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United Way Telethon raises big money for the community

It’s back.

Stanley’s Cup returns to Estevan thanks to Carlyle’s Jim McKenzie.

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Sask. is leading the country in farmland price growth.

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United Way Estevan board members celebrate the amount of money that was raised during this year’s telethon. Photos by David Willberg

By David Willberg

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People in Estevan energetically showed their support for the United Way Estevan during the organization’s 47th annual telethon on Oct. 13 and 14.

The 33-hour fundraiser brought in $357,001 for the United Way’s 11 member agencies and six community impact projects. A donation of $101,033 from SaskPower’s employees and corporation that came in with about 2 1/2 hours remaining pushed the United Way above its objective.

The entire event was held at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and it aired live on Access Now and the United Way’s website. This year’s theme was Be Part of the Energy.

“I’m very excited for the community and everything that we’ve accomplished in the past 33 hours,” said president Michelle Beaulieu moments after the broadcast ended.

The telethon went on the air at 8 a.m. Friday morning and it featured entertainment and community support throughout the 33 hours. The early hours of the show largely featured school students. The legion was packed as the kids sang and danced to raise money for the United Way. The kids also brought money for the telethon.

People in the community had their opportunity to showcase their skills throughout the rest of the broadcast.

There were classes on exercise, coffee painting, dancing and yoga.

During the overnight hours from midnight to 6 a.m., the Estevan Comprehensive School’s student represen-

tative council spearheaded the ECS takeover, in which they entertained and handled all of the on-camera and behind-the-scenes roles. Beaulieu said the kids once again delivered some great entertainment.

“We’re really happy to have them and for them to be part of the community at such a young age and to grow up into it,” she said.

There were a couple of emotional moments. A tribute occurred Friday evening for the late John Deadlock, who died in September. Deadlock was a fixture at the telethon for most of the first 40 years, serving as a host throughout the broadcast during the formative times.

He was also known for wearing plaid and outlandish attire. Board members Larry Elash, Lynn Trobert and Danny Ewen all sported unique attire during their tribute. They shared stories about Deadlock’s antics over the years.

“John would do anything to raise some extra dollars if we weren’t getting close to our goal,” said Elash. “I can relay some stories. Dresses were one thing. Tootoos were another. He got a mohawk one year, and then dyed it blue and wore a Superman costume.”

After he moved to Hanna, Alta., Deadlock would call in every year to check in and find out how the telethon was doing.

The other tribute was Saturday morning for the late Melodye Pierson, who died last December. Board member Becca Foord presented a gift to Pierson’s sons Jeff and Brad. The United Way was one of many organizations that

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Melodye Pierson supported through volunteering.

“You could find Mel anywhere in the telethon. It didn’t matter if it was midnight, 8 o’clock in the morning or 6 o’clock in the morning. Somehow she just knew you needed a coffee, she knew you needed a smile. She was always our runner, she always helped us a lot in the banking room,” said Foord.

The United Way missed her constantly during this year’s telethon, Foord said.

The telethon raised more than $115,000 on Friday and it was sitting at more than $160,000 just before 2 p.m. Saturday. Then the United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 and Westmoreland Mining LLC came in with $84,913.87.

The employees raised money through voluntary payroll deductions and draws. The company then provided a matching grant.

A short time later, SaskPower provided the support that pushed the United Way past its ambitious objective. The various unionized employees at SaskPower raised the money through different means, including voluntary payroll deductions, and that amount was matched by the corporation.

After the telethon reached its goal, Beaulieu called United Way Canada president Dan Clement to inform him of the exciting news.

“Estevan definitely stepped up to donate, and we surpassed it. It’s only 2:30, but I couldn’t be more excited to support our member agencies and ourw A2 » UNITED

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United Way Canada president praises Estevan « A1 community impact projects. It ’s absolutel y amazing what the city of Estevan can do,” Beaulieu said tearfully.

Clement said he always looks forward to getting the call from Estevan’s United Way, and he praised the telethon format that Estevan has used since 1977. He also marvelled at the volunteers and donors who make the telethon happen.

Beaulieu said she wasn’t nervous that the telethon wouldn’t reach its goal.

“Every dollar that was raised is good money going into our community. No matter how much was raised. It’s awesome to see that we’re above it [our goal] but I’m just really, really thankful.”

The Szakacs Family was this year’s closing act, and they provided music until the telethon went off the air at 5 p.m.

“The entertainment was absolutely fabulous,” said Beaulieu. “I couldn’t get enough of the kids singing and the closing family here.

It was an incredible weekend all around.”

The final number for the goal stemmed from Beaulieu’s badge number with the Estevan Police Service, which is 064.

“I take a lot of pride in being a police officer in the city of Estevan. That is the number they gave me and that I wear with honour to serve the community of Estevan,” she said.

And she was grateful this year’s telethon didn’t have the suspense of last year when the fundraiser reached its goal minutes before it went off the air.

The telethon also featured 93 hand-crafted bid items that were sold in a silent auction. All were created

by talented local residents and they combined to raise thousands of dollars. A quilt was donated by the Hearts and Hands Quilting Guild for a raffle.

People also volunteered in various capacities behind the scenes during the fundraiser.

“We had lots of volunteers. Everybody picked up where we needed them and we always have the few that come back every year, but there were lots of new faces this year. This cannot happen without the volunteers, so thank you to them,” said Beaulieu.

Thanks to having a surplus, the United Way’s allocations committee will come together and meet with the member agencies to decide where the excess funds will be directed so the organizations can do more good work in the community.

Hillcrest School students performed during the telethon.

Students from the ECS held their annual takeover during the overnight hours.

From left, Larry Elash, Lynn Trobert and Danny Ewen paid tribute to John Deadlock during the telethon.

The Szakacs Family was this year’s closing act.

Estevan hosted police executives from all across province

By Ana Bykhovskaia Police chiefs, deputy chiefs, superintendents and inspectors, as well as members of associate groups such as CP Rail police, Public Safety Canada and the provincial Federation of Police Officers, were in Estevan last week, as the Energy City hosted the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP) semi-annual conference.

The event attracted about 50-60 people.

The sessions were held Oct. 11-12 at the Western Star Hotel, with the SACP

executive committee meeting in the evening ahead of the main part of the conference.

Estevan Chief Rich Lowen, who is also the current president of the SACP, said the networking event allowed them to discuss issues that are important for everyone across the province, learn from each other and co-ordinate plans on different issues.

"We had presentations and discussed issues across Saskatchewan," Lowen said.

"We had presentations from various groups, everything from Public Safety Canada, the chief firearms

officer and MADD [Mothers Against Drunk Driving] Canada. We had presentations on the Amber Alert working group that we have for the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police.

"We had speakers from the Saskatchewan Federation of Police, Casey Ward was here; from the National Police Federation, Morgan Buckingham was here as well. We had discussions on [different] ongoing issues from everywhere across the province."

Among the topics discussed during the conference were bail reform, an independent review that has taken place in the province, the things that the SACP is working on with the provincial government and more.

"We had discussions on various things across the

province. There'd be a large group of people that would present. Some of the issues that we talked about were everything from training to police vehicle insurance rates, victim advocate case reviews and Police Act amendment research. These were some of the highlights," Lowen said.

Lowen also gave the president's remarks and Const. Danielle Stephany with the Estevan Police Ser vice spoke about the Saskatchewan Women in Policing program.

These semi-annual conferences allow for broader networking and better co-ordination. They also help gather positions for the SACP, which are then posted on their website to help co-ordinate their efforts nationwide.

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Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen for officers to get together and compare concerns from across the province, and to identify common concerns, common issues that we can work on together as a group, like canvassing for the provincial or the federal government. [For example] one of the things that has come up lately, the bail reform, has been supported and backed by the association. And it's really important for us to be on the same page, have those conversations, meet and understand what those concerns

are so we can present as a group," Lowen explained.

"We work in conjunction with the CACP [Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police] and other provincial associations from across Canada to stay consistent in law enforcement and present anything that's unique to Saskatchewan, so other people are aware," Lowen explained.

The conference is held at a different location every time. The next one will be held in spring in Saskatoon.

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McKenzie brings Stanley Cup to Estevan For the second time in less than three months, the Stanley Cup was in Estevan on Monday.

Carlyle's Jim McKenzie, who is a scout with the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, has his day with the Stanley Cup on Monday. He picked up the cherished NHL championship trophy in Regina and then brought it to Estevan so his family in the Estevan area could spend time with it.

Among the highlights was bringing it to Willy's The Tap House, giving people a chance to have their photo taken with the trophy.

The Stanley Cup was then taken to the Estevan Regional Airport so that it could be flown to Flin Flon, Man., so Erin Ginnell, another member of the Knights' scouting staff, could have a day with the trophy.

McKenzie is not the first member of the Golden Knights' organization to bring the Stanley Cup to Estevan this year. Back in July, Estevan's Brayden Pachal, who is a

defenceman with the Golden Knights, had his day with the trophy, and he brought it home for a brief parade and an autograph session that attracted large crowds.

McKenzie has been part of the Knights' scouting staff since the 2016-17 season, the year before the Knights entered the NHL. He played 880 games in the NHL, recording 48 goals and 52 assists to go along with 1,739 penalty minutes with nine different NHL teams.

He also won the Stanley Cup as a player in 2003 with the New Jersey Devils. That summer, he brought the Stanley Cup home to his hometown of Carlyle as part of a big community bash.

The night before the Stanley Cup was in Carlyle in 2003, he brought the trophy to the Tap House, where local fans had the chance to drink from the trophy.

McKenzie was born in Gull Lake. His family moved to Carlyle when he was young and he now has family in the Estevan area.

Jim McKenzie, second from left, spent his day with the Stanley Cup in Estevan on Monday. Photo by David Willberg

Estevan Model Engineering Show displays over 150 unique pieces

By Ana Bykhovskaia The 34th edition of the Estevan Model Engineering Show – the oldest event of its kind in North America – attracted 37 participants, who displayed 155 model engines and other handmade projects at the Wylie-Mitchell Hall on Saturday and Sunday.

Hobby engineers brought many new projects this year, which Estevan has never seen before, as well as some beloved pieces. With a couple of newcomers to the show, Kelly Tytlandsvik, who’s been organizing the event throughout all these years, added new pins to the event map, showing how the event draws interest from all over North America.

Several participants’ wives also brought their hobbies – including quilting and sewing, canning, felting, geological rock collecting, diamond painting and more – and had them on display.

Hundreds of people stopped by to check out the exhibits and visit with the participants, who were eager to share

stories of their latest creations.

One of the participants, Ed Drachenberg from Humboldt, brought his latest piece – Henry Ford’s first-ever automobile model. He created a real-size replica of the 1896 Ford Quadricycle Runabout in the 2000s and recently decided to reproduce its one-fifth scale miniature.

“I built a full-size run about 15 years ago. I didn’t want to put bicycle wheels on, so I made my own out of wood,” Drachenberg said, noting that the project cost him $1,400, of which $400 was used to make a nice velvet seat, and he and his wife now drive that vehicle in parades.

It took two winters to build a full-size model, and the same amount of time to build the miniature.

“Even though it’s small, it’s sometimes harder,” Drachenberg said.

He added that through building these models, he wanted to understand how Ford was thinking when inventing his automobiles. And he indeed learned quite a bit.

Model Engineering Show participants’ wives also brought their hobbies to be displayed during the event.

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“He was a scrounger,” Drachenberg said. “The reason why you used bicycle wheels was because his friend had a bicycle shop, so he probably could get them for free. And he worked for Thomas Edison, so he built his car in his shop because he didn’t have a shop. And he used the telephone batteries, telephone coil, and telephone parts for his invention.”

Engineering has always been a part of his life, and the model engineering hobby came just as a natural continuation of his interests later in life when there were fewer obligations and more time.

A tool and die maker, Drachenberg was Saskatchewan’s first apprentice machinist under the government plan.

“I started in 1963,” Drachenberg recalled.

Since then, he worked in different industries, built prototypes of different kinds, wrote programs and did research.

Drachenberg said in their hobby, one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts is often finding the information, the specifications and drawings.

One of the participants, Ed Drachenberg, recreated Henry Ford’s first vehicle – full size and a one-fifth scale miniature.

For his latest creation, he had to by hand. One of his nieces, parts by hand and also creates acquire information from The who is a glass artist, made glass machines to help with that.

Henry Ford Museum. He had bubbles for oil. And another He had some of his hand-built equipment on display at the blueprints for this and other niece did upholstery.

Drachenberg noted that show as well. projects on display and up for he also really enjoys building “The reason why I built grabs at the show as well.

For his miniature, every- guns and has built a Gatling this equipment was so I can thing but sparkplugs was made gun and canons. He makes build a skeleton clock, and I was going to build a clock in the last couple of years, but I got sidetracked building [the miniature Ford vehicle] instead,” Drachenberg said, noting he still hopes to have the clock built within the next few years.

Drachenberg is a member of the Saskatoon Model Engineering Society, which draws people from Saskatoon and the surrounding area and welcomes anyone interested in the hobby.

Saturday’s part of the exhibition wrapped up with a traditional supper for the participants at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch. On Sunday, several participants kept their projects on display at the Wylie-Mitchell for those Estevan Model Engineering Show participants visited with each other and guests, guests who couldn’t make it Saturday. and talked about their latest projects.

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How should we react to rising impaired driving rates?

It's a trend that's been showing up throughout the year in Estevan: impaired driving is on the rise.

At each meeting, the Estevan board of police commissioners receives crime statistics which track criminal charges and other infractions on a monthly and yearly basis.

Right from the start of 2023, impaired driving charges have been on the rise.

As of Sept. 30, 91 charges for impaired driving and exceeding-related offences have been issued, compared with 58 in the first nine months of 2022. That's an increase of more than 50 per cent, which is pretty substantial.

We've also seen an increase in the number of charges for impairment by drug from 11 to 14.

One thing that has to be remembered is that in most cases there are two charges for an impaired driving infraction, one for impaired driving and another for driving while over .08.

So, the number of impaired drivers removed from our streets would likely be lower than 91.

And the number of impaired drivers apprehended in 2022 might represent a low-water mark for the crime, as the five-year average for the first eight months of the year was at 66.

But still, any increase in impaired driving should be a source for concern.

The message about the risks of drunk

driving has been ingrained in our minds from an early age. Even before we're able to drive, we know the risks of impairment by drugs and alcohol, thanks to presentations in school, advertising campaigns, conversations with parents and even mock accident scenes at schools.

And the various levels of government have been trying to crack down on impaired driving and have created stiffer penalties over the years. There is no excuse for driving while impaired. If you're able to get a driver's licence, then you should be smart and mature enough to know when you've had too much to get behind the wheel.

There's also no single reason for why the number of charges is up. Is it because more people have decided to start ignoring the messages we've heard over the years about drunk driving, or people are deciding to risk driving while impaired? Perhaps, although most people are still smart enough to know how to find a safe ride home.

Is it because there has been a greater emphasis by members of the Estevan Police Service to get these criminals off the road?

Again, that can be the case. But it is troubling to see that the numbers show one or two drunk drivers are getting pulled over each week.

If there is a renewed crackdown by the

EPS, then that's great, but perhaps we should never find ourselves in a situation in which a greater emphasis is needed.

Those who lived in the community a decade ago will remember the high number of impaired drivers that Estevan used to have.

It was a very troubling situation. Yes, we were in boom times and there were people from out of town coming here to work with no connection to the community, but there were a lot of people from Estevan getting arrested for driving while impaired.

We saw efforts in the past decade to curb impaired driving, ranging from checkstops to meetings to the formation of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in Estevan.

Fortunately, our numbers aren't as high as they were, but one impaired driver is one too many.

Christmas is fast approaching. That means parties, social outings and other fun events associated with that time of year. It means people will be out drinking. And it means the local police will be out looking for drunk drivers.

Hopefully, we won't see a spike in the number of drunk drivers in the next two months.

And hopefully this year's rise in impaired driving will be a one-year blip, rather than a start of a new trend.

What is the most Canadian meal?

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What do you consider the most Canadian meal?

I've been asking this question to a lot of people I met throughout my journey here.

Some people recalled poutine. I'd never heard of it prior to coming to Canada, so when I had to put it in writing, I spelled it as "putin", wondering why Canadians would name potatoes after the Russian president.

Others told me that it was a steak and potatoes. While indeed really popular, at least around Saskatchewan and Manitoba, I'd say it's something generic and popular probably everywhere but India.

Of course, Tim Horton's with Timbits and a double-double came up just as a Canadian phenomenon, and so did maple syrup.

I even thought of pizza, the ones that apparently are known outside the province as Regina-style, which have more filling than dough, are cut into square slices, and have little in common with their Italian ancestors.

I also heard a "big meal" option, which is definitely true. Portions here are big, and the way meals are served in restaurants and most times at home differs from what I was used to. (When my husband travelled to St. Petersburg with me for the first time, it took him a while to figure out a system, in which you need to order meat, a side and salads/ soups all separately, along with the bread and condiments, and even after that portions were way smaller compared to traditional Canadian meals).

Believe it or not, for years no one could give me a convincing answer.

One day, looking for supper ideas, I finally ended up finding it myself.

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

It was the casserole. Anything casserole.

I've never come across any other country where the diversity of meals made in a casserole would be as great, and where those food dishes would be as popular as they are here.

My quick research on the topic showed that indeed very few countries cook entire meals with the mix of ingredients in a casserole.

After I made maybe thousands of them at home, I finally realized that it would be the most Canadian meal, at least in my Canadian journey.

Casseroles are something comparable to Mexican tacos, which is a form of meal rather than a particular food that can come with any kind of filling in a variety of dough, as long as it's in a tortilla or a shell.

The word casserole is derived from the French word "saucepan" and the meals made in this pan were popularized by French Canadians. Casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals, and that's probably what helped inscribe it into generous Canadian culture and into the traditional cuisine.

I feel the casserole is not only a popular meal here, but it also has its cultural flair.

Like the Hispanic food with its bright accents and heat reflects on cultural openness to emotions, the casseroles mirror many interesting and beautiful aspects of Cana-

dian culture.

Casseroles reflect on the value of comfort and lifestyle, in which meals must be tasty and filling, but preparation shouldn't require a lot of time by the stove. It's also a meal that ensures that there will be enough for everyone in the family, even if everyone comes for the second plate.

I believe the meal also reflects cultural diversity. Even though you put a variety of ingredients in one pot and add a sauce to bring them together as one dish, the end product allows them to stand out, preserving the highlights. Unlike blended or mixed foods, Canadian casseroles have a variety of textures and flavours, which work together for a great experience.

It's just like the general approach, which states that diversity is Canada's strength. And it's interesting to see how that approach is implemented and is actually working in life.

One of the many examples I've seen: this week I was tasked to write several stories about new businesses in Estevan. (Here at the Mercury, we try to keep an eye on everything that happens within the local business community and the community in general, of course, so such stories are a regular thing for us.) And as we are celebrating the annual Small Business Week, it was even more exciting for me to note how diverse our local business casserole is becoming with women and men, young and old people of different walks of life and backgrounds joining the local business community, bringing their talents, skills and experiences to the table, diversifying what we offer and making us stronger.

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Small business make a large contribution Deep down, I think most people dream of owning their own business.

For so many, they think about what it would be like to be their own boss, to be able to find something that they’re passionate and knowledgeable about, and channel that to meet the needs of customers.

Of course, there’s so much more to being an entrepreneur – things that people don’t realize until they have their own business. They don’t think about the long hours, the unpredictability, the frustration, the obnoxious customers, the supply chain issues, the employment challenges and the razor-thin profit margins. But it’s still the Canadian dream.

The importance of small businesses to our communities is immeasurable. It’s not just the opportunity they provide for people to live a dream. They are a source of employment for people of all ages in our communities. How many kids get their first job working for a fast food restaurant, a service station or a store? Lots of them.

They are a place we turn to for merchandise. When you look at the Estevan area, we have a wide variety of shopping interests to choose from. Take a stroll through downtown Estevan, the Estevan Market Mall and other commercial areas with an open mind, and you’ll see the options. There are a lot of businesses to choose from. And it’s not just shopping, either. We have restaurants, professional services and more.

(If you need a reminder of the diversity in our business community, just take a look at the Estevan Mercury’s Best of Estevan promotion earlier this year, the different categories that we offered and the number of businesses that won. And then think about the other businesses that could have been chosen in many of the categories).

Businesses are a source of property taxes and other revenues for government, which are then used to provide services that we rely on, although it’s important for governments to keep taxes as low as possible, to eliminate red tape and to make it as appealing for companies to set up shop in their community or province.

And our business owners provide tremendous support for organizations in the community. We just saw it with the United Way Estevan’s annual fundraising telethon, which raised $357,001 for local organizations. Listen to the names of the donors. Yes, there was support from people of all ages and contributions from large corporate partners, but many of the donors are small businesses.

Do you know whose name you didn’t hear? Amazon.

But hey, when has Amazon ever given anything to this community?

It’s not just the United Way that owes much of its success to small businesses. Other organizations receive great support from local companies throughout the year.

You also have the franchisees that own a local business which is part of a much larger corporation. They provide lots of support for the community, too.

When you’re in a smaller community, it’s important to deliver quality customer service. If a customer has a bad experience, it doesn’t take long for that negative visit to become public knowledge, especially in this day and age of social media. (Unfortunately, there are also those bitter people out there who will lie on the internet, fail to put their name to it, and have people believe them).

This week is Small Business Week in Saskatchewan. We should use this opportunity to reflect on the contributions that small businesses make in our community and the opportunities they provide. I’m sure we all have our favourite small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The end of this week will be the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s Estevan Business Excellence Awards, which will be a celebration of our local business community, the great achievements they have made and the long hours entrepreneurs have to put in.

Most of us will never get the opportunity to own a business of our own. In some cases, it’s due to a lack of opportunity. For others, we might not have the resources, the ability, the vision or the people skills. That’s not a bad thing; few become entrepreneurs. And even fewer are successful.

Let’s celebrate our entrepreneurs. And with Christmas a little more than two months away, let’s make supporting small business a priority over the coming weeks.

Firefighter Ben Brokenshire helped Sawyer Klotz operate a fire hose during the Estevan Fire Rescue Service's open house on Oct. 10. The fire department welcomed the community into the fire hall for the event, which was held in honour of Fire Prevention Week. Those who attended enjoyed a barbecue supper, learned more about the fire department's operations, took a look inside the fire trucks and saw the different equipment firefighters use when responding to calls. The fire department also had activities for kids to enjoy.

Photo by David Willberg

Crews responded to vehicle fire The Estevan Fire Rescue Service started this week with two early-morning calls on Monday.

An alarm went off on Oct. 16 at about 4:45 a.m. in west Estevan. Crews responded and picked up carbon monoxide readings. SaskEnergy was called to assist in finding the cause of the leak.

“No illness or … injuries were reported, so the scene was turned over to the homeowners and SaskEnergy to further investigate,” Estevan Fire Chief Rick Davies said, adding that the preliminary results showed that a fuelfired appliance could be the source of carbon monoxide.

Just two hours later, crews were called to a vehicle fire occurring north of the city. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire

involving a vehicle.

“Crews extinguished that fire and assisted with clearing the area. There were no injuries reported for that incident,” Davies said.

The investigation is ongoing, but Davies said it seemed a mechanical issue was to blame for the fire.

Last week, the Estevan fire department also dealt with a variety of calls, including alarms, an accident and fires.

On Oct. 7, crews were called to a residential fire alarm that went off at about 5:50 p.m. in a building on the north end. Incident command attended and determined it was a cooking-related issue, so firefighters stood down.

Firefighters also responded to a commercial fire alarm, that was activated

at about 1:20 a.m. on Oct. 9 in a property in southeast Estevan. Crews inspected the building and determined no emergency was occurring.

A two-vehicle accident, which happened on Oct. 10 at about 12:20 p.m. in the eastern area of the city, had fire crews out on the road again.

There were no entrapments or injuries, and damage to vehicles was minor, so crews quickly cleared the scene.

On Oct. 11, Estevan firefighters were dispatched to a mutual aid call to help the Bienfait Fire Department with a vehicle fire occurring southeast of town. The call came in at about 4:30 a.m. “ The fire rescue and tanker were sent to assist. Bienfait fire crews extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported from that incident,”

said Davies.

Estevan firefighters were also dispatched to a commercial fire alarm that went off at about 3:45 p.m. the same day in central Estevan. Incident command quickly determined it was a false alarm, and no assistance was required.

Another early-morning call came in on Oct. 14, when at about 3:50 a.m., the fire department had members dispatched to a possible unknown fire northeast of the city. Crews responded and investigated but didn’t find any fires within their response area around the described location.

A commercial fire alarm went off at about 3 a.m. on Oct. 15 on the east side of the city. Crews responded and determined no emergency was occurring.

One person dead, five injured after collision by Kisbey The RCMP says one person died and five were injured in a three-vehicle collision that occurred Thursday on Highway 13 by Kisbey.

Carlyle RCMP responded to a multi-vehicle collision at about 6:40 a.m.

Police officers, firefighters from Kisbey and Stoughton, local EMS and the STARS Air Ambulance immediately responded. Preliminary investigation determined an SUV and a truck collided. After the initial report, an additional call for

service was received advising a car had struck the initial collision scene. The specific details of the investigation, including directions of travel, are currently being investigated by an RCMP collision reconstructionist.

The truck had three occupants. The driver, a 31-yearold man from Redvers, was declared deceased at the scene

by EMS. His family has been notified and Victim Services has been engaged to provide support.

The two passengers were

taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening by the RCMP. Initial investigation determined the SUV had two occupants from the Weyburn area. The driver was transported to hospital by STARS with injuries described as serious in nature. The passenger was transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

The lone driver of the car was transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

The Carlyle RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstruction and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

According to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure's Highway Hotline, both directions of Highway 13 near the junction with Highway 605 were shut down due to the collision. The accident scene was about one kilometre west of Kisbey. The route was open again Thursday evening.

A6 October 18, 2023

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UMWA to have first-right refusal for pathway benches The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local 7606 will have first right of refusal for future benches along Estevan's pathways.

Estevan city council granted the UMWA's request during the Oct. 10 council meeting. The UMWA will donate 10 benches and garbage cans to be located along the pathways, taking care of the remaining benches for the walking areas. This is in addition to the 12 benches the union already purchased.

The existing benches that were not purchased by the UMWA will not be affected.

The request was made at the Sept. 25 council meeting, but council tabled the ask, as the UMWA had initially asked for exclusivity.

Coun. Kirsten Walliser said there was some confusion over what would happen if, in the future, the city decided more benches were needed.

"Would we then come back to the United Mine Workers and ask for sponsorship at that time, or if more benches are needed in the future, is it okay for us to give

those to other individuals?" asked Walliser.

Mel Murray, the vice-president of UMWA Local 7606, responded the union should get right to first refusal, just like they have for the recycling containers at Affinity Place.

Coun. Rebecca Foord thanked the UMWA for the initiative they have taken, and added it is "beautiful" to see the benches on the pathways and the tributes to local UMWA members who have died. But she said the first right of refusal takes away an opportunity for people to sponsor a bench on the pathway.

"I've had a couple of comments from people in the past two weeks now who said 'We weren't quite sure if putting a memorial bench up was a good idea for our family, but now we've been thinking about it,'" she said.

Murray said there are other areas in the community where benches can go.

Council approved the request but Foord voted against it.

• • • Council approved rescinding the city's policy for the Glen Peter-

son Industrial Park. The document was approved three years ago, with a hope of filling the remaining vacant parcels.

Coun. Travis Frank said this was a program the city tried out. It hasn't worked out as well as the city wanted, but they're excited about opportunities and initiatives that have come forward.

"We would love to see a lot of construction in that area," said Frank.

According to a report from land development services, the policy was intended to offer a greatly reduced price for a property in return for development of a building that met certain objectives of Estevan's economic development board.

The report went on to say that since its inception, the policy has generated a number of phone inquiries and one serious offer.

To protect the public interest, the policy included benchmarks that needed to be met, or a portion or all of the original lot cost would have to be remitted to the city. Lenders have viewed it as a penalty.

"As a result, a new buyer would

There will be more UMWA benches along the pathways in Estevan. File photo have to secure the full price of the lot in security calculations for a mortgage on a new building rather than only for the building itself," the report said. "This has proved to be a major barrier for a new start-up business or a business expansion."

A new policy will be coming in the future. In the meantime, the city would accept anyone who wants to

build in the industrial park under the existing incentives.

• • • Two building permits for $50,000 were issued in September.

One was for a garage and the other was classified as miscellaneous.

So far this year 31 permits worth more than $2.4 million have been granted.

Holy Family division sees an enrolment increase

By Greg Nikkel of the Weyburn Review The schools in the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division saw an overall increase of 2.37 per cent in enrolment, as of the Sept. 30 cutoff date for the Ministry of Education.

“That’s pretty healthy growth for us, with 32 more kids than we had last year,” said Chad Fingler, the superintendent of schools, in presenting the numbers to the board of trustees on Oct. 11.

He added they had projected a decline rather an

increase, so this was a good surprise for the school division. The numbers are up 5.19 per cent from what had been projected.

The school division as a whole grew from 1,317 to 1,349 students as of Sept. 30.

There were 1,344 students enrolled as of Sept. 1, but

the official count is not taken until Sept. 30.

Going school by school, both schools in Estevan saw an increase. Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur went from 350 a year ago to 362 this year, a threeper-cent increase, while St. Mary ’s jumped from 273

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St. Michael School in Weyburn saw the enrolment go from 502 on Sept. 30 a year ago to 517 this year, which was also a three-percent difference.

St. Olivier in Radville declined, going from 109 a

year ago to 94 this year, a 16-per-cent decrease.

St. Augustine in Wilcox had 56 a year ago, and grew to 59 this year, a five-percent increase.

The number of homeschooled children under Holy Family stayed the same at 27 students.

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New home décor store opens in northeast Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia A new shopping destination has opened its doors in Estevan ahead of the Christmas season.

TWB Home Décor is inviting the public to its second location at 7 - 419 Kensington Avenue in Estevan.

Their first store, which features a wide variety of handcrafted Canadian pieces, opened in Emerald Park about six years ago and has experienced growth and success throughout the past years. When the time came to make the next step, the owners decided to give the Energy City a try, as they have family members in Estevan.

“I’ve been telling them for years to come down to Estevan, and they finally did,” said Estevan’s Brad Wilson, who will be overseeing the second location.

Stephanie Sokochoff, who started and co-owns TWB Home Décor store with her parents and husband, was in

Estevan for Friday’s grand opening.

“My parents started their company over 30 years ago, going to art and craft shows in Western Canada under the name of The Wood Boys, that’s what TWB stands for,” Sokochoff said. “And then six years ago, a property right down the street from our house came up for sale, so my parents bought it and we decided to open a store.”

Three years later, the Emerald Park store moved into a bigger location, and then a year after that they expanded even more and now occupy about 4,000 square feet.

About 30 per cent of products TWB Home Décor sells are made by the family. They also work with many other families in Canada, and in total, about 80 per cent of everything offered through their store is handcrafted within the country.

“We focus on things that are handcrafted [in Canada].

And then we have a few other

things outside of that which are handcrafted in the U.S.,” Sokochoff explained.

TWB Home Décor offers items from all across Canada, from Vancouver Island to Ontario and Quebec, as well as from different communities in Saskatchewan.

The decision to extend to Estevan was made in early September; they soft-opened in early October, and the Energy City greeted the latest addition to the business community with open arms, Sokochoff said.

“Wow Estevan, thank you for your amazing support!

Our first couple days were an absolute success because of you,” the owners wrote on social media after the first few days of operating in Estevan.

Wilson added that they believe TWB Home Décor will be a great addition for Estevan and will provide the community with some options they haven’t had before.

“Everyone’s [the different

The new TWB Home Décor store is located at 7 - 419 Kensington Ave in Estevan

Estevan location manager Brad Wilson and TWB Home Décor store co-owner Stephanie Sokochoff were greeting guests during the grand opening on Oct. 13. Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia stores in town] got their different styles. I think we have a completely different style … People are overwhelmed when they come in here. They love it. There’s so much stuff everywhere. You can look for two hours in here,” Wilson said.

“We have some customers

that visit us at the Emerald Park location but it’s two hours from here, so they don’t get to come there as often. We definitely have a lot of people that when they’re in Regina will come see us. And now we’re here, so they’re super excited to have us here,” Sokochoff said.

Sokochoff noted their cur-

rent lease is until the end of the year, and time will show what they do next.

With three employees, TWB Home Décor will be open Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. The hours might be expanded closer to Christmas.

TWB Home Décor offers a wide variety of unique handcrafted items.

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Full house for new tattoo studio opening in Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia The community was invited to join local tattoo artist DC and permanent makeup artist Tammy Alcantara in celebrating the grand opening of their new business – DC Ink Studio - on Oct. 14.

Helping them make the day special were Regina tattoo artists Nolan Malbeuf of The Midnight Oil Tattoo, Cole Pacunayen of Boo Radley, and Chris Oakley, the owner of Black Smith art studio. For the grand opening, the artists organized a tattoo marathon. Each artist participating has their own style so that the public had a unique opportunity to have any dream tattoo – be it traditional, black and grey,

coloured, neo-traditional, Japanese or tiny – done right away.

The idea proved to be really popular among the guests.

“It was crazy,” said Alcantara. “The artists were able to tattoo 25 people that day, but I can’t count how many people we had to turn away. We were supposed to be open only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but people were still coming at around 10 p.m.

And if we didn’t close, we probably would keep going for 24 hours.”

The artists missed breakfast and lunch trying to accommodate as many guests as possible that day.

With the success of the event, they decided they would host

another similar tattoo bash in the future.

With 20 years of experience in graphic design, DC turned to tattoo art about four years ago due to many requests from his friends.

And he has been steadily busy ever since.

“I have a lot of friends that wanted to get tattoos.

And they kept asking me if I could do tattooing. And I always said no,” DC recalled, saying that one day he gave up and got into the field, which soon became his fulltime job.

“I’ve been super busy, booking five to six months in advance. And I have a lot of people still inquiring every day. Right now, I’m booking into January.”

DC Ink Studio opened its doors in October and is located at 1-418 Kensington Avenue in Estevan.

DC does black and grey tattoos, likes drawing people’s faces and animals, and usually works with bigger pieces.

Alcantara is just starting as a permanent makeup artist.

She said when visiting the Philippines earlier this year, she noticed how big permanent makeup was there, and decided to study it and offer her services in Estevan. She went for her beginner and advanced courses in B.C. last spring and is now booking clients for Mondays and Tuesdays every week.

The two business owners, who are originally from the Philippines, made Estevan their home many years ago and were grateful to the community for the support people showed them.

“Thanks for your love and support. I’ve been doing it for four years, and it’s been non-stop,” DC said.

“We just want to thank the Estevan community for coming and supporting us.

A lot of people came there to just congratulate us, they didn’t want tattoos, they just came and supported us.

And we just want to thank them. And we’re sorry for the people that we turned away. But we promise that this will happen again,” Alcantara said.

While walk-ins were welcome at the grand opening, one day wasn’t enough to accommodate everyone. They plan on inviting their friends over again and it’s going to

Local tattoo artist DC hosted the grand opening of the new DC Ink Studio, which he co-owns with local permanent makeup artist Tammy Alcantara. Photos

by Rustom and Vience of RsG Film and Photography be a longer event this time around.

“Because we couldn’t fit everybody in one day, we’re going to do a two-day tattoo event next time,” Alcantara said.

DC Ink Studio works by appointment. To follow their work and news and to book, people can reach out to artists on Facebook or Instagram @dcinkstudio and @inkedbytammy.

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Helping celebrate the grand opening with the community were, from left, Regina tattoo artist Nolan Malbeuf of The Midnight Oil Tattoo, DC Ink Studio co-owners DC and Tammy Alcantara, and tattoo artists Cole Pacunayen of Boo Radley in Regina and Chris Oakley, the owner of Black Smith art studio in Regina.

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New liquor store offers a unique service

By David Willberg The newest liquor store in Estevan has the assortment of products that one would expect to find, but it also has some services that are unique to the city.

The Local Buzz Liquor Store, located at 126 Fourth Street, opened for business on Oct. 4. It's a beer, wine and spirits store, said general manager Kandyce Meili, with products to meet various price ranges.

They also have a number of Saskatchewan products in their inventory.

Cary Wock, who is one of the partners in the business, said it is exciting to be open and to show the public what they have to offer. Additional products will be offered in the future.

"We're finding more and more different things as we go here. People are contacting us to bring certain things in," said Wock.

They're getting to know more people in the craft alcohol sector, and craft beer has been a big seller so far.

"If it's something that we don't have, we will do our best to bring it in if people are interested in it," said Meili.

Business has been good thus far, said Meili, and it helped that L ocal Buzz opened before Thanksgiving.

"There's definitely been days that are busier than others, but it's been fairly steady as more and more people find out that we're open," Meili said.

The business is locally owned and operated and they want to be part of the community. The partners in the

business are Wock and his wife Shauna, Jared Schlamp and his wife Kristen, and Jeremy Mack and his wife Robyn Luedtke. Mack and Wock own the Innovative ALS oilfield business, and they've been friends with Schlamp for a long time.

"We wanted to diversify from what we already have going and get into something a little different so that all your eggs aren't in one basket.

We felt the community needed something that can have everything from low-end to high-end liquors with different varieties," said Wock.

A top shelf in the store has some more expensive items that can't be found elsewhere in town, they said.

A walk-in cooler contains their beer and some other types of alcohol.

Local Buzz Liquor has a drive-thru option as well.

"We figured the drivethrough would be very handy for a lot of people in the city," said Wock.

While menu boards are still in the works, the concept is similar to what one would find at a restaurant. Customers can order what they want from their vehicle and then head to the pick-up window.

"Usually it's those who know what they want who we find going through the drivethru, and then everybody else comes in to look around and see what they want," said Wock.

"There's definitely the novelty aspect of driving through the drive-thru to order liquor that brings some people through," added Meili.

She believes it's also

From left, Kandyce Meili, Jared Schlamp, Kristen Schlamp, Cary Wock, Shauna Wock, Jeremy Mack and Robyn Luedtke are eager to serve customers. Photo courtesy of Kandyce Meili beneficial for those who are in a hurry and don't want to go into the store, look for what they want and possibly wait in line. It should also be good for parents who are driving their kids around and don't have to worry about taking them into a store.

The drive-thru is also open a couple hours longer than the store, except for on Sundays. The The store is open until 10 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Also unique to the business is the Buzz Bucks loyalty program. People earn one per cent from their purchases to future buys, and the Buzz Bucks don't expire.

The opening of the new

company has been a long time coming. The sign for the business was installed a couple years ago but the store never opened. It went up for sale in the summer and that's when Wock, Mack and Schlamp pounced. Meili was tasked with hiring the staff, and Wock said she has been doing an "awesome" job. Fourteen people work at Local Buzz Liquor.

The building required some renovations before it could open. Customers have been understanding as the initial kinks are worked out.

"Everybody likes the look and the feel when they walk into the store. The atmosphere feels good to them, and the store looks good. I think everybody's been pretty happy so far," said Meili.

The top shelf of the new Local Buzz Liquor Store has some of the pricier items. Photo by David Willberg

Southeast College accepting registrations for 2024-25 school year Registrations for postsecondary, full-time programs at the Southeast College are now being accepted for the 2024-25 school year.

Information on all upcoming programming, including online registration, is available on the college’s website at www.southeastcollege.org Ne w f o r t h e 2 4 - 2 5 school year are two newlyplanned programs: a mental health and addictions counselling diploma at the Estevan campus, and an agribusiness diploma production stream at the Weyburn campus. Also making its return in 2024-25 is the business diploma in management program.

Post-secondar y programs accepting applications

for the 2024-25 academic year include: Mental health and addictions counselling diploma in Estevan; Continuing care assistant in Assiniboia, Estevan, Weyburn and Whitewood; Heavy equipment operator in Estevan; Heavy equipment and truck and transport technician in Estevan; Hairstylist in Weyburn; and F i r s t - ye a r p r ac t i c a l nursing in Weyburn.

Post-secondar y programs still accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year include: Continuing care assistant in Assiniboia and Weyburn; Electrician in Moosomin;

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AGRI NEWS A10 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Limited availability pushing farmland prices higher

By Ana Bykhovskaia A lack of available farmland for sale is continuing to push land values higher, according to the mid-year farmland values review by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). In the first six months of 2023, the national average growth rate of farmland was 7.7 per cent.

The highest farmland value increases over the last six months were reported in Saskatchewan (11.4 per cent) and Quebec (10.6 per cent). Ontario and Manitoba saw nearly identical increases, with farmland values in Ontario increasing by 6.9 per cent, and Manitoba by 6.4 per cent.

Alberta had a more modest increase of three per cent, while the average price of

farmland stayed unchanged in British Columbia. According to FCC, fewer sales were available in Canada's Atlantic provinces to fully assess midyear farmland values.

Most regions in Saskatchewan saw farmland values increase by seven to 11 per cent, indicating steady demand across the province.

The north east region saw the strongest demand, leading to above-average growth relative to the rest of the Prairie province. Low precipitation has increased the appeal of heavy clay soils for moisture retention.

"Limited land for sale has been driving farmland values higher over the last six months," said J.P. Gervais, FCC's chief economist.

"With higher interest rates,

elevated farm input costs and uncertainty regarding future commodity prices, producers are being cautious with their investments and capital expenditures."

Farm cash receipts are anticipated to increase 6.6 per cent in 2023. But as farm operations exercise caution in spending, farmland value appreciation is anticipated to slow until the uncertainty over the current economic environment vanishes.

"Purchasing farmland is a very strategic decision for producers," said Gervais.

"They need to assess whether they can earn enough from the larger land base they've acquired and if not, whether other areas of the operation generate enough income to pay for the land. Monitor-

Farmland acres in the southeast see steady price growth.

Photo sourced from Mack Auction Company Facebook page

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In the southeast, farmland often comes with surface oil revenue, which makes it even more attractive. Photo sourced from Mack Auction Company Facebook page ing farmland price trends can assist in making the best decisions for individual operations."

The southeast corner of the province has also seen significant growth in prices over the past few years. Norm Mack with Mack Auction Company, which has been auctioning Saskatchewan farmland for two decades, said the switch to timed auctions that happened about five years ago also affected the market as well as the growing demand for land.

"We're very busy selling farmland this fall and through the winter and prices are strong," Mack said. "We see the growth of strong prices continue, even though the interest rates have gone up a bit.

Most of our land purchasers this year have been neighbouring farm-family operations that want to expand and get more acres for operations, farm companies, not so much foreign investment.

"We see a strong demand for land. Land is a limited resource. There's only so much in the world, and people are taking notice that Saskatchewan is the breadbasket of the world," Mack said, adding that the value

of land is being reflected in prices they see in southeast Saskatchewan now.

"People are finding out that selling farmland by our Mack timed auctions is the way to go because it gives ever ybody a fair chance.

Neighbours, renters, family, everybody has equal opportunity. And also, it's an indicator of the true value of that land, because whatever they're willing to bet, that's what that land is worth that day. That's why we're a popular choice when farmers sell their land in Saskatchewan."

The increase in farmland prices is a continued upward trend, and Mack believes it has gone undervalued for a long time until recently. Not only is it good farmland, but it also often comes with surface oil revenue, allowing for extra income for farmers.

Mack Auction Company now sees farmland occaionally selling in the $500,000 range.

"We sold some land recently for $520,000 a quarter.

We are seeing high foursfives [$400,000-$500,000] right now. It really depends on the area, where you are in Saskatchewan. It also depends on how good the land

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Breanne Wright, left, and Brooklyn Wright are proud members of the Browning 4-H Club. Photo courtesy of Jenn Carson

4-H Members of the Month: Breanne and Brooklyn Wright Breanne and Brooklyn Wright love animals, and horses in particular.

So, the Browning Multiple 4-H Club’s light horse project is absolutely perfect for them.

Breanne, age 9, is a junior in her fourth year of 4-H, while Brooklyn, 8, is a third-year cloverbud.

Breanne first gained an interest in 4-H when she was three years old, because she wanted to be riding horses. She was at an afternoon family day hosted by the Prairie Crocus Equestrian Centre near Lampman. Ashley Kerslake, who is a 4-H leader, owns the facility.

Glenn Gress with the Browning Club informed them about 4-H and how Breanne could be around horses, so she was eager to join.

Breanne has also enjoyed success in public speaking. She made it to provincials in the 4-H competition earlier this year for her speech on how she became a 4-H member. She was also invited to present that speech at the Estevan Farmers’ Appreciation Evening in April but couldn’t attend.

She also likes the other members in 4-H, and she has made some good friends.

Brooklyn said she likes the fun activities and the trail rides that are offered by the club. She recalled that during the club’s achievement day last year, she was riding a horse named Rags. A storm rolled in, it started pouring rain and she became nervous, but she still made it through the obstacle course without a problem.

Then during one of the trail rides, she was riding a horse named Engine with whom she also had a great relationship. They were roping when Engine started crow hopping because he was excited to be out in the pasture.

Brooklyn wanted to join 4-H because of all the fun her older sister was having.

The sisters said they would recommend 4-H to other people, and they believe other young people would enjoy it.

“It’s a good club and all of the members are so nice,” said Brooklyn.

“And the leaders are cool.”

The light horse group typically meets twice a week from April to midSeptember. They just held their club wind-up. But they will still meet once a month in Lampman or Benson. Once it’s spring, they’re back on the horses.

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is. It depends on neighbouring farming operations and the demand. There's a lot of variables that give you that price, but we have been selling land in the low fives and high fours," Mack said.

He added that having an open competition for land, supported by growing demand allows local farmers to retire with what they get out of land sales. And the fact that in most cases it's local farming operations expanding when someone retires is encouraging.

"People think it's maybe foreign investment … But no, it's local farmers that we're selling to that need more acreage for their operations, whether they're expanding with their sons or whatever, they need more acres," Mack explained.

While there is high demand for land, there is also quite a bit of offering. Mack Auction Company alone has 40-50 quarters coming up for sale in the next 1 1/2 to two months, Mack said.

"We're signing more every day. We look after all the legal work of it. We run the auction and help using the technology that we have.

It provides the farmer with the best fair price for everybody. And it's a really true indicator of what the land is worth when we do sell it," Mack said.

"We like to think that Mack Auction was the pioneers in Saskatchewan land auctions for the last two decades and now that we've proven that this is how to sell land, it's really taken off," he added.

For information on upcoming sales, not only in the southeast but also in other areas of Saskatchewan, and to register to bid, people can visit their website at mackauctioncompany.com.

Celebrating our AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY and all those involved who keep the equipment operating, the land productive, and our country fed!

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October 18, 2023 A11

New House of Beauty offers unique services

By Ana Bykhovskaia Onyx & Ivory House of Beauty opened this summer to provide customers with luxury beauty services.

After doing makeup ser vices for many years, Chandra Marchuk said she felt there was a need in Estevan to have a space that could provide a full cycle of luxurious beauty services on a special day. “ We drove past this building and saw it was for sale. And I thought to myself, ‘How amazing would it be to have a full-service spot where you could just get everything done in one place?’ My husband said it was a great idea, and he was the one who pushed me to do it,” Marchuk shared.

They purchased the building at 1206 Fourth Street last December. And then it took Marchuk seven months to turn the new space into Onyx & Ivory the way she envisioned it, creating a special space for bridal parties.

“We’re the only place in Estevan that has a bridal suite to accommodate brides who get their makeup done here. They don’t necessarily need to get their hair done here or get any other

Chandra Marchuk opened Onyx & Ivory House of Beauty in Estevan last summer. Photos courtesy of Chandra Marchuk services, but if I’m providing makeup services, then I give them this space up here and they can bring their

Onyx & Ivory House of Beauty is located at 1206 Fourth Street in Estevan.

dresses and photographers can come, so you don’t have to worr y about messing up your house or getting a hotel room just for the day,” she said.

Marchuk did a lot of work herself, trying to ensure that the place reflected her personality, but also felt safe, comfortable and welcoming for the clients.

“There are little things in here that are crazy and silly … and I wanted to put that in there because I am quirky and I’m silly, [but also] to help people feel less nervous when they come for some ser vices, which make them feel vulnerable when they don’t know the service provider,” Marchuk explained.

She used the two storeys of the building to meet the different needs of her clients, which is also reflected in the name.

“I just love the name Onyx, it ’s black and my favourite colour is black,” Marchuck shared, adding that Onyx is also her astro-

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logical stone. “And ivory is usually the colour of a wedding dress and it signifies a new start. So, we went with Onyx being my astrological stone and Ivory to represent the bridal suite.

“When people come in, they may notice lots of black at [the main level], there’s lots of more masculine detailing, because I wanted men to come in and feel just as welcome as women in a beauty salon. So, it’s not frilly and pretty, it’s just neutral so everybody can feel comfortable.

“And then when you come upstairs, it’s frillier.

You’ve got flowers, you’ve got the sparkles, you’ve got all of that stuff that you would see on a wedding dress or in a bridal area,” Marchuk explained.

The House of Beauty part of the name mimics the haute couture brands and expresses the luxurious touch Marchuk wanted to add to the place.

Onyx & Ivory House of Beauty can accommodate various sizes of bridal parties. They provide space and beauty services and also set up tables for snacks and drinks to make it comfortable and indeed exceptional for the guests.

“It takes stress off of the brides and even the bridesmaids because that’s a pretty big job,” Marchuk said.

She noted that the rooms are double insulated, so they provide a really private setting for brides and their guests. “ We want people to come in and feel welcome and secure and make sure that they know that they’re safe here,” Marchuk said.

She added that Onyx &

Ivory House of Beauty is not just a business for her, but it’s a legacy and teachingby-example project, which she hopes one day will inspire her two daughters, who are eight and 13 now and already enjoy indulging in the beauty world.

“I wanted to do something that my kids would be proud of, something that maybe one day they would want to work at or take it over,” Marchuk shared. “Not only did we do this for us, our family, our clients, but we did this for Estevan. I was born and raised in this community so to provide something for the people of not only Estevan but southeast S askatchewan to enjoy brings us happiness. From the people who have helped make a dream a reality, the girls who we

work with everyday and the guests we get the pleasure of serving makes this space so enjoyable.”

Onyx & Ivory House of Beauty opened in July and has been hosting bridal parties and providing a spectrum of beauty services since then. W ith eight beauty professionals, the salon offers hair services for men, women and kids, including cuts, colour and extensions.

They also have makeup and permanent makeup services, spray tanning, eyelash extensions and other lash services, medical facials, teeth whitening, body cavitation and body sugaring. Two more specialists are starting shortly and will offer manicures and pedicures.

Onyx & Ivory also sells high-end product lines that are unique for Estevan.

Onyx & Ivory House of Beauty offers a variety of luxury beauty services and products.

23104CC0

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Fundraiser proceeds presented From left, Christine and Tim Jenish with the Estevan McDonald’s accept a donation for $8,200 from Pam Currie and Raelene Fieber with the Estevan Ride for Ronald McDonald House. The 25th annual motorcycle ride was held in September in southeast Saskatchewan and attracted 86 riders. Proceeds were donated to Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. In the 25-year history of the event, approximately $88,000 has been raised.

Photo courtesy of Pam Currie

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October 18, 2023 A13

Stamp Out Hunger for the food bank The Estevan Salvation Army’s food bank will get a boost during the annual Canada Post Stamp O ut Hunger Food Drive on Oct. 21.

Canada Post employees will circulate the community that morning to pick up donations of non-perishable food items from the front doorstep of people’s homes.

The food will be dropped off at the Salvation Army, where volunteers will assist in sorting, checking expiration dates and stocking shelves.

The food drive was initially scheduled for June, but had to be pushed back to the fall. Community ministries director Ronza Reynard said the food drive is coming at the perfect time, as it will be right before the busy Christmas season.

“We’re excited to have another food drive,” said Reynard. “The Canada Post food drive usually brings in quite a few pounds of food for the food bank, and so it helps us so much, because the food bank has been su-

per busy this year.”

Shelves are currently about half full. The Salvation Army is out purchasing food each week because of the client’s needs. Some support last month replenished some of their stocks, but it likely won’t last past the end of this month due to the demand.

“We’re always looking for canned beans. We’re always looking for canned meat. Canned meat is something we just can’t seem to have enough of. We always like the Sidekicks. We like spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, things that we can have on our shelves that we can get to the people.”

And like everyone else in the community, the Salvation Army has been paying more for groceries.

So far this year, the Salvation Army has had more than 2,300 visitors to the food bank, looking for assistance, compared to 1,850 a year earlier. Some of the 2,300 would be repeat clients.

“Prices are high, and if our little bit can help somebody add to what groceries they’re going to go buy, and help a family or an individual or a senior, whoever is coming to ask for assistance, whether it’s one time, two times or a consistent user [then that ’s good],” said Reynard.

At this time last year, the Salvation Army had given out 45,000 pounds of food. This year’s total stands at 62,000 pounds.

“That’s a huge jump in how much food is going out the door, and it takes a lot to keep those shelves full. Having a food drive like this is great, and we hope that the community can support us,” said Reynard.

The food drive is an example of the community stepping up to help others. “ We need people to step up and help us with this, whether it’s through a food drive, monetary donations or, right around the corner, Christmas,” said Reynard.

The shelves at the Estevan Salvation Army’s food bank will receive a boost during the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Photo courtesy of Ronza Reynard

Police called to accident involving pedestrian

Estevan Police Service ing a motor vehicle and a The EPS said no injumembers responded to a pedestrian near a local busi- ries were reported as a result Pleasereport change the attached into the black and white ad. Please putof the collision. The matter of a collision involv- ness on Oct 13. a black border around it. continues to be looked into.

In other recent police JAMES F. TROBERT, B.A., LL.B. news, police attended to a KATHRYN E. A. GILLISS, B.A. (HONS.), J.D *COLLABORATIVE LAWYER, MEDIATOR local liquor establishment 1339 4TH STREET ESTEVAN, SK S4A OX1 on Oct. 8 and arrested a 61-year-old New Brunswick Trobert Gilliss Law Firm is presently accepting applications for a man for remaining in a lipermanent, full time position of Receptionist / Legal Assistant for a small local law firm - duties will include: quor establishment after being asked to leave, public in• Answering phones, scheduling appointments toxication and causing a dis• Filing, typing, correspondence turbance. The accused then • Invoicing, including receipting and depositing • Some paralegal work directed threats towards police. He was charged with Wage is negotiable and will be based on education and experience. uttering threats and will be Includes employee benefits for prescription drugs, dental and optical. released for court in Estevan Applications are to include a current Resume, in December. contact information (both phone and e-mail) and can be Police were called to forwarded to Trobert Gilliss Law Firm either by: the Westview area on Oct. E-mail: tglaw@sasktel.net 10 for a suspicious person, Fax: 306.634.9881 reported to possibly be carrying a firearm. Members Applications can be mailed or dropped off in person to: were able to intercept the 1339 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 0X1 individual, at which time Application Deadline is: it was determined the item observed was a pool cue and Friday, October 27, 2023 at 4.00 p.m. not a firearm. No further PHONE: (306) 634-2616 STOUGHTON - TUESDAY MORNING action was necessary.

FAX: (306) 634-9881 OXBOW - TUESDAY AFTERNOON The EPS responded to ND E-MAIL: TGLAW@SASKTEL.NET KIPLING - EVERY 2 FRIDAY AFTERNOON a report of an assault at a

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local apartment complex on Oct. 11. The matter is still under investigation.

Officers dealt with a reported fraud. Members obtained a statement from the victim who was attempting to purchase items off of the internet.

The victim had provided money for the items, which never arrived, and the victim is unable to contact the seller.

A man was arrested for breaching the conditions of

his release. He was transported to the police station, where he was held overnight, and then taken in front of a judge in the morning.

The EPS responded to an incident on Oct. 12, which led to the arrest of an individual for assault and uttering threats. The accused was held in custody for court in the morning.

No further information was immediately available.

A 46-year-old Benson woman was found operating her motor vehicle without the proper equipment to comply with her licence endorsement on Oct. 14. She has to have a blow box for alcohol in any vehicle she operates. She was charged and released for court.

Police also received a report of a youth breaching his conditions set out by the courts. The matter is still under investigation and charges are pending.

Members later responded to a report of a

theft of bike. The victim observed an Estevan youth on their bike. The matter is still under investigation and charges are pending.

The EPS was called to a residence in central Estevan for a report of mischief and an assault. Statements were provided and the matter remains under investigation.

Police also responded to a local liquor establishment for a man who was asked to leave but would re-enter.

The subject of the complaint had left the scene prior to police arriving.

Officers received a call for a suspicious person going through a yard using a flashlight in the Bay Meadows area. Several patrols of the area were conducted but nobody was located.

Police were also called to a local establishment for a report of a fight. Two men sustained injuries and the other parties involved were identified. The matter remains under investigation.

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Flashback – Oct. 21, 1992

The most successful United Way Telethon ever to be held in Estevan by that time took place on Oct. 16-17 of 1992 as more than $125,000 was raised during the 36hour program. Members of the board of directors and entertainers gathered at the conclusion of the telethon to display the figures indicating how much money was raised when the program went off the air. Estevan, once again, was the first community in Canada to have reached its objective. That year’s objective was $97,800, and 20 member agencies were to share the funds.

Enrolments are up in South East Cornerstone The numbers were expected to rise, and they did, perhaps a little more than what was anticipated.

That was the word coming from South East Cornerstone Public School Division director of education Keith Keating, who discussed the increase with board members during their open business meeting in Weyburn on Oct. 11.

The full-time equivalent (FTE) enrolment, not including pre-kindergarten programs, now rests at 7,722.5 he said, or, 8,305 individual students in school classroom seats or engaged in home schooling.

In the last school year, the FTE number was 7,581.75. That translates to an overall increase of approximately 141 students in the public school division’s 36 facilities

and home bases for this academic year.

The official attendance figures are recorded on the last day in September each school year and those numbers are used for the triggering of provincial funding through grant programs.

Home-schooled students this year have increased from 147 FTE last year to 164.5 this school year.

The largest schools in the division in terms of student numbers continue to be the Weyburn Comprehensive School, which caters to students from Grades 7-12, and the Estevan Comprehensive School that registers students from Grades 9-12.

The WCS FTE number is 951 this year compared with 897 in the last school year.

Estevan Comprehensive School enrolment trended upwards from 752 FTE to 796.

The smallest schools recorded in terms of enrolment numbers are Manor School with 50 students on board, compared with 50.5 last year, and Wapella School with 51 enrolled this year compared with 46.5 in the last school year.

Legacy Park School is the largest elementary school in the division, since it now embraces all elementary grades in the city of Weyburn’s public school system and welcomes 555.8 FTE students this year, compared with 520.5 in the previous school year.

In providing the numbers, Keating also noted that transfers within the system were reduced to

302 this year, noting this has been a steady decline “following the COVID crisis".

During this business meeting, board members voted unanimously not to place any of the division’s 36 schools under a review process within the province’s viable schools mandate.

The next public meeting for the board will take place Nov. 22, when it is expected they will receive details from the official auditors, who were working on the division’s financial statements at the same time as the Oct. 11 session was being held.

The November session will also include the annual organizational meeting that includes committee representations for the remainder of the school year.

Director of education Keith Keating

City Hall: 1102 4th Street 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800

Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

Mayor’s Message Tickets for the Trooper Concert November 9th, 2023 are going fast, please get yours soon so you won’t be disappointed!

MEMBER AT LARGE NEEDED! THE ESTEVAN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS The City of Estevan invites interested citizens to sit on The Estevan Board of Police Commissioners.

If you are interested in becoming a Member at Large, please send a letter explaining your qualifications and what past experiences you have that could benefit this board in writing by November 10, 2023 to: Judy Pilloud, City Clerk, City of Estevan • 1102, Fourth Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 0W7 • cityclerk@estevan.ca Criminal Records Check may be required upon request.

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Elecs retain Co-op Challenge against Weyburn

By David Willberg For the second straight year, the Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs senior boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams have won the Co-op Challenge against their rivals, the Weyburn Comprehensive School Eagles.

And for the second straight year, the Elecs won all four matches.

The second half of the annual showdown between the two programs was Oct. 11 at the ECS gymnasium.

The senior girls won the first match 3-2 (25-15, 20-25, 25-19, 19-25 and 15-9) while the senior boys captured the second 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 17-25 and 25-9) in front of a large crowd that had plenty of supporters for both schools.

The team that wins the most sets takes the Co-op Challenge, and ECS held a 12-4 edge between the four matches.

When the senior girls won the third set on Oct. 11, it clinched the Co-op Challenge for Estevan.

In terms of total points, ECS had a 362-294 advantage.

Senior girls’ head coach Mike Fisher was pleased with how they played as a team, and the way they worked through struggles and areas where they need to improve.

It helped to have a veteran

team, as they have nine Grade 12s while Weyburn has five.

“Especially being a firstyear head coach, a lot of this they already know – what they need to be doing,” said Fisher.

“It’s just the final touch that I get to help them out with now. There are certain times where we still have to work on skills, but a lot of it has a lot more to do with tactical matters … and how well they adapt to the situation.”

They weren’t thinking about the lead ECS had entering the match because the senior girls were playing at home and they wanted to showcase their skills for their hometown fans.

This was Fisher’s first time in the Co-op Challenge, and he said he appreciates the support of the fans and the effort of the players.

“For the most part, it was pretty respectful. It was high energy and it was loud both times. It was super exciting to play in and a super nice environment to play in.”

He’s looking forward to seeing the boost that winning the challenge gives the players for the rest of the season.

“For the second half of our season, it’s definitely going to give us a momentum boost, but it’s also going to give us a lot of good indications as to which players work well together or what kind of chemistry we have, and it

Athletes from the ECS senior girls and senior boys volleyball teams gather for a group photo after winning the Co-op Challenge. will also give us a really good reference point of where we can improve.”

Senior boys’ head coach Braden MacLean was pleased with the team’s passing during the games. Their hitting was “shaky” early on but it improved.

“Our blocking has shown improvement. Our defensive positioning still needs work and we still make a lot of hitting errors, but things are improving,” said MacLean.

Experience was a big factor for the senior boys as well, as they have five Grade 12s and Weyburn doesn’t have any.

“The Grade 12s are very confident out there. They mentor the Grade 9s on the court, and they work very well together,” said MacLean.

After the loss in the third set on Oct. 11, MacLean told them to win the fourth set because the match wasn’t going to go five. They came out strong and had several

long runs of points.

“They came out with lots of energy,” he said. “The passing was really good. The hits were going in, the serves were going in. It was a good way to finish the series.”

MacLean was pleased with the atmosphere at the challenge and it was fun to play in front of a large crowd.

“They were all well behaved, and I’m very happy with the turnout.”

The Elecs also collected food and cash donations for

the Estevan Salvation Army’s Food Bank, and MacLean was impressed with the support.

He said the coaches are very confident in the players.

They have seen improvement that they expect to continue.

He hopes the performance in the Co-op Challenge will give the Elecs a lot of confidence as ECS makes a bid to return to provincials.

Weyburn has a “scrappy ” team, he said, and Estevan really wanted to beat them.

Bruins suffer lopsided loss against Flin Flon The latest clash between the Flin Flon Bombers and the Estevan Bruins was not kind to the Black and Gold.

Flin Flon came into Affinity Place on Friday night and trounced the Bruins 7-1. It was the first meeting between the two teams since last season’s firstround series, which Flin Flon won in seven games.

The Bombers dominated early, outshooting the Bruins 14-5 and taking a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. Jacob Vockler opened the scoring on a power play with 4:54 to play in the period. Dawson Karol scored 2:23 later to double the advantage and Carter Anderson finished the offensive onslaught with 63 seconds remaining.

Jack Piper had the Bruins’ lone goal on the night with 1:48 to play in the middle frame.

The Bombers scored four times in the third, with the first

two going into an empty net.

Anthony Piccininno notched a power-play goal 4:13 into the frame on a power play, and Luke Lepper added another while the Bombers were short-handed.

Karol scored a short-handed goal 68 seconds after Lepper’s marker and Ashton Paul finished the scoring.

Cam Hrdlicka stopped 28 of the 33 shots he faced for Estevan, while Harom Laser-Hume had 22 saves for Flin Flon.

The game marked the Bruins’ debut for three forwards: Turner McMillen, Tristan Dussault and Ben Wright.

McMillen, who hails from Carievale, spent parts of four seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.

He was released last Wednesday because WHL teams can only carry three 20-year-olds. He had two goals and two assists in six

games this season for the Rockets.

He played his developmental hockey in southeast Saskatchewan, including several seasons with Estevan teams, and played six games with the Estevan U18 AAA Bears during their COVID-shortened inaugural season in 2020-21.

Dussault, who has experience in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, committed to play for the Bruins in August. He suffered an injury in August and wasn’t cleared to play until Friday.

Wright, who turns 18 on Oct. 23, is a 6’4” forward who was re-assigned by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. He had a goal and an assist with Edmonton last season and was pointless in six games this season.

The Bruins have also dealt forward Garett Zasitko to the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for future considerations.

Owen Barrow (28) mixes it up with Flin Flon’s Carter Anderson during Friday’s game. Photo by Robert Godfrey with Lemon Wedge Marketing

Estevan Bears win one, lose one in Saskatoon The Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears early-season trend of winning a game and then losing a game continued on the weekend.

Estevan went into Saskatoon and defeated the Contacts 4-2 on Friday night, but then lost 4-1 the

following day.

Saskatoon scored twice in the opening 12:11 of Friday's game to seize a 2-0 advantage, but just over a minute after the Contacts' second goal, Carter Onrait tallied for Estevan to pull the Bears to within one.

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After a scoreless second period, Thomas Reis scored 44 seconds into the third to tie the game. Tallen Wallis' goal five minutes later put the Bears in the lead for the first time, and Onrait rounded out the scoring late in the third.

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games. He stopped 21 shots on Friday night and made 27 saves Saturday.

The Bears will be back on home ice when they host the Swift Current Legionnaires on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and the following day at 2 p.m. Both games will be played at Affinity Place.

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Saskatoon raced out to an early 2-0 advantage again on Saturday, but there would be no comeback for the Bears on that occasion. Evhan Allan's power-play goal late in the third period was the lone goal for Estevan.

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Three Elecs compete at cross-country provincials Three students from the Estevan Comprehensive School travelled to Regina on Saturday for the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s cross-country provincials.

Kimi Zepeda, a Grade 11 competing in junior boys, finished 22nd with a time of 15 minutes and 14 seconds.

DongJun Won, also a Grade 11 in junior boys, completed the circuit in 17:32.

Sarah Kamel, a Grade 10 entered in junior girls, finished in a time of 19:58.

Coach Kelly Phillipchuk said all three athletes set personal bests. He noted Zepeda was more of a sprinter last year and didn’t shift his training to cross country until this summer.

“Anytime we can get kids to provincials is the best learning experience that they can have. They get to see other kids warm up and get ready for their races. Having 100 kids at the starting line is just

so much fun … I’m looking forward to seeing what these three do in the next couple of years, because it was a great experience for them.”

Provincials had a lot of talented athletes this year and the course was fast.

“There was one hill that they go up, it was a man-made hill by Wascana Park, but otherwise a really flat course and really fast,” said Phillipchuk.

It was nice to be in Regina, he said, because the last few editions of provincials were in northern Saskatchewan.

Phillipchuk noted ECS had a good contingent of athletes at districts this year, but there were a lot of athletes from other schools. Twentyfive kids were entered at the qualifier in senior boys alone.

“We sent a good team, but unfortunately they didn’t make it to provincials. We’re hoping for more next year,” said Phillipchuk.

The Oxbow Prairie Ho-

Kimi Zepeda (613) represented ECS at cross-country provincials. Photo courtesy of Kelly Phillipchuk rizons School sent “an army” of athletes to provincials, Phillipchuk said, and they

finished third overall in the 3A division.

Weyburn Comprehen-

sive School student Camden Husband, the son of former Estevan residents Gord and

Susan Husband, finished first in intermediate boys with a time of 10:29.

Estevan U13 AA Bruins are 3-0 to start the season It’s been a great start to the 2023-24 regular season for the Estevan Primec Controls Canada U13 AA Bruins.

The Bruins opened the season on Oct. 8 with a 6-2 victory over the Weyburn Wings.

Owen Light, Ethan Phillips and Holt Crossman scored in the opening 11 minutes of the game to give Estevan a 3-0 lead. Cooper Hale had the lone goal in the second, and Crossman and Light each added their second of the game in the third.

Light added two assists for a four-point game, and Tayson Tangjerd had three assists.

Joseph Hozjan made 23 saves in the victory.

The Bruins then won two straight on the road, starting with a 7-4 victory over the Lumsden-Bethune Lions on Oct. 13. Crossman, Light, Hale and Tangjerd each scored in

the opening 9:35 of the game to give the Bruins a 4-1 lead.

The Lions struck for two later in the frame, but goals by Hale in the second and Light and Phillips in the third dashed any hope of a Lions’ comeback.

Light added two assists for Estevan.

Hozjan stopped 33 shots in the win.

The final game was an 8-3 victory at Weyburn on Sunday.

Penn Tytlandsvik, Hale and Lucas Singleton scored in the first, and then Bentley Hebert and Tangjerd had goals in the second. Weyburn made it 5-3 at one point, but goals by Tangjerd, Light and Hale put the game away.

Hale added two assists for a four-point game.

Cruz Carter made 22 saves for the win.

Estevan will visit the Regina Blues on Oct. 21.

• • • The Estevan TS&M U15 AA Bruins went 1-1 in two games in northern Saskatchewan.

The first was a 9-2 win over the Warman Wildcats on Oct. 13. Boston Tait had three goals and an assist to lead Estevan’s attack. Cayden Snell and Seth Franklin each scored twice, while Ryder Singleton and Nathan Gardiner also scored.

Brayden Clay had 23 saves in the victory.

The other game was a 16-6 loss to the Martensville Marauders – a game that saw Martensville score nine times in the second period.

Jayden Chernoff scored twice, while Tait, Singleton, Snell and Broden Henry also scored.

Clay and Quintin Sliva shared goaltending duties for

Estevan.

Dade Wotherspoon had four goals and seven assists for Martensville, who had four players with at least six points.

The Bruins have another road trip coming up, as they will visit the Saskatoon Bandits on Oct. 21 and the Saskatoon

Generals the following day.

• • • The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins battled the Prairie Storm to a 1-1 tie on Oct. 15 at Affinity Place.

Lucas Campbell had Estevan’s lone goal, scoring on a power play with 13:20 to play

The Estevan Lions Club U14 Oilers closed out their regular season with a 27-22 loss to the Weyburn Falcons on Friday evening at the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field at

Woodlawn Athletic Park.

Coach Paul Duncan said Estevan pulled ahead late in the fourth quarter on a “wonderful” one-handed touchdown reception by Kaleb Crossman.

But Weyburn marched the ball down the field to score the winning touchdown before the game ended.

Hugh Ross scored the other two touchdowns for the Oilers. One was on a long pass from Ryder Mantei, while the other was on an option play.

Crossman notched the twopoint convert after Ross’ first touchdown.

The other points for Estevan came on a safety.

“It was a good back-andforth game that really allowed the kids to stay with it and just up their game,” said Duncan.

“The defence shut them out in the third quarter, which was great, and a majority of the fourth as well,” said Duncan.

Arvin Sangar had another strong game on the defensive

side of the ball, Duncan said, despite playing with a broken hand.

Estevan and Swift Current finished the season tied for the fourth and final playoff spot at 0-4-1, but Estevan qualified based on point differential. The Oilers will face the top-ranked Moose Jaw Vikings in the first round on Oct. 21.

• • • The Estevan Power Dodge Steelers lost 12-6 to the Assiniboia Rockets on Saturday in Assiniboia.

Fullback Ben Guertin had the Chargers’ lone score of the game on a rushing play. Jude Shackleton had two interceptions for the Chargers.

Estevan finished the regular season with a 1-5 record.

They will play the Weyburn Ravens in the consolation round semifinal Saturday at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn. The winner of that game will play the Rockets in the consolation final, while the loser will be eliminated.

Estevan’s lone win this season was against Weyburn.

The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins faced the Prairie Storm Sunday evening in Estevan. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia in the second period.

Jaxon Kuchinka made 16 saves for Estevan in the draw.

The Bruins outshot the Storm 44-17.

The Bruins will visit the Regina Rangers on Oct. 18, and the Moose Jaw Warriors on Oct. 21 and 22.

Oilers drop close football game to Weyburn

Visual Arts • Stars for Saskatchewan • Koncerts for Kids Energy City Film Circuit ~Promoting the Arts in Our Community~

Estevan Arts Council Invites you to the

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING for the year 2023-2024

November 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm Art Room Estevan Leisure Centre

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• • • The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team wrapped up the regular season on Saturday in a 48-0 loss to the Moose Jaw Central Cyclones.

Coach Mark Schott said that despite the score, the Elecs enjoyed some success at moving the football. Running back Preston McGuire ran for multiple first downs, and they connected on some big passing plays.

But the Elecs gave up interceptions twice inside the Moose Jaw five-yard-line and another time inside the 20.

“We were moving in the right direction and looking like we were going to put up some points, but then the ball was turned over to Central,” said Schott.

ECS played a “decent” game defensively and had an interception.

The Elecs will visit the Swift Current Colts Saturday in the Tier 2 final between the fifth and sixth place teams. It will be the Elecs’ final game of the year.

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Estevan’s Computer Store!

6 employees.

16 years in business.

Locally owned.

306-636-2055 221 4th Street, Estevan | dmsservices.ca

CLASSIFIEDS A17 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Obituaries Darrel Leroy Carlson 1944 - 2023 Darrel passed away at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Special Care Home, Estevan, Sask., where he was very well cared for, on October 3, 2023, at the age of 79.

Darrel will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of nearly 53 years, Anna Carlson (Himmelspach) and their children: William, Robert, Tammy (Daryl) Loerzel, Jeremy (Leanne), Cindy (Orlen) Fisher, and Christopher (Tamara Nixey); grandchildren: Alex Akerstrom, Steven Akerstrom, Sara Carlson Rush (Dachota), Kaylee Carlson, Kristen Carlson, Maddison Carlson (Shawn), Shyra Carlson, and Zalia Carlson; great grandchildren: Charlotte and Bentley; his sister Arlene Procunier, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Thomas Carlson; parents: Leroy and Audrey (Kinna) Carlson; sister Shiela Bailey, and brother Jim Carlson.

Darrel farmed, and loved to fish and hunt. He was involved with the Estevan Wildlife Federation for many years.

The Private Memorial Service for Darrel will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Hall Funeral Services in Estevan. Those who haven’t been asked to join the family for the service in-person are welcome to join virtually via live stream. Please visit Darrel’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for details. Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens.

If friends so desire, donations in Darrel’s memory may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (designate to Long Term Care), 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, Sask., S4A 0H3.

Darrel’s family would like to thank the doctors and care staff at St. Joseph’s Special Care Home for the compassionate, loving care given to Darrel during his time with them.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Darrel’s family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Dustin Tendler 1983 - 2023 With broken hearts, the family announces the sudden passing of Dustin John Tendler of Estevan, SK at the age of 40 years. Dustin was a wonderful dad, son, brother, grandson, uncle and a friend too so many. He will be forever loved and remembered.

Dustin is lovingly remembered by his family; Grandpa Wilfred Tendler, Grandma Doreen Campbell, his precious daughter Tegan Tendler, his mother Val Tendler and stepfather Darryl Hodge, brothers, Craig Tendler (Callie) (children, Peyton, Autumn, Dexx) and Tanner Tendler (Alicia) (daughter Olivia), sister Talise Tendler (Zach)(son Cyrus) and his girlfriend Crystal Laking (daughters, Zoe & Mackenzie), and stepmother Jade Dalh (Rodger).

Dustin was predeceased by his father Eric Tendler, Grandpa John Campbell and Grandma Linda Tendler.

The Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church with Shirley Petterson officiating. The family invited everyone to join them for lunch in the parish auditorium where they shared many more stories of Dustin with each other.

Dustin’s family would like everyone to write a small note to Dustin or bring a special memento of Dustin that you have, and you can leave it in his tackle box at the end of the service. The memories you leave will be forever laid to rest with Dustin in Horizon Cemetery at a later date.

In honor of Dustin, memorial donations can be made for his daughter Tegan. Please make cheques payable to Kelsey Byers in trust for Tegan for future financial needs. You may also send an e-transfer to trustfortegan@gmail.com Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to Dustin’s family Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Thank You Dustin’s family would like to extend a very special Thank you to all their family, friends and community members for all the phone calls, text messages and love and support that was shown to us at this time. A special thank you to Thunder Oilfield for going above and beyond. Our family is forever grateful!

The family of Dustin Tendler

Gloria Ann Kroeker 1947 - 2023 Gloria Ann Kroeker (nee Gosselin) passed away unexpectedly at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 with her family by her side.

Gloria was born on March 22, 1947 to Mae and Ernest Gosselin in Willow Bunch, Sask.

The fourth of seven children.

They would eventually settle in Estevan where Gloria met and married Daniel Kroeker and had four children.

Gloria loved to cook and made a living doing that in all the places they moved to. They eventually moved back to Estevan and retired here with their family.

Gloria was predeceased by her mother and father; her three brothers, Jack, Dennis and Rick; her brothers-in-law, Henry Keen and Lawrence Goudy and her nephew Gerry Keen.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 60 years Dan; sons, Danny (Lori), Darcy and David and daughter Tracey; three sisters, Jean, Faye and Pat and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion (small hall) on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

In memory of Gloria memorial donations may be made to Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (designate to the Allan Blair Center) 200 - 4545 Parliament Ave., Regina, SK S4W 0G3 or online at cancerfoundationsask.ca Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Gloria’s family Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

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Obituaries Gary Frederick McKechney (1932-2023) Like a gentle Saskatchewan breeze blowing across the wheat field, Gary Frederick McKechney came into this world on October 29, 1932 at Bienfait, SK. Just as gently, he walked quietly out of that field on October 9,2023, just 20 days before his 91st birthday.

The love of his life, Beverley Anne McKechney (Hayes) left this earth almost a year ago, “to get things ready for him” as she often did! He is also being reunited with all those who went before him, including his muchloved sisters, Kay Enmark and Lynne Dahl, his brother, Ron McKechney, as well as his parents, Garfield and Inez (Cleophas) McKechney, including mother-in-law Jean Cowan and father -in-law, William Stanley H a y e s .

As a young man, he was a “Gary of all trades”. He worked at a mine, an oilfield company, and, in between, fit in his love for playing baseball and hockey. He ran a sheep and then cattle ranch at Hirsch. He married the love of his life, Beverley Hayes, who caught his eye and then he carried her across the threshold on December 27, 1957. Gary was a lifelong learner, pursuing an Engineering degree at NDSU in Fargo, ND and always interested in learning a new skill even into his senior years. He embraced the technology age, often using the internet to increase his financial expertise, (or just to watch his grandkids play the sports they loved) They made their home on the family farm NE of Bienfait, where they settled with their 3 children, Sterling, Stacey, and Robin and farmed until 2016. Farming was not just a job to Gary. It was who he was. Their hearts became heavy when they said goodbye to infant daughter, Dana at childbirth (May 1960). They mourned numerous friends and family including niece Lori and nephew Tim. No one meant more to him than his family, dear friends, or farm neighbours who simply needed a helping hand.

Left to cherish Gary forever (and his colourful stories) are his children, son Sterling (Cheryl), grandson Kyler (Amanda), granddaughter Meaghan, daughter Stacey McInnes (Colin), and son Rob (Camy) and grandsons Cole and Josh. He will be deeply missed by all nieces (Linda, Tammy, Cindy, Patti), and nephews (Terry, Garnet, Bill, Craig). Sports was definitely one of his first loves, and in 2008, he was a double inductee into the Sask Baseball Hall of Fame. He received various accolades throughout his sports life, including being named MVP as a pitcher and Coach of the Year. He was a humble recipient, just as he was humble in everything he did. As a hockey and ball coach to young minds as well as Head Coach with the Estevan Bruins for 8+ years between 1971-1982. It was just as important that he could inspire them to develop into “good people” with integrity and respect. Everyone says that their Dad was the best but ours truly was! He was extremely loving, kind and patient. Although all family hands were needed to maintain all of the farm operations, our teenage socializing time was never begrudged.

He worked extremely hard, and gave his all into everything he did. He enjoyed life. His downtime involved cheering on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, attending monthly suppers with old friends, snowmobiling with one of his best friends, Dale Fox, and of course, being an active cheerleader for the kids and grandkids in all that we did. He and Mum loved travelling (when it wasn’t harvest or seeding time), trying his luck in some casinos, and stopping for a mocha or milkshake was always on the itinerary. His legacy will continue to reach far and wide in the lives that he has touched. Your smile and warmth will be forever felt in that Saskatchewan breeze. The celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church in Estevan, SK, with Sandy Dalziel officiating. A live stream of the service will be available please visit Gary’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for details. Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens. Donations to a charity dear to Dad’s heart or your own would be gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers, if desired.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Gary’s family Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

HIGH PRESSURE PUMP SERVICE CAT Pump / Interpump Parts & Accessories Pressure washer Service D.A Lincoln Pump Service & Supply #4, 210 – 48th St. E SASKATOON, SK 306-683-6622 www.dalincoln.com kelly@dalincoln.com

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Farm ServiceS 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.

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Career OppOrtunities Scott Matthew Friess 1980-2023 With great sorrow the family wishes to announce that Scott Friess, late of Estevan, SK passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the age of 43 years.

Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents, Matthias and Matilda Friess and Carl and Katherine Tuchscherer and numerous aunts and uncles.

Scott is survived by his parents, Tony and Deloras Friess and his brothers, Mark (Sandy) and their family Tanner, Dakota (Tatjanna) and their children Sylus, Willow, Elliott and Eva and Kelsey (Reid) and Kevin (Julie) and their family Shaun, Jordan and Seth. He will also be missed by aunts, Helen, Carol, Donna and Minnie and numerous cousins and friends.

Thank You to the Persson family, Tanner Littlejohn and Bruce and Tanya Mantei and family.

Funeral Mass was held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Thuy Nguyen presiding. A luncheon followed in the church auditorium.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Scott via a memorial donation may do so directly to a charity of your choice.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Scott’s family - Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

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REGINA COIN CLUB

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Sunday, Oct. 22: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

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Melody Gay Heinz MELODY GAY HEINZ, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Les Heinz and cherished mother of Jamie Aeichele & Josh Heinz, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the age of 59 years.

A Celebration of Melody’s Life was held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. The service was live streamed and may be accessed via Melody’s obituary page on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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P. (306) 634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com

A18 October 18, 2023

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Carnduff students are thinking outside of the box System Goal No. 2 for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division may appear to be somewhat grandiose since it calls for students to achieve at high levels.

But what the division’s board members heard and saw on Oct. 11 was a prime example of what might happen within this educational structure when young minds are let loose to explore and explain under the guidance of caring educators.

Encouragement from within the local communities also helps significantly and all those factors came into play when two young students from the Carnduff Education Complex made their presentation to the board on Oct. 11 during the board’s regular open business session.

Science teacher Jessica Morland introduced students Wyatt Thompson and Logan Stewart and provided an outline of their project. She said the duo has worked on a portable irrigation system that can address the needs for more efficient crop development not only in Canada, but globally.

Thompson and Stewart explained in some detail how their invention caught the eyes of judges at local science fairs and earned them a place at a Western Canadian science fair in Edmonton.

“We could only afford to enter one project and two students for Edmonton,” Morland said.

Purposes, hypothesis, procedures, data analysis and traditional uses were all displayed by the two, who entered the competition that featured over 30 other entries in the agriculture, fish and food category.

The portable system explains itself in its name. That means being able to move an irrigation system easily from quarter sections of land (or less) with little hassle, while covering 15 per cent more crop land once it is in place.

The movement of the equip-

ment is made easier, thanks to a hydraulic telescopic system that allows for wheels that aren’t required for transportation to be lifted, while irrigation pipelines are reduced in size telescopically for easier delivery.

They addressed the problem of “how will this tie in with needs now,” said Morland, who brought posters of the invention while the two students showed the board members a model of what they hope to build into a prototype model for future experiments.

According to Thompson, the more flexible system allows water to reach “the corners” of cropped land that are always missed by traditional irrigation systems.

“It works the same as a central pivot model, but can navigate to the next field. The telescope system comes out and you can keep spraying. A six-section model can cover a quarter section of land," Thompson said.

The two young men said they were in contact with the Estevanbased Southeast Techhub and its mentor and leader, Gordon More.

When contacted by phone, More said he became aware of the project through the Cornerstone Science Fair.

“The project ticked so many boxes,” he said. “It said to me this was more than just a project, it was also what they are as people.

I see potential in people and their product.”

In a geographic area that may not always be seen as being conducive to experimental growth in southern Saskatchewan, this project is one of several that have been uncovered, he said.

“We want to create a space for them, support the technology and provide the opportunity to support them as a community,” More added.

“People like that are the dreamers. They want to create and we have to nurture that.”

Students Wyatt Thompson and Logan Stewart, along with teacher Jessica Morland from the Carnduff Education Complex. Photo courtesy of South East Cornerstone Choosing a product development that could potentially go globally is a positive factor, More added.

“With the chaos in climate, farmers need ways to get stabilization and I can see global potential.

It’s more than Saskatchewan or Canada. There are other places in the world with problems you have to overcome as you design it to meet these problems.”

The oil and gas industries have provided several examples of advancement over the decades, he suggested.

“Interacting with them has been tons of fun,” More said.

Potential funding through

grants or other means are now being explored, said Thompson and Stewart.

Board chairwoman Audrey Trombley said she was impressed with the positivit y that was brought to the conference room by the Carnduff trio.

Based on More’s assessment, Thompson said they are more keenly aware of food shortage issues and proper land use in dry areas around the globe.

Stewart added that a GPS tracking system keeps users on target in the field, making for more efficacy in operations. “ We have to get this into a production stage, a working

model,” said Thompson.

The trio also addressed concerns regarding patents, along with protecting their research and development at this stage.

“There is a lot more creativity out there that we are missing,” said Morland, in concluding the presentation.

She also had noted earlier that while she felt the irrigation system warranted further attention in the immediate future, the two young men had also developed and built a heavy lift model they called the Quick Lift, that could operate in tight spaces where traditional machinery such as forklifts couldn’t get into.

23104SS0 23104SS1

PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY. 88 Devonian Street, Estevan, SK. Ph: 634-4041 (24 hr) • Fax: 634-4040 www.samstrucking.ca FORM 2 (Section 4)

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST R.M. OF BENSON NO.35 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 20th day of December , 2023 , an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Part of Lot

Lot

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Blk Plan

Part of Section Sec Twp NW NE

Range

Title No.

Total Arrears

124247796 154006973 127051006 103916279 103915931 143972781 152970824 136577087 136577098 142101661

418.55 1,021.72 63.21 63.21 1,854.12 4,735.63 1,375.52 2,042.01 2,042.01 1,999.51

13.71 13.71 13.71 13.71 13.71 13.71 13.71 13.71 13.72 13.72

432.26 1,035.43 76.92 76.92 1,867.83 4,749.34 1,389.23 2,055.72 2,055.73 2,013.23

Meridian 2 2

Costs Total Arrears Advertising and Costs

33 36 23 23 25 24 20 1 2 5

07 05 09 06 101275051, Ext 1 I 101275051, Ext 1 I I 101275073, Ext 12 I 101275062, Ext 11 H-598, Ext 0 2 H-598, Ext 0 3 H-598, Ext 0 3 4 H-598, Ext 0

6

4

H-598, Ext 0

142101650

1,999.51

13.72

2,013.23

4

2

H-598, Ext 0

147163259

1,122.24

13.72

1,135.96

5

2

H-598, Ext 0

147163282

1,122.24

13.72

1,135.96

6

2

H-598, Ext 0

147163293

1,122.25

13.72

1,135.97

Dated this 18th day of October, 2023 Chantel Walsh, Treasurer

October 13, 2023 – For Immediate Release RM of Coalfields No.4 Announces New Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Monica Kovach With the assistance of HMC Management Inc. (HMC), Reeve Richard Tessier and the Council of the RM of Coalfields No.4 (RM) are pleased to announce the retention of Ms. Monica Kovach as their new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective November 06, 2023.

Due to the retirement of the current CAO, Ms. Holley Odgers, Council undertook a structured recruitment process under the guidance of HMC that generated many qualified candidates.

Ms. Kovach, who was most recently employed as CAO by the RM of Cambria No.6 for the past 12 years, brings a strong administrative and financial background to her new employer.

Ms. Kovach will assist Council in many projects moving forward, including policy and bylaw review and modernization, as well as continuing with the multi‐million‐dollar Road 605 project.

Ms. Kovach is fully qualified to be a CAO in accordance with Provincial legislation and has obtained her Rural Class “A” Certificate of qualification as well as being a Notary Public.

Reeve Tessier and Council are excited to move forward with Ms. Kovach as their new CAO and ask residents and staff to join them in welcoming Ms. Kovach to the RM of Coalfields.

www.SASKTODAY.ca

October 18, 2023 A19

South East Butcher Block Co-operative breaks ground

By Stephanie Zoer It has been a busy summer for the board of directors for the South East Butcher Block Co-operative, getting everything in place for the new build in Alameda.

After three long years, the ground has finally been broken for the new full-service abattoir and meat shop.

Trent Dorrance is the secretary of the seven-member board, and he is excited to get this going.

Before the project began, Dorrance said they travelled to other abattoirs in the southeast to see what would work best for them and which route they would like to go to make the process as efficient as possible.

They also wanted to make sure they had covered every angle of the project.

Nothing had been missed. They also want to get their meat from local ranchers and keep the highest standards in meat cutting.

It also gives locals the opportunity to continue to purchase from area farmers.

The retail area will be filled with locally-grown meat, but they will also do custom orders.

The 5,000-square-foot building will be located at the south end of Alameda.

Over the past three years, they have been securing shareholders as they want it to be owned entirely by shares.

They wanted to keep locally-grown meat in the area, and provide a means to process it.

On Sept. 26, the groundwork began.

It took a lot of work to get to this point, with engineered blueprints that are stamped with approval. They have gone above and beyond when it came to the provincial health standards.

T.L. Penner Construction from Virden, Man., is the general contractor. They will tender out the plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and several other trades which will be needed.

In two weeks, the concrete will be poured depending on weather conditions,

and each step brings them closer to the opening date.

The building will have a full-service retail store and an abattoir.

Behind the building will be pens to house the animals as the co-operative hopes to start with 20 beef cattle per week. They will handle pigs, goats, sheep and bison.

This will include wild game such as elk, moose and deer.

No chickens, turkeys, duck or wild fowl will be taken at this shop.

The minute the doors open at the new place, Davis Meats in Alameda will close its doors. The company has been in business for over 20 years and are looking to retire.

Several of the employees will go to work at S.E. Butcher Block, but they will need 10-12 staff to have the business run smoothly.

The opening date is planned for spring 2024, and at this time they are still looking for shareholders. Any current director will happily answer any questions about this.

South East Butcher Block Co-operative is full steam ahead with its new building. Photo by Trent Dorrance

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Minor hockey receives great support from small businesses

The Estevan Minor Hockey Association is grateful for the support it receives from small businesses in the community.

President Stephen Truman said the organization receives a lot of donations from small businesses every season.

“We need to support our local small businesses, and in turn, we hope they support programs for our youths that are going to help grow our youths and foster those youths in becoming good employable adults.

And from there, maybe they return the favour by becoming a small business owner themselves down the road,” said Truman.

The most high-profile way in which small businesses support minor hockey is through the naming rights for teams. But the business community also provide merchandise for teams such as hoodies and jackets that foster camaraderie, and these community leaders support tournaments by providing food and drinks for teams, and coupons for visiting families.

Companies also provide prizes for tournament raffles.

“There’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes that, unless you’re involved in the EMHA event, you might not realize how important our businesses are to all of us,” said Truman.

A lot of the team sponsors are small businesses, too. Tru-

man said they’re very fortunate to have support from the local business community.

Earlier this year, the EMHA announced a naming rights campaign for its house league teams, starting with the U9 division. Within a couple of weeks, all seven of the teams had a sponsor for a five-year commitment.

“It went very well, probably better than I expected. We’re very pleased, so now we’re focus-

ing our attention on finishing some of the other divisions for next season.”

Teams in the U9 division will be known as the Estevan Cubs and will be differentiated by the team’s corporate sponsor.

Those in the U5 and U7 divisions will also carry the Cubs name. House league teams in the U11 and U13 age groups will be the Bears, and the U15 and U18 teams will be the Bruins.

Truman said the EMHA can never thank the business community in Estevan enough for all of their hard work. They recognize these businesses are spending their hard-earned dollars to support local minor hockey teams and other organizations.

“Very rarely do we get turned away from businesses in Estevan. It’s an incredible place to live and do business,” said Truman.

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A20 October 18, 2023

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