Estevan Mercury 20230503

May 13, 2023

Rotary Hall

Woodlawn Regional Park Register at Henders Drugs or at www.events.runningroom.com/site/17501/coal-country-run-2022/

Southeast paid tribute to Happy Nun Café

By Stephanie Zoer

Mother’s Day is coming. Spot special promo advertisements, running throughout the paper

It was a fitting tribute and celebration for the Happy Nun Café Saturday night at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex.

The doors opened at 5:30 p.m. for event. With 454 guests slowly making their way into the venue, greeters escorted everyone to their assigned tables, which were adorned with cream-coloured tablecloths, gold napkins and runners, and boasting a lantern as a centerpiece.

Thank you for service. City’s parks and facilities manager announces resignation. What’s improved in Estevan during his tenure?

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Celebrating the best. Find out more about the 2023 Southeast Women of Distinction Awards and nominees on PAGES A3, 8-10 Estevan has strong potential. Recap on the second Innovation Conversation featuring Dr. Aaron Genest.

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A silent auction was held in the northwest corner and along the south wall, Nun souvenirs could be purchased along with homemade honey prepared by Shannon Shakotko’s son. She was a former owner of the Nun.

Some people wore glitter and lace, while others came casual.

The stage housed a black and gold glitter backdrop, with stands holding several guitars and a set of drums that would be used by the bands that attended.

As it neared 7 p.m., Gayla Gilbertson, the chef and owner of the Nun came on the stage.

Gilbertson welcomed the large crowd, which gobbled up all of the tickets in a matter of days. She said this was the largest crowd to ever be served by the Nun. She thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the Nun, not only that night but over the past years.

She went on to thank her staff and friends for helping over the past weeks with the preparation of the meal, setting up the tables, picking up stock, or being there when she would forget something. Will, the sound guy was also there to help with the stage like he always did at the Nun.

“The food, the entertainment, the laughter, the tears are what brought the Nun alive,” said Gilbertson. Gilbertson and her husband Leon had lengthy discussions on whether to rebuild the Nun after it was destroyed by a fire on Dec. 15, 2022, but they felt it would never be the same.

At that time, Shakotko came to the stage. She spoke on the history of the Nun and how it has touched so many lives.

“The Nun hosted weddings, concerts, funerals, graduations, reunions, bridal and baby showers, Zumba and movie nights,” said Shakotko.

Marion Biram from Carlyle and Forget created the paintings that surrounded the fireplace. They depicted the view coming into Forget, leaving Forget and a trailing Moose Mountain Creek.

Thanks Riley. Local racer announces he crossed the finish line of his racing career.

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event.

“The history just would not be there,” said Gilbertson. Members of the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department were on hand, and they were praised for their 10 hours of grueling work in the sub-zero temperatures the night of the fire, trying to save some of the building. In the end nothing could be salvaged, yet they continued to work throughout the night, because that is what they do, said Gilbertson. The only thing that remains is the deck which is still standing.

“Inside the Nun’s walls it has been danced in, played in, sung in, prayed in, laughed in, cried in, proposed in and slept in.”

Shakotko read out some of the historical and meaningful things that the Nun had been holding before the fire.

The blackish pews came from the convent’s chapel, and the green desk and light fixture in the entrance was from one of the classrooms in the convent and a gift from Yvan Hurriet.

The bar was one of the old counters in Donvil’s general store in Forget, but was also used as a prop on the set of the movie Who Has Seen the Wind, filmed in Arcola.

The books came from Storthoaks and Gainsborough School after they closed their doors and through many personal donations.

The fire king mugs were collected from across Canada.

The old oak-framed chalkboard was from the former bank across from the high house in Arcola. It was lovingly preserved and moved by Gayla and Leon with Katie Vinge-Riddell’s last menu on it, which hung above the French doors.

Vinge-Riddell was the owner of the Happy Nun when she died in a vehicle collision in 2017.

Shakotko ended with saying a prayer by Mary Oliver.

The Caragana Ramblers then took to the stage.

They are a local band from Forget. They performed while the staff made the final changes to the meal. Gilbertson said that three bands had to cancel due to some health issues, so they would do a small performance. As the song Be Our Guest played, Gilbertson and her staff danced through the crowd and sang along, having the crowd in laughter. According to staff, this was something that Gilbertson would do on a regular basis at the Nun. Gilbertson directed the tables to the buffet lines.

A supper buffet of red wine-braised beef and white wine mushroom chicken was served, with maple and dill carrots, Nun salad and Nun dressing and special Nun mashed potatoes. Dessert followed.

Lisa Moen and Garth Howell were next to entertain. They thanked the Nun for making them feel so welcome each time they performed there and making them feel like family.

Teagan Littlechief and Morgan Turk then performed. During a slide show of the Nun’s memories, Littlechief sang, I will Remember You and also performed I’ll Always Remember you this Way.

Chris Henderson also took the stage, and the closing act was courtesy of the Tilted Kilts. All singers and bands had performed at the Nun and are from the southeast region.

The evening ended with laughter, tears and a lot of memories that will be forever cherished in the hearts of those that visited the Happy Nun Café.

Gayla Gilbertson, who owned the Happy Nun with her husband Leon, spoke to the crowd at the

Ella Gilbertson and Amanda Baumgartner took to the stage during the tribute to the Happy Nun. Photos by Stephanie Zoer

The Caragana Ramblers entertained the crowd at the event.

Southeast Saskatchewan Women of Distinction Awards

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The 12 firefighters to make the 2024 Saskatchewan Fire Fighters Calendar, raising funds for the Jim Pattison Hospital Foundation, were decided April 22 during the selection night at Casino Regina, and Estevan’s AnnieFrance Bizier made the cut. Since the contestants were called on stage in alphabetical order, Bizier was the first one for every event. She’s never participated in any kind of similar events. And with most participants being men, the big crowd was “probably 98 per cent women”, she noted, and mostly complete strangers, so at first, it was a bit scary.

“In the crowd, there were people there for

me, like my husband as well as people from the fire hall. But otherwise, I didn’t know anybody. So, the crowd at first, didn’t really know how to feel about me. But as I went on stage, they were playing my video, and in my video, I do mention that I’m a mom of four. For whatever reason that just got the crowd. They were rooting for me,” Bizier shared.

“And from that point on, it was kind of the same thing over and over, except changing what we were wearing.”

For different stages of the event, contestants wore formalwear, sleepwear and turnout gear, and also partook in different funny challenges. The last stage appearance, at which time participants already knew who made it to the calendar, was made special.

“When I came out onto the stage for the very last time with my turnout gear, they played the song that I had picked, Back for More by Five Finger Death Punch, just because it’s a very high energy, a heavy song, so I thought it was very fitting. Plus, I’m back for more. So that was a pretty, pretty epic moment,” Bizier said. “It was a really, really great night.”

She also noted that she was a bit worried about how it would be backstage. However, the experience proved to be positive and inspiring.

porting each other, rooting for each other. We helped each other get ready,” Bizier shared.

Following the adventure of preparation, the selection night in Regina was a separate challenge for Bizier, but it allowed her to push herself and grow, while also helping raise funds for a good cause.

Annie-France Bizier will be among 12 firefighters to be featured in next year’s professional calendar.

“There wasn’t that competitive feeling or environment. Everybody was networking. Everybody was getting along, sup-

“I tend to be very shy and I’m more of an introvert, so, for me to go through something like that and put myself out there and in the spotlight, was very, very difficult,” Bizier shared. “So, the fact that I did that, I went out of my shell, I broke out of it and socialized with everybody else, that was a big thing for me and it will help me in the future. Now I know that everyone

wants to get to know each other, but everybody’s kind of shy and nobody knows how to act. So, I think it’ll help me break that barrier.”

Bizier said she is to have a chance to test her new social skill set during the firefighting school in Pilot Butte on April 2830.

Out of 16 contestants this year, five were women, and two made the cut for the calendar, including Bizer and Weyburn’s Jola Bell-Erb.

Bizier said she was really grateful for the support from her family, friends, colleagues and the community.

“I want to thank the community, everybody who voted because I couldn’t have done it without them. And I really want to thank

my friends, my family and especially my department because they also rooted for me quite hard and I really appreciate everything this community has done to support me,” Bizier said. The photoshoot will take place later this year.

Once calendars are released, firefighters featured in the latest edition will need to sell some. The copies will also be available at various stores across the province and online at saskfirefighterscalendar. com. All proceeds from the project go to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. Funds raised will ensure that the right equipment, enhancements, research and technology can be purchased and realized within the walls of the maternal and children’s hospital.

RM residents learn more about renewable energy at session

By David Willberg

Ratepayers from the RM of Estevan were supplied with lots of information about renewable energy during a session on April 26 at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch.

Jason Schneider, who is the reeve for Vulcan County in Alberta, discussed how projects like wind and solar have impacted the area. Also, Brian Zinchuk, the owner and editor of Pipeline Online, shared numbers about the reliability of wind and solar in Alberta.

James Trobert, who is the councillor for the RM of Estevan’s Subdivision 5, said they extended an invitation to ratepayers in the RM and other neighbouring rural municipalities. Trobert noted there are some “drastic changes” that are about to occur in southeast Saskatchewan, with the closure of coalfired power plants and green-energy initiatives touted to replace them.

Schneider, who operates a family farm near Vulcan, said the county was one of the first in southern Alberta to have these projects proposed in 2011.

“I’ve had a bit of a firsthand view of how these projects have impacted our municipality and some of the things we’ve seen, the good and the bad,” said Schneider.

He encouraged everyone to stay curious and ask questions, because this is a very different industry versus what they know with agriculture, and oil and gas.

A 300-megawatt, $600 million wind project was proposed over approximately 40 kilometres of land at the south end of the county in 2013.

“Ultimately this project actually went quite well. We had a developer that was really willing to work with residents as well as the council of the day,” said Schneider.

A 150-acre solar project, located south of the town of Vulcan and owned by an Indigenous community, also went well.

A 465-megawatt project, covering 3,300 acres, was built on land that Schneider said was used for grazing.

“It wasn’t as controversial as it could have been just because of the siting, and there was nobody re-

ally out there as well,” said Schneider.

Ten years ago, the developer wanted to move in and be part of the community, he said. They compensated landowners. There was a good working relationship and issues were resolved quickly.

“Most evolving industries, the first project is always the controversial one … you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

There weren’t any appeals and people spoke in support of the project. The industry has evolved quickly, he said, and issues have arisen that weren’t there 10 years ago. Projects are being proposed, but then it is sold to the next company, who sells it to the next company, and so on.

“Our wind project that is going on right now … hasn’t been received as well, and some of it is because it’s changed hands a couple of times,” said Schneider.

Before renewables, Schneider said 60 per cent of the county’s assessment was oil and gas and 40 per cent was agriculture. Now the windmills are 20 per cent and solar facilities are more than 30 per cent.

The projects create a lot of jobs during construction, and they will create some employment via maintenance once they’re finished.

Schneider also discussed reclamation and environmental impact with these projects. Because it’s a private developer on private land, it winds up in the landowner’s hands, which is something that has to be considered.

“Every one of these contracts is different. There really is no standard. And I think that’s something as a landowner as well as a municipality, you have to keep in mind is there is no standard contract here.”

He also urged landowners to get everything in writing with these big developments.

“If everybody just keeps asking, then eventually you hope you can get an answer, and you probably have a legitimate concern if nobody’s willing to answer the question.”

People want to know how this affects land values. It’s admittedly hard

to quantify, he said. Prices have gone up in the county, but other issues are at play. As for wildlife and environmental concerns, they haven’t had a big issue with bird strikes and the windmills.

Zinchuk said Saskatchewan is on the path Alberta has been on for a decade.

He noted there is a website, the Alberta Electric System Operator, which provides minuteby-minute data on every single generating unit in the province.

It offers a look at performance on coal, wind, solar and other sources. He noted that on Jan. 1, 2022, when Alberta had 2,700 megawatts of wind and 600-700 megawatts of solar available, there were three megawatts of wind power generated on a night when an extreme cold warning was issued. And since it was night, solar produced nothing.

“Here’s the fundamental thing. It’s not when things work that’s the problem. It’s when things don’t work.”

It’s a trend that he has seen repeated numerous times.

Since then, SaskPower has started to show similar information, but it is delayed by a day, and it is averaged over 24 hours.

A question-and-answer session followed with the speakers and the 50 people in attendance.

Photo courtesy of Annie-France Bizier

Estevan firefighter Annie-France Bizier, fifth from the right, made the cut and will appear in the 2024 Saskatchewan Fire Fighters Calendar. Photo sourced from the Saskatchewan Fire Fighters Calendar Facebook page

Reeve Jason Schneider from Vulcan County in Alberta discussed challenges and opportunities associated with renewable energy during an RM of Estevan ratepayers’ session.

Southeast Sask. Women of Distinction Award nominees announced at luncheon

The Southeast Saskatchewan Women of Distinction Awards committe announced the 2023 nominees last Tuesday during an invitational high tea at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.

A total of 24 women were nominated between the five different award categories this year. Their nominations and pictures can be found throughout this paper or online at sewomenofdistinction.com. Each category will see one winner, who will be announced on May 10 during the SE Women of Distinction Award luncheon.

Winners will be decided by a panel of independent judges.

Becky Cassidy, the committee chairwoman and master of ceremony for the event, opened with a quote by Michelle Obama.

“’There is a power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story and using your authentic voice.’ World history is full of female pioneers who make progress in the fields of politics, arts, science, law and humanities.

There are women all over the world, who not just dreamed of success, but have worked very hard and have achieved it,” Cassidy said.

She noted that a woman of distinction is someone who makes a significant difference in their community by showing vision, creativity and initiative. Someone who has been a role model and continually inspires others.

Someone who is innovative, breaks new ground and continues to be an agent for others. And those women they want to celebrate through the renewed award ceremony.

For the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, presented by Steam Est. Industries, the candidates are Jen Lozinsky, Ashley Gallaway, Haley Ingham, Connie Hagel, Cathy Welta, Nicole Currie, and Peggy Rohatyn and Debby Knight. Rohatyn and Knight are nominated together.

This award recognizes in-

fluential community builders whose contributions and/or leadership moves have helped to create a community where everyone can thrive. Women may be nominated for their outstanding community service in either a paid position or a volunteer capacity with respect to creating, enhancing or improving the local programs or the community itself.

Nominees for Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace Award, presented by TS&M Supply, are Agnes Garrioch, Kristin Dupuis, Melanie Tribiger, Lindsay Brownridge, Kathryn Gilliss and Shelly Mack.

This award is for women with exemplary achievements beyond the scope of their paid work that improve their workplaces, professions or community; and who reach beyond their professional expectations to inspire, mentor and enable others to improve their workplaces or their community.

Nikita Meyer, Dr. Rebecca Holman, Maria Walter, Leann Boehm and Jennifer Olfert are nominated for the Innovative Leadership Award, presented by SaskTel.

This award is to recognize women who have built successful businesses or women leading within their careers who have become inspirational leaders and role models for other women. It’s for women creating and implementing innovative programs, practices, partnerships, policies or/and activities that significantly improve the lives of women or the community.

New this year, the Equity & Inclusion Award, presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, saw Ramona Knebush, Margaret Messer and Debbie Hagel nominated. This award recognizes women for leadership, resilience and activism to further advance efforts to improve the community or the culture for the next generation.

Raegan Walter and Kylie Phillipchuk are vying for the Young Visionary Award, presented by Impact Cre-

ative SK. This is the category to recognize young individuals under the age of 20 who set examples for others through their exemplary achievements in academics, athletics, volunteerism or community building.

“If you were nominated, regardless of whether you win or not, you’re deserving of all the recognition in the world. Each one of these women is inspiring, determined, hardworking and tremendously amazing. So congratulations to all,” Cassidy said at the high tea.

Also, during the event, it was announced that four women who made great contributions to the area during their lives will be the first to be enshrined through the Trailblazer Memorial Walk presented by TruckMart. They are Ida Petterson, Shirley Orsted, Melodye Pierson and Shirley Carson.

“These outstanding women were first to do something or to go somewhere that gave other women the opportunity to follow and the knowledge that was needed to make it possible for them to do so,” Cassidy said.

Peterson was the first female mayor is Saskatchewan, as well as an extraordinary businesswoman, founder of the Estevan Regional Nursing Home, one of the instrumental people in the creation of Estevan Shoppers Mall and a supporter and advocate for the Estevan Arts Council.

Orsted dedicated her life to education. She was also a founder of the Quota Club in Estevan, a key person in establishing the Women of Today awards, and recognized the values that young people bring to the world, knowing children are the future.

Pierson was an outstanding female entrepreneur and an extraordinary volunteer and ambassador for the City of Estevan, a true supporter of people and the community, and the longest serving billet parent for the Estevan Bruins.

Carson – a true philanthropist – was helping to create a better community and a better world throughout her life. A role model for authentic living, she lived her faith and values. She was an active volunteer and leader for many community projects and created therapeutic spaces for all to share.

During the luncheon, the Quota Club of Estevan was saluted for running the Women of Today Awards from 1999-2019.

The Southeast Women of Distinction Awards is a new event intended to carry on the tradition of the Women of Today Awards in Estevan, which had been presented in the community for 21 years. In 2023, women continue to achieve success in their fields, overcome barriers, and juggle the many responsibilities of life.

A local committee, Women 4 Women, is organizing this year’s SE Women of Distinction Awards. It consists of Cassidy (event committee chairwoman); Tania Hlohovsky-Andrist (nominations and awards committee chairwoman); Breanne Van De Woestyne (public relations); Mary Anne Veroba (awards banquet, entertainment and program); Brittany Zahn (nominee announcement celebration);

Michelle Erdman (finance); and Tara Daoust and Lori Gervais (guest experience).

The vision of the organizing committee is to amplify the accomplishments of women in the five award categories, in their workplace and in the community, through leadership, hard work or the perseverance to overcome obstacles to success.

Profits from the event will be donated to two streams: programming for children living with disabilities, and breakfast cupboards at elementary schools in the region. These have been the core recipients of fundraising efforts in the past.

The Southeast Women of Distinction Awards – presented by Support You Life Coaching and Consulting

by Stacey Wempe – will be handed out on May 10 at the Estevan Exhibition Hall. A guest speaker, Corliss Rassyle, will deliver her Be the Best You speech. Tickets are $40/person and $300/table of eight and can be purchased at Henders Drugs in Estevan or arranged through emailing the committee at southeast4women@gmail.com.

From left, Nikita Meyer, Leann Boehm, Dr. Rebecca Holman and Maria Walter were nominated for Innovation Leadership Award. Missing is Jennifer Olfert.

Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Debbie Hagel and Ramona Knebush were nominated for Equity and Inclusion Award. Missing is Margaret Messer

Gallaway (Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award nominee), and Agnes Garrioch, Kristin Dupuis, Shelley Mack and Melanie Tribiger were

Cathy Welta, Connie Hagel, Peggy Rohatyn and Debbie Knight, Jen Lozinski and Nicole Currie were nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award. Missing are Ashley Gallaway and Haley Ingham

Kylie Phillipchuk and Reagan Walter were nominated for the Outstanding Young Visionary Award.

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Finally, the spring fun can begin

For the second straight year, we’ve had a late start to spring, but we’re glad that the season is finally here.

From a warm weather perspective, March was a write-off this year, with only a couple of days that (barely) exceeded the freezing mark. We had almost as many blizzards that month as days above 0 C.

The start of April wasn’t much better. We had that winter storm that blew through the area in mid-April and brought inches of wet, heavy snow to our community. If the farmers needed the moisture, we would have warmly welcomed the snow. But most producers in this region would likely tell you they already had enough snow this past winter. So for them, the snow was an inconvenience.

April wasn’t exactly setting any temperature records before the snow hit, either.

But the temperatures have warmed up in the past week, and it finally feels like spring is here. With that, the fun of the spring season is now underway.

A lot of people will tell you spring is their favourite season of the year. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are warming up, the snow is gone, and we aren’t enduring the stifling summer heat as of yet.

Evenings are warmer, but they aren’t excessively hot.

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Just imagine: it’s a regular day, you take your car out of the garage and head out somewhere in town. You come to an intersection, stop at the lights and realize that you are surrounded by driverless vehicles.

Vehicles to the left and right of you, those in the front and the ones facing you have passengers in the back seats. They are talking on the phone, maybe chatting to each other, working on laptops, or just meditatively staring through the windows. They seem like usual passengers, just there are no drivers. No one is sitting behind steering wheels.

The light turns green and all these ghost vehicles start moving as if there was someone operating them. They speed up and slow down when needed, signal, make turns, adjust lights, and do all other things a regular vehicle would do.

I don’t know about you, but if I found myself in such a situation, I probably would be stuck at that intersection for a while.

The above would sound like an appropriate beginning of a fantasy thriller if it wasn’t the reality. It’s not Estevan’s reality yet, and probably won’t be for a few more years, but apparently, it’s a very real situation nowadays on the streets of San Francisco, the city that often serves as a petri dish for technology and innovations.

The Washington Post recently published an article about the latest changes in the urban landscape of the Golden City and some challenges those changes create for the public.

At the end of April, Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, was approved to use driverless cabs 24 hours a day anywhere in San Francisco. Another company, Waymo, owned by Google, also offers self-driving

There’s that excitement about the activities that will be coming in the next few months. By the time July and August arrive, it can feel like the doldrums of a season. Here in the Estevan area, golf courses have started to open up. People will soon be moving their RVs to local campgrounds for the spring and summer months. Fishing season starts on May 5. The Estevan Motor Speedway is scheduled to begin its 2023 season on May 6.

Now that the snow is gone and the temperatures have heated up, Estevan residents can look forward to walking, jogging and cycling on the pathways that circulate the community. This has been a wonderful addition for our city since 2021, and we hope people will continue to take advantage of them, even though the hectic pace of life has returned now that the pandemic restrictions have been over for the past year.

Sports seasons for both adults and youths are back or about to get underway. Over the next couple of months, you can look forward to seeing lots of activity at local baseball and softball diamonds, as well as soccer pitches.

Other spring sports, like lacrosse, are also getting ready for the season to begin.

The more we have kids out and exercis-

ing, the better off society is. And it’s great to see adults out getting good exercise, too.

We’re going to have some great events to enjoy over the next two months. You’ll get the annual assortment of fundraisers, and you’ll get the traditional activities that mark the end of the school year.

And you’ll also have big community events, like the Estevan Exhibition Association’s second annual Energy City Ex., and the Estevan Comprehensive School’s Grade 12 graduation ceremony. At the end of the day, you can stretch out and relax on a patio, whether it be the deck of your favourite restaurant or at your own home.

For those who live outside of Estevan, there will be plenty of activities as well. We have lots of attractions in Estevan, but you can find lots to do in the small towns and villages that dot the maps of the southeast. Campgrounds, parks, outdoor swimming pools, school functions, golf courses, sports and so much more ensure plenty of activities in the spring months. Summer is great, too. It’s lots of fun, especially for the kids who get to enjoy two months away from school.

But there’s just something special about spring. And so do what you can to enjoy the next couple of months.

taxi service in the California city, but so far only during the night hours.

The introduction of ghost vehicles is happening pretty fast and is causing some issues. For example, self-driving vehicles are very cautious and in situations where people would carefully keep driving, they prefer to just sit and wait, thus creating traffic jams.

At the same time, the fact that driverless cabs are spreading fast, even if it’s just within one or a few cities so far, does make it feel like the future is here. The progress is not contained to the labs, universities and military departments anymore, it’s on the streets, improving the lives of general people.

I agree, it might feel pretty freaky at the beginning. But as a person who never wanted to be a driver, but at the same time the one who always appreciated the comfort and all the benefits of a personal vehicle, for years I’ve dreamt about a world where vehicles can go on their own wherever and whenever I need them.

To me, it just felt sad to lose so much time driving when I could do so many other interesting and useful things if I could always be a passenger. And it seems that I might see that vision coming true in my lifetime.

There are broader benefits too. It seems that self-driving vehicles create fewer dangerous cases on the roads than humans, making it safer for everyone. Developers be-

lieve that traffic would become almost 100 per cent safe if the driving were to be left to machines. In San Francisco, the two companies’ cabs so far were only involved in a few minor accidents, which resulted in new software and technology improvement.

Cameras and algorithms allow self-driving vehicles to “see” not only other cars and pedestrians, but also animals and other obstacles, and react accordingly.

However, if the system comes across a scenario that it doesn’t know or can’t recognize, it may break hard and freeze, not knowing how to act, or keep going where it should have stopped and take a detour. I believe most current challenges are a matter of training and improving the technology.

There are still many questions to be answered and solutions to be found. For example, how would a self-driving vehicle react if its passenger was a criminal being chased by police, would it stop or speed up? Or how would it respond to a theft or hijacking attempt? Some of the answers are probably already being worked on, other questions we are still to pose.

But if the ghost cabs can already safely get people to their destinations in a multimillion person city with heavy traffic and they indeed do so, it means the innovation is feasible and we should start witnessing it spreading in the foreseeable future.

Our brain may not be ready for that level of futurism, but we tend to quickly get used to comfort and I believe that’s what’s going to happen. And while technologies can be disruptive to the industries where they are implemented, as Dr. Aaron Genest noted during his visit to Estevan, they also come with opportunities. The matter is to timely understand and seize them.

A centrist party by any other name…

David Willberg Willberg’s World

It appears the Saskatchewan Liberal Party doesn’t want to be known as the Liberals any longer.

The provincial party, which had a hearty three candidates in the last provincial election, has decided they will change their name, and they will take requests from the public on their new identity. The party’s membership will decide how the Liberals will be known going forward.

While they might not come out and say it, you have to think the negative connotations with the current federal government would be a factor in the party proceeding with a name change.

Talk to people about the Liberal Party in Saskatchewan, and a lot of people will express surprise that such a party still exists. And a lot of them will sneer because they immediately think of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and how his federal party’s policies have negatively impacted the west over the past 7 1/2 years.

The provincial Liberals have been diminishing political return for a long time in Saskatchewan. In our province’s early days, they were our natural governing party, guiding the province for roughly 35 of its first 40 years. And they were in power for seven years in the 1960s and early 1970s.

They became a party with diminishing influence but still had a presence in the Saskatchewan legislature. When a coalition of Liberal and Progressive Conservative MLAs came together in 1997 to form the Saskatchewan Party, the Liberals were the official opposition. And there were as many Liberals as Progressive Conservatives in the initial eight-member Sask. Party caucus.

But the big blow was the aftermath of the 1999 provincial election. Three Liberal MLAs propped up the Saskatchewan NDP minority government, and the public seemingly hasn’t forgiven them. The Liberals haven’t won an election seat since.

David Karwacki was a really good leader, but even he couldn’t dig the party out of electoral darkness in the early 2000s.

In 2011, they had just a few candidates amid a failed effort to throw all their efforts behind getting the leader of the day elected. They had a full slate of candidates in 2016, but had minimal support. And then they had three candidates and 355 votes in 2020.

Provincial politics tend to be a two-party proposition – there just aren’t enough people for a valid third party, unless you’re in Ontario or Quebec. But there is still a place for a centrist voice in Saskatchewan politics.

When Brad Wall was the premier of the province, the Sask. Party received the bulk of the votes from the political middle.

But it’s unlikely that many centrist votes have the same level of comfort supporting Scott Moe, who has governed the province in a more conservative fashion than his predecessor.

As for the NDP, they seem more interested in cultivating that centrist support, but there are a lot of people in the political middle who were put off during the tenure of former NDP leader Ryan Meili, who tried to succeed by moving the NDP further to the left.

Would a new name for the Liberals change much? Probably not. One thing I would be interested to see is if the rebranded party would take aim at their federal counterparts when Trudeau and Co. introduce or approve legislation that is not in the best interest of the province. The provincial party was silent amid the carbon tax, firearms legislation and fertilizer emission reductions.

It might not make some in the party’s establishment happy, but ripping into the federal Liberals would show that the provincial party is thinking about what’s best for the province, and it would certainly get people talking.

And it might bring a few people back to the party’s fold.

At the same time, any name they come up with should emphasize their centrist roots, rather than leaving people wondering about this party’s identity. With relatively new parties in the Saskatchewan political landscape, the name has to convey their difference from the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan United Party.

It’s also unlikely the Sask. Liberals will get a sudden influx of new members because people will want to vote for the party’s new name. It’s a new name, not a leadership race.

I’ll be interested to see the new party’s name. But the Liberals have their work cut out for them as they try to emerge from political obscurity.

Council to partner on dust control for Boundary Dam access road

The RM of Estevan, the City of Estevan and Woodlawn Regional Park are coming together to fund the application of MG30 for dust control along the access road to Woodlawn’s Boundary Dam site.

City council approved participation in the arrangement at the April 24 meeting. Each of the three parties will contribute $60,000.

The MG30 is to be applied from May 1-4, weather permitting, according to the RM’s Facebook page. The road will be closed during those days.

In a letter to city council, RM of Estevan administrator Michelle Dickie said the park is an important location for tourism in the area and draws a large number of people each summer. For the safety of those travelling to the park, the RM thought it would be beneficial to apply the MG30.

Dickie described it as calcium chloride and magnesium hydroxide. When milled into the road, Dickie said it leaves a strong, dust-free surface.

It also requires less maintenance, and unlike magnesium chloride dust suppressant, does not need reapplication each year.

“The RM mulched and applied MG30 on the road from the bypass to the airport road last year, and it seems to be holding up very well.”

The estimated cost for the MG30 application, including mulching, is $180,000. In addition to the cost share, the RM is committed to arranging the application and providing preparation work required prior to the product being applied.

Dickie noted the $60,000 would be considered a 10-year commitment from the city for the road. The previous cost was $6,500-$7,500 a year, so Mayor Roy Ludwig said there would be long-term cost savings.

Coun. Travis Frank said this is a unique route because it belongs to the RM, but it provides access to a tourism attraction that benefits the city and the RM.

“This is a great opportunity for us to work together, as well as save a little money from the city’s pocket, which is good, as well as hopefully make that road a lot easier for campers going down [to the park] because they won’t have dust flying,” said Frank.

Coun. Kirsten Walliser, who is on the Woodlawn Park board, said Woodlawn supports this effort as well.

Council opened the meeting by presenting a 10-year pin to city manager Jeff Ward on behalf of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.

Members also saluted organizing committee members who were involved with the Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts and SaskTel Tankard provincial women’s and men’s curling championships earlier this year.

••• Council received the resignation of Jade Volesky as the city’s building inspector.

Volesky’s last day was March 31.

The decision to resign was not easy, he said, as he made “great friends” and enjoyed his time working with the city.

The new building inspector is his brother Shay.

•••

Council gave its blessing for the Rotary Club of Estevan to host its annual Lobsterfest at Affinity Place on June 23. The event is Rotary’s largest fun-

draiser of the year. Last year marked the first time Lobsterfest was held at the events centre since 2019.

The annual Operation Clean Sweep will run from May 15-22.

On May 15, city crews will be cleaning the north, east, south and west entrances of the city and outlying areas. The following day, they will be working on all city-owned properties, including parks, boulevards, medians and natural areas.

The next two days, city crews will pick up organic waste materials, such as twigs, leaves and yard refuse, from residential properties. They will be in the north on May 17 and the south the following day. Branches must be bundled in three-foot lengths, while leaves and refuse must be bagged. They must be in front of properties by 8 a.m. on designated pick-up days.

May 20-22 will be free landfill weekend for City of Estevan residents. Hazardous waste materials, Freon appliances, and mattresses and box springs cannot be dropped off for free.

Rod March moving to new city; appreciates his time in Estevan

Rod March is grateful for the years he has spent in Estevan.

March has stepped down from his role as the manager of leisure services, parks and facilities for the City of Estevan, to take on the job as the parks manager for the City of Okotoks in Alberta. March’s final day in Estevan will be May 5.

He said he is resigning for personal reasons.

“I’ve taken on a position over there [in Okotoks] where I’m more concentrated on looking after the parks and greenspaces,” said March.

When March started with the city in the summer of 2014, he was the parks manager, and slowly added to his responsibilities.

A number of projects have been completed during his tenure in Estevan. There’s the new paddling pool at the Churchill Playpark that opened last summer, new play structures at local parks, buildings that were constructed at local parks, the addition of amenities at the Dennis Moore Centennial Park and the upgrades to the Royal Heights Veterans’ Memorial Park.

He has worked with dif-

ferent groups and businesses to help make the city a better place through improvements to recreation.

“I think the number 1 thing that I take away is the relationships built and maintained over the years, because it’s a great place,” said March. “There’s a lot of great things happening.”

The integrated pathway project, in which 13 kilometres of new walking paths and sidewalks were constructed, occurred during his time. Medians were improved when he started. Beautification has also taken a big step forward with self-watering planters.

“We put all of our irrigation on timers, so all of those complaints about irrigation being on during the day, that doesn’t happen,” said March.

Renovations have occurred at the Power Dodge Curling Centre and the Power Dodge Arena, the city’s urban forest increased by 15 per cent and a new columbarium was constructed at the Estevan City Cemetery.

He’s pleased that he was able to get things done without drastic spending increases, thanks to government grants and external funding.

After nearly nine years on the job in Estevan, March said he believes a new set of eyes will be good for the community.

March thanked those who took the time to phone him and inquire about why things are done the way they are. He has learned a lot, and he hopes people have learned as well from talking to him, rather than just complaining online.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said the city enjoyed having March here, and the mayor praised March for his work.

“With his expertise, he was able to do multiple tasks and help us. Anything to do with a new building, he was very well versed with that. Anything to do with the parks, anything

to do with Affinity [Place], he came to us with a wealth of knowledge and was willing to use that to our advantage.

So we absolutely appreciated Rod’s time here, and he was able to help us out a lot,” said Ludwig.

The mayor said March was multi-faceted in his contributions, and experience in a lot of areas.

When it came to the city’s pathways project, Ludwig said March not only helped with the implementation of the project, but with the design and their location.

Before leaving, March said he wanted to make sure the city had its full complement of summer students in place, which they were as of May 1. And he needs to be in Okotoks in time for their summer students to start on May 9.

“I’ll never leave this city in a jam. It’s treated me well, and I’m always available, even after I leave, so they can get a hold of me if they need anything,” said March.

City manager Jeff Ward said the city is moving some internal candidates into suitable management roles. There will now be a separate facilities manager and a parks manager.

Meet Jasper! She holds the title for being our longest-residing cat.

hard

believe that she’s been with us since 2021.

Jasper is a sweet and friendly gal full of quirks that make her extra special! She loves to play with toys, and to be petted, but her favourite pastime is lounging in sunny spots and watching the world go by.

She’s not only friendly to humans, but she’s also a social butterfly among the other cats at the shelter. She can be a mother hen to them sometimes and is always happy to play with her feline and canine friends!

goofball. My favourite things to do is playing fetch and tug of war. I’m also a big fan of the snow! The staff at the shelter say I’m a good learner, and will thrive with someone who can help me reach my full potential. With proper introduction I could get along with dogs or cats. I’m a happy, healthy boy and can’t

We know that the perfect family is out there, just waiting to take her home. She can’t wait to meet you!

A6

Innovation Conversation with Dr. Genest: Estevan has all it takes to succeed

By Ana Bykhovskaia

One of Saskatchewan’s top innovators, Dr. Aaron Genest – the president and founder of SaskTech and the representative for Siemens Software – was a guest speaker last Wednesday at the second Innovation Conversation, organized by Southeast TechHub, Southeast College and Access

Now TV.

A big cheerleader for the Energy City, Genest spoke about Estevan’s progress in the field and the community’s advantages in the world of technological development, and explained how smaller communities can take leading roles in inventing and implementing innovations.

Genest started by touching on how Saskatchewan and other places have been surviving innovations when they disrupt some of the common ways people do things, causing job losses and changes. He also noted that while new technology continuously reshapes the labour market in Saskatchewan, the Prairies are home to many innovations that became widespread and have found successful implementation at home and internationally.

“We are considered leaders in agricultural technology. So as much as it’s disrupted our own communities, it has also been bringing a change to communities around the world and fundamentally for the better. Things are safer

now; we can grow enough food for everybody. And that story is not just on farms, it’s in mines, which are a lot safer than they used to be, and it’s in every aspect of energy production and distribution as well, from exploration all the way to our power plants and the way we use energy,” Genest said.

It’s been about 20 years since his last visit to Estevan, but he pays attention to things happening in and around the Energy City and also advocates for it on higher levels, as he believes Estevan and other smaller Saskatchewan cities can not only survive but thrive as an innovative hub.

“I have a belief that smaller cities and communities are actually better suited to initiating and using innovation than our large cities and existing technology hubs,” Genest said.

He also spoke about how to find areas where labour is cheaper than technology and pointed out that communities have to understand the evolving needs and train for these jobs, as they are the ones that are going to survive as new technologies are implemented and become widespread.

He noted that at different times, innovations affected different industries more than others. In the 1970s and ’80s, it was automotive disruption; in the ’90s, it was finance and commerce; in the 2000s and 2010s, it was factory automation and transportation, and in the

2020s it’s agriculture, mining and energy.

“Agriculture is now agtech, and if you have any doubts about that, all you have to do is look at GDP numbers in Saskatchewan for agriculture. The amount farmers are making has been flat for almost a decade and a half. We are not making any more money than we used to if you are a farmer, not really, not in real terms. But our ag numbers are going up a lot … That’s all value added, that’s all canola crushing, peas processing [etc.]. Those are all automation, those are factories … When we talk agricultural growth in this province, that’s what we are talking about,” Genest said, adding that Saskatchewan has the potential to keep the industry benefiting its people.

SOUTHERN PLAINS CO-OP CALL FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To be elected at the May 30, 2023 Annual General Meeting

The Southern Plains Co-operative Limited invites nominations for the position of Director.

The 3 year terms for the following directors have expired:

“What’s going to change here is that autonomous farming, which is more of a precision farming and precision irrigation, is going to start to become a thing that has the potential to change the game for farmers. And it’s going to be about who owns the technology stream, who owns the data that comes out of it, who owns the way in which it’s being applied and it’s going to be about who is in charge of those innovations that’s going to have the biggest factor of whether or not the province continues to be profitable for farmers on the ground.”

He continued by explaining his idea of the value of understanding the needs of the labour market that is fast to implement innovations through other examples from the mining and energy

sectors. Estevan has a lot of human expertise in those areas, he noted, which is too costly or even impossible to substitute with technology. That can benefit and improve technology, which will help local people’s skills to remain valuable for years to come.

“Right now, the technology is way more expensive than the people and so they have jobs. That’s the equation. Any time that it’s harder and more expensive to build something than it is just to hire somebody who knows what they are doing, then you are going to hire somebody.”

Genest also noted that Estevan can take the knowledge that it has acquired through its history and local experience, and use that base as the foundation for innovation that will allow the city to continue with jobs in the next generation of innovations.

“The key here is understanding what are the transferrable skills or knowledge that can fuel innovation that allows them to pivot,” Genest said.

He pointed out that innovative ideas become successful when there is a need, knowledge and when people actually get things done. Experience shows that smaller communities, unlike larger centres, tend to get things that matter to them done. This, in Genest’s view, means Estevan has all the major components for successful development.

“I think all the ingredients are here more than in

any other community in the Prairies. And I think it’s because of the confluence of mining, agriculture and oil and gas and energy here. But

I also think it’s because of the intersection of municipal will, of the college that is willing to innovate and change and the K-12 education system that is nimble. Those are ingredients that do not exist in most other places,” Genest remarked.

“Estevan is also unique because in a relatively small community you have the expertise in all the areas that are currently being disrupted.”

He believes Estevan has all it takes and great potential to find solutions to challenges innovations pose to its main industries. And once that happens, he’d like to see the model exported to other communities, many of which have been struggling to co-ordinate their efforts and find success in current development.

“I think Estevan is the place to demonstrate how with the combination of knowledge, skills and disruption community effort can navigate rocky waters of innovation that is coming for us … And Saskatchewan needs a story like Estevan. We need to be able to tell the story of this community to inspire other communities to step up and look for in themselves how to collaborate,” Genest said.

The full Dr Aaron Genest - Innovation Conversation presentation can be found on Southeast TechHub’s YouTube channel.

The Mercury wants to know why your mother is the best

The Estevan Mercury is looking for entries for our annual Mother’s Day contest. The contest started on May 1. Our readers have to tell us why their mom is the best. They can enter through our Facebook posts, our participating sponsors’ posts or through our email at contests@estevanmercury.ca.

The mother of the win-

Forehead lines

Periorbital lines (crow's feet)

ning entry will receive a bouquet of flowers with gift cards from each of our participating sponsors: Prairie Face and Vein Clinic, Sobeys, Fired Up Grill, A&A Jewellery, TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course, Four Season Rental and Repair, and Kon Artisan Ice Cream.

From May 1-11, there will be posts made through

Nasolabial folds (laugh lines or smile lines)

the Facebook pages of the participating sponsors and the Mercury. On May 12, a random winner will be drawn. The winner will be announced online and in the May 17 edition of the Mercury.

For more information, check out the ads in this week’s and next week’s editions of the Mercury.

Glabellar lines (frown/scowl lines)

Perioral lines (lip lines, smoker's lines)

Necklines

• Linda Thauberger Smith

• Richard Ruetz

• Lynn Hewitt Nominees must meet the qualifications and requirements specified in the Co-op’s Bylaws. Details on the qualifications and requirements can be picked up at the Administration Office.

Nominations must be submitted in writing, no later than 5:00 p.m. May 18, 2023 to:

826 4th Street, Estevan, Sask. S4A 0W1

Questions can be directed to the Nominating Committee: Scott Kienlen 306-421-9734

Francis Boutin 306-577-1279 • David Murray 306-482-7931

Dr. Aaron Genest was a guest speaker at the second Innovation Conversation organized by the Southeast College, Southeast TechHub and Access Now TV.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Estevan & Carlyle

Safety promoted at Dig Safe breakfast

The Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA), a coalition of more than 90 construction companies, facility owners and communities, was busy promoting “Dig Safe” month in April.

Estevan had its chance to host a breakfast on Thursday morning at the Beefeater Plaza. The event was supposed to happen on April 20, but had to be postponed a week due to a winter storm that hammered the southeast region. After breakfast, a video was shown to the audience. A lot of the footage was from the Estevan area, and among those interviewed were Southeast College staff members and students.

Kaleigh Churko, a journeyman electrical pipeline technician from Pembina Pipeline Corp. was the

MC for the event. She said the video had a little bit of everything.

She reminded the crowd that underground locates are now valid for 30 calendar days instead of 10 working days.

“Let’s not forget that if the original markings are disturbed before the 30 days, you do need to get them relocated,” said Churko.

They also cover encroachments for both underground and overhead facilities, the dangers and increased costs of working too close to those facilities, the rights people have as workers and safe handdigging techniques.

“Building overtop of facilities is an encroachment and can put you in danger of a serious incident or hefty fines. Knowing your three-point rights as a worker is essential for

safe and happy workplace. It’s all right to speak up if you feel the job you’re being asked to do is unsafe,” said Churko.

The SCGA encourages people to ask questions. She also told the crowd about the importance of having a safe digging plan

so everyone can go home safe at the end of the day.

“Following safe digging practices can help the digging community avoid

lengthy project delays, costly damage to lines and equipment, disruption of essential services, property damage, environmental concerns, and serious personal injury and even death,” said Churko.

Churko noted the SCGA has 23 industry sponsors planning these events to promote safe digging and excavation.

“We know they are committed to damage prevention to underground infrastructure, the prevention of worker injury or death due to unsafe digging practices and the promotion of the national organization of the Canada Common Ground Alliance’s best practices,” said Churko.

Sask. First Call should be the first entity people contact, but she said it should not be the only call.

Southeast College offers people a look to the future

Residents of the Estevan area had the chance to learn more about potential options for their future during the career day and hiring fair hosted by the Southeast College’s Estevan campus on Wednesday afternoon.

Local, provincial and national employers were joined by a number of postsecondary institutions for the event. Sheena Onrait, the executive director of communications and strategic enrolment with the college, said they had nearly 20 exhibitors for the event.

She noted the college held a post-secondary day last year that was well received, and they decided to expand it this year.

“We had a few employers, actually, that approached us in the fall of 2022 and asked us if we would be willing to do another career fair and postsecondary day,” said Onrait. The college used to host similar events years ago, she said, and they tossed around the idea of a bigger gathering.

“The engagement from

both post-secondary institutions and employers has been absolutely excellent,” said Onrait.

Early in the afternoon, Southeast College students and members of the public dropped by to see the offerings. Onrait noticed a number of newcomers to the community speaking to the college about English classes and also talking to potential employers about what they had to offer.

High school students came by as the afternoon went on to take a look at

the different opportunities available.

“Lots of people are talking to our post-secondary partners that are here, and there are lots of folks that are talking about the different [career options],” said Onrait.

The career options included employers with a local presence like Southern Plains Co-op, Conquest Energy, Affinity Credit Union, and Nelson Motors and Equipment; provincial entities like the Ministry of Highways

and Infrastructure; and national agencies like the RCMP and the Royal Canadian Navy. Post-secondary institutions came from within the province and outside of Saskatchewan.

Onrait hopes this can become an annual event. A similar session was held in Moosomin the previous day and in Weyburn on April 27. Onrait said they had a similar number of exhibitors in those communities.

• Souris Valley Pipeline Limited operates a High Pressure Carbon Dioxide

•

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

call toll free

SOURIS VALLEY PIPELINE LTD. 24 HOUR PHONE SERVICE 1-866-747-3546

People turned out for breakfast and safety message Thursday at the Beefeater Plaza.

Sara and Hannah Adams checked out options at the Southeast College’s career day and hiring fair.

Southeast Saskatchewan Women of Distinction Awards Meet the Nominees

Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award presented by Steam Est. Industries

Jen

Lozinsky

Jen is an educational assistant at Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur in Estevan, where she helps students daily by providing social, emotional, behavioural and academic support. Jen is solution oriented and is passionate about connecting people and building a strong community by working with youth organizations to create a better future. Jen has shown her commitment to the community by supporting many local organizations through volunteer work. She has volunteered on a number of local boards, including the Estevan Minor Hockey Association, Estevan Minor Ball, SHSC School Community Council, and Estevan Gymnastics Club. Jen believes in building meaningful relationships and connecting people to create a better community.

Connie Hagel

Connie Hagel has lived in Estevan for 30 years and has an active role in the community. She has raised four children and now has three grandchildren who live and serve in the community of Estevan as well.

Connie manages at Estevan Diversified Services, is the leader of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Estevan chapter, and is the current training officer of the Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadets. She is also a commissioner of oath, and a marriage commissioner, and serves on the Southern Plains Co-op board of directors. Connie enjoys spending time helping guide today’s youth and hanging out with her children and grandchildren.

Ashley Gallaway

Ashley Gallaway was born and raised in Estevan, later attending the University of Saskatchewan where she attained her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in accounting. She has been employed at Wil-Tech Industries for the past nine years as chief financial officer (CFO). Ashley’s community involvement has included serving on the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course board and eventually becoming their first woman president in 2019. She was a finance chair for the 2016 Summer Games and is on board with the Estevan Economic Development and Coal Transition Funding Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, camping, socializing and spending time with her husband Robby and their three young kids Riley, Teagan and Lucas.

Nicole Currie

Few people define the word “community” as an action. Nicole Currie is one of the true ambassadors of the southeast corner and the community of Carlyle. Nicole was born and raised in the southeast. She and her husband Kelly moved to Carlyle in 2009. They have two grown children and one grandson (her real joy in life).

Nicole has a zest for entrepreneurship, community and volunteerism. She has played an active and instrumental role on countless boards/organizations such as the Carlyle Cougars, Homespun Craft Show and Sale and KidSport, and is a member of Carlyle town council to name just a few. Her positive attitude is a gift to southeast Saskatchewan that she does not hesitate to share.

Haley Ingham

Haley Leann Ingham was born and raised in Yorkton. Haley is known to make everyone smile and laugh; she believes in her friends and family, reminding them they can be the best they can be. She moved to Lampman in the summer of 2012 as the new recreational director. On December 1, 2018, she decided it was time to become her own boss and to empower other women by opening up her own business – Recharge Massage Studio in Estevan. Always wanting to learn, Haley has her bachelor of science degree majoring in kinesiology, as well as a registered massage therapy diploma, and she is continuing her education in esthetics. “I am honoured to call her my friend and a member of my friends who have become family,” said the person who nominated Haley. You will never find Haley without her genuine and welcoming smile for family, friends and strangers alike.

Cathy

As a mom of teens, Cathy was part of a team that identified a need in our community for a youth centre. From idea to execution, Cathy was a key member of the board that formed the Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) - Estevan’s first dedicated youth centre. As the first board president, Cathy oversaw the hiring of the executive director, securing a location and the initial program offerings. EPYC was far from Cathy’s first passion project in our community and it certainly won’t be her last. Beyond sitting on the board of EPYC, Cathy has been involved in numerous organizations in Estevan and the southeast. Notably, her leadership on the Estevan Chamber of Commerce shows her commitment and dedication to Estevan and the southeast. Cathy works hard to make our community a better place to live, while also succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated profession, maintaining strong friendships and supporting the goals and dreams of her boys. She is all the things.

Young Visionary Award presented by Impact Creative SK

Raegan Walter

Kylie Phillipchuk

Debby Knight and Peggy Rohatyn

If one were to look in the dictionary under “dynamic duo”, they would be sure to find Debby and Peggy. The best of friends, these two can be found walking, running and volunteering their way around Estevan and southeast Saskatchewan. Their passion for their health and fitness motivates them to provide endless opportunities for others to better themselves. Events like Coal Country Run, Run the Course, the Force Fitness Competition and Energy Dash & Splash would not exist without their drive and determination. Perhaps their crowning glory, Fresh Air Fitness, provides an outdoor workout experience that is free and inclusive. The southeast is lucky to have Debby and Peggy.

Raegan Walter is a Grade 12 student at the Estevan Comprehensive School. When she isn’t busy with academics, she spends her time playing and coaching the sport she loves, softball. Raegan plays for the 222’s Fastpitch team, travelling to tournaments throughout the U.S. She also played for the Southeast Sun Devils and was selected to compete with Team Sask in the Canada Summer Games in 2022. She runs clinics and camps for developing softball athletes in southeast Saskatchewan. Raegan has committed to play with the West Texas A&M Lady Buffaloes in the fall where she plans to study sports psychology.

Kylie Phillipchuk is a kind, creative, hard-working and personable student currently completing Grade 12 at the Estevan Comprehensive School. She consistently achieves honour roll marks and easily balances her academics with active involvement in both competitive sports and clubs including senior basketball, cross country, track and field and Random Acts of Kindness. Kylie also volunteers within the community, supporting causes including the MS Walk and Burgers for MS, and lending her time to raise money through the Shoot for a Cure tournament and spending time with kids at the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre. Kylie inspires those around her to be their best.

Resources is proud to be part of a community with these inspiring nominees.

Welta

Southeast Saskatchewan Women of Distinction Awards Meet the Nominees

Equity & Inclusion Award presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Ramona Knebush

A proud member of the Pheasant Rump Nakata First Nation, Ramona Knebush is committed to the well-being of her community. Ramona started as many women do, raising children, coaching ball and working at the local health centre.

But Ramona was pulled to do more and as an adult learner, became a nurse and took the position as the health care director for the band. For over six years Ramona led many initiatives, including a new health building, the creation of an orchard and grow towers with an irrigation system, ensuring food sovereignty, reconnecting with band members living off the reserve and so many other programs that empower band members and instill tradition and culture in children. In 2021, Ramona was elected to an all-women council serving with Chief Ira McArthur and her work continues with some exciting projects coming in the near future.

Margaret Messer

Margaret was born in the Northwest Territories. She refers to Yellowknife as her home.

Margaret moved to Saskatchewan to live with her husband, Matt Messer, who was a farmer near Midale. She met Matt when he came to Yellowknife to work in the Con Gold Mine. Margaret started a small business in her home, sewing mitts, making moccasins and other aboriginal items such as fish scale art and dream catchers. She is a supportive friend and family member. Those close to her describe her as a humanitarian who has been influential in the lives of others.

Debbie

Hagel

A little over 20 years ago

Debbie saw injustice in our society and took up the challenge to change things and help the underdog get fair and equal treatment. She has championed many changes for fair and equal treatment of individuals. Debbie is the executive director of the nonprofit Southeast Advocates for Employment, which started with one small grant helping challenged people gain employment. It has grown from that into what it is today. This organization is the only stand-alone non-profit (most are run by the government) in our province. Today these organizations go under the umbrella of Southeast Advocates for Employment but also Southeast Newcomer Services, Transitions (both provincial and federal) and Settlement Workers in Schools. A lot of the programs and initiatives have policies in place because of Debbie’s diligence and these will continue to grow the inclusivity in all walks of life.

Innovative Leadership Award presented by SaskTel

Jennifer Olfert

Jennifer has a passion for self-development and a commitment to promoting a healthy balanced lifestyle. Being the mother of two amazing women who have also taken on this drive and entrepreneurial spirit she leads by example. Thirteen years ago, she created a space that wouldn’t intimidate but welcome all abilities for women’s fitness and promote positive mental health. A place where you would not be judged but supported and grow confidence. At a time when gyms were a more male dominant area, the women of our community had an environment to call their own. This place is known as JoFit and the ripple it has created with transformations, community outreach and achievements has benefited our community.

Maria Walter is a 35-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Soul Step Studio. She is a wife and mother to three beautiful children ages two, four, and six. She started her own dance fitness studio in 2020 and has worked hard to build clientele and further her education using different modalities to offer a variety of different dance and wellness fitness classes. Maria strives to create a safe space allowing people to come together to share and express who they are through the power of movement. Her passion is to help people find themselves by connecting through their minds, bodies and souls.

Dr. Rebecca Holman is a mother of three young children, wife, volunteer, business owner, chiropractor, acupuncture provider and postpartum exercise professional. She has been a practising chiropractor for eight years in Estevan and has developed a successful business at King Street Chiropractic & Health Centre. Dr. Holman utilizes her skills and knowledge of the human body to provide care to the residents of Estevan and surrounding areas. Outside of work and being a mom, she volunteers with the Rotary Club of Estevan, the skating club and the Minor Hockey Association and is a past chair of the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre.

Nikita Meyer

Nikita Meyer is a true leader and visionary in the culinary world. Born and raised in southeast Saskatchewan, Nikita discovered her love of cooking at a young age and went on to launch her own business – Creative Eats.

As the owner and founder of Creative Eats, Nikita has made a significant impact on her community by raising $22,604.00 in 2023 for local non-profit organizations. Her productCheesecake in a Jar - can be found all across Saskatchewan.

Leann Boehm

Leann grew up in Weyburn and attended the University of Saskatchewan, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2004. She started her career in Estevan and has been working here as a Physical Therapist ever since. Leann opened Southeast Physiotherapy in 2011, as she wanted to have the flexibility and independence as an entrepreneur. As a physical therapist, she strives to help her clients achieve their meaningful goals. As the clinic director, she focuses on providing her staff with the mentorship needed to meet their career goals and is a supportive and caring leader. Leann lives in Bienfait with her husband Michael and twin boys Aiden and Ashton.

Maria Walter

Dr. Rebecca Holman

Southeast Saskatchewan Women of Distinction Awards Meet the Nominees

Agnes Garrioch

Agnes Garrioch is a mom to Violet, Dawson and Ivy. Agnes grew up in Ontario, and was a successful athlete, always a leader on and off the court, captaining many teams. She is well known for her athleticism, optimism, positivity and kindness.

St. Mary’s students know her as a friendly, caring and fun teacher, a competitive coach, and ‘techy’. Agnes connects with her students and makes each student feel valued. She is a team player as a colleague, regularly volunteering to contribute, organize and lead school-wide activities. Her dedication to creating exceptional learning opportunities and experiences for students at St. Mary’s School as a Grade 8 teacher is incredible.

Kathryn is a lawyer and mediator in Estevan. She was called to the bar in 2015 and since then has worked extensively towards establishing a general legal and mediation practice, making partner in 2020. Kathryn is also active in the community in a number of other ways including as a board member at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum and a Skate Canada judge, technical specialist and technical controller. Kathryn and her husband, Dylan, have two children, Zella, 4, and Porter, 10 months, and love to call Estevan home.

Kristin Dupuis

Kristin started at St. Joseph’s eight years ago as executive assistant to the executive director, after working at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation for just under a year. Over eight years, her role has expanded to include assisting new physicians with settling into the community by touring schools, helping find accommodations (complete with FaceTime walk-throughs), connecting them with churches, piano lessons, sports teams, hair stylists, mechanics, etc. She’s the one-stop shop for all their Estevan information. She assists the hospital with the recruitment of physicians for permanent and locum assignments by helping arrange accommodations, organize billing submissions and even activities for their children to attend. Kristin continues to be involved in the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation by volunteering with their annual Radiothon and Festival of Trees. She was born and raised in Estevan and lives here with her husband and two teen daughters. She stays busy by chasing the girls around the province for club volleyball and softball, in addition to managing their various teams and volunteering on the board of the volleyball club.

Shelly Mack

Shelly was born and raised in Estevan and has been blessed with three beautiful daughters and three amazing grandchildren that she dotes on every chance she gets. Shelly started Mack’s Reflections after purchasing another salon to amalgamate the two. She went on to purchase Platinum Hair in 2015. Mack’s has six employees and Platinum also has six employees. Shelly recently lost both her parents to cancer but she just kept going, running two salons and keeping the grandkids to keep herself busy. “Shelly has the biggest heart of anyone I know,” said the person who nominated Shelly. “I have known her myself for over 40 years, and she always has the greatest smile and will light up any room. She truly is a bright light in any room.”

Melanie Tribiger

Born and raised in Estevan, Sun Country Hearing truly is Melanie’s Hometown Hearing Clinic. Melanie is the daughter of Delores and the late Rodney Butler and grew up in Estevan with her sister Janelle. She began working at Sun Country Hearing in November 2014, and through the years has found herself in a variety of positions within the clinic. Melanie enrolled in the Hearing Aid Practitioner program at Grant MacEwan University. Upon completion of the program, she worked as a hearing aid practitioner. Melanie purchased Sun Country Hearing in 2022 and is eager to continue offering audiology services right here in her hometown.

Lindsay Brownridge

Lindsay is one of the very first Lumeca team members. She started out by leading their product development and grew into managing many other aspects of the business including the operation of their clinic during the pandemic to recently taking on the direct management of its largest contracts. Lindsay goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is a role model for her teammates and a trailblazer in virtual care. Lindsay is the type of person to not back down from a challenge. Her willingness to learn, develop new processes and organize work is outstanding. This was apparent by the successful operation of Lumeca’s virtual clinic during the pandemic which was loved by patients across the province. The clinic grew at a rapid pace during the pandemic and Lindsay handled everything from hiring and recruitment to managing the daily operations of the clinic. The Lumeca clinic served thousands of patients during the pandemic, and it was thanks to Lindsay’s efforts that it operated so smoothly.

Kathryn Gilliss

A11

Riley Raynard retires after a decade of racing

By David Willberg

When the green flag drops on the start of the Estevan Motor Speedway’s 2023 season on May 6, the track will be without one of its most popular and wellknown racers.

Lampman’s Riley Raynard has announced his retirement from the track’s hobby stock division, after amazing fans in both Canada and the U.S. since 2012. But he’s not finished with appearances at local track.

Raynard was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has been in a wheelchair since he started racing.

When he first started, he was using his hands for the brake and then kept a foot on the pedal for the gas, but would have to push down on his leg to make it work.

In 2021, he purchased a new vehicle with full hand controls, thanks in part to support he received through a GoFundMe campaign.

But now he says it has become too difficult for him to race.

“We just couldn’t quite figure out a really good setup for it, and we were struggling with it,” said Raynard.

His brother Diezel will be driving Riley’s old car, and their father Devin – a former track champion in the IMCA modified class – might drive Diezel’s old car a couple of times. Diezel has been racing for about five years.

Even though his strength has been gradually declining, Raynard said it was tough to

step away from driving, but he’s grateful that he had the opportunity to race for as long as he could.

“Boys with my disease, they don’t typically, normally get their licences, let alone drive a race car, so I was really thankful in that sense … that I was actually able to do it for so long,” said Raynard.

“I’ll continue by going to the track and doing stuff there.”

Raynard has collected many highlights in racing.

He won the hobby stock class at the annual Motor Magic Weekend in Minot, N.D., in 2014. He also won the Dirt Wars weekend at the Estevan Motor Speedway, and Raynard noted they’re renaming the local Dirt Wars races after him.

“The Dirt Wars Trophy, that’s like 40-50 pounds of metal, and that’s crazy. I couldn’t lift it. It’s almost bigger than me.”

He also won the Tougher

than Dirt hobby stock race in Estevan. He was presented with a big cheque and said it was pretty good to hold it.

And he won a B-main race at Super Nationals in Boone, Iowa, against some of the best hobby stock drivers in the U.S.

“There’s too many memories to go through. There are so many good memories that have happened throughout the years,” said Raynard.

He also won the Ken

Schrader Real Racer Award in 2014, which is presented to a driver who shows a lot of determination and heart. Raynard said it was a special opportunity to meet Schrader, who is a veteran NASCAR driver.

And he was among the local drivers who participated in the Laps for Muscular Dystrophy program, donating $1 for each lap led to the fight against MD.

Raynard has also met so many wonderful people through racing.

“It’s just amazing … how big of a community the race track is, and how many people go into it,” said Raynard.

The support from the fans and sponsors has been amazing, he said.

“I wouldn’t have been able to race if it wasn’t for them. There’s definitely a village behind the racing community.”

Raynard said he’ll continue to attend the races, and will help out his brother. He also wants to try announcing and interviewing drivers, ensuring he’ll continue to have a presence at the track.

Estevan Archery Club hosts trial day, prepares for more

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The Estevan Archery Club invited the community over for its second trial day on Saturday, and some people used the opportunity to check out what archery is about.

The club provided guests with bows, members explained the basics and helped people shoot arrows at set targets. The event was aimed at getting new members, children and adults alike, involved in the sport. Another open house was held in January. It attracted a lot of interest from the community and had quite a few people joining the club afterwards, said Travis Fortowsky, who is the club’s Junior Olympic Program (JOP) co-ordinator.

The Estevan Archery Club currently has about 100 members, 70 of which are children and youth. Throughout the winter they run the JOP, in which they coach archery to those five to 21 years old, three nights a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. And Wednesdays are for adults.

Adult members also have full access to the club’s indoor and outdoor ranges.

Throughout the year, members partake in various archery competitions and events, and the club is working on bringing more opportunities. One of the current projects is a revival of a tournament that was started back in the 1990s and last ran in 2006. In the event, junior archers compete against local police members. “I spoke to the police this winter, and they’re in-

terested in getting back into this, so that’s something I

want to get back,” said Fortowsky, adding that there are some other ideas that they are looking into to get more interest in the sport.

One of the JOP participants, Nevada Sernick, partook in the trial day event. She first tried archery when she was about eight years old and has been a part of the club for seven years. As kids and youths progress and get new accomplishments, they receive badges of different levels. Fortowsky noted that this winter Sernick showed well in provincials and claimed her latest badge there.

“She really took off this year,” Fortowsky said.

The club also has a 3-D tournament coming on May 27-28 at the outdoor range by the Boundary Dam Power Station with 2x20 target

courses. The event is open to everybody. They also host two indoor 3-D shoots every year throughout the winter, which are for members only.

Club president Tanisha Salicon said they always welcome new members and there are people to help those who are just starting with the sport.

To join one would need to pay membership fees to the Estevan Archery Club, as well as Saskatchewan Archery Association and Archery Canada. The first Wednesday of every month they hold board meetings, which are open to everyone. If anyone is interested in joining the club or wants to learn more, they can reach out to Salicon at eacmemberships@gmail.com or 306485-7593.

Bears host annual spring camp

Team Green played Team Red during the Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears spring camp on Friday afternoon at Affinity Place. The camp featured potential future members of the team looking to showcase their skills for the team’s brass. After registration and an on-ice goalie session, the teams took to the ice for scrimmages on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each team was named after a prominent member of the Bears’ alumni: Ty Mason, Boston Harkness, Turner McMillen and Carson Birnie.

Riley Raynard drove the 97R at the Estevan Motor Speedway, creating memories for himself and fans alike.

Photo sourced from Riley Raynard Facebook page

Belle Juan and Dan Hardern stopped by the Estevan Archery Club for their trial day.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

By David Willberg

An Estevan woman has been named the new co-ordinator of Challenger Baseball in Saskatchewan.

Christine Jones, who works at the Mercury in its administration department, has taken over the role, which is a volunteer position. Challenger Baseball is an inclusive program designed to empower children with cognitive and/or physical disabilities through the sport.

“As provincial co-ordinator, I’m responsible for liaising with guiding and supporting, and learning from and updating existing Challenger Baseball leagues within the country, as well as

advising the Jays Care Foundation and Challenger Baseball Canada on the ways to enhance and amend our supports,” said Jones.

Challenger Baseball is a result of a three-way partnership between Little League Canada, Baseball Canada and the Jays Care Foundation operated by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The program came to Estevan in 2019. Jones became interested in it because her son Carson is autistic and loves baseball. The program was shelved in 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions. Then it returned in 2021, but didn’t run last year due to a health issue for Jones.

“Our first year was amazing. We had 23 kids registered,’ said Jones, who has been in charge of Challenger Baseball in Estevan since it came to the city.

They have nine so far for this year.

“Our vision is to create a level playing field where children, youth and adults, living with disabilities, can have access to transformative sports and recreation opportunities where they feel empowered to develop life skills, recognize the potential and recognize their own dreams,” said Jones.

This year marks a return to full, in-person baseball without restrictions. The last few years have been difficult

ECS hosts badminton districts; athletes advance

due to the pandemic, Jones said, and now more than ever, children with cognitive and/or physical disabilities need programs like Challenger Baseball.

She believes the sport teaches life skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, friendship, independence and courage, which athletes can transfer to everyday lives outside of sports for years to come.

As part of Challenger Baseball, the players work with coaches and buddies, who provide one-on-one assistance for the athletes, pointing them in the right direction and helping with the different activities.

Challenger Baseball doesn’t have anyone signed up to be a buddy as of yet. Jones hopes that will change, and she has reached out to the Estevan Comprehensive School for students who want to help.

They are also still looking for coaches and players for this season.

Sessions are held Sunday afternoons at Lynn Prime Park. Jones said they hope to run for eight weeks, like the Estevan Minor Baseball house league. Due to the moisture conditions, they won’t start until at least May 7. They also take weather into consideration when scheduling their activities.

Challenger Baseball emphasizes skills and life lessons, rather than having actual games. Jones is looking to have what she called a “summer jubilee” in which Estevan and the other programs in the province – Regina, Yorkton and Wymark – can meet up and play.

It proved to be a memorable experience for Jones, who is a life-long Jays fans.

“We sat down … to discuss how we can make Challenger Baseball better, how we can get it into more communities, how we can get more people to sign up, stuff like that.”

Badminton players from the area were at the Estevan Comprehensive School on Friday for the district competition.

For the host ECS Elecs, taking top spot in boys’ singles was Dongjun Won, and finishing first in boys’

doubles were Dongkyu Won and Jayden Kuchinka. They advanced to regionals in Yorkton on May 6. Also competing from ECS at districts were: Boys singles: Payton Phillips lost in semifinals; Girls singles: Cammy

Henry lost in the quarterfinals; and Girls doubles: Keira Zepeda and Jazmine Espina lost in round-robin play.

The Elecs were coached by Sheena Summers, Kevin Daoust and Carter Daoust.

“Estevan Minor Baseball has been absolutely wonderful in helping us. They are paying for our insurance. So, there is no cost to our kids, other than showing up with proper footwear, a glove, and, in most cases, a helmet. We do have some helmets. Jays Care and Challenger Baseball provide us each year with adaptable equipment, and this year we got helmets.”

As the head of Challenger Baseball in Saskatchewan, Jones travelled to Toronto from April 13-17 for the provincial co-ordinator’s conference. Representatives from most of the other provinces, as well as affiliate programs, were in attendance. The Toronto Blue Jays brought the coordinators together, and they watched the Jays’ game against the Tamp Bay Rays in which the Jays ended Tampa’s 13-game winning streak to start the season. They also toured the Rogers Centre.

Six Estevan archers compete at provincials

Six members of the Estevan Archery Club were entered at the provincial championship in Prince Albert on April 15 and 16.

Tammy Sernick with the club said the archers all did “amazing”.

April 15 was for the junior Olympic program provincial tournament. Each competitor had 10 rounds and shot a total of 30 arrows, and the highest possible score was 300. The kids competed at their own skill or badge levels, Sernick said.

Nevada Sernick, entered in master bowman, had a personal best of 216, and she advanced to the shootoff for the top four competitors. In that round, she had another personal

best at 224 to finish tied for first place. She ended up with the silver medal, as the gold medallist had the most X10s, which is the very centre of the bullseye. Also competing that day were: Sophia Hall, entered as a master archer and scored a personal best of 216, putting her in 15th place; Ava Juneau, champion bowman, scored a 152 to finish 23rd; Soren Peterson, Olympian 245, had a 236 and finished 10th; Buck Petterson, Olympian 270-280, had a 252 to finish 10th; and Laine Petterson, master yeoman, finished with a 148 and was 17th.

Indoor provincials were held on the second day of the tournament. Any age

level or skill level could compete in their age group. There were 20 rounds and a total of 60 arrows, and the maximum score was 600.

Laine Petterson, entered in the U10 compound female, finished with a 454 and brought home a bronze medal.

Also competing were Sophia Hall, U15 compound female, 374 to finish 18th; Ava Juneau, U13 compound female, 480 to finish eighth; Soren Peterson, U15 compound male, 497 to finish eighth; Buck Petterson, U13 compound male, 513 to finish fourth; and Nevada Sernick, U18 compound female, had a score of 357 to finish 22nd.

The athletes were coached by Kyle Petterson.

Jones noted there are over 9,000 kids in Saskatchewan with some form of a disability, and according to Jones, 18 signed up for a Challenger Baseball program in Saskatchewan last year. She wants to see that number change.

In 2022, there were

115 Challenger Baseball chapters with 9,013 athletes in 10 provinces and one territory. Jones said 61 per cent of caregivers with a child in Challenger Baseball have indicated it is the only sporting program their child is participating in.

Members of the Estevan Archery Club who competed at provincials were, back row, from left, Soren Peterson, coach Kyle Petterson, Sophia Hall and Ava Juneau. Front row, Buck Petterson, Laine Petterson and Nevada Sernick. Photo courtesy of Tammy Sernick

From left, coach Kevin Daoust, Jayden Kuchinka, Dongkyu Won, Dongjun Won and coach Sheena Summers. Photo courtesy of Sheena Summers

Christine Jones new role at the helm of Challenger Baseball in Saskatchewan recently earned her a trip to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays and participate in meetings. Photo courtesy of Christine Jones

CLASSIFIEDS

Brook Duckarmie May 1, 1996 - Sept. 5, 2010

Happy Heavenly Birthday Brookie.

We love you and miss you. All our love Mom, Mike, Beau, Bailee, and Gramma Doreen XOXOXO

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Meaghan Riley Elizabeth Seipp

August 16, 1993 - April 21, 2023

Meaghan Seipp (Kjersem) of Estevan, passed away suddenly at Regina General Hospital on April 21, 2023 at the age of 29.

Meaghan will be joining grandparents that are awaiting her in heaven, John “Pat” Kjersem, Garth Ebel, Craig Godlonton and Leo and Louise Seipp.

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Meaghan will be forever loved and missed by her husband Zachary, their precious son Duke Riley and their cherished dog Novak; her father Kelly (Jan); her sister Morgan; her mother Jody (Jamie); her brothers, Cody (Genevieve), Levi (Heather), Wyatt, and Cole; her granny Elizabeth “Liz”; her grandparents, Linda (Gary), Debbie and Sherry; Zach’s parents, Tim and Lesa; as well as Zach’s siblings, Kristen (Bryce), and Kyle (Julie), and grandparents Walt and Sharon.

Meaghan will be deeply missed by her friends, co-workers and colleagues, nephews and numerous aunts and uncles.

She made many memories for loved ones to remember and left a lasting impression on every life she touched.

A celebration of Meaghan’s life was held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Estevan with Rev. Sharon Kane officiating. Lunch was held directly after the service.

Honourary pallbearers were family and friends in attendance. A private interment at the Estevan City Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay tribute to Meaghan can do so via donation in her memory to a trust fund for Duke Riley Seipp at Affinity Credit Union. Donations can be made at the Affinity Credit Union branch in Estevan or by e-Transfer to dukerseipp@gmail.com.

The family would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan as well as the staff of the Surgical ICU and Mother Baby Special Care Nursery at Regina General Hospital. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to Meaghan’s family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

OBITUARIES OBITUARIES

Arlette Marie Avery 1958 - 2023

Arlette passed away peacefully at the St. Joseph’s Special Care Home, Estevan, Sask. on April 21, 2023 at the age of 64.

Arlette’s memory will be forever cherished by her sons: Talon Avery and Barrett Avery (Kim Kudelski); brothers: Wayde (Veronica) Knight and Clayton (Barb) Knight; sistersin-law: Glenda (Michael) Seipp and Janet Keating, as well as her many dear friends, and canine companions: Rambo and Meeka. She was preceded in death by her husband Kelly Avery; her parents: Gordon & Angie (Kozlowski) Knight, and her parents-in-law: Walter & Doreen Avery.

The Memorial Service for Arlette will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, Estevan, with Sandy Dalziel officiating. Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, after which a luncheon will be held in the church auditorium.

A live stream of the service will be available - please visit Arlette’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for details.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Arlette via a donation in her memory may do so directly to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for the Avery familyDustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Eileen May (Fountain) McLeod

Eileen May (Fountain) McLeod of Lampman, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 76 at her home on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Eileen is survived by three daughters Darlene (Barry) Gray, Kyle and Colin; Della (Blake) Dube, Lainey and Kailey and Donna (Del) Rae, Taylor and Tyvan. She is also survived by her brothers, Ronald Fountain, Raymond (Marion) Fountain and George Patenaude and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Henry (Harry) and Helen Fountain; sister Irene Shaw; sisters-in-law, Elaine Fountain and Sharon Patenaude as well as nephews Randy and Rod Shaw.

Eileen was born January 29, 1947, in Dodsland, Sk, the youngest daughter of Henry (Harry) and Helen (Lamontagne) Fountain. She attended school in Dodsland and Plenty. She was involved in many sports and activities while growing up - figure skating, girls’ hockey and dance. Later in life, she took up curling, bingo, golfing, gardening and backyard sports with the grandkids. As a family, we spent many summers at the cabin at Cochin. She worked for Stats Canada, Rosebud’s Bakery and Rieder’s Pharmacy.

Mom was very resourceful, independent and creative. She enjoyed sewing and crafting. We would find her curled up in her chair reading a book or doing any kind of puzzle. Mom crocheted an afghan for each of her six grandchildren which she gifted to them when they finished school. They will always feel the warmth of Grandma’s hugs when they wrap up in their blankets.

She was ecstatic when she finally became a Grandma, six times - 3 boys, 3 girls. Mom was their biggest cheerleader and supporter. She loved watching them participate in all their sports and activities and she was very proud of their accomplishments.

Just a few weeks ago, Mom was skipping “Team McLeod” in the Lampman 100th Year Curling Club Bonspiel. She was one of the oldest curlers on the ice. Mom was proud to be curling with her daughters and granddaughters.

Mom was very kind and generous. We have had many people tell us how much they will miss chatting with her. We have been sipping Amaretto, her evening drink, and reminiscing with laughs and tears. Cremation has taken place and Mom has requested that no funeral be held. Her ashes will be interred next to her father at the Dodsland Cemetery at a later date.

Those so wishing may make donations in Eileen’s memory to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7. We always had animals growing up and Mom would babysit our fur babies as much as her grandchildren. Thank You

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, phone calls, texts, cards, visits and gifts.

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

Notice to Creditors

In the estate of BEVERLEY FAYE HAGEL, late of Estevan, Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 24th of May, 2023.

Bridges & Company LLP

1329 Third Street Estevan, SK S4A 0S1

Solicitors for the Administrator

Bertha Juliette Thievin

1933 - 2023

Bertha Thievin (nee Picard) of Estevan, Sask. passed away peacefully with family at her side and holding hands with her true love, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the age of 89 years Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 68 years, Paul; eight children: Mark (Tina), Joan (Darcy Chmilar), Evelyn (Don Perkins), Anita (Alroy Yoner), Catherine (Jeff Oliver), Greg (Sabrina), Michelle (Mike Jerke) and Angela (Darren Tanzell), as well as her 21 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her sisterin-law Alice Picard.

Bertha was predeceased by her parents; three brothers; two sisters; two granddaughters: Natasha Yoner and April Glab, and one great grandson Hunter Himmelspach.

Bertha was born on June 28, 1933 in Lampman, Sask. and was one of five children of Hector & Dorilda Picard.

In the early 50s she met and dated Paul Thievin, who she married on October 19, 1954 and began what would become a lifetime filled with love and countless memories.

In 1956 they settled in Estevan to raise a family. They made a small trek east with the family in late 1965 but returned the following year. In 1972 the expanded size of the troop helped make the decision to move to a small farm just ten miles north of the city.

They remained on the farm for 37 years where Bertha was kept very busy caring for her family and working on the farm. She helped with crops and cattle and raised thousands of chickens over the years. Bertha had a huge garden every year and would can and freeze abundantly to keep everyone fed year round. She always made fresh baked bread and homemade butter, jam, and preserves. She is very well known and perhaps even a little famous for her dill pickles.

When the children were all grown and Paul retired, they were able to focus on themselves again and get back to some favourite past times like camping and fishing. Bertha could fillet a fish with an electric knife in record time. At the end of each day Bertha loved nothing more than to sit around the campfire at night, visiting with friends and family.

Bertha never liked idle hands, so at 65 she started a new hobby and learned to knit and crochet. Over the next chapter in her life, Bertha made dozens of quilts, crocheted numerous doilies and knitted countless dishcloths. The beautiful work made from her hands has been shared with all her family and many friends.

In 2010 the farm was sold and Bertha & Paul came back to Estevan to the same house they sold when they moved to the farm.

Family and friends have always been the focus of Bertha’s life. She was so proud of the family she and Paul created and how it has grown over the years. She loved to spend time with everyone, friends, family and neighbours and to share all the special moments in their lives.

She has always kept the faith and let God’s love work through her. She always welcomed everyone with a bright smile and open arms and she will be missed beyond measure.

Prayers were held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, with Connie Wheeler officiating and the Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Estevan, with Rev. Sathiadas Antony the celebrant. A luncheon followed in the parish hall, after which the Rite of Committal took place at the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery, Benson, Sask.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Bertha via a donation in her memory, may do so directly to St. John the Baptist Parish, 10912th Avenue, Estevan, SK S4A 1C9 or the Archbishop’s Appeal (Archdiocese of Regina), online at https://archregina.sk.ca/ grouppage/archbishops-appeal/ Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Thievin family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Notice to Creditors

In the estate of Harry Edward Neumann, late of Estevan, Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 17th of May, 2023.

Bridges & Company LLP

1329 Third Street

Estevan, SK S4A 0S1

Solicitors for the Executors

Gerald Walter Fichtemann 1934 - 2023 Gerald Walter Fichtemann late of Estevan, Saskatchewan, born August 19, 1934, passed away on April 21, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Emilie Fichtemann; sister, Sylvia (Cal) Benell and his partner, Glenn Coles. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Rosalie (Bryce) Nimmo of Drumheller, AB; brother, Ron (Cathie) Fichtemann of Delta, BC; nieces and nephews, Craig (Barb), Scott (Judy), Bryce Jr (Kim), Brent (Sheree), Gaye (Richard), Melanie (Jim), Walter (Carol) and Tanya (Harry) as well as numerous great nieces, nephews, and special friends, Allister Kallis, Rosalie (Jared) Story and their children Ava and Hazel. At the request of Gerald, there will be no service held.

Condolences may be left at:www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services

Weyburn, Saskatchewan (306) 842-5432

Joseph Emile Verbeem 1936 - 2023

It is with great sorrow that we, Joe’s family, announce his sudden passing on Sunday, April 23, 2023 in Moose Jaw, Sask. at the age of 86.

Joe will be missed by his loving wife of 64 years, Marie Verbeem (nee Melle); their son Peter Verbeem (Kathy Rae), and special granddaughter Jaycee Verbeem (Blaine Petrie). He is also survived by his sistersin-law: Goldie and Bernadette; Marie’s family: Gloria (Frank) Murias, Loretta (Darcy) Smith, Angie (Marvin) Fichter, and Peter (Karen) Melle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and many friends.

Joe was predeceased by three precious children: Allen in infancy (1960), Owen (1982) and Shelley (1998); daughter of the heart, and Jaycee’s Mom, Deb Kennedy; his parents: Jacob & Zulma (Tommelein) Verbeem; four brothers: Andy (Louise, Rita), Leon, Maurice (Frances) and George; niece Audrey Verbeem, as well as his in-laws: Bill & Kay Melle.

Joe was born on the farm at Forget, Sask. on November 12, 1936. He worked on the farm and the rigs in his younger years. He met and married the love of his life, Shirley “Marie” Melle on November 7, 1958. They lived and farmed on the Melle farm north of Bienfait, Sask. with his brother until 1971 when they bought the Albert Seeman farm north of Lampman, Sask. In the fall of 2020 they took a big step and moved to Regina, Sask., into The Williston.

Joe loved life. He loved all of his family. He was the best storyteller - he loved to make people laugh. He had a talent to invent and build things. He loved to travel and he and Marie traveled all of North America. Camping was a must. Joe was known for his blazing campfires, and making Joe’s famous ribs. Many friends were made around that campfire.

Joe’s life was full, even though there were many trying times. The last few months, he would say “I’ve had a good life and I had a good wife. I’m ok with what’s next.” He had his faith and trusted God. Love you, Dad!

A celebration of Joe’s life was held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Hall Funeral Services in Estevan. Interment followed in the Estevan City Cemetery, after which all were invited to join Joe’s family for a luncheon in the small hall at the Royal Canadian Legion in Estevan.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Joe via a donation in his memory may do so directly to Cystic Fibrosis Canada (https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/about-us/in-your-community/ prairies) or the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan (https://alzheimer.ca/sk/en/about-us/alzheimer-societysaskatchewan).

The family of Joe Verbeem would like to thank everyone for all the phone calls, texts, cards, flowers, food, and donations. We would also like to thank Hall Funeral Services for all your kindness and help, as well as The Williston family for making Mom & Dad feel at home. Thanks to Fr. Chris Juchacz for your guidance and prayers. We want to express thanks and love to Denise Anderson, our Mom & Dad’s caregiver. You have been such an angel for all you do. Thank you so much, and God Bless.

-The Verbeem family - Marie, Peter, Kathy, Jaycee and Blaine Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to Joe’s family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director

EPYC’s first cornhole tournament raises over $6,000

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The Estevan Public Youth Centre’s (EPYC)

inaugural cornhole tournament, sponsored by the Estevan Kinette Club, raised over $6,000 on April 29.

The fun-filled event ran from 1 p.m. through midnight. The cornhole was the main attraction, but people were also invited to play giant Jenga and beer pong. Drinks and food were available, and there was also a 50/50 and raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

Over 30 teams registered for the event this year, and Michelle Walsh, EPYC’s treasurer, said that everything went really well, but as it develops into a tradition, they probably will change few things.

“I think it went really well, especially for an inaugural tournament. Next

year, we’ll probably shorten up the round robin a little bit. All in all, the tournament was over 10 hours of play for the cash prize,” Walsh said.

While cornhole is a fun game and the event had a friendly spirit to it, there also were prizes for first, second and third places. CornFathers claimed first place and went home with $1,000, Deadly Duo came in second and were awarded $500, and Cornstars were third and received a gift card from Southern Bolt Supply. The business also sponsored the costume competition, and the Shuckin Ducks team won it by audience vote.

Music was playing at the premises and a DJ entertained throughout the afternoon and into the night. The event had a party component to it and was open to everyone, not just the com-

petitors. However, Walsh noted that they didn’t see many spectators stopping by this time.

“In the beginning of the day, we probably had a few [spectators] but towards the end there, it was just mostly the teams. We had very few spectators come so that’s something we definitely would like to see change next year,” Walsh said.

“This is definitely going to be an annual event, and next year, we’re going to do more for people that don’t so much play cornhole or want to start trying to play, and we’ll do a few more contests and different things to get people interested in it.”

The EPYC board also will gauge the interest to see if there is appetite to turn the cornhole tournament into a biennial occurrence.

The event was strongly supported by local Kinettes,

A good day starts here

My granddaughter’s second birthday was earlier this week.

Typically, our family does not make a big deal about birthdays. In fact, I think my mom should be given a gift on my birthday because she did all the work. I just showed up. However, my granddaughter’s birthday feels different to me.

As I sit here thinking about the last two years, it makes me smile. I can hear her laugh. I can see her smile. I remember what it felt like to

hold her for the first time. I look forward to the summer and going to the playground with her. I enjoyed my children when they were young, but having a grandchild has been pure joy and fun.

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT

TOWN OF LAMPMAN

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Lampman for the year of 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the

The Municipalities Act has been passed and the

Liana Stephan Secretary, The Board of Revision, Box 149, Meota, Saskatchewan, S0M 1X0, by the 21st day of May. th

FORM H [Section 66 of the Act]

Notice of Call for Nominations

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office(s) of:

Mayor: Village of North Portal

will be received by the undersigned on the 17th of May, 2023, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Village Office, 204 Park Ave, and during regular business hours May 3rd, 2023 to May 16th, 2023 at 204 Park Ave, North Portal, SK.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location(s): 204 Park Ave

Dated this 27th day of April, 2023.

Lindsay Davis

Returning Officer

What I cannot explain to you is why I feel this way. By the normal measurements of value and success that we usually apply, my granddaughter does not rate very well. She does not have an income. In fact, she has cost her parents a great deal in terms of money, effort, and sleepless nights.

She does not help around the house. Rather, it can seem like a hurricane has come through when she dumps all her toys out and runs around the house with them. My granddaughter talks a lot, but her conversation is not particularly rivet-

which allowed for more funds being raised for the youth centre, and Walsh said the board was really grateful for help.

“The local Kinettes sponsored the prize money and the hall by donation to EPYC. They also generously volunteered and managed our bar the whole night. The Kinettes were a huge sponsor of this tournament,” Walsh said.

“We wanted to thank our sponsors, of course the Kinettes, and Black Beards, and also the EPYC board of directors.”

Sask. Cornhole League also stepped in and helped the local not-for-profit to organize and run their first tournament. They also provided scoring tablets and additional boards for the event.

Funds raised will help the EPYC with its operations.

ing unless you are extremely interested in ponies or the TV show Paw Patrol. By typical measurements, she does not contribute much. However, I would not trade one second of these past two years with her. They have been more valuable than anything I own.

The best things in life are rarely measured in dollars and cents. Our most important blessings cannot be purchased. They can only be received and treasured as gifts from God. Not every day is easy. Everyone has struggles and issues to overcome. However, today, I am counting my blessings and being thankful for what I have, rather than griping about what I lack. Therefore, today is a good day.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

The Estevan Public Youth Centre’s first cornhole tournament fundraiser saw over 30 teams participating in a day-long event. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Estevan marked the Day of Mourning on April 28.

United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2067 members gathered at the Coal Car memorial near the Estevan Court House on Friday to recognize and honour lives lost in Saskatchewan to workplace injuries and illnesses.

“Today is dedicated to remembering the 39 workers that have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job or experienced a workrelated tragedy. And it is also a day to renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the families who live with the constant pain and grief day after day,” said UMWA Local 7606 member Gary Malaryk.

This past year, 39 fatality claims were accepted by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board. Nine families requested the names to be withheld. The list of those being honoured included Hugh Smith, 64, of Winnipeg, who was working as a boilermaker and died due to asbestos exposure that occurred in Estevan. Another worker, age 69, who was working for Kingston Midstream Limited, died due to a heart attack in Estevan.

Darcy Wright, a retired

IBEW Local 2067 member, read the names of workers that died due to workplacerelated injuries or illnesses in 2022. Out of 39 work-related fatalities, four lives were lost due to firefighter cancer, one to COVID-19, one to exposure to harmful substances and environment, two died due to a fall, six didn’t survive heart attacks, one died of medical complications.

There also were 16 cases of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, and six motor vehicle accidents. One worker died after being struck by an object, and there also was one suicide. The latest was a police officer, 44, working out of Moose Jaw.

Candles were lit in memory of each person who suffered a workplace-related death last year.

“I wish we didn’t even need these this day or these remarks,” said UMWA Local 7606 member Ashley Johnson. “In an ideal world, the world the labour movement is building towards, nobody ever gets killed or injured simply because they went to work. But until then, it’s important to gather and remember those we’ve lost, demand justice for and commit to making jobs safer for the living … It’s in their memory that we find the strength to fight on.

“Fight to pressure our government and employers to get serious about job safety, fight to strengthen laws

Wednesday, May 6, 1992

and regulations and to ensure they’re enforced, fight to ensure victims of workplace fatalities and injuries have the support and care they need.”

Johnson went on to say that one way to increase enforcement is to increase the repercussions and stated that there must be serious consequences for employers who break the laws, intended to keep their employees safe.

“Harsher penalties for the worst employers could make a difference, more fines, steeper fines and even jail time,” Johnson said. “Penalties must be a deterrent, not just a speed bump. Killing a worker on the job must never be the cost of doing business. This must change. Saskatchewan is a dangerous place to be a worker, data and statistics prove it,” Johnson said.

He noted that for a while, time-loss claims and injuries were on the decline, but now it’s trending upwards again and they see workers being away from work longer with more severe injuries.

“We all need to do better, trade unions must be better, employers and governments must do better,” Johnson said. “This year, I’d also like to take the opportunity to

highlight the need for employers and government to do more to prevent workplace violence.”

He noted the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and advocates spent years fighting for mandatory workplace violence policies, and they have finally secured legislation for that. But there is still a need to continue advocating to ensure employers

have workplace violence and harassment training in place, identify hazards and create action plans, and treat domestic violence as not a personal issue, but a workplace issue.

“Workers deserve a violence-free workplace and employers that are mandated to support those experiencing violence away from work as well. Governments also have to stop workplace harassment, expand and enforce whistleblower protection for those disclosing workplace violence and harassment, hire and train more safety officers, and recognize domestic violence as a workplace hazard,” Johnson said.

“I won’t deny, we have strong Occupational Health and Safety legislation in place only because workers have fought for it for over 50 years. We must not forget those three important worker rights: the right to know, the right to participate and the right to refuse. The power of our unity, our solidarity must be used to ensure workers go home safe after every shift.”

UMWA Local 7606 members Gary Malaryk, Ashley Johnson and Lonnie Haux, along with retired IBEW Local 2067 member Darcy Wright, gathered at the coal car memorial to honour workers and light candles in honour of those who that died due to workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022.

Winners of the Estevan Mercury’s Easter Coloring contest of 1992 were announced in early May. They were, from left, Christopher George, Autumn Story, Tracy Donais, Bryan Prette, Kayle Seipp, Natisse Stade, Cole Beaulieu, Gerilee Ganje and Katrina Schoff

City Hall: 1102 4th Street

am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800

Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue

am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Sanitary Sewer Main and Storm Sewer Jetting Program

Beginning Monday May 1, 2023, and continuing to Friday, August 31, 2023 the Water and wastewater Division will be carrying out Sanitary Sewer Main jetting, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. During the periods of jetting, residents and businesses are advised to securely cap basement floor drains. You may smell an odor in your home, this can be resolved by simply opening windows for a short period of time and running water to ensure all traps are full of water. Storm sewer will have no effect on homes and business’ and will commence September 1, 2023.

2023 Program Area will encompass all streets South of King Street, and West of Souris Ave within City limits including: Souris Avenue Valley Street

CITY OF ESTEVAN – 2023 WATERMAIN FLUSHING SCHEDULE

(1) Thursday, and Friday- June 8-9

(2) Monday – Friday- June 12-16

(3 Monday- Friday June 19-23

(4) Monday –Friday June 26-30

(5) Tuesday – Friday July 4-7