Estevan Mercury 20230524

Stepping stones, birdhouses and more!

Lara’s Got Talent. Southeast Sask. woman thrives in acting, music.

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Premier Moe discussed the future of power production during visit to Estevan

Change in command. Story and photos from the WylieMitchell Air Cadets Ceremonial Review can be found on PAGE A3

Thankful for EMS.

Paying tribute to dedicated and skilled workers during National EMS Week.

PAGES A8-9

By David Willberg

Saskatchewan Premier

Scott Moe’s long-awaited return to Estevan saw him meet Friday with local officials about potential powergenerating options in the Estevan area and elsewhere.

Border Challenge. Two nights of racing at the Estevan Motor Speedway attracts Canada and U.S. drivers.

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Moe answered questions from City and RM of Estevan officials, union leaders, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce and more at city hall. Joining Moe were Don Morgan, the minister responsible for SaskPower, and Estevan MLA Lori Carr.

The visit came three days after a press conference in Regina, when the premier revealed Saskatchewan’s electrical generation plans for 2035 and beyond.

Moe also spent nearly 30 minutes taking questions from the media.

The premier reiterated his statements from earlier in the week that the coming Clean Electricity Regulations would cause at least “a doubling, and quite likely a tripling or even a quadrupling” of power rates. A made-inSaskatchewan plan is needed, and Moe said it is still in its infancy.

Serving families. New child-care facility coming to Midale and will make a big difference.

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“We have some decisions to make and some discussions to have with various levels of government, but not the least is the people of Estevan that have provided power to this province for decades in the past and I would say we want

to have that discussion about how we’re going to provide power for decades in the future,” said Moe.

He did not make any further announcements or commitments while in Estevan.

The Clean Fuel Regulations and the phase-out of coal in 2030 provide challenges, he said, because they would shutter 65 per cent of Saskatchewan’s generation capacity and 70-80 per cent of output in the province. He said the Clean Fuels Regulations could result in natural gas coming to an end in 2035.

“We’re putting in place a Saskatchewan plan that, yes, is going to reduce emissions and it’s going to ensure that our power rates are affordable ... and our power supply is reliable,” said Moe.

Industries that are making investments in the province need to be able to continue to operate and employ people.

“If that means that we run afoul of those two regulations in order to achieve that affordable, reliable electricity supply here in Saskatchewan, if that means we may have to utilize coal out past the 2030 deadline – the imposed deadline the federal government has put in place – that may be the case,” said Moe.

The province has coalfired generating stations that will have useful years beyond the 2030 deadline, including the Shand Power Station, and a decision has to be made

on how to utilize those assets, run them to the end of their life and insure affordable, reliable power for Saskatchewan. The premier believes Saskatchewan should have the right to decide the future of coal-fired generating stations, and whether the Shand Power Station, which was scheduled to come offline in 2042, could be converted to natural gas.

Moe admitted it had been “far too long” since he was last in Estevan, and said it was because there had been “shifting sands” on regulatory changes and the introduction and increases to carbon taxes. His last appearance that included media availability came in February 2020, during a ceremony to mark $8 million for the City of Estevan through a coal transition fund.

“Every time SaskPower has been able to try to set directions, the sand once again shifts under their feet and we have to go back to the drawing board,” Moe said.

Moe also cited a recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that mentioned multiple examples of existing and planned power-generating projects that should use carbon capture and sequestration to achieve carbon emission reductions.

The EPA specifically cited CCS technology at Bound-

ary Dam, which captured more than 857,000 tonnes of CO2 in a 12-month span from April 2022 to March 2023.

As for small modular reactors, the province needs to have a forward-looking conversation about incorporating the technology. Estevan has been identified as a “very likely” area of the province for one of those reactors. Late last year, the provincial government cited the Estevan and the Lake Diefenbaker areas as potential sites for SMRs.

“We have a significant amount of transmission capacity to come out of the Estevan area,” said Moe. “We’re building some transmission capacity for import or export just south of Estevan into the U.S. power grid.”

The province has asked the federal government to fund 75 per cent of the first SMR built in Saskatchewan.

“That’s a great investment in jobs, for Canadian jobs, in jobs across this province.”

Small modular reactors weren’t part of the conversation when it came to the future of power production a few years ago, but they are now, Moe said. And they’re even talking about micro-reactors that would be five and 10 megawatts.

A final decision has not been made on the future of Unit 6 at the Boundary Dam Power Station, which

is scheduled to come offline in 2029. Unit 4 has been run intermittently since February 2022, and is expected to be permanently shuttered next spring, while Unit 5 is expected to be moved to standby service at the end of next year.

People who attended Friday’s session voiced concern with uncertainty, Moe said, and they can’t provide certainty.

“The shifting sands have made it incredibly difficult for any power corporation across the nation of Canada to do any significant planning about what will the next 10-20 years be about,” said Moe

Estevan MLA Lori Carr added there is 1,200 megawatts of capacity within the Estevan area that will be used into the future, but decisions have to be made on the supply source.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said he thought the conversation went well on Friday, and it shows Estevan’s importance on the file.

“We have been a large part of … producing power for this province for over 50 years, and we’re optimistic with collaboration with the province that we will be a large part of the power production for the next 60 years,” said Ludwig, who spent more than 40 years working at the local coal mines.

Estevan MLA Lori Carr, left, and Mayor Roy Ludwig, right, listen while Premier Scott Moe spoke in Estevan on Friday.

Estevan native Lara Taillon is progressing in Canadian film and music industries

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Originally from Estevan, Canadian actress, singer, dancer, writer and producer Lara Taillon has been finding venues for all her talents to bloom, bringing her success and satisfaction from what she does.

Taillon’s electrifying performance recently earned her top honours at The Roxy’s Band Wars in Saskatoon. The finals took place earlier in the spring. In an interview with the Mercury, Taillon shared that the experience was great from the beginning to the end.

“I saw this ad for The Roxy’s Band Wars in Saskatoon, and that took over my whole life. In an instant,” Taillon shared, adding she really wanted to perform and compete in Saskatchewan. “That’s where I’m from. That’s where my soul is.”

Earning her way to the third and final round of competition, Taillon’s original tunes and high-energy stage performance beat out the other seven finalists, netting her a three-song professional demo, a $1,000 cash prize, and the headline spot at The Roxy’s Nickelback concert afterparty on June 22.

It was an honour to be chosen by judges she admires: Ralph James with the APA Agency, Jason Furman of the Paquin Artists Agency, and The Roxy’s owner Darren Minisofer.

The audience at the Roxy was also very supportive, creating what she views as an unforgettable experience.

Taking the stage with Taillon were Graham Tilsley on bass, Kyle Krysa on drums and Jeremy Brigham on guitar.

“Our set for the finals was four original songs; in total, we performed five in the opening rounds, some I penned a long time ago, and some newer pieces,

and I was excited to debut them all at the Band Wars competition,” Taillon said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to share original works and see the crowd respond with such heart and enthusiasm.”

She also confessed she was first “terrified” to perform in front of such strong judges, as, even though she’s been performing as a singer in recent years, she wasn’t doing her original songs.

“I don’t share them really, because they haven’t been released yet. My family has heard them and a few of my friends, and the response is so positive. But it was it’s different to stand on stage and deliver something from your inside that no one’s heard before. It’s so personal,” Taillon shared. She said the songs she performed were all very different, born at random times, and each came with a story.

“When I was living in Los Angeles, I went through a particularly rough patch, things were bleak. And L.A. is the kind of city that will kick your […] when you’re not looking out, even when you are looking. I could be at a premiere at Mann’s Chinese Theatre [also known as Grauman’s or TCL Chinese Theatre] for a movie I was in, and the same day getting evicted,” said Taillon.

“And that was L.A. It was emotional, and I remember it being particularly bad, just a rough time. I needed somebody to talk to, and people are busy unless you’re beneficial. It’s a strange place to live,” Taillon shared, recounting the beginning of an original song.

“I ended up writing a song called Tonight. The first song I’ve written in years and years … And then a melody came into my head. I can still feel being on the floor, because it was just a particularly

rough time. I started writing this chorus … and after a while, I got the piano, and I wrote it and recorded it as a voice note on my phone.”

She had many people including music producers saying that this pop-rock song was indeed worth recording, which she eventually did. It happened in 2017 and “it lit a fire”, Taillon said, opening the way to more unique songs to be born, including the country song Two Drinks Away and a metal power ballad In Your Eyes.

“My guitar player Jeremy Brigham had written this big guitar opus, it’s a nineminute guitar solo that had some real movement to it. I liked the first bit of it and he just said, if you want to write the lyrics to it, go ahead. I did, and it turned out to be the heavy metal power ballad,” Taillon said.

None of the songs has been released yet but having those songs ready allowed Taillon to join the Band Wars. Even though at the beginning of the competition she only had three original songs, and she needed five for the finals, she was able to create two more and eventually win the battle.

“It was really emotional,” Taillon said.

The Roxy held three rounds of competition open to 80 bands over the course of March and April, and whittled that down to a final offering of eight bands in the final.

Taillon danced all her life, starting as a student at the Drewitz School of Dance and then teaching and choreographing there for many years alongside Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway. And the first show of her performing career happened in Estevan and was earned thanks to her talents, and above all her dance proficiency.

“It was singing, dancing and acting. I got the role because I was a dancer,” Taillon recalled. “It was in Souris Valley Theatre, it was called Prairie Lilies by Ron Ror.” The role included a singing part, which she’d never done before, even though she’d played the piano and was part of a band. Even though she enjoyed performing in the musical, she wasn’t confident in her voice until more recent years.

For a long time, Taillon was focused on the film industry. She has shot from Vancouver to Los Angeles in features like Neil Johnson’s Starship: Rising and its sequel, as well as television shows like Corner Gas and Model Citizen with Angie Everhart. Taillon’s toured Canada in many stage plays, musicals and bands, as well as teaching voice, piano, dance and drama through most of the Prairies.

She’s been split between Los Angeles and Calgary for a while and then moved back to Calgary a few years ago due to personal reasons. While in Calgary, she started working in a pub in addition to teaching music, and then she started writing and recording more and brought together her own cover band called SorryNotSorry.

“We started getting some notice right away,” Taillon said. “I have some really good players in the band, and together we play really well, so that’s given me some confidence, for sure.”

Taillon said that while over the past years, she’s been working more on developing her voice as a singer and has seen success in that industry, she is still busy acting and teaching music full time. She appeared as Of-

ficer Kerr in the horror movie Ditched, released in 2021, recently had a role in Heartland and parts in other movies and projects, and keeps auditioning every week right from Calgary.

“Since COVID things have really changed. Even when I’m auditioning for a film or television series that shoots in Calgary and it’s auditioning in Calgary, I don’t go into the room to audition anymore. It’s all virtual, so I record myself and send it to the casting director,” Taillon explained.

She still has all her family and many friends in Estevan. She appreciates the hometown love and also everything the Energy City and the Prairies taught and gave her.

“You can tell a Prairie kid anywhere, anywhere in the world, ... because there’s just something really authentic about them. And Saskatchewan in particular,” Taillon said.

“A small city [makes you] more well-rounded. I mean, in the summer, everyone plays baseball, in the wintertime, everyone plays hockey or dances, or they’re in gymnastics, or in school, everybody’s on a team of some sort because you have to make teams. Everyone

has played basketball, or volleyball, or badminton, or they’ve been in a school band, because, first of all, you have to and secondly, because it’s the thing to do. So, I think it makes you so much of a more wellrounded person because you have to do all these things, you can’t just slide into a niche and grow there.

“And then there is authenticity … In LA, the fakeness of people and the plastic is [unbelievable], but even in Calgary there’s some hustle and there’s people trying to be something that they may or may not be. That doesn’t fly in Saskatchewan, that doesn’t fly in Estevan. Everyone’s known you since the time you were born, so what I mean, is, there’s an authenticity that is required of you, that you grow up with.”

She also said she’s received a lot of support from Estevan’s family and friends throughout the Band Wars and noted that to do what she does takes a lot of good people like her Calgary agent, band members and others, to whom she is grateful.

Taillon also invited Estevan to come watch her perform in Saskatoon at the Nickelback afterparty.

The first shot of the movie Ditched, in which Lara Taillon appeared as Officer Kerr. She is pictured here with director Chris Donaldson

Taking the stage with Lara Taillon at The Roxy’s Band Wars were Graham Tilsley on bass, Kyle Krysa on drums and Jeremy Brigham on guitar. Photos courtesy of Lara Taillon

Lara Taillon, who was born and raised in Estevan and now resides in Calgary, has recently won The Roxy’s Band Wars and will be the headliner at The Roxy’s Nickelback concert afterparty on June 22.

Estevan air cadets host ceremonial review and awards parade; have new commanding officer

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Estevan’s air cadets wrapped another year of training, education, discipline, camaraderie and fun by hosting their 82nd annual ceremonial review and awards parade at the WylieMitchell Hall last Tuesday.

Officer commanding for the Central Prairie Region, Lieutenant-Commander Alan Cann, reviewed the No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron on May 16 and was satisfied with the performance. Flight Sgt. Kelaiah Cinnamon was the parade commander.

The evening also saw the change of command ceremony. After 13 years, commanding officer Danielle Fleury decided to step down and will be taking on the training officer job.

Connie Hagel, who used to be the training officer, was pronounced as the new commanding officer.

The change of command ceremony dates back to the 18th century, the times of Frederick the Great of Prussia, and represents a handover of authorities and responsibilities within a unit or command. The parties observed the transfer of responsibility through the passing of the squadron

banner and also partook in the signing ceremony.

No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Squadron parents committee chair Christina Farquhar, who was the MC for the evening, explained the history and symbolism behind each part of the change of command ceremony.

Three air cadets presented the speeches that they usually would prepare for the zone competition, which they were unable to compete in this year. Flight Sgt. Moksh Rabari spoke about electric vehicles, Flight Sgt. Kelaiah Cinnamon spoke about drones and Flight Cpl. Joelle Cinnamon touched on spaceships.

Outgoing commanding officer Fleury then addressed guests and cadets and spoke about the past year.

“We have had a lot of changes in the past year. This year was the first year since COVID that some of our cadets were able to experience the full extent of what the cadet program is all about. Our senior cadets saw a quick lesson on how to be a leader and were asked to just fly with it. They took the challenge that we threw at them, and the outcome has been a success,” Fleury said. She spoke about many

activities and events cadets had a chance to experience throughout the year and the successes they had. She pointed out that the cadets were also honoured to carry the flags for Tankard and Scotties provincial curling tournaments in Estevan this year.

“The cadets thought it was really neat to see themselves on the big screen and be a part of such big community events,” Fleury shared.

She also looked back at her years as a commanding officer with the WylieMitchell squadron.

“Through my time as commanding officer, I’ve learned so many new skills and have met so many amazing cadets. Some of these cadets have become pilots for air ambulances, aircraft maintenance specialists, mechanics, engineers, moms, dads, managers of companies and so many great things. It’s very rewarding to know that I had a part in helping them

develop their leadership and speaking skills,” said Fleury.

“Thank you to all the cadets, the parents, squadron sponsor, committee members, and of course, all the staff that I’ve been able to work so closely with these past years.”

Fleury was recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for her volunteer work in the community last November.

New commanding officer Hagel also addressed the crowd. She thanked Fleury for her work and outlined many great things she’s done for the local organization and its members.

“You’re an inspiration to me. You’re the commanding officer that I want to be,” Hagel said.

Reviewing officer Cann, in his address, noted that it was his first review of the local squadron since he assumed the role of officer commanding for Central Prairie Region. He praised the Wylie-Mitchell Hall and said that “it’s a tremendous asset to the community … and squadron”.

He complimented Fleury’s work, noting that she had one of the longest terms in the province, and welcomed Hagel into the role. He also encouraged the cadets to stay active in the program and help shape it going into the future, as it has a lot to give to young people.

“I have seen a lot of cadet corps and squadrons. The last three years have been tremendously difficult on the cadet program. And I looked at you tonight, I looked at your parade, how well you turned out, how sharp your uniforms are, and how meticulous you’ve taken the job, the task of being a cadet and producing a great parade. And I want to congratulate you on it, you are among the top 10 in this province from all parades that I’ve seen,” Cann said.

Last but not least was the awards ceremony. Flight Sgt. Rabari received the Top Overall Cadet and Drill and Deportment Awards, as well as the Lord Strathcona Medal. Flight Cpl. Kelaiah Cinnamon was recognized as Top Cadet

Overall, Top Female Shot and Best Dressed Overall. Top Third Year Cadet and Best Dressed in Ranks Awards went to Flight Cpl. Joelle Cinnamon.

Other award recipients were, Top First Year Cadets – Leading Air Cadets (LAC) Lucas Schott and Joshua Kienlen; Top Second Year Male Cadet – Cpl. Kashton Farnsworth; Top Male Shot - Flight Cpl. Allan Wagner; Most Improved Cadet - Flight Corporal Isabelle McQuoid; Top Second Year Female Cadet – Cpl. Jenna Fleury; and The Esprit de Corps Award - Flight Corporal Paxton Beam.

Cadets who have advanced to the next level of training by meeting all the criteria were also recognized during the night.

Flight Sgts. Cinnamon, Leigh, Rabari and Zinchuk moved from Level 5 into level 6. Flight Cpl. Beaulieu and Sgt. Byelykh moved from level 4 into level 5. Flight Cpls. Beam, Cinna-

mon and Wagner, and Cpl. McQuoid moved from level 3 into level 4. Cpls. Farnsworth, Fleury, Koziuchenko, Plishka-Isley, Salmasan and Vollbrecht, and LAC E. McQuoid moved from level 2 into level 3. LACs Abtosway, Barbour, Burlassa, Kienlen, Patel, Pick, Schott, Howard, Larrivee, and ACs Thompson, J. McCaskill and McCaskill moved from level 1 into level 2.

Cadets also received attendance awards. Level 1 attendance awards recipients were LACs Abtosway, Barbour, Burlassa, Kienlen, Patel, Pick, Schott, Howard, Larrivee and Thompson. Level 2 attendance recipients were Cpls. Farnsworth, Fleury, PlishkaIsley, Salmasan and Vollbrecht. Level 3 attendance recipients were Flight Cpls. Cinnamon and Beam and LAC McQuoid. Level 4 attendance recipient was Sgt. Byelykh. Level 5 attendance awards qualified recipients were Flight Sgts. Cinnamon, Leigh and Rabari.

The 2023 award recipients were, back row, from left, Top First-Year Cadets – LAC Lucas Schott and LAC Joshua Kienlen; Top Second Year Male Cadet Cpl. Kashton Farnsworth; Top Male Shot – Flight Cpl. Allan Wagner; Most Improved Cadet - Flight Cpl. Isabelle McQuoid; and outgoing commanding officer Danielle Fleury

Front row, Top Female Shot, Best Dressed Overall and Top Cadet Overall – Flight Cpl. Kelaiah Cinnamon; The Drill and Deportment, Top Overall Cadet and the Lord Strathcona Medal recipient – Flight Sgt. Moskh Rabari; Top Second-Year Female Cadet – Cpl. Jenna Fleury; Top Third Year Cadet and Best dressed in Ranks – Flight Cpl. Joelle Cinnamon; and The Esprit de Corps Award – Flight Cpl. Paxton Beam. Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

From left, incoming commanding officer Connie Hagel; officer commanding, Central Prairie Region, Lieutenant-Commander Alan Cann; and outgoing commanding officer Danielle Fleury signed documents as a part of the change of command ceremony.

cer commanding, Central Prairie Region, Lieutenant-Commander Alan Cann reviewed the No. 30

Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

Outgoing commanding officer Danielle Fleury presented awards to Flight Sgt. Moksh Rabari, who was recognized as a top cadet overall along with Flight Sgt. Kelaiah Cinnamon, and also received the Drill and Deportment Award and the Lord Strathcona Medal.

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Volume 117

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EDITORIAL

Premier painting grim picture when it comes to power in Saskatchewan

Those who were hoping for some kind of history-making announcement by Premier Scott Moe when he was in Estevan on Friday were likely disappointed.

The premier finally made the trek down here. It’s believed to be the first time he has been here for a public gathering since late February 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions taking hold.

And while we know he has a hectic schedule and a million things to worry about, his appearance was long overdue. (He has made other appearances in the region in the past year. Not sure why smaller communities in the southeast have had public appearances by the premier ahead of Estevan).

Anyways, some might have hoped for something big considering his 38-month absence. But what we largely received was a rehash of Moe’s statements from earlier in the week at a press conference in Regina.

The predictions from that presser in Regina were rather bleak. Thanks to the incoming Clean Fuels Regulations, much of Saskatchewan’s power sources could be shut down by 2035. We know that the feds say no to conventional coal-fired power starting in 2030. But now the province is sounding the alarm about natural gas being out of the equation in 2035.

To bring the power grid up to snuff, Moe says the provincial government could be looking at our power bills doubling or even tripling.

Of course, the feds want us to turn more towards renewables, such as solar and wind power, which don’t work as a baseload power options, and often don’t work as a secondary choice. The federal government likes hydroelectricity as a baseload choice, but it’s not a realistic option in many jurisdictions, including Saskatchewan. (But it works well in provinces where the Liberals have a strong support base).

Small modular reactors? Well, the potential is there, but the process to get such a facility is lengthy, and SaskPower says we’re looking at 2034, at the earliest, before one of these is constructed.

Importing power? You’ll have to turn to an area that is close by and that has power to spare. And frankly, bringing in electricity from another area just feels like failure.

Is the feds’ mandate to have a net-zero power grid by 2035 unrealistic? Absolutely. It might be possible in some areas, but not all.

The premier can talk about a made-inSaskatchewan model to reach the net-zero target by 2050, but we know that the feds will block it, just as they have stood in the

way of other efforts by the province to flex its autonomy.

And of course, we’re thrust in the middle of it here because coal – that affordable, consistent, job-creating baseload power source that can now be transformed into a clean source thanks to the advent of carbon capture, utilization and storage – is on the government’s no-go list.

The uncertainty is weighing hard on people here. The premier heard that message repeatedly on Friday. These people represent unions that have worked hard to power the province for years. They deserve stability, not a murky future. Our community deserves better than question marks.

As for the premier, he needs to be here more often. At least a couple of times a year. It doesn’t have to be because of the future of coal-fired power or to promote carbon capture, utilization and storage technology, although those will invariably be discussed.

But there are a lot of things happening down here that the premier could visit and promote. Or he could just make a big appearance at a Sask. Party fundraising dinner and meet with constituents and supporters.

Hopefully, the next time he’s here, he’ll bring something more in the way of an announcement, and it will be for more felicitous reasons.

That’s how you tell a real civil society

It’s hard to believe today, but since the collapse of the USSR, independent Russia has officially been proclaimed a democracy and remains such on the paper up to this day.

There are many formal attributes of democracy, but I’ve always thought that one of the signs that democracy is indeed settled and working is an alive and active civil society. Russia had its civil society sprouting at the end of the 1990s and into the 2000s, but it wasn’t even 2010 when its branches and then roots started to be gradually cut. And well before the country arrived where it is now, its civil society was sapped out of any strength and majorly silenced.

But it’s not the Russian regime and how things shouldn’t be done that I want to talk about today. I rather want to touch on a great example of the opposite.

Not that long ago I had a chance to have a closer look into the life of our small neighbour – Midale, a town with a declining population of just over 500 people (according to the 2021 census, as opposed to over 600 in 2016). Midale, with over 100 years of history, was home to well-known country singer Brad Johner, Paralympic cyclist and 2022 double-bronze medalist Keely Shaw and NHL player Walt Ledingham, and many other great people.

Midale needs no introduction here, we all know where it is and what it looks like.

This once-blooming rural Saskatchewan community had all it takes for comfortable living for its residents but has recently been on a decline.

Their gas station and grocery store closed their doors, and some other places have been quieter or closed in the past 10

Ana Bykhovskaia

Twenty Lines

About…

years. They still have a number of great recreational venues, such as hockey and curling rinks at the Harry O. Memorial Arena, a museum, a library and an outdoor pool. It has local businesses serving the needs of the community and the area, a couple of places to eat and a few other establishments that are convenient to have close to home. But it’s been on the decline, which wasn’t something the community liked seeing.

So what happened?

Some residents got together, put their heads into fifth gear and started brainstorming what they could do to prevent Midale from turning into another dyingout community. They found some ways to fill in existing gaps. They are working on making the community more attractive.

They are bringing in more fun events and are upgrading the existing ones to breathe life into Midale. They brought in farmers’ markets to make it more convenient for residents. They are working on opening a licensed daycare, which will fall under the $10-a-day program and will benefit many people in the area. They are finding ways to convince entrepreneurs that it is the place to do business. They are steadily looking for ways to make it fun to be in Midale. They have many regular programs and activities for locals, be it at the library, the arena or the pool.

And they also are trying to create synergy by co-ordinating the different offerings across town to make Midale not just a pass-through community on the way to Regina, but a nice place to visit or choose to live in, as even if it doesn’t have all one needs right now, the community is working on filling all the voids. That mindset turns the community into a feel-good place, making it more attractive as well.

And that’s what I mean by strong civil society, the people on the ground who know they have enough power to bring in changes they need and work towards it.

Farmers and teachers, local entrepreneurs, administrators and everyone else with either ideas or just a strong will of not letting their community go, believe that they can affect the situation by applying the energy and resources they have from the bottom to start the change, rather than waiting for the top government in Ottawa or even Regina to notice their problems and help.

And one of the essential parts of a strong civil society is the freedom to believe that people can affect things and to try to bring in changes in a way they think is right.

I feel there are many communities like that in the area, where instead of waiting for something, people do what they can to keep their hometowns thriving. Estevan is among them as well. And all I said above might just be a common point for those of you who grew up in rural Saskatchewan, surrounded by many great volunteers, activists and pioneers in their areas. But as a newcomer, I can tell you the civil society and the people here are extraordinary and worth celebrating day in and day out.

WestJet strikes again

David Willberg Willberg’s World

Once upon a time, not long ago, there was this really cool, well-run regional carrier named WestJet.

I used to love flying WestJet. Granted, a member of our extended family worked for WestJet in its infancy, and he knew a thing or two about aviation. So that meant WestJet’s status went up a notch or two in my eyes right off the bat.

But WestJet was still enjoyable. The flight attendants did their best to make it a positive experience. They were funny, engaging and they seemingly wanted to have you on their flight. It was a no-frills airline – you didn’t get a meal, for example – but the company didn’t cheap out on flights, either. For me, it’s what a domestic flying experience should be.

It even showed in their marketing. Remember those great April Fool’s Day videos? I’m still waiting for 2012’s Kargo Kids to materialize.

If you were to ask regular passengers of both WestJet and Air Canada in 2006 which they preferred, WestJet would have won in a landslide. Oh sure, you had to take a flight to Calgary to get from Regina to Toronto, but the overall superior experience was WestJet.

Which is why it’s sad to see what WestJet has become.

I understand that WestJet is a business, and its mantra is to make money. But you can make money, run a good business and create a fun environment. WestJet proved that in its first 20 years.

The latest source of WestJet stress is courtesy of a potential airline pilots work stoppage that was narrowly averted. Kudos to the company and the pilots on an 11thhour, tentative agreement. But the company started cancelling flights Thursday, leaving passengers stranded even though the strike/lockout had yet to begin.

This happened at the start of the peak travel season, creating lots of uncertainty for those who booked flights months ago, before the labour strife was even publicly discussed.

I did not have a flight cancelled. My summer trip to B.C. is slated for early July. I was still nervous there might be a strike or a lockout, and it would drag on for six weeks, scuttling my long-awaited trip to Vancouver Island and west-central B.C.

I can’t imagine the stress that WestJet caused for its passengers travelling during the Victoria Day long weekend. (I might be on WestJet’s no-fly list if they see this column).

People will point to the pandemic as the time in which things changed at WestJet, but it was long before then. I’ll argue it started with the introduction of WestJet Encore. Those cushy, comfortable short flights with in-flight television were replaced with smaller planes, harder seats and a reduced passenger experience.

I’ve also seen WestJet introduce a checked baggage fee (before Air Canada), I’ve seen them oversell flights (which never would have happened 15 years ago) and just stop being fun.

Then you had the travel nightmare of last Christmas. I don’t fault WestJet for what happened, or for not adding extra flights at Christmas. But the communication with those affected was terrible, and the inability to cancel a flight after alternative travel arrangements were found was impossible. Again, something that wouldn’t have happened 15 years ago.

When I go back to B.C. this summer, I’ll still fly WestJet, but that’s because it’s really the only option from Regina to Abbotsford. Air Canada doesn’t fly into Abbotsford. And my parents live less than 15 minutes from the Abbotsford Airport, so it would be pretty poor to expect them to drive further to the (much busier) Vancouver International Airport to pick me up and drop me off

Last summer, when I went to Atlantic Canada, I chose Air Canada over WestJet for the first time. And while I had some infuriating moments, I heard horror stories about the WestJet experience at Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport.

WestJet needs to rediscover the magic that made it work initially. It has to stop being Air Canada Lite. WestJet is never going to beat Air Canada as this country’s most-travelled airline. But it can regain its spot as the airline that you love to fly, because they take strides to make it a great experience.

Hospital foundation preparing for important fundraiser

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is counting down the days to one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.

The Radiothon for Life will take place on June 7 near the entrance to the hospital’s long-term care area. The event will run from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and will air on Golden West Broadcasting’s three radio stations in Estevan: CJ 1150, Sun 102.3 and Rock 106.

Executive director Lori Gervais said they are working on making the event a little bigger and better, with bouncy castles in the park for the kids. The fundraiser used to start at 6 a.m. and run for 12 hours, but since the event will run an hour later than normal, there will be barbecue lunch and suppers this year, as opposed to just a lunch.

“There are people who like to come in person, and

we’ve heard in the past that getting there after work by 6 is sometimes harder for people to do, so this way it will give people a little more opportunity to get there before 7,” said Gervais.

Other people in the past have thought the barbecue was an all-day event, and now it will be.

The foundation received a donation of $10,000 from Whitecap Resources to kick off the fundraising. Gervais has also sent a letter to past donors, and they have lots of people who like to send in their contributions in the mail, which has given them a good start to fundraising.

Some of the schools do some fundraising as well. Gervais said they never know ahead of time what they’re interested in or doing. The foundation looks forward to the schools showing up the day of the

radiothon to make a presentation while on air.

“They can be pretty creative with the things that they do,” said Gervais. Proceeds from the radiothon will go to the emergency room, which Gervais said is in need of upgrades.

“They do have a list of equipment that needs to be updated, and technology these days keeps things needing to be updated and upgraded.”

They don’t have a goal for this year, but the donation from Whitecap Resources gave them a good head start. She noted the totals have wavered over the years.

The event raised $110,175 last year.

This year’s event marks the second straight year the radiothon has been held in the parking lot outside of long-term care. It was at

the hospital for a number of years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they couldn’t have people in the hospital due to restrictions, so the fundraiser was set up outside the radio stations’ building in 2020 and 2021.

“One thing we missed being over there [at the hospital] was the staff involvement of the hospital, so last year we tried a new location and that’s the parking lot of the hospital, not the main parking lot, but along the side of the park by the long-term care entrance,” Gervais said. She looks forward to seeing everyone at the fundraiser.

The radiothon would move into the hospital if the weather doesn’t co-operate. Supporters can donate by dropping by the hospital, calling the pledge line or visiting www.radiothonforlife.com.

The Radiothon for Life will return on June 7. File photo

Avenue. Many people

Council approves policy for proclamations, flags

A new policy for the City of Estevan is to govern and provide consistent standards for requests for flag raisings and proclamations.

Estevan city council approved the document at a meeting earlier this month.

It states that proclamations might be issued for special events and/or activities to recognize the effort and commitment of organizations within the City of Estevan that enhance the community.

“Proclamations can also be a valuable tool to educate and inform our citizens,” the policy states.

Now all requests for proclamations will be made in writing to the city clerk’s office at least three weeks before the day, week or month to be proclaimed. The city will not incur any expenses related to the advertising or promotion of proclamations, unless the proclamation is initiated by the City of Estevan.

Wording must be provided by the organization making the request. An individual or group must attend the council meeting in person so that council members have the

opportunity to ask questions to the group. This is a departure from the current procedure, as often a provincial or national organization has sent a proclamation to city hall for the mayor to read during a council meeting.

Also, some organizations in the community have opted to have a proclamation signed in the mayor’s office rather than in the council chambers.

For flags, organizations must provide and deliver it once it is approved to fly at city hall.

The policy also states that the flag raising or proclamation requests will not be approved if the organization or request involves a commercial enterprise, or if the organization is a political party or if the request is in support of a party.

Flags or organizations that might be considered controversial, contentious or divisive will not be flown.

Also, the application will be denied if the organization’s undertaking, philosophy or request is contrary to city policies or bylaws; is in opposition to the Canadian

Charter of Rights and Freedoms; espouses hatred, violence, racism or is otherwise discriminator; is politically or religiously motivated; is controversial, contentious or divisive within the community; or is untruthful, inflammatory, obscene or libellous.

Coun. Shelly Veroba said this is a great policy because it gives people parameters over what is acceptable and what isn’t.

“I just think it would give a lot more meaning to these proclamations if somebody from the group actually

presented to council and explained, and then you gave your signature,” said Veroba. Coun. Kirsten Walliser noted the policy requires three weeks for processing, giving council time for vetting to ensure it meets the criteria.

“Maybe it’s an organization we’re not familiar with, that wouldn’t in fact meet the political or religious affiliations that we’re trying to avoid,” she said. Other communities in the province have been adopting similar documents.

The Rotary Club of Estevan held its annual highway cleanup on May 16, and received lots of help from area youths. Seventeen Rotarians were joined by 30 members from the Benson, Outram-Madigan and Crossroads 4-H Clubs. They picked up garbage along Highway 47 from the Pro-Wash Shell service station, past the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course to the coal haul road. Following the effort, the group gathered at Rotary Hall inside Woodlawn Regional Park and enjoyed a pizza supper courtesy of EB’s. Photo courtesy of Allison Holzer

EPS recognizes officer’s 20 years of service

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Sgt. Tyler McMillen with the Estevan Police Service was recently recognized for 20 years of exemplary service.

Chief Rich Lowen presented him with an award during the latest meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners on May 17.

“It’s my honour to award Sergeant McMillen with the Governor General’s Award of Exemplary Service in Policing in his 20-year exemplary service,” said Lowen, presenting McMillen with a medal and certificate.

“I’m humbled and honoured to receive this Exemplary Service Medal for my 20 years of service in policing,” McMillen said. “It’s been a privilege to serve the community of Estevan for these past two decades. To all the officers present and

past who’ve served alongside me, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your service and for making our depart-

ment a better place to work.

Your dedication and passion for your duties have not only made a difference to the

people we serve but also to the colleagues in our department as a whole.

“Also, I want to thank my family for unwavering support and encouragement throughout my career. Policing can be a challenging and demanding profession, and your love and support have been a constant source of strength and motivation for me.

“As I reflect on 20 years of service, I’m particularly proud of the positive impact that our department has had on the community. Once again, thank you for this honour. I will continue to serve with integrity, excellence and humility for as long as I’m given the privilege to wear this uniform,” McMillen concluded.

Sgt. McMillen attended a recruit training class at the Saskatchewan Police College from August-De-

Crowd gathered in front of city hall for Premier Moe’s visit

Moe said Saskatchewan needs baseload power, including the capacity available in Estevan.

“There is a place for wind and solar and renewables. Through power purchase agreements, they do have the opportunity to drive the price point down for

Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan industry. But you can’t rely on them. You need to have the baseload power.”

Jurisdictions can’t afford to have one megawatt of renewables for every megawatt of baseload power, or there will be interruptions, Moe said.

A number of people gathered in front of city hall prior to and during the premier’s visit, including Phil Zajac of Estevan, the leader of the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan. Some party supporters were present as well.

Zajac noted that he shook hands with the premier be-

fore the meeting and thanked him for extending the life of coal in Saskatchewan, which Zajac admitted was a somewhat sarcastic remark. Zajac and the Buffalo Party have previously voiced their belief that coalfired power should remain in the electrical mix.

cember 2001. Throughout McMillen’s career with the EPS, he has served in several units and roles, including traffic, K-9, firearms instructor, crisis negotiator, media relations, radar instructor, level 2 traffic collision investigator, breath tech and intermittently as a lector at the Sask. Police College from 2003-2008.

During his tenure, McMillen has also been in the Criminal Investigations Division with major crimes and worked in multiple joint investigations with police agencies across Western Canada. McMillen has completed numerous training courses and has a good rapport with the community and his fel-

low EPS staff members, the chief noted. McMillen has a wife, Mary, and a daughter, April. He’s also very active in sports as a participant and a volunteer. McMillen is a 20-year league player at the Estevan Curling Club, an avid golfer and a dedicated baseball fan. He served on the curling club board of directors for seven years, three years as vice-president. McMillen also coached and co-ordinated the youth curling program for seven years, and over the last four years, McMillen served on the provincial and national curling competition boards. When his schedule allows it, he volunteers as an umpire for Estevan baseball and coaches girls’ softball.

Chief Rich Lowen, right, presented a Governor General’s Award of Exemplary Service in Policing to Sgt. Tyler McMillen

Estevan paramedic on what it’s

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The vital work of emergency medical services professionals can be demanding, especially in rural settings.

National EMS Week, which falls on May 21-27 this year, is a time to thank paramedics, EMTs and the entire EMS workforce for their service and sacrifices. It’s also an opportunity for EMS to continue to raise public awareness about the critical role of EMS in the community.

As part of the celebration of National EMS Week, the Mercury spoke to Estevan advanced care paramedic Mitchell Meyer about his career in EMS, to which he dedicated close to 14 years now.

Medical services weren’t Meyer’s first career choice, he said, but it turned out to be his real calling.

After graduation, he acquired a business admin certificate, but only soon realized that office work wasn’t something he wanted to do. He tried a few different jobs available at the time before a career counsellor pointed him towards paramedicine.

“I was kind of lost looking for something to do, and the counsellor pointed this direction. So, I took a CPR/first aid class, and I was pretty interested in it. And I just felt lit up by taking my initial primary training,” Meyer recalled. “I wasn’t too shocked when they pointed me in that direction. I’ve always been generally a calmer in difficult situations, and I think better in difficult and more stressful situations. With all that, I was happy to try that out.”

Meyer graduated from primary care paramedic school in 2008. At the time, he was residing in the Sedley area. He applied to several places in the province, and Estevan EMS was fast to off er him a job.

“The manager at the time was in Weyburn for the Sun Country Health Region, so I applied to Weyburn, and he said there was an opening in Estevan if I wanted to come and compete for it. I did that and 14 years later, I’m still here,” Meyer said.

He spent several years working in Estevan as a primary care paramedic before he decided to go back to school to get the advanced care level in 2012. This training gave him more tools, which were especially useful in rural settings.

“As a PCP [primary care paramedic], I loved my job. I just wanted to be able to try and do more. So I went back to school and got the opportunity to learn to do more. And I’ve been working as an ACP for 11 years coming up,” Meyer said.

Once he graduated from the course in Regina, he returned to Estevan and has been working with the Estevan EMS ever since.

“I just like the profession that I’m in, I don’t really see myself doing anything else. I’ve branched out and have done a little bit of teaching here and there. But I’ve always come back to being on the ambulance, we’ve got great staff at work,” Meyer said.

He noted that at some point he thought of trying to work in a bigger city, but through his job in Estevan, he discovered many benefits of being involved with rural health care.

“It’s been good [working in Estevan]. When people are earlier on in their careers, they want to usually get into busy centres like Regina and Saskatoon. I was going to do that too, but it just never worked out. And then I met my wife who is a nurse here and she’s from here. And we decided to set up here, we had two kids and are now both working in health care and raising a family here,” Meyer shared.

“There’s a big difference between working in a rural setting and working in an urban setting. In the big cities, you get more patient contact, but there are also more hands to help, there are more trucks around to help you if anything serious came up. And out here, it’s generally only you and your partner when you go out to some of these serious calls, these calls that you really have to think about,” said Meyer.

“And then, not only that, but we also have to

transport after treatment, tal to ally when they’re something deal with, these

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Advanced care paramedic DIAL 911 FOR

When Clay Groenveld started working as an emergency medical technician in 1999, it was essentially his second career choice.

He wanted to be a firefighter, but his eyesight wasn’t good enough when he was young. He had taken his EMT basic course as part of his firefighter application, so he shifted his career path to the EMS. It proved to be a great decision.

Groenveld started working in Balcarres in 1999 and remained until 2010. Then he went to Lestock a year and a half, returned to Balcarres for two years, and then spent a year and a half studying to become an advanced care paramedic (ACP). He moved to Estevan in 2014, and has remained in the Energy City ever since.

“Estevan has been good. Estevan was a good fit for my family as well,” said Groenveld, who is married with three children. “Estevan, being a great city, is what made coming to Estevan with my family an option.” ACPs have lots of training. Groenveld said they know how to administer medication for advanced cardiac life support or for pain control. They also possess advanced skills in which they can open airways in the trachea.

Each year he continues his education and has to meet mandatory criteria. They have certain education opportunities in Regina, or instructors will come to them in Estevan.

He cited the example of advanced airway days in Regina, when providers of all levels teach new techniques,

Where Emergency Care Begins

it’s like to work for rural EMS

transport them for two hours. So, we’re looking some pretty critical patients from initial treatment, and then we take them to the hospito get treated by the partners here, and usuwhen they’re critical, they go to Regina. So, they’re with us for those two hours. And that’s something that the bigger centers don’t have to with, those long transport times with some of critical patients.”

He said he’s learned a lot throughout his career Estevan, especially during his early years. Not do paramedics here work with a wide variof situations, but he also noted that the EsteEMS has many long-term employees, which allows him to learn a lot from experienced colleagues.

“In any first response, things can change in second. And when you’re driving two hours to Regina, those seconds feel like minutes, feel like hours. And things can change dramatically every which way in those two hours. So, it definitely keeps you on your toes, especially with those critipatients. But it’s very good for new staff. You with a sick patient for two hours, you have to a way to deal with what you got going on in of you, instead of a 10-minute call that you the general hospital with. It’s good for your thinking,” Meyer said.

“Another difference between working in the centres and the urban centres is there’s a lot higher turnover in places like Regina,” Meyer said. say I’m in the middle of the pack at 14 years; we’ve got a lot of staff who have more service, we half the people with a couple years less than So, we do have quite a variety of experience staff and we don’t have that turnover the bigger do.”

Join us in celebrating EMS week and our ruEMS professionals by educating yourself and loved ones about safety, actively thanking somewho works in EMS and sharing stories about EMS workers made an impact in your life.

paramedic remains committed to job

“It’s worked out,” said Groenveld. “I do a good job, I enjoy doing the job and I guess you can’t ask for much more than that.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, with constant changes in standards, but EMS remains his calling.

He knows that he is making a positive impact in people’s lives. They call the EMS in their time of need, and he has the skills to help them. Each day is a “feelgood day”.

Estevan also has a very good team. There is a good range of ages, experiences and training. They have approximately 150 years of experience working on the ambulance, including a couple of people with 30 years on the ambulance and another with 25.

Groenveld said it takes a certain type of person to work in EMS, but he said it’s an excellent choice for somebody who doesn’t want to work at a desk or doesn’t want to do the same thing every day.

“Every day on an ambulance is a new day. You’re never going to see the same thing twice,” he said.

EMS employees will definitely see, hear and experience things that will test them as an individual. They are on “the front row” to a lot of people’s worst days. They see lots of emotional and physical trauma, and the job can be mentally draining.

“The ability to cope, finding some way to be resilient in the face of those challenges, is something that some people can do and some people can’t. That being said, you can learn to cope with those kinds of things.”

Estevan EMS member Mitchell Meyer pictured here with his family – wife Chelsea Meyer, who is a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and their kids Jaxton and Landyn Meyer

Photo courtesy of Mitchell Meyer

Advanced care paramedic Clay Groenveld

A10

Drivers entertain fans at speedway doubleheader

By David Willberg

Local fans were treated to two nights of racing action at the Estevan Motor Speedway Friday and Saturday.

The weekend was billed as the Border Challenge, and drivers from Canada and the U.S. were battling for success and points in all five classes at the track. Seventy-nine drivers were entered on Saturday night and 82 competed on Friday.

Saturday night’s program featured clean racing and few cautions. There weren’t any caution periods in the qualifying heats, and the modified and slingshot races were caution-free as well.

Kody Scholpp captured the modifieds race. Thanks to the lack of cautions, he was able to pull away from the field, and while he was slowed by lapped traffic for a few laps, he was able to pull away again.

Travis Hagen passed Steven Pfeifer for second late in the race, and Pfeifer settled for third. Aaron Turnbull came in fourth.

Adam Goff won the stock car feature. He moved into top spot right away and pulled away from the other drivers. A couple of mid-race

cautions brought the field together. And while Goff would be challenged for the lead, he never passed and won handily.

Mike Hagen was second, Kyle Schopp was third and Austin Daae wound up fourth.

Darren Medler won the sport mod feature. He took the lead early on, but his advantage was erased after a caution. When greenflag racing resumed, he was never challenged for the lead.

Robby Rosselli was second, Christopher Zenz finished

third and Brock Beeter came in fourth.

The most convincing win of the night was courtesy of Brogan Wagner in the slingshots. He took the lead on the opening lap and was never challenged, beating Gunner Raynard by more than eight seconds. Even when slowed by lapped traffic, Wagner slipped through quickly.

Jacek Ashworth was third and Kolby Fichter was fourth.

Kyler Satran was the hobby stock feature winner. He passed Brennor Grinstead

shortly after a caution flag midway through the race, and then held off a challenge by Connor Hanson late in the race.

Kayden Hjorteland, who also pressed Satran for the lead for a few laps, came in third, and Grinstead was fourth.

As for Friday night, in the sport mod class, Gabriel Deschamp won the sport mod feature for the second straight program, finishing ahead of Medler. Ryder Raynard was third and Rossell came fourth.

Ashworth won the slingshot feature ahead of Sladen Pfeiefer, Gage Goetz and Hudson Mann. Ashworth started in the 15th spot on the grid, but worked his way up to the front.

Austin Daae of Estevan was the stock car feature winner. Joren Boyce was second, Chris Hortness was third and Hagen was fourth. It was Hagen’s first appearance at the track since August 2019.

Steven Pfeifer captured the modified feature, finishing ahead of Travis Hagen,

Isaiah Geisel and Marcus Tomlinson.

Kruz Wilson won the hobby stock feature, finishing ahead of Grinstead, Satran and Hjorteland.

In the overall standings, Travis Hagen sits first in the modified standings with 117 points, two clear of Pfeifer. Geisel sits third with 106 and Kody Scholpp is fourth at 104.

Goff and Hortness are tied for first in the stock car class with 113 points each, three more than Boyce. Kyle Scholpp is fourth with 107 points.

Rosselli leads the sport mods division with 115 points, eight more than Ryder Raynard’s 107. Leevi Runge and Brian Kentner are tied for third at 105 points.

Satran leads the hobby stock class with 116 points, one more than Grinstead. Hjorteland is third at 105 points and Wilson is fourth at 109.

Sladen Pfeifer leads the slingshots division with 113 points. Ashworth is second at 111, Goetz is third at 109 and Mann is fourth with 107.

The next program at the track will be June 9. It will be the Estevan stop on the Tougher than Dirt Tour.

Local minor ball teams have a busy weekend

Local baseball age-rep.

teams continued their strong starts to the season during the Victoria Day long weekend.

The Southeast U18 AAA Twins competed at a U18 Selects tournament in Swift Current, finishing with a 2-2 record. They opened with a 22-2 win over the Saskatoon Giants, a game that was called after five innings through the mercy rule. The Twins scored at least twice in each inning.

Dylan Frey had four runs and four runs batted in (RBI), while Dax Brown also brought in four.

Aiden Trimble and Draven Naviaux combined to allow just three hits for the Twins.

Their next game was a 9-3 win over the Regina White Sox. The Twins scored three times in the third to break open a close 1-0 game. Sutter Balog had three RBIs and two hits in the game.

Callum Hollinger went 6 1/3 innings and didn’t allow a run until the seventh.

The Twins then lost 13-7 to the Zone 7 Sun Devils out of west-central and northwest Saskatchewan. The Twins had a 4-2 lead after the first inning, but the Sun Devils fought back, and took over with seven in the fourth inning.

Trimble had two RBIs for the Twins.

Their final game of the tournament was a 2-1 loss in extra innings to the East

Central Red Sox on Monday morning.

The Twins forced the extra frame with a run in the seventh, but the Red Sox scored one in the eighth. Spencer Copeland’s hit scored Hollinger in the seventh.

Balog went seven innings, giving up two hits and striking out 13.

•••

The Estevan U18 AA Brewers improved their record to 6-0 with two wins, 11-1 and 15-8, over the Regina Pacers on Saturday.

The Brewers scored five times in each of the third and sixth innings in the first game to invoke the mercy rule. Tallan Howie and Mathias Fornwald each had two hits, two RBIs and two runs for the Brewers.

J. Mayer allowed just two hits in six innings for the Brewers.

The next game saw the Brewers score four in the first and surrender five in the second, but took over with five of their own in the third and four in the sixth. Fornwald had three hits, including a home run, and six RBIs, while Jayden Kuchinka had four hits, two RBIs and scored four times. Sam Bendickson and Tanyan Strudwick shared the pitching duties.

•••

The Southeast U15 AAA A’s lone game in league play last week was a 12-6 win over the Regina Athletics last Tuesday. Tyson Hardy led the offensive attack with three hits including a home

run. He had two runs and three RBIs.

The A’s rallied from an early 4-1 deficit, highlighted by 10 runs in the fifth.

Caden Dorrance earned the win with five innings on the mound.

The Estevan U15 AA Brewers started their season 2-1, beginning with a 9-2 win over the Regina U15 AA Blue Jays on May 18.

Then they split games against the Weyburn Beavers on May 21, losing 11-7 but recovering to win 1311.

The Estevan U13 AA Brewers opened their season with a 17-6 win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 16.

ECS represented at badminton provincials

Three Estevan Comprehensive School athletes were at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s badminton provincials in Unity on May 13.

In boys’ singles, Dongjun Won went 0-3. He started with a 2-0 (21-

7, 21-6) loss to Jon Kozak from Regina’s LeBoldus High School. Then he

dropped a 2-0 (22-20, 2113) decision to Jaa Southgate from the North Battleford Comprehensive High School, and 2-0 (219, 21-9) game to Barry

The Brewers then swept two straight from the Regina Blue Jays, winning 28-13 and 17-6 on Monday to improve their record to 3-0.

•••

The Estevan U11 AA Brewers improved their record to 7-0 with three convincing wins in league play: 26-1 over the White Butte Broncos Blue on Saturday, and 8-0 and 13-1 over the Regina White Sox on Sunday.

The Brewers will host the Regina Blue Jays on June 3 and the White Butte Broncos Black on June 4.

(Note: information on the U15, U13 and U11 Brewers’ games was not available through Game Changer).

Xie from Saskatoon’s St. Joseph High School. Kozak went on to defeat Xie for the provincial title.

In boys’ doubles, the team of Jayden Kuchinka

and Dongkyu Won went

1-2. They opened with a 2-1 loss (19-21, 21-10, 21-

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win (21-13, 15-21, 22-20) over Lloydminster, but then lost 2-0 (21-17, 2119) to Saskatoon’s Walter Murray Collegiate in another tight game. OR

Joren Boyce (67) and Stefan Klym (5) raced for position in the stock car division.

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Preliminary hearing scheduled for Josh LeBlanc’s case

The sex crimes case involving Estevan’s Josh LeBlanc is going to the preliminary hearing stage.

The session will take place in Estevan Provincial Court on Aug. 8. A preliminary hearing is held by the court to decide whether there is enough evidence to send a case to trial. These hearings are only held for indictable offences.

LeBlanc was arrested in May of last year and charged with one count each of luring a person under the age of 18, sexual exploitation and sexual assault. All three charges are under the Criminal Code.

Since LeBlanc was charged, his case has been before Estevan Provincial Court on a number of occasions, and it was adjourned to a later date each time. The preliminary hearing was scheduled after LeBlanc’s latest appearance on May 15.

None of LeBlanc’s charges have been proven in court.

An Estevan man has

OBITUARIES

been charged with a couple of offences after he was arrested on May 16.

Police conducted a traffic stop on a 44-year-old.

The officer noticed signs of impairment and a demand was made for a standard field sobriety test. The man refused to submit to the test.

He was arrested for refusal and transported to the police station, where he was lodged until sober. He will speak to his charges in July. He was also charged for damaging property of the Estevan Police Service.

Members also received a request that day for extra patrols around City of Estevan workers that were completing road and water line repairs.

Officers received a report of uttering threats. A statement was obtained and the matter remains under investigation.

Police were notified of a report of mischief to a vehicle. It was damaged within a few days of the complaint being filed on May 16. Nail polish and a marker were used to dam-

Susan Joan Dukart

Susan Joan Dukart, late of Regina, SK passed away suddenly on May 10, 2023 at the age of 61.

Susan was predeceased by her mother Anne Dukart and her brother-in-law Lionel Peltier. She will be lovingly remembered by her dad Frank Dukart; her sister Diane Peltier; nephew Lowell Peltier; niece Alexis Peltier (Dan Deng); as well as the Seipp Family and other relatives.

Susan loved cats and adored Shih Tzus, especially Kisses and Lolo. She loved to travel, especially to the United States.

HEALTH

Family trips were a highlight in her life. Susan was so smart, hardworking and dedicated. She received her Advanced Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Family was very important to Susan, as was evident in her relationship with her nephew Lowell and niece Alexis. Susan loved Alexis unconditionally from the day she was born. They had a very special bond. Right from the beginning they loved to spend time together colouring, doing puzzles, watching movies, talking on the phone for hours and playing with Alexis’ Shih Tzus.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan, SK.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to the Regina Humane Society (https://reginahumanesociety.ca/) or Estevan Humane Society (https://www.estevanhumanesociety. ca/). Arrangements entrusted to Almassy Metz Funeral & Cremation Services, Regina, SK (306-5454455). Personal messages of condolence may be sent to the family at: www.AlmassyMetzFuneral. com

Angie Bryant October 1, 1975 - March 31, 2023

Angie Bryant, a loving Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend. Passed away unexpectedly on March 31st, 2023, at the age of 47. Born on October 1, 1975, in Arcola, SK. Angie brought light to all who knew her with her bubbly, funny, and caring personality. She was known for her love of laughter, and her ability to brighten up any room she entered. Angie’s love for her children, Devan, Morgan and Casey and her mother, Jodi- knew no boundaries. We will greatly miss her warmth, kindness and the light she brought to all our lives. Through Angie’s wonderful, loving spirit, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

As we remember and celebrate the life of Angie Bryant, let us honor her by recalling the joy she brought to us all and by striving to embody her infectious enthusiasm for love, strength and laughter. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so generously shared with all who knew her.

Let the memory of Angie be with us forever.

Wayne Allan Dinsmore

age the vehicle. The matter remains under investigation.

Officers were dispatched to a parking lot for a report of a male breaking into a vehicle. Police attended and located the male, who was trying to break into his own vehicle. The EPS provided some assistance and were able to locate the motorist’s keys.

Members attended a motor vehicle collision between two semis at a central Estevan business on May 17. Minor damage was reported and police said no injuries occurred.  An attempted rental fraud was reported, but the EPS said no information was given and no money was exchanged. A Facebook scam was reported involving property for sale. Due to the suspicious nature of the advertisement, no information was provided. The public is reminded not to be tempted by frauds such as this when the price seems too good to be true, and to report these incidents to police and Facebook.

Officers were dispatched to a residence in central Estevan for a report of a possible domestic dispute on May 18.

A 54-year-old man from Saskatoon was arrested on outstanding warrants and also apprehended for forcible confinement and assault. Further investigation of another possible assault is ongoing.

Also on Thursday, police received a number of theft from vehicle complaints. The matters are still under investigation.

Police remind the public to secure vehicles and not to leave items in view.

Police received a report of mischief to a vehicle.

The suspect gained access to the vehicle by breaking the driver’s side window.

Nothing was taken as the vehicle was empty due to it being for sale. The matter remains under investigation.

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November 2, 1936 - May 3, 2023

Wayne Dinsmore of Kelowna, BC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his parents, Lila & Fred Dinsmore; parentsin-law, Mary & Walter Hala; brother Dale Dinsmore; brothers-in-law, Edward Hala, Philip Hala, Don Hala and Cal Oxelgren; grandson Tyler Dinsmore; and great-granddaughter Quinn Nameth. Wayne leaves to cherish his memory: his beautiful wife Jane (Jean) Dinsmore; his children, Rick (Colleen) Dinsmore, Brent (Allison) Dinsmore, and Tara (Neil) Magrath; grandchildren, Kristin (Matthew) Nameth, Lisa (Devin) Jones, Chelsey (Brent) Calibaba, Tessa (Travis) Orr, Savannah (Ben) Dinsmore, Erica Dinsmore, Meghan (Gaetano) Magrath, Curtis Magrath, and Sarah (Colton) Huybregts; his great-grandchildren Karson, Conner, Emily, Benjamin, Nathan, Claire, Tenli, Thompson, Taves, and Sophie; siblings Garry (Beverly) Dinsmore and Carol Oxelgren; brother-in-law Lloyd (Gertie) Hala; as well as many other extended family members. Wayne was born and raised in Colgate, SK. Once he graduated from high school, Wayne went to Teacher’s College, then he decided to shift careers. He started his early career in many different jobs including the bank which moved him around to various communities. Wayne decided to join the automobile industry working as a Comptroller at Elmer Service in Weyburn, SK, he then moved the family to Regina, SK where he continued working as a Comptroller with Lakeside Chrysler. In 1975, at the age of 38, Wayne went into partnership with his brother Garry and co-owned and operated a successful Automobile Dealership in Estevan, SK called Dinsmore Dodge. In 1960, Wayne met the love of his life, Jean, and after 8 short months they were engaged to be married. Wayne and Jean were married on May 20, 1961. They were happily married just short of 62 wonderful years. Wayne and Jean lived and raised their family in Estevan, SK. Wayne retired in 1994, at the early age of 57. Wayne went on to spend his winters in Mesa, Arizona with his loving wife. Wayne had many hobbies, he was an avid Camper, a member of the Elk’s Club, a Volunteer Fireman, Fisherman, Golfer, Hunter, and was a Competitive Pool Player. Wayne and Jean moved to Kelowna, BC in 2011. In his most recent years, Wayne spent his free time doing puzzles, walking, playing pool multiple times a week, and spending time with family and friends.

Wayne has always loved his social happy hour and meeting new people. Wayne was a humorous, loving, and proud man that cherished each and every one of his family and friends. Wayne’s humour continued right up to the last moments of his life. Wayne will forever be missed and remembered by all those he’s left behind.

A Celebration of Life for Wayne will be held at a later date in Kelowna, BC.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Childhood Cancer Canada, www.childhoodcancer.ca or any Children’s Hospitals in Canada, childrenshospitals.ca/childrens-hospitals.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Members of the EPS were called to a collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Souris Avenue South and Sixth Street on May 19. The EPS says there were no injuries but both vehicles had to be towed from the scene as airbags deployed. A 19-year-old Bienfait woman was arrested for impaired driving. She was lodged in cells and was released on May 20 for court on Aug. 21.

STEM on the Go

Friday was busy at the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre, as STEM on the Go, an interactive program brought by Regional KidsFirst, came to the Energy City. Liam Fleck and Khrystyna Vasylkiv were among the many families that stopped by to check out various exploration stations, which allowed kids from ages zero to five to interact with science, technology, engineering and math firsthand in a fun and entertaining way. The focus was on early literacy, fine motor skills, as well as sensory and cognitive skills development and social-emotional interaction. Regional KidsFirst’s programs are aimed at helping children with everything they would need to get ready for the first years of kindergarten. The event was free to the public. Estevan became the first stop of the STEM on the Go summer-tong tour, which will visit over 20 communities in the southeast.

New team at leisure services brings knowledge and experience

The City of Estevan has announced some changes at the top of its leisure services division.

Earlier this year, Rod March announced his resignation as the manager of parks, facilities and leisure services, resulting in some reshuffling.

Erin Wilson, a long-time city employee who had been the city’s program manager, is now the city’s leisure services manager. She has been working with leisure services in the early 1990s.

“I’m really excited to take on a new adventure, and I’m really excited to see what Estevan can host in the future,” said Wilson. “We have some feelers out

for different exciting events that we can bring into our community, and it’s always nice to be able bring that economic development into our community, but also just to be able to create some excitement and be able to have things happening in our backyard.”

Brittany Sutherland, who had been the recreation director in Lampman for several years, is now the program manager.

Dan Kroeker will be the maintenance manager and Shannon Wanner will be responsible for all parks and outdoor spaces.

Wilson said her time as leisure services manager has been going well thus far.

“My portfolio will include special events, it would include ice scheduling and working with the sports groups to helping … with the front lines and the

information desk staff as well,” said Wilson.

Sutherland will eventually assume responsibility for aquatics, the multi-purpose room, the playparks program and some other duties that that Wilson has now.

Wilson said she had some dealings with Sutherland when Sutherland was in Lampman, and will be a really good addition to the city’s team.

City manager Jeff Ward said Kroeker will manage all aspects of city-owned buildings, including preventative maintenance, asset management and tendering of any major projects or repairs. Ward noted Kroeker

has worked for the city for 32 years and has a wealth of knowledge of all the city facilities.

Wanner will be responsible for all the parks and outdoor spaces. Ward said Wanner will work with the outside user groups to ensure facilities and events occur throughout the season. Wanner has been the parks foreman for the last seven years but has been with the city 19 years.

“She has been trained in playpark structure management, and has all certifications in regards to pest and mosquito control applications,” said Ward. “During the winter, the outdoor rinks along with their out-

door buildings are maintained. Parks are responsible for snow clearing around the leisure centre and Affinity Place, as well as maintaining the 22 kilometres of pathway during the winter. Parks is also responsible for any funerals that occur at the cemetery throughout the year.”

Wilson said Kroeker and Wanner are very knowledgeable and she is looking forward to continuing to work with them.

“Any time that we grow our team and add more members, it helps us to provide better customer service and be able to support the community in every area that they need,” she said.

EPS sees increase in Criminal Code traffic violations

The Estevan Police Service has seen an increase in the number of Criminal Code traffic violations in the first four months of the year.

Overall call volumes remain up from the same period of time a year ago, but are slightly down from the five-year average.

According to figures released at the May 17 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners, the EPS had 548 total calls for service in April, up from 493 they had in April 2022. On a year-to-date basis, the calls

for service are up 15 per cent, from 2,011 in the first four months of 2022 to 2,325 over the same period this year.

As for the Criminal Code statistics, there were 10 crimes against the person in April, with seven assaults and three sexual crimes, compared to eight for April 2022.

So far this year, the EPS has had 46 crimes against the person, with 34 assaults and 12 sexual crimes. There were also 46 such charges in the first four months of last year.

Crimes against property were at 25 for April, led by 13 thefts under $5,000, six mischief/wilful damage complaints, five residential break and enters and one theft of a motor vehicle. There were 18 such infractions in April 2022.

There were 84 crimes against property from Jan. 1-April 30, up 18 per cent from the 71 for that stretch in 2022. This year’s crimes against property have included 40 thefts under $5,000, 30 mischief/wilful damage complaints, 12 resi-

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dential break and enters and two thefts of motor vehicles.

There were no charges laid under Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in April as opposed to five in April 2022.

Seventeen charges were laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in the first four months of this year, with nine for possession and eight for trafficking, versus 20 a year earlier.

Eight charges were laid for Criminal Code traffic violations last month, including seven for impaired/ exceed-related offences and one for impairment by drug driving. Nine were laid in the same month last year.

So far this year, there have

been 46 such violations – 36 for impaired/exceed-related offences, five for impairment by drug and five for dangerous driving and other. That is a 77 per cent increase from 26 Criminal Code traffic violations in the first four months of 2022.

Five-year averages for each category are 44 for crimes against the person, 83.6 for crimes against property, 34.8 for Criminal Code traffic violations and 16.8 under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Also released was the April report for Spec. Const. Anna Volmer, the city’s bylaw enforcement office. It showed 34 other bylaw violations, 25 parking viola-

tions, 13 animal calls, eight unkempt property inspections, six taxi bylaw occurrences, four animal violations, two animal impounds and one parking complaint for April.

So far this year she has dealt with 109 parking violations, 76 snow removal notices, 56 animal calls, 34 unkempt property inspections and some other calls. Bylaw violations classified as “other” were up at 117 from 13 over the same time in 2022. Chief Rich Lowen said the increase is mainly due to the fact that the new bylaw officer dedicating time to familiarizing herself with the various bylaws the city has.

23061SS2

23061SS3

Erin Wilson

By Ana Bykhovskaia

A valuable project currently underway in Midale is going to bring a big change for many families in the area.

The new governmentregulated daycare is currently getting approvals and is fundraising in hopes to open in early 2024. They’ve been approved for 40 spots, infant to preschool ages, and plan on adding another 20 school-age spots. To accommodate 60 children, the board has committed to a 4,000-square-foot building.

The facility will fall under the government’s announced $10/day childcare initiative.

The Midale Daycare Inc. idea came out of a need the community had, and the project was started by board president Rachel Brochert.

“I ran a day home in town, and I would get messages every couple of days from people looking for childcare. And I was the only person, so I couldn’t take everybody in,” Brochert said, sharing the prestory of the project. “And then I ended up getting pregnant and I was not going to have the day home anymore.

“And there was this panic of where these families would go, so I contacted the town and asked if there were any plans for a daycare to be opening. They said there were no plans yet. They were looking for somebody to get the project rolling.”

Brochert was put in contact with Lana Hoium, who became the vice-president of the project. Soon other members, including treasurer Kea Toles, secretary Kylie McGregor, and members at large Brianna Martinson, Shayna Burke, Kayla Gill and Marla Homan, joined the board.

They started working on the project in February 2021 and were incorporated in July 2022. The initial projected budget was close to $1,130,000.

Brochert said getting a licensed daycare project up going is a big undertaking, especially since none of the board members had related experience before. But they were able to divvy the tasks up among members and have been gradually getting through stages.

“First thing was to get incorporated. That was mostly just cost. We asked the town and the RM if they would be interested in sharing those costs, and they said they would,” Brochert said. “Then we had to do the community needs assessment and send that in to the government to get approved, and that got approved. And from there we needed a property.”

The board reached out

Wednesday, May 27, 1987

“Dancecapades ‘87” was held at the Estevan Legion Hall on May 22, 1987. These young performers did the Syncopated Clock for the audience.

From left, the aspiring dancers were Michelle Walliser, Amy Quick, Mary Walliser, Nicole Murphy, Lisa Fichter, Leanne Mack, Jocelyn Rousseau, Amanda Harbourne and Tamera Huber

to the town again, and with no appropriate buildings available, the town donated a property close to Midale Central School, which is currently getting subdivided. Once it’s subdivided and approved through community planning, the next steps will be to get the ground ready to have a modular RTM building installed. The board is working with ARC Modular & Construction out of Estevan.

“We’re hoping to get it moved in late fall. And then we just need to get all the furniture and hire staff,” Brochert said.

“We’re hoping to have everything up and running by February of 2024. There are a whole bunch of moving parts, and we’re waiting for all the red tape to go through on the subdividing, and then once that’s done, we can get the land prepped.”

The board also reached out to the RM of Cymri and they’ve agreed to take on the rest of the loan after they are done fundraising, Brochert noted.

With the help of a grant of $400,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan and several donations from the community, by May 2023 the board has committed to about $572,000 and has a long way to go. They recently were approved as a charitable organization and are starting to reach out to supporters to get to their target.

“We have just started fundraising. We’ve currently committed to a few smaller donations. And then we’ve committed to one donation of $100,000. That was an anonymous donor. And then another $50,000 donation was from Pro Canada West Energy,” Brochert said.

They do have sponsorship packages with different tiers, ranging from under $10,000 to over $100,000 and coming with various naming rights opportunities and other recognition incentives.

“A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated,” said the board. “Midale Daycare Inc. strives to offer a space for children to engage, grow and flourish; a safe environment where the needs of our children are met. We will provide a much-needed service to the Midale area and hope the addition of a daycare will be a catalyst for growth of our community. Please contact any of our board members with questions or to arrange a donation.”

The board is also planning on having a hotdog sale during the town-wide garage sale day on May 27, and also looks into more community fundraisers later in the year.

“We are appreciative of all the support we have had

so far. And I want to say thank you to everybody for really supporting the Midale Daycare project. It’s our work, but it’s also all the support we have, [that makes it happen],” Brochert added. “We really appreciate the support of our community, our donors, the RM

of Cymri and the Town of Midale.”

They expect to hire more than nine staff and are currently accepting resumés. The waiting list for children is open as well. The

information can be sent to Midale Daycare at midaledaycare@gmail.com.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities please reach out to the Midale Daycare Inc. board.

Pictured here are Midale Daycare Inc. board members: president Rachel Brochert, treasurer Kea Toles, secretary Kylie McGregor and member-at-large Marla Homan Missing from the picture are vice-president Lana Hoium, and members-at-large Brianna Martinson, Shayna Burke and Kayla Gill. Photo courtesy of Rachel Brochert

Just for kicks

Another season for Estevan Youth Soccer is underway. While precipitation and smoke have resulted in some games being cancelled, local youths have still been out, having fun playing games, learning the basics of the sport and furthering their skills. Team Blue recently faced Team Orange in under-7 action at Cactus Park.

by David Willberg

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Please

SANITARY SEWER MAIN & STORM SEWER JETTING PROGRAM

Beginning Monday May 1, 2023, and continuing until 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 jetting will have no effect on homes or businesses 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:

2023

WATERMAIN FLUSHING SCHEDULE

The City of Estevan will be flushing watermains to ensure good water quality for all users of city water. This work includes the turning of main water valves around the city and flushing large quantities of water from various hydrants in each area. During this process you may notice a substantial drop in pressure, this will be brief. As well, discoloured water is possible during the days, please run a faucet (bathtub is best), for a few minutes until the water is clear again. Please contact City Hall at 634-1800 if issues persist. Thank you for your understanding during this important maintenance!

Area bounded by Perkins Street and Mel Murray Cactus Park on the North, Water Treatment Plant on the South, Woodlawn Ave on the West, and Hwy 47S Service Road on the East (Includes Cactus Park, City of Estevan Public Works yards, and businesses on Hwy 47S Service Road)

Area bounded by 6th Street on the North, Valley Street, 1st Street, and Westview Place on the South, Alice Road and Woodlawn Avenue on the West, and Souris Avenue on the East (includes Westview, Central, and downtown regions)

Area bounded by 6th street on the North, McDonald Road and Perkins Street on the South, Souris Avenue on the West, and Kensington Ave on the East (includes the Eastend, Bay Meadows, and Valley view regions, and Jubilee Place)

Area Bounded by City Cemetery on the North, King Street on the South, Sister Roddy Road on the West (formerly Woodlawn Avenue), and Souris Road (Hwy 47N) on the East (includes Dominion Heights, Pleasantdale, and Royal Heights regions, as well as Cundall Drive, Woodend Place, Chinook Bay and Hwy 47N Service Road)

Area bounded by Spruce Drive and Princess Street on the North, King Street on the South, Souris Avenue on the West, and Kensington on the East (includes Hillside and Scotsburn regions)

Area bounded by King Street on the North, CPR Railroad on the South, 14th Ave on the West, and Kensington on the East (includes 7th Street, 8th Street, 9th Street, Centennial, Trojan, and Soo Industrial regions)

Area bounded by Kensington on the West, Sawyer Road on the East, North and South City Limits (includes Glen Peterson Industrial Park, East Industrial, Southeast Industrial regions, and properties along Hwy 39E Service Road)

Photo