saskatchewan

5:45 PM PPCLI Army Cadets Pipes and Drums

6:00 PM Shannon Martin Piano Students

6:15 PM Bid Items

6:30 PM Interview – Estevan Diversified Services

6:45 PM Josh & Shastan McQueen

7:15 PM Ruff Justice

7:45 PM Bid Items 8:00 PM Cook-off 9:00 PM Riley Horton 9:30 PM Maria Dance Class

10:15 PM Living Hope Community Church 10:45 PM Jesse Gibson Band 11:45 PM Last Birds

Saturday, October 15th

12:15 AM ECS SRC Takeover

6:00 AM Last Birds

6:30 AM Yoga with Heidi 7:00 AM Karissa Hoffart

7:15 AM Energize with Encompass

7:45 AM Bid Items

8:00 AM Interview – Canadian Red Cross

8:15 AM St. Giles Anglican Choir

8:30 AM The Pyra Family

8:45 AM Margaret Duncan Piano Students

9:15 AM Estevan Gymnastics

9:45 AM Interview – Hillcrest Breakfast Club

10:00 AM Brad & Ashley Brown

10:30 AM

Interview – St. Joseph’s Health Care Auxiliary 10:45 AM Dustin & Grace Hall

11:00 AM Bake Off

11:30 AM

Interview – Estevan Area Literacy Group

11:45 AM Caragana Ramblers

12:30 PM Bid Items

12:45 PM Estevan Recreational Dance

1:15 AM Lisa Kuntz

1:45 PM Bid Items

2:00 PM Robert Godfrey

2:15 PM Interview - Day of Caring

2:45 PM The Daae Family