Estevan Mercury 20230517

Networking in the rain. OTS hosts third annual trap shooting event. More on the event on

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The many contributions of women were recognized at awards luncheon

Thank you for keeping us safe. The Mercury and the community celebrate local police officers in a special section on

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Fun run.

Fresh Air Fitness’ Coal Country Run participants jointly cover over 1,200 kilometres.

Event details on PAGE A10

By David Willberg

Women were saluted for their immense contributions to the workplace, the community, education and other aspects of the region during the Southeast Women of Distinction Awards on May 10.

As cute as it can be.

Mary’s Little Lambs and local businesses celebrate the young graduates. Find pictures and their story on PAGE A12

nity Award, presented by Steam Est Industries).

Meet princesses.

Three ambassadors to compete for rodeo queen title.

Agri News has more on PAGE A14

A large crowd gathered at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s building for the event. The crowd applauded the award recipients and the other women who were nominated, they were entertained by guest speaker Corliss Rassyle’s Be the Best You speech, and they enjoyed a meal prepared by EB’s Catering.

The award recipients were Dr. Rebecca Holman, who took home the Innovative Leadership Award, presented by SaskTel, Kathryn Gilliss (Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace Award, presented by TS&M Supply), Kylie Phillipchuk (Young Visionary Award, presented by Impact Creative SK), Ramona Knebush (Equity & Inclusion Award, presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross), and Cathy Welta (Outstanding Contribution to the Commu-

Holman said it was an honour just to be nominated among the other “amazing women”. It was really exciting to have an event in which women are recognized. She knows some of the other candidates quite well, and knows what other nominees have accomplished.

“I think the support here in Estevan is amazing,” said Holman.

She has been a practising chiropractor for eight years in Estevan and has developed a successful business at King Street Chiropractic & Health Centre. In terms of innovation, she has brought a postpartum exercise rehabilitation program for women to address core strength issues.

Also nominated were Nikita Meyer, Maria Walter, Leann Boehm and Jennifer Olfert.

Gilliss said it was a “humbling” experience to be nominated for the award, because she was in the company of some outstanding women, many of whom have been business owners and professionals longer than her.

“The women in this town, they’re exceptional, so they’re known. I’ve had the chance to work with many of them professionally and in a volunteer capacity, and all of them were deserving today,” said Gilliss. She is a lawyer and mediator in Estevan who was called to the bar in 2015 and became a partner at the Trobert-Gilliss Law Firm in 2020. She has also taken an active role in the community.

“The thing I love the most about my job is what you get to help your clients through, as a general practitioner. As a collaborative lawyer and mediator, you get to work with people in a variety of different ways. Whoever you’re working with, what you’re working on with them, it’s the most important thing that’s going on in their life right now.”

Other candidates were Agnes Garrioch, Kristin Dupuis, Melanie Tribiger, Lindsay Brownridge and Shelly Mack.

Phillipchuk, who is a Grade 12 student at the Estevan Comprehensive School, plans to go to school to become a teacher. She said it was a great expe-

rience to see all of the other women who have empowered those in the community.

She has balanced her academics with active involvement in both competitive sports and clubs, including senior basketball, cross country, track and field, and Random Acts of Kindness. She also volunteers within the community and lends her time to raise money through the Shoot for a Cure senior girls’ basketball tournament, which supports people battling cancer.

“I always enjoy being around people, being involved and trying to change the world in a positive way,” said Phillipchuk.

Raegan Walter was the other candidate. Phillipchuk said Waler would have been a deserving pick.

Knebush was unable to attend the luncheon, as she ran into travel problems in Ottawa, where she was attending a conference. So her daughter Ashley Baker accepted the award on Knebush’s behalf.

Knebush said it felt wonderful to be nominated and to be saluted among other nominees.

A member of the Pheas-

ant Rump Nakata First Nation, Knebush is a former health-care director for the reserve, and for over six years she led many initiatives, including a new health building, the creation of an orchard and grow towers with an irrigation system, ensuring food sovereignty and reconnecting with band members living off the reserve.

In 2021, Knebush was elected to an all-women council serving with Chief Ira McArthur.

“We’re there on behalf of our members. We speak for them, we fight for them, we do everything for our community. We’re out there representing our community,” Knebush said.

Margaret Messer and Debbie Hagel were also nominated.

Welta played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Estevan Public Youth Centre. As the first board president, Welta oversaw the hiring of the executive director, securing a location and the initial program offerings.

“Working with the youth and getting that up and running – it’s been a real journey,” said Welta.

From left, Ashley Baker (accepting on behalf of Ramona Knebush), Dr. Rebecca Holman, Kylie Phillipchuk, Kathryn Gillis and Cathy Welta were this year’s award recipients.

The Estevan Mercury brought home a couple of honours from this year’s Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association (SWNA) Better Newspaper Awards, which were handed out Friday.

Slotted in Class D, which is for newspapers with a circulation of at least 6,500, the Mercury won the award for best front page. The Mercury finished with a total score of 140 out of 150, attaining perfect scores for its photo, layout and typography, and high marks for its content.

Estevan Mercury reporter Anastasiia Bykhovskaia won the award for Best Health/Healthcare Coverage, Single Story or Feature, for the second straight year. This time she was recognized for her article Miracle No. 2: Bangsund family welcomes new baby carried by surrogate mother.

The touching article chronicles how Estevan’s Melissa Mosley served as a surrogate for former Estevan residents Tim and Chewn Bangsund (nee Pham).

Bykhovskaia received praise for the quality of writing, clarity, impact to the community and content.

Bykhovskaia also finished second for top columnist, thanks to a series of opinion pieces that appeared in the Mercury in February and March.

The Mercury picked up two other second-place finishes. One was the best overall paper in Class D, finishing with a total of 890 out of 1,000. The Mercury received full marks for community news, photography, local features and classifieds, and was also praised for its advertising content.

And the Mercury was second for the Best Editorial Page in Class D.

Estevan has a new economic development manager

The City of Estevan has announced the hiring of Angud Singh as the new economic development manager.

Singh’s first day was April 17 and he was formally introduced at the May 8 meeting of Estevan city council.

Singh comes to the city from the Greater Toronto Area. He has spent time working in economic development at the municipal level with the County of Frontenac, with projects on immigration and the K&P Trail.

He also assisted with an app to get digital wayfinding for small businesses.

“I have some other experience in economic development with doing some projects for different municipalities,” he said.

Singh has about a year in economic development. But his main background is in banking with Scotiabank and RBC.

“I had the chance to develop some business acumen, some small business skills, entrepreneurship skills and relaxation action skills in my time as a banker,” he said.

Singh views Estevan as a community open to change.

“I think the city wants to make things happen. I feel a spirit of positivity and I do think they want to walk the walk,” he said.

Singh told the Mercury that he was drawn to economic development because of the possibility to make a difference and to do more communitybased work, as opposed to the private sector, where he didn’t have options to make an impact beyond the institution.

“There’s a desire for meaningful work that actually makes me feel good and makes me feel fulfilled,” said Singh.

Prior to coming here, Singh did his research on

the community and he liked what he saw.

“There seemed to be opportunity, and there seemed to be a legitimate problem that could be solved and tackled, specifically the initiative to transition away from coal, diversify the economy and bolster the economy,” said Singh.

His main responsibilities will be to take charge of the municipal coal transition assistance program and help revamp the economic development committee.

“I have a work plan in terms of some of the projects that I’m looking at proposing to council, such as an immigration angle as well as the tech angle, ultimately just trying to drive new business starts in the region, bolster technology and work on creating and retaining jobs in the region,” said Singh.

Projects such as the proposed biomass facility in the northeast corner of

the city would be among those he could find himself working on.

Singh said he has enjoyed working for the city thus far. Everyone is approachable from Mayor Roy Ludwig to city manager Jeff Ward. He’s also been working with Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds in tourism and Jackie Wall with the Estevan Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a role where you interact with stakeholders frequently, and you’re always juggling your times and your priorities.”

Singh said the city is primed for opportunity. He recognizes there will be challenges along the way, but he sees the potential for technology, new business starts, quality immigration, a greater digital platform for small businesses and more.

And he said he doesn’t feel pressured by uncertainties in the community.

“I feel there is an opportunity to come up

from there and build, so it’s the best time to make an impact.”

Ludwig said the city is excited to have Singh in Estevan and he knows Singh will do a “tremendous” job.

City manager Jeff Ward said the city will have a single employee for economic development and business devel-

opment. Contracts were complete on March 31 for Rick Sadick, who was the economic development and coal transition coordinator, and Jeff Taylor, who was the manager for Southeast Business Startup. Their positions had been funded under the Coal Community Transition Initiative funding through Prairiescan.

Trailblazer Memorial Walk part of awards ceremony

Welta has taken a step back from EPYC to allow new people to be involved, but she remains a supporter of the centre and promoted the venue during her acceptance speech.

She is also proud of her work with the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, where she is a past president, and was a part of the economic development board. She was also part of the host committee for the Saskatchewan Summer Games in 2016.

Welta thanked her children for being understanding of her community efforts.

“My kids understand that what makes me a better mom is giving back to the community.”

Her employer, RBC, has

also been very supportive of her efforts.

Other nominees for the community award were Jen Lozinsky, Ashley Gallaway, Haley Ingham, Connie Hagel, Nicole Currie, and Peggy Rohatyn and Debby Knight. Rohatyn and Knight were nominated together.

A total of 24 women were nominated between the five different award categories this year. Recipients were decided by a panel of independent judges from outside of the region.

The other highlight of the event was the Trailblazer Memorial Walk, presented by TruckMart. Ida Petterson, Shirley Orsted, Melodye Pierson and Shirley Carson were recognized for their contribu-

SALES POSITION

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tions to the region through their efforts in the workplace, politics, community service, sports and their families.

For each woman, there was a banner with their name, photo and a brief write-up on what they accomplished.

“The trailblazers are women who were the first to do something or to go somewhere to give other women the opportunity to follow and to give other women the knowledge that it is indeed possible for women to do something,” said MC Mary Anne Veroba, who noted the memorial walk would continue to grow.

A local committee named Women 4 Women organized the Women of Distinction Awards, Presented by Support You Life Coaching and Consulting by Stacey Wempe. A previous event, the Women of Today Awards, ran from 19992019 and was organized by Quota International of Estevan. Early in the luncheon, Valerie Hall with the Quota Club was saluted for the work that she and other Quota members put into the predecessor event.

Veroba described Hall as a “remarkable, hardworking woman” during opening remarks.

“Thank you, Valerie. We hope we honour your legacy by renewing and respecting these important awards,” said Veroba.

Angud Singh spoke at the May 8 meeting of Estevan city council.

A new Trailblazers Memorial Walk was unveiled at the luncheon.

The Estevan Mercury team, from left, reporter Anastasiia Bykhovskaia, administration employee Morgan Hodgens, sales assistant Christine Jones, editor David Willberg, sales manager Pat Pasloski, administrator Vaila Lindenbach and production employee Laura Kish

Female officers discuss roles and special training

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Policing has always been a field that requires special skills and very special people, and Estevan is lucky to have many great individuals, who serve the community and keep the public safe.

This year to mark National Police Week, celebrated from May 14-20, the Mercury turned to a couple of Estevan female police officers who made extra steps and chose special fields of interest in this already demanding job. We spoke to Const. Danielle Stephany, who is the crisis negotiator with the Estevan Police Service, and Const. Michelle Beaulieu, who recently completed her training to join the forensics unit at the EPS.

Stephany has over 25 years in emergency services. She started her career as an emergency medical technician in 1997 and served as a paramedic for 15 years, and was hired at the EPS as a dispatcher in 2008.

“Policing was always in the back of my mind,” Stephany said. “Being a paramedic, we had a close relationship with the police officers here in Estevan. And I went on several ridealongs. And the more I immersed myself into what a police officer did, the more interest I had in becoming a police officer.”

She was hired as a constable with the EPS in 2010, completed her training in 2011 and has been serving Estevan in this capacity ever since. She said through work she learns something new every day, but crisis negotiation has always been of her sincere interest.

“In my years of experience as a paramedic, going into a chaotic scene and being able to calm things down, put some order as best as you can was always something that I loved doing and I believe that I was quite good at,” Stephany explained. “So, I had this aspiration of seeing what crisis negotiation was all about, increasing es-

pecially in the last few years. So, prior to my crisis negotiation course, I took out a lot of communication courses, to better myself in communicating.”

Stephany became an instructor in verbal judo, which is a tactical communication used to de-escalate conflict situations. She also took a two-week crisis negotiation course in Ottawa in 2018, which enhanced her skills and abilities in resolving conflicts.

“It was even more than what I thought it would be. I fell absolutely in love with it,” Stephany shared.

“Just being able to help somebody who’s having a crisis, even if the first hour or so all they do is hang up on you, as long as they keep picking up the phone and trying to initiate some contact, and just being able to give them an ear to understand what their crisis is, and how we can assist them … [It helped me in improving in] being able to better understand their crisis, and how we can calm them down in order for them to comply, so we can resolve the matter in a safe manner for themselves and for the police officer.”

She noted crisis negotiation skills is just another tool she has as a police officer. Ninety per cent of her dayto-day duties on the street involve talking to people, and having this tool is a big asset.

“I firmly believe that we can all better ourselves in communication. Gone are the days of police just telling people, what you want them to do. We now try to make them understand why we need them to do what they need to do. It’s a different approach, and I find that we get better results and less physical interaction by doing that. It might take longer, but in the end, it’s a better outcome for everybody,” Stephany said.

Stephany has been involved with negotiating many conflict situations

in Estevan, including the armed standoff on Fourth Street in February 2022.

She is also on board with the Saskatchewan Women in Policing non-profit organization that supports, connects and mentors women in law enforcement. She said in her experience with the EP,S gender never was a factor in anything job-related.

“You are hired on as a police officer, you are a police officer,” she said.

But she also noted that policing so far remains a man-dominated field and sometimes women working in it need support.

“I don’t think being a female changes anything. Everybody in our police service has different backgrounds and brings different tools to whatever their role is within the police department,” Stephany said.

“But we still work in a male-dominant environment. So, women are a minority within the policing world. It’s getting better. Even since I’ve started, there are many more women that have joined. And some women feel comfortable where they are within their respective agencies, but some might have a difficult time trying to … maybe apply for promotional opportunities within their department and may tend to step back just because they are a minority. So, this group, Saskatchewan Women in Policing, helps with self-motivation, promotes inclusion, and it’s open to men as well.”

She added that the opportunity to learn from work is something that has kept her going and growing within the EPS for years and it’s something she enjoys about her job.

“The fact that every day is a different day, and that I get to help somebody sometimes on the worst day of their life in hopes that I can leave them in a better place, is exciting to me,” Stephany said. “And honestly, I love the people I work with. We have a really good group. Es-

pecially in the last few years, I believe we’ve all grown even closer together. And it’s a great atmosphere, which makes me want to come back as well.”

Beaulieu joined EPS to follow her dream of becoming a police officer. Originally from Weyburn, she grew up next door to a policeman, who to a point became a role model for young Beaulieu.

“Ever since I was six years old, I wanted to be a police officer. And that was my goal all through life,” Beaulieu shared.

Upon graduation, she entered and successfully completed the police program in Brandon and was hired by the EPS in 2013 as a special constable. She said the time she spent in school in Brandon was fitness based and made her understand the level of physical abilities and strength one would need to pass as a police officer.

“Women have a little bit harder time passing those requirements, but I never felt like I couldn’t do something because I’m a female, because females can do the same things, just in a different way, and we bring different services and experiences,” Beaulieu shared.

She was a special constable with the EPS for five years before becoming a constable. Beaulieu said she felt supported by her colleagues through her growth into the new role and never encountered any limitations or issues because of being a woman.

“I definitely feel like I am just a member of the police service. There are five females and they’re all great. We all bring different attributes to the police service,” Beaulieu said. “I think that the days of the male-dominated roles are nearing an end because women bring a great deal of specialty to the police service and bring different angles of where we can assist.

“And I think that being a female police officer is very inspiring to young females, showing that they can do

anything. They can do what men can do. And we have a very good police service in that. There is no separation, but we all have different roles.”

She continued with growth within the department and recently took more training to join the forensics unit, which she had a strong interest in for a while.

“I took a level 2 collision reconstruction course, and I really enjoyed the analytics of it, the numbers side of it and the evidence gathering and the fact-finding part of it … That’s when I became interested in forensics.”

The two months of special-intense training took her to the Canadian Po-

lice College in Ottawa. She passed the requirements in March this year but has been apprenticing with the local unit since March 2022. And she says the new role makes her appreciate her job even more.

“I absolutely love being a police officer. It’s such a cliché, but I like helping people going into situations where they are in their worst times and trying to make a difference. I love investigating. I love working on files and finding different angles of things. I love interacting with the public too,” Beaulieu shared, adding that she also appreciates the range of career opportunities officers have with the EPS.

Empty Your Backpack tour rolls into Estevan

Students at St. Mary’s School heard a motivational speech Thursday that touched on a number of important topics.

Sam Demma brought his Empty Your Backpack Tour, touching on the importance of mental health awareness, kindness, anti-bullying initiatives and overcoming adversity. Students from Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur were also at the St. Mary’s presentation.

He started by hauling out a giant four-foot red backpack in front of the kids and delivering a spoken-word poem.

“The backpack … is used as an analogy for our minds to help students understand that they don’t have to carry around the thoughts and opinions of other people, because if you do, what ends up happening is it’s as if you have a four-foot, giant red backpack on your shoulders,” he said.

The backpack allows students to see the challenges, insecurities and struggles that other people carry on their shoulders each day. Sometimes people will jot down the negative opinions they want to release on a sheet of paper and deposit them in the backpack. Others will write down the negative things people have said about them.

And some have asked him for one of the packing peanuts inside.

“I hope they realize, from this presentation, that they don’t have to carry around the negative thoughts and opinions that society or other people are trying to place on their shoulders. I hope they understand they can be who they truly are, their authentic

selves, even if society or other people don’t clap for them, or show love and support for that authentic version of themselves.”

Demma came up with the idea for the tour after talking to a Grade 12 student who was struggling with his mental health. The student wanted to have 50,000 followers on TikTok because then he

thought kids would stop bullying him.

“Kids carry backpacks, so I wrote this spoken word poem called Empty Your Backpack, which was originally just for this young man. I turned it into an animation, and as I was writing it, I thought if you’re carrying lots of negative thoughts, you probably have a pretty big backpack.”

He purchased a massive backpack, decided to tour the country with his message, planned a route and started calling schools.

Joining Demma on the tour were Cross Novia, Aaliyan Kahn and Nina DeGagne, who have shouldered a lot of responsibilities. They have been living and travelling together as they spread this message to students. The spring portion of the tour will wrap up June 9 in B.C.

“We’ve had so many amazing stories of impact, so many different school communities involved, so many different staff members involved. We’ve been having a fun time as a team as well. Every Sunday, we take the day off and we try to do something fun and exciting in the cities we’re stopping in.”

But it’s been a lot of hard work and they try to maintain their health while on the road.

Another tour of Eastern Canada will follow in the fall.

Demma also published a book named Empty Your Backpack last fall.

Empty Your Backpack has a partnership with jack. org, which Demma said is

one of Canada’s leading mental health charities. Ten per cent of the project’s profits are donated to that cause, and jack.org donated a suite of followup resources for the schools they visit.

Sam Demma brought a four-foot red backpack to St. Mary’s School on Thursday as an illustration of the baggage people carry.

Const. Michelle Beaulieu

Photo courtesy of Michelle Beaulieu

Const. Danielle Stephany

Photo sourced from the wipsk.com

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Volume 117 Issue 48

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EDITORIAL

A tough but important job

There has long been a debate on how economic development should be handled by the City of Estevan.

At one time – and for a long time – the city provided funding to the Estevan Chamber of Commerce to look after this important task. And there were those who wanted economic development to be brought under the city’s umbrella.

Then in 2015, the city manager of the day decided economic development should fall under the city’s jurisdiction. The current administration has not moved to return this portfolio to the chamber or to have someone else look after it.

The city has had a number of people work in the department over the past eight years. And there have been those wondering why taxpayer dollars are going towards this role.

The debate of who should be responsible for ec-dev. is another discussion for another time. But you can’t deny the need for someone to look after it

The city announced its new economic development officer last week. Angud Singh comes to Estevan from the Greater Toronto Area. Singh seems to be fairly bright and articulate. He has ideas on how to boost the community, particularly through immigration. That’s good to hear. Our community has been enriched by people who have been coming here from around the world.

But he also has a sharp learning curve, and doesn’t have the luxury of time to get to know the community.

Estevan needs someone who can approach businesses, promote why companies should invest in Estevan, build contacts and relationships with entrepreneurs and keep our existing business community happy.

And it needs to be someone with good administration skills and a strong work ethic.

(These people don’t grow on trees).

We also need to recognize that it cannot be left up to just one person. There’s a lot of people who have a role to play, both with the City of Estevan and with other organizations in the community.

The tourism and marketing position has an important role to play as well. While tourism will likely never be our primary industry, it’s important for us to promote our community every chance we get.

We might not have that huge tourist attraction that’s going to bring people here in droves, but we do have a lot to offer for those who are living here permanently, those who are here short term for work, or those who are here to visit. It’s also vital to promote Estevan to those who are considering moving here.

Estevan is a community that has a lot to offer.

And while the chamber is no longer contracted out by the city to handle economic development, it still has a vital role to play as a voice for the business community and as a lobbying group for our local industries.

City council needs to keep stumbling blocks and red tape to a minimum. Keep

taxes as low as possible. Keep working on paying down debt. Continually monitor business incentives.

People have to be patient. Economic development can move at the speed of a tectonic plate. To the outside or the untrained eye, it might seem like nothing is happening. But there is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes before an announcement is made or before sod is turned on a project.

Time isn’t on our side. Sure, 2030 and the end of conventional coal-fired power seems like a long way away, but it’s not. It’s less than seven years from now. And we know that seven years goes by in a hurry. For most of us, 2016 seems like yesterday.

It’s vital that people work to promote Estevan, to bring new businesses and employers here, and to keep them here once they arrive.

And when a business closes – whether it be a restaurant, a downtown merchant or an industrial company – it’s even tougher for us with the uncertainty that exists in the community.

We have to realize that some of the industries we have relied on for so long in Estevan might not have much of a long-term future, so we need to look at replacements. You’re not going to find the silver bullet to offset the loss of coal-fired power, because it creates so many jobs. You’re going to need a lot of smaller options. Our new economic development officer is stepping into a challenging time. Hopefully, he’ll be up to the task.

Survivor opens up another stigmatized topic

The latest season of Survivor once again gave me food for thought.

Watching Survivor is our little sweet family tradition, and every spring and fall my hubby and I look forward to it with excitement. A few of my friends say it’s silly, but I indeed find the show not only entertaining but indeed valuable as it brings up a lot of important topics and every new season opens up a new layer in the conversation about social diversity.

Of course, this season was even more exciting for me due to the local connection. Even though Canadian Erika Casupanan won one of the previous games, her Ontario origins made it for a weaker tie than Moose Jaw’s Kane Fritzler (who actually even has connections to Estevan, as Dave learned).

But outside emotions, which the showrunners sure know how to stimulate, Survivor once again didn’t disappoint by turning its interest towards another stigmatized group of the population, thus adding to a broad spectrum of topics, discussed on the air and creating greater waves off it.

Throughout its years, the show has touched on many important and sensitive social topics, including the latest conversations about race, harassment, sexuality and more. The discussions are often brought up through participants’ stories told to the cameras or tribemates. The participants themselves and their stories start conversations, which in this almost greenhouse format mimic American social tendencies.

Last season Jesse Lopez shared with his tribe and with North America that he was part of a gang in the L.A. area and ended up

Ana Bykhovskaia

Twenty Lines

About…

in juvenile hall at 17 years of age. His story was a story of hope, as he managed to break out of his criminal lifestyle, get a Ph.D. in political science and create a family.

But his story and his participation in the show kind of reminded that there are Americans with a not-that-happy past and often present, and they are also a part of the country and society.

This season Caroline Wigger – one of the freest and oddest participants I’ve ever watched playing – shared about her addictions in the past as she was celebrating another milestone of being sober. This way it brought up another tough topic.

The cool thing about the show and about those diverse participants is that not only do they serve as conversation starters, but they also often help break the stereotypes created in the shadow of related stigma.

Take Caroline. Since the beginning of the show she’s been acting different and appeared like a player who’d be an easy write-off. But the further the game progresses the more she opens up as a great, smart, strategic and also social player. A very deserving winner in my eyes. But in real life when others don’t see all of our sides as viewers do in Survivor, add addictions stigma, and that odd behaviour, which is just her being herself, probably would push a person way back in a line to success.

The show brings people of very different groups and makes them work in a competitive, yet community-centred environment.

Their survival, be it basic physical needs or continuation in the game, depends on their relationships with others, their ability to open up, listen, rely on each other and build that survivor village. And it allows us, the viewers to see these people of diverse backgrounds and walks of life from different perspectives.

Survivor had gay and transgender people talk about their challenges. The show tries to break the limitations that society associates with age, be it younger or older people. It keeps a focus on gender and race matters. They also touch on immigration, education, class and many other backgrounds that all affect the outcomes.

The show not only allows for discussions on things that matter to people from all walks of life, but it also illustrates the genuine diversity of society and normalizes that diversity. We don’t hear too many stories of people with criminal or otherwise troubled backgrounds on TV if it’s not some kind of a specialized show. We don’t hear a lot about inequality unless it results in social explosions like #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter.

But in reality, every person has a story, we have privileges and disadvantages due to many reasons, and not all pages in our books make us proud. A lot of people live with stigma, and I believe the fact that Survivor brings up those stigmatized topics during its prime airtime contributes to changing how we live and treat each other.

What a difference a year makes

David Willberg Willberg’s World

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since the Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship was held in Estevan.

The tournament was, by anyone’s standards, an incredible success. It was a showcase of our community, its people and the magnificent venue at Affinity Place. The hockey was great. The host committee and the Estevan Bruins did a fantastic job of pulling off the biggest, and arguably best, tournament in the Centennial Cup’s 50-year history.

And it was just great to have a tournament like this again after the 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A lot has certainly changed, though, for the tournament and for Hockey Canada.

It was last year on May 26 – the off day for the tournament, between the end of the round robin and the start of the playoffs – that a story broke about an alleged sexual assault in London, Ont., involving eight players from the Canadian Hockey League, including members of the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship team that won the gold medal a few months earlier.

The fallout resulted in serious consequences for Hockey Canada. It lost federal funding for nearly a year. The CEO was forced to step down after just a few months on the job. The entire Hockey Canada board stepped down. Corporate sponsors backed out, including Tim Hortons, who sponsored last year’s tournament in Estevan.

Hockey Canada has spent the last year trying to emerge from this scandal and all of the associated revelations and consequences.

And now there’s uncertainty about how junior A hockey will look in the coming years, after the B.C. Hockey League decided to withdraw from Hockey Canada.

The BCHL decided in 2021 to pull out of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, which is why they didn’t have a representative at the Centennial Cup in Estevan last year or Portage la Prairie, Man., this year.

Now the B.C. league has decided to withdraw from Hockey Canada all together. When making the decision, one of the primary and recurring reasons is to be able to have players at the U18 level from outside of the province playing in their league.

You could still see 16- and 17-year-olds playing in B.C., as long as they were residing in that province.

Now, a 16-year-old from Saskatchewan could conceivably play in B.C.

There’s also rampant speculation about whether some of the more high-profile teams in Alberta – including the Brooks Bandits, who won last year’s tournament in Estevan – would abandon the Alberta league and join this new rebel league.

There are also questions about the eligibility of players who play in the new BCHL. If a 17-year-old player from Saskatchewan were to go play in B.C., only to have it not work out, would that player then be able to play in another Hockey Canada-sanctioned league, whether it be U18 or junior?

The B.C. league also expects to attract talent from the U.S. and even Europe.

There are concerns about how this will impact the calibre of hockey in other provinces. Will there be an enormous out-migration of talent to this new league? Probably not. But even if it’s one or two top players per team, that’s still going to make a difference in the calibre of play.

If you have fewer talented players here, would that impact the number of scouts coming to watch games in Saskatchewan?

And if B.C. is able to bring in more U18 players, would that impact the calibre of hockey in U18 AAA leagues in Canada?

Lots of questions to be asked. I liked it a lot more last year when the big question was whether anyone would be able to beat Brooks.

Meanwhile, the Centennial Cup is continuing with this uncertainty. The people in Portage la Prairie, Man., are getting treated to some pretty good hockey right now. And they get to enjoy the economic spinoff associated with this tournament.

Hopefully, the players aren’t too worried about the direction of junior A hockey in Canada. Instead, their focus can be on the game and the rare opportunity to win a national championship.

But it will be interesting to see what the junior A leagues and the national tournament will look like in a few years.

Awards guest speaker urges people to Be the Best You

By David Willberg

Corliss Rassyle has found a passion for public speaking and helping people reach their potential.

Rassyle delivered her Be the Best You speech to the Southeast Women of Distinction Awards on May 10 at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s building. She reflected on her life experiences, told the crowd that she’s proud of how far she’s come and she also stressed she’s proud of the audience on progress they’ve made.

“The women that are in this room who are being honoured, it’s incredible,” said Rassyle. “I couldn’t even tell you how excited I was to join you here in this celebration. I don’t think we celebrate each other enough.”

Be the Best You involves believing in yourself and striving to be something incredible, she said.

Everywhere people go, they should know they deserve the best, and she told them they are all leaders.

“Leadership has evolved,” she said. “Leadership is no longer about a title or a role or your status. It’s no longer who runs the town or who runs the country. Leadership is literally every single person here. Leadership, if you look up the definition, is an initiative and an action and an example to follow.”

Parents, coaches and even kids on playgrounds can be leaders because they’re influencing, she said.

“You are leading whether you know you’re leading or not. So, let’s be consistent with that, really own and understand it.”

Rassyle asked the crowd what would inspire them to be their best, who would inspire them to fulfill their potential, and what would make them show up at their peak.

She also reminded the audience to be someone who could lift other people up during their tough times.

People need to focus on themselves first, she said. Rassyle compared it to travelling on an airplane, encountering turbulence and being asked to put their mask on first before helping someone else.

“There is no way that I can look after my child if I am not okay myself. This is true,” said Rassyle. “We all know this on a surface level, but do we live it? Do we really understand it? Are

we putting ourselves first and taking care of our own needs first?”

Rassyle also shared several principles to be the best you. She asked people to practise self-care. This doesn’t just mean something simple, it extends to the point of what keeps people well. Did they get enough sleep? Were they listening to something inspiring? Who was around them?

“There are things that keep us well, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally,” she said.

When people commit to their well-being, they bring their best to everybody else.

“If women aren’t doing well, we aren’t able to show up for our families and our careers and our communities,” said Rassyle.

Next, she encourages people to make decisions. Some of them might seem to be small and minute, and they might not seem like a big deal, but they wind up being important. She wanted people to think back on a decision that they made that completely changed their lives. She recalled when she decided her daughters should go to daycare for a couple of days a week so she could do her job, so she wouldn’t be torn in different directions.

Third, people were asked to understand the power of

their thoughts. What they think about themselves, their lives, their relationships and their careers matters.

“Your thoughts, if you look at the top of this, create your emotions,” she said.

Rassyle, who is not fond of mornings, recalled a client she met with. That person loathed mornings too, but it was important to stress that thoughts create results. The client improved her outlook, and it improved her working relationship with her coworkers.

The average person has 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day, she said, and those thoughts impact how people feel and behave.

“Instead of reacting, what if you were to be thankful and grateful for everything that you have?” said Rassyle. “What if you were then to create these feelings of peacefulness and gratitude in your heart?

You’re going to start feeling appreciation and love.”

At one point, she urged the crowd to turn to others and proclaim themselves as rock stars.

Fourthly, Rassyle urged the crowd to take action. There are so many things that people can’t control in life, but what they think, decide and do is up to them. Nobody else decides what they think.

“I’m here to try to inspire something in you today,” she said. “I’m here to try to give you something that will ignite your life and motivate you and inspire you to be your best. I don’t decide what you’re going to do with it. Only decide what you’re going to think, what you’re going to decide, what you’re going to do.”

An event plus a response equals the outcome, she said. Things happen in our lives. People get caught up in the occurrence, and they cause their own outcomes. If people shift their response, they can change their outcome.

People need to surround themselves with people who will support, encourage and inspire them.

Finally, they need to embrace their power of one. It’s a concept that one person can make a positive and significant difference in the world by showing what is their best.

“ You can be that one today and every day,” she said.

Rassyle is the author of Lead Your Life; How to Live With Purpose, Passion, and Confidence, and the host of the Connections with Corliss podcast. She is also bringing the Lead Conference Canada gathering to Saskatoon later this year, the first time a Lead Conference will occur in this country.

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Corliss Rassyle was the guest speaker at the Women of Distinction Awards.

Record support for McHappy Day

Employees at the Estevan McDonalds were thrilled with the support shown for McHappy Day on May 10. This year’s fundraiser generated $8,517.34 for the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. The amount was the best since Tim and Christine Jenish have owned McDonalds in Estevan. Proceeds were raised through the sale of any menu item, as well as the purchase of McHappy Day socks and McHappy Day hands. Children dropped by the kids’ room to play games, make posters, and more. Photo courtesy of Robert Godfrey with Lemon Wedge Marketing

Bienfait artist welcomes people into her studio

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Jackie Wall has been a visual artist and creator throughout her entire life.

She’s been experimenting with different mediums and ideas, creating paintings, colouring books and various designs she puts on products, as well as macramé, jewellery and many other unique items and souvenirs. She has some of her art on display in her studio in Bienfait, and this winter and spring she opened her creative space to the public, inviting people to stop by, enjoy the art and maybe find some unique pieces they would like to take home.

“Everything here is either handmade by me, hand painted by me or designed, I don’t just paint I use markers and all sorts of different mediums, or they are my designs put on different products like T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, housecoats, scarves,” Wall explained.

The next time her studio, located at 310 Taylor Street in Bienfait, will be open to the public, will be May 27 from 1-5 p.m. Wall said she plans on having it open more in June and later in the year, but for the particular dates, people should check Jackie Wall Studio Instagram or Facebook pages.

She’s always been interested in art, but that interest was shaped after one episode 20 years ago.

“All my life I have been making things and drawing things. In high school, I did the cover of our yearbook. Art has always been therapy for me, and always something that I’ve had to do,” Wall shared. “But when I went to university, I took business. So, I have a bachelor of commerce degree. I did take a couple of art classes in university, but with commerce, you don’t have a lot of options. And then I just did it as a hobby.

“And then I did this

We would like to thank everyone that made our first Southeast Women of Distinction Awards a great success! Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, committee, nominators and everyone that attended our luncheon. See you in 2024!

Thank you to our sponsors!

painting [one she still has on display in the studio]. This is my second painting I have ever done. And I went to my sister’s for a barbecue and there was a bunch of friends there, and they said, ‘Oh my goodness, can I get a copy?’ And it just went from there.”

That happened in 2003, and since then Wall has created many different designs and paintings, and explored many artistic ideas.

While Wall was an artist all her life, the studio is more of a new addition for her as it was built during the pandemic. After her family moved into the new house, Wall turned the garage into a cozy and welcoming art space, where she could work and also have some of her pieces displayed. Everything she creates has a hand touch to it. She paints her designs on paper using different paints, pencils, markers, crayons, etc. and then digitalizes them to develop into various products.

“I like to feel, and I like to smudge and I often draw with both hands,” Wall shared. “I like to play around with different mediums because you get different effects.”

One of the pieces on display at the studio is an original acrylic painting called Vibrancy – a piece wellknown to Estevan since last summer, as it was chosen as one of the three vinylprinted murals placed on the

side of Pharmasave to beautify the city. Surrounding the original are printed copies as well as clothes and accessories with the same design, created by Wall.

“I don’t have everything that’s on my website in here because there are hundreds of different products, but that painting is also on some of these other products,” Wall pointed out.

She also creates designs to be coloured, which come in standard sizes, so they can be framed afterwards and serve as décor. Some designs are available at her website at jackiewallstudio.com to download for free or for a price, as well as at the studio.

“I just really want people to experience creativity and

art and have art accessible,” she said. “And I encourage people if they like to colour and they’re interested in art or design, to go to the website. There are free colouring pages there, or come out here and you can sit and colour. I just want people to be in a space that surrounds them with art and handmade products.”

She also has some handmade jewelry that she started creating for herself, but also had people interested in, and so she grew her offering, as well as macramé pieces and many other smaller items that can make great gifts.

“I just like to use my hands in different ways and make different things,” Wall said.

TUESDAY MAY 30, 2023

Estevan Legion, Small Hall Meeting at 7:00 pm

Auditor's Report Review of Operations Election of Directors Door Prizes

To view the Southern Plains Co-op existing Bylaws and the proposed existing Bylaw Replacements to be approved at the meeting, please visit our website or ask for a copy from our Administrative Office at 824 4th Street, Estevan. www.southernplainscoop.crs

Jackie Wall has a variety of her art in different forms and shapes on display in her studio in Bienfait. Wall is pictured here in her studio holding a painting called Vibrancy, which is also displayed as a vinyl print on the side of Pharmasave in Estevan. Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Estevan & Carlyle

Royal

OTS Top Gun crowns new champs

The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS)

third annual Top Gun trap shooting event attracted over 100 participants from all across Saskatchewan, as well as from Manitoba and Alberta on Friday.

Estevan’s Chad Froese claimed the individual championship with 80 points out of 100. Last year’s champ was Derek Fichter. Hutt’s Trucking, stationed out of Lampman, were the winners in the team event, knocking off

the two-year local champions – Certified Energy.

The event’s capacity was set at 120, and all spots were taken once again this year, but three teams didn’t make it on the day of the event due to weather. Out of the three stations, the first two were 25 single shots, and the last one was 50 doubles, so each of the 105 participants had 100 shots.

Estevan OTS president Tony Sernick said despite the weather challenges, they were satisfied with the event.

Hutt’s Trucking team took home the team trap shooting trophy.

“It was good other than that’s two years in a row that the weather hasn’t really cooperated. But everybody had smiles on their faces. It was a little cold, a little wet, but it was all good. And we crowned a new champion,” Sernick said.

Once each team was done, they could come into the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s clubhouse, where there was food ready for them, and then they could continue with their day.

“One thing that lots of people commented on was that it doesn’t take up your whole day. You have a certain time when you come and shoot. It’s almost like a tee time in golf. You do your shooting, you come in, there was a taco bar sponsored by Beatz Eatz, so they came in, got a little taco and lots of guys were going to go back to work or carry on with their day. It was a couple-hour commitment instead of an allday commitment, so lots of guys commented they liked that part of it,” Sernick noted.

He also praised the EWF and the Estevan Trap Club for their help with the event.

“We do the easy side of things, get everybody signed up, but they do all the work all day, like keeping and tallying the score. The trap club and the Estevan Wildlife are amazing to work with.”

Sernick said that participants were also happy with the event and said they will be back next year.

The Estevan OTS introduced a trap shooting event to add variety to their offering a few years ago. Next on their oilfield sports networking schedule is the 66th OTS Golf Tournament, slated for June 2-4 at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course. And then the oilfield community will be invited to join the OTS mixed twoperson scramble on July 8 at Hidden Valley’s Hideout Golf Course, one of the latest additions to the variety that also has been popular ever since it was introduced.

Over 100 people working in the oilfield in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba gathered at the Estevan Trap Club’s range on Saturday.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Envision to honour victims and survivors of crime

Support Centre provides therapeutic counselling and support services for victims and survivors of crime. They provide counselling through a number of programs to individuals who have been impacted by crime and/or abuse. The Family Interven-

The next week is Victims and Survivors of Crime

Week in Canada. Victims and Survivors of Crime

Week is about raising awareness about issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services, programs and laws in place to help them and their families.

Throughout Canada, countless dedicated people work with victims and survivors of crime every day.

Service providers and criminal justice professionals give information and meaningful support to victims and survivors and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system.

“We are thankful to have received a grant that will allow us to show some extra appreciation for those who provide services and supports to victims and survivors of crime,” says Envision outreach co-ordinator Raven Daer.

“We will be out hand delivering some treats and special certificates on behalf of the Department of Justice Canada.”

Envision Counselling and

tion Rapid Support Team (FIRST), specifically, is able to work with families directly in their homes, at their offices or in public spaces.

To inquire more about their FIRST program, and other programs within the agency, please visit their

website at www.envisioncousellingentre.com or phone Estevan office at or 306-637-4004, or Weyburn office at 306-842-8821.

For more information on Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, visit www.victimsweek.gc.ca

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Envision Counselling and Support centre will honour victims and survivors of crime during the week May 14-20.

“Victims and survivors of crime have been through traumatic experiences, but many use their personal resilience to move beyond their victimization and to create positive change,” Envision said in a press release.

EPS welcomes a new member well-known to Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Geoff Thiessen says his family has been calling Estevan home for over 10 years, and ever since they left the community a couple of years ago, they were hoping to eventually come back to the Energy City. The opportunity didn’t make them wait too long.

Const. Thiessen was sworn in as the Estevan Police Service’s newest member on May 1, taking over for the EPS’ soon-retiring Const. Lana Gropp. While this is a new page in Thiessen’s life and career, neither the role of a first responder in general, nor policing in particular, are new to him.

“Policing has always been a passion of mine ever since I can remember as a small kid, and I joined the military when I was old enough to go,” Thiessen shared in an interview with the Mercury. “I served 11 years in the military, and during my career in the military, I remastered into military police, because policing has always been a passion. I’ve always had a real desire to serve the community, liked to be with people and serve in that manner. So, it was a natural transition when I was in the army to remaster into military police.”

After retiring from the military, he moved to Estevan at the beginning of 2012 and joined the Estevan Church of God as their new pastor – the role he maintained for almost 10 years. At some point, Thiessen also joined the Estevan Fire Rescue Service and was a part of the department for over three years, until his family moved to Manitoba for a new career opportunity.

“Policing was still a passion and a desire. And I felt that I was young enough yet that I could still

probably pursue that at some point. And then the circumstances worked together, and I was able to get back into policing again, that took us to Manitoba, where we spent two years,” Thiessen said. “I was policing in Manitoba, and then an opportunity came up and that was a natural progression to see if that was a possibility for me to come back. So, we’re very delighted and happy with that opportunity to be able to come back here and serve on the EPS.”

Theissen grew up in Warman. While in the Canadian Armed Forces, he graduated from their Military Police Academy. His military police background qualified him to get employed in Saskatchewan’s neighbouring province and then, once an opportunity came up, transition back to Saskatchewan. He said it took them several months to transfer and get ready, but it definitely was something his family was looking forward to.

“My desire was always to come back to Estevan if an opportunity would arise. We’ve always felt that Estevan was home.

Our kids are here, and grandkids. We love the community and were always involved in the community since 2012 … So, if there was

One of the Estevan RCMP’s most-tenured members is moving onto his next opportunity.

Cpl. Craig Park has accepted a new job with the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit South in Regina. He has been working with the Estevan detachment since 2016, and said he really enjoyed his time in the community.

“I’ve certainly seen some changes in the seven years that I’ve been here, with the activity in the oilfield, and the ups and downs of the city,” said Park.

It was the first time that Park has worked with a partner municipal agency, and he praised the relationship with the Estevan Police Service.

“It’s certainly nice to see how other police forces do things and experience that. I have no complaints with my seven years here. It’s been lots of challenges, lots of different things that

going to be a move in the was hoping I could end Estevan at some point. And it worked out,” Thiessen

“It was pretty much one province to another]. Manitoba, I’ve been policing there. There’s a little bit some differences in the and stuff like that. Criminal same across the board. getting used to how Saskatchewan things as opposed to Manitoba. it’s a pretty good and natural

The public will see out in the community and serving the people of he will continue learning, improving and growing and hopes to keep being community.

“It’s great to be back. coming home, and it’s great our families here. Not only had a lot of roots in the years. We’re really privileged looking forward to the road

we’ve done in the past seven years, and it’s been good,” he said.

Park has also been serving as the acting detachment commander for Estevan, with Sgt. Steven Ross currently on leave.

Replacing Park will be Cpl. Srdjen Bunjevac, who started on Monday. Park said he would remain for a couple of weeks in Estevan to help Bunjevic with his transition.

The Estevan RCMP has been working with members of the Carnduff RCMP for several months, which has increased the area of responsibility for both detachments. It’s meant a learning curve with the two police stations, as now RCMP members for both detachments have been covering an area from west of Estevan to

0H3

thankful for his

the Manitoba border.

Park said the arrangement was necessary due to some lack of manpower. The Estevan RCMP currently has a sergeant, a corporal and three constables. Another officer is scheduled to arrive, and he hopes others can come in to replace members who have transferred out.

“I know we’ve had a few people question why there are Carnduff members responding when a call is from Estevan, so that would be why. We’re trying to fill the holes here where we can with our resources and help each other out, and so far it’s been good.”

He doubts this will be a permanent measure, and it will return to normal when the lack of officers is resolved.

Rich Lowen, right, welcomed

retiring Const. Lana Gropp. Photo sourced from the Estevan Police Service Facebook page

Cpl. Craig Park spent seven years in Estevan. File photo

Coal Country runners drive a dare at the rain

When love for sports is stronger than the fear of discomfort.

Almost 130 people registered for Coal Country Run – an annual fundraising event organized by Debby Knight and Peggy Rohatyn with the Fresh Air Fitness free outdoor gym – and almost all of them showed up despite the weather challenges.

The rain, which kicked in in the southeast Thursday evening, continued throughout Friday and into Saturday, and nevertheless, dozens of avid runners and cyclists, including a number of really young ones, gathered at Woodlawn Regional Park to participate in a fun sports community event.

Knight said they had over 60 people registered for the five-kilometre run/walk, about 30 more taking on the 10K course, close to 30 going on a 20K bike ride through the city’s pathways, and over a dozen of mini milers. Several participants shifted from bicycling over to running or walking due to the weather, but most people made it there Saturday morning and were excited to head out.

“The only thing that stops us is the zero-visibility blizzard,” Knight said with a laugh. “We had some people call and ask if it will go yesterday, and some people were sick, but we also had five new registrations last night.”

All in all, they saw an increase in participation from last year. There were a few more people registered for the 5K run/walk.  Knight also noted they were happy that the interest in cycling went up significantly. Last year the 20K bike option was offered for the first time, and there weren’t too many participants, so they thought they might discontinue.

“We were hoping to get more cyclists this year. Last year we didn’t have many, but that number actually almost tripled this year. So that’s very good for us and encouraging,” Knight said. “I’m sure that we will do it again now. It’s quite a bit of work to mark all the trail, but because that did grow for us, we’ll hang on to it.”

The mini mile, which is a short and fun run for kids, saw increased interest as well, thanks to the efforts of

Misty Pennington with the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre.

“She promoted it with her families at the centre, saying that you can come and bring your kids and do the 5K walk and then you can do the mini mile,” Knight said. “That was really good of her to do that for us.”

The Coal Country event started with an information market Friday evening. Vendors were at Rotary Hall on Saturday as well promoting

their organizations and visiting with participants and their families. An online auction and a garage sale table were also set up to help raise funds for the outdoor gym.

Thanks to many generous sponsors, participants had water along their routes and were treated to brunch and coffee afterwards. All of them received gift bags, another gift courtesy of sponsors.

The Coal Country Run

also saw many volunteers showing up ahead of time and on the day of the event.

“We had many great volunteers. We had some students from ECS get their hours. And then we had adults step up,” Knight said. “It turned out really well. And between family, friends and co-workers, we had a lot of support.”

The event is open to everyone willing to join for any reason. People can compete or just participate; or-

Estevan Mermaids compete at provincials

The Estevan Mermaids artistic swimming club attended the Sadie Caulder Knight provincial championships in Regina recently.

Athletes attending were in several different divisions, including under 10 (10U), novice, 12U, youth, junior, competitive, masters and limited competitive.

The youth competitive team, consisting of Mahaley Fonstad, Sierra Mantei, Sarah Pyra, Rowyn Shier and Isabelle Pyra, finished third.

The junior Southeast Connections team, which included Estevan athletes Ava Allen and Sasha Mantei, and Weyburn athletes Payton Caldwell, Ella Leko, Marley Kradovill and Lily Popescu, finished first.

The 10U limited competitive team, with Brinley Groenveld, Harper Eskra, Eva Meyers, Patience Meyers, Kayden Pukas, Ella Biette and Lexington Beaudrey, wound up in second.

The 12U limited competitive squad was sec-

ond, with Harper Davis, Ava Collomb, Lia Mantei, Lainey Halkyard and Rory Miller.

Ava Allen and Sasha Mantei finished third with their junior free duet

In youth solo, Rowyn Shier was second, while Isabelle Pyra had the same placing in the 12U division.

Chanel Thievin was first in both masters’ tech solo and free final.

Provincials are named in honour of Knight, who pioneered artistic swimming in Saskatchewan. ???

ganizers leave it up to them.

The first three to finish in different categories are recognized afterwards.

The next big event organized by Fresh Air Fitness will be their Force Competition, which will take place in the early fall this year.

In the meantime, the outdoor gym, located in the free portion of the Woodlawn Regional Park, is open to everyone and has a lot of equipment for all kinds of sports activities.

Southeast Twins start season with four straight wins

The Southeast U18 AAA Twins have a flawless record to start the 2023 Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League season.

The Twins defeated the expansion Zone 7 Sun Devils 10-5 and 16-5 Saturday in Unity. Sam Mallory had three hits, scored three runs and had two runs batted in (RBIs). The Twins scored six times in the second inning and twice in the third for a quick 8-2 lead. Three pitchers shared the duties for the Twins, combining to strike out 10.

In the next game, the Twins scored nine times in the first inning and three more in the second. The mercy rule was invoked after five innings.

Mitch Himmelspach scored four times, Carter Beck had four hits, two runs and three RBIs.

Callum Hollinger and Mallory shared the pitching duties.

The following day, the Twins won 7-6 and 11-7 over the Saskatoon Giants. The Twins gave up three runs in the third in the first game, but responded with four of their own.

Conner Kerr had a run and three hits, and Spencer Copeland and Dax Brown had two RBIs each.

Sutter Balog and Beck were on the mound, with each striking out six.

In the next game, the Twins trailed 5-4 through five innings, but rallied with seven in the sixth. Mallory had three runs, three hits and two RBIs, and Beck had two runs, two hits and two RBIs.

Kade Phillips and Kerr were the pitchers.

•••

The Estevan U18 AA

Brewers are off to a great start to the season by winning their first four games.

The Brewers defeated the Regina Blue Jays 8-6 and 12-1 on May 7. The Brewers then had two 13-3 victories over the Prince Albert Royals on May 14.

Estevan scored four times in the first in the opening game against the Royals, and had an 8-0 lead through four innings. The Royals had three in the fifth, but then Estevan added five runs, and the mercy rule was invoked.

Tanyan Strudwick had two hits, three runs and four RBIs, and eight different players scored.

Justin Linthicum gave up four hits and struck out seven in five innings.

The second game also went five innings after the Brewers scored five in the fifth. Linthicum had three

runs and Strudwick scored four times. Mathias Fornwald had three hits.

Jayden Kuchinka and Axton Martin combined to hold the Royals to one hit and struck out eight.

The Brewers will be back in action when they host the Regina Pacers for a doubleheader on May 20 at 1 and 4 p.m.

•••

The South East U15 AAA A’s went 2-2 to start the season. After starting with a 4-3 loss to the Moose Jaw Canucks on May 7 and romping to a 16-6 win in six innings over the Regina Athletics two days later, the A’s, who play out of Alameda, faced the Sask Five Giants on Sunday. They won the first game 8-4 and lost 10-7.

The A’s led 5-1 after the first inning and 7-3 through

three in the first game against the Giants.

Tyson Hardy had three RBIs, while Jaxon Kuchinka had two hits, two runs and an RBI.

Hardy also went five innings on the mound and struck out 10. Joran Frey gave up just one hit in two innings of relief.

The next game was a 10-7 loss. The Giants led 8-3 after four innings but the A’s rallied for four in the sixth. The Giants pulled away with two in the seventh. Caden Dorrance and Tristan Brownridge each had a run, an RBI and two hits.

Three pitchers split duties for the A’s.

They were also scheduled to face the Regina Athletics on May 16. (Results not available at press time).

•••

The Estevan U13 AA

EVENTS

Brewers, who are the reigning Western Canada Baseball champions, were slated to begin their season on May 16 against the Weyburn Beavers. (Results were not available at press time). Then they will visit the Regina Blue Jays on May 22 and the Beavers on May 24.

•••

The Estevan U11 AA Brewers went 4-0 to start their season, sweeping a pair of doubleheaders in early May.

Estevan defeated the Holdfast Knights 14-6 and 6-3 on May 6. Then they blanked the Swift Current 57s 21-0 and 23-0 the following day.

The Brewers will host the White Butte Broncos Blue on May 20 at 11 a.m. at Mel Murray Cactus Park, and then visit the Regina White Sox on May 21.

Close to 130 people registered for Coal Country Run on Saturday, and no rain could stop the event.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Flashback

Wednesday, May 22, 1996

Scott Blackstock, centre, successfully defended the men’s championship at the Beefeater Inn golf tournament in May 1996. He was flanked by Vern Symons, left, of the Beefeater Motor Inn, and club pro Brian Dueck

Phil Fife leaving Bruins for new opportunity

Estevan Bruins’ head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic announced Sunday that associate coach Phil Fife has resigned from the club to accept a coaching position with another organization.

Fife’s new team is to be announced within the coming days, the Bruins said in a news release. He was part of the staff for the Bruins’ team that won the SJHL championship in 2021-22.

“It was an honour and privilege to have a former player coach beside me the last three seasons, and my family and I are going to miss having Phil around,” said Tatarnic. “I want to thank Phil for everything he has done for me personally and our organization over the past three seasons.

“I can’t say I am surprised that Phil has taken the next step in his coaching career, having watched him play an integral part of our recruiting process, our coaching philosophy and our game preparation.

“Phil was a proven winner as a player, and it was an un-

believable experience when we won together in 2012 [with the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Hockey League] but winning the championship in 2022 as coaches is something I will never forget, and it definitely makes that one very special. I want to wish Phil all the best and continued success in his career, and I look forward to following it.”

Estevan Bruins president Josh Biggs extended the board’s gratitude, saying: “The Estevan Bruins want to say thank you to Phil Fife for his time with the organization. Phil has been a great addition to the team and community and will always be remembered as a key member of the 2022 championship team.

“Congratulations Phil on your first head coaching role. The Estevan Bruins wish you the best.”

The Oromocto, N.B., native, Fife played his junior hockey with the Slammers and the Truro Bearcats from 2010 to 2014. During his junior career, Fife won two league championships and

competed in two national tournaments. He participated in the national championship game in 2012 with the Slammers.

Fife then played four seasons of USports hockey for the University of Waterloo from 2014-2018.

“I would like to thank the entire Bruins organization, fans and everyone who has been a part of my life these last few years,” said Fife. “I especially, want to thank Tarts [Tatarnic] for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work with him the past three seasons. It was an incredible feeling winning the SJHL championship in 2022 alongside my former coach, and it’s something I will always remember.

“Moreover, I want to thank all the players and staff who made coaching in Estevan so special. Go Bruins.”

•••

The Bruins have also announced that forward Cody Davis of Alameda has committed to play for the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology for the 2023-24 season.

Local golfers compete at junior tournament at Woodlawn

The junior golf season in Estevan started with a bang on May 6 and 7 with a visit by the Maple Leaf Junior Tour.

The RE/Max Blue Chip Realty Classic brought dozens of golfers to the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course.

In bantam boys, Jayden Chernoff of Estevan was second, finishing with a tworound total of 158 (80-78), six strokes behind Saskatoon’s Aricin Franklin, who had a 152 (77-75).

Two Estevan golfers were tied for fifth at 184. Kieran Farden’s scores were 94-90, while Cruz Symons shot an 88 and a 96.

In juvenile boys, Brady Guenther of Saskatoon was first with a 159 (83-76), one stroke better than Sucker River’s Dade Bernatchez’s 160 (82-78). The top five golfers were separated by five strokes.

Kaden Hanson was the top local finisher in 13th with a 194 (96-98). Kruz Shauf played just one round, shooting a 118.

Junior boys saw Drayjon Sparvier (79-71) of the Ochapowace First Nation and Davin Karst of Assiniboia (72-78) finish tied for first at 150, but Sparvier won a tie-breaker.

Estevan’s Ryan Chernoff finish sixth with a two-round score of 159 (79-80). Carlyle’s Porter Barnett was 12th with a 181 (95-86).

In peewee boys, Austin Nesbitt of Pilot Butte was the winner, thanks to a tworound total of 152 (79-73), 18 strokes better than Tylan Wallin of Humboldt, who had a 170 (90-80).

Brooks Cote was second in his division in the mini tour competition. Photo courtesy of Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour

In the girls’ event, Ella Kozak of Yorkton was the overall winner, as she fired a 149 (7871) over two rounds to finish with a two-round total of 149. She trailed Hallie Crozier of Regina by two strokes after the first round, but wound up winning by eight strikes after Crozier shot an 81 in the second round to finish with a 157.

Kozak also won the 15-19 girls’ event.

Tayla Perry of Regina won the U15 girls division with a 173 (91-82) to edge Grace Odnokon, who had a 176 (92-84).

The event kicked off the Saskatchewan leg for the tour. Windy conditions, gusting hard at times, made for a difficult start for competitors.

The MJT mini tour was

held at Woodlawn on May 6, with golfers playing one 18hole round. Keaton Kreklewich of Melville was the overall boys’ winner, shooting an 18-hole total of 72. He also took the boys’ 11 and 12 competition.

Brooks Cote of Estevan was second in boys’ 11 and 12 with an 83.

Ethan Sitarz of Winnipeg won the boys’ nine and 10 event with an 84, seven strokes ahead of Melville’s Caleb O’Brien.

Darrell Yuzicappi of the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation won the boys’ 8U division with a 95. Maxwell Sieffert of Chruchbridge was second with a 126.

Angelina Sitarz of Winnipeg won the girls’ 11 and 12 event with a 92.

The NAIT Ooks are members of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference and are located in Edmonton.

Davis, who graduated from the Bruins after the 2022-23 campaign, recorded 48 goals and 53 assists in 154 regular season games over four seasons. In 32 playoff games, Davis had seven goals and seven assists and was a member of the Bruins’ 2021-22 SJHL championship team.

The Alameda product was an active member of the community by volunteering his time at elementary schools and minor hockey practices and was a fixture at the Bruins’ summer hockey school.

“On behalf of the Estevan Bruins organization, I want to wish Cody all the best at NAIT as a student athlete,” said Tatarnic.

Davis will be joining former teammate Alex Von Sprecken at NAIT. Von Sprecken, a defenceman from Estevan, spent parts of four seasons with the Bruins and was traded to

the Flin Flon Bombers last October. Von Sprecken won an SJHL title with the Bruins in 2021-22 and helped the Bombers to the league final this season.

Phil Fife has resigned as an Estevan Bruins’ associate coach.

Mary’s Little Lamb’s Preschool 2023 Grad

Mary’s Little Lambs celebrates preschool graduation

Another year of fun and learning at the Mary’s Little Lambs Preschool has come to an end.

The annual graduation celebration and spring concert were held Thursday. Mary Lawrence with the preschool said all of the children sang loudly, while the parents and grandparents clapped along, creating a good time for everyone in attendance.

Lawrence noted that teacher Patti Psenych found she had such wonderful classes again this year.

“I can understand why, as every time I’m in the classroom for something, I hear lots of stories, laughter and chatter and get lots of hugs,” said Lawrence. “What’s not to love?”

All of their classes were full this year. They had 16 children in each of the four-year-old classes. One group of 16 attends Tuesday and Thursday mornings, while the other attends Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

In the three-year-old group, which met on Wednesdays, there were 11 kids in the morning and 12 in the afternoon.

“We also had the longest waitlist we have ever had in the 27 years we have been doing our preschool,” said Lawrence.

The children are always so excited to come to class, Lawrence said. They are excited to see their friends, tell their stories and learn something new.

For the three-year-olds, there is a lot of time spent on listening skills, using inside voices, learning to share and becoming good and kind friends. They also discuss things like letters, numbers, colours and more.

For the four-year-olds, Psenych structures these classes to help prepare them for their step into kindergarten, but Lawrence said there are also many fun activities planned for all the classes. Every month has a special theme and a fun-and-colour day.

“This involves special activities and games, and the children are encouraged to wear the monthly colour on that special day,” said Lawrence.

They have a Year at a Glance, which is sent out to parents or

anyone else inquiring about the preschool. It outlines their monthly themes, such as seasons, holidays, animals and more.

They also celebrate each child’s birthday throughout the year. The kids receive a special certificate and a treat bag. May is particularly busy as any birthdays in the summer are celebrated that month.

Show and tell is also everyday and the children are encouraged to bring an item from home that is special to them, or tell the class a joke or story, which Lawrence said is good for their confidence. Baby chicks visited the school in the spring months, which Lawrence said was very popular with the kids. Class and individual pictures were given to the kids as well, and they do a Memories to Treasure DVD, which is a compilation of the many pictures Psenych takes of each class throughout the year. It is handed out on the final day and Lawrence said it makes for a treasured keepsake from preschool.

A final progress report card is sent home at the end of the school year and only positive remarks are used. Awards certificates are given out to all children for their best efforts in things like tying shoelaces, knowing their address and phone number, and being a good helper.

Amora G.

Eva R.

Jaxon C.

Mason G.

Natalie V.

Anna S.

Fox K.

Katy B.

Max P.

Chloe P.

Hannah P.

Lachlan W.

Nash M.

Ethan H.

Madison W.

Owen H.

Remi F.

Grady S.

Mia S.

Phillip R.

Rylan C.

Hannah J.

Nathanael

Reagen H.

Shawntai M.

Reese R.

Wyatt K.

Tayden V.

Tayla S.

Zalia C.

Alice E. Alexia S.

Maax

The annual graduation ceremony at Mary’s Little Lambs preschool was held Thursday. Photo courtesy of Mary’s Little Lambs

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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.

Seeding progress has been slow in the southeast

Seeding has been slow in the southeast due to excess water sitting on fields and cool soil temperatures.

In Loving Memory of Jean Ann Matchett August 1, 1932 May 26, 2012

Sadly missed along life’s way

Quietly remembered every day No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts your always there.

Remembered and loved each day by - Husband Dave and children Brenda (Marvin) Olson, Robert (Joan) Matchett, Richard (Janice) Matchett: GrandchildrenHeather Olson, Ryan (Lise) Olson, Alison (Brad) Seipp, Ashley Olson, Caitlin and Riley Matchett, Luke and James Matchett.

Great grandchildrenClara Jean Seipp, Chace Olson, Emmerly Olson, Emmett Robin Seipp, Liam Olson

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Three per cent of the crop was in the ground, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s first crop report of the year, released on May 10. This is well behind the five-year average of 22 per cent for this time of year. Once conditions improve, producers are confident they can get back on track with their operations.

The southeast did have some favourable conditions last week, although there

was a strong thunderstorm that dropped heavy rain on the Estevan area on May 9. The southeast also sustained heavy rains from May 11-13.

The southeast region is starting the growing season with reassuring moisture conditions after several snowstorms hit the region throughout the winter and early spring. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, two per cent short and one per cent very short.

Hay and pasture land is rated as seven per cent sur-

OBITUARIES

plus, 76 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and one per cent very short. Producers would like to see warm dry weather in the forecast so they can get into their fields. Rain will be needed once seeding is finished to ensure crop development and pasture growth. There is not much field activity in the region due to wet field conditions. Most of the work is being done in the northwestern half of the region where minor seeding and spraying is underway when weather allows.

Iris Groseth (nee: Nicholson)

1930-2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Iris Groseth (nee: Nicholson). She passed away peacefully at the age of 92.

Iris was born to Sandra and Norman Nicholson on June 13, 1930 and was the youngest of ten siblings. She started grade one at Spruce Dale school north of Dubuc. In her second school year the family moved to town where Iris attended school until her graduation.

Iris married the love of her life, Lawrence Groseth on October 20, 1951.

Iris and Lawrence raised two children, Daphne and Rodney.

Iris belonged to the UCW, Deborah Rebecca Lodge and the Dubuc Seniors Center where she enjoyed socializing. Throughout her life she worked as a telephone operator and later worked at the Credit Union until retirement. Iris had great respect for Pieter, who was her manager and friend for many years. She enjoyed special occasions and frequent visits from friends and family where she could serve her delicious apple pies. Iris was an excellent seamstress and also enjoyed gardening and baking.

After her husband, Lawrence passed, she continued to live on the farm but eventually moved to Estevan to an apartment. A few years later she moved to St. Joseph’s Long Term Care where she received excellent care from the nurses, aids and staff.

Iris is survived by her daughter, Daphne (Neil), grandchildren, Joanne (Bruce), Brent (Chandra), Reid (Brianne) great-grandchildren, Alexis, Clarke and Carver. Her son, Rodney (June), grandchildren, Elizabeth (Kevin), great grandchildren, Ella and Jordyn. Granddaughter, Lexa (Cody), great grandchild, Asher. Brother Richard, sister-in-law Winnie, and sister-in-law Carrie.

Lovingly Remembered

Marvin H. N. Olischefski

October 18, 1934 - May 22, 2010

The special years will not return, When we were all together, But with the love inside our hearts, You will walk with us forever.

- Love Terry, Brian, and Gaylene

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Iris passed away peacefully on April 30, 2023. She will be dearly missed by her children, family, neighbours and friends.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, Yorkton, SK., with the interment to follow in the Garden of St. Matthew, Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

A Livestream of the funeral can be found on Bailey’s website@bailey’sfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations in memory of Iris may be made to the Dubuc Senior Centre or the Dubuc Hall as gifts of remembrance. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton.

Jane Elizabeth Elliott

1932-2023

With great sorrow, the family wishes to announce that Jane Elliott, late of Estevan, SK passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan, SK on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the age of 91 years.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Agnes Brokenshire; husband Earl Elliott; seven sisters and five brothers.

Jane will be greatly missed by her children, Tom (Charlene) Elliott, Sandra (Glenn) Moody, Ken (Rhonda) Elliott and David Elliott; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. Fond memories will remain with her sister June (Lorne) Neifer; sister-in-law Fern Repchinski and brother-in-law Lionel Bayes.

A Celebration of Jane’s Life was held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Hall Funeral Services, Estevan with Sandy Dalziel officiating. Interment took place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan, SK. A luncheon was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Estevan Branch following the interment.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Jane via a donation in her memory may do so directly to the Estevan Regional Nursing Home, 1921 Wellock Rd., Estevan, SK S4A 2B5. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for the Elliott family - Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

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Lorena Ann Wolensky (Heidinger)

December 12, 1960 - April 18, 2023

With her husband, children and mother by her side, Lorena Wolensky passed away peacefully at the Regina Pasqua Hospital, after a brief illness, on April 18, 2023, at the age of 62 years.

Lorena Ann Wolensky (Heidinger) was born on December 12, 1960, at Estevan, Sask., the eldest child of Marjorie Heidinger (Tarnes) and Joseph Heidinger.

Lorena grew up in Estevan, attended school, and worked at various places, such as a grocery store, and accounting office.

In 1980, she met the love of her life, Robert Wolensky, and they were married in 1981. They raised 2 children, Kimberly and Kyle. Robert’s work had them living in various locations throughout Sask. While raising her children, Lorena was employed in various retail, and later in advertising. Upon Robert’s retirement, they settled in Brandon, Manitoba for a few years, before moving to Regina, Sask., where their children and grandchildren are.

Family was most important to Lorena. She loved to spend her time with them having Sunday brunches, swimming at the condo, making traditional family foods such as tourtiere and kucha, and attending all the grandchildren’s activities. She also loved spending time visiting extended families. Over the years, Lorena enjoyed Sunday drives, camping, golfing, scrapbooking, and nurturing her flowers. Following her retirement, her most enjoyable hobby was her cricut crafting.

Everyone will always remember Lorena for her bright smile, bubbly personality and joyful laugh. She touched the lives of many people over the years, and was always there for everyone.

Lorena was predeceased by her father, Joseph Heidinger; father-in-law, Roger Wolensky; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lorena is survived by her husband, Robert; daughter Kimberly (Dan) East; grandchildren Parker, Cohen and Hadley East; son Kyle (Lori) Wolensky; mother Marjorie Heidinger; brother Michael (Yvonne) Heidinger; sister Karen (Rodney) Miiller; brother James (Shelley) Heidinger; mother-in-law Marthe (O’Reilly) Wolensky; sister-in-law Ghislaine (David) McNeil; brother-in-law Laury Wolensky (Laura Kidd); sister-in-law Cathleen (Claude) Courchaine; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Estevan, Sask. with Rev. Amado Canaveral the celebrant. A time of fellowship and refreshments followed in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, #225 -1874 Scarth Street, Regina, Sask, S4P 4B3 or Palliative Care at the Pasqua Hospital, 4101 Dewdney Ave., Regina, Sask., S4T 1A5. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Wolensky family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Three contestants competing for Rodeo

By Ana Bykhovskaia

With less than a month left until the big and loud Energy City Ex, the three ambassadors for the Estevan Exhibition Association, who put their names in the Rodeo Queen contest hat this year, have a lot of work to do.

The fair and the rodeo will be shaking Estevan June 8-11. This year’s Energy City

Ex will see four days of the fair and three days of the professional KCRA rodeo, as well as the traditional cabaret, steer and heifer show and sale, food trucks and many other entertainment options, all happening at the Estevan Exhibition grounds. The event will open with the traditional SMILE Services Parade on June 8 at 4:30 p.m.

While the fair and rodeo is not until June, rodeo princesses Meadow Skuce, Jesa Colliness and Seriah Potoma have already started working toward their goal. Leading up to the Energy City Ex, these three young women will be competing in public speaking, horsemanship and congeniality.

The contestants are selling 50/50 tickets and will also have to prepare and perform their speeches, which will take place June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Estevan Exhibition Hall, followed by a horsemanship competition at the Graham Collie Arena. The crowning

of the queen will take place June 10 at 4 p.m. during the KCRA rodeo.

The Mercury congratulates the contestants on embarking on this adventure and is introducing them to the community. Meadow Skuce Meadow Skuce, 18, has been into horses since she was 10 years old. She says she likes being around horses as it feels really therapeutic. She’s also been riding, racing and participating in rodeos for quite a few years.

“I started riding lessons when I was 11 or 12. One of my mom’s friends said that I could come out and ride on her horses because the lessons were getting a bit expensive. So, she ended up lending me a couple of her horses. And I just grew a passion for it. And then a couple years ago, we ended up buying our own chunk of land and I got my own horse. And I’ve been into it since then,” Skuce shared.

She will be riding Snapper, her own horse, in the parade and for all other activities during the rodeo weekend. Outside the contest, she will partake in barrel racing. She’s been racing for about five years and also tried bull riding last year.

“It’s very scary. But I like that thrill,” Skuce said.

She noted the Rodeo Queen contest fits perfectly into her lifestyle and plans.

4H KID OF MONTH

“I have been into horses for a while, and I decided that it would be cool to be Rodeo Aueen, and going off to school to have that experience under my belt,” Skuce shared.

She noted that it was also a good motivation for her to push to be out there more, meet new people and inspire kids to set and achieve their goals.

“I like getting out there and just performing, doing my best I guess. I like to set an example for the younger kids so they look up to me on something that they want to do,” Skuce said.

She is pretty confident in her skills and is looking forward to the Energy City Ex and the Rodeo Queen contest.

“I’m very excited,” Skuce said.

Seriah Potoma

Seriah Potoma, 18, started riding when she was about eight years old when she got her first horse, and “it was the start of it all” for her. She didn’t get into rodeoing until a few years later. She recalled that at the beginning she was the underdog, didn’t really know what she was doing and didn’t have the best horses.

“I worked with what I had until I got to where I wanted to be. And when I started high school rodeo, they were looking for a queen. But I had just started so I was nervous. I didn’t want to run for queen my first year. So, I decided not to. But after a few years in high school rodeo, I was like, ‘Man, I really want to run for queen.’ I think it’d be fun. There are so many opportunities and things you get to do as the queen, and I just thought it would be really fun.”

Potoma will also be breakaway roping and barrel racing in the rodeo. She’s been racing since she was about 12 years old and breakaway roping for about two years now. She says being a part of the rodeo world means a lot to her.

“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’m not really into other sports or anything. I’ve grown up having horses and it’s all I can really see myself doing. It’s lots of fun and there are such

Nelson Motors 4-H Member of the Month: Lucas DesAutels

Lucas Des utels loves being part of the Benson 4-H Beef Club.

Lucas, age 11, is in his fourth year in 4-H. He said he loves the club’s annual achievement day, and showing and auctioning a steer each year.

“It’s so much fun,” said Lucas.

Lucas became interested in 4-H because he said his father Jevon really likes cattle. Jevon was a 4-H member when he was growing up in the Alida area, and Jevon told Lucas about what an enjoyable experience it was.

The Des utels family moved to an acreage a few years ago. They don’t have cattle on their farm, but Lucas’ grandfather does, and Lucas enters a steer in the Estevan Rotary 4-H Show

and Sale each year. The achievement day and the sale are something that the Benson members work towards each year.

He’s had some good results with his steers in previous years.

Lucas has had other fun experiences through 4-H. He recalls working at a fundraiser at Black Beard’s Restaurant for the Benson Club. He has also been part of the 4-H public speaking program each year. And he competed at a curling event.

Lucas said he would recommend 4-H to other people because it builds character, and he expects that what he has learned will help in the future, especially if he decides to become a farmer.

great people that keep you encouraged, and also feeling the success that you have and with your horses is awesome,” Potoma said.

In preparation for the contest, Potoma has been working with her horses, making sure that they are good with what their part will be during the Energy City Ex, and getting ready herself.

Jesa Colliness

Jessa Colliness, 19, grew up surrounded by horses. Her father rode horses and still works them. And her oldest brother started rodeoing and steer riding when he was around 13, she said. His engagement with the rodeo world got his little sister involved as well.

“I tagged along on all the rodeos and went to all the high school rodeos all over Saskatchewan. And then once I moved to Estevan and became old enough to start rodeoing, I started riding horses and participating in rodeos and barrel racing all over Saskatchewan with my siblings,” Colliness recalled. “I started at the Estevan Comp. rodeo club when I was 13, even though I shouldn’t have, but because my brother was in there and they needed members. So I just unofficially went until I was in high school. And then I started officially going. I’ve always had a connection to rodeos. My brother still rides. And

I don’t rodeo anymore, but I still love going to them and watching him and watching all of my former friends and all the contestants.”

Colliness’ interest in rodeos was put on pause a few years ago when she moved off the farm and no longer had horses. She is a university student in Regina but is currently back in Estevan for the summer. She says it’s always been her plan to buy a horse and a truck and a trailer and continue on once she can.

“I just don’t have horses at the moment, but it’s still something I think about every day and something I work towards,” Colliness shared.

She says she is really looking forward to getting back into the rodeo atmosphere during the Energy City Ex and is preparing for the different aspects of the competition.

“I am a very social person, but since COVID I’ve been a little bit of a homebody, so I’m a little bit nervous about the social aspect of the contest. And I haven’t ridden a horse in a good amount of time, so I’m nervous but also excited to start riding again,” she said.

She noted that as for delivering a speech as a university student who does it a lot, she feels pretty confident and in general is looking forward to the big event.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everybody, being a member of the rodeo again, helping out with kids’ rodeo, meeting everybody and talking with everybody. I’m also excited about writing and delivering the speech to my family, friends and the other contestants. And I’m looking forward to riding and being in that arena again,” Colliness shared.

People can support their choice contestants by buying tickets, attending speech and horsemanship events, which are open to the public, and by casting their vote for the People’s Choice Award during the Energy City Ex.

From left, Meadow Skuce, Seriah Potoma and Jesa Colliness are competing for the Rodeo Queen title.

presented by

Council provides funding for Woodlawn park road

Estevan city council has committed to partially funding the refurbishment of Doug Third Road in Woodlawn Regional Park.

As per the agreement, which council achieved at its May 8 meeting, the city and the RM of Estevan will each contribute $150,000 towards the project, and the Municipal Coal Transition Program will cover up to $350,000. The September 2022 cost estimate was $617,781.73.

The road runs from Highway 47 to Doug Third Hall.

City manager Jeff Ward said this was an unbudgeted item, so the city will have to borrow to cover the cost or find efficiencies in other areas. He said he could bring a report to council with the first-quarter budget update.

Coun. Lindsay Clark admitted he struggled with

The Estevan Police Service received a call about a suspicious man in the area of Arthur Avenue and George Street around 11 a.m. on May 11.

The man was reported to be looking into backyards, and falling down and stumbling as he checked vehicle doors. With the assistance of several callers and motorists who relayed information and direction of travel, police located the man south of Milne Crescent near the southeast side of the exhibition grounds.

He was arrested for being intoxicated in public and lodged in cells until sober.

Prior to release, the man was identified as being the suspect in a disturbance complaint that had been reported May 7 from a local business.

He was charged with causing a disturbance and released on

supporting this project, as the cost has continued to escalate.

He supported the motion, but said he wouldn’t be in favour of further expenses.

Coun. Tony Sernick pointed out the road is almost impassable at this time.

The meeting began with a special presentation, as Mayor Roy Ludwig and Estevan MLA Lori Carr presented Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals to Allison Holzer and Tania Hlohovsky-Andrist in honour of their contributions to the community.

Char Seeman was to be presented with a medal as well, but she was unable to attend. The city was allocated a certain number of medals to present, and nominated the three women for the honour.

condition not to attend the business.

The matter is still under investigation. Police want to thank the public for their assistance in locating the subject.

Police also had cash and other items turned into the station that day. The owner of the items was located, and the property was returned.

Officers thank the member of the public who turned in all of the lost items so they could be returned.

The same day, police received a report of a hit and run. A vehicle travelled out of the McDonald’s parking lot and turned onto 13th Avenue to head north. The driver slightly touched the neighbouring vehicle, causing minimal damage. Even though it was a very minor collision, it still needed to be reported.

Council approved the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS) request for a special event permit to sell alcohol and use the Power Dodge Curling Centre for its annual oilmen’s golf tournament.

The event will run from June 2-4 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course, with a supper at the curling club on June 3.

Also approved were two event permits for the Estevan Exhibition Association’s upcoming Energy City Ex.

One was a community event permit for the cabaret that will take place June 10.

The Johner Brothers will be performing. The other is for beer gardens from June 8-11.

Council approved a revised policy for travel expenses. It’s an updated ver-

Officers are hoping the driver of the other vehicle might come and speak to police. The driver was a male in a black Jeep Compass-style vehicle.

Police attended a local liquor establishment to a report of individuals selling drugs. Members were unable to determine if that was the case. The men were identified but nothing further. Police returned a short time later as individuals were concerned other individuals were threatening in nature. Officers attended and mediated a resolution.

Police also received a report of an individual breaching his release conditions. The matter is still under investigation.

On May 12, police responded to a report of a break and enter to an apartment on Dufferin Avenue in Estevan. A number of items were taken from the residence. If anyone

sion of the document that outlines expenses for travel and meals for authorized individuals when conducting business for the city. Not only would it cover meal allowances, but it also governs mileage, airline travel accommodations, per diems and more.

Anyone caught making false claims or misreporting will be subject to disciplinary action.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said the policy has been in place for years. These updates are to follow Canada Revenue Agency rates. The city has the ability to make changes when the CRA makes changes.

•••

Five building permits worth $329,142 were issued in April, bringing the total for the first four months

saw anything suspicious or has any information about the incident, they are asked to call the EPS or Crime Stoppers.

Police received a report of fraud. The matter is in the early stages of investigation.

Members were called to a disturbance at a local establishment. On arrival, one man was found in need of medical attention and was transported to hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the incident.

Police also had a busy weekend dealing with 77 calls for service.

Among other calls, police conducted several traffic stops checking for impairment. Two drivers were found impaired and had their licences suspended and their vehicles towed.

Police want to remind the public that if they have any in-

A little time makes a big difference

Jumbo, a supermarket chain in the Netherlands, recently introduced a new checkout called a Kletskassa, which translates to chat checkout.

This is a lane for those who are not in a rush and would like to chat with their cashier.

The idea began when it was revealed that 33 per cent of seniors in the country felt lonely and disconnected from their neighbours and their communities. Realizing that their grocery stores acted as meeting places in the community, Jumbo intentionally created spaces where people could connect.

In addition to the new slow lane, the stores have also installed chat corners where customers can have a cup of coffee and visit.

The project has been so popular with the older age

group that the slow lane is now open to anyone who would like a short visit as they go about their day.

I believe that we need some slow lanes in our lives. When asked, “How are you?” most people reply, “I am fine”, but people are not always fine. They are worn out. They are lonely. They are struggling to find meaning in their life. They are desperately trying to feel good about who they are and what they are doing.

In short, everyone you know could use a kind word, a little encourage-

• Must be able to work well with other employees and customers.

• Good housekeeping is very important. We keep our equipment in good clean working condition.

DUTIES:

• Operating equipment

• Service and maintenance

Wage negotiable. Drug use strictly prohibited.

Send resume with references

Email: consve@sasktel.net

Cell: 306-421-0203

ment or, at least, someone to simply notice them.

The good news is that it does not take any special skill to solve this problem. All it takes is a little time and effort. Write a note and tell someone what you appreciate about them. Call a friend just to chat. Offer sincere compliments to your co-workers.

The issue is not that we

do not care or think nice things about others. The issue is that we do not slow down long enough to express those good thoughts and feelings.

Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, can we make some room for each other in our lives? Can we enjoy just being here instead of always thinking about the next thing? Can we tell people how much they mean to us?

That little investment of time would make a huge difference.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

of the year to nine permits worth $719,142.

Four of the permits last month, and seven of the permits so far this year, have been listed as commercial. The other two have been miscellaneous.

•••

Council gave second and third readings to a number of taxation-related bylaws.

One was the property tax bylaw. The municipal portion of property tax will not increase this year.

The library levy will generate $403,000 for the South East Region Library and local library operations. It amounts to $35.74 per capita.

Coun. Shelly Veroba noted the city’s commitment is $387,850, and there is also some money to fund the local library’s programs.

formation about any of these crimes or any crimes in the Estevan area, they can call EPS at 306-634-4767 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The EPS also made a couple of arrests from May 8-10.

A man was apprehended for being unlawfully in a dwelling. Police were called to the city’s south end to a report of an uninvited person who had walked into a residence. He was arrested at that location.

Later in the day, police received a call about a vehicle being driven recklessly and damaging the front lawn of the Estevan Comprehensive School. Police have obtained video of the incident and are still investigating.

A Business Improvement District (BID) levy, which was introduced a few years ago, will be charged to each property, and will generate a total of $27,500 for BID.

Finally, the health levy will be assessed to generate approximately $102,000 for regional health care, with money going to physician recruitment.

In the inquiries portion of the meeting, Veroba noted a woman approached her about bicycle racks and whether the city has any that can be put in the community. While there are bike racks in the city, Veroba would like to see more in Estevan, as cycling is a popular activity. The resident who approached Veroba was concerned with locking her bicycle.

Members are also investigating a report of mischief to a garage door in the 900-block of King Street. Damage was estimated at $1,300. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the EPS or Crime Stoppers. Police responded to a young man who had fallen off his bike in the 700-block of Fourth Street. EMS did attend to make sure that the child was okay physically before he was picked up by a family member. With the Bike Safety Week from on May 14-20, the EPS wants to remind everyone to wear a proper helmet when riding their bicycles. Police also arrested an Estevan man on May 10 for breaching conditions of his release order.

Svein

Bryeide Construction

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

We would like to thank our Estevan Police Service and we appreciate the work that they do everyday

– 2023 WATERMAIN 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