Estevan Mercury 20221116

Joining

Cross.

Estevan gathers to honour and remember those who served at annual service

By David Willberg

Sad anniversary.

Police continue to seek information on 2015 case. PAGE A5

For the first time in three years, the annual Remembrance Day Service organized by the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was held indoors, and it felt much closer to normal.

The service was held Friday at the Estevan Comprehensive School. The last two editions were held outdoors at the city’s cenotaph due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A lot of the familiar elements associated with the indoor service returned this year, too, after condensed programs were held in 2020 and 2021.

Look to the future.

Career Fair returns to the Estevan Comprehensive School. PAGE A6

Troy LeBlanc, who is the chairperson of the Remembrance Day committee and the MC of this year’s ceremony, said it was good to see the number of people present for the indoor service. He had mixed feelings being indoors, because tradition is to have a service at a cenotaph. Estevan’s service had been indoors for many years prior to COVID.

“With the minus whatever it is outside right now, I’m not complaining about being indoors,” said LeB-

lanc, alluding to the frigid temperatures outside on Remembrance Day this year.

He was grateful for the support of the community to continue to honour veterans.

After the opening

Legion

Second World War veteran Jim Spenst receives honour from France

One of the last Second World War veterans still alive in southeast Saskatchewan was honoured on Remembrance Day for his efforts to help liberate France from German forces nearly 80 years ago.

Jim Spenst of Estevan was presented with the rank of knight with the National Order of the Legion of Honour in France. It is the highest French order of merit for military or civilian accomplishments.

who is France’s ambassador to Canada.

Craig Bird with the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and the South East Military Museum read Miraillet’s letter while Spenst was being recognized.

West Texas bound. Raegan Walter secures softball scholarship to U.S. college.

PAGE A10

“Please accept our sincere congratulations on this honour. This distinction, the Legion of Honour, is the highest national honour order in France,” wrote Michel Miraillet,

Miraillet went on to express the “profound gratitude” that France has for Spenst and other Canadian soldiers in freeing the country during the Second World War. France remembers the sacrifice of all of Spenst’s compatriots who came to dislodge the Germans.

Spenst was presented with an insignia by his son Daryl, who was among those in attendance.

Members of the army and air cadets served as sentries for the service at the cenotaph.

prayers, processional and singing of O Canada, there was the playing of the Last Post, two minutes of silence and Reveille.

president Jim (Frosty) Forrest read the Roll of Honour – the list

of people from the Estevan area who have died while serving their country. Forrest and sergeant-at-arms Willie Forrest placed a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Jacob Pyra read the be-

loved poem In Flanders Field. William Duncan and his sister Rachel were this year’s guest speakers. They discussed the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.

Estevan legion president Jim (Frosty) Forrest, left, congratulates Jim Spenst, right, while Troy LeBlanc looks on. Photo courtesy of Craig Bird

The Duncans, who are members of the No. 2901 Estevan Army Cadet Corps, reflected on the Dieppe Raid, which occurred in France in 1942. The 80th anniversary of the battle was observed earlier this year.

As part of their presentation, Rachel asked a question and William answered. For example, when Rachel asked why Dieppe was attacked, William was ready with an answer.

“This mission was simple: gather intelligence, seize a fort, destroy defences and get out,” said William.

He noted the Soviet Union was also pressuring the Allied forces to open a second front in Western Europe.

Five thousand Canadian troops were among those who participated. But the Germans were prepared for the attack and sounded the alarm.

It proved to be Canada’s darkest hour of the war, William said. A total 3,167 troops were killed or wounded. Many of the injured became prisoners of war. A naval attack was unsuccessful.

The raid was described as a victory in Canada at the time, but as further reports were released and names of the deceased were revealed, the truth became known.

Rachel asked if anything was gained from the attack. William replied that some maintain the lessons learned from Dieppe contributed to the Allies’ success during the D-Day invasion 22 months later in June 1944.

Two Canadians did receive the Victorian Cross for their actions during the battle, and William noted the

Canadian forces were very brave that day.

William said it was an honour to tell the story of the Canadians who fought in the battle, and the Duncans vowed to remember those who have served.

After their speech, an offering was taken for disabled war veterans. At that time, a multimedia presentation was shown with photos of people from the Estevan area who served their country.

The cenotaph service followed, with dignitaries, community leaders, service group

representatives, veterans and others laying wreaths.

Members of the No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadet Squadron and the No. 2901 Estevan Army Cadet squadron served as guards at the cenotaph and accompanied those laying wreaths.

In the past two years, only a few wreaths were placed at the outdoor cenotaph.

“We were able to have every wreath laid on behalf of organizations and dignitaries, and thankfully we were able to get a few new wreath layers this year,” said LeBlanc.

The ceremony ended with those in attendance singing God Save the King – the first time it has been sung at a Remembrance Day service in 70 years following the death of the Queen earlier this year.

Many of those in attendance placed their poppies at the cenotaph following the service.

Lunch was served at the legion after the service. There was supposed to be a brief outdoor ceremony at the cenotaph during the afternoon, but it was called off due to the weather conditions.

Spenst joined the army at age 17

« A1 “It attests to your courage and your devotion to the ideals of liberty and peace,” said Miraillet.

The ceremony took place during a luncheon at the Estevan legion branch, following Estevan’s Remembrance Day service.

In an interview with the Mercury in November 2018, Spenst recalled that he joined the North Battleford Light Infantry reserve unit while still living in his hometown of Meadow Lake. More than two years later, on Nov. 11, 1943, Spenst enlisted for active duty

with the service corps, and he went to Red Deer, Alta., for his training.

He was only 17 years of age when he joined the army, and like many in his generation, he lied about his age to serve his country.

Spenst was eventually deployed to France in July 1944, a few weeks after the D-Day invasion along the shores of Normandy in northwest France. He was also part of the liberation of the Netherlands.

“If we go there, they treat us like kings,” Spenst said during the interview four years ago.

Bird noted that for Spenst to receive the honour, the local legion branch had to get his service record to confirm Spenst’s time in France.

There were forms that had to be filled out. The local legion went to Veterans Affairs and was forwarded to the Canadian Embassy and the French government. Then the application went back to the Canadian government.

Bird noted that the French government likes to have someone from their nation’s consulate attend, but

they couldn’t make it due to Remembrance Day.

The process took about six to eight months from when the legion first applied until Spenst received the honour. The award was created several years ago by the French government to honour Canadians.

As required by Canadian regulations regarding the decorations of Canadian citizens by foreign states, France contacted the Canadian government to set in motion the process of having the decoration officially approved.

Members of the Estevan Fire Rescue Service had a busy week, highlighted by a tanker fire on Nov. 8.

The fire occurred at the intersection of Kensington Avenue, Nesbitt Drive and Rooney Road.

Estevan Fire Chief Rick

Davies said their dispatch service received multiple calls around noon about the incident. When they arrived, they found the back end of the truck was on fire.

There was no other damage other than to the rear driver-side tires of the truck.

The driver was not injured.

Everyone in the vicinity was told to stay clear as much as possible. The Estevan Police Service was at the scene to keep traffic at bay. Neighbouring businesses did not have to be evacuated.

It was one of a number of calls during a busy week for the fire department. Three calls came in on Nov. 7.

Fire crews were called to a reported collision south of the city early that day. Ac-

In the afternoon, there was a two-vehicle incident on the north side of the city. Upon arrival, Luc said the fire department learned their services weren’t required.

That night, they were called to a reported structure fire in east Estevan.

“Once on scene, it was determined that it was a cooking incident and there was a small fire that was in an oven that was already extinguished when crews got on scene,” said Luc.

Early on Nov. 8, firefighters were called to a commercial fire alarm in south Estevan. No emergency was occurring, so firefighters reset the alarm panel.

Crews were called to a reported two-vehicle collision in west Estevan on Nov. 9. While en route, they were told their services were not needed.

Two days later, they were called to another reported structure fire at a north Estevan apartment complex. It was determined to be a cooking incident, so crews ventilated the building and returned to the fire hall.

On Nov. 12, they were called to another reported structure fire on the west end. Other emergency crews also responded.

“There was some smoke in the residence, and it ended up being an issue with the furnace that was quickly resolved,” Luc said.

Rachel Duncan, left, and her brother William were the guest speakers for this year’s Remembrance Day service.

“It appeared to be an issue with the tires and the braking system,” said

Davies.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and cool the tank to ensure there were no issues. The tanker was empty.

cording to Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Luc, somebody’s phone accidentally called 911, and there wasn’t a collision.

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service and other emergency crews were called to a fire on Nov. 8.

| Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Estevan Salvation Army has a $90,000 goal for this year’s Christmas campaigns

By David Willberg

The Estevan Salvation Army is getting ready for what is typically its busiest time of the year.

The organization has set a goal of $90,000 for its Christmas campaign. It hopes to generate $20,000 through its kettle drive and another $70,000 for its letter appeal. The letters are to be sent to homes in the community soon.

Last year the Salvation Army had a goal of $90,000 as well, a figure they surpassed. Director of ministry Ronza Reynard said they’re optimistic they’ll be able to eclipse the $90,000 mark again.

“Costs have gone up,” she said. “We have seen a 29 per cent increase in adults this year using the food bank, and a 42 per cent increase in children using the food bank. Cost of food so far this year is … an additional 12 per cent.”

The Salvation Army believes their expense and their client load will continue to increase.

“This is by far our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Reynard.

The ministry wants to continue with programs it offers for the community. Not only does it operate the foodbank, but it has a backto-school backpack initiative, a school lunch effort, a seniors’ lunch a couple of times each month and other efforts. The fundraising at Christmas time helps them operate their programs for the start of the year.

“We appreciate every toonie and loonie that goes into those kettles. It does add up,” said Reynard.

The Salvation Army has already started reaching out to individuals, businesses and service groups to see if they would be interested in volunteering at their kettles. They will be at Walmart and the Southern Plains Co-op’s grocery store every day except for Sunday from Dec. 1-24.

Kettles will also be located at Clifton’s No Frills three times per week and the Estevan Market Mall twice a week. There will also be what Reynard called a “countertop

tip tap” at the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority liquor store in Estevan.

“The last two years, we’ve had a new machine at the kettle where you could just touch your debit card or credit card to a dollar value, so we’re going to have one of those at the liquor store and that will be there all of the time in December,” said Reynard.

People can use their debit and credit cards to donate at the co-op and at Walmart.

Reynard said they also need volunteers to stock shelves, put away groceries at the food bank or help with work around the building.

The Salvation Army will also be filling Christmas hampers this year, and is partnering with the Estevan Community Hamper Association to get as many people signed up who need assistance at Christmas for food and/or toys.

She’s not surprised that the Salvation Army has been busier than in previous years. They’re seeing the trend at the Weyburn location, and it’s happening at a lot of

food banks in Saskatchewan and across the Prairies.

“More and more people are coming through our doors, either for the first time or on a more consistent basis. We just want to be able to accept everybody when they come and have stuff for them,” said Reynard.

The Salvation Army has seen more people coming in with a monetary donation for the food bank as opposed to groceries. That money is then used to replenish the food bank’s shelves.

“Sometimes it’s easier to drop off $20 or a cheque or something to us, and then we use that money to go and pay for food,” said Reynard. “This money is helping us make the food bank a better place.”

Earlier this year, the Salvation Army shifted to

a grocery store format for the foodbank. Clients get to walk through the store to select the food they need.

“It will increase the dignity to the people that come to us. It will increase the amount of money that we can save on the things that we don’t really need in our food bank. And it gives us better buying power to have fresh fruits and vegetables and your dairies and your meats – things that we can put in the hamper and that just makes a better hamper for the individual or family that comes and sees us.”

Despite the growing demand, the Salvation Army’s food stocks are in good shape. The Blow Away Hunger promotion with Golden West Broadcasting will happen at the Southern Plains Co-op’s Estevan gro-

cery store on Nov. 17. Blow Away Hunger will also happen at co-op locations in Oxbow and Carlyle that day to help efforts in those communities.

Other food drives are planned in the Estevan area in the coming weeks.

Also, the Estevan Bruins’ Teddy Bear Toss night will happen on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. during a game against the La Ronge Ice Wolves. When the Bruins score their first goal of the night, fans will toss their teddy bears and other stuffed animals on the ice.

And the CP Rail Holiday Train, which generates donations for the food bank, will be stopping in Estevan on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. Kelly Prescott and Alan Doyle are scheduled to provide entertainment.

Erin Wilson joins the Order of the Red Cross

By David Willberg

Estevan’s Erin Wilson has been recognized for her many years of service to the Canadian Red Cross.

Wilson was inducted into the Order of the Red Cross during an event in Toronto on Oct. 24. Up to 25 people from across Canada are enshrined into the order each year.

“It’s not something that they hand out [to anybody],” said Wilson. “It’s something that the process is a bit complex, and it’s certainly something that I’m very proud of.”

Four other people were recognized at the event she attended. She noted that her award number is 344, and she believes only 345 have been selected for the honour.

The citation that came with the award explained a lot of what Wilson has done over the years with the agen-

cy. A lot of her work has to do with the volunteer time that she has contributed in order to help improve water safety, and things she has done through first aid and the aquatic program.

“I’ve travelled to China to work with the technical team to train the water safety instructors in their country, and I also travelled to South Africa to present on the Canadian volunteer program that we have here in order to encourage others to have similar process,” said Wilson.

“So it’s really about devoting time and the fundamental principles that the Red Cross Society has … to represent and exemplify those.”

Wilson started as a swimming instructor with the Red Cross when she was 16. Over the years, her service has evolved to more projects. She moved into re-

vamping and reorganizing the swimming programs for recertification and training options.

The trip to China came in 2014 was particularly meaningful. Tens of thousands of children drown in

that country every year, and Wilson was among those to provide the Chinese with some tools to help make changes.

“I don’t feel like I’m doing anything special. I’m just doing something that I love, and to be recognized for the time and the activities that I’ve done is just icing [on the cake]. But I would never be doing it just to claim an award like this,” said Wilson.

Joining the Order of the Red Cross causes her to look back on what she has done with the organization over the years, and she is grateful to her family and friends who supported those activities.

“It’s an award that I’ve received, but I definitely couldn’t have received it without having such a fantastic support team,” she said.

Wilson looks forward to

being involved with the Red Cross.

“With the water safety program being removed from the Red Cross, it will be interesting to see what new adventures my volunteering takes with the Red Cross now,” she said.

She might be involved with first aid, psychological first aid or disaster management, but she won’t be leaving the Red Cross any time soon.

Wilson isn’t aware of anyone else from the Estevan area who has received the award, but she described Estevan as a community filled with great volunteers, and she would like to meet anyone who has received the award.

And she encourages people to volunteer and be involved with the Canadian Red Cross, because there are lots of ways to use their specific talents to help others

Estevan Salvation Army director of ministry Ronza Reynard is looking forward to this year’s Christmas campaigns.

The CP Rail Holiday Train, which offers support for the food bank, will return to Estevan on Dec. 18. File photo

Erin Wilson was inducted into the Order of the Red Cross last month. Photo courtesy of Erin Wilson

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Thank the energy sector for Moe money

Has your Moe Money cheque arrived yet?

Contact us: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca

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People are starting to receive the $500 cheques, billed as the Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit, that the provincial government promised back in August. These cheques were billed as a way to help Saskatchewan residents offset the added cost of living due to inflation.

Each person in Saskatchewan who filed an income tax return for the 2021 tax year by Oct. 31 is eligible.

Granted, the cheques won’t fully offset the higher cost of living facing most Saskatchewan residents. Inflation has been so hard on so many of us, and it has impacted the cost of everything from food to fuel to clothing, and everything in between.

You can question the government’s motives with the $500 cheques, and whether the money would have been spent better elsewhere, such as health-care, education or social services. (We could have used some additional financial support for our new nursing home in Estevan. You know, the one that we’ve had the necessary funding for since 2015. And Carlyle would have liked to see a commitment to their new school.

You could argue the province could have used the money generated by increased resource revenues to pay down debt that has been accumulating in the past few years, or it could have directed the money towards replenishing the rainy-day fund. Or it could have been selective in deciding who gets the $500 cheques, because there will be people receiving the money who don’t need it.

method that will provide a measure of assistance to virtually everyone in the province, and it’s a lot easier to go with $500 for most people, than to make some people happy by funding some projects and operations, and ticking off others by shunning them.

We also need to remember that the Moe money or Moe bucks, as it’s been billed, is only happening because we’re blessed with the natural resources that we have.

For example, when the provincial government announced their budget back in March, they forecasted the average price of oil would be US$75.75 per barrel. At the time, the price of oil was well north of that figure, and many thought it would be a conservative estimate. The government budgeted for a deficit, but if the price of oil remained well north of the average budgeted amount, there would be a surplus.

Well, the price of oil has been well north of US$75.75 this year. And even if the price of oil takes a sudden dive for the final four months of the fiscal year, Saskatchewan should still have a budget surplus.

We might sound like a broken record for saying this, but we should be grateful to have these natural resources, such as the oil and gas sector, such as the mining sector, in our province. Those of us who live in southeast Saskatchewan grasp the benefits of oil and gas, and we have no problem saying thanks.

gardless of the economic consequences.

It must pain them to know that the strength of the energy sector is why they’ll receive $500 in the mail in the coming days. But will it pain them to deposit that cheque into their bank account?

Perhaps they’ll decide to donate the money to charity. Maybe they’ll pick a charity that will fall in line with their beliefs.

But they won’t express their gratitude with the oil and gas sector, and its employees.   There is a balance that needs to be struck between what’s good for the economy and what’s good for the environment. We can’t allow industry to run roughshod over us. But we’re need to be thankful for what we have here, and we should capitalize on it. We’re lucky to have the oil resources. We’re lucky to have natural gas. We’re lucky to have potash, uranium, coal, lithium, helium and other forms of mining.   And we’re damn lucky to have agriculture. It built this province. It remains our backbone. And our farmers are the best you’ll find anywhere. Farming is an industry that has such a slim margin for error. Some farmers did not have success this year, others had a very prosperous year. But they’re making great contributions to our economy, too, and we wouldn’t have our Moe bucks without them.

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But the government came up with a

But you might have some in other markets, particularly the big cities, who don’t understand the impact of oil, and if they do, they wish that it would merely go away, and we would “leave it in the ground”, re-

I finally rode a camel

It was quite the journey. Our Saskatchewan crew of 11 has been having an incredible journey through Egypt and Jordan.

This trip will have 10 different flights and six airports. We’ll stay in eight hotels and sail on one cruise ship, all of which were four- or five-star quality. We boated for four days on the Nile River. So many airplanes, buses and feluccas. I averaged over 10,000 steps a day.

In Egypt, 97 per cent of the country is desert. Thankfully the remaining three per cent is the Nile River Delta, lush, green and full of life.

We saw pyramids and tombs, obelisks and catacombs. Plenty of minarets, museums and mummies. We saw poverty and squalor. But we also saw beautiful streets and buildings only a few metres away. I petted a small crocodile and one supper included pigeon as an entree. It tasted like chicken. I sampled and fell in love with hibiscus tea, which is tart and magenta coloured.

We learned a lot about Middle East culture. Their work week is from Sunday to Thursday. Their preferred day for a wedding is Wednesday. Smoking is permitted everywhere, even in restaurants and hotels.

If you consider Jordan to be a country in Asia, that makes five continents that

I have visited. Only missing Australia, Antarctica and Mars.

Post COVID-19, tourism in Egypt is booming again. It is a melting pot hosting travellers from all over the world. At the Royal Egyptian Museum in Cairo, I saw tour groups from as far away as Bolivia and New Zealand. There were as many French and Spanish touring groups as there were from North America.

It has been nearly four years since I went to South America, and I am still learning how to travel. I brought my most comfortable runners and never wore my sandals. Casual wear was the order of the day, but dress pants were worn at suppertime.

On day two of this latest journey, I travelled three hours one way on a bus from Cairo to Alexandria. Combined with overeating and over exertion, I was exhausted and developed cramps on day three. Too many changes for my body at one time.

The US dollar is still considered the

When we receive the $500 cheques in the mail, it’s a reminder of what we have here. If we didn’t have these resources, our economy wouldn’t be as strong as it is, our province wouldn’t be as strong as it is, and the government might not be in a position to offer relief.

king of the currencies. I just didn’t pack enough of them. Dollars are needed daily for paying your bus drivers, bartering, tipping the hotel and cabin staff, and in many cases just going to the bathroom, even in public airports.

On my next adventure, I wanted to show my Canadian colours more. At King Tut’s tomb, my green Saskatchewan Roughriders’ shirt drew interest from a couple of Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans. You just never know who you will run into.

Could we have cram more into our trip? No. Could we have taken it easier? Yes. There is a fine line between seeing everything and running yourself ragged. The balancing act between both is tough.

Arabs are very proud of their heritage and were a pleasure to be around. One person we met, Randa, was simply the best and most knowledgeable tour guide

I have ever known. And of course, I want to thank my friend Marsha McLean for taking care of us.

And finally, I had a tough time enjoying my camel ride. These are massive animals, and my fellow was a prancer. I held on for dear life the entire time and was more than happy to disembark.

Another remarkable journey has been removed from my bucket list. Where to next, who knows?

It’s still Canada’s greatest event

David Willberg Willberg’s World

For the first time in nine years, the Grey Cup is going to be played in Saskatchewan.

Granted, the level of excitement isn’t what it was when the game was last here in 2013. In fact, you could argue the excitement for the game is the lowest it’s been for the four editions in Saskatchewan.

When it was in Saskatchewan in 1995, it was here for the first time. Eight years later, the Saskatchewan Roughriders lost in the Western Final. And in 2013, the Riders played in the game as the host team, and proceed to throttle the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the championship game in what was a thrilling moment for the legion of Rider Nation members.

This year’s Rider team was far from championship material. They went 6-10 and missed the playoffs after reaching the West Division Final the previous two seasons. Their offensive line was rather ineffective, reinforcing the fact that success in professional football is predicated on your ability to succeed in the trenches.

I’m not saying the Riders are a Grey Cup team with a revamped offensive line, but it’s hard to succeed when your offensive line is your biggest weakness.

Also hurting the excitement for the game is the halftime show. They didn’t announce it until a couple of weeks ago. And the performers don’t scream “worth the wait.” Adding to my lack of eagerness about half time is that two of the three musicians aren’t Canadian.

I’ve long maintained that if our taxpayer dollars are going to go to an event like Grey Cup, the performers need to be Canadian.

I know you want a marquee act for half-time, but they should be Canadian. Maybe I’ll find a replay of the Arkells playing last year in Hamilton. Or of Shania Twain entering via dogsled at the 2017 Grey Cup in Ottawa.

I’m far more excited about who will sing the national anthem. Teagan Littlechief, the gifted performer from the White Bear First Nations, will be singing O Canada. She has been the anthem singer for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for years. And she has earned this opportunity.

(Those of us who were at the first Estevan Idol competition in 2002 marvelled at her talent as she sang Broken Wing to win the final).

People in the southeast and elsewhere in Saskatchewan know what a talent she is. By the time the Grey Cup starts, anyone watching the game on TV will know who she is.

Regardless of your level of excitement for the game, Saskatchewan is still hosting the Grey Cup. It’s still our country’s greatest festival. And it’s still something to be excited about, regardless of whether you’ll be at the game or the festivities.

There’s a lot going on throughout the week. People are coming from across the country. Others will be heading to the game for the festivities.

You’ll have team hospitality suites, cabarets and other parties. Regina’s hospitality sector will be ready to welcome the country. Their hotels, bars and restaurants will want to leave a positive impression. And so will the other businesses in the community.

(If you’re in Regina, I highly recommend dropping by one or two of Regina’s craft breweries. Or all of them. They have some dandies).

We might see history made this year. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be trying to be the first time since the Edmonton Eskimos dynasty of the late 1970s and early 1980s to win three straight Grey Cups. (Edmonton went on to win five). Standing in their way will be the Toronto Argonauts.

You can be sure there will be a lot of Bomber fans at the game. And you can be sure a lot of Rider fans will be cheering against the Bombers. So there will be more fans cheering for the Argos at a game in Regina than at any Argos’ game in Toronto this year.

If you’re going to the Grey Cup, enjoy it. If you’re on the fence about whether to go since the Riders didn’t make it, I hope you’ll still attend. It’s worth going to and enjoying, regardless of who’s playing, even if it’s supposed to be freezing cold once the game begins.

And if you’re going up for the parties and the other festivities, have a great time. Just remember to revel safely.

It’s the Grey Cup. It’s an incredible Canadian sports tradition. And it’s going to be a great week for Saskatchewan, even if we have to watch a team from Winnipeg celebrate with the championship once the game is done.

What

The editor:

This letter is in regards to your column in the Estevan Mercury on Nov. 2.

In my opinion, the Saskatchewan Party intentionally allowed private liquor stores to open to give them an excuse to close the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority liquor stores.

As a former federal government employee who was declared surplus three times before I reached the retirement criteria, I very much feel for the SLGA employees who will be laid off. To suggest they go to work at the private stores is ridiculous.

Their salary and ben-

efits would be severely reduced as the private stores will put the profits in their pockets instead of the provincial coffers.

In my opinion, it is like a desperate farmer selling a good milk-producing cow for a short-term profit and then not having any milk to drink. That cow would continue to pro-

duce milk for the provincial coffers forever.

This is not like Saskatchewan Transportation Company which was losing money; SLGA stores are making money and lots of it. What will Moe privatise next and why?

Gerald Shauf Estevan

Estevan Police Service continues to investigate Alexander’s suspicious death seven years ago

By David Willberg

Gerry Alexander continues to hold out hope that someone will step forward regarding the death of his son Geoffrey seven years ago.

Geoffrey Alexander went missing on Nov. 12, 2015. His remains were discovered in a valley in west Estevan several weeks later on Dec. 21 of that year. He was 33 when he died.

The Estevan Police Service, which has described the death as “suspicious”, issued another request for information from the public last week as it continues its investigation.

Gerry Alexander said he and Geoffrey’s mother went to see the EPS two weeks ago for an update on the case. Gerry Alexander said nothing has changed since three years ago when his son’s death was publicly described as suspicious for the first time.

“They need more proof or evidence to bring somebody forth, but they don’t have enough evidence, and that’s what we’re after, is for people who hopefully know something [to step forward]. I feel in my heart that there are people who know something about Geoff ’s death, and we need them to come forward so we can find out what happened to our son,” said Gerry.

Losing someone you love at a young age never leaves you, he said.

“Not knowing what happened to our son, how he got into the valley and what transpired, it eats away at you. You learn to live with it, but you never get over it,” said Gerry.

He hopes getting the case back into the media will create more awareness.

“It’s not right that we can’t find out what happened to our son,” said Gerry.

When Geoffrey went missing seven years ago, the

family was actively searching for him. Posters were put up in Estevan and other communities around the province.

“There really wasn’t much set up in 2015 for the parents and the family to do [anything] or actually help. We were always constantly going back to the police and asking them ‘What should we do next?’” said Gerry.

Seven years is too long to wait to find out what happened the day his son died, he said.

The EPS issued a similar request for information three years ago.

“I think it’s important for us as investigators just to remind the public,” said Det.-Sgt. Trevor Roberts with the EPS. “Sometimes they do have information on these cases. It could be new to them in their memory, and maybe they hadn’t thought of it in the past.

“But certainly there are sometimes also those circumstances where somebody has a piece of information that they feel is common knowledge or something that possibly could have been shared with police.”

Alexander’s age, and the circumstances of where he

was found, gave the EPS grounds to treat the death as suspicious, Roberts said.

“This isn’t something that stands out that was … expected, or something somebody could have seen coming based on conditions on those lines,” said Roberts.

People might be concerned they are bombarding the police with information, Roberts said, or they don’t know if their tip is applicable. But he pointed out often those “tidbits” or “small pieces of information” are quite important to a case.

The EPS continues to receive calls about Alexander’s case, he said, but they are sporadic, and the police want people to keep thinking about the case.

“If they have something new or different since they initially spoke to us, or have never even called with a piece of information that they think could be helpful, we just really want that reminder out there. Even though years have passed since this investigation began, it’s still very active, and any piece of information can be crucial to get us the big picture of what happened,” said Roberts.

It’s also timely to issue

such an advisory around the anniversary of when he went missing.

“People’s mindset gets them back to that time of year, and sometimes that helps trigger a memory or some piece of information that they maybe think of now around the anniversary, that perhaps they wouldn’t at other times of year,” said Roberts.

They do see an increase in calls after a news release is issued, he said. The bulletin was placed on the Estevan Police Service’s website late on Nov. 7, and since that time, they have had an influx of calls.

“Sometimes there’s information that comes in and it’s very similar to the information we have received previous, but sometimes these are brand new avenues that have never been explored, so those are certainly a possibility with any information people share with us.”

Investigators are asking the public to provide information by calling EPS detectives at 306-634-8791 or 306-634-1505, or Crimes Stoppers at 1-800-2228477. They can also visit saskcrimestoppers.com or email AlexanderTips@estevanpolice.ca.

(306) 634-6584 mustang69_8@hotmail.com www.avon.ca/boutique/kristaavery

Geoffrey Alexander of Estevan disappeared in November 2015. His remains were found a few weeks later. File photo

Krista Avery

BUSINESS

SASKTODAY.ca

Career fair gives students a look at the future

Students at the Estevan Comprehensive School had the opportunity to see what the future could hold during a career fair on Nov. 9.

Hundreds of people passed through the doors of the school’s gymnasium for the event. Students, their family members and even a few alumni turned out to see options for employment and learn more about the schools that could get them there.

It marked the first time the school has been able to hold the career fair since 2019, and the event took place in the evening for the first time.

“It was a little bit different in the sense that there were no breakout sessions, whereas a university [normally] gets half an hour of your time, or [there are sessions with] a tradesperson or a business,” said Stacy Dutka, a guidance counsellor with the school’s student services department.

“But those sessions during the day have a different sense of engagement. We had a lot of families, parents, older siblings and younger siblings.”

The gymnasium was full throughout the two hours, she said.

When previous editions of the career fair happened during the day, Dutka said only the students would be able to attend, and the young people might not have been as engaged as they were for the evening event when joined by their family members.

“I thought it was good that they could go from booth to booth and almost compare, compare what they were hearing from one college to a different college, because when they did breakout sessions [in previous years], they couldn’t attend them all. They could get to two or three universities or col-

leges, so this gave them the opportunity to talk to each one if they wanted,” Dutka said.

She saw some former students come back to ECS for the career fair.

Dutka suspects the alumni might have been touching base with a college or looking to ask questions

about opportunities for their gap year.

The career fair boasted a variety of post-secondary institutions, including universities, colleges and trade schools. Some came from Alberta to discuss their programs. A couple of schools had to pull out due to adverse weather conditions.

“We had a program called Work a Day, where they work to set up students that go away for a year or even for the four months of summer, just to work in an industry somewhere else, like overseas,” said Dutka.

A French group presented options for pro-

grams for those who want to go east and improve their language skills.

And they had a number of businesses and organizations on hand to promote the options that would be available for students.

“One of the new things that I noticed was a lot of virtual reality. We had four different tables that had virtual reality options for kids to look at,” said Dutka.

It’s hard to say whether the evening career fair would become a tradition, she said. Dutka didn’t have the opportunity to discuss it at length right after the event. She suggested they would send a survey to the exhibitors before making a decision.

“The feedback … just in general, was good from them, but we’ll actually see once they … sit down and think about people they had walk by them,” said Dutka.

Upgrades complete for busy RM of Estevan road

A couple of infrastructure projects in the RM of Estevan are now finished.

The RM recently received two federal grants through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), formerly Western Economic Diversification Canada, to support the expansion of current businesses and the attraction of new companies for the RM.

In a news release from the Southeast Sask. Economic Partnership (SSEP), it was noted that PrairiesCan provides targeted funding investments that build on regional strengths and encourage innovation in communities in southeast Saskatchewan.

The Airport Road paving project was awarded $2,642,304 while the Kensington Avenue

North project received $1,348,519.

“I am excited and grateful for the two recentlycompleted paving projects in the RM of Estevan,” said Steve Smith, vice-chair of the newly-formed SSEP and councillor for Division 6 in the RM of Estevan.

“Kensington North to the bypass will add attraction to future economic development along this corridor, leading from the bypass in the RM and into the City of Estevan. Both the RM and city and ratepayers will benefit from this project being completed.”

The paving of a portion of Grid Road 704 east of Highway 47 to just east of the turn into the Estevan Regional Airport will also add attraction to future economic development, he said, and provide access

to and from the airport to present and future visitors.

The RM will see a reduction in maintenance costs for both of these roads, benefitting all ratepayers in the RM, as well providing a safer and higher-quality travelling surface.

Smith expressed his gratitude to the SSEP group overall, RM of Estevan engineering services manager Billy Fowler, and to RM of Estevan administrator Michelle Dickie, who Smith said was the driving force behind submitting and managing the successful financial contributions that covered the total cost of the completion of both of these higherprofile projects.

ASL was the contractor and local company Turnbull Excavating Ltd. was the sub-contractor.

The career fair on Nov. 9 attracted hundreds of people to the Estevan Comprehensive School’s gymnasium. Photo courtesy of Stacy Dutka

The repairs for Kensington Avenue North/Airport Road in the RM of Estevan are now finished.

Photo by Michelle Dickie

A massive turbine blade moved through Stoughton

By Stephanie Zoer

A massive wind turbine blade made its way north on Highway 47 on Nov. 2, and took a rest in Stoughton at the junction of Highways 47 and 13.

Kyle Harris is the project manager for Western Canada, and according to Harris, this is the largest blade ever to be made and moved in North America.

Harris, who spoke from Duluth, Minn., is responsible for the planning of this move.

Enercon Canada, located in Quebec, received the contract to build the massive blades and now they need to be moved to Jenner, Alta.

Harris said they were given one permit to start with, to see how the moving of such a large piece would work.

The permit allows them to move forward at sunrise and must be at the next destination before sunset.

These blades are 79 meters long, weigh more than 28,000 kilograms and the connecting end measurers 4.14 meters at the girth.

Due to the weight of this gigantic load, extra wheels were added, with

a pilot truck joining the journey. The truck has a remote control to operate the back wheels.

The 93-meter-long load expected to have its most difficult turn by Regina, when it had to turn from Highway 33 onto the bypass. Harris said this is the only turn that may cause issues, as the turn is sharp, but his drivers are very skilled

and the section was expected to be uneventful.

So far, the trip has gone smoothly. They received two more permits and will soon begin the move for two more blades.

A total of 126 blades will be delivered for the Jenner Wind Power Project, which will have 42 turbines.

The planning for this

move has taken several months. From planning the route, to checking bridge heights and sharp turns. This was the most effective route possible. Coming through Duluth and up through Canada made the most sense.

Swift Current was the stop on Nov. 3, which would take them eight hours to complete.

Province announces support for lithium sector

The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding the Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive (OGPII), along with the Saskatchewan Petroleum Innovation Incentive (SPII) program, to allow for eligible lithium projects.

“Lithium demand is forecast to increase significantly over the next decade and our government is making the most of our opportunity to be a leader in the industry,” Energy and Resources Minister Jim Reiter said. “These already attractive incentive programs being expanded to include this critical mineral, advances Saskatchewan’s position as one of the best jurisdictions in the world for resource development.”

Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan supports the transformation of the province’s economy through innovation, technology and growth development of Saskatchewan’s technology sector, including the development of the lithium sector and lithium extraction technologies. Lithium is considered

an emerging commodity which will aid in diversifying Saskatchewan’s mining and energy sectors.

Primarily used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles, lithium has been gaining global attention. The Saskatchewan Geological Survey with the Ministry of Energy and Resources has confirmed the presence of lithium in some Saskatchewan aquifers from their brine sampling program, which began in 2011.

Prairie Lithium and Grounded Lithium are currently drilling for lithium here in Saskatchewan. Prairie Lithium has been using proprietary technology to extract lithium from subsurface brine water since 2020 and drilled their own well dedicated to lithium extraction in fall 2021. This past summer, Grounded Lithium also commenced drilling its first lithium focused well.

In addition to these two companies, there are several others that have acquired subsurface mineral tenure to explore for lithium in Sas-

katchewan but are not yet drilling. With the expansion of the OGPII and SPII programs to include lithium, the province can look forward to growth and innovation in the sector.

“We are thrilled to hear that the Government of Saskatchewan is including eligible lithium projects into these important incentive programs,” Prairie Lithium CEO Zach Maurer said.

“We want to see the lithium resources in Saskatchewan further explored and put into production; these incentives help all parties in the industry.”

“We welcome this news from the Government of

Saskatchewan to support this potentially significant industry in the province,” president and CEO of Grounded Lithium Gregg Smith said. “The geology of Saskatchewan chose us as the right place to pursue our lithium-from-brine project, and Saskatchewan stands out as a favourable jurisdiction for lithium resource development.

“We foresee significant growth over the next five years with drilling and facility development accompanied by the associated benefits of impactful job growth and royalty revenues.”

OGPII was created to support Saskatchewan’s

competitiveness in oil and gas development by enabling an increase in valueadded processing and infrastructure capacity, while SPII supports the commercialization of significant innovations in the petroleum

and natural gas sector in the province.

The expansion of these programs to include eligible lithium projects is expected to accelerate the development of the sector, the government said in a news release.

Rig Report

244228 Stampede Drilling Crescent Point Energy 1-32-9-7 250433 Stampede Drilling Crescent Point Energy 15-7-9-7 253212 Panther Drilling Vermilion Energy 9-33-1-4 257307 Stampede Drilling Triliand Energy 12-24-7-34 255109 Stampede Drilling Anova Resources 14-11-4-2 257946 Stampede Drilling Anova Resources 1-20-6-4 259296 Stampede Drilling Triland Energy 2-14-8-4 212170 Panther Drilling Vermilion Energy 14-15-2-4 255889 Savanna Drilling Crescent Point Energy 14-22-8-11 253794 Stampede

Stoughton was one of the planned stops for the largest turbine blade in North America. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Glenn Gress continues to be a champion of 4-H after years of leading provincial board

By David Willberg

Glenn

Gress’s tenure as the president of 4-H Saskatchewan has come to an end, and he’s thankful for the time he had at the head of the provincial board.

Gress stepped down from the job in March after 3 1/2 years as the leader, citing personal reasons. He had one more year remaining when he did step down.

“The 4-H does a lot of good things, and I probably am going to go back on the board someday down the road,” said Gress, who spent close to eight years on the provincial board.

During his tenure as president, Gress believes 4-H

Sask. has been able to create more awareness of what the organization is all about and bring the clubs closer. There is also a better relationship with 4-H Canada.

“We all worked on that, all the provinces, worked with 4-H Canada to become better as one instead of 12 different separate provinces,” said Gress.

Gress noted that in the southeast corner, a lot more people are involved on the board and as leaders. He and others have been going to meetings and bringing up the importance of joining the provincial council.

“It gets the word back to the board of directors of 4-H Saskatchewan about what

we would like to see out here and some projects that we are trying to get going again and get up to speed,” said Gress.

They didn’t make everybody happy all of the time,

but he thinks they satisfied the majority most of the time.

The number of scholarships from different companies and organizations has grown, and that is due efforts of the board and staff of 4-H Saskatchewan, he said.

“We worked really well together, and we got a lot of extra money for these members to get scholarships to go to school more and more, and I think that was a big part of us as the board of directors moving forward and trying to get these people, bigger companies, to give more scholarships,” he said.

They also navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, which required a lot of hard

work. They had to keep meeting, even if it was virtually.

“We were just following the government guidelines that they set out for us as a non-profit organization,” said Gress.

The provincial government provides funding to 4-H Sask.

Gress is still active with the Browning 4-H Multiple Club as the general leader. They have projects with the horses and cattle, and are up to 25 members. They were looking to start a chicken project, but it was delayed due to concerns associated with avian influenza.

The 4-H slogan is “Learn to do by Doing,” and Gress

Carnduff & Area Beef 4-H Club report

By Fallyn M. Shier

We have had a wonderful start to our 4-H year.

Our first general meeting took place at the Carnduff Education Complex on Oct. 5. This year we have 16 members: three cloverbuds, seven juniors, five intermediates and one senior. From this group we elected our officers, and they are as follows: president Wyatt Thompson, vice-president Jagger Allum, secretary Jenna Thompson, treasurer Katch Hichens, club reporter Fallyn Shier, general leader Denise Allum and assistant general leader Collinda Thompson.

On Oct. 22, we had our annual fall bottle drive. We met at the RM shop in Carnduff. We have two bottle drives a year. This is one of the ways we help raise money for our club, to put towards events such as our achievement day and field trips.

We are also busy planning another fundraiser for Nov. 26. We are going to have a steak night at the Glen Ewen Communiplex. If you are interested in a supper ticket or donating a silent auction item, please contact Denise at 306483-7219. Hope to see you there.

said they have many opportunities for kids to apply the motto.

“We have adults that are teaching young members … how to work out problems they face and difficulties in every situation.”

One requirement to be a 4-H member is public speaking, which is something that will be used throughout the members’ lives, whether it be during an interview, in conversation, in farming or in other areas of business.

“The more you can do public speaking is very good,” said Gress.

The leaders also learn a lot from the members through the knowledge of technology that youths have today, he said.

Young people also get to be part of an organization that’s been in Canada for 125 years and in Saskatchewan for well over a century. Members get to learn about agriculture and so much more.

“Our main projects are still the beef and the horse projects, but there are so many different projects in this province and in Canada and even in the world.”

A 4-H member could get the chance to travel internationally through different 4-H exchanges, and he knows people have been all over with the 4-H family.

“It’s just a great, great organization to get youth minds going, and it’s back to the traditional ‘Learn to do by Doing,’” he said.

The Carnduff & Area Beef 4-H Club has dedicated members. Photo submitted

Glenn Gress

The Glen Ewen Mixed 4-H Club is excited to once again be creating opportunities for young people.

In an email to the Mercury, Myrna Babbings wrote that the club was formed in 1989-90 with six boys who took on a woodworking project. Donna Merkley was the general leader who started the club, and Sharon East was the project leader. Members that started the club included Michael Burns, Marc Revet, Curtis East, Terry Magnien, Darryl Scott and Kris Babbings. That year they built a village community bulletin board that has been renovated but still stands in the same place. It is used regularly.

In 1990-91, the club expanded to have four projects and that was the beginning of the club’s name of Glen Ewen Mixed. Woodworking, knitting, babysitting and small pets were projects. It was also their first year with peewees (ages six to eight).

By 1993, the club had grown to 30 members and one peewee and had members for many projects.

The Communiplex gave the club a bulletin board to decorate. Parents stepped in and decorated the board with pictures, projects and 4-H events to allow people to see what

the club is doing. The Glen Ewen Trailblazers have their bulletin board as well.

In 1998, the light horse club was established instead of being part of the Glen Ewen Mixed Club. It became the Glen Ewen Trailblazers 4-H Club and it continues to meet.

“Over the years our club has held the district fall rally, district curling, district public speaking, district meetings twice yearly and district bowling,” Myrna Babbings wrote.

They have attended Estevan Bruins hockey games, gone skiing and held family Halloween dances. They also served school lunches, performed a skit in Christmas concerts, and held and attended Achievement Days – both locally and regionally. They even hosted a virtual achievement day during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With Glen Ewen Mixed, when it comes to learning a project, the sky is the limit,” said Babbings. “As long as I could find a qualified leader, we could teach that project. Finding leaders at times was challenging, but I only remember twice not being able to have a project that a member wanted because we didn’t have a leader to instruct.”

Projects over the years

have included woodworking, knitting, babysitting, small pets, dancing, foods, crafts, sewing, cake decorating, light horse, small engine repair, exploring 4-H, sheep, do it yourself work, drawing, music, outdoor living, enjoying nature’s bounty, junior leadership, veterinary, welding, folk art painting, scrapbooking, baking, international cuisine, fiber, photography, the performing arts, wildlife, looking good and feeling great, sewing parts 1 and 2, and textiles and mosaic.

4-H also allowed members to have a self-determined 4-U project in which the member could determine what their 4-H project would be. Babbings cited the example of a student taking piano lessons. As long as their piano teacher was willing to step into a project leader position and complete the requirements, they then had a 4U project in music.

Members have received recognitions through 4-H, including ambassador awards, university scholarships, and district and regional record book awards.

“Over the years, I can’t begin to name the dedicated project leaders that taught, as well as the members who not only signed up for a project but stepped up into an executive position. Many

of these members are now married and have children of their own,” said Babbings.

“Glen Ewen Mixed volunteers are described as volunteers who did not always have the time but had the heart to see 4-H succeed.”

In 2019-20, the club took a hiatus. For 4-H to provide a safe environment for the members, the rules for volunteer leaders were changed.

In 2022, Babbings and Pamela Bartlett, the sheep project leader, talked about starting up the mixed club again and will see if they expand the projects next year. At present they have four

members and Babbings is excited about this year.

One of the past 4-H members, McKenzie Lovell, has graduated and is now coming back to the club as a volunteer leader.

Babbings has been a leader for 28 years, and she said she still loves it.

“I love seeing the members become caring and contributing individuals and the fact that they do affect positive change. I

believe 4-H teaches them to become confident, determined, responsible and compassionate, seeing this world outside that will give them skills to succeed in college and their career.

“As I look back, I wouldn’t change things because looking forward is so much better and looking forward I can dream about what comes next, as I watch the next group of 4-H members.”

Don Hilstrom will continue to be the councillor for Division 2 with the RM of Estevan.

Hilstrom defeated Barbara Connely 45-40 in the election that was held on Nov. 9. Hilstrom has been the councillor for Division 2 for over a decade.

Connely was seeking her first term as councillor.

James Trobert (Division 4) and Steve Smith (Division 6) were previously acclaimed as councillors for another four years.

Numerous other subdivisions in the southeast also held elections on Nov. 9.

In the RM of Argyle No. 1, Cal Dumaine defeated George Howden in Division 4, and Greg Henderson won over Koree Rutledge in Division 6.

In the RM of Enniskillen No. 3, Cameron Nordin won in Division 2 by defeating Lukas Palmer, while Shane Boyes won in Division 4 over Corey Fitzpatrick.

Terry Sernick defeated Bruce Craig in the RM of Coalfields No. 4’s Division 6.

In the RM of Souris Valley No. 7’s Division No. 2, Kelly Ashworth defeated Kevin Lohse.

Dustin Millette defeated Rick Dancey in the

RM of Storthoaks No. 31’s Division 2.

Two elections were held in the RM of Moose Creek No. 33. Reed Gibson defeated Greg Freitag in Division 2, while Melissa Gervais beat Jean (Autumn) Lesage in Division 4.

An election for reeve was needed in the RM of Benson No. 35 after the previous reeve, David Hoffort, announced he was stepping down. Kenneth Wallewein knocked off Donald Van De Woestyne 73-28.

In the RM of Cymri No. 36, Henry Wiebe won over Bradley Goettling in the race for Division 2.

In the RM of Antler

No. 61, Louis Poirier defeated Keith Rutten in Division 4.

Two divisions had elections in the RM of Moose Mountain No. 63. Darcy Moore defeated Richard Burnett in Division 2.

Division 6, meanwhile, had one of the most interesting results on election night. Blair Andrew and Paul Delalleau finished tied for first with 10 votes each. Jessica Shirley was one vote back with nine.

As per the Local Government Election Act, the names of Andrew and Delalleau were written down on blank sheets of paper of equal size, colour and texture, and folded in a

uniform fashion. Then they were placed in a receptacle, and Andrew’s name was drawn, so he was the victor

Saluting 4-H Clubs in the

“I’ve

It’s a great feeling to take an animal from when it was a baby and see it receive all sorts of ribbons.

White has enjoyed curling and bulling days in 4-H because she gets to meet people from other clubs who she wouldn’t have met otherwise. And she likes to groom the cattle and work as a team to help the animals look great.

She has also been in 4-H’s public speaking program, and she has travelled to vet clinics, sales barns and feed lots to see how they run their cattle businesses. She went to horse and PMU barns through the Glen Ewen club.

“I’ve been all over our southeast corner, touring farms and all of those cool things,” she said.

The 4-H movement is a great one to be part of because of the people she met and the experiences she has had, and White would recommend it to others.

White joined the Carievale club in the fall of 2019 because she grew up on a cattle farm and she really wanted a cow that she could train to be her best friend, which she did with a cow named Clover. The Carievale club has been “amazing” , she said.

enjoyed all of the experiences and all of the people I’ve met that are in the cattle industry. I never knew how many neighbours I have that are in 4-H before I joined,” she said.

From left, Paden Hitchens, Eli Bartlett, McKenzie Lovell, Kessler White and Abby Bartlett attended an Estevan Bruins’ game Saturday, one of the social activities enjoyed by club members.

Southeast!

Finding good reads

Envision creating a new support group in Estevan

The Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. will be launching a new support group for individuals who have survived or are surviving domestic violence.

This group will run every Thursday from Nov. 17-Dec. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. in Estevan.

The focus of this group is empowerment. It will allow individuals who have endured or are going through domestic violence to have a safe space to connect with each other, so they can decrease feelings of isolation while increasing self-esteem and coping tools.

“We have found that there continues to be gaps in services and knowledge in our communities surrounding domestic violence and the impacts that it has on individuals, children, families and our community as a whole,” said Larissa Smeltzer, rapid access counsellor at Envision. “We are hope-

ful that by offering this support group, it will decrease the stigma around domestic violence while increasing education and support.”

“We continue to work hard exploring options for services and support that can be offered to help decrease the gaps in services in southeast Saskatchewan,” Smeltzer added.

According to Envision, 80 per cent of survivors of domestic violence tell family or friends of their situation, but only 30 per cent report the abuse to the police. Statistics Canada’s most recent data shows that Saskatchewan has the highest rate of reported intimate partner violence among all prov-

inces, and it is more than double the national rate.

“Statistics like this really solidify the need for Envision Counselling to create and facilitate a support group focused on the empowerment of individuals who have or are experiencing domestic violence,” states a press release. “This support group is a step towards collective healing, and is intended to be one more space where survivors of domestic violence can feel supported and safe to share, heal and grow through and from their experience(s).”

For more information on this domestic violence support group, please call the Estevan office at 306637-4004.

City participating in national radon initiative

The City of Estevan will be working with Take Action on Radon, a coalition of national health organizations, to raise awareness of the dangers of radon gas.

The city is inviting all residents to participate in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge, which is a program that provides free radon test kits to residents. All participants in the program are encouraged to attend a radon information session to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in the area and the Health Canada recommendations.

The radon information session will take place on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. Participants can register online and receive a link on Zoom or watch live through Facebook. People will be able to pick up their radon test kits from Nov. 25-Dec. 2, as supplies last, from the Estevan Public Library.

The online information session will also provide all participants with de-

tails on where and when to pick up their free radon detector.

Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and can be found in elevated concentrations in homes across the country. While Canada has had a National Radon Plan for over a decade, many Canadians remain unaware of the gas.

“On average, 58 Canadians will die from lung cancer every day, making it the leading cause of cancer death in Canada,” said Lynn Murad, a cancer prevention specialist with the Canadian Cancer Society. “It’s important that Canadians know they can control their risk from radon by testing their homes and reducing their exposure.”

Katharina Ulbrich is co-ordinating the program for Estevan.

“After learning about this program, I thought it was a great opportunity to help families test their homes for radon. We are all spending more time at

home, and so it’s an important step for families to take to reduce their radon levels,” said Ulbrich.

“Radon is a well-established human carcinogen and testing and reducing radon levels is an important method of lung cancer prevention.” said Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, a researcher from the Faculty of Sciences at Simon Fraser University.

“Residential radon is marked as Canadians’ primary exposure to radon; preventing radon exposure will reduce the number of Canadians dying of lung cancer.”

“Testing for radon is simple to do, and there are effective solutions available to reduce radon levels in homes where radon levels are elevated,” said Pam Warkentin, executive director of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, and the project manager for Take Action on Radon. “The first step is to know your radon level. Every home needs to test for radon –it’s that simple.”

Christian McArthur was among the people who attended the Christmas bazaar and bake sale at St. Paul’s United Church in Estevan on Nov. 11 and 12. People could make progress on their Christmas shopping thanks to the variety of items that were available. A soup and sandwich lunch was served on Saturday.

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Shirley Ann Samenook 1941-2022

Shirley Samenook late of Estevan, Sk passed away peacefully at the Lampman Community Health Centre on Friday, November 4, 2022 at the age of 81 years.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Harry Samenook Jr.; parents Russell and Audrey Thompson; brother Garry Thompson and parents-in-law, Harry Samenook Sr and Anne Samenook.

Shirley is survived by her loving children, Darren (Tracey) Samenook and Teri (Garth) Schindel;

granddaughter Ella

It was Shirley’s wish that there be no service.

In memory of Shirley memorial donations may be made to the Lampman Community Health Centre Trust, PO Box 100, Lampman, SK S0C 1N0.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Shirley’s familyDeb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

Constance “Connie” Pearson 1935 - 2022 Constance M. Pearson “Connie” passed away on November 5, 2022, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Connie was born August 6, 1935. She was predeceased by her parents John and Mary Dzuba, and her brother Edward. Connie is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert W. Pearson “Bob”; her brother Don (Linda) Dzuba; daughter Robin Pearson; and her sons Regan and Randy Pearson; grandchildren Randi Nicole Pearson, Andrea Kirstein and Neil Pearson; greatgrandchildren Brianna Gelowitz, Keegan Gelowitz-Liebrecht, Aislyn Gelowitz-Liebrecht and Eva Deniz Tas; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Connie grew up “Down Home” in the Bienfait, Coalfields, Roche Percee, and Estevan areas of southern Saskatchewan. After high school, she attained a teaching degree from the Moose Jaw Normal School. Connie spent most of her life in Regina with time spent in Saskatoon. Connie was a wise and humble lady that loved her children and grandchildren. She had a thirst for the daily news and was an avid reader. Connie loved playing piano. Connie had a huge heart when it came to animals. She enjoyed her pets and supported the Regina Humane Society. Her grocery list always included huge bags of peanuts in the shell for the squirrels and birds. The crows in her yard would knock on her dinning room window when it was time for a snack.

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date. A contribution to the Regina Humane Society, 79 Armour Road RM of Sherwood, SK S4K 0A8, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Online messages of condolence may be left at paragonfuneralservices. com.

Estevan police make impaired driving arrests

The Estevan Police Service arrested and charged a couple of impaired drivers last week, and also made an arrest for an assault.

Police responded to a disturbance in the east end on Nov. 8. On arrival, police spoke to the complainant who reported an assault. The suspect had left the residence and was found nearby in a shed. Police have arrested a 36-year-old man for common assault and resisting arrest. He was held in custody until he was sober and then released on conditions.

Police responded to a Report Impaired Drivers (RID) call in north Estevan on Nov. 10, and as a result, a 45-year-old woman from Saskatoon was arrested for impaired driving. She was transported to the police station, where further investigation resulted in her being charged with impaired operation of a conveyance and driving while over .08. She was released for court in December to answer to the charges. Her driver’s licence was suspended indefinitely and the vehicle she was operating was impounded for 30 days.

An RID call on Nov. 11 resulted in a vehicle being stopped in north Estevan. The driver of the vehicle failed a roadside screening device for alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the police station, where he provided breath samples. He was charged with impaired driving and exceeding .08.

That same day, police received a report regarding a pickup truck that was broken into while parked at a northeast Estevan shop. A window was broken and the ignition was tampered with. The matter remains under investigation.

Members were dispatched to a residence in west-central Estevan regarding a domestic disturbance. The matter was resolved upon police arrival.

A vehicle stop resulted in a male being given a 72hour licence suspension and his vehicle being impounded for three days, after blowing a warning on the roadside screening device.

Members attended to a south Estevan residence Nov. 12 for a report of a domestic disturbance. All

involved were spoken to and the matter was resolved without further issue.

A traffic stop resulted in a male receiving a 72-hour driving suspension and his vehicle being impounded for three days. •••

The RCMP is investigating a two-vehicle collision that occurred recently outside of Alida in the RM of Reciprocity.

The Carlyle RCMP received a report of the collision on Highway 601 on Nov. 4 at approximately 4:55 p.m. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene.

Initial investigation determined a pick-up truck and a semi collided at the intersection of the highway and a rural road. The semi then caught fire.

The adult woman driving the pick-up truck was taken to hospital with injuries that the RCMP described as serious. The adult man driving the semi was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening. Neither vehicle had any passengers.

The Carlyle RCMP continues to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

The Carlyle RCMP is also asking for the public’s assistance with a break, enter and theft that occurred at a rig site near Kisbey.

According to a message from the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network, the RCMP was alerted to the incident on Nov. 12.

Access was gained through an open door and items were taken. No further details were immediately released.

Residents of Wawota, Arcola, Carlyle, Kisbey and Pheasant Rump First Nations are being reminded that there has been an increase in property crime in the surrounding areas. Both private residences and businesses have been affected.

The RCMP asks people to lock their doors and ensure that property has proper lighting.

Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the RCMP by calling 310-RCMP for an immediate response or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477).

grandson Caleb (Alexia) and

and special cousin Linda (Charlie) Boettcher. Shirley will be forever remembered by her sister Norma Triplett.

ECS volleyball teams qualify for provincials

By David Willberg

The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs volleyball program will be well represented at the upcoming Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial tournaments.

The senior girls’ team finished second at their regional tournament at Moose Jaw Peacock to advance to provincials in Balgonie on Nov. 18-19.

The senior boys, meanwhile, were third at regionals in Weyburn to advance to their provincial tournament Nov. 25-26 in Swift Current.

It will be the first time at provincials for both programs in a number of years.

The senior girls opened with a 2-1 (23-25, 25-23, 16-14) victory over host Moose Jaw Peacock. The Elecs then lost 2-1 (1925, 25-17, 16-14) to Balgonie Greenall to finish second in their pool with a 1-1 record.

Estevan swept Yorkton

Regional 2-0 (25-19, 2521) in the quarter-final, and edged Weyburn 2-1 (21-25, 25-19, 15-13) in the semifinal to guarantee their spot at provincials.

“The semifinal was a bit intense,” said head coach Tamara Franklin. “They did have the first set on us, and then we came back and dominated the second set.”

The final match was a 2-1 loss (25-13, 2225, 15-11) to Balgonie. Franklin noted all of their players were on the court at some point in the final.

“It was important for us to do as well as we could, but I wanted everybody to see the court so that they have that joy of ‘We made it to the finals,’” said Franklin.

Franklin admitted she has “mixed emotions” about making to provincials, ranging from the joy of qualifying to the nerves of being at provincial after not being at the competition.

She noted she and assistant coaches Kourtney

Kobitz and Dana Wilbraham did a lot of preparation work prior to regionals.

“We had a week of preparations before regionals where we focus on certain strategies for certain teams, and then the night before, we just rehearse what we have to do, and that worked out,” said Franklin.

Once on the court, the players were working together at the right time to make plays and work as a team.

“Our middles [middle blockers] have done wonderful, actually,” said Franklin. “They’ve been reading the kills from the opponents, so they’re making sure they can block it or get touches on it, so we’re not dead in the water when they try to attack us.”

Jenna Knibbs, Randi Milbrandt and Katelyn Zukewich all played great, too, she said.

Frankline pointed out they played four straight games at one point, so

they didn’t have a chance to leave the gymnasium at any point. There wasn’t a canteen, either. Elecs’ parents dashed out to pick up food for the players.

“We’re very fortunate to have a very good, supportive parent group for our team,” said Franklin. “I’m very proud, not just of our players, but our parents as well.”

As for the senior boys, they went 2-0 in the round robin to finish first and advance directly to the semifinal. Estevan defeated Moose Jaw Peacock 2-0 (25-16, 25-16) and Yorkton Region High School 2-0 (25-6, 25-16) in the round robin.

In the semifinal, Estevan lost 2-0 (25-22, 2521) to Weyburn, just their third loss in nine matches this season, but recovered to knock off Balgonie 2-1 (22-25, 25-13, 15-12) to qualify for provincials.

“Normally we’ve been beating them [Balgonie] all the way along, but they’re a really scrappy team. They don’t have big

hitters that overpower you, but they pass everything forward,” said assistant coach Neal Linthicum. “It’s hard to get a point on them if it’s an easy ball going over the net.”

Linthicum said they knew entering the tournament that they had a good shot of making it to provincials, based on what they saw from their opponents in tournament play, but they also knew nothing was guaranteed.

“I’m excited to see what provincials are all about,” he said. “We’ve been playing all year against the teams that are going there, so finally we get to see where we line up in the province,” he said. “We’re pumped. It’s nice to have another week of volleyball.”

Linthicum was pleased with their passing game at regionals, and they used their middle blockers more often. They also cut down on the mental errors such as missed serves.

“If you can minimize

that, it makes a big difference,” said Linthicum.

Koen Turner, a Grade 11 middle blocker, was great for them this weekend, Linthicum said, thanks to a number of blocks and some big kills.

Making it to provincials was a goal of theirs from the start of the season, and Linthicum is pleased that they didn’t give up. He recognizes there will be some strong teams at provincials.

Also during the weekend, Lampman School hosted the girls’ 1A qualifier. Lampman lost to Wawota Parkland School 2-1 (18-25, 25-23, 15-11) in the final, but both teams made it to provincials.

Lampman went 2-0 in the round robin, defeating Lemberg 2-0 (25-16, 2514) and Avonlea 2-0 (2517-25-6) in the round robin, and Bengough 2-0 (25-12, 25-13) in the semifinal.

Midale Central School lost 2-0 (25-18, 25-18) to Wawota and 2-0 (25-17, 25-13) to Bengough in their games.

Southeast softball player secures NCAA scholarship

A talented young softball player from southeast Saskatchewan is going to be joining a successful collegiate program in the U.S.

Lampman’s Raegan Walter has committed to join the West Texas A&M Buffaloes in Canyon, starting in the fall of 2023. She will be a catcher for the team.

She said she started looking at schools to play for in the U.S. about 18 months ago. West Texas A&M had just captured the NCAA Division 2 national championship for softball in 2021.

“I became interested in the school, and the more I read about it, the more I really enjoyed the thought of going there. And then I went to a camp there, and I loved the campus, I loved the whole atmosphere, I clicked with all of the girls and the coaches, and that’s

where I wanted to be,” she told the Mercury.

Canyon is a small Texas city with a population of about 15,000 people, and Walter said the sports programs at the university receive excellent support from the community. She found the professors to be very nice people who want to see people succeed.

Walter plans to get a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sports psychology, and then to pursue a master’s degree in sports psychology.

The national championship in 2021 isn’t the only success for the Buffaloes.

Walter noted they play in the Lone Star Conference, which she said is very strong. It boasts teams from Texas and New Mexico. The Buffaloes have done very well against those teams.

West Texas A&M also won the national champi-

onship in 2014, and they have high hopes for a title in 2023 and in future years.

Walter recognized she

will need to get physically and mentally stronger to play the sport at the university level.

She has enjoyed a lot of success in softball. Most recently, Walter was selected to represent Saskatchewan at the 2022 Canada Summer Games at Niagara, Ont. Saskatchewan finished fourth in the tournament.

Oxbow’s Raivyn Millions was also on the team.

Walter loves the family and team atmosphere she finds in softball, and connectings with people that she believes share her work ethic and values.

“Another thing I enjoy about softball is how it’s a team sport and you get to work together to accomplish something great,” she said.

Walter is grateful for the support of her family and to the softball programs in the southeast for their contributions to her development.

“I’ve had my dad as a

coach for a really long time. He pushed me to do all of this, and he has coached me and taught me mostly everything. Of course, my teams around have helped that, but my dad has coached most of the teams I have played for.”

Her sister Morgan has also been a big source of support. Morgan Walter has also played collegiate baseball in the U.S., first with the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., and then to McCook Community College in Nebraska.

The two sisters have talked about what it will be like for Raegan Walter to play U.S. collegiate softball.

“I’ve talked to a lot of girls that are playing down south, and it’s really exciting just to get to do the whole athletic and academic experience together,” she said.

The senior boys’ volleyball team was third at regionals in Weyburn to advance to provincials. Photo courtesy of Neal Linthicum

Raegan Walter is excited to join the West Texas A&M Buffaloes starting next fall. Photo courtesy of Raegan Walter

The senior girls’ volleyball team finished second at their qualifying tournament in Moose Jaw. Photo courtesy of Tamara Franklin.

Mustangs blow out Bruins in consecutive games

Two straight home games against the Melfort Mustangs proved to be bad news for the Estevan Bruins.

Melfort defeated Estevan 6-2 on Friday night and 6-1 Saturday at Affinity Place. Estevan had won five of six games before the games, and had lost just twice on home ice this season.

The Mustangs had big leads after the first period in both games.

Kevin Minnoch scored 49 seconds into the first period for Melfort on Friday, and Wyatt Day doubled the advantage less than five minutes later. Leyton Holoien put Melfort ahead 3-0 with a power-play goal before the 12-minute mark of the frame.

Zac Somers added to the lead less than seven minutes into the second. Alex Blanchard put the Bruins on the board with 6:53 to play in the middle frame, but Clarke Huxley’s goal 70 seconds later restored the four-goal margin.

A goal by the Bruins’ Cody Davis on the power play midway through the third gave the Bruins a bit

of momentum, but Ashton Taylor finished the scoring for Melfort with an emptynet goal.

Cam Hrdlicka stopped 20 of the 25 shots he faced.

James Venne, a former Bruins’ draft pick whose rights were dealt to Melfort last year, made 26 saves on 28 shots for Melfort.

Melfort scored three times in 1:44 late in the first period in Saturday’s triumph.

Boston Maxwell scored on a power play 6:17 into the first period to give Melfort a 1-0 lead.

A key point came a couple minutes later.

Davis was brought down by Holoien as Davis cut towards the Melfort net. He went head-first into a goalpost and was down for some time before being helped off the ice. He didn’t return.

Holoien – one of the top defencemen in the SJHL – was assessed a fiveminute major and a game misconduct, but the Bruins couldn’t convert on the power play.

Less than a minute after Holoien’s penalty ended,

the Bruins were assessed a penalty and Mefort’s Dawson Leroux scored on the power play for a 2-0 lead. Ryan Duguay and Zac Somers scored 31 seconds apart shortly after Leroux’s goal for a 4-0 advantage.

Logan Belton had the only goal in the second period to give Melfort a 5-0 lead.

Blanchard scored on a Bruin power play 90 sec-

onds into the third to put Estevan on the board, and Ashton Taylor scored for Melfort with 88 seconds to play to round out the scoring.

Jackson Miller stopped 22 of the 28 shots he faced in the loss. Venne had 22 saves for Melfort.

Earlier in the week, the Bruins defeated the Melville Millionaires 5-3 at Affinity Place.

Owen Barrow opened the scoring 6:12 into the first period for Estevan, and Salvatore Collora doubled the Bruins’ lead with a goal at the 6:33 mark of the second. The Bruins hit a post a few minutes after Collora’s goal, while Melville had a couple of breakaways in the middle frame that they couldn’t convert.

Six of the eight goals came in the third. Nathan

Fox scored for Melville 30 seconds into the third period to cut the Bruins’ lead in half. Davis responded on a breakaway 5:36 into the final period to restore the Bruins’ two-goal margin.

When Tim Tychonick scored 12:11 into the third, it appeared the Bruins had put the Mills away. But 23 seconds later, Nicholas Andrusiak scored to leave Melville down two again, and Zach Cain’s goal with 62 seconds remaining pulled Melville to within one.

Jagjeevan Phangura scored into an empty net moments later to put the game away. Phangura had goals in five straight games and 11 points in six games after the Melville contest.

Hrdlicka stopped 27 of the 30 shots he faced. Kelton Pyne stopped 19 of 23 shots for the Mills. Pyne played for the Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears in 2020-21, and is one of six former Bears on the Mills.

The Bruins (13-13) will visit Melville on Nov. 18 and the Yorkton Terriers the following night.

Nine teams compete in Estevan U15 tournament

The Estevan Minor Hockey Association (EMHA) hosted its annual U15 hockey tournament from Nov. 11-13.

Teams from across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba competed in the nine-team showdown. The Kerrobert Tigers defeated the Boissevain Border Kings 9-6 in the gold medal game. The Dalmeny Sabres knocked off the Estevan Wildcats 10-4 in the third-place game.

Another local team, the Estevan Bears, finished sixth

after dropping a decision to the Yorkton Terriers, while the Estevan Knights finished seventh after beating the Moosomin Rangers.

New to the Estevan U15 tournament was the Poppy for a Purpose campaign in honour of Remembrance Day. Tournament spokesperson Clayton Stenhouse said EMHA volunteers put a lot of extra time into creating large cardboard poppies representing each team in the tournament.

Each team donated funds for a poppy sticker on their helmet to be worn for the duration of the tournament in recognition of the many men and women who have served and are actively serving Canada.

All proceeds collected from Poppy for a Purposed will be donated to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch. Large team autographed poppies were displayed in the Power Dodge Arena foyer.

South East U18 AA Gold Wings get a last-second win

The South East Aaron Well Servicing U18 AA Goldwings earned a 1-0 shutout of the Parkland Fire Saturday in Melville.

Jade Naviaux had the winning goal for the Wings with five seconds to play in the third period.

Phoenix Preston-Winder picked up the shutout in goal.

The next game for the U18 AA Goldwings (4-2) will be Nov. 19 when they host the Prince Albert Foxes at 4:30 p.m. in Weyburn. •••

The South East TS&M U18 A Goldwings picked up their first win of the season Sunday with a 4-3 road victory over the Carlyle Wildcats in the latest showdown between the two southeast teams.

Sydney Madsen opened the scoring for the Wings, but Kasenya Einarson tied the game 68 seconds later for Carlyle.

Jenna Emmel of the Wings had the lone goal in the second period.

Markers by Dixie Corscadden and Akeria Lonechild in the third gave the Wildcats a 3-2 lead, but Brielle Farr and

Brooke Kleinsasser replied in the final two minutes to lift the Wings to a win. Kleinsasser’s goal came with five seconds to play in the third.

The day before, the Goldwings lost 7-1 to the Prairie Storm in Midale. Emmel scored in the opening minute of the game to give the Wings a 1-0 lead, but the Storm took over the rest of the way.

Karley Martin was in goal for the Wings.

The Wildcats’ (1-2) next game action will be Nov. 25 when they visit the Wood River Ice Cats in Lafleche and the following day when they meet the Southwest Cyclones in Gull Lake.

As for the Wings (1-5), they will visit the Cyclones on Nov. 25 and the Ice Cats the following day. •••

The South East Whitecap U15 AA Goldwings split their weekend games against the Prince Albert Foxes, losing 6-4 Saturday but recovering to win 3-2 Sunday.

Tyra Kmita, Adison Warren, Payton Roth and Ella Schenher had the Wings’ goals.

Josie Ellis was in goal for the game.

The following day, Jillian Forseth scored the winner midway through the third period. Schenher had the other two goals.

Kiera Barker was the goalie.

Up next for the Wings (2-8-1) will be games at the Warman Wildcats on Nov. 19 and 20.

The Estevan IG Wealth Management U13 AA Bearcats suffered two losses on the weekend: 10-0 to the Western Prairie Thunder in Kindersley and 7-3 to the Swift Current Wildcats on Sunday.

Ruby Graf scored twice for the Bearcats against Swift current and Olivia Von Sprecken also scored. Graf’s second goal pulled the Bearcats to within one early in the third, but the Wildcats pulled away with three more markers.

Baya Summers was in goal for both games.

Estevan (1-4) will host the Thunder on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at Affinity Place and the following day at 10:30 a.m. at the Power Dodge Arena.

Jagjeevan Phangura (22) fends off Leith Olafson (43) during Saturday’s game between Estevan and Melfort.

The Estevan Knights faced the Kerrobert Tigers during tournament play on Friday.

Flashback –Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1976

Bears drop two overtime games

The Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears dropped two overtime decisions to the Swift Current Legionnaires during their weekend road trip.

Up first was a 4-3 loss on Saturday evening. A goal by Kole Keen in the first and two by Jye Zawatsky in the third gave Estevan a 3-2 lead with nine minutes to play.

The Legionnaires notched the tying goal late in the third and added the winner midway through the extra frame.

The following day, Estevan scored four times in the opening 13 minutes of the game to lead 4-2, but lost 5-4 in extra time. Swift Current pulled to within one late in the first, tied the game in the second and scored the winner 37 seconds into overtime.

Keen, Josh Heistad, Jase Konecsni and Marc Belanger scored for Estevan.

Kaden Perron made 26 saves on Friday and 37 shots on Saturday.

The Bears (5-9-0-3) will host the Warman Wildcats on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins won twice on the weekend against the Regina Capitals: 4-2 on Saturday and 6-4 on Sunday.

Emmett McCarthy scored twice in Saturday’s game, and Ty Hoste and Sutter Baily also had goals.

Ty Fehrenbach made 17 saves to get the win.

The following day, the Capitals jumped out to a 3-0 lead with six minutes to play in the first period, but Estevan rallied, thanks in large part to a four-goal second period.

Spencer Copeland had a hat trick for Estevan. Carter Beck, Tayson Dietze and Baily had the other goals.

Keagan Carley stopped 31 shots for Estevan.

The Apex Bruins (11-2-1) will host the Regina Rangers on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and the Yorkton Terriers on Nov. 20 at 5:45 p.m. •••

The Estevan TS&M U13 AA Bruins had two road games on the weekend.

Up first was a 5-0 loss to the Saskatoon Outlaws. Jax-

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on Kuchinka made 32 saves for Estevan.

The following day, Estevan lost 5-2 at the Prince Albert Pirates. Gunner Moore and Tristan Brownridge had Estevan’s goals.

Quinton Sliva stopped 32 shots.

The Bruins (2-5-1-1) will host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. and visit the Yorkton Terriers the following day.

The Estevan Meter U13 AA Bruins suffered a 6-4 loss to the Regina Buffalos on Saturday.

Mason Schmidt, Logan Hunt, Cooper Hale and Kaleb Crossman scored to give Estevan a 4-2 lead in the second period. But the Buffalos scored twice before the period was out and added two more in the third.

Easton Pushie and Nathan Quennelle shared the goaltending duties for Estevan.

The U13 Bruins (1-6) will host the Regina Tigers at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Power Dodge Arena.

Focusing on the joys of the journey

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

It seems to be our nature to see the bad side of things. We gripe when we have nothing to do, but we do not want to be too busy. We grumble about how little we earn, but then complain about the income tax bill when we make more.

We get bored sitting at home, but then grouch about how our hotel bed in another city is not as comfortable as our own. COVID-19 restrictions, whether you were for or against them, gave us another entire level of discord.

We need Philippians 2:14 now more than ever.

The silly thing about grumbling, complaining and arguing is that you are the one that suffers the most. Focusing on the negative aspects of your life only makes you miserable. As one person said to me, “Grumbling is like taking poison and hoping that it hurts the other guy”.

To be clear, I am not denying that there are bad circumstances in the world or your life. I am not saying that we need to pretend to be happy all the time. I am not telling you to ignore real injustices or inequities.

However, I am encouraging you to, at the very least, focus on things you can change.

For example, grumbling about the government does nothing. You get to vote once every four years and that is it. All the coffee shop grumbling in the world is not going to change who is in charge or what they do. For our own sake, we would be better off focusing on our

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ

blessings rather than our complaints.

As George Buttrick, an old-time preacher once said, “We need to deliberately call to mind the joys of our journey”.

Life will always be complicated. It will always have ups and downs. If we have an emotional reaction to everything, we will always be in turmoil. Why not determine to rejoice more than you complain? If you do not choose to be happy now, eventually you will run out of time.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God” (Psalm 43:5).

The Les Avery rink captured top money in the mixed cash bonspiel in Estevan in November 1976, defeating Gary Gary Voinorosky in the final. Members of the rink, from left, were Betty Avery, Barry Kingdon, Faye Kingdon and Les Avery