Estevan Mercury 20230510

Midale’s got Talent. And they sure do, as they proved during a great event last week. Details on PAGE A3

Magnificent talents

Big achievement. Local woman wins magazine’s Next Top Nail Artist competition. PAGE A6

Thank you for your hard work.

The Mercury and local businesses celebrate National Nursing Week.

PAGES A10-12

Fire crews assist with accidents and structure fires

Estevan firefighters responded to two road accidents in less than 24 hours last week.

That’s the way to go out. Bienfait goalie impresses at national championship, helping team win bronze.

PAGE A13 Exciting return. Living Room Life intimate classical music concerts are to come back to Estevan.

PAGE A17

According to preliminary information, neither of the occurrences resulted in serious injuries.

A semi-truck rolled over on Highway 39 East at Highway 39 bypass junction on Thursday just before 11 a.m. Estevan Fire Deputy Chief Kyle Luc responded to the accident along with seven other firefighters. Upon arrival, they found the truck that was on its side on the merge. The vehicle was hauling steel pipe that had come off the trailer and into the ditch. The Estevan RCMP and EMS also responded to the scene. Luc said to his knowledge there were no major injuries.

Firefighters contained the diesel leak and blocked traffic on the highway for a significant amount of time to allow for a safe debris cleanup.

Firefighters were busy with the call for about three hours. Local towing company was called to the scene to help recover the vehicle.

On Wednesday, at about 3:30 p.m. fire crews also responded to a Highway 47 and Highway 39 bypass to a two-vehicle accident, one of which was a motorcycle. Firefighters helped control the traffic and clean up the scene, as the Estevan RCMP were assessing the situation. Luc noted that it seemed that injuries sustained during the accident were minor.

On Friday, crews also were dispatched to a gas leak. The call for service came in at about 10 p.m. The gas leak was occurring in a residence in northeast Estevan. Davies said that upon talking to the homeowners it was found they were doing some work to a gas-fired appliance, which had caused the leak.

SaskEnergy was also

called to the scene, as was Estevan EMS, which assessed the homeowner to ensure he was fine. Firefighters ensured the leak was stopped and the house was ventilated from any gas remaining. Crews were on

scene for about an hour.

Sirens were heard in the Estevan area twice Sunday evening, as local firefighters responded to two structure fires.

The first call for service came in at about 6 p.m.

Happy Mother's Day

Crews were dispatched to a garage fire occurring south of the city. Fire Chief Rick Davies said there were no injuries, but there was significant damage to the building.

The Poltava Ensemble of Song, Music and Dance brought their tremendous skills and bright costumes to the Estevan Comprehensive School on Sunday afternoon. The large crowd that gathered marvelled at the dancing and orchestral talents of those involved. For full coverage of the event, please see Page A7.

Photo by David Willberg

A semi-truck that rolled over on Highway 39 East at Highway 39 bypass junction last Thursday. Photo submitted

Souris Valley Theatre announces plays, camps, concerts for the summer

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The Souris Valley Theatre will have one busy summer, with two mainstage productions, summer camps, concerts and more.

The work has been underway for a while, and it is finally time to share their progress with the community.

“We’re going to have a very busy summer and we’re looking forward to it ... It’s nice to get back up and running,” said SV Theatre president Allison Holzer.

Holzer said they are really excited to not only finally be back to a full season this year, but to also bring back musicals, so popular with the community in the past.

The first production will be musical The Big Heist, which is a sequel to local favourite Ranchers and Rustlers and is written and produced by Randy Apostle.

“Randy Apostle is an old friend of Souris Valley Theatre,” Holzer said. “He has been around for a long time. We’re so thankful to have him on site … It’ll be a combination of live music along with recorded music.

“But I’m sure people will recognize the songs and they’ll be busy putting in additions into the originals, because they’ve got some very talented, experienced cast members, so they’re actually pumping it up for us.”

The musical returns to the Red Rose saloon, which guests saw in Ranchers and Rustlers 1, and it’s “a good old western who’s-done-it

show with lots of shenanigans”, Holzer explained. The first production of the season will be rolling from July 4-14 with evening performances from MondayFriday and one matinee.

“We are not running on the weekends this year, as we found last year that there were so many things going on in Estevan on the weekends, so we thought we could just target our shows for the week,” Holzer said.

There will be a special thank-you event on opening night on July 3 for theatre’s sponsors and donors.

The second production is a play, Stag and Doe, written by Canadian author and playwright Mark Crawford. Regina’s Mark Claxton, who directed The Ladies Foursome last season, will be back in the role.

Stag and Doe is a comedy, in which a couple is trying to have a social to raise money for their wedding. And another couple is looking for a venue for their wedding because their tent blew away in the wind.

“The two are going to try to share the same facility at the same time to do both events. And imagine some of the things that happen because the two of them are trying to do this,” Holzer said.

The play will run from July 31-Aug. 11 on weekdays as well.

The actors have been already cast. The first group will move into Woodlawn Regional Park on June 17 to start rehearsing, and the

This summer the Souris Valley Theatre will see two main-stage productions like it used to be before the pandemic, as well as four camps and two concerts. File photo

second group of actors will come July 16.

The theatre will also offer many other entertainment opportunities for kids and adults. They will be running Act I, II and III as well as improv summer theatre camps again this year, which will be five weeks in all. Acts I, II and Improv will run for a week each, and Act III will be two weeks. Local author and playwriter Maureen Ulrich will create a play for the last one, and it will be performed on the main stage at the end of the camp. Other camps will also wrap up with smaller productions performed in a tent by the theatre.

Registration for the camps is underway. The Estevan Arts Council has scholarships available for any sort of arts-related activities, Holzer noted.

“If parents are looking at registering their students in summer camps, they should also look at the Arts Council scholarship that could give them up to $100 to help towards the cost of those summer camps,” she said, adding that the deadline for applications is May 26.

The theatre board also found several ways to honour one of their members and avid volunteer Melodye Pierson, who passed away last December.

“We wanted to do something to recognize her and her contributions. So our summer student camps are going to now be called Melodye Pierson Summer Theatre Camps. We just thought that was so suitable because she loved being down there for the

presentations that the kids did, and she loved working in the concession and making sure that they had lots of food. And because she loved working in the concessions, we’ll probably have some concession specials named after Melodye Pierson as well,” Holzer shared.

The theatre will have three local summer students helping with camps and other projects, including Rebecca Duncan as summer theatre manager, Iciss L’Heureux returning as camp co-ordinator and Katie Ostrander as assistant camp director.

“We’re pumped about having those three young ladies down there. As of May 29, we will have two of them there. And then two weeks later, we’ll have all

three of those ladies down there working,” Holzer said. Also, the summer schedule will see a Brenda Lee Cottrell concert on July 26.

“We had a sold-out concert last year with Brenda Lee, she does the music of legendary ladies like Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Loretta Lynn. We had a packed audience, and we had a lot of people say that they haven’t heard about it, and they’d sure like to have gone to it. So, we thought, well, let’s bring her back,” Holzer said, adding that the show will be similar to last year’s, but with some changes. And to finish off the season, on Aug. 24, the theatre might bring in another concert, but plans are to be finalized yet.

In the meantime, they are currently working on getting their building into shape, finishing out the cork on the walls to help with acoustics and heat, replacing the fire suppression system, which was past its lifetime, and installing the new light and sound consoles, speakers and lights.

The renos became possible thanks to grants and local sponsorships and donations.

For more information and the latest updates, visit their website at sourisvalleytheatre.ca or follow them on social media.

Tickets for the main production will be $45 and will become available online at their website and at Henders Drugs starting June 1 or even earlier.

New plaque to be added to Estevan’s cenotaph

The Estevan cenotaph is going to have an addition later this year, thanks to the efforts of a local military historian.

Craig Bird with the South East Military Museum said there were names missing from the cenotaph, and so it needs to be updated with a new plaque that will be on the southeast corner, facing the police station.

Twenty-seven names from the First World War, 10 from the Second World War and one from the War in Afghanistan will be added.

“It’s part of my ongoing work and project with the legion and with the southeast,” Bird told the Mercury. “I’ve been doing a lot of research into Vimy [the Battle of Vimy Ridge] and World War II with some of the battles that the South

Saskatchewan Regiment took part in and some of the soldiers that were from this area.”

When Bird went through the names on the cenotaph during his research, he found that it should have 36 more names than it does presently.

In the case of the First World War, he found some names were missed because of different spellings, while other people lied about their age in order to serve. Trying to get access to records was a lot more difficult.

“It’s easy to miss names or misspell things or that sort of thing,” said Bird.

He’s surprised at how many names from the Second World War had to be added, because there was better access to records.

“It’s one of those things that I think we can correct all of it and update things, and have them recognized

in the community as people that were born here and then left, or ended up moving away somewhere after the fact. They may be attributed on other monuments elsewhere, but they were members of the community around here,” said Bird.

The individual from Estevan who died in Afghanistan, Cpl. Shane Keating was born here and moved away at an early age. He still has family in the area.

The new plaque for the cenotaph will have a similar look as those presently on the structure in order to preserve its integrity.

A shield will be added to the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to commemorate the sacrifice of Afghanistan for all those who lost their lives in that conflict, as well as those who served and came back to the community. It will go alongside plaques for the

First World War, Second World War, Korean War and peacekeeping missions.

Bird said to add an additional plaque that looks like the existing ones is expensive, as it needs to be cast of bronze. There aren’t a lot of businesses that still provide that service.

It will cost at least $10,000-$11,000, plus shipping and taxes. The museum is applying for grants and talking to community partners. The legion has contributed to the project, as have the City and the RM of Estevan.

Bird is looking to see if any businesses or people would be interested in helping out with the project.

The plan is to have the plaque and the shield made during the summer and to have them installed in the fall. An official unveiling would occur on Remembrance Day.

If people are interested in helping with the project, they can contact the legion office or Bird through the South East Military Museums Facebook page.

Fires damaged garage and house chimney

“Crews were able to keep any fire damage to just that garage; it didn’t spread to any other buildings,” Davies added.

The cause of the fire is

still under investigation, but Davies noted that it doesn’t appear to be anything of neglect or criminal in nature. Crews dedicated about three hours to that call.

Shortly afterwards, firefighters responded to another structure fire occurring in Hitchcock.

“Once we arrived, there was heavy smoke in the

area. It was determined to be a chimney fire. So extensive work was done to salvage and gain access to put that fire out. There was obviously significant

PG PG PG or orpheumtheatre.ca - 306.634.2321 ENERGY CITY FILM CIRCUIT PRESENTS: All seats $9 for the Matinee Guardians of The Galaxy nee All seats $9 for the Matinee Tim & The Glory Boys Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 pm Saturday, May 13 at 4:00 pm The Home-Town Hoedown Tour FRIDAY, MAY 12 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

damage to the chimney and the fireplace area. Crews were able to contain that, but there was smoke and water damage to the house itself,” Davies said.

had started to burn into the rafters of the ceiling as it was able to break through the chimney flue and it was starting to burn the roof, but crews were able to contain it to that area without it spreading throughout the house. Firefighters spent about 3 1/2 hours responding to this call.

By David Willberg

Midale’s Got Talent show sees great performers from the community, plus Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle areas

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Beautiful songs and fascinating dances, along with guitars, drums, trumpet, flute, clarinet and fiddle performances, carrying imagination away, plus hilarious comedy and a festive atmosphere – Midale had it all in one place at the civic centre during the latest edition of the Midale’s Got Talent show.

The event was brought back after almost a decade and saw a lot of support and interest from talented performers, guests and sponsors. On the night of the event, MCed by Estevan’s Wendy Godfrey, the place was packed with participants and spectators, who gathered for a great night of entertainment, which was also a fundraiser for the Cymri 4-H Club.

The night saw 13 performers competing for the first three places, which also came with $500, $200 and $100 prizes, provided by an anonymous donor. The invited judges had a tough job of deciding on the most deserving performances. The final scores came in very close, and the winners for the night were Mavrik Espelien of Estevan, first place, Dawson Scrupps of Midale, second place, and Zoey Simpson of Midale, third place.

Eight-year-old drummer Espelien performed two unique songs, accompanied by his father Daniel Espelien on guitar. Scrupps performed a step dance I’m Ready, and four-year-old Simpson performed a Fly Away with Me ballet act. Judges also announced Isaiah Perdis of Weyburn,

who played three different instruments including flute, trumpet and clarinet, and fiddler Sam Ellis of Carlyle, as two runner-ups for the competition.

The event saw participants coming from Midale, Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle and anywhere in between. Other performers that demonstrated their talents during the night were step dancers Hallie Scrupps of Midale; the Estevan Recreational Dance Club Senior Hip Hop Group, including choreographer Brooke Wilson and dancers Hanna Carter, Jayda and Katie Littlechief, Josa and Marissa Mohr, Lily Patoki, Grace Styre and Emmalee Ursu; singers Megan Zemlak of Estevan, Daviney Berg of Weyburn and RD Jones of Weyburn; comedy performers Lois Feaver and Rebecca Fergusson of Midale; and guitar players and singers Dan Thompson and Gary and Lois Hughes of Midale.

Lois Feaver with the Midale Plus One Club, which organized the event, said they were really satisfied with the night and happy to see the support they received for the event and the 4-H fundraiser. The show attracted many people, and the accompanying raffle, 50/50 and concession sales generated $1,859 for the local 4-H.

“Midale’s Got Talent night, hosted by the Plus One Club, was fantastic,” Feaver said. “We had such amazing talent that night, with 13 acts altogether. They put on an amazing show.”

Feaver praised every performer individually, as each one brought something unique to the show. She noted that the winners abso-

lutely amazed everyone, but other performers had a lot to show as well. The Hughes and Thompson gave the crowd a taste of country life, while Ellis was incredible on the fiddle.

Berg, who also performed during Telemiracle this year, demonstrated her amazing voice singing LeeAnn Rimes’ Blue with “such passion, that you would not know that she was only 13 years old,” Feaver noted.

“The night was so much fun. I’m so thankful for the support of our community and the way they showed up for us. We had so many people, we had put seating in the balcony of the civic center. So, I’m definitely looking forward to doing it

again,” Feaver said. “But for now, we will just be working on upcoming fundraisers in the fall along with our summer farmers market.”

Feaver thanked the MC for orchestrating the night and adding in some laughs, and also thanked the sponsors.

“We had some generous sponsors to make the whole night possible along with some donations from local community members who just think the club is a worthy cause to support.”

Sponsors, including Pro Canada West, Power Tech Industries and Midale Petroleums Ltd., helped the club purchase the big raffle gift item from RJ Smoking and Barbecue Supplies,

which was a grill-smoker combo with wood pellet seasoning sauces and a variety of other items, over $2,000 in value. The business also gave the club a good deal, Feaver noted. They also had a Midale Variety Store chip in with a gift certificate to their establishment, and Bob’s Meats out of Midale donated a 10-pound box of hamburgers.

The Cymri 4-H Club members volunteered to help with setting up, moving microphones and cleaning after the event.

“They’re a great group, the local 4-H club, they’re fantastic,” Feaver said. For pictures of the performers, go to our provincial news hub at SaskToday.ca.

Performing during the 2023 Midale’s Got Talent night were, back row, from left, Dan Thompson, Gary and Lois Hughes, Hallie and Dawson Scrupps, Isaiah Perdis, Mavrik Espelien, Sam Ellis, Daviney Berg, Megan Zemlak and the Estevan Recreational Dance Club’s senior hip hop group, including choreographer Brooke Wilson and dancers Hanna Carter, Jayda and Katie Littlechief, Josa and Marissa Mohr, Lily Patoki, Grace Styre and Emmalee Ursu. Front row, Rebecca Ferguson and Lois Feaver, and sitting with other ERDC dancers is Zoey Simpson. Missing from the photo is RD Jones from Weyburn.

Dawson Scrupps, who performed a step dance I’m Ready, came in second during Midale’s Got Talent.

Four-year-old ballerina Zoey Simpson won everyone’s hearts and took third place in the Midale’s Got Talent competition.

Mavrik Espelien, an eight-year-old drummer, who was accompanied by his father Daniel Espelien on guitar, won Midale’s Got Talent’s first prize.

Staff

Sales Manager

Pat Pasloski - ppasloski@estevanmercury.ca

Sales Assistant

Christine Jones - cjones@estevanmercury.ca

Editor David Willberg - dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

Editorial Staff

Ana Bykhovskaia - abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Production Manager

Ana Villarreal - avillarreal@estevanmercury.ca

Production

Morgan Hodgens - mohodgens@estevanmercury.ca

Laura Kish - laura.kish63@gmail.com

Administration

Vaila Lindenbach - admin@estevanmercury.ca EDITORIAL

Volume 117

Contact us:

(306) 634-2654

68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca

@Estevan_Mercury facebook.com/EstevanMercury

Subscription Rates:

In Saskatchewan - $105

In Canada - $126

The police were called to what?

It was a relatively innocuous paragraph in the weekend report of the Estevan Police Service, but it was a rather absurd item for the EPS.

“Police received a number of separate reports of individuals posting things on social media that were reported to be untruthful. The police spoke to the parties involved and the posts were removed. Police remind the public to be conscious of what is posted on social media, as even if they aren’t criminal in nature they may become a civil matter for the courts. Often times there are other avenues to pursue remedy over a dispute that should be pursued rather than social media.”

It’s the type of report that makes you want to laugh, cry or shake your head. Or all three.

We’ve been critical in the past of those who spend too much time on social media, who get involved in heated debates on such platforms, who make slanderous and libellous statements on Facebook and other sites, and who just seem to take their social media accounts too seriously.

But reaching the point in which someone is calling the police to have untruthful statements removed from social media? It’s the first time we’ve seen that in the police report. And it had to be rather frustrating for the officers.

(Had these calls been to the Saskatch-

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

Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice.

Conditions of editorial and advertising content:

The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied.The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors.

The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication.

All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision thatThe Estevan Mercury receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.

ewan RCMP, they likely would have been prime candidates to be included in the Saskatchewan RCMP’s worst 911 calls list for 2023).

This should serve as a reminder to the public on a number of fronts.

First of all, your point of contact for slanderous or libellous remarks on social media should be the platform or a lawyer, not the police. The EPS has actual crimes and actual investigations to worry about. They shouldn’t have to be dragged into online squabbles.

If there’s a crime that’s been committed, such as uttering threats or hate speech, that’s the time to report it to police.

Cyberbullying, libel and slander aren’t cool, and they are inexcusable, but that doesn’t mean they’re police jurisdiction.

Next, you might think you’re immune from accountability for what you say and do online but that’s just not true. Yes, it can be hard to prove who said what online. But you can still be sued, and rightfully so, if what you say is erroneous and damaging to somebody’s reputation or career.

Even if it doesn’t land you in court, a foolish remark could result in negative consequences for you down the line. We’ve seen people lose their jobs or forfeit a potential opportunity because of something stupid that was said or done on various platforms.

In every provincial and federal election, it seems like there are several candidates who have to defend themselves over something they said or did in the past that wound up online. Sometimes a candidate will be turfed by a party for previous actions.

You might think the immature or flippant remark that you made in your younger days won’t come back to haunt you, but it might. Sometimes you might be associated with a comment that you no longer believe.

People might try to delete what they’ve said or done, but there are enough tech-savvy types out there who know how to recover past errors.

And if you have a problem with someone, don’t take it up on social media.

The EPS didn’t delve into more details on “separate reports”. Does this mean that more than one person felt the need to call police about what was happening online? Or did the same person make multiple reports?

Social media can be a valuable tool that can have a beneficial purpose, such as when it is used to help people. But it can have plenty of downsides. The lack of regulation and oversight has been used by many.

But it also means we have to be smart about how we conduct ourselves, how we treat others and how we make reports to those who have wronged us.

Why hasn’t anybody taken Putin out?

That’s a question I’ve heard a lot since the beginning of the Russian war against Ukraine. I don’t have an answer, just thoughts, but I decided to use the space to share.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has probably never been among the most popular political leaders among people living in the western world, but his decisions and actions over the past year pushed Russia’s popularity rating down to its all-time low in many countries. These same decisions, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of refugees, make many people ask, why no one has done something about it.

It seems there might have been an attempt to get a hold of the Russian president last Tuesday night when two drones were shot down right above the Kremlin – the president’s residence in downtown Moscow. I was surprised to read that the drones, no matter whose they were and what their goal was, were able to get so close to one of the most protected and secured buildings in the entire country, as the use of drones over Moscow was prohibited since May 2022 except for special, government-approved cases.

The president’s press secretary said Putin was at a different residence at the time of the attack and wasn’t harmed, but it was soon declared a terrorist attack and a Ukrainian attempt to assassinate the Russian leader – an accusation Ukrainian officials denied, as an act like that goes against the Ukrainian de-occupational defensive strategy, officials said.

Since the Russian Investigative Department opened a criminal investigation under terrorism rule last Wednesday, any uncautious statement or even social media post or

Ana Bykhovskaia

Twenty Lines

About…

repost about that drone attack may be considered a public justification of terrorism, which has been viewed as a crime of its own in Russia for some time now. And that’s one of the answers to the above question.

The Russian mechanisms of suppression and fear are working. Changes and new laws, which have been introduced over the past 10-plus years, stripping citizens of many freedoms and rights, are often stilted and not very clear, and several well-covered cases make most people keep everything to themselves, let alone act out.

The propaganda machine is doing its job, and president’s announced approval rating in April was up six per cent from September 2022 and crossed the 80 per cent line. But it’s important to keep in mind that conflict is not a good time for social surveys – people’s anxiety, fear and distrust are too high for honest answers, which they may think of as unsafe.

There are still people who do not care for the president or his politics. There are those who don’t support what the country is doing and where it’s heading. And there are also those who hate the current leader and his surrounding with passion.

Some of those people are in jail, others are in forced exile or conscious immigration, but some are still within the Russian borders, as not everyone has the will or the privilege to leave their home country.

It’s still not clear whose drones those were, but the question remains: why

wouldn’t Russian citizens or people outside the country who are strongly against the war and Russian political course do something? If they believe that the president is a problem, the solution would be to eliminate it, right?

Well, first, laws are still in place. But outside that, I see at least three big “buts” to such a “solution”. First, who says that whoever is to take over the country (which is absolutely not clear to me) would actually decide to seize the warfare and aim for peace? Especially now, after over a year of the war, no new president would accept Ukraine’s NATO membership, as it would be considered an absolute threat to Russia and thus a betrayal of its people.

Second, who would have power and access? I’m assuming that those surrounding the Russian president and who indeed have access to him, are terrified, demoralized to the limit and by now mostly and wholeheartedly believe in what they are doing.

Those further away realize that the assassination of the leader would probably spark chaos, start a violent competition for power and resources in a huge and diverse nuclear state, and may result in a way worse situation inside and beyond the country’s borders. And those outside Russia probably lack access to him and are also risking finding themselves in a way more escalated global order if/when caught.

And in the end, while Putin’s popularity in the western world is low, to say the least, when did murder become a prudent way to solve problems? The assassination of a leader (not that there were too many successful attempts in contemporary history) has hardly ever resulted in any positive outcomes, and the long-term results were rather terrible.

Finally, the coronation is finished

David Willberg Willberg’s World

The first coronation of a British king or queen in my lifetime – in fact, the first coronation in my parents’ lifetime – is finished.

King Charles III is now officially installed, nearly eight months after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Given the length of Elizabeth’s reign, and given Charles’ age at this time – he turns 75 later this year – he’ll certainly be at the helm of the monarchy for much less time than his beloved mother.

It was the large, elaborate ceremony you would expect. An enormous crowd gathered at Westminster Abbey to be there. The photos of the sea of humanity were stunning. While the monarchy certainly has more than its fair share of detractors, there is no shortage of people who continue to support the Royal Family, and many of the biggest fans were eager to be part of history.

I have no doubt that people from around the world were part of the overflowing crowd. And I would expect some from Canada were present.

There was a concert to celebrate Charles becoming king, and people were abuzz about who was present and what they were wearing.

You had political leaders from around the world who were present as well, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. And while Canada’s PM has given us lots of reasons to criticize him during his tenure, this was one event that he absolutely needed to attend.

I didn’t watch the coronation. For starters, coverage began in the middle of the night. On a Saturday. I wasn’t going to get up in the middle of the night to watch a ceremony that will have no real bearing on me, personally or professionally.

But I’m sure there were those who did get up early, or who watched for a little while after getting home from a job that requires shift work.

I didn’t PVR it, either. But I did PVR the Kentucky Derby later in the day. I guess we know which event meant more to me. (I’m not sure which event had more bizarre fashion, the ceremony or the horse race).

For me, the best part of him becoming king was earlier this year, when a horse named Noble was selected to be gifted to Charles in honour of his coronation. Noble, of course, was named by Estevan resident Kolton Tweed a few years ago.

The succession comes at an interesting time for the monarchy. A recently-released survey shows that a minority of Canadians believe we should still have the monarchy. They don’t see the point in having the king or queen.

And questions do need to be asked. What purpose does the monarchy serve for this country? Are our lives richer or better because we have a monarch? Or are we clinging to this because it’s something we’ve always done.

Another question that needs to be asked: are we simply just better off continuing to have a monarchy, rather than going through what would be a costly process to distance ourselves from the royals?

These are questions that will continue to be asked, not just here, but in other Commonwealth nations.

Say what you will about the monarchy, but you can’t deny that Elizabeth carried herself with the class and the dignity one would expect from someone in her role. You might not like the monarchy. You might have doubts about some members of the Royal Family. But Elizabeth? She was everything the queen should be.

And you have to think that some people weren’t keen to ask some tough questions as long as Elizabeth presided over the throne.

You also have to wonder whether the support for the monarchy is there with younger generations as it was among those who are older.

I’m sure Charles is going to be a fine king. He learned from the best on how to conduct himself with grace while facing constant scrutiny. He certainly had a lengthy apprenticeship while being first in line to the throne.

Charles is going to face a lot of challenges in the coming years, ranging from the fractured relationships that currently exist in his family, to trying to follow in the footsteps of his mother.

And he’s going to need to boost support and confidence in the Royal Family. That will be much more difficult.

Warm Welcome Kitchen wraps up 2023 season, plans grocery dash fundraiser

Warm Welcome Kitchen wrapped up a short, but still successful season on April 27.

Free community suppers that take place twice a week and are open to anyone, regardless of their situation, became a good tradition in Estevan a few years ago. During the pandemic, the initiative changed its format, and people were offered the chance to take ready-to-eat meals to go instead of a sit-down supper.

In the 2022-23 season, Warm Welcome Kitchen could finally return to the in-person meals, yet they weren’t able to start off until February when, after reading an article in the Mercury, Donna McGillicky took over the vacant position of kitchen co-ordinator that the board struggled with filling for some time.

Once they found their coordinator, the season went well, said Warm Welcome Kitchen board president Wendy Godfrey. McGillicky used to work at Creighton Lodge and had a lot of experience in cooking for larger crowds. Once she joined the Warm Welcome Kitchen, she would make two meals a week. Every Tuesday, people were invited for supper at St. Giles Anglican Church, and on Thursdays, meals were served at Trinity Lutheran Church.

“Fortunately, we’re able to get back to sit-down meals, which was really nice. Up until this point, we’ve been doing takeout, ready-to-eat meals,” Godfrey said.

The return to in-person meals allowed for Warm Welcome to bring the social components of the project back, helping people who might feel lonesome get a sense of the community and probably find friends.

“That’s something that we try really hard to get across to people – it’s not a financial

thing at all. We don’t care if you’re the poorest person in town or the richest person in town. We are there to serve community meals for everyone. And there’s a lot of reasons why people come out,” Godfrey said.

“Obviously, a big thing is that [those free meals] stretch your food dollar a little bit, but it’s also for people who are lonely, people who are new to town. There are different reasons why people come out, and we really don’t care why you’re there. We are just happy when you come and enjoy the meal. That’s what we’re there for. We don’t ask questions at the door. We just welcome you in.”

Since the project was on pause during the fall months, attendance was lower in the beginning. But towards the end of the season, they were serving 35-40 meals on average every night. Godfrey also noted that McGillicky had to go for surgery, and the last meals of the season were cooked by their former kitchen co-ordinator Christa Jorgensen.

“Huge, huge thank you to Christa Jorgensen, who stepped in and filled in. I think it was the last eight suppers Christa did,” Godfrey said. “And Donna definitely wants to come back as soon as she is well. She’s recovering very well right now. And hopefully, she’ll be up and ready to go. We’ll start up in October.”

While the season is wrapped up for the summer, Godfrey said that with no regular funding, they always welcome donations as they are already looking forward to opening the kitchen again in the fall.

“We’re in not a bad place financially, but we are not funded by anyone. We don’t get grants or anything, so if any donations come in, we really appreciate that,” Godfrey said. They are also planning another grocery dash, similar to what they did a few years ago. It will give people a chance to compete for a one-minute shopping spree at Sobeys in Estevan.

“You race the clock, put

whatever you can in your basket, up to $1,000 in free groceries,” Godfrey explained.

The volunteer support this season was great as well, but they are always happy to see new individuals or groups coming to help them serve suppers and socialize.

“We have some wonderful volunteers coming out week after week, which is awesome. Volunteer-wise, we’re doing pretty good, although we can always use more volunteers. The Kinette Club in Estevan came out and helped as a group and that was really nice to have them. That is a good opportunity for other groups if they want to do that,” she added.

If anyone is interested in supporting Warm Welcome Kitchen as a volunteer or financially, they can reach out to Godfrey through their Facebook page or over the phone at 306-421-6122. Follow the Estevan Mercury, SaskToday.ca and the Warm Welcome Kitchen social media for details on the grocery dash.

Motorcycle club hosts show and shine

Estevan Kinettes Karen Beaudry, Susan Colbow and Krissy Wallman came out to help with the Warm Welcome Kitchen’s supper. Photo courtesy of Wendy Godfrey

The Heretics Motorcycle Club’s annual Show and Shine was held Saturday afternoon at the Black Grasshopper Pub and Eatery. A variety of motorcycles, along with classic cars and trucks, were available for people to view. As this was one of the first events of its kind of the spring, participants were eager to participate. Photo by David Willberg

A6

Estevan nail artist wins international competition

By David Willberg Jacqueline McClement’s

skill with nail art has garnered her some international recognition.

McClement, who owns the Lux Nail Art Studio Inc. in Estevan, recently captured the Nails Magazine Next Top Nail Artist competition. She was the only one from Canada entered among the 13 finalists.

“All of the artists, they’re very, very talented, so I was honoured just to be in the top 13,” said McClement in an interview with the Mercury. “I enjoy the creativity a lot. That’s my thing.

If somebody gives me a challenge to do, my brain is always going and I think about what I can create.”

She won an engraved trophy and congratulatory gifts of product from brand partners.

Nails Magazine encouraged her to enter the competition after seeing her work on Instagram. She has also competed in the Nailympia international competition, finishing fourth three times, and has also emerged victorious in other contests, all in the seven years since she became a nail technician.

“I was debating whether or not I should [enter the Nails Magazine contest], and then I decided I might as well go for it, so I did. And then they chose the top 13 out of … hundreds of entries,” said McClement.

She had to submit a portfolio of her work, including awards that she has won, and she had to participate in a video interview.

Once she was in the top 13, there were several elimination rounds.

“They would give you challenges. They would … give you a theme, and then you had to create a set of nails or whatever they wanted done from that said theme. They would tell you different criteria that they wanted, and then you would submit your entries. They wanted certain photos and videos sent to them, and then thy chose from that.”

When she was picked to go up against 12 other artists, she thought that would be as good as it would get, but she kept moving on until she reached the final. A panel of judges decided who would advance.

She had to create five

different designs for the competition. The first one was a summer theme, and allowed her to come up with her own design. McClement painted kids playing in a pool.

The next was childhood memories, so she had several watercolour portraits of herself as a child on a set of five nails, with three-dimensional flowers and other images.

“They wanted to see your sculpting skills, so sculpting is when you create the nail, the long nail, so I sculpted a very long nail in an ocean theme, and it had hand-sculpted seahorses underneath, and hand-painted miscellaneous stuff on that. There’s a lot that went into it.”

The next one was a Game of Thrones theme, with long, dragon-type nails that glowed in the dark, and three-dimensional elements on them that she said were detachable using magnets.

The nails she created for the final round were her favourite. The three finalists could design anything they wanted, but it had to be on short nails that couldn’t go beyond the tip of a finger. She selected the artwork that was at the

Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“I ended up doing an Italian-themed design, with hand-painted … female portraits and miscellaneous,” said McClement.

For the most part, McClement could complete the work on nail tips that could be removed except for the last one, when she had to paint on somebody’s nails. Her daughter-inlaw Hannah McClement served as the model.

Nail competitions take a lot of work, she said. When she is in the midst of an event, she is working on entries. Nailympia, for example, is a very strict event.

“They give you a category, and they have a very long set of rules, and if you break any of them, you’ll be disqualified. They give you a topic, a list of rules of what you can and cannot do, and then you just go crazy.”

sMcClement said she has always been an artist.

Once she started watching people come up with

creative nail designs on Instagram, she decided to try it. So, she obtained her certification and took courses, travelling to Vancouver and Los Angeles.

“It’s just my creative spirit, and it’s just another artistic outlet that I have so I’m thoroughly enjoying it. And then there’s competing. I do regular nails, too, just regular salon nails, but the competitions have definitely been my favourite.”

She was recently contacted by Scratch Magazine in the U.K., and was encouraged to submit photos of her nail designs for a magazine cover.

McClement said she is currently booked up with clients. When she isn’t designing nails, she helps run GenCo Asphalt with her husband Doug.

Addictions treatment expansion proceeding in Estevan

Centre in Estevan.

The new beds are part of Phase 2 of the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to add 150 spaces to increase access to treatment and recovery services for people suffering from addictions.

“These new post-treatment spaces will help Saskatchewan residents who have completed treatment and need follow-up support,” Hindley said. “This is an important step to

Do

have the Best Mom ?

help them on their continuing path to recovery and well-being, and we are pleased that St. Joseph’s is a strong partner in this work.”

The 12 new spaces are

in addition to the 14 posttreatment beds at St. Joseph’s that became operational at the end of March.

With this addition, St. Joseph’s now operates a total of 32 post-treatment beds,

May 31, 2023

L-R:

on top of their 32 inpatient beds, and four pre-treatment beds.

The spaces will be open to residents from across Saskatchewan.

St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre was one of the successful proponents chosen through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), seeking addictions treatment services across the continuum of care, including intensive outpatient services, inpatient treatment services, and recovery or transitional services.

These new spaces further the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to add at least 150 more addictions treatment spaces to expand capacity beyond what is already available in the system. Negotiations are underway with other successful proponents from the RFP, and additional addictions treatment spaces will be announced in the coming months.

With the addition of these new spaces, Saskatchewan is funding

pre-treatment, withdrawal management/detoxification, treatment, and

treatment spaces

the province operated by the SHA and

partners.

Jacqueline McClement painted a summer theme on nails for the competition.

A look at one of the nail designs that Jacqueline McClement has created.

Jacqueline McClement of Estevan was the winner of the Nails Magazine Next Top Nail Artist competition. Photos courtesy of Jacqueline McClement

Local music fans were captivated by the talents of dozens of people during a performance by the Poltava Ensemble of Song, Music and Dance on Sunday afternoon at the Estevan Comprehensive School’s cafetorium.

A large crowd gathered to watch the showcase of Ukrainian culture. The dancers, dressed in bright and colourful costumes, performed numerous songs for the audience.

Accompanying the dancers was an orchestra, which had plenty of upbeat and energetic music to play. The musicians played Ukrainian selections when the dancers were changing their outfits.

Poltava’s visit was an added attraction for the Estevan Arts Council’s (EAC) 2022-23 concert series. They were supposed to visit in March, but the concert had to be rescheduled due to a blizzard that hit the southeast.

Poltava began in 1922 as a children’s stringed orchestra and has grown over the years.

“Their mission is to preserve, develop and share the culture of Ukraine and its European neighbours through song, dance and music,” said EAC president Wilma Mantei.

It is part of the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians.

Dave Wilson with Poltava served as the MC for the afternoon’s concert. He offered a brief explanation of each song and dance that was performed and offered

some history on the ensemble.

“Ukrainian cultural traditions are deeply embedded in the Saskatchewan mosaic, and settlers from Ukraine, along with thousands of immigrants who followed, have enriched our province,” said Wilson. “We pay tribute to these immigrants, and most importantly, we pay tribute to the organizations, churches and volunteers who assisted and continue to assist all immigrants who settle and thrive in Saskatchewan.”

As the war on Ukraine continues, the Poltava Ensemble remains steadfast in its support of a free and independent Ukraine, he said, and they continue to hope for an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

He also paid tribute to dance director Lisa Wanner and orchestral director Vlad Tsymbal for creating such a strong show.

Wilson noted Poltava is unique in Saskatchewan and one of the few groups of its kind in Canada. The

Eight ECS students compete at Skills Canada

members of the ensemble will be travelling to Spain and Portugal in the summer to perform at two festivals of dance and music that often attract 5,000-6,000 people.

Wilson noted they are also very proud of the costumes they wear and the accuracy of the Ukrainian culture being portrayed.

“Many of the costumes for our performance were designed in Regina, ordered and then produced in Lviv, Ukraine. For the past 20

years, Poltava has supported the costume manufacturers in Lviv, and we applaud the amazing seamstresses, who have not only worked through a pandemic, but are presently working under the duress of war,” said Wilson.

The Sunflower Network had a dessert table to support their efforts to bring Ukrainian families, displaced by war, to Estevan and other Saskatchewan communities.

“There’s a lot of work involved to do that and a lot

of expense,” said Mantei. “They do rely on the community to help with that, so we’re very fortunate to have them here.”

Mantei pointed out there were some Ukrainian families in attendance to enjoy the celebration of their home country.

The show was the last in the 2022-23 season for the Estevan Concert Series.

Mantei noted they have the concerts lined up for next season, and will start selling tickets soon.

Eight students from the Estevan Comprehensive School travelled to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic main campus in Saskatoon on April 28 for the Skills Canada provincial competition. Students participated in the information technology, and the hairstyling and aesthetics sectors.

Competitions included bridal hairstyling, braiding, aesthetics, photography and information technology software.

ECS student Alyssa Saccary won a bronze medal for the bridal hairstyling event.

Also competing were Fiona Tangonan (braiding hairstyling), Kelsey Dodd (aesthetics), Lily Patoki (model for aesthetics), Kerison Burnett and Emma Morhart (photography), and Osama Kamel and Kegan Littlefield (information technology software).

“Our students enjoyed an enriching experience, putting material learned in the classroom into practice,” said ECS vice-principal James Dobos. “They also had to adapt to the criteria outlined by the co-ordinators for each of the competitions and utilize

important career skills, such as communication, problemsolving and teamwork.”

There were also industry experts and employers from different trade areas in attendance, including the Mechanical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan, The Style Academy, The Christian Labour Association of Canada, MC College and the Capital Automotive Group. Participants enjoyed meeting some of these professionals as well as other students from across the province at a competitor networking supper following the event.

Alyssa Saccary won a bronze medal in bridal hairstyling at Skills Canada provincials in Saskatoon. Photo courtesy of James Dobos

The Poltava Ensemble delivered a performance with excellent choreography and brilliant costumes for the Estevan audience.

Photos by David Willberg.

Poltava members performed a Sailors’ Dance in Estevan.The Sunflower Network sold Ukrainian desserts to raise funds for its ongoing efforts.

Premier address energy issues at biennial conference

By John Cairns, SaskToday.ca

It may have been the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, but it seemed electricity and power were what was top of mind for Premier Scott Moe at the event.

In fact, the transition to clean energy and looming netzero targets were very much on the mind of delegates at the 30th annual conference, with both the energy transition carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) as major topics over two days of this year’s event on May 2-3.

Moe made the point during his address that energy security was vitally important, comparing it to the importance of food security.

“Energy in all of its forms — it is the very bedrock of our society,” Moe said. “Without that access to secure, affordable supplies of energy, we are in big trouble.”

During his morning remarks, Moe spoke of “protecting that environment of opportunity that we have in Saskatchewan” from “unrealistic policies, ideological policies versus policies that are much more based in reality. Policies that are quite frankly at times are threatening the energy security, the continental energy security that you are part of building.”

Moe took aim at the cap on

emissions policy from the federal government, saying it was “a policy that is driven much more by ideology than what is I like to call common sense. It’s unrealistic, it’s impossible.”

He said the same could be said of the federal government’s clean electricity regulations currently under development. Moe said it “indirectly impacts everyone in this room.”

Moe pointed to provincial initiatives to lower emissions such as the carbon capture and storage facility built at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Unit 3, as well as SaskPower building natural gas plants to increase the stability of the grid and also reduce their emissions profile. He also pointed to power stations coming into service that use natural gas and emit half the CO2 of coalpowered plants.

“But that is not good enough for the clean emission standards,” said Moe. He said under the new regulations, SaskPower wouldn’t be able to operate any coal-fired plants and might have to shut down its natural gas power plants.

He said it begged the question of “where would we get our baseload electricity from?”

The premier spoke about the net zero 2035 target and voiced concern that it doesn’t contemplate the eventuality of not having baseload power, or the “extraordinary costs”

associated with meeting the targets.

“We will not attempt the impossible when it comes to power production,” Moe told the audience.

“We are not going to risk plunging our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our businesses that are operating, creating wealth in our communities because of the ideological whims of another level of government. We are not going to put the security of the energy system we have here in jeopardy, and we will not increase power costs unnecessarily for our industries, our businesses and our families in this province to the point where they are completely unaffordable.”

He said Saskatchewan requires reliable, affordable electricity, and said that “most certainly will be the case years into the future.” Moe said to “stay tuned” for more details to come on their response to the federal government’s clean electricity regulations.

In speaking to reporters, Moe noted again that the federal regulations coming in mandate no coal-fired plants by 2030 and “quite likely” no natural gas by 2035.

“We have a natural gas plant that isn’t even completed construction yet. We have no intention to turn it off by 2035. I’m not sure we’re going to be able to turn our coal off by 2030… this isn’t about SaskPower and the province

not continuing their march towards greening our power grid. It’s about what’s affordable and about what’s possible versus some ideological policy that may come from another level of government.”

He pledged to continue to more towards a 2050 target that the province had originally set out.

“We are going to continue to chart Saskatchewan’s path. It may not necessarily be Canada’s path and we’ll have more details on that in the coming weeks.”

He also raised the spectre of what might happen in the province when the 2035 deadline hits.

“If you think about where Saskatoon, the city of Saska-

toon receives their power, Jan. 1, 2035 is a very cold morning in Saskatoon because the lights won’t come on and the furnace fans won’t work,” said Moe.

“The unrealistic policy here is coming from the federal government. The realistic policy is being put forward by SaskPower and the province of Saskatchewan, and you’re seeing other provinces come to the same conclusions.”

Opposition critic Aleana Young was at the conference and didn’t think Moe’s comments were that helpful.

“Quite frankly, just continues a lot of unproductive rhetoric when people need action to keep power affordable and reliable and sustainable.”

As for her own party’s position Young said they had been “clear and on message — the feds are going too far too fast and 2035 isn’t realistic for a jurisdiction like Saskatchewan. However, what’s lacking behind the premier’s promise is any real action.”

She accused the government of being “dinosaurs” on renewables, and said with this government, “we see an ongoing commitment to make investments that are not in Saskatchewan, investing south of the border, spending over a million dollars of taxpayer money to spend on infrastructure in the United States, or spending $5 million next door in Manitoba. I fail to see how that is creating energy security in Saskatchewan or good paying jobs for Saskatchewan people ... They’ve been behind the ball on this for 15 years.”

Ocean Man First Nations receiving land claim mineral rights

Sixty-three hectares (156 acres) of Crown mineral rights will be transferred to Ocean Man First Nation upon the

surface attaining reserve status.

“These transfers are part of Saskatchewan’s continued

commitment to work with our partners to transfer land and minerals to reserve status, directly supporting the growth

of First Nation communities,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said.

“The facilitation of reserve creation directly supports the growth of First Nation communities and continues to serve an important role in the ongoing economic reconciliation between governments and Saskatchewan’s First Nations.”

This transfer abides by the terms of the memorandum of agreement for the facilitation of the implementation of specific claims settlements, signed by the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada on March 31, 2000.

To transfer mineral rights, First Nations submit a written request to the Government of Saskatchewan identifying the Crown minerals for selection. The First Nation and the Government of Saskatchewan negotiate the purchase price for the minerals, with all sales requiring the consent of any existing Crown mineral rights holder. Once all conditions are met, the Crown minerals are transferred to the Government of Canada through a Mineral Order in Council, which takes effect upon reserve creation.

With the acquisition of new reserve lands, successful Specific Claims Settlement Agreements, signed between First Nations and the Government of Canada, support community growth and traditional land use as well as partnerships between First Nations, businesses and neighbouring communities, advance opportunities for business development in urban centres, and create economic development and employment opportunities in the mining, oil and gas, business and agriculture sectors.

Premier Scott Moe was among the speakers at this year’s Williston Basin conference in Regina. Photo by John Cairns

The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum has two new exhibits on display, running from April 14-May 26.

Gallery 1 offers an exhibition by Patrick Fernandez called Tadhana, and Gallery 2 invites guests to enjoy works by Jared Boechler and Nic Wilson combined into an exhibit named All Conditioned Things.

Fernandez is an emerging visual artist who lives and works in Regina. Born in the Philippines, he paints using symbolism and reimagined folklore imagery as a means of storytelling. His works are based on personal experiences that deal with displacement, coping, taking chances and using circumstances as turning points for growth.

According to his artist’s statement, Fernandez’s works have been shown in exhibitions in the Philippines, South East Asia, North America and Europe. As an active community leader, Fernandez has both founded and led several art collectives in the Philippines. He organized various art festivals and community events in his province of Pangasinan.

In 2017, he moved to Regina and continues his commitment to community engagement. Currently, he is serving as a member of the board of directors of the Art Gallery of Regina.

Tadhana or fate according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is “an inevitable and

often adverse outcome, condition, or end”. Fernandez’s exhibition is inspired by the Bahala Na culture that is prevalent in Filipino society. To many Filipinos, the general approach to life is acceptance. Bahala na (come what may), captures the strong belief among many Filipinos that whatever may happen is a part of God’s will. Any individual or group’s success is often attributed to fate or God rather than efforts. This indicates a fatalistic attitude throughout society whereby Filipinos are generally accepting of their and others’ circumstances.

“As an immigrant, it is a very common concept that ‘fate brought us here’ and the most common outlook of Bahala Na/come what may attitude is prevalent to anyone. However, this attitude is not only a visible trait for immigrants alone, but this is also actually a day-today outlook of everyone just varying in expression and terms. The exhibition aims to find parallels within culture to create a better understanding of each and everyone’s disposition in life,” says the artist’s statement.

“These bodies of work explore ideas of fate while relating it to the quest for hierarchy in modern society. We live in a time that is always hungry for accomplishment, results and evidence of success. I want to elaborate the significance of fate through commentaries using imagery

of reimagined folklore of my culture in order to give new meaning on how fate will lead us to one’s self-discovery and freedom,” Fernandez said in the statement.

•••

All Conditioned Things, created by Boechler and Wilson, is curated by the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery and circulated by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC).

Boechler works and exhibits internationally, including in New York, Asia and Europe. He has recently been awarded working fellowships at Serlachius Museum in Finland, Art Biopop in Japan, and the Sheen Centre for Thought and Culture in New York.

Boechler was recognized at the Governor General History Awards for his work, presided over by the governor general of Canada, as well as presenting as the youngest exhibiting artist at NordArt, Germany. He is based in Saskatoon.

Wilson is an artist and writer who was born in the Wolastoqiyik territory now known as Fredericton, N.B., in 1988. Wilson graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from Mount Allison University in 2012, and an masters of fine arts from the University of Regina in 2019 where they was a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council graduate fellow.

Wilson has shown work across Canada and internationally at Third Space Gallery, Art Mur, the Remai Modern, Modern Fuel, and Venice International Performance Art Week. Their work often engages time, queer lineage and the distance between art practice and literature. Writing has appeared in publications such as BlackFlash magazine, Headlights Anthology, Peripheral Review, Border Crossings and PUBLIC.

“The exhibition All Conditioned Things presents the work of Saskatchewan artists, Jared Boechler and Nic Wilson, whose subject matter is embedded with symbolism or signifiers to explore concepts of mortality and impermanence. Both artists present mundane objects within their compositions, objects of domesticity, consumption and memorialization, many that are linked historically to traditional vanitas or memento mori paintings – including candles, ceramic vessels and flowers – that represent the passage of time, aging, decay, the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. Their

compositions explore the values and narratives that these objects come to symbolize,” said curator Jennifer McRorie.

The artists’ statement says that like traditional vanitas, Boechler’s hyper-realist oil paintings of interior spaces and still life objects that reflect a sense of melancholy, isolation and elements of surrealism, depict the domestic objects people surround ourselves with to examine concepts of the tenuous and impermanent nature of mortal existence, while also emphasizing the beauty and sanctity of life.

Boechler suggests that this body of work explores the objects and materials that come to signify a life through reflecting on “our dependency and relationship to our immediate surroundings and the objects found within them.” His paintings relay a sense of privacy, capturing a specific time and place that reflects a shared human experience that often goes unwitnessed.

Wilson takes this exploration further in their stilllife photographs of isolated arrangements of objects of memoria on coloured back-

grounds with a pop-art-like aesthetic, to reflect on the colonial histories and values of such objects. Wilson states on this body of work, “Still life images often present mundane objects for the contemplation like flowers, food, candles and other everyday household products. Historically, many still-life paintings have carried dense symbolism about the everpresent shadow of death, decay and rot. My images take up this history but also examine the way that traditional still life subjects – like flowers – have many intertwining histories as colonial commodities, symbols of both love and mourning, rare objects of fragile beauty, and canvases for human manipulation and control.”

The presentation of their works together offers two bodies of work that are aesthetically constraining and yet conceptually similar, each depicting moments of fragile beauty and nostalgia, while offering reflections of the socially and culturally conditioned values and meanings of everyday objects that come to represent human histories and life.

Gallery 2 displays All Conditioned Things by Jared Boechler and Nic Wilson.

An installation and paintings by Patrick Fernandez are on display at Gallery 1. Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

By David Willberg

Tara Shier always wanted to be a nurse.

It started when she was growing up on the family farm in the Willmar area. She was the oldest of 11 children living at that farm.

“I babysat over the years; helped with cuts, bruises, looking after kids,” Shier told the Mercury. “If the vet ever had to come to the farm, I wanted to be out there helping and assisting, whether it be a treatment on a cow or a C-section, I always wanted to know more.”

Knowing that she wanted to be in the health-care field, she started investigating her options and was accepted into the University of Brandon. Shier obtained a bachelor of science degree in nursing. While in university, she worked at the Moose Mountain Lodge in Carlyle.

After graduating in 2006, she started working at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and has been there ever since.

Shier spent one year in the medical unit at St. Joe’s, and then she started working in the operating room, the emergency department and endoscopy. Since that time, she has obtained her oncology certificate, which enables her to perform chemotherapy.

Nursing is a rewarding job, she said. It allows her to see people in their most vulnerable moments.

“Our job is to make them feel safe and cared for, and I feel we do that well at St. Joe’s,” said Shier.

It has also allowed her to work in lots of different departments and in specialty areas. Shier has gained lots of knowledge and she says her skill level is always growing.

“It’s never boring; there’s always something new and exciting, and you have a great team that is always there to support you,” she said.

Shier and other nurses create personal connections with patients as well. She will see them at the hospital while caring for

them, but she might also see them at community events, at sporting games and elsewhere, allowing them to reconnect and for Shier to find out how they are doing.

“The knowledge and the opportunities are really endless,” said Shier.

National Nurses Week runs from May 8-14. This year’s theme is Our Nurses. Our Future. Nurses Week coincides each year with the May 12 birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is the founder of modern nursing.

Shier said it’s an important time because it honours Nightingale, creates awareness about nurses, and leads to conversations with her co-workers about why they became a nurse and while they still love the job.

“There are definitely times that are really hard,” said Shier. “You have lows and you have highs.”

The kindness and compassion of nurses don’t go unnoticed, she said, and it’s

nice when people acknowledge nurses for it.

“It’s a very demanding job. It’s a job that doesn’t end when your shift ends. You take it home. You deal with things at home. It’s a tough job. It can be mentally draining. You might lose sleep [over your work], but in the end, we all are passionate about our profession, and there is a reason we go back the next day.”

Every nurse has been inspired by someone, she said, whether it be an educator, a preceptor or a coworker, during their career, and she encourages nurses to share their appreciation with that person. Shier has had many people who have inspired her.

Students are always coming to St. Joseph’s Hospital to gain experience, and the experienced nurses work together to help students and those who are new to the job.

“Something I always tell our new people is make a difference, advocate for your patients, provide the

they

at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Tara Shier

Saluting our Healthcare Heroes

Local nurse on what makes the job special

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Alana Johner joined St. Joseph’s Hospital as a registered nurse in February 2021 after graduating from the University of Regina.

She said even though she started during tough pandemic times, her career choice has never disappointed her.

Joining the health-care field became her call, and she followed it to the best of her ability.

“I feel like I always knew I wanted to do something in the healthcare profession,” Johner said in the interview with the Mercury. “It might be a cliché answer, but I had that strong need of helping others. And I always did. As a little girl, growing up on the farm, I always wanted to help out the animals. And then when I got to school age, I volunteered tons in my small town. And I just loved it. I volunteered at the hospital when I was in high school, and I think

that’s where I initially started to love the hospital scene.”

Her older sister also went into nursing, but Johner said unlike many families where younger siblings want to follow the footsteps of older role models, in their case, she originally didn’t want to go into nursing as she wanted “to pave her own path”. So, when it was time for university, she decided to take three years of general arts and science classes.

“And then I just realized no, nursing is for me, that’s the career I want to do. So that’s when I switched to nursing,” Johner recalled.

With many prerequisite classes completed during her three years of arts and science at the University of Saskatchewan, she was able to get into the nursing program, which was through the University of Regina, but took place in Saskatoon.

“I knew I wanted to stay in Saskatoon, I’m from up there. So, I got my nurs-

ing degree through the University of Regina but in Saskatoon, and it took me 3 1/2 years from when I got into the nursing program,” Johner said.

Born and raised on a farm near Rosetown, Johner had never even been to Estevan until she started dating her future husband. He had family in the Energy City, but at the time was living in Rosetown selling John Deere equipment.

“He wanted to come back and farm with his family here in Estevan, and so I came with him,” Johner shared.

She noted that when one is finishing their nursing degree, they all have to do a 12-week preceptorship. Already knowing that she would be eventually moving to Estevan, Johner completed her final steps at St. Joseph’s Hospital and then she was hired right after that. She said she’s learned a lot throughout her time here.

Thank You to Nurses Across Saskatchewan

National Nursing Week is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions nurses make across our health care system. Every day, nurses deliver high quality care and are making a difference to Saskatchewan patients.

The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the unwavering dedication and commitment of nearly 18,000 nurses working across the province on the front lines of health care.

Saskatchewan is fortunate to have highly trained, compassionate, and dedicated nurses in our province. We are grateful for our registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of your patients and in your communities.

We have heard the call for additional staffing and resources to meet patient care needs. Building capacity within our health care system, and strengthening our current and future health care workforce are top priorities for the provincial government.

Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan outlines our plans to recruit, train, incentivize, and retain health care providers. Learn more at saskatchewan.ca/hhr

Alana Johner, right, is a registered nurse working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan, pictured here with Tynealle Shackleton, who is also an RN.

“Since I’ve only been a nurse for two years, it’s been such a learning curve. I’ve learned so much in the last two years. It’s crazy. They try to prepare you for nurs-

ing in school but you don’t, you get the most learning done on the job,” Johner said. “And St. Joe’s, I love where I work. I work in Unit A, which is a basic medical

unit, so you get such a variety of patients there, you get anything and everything there. So, I’ve just learned so much about so many different diseases and illnesses.”

She noted the reality appeared to be very different from her dream vision of a nursing job.

“I feel like nobody really understands what a day-today job would look like for a nurse until you’re actually doing it. I thought it would be a lot more like personal care and things like that. But I didn’t realize the extent of the science behind it, like having to know all the medications and the lab work and other things, where you really have to use your critical thinking skills with your science background. And I think growing up not really knowing what nursing was, I didn’t realize how much science combines into it,” Johner explained.

Johner said she loves her job, and she sincerely appreciates the development and personal growth, which are a big part of the work.

“I love that I learn something every day. I get to work with so many different people, I learn from my

fellow nurses, the doctors, the pharmacists, lab and xray techs, physiotherapists, and the list goes on. I love that I work with so many smart people,” she shared.

“And then on the other

half of that, I love interacting with the patients, I love getting to know them on a personal level and being able to connect to each patient. That’s been community too.”

Province celebrating Nurses Week

The Government of Saskatchewan is celebrating National Nursing Week from May 8 to 14, and recognizing the dedication and commitment of nearly 18,000 nurses working across the province on the front lines of health care.

The theme this year for National Nursing Week is Our Nurses. Our Future. Building capacity within the health care system and strengthening the current and future health care workforce are top priorities for the Government of Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan continues to see positive results, including for nurses.

In 2022, the number of nurses of all designations practicing in Saskatchewan increased by nearly 600 yearover-year.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our nurses who deliver high-quality care every day to Saskatchewan patients,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said.

Key 2023-24 budget investments include nearly $100 million across gov-

ernment to support Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers, including nurses.

Over $22 million will support the continued implementation of 250 new full-time positions and enhancement of part-time positions to full-time in rural and remote areas around the province. As of late April, nearly 120 of these positions have been filled, including registered nurses (RNs), registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).

Saskatchewan’s recruitment missions to the Philippines resulted in nearly 400 Filipino RNs committed to joining the provincial workforce. Filipino RNs who received conditional job offers will move through the RN pathway, which includes language training, bridging education and licensing.

Improving connections and engagement with Saskatchewan’s nursing students and recent graduates is also

delivering positive results.

Since December 2022, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has hired 186 grad nurses from the province and across Canada. A further 129 conditional job offers have been made to nursing students who will be graduating this spring.

“National Nursing Week is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions nurses make across our health care system,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said.

The province also offers the student loan forgiveness program that encourages nurses and NPs to practice in rural or remote communities by forgiving up to $20,000 of their Saskatchewan student loans. Nurses and NPs who are eligible for the program may also qualify for the graduate retention program that provides income tax credits of up to $20,000 to eligible graduates who live and work in Saskatchewan.

May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, is designated as International Nurses Day.

Alana Johner graduated from the University of Regina as a registered nurse and has been working at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Unit A since 2021.

Photos courtesy of Alana Johner

SPORTS

A13

Five classes of racing were offered. That wasn’t irregular; the EMS has had the slingshots and the IMCA modifieds, stock cars, late models and hobby stocks for a number of years.

But what was unique, at least by recent standards, was the influx of American drivers.

Nearly 20 drivers from the states were entered in the speedway’s five different classes, as cross-border travel between Canada and the U.S. has largely returned to normal. A total of 67 drivers were entered between the five divisions.

Chloe Sorenson’s time in minor hockey came to an end on a winning note, and now she’s getting ready for what’s next.

Sorenson helped the Regina Rebels win the bronze medal at the Esso Cup national female U18 AAA hockey championship in Prince Albert.

Sorenson, a goaltender from Bienfait, stopped 24 of 25 shots for the Rebels as they defeated the Atlantic Canada representatives, the Northern Selects, 5-1 in the contest to determine third.

“Being the first Rebels team to ever medal at the Esso Cup is just another awesome feeling in itself, but it definitely feels like a dream come true,” she said. “It’s been long overdue for the Rebels.”

She finished the Esso Cup with a 3-1 record, a

Two southeast Saskatchewan golfers are going to play a lot in one day in an effort to raise money for KidSport.

Brian Fitzpatrick has announced via a GoFundMe page that he and his friend Kris Carley will bring back

Drivers such as Joren Boyce of Minot and Travis Hagen of Williston were competing at the track for the first time since August 2019.

In the case of Boyce, he had missed just one race at the speedway in 20 years prior to 2020. He was inducted into the speedway’s Wall of Fame in November.

Saturday’s program had an auspicious start, as the program was delayed by more than 30 minutes due to track conditions. And then there were two caution flags in the opening heat of the sport modified class. But once the early issues were settled, fans were treated to some pretty good entertainment, with only a few caution flags.

Sport mods provided excitement for the fans at Saturday’s program.

Jason Wolla of Ray, N.D., won the modified race, finishing ahead of Hagen, who won the track championship in 2019, the last time he raced at the EMS. Kody Scholpp of Estevan, who won the championship the past three years, came in third, and Steven Pfeiffer of Minot was fourth.

Chris Hortness of Estevan, who won the stock car division last year, won the opening-night feature on Saturday, thanks to a pass on the final lap. Adam Goff of Minot was second, Boyce came in third and Kyle Scholpp of Lampman was fourth.

Connor Hanson of Torquay was the feature winner in the hobby stock class. Brennor Grinstead of Stanley, N.D., was second, Kyler Satran of Minot was third and Kayden Hjorteland of Estevan came in fourth.

Brogan Wagner of Weyburn won the slingshot race to pick up the first feature win of his career. Gunner Raynard of Lampman was second, Sladen Pfeiffer of Minot finished third and Gage Goetz of Estevan was fourth.

Gabriel Deschamp of Bottineau, N.D., was the winner in the sport mod class in his first-ever appearance at the track. Robby Rosselli was second, Darren Schatz of Williston came third and Leevi Runge – the track champion the previous three years – was fourth.

The next races at the speedway will be a Victoria Day long weekend doubleheader on May 19 and 20. Races start at 7 p.m. each night.

2.47 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.

“Every team was lights out every night, so you couldn’t make many mistakes,” she said. “Our coach made that very clear. The girls really pulled through and I’m really proud of them for that.”

It helped that they were playing in Saskatchewan. Their families could come to the games and support them. They also knew the Prince Albert rink well from playing league games there. Sorenson has played with the Rebels the last two seasons, winning 21 games and picking up six shutouts in her time with Regina.

“When I was 15, I had a tryout for the Rebels at a spring camp,” she recalled. “There were actually eight other goalies trying out. Just being on the team was hard to get on, but I was re-

ally thankful for the three years they gave me.”

This year’s Rebels team was likely the most cohesive of any that she played on. The players became best friends, and she loved being in the dressing room with them.

The nine rookies stepped in and filled the spots like veterans.

“They were phenomenal throughout the whole season. It was a very solid group we had this season,” she said.

She believes she has developed as a player and a person while in Regina.

But Sorenson also remains grateful to the Estevan Minor Hockey Association for the time she spent in their program. She played U11 and U13 AA hockey with boys’ teams and spent a year playing male house-league hockey

before joining the female U15 AA Goldwings in Weyburn.

Playing on boys’ teams brought some higher competition.

“I made a lot of great friendships and it really set me up to play for the Rebels,” she said.

Sorenson has committed to play for the Minot State Beavers next season. She believes the experience will help her a lot, as she’ll have to compete hard each night to win a national championship with the Beavers.

Chloe Sorenson, left, and her fellow Regina Rebels’ goaltender Hannah Tresek with their bronze medals. Photo courtesy of Chloe Sorenson

Longest Day of Golf fundraiser to return in 2023

the Longest Day of Golf for the first time in four years.

Fitzpatrick and Carley completed The Longest Day of Golf in June 2019. They played 115 holes (six full rounds and seven extra holes) at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course in a golf

marathon that went from 4:35 a.m. to 9:35 p.m. They accomplished the feat despite adverse weather conditions that included strong winds and occasional rain.

“It was always meant to be an annual event, but COVID and other restric-

tions made it unachievable,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick said he and Carley are ready to accept the challenge again. On June 22 at the Carnduff Golf Club, they intend to eclipse their 2019 totals in both holes played and donations.

All donations will be forwarded to KidSport Saskatchewan, an organization that helps children play sports. “Sports and children are things we are both passionate about,” said Fitzpatrick.

Don’t Cuss! Call US 306-634-7101 601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK PRESENTS YOUR COMMUNITY “WHERE COMMUNITY HAPPENS” 400 King Street 306.634.2444 306 634 2444 Promote your Fundraiser/ Event courtesy of the Estevan Market Mall. Email details to cjones@estevanmercury.ca Co-operators • Dollarama • Eclipse • Global Golf Plus • Marks • Nutters • Peavey Mart Pet Valu • SaskTel • Sobeys • SportChek • Studio C Fitness • The Brick • The Source Tim Horton's • Warehouse One WALK TO MAKE CYSTIC FIBROSIS HISTORY Sunday, May 28, 2023 Rotary Hall, Woodlawn Regional Park $10 Park entry Registration 8am - Breakfast will be available during registration Opening Ceremonies 9:50am Walk Kink off 10am (2km or 4km) BBQ Lunch 12noon Closing Ceremonies 1:30pm No registration fee, donations collected are enough! Dogs welcome, but must be on a leash at all times MIDALE SATURDAY OUTDOOR MARKET Saturdays May - September 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Main Street, Midale SK Discover a wide range of items to choose from! Tables $10 call or text Lois Feaver at (306) 458-7258 or email plusoneclubinc@gmail.com COAL COUNTRY RUN May 13 @ Rotary Hall 5K & 10K - 10:00am 20K Cycle - 11:30am Kids Mini Mile - 11:35am All proceeds raised go to Fresh Air Fitness. Registration online at Running Room or at Henders Drugs ESTEVAN FARMERS MARKET INDOOR SPRING SALES Saturday, May 13 9:00am to 2:00pm OUTDOOR MARKETS 8:30 am to 1:00 pm ESTEVAN MASONIC LODGE FESTIVE SPIRIT TASTING May 13th @ 7:00pm Tickets $50 (entry & 3 drinks) Live entertainment, silent auction, raffle prizes and late lunch. Additional ticket information available on their facebook page. For tickets contact Troy (306) 421-4054 or Nathan (306) 421-5403

They raised more than $4,000 in 2019.

As of Sunday morning, they had raised $545 of their $5,000 goal, through the GoFundMe campaign, with seven donors. The campaign is named Longest Day of Golf 2023.

Bienfait’s Chloe Sorenson wins bronze at Esso Cup

Slingshots entertained the crowd.

Nearly 50 players were on the ice, looking to impress those with the Estevan Bruins’ organization, during the Black and Gold’s annual spring camp from Friday to Sunday at Affinity Place.

Head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic said the players were divided into three teams and there was a lot of on-ice sessions for the young athletes to showcase their skills. After a few guys were injured Saturday, they dropped down to two teams on Sunday.

“We were pretty happy with the talent level that was there,” said Tatarnic.

The club was particularly impressed with some of their Saskatchewan talents.

Kale Margolis, a 2006-born forward with the Tisdale U18 AAA Trojans program, his Trojans’ teammate Madden Wallace, who was born in 2005, and Steven Steranka, a 2007-born for-

The Estevan Extreme U18 male volleyball club

finished fifth in Division 2, Tier 1, at the recent provincial championship in Saskatoon.

Estevan went 2-2 in the round robin, finished in a tie for second spot in their pool, and were awarded second on a tiebreaker based on a head-to-head matchup. Three of their four matches went to three sets.

After falling 2-0 (25-22, 25-13) to the BVC Lightning, Estevan recovered to defeat the Lloydminster Rustlers 17U 2-0 (25-16, 25-21) to finish fifth.

It was also the final game of youth volleyball for the Extreme’s graduating players: Tanyan Strudwick, Logan Skuce, Michael Meshke, Devin

ward from the Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA team, all had good camps, said Tatarnic.

Matthew Ronn, a 2005born defenceman who started the season with the Bruins and then returned to the Canadians, looked really good, Tatarnic said.

Several local products had good camps, including some players from the Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins, such as forward Spencer Copeland; and others from the Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears, including forward Carter Onrait, who was an affiliate player with the junior Bruins late in the season.

Defenceman Colton Pushie, who finished his minor hockey career with the Bears last season, had a good spring camp and earned an invite to the Bruins’ fall camp, while Jack Taylor, a 2007-born de-

Elford, Justin Linthicum and Brayden Hall.

The players on the U18 club were part of the first male volleyball team in the Extreme’s history. Neal Linthicum has been their coach since they first started playing together.

The Southeast Vipers program had a few teams competing in provincial tournaments.

At the U15 level, the Vipers were in Division 2. In pool play, they went 2-2 to finish tied for third, and were slotted in third because they won the tiebreaker.

In the Division 2 Tier 3 playoffs, the Vipers fell 2-0 (25-21, 25-13) to the JCVC Black program out of Saskatoon.

The Vipers had two

Team

fenceman who will be with the Bears next season, was also at spring camp.

“We were looking at everything, at all positions, and we had some nice surprises,” said Tatarnic. “We had a couple of players from North Dakota who showed

really well in Dillon Jackson and Mason Reynolds. When somebody catches your eye, as a forward or a defenceman, it doesn’t really matter, you always want to find good players.”

Jackson and Reynolds played high school hockey in Grand Forks last season. Jackson was a last-minute addition to the camp.

The club had four goalies at spring camp and Tatarnic said they will likely bring two of them back. Matteo Cavilla, a 2005-born goalie from Calgary, is the son of former Bruins’ netminder Colum Cavilla. Tatarnic and the elder Cavilla were teammates at one time in Europe.

Another 2005-born goalie, Casey Castleberry, had a good camp.

Tatarnic noted Wallis has already committed to the Bruins for next season, while Margolis has a good chance to play for the Bruins, too.

teams in the U17 division. The Vipers Black finished fifth in Tier 1. They went 2-2 in the round robin, and while all four were decided in two sets, all sets were close.

After dropping a 2-1 (22-25, 25-16, 15-7) match to the Junior Sundogs Black from Swift Current, the Vipers recovered to edge the Battlefords Xplosion 2-1 (25-13, 24-26, 1917) in the fifth-place game.

The Vipers Green were 12th in Division 2. They went 2-2 in the round robin to finish in a tie for third, but were slotted in fourth because of the tiebreaker. Then they went 0-2 in the playoffs, falling 2-1 (20-25, 26-24, 15-12) to the Huskies Elite out of Saskatoon and 2-0 (25-16, 25-19) to the Annaheim Thunder.

Badminton athletes thrive at tournaments

It was a great weekend for Estevan athletes on the badminton court.

Three members of the Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs badminton team travelled to Yorkton for regional playdowns, and all three have qualified for provincials in Unity on May 13.

Jayden Kuchinka and Dongkyu Won captured the gold medal in the eight-team boys’ doubles competition. They didn’t lose a game during the day. Meanwhile, Dongjun Won brought home the silver medal in the boys’ singles event and advanced to provincials, as the top two finishers from regionals are going to Unity.

Teams from the South East, Horizon Central, Qu’Appelle Valley and East Central regions entered.

Also, the junior district playdowns were held at ECS on Saturday. Ryden Summers and Jayden Durr with the Spruce Ridge School Cougars won the gold medal in the boys’ doubles event.

Black played Team Gold during a scrimmage Saturday at the Estevan Bruins’ spring camp.

Ryden Summers and Jayden Durr from Spruce Ridge School won the junior boys’ district tournament.

Coach Sheena Summers with Jayden Kuchinka, Dongkyu Won and Dongjun Won. Photos courtesy of Sheena Summers

Back row, from left, coach Neal Linthicum, Rowen Pauls, Justin Linthicum, Caden Trafford, Tye Farnsworth, Brayden Hall and Andrew Min. Front row, from left, Devin Elford, Mathias Fornwald, Parker Barnstable, Michael Meshke, Tanyan Strudwick and Logan Skuce. Photo by Dave Rosenbaum Photography

SEED & FEED

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN

HEATED... LIGHT

BUGS... TOUGH

MIXED GRAIN

SPRING THRASHED

WHEAT... OATS

PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX

“ON FARM PICKUP”

WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

FOR SALE

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS.

49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649-1405 or visit www.swna. com for details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY:

Bruins bringing in hockey greats for fundraiser

In Loving Memory of William Leslie Kvamme

June 12, 1-934 - May 13, 2022

A Grandpa has ears that always listen, Arms that always hold, Love that’s never ending, And a heart that’s made of gold.

Dearly missed and lovingly remembered by your sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandson

June 12, 1934 - May 13, 2022

I have lost my soul companion, A life link with my own.

Day by day I miss you more

As I walk through life alone.

But in my heart I will always keep

A special place for you and

Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp. Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food and handling ticket.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Fax: 306-769-8844

Image courtesy of Estevan Bruins

In Loving Memory of William Leslie Kvamme

Try to do the best to live

As you would want me to.

It is sad to walk the road alone

Instead of side by side.

But to all there comes a moment

When the ways of life divide.

You gave me years of happiness

Then came sorrow and tears.

But you left me beautiful memories

I will treasure through the years.

- author unknown

- Your loving wife, Eileen Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

WANTED

CERTIFIED SEED

WHEAT AAC GOODWIN GO EARLY, PINTAIL OATS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY CDC SO1 SUPER OAT BARLEY AB STANDSWELL, CERVEZA, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, SUNDRE PEAS

VERY EARLY YELLOW, FORAGE PEAS, POLISH CANOLA, SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-8730481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

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

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www. swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

brydenconstruct@ www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc.

Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Fax: 306-769-8844

23052WW0 23052WW1 IN MEMORIAM

The Estevan Bruins will have two members of the Hockey Hall of Fame speak at this year’s Sportsman’s Dinner.

The club announced on April 26 that defenceman Paul Coffey and centre Doug Gilmour would be in Estevan for the event on May 25 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.

Coffey is a four-time Stanley Cup champion, winning three times with the Edmonton Oilers (1984, 1985 and 1987) and once with the Pittsburgh Penguins (1991). He won the

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER for sale in lucrative central Saskatchewan market. Modern automated workflows, digital footprint, exceptional growth potential, building optional. Motivated seller. Email tjenson@ccgazette.ca.

Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenceman three times (1985, 1986 and 1995), and holds the NHL record for goals by a defenceman in a season with 48, set in the 1985-86 season.

Coffey finished with 396 goals and 1,531 points in 1,409 games played in the regular season, and 59 goals and 196 points in 194 postseason games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.

Gilmour won the Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989. He also won

OBITUARIES

Vernon “Butch” Walter McLean

the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward in 1993 while a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a season in which he recorded 127 points. Gilmour finished with 450 goals and 1,414 points in 1,474 regular season games, and added 60 goals and 188 points in 182 playoff games.   Gilmour was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. Prairie Smoke and Spice BBQ will be catering the meal. Tickets are $1,000 per table. HEALTH

The Celebration of Life for Butch was held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, Estevan, SK with Don Kindopp officiating. Family invited everyone to join them in the church auditorium for a time of refreshments and fellowship following the service. The private family interment took place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens.

Please visit Butch’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for the livestream details.

In Memory of Butch, memorial donations may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenCanada, 1003 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 0A9 as this was very near and dear to his heart. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to Butch’s family - Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Valerie Gwen Jacobson

1959 - 2023

Valerie Gwen Jacobson, born on June 22nd, 1959, in Estevan, SK, passed away on Saturday, April 29th, 2023. She was predeceased by her father, Allan Jacobson; and is survived by her mother, Helen Jacobson; and her sister, Shelley Jacobson; sister Dione (Gerald) Aquin, nieces J’Lynn and Hailey, nephew Jared; sister, Darla (Roger) LaRochelle, and nephews Ryan (Natasha) and Dylan.

Music was a passion of Valerie’s having played the clarinet with the school band and marching band. She was an avid accordion player who performed on Roger McLaughlin Profile show and played in the Almassy band. Valerie sang in the United Church choir. While in the hospital, Valerie would sing, with a smile on her face, the old gospel songs from the musicals they used to perform.

Valerie worked at Kohaly’s Law Firm while in high school. She earned the nickname, Popcorn Snapper, while working for years at the rink concession. After graduating high school, Valerie moved to Regina and gained employment at the City of Regina.

Valerie enjoyed curling, travelling, camping with her sister Shelley, and going to visit her parents at Mouse River Park. Valerie was known for her smile, her warm and welcoming nature, her genuine concern for others, and her sense of humour. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family and friends, but the treasured memories will live on forever in our thoughts.

Thank you to all the doctors and nurses that assisted with her care. A special thank you to our good friend, Shannon G. for the loving care she provided to our family and to Valerie during her time in palliative care. Thank you to Almassy Metz funeral home for their guidance.

A private family gathering will be held in her honor to celebrate Valerie’s life. Family and Friends are invited to leave a message/tribute online at www.almassymetzfuneral.com

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

A little ad with a big noise

ADS WORK

Refreshments for a good cause

People in the Estevan area could purchase cool refreshments while supporting a great event on Saturday. The organizing committee for the Estevan Walk to Make CF History hosted lemonade and iced tea stands. Supporters could drop by locations near the Dennis Moore Centennial Park, the Churchill Playpark and the Kin Hillside Playpark to purchase a drink.

A total of $815 was raised for the local walk, which is May 28 at Woodlawn Regional Park. Helping out at Centennial were, standing, Kasey and Ken McIntyre, and, seated, from left, Emma Dunville, Hailey Dunville and Abi McIntyre

EWF kicks off fishing season with Walleye Classic

May 5 was the day that anglers have been waiting for in southeast Saskatchewan, as it marked the start of fishing season.

The following day, the Estevan Wildlife Federation provided another reason to be excited to be on the water.

The EWF held its annual Walleye Classic on Boundary Dam. Thirty-four teams entered the catch-and-release competition.

Shane Tratch and Brian Rakochy of Pilot Butte took top spot in the event, as they weighed in the maximum of six fish that weighed a total of 17.46 pounds. Their largest fish was 3.34 pounds.

Top prize for the tournament was $1,200.

Rounding out the top six were: Lonnie Barber and Chad Froese in second

place with a weight of 15.78 pounds; Lynn Hrywkiw and Dale Kozak, third place, 14.46 pounds; Dion and Devin Draper, fourth, 14 pounds; Dallas and Aaron Toles, fifth, 13.82 pounds; and Dave Clark and Jesse Bourassa, sixth, 13.20 pounds.

Each of the top six teams weighed in a maximum of six fish.

The Toles had the largest fish of the day at 5.02 pounds and won the $500 associated prize.

Proceeds from the classic will be used for improvements at the Boundary Dam Recreation Site.

Fishing season starts on May 5 each year in Saskatchewan. The EWF holds the classic each year the weekend after May 5.

Award-winning musicians excited to play at the Orpheum

A talented group of Canadian musicians will be at the Orpheum Theatre on May 11.

Tim & The Glory Boys will perform at 7 p.m. as part of their Home-Town

Hoedown Tour. Featuring Tim Neufeld, Colin Trask and Benton Thorvaldson, the three-person group has been together for more than a decade.

They won Juno Awards

Notice of Call for Nominations

Rural Municipality of Cymri No. 36

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that

Councillor for the R.M. of Cymri – Division 5

Will be received by the undersigned on the

234 Main Street, Midale, SK, and during regular business hours from May 10th, 2023

Nomination forms may be obtained from the

Sarah Leck,

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

R.M. of Estevan No. 5

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Estevan No. 5 for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on the following days: Monday to Friday, May 5, 2023, to June 7, 2023, excluding holidays.

A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the R.M. of Estevan No.5, #1, 322 - 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0T8.

A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100.00 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Liana Stepan, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. P.O Box 149, Meota, SK, S0M 1X0 by the 7th day of June, 2023. Dated this 5th day of May, 2023.

Michelle Dickie Assessor

for top Contemporary Christian and Gospel Album in 2014 and 2017, and they were nominated for Group of the Year and Rising Star awards at the 2021 Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

The trio has performed with country, roots and gospel artists.

Trask said he and Neufeld were originally part of Christian rock band Starfield for many years.

“We were signed with EMI in Nashville, toured the world, and had the most incredible time,” said Trask.

“When that band finally slowed down in 2012, we realized we don’t have many skills in life and are pretty much only good at one thing: running and operating a touring band.”

They decided to push the refresh button and start a new band but this time, one that really showcased their bluegrass roots. For the first six to seven years, it was mainly bluegrass and gospel music, and then about four years

ago, they had some friends in country music – who were also dabbling in bluegrass and gospel – such as Paul Brandt and Brad Rempel with High Valley, encourage them to try country music.

“In 2020, we independently got our first single, When you Know you Know, to No.

21 on the Billboard Canadian country music charts. That sparked the attention of record labels and shortly after we signed with Sony Music Canada. It’s been a wild ride ever since,” said Trask.

Trask noted the band’s original name was Tim Neufeld & The Hallelujah

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:

• 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

Glory Boys as a joke to see how many syllables they could make radio DJs say. However, it wasn’t until they changed the name to Tim & The Glory Boys and signed with Sony in 2020 that they started to receive airtime.

They performed in Estevan back in 2017 and they can’t wait to be back, he said.

Fans can look forward to a spirited night of country/ bluegrass, he said, with new tunes off of their self-titled new album.

“The Home-Town Hoedown Tour is the party that Estevan has been waiting for,” Trask said.

Trask added they love playing in smaller venues like the Orpheum Theatre and packing them out.

“It feels like a real party when there’s a full room of people singing along to the music,” he said.

Touring again has been unbelievable. They get to interact with fans in person and travel to these amazing towns again, which is something he said they don’t take for granted.

The new album came out on April 28 and Trask said they have been “blown away” by the response. Tim & The Glory Boys have been working on this album for a long time, so it feels great for it to finally be out for the fans to listen to.

Tim & The Glory Boys will perform at the Orpheum Theatre on May 8.

Photo courtesy of Tim & The Glory Boys Facebook page

Mike Halirewich with the Estevan Wildlife Federation presented top prize to Shane Tratch and Brian Rakochy

Photo courtesy of the Estevan Wildlife Federation

Photo by David Willberg

Living Room Live recitals are going to return to Estevan in 2024.

One of the public’s favourite classical musical concert programs will once again be held at Creighton Lodge, which allows for a great acoustic and festive but at the same time intimate atmosphere.

While many details are still to be finalized, Nicola Davies, the creator of the Living Room Live concert format, confirmed that the events are coming back. And as they are working things out, they are also hosting a donation drive.

“Before we rebuild tour routes, we need to rebuild funding, so with a lot of plans, timelines and enthusiasm behind us, we are now having a donation drive from May 2 to 13,” Davies said in an email to concertgoers. “Reaching our

goal of $5,000 will make a significant contribution towards creating and managing nineplus tours on three-plus routes for fall 2024.

“It will also help fund our application for charitable status so that we are able to offer tax receipts in future. All our spring 2020 artists are excited to try for tour version 2. We’re ready to make this happen.”

Living Room Live tours follow three routes – southern B.C., northern B.C. and Manitoba-Saskatchewan, on which performers stop in various communities and put on classical concerts on smaller stages. Shirley Andrist of Estevan used to help with organizing local events, but with some recent changes in her life, she announced that Linda Murphy, who helped with concerts before, will now take over the

duties when it comes to Living Room Live.

“I certainly like the quality of the music, and I like the classical music aspect. Also, I like the intimacy, [the connection] that develops between

the performer and the audience. I really appreciate that,” Murphy shared. “It’s like a musical date with the performers, and their music choices we probably wouldn’t otherwise be able to encounter.

At the end of April, the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre honoured Earth Day during its planned monthly outdoor play, which this time included what they called a Littles Pick up Litter component. The centre supplied their young patrons and their families with bags and gloves, and together they headed out for a garbage hunt. They collected a ridiculous amount of trash, and one of the little litter pickers even found $5. After the area saw a really nice cleaning, the group headed to a park for play. The organization will also have bags and gloves available at the centre if anyone is feeling inspired.

“Another reason why I agreed to come on with Shirley was that Creighton Lodge agreed to be the venue for this. And it’s just such a nice pairing; very comfortable, the chairs are comfy, it’s an intimate setting and the residents there, they’re so kind to share their home with us, share their living room. I just think it’s very generous of them. And then they can come in and be part of it if they choose,” she added.

Murphy noted that they will probably still work hand in hand with Andrist, and they are looking forward to the Living Room Live getting back on the road and coming to Estevan.

“I do hope that you will plan to support these classical recitals in Estevan and please spread the word for anyone else

who is not on our list. Hope to see each and every one of you in 2024,” Andrist said in her email.

Andrist noted that once it gets closer to the time of the tour, they would also need a few Living Room Live helpers to set up the chairs in Creighton Lodge, provide something for receptions that follow concerts and provide a bed and breakfast for the performer the day of the event. If someone wants to be added to the Living Room Live Estevan list for the latest updates, they can contact Murphy at lapmurph@sasktel. net or Andrist at shirlandrist@ hotmail.com. For more information about the project or to donate to the drive, visit Living Room Live’s website at livingroomlive.ca/ donate.

EPS arrests one person for uttering death threats

The Estevan Police Service has apprehended a man wanted for uttering death threats.

Rielley George-Smith, a 21-year-old man from Estevan, turned himself into police on May 5.

Two days earlier, the EPS received a report of a man who had uttered threats to harm someone. Police were unable to locate and speak to him.

The EPS issued a news release early on May 5, saying George-Smith was wanted for one count of uttering threats to cause death under the Criminal Code.

Police had spoken to George-Smith by phone

and asked him to turn himself in.

In other recent police news, officers received a request May 1 for assistance from a Pleasantdale residence. During the call, officers were disconnected. Upon arrival, members determined an assault had occurred and threats were uttered. The 33-year-old Estevan man had fled the scene. Police were able to determine his whereabouts and obtained a warrant to search a Pleasantdale residence to make an arrest. The subject was located and taken into custody without incident. He was lodged in cells and re-

manded into custody in the morning.

Officers received a report of causing a disturbance and mischief to property from a local business. Police attended and initially arrested two individuals but later released them without charges. The matter has since been resolved.

Police were called to another Pleasantdale residence for a report of a disturbance. An intoxicated male was arrested for causing a disturbance and breaching the peace. He was lodged in cells to be released later on in the day.

Officers received a report on May 2 of an assault with a

weapon, uttering threats and mischief to property. Police arrested a 35-year-old Estevan man for the infractions. He was later released on conditions of no contact.

Police received complaints on May 5 about a male standing in the middle of Fourth Street, disrupting traffic and not moving for vehicles. Officers attended and arrested a 36-year-old man from Manitoba for public intoxication. He was lodged in cells and will be released when sober.

Police received a report of a fraud in which the victim sent money to hold an item on a local garage sale site. When the

money was sent, the item was taken off of the site and contact was lost with the seller. The EPS cautions the public with sending money prior to receiving or picking up the product, as it might be a scam.

Members arrested an 18-year-old male for failing to comply with his probation order. He was lodged in cells and will be released in front of a judge with further conditions.

Officers conducted a curfew check on a 29-year-old man on a conditional sentence order. He was found to be in non-compliance, was arrested and will be held in custody to be taken before a judge.

Police received a report of an assault during the weekend. Two individuals were alleged to have attacked the victim at his residence. The matter is still under investigation.

Police received a number of separate reports of individuals posting messages on social media that were reportedly untrue. The police spoke to the parties involved and the posts were removed. Police remind the public to be conscious of what is posted on social media as even if the messages aren’t criminal in nature, they might become a civil matter for the courts. Police responded to 65 calls for service on the weekend.

Photo courtesy of Misty Pennington

From left, Nathaniel Froese (cellist), Nicola Davies (piano) and Jayne Hammond (soprano) performed in Estevan in 2019 as part of the Living Room Live program. File photo

Wednesday, May 8, 2002

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

2023

FLUSHING SCHEDULE

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

Constable Grant Campbell of Estevan Police Service is shown with safety patrollers Mitchell Wolfmueller, Dean Meek, Steven Wilson, Tayja Zimmerman, Hung Le, Ann Pham and Megan Dodds The group gathered to head out to annual safety patrol jamboree in Regina for the weekend.